One Shots and Scrapped Stories

“Be careful, if Niki catches you down there she’ll tell XD!” My friend Tubbo yelled behind me.

“I’ll be fine! How hard can it be? I’ll simply go down to earth and get the information Karl asked for.” I was confident no one would catch on to me while I was down there. I may not be XD but I’m still definitely some sort of god nonetheless and getting caught would get me in serious trouble. XD doesn’t like it when us gods go down to earth when we’re not supposed to be there.

XD is like, the almighty, everyone looks up to them. They’ve been a god the longest, no one knows what came before them. They aren’t necessarily any better than the rest of us but they have more responsibilities than us. We’ve all just kind of accepted it at this point. Back when they were alone they recruited humans to help them rule over the world, that’s how we got a few of the higher up gods. Then those gods recruited even more humans and then one of those gods picked me up.

I used to be a human then one day in a dream Tubbo approached me and well, now I’m here. I don’t know if I died or if I simply moved from having a mortal body to being able to phase through dimensions but it happened and there’s no going back.

Gods aren’t supposed to interact with humans, at least not casually. Humans are tough and the more they evolve the less they believe so certain higher gods reveal themselves so humans have an easier time believing in us. Only gods like XD, Alex, and Philza get to show themselves, they’re the gods of the universe, underworld, and water respectively.

“It can be very hard if you aren’t careful!” Tubbo argued.

“Well I’m always careful.” I rolled my eyes.

“I know you’re a messenger but you’re going down there simply for gossip reasons, I don’t get why Karl can’t go down there himself.” Tubbo crossed his arms.

“Why go himself when he can send me?” I simply shrugged before I shot Tubbo a quick smile and descended from our thick cloud.

As I floated down to Earth I noticed all the tiny people running around like lab rats. Cars drove past emitting toxins into the air and animals ran through the streets trying not to end up dead. Earth definitely was never one of my favorite places to visit. I used to live here. Just being on Earth brings back memories even if this wasn’t the town where I used to live.

Humans can’t see us until we touch the ground, then we present ourselves, that’s part of why I’m usually not allowed to be down here anymore. I used to live on earth so if people can see me then they see how I looked when I disappeared. I was younger when I disappeared, around 17 or so, it’s a long story. So I present as my 17 year old self, anyone on earth, might recognize that I’ve already “died”.

For example if my parents saw me on earth they would see their dead 17 year old child… and I’d have a lot of explaining to do. Gods like Bee, Philza, and XD don’t have a physical form because they were simply born as gods. Well as born as gods can be.

My feet finally touched the ground. I had done this before but never often. I dropped down behind a bush somewhere in London. I slowly emerged, feeling the lovely yet groggy London weather mixed with small rays of sun peaking through the thick clouds I came down from.

Karl sent me here to talk to a mortal he wants to recruit. That would mean the mortal would be in my level of god tier due to how late they’re joining so I was completely willing to help Karl out. He needed me to come make friends with someone named Wilbur Soot.

Apparently he’s some famous Minecraft Youtuber or Streamer who lives here in London. Other than that I haven’t been given a lot of information about him. Karl had mentioned he was super tall so it wouldn’t be easy to miss him once I saw him.

As if on cue I noticed two tall boys exit a nearby train station. It had been so long since I had been on earth last I almost forgot how far humanity had gotten. I wasn’t here terribly long ago, maybe only 3 or 4 years ago but people always walked around with masks on now and spent so much time at home. Makes me kinda glad I didn’t stay, I wouldn’t want to be stuck at home.

I instantly ran up behind the boys and tried to act normal. Karl mentioned he looked younger than he was, he was supposedly 24, but this man looked really young. Despite the mask covering his face I couldn’t help but think he was the man Karl wanted me to talk to.

“Hey!” I called out as I caught up to them, their long legs made them walk much faster than me. They stopped and looked around for a bit before seeing me running towards them, if I was still alive I definitely wouldn’t be acting this way. If I couldn’t disappear at any given moment I would never be this bold.

“Hello!” The taller man greeted me. He didn’t sound British, maybe he wasn’t from here.

“Did you want a picture?” The smaller blonde boy with him asked.

“A picture?” I asked, a bit confused.

“Most people who come up to us are fans who want a picture.” The blonde looked even more confused than I was, “I’m Tommyinnit, you know the Minecraft streamer?”

“Dude I don’t think they know who we are.” The taller boy leaned down to try and whisper in Tommy’s ear, he wasn’t very quiet though.

“Am I supposed to know who you are?” I asked.

“No! You don’t have to! Sorry if that came off rude.” The blonde apologized quickly.

“I just wanted to uh…” I had to think quickly on a reason for me to have gone up to them, “wanted to let you know I liked your mask! The half white and half black coloring looks really cool.” I complimented Wilbur.

“Oh thanks, it’s from my shop, unfortunately it’s closed now, I might have an extra though if you want one!” He offered. “I’m Ranboo by the way.”

Ranboo? He’s not Wilbur?! Shoot! This is too much interaction with humans that aren’t Wilbur Soot for me, I could get in so much trouble for this.

“Dang, doesn’t look like I do, I’m sorry about that.” He apologized.

“That’s fine!” Hold on, if these two are famous and are in London maybe they know Wilbur! I better continue the conversation, “So what are you two doing out here?”

“We’re out here filming vlogs for my YouTube channel.” Tommy responded.

“That sounds like fun!” I responded, “What kinda stuff are you doing?”

