Hero's Bane

Chapter 19: His Hate

Edited 4/11/2022

Herobrine's face contorted from the pain and he hissed as the bright glow at his legs replaced missing muscle tissue and flesh, he sometimes hated himself because of his little natural 'gift'. On one hand; it was a great blessing, but on the other; a wicked curse. His blood would instantly heal and or regenerate from any small cuts to fatal wounds and burns, it also greatly increased his tolerance for debilitating pain that would normally make any human literally beg for death.

As a sick curse though; it would always heal over wounds time and time again, especially if the wounds were constantly being made so this meant he couldn't die; only suffer. Well not die so easily anyways, humans definitely made him aware of that. Same goes for burning, in which the humans had also shown him. Stuck in the molten lava was one case that made him suffer, which he vastly detested because it was like reliving his last similar ordeal; but this time he could at least move and didn't lie motionless while flames licked his body. Being trapped in the liquid fire continuously burned and gnawed on him and it was really painful, even for a godly creature like himself. The pain back then wouldn't cease to end during his trails, well it did eventually with the help of a specific human. His suffering had ended again today because of another human, one that greatly confused the powerful being.

The hero grimaced as the white light moved down to his heels, but the new thoughts running through his mind kept most of the growing tenderness away. Another part of his cursed blood; healing, it hurt tremendously for his body to restore what was lost. The greater the wound, the more pain you'd feel when healing. Perhaps it's a just curse and not a blessing?

If it was a blessing then he'd been dead a long time ago, Lionel wouldn't have to suffer his tragic demise at the hands of his own trusted brethren. Had his blood been such a 'blessing' then it should have been strong enough to fight the paralysis curse, then he could of saved his friend and prevented his painful death. If it was anything but a blessing, but then he wouldn't be sitting a blistering pit waiting for his legs to mend. If it weren't for his cursed blood, then he wouldn't have that strength and immortality that made him almost a deity. He wouldn't of ever been a hero, nor would he of been able to save his friend when he first met him struggling to fight off monsters. Curse? blessing? It was both and that was how things were going to be, whether it was beneficial or detrimental. Anything was better than being a weak and pathetic fragile human.

Herobrine tilted his head up a little to gaze at the spot where the miner had once stood, it was now occupied by a low draft of air just blowing silently over the blazing gap. His mind began to wonder as to why the man had simply wasted his chance to escape or even take the advantage of the situation and stop the Hero from ever escaping. Why did he risk falling into the lava and dying to make one little platform of relief for the one trying to kill him? Why did that human had to be so perplexing? Hero had heard the mortal's words of trying to bring forth Notch's power to stop him, so why save the one who he's trying to destroy? It didn't make any sense to the old hero. Normally, humans were so pathetically predicable. But this one? He was... something else.

The Hero of old finally stood on his fully healed legs, all of his skin and muscles were restored and even his clothing and boots was nice and perfect once more. Herobrine looked up and lunged upwards now that the lava wasn't gluing him down with it's thick burning consistency, he grabbed a hold of the very top stone block edge at the end of his jump and forced himself with one hand to swing his entire body over and up onto the ground. He landed with a small roll and came to a stop on a knee, he then rose up slowly and dusted his hands off. He was still baffled how he failed to make the landing in the first place and fell in, it was an embarrassment; so focused on his prey that he slipped up in the heat of the moment.

After standing up he turned and gazed down upon his most recent cage of torment, the lava cavity wasn't as near as bad as the other metaphorical cages of torture that he remembered from long ago. At least he wasn't in it anymore, thanks to the human named Steve. Herobrine made a quick glance for his blade and it was nowhere to be found, of course. The human had it, still has it. Normally, he would be infuriated or go berserk if a mere human took what belonged to him; but he didn't feel any rage to his own surprise. Herobrine was just glad to finally be out of the pit, though he had a high tolerance of pain; burning in lava was a far exception on his list. He didn't know why he was feeling so composed and calm at the moment; but this tranquil state of mind wasn't going to stop him from taking back what belonged to him, nor stop him from preventing the mortal from reaching the shrine. He turned away from the glowing gap and walked up and onwards through the stone cavern, disappearing into the darkness.

