3rd Person P.O.V
Jessie found Olivia near a redstone contraption, firing questions at the man who made it in quick succession. Getting her attention he told her what happened. Olivia shook her head, "Some people" she muttered, and after telling her what the man looked like they went their separate ways.
Reuben gave a encouraging squeal when Jessie sighed in frustration. He smiled down at his pig before continuing his search.
He wondered how long they would look for, they didn't have all day. Soon they would meet Gabriel and Jessie would, hopefully, get the command block (or at least its whereabouts).
Seeing a flash of green and black up ahead, Jessie turned. It was the guy. A quick "C'mon Reuben," and they started hurrying after the guy. Jessie would be able to hold him until his friends came alon-
"Well, if it isn't the cheating loser. Found your dumb pig did you?"
Aiden. Of course. He couldn't leave Jessie alone, could he?
"Aiden, I don't care about what you have to say, so kindly, go screw yourself," Jessie said, frustration evident in his voice. If Aiden said one more thing he was gonna lose it.
"Tsk, I could take you." Aiden scoffed, glaring at him.
Sighing, "Aiden, just stop before either of us do something we regret," He said making his way around the leather jacket clad boy.
Aiden growled. Aiming a punch at Jessie's temple in anger. Jessie, who had been training hard ever since he had accepted being Romeo's champion, had honed his reflexes as best as he could in the short time. Grabbing Aiden's fist, he threw his own punch at him. Aiden groaned. A bruise starting to form where Jessie had landed his hit. By the time Aiden had gotten up, both Jessie and Reuben were out of sight.
Jessie scowled, he had let his anger get the best of him. It wasn't his fault, Aiden was justso annoying.He was sure Romeo would have told him to continue, him not liking Aiden and his friends at all. Still. One punch was the most Jessie would do to him. He wouldn't become a bully.
Seeing the the man up ahead Jessie ran, Reuben right behind him. Grabbing his shoulder he pulled him to face him.
"Aha! You thought you could just scam Pet-" Jessie blushed. The person he had just yanked towards him wasn't the guy he was looking for. They weren't a man at all.
The woman glared, "If you would get your hands off of me," she said. As she stalked away all Jessie could do was mumble out "Sorry."
Glancing at Reuben he noticed the little pig had a wide eyed expression; as if he too understood how embarrassing that was.
Still beet red, Jessie started looking again.
-LINE BREAK -
Finding Axel at a machine, he told him what was going on. Axel told him that he would be on the lookout, though he had continued watching the chicken machine.
Jessie shook his head. He wasn't really worried, as distracted as Axel seemed he would still be on the lookout for the bearded man.
Jessie looked, but couldn't find him. He went around the entire area twice to make sure. Where ever this guy went, they weren't gonna find him.
Just as he was about to call it quits, no matter how much he didn't want to, he realised something; Romeo would know!
He didn't want to ask Romeo to do thingsforhim, but he didn't have much choice; it was ask Romeo for help and get Petra her skull back or not do anything.
Finding a nearby alleyway and making sure not to be seen, he called Romeo.
A second passed. Then Romeo stood before him. The Admin smiled at his friend and champion, "Have you found it?"
He shook his head, causing Romeo to frown. The red head hummed, "So why have you called me?" he asked, not unkindly. Jessie explained what was going on. Romeo nodded his head, humming again. Eyes looking somewhere behind him, "Is that him?" he asked, gesturing towards someone.
Jessie turned. And gasped. It was him, and if Jessie wasn't wrong then he was going to the Town Hall.
Uttering a quick "Thanks!" he ran after the man, leaving Romeo to shake his head.
-A few moments later-
It turns out Petra had told Lukas what was going on, and Lukas being the good friend he was, insisted he help. After a semi-awkward conversation (where they both used 'cool' a lot) they met up with Axel, Olivia and Petra.
Jessie told them he saw the guy going towards the town hall. That's when Jessie realised Lukas wouldnt be able to go with them, as Aiden was the one with the tickets and the moment he found out that Lukas was helping out the so called 'losers' hedefinitelywouldn't give Lukas his ticket.
So to get in they broke a chicken machine trying to scare the guy guarding the entrance. Jessie felt slightly bad as the man who made the machine cried out, trying to fix it.
Together they made their way in to the town hall. On stage they noticed someone hyping the crowd up for someone's - most likelly Gabriel's- entrance.
They looked for the guy who scammed Petra in the crowd, but it was Lukas who spotted him coming out of the basement. Curios, they they made their way down.
The basement was big. Bookshelves lining the walls, full to the brim. Potion equipment lay about, looking to have been in recent use. They split up. Olivia looking through the books. She noticed many were on potionology, herbology, zoobiology, zoology, mythology and a book called 'Mobestiary'. A quick look through the book and Olivia was shocked. The book itself was made from what looked like creeper skin, which shouldn't be possible, and was covered in dust. Almost like no one ever touched it.
Olivia thought for a moment, before putting the book in her inventory. It was covered in dust, ergo no one was using it. A few shelves over Lukas was looking for a place someone would hide a skull. The blond ignored the distrustful looks Axel kept giving him, he was here to help Petra, not fuel the fire that Aiden and his other friends started.