“We just got out of an arcade, now we’re heading to the beach.” Ranboo replied.

“Oh really? I was just on my way there too!”

“Really? You should walk with us!” Tommy invited me, he seemed excited.

“Sure!” I smiled as the two of them turned around and continued walking towards the beach.

“We’re actually meeting our friend Wilbur and his band down there as well.” Tommy boasted proudly, “he’s super cool, ever heard of Wilbur Soot? Or Lovejoy?”

“Nope.” I answered plainly, that was a little bit of a lie but not completely!

“Well he’s really good! I’m super proud of him.” Tommy looked genuinely so proud of Wilbur, I bet it’s nice to have a friendship like that. But I’m only here for my mission, to get close to Wilbur Soot. I’m allowed to tell him about who I really am, technically speaking. I’m not supposed to but I can, we’re trying to recruit him, meaning he needs to know what he’s getting himself into. I’m more so here today just to see if he’s worthy, but eventually if I decide he is, we’ll if Karl decides he is, then I can let him know.

The walk seemed to take forever to get to the beach. Eventually, however, we got there. There were four men, one super tall, waiting for us on the beach. This one had to be Wilbur. He was tall, looked young, plus Tommy said we were meeting Wilbur anyways.

“Hey Ranboo! Tommy.” Wilbur seemed to only acknowledge Tommy’s existence, poor kid. “Who’s your friend?” He motioned towards me.

“Actually we never asked, what if your name?” Ranboo laughed.

“I’m Styx!” I smiled.

“We just kinda picked them up on the way here.” Tommy shrugged. “They don’t know who we are so they’re not some creepy fan or anything.” I looked around a little confused, honestly a bit concerned, if they were so famous then why didn’t I know who they were? A channel can’t grow so big in less than 3 or 4 years can it? I didn't leave Earth all that long ago.

“Nice to meet you Styx.” Wilbur held out his hand.

I took his friendly gesture, “Nice to need you as well.”

“So what are we doing today Wilbur?!” Tommy asked excitedly.

“We’re filming for your vlog and the new LoveJoy songs that are coming out soon, correct?”

“Sounds like that should be pretty fun.” Ranboo laughed.

——

“So Styx, do you live around here?” Wilbur asked before taking a huge bite of his burger. I quickly stuffed some food in my mouth to give myself some time to think of a place I could be staying at.

“I actually just came here for the day, I don’t live anywhere around here.”

“Oh cool, where do you live?” Ranboo looked at me.

“Um, I’m actually on a school trip right now for my senior year, we’re from the US.” I lied, “I got lost and no one answered their phone so I decided to just walk around the city by myself.”

“Damn, an American.” Tommy rolled his eyes.

“Walking around by yourself doesn’t seem like the best solution to that situation.” Ranboo laughed.

“Why’d you walk off with two random boys then?” Wilbur seemed skeptical of my story.

“Well when I walked up to them they seemed to think I was a fan, why would they hurt me if I was a fan?” That was the smartest response I could think of.

“I guess. Still not safe to be talking to complete strangers.” Wilbur picked up his phone and started scrolling.

“No one said I was safe.” I laughed.

“Do you have a way of contacting your school? They’re probably worried about you.” Ranboo seemed worried. I felt my cheeks turn red at his concern. I don’t know why exactly but it had been so long since I felt real human emotions like this that I was almost relieved.

“I don’t know any phone numbers off the top of my head and I lost my phone. I’m kinda stuck.”

“Well we should be able to try and help, I imagine some Minecraft streamers should be able to help you find your way home.” Tommy challenged.

“I really don’t need help, I can figure it out.” I tried to get them to stop.

“Well where are you going to stay tonight if you don’t know how to find your school?” Ranboo asked.

“I’ll figure it out! Really, I’ll be fine.” I looked out of a nearby window in the restaurant we were in, seeing it was almost getting dark out. I had to think of a good excuse sooner rather than later.

“If you insist.” Wilbur shot me a skeptical look.

We finished up eating and the three boys that were left walked off in another direction. As soon as I was out of sight from people I made my way back up to my cloud.

I looked around quickly to see if any gods saw my reappear but luckily for me all I saw was a worried Tubbo and an intrigued Karl.

“So did you find Wilbur?” Karl rushed to my side.

“Did anyone find out you’re a god? Are you ok? Did anyone try to hurt you?” Tubbo asked a million questions.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I did find Wilbur, I also found two other people. I’m not the best at coming up with excuses though, I should really bring someone with me next time.” I nervously laughed.

Both Karl and I immediately looked at each other and quickly looked at Tubbo. “No way, I refuse to get caught by Niki or XD just for some stupid Minecraft streamer!” Tubbo crossed his arms.

“Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad. I told them I was on a school trip but if I have someone else my age there it’ll be more believable!” I pleaded with him.

“No way! I’m not going to Earth, end of discussion!” Tubbo pouted.

“Not even for Karl?” I shot him some puppy dog eyes.

“Yeah, not even for me Tubbo?” Karl followed my lead.

Tubbo rolled his eyes, “This isn’t fair you know both know I can’t say no to puppy dog eyes! This is bullying!”

“You’re a god, there’s no way this can be considered bullying, you're literally in charge of the universe.” I crossed my arms.

“Plus I’m higher than both of you so technically you’re supposed to do what I say.” Karl smiled widely at just the thought of his power.

“You both suck.” Tubbo sighed, “fine I’ll go tomorrow, but I have no idea who we’re looking for so I won’t be much help.”

