Hey guys!

So yeah, I hope you're liking this story! I'm enjoying developing it anyway!

Speaking of Raven, I've got an announcement to make!

Sometime around February, I'm gonna be taking part in a YouTube Minecraft series which is a recreation of this awesome gameshow! Look out for warrior Worgal in Season 3! If I'm good enough, I might even be in Season 4!

Though that probably won't be likely because I'm as good at ladder parkour as Hanso was in the Blasted Mountain!

But not for long because I'm about to update this story! Enjoy! ;D

Chapter 3

You're Not Going

Hanso froze there for a moment, not sure how to react and for a brief second, she felt colder than the time she had swam in the Deep Loch.

The Staff of Power in the Blasted Mountain?

"How did you even-" She paused, deciding not to ask any farther questions- she could tell that Versad was already upset enough and questioning him farther was not going to help. "Never mind."

Versad was rubbing his face with his good hand, covering his eyes, his breath and body shaking. Hanso couldn't see his face now but by the sound of him and those little jerks of the body every now and again, she could almost swear . . .

"Are you crying?"

He didn't respond just buried his head into his knees, shaking harder. Hanso decided to take that as a yes and tried to somehow push him back up against the tree without hurting him.

"Hey."

She tried to take his shoulder but he jerked away, sitting back up to rub his face again and Hanso couldn't help how red his eyes were and how tear stained his face was. Letting out a massive sigh, he finally glanced at her and murmured "What?"

"I can get it, I can." She tried to muster a fake smile again but she wasn't convincing anyone.

"Yeah Hanso, you can't go in the Blasted Mountain without failing any of the challenges, we all know you can't!"

"Well maybe I'll be third time lucky," said Hanso, suddenly perking up. "Yeah, since the quest is over, they're no longer challenges. No more races, I won't have to get any rings-"

"Yeah but what about the Chasm?" Versad interrupted. "What's gonna happen if you fall in? Raven's not gonna be there to save you. And if you make that, what about the end? You can't build a stone soldier to save your life."

"But it's not a race!"

"Well those demons aren't gonna sit around forever! Besides, Nevar's probably already in there, trying to receive the Staff of Power already! Maybe it's too late! Hanso, it's pointless!"

Versad glared at Hanso who remained neutral. It seemed that each angry word from him was only making her more and more determined to go in there.

"I'm going in."

"No you're not."

"I'm going!"

"I won't let you!"

"You're not my boss, Versad," she replied sternly, getting to her feet.

Versad puckered his lips in annoyance. "Since when did you become an Arnor?"

Hanso just ignored him and headed over to warrior camp to sort out some things, grabbing a leather satchel to gather some resources. She had a feeling she was going to need them.

As she began packing up, she heard crunching ahead of her and looked up to see Danil stepping out of his dark spot again.

"Hi," she said pleasantly.

There was a funny look on his face, one of somewhat suspicion.

"Did you say you were going in the Blasted Mountain?"

"No!" Hanso replied a little too quickly. "Why would I? I suck at those challenges, remember?"

Danil lowered his eyebrows but nodded anyway. "Right. Cause if you were . . . I'd understand why, what with you wanting to try and complete everything so you could- yeah . . ." he quickly trailed off. His nod suddenly became shaky and he quickly shuffled back into his area, his face crumpling as he did so.

Hanso exhaled a sigh of relief. Maybe it would be a good idea to wait until nightfall to head off, while all her comrades were asleep.

She head thumping on the trees in that one area and bit her lip, feeling a little guilty. And she thought she was emotional when she had failed to become Ultimate Champion.

She glanced behind her to face him. He seemed to have fallen asleep.

Okay. She could pack up in peace.

"Hi Hanso!"

She whipped up only to see Kesem and the rest of her comrades returning from their hunt. Sonos and Lenat were carrying firewood between them, Mygar and Kelpa had gathered some berries and Beron had come back with some leather and cloth to form bandages.

Kesem noticed the satchel in Hanso's hands and her smile dropped a little. "What are you doing?"

"Oh! Nothing much!" Hanso lied, climbing to her feet. "Just seeing if there was anything useful in here to help make Versad better."

"How's he doing?" Beron asked, glancing at him in concern.

"Oh he's just asleep, he should be alright," Hanso said, trying to act as casual as she could. Noticing the way her comrades were looking at her, she quickly decided to divert their attention. "I made vegetable broth!" she said, pointing.

"Great, I'm starving!" Sonos grinned, immediately turning to grab a bowl.

"You're always starving!" Lenat teased, giving him a poke as the warriors all went to get themselves a good serving, making Hanso smile a little. That was a good recovery.

Soon they all had a nice big bowl each and they all sat down and began to tuck in, the atmosphere seemed to grow more easygoing and lighthearted, at least for the moment. Hanso found herself sitting amongst her fellow female warriors, all enjoying the warm taste from the broth. As she ate, she tried not to hide her worries about heading into the Blasted Mountain alone. If she didn't make it . . .

No, she could do it. She could learn from her mistakes. It would be a good idea to enjoy the night with her friends.

"Feeling better?" Kesem asked, sipping a spoonful of broth.

"Yeah, I guess," Hanso smiled. "It's nice to be back here with you lot."

"Nice to have you back," Mygar added pleasantly.

"Nice that you beat most of the boys!" Kesem added, nudging her with her elbow and the girls all laughed playfully.

"Alright guys, cheers for Hanso for doing it for the ladies!" Kelpa grinned.

The four girls all raised their bowls and cheered, laughing playfully and Hanso noticed that this was probably the first time since her return she had ever laughed. It felt good to smile and have fun again, and it gave her so much more hope for the time when she would have to-

"Tell Hanso she's not to go to the Blasted Mountain to try and get that Staff of Power!"

Versad's holler caused everyone to stop eating and stare at him like he had gone mad. He ignored them and kept his gaze on Hanso who had frozen there, her eyes widened. All her comrade's eyes turned to face her and she could feel her face burning as hot and as red as her sun outfit. She heard a crunching behind her and winced, scrunching up her eyes. She didn't have to turn around to know that even Danil had raced out of the woods and was now standing over her looking shocked.

"So you were going to the Blasted Mountain!"

Kesem stood up straight, her bowl of broth slipping from her legs and spilling to the ground. "You're joking!"

Hanso glanced around her but all she could see were eyes staring at her and suddenly the relaxing atmosphere was just awkward. She turned at Versad who was just sitting there, trying not to smirk. She opened her mouth to protest but knew all too well that she had just been busted. Her shock shifted into one of annoyance and with her remaining voice, just managed to mutter:

"I hate you."

And I'm gonna leave it at that! Because I'm mean like that!

Also if you want more information on Raven Minecraft, check out Billybo10000 on YouTube! It should have everything you need to know!

See ya! ;D