Hero's Bane

Chapter 21: What Your Kind Has Done

Edited 4/12/2022 An edit that finally has extra content to give a character a little more depth.

"I can't say that this decision is the greatest, but I admire your courage. I was almost killed the last time I went there, a few creepers were hiding in one of the fort's smaller dark corridors and- things just got nasty in there." Nigel lightly struggled to keep his pace to match Steve's with his ankle still being a little sore.

Steve began to notice his friend's little stumbles and slowed down his own walking pace so that the elderly man wouldn't have to put to much effort into his steps. The fortress was still a good distance away so Nigel could hurt himself more if he continued to push himself on his bad ankle.

"Don't slow down now." Nigel cracked a large smile and sped up despite the pain and discomfort, moving rather well for an old limping man; even passing up Steve. "I know what dangers we face but I'm still very anxious to get back to the library." He said happily.

"The library?" Steve repeated in interest with a raised brow, he then pushed himself in a light jog to keep up with the eager elder.

"Yes, it's a vast and fascinating... collection of history and kn-... knowledge!" Nigel said between breaths. "Quite frankly the best part of the entire castle. There's so many books... so many that I've never seen yet, so many more just waiting to be discovered and r-read! A lot more than you'd believe! It's too bad they're all written in the ancient text, but decoding it all is what makes the experience worthwhile!" Nigel heaved a bit from the brisk jog and slowed back down with his smile falling from the fatigue setting in. "Oh, I'm too old for this." He says with a low huff and comes back to a slow walk.

Steve caught up to the old man and light smiled. "A bunch of books excite you this much?"

"Well yes! I'm an adventurer who loves this kind of stuff Steven. Even a trip to the fortresses Library is sort of like an adventure for the brain, but very time consuming. Alas, I'm afraid that is why I still come to this fortress, it's because there's still so many more things that need to be discovered and re-written for the modern times. Oh, if only our time was limitless?"

"You came for books?"

"Books, scrolls, any kind of written documents yes. Those old pages of fading ink is where I've learnt most of Herobrine's heroism and fall from grace, I've also learned of his punishments and court proceedings from a few scrolls as well. So trust me, that's where I want to continue my search, especially for anything on Lionel this time around. I've seen that name a couple times before, but never connected it to anything. Now I understand and I'm curious about this look-like, so now I must know more about him thanks to you." He gave Steve a firm nod and the miner returned it with a look of agreement. "And don't worry, I know where the shrine of Notch is too. We'll make our way there as well, but the library is more closer and easier to access so we'll stop there first." Nigel suddenly staggered after stepping wrong with his pained foot and he fell forwards but quickly regained balance before he could fully fall over. "Ow owowowowow ow." He lightly winced and limped over to a nearby worn out wooden bench. He pulled off his bag and took a seat, exhaling from getting off the tender source.

"Are you alright? You need me to help again?" Steve rushed over to the adventurer.

"I'll be fine." The elder man exhaled softly. "I don't require your assistance and you don't need to waste your energy carrying me, I'll be fine." Nigel waved his hands outwards in sign of no help wanted. "I'll be alright after a quick break." He leaned down to rug his ankle and lightly hissed. "No need to worry my good friend, it's just a little sprain is all."

"Are you going to be able to continue then? I mean, if we do run into Herobrine then escape won't be easy, especially for you. … He could definitely kill you fairly easily." Steve stated his concern after the sudden apprehension of imagining the ex-hero capturing the old man by the neck and with malicious intent on his face.

Nigel leaned his head back and took a deep breath. "I know this Steve, but 'this' is what I live for."

"You live to face danger and possibly death?" He questioned, confused. "That's no way to live, just to go out there and die."

The adventurer shook his head in disagreement. "Everything I do on my journeys is for the sake of knowing and understanding all of the history and mysteries in our world, to make everybody view the planet and what it contains more clearly." The old man said in all seriousness while facing the younger man. "What do you live for? Is it something you'd be so bold to face if it endangers your life from day to day?"