“I’ll be there! I know who they are. We talked today.” I pat his shoulder.

“Whatever.” Tubbo rolled his eyes once again and walked off.

“So, have you found anyone you want to bring up here?” Karl looked at me once he noticed Tubbo was far enough away.

“Huh?” I asked, clearly confused.

“You can bring people up here too you know, so if you find anyone on earth you really click with. Only catch is they can’t be someone you knew when you were alive.” Karl explained.

“I get to choose someone to become a god? Me? Really?” I asked again.

“Yeah of course! You are technically a god, anyone who’s able to step foot here on these clouds gets to bring people up here.”

My mind immediately thought of Ranboo, of course I had met tons of people while exploring Earth as a god but Ranboo was different. I don’t know what it was about him but just the way he presented himself and interacted with me made me want to spend the rest of my days as a god with him.

“Hellooo, cloud to Styx.” Karl waved his hand in front of my face.

“Huh sorry? I was just… thinking.”

“You got someone in mind already, huh?” Karl laughed, “must be someone truly worthy, remember. They need to be approved by XD before official initiation.”

“I know, I know.” I sighed, “I should go find Tubbo, prepare him for tomorrow you know.”

“Yeah, that’s important! He’ll need it I’m sure. He definitely doesn’t go to Earth often… if at all.” Karl laughed.

——

“Hey!” I turned around with Tubbo in hand to see a familiar face running towards me. Perfect, they noticed us first!

“Oh hey, you’re Ranboo and Tommy, right?” I asked as if I didn’t already know the answer.

“Yeah! Styx right? Looks like you found your way back yesterday.” Tommy smiled.

“Yep, this is my classmate Tubbo.” I attempted to introduce Tubbo but he simply awkwardly smiled up at Tommy, I forgot how short Tubbo was.

“Hey…” Tubbo greeted.

“Hey kiddo.” Tommy held out his hand but Tubbo never took it so he ended up just ruffing Tubbo’s hair. It was so obvious Tubbo was already down bad for this kid.

“I’m glad you found your class safe and sound.” I could tell Ranboo was smiling under his mask.

“We’re actually on our way to see Wilbur again if you want to come along.” Tommy invited us.

“For sure!” I smiled, this was going great.

“Sure.” Tubbo smiled as well.

“Wilbur needs a field for another music video for his band's new EP that’s coming out.” Tommy explained, “so that’s where we were going.”

“We can definitely find time for that!” I agreed since Tubbo wasn’t doing well with the whole talking thing.

Suddenly a strong gust of wind blew past us, almost pushing us all over. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a face I knew all too well and she looked mad. Well as mad as the sweetest person in the universe could be. “Styx! Tubbo! What are you two doing here?”

“Oh hey!… Ms Nihachu…” she stopped in her tracks, not understanding the name I had given her. I heard Tubbo mumble a “fuck” under his breath.

“Oh is this your teacher?” Ranboo asked apologetically.

“Yep!” I answered before Niki could say anything to screw this up, “sorry, we wandered off again, I promise I’ll make my way back to the hotel before dark this time.”

“The hotel… yes… I need you two back now though! Can't have you guys getting lost.” Niki furrowed her eyebrows.

“Promise we’ll be back later!” I quickly took Tubbo’s hand and ran off with Tommy and Ranboo trailing behind. Niki didn’t bother to follow but I knew I’d hear all about this later. Maybe even from XD themself.

“Are you sure it’s ok for you guys to be leaving like this? She seemed pretty mad.” Ranboo questioned.

“Oh yeah, it’s fine.” I reassured him.

“No it’s not! Principle XD is going to kill us!” Tubbo panicked.

“XD? What a name.” Tommy laughed.

“You’ll be fine, what’s wrong with being… not with our class.” I had no idea how to word things without straight up saying on Earth, “will you give me a quick second with my friend Tubbo here?” I pulled Tubbo aside as Ranboo and Tommy just shrugged at each other.

“Tubbo calm down, you can’t act as if it’s the end of the world they wouldn’t understand!”

“How am I supposed to be calm when XD could take away my god powers! I already have you. I don't get to bring a second person to be a god, there's no reason for me to be here!” Tubbo panicked even more

“Just tell him you’re causing chaos! It’s your job!”

“But I’m not! I’m only trying to help Karl! You’re not even supposed to be here! You’re a god because of me so ultimately this is my fault!”

“Karl can cover for you, it’s fine.” I put my hands on his shoulders.

“I’ll try to calm down but we’re so fucked when we leave tonight.”

“We’ll be fine.” I moved my head to see Tommy playfully punching Ranboo while Ranboo just stood there and took it.

I walked over to the two with Tubbo in hand and the four of us made our way to a field. It was a good opportunity to check and see if Ranboo was really god material. Wilbur was already there with the rest of his band setting up cameras. Tubbo and I didn’t have much part in the music video itself so we just kind of stood around for a while.

I could tell Tubbo was still freaking out over Niki. He just presented himself as a nervous wreck. I knew we’d be fine, XD has much more to worry about than some low tier gods hanging out on Earth anyways. Someone however, was clearly still worried.

Maybe it was the fact I was here at all that made me not so worried, I felt oddly comfortable around these people. As if I had been friends with Tommy, Ranboo and Wilbur my entire life. They made me feel, oddly enough, like I was at home. I didn’t even feel that way when I was alive on Earth but these living humans that hadn’t even known me for a full 48 hours somehow made me feel more at home than my own family ever did. If I knew these people before I died, I probably wouldn’t be here right now.

