Hero's Bane

Chapter 28: Just Enough

Edited 4/17/2022

Herobrine stared down at the miner now splayed out over the mattress, somehow with his hand still clinging onto the enchanted blade. His breath seemed stable now along with his heart rate, but the way his wielding arm was positioned seemed unusual. There was no doubt that it's was injured now. At least in his deep sleep the miner wouldn't have to die like he would in his nightmares should they be as severe as the last. Herobrine clinched his fists tightly and snarled at the pathetic form in front of him, he should be killing the man not helping him rest.

But there was one little thing that bothered him; not only did the miner look so relatively close to Lionel, the miner's foolhardy and irrational choices made in the dream almost resembled what his old friend would of done. Lionel wasn't always foolhardy and rushing blindly into trouble, but he did have his moments in the early years of his training.

The two mortals were similar in many ways, but at least the former didn't try something as impetuous as trying to eliminate a powerful being; an impossible task. Hero narrowed his eyes on the unconscious form, he couldn't do it yet. Killing him now would of been far too easy, it would not satisfy the being to fight such a weakened mortal that he knew had some amount of fighting potential. There was also still heavy thoughts clouding his mind that he needed to clear first. He turned around and walked back out of the room and placed the door back and made sure that it was tightly sealed.

The old hero flashed away from the small hall then instantly appeared back at his throne, he casually walked up the small staircase of stone slabs until he reached the top with the chair and took a seat. He sat there quietly and glanced upon an empty expansive corridor and the large tightly sealed doors the end of the main hall, it was quiet as usual. However; something felt different this time then the usual empty stone structure that he would normally find, it was strange to sense the presence of mortals again. The smell of fresh blood, burnt-out torches, and the very faint sound of a heartbeat lightly pounding in his ears. Yes, these signs were familiar but vague and now present once again. Years of isolation and then the sudden presence of a living human had really made things feel different, almost a reminiscent of what was once was.

Herobrine could almost see Lionel bursting through the main castle doors with himself in tow, the sentinel would be running up to the seated Sovereign with news of a successful day's work; just like he almost always did. He was always so enthusiastic and loyal-like to everyone, even to peasants. Yet he was constantly concerned with trivial things such as: formality, properly addressing superiors at all times, getting involved with menial tasks to help out the fortress's servants, repairing his own armor and swords instead of the blacksmith, over exerting himself in training, and of course paying his debts.

Debt. That one word made the hero scowl.

…

"What were you thinking?!"

"I didn't." The miner said, rubbing the side of his jaw softly. "I owed you."

"You owe me nothing! You are not indebted to me, I never did anything to gain it!"

"Maybe not to you! But-"

…

Herobrine shook his head and growled from suddenly recalling that human's voice in his mind, his hands squeeze the ends of the armrest. That man was idiotic and confusing, there was never any debt for him; it was actually the other way around. Hero owed Steve the debt and he couldn't even successfully pay it off, he was so close to doing so.

That incautious mortal would of got himself killed for nothing, for his greatest enemy of all things. For absolutely nothing at all! Most humans did die for the most pointless of things such as ores and lustrous metals to a sense of pride. Some even by running away, others for being foolish and fighting battles they knew they could not win or were too boastful and overestimated their abilities, or if they were stupid enough to tread through dangerous places in the first place. Not to mention that many of them were dishonest, greedy, deceptive, condemning and cowardly fools. They were all the same.

…

"No! Some people just can't help themselves, fear and the need to live are hard to fight when you are in such a situation. Fight or flight. It's part of being a human, some people can be brave enough and others cannot. It's friendships and bonds that help others fight their greatest fears, but sometimes bonds might not be enough if you have no strength to fight or if you are feeble minded. It's bonds that make some get risky, even if it's a foolish thing to do. And if all humans are the same then are you?!"

…

A loud creaking sound came from the edge of the throne's armrest, it was cracking under the pressure of a crushing hand tightening over it, the Hero lightly growled when he crushed the wood under his fingertips. Lionel wasn't nothing like the other mortals, but he did overcome great fears and made noble sacrifices with his risky endeavors that eventually lead to his end. But the human was wrong.

Most of mankind didn't fight valiantly for their friends or family, maybe some attempted to but it just wasn't enough. When one died the other didn't try and avenge them, they just fled from the powerful hero. They only ran away and in being the sole witness of their so called 'bonds'; it was clearly justifiable that they were weak with their greediness to survive. Lionel was better than any of them though, he made the ultimate sacrifice. He died fighting for his friend and brother's freedom. He threw his life away selflessly for the hero when no one else would.

…

"Just a few moments ago I was going to throw my life for you too."