"I'm a miner, I ... I- live to do just that. I guess?" Steve replied while rubbing the back of his neck and looking away, now realizing that what he lived for was almost as dangerous as Nigel's. Mining was really what he spent the majority of his time doing if it wasn't exploring the vast lands of the overworld or building something. Cave-ins, mobs, lava pools, waterfalls, treacherous ravines, falling from great heights in general, being buried alive, getting trapped with broken tools, running out of resources, including starvation, and even freezing to death in some cases. But at the same time he loved the prospects of mining, of finding valuable and useful ores, the sounds of striking stone with his iron pick, or better yet; hitting diamond.

He liked exploring tunnels, going deep into the ground to find some of the most large magnificent chasms and caverns that would leave him in a state of awe. Abandoned mineshafts always led him to something good one way or another, sometimes to priceless treasures left behind by the miners of the past. Coming across huge exposed geodes with amethyst crystals sparkling in torchlight in their reflective surfaces was a true gem to behold, and walking on them made some of the most beautiful sounds. But to him, nothing was better than digging through stone for hours on in to hopefully find a surprise behind every block. Yes, his job and life's hobby was very dangerous, and he lived it almost everyday. Though he's always been alone on his underground mining adventures and missed out on the social world above; he loved mining as much as he loved breathing. Steve suddenly felt silly for even calling out on Nigel's own dangerous hobby; but it didn't always include Herobrine that raised the greater risks of fatality; only when he was here in his current studies of Minecraftia's history and mysteries in this land.

"Wouldn't you like to live for something just a little bit more Steven?"

The question pulled Steve from his train of thought and he moved his gaze back to the old geezer. "Huh?"

"For something that has a great meaning, not just for you; but for others? I know mining provides resources and even wealth, but it's such a lonesome task with hardly any recognition. I imagine that you don't have many friends, that you spend a lot of time alone and live quite the quiet life."

"Y-yeah." The miner nodded with a hint of shame on his face, being a miner was great but nothing truly noteworthy or significant; just a guy that looks mostly out for himself and spends nearly sixty percent of his day under ground or more; collecting rocks and dirt. At least Nigel's journeys and experiences brought something to the world, the guy must have over a dozens books written about his adventures and findings. He might even have a good status of recognition for his findings, possibly rewards. Steve had to admit that he felt a little bit jealous. No. He said to himself and shook his head, Nigel can change the world if he wants, Steve was a miner through and through; his little adventure he was currently on was just an occasional break from mining.

"I do have friends." He stated awkwardly. "I just don't see them often. I'm usually moving from village to village to find better mining spots anyways, I have family back at home to support with dad being gone and all. Of course my life is mostly uneventful aside from some good mob fighting stories and underground discoveries. I do tend to work alone and that's fine, my profession is straightforward and rewarding."

"Undoubtedly, but you are an adventurous man who wants more than just what can be found behind some stone Steven, even if you don't agree to that. You've must have been mining for years, but deep down I see the hunger in your eyes for something more than just diamonds and various ores, a hunger for mystery and truth."

An image of Steve's stone sword flashed in his mind, then to the kitchen table where him and his mother and sister would sit down to eat at, it also showed the two empty chairs. Then he thought back to the view of this land when he first came upon it, it was beautiful and sparked a wild feeling in him; he had never been so excited to explore a place like this until then.

"Then you might want to get your eyes checked." Steve folded his arms and frowned in denial. "Not trying to be rude or anything, but I don't see myself doing anything worthwhile for anybody. I already failed in trying to stop Herobrine.

"But you haven't given up." Nigel noted. "I know what I see, I know that Herobrine and his history interests you. We wouldn't be out here had you not changed your mind. Promises kept or not, you contemplated leaving and I supported the idea. But Herobrine, this... Lionel fellow. You can't ignore the answers you desire."

The miner sighed and dropped his arms, the old man just had to be right. "Okay, you have me there, I do want to know more. But how does this make me want something more than what I have? Getting the answers won't change anything, only summoning Notch will. ...Maybe."

The old man raised a brow. "But I thought you wanted the suffering to end? Herobrine is a victim in this mess too, he's shown you already."

Steve shook his head. "Those were only visions, nightmares. How can I know if there's any truth behind them? Sure the gravesite was were I encountered Lionel and I did see him in one of my dreams before I even knew his name. It could be all coincidence or my mind playing tricks on me, or Herobrine playing tricks on me. I'm not even sure what to truly believe in anymore. I've thought more about it since we've left the house, I'm starting to think that none of this is worth dying for."