If XD really wants to take that feeling away from me then that sounds like an XD problem. I can’t imagine the gods would respect them as much if I had explained this to them and they still told me to not return. Then again maybe I’m just being far too optimistic. I’ve only ever talked to XD maybe twice in the time I’ve been a god. At my initiation and once I had to deliver them a message, only once though.

It wasn’t long before they were done filming already. In fact it seemed to flit past, maybe it was Karl watching over us from up above. The rest of Wilbur’s band all left to go do other things while Wilbur, Tommy, and Ranboo stayed to go film some vlogs for Tommy’s channel.

Tommy had told us a little earlier about his vlog idea for today. The three of them were going to go to an escape room and try to make it out before the timer ends. They invited us to go with them but Tubbo and I decided against it. We shouldn’t be in any videos if we spend most of our time not even on Earth. So that ended our day. They did invite us to hangout again tomorrow though! That is if “Ms Nihachu” said it was ok. Obviously Niki has nothing to do with this and we’re going to be going to matter what.

Tubbo and I walked off in another direction and once out of view made our way back to our cloud. As soon as my head peaked through the thick cloud I saw Dream waiting there with his arms crossed.

“They made me!” Tubbo immediately ratted me out.

“What?! We did it for Karl, it's not our fault!” I yelled back.

“Karl already told me all about it.” Dream rolled his eyes.

“What did he say?” I asked timidly. Although he definitely wasn’t XD, he was certainly scary.

“You’re not in trouble if that’s what you’re wondering about.” Dream assured us.

“Oh thank the gods!” Tubbo exhaled.

“You are, however, not supposed to be down there. I understand why you’re there so I won’t stop you but try to speed things up. Don’t be there longer than you have to. I won’t tell XD but I will be giving you a deadline.” Dream explained, “I want you to be done going down to Earth in a week.”

“A week?! That’s it? I have only a week to convince Wilbur to want to be a god?!” How was I supposed to do that in only a week?!

“XD will be coming here in a week. So figure it out.”

“That’s not enough time!” Tubbo complained.

“Like I said, figure it out. It’s your mission not mine.” Dream simply shrugged, “I do need you to go deliver a message to the underworld for me while we’re here and I’m keeping your secret.”

“Fine, what do you need?” I asked, I didn’t want to fight him on this.

“Tell Bee I need death information on these people.” Dream handed me a small list of three people, Wilbur Soot, Thomas Simons, and a simple “other guy” I assumed he meant Ranboo.

“Why do you need this?” I looked at the paper with worry.

“That is not to your concern, your job is to simply deliver the message.”

“Ok..” begrudgingly I made my way to the underworld. It doesn’t take long to get there, there’s a few doorways scattered around in the clouds that are used for fast traveling to different realms.

For instance I can take one door and go straight to the underworld, where Bee resides. Some gods like Grace, Techno and Sapnap stay down there most of the time as well. There’s also a door that goes to the lowest place in the ocean. Philza rules over that area, he stays down there with gods like Quackity and Jack. There’s also a door to higher levels of clouds. Gods like Charlie, Dream, Niki, and George are there. They watch over Earth and the humans on it. Tubbo, Karl and I spend our time there as well.

Then of course there’s a door for XD. They rule over everything, as I explained before. But when I say everything I really mean everything, they rule over alternative universes and even different galaxies in this reality.

All the doors are color coded and labeled. For being extremely cold and lifeless the door to the underworld was red. I guess blue was already taken by the ocean but even a grey would be better than red. Everyone assumes the underworld would be filled with fire and with the red door you would definitely think that’s true but it’s actually just filled with lost souls who didn’t deserve to make it to heaven… and of course the gods of sins. That’s not really what they’re the gods of but with being the god or war, lust, and fire you might as well just go with sins.

I walked up to the red doorway and walked through, immediately met with my good old friends Techno, Sapnap and Grace.

“All I’m saying is there hasn't been a big war on Earth in a long time,” Techno started, “Grace gets to influence Earth all the time, why can’t I?”

“Hey Sapnap creates fires on Earth all the time too, it's not just me.” Grace explained.

“Right, the world needs lust and fire. Not war.” Sapnap argued.

“There hasn’t been a proper war in ages!” Techno complained.

“Hey have you guys seen Bee?” I interrupted.

“Oh hey Styx!” Grace smiled.

“Not in a while, why?” Sapnap asked.

“I have a message for them.” I flashed the piece of paper, “it’s from Dream.”

“From Dream huh?” Grace looked intrigued. Sapnap hit her shoulder before the two went back and forth hitting each other.

“I’ll help you find Bee.” Techno sighed and stood up from his seat. Techno and I walked around for what seemed like forever. Eventually we found Bee talking to some lost soul.

“Oh hello Techno and Styx!” Bee flew over to us. “What brings you two over here?”

“I have a paper here from Dream. He wants information on the death of these three people.” I handed them the list.

“But these three haven’t died yet? He wants me to look into their futures?” Bee asked.

“I’m not sure, he told me to look into their deaths. Those are the people I’ve been talking to on Earth to see if they’re worthy.” I admitted.

“You’ve been going to Earth?” Bee and Techno both gasped.

“Karl asked me to. It’s nothing I’d do without being asked, I know better than that.”

“Does Dream know you’ve been going to Earth?” Bee asked.

