"It started with your betrayal, brother. You knew I needed your help, yet you still chose mortality over our own plan! Because of you, I had to rethink our plan to make up for your absence, costing the movement a near century! We could have been emperors, Steve! Yet you THREW it all away!"
The older man watched the engaged one with a still, calm, studying expression.
Herobrine spoke again. "Don't you miss our little excursions?.. Just brothers being brothers..? Don't you miss being gods...capable of doing anything when we put our minds to it?" A more somber, almost sorrow tone had taken shape on the immortal. Steve was silent, still, clearly thinking. Then, he slowly leaned forward, looking Herobrine directly in the eyes.
"When I see your eyes... I don't think of power. I don't see a god... I don't even see my brother. .... All I see is a man who sold his soul for power, and couldn't even find anything to do with it.. I left, not because I hated you, but because I finally realized what it was turning us into... What it was turning ME into... I hope you will understand..someday."
"IF I am even given another day.." Herobrine scoffed, again crossing his arms. Steve just nodded.
"Indeed.. I am trying to give you as many days as I can...but justice is still due.. And if not paid through forgiveness...it must be paid in blood."
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Indeed, the trip was long and tiring. It had been a while since your last hike, usually on missions with your fellow soldiers, so your feet had lost their ability to become numb quicker, stuck in uncomfortable soreness.
Your old group of monsters had only grown closer, now that you saw the need you had for them being on your side. You didn't talk against Herobrine around them, instead focusing on simple bonding moments that made them more like friends. You wanted, at the very least, for them to hesitate if told to kill you..if the time came. The hardest one to bond with by far was Bart, who was closed off to all friendship in general. After a week of travel had passed, however, he was at last beginning to accept you as a decent acquaintance. As for the week itself, it was mostly boring. You could do little but talk to the gang: Mandie, Bart, Billy, and the triplets as you walked from one small base to another. All the bases of which wove through a mountain range and their occasional oasises. For the first time, you tasted the sour glow berries, which made for an interesting side dish when put together with normal berries and some slices of bread.
Anna was doing fine too, by the way. She had quieted down a lot; had changed from her usual bubbly self. You greatly wished that this was a short term thing, since it hurt to think that all this might effect her long-term. Hopefully...it was just her way of saving her energy and waiting for the right moment to run away.
At last.
After an entire week of travel, you had arrived.
Wedged in-between a cluster of sheer cliffs, stood a collection of rickidy forts make of creaky wood and crumbling cobble. It was scarry enough thinking that soon you would have to scale that hazard; even more terrifying when you realized that this was THE final destination.
On the ground now, Herobrine looked at a collection of his soldiers, giving them a simple order as he pointed to Anna, "Keep her here, and set up camp... (Y/n), Mandie and Harben, come with me. You were then accompanied by your two enderman escorts, one of them in particular beaming after her own name called by the king himself. Looks like she had been growing up the ranks as you had been stuck at the bottom.
"Um, Hero! Why can't I come along too?" Sandrah pushed herself away from the tree she had been leaning against, with confusion wondering why she hadn't been invited to come along like she usually was.
"My apologies, Say. But this is a delicate matter. Keep safe, though, I will be back soon!l." He waved briefly to the rest of his crew before walking into the beaten trail leading to the monstrosity that was the 'vertical town.'
It had just rained again, so the dirt and bark was dark and shiny, which made the wet grass and leaves even more vibrant. Overhead was a layer of grey clouds, holding the sun back from illuminating the wilderness and bringing it more color. Still, what bit of the sun did come through was plenty enough to scare away the shadows of every tree and fern, like the whole land was merely a ghost. Fog crept over the mountains, sealing one from any view of escape. Maybe... when you four had gone far away enough from camp, you would strike out and run away- no.. Herobrine could still teleport to Anna, and you had no idea how to make Herobrine pass out or anything.
The thin beaten path eventually widened, and stones grew plentiful on the now gravel path. The vertical city grew in size, its strange, unnatural shapes and angles even more pronounced when closer up. Smaller details, like useless ropes drooping from the sorry structures, waterfalls obscured by crudely made funnels, which lead down to leaking pipes bringing water all throughout the desolate town, drenching every piece of wood and every rope in cold water. Speaking of desolation, not a human or more likely monster was in sight. It was as if the whole town had just been abandoned. There were signs of recent activity, but no living, breathing creature to do such a task. Only shades of grey and brown lived in this town.
