Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"I'll stay with Jamie," Sherbert took both of Momboo's hands in theirs, "we'll be okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, we'll be okay." They squeezed her hand, "I love you."
"I love you too," She pulled them into a hug, "goodbye.”
Sherbert turned to the portal, they stared into Momboo followed their gaze. As she stared into the darkness of the portal, she couldn't help but wonder when she would see the overworld again.
Still staring into the portal, Sherb unclasped one of their necklaces, it was a small potion bottle with purple and yellow swirled together in it. They took one of Momboo's hands and placed the necklace into her hand and closed her hand around it.
“If there's a way for you to get out, I-I mean without someone else being trapped.” They started still staring into the portal, “we'll find it.”
They gave her hand one final squeeze before releasing it and stepping into the portal.

Momboo stood by the portal, alone now. Even though the others were still there, in the End, she still felt like she was alone. She opened her hand to look at the necklace, and then clasped it around her neck, tucking it underneath her shirt. She took a shaky breath, turned away from the portal, and made her way back to the prison.

“So I take it you're staying, mom?” Easton asked, lightly nudging her with their elbow.
She took a shaky breath, “yeah.”
“Did Sherb already go back?” Centross questioned. Momboo nodded her head silently, she couldn't bring herself to say it out loud.
One by one the three of them said their goodbyes to their friends, and then pressed the button that would trap them. Centross went first, then Easton, and Momboo last.
“I won't leave you here forever.” Rae said softly, “I promise.”
Jamie took Athena's hand and started leading them out of the prison. Rae and the others followed behind.

~~~~~~~~~

When Sherbert had stepped into the end portal, they were… transported? to the place they'd seen when they had entered the portal for the first time. They took a few steps forward until they could see some of the room they seemed to be in. It was a long hallway made out of quartz, at even intervals along the walls of the hallway there were huge arched… doorways maybe? Each arch was filled with a color, and the vaulted ceiling was filled with tendrils of color swirling together. As they opened their mouth to say something, they were pulled back towards the arch they had come out of.
With a gasp they found themself back in their house standing next to their bed, for a moment their head felt like it had been stuffed with cotton. They shook their head quickly, trying to ground themself.

~~~~~~~~~

The three prisoners sat in silence for a while.
Easton was sitting on the floor, against one of the walls. They had a small bouncy ball in their pocket, they had pulled it out and were throwing it at the wall opposite to them.
Centross was just sitting, completely still. Lost in thought.
Momboo leaned against the wall opposite from the door. She slowly slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor with her knees pulled up towards her chest. She rested her head on her knees blinking back the tears that clung stubbornly to the corners of her eyes. She was fine, her partner wouldn't leave her here forever. They'd be back soon, she promised herself.
She hadn't considered what being so far away from the sun, and the grass, and the trees, and the overworld would do to her. As time went on it almost felt like it was getting harder to breathe. She just hoped that everyone else was okay.

Chapter Text

It had been just over two weeks since the End. Sherbert couldn't believe it had been that long- to be fair they never had had a good concept of time. It was raining. It doesn't rain often. The last time it rained was months ago, It was when Momboo and Sherb had argued. Sherbert doesn't even remember what the argument was about- whatever it was never mattered. It ended with Momboo in tears as the sky opened and rain poured down as if it responded to the lady of the world’s emotions.

Later that night, Momboo confessed to her love that her mood controls the weather. Sherbert hadn't taken the time to consider how Momboo being out of the overworld for this long would do.

The days had all been gray and dreary, as if the world had lost all of its color. Despite Rae’s promise, Sherbert doubted that there was really a way to get the three prisoners out. They hadn't really even left their house in the weeks since the End, they'd never liked the rain.

There were wilted flowers sitting on their table, a gift from Momboo when she'd last come to visit. The vase was completely dry, and most of the flowers’ petals had fallen off and onto the table. Sherbert’s communicator and several notebooks were scattered on the table messily. They sat at the table, flipping through a book about the gods, trying to find anything about Enderian or Perix or a prison in the End. Their eyes were bloodshot and they looked like they hadn't slept in several days.

They were so deeply engrossed in their research, that they almost didn't hear the knock at their door. They stood up and walked to the door. They pulled the door open, Rae was standing behind it carrying a pile of books.

