Nothing built can last forever, and every legend no matter how great, fades with time.. with each passing year, more and more details are lost until all that remains as myths.. half truths.. to put simply lies... and yet, in all the known universe, between here, and the Far Lands...
The ORDER OF THE STONE endures, unabridged, as self-evidence fact.. indeed, it is only a troubled land has need for heroes, and ours was fortunate to have, so long ago, four heroes such as these:
Gabriel the Warrior, before whose sword all combatants would tremble
Ellegaard the Redstone Engineer, whose machines would spark a new era of invention
Magnus the Rouge, who would channel his destruction creativity for the benefit of all
And Soren the Architect, builder of worlds and leader of The Order of the Stone
These FOUR friends together, would give so much more to gain their rightful place as FOUR heroes. Their greatest quest would take them on a dangerous journey to fight a mysterious creature known as the Ender Dragon...
In the end, the Order of the Stone emerged victoriously and the Dragon was defeated. Their story was defeated, they slipped away into the pages of legends.
But when one story ends, another one begins...
Jess' POV
My brother, Jesse and I were sword fighting on a few armor stands. Today was the EnderCon building completion, which was like a big deal. We lose every year but this time, I was determined to win, maybe too determined.
"Bet I can do better", I chuckled, smirking.
"Yea, right", Jesse doubted.
Olivia who was doing her thing with Redstone, trying to make a Redstone lamp light up.
"would you rather fight a hundred chicken-sized zombies, or ten zombie-sized chickens?", she asked. "and note: you won't have any weapons or armor"
I thought for a second. "I'd.. rather go with the giant chickens.. not that I want to or that it will be easy.. but because it will be an abomination"
"What about you, Jesse", Olivia looked over at my older brother.
After a few moments, he replied with, "I will also go with the giant chickens.."
"imagine their GIANT feet", joked Olivia.
"Like I said, an abomination", I grinned while putting down my wooden sword. Jesse kept swinging his sword on the armor stand.
"Guess that will be an abomination", he agreed. I giggled while patting Ruben's head.
Olivia went back to doing whatever she was doing with her Redstone.
"So I'm putting this daylight sensor on the roof", Olivia told us, which we replied with 'Mhm'. "If this works, it should turn on when it gets dark"
Jesse and I just replied with, "Mhm" once more.
"I didn't want to leave Reuben here with nothing while we're at the building competition"
This caught our attention.
"He's coming with us?", Jesse told her as I pat Reuben's head.
"Really?", she asked.
"What kind of question is that?", I walked over to her. "Of course he is!"
"Okay! I'm not saying he shouldn't come!", she said. "I'm not! But isn't weird that you bring him everywhere?"
I placed Reuben down and he hopped onto a chest to look at the window. "Rueben is our best friend"
Olivia put her hands on her hips, looking offended. "I thought I was your best friend"
"You both are..", Jesse said in a comfort tone.
Olivia walked back to her Redstone invention. "I didn't mean anything by it.. I'm glad he's coming..", she said, her voice softly cracking. "I just don't want another reason to being called "loser" again.."
"Embrace it, Olivia", my brother said in the same comfort tone.
"Yea..", I agreed. "It's gonna make you stronger in the future."
Reuben happily squeaked and make a few pig noises at Olivia which made her smile.
"You guys are right..", she chuckled slightly. Jesse and I smiled as she did.
My brother and I, our younger sister, Nikki, our best friend Olivia, and our other friend, Axel lived in a treehouse for most of our lives. After our parents abandoned us, we found and befriended Axel and Olivia and we built this treehouse together. Today was the EnderCod building competition. This year, I was certain we will win. My brother, or should I say very over protective brother, Jesse was hoping the same thing. I couldn't think much about the competition. We were waiting for Nikki and Axel to come back with the fireworks. As I played with Ruben, I thought about this guy that also came to the building competition.. his name was Lukas. He and his gang, the Ocelots always beat us in the Competition. His gang would make fun of us but he didn't. I knew he was different from them.
I just like his golden hair shines in the sunlight, how his warm voice always calmed me down. How I just look at his sky sparkling blue eyes.. oh my.. one day.. oh just one day, I'd like to-
"Earth to Jess, Earth to Jess", said my brother waving his hand over my face.
"W-what?", I replied in a confused tone.
"I just said, we should get ready for the EnderCon", Jesse said. Olivia walked up to me, then smirked.
"Soo.. whose the lucky boy?", she joked.
"What?", Jesse raised a brow, his voice slightly raised.
I blushed a little. "Umm.. no one..", I was squeaking as I spoke. Jesse also smirked, catching on.
"why you blushing then, huh", he teased, crossing his arms. Reuben made a few pig noises before jumping out of my arms and completely hitting Jesse and Olivia on their legs.
"Reuben..", said Jesse.
"Come on guys, you know I don't like anybody in that way.. and I was blushing because of embarrassment..", I spoke awkwardly, managing to stop blushing.
I patted Rueben little head. He always has Jesse's, Nikki's and I's back, especially when we needed it. We found him last year, behind a waterfall. He looked so cold.. scared.. and hungry.. We took care of him ever since. Suddenly, we heard something. A hissing sound.. It sounded like it came from the door that lead out of the treehouse.
"What is that?", asked Olivia. Jesse kneeled down near the door.
Right out of the blue, a creeper bursted out. We all screamed when it jumped out. Olivia screamed the loudest since she hates creepers, more than the rest of us. I don't know if they just blow up her Redstone inventions or if they just terrify her the most. Axel took off his mask, laughing his butt off. Nikki was with him as she was laughing as well.
"You guys totally freaked out!", Axel smirked.
Olivia, who looked like she just had a heart attack, exclaimed, "that wasn't funny, you two!!"
"Yeah! You two literally gave me a heart attack", Jesse agreed. Axel came into the treehouse. Reuben rammed his head into his stomach when he did so.