Axel glared at Lukas. Petra giving him a look, "What?" She shrugged, "Nothing," she continued rummaging through the chests. Usually Petra, along with the others, wouldn't go through another persons stuff. However hedidsteal a very expensive skull from Petra, therefore they didn't feel all that bad going through his belongings.
And who knew, maybe he stole some of this stuff as well.
Jessie frowned slightly, not sure how to feel about his friends going through another persons stuff. Though he kept his silence, the guy scammed Petra, it was fair that they had a look through his stuff, right? Jessie made his way to a bunch of drawers, covered in potion ingredients and the like.
Opening the drawers he found a neat pile of unopened letters, a few crumbled/ ripped ones which all seemed to be from the same person (all Jessie could make out from the letter was the first letter of someone's name, 'E', whoever that was) and a few miscellaneous items such as broken keys and a broken picture frame.
Picking it up Jessie saw that while the frame was broken, the glass and the picture itself was fine. It was weird, seeing the Order members so young. A young Gabriel was being hugged by a young Magnus, who hadhair.Next to Magnus was Ellegaard, who seemed to not realise the look she was giving the griefer; one full of love and trust. Besides Ellegaard was a ginger, Soren. He seemed to be fidgeting, though it was hard to tell from the picture. And then there was-
Jessie blinked, brows furrowing, he had known that there was a fifth member of the Order, butthisguy?
He looked happy, Jessie realised. The man was giving Soren a one armed hug, reaching something out of view. Turning the picture over Jessie saw it was signed.
Good luck on your adventures, Vos!Love Gabriel, Ellegaard, Magnus, Soren and Ivor.
So his name was Ivor? Jessie hummed, happy he didn't have to refer to him as 'beardy' or 'guy' anymore. Though he was puzzled as to who this 'Vos' was, maybe an old friend? But why would Ivor have the picture?
Jessie stared for a moment, before placing the photo in his inventory. He wasn't sure why but he got the oddest feeling that he may need it later on. But then again, he had always got these feelings. And they had never led him wrong...
Petra huffed loudly, "Where is it?!" A chest closed loudly. Jessie peered around the corner to see Lukas looking at something odd. Walking over to him he just had to ask, "What'cha got there, Lukas?" He looked over the blondes shoulder and nearly gasped. The item Lukas held was a book or journal. Though that wasn't what was amazing, it was what it was made of that was amazing. The journal was covered in scales; dark yellow, nearly bronze, coloured scales. With a single pale, nearly see through gem in the middle. The gem was surrounded by thin chains, stopping anyone from opening it. Lukas made an impressed sounding noise, trailing his finger up and down the spine.
"Ow!" Lukas yelped, dropping the journal.
The journal dropped to the floor, a small drop of blood on the side where Lukas was feeling. The blonde hissed, putting the bleeding finger in his mouth. Picking the journal back up, this time careful not to cut himself, he and Jessie watched in silent awe as the blood seemed to disappear. The pale gem seemed to glow a dull colour, somewhere between red and yellow, but not quite orange. The chains keeping it closed fell off.
For a moment they said nothing. Only the sounds of their friends movements echoing around them. Then, almost as if they shared a mind, they shared a glance, "What just happened? ""What just happened?!"
They stopped. Lukas was breathing heavily, eyes darting between the journal and his now healed finger.
"Je-Jessie you...you saw that, ri-right? I'm not-" his hands shook a bit as he tried to calm himself, " I'm not going insane, right? That...that really happened...?"
"Yeah, I saw it too. Lukas, you are okay, right?" Lukas nodded.
A few seconds passed. The sound of people walking above them a background noise as Jessie alternated between looking at the book and Lukas. Just as he opened his mouth to ask Lukas ifhe really was okay,Olivia poked her head around the corner.
"Hey, we found something- Are you two alright? You look like you saw a Husk," she said, taking a few steps towards them. Lukas grabbed the book, shoving it into his inventory as quickly as he could without Olivia seeing, "Yep! Just...just saw a bat is all. Surprised us, that's all."
Olivia nodded, before going back to whatever she found. Jessie looked at Lukas questioningly, but the blonde gave him a look.Later.
Jessie nodded. They had more important things to worry about than a weird book.
Though there was a chance it was important.
Jessie wondered if Romeo might have any knowledge of such a book.
Together, Lukas and Jessie made their way through the bookcases to where Axel, Olivia and Petra were.
-LINE BREAK -
Olivia was looking at something, something that glowed and lit up her face.
When Jessie saw what she was reaching to touch, he shouted at her to stop.
Everyone jumped, letting out startled yells. They turned too Jessie.
"What's wrong?" Olivia asked, heart still beating erratically.
Jessie thought on what he should say, then decided it wouldn't hurt to be a little honest. "That block could be dangerous, especially if it's inthatplacement," he said pointing at the soulsand on either side of the block.
Lukas, who had been silent, nodded and said "Jessie is right, I'm not sure what that block is but it looks like the recipe for a wither."
Petra looked down at the chest near her feet and opened it. The others watched as she pulled outthreewither skulls.
"We need to tell someone about this," Olivia whispered. Everyone silently agreed, the sounds of people cheering upstairs reminding them that there were people, innocent people, right on top of a living deathtrap.
They started to make their way back up.
Until they heard the basement door open.
Hearing the distant voice get closer they hid amongst the bookshelves and equipment. Jessie grabbed Reuben, holding the pig close to him.