“I found all of the books in my study that mention Enderian, or the End, or anything to do with it.” Rae spoke quickly, almost stumbling over his words, “And I think I found something.”

“Really?” Sherbert smiled, “I didn't have any luck so you're doin’ better than I am.”

“it… might not be anything, but it’s a lead at the very least.” Rae said much more calmly, as he walked in, depositing his pile of books on the table.

“Also, Sherb, where'd you get that book?” He gestured at the book, still open on the table.

“uhh,” Sherbert looked down at the floor, “I may have taken it from your study?”

Rae sighed, “you know if you asked I'd just give it to you right?”

“Yeah,” They shrugged, “But you were out with Athena and I didn't want to bother you. I’m done with it now anyway”

Rae rolled his eyes at Sherbert, and sat down at one of the empty chairs. Sherbert sat back down where they had been sitting.

Sherbert stood up, stretching and walking to their kitchen to grab themself and Rae drinks and some snacks.

“Epros… Epros… Vid-Vikesh… Perix?.. no, that’s not what I need… Epros again… Vorago… why's Vorago in here he’s not even part of the end court!..” Rae muttered to himself as he flipped through one of the many books he'd brought. “Oh, wait! This is…”

The taller walked back to the table, putting down the drinks and snacks before sitting down and pulling a book off of Rae's pile.

“shit!” Rae cursed under his breath, Sherbert looked up from the book they were reading. “There goes that lead…”

He pulls another book off the pile, starting a new pile for the book he'd finished with. Before opening the next book.

They kept going like this for several hours, the rain made it impossible to see where the sun was in the sky. But it had gotten significantly darker outside before they found any leads.

“Rae! I found something!” Sherbert said excitedly, “Here look,” They showed Rae the page they were looking at, it was a ritual to speak to Enderian.

“That could actually work!” Rae exclaimed, he looked at his comm checking the time. “Oh shit… it's almost two in the morning?”

“What? We've been doing this for six hours?”

“Yeah- apparently,” Rae sat back rubbing his eyes. “I’m gonna… head home I guess?”

“That's probably a good plan..” Sherbert put a bookmark on the page with the ritual before closing the book. “I should probably go to bed too,”

“I’ll take the ritual book, unless you want to keep it?” The shorter reached out a hand for Sherb to give him the book.

“Yeah, you can have it.” Sherbert said, handing Rae the book. They both stood up.

“Goodnight, if you find anything else le’ me know.” Rae said, yawning.

“I will.” Sherbert walked over to where Rae was standing and hugged him. Rae returned the hug before turning and walking out of Sherbert’s house.

Sherbert stood in their living room for a moment after their friend had left. Then they went up to their room and passed out the moment they laid down.

Chapter Text

The End is made up of many small floating islands in the void. It is populated with Endermen. 

An Item called “Elytra” are like wings and are used to travel around the floating islands of the End. 

The main currency of the End was gold and amethyst, there were mines for both of those things before something happened. (The war??)

The End and things from it have a purple aura.

Enderian is the major goddess of the End, and the Goddess of Mind. She is the only major god who has been sighted after the war, both Fable and Netherum have not been seen since the war. 

Other End court gods: 

• “The Warden”, name unknown,  Goddess of Illusion
• Epros, primordial god of Void
• Vikesh, god of Light
• Rakai, god of ???

Ritual to contact Enderian: “Oh Enderian, goddess of mind and ruler of End, I seek your guidance in my time of need, Your infinite wisdom I hope you will lend, Give me knowledge so you will be freed.”

This ritual is in a book called “The Bible of End” as well as some information about the End and Enderian.

The End prison: The prison is run by either Enderian or The Warden depending on which book you believe. I personally think The Warden is running it under Enderian’s wishes.

—-----

Hopefully contacting Enderian is good enough to get them all back. And even if it doesn't work, what's the worst that could happen. I think I’m going to try tomorrow, I already know where the End portal is, and I have the ritual book. 

I should go to sleep… It's three in the morning now. I can do this. They'll all be fine, I’ll make sure it is. 

Chapter Text

Sherbert was abruptly awoken by the Things chattering loudly in a mix of fear and excitement. When they noticed that Sherb was awake their chaotic chattering turned into a chorus of saying hello. 