"Ow..", he muttered. Nikki climbed into the treehouse, chuckling a bit as she watched Reuben head-butting his face into Axel's stomach.
Olivia and Jesse glared at them.
"Great.. Now I'll smell like a pig at EnderCon", Axel complained. "I thought we were buddies"
"Cool mask", I grinned.
"It is, isn't it"
"Mhm.. very convincing"
Axel started cracking up again. "The look on your faces!"
I rolled my eyes, crossing my eyes
"Got the fireworks?", Olivia asked,
Axel nodded, taking out a dragon costume. "Even brought something for the little guy!"
"Nice!", Jesse grinned.
"You brought Reuben a disguise?", Olivia asked in disbelief.
"Uh, we're going to a convection? Somebody's gotta wear a costume", Axel raised a brow before putting the dragon costume Rueben. I jumped and squealed in delight once I saw him in the dragon costume.
"He's adorable!!", I exclaimed. Jesse smiled and patted Rueben's head as Nikki grinned as she watched Reuben oinking happily and running around.
"If he was really your best friend, you wouldn't let him go outside dressed like that", Olivia told us
"I'm happy if he's happy" Nikki grinned. "Besides, the only thing meow dangerous than taking a costume ON a pig, is trying to take it off"
I smiled and giggled in delight. This was Nikki's first time going to EnderCon. I knew she was just as excited as us but I was worried at the same time. Not a lot of people in EnderCon are friendly..
"Hurry up and grab your stuff", Axel told us.
"We'll meet you three downstairs", Olivia added.
"Got it!", Nikki replied as we watched our friends disappear down the trapdoor. She then started looking for gear and useful things in a chest.
I went in my thoughts. Nikki much just smaller than us and that made me worry. People will be laughing at us if they see a little girl in the competition.. they'll be laughing at her.. I didn't want that at all.. we were all very close to each other, always having each other's backs
"Gabriel the warrior..", Jesse muttered, which led me out of my thoughts. "Do you think we'll ever be that famous?"
"Who knows", I simply responded, grinning as Reuben gave me a dragon roar.
"That'll do, Reuben, that'll do", I grinned as I pat the little pig's head.
"Say, remember this armor stand you guys got me for my birthday?", Jesse said as I turned to look at him. "I don't have any armor to put on it.."
"Maybe someday", Nikki responded, her head inside the chest. I wanted to find a way to tell my siblings about my thoughts but I didn't wanted to say it directly..
"One of these days we're gonna win the EnderCon competition", I grinned awkwardly, trying to play it cool. "Then people will say, "hey, here comes Jess, Jesse, Olivia, Axel, and Reuben! Winners of the EnderCon building competition!"
Nikki rose her head from the chest, noticing that she didn't include her. "Jess? What are you trying to say?", she raised a brow.
"Well.. she does have a point Jess, I think you forgot to mention Nikki. We're all in this together." Jesse said
"I know but.. I'm worried about you going to the competition..", I admitted. "It might be best if you stay here.. it's just that, there's a lot of jerks and out there and.. I don't want them to mess with you.."
Nikki looked both shocked and hurt.
"What?! Why?!", Nikki cried. "You don't think I'll drag you guys down, do you?!"
"Of course not!" Jesse went up to Nikki, hugging her tightly "Sure, those jerks The Ocelots will most likely be there.. but I won't let them mess with you.. none of us will"
She stayed silent for a little bit then crossed her arms.
"Just because I'm younger doesn't mean I can't as smart as you older guys!", she finally spoke. "I might even be smarter! Chill out, I'll be fine"
I placed my hands on my hips before looking over at Jesse
"Don't worry Nikki, I believe you" Jesse smiled, looking at me before nodding his head, meaning that we needed to let Nikki come with us.
"Fine..", I sighed. "But stay close to us, okay?"
"Cool! So what are we waiting for?!", Nikki grinned. "Let's go!"
Reuben oinked happily, running around the three of us
We climbed out of the treehouse. I held Reuben in my arms as we climbed down. Axel and Olivia both grinned once we joined them.
"Let's roll!", Axel piped up.
"Yeah, dude. Roll", Olivia repeated sarcastically.
"Let's go!", Nikki said before we started walking to the competition.
"I've heard some pretty juicy rumor about the building completion", Axel told us as we continued walking. "But you guys gotta promise not to say anything about it"
We looked at each other, happily awaiting for what Axel was gonna say about the competition.
"It's also in two parts, each one more exciting then the last", he went on.
"Spit it out, Axel!", Nikki ordered impatiently.
"Part one: the special guest at this year's EnderCon will be no other than Gabriel the warrior him-frickin-self"
"Woah! What's part two?", I asked enthusiastically, wanting to hear what was the other part. We all looked at him, awaiting his response.
"Part 2: according to my sources, the winners of the EnderCon is gonna get to meet him!", Axel watched our mouths drop at this. "It doesn't mean anything if we lose.. but if we win? Oh.. man.. it'll make up for all the losing.."
"Meeting Gabriel would be a dream AND an honor!", I grinned as I already daydreamed of us meeting him.
"Totally!", Nikki agreed. "He's awesome!!"
As we walked, we came to a stop when we saw a bunch of EnderCon posters pinned on the small grove of trees
"So, Axel, does your "source" makes posters for a living?", Olivia asked, looking up at our friend, who was blushing embarrassedly
"Yea.. uhh.. my source doesn't really exist.. you guys are my only friends"
"Of course we are", Nikki chuckled a bit. Axel gave her a glare.
"Guys!", I whined. "We have to stay focused!"
"But we NEVER win!", Olivia frowned. "And this year, we got Reuben with us! We basically have no chance.."
The little piglet let out an indigent oink as he walked behind us.
"Wait.. guys.. we're thinking about this all wrong!", Nikki realized. We all shared confused expressions.
"We are?", Axel asked.