Jessie listened to Ivor speak.
He sounded resentful, though Jessie couldn't blame him. If his friends did to him what the Order did to Ivor, then he would be a little hurt too.
Olivia lifted her head, trying too see where Ivor had gone as his voice grew distant. Sadly she missed the potion bottle that was close to her, accidentally knocking it over and sending it crashing to the ground.
Ivor paused in his speech, hearing one of his potions fall. He got up to investigate. Petra watched him walk closer to where Olivia was.
Petra glanced at Jessie, who nodded. They pulled out their swords, just in case, and jumped out.
"You! What are you doing in here?" Ivor snapped, eyes glanced at the bookcase which hid the wither. His gaze hardened, "What did you see?"
"Everything. We know you're building a wither and that you plan to release it on the crowd!"
Ivor glared at him and Petra, backing away as he saw Axel, Olivia and Lukas come out of hiding. He mumbled something which Jessie couldn't catch; he rummaged through his inventory, pulling out a pumpkin. Ivor walked backwards, before turning and pulling another lever.
The lever caused the wall to retract, showing Iron blocks in a T shape. Ivor turned and slammed the pumpkin on it.
The Iron shifted, breaking apart and moulding into a more human like shape. The pumpkin disappeared, melting into the golems skin and giving it's face some shape.
Ivor turned towards them, "Get rid of our guests, will you?"
The golem moved towards Lukas, arms raised. Jessie narrowed his eyes, grabbing his sword.
Lukas was frozen, terror in his eyes. Lukas was snapped out of said terror when he was flung behind Jessie, right before the golem brought it's arms down; the ground cracked.
Lukas breathed shakily, realising just how close he came to dying.
"T- thanks Jessie."
"No problem- Olivia watch out!"
The girl tripped, the golem's eyes gleamed in the low light. Petra jumped in front of Olivia, sword clashing against the Iron arms of the golem. The ginger grunted, the full force of an iron golem too much for her.
Thankfully Olivia had snapped out of her daze and gotten out of the way, allowing Petra to move out of its way.
Axel grabbed Olivia, throwing her over his shoulder and running upstairs. Lukas followed with Petra and Jessie guarding against the golem incase it followed them.
-LINE BREAK -
The door slammed shut. Jessie and Petra leaned against it, breathing heavily. The others were in similar condition; Jessie's heart started to calm.
Olivia's hand shakily smoothed her hair, she looked pale.
"Let's... never do that again, okay?"
They agreed.
"We- we need to tell people about this, guys. If- if he releases a wither, it - it will be bad" Lukas stressed, eyes roaming over the crowds.
His friends were in here.
Axel suddenly grinned, pulling those closest to him in for a hug. Olivia looked used to his sudden hugs, while Lukas blushed beet red, not used to such things.
"Hey! What do have to worry about? The worlds greatest warrior is here, a member of the Order of the Stone. He'll deal with that wither in no time!"
Petra grinned, "You're right Axel! Gabriel wouldn't let anything bad happen!"
Jessie grinned tightly.
Olivia frowned, "But we should still tell him. No one- not even the greatest warrior - wants to fight a wither without warning."
Jessie avoided their eyes as they agreed to warn Gabriel about the wither. He wanted to tell them what he knew, but would they believe him? It took a lot for him to believe Romeo when he told him.
He jumped, Lukas calling him.
He couldn't meet the blondes eyes, not when he knew- not when he was keeping such a secret from them.
Jessie hoped Gabriel was actually competent and it was just the Ender Dragon he couldn't defeat.
-LINE BREAK -
The winners of the Endercon Building Competition would meet that years celebrity back stage after the QA segment of the might. Which meant, even though they won the competition, Jessie and his friends had to wait.
The crowd didn't part easily, making it harder for them to get to Gabriel.
When the announcer called him out the crowd went wild. The cheers were deafening.
Lukas winced.
He had never liked loud noises much.
"Gabriel!""Hey Gabriel!" "I'm your biggest fan!" "GABRIEL!"
The dark skinned warrior chuckled. Waving at the crowd, he calmed them.
"Please, please."
They started to quite, listening with rapt attentive.
"Thank you," he grinned, throwing his arms in the air.
"Are. You. With me?" And the crowd started again.
Axel had made his way through the crowd, ending up besides Lukas. He gave a questioning look as the blonde covered his ears.
Lukas winced, "I'm, ah, not fond of loud noises." He explained, rubbing his ears a bit.
Axel nodded, mouth making an 'ah' shape.
People started lining up, ready to ask their hero questions. Olivia and Lukas lined up, while Petra, Axel and Jessie inched closer to the stage in a less organised manner.
Jessie looked around, eyes darting back towards the basement door.
People could be hurt- would be hurt if they didn't something. He wasn't sure if he could take a wither yet. Romeo had been easy on him- saying they had all the time in the world.
Jessie knew that was his way of saying 'I don't want you fighting something you're not prepared for'. Romeo cared, in a weird Admin-Romeo-way.
(He yelped, the creepers explosion catching him off guard. The mobs surrounding him were gone. Romeo was muttering under his breath as he gave him a healing potion.)
(They spent the rest of the day going over some building techniques.)
Jessie's thoughts were interrupted by Axel's annoyed voice.