As you arrived at the foot of the town, where nothing but a lonely elevator-like contraption sat with no roof or walls, you realized this entire time not even Herobrine had said a word. The only sounds for the last ten or so minutes had been the sound of near-heavy breathing and the shuffling of feet on rocks. You were almost scared to look at anyone's faces, worried they might look stuck in some kind of trance, holding no thought or emotion.
Was this really it...? Had you failed so MISERABLY to escape? Was there no hope now...?
Like your life was on the line, your mind began flashing through old memories. Ones of when you were an innocent little girl, your dad and how inspirational he was to you...and then... What else...? Yeah, you had served your country well...fighting long and hard... But was that really it?! You were ALMOST twenty-three already, and you still felt like that same little girl over sixteen years ago who just lost her daddy..so determined to make him proud. All the friendships you had avoided, too set on your goal. Too many friendships ended by moving away to fight in the war. Too many potential boyfriends -- chances to start another life -- turned away for a good adventure instead! Yes, you had your moments, and you saved some lives; you would never wish to undo that....but... What else had you done..? Truly, your family was the only thing you could look back upon and feel truly happy about.
You had had moments...in the past...where you talked to yourself as you laid sprawled out on nothing but a sleeping bag by your fellow soldiers, talking to yourself about a life that might come after this. Maybe, after the war was over, you would start a family of your own someday, and change YOUR life forever..
Now, however, as you were escorted to the end of free will; to the end of your freedom loving life, the weight of a hundred potential years rested on you. A warm tear fell down your cool cheek as you were all lifted up on the elevator, holding on tightly to one of the small handles, looking down as the ground quickly shrunk under you. ...Would it be better if you fell now? Would it just be better to end it here..and keep yourself from living a life you simply didn't want to live..?
Suddenly, a large, warm hand rested on your frigid one -- though it was barely even chilly outside. With a startle, your head spun to stare directly into the eyes of Herobrine himself. Realizing it was his hand almost made you hop, and quite possibly even fall, but the strange emotion in his eyes held you still like a magic spell. It wasn't of anger, or even of fear. It wasn't even a simple emotion, but a complex one. The emotion of concern, though slight. His glowing eyes drew you in and didn't let you go, and his hand held your trembling ones in place, keeping you from letting go.
Once the ride had ended, however, and everyone was safe on SoRTa solid land, Herobrine's face changed to its usual, unmoving appearance. There were more safety guards on these 'streets' up in the sky, and even a few nets below to catch any who might fall, so in some way you could say it was safer than that elevator. Confused more than anything, you continued to follow the Nether King, the two endermen escorting you, both warily watching out for the streams of water that would fall at random from buildings and bridges higher up. Even up here, you couldn't see a single person out and about in this desaturated landscape. The town continued to look haunted. Maybe it really was..
Suddenly, the whole atmosphere shifted as you entered one of the buildings. Welcoming you was the tender yellow glow of torches. The hollow feeling left from outside almost completely melted as you entered what looked to be a simple shop filled with little trinkets from all around the world. In the background, an old music disc served as the light hearted ambiance of the room.
Curiously, as if Herobrine hadn't expected this, he turned again to look at the name that stood just outside the door. Seeing it the place he was looking for, he stepped back into the warm room, showering the isles of items for any extra clues.
You stood by the door, mindlessly taking in the colors sprouting from every corner of the little shop. Already, your mind was too numb to house any opinions about the place. Only dread filled your heart now.
"Hello, everybody! Nice to see we have customers today!" Out from the back room or something, sprung a Drowned, who looked slightly overweight and a little too cheery to run a brainwashing facility..
"Where is your manager?" Herobrine stomped up to the drowned.
"Herobrine?! I- uh- uh- uh- I amm-the manager!" He squeaked.
"Then tell me. I heard you were the best there is in brainwashing. If so, then why is this place a casual shop?"
"Brainwashing?..... Ohhhh! You must be mistaken, my king! I am the master of hypnotizing!.. It is like brainwashing...but a lot easier and less pressing on my mental state!" The drowned explained in a cheerful tone. "My apologies, King of the Nether, Herobrine! My name is Everest West III, who like my father and grandfather before me, specialized in the art of hypnosis." The drowned then introduced with a low, rather fancy, bow.