Hi… Things.” They mumbled sleepily, “today’s the day, yeah?” 

They sat up, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. “Guess we should go find Rae.” They stood up grabbing their various bits of jewelry and their jacket. 

It was still raining as they walked to Rae’s house, and they were cold and wet by the time they made it to Rae’s door.

~~~~~~~~~

Knock knock knock

…

“Rae?” 

…

“mh… wha-” Rae sat up, he looked around realizing that there was light shining in through the windows. ‘Did I fall asleep at my desk?’ Rae thought, his thoughts trailed off, he almost thought that this was familiar, like a half-remembered dream… falling asleep at his desk working on something, then waking up to mo- someone knocking on the door. 

“Rae!” Sherbert called out again, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Shit, yeah come in!” Rae called back.

Sherbert opened the door stepping into the house, they leaned against the wall and crossed their arms. “Did you fall asleep at your desk again?” 

“Uh… maybe?” he closed his notebook, “anyways, I think I can get them all out? Hopefully.”

“You ready to go then?” 

“Yeah, let me grab the book first.” He shuffled some books and papers around on his desk, grabbing one thin book with the title written in Ender. He stood up putting the book in his bag. “Oh, Athena and Jamie are coming too.” He glanced out the window, noticing that it was still raining.

“Okay, so we’ll head over there first. Then to the stronghold?” 

“Mhm.” Rae walked to the door pausing for a moment to make sure Sherb was following. “Gods I hope this works…”

“Me too.” 

The two of them collected the younger two before making their way to the stronghold. 

“Can you all step out while I do this?” Rae asked, “I don't know if multiple people being around might affect the ritual, and I don't want to risk it.” 

“Mhm.” Athena’s voice cut through the many ‘what ifs’ coursing through Rae's mind. 

Once he was alone, the silence was deafening. He took a deep breath trying to will his hands to stop shaking. He filled the portal frame with lava, as the book said and stood at the front of it. He took another breath, pulling the book out and flipping to the ritual. 

“Breath, Rae.” he whispered to himself. “Here goes nothing.”

He took another breath.

“Oh Enderian, goddess of mind and ruler of End,” his voice trembled slightly as he spoke. “I seek your guidance in my time of need, Your infinite wisdom I hope you will lend, Give me knowledge so you will be freed.” 

For a moment, nothing happened. And then his vision went black for a split second. 

When he blinked his eyes again, he saw the goddess herself, well her silhouette at least.

“So, you're the heretic that entered my realm.” Her voice was low and echoed in his mind. He still couldn't see her face. 

“Heretic?” Rae's voice sounded hollow here, a contrast to how full the Goddess’s voice sounded. 

“What you've done to yourself. It is blasphemous.” She gestured at her eye, mirroring the Ender eye in Rae's face.

“I’m not here for me, I need to get back to the End, you have my friends.” 

“The trade has already been made. They're rightfully mine.” 

“But why do you need them? They're of no use to you, please?” He tried to keep his voice steady, not wanting to betray his fear and desperation. 

She hummed, “I don't need them… Yet.”

“Then let me take them home.”

“I suppose,” She said with a sigh, “but you'll have to do something for me in return.”

“I'll give anything!” If she could hear the desperation in his voice, she didn't show it.

“I shall empty a piece of the portal for you. But you will still need an eye to open it.”

She blinked out of sight with a quiet Enderman noise. Rae almost relaxed, but before he could he clutched his face, on the Ender eye side, as pain pulsed out from his eye. 

“Ahhh- Wh-? what! Ow, shit!” 

Before he could truly react, his vision went black again but this time when he came to, he couldn't see out of one of his eyes, and when he looked down he was back standing in front of the portal, holding an Eye of Ender covered in purple blood in his hand. 

But the goddess had kept her promise, and one frame of the portal was empty. 

“Rae?” Sherbert’s voice made him jump despite how quiet it was, “We heard screaming are you…” They trailed off as Rae turned to face them. He saw Sherb first, then Athena and Jamie half hiding behind them. Athena was clutching Sherbert’s arm like it was a lifeline. Sherb’s eyes flicked from his face to the bloody… thing in his hand. 

“Your eye…” Athena’s voice was small and scared.

“She… made me?” he winced, just now noticing the dull pain emanating from his eye socket. “Anyway- I think all I have to do is put this,” he gestured to his eye–well not his anymore, “in the portal. And they should all be fine.”

He turned back to the portal, he heard Sherb hum a sound of approval. The younger two were both silent, staring with wide, nervous eyes. 