“Yes, so I’m assuming that’s why he wants to know about the three of them.”

“Does XD know?” Techno asked.

“No, so please don’t tell them.”

“I won’t tell a soul.” Techno zipped up his mouth and threw the key.

——

“Ranboo get your cummy paws off of me!” Tommy screamed.

“Oh come on Tommy, you’re fine.” Ranboo laughed as he hugged Tommy.

“This is harassment!” Tommy tried his best to break free from Ranboo’s arms.

“It’ll be ok Tommy.” Wilbur patted the top of his head.

Tubbo simply watched from afar. It’s been a long time since he’s been on Earth, he could very well just be scared. Part of me seems to think it’s something more.

“Tubbo! Styx! Help me!” Tommy reached out for us. Without any hesitation Tubbo stood up and ran to try and help Tommy.

“Come on Styx, help the cause.” Ranboo looked at me. I also didn’t hesitate to get up and join the group hug. “Come on, you too Wilbur.”

“I’m not one for hugs.” Wilbur complained before getting dragged into the hug.

Ranboo and I kept the other three in a tight hug. I couldn’t help but wish I was closer to Ranboo. I know I just met him but there was something about him that just made me melt. I wanted to be near him or with him at all times. But I’m a god, I can’t be falling for a mortal. This is the worst possible outcome of coming to earth.

Eventually we let go of each other as Tommy and Tubbo fell to the ground. Wilbur stayed balanced but Tommy ended up pulling him to the ground as well.

Seeing everyone having so much fun almost made me wish I was still alive. Now I’m stuck being a messenger god for the rest of eternity. I honestly don’t think I would’ve done the things I did when I was alive if I could have met these people.

We were all outside again but this time we were more in public. There was a large fountain with a green area around it and we were hanging around in the grass. Unfortunately, out of nowhere, it started raining.

“Oh no!” Tommy complained, “my sweater is gonna get all wet!”

“It’ll dry.” Wilbur stood up.

“We should probably go back to the car.” Ranboo suggested, “do you guys wanna come with?”

“Sure!” I accepted the invitation for Tubbo.

“Now that I can drive.” Tommy boasted proudly. The five of us all ran towards Tommy’s car and hopped in. Tommy and Wilbur were in the front seats while Ranboo, Tubbo and I jumped in the back. I was sitting in the middle of the two boys. I couldn’t help but get a little flustered at how close Ranboo and I were.

Normally gods don’t get tired, though we have the ability to sleep. However when we aren’t in the clouds we gain characteristics of whatever life form we came from. Obviously I was a human on Earth at one point so I found myself getting more and more tired. I set my head on the back of the seat behind me and tried to close my eyes.

“Awe, are you tired already?” Tommy asked.

“If you want, I’m sure my shoulder is much more comfortable than putting your head back that far.” Ranboo put his hand on my cheek and pulled my head onto his shoulder. How could I argue with that?

“Oooo I think little Ranboo has a crushhhh.” I vaguely heard Wilbur whisper to Tommy. I closed my eyes again and kept my head on Ranboo’s shoulder. It wasn’t a long car ride so I didn’t rest much but it was nice to be close to him anyways.

Before we got out of the car I felt a hand fit itself perfectly in mine and a small and quick kiss got placed on top of my head. I lifted my head up quickly and looked at Ranboo but he was already making his way out of the car.

“Oooo, I think Styx likes someoneee.” Tubbo poked me.

“Shut up!” I pushed Tubbo away and quickly got out of the car. I noticed Tommy walk into the house we stopped at like he owned it so I figured we must be at Tommy’s.

We spent the rest of the day playing games and talking in Tommy’s room. Tommy offered to let Tubbo and I sleep over, who was I to say no? Wilbur went home but Tommy, Ranboo, Tubbo and I stayed the night at Tommy’s.

Tommy laid some blankets down on his floor along with some pillows for Tubbo and I. It didn’t take me long to completely knock out again.

——

I stood in front of my home mirror in our bathroom. I couldn’t take it anymore. This isn’t how things were supposed to go. Things were supposed to be ok. I had been getting help.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I only got more angry at the reflection looking back at me. I looked down to the scissors I had grabbed from the kitchen. I held a piece of my long hair and held the scissors up to it. Was I really going to do this?

I cut. My hair fell to the bathroom floor. I smiled as I saw it hit the ground. It wasn’t attached to me anymore and nothing could make me happier. I looked up to the mirror and quickly cut more, all of the hair following the first to the floor.

Slowly, I became happier with the reflection I saw in the mirror. The me that stared so sharply through the mirror. But this wasn’t it. I wasn’t happy yet. I opened the cabinet mirror and grabbed a pain pill prescription that certainly wasn’t mine. The cap came off, exposing the almost full bottle. One hand full and it’d be over.

I stared some more until the tears that just kept coming filled my vision. I could hear my mother screaming at my dad from behind the door, nothing that ever had to do with me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I quickly poured the bottle into my hand and swallowed it all with no intention of trying to throw it up.

I had tried to ask for help. Things never got better. We talked things out. Things never got better. Now it was only a matter of time before things could finally get better. I wouldn’t have to go through this anymore. I opened the bathroom door to a cat staring at me from the floor.

It quickly stood up and brushed against my leg, going to roll around in the hair I left on the floor. I already felt my stomach start to turn. I took out my phone to text my friends before I left. I told them all I loved them and left it there. I took a note out and set it on my bed next to me as I laid down, knowing I might not wake up.