"Dude, I dunno how I can be any clearer!"Axel said. Olivia and Petra looked both exasperated and annoyed.
"Weird guy!"continued Axel,"Doing weird stuff! Freaky with a side of strange! Why won't you listen to me?"
"You're, uh, not being very clear." Gabriel said, raising an eyebrow. Gabriel watched to crowd, some looked annoyed, others amused.
"What do you want me to do?"Axel asked,"Tell you charades-style?"
Lukas face palmed.
"I promise you,"said Gabriel. Looking just as annoyed as Olivia and Petra, if not a bit weirded-out,"That's the last thing I want you to do."
"Four words;"continued Axel anyway,"Six syllables; sounds like... 'scmonster in the schmasement.'"
Gabriel face palmed, Jessie had to stop himself from copying him.
"Next." He called.
"Wait,"said Olivia hurriedly,"Just-"
At the back of the crowd, someone raised their hand,"Ihave a question."
Petra paused, her slightly amused grin from watching Axel fail at explaining the situation falling. She knew that voice.
And from the looks of it, so did the others.
The man began pushing his way through the crowd, face hidden.
"Excuse me, sir,"said Gabriel,"You'll have to wait your turn."
"Just tell me first,"the man continued,"Do you really believe anyone can be great?"Gabriel's eyes narrowed, something flashed in his eyes.
"With enough hard work, yes."
"Was that were I went wrong?"he pushed his way through the last of the crowd, revealing himself,"I simply didn'tworkhard enough?"
Gabriel's eyes widened in shock and he gasped,"Ivor?"Jessie watched as Ivor forced his way to the front,"Is that really you?"
Having over come his shock, Gabriel glared at him,"How dare you interrupt like this!"
Jessie turned to Gabriel,"That's the guy who attacked us in the basement!"
"I wish I could say I was surprised."growled Gabriel.
"If it's a surprise you want, you're in for a treat."said Ivor, starting to make his way up onto the stage,"Why don't you tell them the real story, Gabriel?"he spat his name out as if it were poison.
"I see time has made you bitter." Gabriel said, in an almost sad tone.
"And it's madeyou,"said Ivor, now on stage and right in Gabriel's face,"An even bigger fool."he turned to face the crowd, putting his arm around Gabriel's shoulders, the other man looking uncomfortable"Now, these people were promised greatness; and I'm ready to deliver."
Ivor turned around and walked to the end of the stage, where a lever sat on a red beam,"I'm sorry this is how they have to learn the truth..." He said lowly.
"Gabriel, you have to stop him!"shouted Jessie, but it was too late. Ivor flicked the switch, and the ingredients for the Wither rose up out of the floor, two of the heads already on it. Ivor continued.
"But nothing built can last forever, Gabriel."Gabriel's eyes widened in horror.
"Ivor, no!"
But it was too late.
Ivor took out the last skull-Petra'sskull- and placed it on top of the Command Block.
The ingredients immediately started to shift, melting and forming. Until in its place stood a Wither, a blast knocking Gabriel and Ivor off the stage. The Wither rose. Its black-charred body rising. The Command Block safely secured in its rib cage.
Ivor climbed back to his feet, looking up at the Wither with a grin,"Creature: attack!"
The Command Block glowed, humming slightly at the order, and then flew around the building. People began screaming, running towards the doors.
Jessie looked back at Axel and Petra, then back to the Wither as it floated in front of him, blasting a bomb that looked like skull.
With a yell from him and a squeal from Reuben, they jumped to the side, narrowly missing the bomb which blew up the floor. Jessie could see the basement through the hole.
Jessie backed away from the hole, eyes searching for his friends.
The Wither blasted another skull-bomb at him, which he dodged.
A couple blocks from the floor began to shake and fly towards the Wither, which seemed to absorb it. Wooden blocks from the walls did the same, as well as a poster. And soon all around blocks and objects were flying from their places to be absorbed by the Wither, making it bigger and bigger.
Tables, plants, posters, blocks, all were absorbed by the Wither. Bellow it, the only people left who hadn't fled gathered.
"Everyone stay calm!"said Gabriel,"This foul beast is no match for me!"
Gabriel drew his diamond sword. Ivor repeated himself a few feet away, pointing at the warrior.
"Creature: attack!"
The Command Block glowed, the glow illuminating its face. The Wither turned to face Gabriel. With a yell, Gabriel jumped up and slashed at the Command Block, but it didn't even scratch it, and he fell on to his back, his sword sliding out of reach.
Jessie and the others looked at him with horror written on their faces. Gabriel pushed himself up,"What have you done?"
"Gabriel!"shouted Jessie.
"No!"Gabriel pushed himself to his feet, turning to face Jesse. Eyes wide with fear."Stay away! It's after me, not you!"
The Wither flew towards them, and Jesse and Gabriel hit the ground just in time. Everything started flying up towards the Wither, and it shot another skull-bomb at the roof. Ivor walked towards it confidently.
"Look at him!"he said,"The mighty Gabriel! Looks like true greatness is out of his reach."Gabriel glanced away,"He may not be able to defeat this creature, but I can!"
Ivor turned to the Wither, as it summoned more blocks,"Creature: retreat!"The Wither turned to look at him slowly, the middle head having grown larger (and uglier). A large mouth filled with sharp, long teeth and a large, luminescent purple eye. Ivor cleared his throat. A flicker of fear passed on his face.