"It didn't matter whether I knew you personally or not, I don't truly know you but you were the only other person I knew when I came into this land. Real or not, I consider you a friend. Even when you gave me those warnings as harsh as they seem; I felt as though I could trust you. I could even be related to you for all I know, an even more reason to help. Figment or dream, I care about you like Nigel."

"And even if I didn't know you, ...your life would of counted too."

…

He remembered the sad and pitiable look in the man's eyes as he finished that sentence, it was vaguely recognizable with the same look those similar deep blue eyes that used to gaze at him long ago. Steve wasn't like most mortals either as the hero come to realize. The man did seem to fight with some degree of misguided honor and loyalty, but if he was willing to fight and die for someone he barely knew. Even for his disguised enemy, he had to of had some kind of reverence or code.

What the miner had was something that the he hadn't seen in centuries, selflessness and true honor. Out of hundreds of his victims, not one until now has shown this kind chivalry and kept up with it without giving in.

To fight fear and move forward? To get reckless at bad times? To fight for his friends despite the odds against himself? That was Lionel's way. So many times this method almost got him severely wounded or killed, but at least he didn't give up nor leave the hero's side even when he was asked to. To remain by Herobrine at the most troubling of times was the last debt that man would ever pay.

Herobrine relaxed his tense muscles in the chair and with his head tilted towards the dark ceiling and the arches, he closed his bright eyes; now remembering a faint memory coming back to visit him.

…

"Herobrine, wait!"

"I told you Lionel, you do not owe me anything." Hero irately said with a deep resounding tone as they walked down the large corridor. The great hallway was beautifully lit by torches on each of the stone pillars and they radiantly shined within the windowless structure, leaving sizeable diamond like shadows decorating the floor and ceiling.

"That's what you think! You saved my life!" The man said as he walked alongside the powerful being, gesturing himself with his arms out before placing them over his chest. "I owe you my life, if you didn't come to my aid yesterday then I would of been dead; Nori, Jacob, Brutus and even Conner would of been devastated along with our Sovereign. I wouldn't ever want to imagine their faces. I owe you for so much." He finished with a pleading frown.

"And rescuing you was no bother, … for the hundredth time." Herobrine shook his head and sighed. "You need not to throw your life away for me, I know your intentions were good and meant your earnest gratitude for me protecting and rescuing you on the occasion; but is it really worth your own life to protect one who cannot die?"

"You don't understand!" Lionel picked up his pace and ran in front of Herobrine, stopping the being's stride and giving him a serious look. "I know that taking those arrows for you was a reckless decision back there but… but..." Lionel paused and quickly searched for the right words, keeping his gaze away from the annoyed hero.

The hero raised a brow and crossed his arms out of impatience. "Well?"

"Well you're my friend!" He looked back and frowned deeply after seeing that Herobrine's expression didn't change in the slightest. "I know you can't die, but that doesn't mean you can't feel pain!"

Herobrine was about to speak until the sentinel cut him off.

"Look, I know you can heal and pretend like it never happened, so don't even take the conversation there. It's not about being immortal and enduring every hit, though you obviously can as far as anyone is aware." Lionel then moved closer with a more saddened expression. "I've seen you in many battles Herobrine, but during some of them I've also seen you hurt. Too many arrows, explosions, cave-ins, and bites. I always watch as you shrug off the pain like it was nothing, but you did 'feel' it so don't deny it!

Like that time a rebel attempted to create a rally movement against the Sovereign because he thought he was wrongfully accused of theft. You caught him with little to no effort after he evaded arrests and then he made an attempt to stab you in the chest, and he did! I watched as you deliberately let him!"

the white-eyed man tilted his head to the side, expression unchanged. "Yes, and in doing so we saw what measures he was willing to take for freedom. If it was not for me then another could have been there to receive his wrath, an innocent bystander trying to be chivalrous. Any man, woman or child could of died that day had I not stopped him myself. However, he seemed surprised for trying to take on me, that was his mistake. I'm sure he's learned his lesson. At least his probable actions were clear enough to convict him and he was removed from the streets."

The guard sighed. "Yeah, I know that's important and all and he was imprisoned in the end, but you are missing the point here?" Lionel softened his tone. "When you removed that blade I saw your face twist from the ache it left you, I saw you cringe as that deep wound closed." He paused after thinking and then lightly gaped. "Hey wait a second. It hurts to heal doesn't it? ... You know how I felt when you healed my wounds, I'm pretty positive you heard my every ear-piercing screams from those times, so I can only assume that it would be the same for you. It has to be!"

The being quietly walked passed the sentinel guard, not looking back. "I have more tolerance of pain than you mortals, I deal with it all of the time."

"You didn't answer my question." He responded irately.

"That would be a concern of mine, you need not worry. Do not trouble yourself with concern for me nor these- debts."