"You want to turn back?"

"Yeah, but..." Steve exhaled heavily and paced back and forth a few times with a troubled look and hands digging through his hair, Herobrine's cries from the lava pit echoed throughout his head with the diamond blade at his side slightly shining from his sword's sheath.

"We still can if you want to."

"No! I-. I don't know Nigel!" He says as he stops his pacing and gestures his arms out to the old man with a disgruntled expression and deep frown. "I want both to leave and fix everything, but I can't have both!"

"Understandable, you do have a family to return to and care for; but you're conflicted on just letting things here remain the way they are but you don't want to. And now is not a bad time to mention that your mining job isn't any less dangerous than what you are doing now, well other than having an extra powerful guest to deal with. You can have both if you really want them. You can leave here alive and successfully help old Briny if you focus on the second half of your dilemma first; we'll have to be extra cautious and find a way to communicate to Herobrine that we only want to help. I can't make your mind up for you, but I think there's something I could show you that might make up your mind." The elderly man nodded towards the fortress. "Get us to the castle, there's something there that I wish you to see." He then leaned forward in his seat and gave the younger man a stern gaze. "I'm most certain that it'll help your indecision, that I can promise you."

"Alright." The miner replied quietly. "I'll make sure to get us there both alive, you have my word." Steve said as one of his hands rested on the hilt of the diamond blade. Though it wasn't his, the blade still gave him a sense of strength to utilize if needed.

"Please worry for yourself good man, if something happens to me then all will be fine. To be frank, I don't fear Herobrine nor death anymore. As you can tell I'm already up there in age and I lived a long great life filled with adventure. I got to study so many different cultures, myths and uncover the truth of so many mysteries of the unknown, all of those good and bad times. … Like the time I nearly died in Gorvin's tomb, awful experience with him and his mummified servants; but I've learned so many secrets of his ancient people of the Sandlocke desert." He found himself smiling and closed his eyes after the reminiscence of many adventures. "If I were to go out now, … then I'd be content."

Steve frowned deeply at the idea of losing Nigel, he was a good friend and still is. But if Herobrine killed the old man then he wouldn't know what he would do. Nigel was a goodhearted man and deserved the best that life could give him. "Please don't say that."

The old man glanced over to the miner. "It's alright Steven. Just know that whatever happens in that place, whether it be by Herobrine or mob; that I've had a good one. I feel even better that you are trying to save Hero's tattered soul, he doesn't deserve to live in this dreadful state of anger and pain anymore. You're taking on what I thought was impossible, you're going to attempt do what I wish I could of done years ago. If you could accomplish that then you can rest assure that I'd be one happy spirit. Right the wrongs of our kind Steve, I know you can't undo what our ancient predecessors have done, but I believe that you could change 'him'.

I know you can do it. I believe you can because Herobrine sees something in you, unlike any other mortal before. It's likely why you're still alive, no other person has ever gotten a word in before they're slain. I'd say I'm an exception, then again he doesn't care what I have to say and still torments me. My mission is revealing truths of mysteries and discovering that which is lost, but you would be saving the old hero, that is your calling. Perhaps, this is what Notch has in store for you?"

The miner gave Nigel a skeptic look. "I'm not sure that is my purpose. I'm just a simple miner, pulled into a dangerous quest for the sake of good people and friends. I'm not even cut out to take on this kind of challenge and still not even sure if I want to go through with it." Steve walked to the other side of the old man and took a seat beside him, he sighed and leaned forward to run his hands through his hair.

"As long as you give your best effort then maybe you will be able to be at peace with yourself. I'm already at peace myself, I've achieved many goals in my life but this one; though I have done little to progress in it. At least I can encourage you and teach you the truths. Even a small prod in the from of a few simple words can go a long way you know?"

"Okay, I'll try my best, but just please stop talking like that."

"Like what? I'm just trying to keep up the confidence, the morale."

Steve sat up and faced Nigel with a bitter expression. "You talk as though you know you'll die or something? ... It's worrying me."