"Creature: retreat!" And yet, theWither did nothing, floating slowly towards Ivor,the weight of it's monstrous head weighing down on it, causing it to tilt forward; it looked like it was about to gobble him up.
"Retreat, I said! Retreat!" Ivor shouted, fear starting to creep into his voice, brows furrowed.
"That's not working!"Jessie shouted. Ivor glanced at him.
"No need to be alarmed, my friends. I have an elixir that will destroy this creature." The man dug into his pockets, retrieving a dull potion; the one they had replaced the stolen one with. Jessie's eyes widened.
Pulling the cork out with his teeth, Ivor aimed it at the Wither. Axel came to the same conclusion as Jessie, as his eyes widened and a whispered "Uh oh" left his mouth.
Ivor threw the potion at the Command Block, the glass shattering into a thousand tiny pieces; swirling, purple smoke rose into the air. Yet it did nothing, the Wither inching closer and closer, items and blocks flying towards it. Ivor gaped, eyes wide, "W-What? Impossible! It should have worked. I took such care!"
Olivia turned towards her friends, "The potion."She said,"Axel! You've gotta throw the real potion!"
Axel frowned,"But, finders keepers!"
Ivor whipped around, long inky black hair reminding Jessie of the Wither, merely a few feet away.
"You thieves!"Ivor shouted,"You're ruining everything!"
"Axel, come on!"Olivia said, eyes filled with terror. The Wither was getting bigger.
Axel (reluctantly) pulled out the glowing potion, letting out a startled "Hey!" When Jessie snatched it from his hands. He turned to the Wither, taking aim.
"Jessie, throw it!"Olivia screamed, the force that pulled blocks towards the monstrosity starting to tug at her hair.
And he threw it. For a second it seemed like it would work; the shining glow illuminating the beasts face, the bottle flew with such momentum that it shattered immediately on impact. Sadly, the monster was smarter than thought.
The Command Block glowed, thick, vein like tendrils wrapping around it, dark purple flesh (does it count as flesh? It was made from the blocks it had absorbed, after all ) sprouting around the block. Within seconds the Command Block was covered, rendering the shattered glass and its contents to splash harmlessly against it.
Everyone looked on in horror, Ivor most of all.
"It's protecting itself!" Ivor said, voice thick with horror,"Without the Command Block exposed, the potion is useless! It wasn't supposed to happen like this!" He turned, and his eyes met theirs. From Jessie and his friends, to the leather jacket clad blonde. Then his eyes met Gabriel's. And for a second, a split second that might have been their imagination, Ivor looked sorry.
'I'm sorry old friend..'
He ran.
"You- Youcoward!" Jessie shouted, turning to watch the man run away.
"Ivor.." Gabriel said, voice low, then; "Ivor! You coward, come back here!"Gabriel shouted.
But it was too late, he was gone. "Gabriel!" Said man turned, confusion turning into terror as a purple light shone upon him, lifting him into the air towards the Wither, a startled yell ripped from his throat.
The purple light (though a pair of bright, green eyes could have sworn they saw a flash of red, blue and green in there, closer to the eye) shone out of the large eye.
Olivia ran forward, dark curls bouncing around her head. She grabbed Gabriel's leg, (trying) pulling him down. She looked over her shoulder,"Jessie, help me!"
He ran, grabbing ahold of the heroes leg, helping Olivia pull him out of the purple light. The Warrior fell to the ground, grunting from impact.
The brunette pulled Gabriel to his feet,"Thank you. Ivor was right about one thing; I can't defeat that thing. Not on my own."They looked up at the Wither, which was nearing the size of a Ghast. Gabriel looked around,"Everyone's running away..."He murmered, blinking, he turned to the group of teens,"Except for you. Will you help me?"
They shared a glance. Jessie could tell that, despite the situation, Olivia and Axel were excited. Petra and Lukas also seemed excited, though the blonde looked pale.
Gabriel continued, "I must get to the temple. But what happens next, I can't do alone." Jessie smiled, meeting the hopeful (and fearful, so very fearful) eyes of one of his childhood heroes.
"Of course!"Jessie said. Gabriel gave him a nod.
"Follow me!"he yelled, leading the group away from the Wither and through the doorway.
The outside was chaos. People running, shop keepers gathering their stuff, animals screeching and making other sounds of alarm as they surely felt the unnatural energy of a Wither.
As Jessie ran (behind everyone, if someone should be in trouble then it should be him, at least he knew that Romeo would help him) he saw a person fall, another jumping over him.
The chickens from the broken machine blocked his path up ahead, deciding not waste time he sped up, jumping over them.
Up ahead he saw Petra glance back, eyes widening. He looked back as well. Fu-
The glass dome on top of the hall collapsed, blocks surrounding it getting sucked in towards the giant Wither. Long, black tentacles swaying all around it. As the rest of the building was being feasted upon by the monstrosity, blocks from nearby buildings started to be pulled towards it. It's head finally come into view, it's purple eye glowing, a sort of tractor beam shining on whichever blocks caught it's attention. It roared.
Though as it rose higher something else made it's self know. Two other tractor beams grazed across the sky, coming from two other identical heads, echoing the middle ones roar.