…

Steve panted heavily as he finally reached the settlement again, sweat beaded his forehead and his shirt was soaked from perspiration as well. Nearly every muscle in his body ached and he was feeling very nauseous, yet he had gone and escaped Herobrine's pursuit and then fought, ran, and dodged skeletons arrows until he had finally made it back to safety. During his run the sword just kept pulsating and every small beat just gave him a little boost of energy, enough energy to run, jump, and swing the weapon at zombies and spiders with ease. The sword was nothing like he had ever wielded, but it's power could very well keep him alive if he kept it on him while traveling through mob infested areas. Though a voice somewhere deep in his mind told him that keeping it was a bad idea, it wasn't any ordinary enchanted weapon. It belonged to Herobrine.

He decided to sheath the glowing sword to hide most of it's illuminating aura and shine, the last thing he needed to do was attract unwanted attention as light attracted powerful mobs in this particular land. However; the same instant he put the sword away, he felt his whole body pulsate with a sharp sensation at every nerve ending. Steve began to shudder and shake, he then felt as though he was crumbling and falling apart as he stood in place with all of his muscles convulsing and abrupt weakness taking over. Sudden exhaustion almost made him collapse right where he stood, but he forced himself to stumble over to the lighted building to keep himself up and stable, he slammed into the wood with a pained 'oof' and squeezed his eyes shut from the growing tenderness spreading from limb to limb.

Low groans escaped his lips as he slowly peeled himself from the wooden logs and ambled for the doorway; wrapping his arms around his waist as he moved while struggling to keep his eyes open from the rapid back and forth sweeping motions and the blurring that started taking over his vision. He had no idea that the enchanted blade was what was keeping him going, it was like the diamond sword was a battery; giving his body the push to go beyond it's limits. But without it in hand; he felt extremely weak, like it had absorbed his strength but he knew it couldn't of because it gave power to him when he needed it most. Steve wanted to know how it worked but that was going to have to wait, another time when he wasn't about to slip out of consciousness.

The miner dragged his heavy feet over to the lit building and he grabbed a hold of the doorknob and turned it but it wouldn't budge, then he remembered that he had barricaded the door before Nigel fell asleep so he wasn't getting in that way. Steve slowly ambled in a slouch over to the broken window. He was too tired to care how he got in, only that he needed to get inside and rest his aching body real soon. He carelessly wiped away large shards of broken glass off of the frame and he gently crawled right into through it, lightly cutting himself a couple times on a few unseen smaller pieces in the process. As he pushed himself through the hole he fell face-forward onto the floor and slid the way in like a lifeless ragdoll. The miner ached so much, he was tired of being in pain, tired of monsters and fighting, and he was definitely tired of running from Herobrine.

Steve weakly pulled himself across the floor over to the bed to see Nigel sleeping soundly while looking so peaceful, at least he was safe and okay. He then proceeded to move over to the other side of the room and sloppily prop himself against the wall, he leaned his head back but not before taking the old cloak and draping it over his shoulders. After checking the window to see nothing standing outside of it; he closed his eyes and his head moved down to chest, he was asleep in a matter of seconds.

…

White eyes peered through the window frame to see the miner slumped against the wall in a deep sleep, it was clear that the mortal was under the effects of the blade. Herobrine couldn't see the sword but he could feel it's presence nearby and he wanted it back, it wouldn't take but a quick second to teleport inside the house or rip off the door; but he chose not to. The human had his blade but the ex-hero decided he could wait, it was only a matter of time until the human fell victim to the blade's power anyways. It wasn't created by man, it was created by him and the more the miner uses it; the more of a toll it'll take on the mortal's body. It wasn't meant to be held by a mortal, it's effects on the unconscious man were evident. Herobrine decided he'll take it back when the opportunity best presents itself, even now was such the opportunity; but Herobrine had something else planned at the moment.

…

Steve's eyes peeled open to a world of blinding white, he blinked a few times and sat up from the ground to discover that he was on an open span of grass plains, or from what he could tell. Everything was clouded though, as if a heavy fog hung in the air. Even the sky was obscured in the misty haze, the only thing he could see other than grass was some trees partially obscured in the distance. The miner blinked a few times and even rubbed at his eyes to clear his vision, but it didn't change his vision. "What's going on?" He quietly asked himself as he blinked again. Soft footfalls quickly caught his attention, he wasn't alone. The miner cautiously forced himself up to stand and turn on his heels, something with color approached at a short distance, slowly strolling in the open field and in his direction from the mists.