I closed my eyes and everything went dark for the last time. It was peaceful, it didn’t hurt. But I got what I wanted in the end didn’t I? It was over. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. My family wouldn’t miss me, right? Even if they did, why should I care?

“Styx? Are you there Styx? Styx?!”

I opened my eyes, it was supposed to be over.

“Styx! Congrats!”

This wasn’t home? I had no idea where I was.

“I know you’re confused. We all were at one point. Don’t worry though, you’re not going to hell.”

“Not yet at least.” A new voice laughed.

“Hey, quit it! They’re probably very lost right now.”

I stayed silent as two unknown people argued above me. One had short, fluffy, brown hair and the other had more blond curly hair and green eyes. A third person joined them who had curly light brown hair and colorful glasses on his head. The goggles guy got the other two to calm down before extending a hand out to me to help me up.

It was squishy around me and awfully bright. Maybe this was the light at the end of the tunnel. My hands instantly tried to find the ends of my hair. It was short. The last thing I wanted from Earth was short hair, I got it. I smiled to myself before turning my attention back to the three in front of me.

“Hello Styx, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Giggles reached out to me, “I’m Karl.”

“I’m Tubbo! We’ve met before but you probably don’t remember me.” The brown haired boy from before aggressively shook my hand.

“And I’m Dream.” The blond shook my hand as well, “I was joking you going to hell by the way.” He smiled.

“We’re am I? How do you all know me? Am I dead?”

“Well, an easy answer is you’re in a cloud.” Karl seemed energetic.

“And we know you because we’ve been watching over you. Well Tubbo has anyway.” Dream shrugged.

“And as for the last question… yes. We weren’t expecting you so soon.” Tubbo looked down to his feet.

“If you’ve been watching me then do you know how I died?” I questioned. The three of them all looked around at each other in what seemed to be a nervous “who’s going to tell them” kinda way.

“Unfortunately we do.” Tubbo kept his eyes down at his feet.

“Most of us went out that way too.” Karl also avoided any eye contact.

“In fact, I can’t think of anyone who didn’t die that way who’s up here.” Dream admitted-

——

“Styx!” I heard an awfully loud whisper in my ear. It took me a bit to come to my senses. I forgot all about how I died. Tubbo, Dream and Karl all greeted me when I first arrived. They all died the same way I did. Everyone did. If choosing someone to be a good meant they were doomed to kill themselves I don’t think I’d be able to do it.

I couldn’t let someone kill themself all for the ability to be a god. I was thinking about Ranboo but I could never do that to him. He meant so much to me even if it had only been a few days I had known him. I’d have to hold off on bringing someone with me for now.

Despite my lost thoughts I looked around tiredly and noticed I was still in Tommy’s room. Ranboo was sitting next to me, shaking me awake. He gave me a look and instantly took my hand, pulling me to my feet.

I quietly led me out of the room and opened the door. He took me just outside of Tommy’s house and sat down in his backyard. It was still late at night so the yard was dark. I sat down next to him and he put an arm over my shoulder.

“One of the first nights I started living with Tommy he took me out here. Isn’t it beautiful?” He looked up to the stars in the sky.

“Very.” I looked along with him. It was moments like these I wish I hadn’t died. I knew it was my fault, I chose this for myself. But I couldn’t help wishing I had this when I was alive.

Being here with him almost made me feel alive. Like I was really here, this is where I was supposed to be. I let myself relax in his arms as we looked at the stars. He moved himself into a lying position with me still curled up by his side.

“That one looks like a bird.” Ranboo pointed.

“I think I can see that.” I laughed, not really understanding.

“There is one star that’s out here that’s prettier than all the rest though.” He smiled as he looked directly at me.

“Which one?” I asked, already knowing what his answer would be.

“That one.” He pointed to me. I couldn’t help but smile at his stupidly cheesy compliment. I could just feel my face turn red.

“I don’t know how much I agree with that.” I laughed.

“Well I know I’m right either way.” He smiled, turning his head back to the sky full of stars. I closed my eyes again and fell back asleep in Ranboo’s arms.

Things moved quickly from there. The next few days Tubbo and I would go down to meet up with Ranboo, Tommy and Wilbur. Nothing new happened until one day I caught Wilbur all by himself.

“Guess it’s just us.” Wilbur crossed his arms.

“Guess so.” I huffed. The three of us had been sent to go out and find somewhere to eat. Three of us being Wilbur, Tubbo and me.

“You know Wilbur, there’s been something I’ve been meaning to ask you about.” Tubbo stopped in his tracks for a moment.

“Is this when you two reveal you’ve been hitmen this entire time or something? Am I going to die?” Wilbur asked, oddly calm.

“Not yet.” I mumbled. After remembering how I got here the other night I can’t help but wish I never agreed to help Karl. If Wilbur had to kill himself to become a god I don’t think it would be worth it.

Maybe that’s why Dream wanted to know about the three of them dying? So then he could see if letting us go was even worth it. Wilbur has millions of fans who watch him. I can't take him away from them like this. This feels so wrong.

“No, we’re not going to kill you, this is a serious talk though. One you won’t remember having by the end of it.” Tubbo sighed, “do you know about gods?” Tubbo asked.

“Like… all powerful beings who excel in specific talents?” Wilbur asked. “Of course I know about them.”

“Would you… like to be a god?” Tubbo asked.

“Be a god? You must be on something.” Wilbur laughed.

