UM,, HI :')

ITS BEEN FOREVER IM SO SORRY

I literally almost forgot about this book and I feel hella bad about it...haven't updated since last year imma kms

Anyways I'm going to try and push through to eventually finish this? Idk who's even here anymore 😔

I hope you enjoy this chapter anyways

***

Aiden still had no clue what was happening. He was taking in the view of the inner mansion, trying to figure out what they were doing, and next thing he knows Lukas is on the floor as if he's about to die.

He tried not to panic. Lukas wouldn't budge, wouldn't move, not after shaking so violently. His expression was far, distant, away. He was breathing, sure, but it was forced, uneven. He wouldn't respond no matter what his former friend did.

He used all his strength, attempting to pull the upper part of his body to prop him up on a nearby beat-up sofa. By the time he had finished, he was sweating and unwillingly worrying.

His face was sour, uneasily grim. He had come to a realization.

Aiden hadn't changed, no, not really. But Lukas...this wasn't Lukas. The Lukas he had once known was determined, courageous, selfless. Always ready to power through and make it to the finish line no matter what the struggle. Encouraging others, smiling brightly, enthusiastic as can be.

Who was he traveling with now? This Lukas, he was silent, solemn. Bitter, anxious, sinking into this pit of deep despair and wasn't trying hard enough to pull away. How had he become like this? Regardless of the matter, he was stuck, stuck there. That's what Aiden had realized. And to be honest, it hurt to see things change. Not that he'd ever admit it.

He stood there for a few moments, watching uncomfortably as Lukas stilled against the cushions of the sofa, wondering if he was one of those people who slept with his eyes open. No, he shook his head, he knew him for years, this was some sort of new condition.

Finally, after some wait he sighed and decided to venture. He should probably get some water at least, fulfill his curiosity while he was at it. He set down his things, not much, just a stone sword and a few pieces of bread, and headed off.

The first room he encountered was what looked like a dining area. A long, elegant table sprung across and covered in a mix of baby blue and white cloth, surrounded by an array of chairs. A dead plant leaned over its pot in the center, and dimmed lights that were similar to glowstone hung from the ceiling. To the left, a wide fireplace, brimmed with concrete and layered with dust and dirt.

It was quite nice, and maybe if it weren't so lonely and desolate, he wouldn't liked it. But the atmosphere was unknowingly difficult, and there was something off he couldn't put his finger on.

A voice in his head sparked. Maybe there's some cool loot here.

That'll just piss Lukas off.

Who cares? You never really needed him in the first place right? You just needed him to help you find a place with loot and materials to settle. To free you from that place.

He shook his head, grimacing. What was this feeling? Regret, remorse? It made him shudder. To think he was getting soft.

But there was something, maybe after all this time the guilt was beginning to settle in. He could feel it pricking against his brain, and it was strange, unfamiliar.

He walked around the edge of the table until spotting a small part of the floor, except it wasn't filled with solid blocks, it was sand. What an unusual decision of decor.  Just another thing to make him doubt this place.

What was he doing again? Oh yes, water. There must be a kitchen somewhere...

As if on cue, the next room he found himself in was indeed the kitchen. It was large, and the ceiling hung high suspending wood holders around torches. Zenned furnaces piled up across from him, chests with labels to the side. He couldn't help but wonder who had owned the place.

If he had a home this big and magnificent, he'd never leave.

The sight of a small sink and bucket relieved him ever so slightly, and he continued, filling it up to the top and grateful the water was still running. He headed back to the kitchen exit, but his foot got caught on something. He felt himself lower an inch, something clicking into place.

Oh shit.

*

"Lukas!" His body jolted awkwardly, and a blur of bright orange came into view. He gasped for air, groaning murkily. "Oh thank goodness!"

"S-stampy?" The blond murmured, still in a daze. He recognized his voice almost immediately.

He saw him nod, confirming his assumption. Wait, what was Stampy doing here? And where was Aiden? Aiden-

He bolted up from his lying position, and it felt like a slap to the face. His stomach whirled, and he let out another groan, sighing with a hint of frustration.

"Hey, take it easy," Stampy told him worriedly, "you don't look so good."

Great, now I've caused a scene, he thought miserably. First Aiden, now Stampy. They both had seen him so weak, so degraded. This was not going the way he wanted, however the hell he wanted it to go anyway.

"I'm good, I'm good." Lukas attempted to reassure him, making his voice clear as possible. "I just need a minute."

He heaved himself upwards, fitting into a sitting position and breathing shakily, trying to clear his head. Stampy sat on a nearby chair, hands in his lap and foot tapping anxiously.

"Despite all this, it's really great to see you again." He admitted sheepishly. "Stacy and I, we heard someone had come through the portal, one of our friends keep an eye out for newcomers, so we decided to check it out. We thought we recognized you, but had no idea who the companion you were with was—"

CRASH

"Stacy!" Stampy cried out, jumping out of his seat in pure panic. Lukas grit his teeth grimly.

What the hell had Aiden gotten himself wrapped into?