"Hello?" Steve nervously called out while squinting his eyes to get a better look, his sight remained unchanged. The blurry figure kept walking but as it grew closer it was clearly tall, slightly muscular, had facial hair which he assumed the figure was male, and the being wore silver armor.

As the guy got closer and closer, Steve could instantly recognize the face; the haze cleared when the man came to a stop and stood before him with a light frown and deep blue eyes fixed on him. The miner gaped, this guy; he's seen him! The one he had only seen in that dream at the now graveyard, the one he recognized as the 'traitor', the guy who was trying to hide Herobrine… and obviously; the one he saw in the reflection of himself.

The armored man stood face to face with Steve and they looked rather identical, but a few subtle differences easily distinguished the two. Lionel was slightly taller, older, had a more rugged look with a few scars on his face, a mustache goatee combo, and he had small bangs swooping down his forehead. Steve however, was shorter, had barely anything to show as a mark, and he had his hair was nicely trimmed.

"Lionel?" He asked with a raised brow, arms now at his sides.

"So- you know my name?" Came a soft and yet strapping voice. It was almost like his but a little deeper and more mature and yet filled with youthful vigor.

Steve rubbed his eyes and blinked in confusion again. This is the silver-plated man? It had to be. In his dreams this was the voice he heard, this was the silver form he saw; the guy even had the green scarf and helmet missing. "I do." The miner said as he straightened his posture and rested his hands on his hips, he somewhat felt at ease around the guy; this might just be the man that he could be a descendant of.

Lionel raised a brow and then smiled. "Well, this will make things easier for me then."

It was strange taking to a somewhat of a doppelganger, but Steve just had to get this mystery of his identical out of the way. "Who- who are you?" He put a hand on his chin and used his other to hold up his elbow as he gave the guy a more closer look. "Why do you look like-"

"You?" Lionel slightly tilted his head to the side and frowned with a light shrug. "You already know me, well my name anyways. I can't say as to why we look alike if that is what you are thinking."

"Oh." Steve said dejectedly and dropped his arms back to his sides. He was astounded that Lionel knew what question he was about to ask, but apparently the former guard couldn't answer the question himself.

"I was going to ask you the same question. Why... do you look like me? Are you another… form of me?" The knight asked as he folded his arms and tilted his head in uncertainty. "Are you a poser? A copy? … Possibly a… descendant?"

Steve shook his head back and forth. "I'm sorry, but I can't find an answer for those." He gestured. "I'm definitely not a poser though, I don't even really know you. But I do know that I was born this way, with this face." He pointed at his cheek. "That's the best answer I've got I'm afraid."

"Well that is alright, but I do have another question for you and I know that only you can answer it."

"That would be?" He asked while looking away and rubbing at the back of his head from such an awkward encounter.

"It'd be why you saved Herobrine?"

Steve's gaze shot back towards the royal guard and he gaped in silence.

Lionel let his tense posture fall some. "My friend had suffered many of times before, for so long he paid the painful price of condemning people who once honored him and he could of suffered again for many years alone if you hadn't helped him out of the lava pit. So, tell me why you did it?"

"Why wo- would you want to know that?" Steve asked quietly.

Lionel's calm expression faded out to a more serious one, his deep blue eyes would not move from the miner's. "That matters not-, as... as a friend, I just want-. No, have to know. Surely, putting your very life at risk had to of meant something right?" The armored man asked with his arms held out towards the miner, almost pleading for the reason. "You could of slipped right into lava and died yourself you know? You did that was for an enemy trying to kill you! You could of sealed him away in the fiery prison but didn't! Why didn't you take that chance?"

Steve looked at the grass at his feet, Lionel was giving him such a pleading gaze so he couldn't just say nothing to the worried guy. He knew that saving the hero was out of sheer pity from the suffering and it could have been a huge mistake to make such a decision on his part, but he chose remain silent on the subject since he contemplated imprisoning the old hero in the lava at one point. That would not settle well with Herobrine's 'friend'.

"Why?!" Lionel moved closer to the shorter man and forcefully grabbed him by the collar of his shirt with a strong grip. Irritation and eagerness displayed well across his features. The miner gave an expression of surprise and a hint of fear of being hurt, the armored guard had a sword and scabbard at his side he suddenly noticed with the chinking sounds from the sudden quick movement.