Jessie turned to face everyone, scooping up Reuben in his arms and running faster than anyone thought him capable.
Lukas turned, shocked. How was Jessie so fast? It didn't matter, he sped up, lungs burning and a stitch forming in his side. He was a builder, not a fighter.
Reuben squealed loudly, drawing Jessie's attention to the giant Wither-thing.
It looked around, tractor beam following its gaze, before all three heads turned to the screaming people.
It wasn't before long that something other than blocks was sucked in towards it. People went flying, tractor beams holding them in place. Jessie's heart felt heavy, but there wasn't anything he could do.
Up ahead, Axel and Olivia ran like they had the hounds of hell at their heels. Which... wasn't exactly wrong, they did have something from hell chasing them, after all.
Two tractor beams cut in front of them, objects flying into the Wither. Olivia gasped, seeing a few people being pulled towards the monster. A woman cried out a girls name. Olivia was snapped out of her daze by Axel throwing her over his shoulder.
"Axel! I can carry myself!" He ignored her, not intending to set her down until they were safe.
From her place she could see what happened to the people that were sucked up. While blocks became part of its body, the people were pulled into its gaping maws; thankfully they didn't bite down.
Sweat clung to his body, Reuben clinging to him as best as a pig could.
His lungs were starting to burn, his throat burning. He once again silently thanked Romeo and his training. If Romeo hadn't put such emphasis on stamina and proper breathing techniques then he'd surely be screwed.
Passing on the bridge he suddenly felt weightless, Reuben squealing in his ear. Jessie was surrounded by purple.
His wrist felt hot.
(Now that he was surrounded by it he could see that there were small, barely noticeable sparks of colour.)
Jessie screamed, the arm not curled protectively around Reuben, grabbing for something. "Hey! I'm up here!" He yelled, but everyone else was too far to do anything. Suddenly, he felt a push. And he had enough time to prepare himself for his fall.
Jessie tucked in on himself, rolling and running. His bracelet, his gauntlet, hummed against his skin.
"Thank you," he whispered, sure that he could hear him.
Nearby, a man bounced on a block of slime. He must have been insane, as he hadn't moved at all. Even when the tractor beam focused on him he did naught. Others at least screamed.
Jessie continued running, jumping and darting around a bunch of chickens. Catching sight of a familiar blonde, he called out to him.
"Lukas!" The Ocelot turned around, slowing down for Jessie to catch up.
"Jessie! Holy crap, man! I-I lost sight of you and the rest and..." He gulped, Adam's apple bobbing, "We may not get along all that well, but.. I was worried."
Jessie smiled briefly, before facing forwards. He and Lukas ran forwards, until-
"Jessie!" Petra called, he and Lukas rushed over to her. Besides her under the ruined tent was Axel and Olivia. They were able to catch their breaths for a minute, Jessie not letting the shaking pig out of his arms, before a tractor beam lit up their area, pulling the tent towards it.
Jessie wasn't sure why the Wither wanted cloth and some metal polls when there were better things nearby, but he wouldn't question the monster trying to kill them.
His friends bolted, Axel practically carrying Olivia.
"Wait! We should stay close together!" Not hearing him, they continued to run in seperate directions.
"Jessie!" Petra shouted, and he turned to see her being pulled up towards the Wither creature. "Help me!"
Jessie ran towards her, setting Reuben at his feet, he jumped and grabbed her hand. He pulled, but it was no use. The beam was too strong, in fact, in seemed to be pulling harder now that he was trying to pull her out.
Green eyes locked onto the prismarine gems of his bracelet, his eyes glanced to Petra's. The normally brave and tough girl had fear in her eyes, it made what he was about to do easier.
He had agreed with Romeo, he wouldn't reveal anything Admin related to anyone, unless he had no other choice.
The hand with the bracelet held on tighter, while his other let go, slamming onto the prismarine gem with an odd symbol on it.
In an instant his hand was covered by the prismarine gauntlet, and - ignoring the widening of his ginger friends eyes- pulled.
Petra was yanked from the tractor beam, flying into and landing on top of Jessie, causing the both of them to fall. Quickly getting to their feet, Petra turned to Jessie to ask him what that was, only to see Gabriel running towards them.
"Are you well? I came to help but it seems young friend here's got you," Gabriel said, panting slightly. The glow from the tractor beam receded.
"Yeah, I'm... I'm fine, anyway, we should go!" Gabriel's eyes widened.
"Oh, uh, right! Follow me!"
"Jessie! Petra! Oh, we're so sorry, we thought you guys were right behind us!" Olivia said, relieved. For a second she thought...
"Don't worry, we're fine, see?" Petra said, gesturing to herself and Jessie.
"Is everybody here?" Jessie asked, doing a quick headcount. Distantly, he heard a child cry for someone. I guess not everyone got out...
Gabriel turned to look at them, "We must set out for my fortress. We'll be better protected there."
They began following him, strangers and townspeople following after them, seeing a member of the Order of the Stone giving them some form of hope.
Reuben snorted into Jessie's ear, his little piggy eyes watching the giant monster suck up everything in sight.
They ran past the Ocelots rainbow beacon, it's light attracting the Wither's attention.
Petra glanced at everyone, running a little to the side and careful not to be heard.