"Yeah! You don't just have to BUILD something, we have to DO something to get noticed by the judges!", she explained
"Okay, then how are we gonna do this?", Jesse was the next to ask.
"We don't just build something functional, we build something fun!! After we finish the fireworks machine like we plan, we build something cool on top of it!"
"If you wanna get a reaction out of the judges, you build something scary", Axel thought. "So I say we build a creeper"
"Wouldn't an Enderman be better??", Olivia disagreed. "I'm more scared of Endermen than creepers!"
"Both have their moments, both pretty scary..", Axel pointed out
"How about we build a zombie?", Jesse suggested.
"They are very common, brother but.. terrifying sometimes and they are literally the ones that mostly show up when we don't need it"
"Okay.. zombie it is?", said Axel.
"Yep", I replied.
"This is the first time we thought of something before we get to the EnderCon", Olivia grinned.
"Let's get ready", said Jesse. We all split up to get the resources we need. As I was punching a tree, I started thinking about Lukas.
I couldn't imagine what would Jesse do if he found out about my crush on Lukas.. he would probably NEVER let me go to the EnderCon, in fact.. if he sees me even near Lukas, he would kill him (not literally). He's been really over protective of me and Reuben ever since mom and dad abandoned us. When I first saw Lukas, we were only four. He.. he was kinda like my first friend. Until he met Aiden..
A few minutes later, we all met up after getting our supplies. "Ready?", said Jesse. "Yeah!!", the rest of us shouted.
When we got to the EnderCon, Axel immediately said, "uh oh.." that made us all looked around, just to see Aiden's group.. including.. Lukas!!
I slightly blushed on seeing him. He looked as dreamy as before. I even almost fainted on seeing him.
"Well it isn't the Order of the Losers", Aiden said, smirking evilly. Maya laughed evilly.
"Good one, Aiden, the fail team is here", she said.
We looked at them in a angered and annoyed tone.
"Lukas", said Gill. "Get a load of these losers" I blushed a little more when he said Lukas' name. I don't know why but even someone saying "Lukas" makes me nervous. We had an eye contact. I literally wanted to freakin FAINT. His eyes was more dreamy than before.
After a few moments, he said "come on guys" while walking into the EnderCon. Aiden smirked at us before walking inside.
"Name, please?", said a lady sitting on a chair.
"Axel, and how do you do?", Axel said. The lady looked at us.
"I meant your team name". We all paled. We should have thought of a team name before we got to the EnderCon. Jesse was about to say something but I stepped in front of him.
"we're the Dead Enders", I said trying to play it cool.
"Dead Enders?", Jesse said in a confused tone.
"Dead Enders? Sounds like a pirate name", Axel said.
"Okay, Dead Enders, you may come in", the lady said.
"Neat team name, sis", Jesse complimented as we walked to our booth.
"I always think of the best names", I said proudly. "Thanks anyway". When we got to our booth, we saw, as always, Aiden and his annoying gang was right next to us. Including.. Lukas.. oh, he's so dreamy..
Okay.. Jess, focus!! We have a zombie to build. Before we got started, we all saw a Beacon. A frickin BEACON in Lukas' hand.
One frickin Beacon
I lost interest quickly, just looking how he looked in the sunlight.. it just makes me wanna- okay.. Jess.. stop.. man, I'm so happy that Jesse can't read minds.
"Is that a frickin Beacon? They have a frickin Beacon, a frickin Beacon", Axel said, shocked.
"And look at that.. stained glass.. they are building a rainbow Beacon", said Olivia. "They aren't just building a Beacon.. they are building a Rainbow Beacon!"
"Please, our zombie statue is way better than some fancy light show", said Nikki confidently.
"One that shoots fireworks", I added, putting my hands on my hips. I tried not to pay attention to Lukas. I don't want Jesse or even worse, Aiden to figure out my secret.
Aiden looked at us and smirked. "Look! It's the order of the losers, again"
"We're only looking", I said clutching my fingers in annoyance.
"There will be plenty of time to look at it after in wins the EnderCon competition. Again"
"your being unpleasant", Axel said, showing his annoyance. I glanced over at Lukas, who just.. well.. looked back at me. I immediately looked away.
I guess I was too scared to face him. He's so cute. And.. well.. I guess.. I'm kinda scared of him.. not like that but.. scared to face him.. I managed to keep myself from blushing at the fact that he just looked at me.. at me!! What am I thinking.. he doesn't like me back.. I'm just some dork who lives in a treehouse..
"Let's go guys", I heard my brother say. "Jess? What are you looking at?". I blinked. Axel, Nikki, and Olivia were already at our booth, getting started.
"Oh.. nothing.. I was just trying to think of a better way to make our zombie statue better.." he seemed to buy it.
Before we can go, we saw a auburn-haired girl, wearing a turquoise bandana and holding a pickaxe, walking past us. I think her name was Petra? We heard Lukas thank her for a nether star (where ever she got that from).
"You helped these fools?!", Axel said, a little angered
"Petra? Why would you help them?", Jesse said, remaining calm as usual.
"For the right price, I'd help anybody", she replied.
"Need anything? You know where to find me". She then walked off.
"But.. we don't know where to find you", I called to her as she walked away.
"Exactly"
I saw my brother blushing as she left. Does my brother have the hots for Petra? Oh la la this is one ship that in my power, HAVE TO SAIL
We got to work building our zombie. After a while, we finished building our base. Now, it was time for the fun part, the wool (aka, making the Machine look like a zombie).
Before we did that, Aiden said, "a fireworks machine? Oh how "scary"" we gave him dirty glares.
"We'll worry on our build and you worry about yours", I replied to him.
We got to work putting the wool. Our machine was the tallest of them all. We all looked at each other with determined looks on our faces. Jesse pulled th lever, causing a bunch of fireworks to come out. Everyone stopped building their machine and looked at our zombie. We got happy cheers. Till, I heard Reuben squealing and oinking.. in a scared-like way..