"Oh?…You never know that though. Always consider the possibilities. If there is one thing I've learned time and time again over many years of exploring dark treacherous ruins, its that fate takes you in any direction and there's always several paths or choices that one can take that ultimately end with the inevitable death. Death is one thing no mortal can ever escape that is for sure, however; if we walk the right paths then we'll live to see truths and of course another day.

Besides, I've been face to face with the harsh reality of mortality multiple times now, but I've made it this far right? Through trusting you, a near identical duplicate of Herobrine of all people. All I can say is that I'm satisfied of where I am right now and what I've accomplished over the years. You still have a lot of time to stride, so just do your very best at surviving and reaching your goal and see where fate takes you. If you are lucky and make all the right choices, then maybe you shall find yourself carrying out your objectives. Determination and the power of Will is what could put the curse of this land away and pave over a land of peace and prosperity once more. So, do you feel any better now? More jovial?"

The miner still felt uneasy about the dangers that could take him or his friend away, especially considering he barely ever stays in touch or gets this close to his other friends; but knowing that Nigel was happy to be where he was in life? It was sort of a small relief and lightly put his mind at a bit of ease. "I feel a little better now." He said with a fake smile.

"Well good, now that we have the talk of mortality put away then lets take a second to refuel our strength. We'll need more energy if we get too close to those vicious mobs." Nigel pulled his bag onto his lap then dug through it. "Ouch!"

"What's wrong?" Steve quickly peered over the man's shoulder.

"Just the block of Netherrack, I inadvertently scraped my hand against the jagged and sharp stone. Maybe I should wrap it up in something? Oh, there they are!" The older man pulled out a small white box. "Here." He opened it then handed Steve a small circular sponge like cake that had a layer of chocolate glazed over it.

"What is it?" He took it from the old man and stared at it, his mouth watered at the sight of it. "It looks good whatever it is?"

"It's a Jaffa Cake, one of the most delicious treats you'd ever find from where I live. Tekk city has a wonderful factory and I can't help but buy them and take these cakes with me on all of my travels. Not only does it boost morale but it taste absolutely splendid, but it also has a decent amount of sugar. Should give you small boost in energy, at least for a short time. I'll save my pork chops and loafs of bread for later, best to save the proteins and carbs for a time when we'll need them most."

"Well, thank you. Nigel" Steve started to bite into the spongy cake and smiled largely from the taste. "Whoa, this is good! But what about you?" He noticed the old man re-zip his bag.

"I've already ate some bread this morning, before you woke up. Here's something else." He held out a small brown sack that made clattering sounds as he carefully passed it over to Steve.

"What's this?"

"A few extra potions that I can't help but share, you'll need them more than me if you're going to watch my back and protect me. And don't fret, they all have labels on them; though the taste will likely be repulsive for either of them. I've tried to add flavoring before but it always messes with the potency."

"Oh, thanks again!" He carefully slid off his bag from Warren and placed the glass bottles inside gently before turning his attention back to the Jaffa cake and taking another huge bite.

"It'll be best if you finish it on the go." The old man said standing up and moving his bag back over his shoulders. He looked back down the streets and then moved forward slowly. "I'm still hindering our pace so let's get a move on while we still have daytime, we should try to get out of the fortress by nightfall."

Steve quickly shoved the rest of the sweet cake into his mouth and chomped it down before grabbing his bags and jogging up to the limping man. "Wh-." Steve lightly choked but forcibly swallowed the rest of the cake and then wiped away at the corners of his mouth. "Why do we have to get out by dark?"

Nigel gave Steve a side glance. "I've noticed that during the hours of approaching darkness in my recent visits is that many monsters migrate to the stronghold around nighttime or during nasty weather, I'm not sure as of why but they do. Probably because of it's large open space on the inside and also all of those dark rooms to hide from the sunlight at dawn. There could be more reason to it, but we mustn't overstay our welcome. That is why I'm in a bit of a hurry to get there and see what I can find before sundown. Time is of the essence unfortunately."

"Well, you can be certain that no matter what is thrown at me or whatever happens that I will protect you and make sure that both of us get out of the fort by sunset." Steve said with a little confidence.

"Hmmm, where did this ounce optimism suddenly come from?"

"I wouldn't call it optimism. I just can't let anything happen to you. You say that you'd be okay with dying but I can't be fine with it, so expect me to fight till I drop."

"Just as long you don't get reckless on me."