Steve lightly sighed and put on a brave face, he had a feeling that Lionel wasn't going to hurt him; there was barely any aggression in the man's eyes despite them being narrowed. "Is it any of your concern?" He asked and put a hand over the guard's and held it firmly. "I did what I did, the reason isn't something that I can't quite explain myself. Even I don't know why!" Steve protested from the hostile hold. "You're right, I could have sealed him away or left him there, but I didn't. Does it really matter all that much? Herobrine's free, he's okay and probably already healed man. Please, cut me some slack, I answered your question."

"I- just …wanted to know." The sentinel said more calmly, looking away from the shorter man. Lionel released the miner's shirt and stepped back, his anger faded fast. "Apologies, I got a little carried away. There's reasons, but they're not important."

"Um- it's okay?" Steve said reluctantly as he patted down his wrinkled shirt collar. "Sorry if frustration is all I could give you."

"Well lets forget that and get to the real reason why I'm here." The man says as he lifts his gaze back to the miner.

"Why you're here? You aren't supposed to be alive anymore, at least not from what I've learned through Nigel's history lesson. The gravesite, and the few dreams I had. So who- or what are you? A ghost?" He anxiously asked.

"I cannot answer that. However, the Lionel before you is neither alive or of physical being if that is what you think. A spirit? I'm not. But I do know that I have temporary purpose here in your mind." Lionel said and turned away with his back now to the miner. "I'm here to either ask you or warn you. I will ask you to not go to the fortress in the morning, nor at any point ever."

"What?" Steve shook his head and took a step forward. "And why not?"

"Your search for Notch's shrine puts you in very grave danger, I'd highly advise that you stop while you can."

"But Herobrine?"

"… Emmmmm… Yes. He- knows of your true purpose, to find that cruel- I mean- the creator's temple and summon powers from the Minecraftian god to smite away the legendary being from this world. This god is one he hates even more than mankind itself, these reasons are also not important. But, Hero has been punished enough with suffering that your mind and body cannot even begin to comprehend. He's endured levels of pain, rage, and isolation. There is no reason to continue your journey there." Lionel rocked his head from side to side slowly and folded his arms. "It'll only make him furious and he will attempt to kill you shall you continue with your quest. When you wake, leave this place immediately."

"H-he's Herobrine!" Steve stammered, his hands coiling into fists. "I won't step out of this valley alive! I barely made it this far and now I have to turn back? That's just asking to be stabbed in the back!"

"Herobrine hates all humans because of their brittle, condemning, and turncoat natures, but you seem quite different than most. Perhaps he'll allow you to live if you leave his sword and escape as soon as possible?"

Steve shook his head in disbelief. "That won't happen, he'll kill me the second I set down the sword. He'll kill me sooner or later, whenever I run out of luck. Besides, I've made promises. My friends and their people and so many more live in fear from that guy, I want to make it to where they don't have to."

"They deserve what they get." Lionel's voice sharpened.

"No they don't!" Steve defended.

The armored man huffed loudly in frustration and shot a side glance back to the miner behind him. "Well that is how Herobrine sees it. He greatly hates humans and he'll never stop, nothing can change him. Not anymore." He whispered with a dismal tone and balled up his fists from hidden rage.

"But it's wrong! I've seen good people that had nothing to do with the hero's affliction live in such torment, they don't deserve what they get! Herobrine shouldn't hate all humans! I know that what I'm doing is upsetting you Lionel, he is your friend and I understand that you'll support him through and through." Steve briefly closed his narrowed eyes. "But I just can't allow innocent people live in fear and pay for the wrongs they didn't do, my decision stands. I must find some way to stop his fury and my options are unfortunately limited."

"I see." The sentinel lowly muttered and looked to the horizon before him; now avoiding the gaze of the miner. "Then I must warn you, you will perish at his hand if you go to the fortress. You will not make it to the temple and you will not escape his wrath. Just know that your decision will be your own undoing. Wasting the chance to leave is your choice alone and we'll leave it at that."

Steve quietly stared at the man's back in silence.

"I must go now." Lionel stated as he began a slow march forwards back towards the white haze. "None of my words can convince you to leave, so we're done here." He said quietly while walking away and fading into the fog. "Goodbye Steve, I thank you for not adding to the agony. Sadly, it's a shame you won't be spared."