I looked to see where he was, just to see him with the tail on his costume on fire.. and lava heading towards our machine!! Who could have done this?!
"Reuben!!", I called out to the little pig as he ran out away.
Jesse called out, "Reuben!!", as he ran away out of sight.
"Oh no!! Rueben!!", Nikki called out.
I immediately jumped down the statue and ran after him.
"Nikki, Olivia, Axel, you guys stay and save the build!! Jess and I will find Rueben!!", Jesse said before running right behind me as Axel, Nikki, Olivia stayed to protect our statue.
It was getting dark out. Jesse and I called out for Reuben but.. we couldn't find him. I kinda trembled in fear, knowing there will be hostile mobs that are gonna appear any second now.
"Jesse.. will we ever find Reuben?", I asked my older brother, my voice creaking. His eyes looked kinda glossy.
"Of course", he said, his voice also creaking. We walked a little while more till we saw a herd of pigs.
"Do you think one of them could be Reuben?", I said.
Jesse glanced over at the herd. "All of you expect Reuben, shut up!!"
All of the pigs stayed quiet. I decided to go father down, seeing a bush. "Do you think he's in there?"
Jesse took a closer look, but then a chicken came springing out, surprising the both of us. We came across a small river. As we walked across, I started thinking about Lukas again.. he couldn't just get out of my head. It's like.. he's my Prince Charming.. Jess!! Shut up.. you have to find Reuben! This isn't the best time to think about this.
"Look!", I heard my brother say. "Footprints that lead to a dust trail" we followed the footprints that lead to Rueben's costume. As Jesse examined the costume, I decided to walk to a few nearby bushes.
I saw them move. "Please don't be another chicken", I whispered. Reuben stepped out.
"Reuben!!", I exclaimed. "Jesse!! I found Reuben!!"
My brother walked up to our little piggy and pat his little cute head.
"Don't scare us like that again, Rueben", he said as he did so. Suddenly we heard zombie moans. We looked around, seeing a few zombies coming out of a cave.
"Let's go!", Jesse exclaimed. We ran to the direction back to EnderCon, just to be met a few creepers and skeletons. Just great.. we ended up where zombies and spiders.
"Stay back", Jesse said, protecting Rueben and I. A spider jumped on him, but he managed to get it off. We pulled out our swords, fighting them off. It didn't really last awhile since our swords quickly broke.
"Stupid wooden sword", I cursed under my breath. Jesse stepped in front of Reuben and I to protect us.
"Go!", he told me. "Go to EnderCon, we'll meet up later.."
I looked at him, with no fear in my eyes.
"No, Jesse.. whatever happens.. we'll do it together", I told my older brother. A zombie attacked Reuben, giving him a black eye. Rueben squealed in pain and fear.
"Reuben!!", I exclaimed.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE", Jesse said, immediately hitting the zombie, so hard that it went flying to the wall, killing it.
I picked up Reuben, hugging him tightly as a few spiders were crawling their way towards us, about to attack. I w
Suddenly, a familiar redhead came out of no where and attacked the zombies with her pickaxe.
"Come on!!", she quickly told us. "Let's get out of the open.. while we still can.."
Running to a gap through the monsters, Jesse, Rueben, and I followed her as we picked up some string. We came across a cave. Petra told us that she wanna show us something as we walked inside the cave. I whimpered as I looked around at the darkness around us, a few torches lighting our way.
"Not that this isn't a cool dimly-lit tunnel but.. how far is this thing you wanna show us?..", Jesse asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"You guys gotta be careful", Petra teased. "Don't wanna get a reputation as a wimp"
"This isn't our first time in a cave, Petra", I retorted.
"Yeah, but have you ever seen.. a wither skull?", Petra paused for a bit before taking out a wither skull from her pocket. Jesse and I both gasped when we saw it. "Fresh from the Nether.."
"So your telling me that you went to the Nether, killed serval Wither Skeletons, risk your life, just to get that dusty skull?", I asked, still surprised.
"Well, it's gonna be worth it to get this dusty old skull", she replied.
"That's insane, Petra.. you could've gotten yourself killed!", Jesse scolded.
"Don't worry so much, I can handle myself", Petra comforted, putting the skull away. "There's this guy I'm meeting with at EnderCon. He's gonna trade me a Diamond for it"
"Wait.. what?", Jesse raised a brow. "You got a skull for- what's his deal?? Isn't that a little TOO much?"
"He's kinda strange but hey, everyone's got their own thing", Petra replied.
"And you never thought to ask 'hey dude, what's with your whole, totally normal not weird skull thing'"
"As long as he's willing to pay, I earned that diamond"
"Wow.."
"Wow what?"
"In a single day, you went to the nether, you killed a wither skeleton- I mean, we did build a super-cool statue but still, it must be pretty sweet being you huh?"
I could have sworn Petra blushed lightly when Jesse complimented her. I placed my hands on my hips while smirking, wanting to make this ship TOTALLY come true.
"You know.. you could come with me", she told us, grinning slightly.
"I'd be honored to be your backup, Petra..", Jesse grinned. I nodded in agreement, watching the two closely.
"Don't get yourselves overexcited", Petra chuckled a bit. She also let us use her crafting table. Jesse crafted a stone sword I, myself accidentally crafted a lever but, I managed to craft an iron sword. I made another one for Nikki. We were walking outside the cave and walked onto the bride that was nearby EnderCon.
"Check it out, EnderCon's all lit up!", Petra informed us. I gasped, seeing our Zombie with fireworks coming out of it.
"I can't believe it! We won!", I cheered.
"Looks like our idea worked like a charm!", Jesse chuckled.
"Good for you guys", Petra congratulated us.
"It's about time we beat Lukas and his jerky team of ocelots", Jesse grinned. "What kind of name is the 'Ocelots' anyway?"