Again the sentinel moved forward to block the hero, he gazed softly into white eyes with a frown and a with clear look of concern. "My family has a honorable code we go by, my father would love to tell you all about it... if he was still here today." Lionel finished the end of his sentence with a low sigh, his head tilted downward as the powerful man walked around and continued onwards again. "I am still forever in your debt Herobrine, I will try and find someway to make it up to you, at any possible chance I get. Even until the day I die.

It's what you do when you owe a debt, you find a way to pay it back. And if it prevents you from feeling pain during the fights with invading monsters or even the people on the streets; then I think it is worth it! That's why I shielded you from those skeletons when your hands were full with that zombie horde."

Hero sighed deeply and stopped to look back at the silver plated man. "You're preventing my reason for protecting you with this recklessness. If you are so stubborn and inattentive then it defeats the purpose of me being there with you and the other guards, I protect you and them and everyone else. Taking the damage that would have been dealt to mortals is a part of what I do other than smite the monsters after dark, that is what a hero does right? We fight gallantly and make small sacrifices like withstanding pain.

Well, that's what I do anyways. As long as I am considered as the shield of our stronghold then you and the others are to be the sword, as a strong blade you will last to fight again and again. Remember our lord's words well Lionel; Fight together as one unit, retain focus and pierce your enemies. Don't go branch away from the unit and get yourself killed over a small reason regarding me and what damage I take, it's my found purpose. I'll live."

The being noticed that Lionel couldn't find anymore words to say, the man even looked disappointed and dejected.

"How would you repay me now anyways? I've saved your life so many times and I will not die by age and injury like your kind. I don't want you to go and get yourself harmed and definitely not killed. So how do expect to pay back this massive and ever-growing debt? If you can't then don't put the burden on yourself. There's nothing you can do to pay one such as myself back, at least no way that I can think of."

Lionel looked at the floor in nervousness. "It doesn't have to be by saving you, but I'll find away! I know that you're practically immortal and all injuries heal almost instantly but..."

"Forget it. Being my friend is just- just enough."

"No, it's not!" Lionel glanced at the Hero with serious eyes. "I know now!… I will pay my debt by never leaving your side!" He shouted with a resolute posture, an arm over his chest, and a fixed narrowed gaze. "I make that a promise, right here and right now; till the day my eyes close for good. I won't ever leave you brother!"

The hero cocked his head to the side in confusion. "That is ridiculous Lionel, even humans have to sleep. Not to mention that you already shared your plans with starting a family, taking Connor out for sword training, and becoming the greatest among the sentinels. That cannot be done if you are always trailing after me, your life would become increasingly difficult and tiring."

Lionel furrowed a brow and lightly smiled from the response, a chuckle then escaped his lips. "I understand why you'd say that, but you misunderstand me Herobrine. No. I didn't mean that kind of following. Not necessarily like that but... I promise to stand by you no matter what happens, no matter what choices you make, during any great battle, or if by some great force that you find yourself helpless to, I'll never abandon you."

Herobrine blinked. "Don't-"

"Listen." The man interrupted and walked back towards his friend. "I know as a friend I should anyways do just that. But this is for certain, no matter what happens you'll always have me on your side. I'll swallow my pride and my fears and cut down mine and your foes in your name. And if the impossible ever somehow happens, then my life will shield yours."

He moved his head back in forth in disagreement. "Did you not hear-?"

"I heard Hero." The shorter man replied seriously, cutting off the hero in mid sentence as he moved forward to place a hand over the hero's shoulder. "You said you never had a family nor friends coming into this world, but you do now. Ever since day one, when we first met; we have been and will forever be friends. We have since been brothers too, and you should respect my decisions as I had for yours all these years." He reached out and placed his other hand on Herobrine's shoulder, keeping the guy locked in place.

"Very well." Herobrine managed a small smile, feeling confidence and certainty with Lionel's reassuring words, knowing that is was practically pointless to talk the man out of the debt. He gently shrugged Lionel's hands off. "Should a dark time fall upon me then I will not stop you from …protecting me…? If that is what it comes down to, but do promise me that as long as that doesn't happen that you will not waste your health and wellbeing for my relief in battles?"

Lionel made a soft nod. "I promise that, along with never leaving you… brother."

"Hmmmmm..." Herobrine stroked his goatee in wonderment. "This has to be one of the unusual and inspiring conversations we have stumbled into for a while now. However; I'm not so insightful about these debts that you seem so entitled to owing. So what exactly is a debt to you?" Herobrine suddenly asked in curiosity as they now continued to amble through the brightly lit main exit corridor.