"I won't. I promise."

…

Both of the men finally made it to a large thick stone brick wall that climbed up towards the sky, it was massive but also weathered and cracked in many places with moss growing all over it.

"This my friend, is the wall. The barrier between us and the great fortress inside. Luckily for us, I already know a way inside without having to walk around to the main gate." Nigel said excitedly while turning to his right and walking along the stone structure. "This way!" He motioned with a lifted arm.

Steve sprinted over to the older man and trailed behind for a while until they came across a huge gap in the wall.

"This is it. But be very careful, some bricks may be loose, wouldn't want one to fall on your noggin." He said with a grin then carefully pushed himself through the crack in the structure with caution and stepped out back into daylight on the other side.

Steve followed behind and stepped through the naturally made arch to see a breathtaking sight of the fortress piercing the cloudy sky with it's sheer size and structural design. It went up so high with one central tower and four smaller ones at each end of the fortress. That large crack through it was just amazing to look at, especially since the stone construction was still standing with that big of a wound.

"Come now, but be very careful."

"Wow. How did that get there exactly? I don't think weather could of done that." Steve asked in curiosity, still gazing in awe while walking with Nigel. "Whaa!" Steve felt the gravel ground slip from beneath him.

"Careful now!" Nigel quickly grabbed Steve by the shoulder and pulled back with all of his strength to prevent the miner from falling down. "I was just about to say that we're getting too close to the fissure. Wooooohhh! That was a close one." He exhaled and rubbed his temples.

"Fissure?" Steve looked down and immediately crawled backwards in haste from the sight of a large open crevice just inches away. It was huge and descended deep into the abyss, so deep that there was barely any light at the bottom. The land's wound stretched from one end of the fort to the other, leaving a smaller and thinner gap to branch off of it and lead under the structure. "So that's how the stronghold was nearly split in half?"

"Yes, well as I believe anyways. I think that Herobrine made it during his tides of retribution, but I'm not a hundred percent certain. History of this gap outside of this land says it was made before Herobrine's unexpected return, so I'm not sure on it's true origin. Could have been made by an earthquake but again, I just don't know. There's too many different point of views coming from some sources of my research, and many say it was Hero's fault. Whether that was said out of truth and actual witness accounts goes beyond me, though I do hope to find out one day and record the information."

"Well I guess it's a good thing we didn't head through the front gate or otherwise we'll be wasting time walking around this huge gap." He pointed out, noticing that the fissure snaked around the fort and pretty much blocked out the main gate.

"Indubitably. The first time I came here I was greatly disappointed. Walked for so long just to be stopped by this gapping ravine. Took several more days to find an actual way into the fortress without having to make the leap of faith. Now here, this way." Nigel waved and Steve followed him along the walls and away from the death gorge. "I cannot wait to show you the main corridor, it's absolutely amazing!"

"How do you plan to get us in for starters?"

"There's a crack on the other side that leads to the main hall, it's also the place that holds a rather disturbing image that may startle you." Nigel said with a loss of excitement and expression. "It's a small room that branches off the foyer, the library isn't too far from there so I like to get in through this hole for the quickest route in and out without being openly exposed to mobs." He said taking a peek through the darkened hole. "It's going to be dark in there."

"Already on it." Steve said, reaching back into his chest pack and pulling out a couple of torches. He lit them up and handed one to Nigel. Okay, watch your step and have the sword ready."

Steve nodded though Nigel wasn't looking at him, he then withdrew the diamond blade and stared at his reflection in it for a long second before proceeding into the darkness with the old adventurer. "Wow. It really is dark in here." Steve said, towing behind Nigel while keeping his eyes peeled for any kind of movement.

"Quite. Ah, he we go." Nigel said with a little more enthusiasm once noticing the room was unoccupied. He turned around to see a large deep dark cavity in the wall that wasn't there before on his last visit, he waved his torch in front of it but didn't worry too much when he found no movement considering if there was any mobs then they'd of made their presence known by now.

Steve hopped over a couple of stone blocks before entering the room to see a large painting and his eyes widened at the sight of it. He placed the sword back into the scabbard and moved closer to the canvas, speechless. "This…?" He gaped.