I saw Petra's face fell a bit. Mine's did too.
"Y'know Lukas may seem kinda arrogant but he HAS come through for me", Petra told him. "You might wanna get to know him more, just in case"
"Yeah, maybe you're right", I replied. I had to kept myself from blushing at the fact that we were talking about Lukas. She said we should talk to him sometime.. try to get to know him.. How am I supposed to talk to him when I might just faint right there on the spot. Then he will just think I'm weird.
"I doubt it", Jesse replied.
"I'm just saying", Petra shrugged. "If you run into him at EnderCon, try talking to him"
"Don't need a lecture on the power of collaboration, Petra", Jesse chuckled.
"How about a lecture on the power of my fists?", Petra joked. "It's short, but deadly!"
We all laughed a bit at the little joke before a short moment of silence came by as we slowly made our way across the bridge.I looked up at the moonlight, shivering a bit as I did. It seemed to be a beautiful night. I went ahead, keeping Reuben close by to me as I tried my best to listen to Jesse's and Petra's conversation.
"Remember what EnderCon was like before it was cool?", Petra asked as they walked.
"Remember what WE were like before WE were cool?", Jesse grinned as he kept his eyes on her.
"Some of us will never be cool"
"Ha-ha.."
"Isn't it weird how most people assumes we're a couple? Like, even Nikki and Jess seems to be intrigued with the idea.. crazy right?"
"W-What? I- yeah! Yeah! It's crazy", Jesse stumbled on his words. "But it isn't too crazy, Y'know I-I-.."
Before he could finish, Reuben let out a frightening squeal, running back to Jesse. I followed close behind, panting as I had my sword in my hands.
"What's the matter?!", Jesse asked quickly as he took out his sword.
"Creepers!!", I cried, pointing to the creatures stepping on the bridge. Before we could say anything else, the groans of zombies could be heard behind us. We all looked over and saw zombies coming our way from the cave.
"Crap..", Jesse muttered.
"We're cornered!", I gasped.
"There's only one way off this bridge!", Petra told us quickly. "Whatever we do, we do it together!"
I noticed how there was a river underneath the bridge. I could tell Jesse noticed it too. The only downside was that there was a long distance between the bridge and the water below us.
"Everyone, JUMP!!", Jesse exclaimed, jumping off the bridge as the creepers exploded. We saw ourselves free flying in the air. I gasped as I looked at the water, flaying my arms around like a little kid as Jesse aimlessly waved his arms around in the air. Petra just seemed to be gliding naturally down. Once we got down to the water, Petra dove in the water as the two of us fell spat onto the water
"Ow..", Jesse uttered.
"It burns.. it burns..", I muttered, my face aching a bit. Petra turned to us, seemly annoyed.
"Don't you guys know?! You dive into the water, you don't fall on top of it! Now let's get going..", she told us before started to swim off. We followed as we swam our way back to EnderCon.
We walked in front of the Zombie Statue, shooting out fireworks, and Axel, Nikki Olivia waiting for us.
"Jesse!! Jess!! You guys are okay!!", Nikki exclaimed as she ran up to us, giving us a hug. "Are you guys okay?! Are you guys too hurt?"
Jesse grinned, patting her back softly. "We're okay, Nikki.. no need to worry"
"We finally won!!", Olivia exclaimed, running up to us.
"Geez, what happened to Rueben?", Axel said, noticing his black eye.
"We ran into some trouble while finding Rueben", Jesse replied as Nikki placed some ice on Rueben's wounded eye.
"Yea.. Petra saved us from becoming spider food"
"And what were you doing in the forest, Petra", Olivia asked.
"Nothing, just heard their screams of fear.. anyway.. Jesse.. Jess.. don't we have this "thing" we have to do"
Jesse and I nodded. "Yeah totally, this "thing""
Olivia, Nikki, and Axel looked at eachother, questionably.
"subtle.. as to a punch in the face", Olivia said. "Axel, Nikki, and I were heading into EnderCon anyway.."
"Okay.. we're gonna be at EnderCon if you need us", Axel said. Jesse and I nodded as we went off with Petra. Nikki looked over at us as we left, she seemed to be suspicious.
Later, Petra, Jesse, Reuben and I walked to this dark alley. I stayed behind Jesse as I shook a bit in fear. I was always afraid of the dark.
"Dark.. dark.. very dark..", I whispered to myself, trying to hide my fear.
"That's weird..", Petra whispered. "He said the dark creepy close to the gates but he's not here.. maybe he's late?"
"Are you sure this is the same dark creepy alley he meant?", Jesse said.
"Okay, new plan.. you and Jess stay here just in case this IS the spot he meant and I'll look around.. I guess I got the spot wrong but then again, I never really did get a meet-up spot wrong before.."
Jesse nodded. "Okay.. you go, Petra while Jess and I hold down the fort"
Petra smiled softly at him, causing him to blush lightly.
"Thanks, Jesse.. I'll be back before ya know it, and if he comes while I'm gone then stall for me", she said before walking off deeper into the alley.
I turned to Jesse as Petra left and headed darker into the alleyway. Jesse looked as Petra walked off. Rueben shook a little, probably out of fear. I turned over. A chest?
"Hey Jesse.. look..", I said as I walked over to the chest. Before I could open it, there was a new, mysterious voice behind us.
"Ahem!!", it called.
I jumped as Jesse went in and put his arm in front of me to protect me. There was a tall pale man in front of us. He had long black hair, dark eyes and wore a long green robe with a golden belt with a dark blue gem holding the belt up. He had black boots and had a black long beard.
"And just who are you?!", he growled. Jesse and I looked at each other for a moment. "I'm waiting!!"
"The name's Jesse and this is my little sister, Jess", Jesse said. "What's it to you?"
Jesse narrowed his eyes. I had a really bad feeling about this guy and I could tell that Jesse did too..
