Scar chuckled to himself. Really should thank Doc for these, he thought, juggling the crystals in his hands. Lucky we found them for Area 77. Even luckier that they still work.

During the night, he went to each of the bases and placed one of the crystals next to them. Red light flashed from Python's and then flashed in Zed's. Purple light flashed from Zed's then in Xisuma's. And green light flashed from Xisuma's and then in Python's.

Let their dreams come true.

[didnt want to delete so much writing cuz i'd feel bad, but i edited it to be less cringy]

Python blinked open his eyes and groaned as a dull ache struck through his head. Must not have drank enough water, he thought. He flipped off the bed covers and brushed some blonde hair out his face.

Wait, blonde hair?

He jumped from the bed and rushed to the mirror standing near it. He gasped, staring at his reflection. Or rather, Zed's reflection. Blonde hair, freckles scattered across his pale face, wide purple eyes staring back at him.

He was in Zed's body.

A million of thoughts raced through his head, but a dull ache interrupted them. Right, water. He stumbled to the door, slightly dazed and confused, only to surprise when the door opened on it's own.

Impulse stepped in and looked up at Python, looking pleasantly surprised. "Oh you're already up Zed!" he exclaimed. "I was just coming in to wake you! Tango made pancakes!" That surprised Python. Tango can cook?

"Oh that's nice..." Python mumbled. He was way too tired and dazed to really think about what to say.

The brunette in front of him frowned and pressed a hand against his forehead. "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly. "You're not usually this tired. Just whiney," he added in a teasing tone.

"Headache," Python mumbled back. "And I guess I'm just tired," he added trying not to sound too suspicious.

Impulse smiled warmly and ruffled his hair. "Do you wanna sleep some more?" he murmured gently. "I can bring some water over for you."

Python shook his head (which in retrospect probably wasn't the best for his headache). He was kind of interested to see what Zed's life was like.

The other hermit nodded and started dragging him to the kitchen, surprising Python. It was... strange to say the least to see how Impulse interacted with him- er, "Zed".

"Morning Zed!" Tango exclaimed cheerfully. Python waved tiredly back at him.

"Zed's not feeling well," Impulse explained. "He's got a headache."

Tango nodded and rushed to get some water before setting it down next to a plate of pancakes. "Take it easy today, Zed," he said, ruffling his hair like Impulse had.

Python smiled slightly. Maybe this won't be so bad...

Xisuma sighed, blinking sleep from his bleary eyes. He instinctively reached for his communicator that sat at his beside table, but instead grabbed at nothing. He glanced to the side, confused, and was even more confused when he didn't even see a bedside table!

Then he noticed the messy red locks hanging in front of his face. He got up and ran to the door that looked like it could be a bathroom with a mirror. It wasn't exactly the bathroom, but it did lead to rest of the base. He recognized it instantly.

Python. He was in Python's body.

He felt something in his pocket and dug out a communicator. Does he seriously just sleep with his communicator? He opened the texts and was surprised to see barely any contacts. Maybe it's because I'm an admin and have contacts with everyone. But the more he looked at it, he felt... free.

If he was Python, then he wouldn't have to deal with any admin problems. Not that he didn't like his job, but it would be nice to get some free time.

As soon as the thought had passed through his mind a dull ache run through his head. "Blasted headache," he muttered to himself. Maybe some fresh air would help.

He rocketed into the air with his- er, Python's elytra and flew towards the shopping district. There was always a lot of wind there so maybe the breeze would take his mind off things. He skidded to a landing and started walking, looking around at the buildings.

Everything seems taller, he thought. Then he remembered Python was 3 inches shorter than him.

It felt refreshing to only hear the sounds of the wind, the rustling of the grass, just himself and no else. But footsteps broke the quiet nature.

He turned to see Mumbo walking towards him, a shulker box in his arms. He braced himself, waiting to be asked about some kind of lag issues or redstone problems.

But Mumbo just gave him a polite smile and passed right by him.

Xisuma stared at his friend as he walked away. Then a smile spread across his face. He'd finally gotten what he'd wanted.

Freedom.

Zed woke to the sound of buzzing from his communicator. He groaned and sleepily reached out to see who was texting him. Joe's name was glowing on the screen along with a short message; Morning X

X? Why would Joe call him X? Then he saw the chestnut brown hair draped over his shoulder. He frantically switched over to the camera mode on his communicator and gaped. Xisuma's reflection stared back at him, mimicking his expression.

It can't be... But it was. He was in Xisuma's body.

That's why Joe had called him X. That's why neither Impulse nor Tango had come in to wake him.

But... he felt strangely calm, almost curious. What was Xisuma's life like? Being close friends with different people, having to deal with the whole server... Zed was curious to find out.

Morning Joe, he texted back. He suddenly became aware of the dull pain circling his mind. Damnit, morning headaches suck.

Joe had texted back. Would you like to meet up today? Though I understand if you're busy with code work and whatnot.

Zed typed back that he had a headache so he couldn't meet up. He didn't know how code worked in the slightest, but at least the headache could be used as an excuse of why he, or Xisuma, was acting strange.

Well remember to drink some water and get some rest, Joe texted. If it gets too bad just get some ibuprofen and sleep.

He quickly texted a thanks, grateful that the brunette hadn't offered to come over and physically help him (because the last thing he needed right know was having to deal with the other hermits) but then the communicator buzzed again. This time it was a good morning from EX.

Morning bro, EX had texted. Joe told you had a headache. Don't push yourself too hard today or you won't have enough strength to stop my evil deeds :P

He paused for a moment before letting a laugh slip through his lips. This is so cool! he thought, grinning to himself like a maniac. Wait, does this mean I have admin commands now?

Oh, he was gonna have fun with this.

   ~*~

whoops this took a while because i had to go shopping for like 2 hours in between this lmao sorry lads <3

[2022 EDIT: so.. much... editing.....]