She glanced at not the brunette running besides her, his little pig bouncing as his owner ran, " Hey, Jessie? Thanks for that just now, but... what was that? I mean, that weird green armor suddenly sprouting on your hand out of nowhere, the sudden strength..."
The Wither roared in the background, chasing after the fleeing people. Jessie glanced at her, "Look, I promise I'll tell you later, just don't mention it to-" "LOOK OUT!" Petra yanked his arm, nearly pulling it out its socket and him out of the flaming skulls way.
They continued running. Swerving left and right to avoid holes and flaming skulls.
Coming to a stop at a junction, they watched as a group ran by them, screaming as as tractor beam attempted (and soon succeeded) to suck them up. They dodged a nearby tractor beam, running for the gate. As they passed underneath it Jessie wondered what it would do, as the giant Wither flew. And could inhale blocks faster than Olivia could inhale coffee.
Running into the woods Jessie hoped that his friends were okay.
-LIE BREAK-
Elsewhere
Lukas was lagging, face red and sweaty, it was obvious that he wasn't used to running for his life. Something Axel was more than used to.
He had lived with his aunt and uncle since he was a child, helping them around their farm and lands. He had helped around with his cousins with work, taking care of the animals, ploughing the fields, fixing things... all in all it led to him gaining a lot of stamina and muscles.
So, seeing the blonde Ocelot lagging behind, with pity in his heart he ran back and threw him over his shoulder. He let out a yell, protesting against being carried around like 'a sack of potatoes'.
"Pfft, please, potatoes actually weigh something, blondie," Axel laughed. And it was true, Lukas was incredibly light.
Lukas, however, groaned. Olivia, who was nearby, ran over smirking.
"Now you know how I feel. "
-LINE BREAK-
FURTHER UP
Gabriel cursed Ivor in his mind, running in front of a crowd of people who were following him for their survival.
"Stick together everyone!" He yelled out to the crowd of people, "We'll be safe as soon as we get to my temple."
Jessie looked back and bit back a swear, it was getting closer. Why? There was barely anything in this direction for miles, why not go the other way?
It shot a burning skull from each of its mouths, muttering a swear (Romeo had such a potty mouth) he ran faster.
The skulls set their surroundings on fire, spreading to the trees.
Reuben squealed, sparks from the fires scaring him. Thankfully the pig realised that trying to get out of his grip was a bad idea and stayed still.
He ran past holes created by the burning skulls, dodging some while jumping over others.
The trees started to thicken, letting the survivors know they had entered the actual forest. Two paths were cut, left or right. Jessie watched out for where his friends were.
Gabriel yelled over the voices of people screaming or crying, "Everyone, keep going! We'll meet up on the other side!"
Olivia, Axel -and what appeared to be Lukas thrown over Axel's shoulder- went right. He and Petra followed. He saw Gabriel and a few strangers go left, he might have also seen Aiden and Gill going that way as well.
They ran past burning trees and smoldering holes, jumping over a wall of fire, Lukas' face blanched when he saw the fire.
They ran out of the forest, joining with other group and continued on.
Another roar from the monster was heard.
"The temple is just up ahead!"shouted Gabriel,"Follow me!"
Everyone did as told, running as fats as they could while dodging holes. It didn't help that the air was filled with smoke, causing many to double over in a coughing fit.
Jessie ran past the last tree that was on fire, having only a second to see a black blur shoot towards him. A giant, purple spotted black tentacle attempted to grab him. Jessie dodge one, only for another to come from his side. Bad move.
Jessie slammed his gauntlet clad fist into the tentacle, causing it to burst into slimy chunks.
"Eww," he muttered, pulling a big chunk of purple slime out of his hair. The tentacle retreated, the giant Wither roaring in pain.
Up ahead stood Gabriel's temple -why he had one was beyond Jessie, Gabriel didn't live anywhere near here- with Gabriel standing at the entrance. He was able to see his friends go in, Lukas still being carried by Axel.
Another tentacle cut in front of him, smashing the ground in front of him. He could feel Reuben's fear, the giant tentacle to close for his liking as well.
Growling, Jessie pulled his sword out and -with a little power from his gauntlet- cut right through it and ran.
"Hurry!" Gabriel urged, glancing back at him,"Inside the temple!"
Running inside, Jessie could still hear the screeches of pain from the Wither-thing.
Everyone ran further in, Gabriel in front, "The inner chambers built entirely of obsidian. We should be untouchable in there."He said, pulling a lever, the stone wall splitting to reveal the inner chamber. On a raised platform was an unlit Nether portal.
Then a loud Crack! was heard, a tentacle slamming through stone and purple light flooding the room.
Yelling and screaming filled the chamber as people scampered into it. Lukas covered his ears, wincing. It didn't help that when Axel ran, he was bounced up and down.
A tentacle slithered down the steps, flailing around, managing to knock a few people over.
"Hurry!"Gabriel drew his sword, hitting the flat side of his blade against the tentacle,"If you can get through the portal, you'll be safe!"
Running up the steps, Axel grabbed Olivia and (with an indignant "Axel!" from Olivia) threw her over his other shoulder and ran through. Except nothing happened, from the other side of the platform he turned to them. "Uh, something's not right here."
Olivia maneuvered herself to look at the portal, "It's not lit!"Olivia exclaimed.