"I'm supposed to be meeting with Petra, not whoever you both are supposed to be!", the man spoke. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't walk out of here right now.."
"We're with Petra..", I said, standing up high. "We're like her partners"
The man just rolled his eyes. "I made a deal with her, not her partner!"
"You're the guy who wanted that wither skull right?", I said, standing up straight.
"No so loud you idiot!!", the man exclaimed. "Too much people know my business already.. do you have the skull?"
"Petra has it and she'll be right any minute now", I replied, managing to hide my fear as Jesse kept his eyes on the man.
"Okay..", he crossed his arms. "As long as she's bringing it.. I guess it wouldn't kill me to wait a minute longer"
I looked over at Jesse, he looked back. Something was definitely not right about this man.. he's probably up to something.. something bad..
"Ivor!", called out a voice. It was Petra. She walked forward. "I'm sorry I'm late but good things are worth waiting for.. I got what you asked for"
"If you have what you promised us", Jesse added.
The man.. or should I say, Ivor raised a brow. "I don't remember about you saying an 'us' when we first met.. and I don't like surprises.. if these are the sorts of people to associate with then perhaps we should call this whole thing off"
"My friends are fine, right guys? There's no problem here.. it's all a misunderstanding"
"Petra, this guy gives me a bad feeling..", I whispered over to Petra but she just growled lightly.
"And I'll give you a bad feeling if you ruin this for me..", she whispered back, her voice showing she's been angered lightly.
"We're cool if he's cool", Jesse said. I just sighed and nodded in agreement.
"It's settled then, you're both cool"
Petra then gave him him the wither skeleton skull. He took it and examined it, looking at it carefully.
"And my diamond?", Petra said.
"Take it.. you've earned it..", Ivor replied. We all looked behind us, at the chest. Petra walked over to it, opening it. I was a little excited to see the diamond but was disappointed.
"Wait.. this isn't a diamond..", Jesse said.
"You're right..", I added. "It's a-"
"It's lapis!", Petra exclaimed. "Of all the dirty, underhanded tricks to pull.. I can't believe that guy got one over me!!"
"I can't believe he did that!", I exclaimed.
"Let's go after him", Jesse said, running out of dark alley. We followed.
"It's either I'm getting that diamond or my skull back!", Petra said as we ran.
"And we'll make him pay, right?? Right??", Jesse added.
"Guys! Less talking, more running!", I said as we ran past buildings and people. After a little while, we stopped.
"Did you see him anywhere??", Petra spoke as we looked around.
"No.. I think we lost him..", I said, seeing no sign of him.
"Then we'll have to find him again", Jesse responded. "Let's split up.. Jess, you and Rueben go that way while Petra and I go the other way"
We all nodded as we separated. As Rueben and I walked, we saw a crowd of people surrounding none other than Gabriel the Warrior himself. I can't blame him.. I would love to meet him too.. I walked past the crowd as the people were asking questions.
As I moved my dark brown hair out of my face, I saw a familiar blonde boy. It was Lukas! The rest of the Ocelots wasn't with him! It was my chance finally go and walk to him! Okay, Jess.. take a deep breath in and out.. I walked over to Lukas, trying my best not to blush. He looked so.. beautiful..
"'Sup" I said.
"'Sup", he replied.
"Nothing.. 'sup with you?"
"Nothing.. 'sup with with you?"
I giggled lightly. "I just said.. nothing"
Lukas chuckled lightly before looking down at me. "Congratulations on the win.. I mean like I think our beacon did great but ours was amazing too.. I mean like.. fireworks? A big scary zombie? Isn't that cool?"
I smiled a little, blushing a little. "Thanks.. you're rainbow beacon really was amazing.. I really did liked it but uhh.."
Lukas raised a brow curiously.
"You know that little stunt your friend pulled really hurt my pig.."
"Yeah.. I'm sorry about that but I have nothing to do with it.."
"You're lucky we found him.. Jesse wouldn't really treat you all too well if we didn't"
"Oh.. geez.. I help the little guy is doing okay.."
"He is.. and uhh.. hey, have you seen a creepy guy with long hair and a beard roaming around, did you?"
"I don't think I have.. why?"
"He kinda scammed Petra out of a diamond earlier"
"Oh geez.. everyone knows you do not mess with Petra.. not if you know what's good for you.. I'll keep an eye out, okay?"
"Thanks, I really appreciate it"
"So uhh.. are we cool?"
"Yeah.. you're cool with me.."
"Cool-cool"
I grinned. "Cool beans"
"Coolness"
I giggled a little before going to walk off. "I'll see ya later, Lukas.."
"Yeah.. I'll see you around, Jess.."
I walked around, continuing to be on a lookout. However, I feel myself getting distracted. I just can't stop thinking about Lukas.. I guess Petra was kinda right.. he wasn't really like the other ocelots.. he was different.. that was when I saw the man again!
"Aha.. caught you, weirdo..", I followed behind him, before something or should I say, someone got in the way! It was Aiden! Not again!!
"Woah! Well if it isn't team trash bag! How's your stupid little big?", he said as he got in front of me. "I heard that intense heat could cause brain damage but it might just boast up the flavor of something crazy, though" I tried moving over to see where Ivor was going but Aiden kept getting in the way.
"Aiden, you little idiot!!", I exclaimed.
"And who are you calling with idiot?!"
"You now get your big colossal self out my way!!", I said as I pushed him away and walked to the direction Ivor was walking in. He was in my ray of sight. I walked over, going to grab him, just to see that it was the wrong person!
"Hey!!", the lady called out. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Oh- I'm so sorry-"
"Get away from me!!"
"I said I was sorry, okay?", I said but she just rolled her eyes and went back to talking with her friends. That was when I heard a pig, Rueben specifically oinking out for help.
"Reuben?!", I looked over. It was a guy at a porkchop stand with Rueben in his arms! I immediately ran over to him.