“We are gods, Styx and I, we were recruited to see if you, Wilbur Soot, wanted to be a god with us.”

“Prove it.” Wilbur narrowed his eyes at Tubbo.

“Think of something you want.” Tubbo commanded.

“I mean I’m hungry, can you get me like an apple or something?” Wilbur asked. Without thinking twice Tubbo held up his hand and used his godly powers to summon an apple. “What the hell?!” Wilbur said, much more uneasy than before.

“I proved it.” Tubbo set the apple into Wilbur’s hand.

“How- how’d you do that?” Wilbur looked shocked.

“I’m a god, here to ask you if you’d like to be a god as well.” Tubbo invited him again.

“You- why me?” Wilbur asked, “what did I do to deserve that kind of power? I play Minecraft for a living and hangout with two seventeen year olds.”

“I’m not sure, we were sent by another god to come find you.” Tubbo continued.

It was hard for me to say anything, I didn’t know why Karl wanted Wilbur and I certainly didn’t know why I had even agreed to be here. The guilt was setting in.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of power.” Wilbur calmed himself again.

“You don’t have to be ready, whenever you decide you are ready-“ Tubbo stretched to put his hand on Wilbur’s head, “just do this.”

“What’d you give him?” I asked.

“I gave him the knowledge to die and took away his memory of this conversation ever happening. Whenever he’s ready, Karl will be waiting for him.” Tubbo walked away like nothing had happened. I quickly ran after him.

Wilbur took a moment to shake off what had happened but eventually called for us to wait for him, he really had forgotten.

“What’s the knowledge to die you gave him?” I whispered quickly before Wilbur caught up to us.

“To be a god one must kill themself.” Tubbo stated plainly without making eye contact. How could he be so calm? He didn’t even want to be here! If it weren’t for me taking so long Tubbo wouldn’t even be here but now he’s giving mortals suicidal thoughts. Was this all really even worth it? How could anyone want to give powers to a mortal if it means they have to kill themself?!

——

“Only two days left Styx. If you want Ranboo to be a god you’re going to have to act fast.” Karl took another sip from his fancy cup seemingly filled with an energy drink.

“I don’t want to.” I threw my head into my hands, “it’s not worth it.”

“We all get over the guilt eventually.” Karl patted me on the shoulder.

“I could always go back after XD comes anyways!” I rolled my eyes.

“True but then you’d have to give Dream another reason for going to Earth, that goody two shoes.” Karl laughed.

“Wait. So after XD comes I won’t be able to go to Earth anymore? Will I never get to see Ranboo again?!”

“Unfortunately you’d need a good reason to go down there and Dream isn’t going to take friendship as a reason.” Karl sipped on his fancy cup again.

I felt a pit in my stomach grow. I had to make a decision soon before it was too late. I wanted to go see Bee before it was too late. Maybe they had some form of advice for me. I made my way once more to the door that led to the underworld. Stepping through I saw Grace, Techno and Sapnap arguing once again.

“You’re all so annoying! My god I hate men.” Grace rolled their eyes.

“You’re just mad we’re right!” Sapnap teased.

“I am not! You’re both wrong!” Grace yelled.

“It’s ok to have a little crush, Grace.” Techno joined.

“I’m well aware but I don’t!”

“Listen I’m great friends with George, I’ll be your wingman.” Sapnap rested an elbow on Grace’s shoulder.

“I hate you both so much, why did I have to get stuck with you.” Grace rolled his eyes again.

“Hey have you guys seen Bee?” I asked.

“Uhh yeah they just left.” Techno stopped the fighting.

“I can show you! Anything to get away from these two.” Grace rolled her eyes and she stood up. It wasn’t a long walk but it was enough time for the two of us to talk.

“So what were you guys fighting about this time?” I asked.

“Nothing.” I noticed his face go red before they turned away from me, avoiding the conversation.

“Alright.” I tried to hold my head high but to be honest I didn’t even really know why I was here. It wasn’t Bee’s job to be my therapist.

“They’re just in here.” Grace said as they opened the door. The underworld had a sort of big city set up. Each soul lived in an apartment-like room so a new building appeared everyday with how many deaths happened on earth. Bee lived in their own house, as well as Techno, Grace, and Sapnap. We stepped inside Bee’s house as Grace yelled for them.

“Oh hello Styx, what brings you here?” Bee asked.

“I just- I need some advice.”

“Come sit.” Bee ushered Grace and I to sit on their couch, “what’s wrong?”

“I think I like a human.” Both Grace and Bee opened their eyes wide.

“Oh?” Bee asked.

“But Karl said I only have two days to make a choice on whether I want to offer him the chance to be a god or not. I don’t think I can make that decision all by myself. I like him a lot but I don’t want him to have too… you know… kill himself.” I messed with my fingers. The two looked at me as though they were thinking of how to respond.

“Maybe go one last time tomorrow and tell him how you feel about him.” Grace suggested.

“Yeah, see how he reacts and then go from there, if he likes you too then you can always give him the option.” Bee continued.

“I guess, it just sucks that my job as a god doesn’t allow me to watch over Earth at all. All I do is deliver messages between gods.” I sighed, “I wouldn’t even be here in this position if it weren’t for Karl.”

“Ultimately it’s your decision and whatever you choose will be the right one.” Bee put their hand on my shoulder, “no matter what you choose I’ll support you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be here too!” Grace chimed in. I smiled slightly, I did feel a bit better. “Besides, gods have little love flings all the time so it’s not like some god hasn’t picked a human based on love before!”