Nigel was about to say something but chose to remain silent. Only after Steve had told him about a dream of being publicly punished in Herobrine's place did he realize that the painting pretty much fit the description. "Is this what you dreamed about? Isn't it?" He cautiously asked, hoping to not send Steve back into that awful state of mind.

…

Herobrine from the dark fracture in the wall; watched as the men walked up to the old large canvas and stared at it. Herobrine held out his left hand and a diamond blade materialized out of thin air, he clutched onto the handle and a very faint dark blue aura begun to glow around it. He held it tightly and awaited for the perfect chance to come out of the darkness and strike. Preferably when the miner was alone.

…

Steve gaped at the large, faded, and worn painted image that hung on the wall before him, it had evoked such a memory that really wasn't a memory or flashback but a dream he once had and it filled him with anguish. The painting was of a crowd of furiously angry looking people huddled around a large stone pillar, on the pillar was a very familiar figure and Steve was speechless as he reached out to touch the old work of art.

He immediately noticed Herobrine was bound to the large stone structure with thick chains around his wrists and ankles, keeping him shackled up high on the pillar for the entire crowd to see; wearing the same cyan shirt and blue pants. His face was twisted with an expression of pain and rage, having white eyes and trails of blood on his torso barely visible in the painting.

"It's…?"

"Yes." Nigel started softly as the miner pulled off his bags and moved in closer for a better look. "This is the harrowing work of art that has been hanging here for centuries. This would be the fifth time I've seen it. I'm still quite surprised that it remains here. You'd think that Herobrine would have destroyed it by now, especially considering this is a hand painted image of a terrible time." Nigel moved forward and lightly rubbed at the charred corners of the image. "It looks as though he started to burn it around the edges at one point, but it's still intact now so I wonder why he changed his mind?"

The miner's eyes widened. "It looks exactly like the scene from my dream, even the reddish haze of the sunset. And there!" He pointed. "Isn't that Lionel?!" He pointed at the small silver figure with a green scarf closest to Herobrine and yet separate from the masses.

Nigel adjusted his glasses and leaned in closer for a better look. "Now that I know who the man is, then I'd say yes. He's a little blurry from the brush strokes but he does look like you regardless my friend. I wish I had paid more attention to this sooner, I really didn't notice the similarities between him and Herobrine. Could they be related?" Nigel reached into his long coat and pulled out his notebook again with a pencil. "Must record this finding, could lead to actual proof." He turned to his right after finishing his notes to see Steve just dumbfounded and lost in thoughts, probably thinking about the painting. "Steve, are you alright?" He worriedly asked as he tapped the miner on the shoulder, the man nodded though his gaze remained fixed on the center where the hero was fastened by iron.

"I'm okay, just struck with a startling realization."

"I didn't know that this is precisely what you saw, but if it is then maybe you are wondering whether this is true or not?"

"Yeah." He nodded and blinked. "It-it has to be. Even the color of the sky, and the landscape around it seems familiar. I've seen this scene in that nightmare."

"Looks like the stoning took place around sunset somewhere outside of the valley."

"As it did in the dream, that is what Lionel looks like." Steve says as he fan a finger over the armored man. "I wish the painting had more details but even if it doesn't… I remember seeing all of it. Why would they do this?"

"Do what? Make the painting then display it for all to see?"

"Yes. Why?" The miner finally pulled his eyes from the canvas.

"The Sovereign probably had this made as a reminder for everyone that their 'gift' wasn't a gift after all, that he was a deceptive demon. A reminder for a dark time in history." Nigel looked away from the image, bit only for a short second before being mesmerized by the painted scene once again. "Well, as fascinating as this canvas is along with your dream experiences, I would like to go to the library. It's down a couple more large corridors but not too far from here if my memory servers me correctly. I'm going to go and check to see if the coast is clear. If I find a mob, I'll be sure to come and alert you."

"Sure." Steve continued to stare. "I'll be coming in a minute."

"Splendid! I'm going to go ahead and get a fresh start, I'm sure you'd catch up in no time at all." Nigel chuckled then began his slow walk through a hallway of large arches.

Steve just couldn't remove his eyes from it, the painting just seemed too real; looking nearly identical to the dream in almost every way. Even the silver plated man stood just feet away from the hero and he looked almost like Steve himself, though the details were a little blurry but it still looked like a slightly older version of him.