"Stop!! Put him down!! That's my pig, you kidnapped my pig!!", I exclaimed but the guy just raised a brow.
"Oh really?? I saw this one just walking around but maybe I'll give him back if you would trade.. not that you look like you have anything valuable anyway.."
I couldn't let him hurt Rueben, I can't! I sighed as I took out my stone sword. His eyes widen when he saw it. "All I have is this sword.."
"Oh dang.. with that sword then I could cut my butcher this time it half..", he said before taking the sword and handing me back Rueben. "nice doing business with ya!"
I sighed as I walked off. Rueben oinked and whined, looking sorta annoyed. "I'm sorry, Rueben.. I was too focused on looking for that creepy guy that I didn't notice.."
Rueben then cuddled close to me. I smiled as I kept him close.
"Jess!", said a voice behind me. I turned around. It was Nikki!
"Nikki! Where's Olivia and Axel? You shouldn't alone by yourself.."
"Jess, no, stop, I'm 14, I'm allowed to go off by myself..", she said, placing her hands on her hips. "anyways I may have followed you, Jesse, and Petra and saw what happened and I wanna say that I wanna go help look for that guy so I followed him.. I lost him but I think I saw him head over there" she pointed at the hall of EnderCon, which was where the Gabriel keynote was taken place. Weird.. why would he go there?
"Nikki! Jess!", called a voice. We looked over. It was Jesse. He was Companied by Axel, Olivia, and Petra.
"Have you guys found anything?", Petra asked. We all shook our heads.
"I thought I saw him earlier but it was just a false alarm but Nikki said that she saw him go over there", I said, point at where the Gabriel keynote was gonna be.
"There he is!!", Jesse pointed out, seeing Ivor running up the stairs to get inside.
"We have to get past that usher to follow him..", Petra uttered, looking at the tall man with long blonde hair guarding the staircase.
"Let's go!", Jesse said then we all walked over to the man. Jesse stepped forward. "So yeah.. hey.. um.. what would it take to get us inside tonight?"
The usher looked at us before chuckling. "Um? Tickets?? That was a good one who you should laugh"
I stepped forward next to Jesse. "I know this might sound crazy but we're on an important mission"
The usher just rolled his eyes. "Then I hope your "mission" came with bringing tickets to the show because otherwise.."
He was suddenly interrupted by a chicken hopping over. He looked like he would have peed his pants. "Chicken!!", he exclaimed. "Chicken! Chicken! Chicken"
When the chicken went away, he sighed. "It's gone.. you're totally fine.. you're totally cool dude..", he whispered to himself.
We all walked off. Nikki and I looked over at the usher. We obviously had to find a way in and maybe a little chickens could help.
"We have to find a way in..", Petra said.
"But what should we do? We can't get new tickets because the show has been sold out for ages", Olivia answered.
"I could bust right through but I just need a wind-up room", Axel suggested.
"We definitely need a distraction..", Jesse said.
"And I got one! The Usher is afraid of chickens.. and there's a chicken machine right there, if we let the chickens out then it would cause a huge distraction", I suggested.
"That's a good idea", Jesse started. "But the chickens are all the way up there, how are we gonna get up there?"
"Simple! We use a slime block!", Nikki suggested. "We just see if we could get enough slime and when we do, we make a slime block and with that slime block, one of us jump up and destroy that it window to the chicken coop"
"Yeah", I added. "And it would make the mother of all distractions"
"But where are we gonna find enough slime balls to craft a slime block?", Olivia asked.
"Let's just look around.. I'm sure we'll find something", I said as we all split up. Jesse went with Axel, Olivia went with Petra and Rueben, Nikki, and I went off together.
"Now where to find some slime blocks..", I muttered to myself as we looked around. I kept Rueben close to me, I wouldn't want to lose him again.
"Jess, look! Over there! Someone is selling slime blocks!", Nikki said as she pointed to where someone was selling slime at one of the stances. And lucky for me, it was the same lady I met before. Great..
"Nikki, you and Rueben stay here, okay?", I said before going up to the stance. The lady furrowed her brow when she saw me.
"Uhh.. hey! We meet again ahaha..", I said, trying to keep things cool. "One slime block please"
She lady rolled her eyes. "We don't give out slime blocks, we only give out slime balls and we're running short on supply and is only giving on per costumer.. but you could craft your own slime block with 9 slime balls"
"Thanks I guess and uhh.. I'm really sorry about earlier.. I was looking for someone and I honestly thought you were someone else"
"Apology accepted", the lady said with a grin.
"A round of slime balls for everyone, please!", Axel said as he and the others walked over. Once we got our slime balls, we walked off, all of us got one, including Rueben. Nikki had two because she had a slime ball from earlier.
"Wait..", Jesse said. "We only have 8 slime balls.. we need 9 to make a block"
"Okay, we need to find another slime ball and quick..", Petra said urgently.
"On it!!", Axel said before running off. The rest of us split up too. I looked around the area, no slime ball in sight.. what are we gonna do? Then I looked over. I saw.. Lukas! I blushed lightly. He looked so cute.. okay, Jess, focus.. he has a slime ball in his hands, tossing it up in the air and catching it. He seemed kinda bored.. I took a deep breath and walked up to him.
"Hey.. could you do me a favor?", I asked. He looked at me with a smile. Oh my notch I love his smile..
"Um.. I need slime balls, I have a really good explanation, I swear.."
Lukas raised a brow before looking at everyone else, who walked over before handing me a slime block.
"Whatever you guys are doing, count me in", he said with a grin. I sighed in relief and smiled back.
"Thanks Lukas.."
As we all walked off back to the chicken coop, Petra bumped my elbow and whispered to me, "told you he was useful"
Axel raised a brow. "Aw man.. this guy isn't actually cool, is he?"
"Reminds to be seen..", Olivia replied.
Jesse just scoffed. "Please.. he'll be just like the other stupid ocelots"
I growled a little. "Jesse! Don't you see that he's helping us?!"