Rae kneeled by the empty slot in the portal and placed the eye into it. The sound of the portal opening was like thunder. It made the room shake and a few pieces of crumbled stone came loose and clattered onto the ground. But the portal was open. 

Sherbert heard the sound of footsteps and when they turned their face lit up. 

Rae stood in shock staring into the starry void that filled the portal.

Chapter Text

The End is cold. 

The Lady of the World shivered, wrapping her sweater tighter around her. She was shaking but not only from the cold. 

She could hear her son in the next cell over, they would switch between pacing and throwing that fucking ball at the wall, a sound that was driving her insane. Somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered why that sound was making her so unreasonably mad. But the fog that had clouded her mind made it hard to focus on it for long. 

Centross on the other hand, was silent. She could see through the bars of the prison that he was just… sitting there and somehow that pissed her off even more.

Somewhere out of her sight a clock ticked. The constant noise drilled into her skull. She buried her head in her hands trying to do anything to drown out the sound, but it somehow only made it feel louder. 

Time was… hard. There was no real way to tell how many days had passed with no sun. But the longer she spent in the end, the foggier her mind felt. 

The cold felt like it seeped into her core. Stealing all of her warmth. She couldn’t remember what the sun felt like on her skin.

Centross had an enderchest? She couldn’t remember when he had placed it… but him and Easton were messing with a boat that must’ve come from there. Somehow Easton had crawled through the bars into Centross's cell, and they were both sitting in the boat, rowing in tiny circles on the floor. 

She was sitting on the “bed” though it was just a couple trapdoors with a thin blanket. She couldn’t remember when she got there. She hugged her knees to her chest and her shoulders shook with silent tears. 

She tried to remember what the overworld looked like… but all she came up with were shadows. Her thoughts kept slipping through her fingers like sand. 

It was getting worse wasn’t it.

She was back on the floor of the cell again; it was cold beneath her. She couldn’t remember how she’d gotten there.

“I can’t survive this much longer…” She whispered into the silence while the others were both asleep.

Time kept slipping by, It could have been hours or days, maybe longer…

A sound like far-off thunder echoed through the prison, Centross’s head jerked up in an instant and he watched as the cell doors swung open with a thud. Easton looked up as the doors opened, and Momboo barely reacted until both Centross and Easton had stood and were about to leave. 

As she slowly looked up, it took a moment for her to comprehend what she was seeing. 

She stood, wobbly on her feet, legs aching from disuse. And the three of them walked out of the prison together. They were all silent, as if speaking would break the illusion and they would all be back in their locked cells again.

Easton fell back, matching his pace with hers and grabbing her hand. Centross had no such reservations and walked on with not even a glance back at them. Even when Momboo stumbled and cursed quietly under her breath, he still did not look back. By the time she and Easton made it to the return portal Centross had already gone through. 

Easton gently squeezed her hand, and they stepped through the portal together.

~~~~~

She blinked, a headache was quickly forming and she winced. The air in the stronghold was thick and smelled of mold, but it was still the overworld. Her senses still felt duller than they should have been. But she still took a deep breath, just happy to be back in the overworld.

Easton was still next to her, but as she looked around, she realized Centross was nowhere to be seen.

“I think he just left.” Easton said, noticing her confused expression.

“mm.” she hummed in response after a long moment 

They made their way out of the small room the portal left them in, and they followed the quiet conversation which led them back to the portal room. 

Jamie was the first to notice their approach, and after a small nod from Momboo, Easton walked ahead to meet them. Athena followed, lagging slightly behind Jamie. 

As Momboo approached the portal room, she watched Sherbert turn to the sound of her footsteps on the cracked stone floors. Her lips split into a half smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Their face lit up, and they practically sprinted to her wrapping her in a hug. She went limp in their arms, tears welling up in her eyes though she refused to let them fall, not with both of her kids hugging her back in a somewhat awkward group hug.