…

Herobrine stepped out of the darkness and quietly walked towards the miner, holding back the pressure of his power so that the mortal would not sense him coming from behind. He made sure that each step was carefully and silently made to avoid detection, he slowed his pace as he grew more closer to the unexpected human and stopped as soon as he was within striking distance of the man. He could hear the steady heartbeat of the miner, completely unaware of the threat that looms over him. Now was the perfect chance to cut down the man and take his other sword back.

The hero, without a sound; lifted the glowing blade over his head and stared down at the spot between the miner's neck and shoulder. It was the ideal place to land his sword and kill the man instantly if the stroke was clean enough. The human's neck was such a vulnerable area, it was even a little discolored from the last encounter he had with the mortal. It was the right spot to kill the man.

So easy, far too easy. The simple idea of swinging the blade at the unsuspecting mortal annoyed him, the cowardly tactic of killing his prey that was unaware and unafraid was a low blow to his pride; but it had to be done. He had to stop this man from achieving what humans had done to him in the past or from bringing even greater punishment, or even the very destruction of the hero himself. This wasn't a game he'd normally play with his victims, no. The planned attack was almost too merciful which made him feel a little out of character.

"It's real, it really happened. This is what we've done?" Herobrine could hear the mortal whisper to himself.

Shrugging off the sudden words Herobrine pulled his arm back along with the blade then swung it down at Steve. The end of the blade had immediately stopped as it came within an inch of the miner's throat.

Why did he stop?

Surprised from his own failure to pull off such a simple task, Herobrine swiftly pulled his blade back and away from the man and awaited for the human to turn around to see him. Once seen, then he'll just stab the man in the stomach instead. However; Steve never moved to the being's astonishment. Surely, the human had to of felt some wind or something from the swing of his sword? Even the blade's tip should have been on the edge of the man's peripheral vision.

…

"It's all real, and you are too Lionel." Steve traced his hand across the silver armored man once more, then over to immortal. He felt the dried out globs of red paint underneath his fingertips, the white-eyed man surely suffered that day. "Herobrine." It felt as though he had been staring at the picture for hours, still trying to grasp the reality that his nightmare was completely true and that Herobrine had suffered greatly; there was possibly more punishments that he hasn't even seen yet. Steve wasn't sure if the old hero was innocent, but just looking at the red blotches along the being's shirt made that pain come back as if he was back in the dream again, feeling what the enraged people were doing to him.

The diamond blade went up and over his head. Herobrine prepared to plant it into the fragile body, but again did he fail to deliver the strike. He sneered at the idea of not being able to do something so easy as to kill a man, he's killed many over so many years but he had too much trouble killing just this one. Hero angrily clenched his fist and tightened the grip on the blade and kept it raised high, the more rage he felt the more control he felt over his arm. He kept his powerful gaze over the back of the man's head and his blade begun to glow more brightly with the hero's frustration, now he'll be able to do it. He prepared to swing it for the final time and with succession, but the mortal did something he did not expect.

Steve dropped to his knees and grasped at his now aching chest, muttering pained words before also clutching his head with the memory bubbling up once more. "Not again." He grimaced.

The sword fell to his side. Herobrine watched as the human succumbed to the memory, being completely weak to control his own mind with the hero's powerful presence. Herobrine looked up at the painting that he hated so much, the one thing he wanted to destroy more than anything; even the shrine of Notch. But just couldn't ever bring himself to do it, not even after all these centuries.

It was the only thing he had other than old memories to remember Lionel by, what he did that no other human done, until now.

…

Frightened eyes watched as the Hero held out his blade, instead of attempting to slice through the human the blade just faded into small blocks of dust and scattered into the air until it dissolved out of sight. Nigel's grip on the stone column's edge loosened. He had walked around the corner to get Steve after seeing a few monsters and that's when he saw the belligerent being try to kill his friend, but oddly couldn't pull it off. Nigel breathed a sigh of relief and continued to watch in silence for both his sake and Steve's.

He saw the powerful being raise a hand up to the back of the miner's head, close but not touching. Herobrine's eyes glowed brightly and that was when he saw Steve drop his torch and fall face forward to the floor, utterly motionless.