Herobrine brought one hand to the bridge of his nose, holding his face in annoyance upon hearing this revelation. "...You have got to be kidding me....hypnosis???"
"If you want swift results, hypnosis is the way to go! You just need to be a little careful while handling such magic... So, who is the person in question?" Rubbing his hands together, Everest scanned the only other people in this room, his eyes landing on you at last. "Oh! A girl?.. Sorry, Nether King, but hypnotization doesn't cover the emotional spectrum; just the mental one, so I can't make her fall in love with you-"
"Wht- No! That's not what I want! I'm not even sure if I want to take the risk of hypnotization..."
"It's super quick~ ... As long as you don't say the key word of your choosing it can't be undone~ ... Twenty-five percent off just for you~~"
With a heavy sigh, "hhhhh..fine. I don't want this to be too complicated; just that she stays loyal to me while also being able to use her brain same as she can right now."
"Hmm.. the ability to use her whole brain might cost a little extra..but I can do it!" Slapping his hands together. "So it'll come out to be twenty-two diamonds and two gold!"
"With the discount.?"
"Yes! Of course; WITH the discount! Have to legally keep the price high because local laws, bla bla bla." He briefly explained. Herobrine quickly pulled out the exact currency and handed it to him. You watched the transaction in horror. At least it wouldn't be the mental torment that is brainwashing...but in the end... same results.. In pure reaction, you nearly ran out the nearby door, but unfortunately Mandie was right there to put her arm in the way and stop you... Traitor. "Alright, now what is your name, mam?!" Everest The Third bounced with excitement after counting all that money. You couldn't even open your mouth to speak, side-eyeing him, since your body still faced the door.
"(Y/n)." Herobrine answered for you.
"Alright, now what is the 'key word' you would like to use for it? The key word is like a password meant to undo the whole thing. Unfortunately, once the word is said, you can't simply snap your fingers to return them to as before, but without the key word, someone could SNEEZE and it might undo it! That's why I suggest using word you already never say."
"@#&$." Herobrine.
"Excuse me???" Everest leaned in a little.
"That's the word I want to use, since I never swear in front of people.." Explained the man as he crossed his arms loosely.
"Ah.... Would be lying if I said I never heard that one being used before, but it still took me a little off guard... Alright! Shall we begin?~" Everest rubbed his hands together again, and Herobrine turned to nod at the two endermen behind you. Suddenly both your arms were wrapped around by two slender hands, alien to the touch, immediately chilling your spine. "Oh, and almost forgot. I would advise you NOT use any of your mind related tricks on her. That might undo it as well."
"..Sorry.." Mandie whispered in your left ear as she and the other enderman started pulling you away from the door and more towards the awaiting monsters. You struggled against them more out of habit than anything. Fear began taking over you and like a wild rabbit you couldn't handle the thought of being caged! Mandie and the other had to be a little more forceful, and by the look on the enderwoman's face, she was not enjoying the task.
Once you got close enough, Everest pulled out a simple pocket watch on the end of a chain. Well, normal except for the random spots of color on its surface. Slowly, the object started to sway slowly, and though you tried to close your eyes they were just as much glued open.
"Now, (Y/n), I want you to think of your favorite memory..." Everest echoed. The first image that flashed into your mind was just a normal day. A long time ago when you, your brother, your mom...and your dad, all sat together on a hill overlooking a beautiful sunset, just talking...
It was such a beautiful day.. Golden light all around, resting beautifully on the dancing grass that came up all the way to tickle your nose. Under you was a quilt your grandma made so long ago, holding on it baskets full of sandwiches and cupcakes. Simple, but a perfect meal nonetheless. Your parents laughed, the rare time spent together enjoyed to the fullest by both of them. Derik crawled all over his dad, obsessively going on and on about the cave we visited earlier today. You sat quietly in your mom's lap, simply taking in all the joy and warmth. Your young eyes stared up at your daddy in awe. You were still too young to understand why he was gone so much, why he wore the same strange outfit every time he came and went, and why he spoke all the time of monsters far away, in a far away land, but there sure was one thing you did know. And that was that you wanted to be just like him someday. The way he hugged you, the way his eyes twinkled, the way he always made Mom laugh; all things you wanted to be more like some day...
Some day...