"A favor." He smiled, moving an arm back to rub the side of his neck. "A great favor that would significantly benefit those who you should pay back, especially if it was your life or health that is at stake. If I saved you then my debt would definitely be paid, considering it's like impossible for anything as such to happen to someone like you. But if I were to say that I did save you from some kind of peril then to pay back would be as simple as saving my own hide, it isn't hard for you to do and that opportunity comes up often; more than I like to admit. It's simple. Life for a life."

"I think I understand now." Herobrine thought over it in his imagination, seeing himself deflecting multiple skeletons arrows as they aimed for the sentinel's back. "Yes, I get it now. I think?"

"Great! And who knows... maybe one day 'you'll' owe a debt?" Lionel heartily chuckled as they entered the small antechamber and stopped once they reached the large front gates that led to the outside walls.

"Doubt it. I may never find myself in a bad predicament." Herobrine effortlessly pushed one heavy door open with one hand and peered out into the dark of the starry moonless night, scanning down the pathway and into the expansive villages with his keen eyes looking out for any movements for mobs. "How would I pay them back anyways?"

"Uhhhh, I'm not quite sure to be honest?" Lionel shrugged. "I guess it all depends on the person and what they did? It's more of what you decide; but at the same time it has to help the one being paid, preferably something great in return would do. Should be easy for you though, you can do just about anything and more than any of us humans could. But do try for me if you ever get that chance alright?" He stood at the door as Herobrine stepped out and began to walk towards the settlements. "Sometimes paying back has it's own rewards."

The immortal nodded with his head tilted enough to see the royal guard closing the gate. He left with a small humph and continued his saunter. "You mortals are a strange kind." He said turning away.

"I guess we are huh?"

…

Herobrine slowly reopened his eyes to the dark interior and tilted his head back down to see a Creeper coming close to his chair, he instantly snarled and the four-legged mob quickly bolted away from him. He didn't need the pathetic company of such lowly creatures, he needed no one.

He clenched the end of the armrest and used his power to restore the damaged wood, in doing so he thought deeply on this so called debt he had yet to pay back to the human. The mortal should of had his debt paid by now and in full, if not overpaid in retrospect. All of those warnings, the peaceful rests, the chances to leave, and saving him in the dream. Yet that pathetic miner just continued on with his quest, completely disregarding the forewarnings and making the so called 'debts' pretty much non-existent. Saving the mortal in the nightmare realm would of done it if the man hadn't been so impulsive and nearly got himself killed for 'Lionel'.

These failures infuriated the being, he shouldn't even be so merciful to the man but it was in the honor of his friend that he could at least manage this once in a life time debt. He never had a debt owed to a human before, and now that he finally had one he couldn't even pay it back properly. The concept of his friend's honor was irrational and pitiful. But what if the human Steve had left him there back in the cave or sealed him up?

He would of been trapped in there for a very long time. He couldn't use his abilities while having such a distraction gnawing at him, his cursed blood was over-working to keep him healed; so much so that he'd never be able to focus enough to use his powers for anything else. If trapped his time there would have been unbearable, so he could of still been in that pit burning and suffering to his distress and the human then would of fulfilled his objective within a matter of time and luck. He growled at the thought but his seething was short-lived after remembering that the human had nearly fell into the pit himself for trying to free Hero from his tormenting prison.

Then his mind goes back to that nightmare to his annoyance. The human's own fear and guilt put him in such a condition that he could have died with or without the Hero being present, all because his weak mind. The man was practically on the verge of shock when he found the human asleep, if the mortal had died in his sleep then Herobrine would have been furious. He had already decided to kill the human by his hand, his real hand in real combat. Only because of Lionel's likely connection and the human's choices that have only ever confused the powerful being.

Allowing the man to live, heal, and regain strength would give the mortal a chance to fight more fairly. It would just have to do as the debt payment, permanently sealing the deal should things go as planned. It was just enough to count to settle the score. Afterwards, the threatening nuisance will be slain and gone and Herobrine could continue his reign over his empty land and empty fortress as he had for centuries; continuing with his tides of punishment on mankind beyond the great stronghold.

He could finally get back to resuming the true debt he owed, not to any human though; but to his liberator that freed him of his prison many decades ago.

The immediate thought almost seemed to dissatisfy Herobrine, owing a debt to a human of all creatures; the kind he hated most. That's new. He's never even kept one alive in the castle this long before, let alone ever owed one to a mortal. Things definitely seemed different with the miner present and alive instead of the usual brainless mobs running around, he didn't feel alone for once. It was a strange and oddly pleasant feeling to have company, but that would end soon. It's not like he wanted any kind of company anyway, nor did he need it.

Loneliness, it's a curse he knew he would have to endure more than anything, he's already endured it for a long time now.

It's something he would have to endure forever.