"Whatever.. it's crafting time", Jesse replied with an eye roll. He went over to a nearby crafting table and crafted the slime block we needed. Olivia then took the slime block and placed it down where we needed it to be.
Jesse and I volunteered to do it but we let Nikki do it instead.
"It's all you, Nikki", Jesse said, patting her back in a comfort like manner. I gave her a light hug.
"Thanks guys.. Axel, give me a boost", Nikki said as Axel walked forward, placing her on the roof of one of the booths then she looked down at the slime block below her, jumping down. The slime block bounced her high enough to reach the window to the coop and with that, she punched the window, breaking it as all the chickens came out. The chickens went everywhere, even towards the usher, who of course ran away, making the entrance guarded-free.
"Now's our chance!", Petra said as we all ran to the hall, up the stairs and into the building. Once we got inside, we looked around. He was nowhere to be found.
Petra growled a little and placed her hands on her hips. "Where did he go?!"
"He went that way!", Nikki replied, pointing at a door nearby that leads to a sort of basement. "He went through that door!"
We all ran over to the door but then Lukas stopped. "Wait, guys..", he said. "What do we do once we catch him? There are a million ways we could play this.. but considering this isn't my fight, I'll follow your lead"
Jesse scoffed and rolled his eyes. I ignored him as I turned to Lukas, smirking a bit. "Why don't we get us a little payback?"
Lukas seemed to blush slightly as I smirked at him. "Okay, cool! Cool!"
We walked into the basement. It was dark but it was lit enough to see the place around. It seems to be an old library? We all peeked around the corner just in case if he hears or sees us.
"Do you guys see anything?", Nikki whispered.
"I don't think so..", I answered.
"He must have gone out another way..", Petra muttered. We all went out from around the corner and began searching around the place.
"What is it?", Olivia asked as she looked around at all the books and potions around the dark room. There seemed to be an eerie silence..
"Seems like the basement.. a weird place to have a secret hideout", Jesse replied as he followed Petra around.
"I bet you guys anything, I'll find my skull here", responded Petra, who was looking in all the chests and potions. I looked around also, Jesse was talking to Petra as usual, Olivia was digging through a chest, Axel was looking at all the potions and Nikki and Rueben looked around, taking a few potions here and there.
"If we find anything else cool to steal, we'll take it, right?", Axel said, amused by all the stuff around.
"Axel, that's now what we're here to do", Nikki replied.
"Yeah but Jess said we're here to get payback and what's better payback is stealing things from a thief?"
"I don't want us to scoop to his level", Petra uttered.
"But isn't that the best way to get back at him?"
"Axel, it's best if we focus on finding the skull and not steal anything, okay?", Jesse said. Axel just rolled his eyes and continued looking.
"Jesse's right", Nikki added. "The faster we find that thing, the faster we could leave out of this place"
I looked around a bit then walked over to Lukas. "Hey.. you doing okay?"
"Hm? Oh yeah yeah.. I'm fine, just curious about all this stuff around here"
"Yeah.. this guy has a lot of stuff, no wonder Axel wants to steal some of it" I looked over at Axel taking a bright fancy potion, Nikki next to him facepalming and trying to tell him to put it back.
"Yeah.. I sorta wanna get a few things from here myself"
"Yeah.. and Lukas, I'm so sorry about the others, especially Jesse.. I guess they think you're like Aiden"
"It's okay, no need to apologize, Jess.." he then gave me a hug. I froze in place, starting to blush a lot before smiling warmly and hugging back, feeling him stroking my dark umber brown hair with his hands as we hugged. This only made me blush more and I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth between his arms.
This was short lasted when something caught my eyes. I opened my eyes once more and looked out, Nikki and Rueben in front of something I can't even describe. The others joined them. Lukas and I looked at each other and blushed before joining them.
"What the hell is all this stuff?", Lukas asked as we walked up to whatever it was.
"Soul sand..", Petra said. "That's soul sand, it was everywhere in the Nether"
There was soul sand in the stance of a T, a bright glowing block in the middle of it.
"But wait..", Jesse started. "That's that block in the middle?"
Olivia stepped forward. "I've never seen one of these before.." she started to get closer to it. "I wonder if I could just.. take a closer look.." She then held a hand out closer to the block. "Do you feel that?.. it's.. almost.. pulsing.."
I walked up and got her anyway from the block. "Don't touch that, Olivia! We don't know what it is yet.."
"But..", Olivia said. "I was just curious.."
Jesse stepped forward. "Don't forget what we're here for.."
"Yeah!", Nikki agreed. "Find that skull so we could get the hell out of here"
I noticed something.. a chest? I went over and opened it, my eyes widen.
"Okay, good news, weird news", I said. "I found the skull but.."
"What the hell?! Why did I risk my neck for that skull if he has two of them already? He was such in a hurry to get it too!", Petra uttered. Lukas looked at the skull then back at the soul sand and block.
"This got to be connected somehow..", Jesse said. "The chest with the skulls was hidden back here with everything else.. this got to mean something"
"I agree..", I added.
"But what could it mean?", Olivia wondered.
"Guys.. I think I know what's going on here.. soul sand plus three wither skulls.. that's a recipe for a Wither!", he pointed out. All our eyes widen.
"But a Wither..", Petra started. "That's.."
"One of the worst monsters there is!", Nikki exclaimed.
"We came here to find the skull and we found it..", Jesse muttered.
"We should grab it and get the hell out of here while we still can..", Petra insisted.
We all paused. A door opened at the entrance. He was back!
"Uhh.. guys..", Lukas muttered
"Scatter!", I whispered to everyone as we all switched the lever that hid the things then went to different hiding places. We all stayed quiet, not knowing what to expect.. what to do.. or even how to react.. I heard his footsteps coming walking around towards where the skulls and soul sand were.. there as an eerie silence..