“I should get going. It’s almost morning where they are on Earth.” I stood up, ready to leave.

“I should go too. I got places to be, people to see.” Grace stood up with me.

“Alright, I hope you feel better Styx.” Bee walked us to the door.

“Bye Bee.” Grace and I waved goodbye as we made our way back to the entrance into the underworld.

“You make me want to go for it.” Grace gave me a determined look.

“Go for what?” I questioned.

“Him. I gotta go.” Grace quickly ran ahead of me. I assumed it was George, Sapnap had just been teasing Grace about him earlier. I walked slowly towards the door, not able to bring myself to run.

“There you are!” Tubbo grabbed me as I stepped through the door, “what were you doing in the underworld?”

“Just… talking to friends.”

“Whatever we have to go to Earth!” Tubbo quickly pulled me through the bottom of the cloud. I have to admit it was kind of cute to see him all excited to go to Earth. I assume it was for Tommy.

My feet touched the ground and the pit in my stomach from before only grew bigger and bigger.

“Look there he is!” Tubbo pointed, “sorry there they are.” Tubbo tried to cover up his clear favoritism.

We walked over to them and said hello. I couldn’t help but wish I stayed in the underworld even just a little longer.

“Hey guys!” Tommy smiled.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” Wilbur asked. I began to space out of the conversation until all I could think about was how much I wanted to be back under those stars with Ranboo.

The way he held me so gently and the way he ran his fingers through my hair made me fill with butterflies. I thought about the way he decided to show that beautiful sight to me and me only. We shared so,etching special that night and I couldn’t help but wish for more.

Even the way the grass felt on my back or the way the bugs were flying all around us. The way the wind blew so harshly it blew leaves off of the trees and made me shiver a bit. It was all so perfect.

“Hey Styx.” Ranboo seemed to smile awkwardly under his mask.

“Huh?” I shook my head to get a grasp of what was going on.

“I think we should talk.”

“Talk?”

“I like you, I really really do. I don’t want to let you go.” Ranboo grabbed my hand and held it tightly in his own.

“Ranboo.”

“I know, you come from, technically, another country but I’ll be back in the US in just a few months and I’m already so head over heels for you.” I noticed Tubbo, Tommy, and Wilbur waiting for us far enough away that they couldn’t hear our conversation. “I really like you Styx and I’d love to at least stay friends.”

“Ranboo I-“

“You don’t have to give me an answer just yet, whenever you’re ready is fine.” Ranboo smiled.

“I’ll come back tomorrow and give you an answer, I promise.” Ranboo pulled me into a hug and we quickly ran to follow the others. I tried my best to enjoy myself for the rest of the day but I couldn’t shake the feeling of possibly losing him. To say I was attached was an understatement.

I begrudgingly made my way back up to my cloud, still completely unsure what I wanted to do. I tried to take into account the advice the other gods gave me. Who knew coming down here for Karl would result in me getting attached to a human.

Angst ending:

The next day I went back down, this time alone. I knew what I had to do, Tubbo did it just yesterday. I know it’s incredibly selfish but I have to. As soon as I touched the ground I saw Tommy’s house just a few blocks ahead of me.

It was pouring rain but I ran as quickly as I could. I knocked on the door and he opened it.

“Ranboo!” I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“Styx! You’re soaking wet!” He laughed, “wait right here, I’ll go get you a towel.”

“Wait! This is extremely important!” I stopped him from leaving, “do you want to be a god?”

“A god?” He looked confused.

“I’m not… real.” My thoughts began to get tangled.

“How long were you in the rain? Did it mess with your mind?”

“Ranboo I mean it, I’m a god I’m not a real person. But I can make you a god too! You don’t even have to be ready yet.” I grew impatient.

“Styx you’re not making any sense.”

“Ranboo! Give me your head!”

“Excuse me?”

I jumped up and put my hands on his head just like Tubbo had done to Wilbur. I had put my own thoughts into his head and pushed them to him. I hadn’t stopped his memory of the conversation, I wanted him to remember. If he remembered then maybe I could see him sooner.

“You, you want me to… no I can’t.” Styx that’s… not right.” He backed away from me with a sort of fear in his eyes.

“It’s the only way I can be with you.” My sinful thoughts overtook everything. It was him in front of me. It was him who I wanted. It was him who made me feel alive again. He was all I wanted at this moment. I wanted him to follow me to the afterlife so we could be together forever.

“Styx, you’re not making any sense. I- I think you should leave.” I could hear the pain and fear in his voice. Whether or not I wanted to go, it was his decision now, not mine. As much as I wanted to stay and convince him this was the right decision. I had to let him go.

Without bothering to hide it I felt my feet lift off the ground as I flew back to the clouds. As soon as my feet hit the cloud I felt tears fall from my eyes. I looked around and saw no other gods around me. It was just me here, alone with my thoughts.

I didn’t even get to give him a hug before I left. I didn’t get to tell him how much I loved him or how insanely attached I had gotten in just the week I had known him.

Everything felt terrible, I wanted to go back. All of me wanted to spend the rest of eternity down there with him but that wasn’t an option. I did the best next thing, I offered him the chance to join me.

Days went by and no sight of Ranboo at all. It seemed practically hopeless by this point. I had no choice but to continue working as a messenger.

Neutral ending:

The next day came and I debated on my choices. I could go down there and see how things might go… or I could stay up here

Good ending: