Minecraft. The Stranger.

Chapter nine.

Tyler's point of view.

I sighed in defeat as I laid on my bed. Almost an hour and nothing had changed with me. I was still resting on this damned bed.

I slept in my darkened room, still resting for the fight. But that's the last thing I wanted to do. Sure, it was the only thing, but while I got my beauty sleep, Xander and his team held the Zombies back, while Jack and the others went to attempt to fight the Brute. Everyone was fighting. And everyone was dying. And what was I doing? Resting. But what else could I do? Nothing. I felt so useless. People were out their fighting for their lives, and the lives of others. And I was taking a nap.

But... *Sigh*... I guess regaining my strength was the best I could do, at the moment.

(Shit. This won't end well for anyone) I shouted in my mind.

I rubbed my temples, then laid back down. Then I silently began to beg for them to be safe. I don't know what I who I was asking, but I didn't care at the moment.

(Please. Please, don't let anyone die. I could never forgive myself) I yawned as I stared up at the ceiling, then as time began to slowly pass, I began to fall into a deeper rest.

No dammit! People were fighting for me, and I would be damned of I did not return favor.

I wanted to jump out of this bed, but sleep took over my body, and I finally gave in.

I slept soundly, my dreams for once went with out night-mares.

I stood over the body of the giant Skeleton, Alka is what they called him. I stood on his body with several of his solders below him, and for a second I thought I was actually their.

But I knew it wasn't real.

Because we all have to walk up at some point.

Something was forcing me up, so I let it.

I opened my eyes to a strange smell. (The fuck?) I looked around my room. Nothing. But I still felt like something was wrong.
I tried to close them again, but they kept reopening. As I struggled to fall asleep, I felt something wet drip onto me. I jumped a little as it continued to poor down on me.
I wiped the substance off, then brought it towards my eyes.

.

It... It was blood!

.
When I snapped out of my fear I quickly covered my head with my blanket. Every dark nightmare ran though my mind. Every ounce of fear crawled into my head.
I was scared out of my mind. But what scared me more was this single thought.

(Whats the source of the blood?)

I slowly removed the covers from my face.

And my eyes met the bleeding face of a purple haired girl.

Her eyes had a cold icy stare, and Blood dripped from her forehead down onto me. But no matter how scared I was, I couldn't scream. Even as her body hung from the ceiling.
My heart beat quickened, and my eyes shut.

I woke up from the nightmare, breathing hard. I was not fully awake. That was the most horrible thing I had seen. But what if it had meant something. If it did, what was I doing? I was resting while others were dieing. (Whats wrong with me? Why am I refusing to get up? Fuck sleeping, I'm needed now. Damn it Tyler, GET UP!) My eyes opened, and I tossed the blanket off. My vision was blurry, and I still felt weakened. But not from the poison. I sat up, trying to recover. But then I came too, only to find my room filled with six armed guards. Three boys and three girls, all with long swords. All of them at the age of fifteen. Except the tallest male and female, who looked like eighteen year olds. The oldest male stood up. "Well, look who's awake." He walked over to me, a smile on his face. "Nice to see your not dead, I was hoping for some action, and I was beginning to think I was wasting my night. Although, you shouldn't be to much trouble, considering what you went though. But even so, don't even think of trying to escape. We were given orders to keep you in this room. And, if we have to, we can use force if you try anything." After his sentence, he held his sword up close to me to show he was not kidding. He pulled it back after he made his point. I glared up at him, if he was not with the people that helped me I'd kill him. But I restrained myself. (Enjoy it while you can tough-guy. Because the first chance I get, I'm breaking your arm.) I smiled thinking of it. Then the teenager walked back to his seat, keeping me under his stare. Acting like top-dog. (I swear, he is going to be in so much pain when I get at him) But that's going to take awhile. And I didn't have much time.

Jacks point of view.

We marched though the swamp that lead us towards the creature. My mind was swirling with my thoughts on the battle. I could not die, I had a family that needed me. A wife, and two kids, both of them six. I made a oath to myself, If I would die, I would go down fighting as hard as I could.

I had yet to learn that I would take that oath to the grave.

Even though I felt fearless, the solders next to me did not share that feeling. Only Mitch did. I jumped over a log that had a few baby spiders crawl across with Mitch following closely behind me. When I looked behind me I saw looks of fear coming from each of them, their determination leaving them. And slowly mine began too as well. But as I thought back to the meeting, and it was quickly replaced with anger. The elder sent us on this task, knowing we would lose, we were armed with iron Armour and iron swords.
That would never be enough to stop Alka.
I had to stop thinking about it. It was getting us nowhere.

An twenty minutes later we were coming closer to the spot where our scouts reported Alka would be. Our leader turned to us, placing his swords on the ground.

"Okay. Alka was reported to be arriving here in about one hour and thirty minutes. We have enough time to set up a defense around this area. No way that son of a bitch is getting past us. Winter-Moor is counting on our victory here,"

He was deluding himself if he actually believed that we we're going win, much less survive.

He continued giving his orders. "I need our Marks-men in the trees around the area. And we need some traps built in the ground, and a small tunnel so that we can communicate. When he walks across it I want swords-men to jump him. I need half of our swords-men on that task. The other half with be divided into teams of three. Those teams will need to build a shelter all around. When our trap solders attack I need them to rush in on Alka. Now you have your orders, move out." All of us saluted, then carried out the orders. The marksmen climbed up into the trees while the others dug the wholes into the ground.

I looked around for Mitch, but it was hard to spot him in the crowd of solders. But I spotted him anyway. He was speaking with a female solder named Sher.

I quickly ran up to him. He turned to me and so did Sher. I nodded my head to the both of them in greeting. Then Mitch spoke. "Jack, Sher here is going to be on our squad. She already gathered the necessary supplies to build a mini base." At that moment Sher took out her back-pack and took out sand and dirt. " We should have enough to build a big enough shelter to house us three, and with some left over." Explained Sher. I grabbed some of her supplies. "Well, lets get to work." Both Sher and Mitch grabbed some and set to work.

I started placing sand down to make the left wall, while Mitch built the right wall. Sher on the other hand was taking away the sand below us, to make it look more like it was part of the land, then placed dirt on top for the roof. I would have choose cobble-stone or something, but hey, it was her choice. And I was not going to piss someone off right now, were in enough trouble as I is.

While I built the wall so it connected with Sher's hole, I looked at the other solders. Most had their trap set, while the others were building their shelter. But no matter how much I was worried about them, I looked away. I knew I no longer needed to worry about them, the only thing I had to look out for was my team. It might seem selfish, but that was my job.
I started to work faster. I placed block by block into the wall, while making it look natural as well.
I shoved in the last block and I finished my work, then began to help my friends.

In the next twenty minutes we had the Small shelter built out of dirt and sand, still not the best supplies but oh well.
I turned to our squad leader, he was helping some privates with their weapons while Mitch bashed open a hole into it, then we crawled in.
It was not huge, but enough to give each of us at least fifth-teen blocks or space.

Once in I shoved my way past Sher and took my spot.
But Mitch on the other hand...
He turned around and removed some dirt. I stared at him confused, until he leaned on some blocks of dirt that he had constructed to resemble a chair. He stretched his arms out and yawned.

Was... Was he relaxing?

"So, now we just wait for the tunnel to get finished, then We get ready for Alka. Easy as that." He leaned further into his chair and scratched his head.

I stared at my brother strangely. I don't know how the hell he could relax at a time like this. Did he not under stand the risks? Well if he wanted to kick-back, fine. I was going to be ready to fight.

I covered up the door, then made a big enough hole in the sand where we could peek through quickly and cover it up fast when we needed to.

I peeked through. Panic running in my body. I wiped some sweat that dripped into my eyes, then looked back to my brother.

Still relaxing, the fucker was about to dowse off. When a fight could start any second.

Angrily I turned back to the land.

Further away black clouds covered the sky, and lighting flashed from them. It only scared me more of the coming danger.

But then I took a look at the land before me. The land that our battle would take place. And felt something from the sight.

And as I watched it, I felt this great sense of peace wash over me.

Their was a cool calm wind that blew through the hole and into our hide-out. The leaves on the trees softly danced with the wind. When a leaf fell it spun in circles, then landed softly on the ground. I don't know how, but I felt peaceful.
I placed my weapon down then sat back on the wall and began to feel relaxed.

It was something I had never seen, something our Elders spoke of often.

It was the calm before the storm. I now knew why Mitch was so relaxed. He felt it too.

It was said that before a terrible storm their is a brief moment of great peace, this was one of the only times that it could be felt.

I knew I had needed to be here. I never wanted this to end, this inner peace. But it had to.

Someone dug into our shelter, reveling a tunnel in the back.

"Alka approaches soon. Be ready, my friends." The solder placed the block turned back around and ran off to return to his squad.

Even though we had been given dreadful news, none of us lost our sense of peace.

I clenched my sword in my hand lightly.

(Come get us, you bastard.) I challenged him in my mind. Knowing he heard it.

Tylers P.O.V

God these guys were pissing me off. Every time I moved they jumped. Plus all of them would watch me for a couple minutes, then turn away, then start watching me again. Except for the second youngest girl, who looked about fourteen, she was always watching me, but not when I looked directly at her.

Fucking weird.

But the worst moment had been when some of my hair had fallen into my eye. So naturally I went to rub it out. All of them jumped to their feet, getting ready to draw their swords, a look of panic in their eyes. After they sat back down I pinched the bridge of my nose and shook my head. And they all looked embarrassed.
I had to get out of here, they were driving me crazy. Well, more insane then I already was. But then came the bad news.

The same messenger who had warned the elder, came running into the room. "Thomas, message for you." He said painting.
The oldest one, the asshole who threatened me, walked over to the messenger. Thomas responded. "Yes, what is it." The messenger spoke quickly; "The Eltrco-Jumpers and Creepers have joined the battle-field. So expect blackouts. Also, their are no reports for your team, he wants you to stand guard here, and to remain as such." Thomas sighed."Dismissed." And the messenger left with out another word.
As the messenger left, Thomas turned back to his team and started barking orders.
"You heard him. Be ready for the blackouts. Were staying put until further notice."
He tried to act calm, but you could plainly see the look of anger on his face.
I almost laughed.

But at that point I had stopped focusing on the team. I only thought about the word they repeated.

Blackouts! Thats what I needed. When the lights went out I could escape. But looks like I was going to have stay put for awhile longer. I just hoped the others would at least survive until I was recovered.

Fifth-teen minutes had passed. And apparently I wasn't the only one getting pissed. Each one of the team had this deeply pissed off look stuck on their faces. While I was sick of them, I did get some enjoyment from their displeasure. I had to be put under watch, and they suffered because of that.

Then the oldest girl snapped. "Okay. I am tired of this! I'm hungry, I am tired!"
"Your also bitchy." Interrupted the second oldest male.

Their was a awkward silence in the room. She gave him a dirty stare before taking a step at him. The teenager put his fist up, ready .

But Thomas-who knew a fight would break out at any second-stepped between them. "Enough. I know we are all tired. But we were given orders to stay put, and that's what were going to do." The two looked at each other before backing down.

What an ass. Just ruined the show.
My money and been on the girl.

I noticed that even as Thomas manged to keep his cool, he still had a look of annoyance on his face.
He did a pretty good job of hiding it, but their looks disappeared when that one girl who kept watch on me with the embarrassed look spoke. "If you guys want, I can stay on watch."
Thomas looked at the young girl. "Are you sure Jamie?"

Everything in my view came to a stop.
Her name was Jamie? Hearing the name made me sink into a depressed state.

God dammit. I did not need this right now.

The girl named Jamie nodded her head. "Go get some rest, I got enough sleep earlier today." Before Thomas could give an answer, the oldest girl spoke up. "No. That's against protocol." What came next surprised even me.
"F*** the rules. You guys go rest, and besides, if anything happens I can call for back-up."
No one said anything. They all stared wide-eyed at her. Her little outburst had shocked them. But before anyone could argue with her, Thomas broke in. "If your sure." "I am." Jamie replied.

Thomas gave a shrug. "Well, I guess we can leave for an hour or two. Fine. lets get out of here." Thomas's team left first, but he hung back. "Good luck, and remember, if you need help, call." As he spoke his last words he glared at me.
I took nothing of it, I knew he couldn't do anything to me.

After they had all left, I turned to Jamie.

I shook my head, I could not deal with this right now.

I was confused, so I thought she could indulge me as to why she had done what she did.
"If I may ask, you chose to stay behind because?" She turned to me. "My own reasons, they needed a brake."
She was holding out. I knew their was more to it then that, but I respected what she was doing. He took her spot back, then kept an eye on me. The only time she looked away is when my gaze met hers.

She sat in complete silence, as did I as well. My mind flashing to the fighting.

I hope they were right. That these people could handle themselves.

But the more I thought of my battle, the more unsure I became.
I fought that thing, that monster named Alka.
He was strong. I had gotten lucky in my fight. Hell, he would have kept fighting if the sun hadn't chased him away.

But soon I began to wounder. What was the point in giving the offer if they were going to reject it? I might as well go back to sleep, because until this fight is over they were going to keep me under watch, and I would like to actually be able to sneeze with out having some asshole jump with their weapons pointed at me.

So be it. I had wanted to stop right now anyway. And if they didn't want my help then that was fine by me.

I yawned from exhaustion, then rubbed my eyes.

(Fuck you all) I really wanted to say that to them all but I was tried. So I was going to get some more sleep.

Then another thought snuck its way into my mind.
Maybe I should have told her. "Wake me your friends are all dead." As my own little joke.
But I did not need some guard with a sword angry with me as I tried to sleep, then I would wake up only to find a sword had gone through my chest. I would very much like to not have a hole in my chest.

I tried to fall asleep, but something kept nagging me to get up.

Not my fault they were stubborn. But, I at least had to try.

I could ask her, and something told me she would not act like Thomas, I could tell. She seemed nicer.

But she was still an enemy right now, but maybe she would listen to reason, where as the others would not.
It was alot to hope for, but it was worth a shot.
I had to get her to listen.

I leaned up and adjusted my clothes. Then began to speak to her.
"So. Is Thomas your brother or something?"

Jamie looked at me, her eye-brow raised. "No," She said shaking her head. "I mean, he's sort of like my brother, he's been my teams leader for a while now. But other then that, no."
She seemed awfully chatty. "I noticed how he seems very protective of you. Very."
She blushed a little at what I said.
"Not like that. Like a little sister."
She sighed deeply.
She seemed... Relieved?

"Is he that much of a dick that him liking you would that bad?"
She broke into a laughing fit.
"Ha ha. Hey, you met him for ten minutes and he was threatening to cut off one of your limbs."
"He didn't seem that bad."

She stared at me with a "Oh really" face. "Okay, yeah, he's a douche."
She was again started laughing.
And so did I.

The last fifteen minutes were filled with our chatting.

I told her about my fake story, and just as the elder she seemed caring for me, she spoke of her life in the colony, her training, the struggles that faced.
I know I was wasting time, but at least she was warming up to me.
And I was enjoying it as well.

She had even placed her weapon on the table and had her chair next to my bed.

It was strange.
I could have done anything, yet she had enough trust in me to put her weapon down. If she could do that, then she would let me speak.

It was now or never.

"Jamie. I need to ask you something." I began

"Sure. What is it?" So far so good.
I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply.

"Look. I know you were given orders to keep me in this room, but I need to get out their and help."

As I spoke she could only stare at me. No words could be said. But even so she would not budge.

She just rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but our greatest fighters are out their, and if they can not defeat the monster, then I doubt you can."

I grabbed my head and shook it.

God dammit. What was with these people?

"It matters not if I beat it," I said raising my head.
"But at least I will be able to try and save several lives. I don't care happens to me, I just care about saving those lives!"

Nothing was spoken after my out burst.
And for a second she seemed to understand. The look on her face said so.

I had her where I needed her to be.
I was going to make her listen.

"Look, even if wanted to I couldn't. Alka is too dangerous for one person. Right now Xander and his team are keep the creatures from entering the base. Plus it takes a very long time to even get to the entrench and back. And I don't know much the troops that were sent to engage Alka are going to do."

"Jamie-"

She jumped up, stomping her feet on the ground.
"No. Dammit Tyler, were not going to send one person out to fight him! Especially one who is injured as you are now, or did you forget that? You would get slaughtered!"

I saw the idea of me going out their and fighting disturbed her greatly.

So I had to calm her down.
I placed my hands on her shoulders quickly and spoke softly.

"I never said I wouldn't. But these things are here because of me. Is my life worth the lives of your family that is out their fighting? Is one life worth all that?" She may have been angry towards me, but her eyes did not have that anger.

"I just need you to give me a chance."

She just starred sadly at me. Her eyes showing a deep sadness that I did not fully understand.

She looked away. And I knew I had reached her.

"Jamie-"

"If you go out their, you will die." She interrupted me once again, tears dropping from her eyes.

I nodded my head.
"I know. But I'll do what I can to stop that bastard."

She pushed away.
She turned away and stood in silence.

"I know how you feel. But I have to do this. You need to let me try."

She huffed and said nothing else.

The room was filled with the silence, and for a moment I thought I had lost my chance.

She put her arms down and ran over to her weapon and grabbed it, then she tossed me a dagger.
"I won't be able to lead you out. But for now I can at least help you get your gear back."

I smiled at her. I was right, she wasn't like the others.

"Right," I replied. "Lets go."

I grabbed the dagger and rose from the bed while she held open the door.

I followed her out into a hallway.

It was filled with torches that had the entire hallway lit up. She looked around, then walked down the right hallway and I started following her.

She did not want me to go and fight,

yet she was going to help me.

I did not know why.

Jack's P.O.V.

The battle was coming, I could feel it. The air lost that feeling of calm and had been replaced with a mix of fear and dispare.

Even Mitch had readied himself for battle.

The storm was almost here. And soon our ability's would tested.

Athena protect is. (Go look her up, she is a Greek goddess)

The tunnel where the solder had busted through had been reopened and the same solder had popped through it.

Their was a looked a dread on his face as he spoke. "Alka approaches, we have ten minutes to his arrivel."

Sher gasped a little and Mitch now fully stood with his weapon in his hand.

That's when I became nervous. Mitch gave me that feeling.

(That's how I know things are about to get really shitty. Mitch is acting serious for once.)

What I said was true, Mitch never acted serious or even remotely mature. He was always optimistic, even when things got bad, expect for now. Maybe I had made a terrible choice in becoming a solder, but it was too late now...

Mitch placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, Jack. Can I ask something?"

I looked at him angrily.

I swear too fucking god. Iff this was one of those, watch over my wife and kids if anything happens to me, moments I was going to slug him in the head with the handle of my sword.

"What is it?" I replied. Mitch quickly hugged me tightly.

"Don't die. I can't lose my brother."

(That bastard. That selfish bastard.) He knew how bad this was. And he was asking me this?

He let me go and took his spot back.

(Due to me having headaches, the continuation of this scene will be cut short to where Jack and friends engage Alka early. Later on the scene will be finished

Alka held his sword over his shoulder as he stalked towards me, laughing to himself.

I cowered in fear. (No. Nooo. I can't let him win, not here.)
I shouted in my mind.
I wanted to keep going, to keep fight, yet I felt my life-force slip away. But all looked lost for me.

Alka towered over me at last. A horrible smile on his face. "To to end another insects life," He grabbed my neck and brought me up closer to him. "My face will be the last thing your pitiful eyes ever see." I shook in fear, but manged one last thing before I he took me out.
"Fuck. (Spits) You." The Skeleton sighed, then moved the tip of the blade closer to my body.
He pushed the tip into my stomach, making me let out a pain filled squeak. (Fuckers toying with me. Just finish it.)

My wish would be granted. He pulled back the blade and readied it,
then quickly pushed it forward.

I closed my eyes as I waited for the finishing blow, but it did not come. I wondered why?

Everything moved normally.

But in my eyes everything was moving in slow-motion. I looked at the Skeleton as his attack came slow.

But something else then caught my eye. Several arrows flew at the Chief, and the shots came from none other then my brother and the other solders.
Why had they stayed? (Those idiots! They should have ran) But I should have known Mitch would have done this.

As the blade came closer I put both of my legs on his chest and pushed, getting myself free.

I landed on the ground with a soft thud as the arrows made contact with the Skeletons body. Making the monster scream for a moment.

Everything began to move at normal speed once again, yet Alka had jumped around and glared at my brother and the others. He huffed angrily then took a step towards them. Mitch stared at the Chief as he stalked closer to them. Our Sargent held his arm up and yelled out an order. "RELOAD. READY, AIM. FIRE!"

More arrows were shot at the Skeleton. But Alka didn't even flinch as the shots entered his chest. Mitch had a terrible look of fear on his face as that monster came closer.

The Sargent screamed an order. "RETREAT. ITS NO USE!" The others ran with him, no bothering to make sure everyone got away.

Yet Mitch did not, he just fell and sat their. Instead of running, he had frozen with fear.

And Alka saw that, and took full advantage of him. "You were right to fear me human." Alka said laughing as Mitch could do nothing but watch. (No. Don't you dare touch him you fucker.)

I picked up two rocks off from the ground. Noway was he harming him as long as I was still alive. I placed one into my right hand and threw it at the back of its head.

It stopped in its tracks. "STAY AWAY FROM HIM!" I grabbed the last rock and threw it even harder at his head.

It turned around after the rock collided with his head, casting an evil glare at me. "Come on, come and fight me. I'm his elder, wouldn't you at least like a challenge when you kill something." As I screamed my challenge, he smiled. "That wouldn't be you."

As he walked closer to me I looked past him to see Mitch getting off of the ground. "GET OUT OF HERE MITCH!" I screamed at my brother.

Mitch shook his head. "I'm not leaving you alone, if you die, then we both die."

"Mitch don't you dare. Your not staying here." I turned my attention to the Chieftain as he swung his sword at me.

I rolled away from the attack while the sword cut the tree in half. The Skeleton brought his sword back then kicked with his right left, knocking me back about ten feet.

But I was not worried about myself at the moment. Mitch had took a running charge at Alka.

"MICHAL! I AM YOUR OLDER BROTHER! AND WHEN MOM AND DAD DIED THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE CARE OF YOU! AND YOU ARE NOT TO STAY AND FIGHT!"

He stopped at my outburst. "Mitch. Just run." My brother still looked unsure of what to do. But to my relief, Sher and come running over to him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him with her as she ran.

Mitch only looked back once.

"You were a fool. You should have ran when you had the chance." Spoke the demented Skeleton.

"Their is no one to get in the way this time. Come on you bastard. Finish it." I edged him to continue.

Alka continued back towards me, now with full intention of killing me. "As you wish. AHHHHH!"

The Chieftain jumped at me and unleashed a fury of punches and kicks. He grabbed my throat and punched me in my stomach, then tossed me like a rag-doll.

Bastard was tough.

I saw Mitch and the others stare fearfully at the Brute as they fled.

I knew Mitch wanted to stay, he would have wanted to die beside me.

Yet he had to live. He had to continue on. And I was going to make the sacrifice to insure it. I would not let this over grown take my brother away. I would rather burn in hell then let that happen.
I began to stand up. But huffed in pain. That only gave Alka some amusement. The cruel fucker.

I fully stood and regained my composer.

This was my final fight.

My journeys end.

It all ended here.

It was All or nothing.

I reached around to my pack I had placed on my waist and pulled out two sticks of dynamite.

I placed them both on one had and got out a red-stone torch and lit them both.

The Chief eyed me. Not knowing what I was doing.

I dropped the red-stone and held a block of dynamite in both hands.

Our glares meet, and at once I felt a cold fear.

Memory's of my life ran through mind which only assured me that I was going to die.

My mother,

My father,

My sister,

My brother,

My friends,

My wife,

My children...

My life.

I smiled, and tears dripped from my eyes.
I wiped them away and took a step back.

"Time to finish this." I charged at the Chief while screaming.

Only then did he react, he pulled his sword out and slashed to his left.

I ducked down just in time.

I rolled with it, then jumped into its chest, pushing the blocks into his rib-cage. I heard bones snap in the process, making Alka scream in pain, then as I tired to jump away he quickly grabbed my head and yanked me off.

He growled at me, but the hissing from his chest caught his attention.

He glanced down to find the dynamite.

Then looked at me with a glare.

I spit on him. Then spoke my last words. "Eat shit, and die." Then came the explosion.

I felt a horrible pain shoot through my chest, followed by a burning sensation.

Then nothing, just darkness.

And a horrible silence. Nothing but silence. This is what our Shamans described when we met our end.

"Mitch. Forgive me. I did what I had to do to stop Alka."

I let my thoughts go silent. And soon, I felt nothing.

"Come my child, it is time." A voice spoke to me out of the darkness.

I felt my eyes slowly open, and I regained my sight.
When I looked up a bright white light met my eyes, forcing me to shut them

The same voice spoke to me once more. "Open your eyes my son, your actions have earned you this reward."

I felt sun-shine warm my body, and it felt like I was laying on grass. I could smell spring air, along with the sound of the birds songs.
This confused me. So opened my eyes.
And saw something amazing.

My eyes meet a clear blue sky with plenty of blue birds flying through the sky.

"The fuck?" I leaned up and discovered I was on a lush green land on top of a cliff.

I rubbed my head and moved closer to edge.

What I saw took my breath away.

Below me was a soft moving ocean, so clear I could see the bottom, and in the waters I saw Rainbow coloured fish swam back and fourth, all of them swimming peacefully.

"Do you enjoy this?" I heard the voice ask. I pushed off the ground and rose to my feet.
I came face to face with the last person I'd ever expect.

A red haired woman with a white dress, who had a bright light surrounded her, even as she stood in the suns light.

She stepped close and spoke with her sweet voice. "This is your reward for everything you have done in you life. You have earned it."
I stared at her and smiled. But I still felt this deep sadness, making me frown.

The goddess's gazed turned into a confused one, which upset her greatly.

"What is wrong my child? Your fight is done, you may rest now."

I could not expect this, not yet.

I looked at her, and spoke.

" Athena... What became of my brothers and sisters? Was I able to stop the Chieftain?"

Athena's warm gaze turned into a saddened one.

I stared at her for a few seconds.

What was wrong? What had happ-

...No...No...No...No...

I dropped to my knees, understanding her at last. I didn't want to believe it.

Our solders fought for our lands...

More then half of them died...

I left my family, I gave my life...

And for what? A sacrifice that only succeeded in pissing off the monster.

I thought in my death, I could save them.
But I only slowed him down. And not by much.

Oh god. Mitch... Forgive me...

I began to scream at the thought of what would become of him.

Athena placed her hand on my shoulder.
But she could find no words to say.

I had failed...

That is my story. My final tale.

I was a solder who was sent to give his life to fight a monster. And in the end...

That's what I did.

My name is...

Was...

Jack Parker Willow, and tonight, I have died...

General P.O.V

After the smoke from Jack's attack had gone, Alka wiped the blood from his face, smiling as he saw the body of Jack on the ground.
"Fools." Alka muttered. The Skeleton chuckled and stepped on the body as he walked away.

He was close to the spot where Xander and the others had made their stand. And when he arrived, they would be too exhausted to put up much Resistance. And he knew this very well.

"No mercy. No survivors. No surrender." The Chieftain spoke his creed as he continued on.

Alka had survived one harsh battle with only a few bruises. But how would he fair against a fight with Winter-moors champions?
Would they be able to with-stand an attack from him?

Would he succeed against a harsh battle with them?

Well sit back and continue reading.

Because we are about to find out.

Xander had his hands wrapped around a zombies neck as he shoved the undead beast's head into the water.

The Zombie struggled to free itself, it thrashed around as it was submerged in the water. It clawed at him as it tried to force its way up, but Xander had an iron grip on it.

It thrashed around harder, trying to resurface.
"Just. Die." Xander said as he pushed harder on the Zombies neck.

As he continued the Zombies struggling seemed to be getting weaker.
But what seemed like another kill to his name was taken.

He felt a small zap of electrify hit his back, making him release the zombie.

As he looked back he saw the huge snake-like body of an Eltcro-jumper. (Ever played Halo 3 O.D.S.T? The creature has the same design as the Engineer.)

Xander jumped away as he nearly got himself hit by another lightning strike. But failed to see the angered Zombie jump back up to his feet.

It aimed its claws at Xander and scratched the warrior on his face, making the Sixteen year old fall onto his back.

As he tried to recover from the savage attack, the Zombie looked at him with starving eyes.

Obviously their Master starved them, which had explained they Zombies nature.

Yet Xander was still dazed and the Zombie came closer.

But the hungry beast never was able to attack Xander.

Zero rushed in from a crowed of creatures and kicked the Zombie in the stomach, then as it was down he plunged his sword into its back.

The Zombie screamed a bloody howl as Zero pulled the sword back, then grabbed onto the creatures clothes and threw it into the icy water. But even through most of the Zombies were dead or retreating, the Creeper's and Elctro-jumpers had been an even greater threat, as the jumpers could super charge the walking grenades.

Xander-now recovered- staggered to his feat. "Thanks Zero, second time tonight that one of those undead freaks all most turned me into an all you can eat buffet."

Zero smiled and nodded his head while Xander picked up his sword off the ground.

Zero looked away from his friend back to the Elctro-jumpers as two more gathered around, followed by the remaining creatures. He slashed the sword out to his right and held it their.

Xander joined in and entered his battle stance. "Zero, we can't fight them by ourselves." He said, his voice a little shaken with fear.

But Zero did not show that same fear, he only smiled. "X. Don't you know yet. Were never alone."

"That's right." Said a new voice behind the two.

It was true. Alone they were weak, but when they fought together, that's what made the the best.

The rest of their team fell in beside the two as they stared down the remaining enemy's.

Xander gazed around him as his friends had their weapons at the ready. And soon, even had begun to lose his sense of fear.

Xander pointed his sword out at the creatures and spoke as the leader he was. "If you want to fight, then come and attack."

The creatures grunted as they glared at the seven solders. But after a few heart beats. The creatures began to step back.

Xander stared at them confused, creatures never backed down from a fight, it was fighting to the death.

Soon after they creatures turned and ran. All of them fleeing from the battle-field.

Xander watched the monsters of the night run. "Umm, what the hell just happend?"

Zero scratched his head. "That's never happened before. They've never run from a fight. Why now?"

Even though they were greatly confused, Xander was more then relieved that it was over.

He sighed heavily, hopefully the creatures would not attack in a full assault like that for awhile.

Miz planted the tip of his blade into the ground. "Does that mean we win?"

Xander nodded his head. "I guess so."

But he knew not of how wrong he truly was.

After a few moments, the sound of loud stomping hit their ear-drums. And then came a voice Xander had heard only once before.

"Wrong. Dead. Wrong."

The team quickly jumped away as a huge sword came crashing down. It was their greatest fear.

The Chief of the Brute Skeletons was standing right in front of them, an evil grin frozen on his face.

He spoke with the demonic voice that they all feared. "You fools actually thought you could survive this battle?"

He pulled his sword back and placed it over his shoulders as the others ran next to Xander.

"You may have driven off the others, but I won't be so easily defeated."

Xander stared fearfully at the Skeleton, unsure of what to do, and his friends were doing no better.

But he knew they had to try. If he was here, then the solders that he knew had been sent were dead. And he had to try, for them.

.

He shook his head, then held his sword out in front of him. The others said nothing, but did as he did.

He stepped back, then charged at the Chieftain.

.

.

To be continued...

This took me forever to get finished. But I finally got this done. And yes, the chapter will be edited later.

And Chapter ten is almost done, so that will be posted soon, not in a couple of months like my other Chapters. Thanks for reading, and this will be completely finished soon, just give me three to five days.

S.W.38. signing off.