…

It took a couple of seconds with so many thoughts running through his mind but after hearing his name it snapped him out of the clutter of notions. "Wait! How do you know my name?!" Steve stepped forward with hand reaching out but the ground he stood on faded into black and he fell into a pit of nothingness. Falling into an endless pit of black, he kept his vision on the white above fading away like rising smoke. When all of the light was gone he was left gently floating in the dark emptiness, a familiar blackness that was soothing but isolating as well. He felt his eyelids grow heavy and his mind un-focusing on the relentless thoughts. He closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles as his mind drifted into the vacant space.

…

"Good morning friend, today is the day of great adventure!" An old voice rung in his ears and Steve opened his eyes. "Come on sleepy head, we need to get into gear and see what mysteries we can discover."

The miner rubbed his eyes and sat up from the wall, he was still drained of energy and seeing Nigel's enthusiastic expression and pose made him want to go back to sleep. This was the second time that he had a strange dream and not a dread-filled nightmare which was surprising since Herobrine was trying to kill him and nearly did last night. "I-"

"Here ya go." The old man held out a greenish-brown colored vial and smiled. "You look tired but this potion will cure that."

"I don't need… whatever this is?" Steve took the glass bottle and examined the nasty colored liquid as it sloshed in his unstable grip, just imagining what this one tasted like made him feel ill. He looked back up at Nigel and the man nodded with a small grin. "Are you sure it's safe?"

"Why of course it is. I've made enough of these concoctions of stamina for years now and don't worry, the taste isn't as awful as the healing one."

Feeling a little confident from Nigel's words, Steve took the vial and brought it up to his mouth and swallowed the contents. He nearly choked a little, it was still nasty tasting. "Guhhh!" He held out his tongue and his face twisted with disgust. "I thought you said that it tasted better?" He asked with a angered look.

"Not exactly, I said it wasn't 'as' bad as the other one. I was right, weren't I?"

He sighed and wiped a small dribble from the corner of his mouth. "I guess." He gave the bottle back and then stretched out his limbs before proceeding to stand. He was actually feeling a little more energetic all the sudden, the potion was potent it seems. "Wow, that stuff works quick." He says with his expression softening.

"Indeed." Nigel chuckled but something shimmering and shinning at Steve's side quickly caught his attention. "Why… what is that there?" The old man's face lit up in surprise and curiosity from a faint glow.

"What's what? This?" He held up his scabbard.

"Not that, but the glowing thing 'in' the scabbard?" He pointed out then walked closer to Steve.

Steve pulled the blade all the way out and held out for the man to see. "You mean this?"

"Oh dear, this is absolutely incredible!" Nigel shifted his glasses and awed from it's unnatural glow and leaned in closer to examine the sword of diamond. "What? Where did you get this? Is that full diamond?"

Steve would of liked to flaunt the powerful sword but it wasn't his to do, so he didn't. In fact, the very idea of it being Herobrine's was still startling and now the miner was starting to remember all of last night and the encounter that questioned his sanity and morals. "It's not mine."

"That I'll agree to, it looks like it belongs to Hero. I remember seeing him wield such a flawless weapon before. But still, how did 'you' get it?"

So many thoughts began to weigh heavy on the miner, the dream he recently had was mostly plaguing his mind. "Nigel." He said calmly while re-sheathing the sword. "There are some things I haven't been telling you. I've had dreams, visions, encounters that I haven't told you about and now..." Steve's expression lightened to a nervous grin and he lightly shrugged. "I'm...kind of considering on giving up this quest to the fortress." It was hard to say that last part especially cause the old adventurer looked shocked and that expression fell into one of confusion and disappointment.

"What? … But why? What are you saying?" He took a few steps back and sat on the edge of the bed, eyes trained on the miner and his guilt riddled face. "Please, if you feel obligated to share theses experiences then do so. Something awful must of happened last night, you seemed so eager with taking this quest and putting and end to Herobrine's despicable ways just yesterday. Don't be afraid of my outlook, tell me what happened."

Steve glanced at the broken window and sighed, this was going to be a long and confusing conversation. If the old man believed any of it that was. "It started with a painful dream… during a public stoning and I believe that I was in the place of Herobrine."