Jessie shifted Reuben hurriedly, using his free hand to grab his flint and steel he'd grabbed, striking them against each other inside the portal. And with a flash the portal lit up, a see-through veil appearing in the center.
That's when two more tentacles decided to show up.
-LINE BREAK-
AROUND AN HOUR AGO
Romeo shook his head, lips twitching. Jessie ran after the man, leaving him in the alley. Making himself invisible, he flew to the roof of an apartment.
It had been awhile since he'd been to a fair, he thought, gazing at all the different stalls. Children screamed in delight as they rode around in minecarts, parents watching in amusement. People laughed, talking and having a good time in general.
Romeo smiled, though it felt a bit stiff. His chest ached.
A loud shriek of laughter caught his attention, making him to his gaze to two kids. A boy, obviously the older sibling, ticked the younger sibling. Their laughter was loud and joyful, making his chest ache even more.
Though... he'd done that to himself, hadn't he? What he'd done...
Distantly, he could see his champion break a machine. Out of the broken machine came a dozen chickens.
He frowned.
(The chicks eyes stared up at him, probably in confusion. After all, this was the first time Romeo was taking care of Waffles. )
Jessie and his friends ran into the building, probably to follow the forgotten Order member.
For a while he watched. Gazing at all the little people, watching them interact with each other. He got up, he should check on Jessie, the Command Block was near, and who knows what cou-
Beep beep
Romeo reached into a pocket, retrieving a small, grey device. It had a small screen with an X on it, besides the X were the words escaped.
Joy.
Rubbing between his eyes, Romeo teleported.
-LINE BREAK-
When he arrived he noticed all the Associates on the floor, groaning. He grumbled, creating a splash potion of healing. After throwing it in their direction he quickly teleported after the escapee, leaving a bunch of bewildered Associates. The Admin just healed them. The Admin never healed them.
Romeo teleported high above the bedrock maze, looking for her.
He saw her, running past his guard golems. Within an instant he grabbed her with his powers, stopping her in mid-air.
He didn't look at her (why? He could before, why can't he now?), instead turning to the nearing form of his Warden.
"S-sir! I am so, so very sorry. I don't- I don't know what happened-" he stammered, anxiously watching him.
Romeo realised he was scared.
(Of course he is, don't you remember what you did? Don't you know you are?)
He cleared his throat, "Just make sure it doesn't happen again, Warden." Warden nodded, relieved.
Putting her back in her straightjacket (he could feel something tickling his mind-) and muzzle he stunned her, handing her slumped form over to the guards.
His skin prickled. He turned to the Warden, "Make sure she doesn't escape again, ey? I have a champion to focus on. "
The Warden's eyes widened. What?!
The Admin chuckled, "Yes, and you will most likely meet him in the future."
Warden flushed, heart stuttering. Had he said that outloud? And the Admin... wasn't mad? He peered up at him curiously. Usually he'd leave by now.
The Admin smiled, opening his mouth to say something. Only to stop, grin falling and brows furrowing.
His eyes widened as the Admin teleported away. He nodded, that was more like him.
-LINE BREAK-
What-
Romeo ducked, a block shooting past his head and towards... something.
Whatever it was, it had a familiar energy. The red head blinked, looking around at all the people fleeing, blocks and other items being lifted into the air and being pulled somewhere. He watched them move, and saw them go into the large hall.
What could possibly be pulling them in?
Romeo teleported closer and stared in amazement. It had a large, one eyed head, with two others forming, a great maw filled with teeth that put a sword to shame with their sharpness.
And-
Wait. He concentrated, brows furrowing. Was... was the Command Block... inside it? How?
He shook his head, it didn't matter, he just had to deal with it. He snapped his fingers. Nothing happened. Annoyed, he struck his hands together in a vicious clap-
Still nothing. He bit his lip, he was a little worried.
And then he heard a scream.
The biggest head, the middle one, had broken a hole in the side of the building, and was using some sort of tractor beam to pull a man towards it.
And the creature absorbed them too. The man screamed in fear, the tractor beam pulling him into the beasts maw.
Romeo was glad to see their was no blood, but that didn't get rid of a feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Jessie. If this... thing, could pull people in, and Jessie was here, then...
He was gone, teleporting everywhere, pulling at the tether tying him to the gauntlet he followed it's trail.
And when he found Jessie, his heart turned heavy, fear taking control.
His champion- his friend, was in that monster's tractor beam, Reuben in his arms.
Romeo didn't think, he flew, faster than he had in a long while, and pushed-
The tractor beams force was strong, but nothing compared to an Admin, nothing compared to him.
Not when he had fear powering him, the fear of losing someone else because of his stupidity- (He didn't look at her- couldn't. He did that to her-)
Jessie went flying, and he managed to roll and continue running.
Romeo breathed a sigh of relief. At least Jessie was okay... now, what could he do about that monster?
Not much, he realised trying to snap his fingers/clap his hands, there was only one explanation for that.
The familiar energy, the mutated creature, the resistance against his powers; it was the Command Block. But how?
Did it eat it? Was the block inside it? It didn't matter he supposed, he just had to figure out a way to get rid of it, or...
Well, best not to think about that.
And with a small flash of purple particles, he was gone.
Uh, hi! This took longer than expected, but it's eight thousand words!Leave a review and tell me what y'all think!