Hero's Bane

Chapter 32: Don't Run Away

Edited 4/18/2022

Light chirping sounds filled the miner's ears and he yawned loudly while stretching his arms above his head, keeping his eyes tightly sealed with a bright light striking his closed eyes. He quickly retreated back under the sheet, it was a lot colder than he remembered. After minutes without being able to fall back asleep he finally forced himself to sit up and rubbed his tired eyes; blinking to clear his view. He then blinked again, then again in confusion. Something wasn't right, his surroundings were of the warm pallet of brown wood and not gray like they were supposed to be.

Steve looked around and noticed that he wasn't in the room that Herobrine wordlessly dubbed his prison cell, but in a slightly larger one that looked more like a small one room house. The walls were wooden and some of the wooden planks were missing in various spots; letting small drafts of air blow through. There was a broken window directly to his right and it let the sun's strong rays shine in. He moved his gaze away from the light to see a chest next to the bed, there was also a bookcase, a furnace, a few chairs, a crafting table, and an old fireplace on the other end of the room along with spots of snow on the floor; dust to coat practically everything.

The miner quickly pulled off the sheets then ran around the small wooden structure with a worried and yet puzzled look, wondering where he was now and if this was a dream. "Where am I?" Steve walked over to the wooden door and reluctantly opened it, slightly nervous; he pulled the wooden frame back to see the outside world just one step away.

He quietly and cautiously placed one foot out and stepped out into a frosty wilderness, he instantly wrapped his arms around his chest to keep warm from the cold spruce biome. Snow now stuck to his boots and it seemed a little deep upon observation, but it was also fresh and there were no mb prints to be seen. The place he was at looked to be up on top of a huge hill covered by cedar trees, he moved through the snow and walked away from the house to get a better view of his new prison. It appeared to be an old shack made of cedar wood and it's condition was horrible. The roof had holes in it, the wall had holes in it, almost all of the windows were either cracked or broken, the door was loose and almost about to break off of it's hinges, and a sign above the door also hung loose.

He paced over to the snow covered sign and wiped away the flakes only to see squiggles or as Nigel called it; 'ancient writing' across it. He couldn't read the sign but angled the corner upwards until the sign was hanging perfectly above the doorway as it was meant to. He then stepped back and tilted his head to see if he could read it but he just couldn't, it was all shapes and lines of what words were supposed to be.

The miner was about to head back into the shack but curiosity got the better of him, he wanted to see what was on the other side of the small shelter and see what damages it had. He quickly strode through the snow and around the corner of the building, he lifted one arm up to shield the sun's intense bright waves and his eyes went wide from the view.

He stopped dead in his tracks after seeing a large structure out in the distance, it was a stone structure with the appearance of a castle, one he was eerily familiar with. "Whoa." He held his breath as he gazed at the lonesome stronghold out in an open green valley, the huge settlements surrounding it on all sides. This impressive stone structure was the one he was just at. "Why am I here?" He asked himself. He remembered being back at the fortress, but now here he was at some old worn-out hovel quite away from the stronghold. He wandered if this was one of Nigel's small shelters though the wood even seemed weathered and old and it was in plain sight instead of hidden like Nigel's last one.

He ran back around and then suddenly stopped, something was making him feel nervous. He sprinted back through the door, closing it behind him quickly and leaning against it in fear that he was being watched. That feeling struck him as soon as he cut around the bend and it was unsettling to feel those eyes on him, he knew Herobrine was out there and he was too afraid to move his back from the doorframe. That explained his whereabouts.

…

Herobrine watched the miner run back into the small shack. He wasn't surprised that the mortal was aware of him but the miner had been more lively and that was without the sword, perhaps he was actually adjusting to the power and that would perfect for the final fight. He carefully hopped off of the large evergreen tree and walked through the woods. Now that the mortal was wide awake and had the strength to move about, the hero then didn't have to keep a close eye out for mobs anymore; at least not until sunset.

The mortal however, wasn't ready to fight yet. The man's movements through the snow were poor and he didn't even have the enchanted blade on him which was somewhat unexpected, the man was still a jumpy one and Herobrine thought that he wouldn't go anywhere without it. He wondered if the human would take this opportunity to run, to escape the land. The hero stopped in his own tracks for a second and turned his head back at the thought. He didn't consider if the mortal would coward out and he knew that man wanted the safe release of his pathetic friend. Herobrine turned his attention back to the woodlands and paced around, maybe he should still keep at least one eye out for the unpredictable miner.

…

Steve finally moved from the door and backed away slowly to the center of the room, he had no doubt in his mind that Herobrine was out there. It confused him as to why he wasn't in the fortress though. Out here he was almost considered free, all he would have to do is gather his things and-

He turned his head back and noticed that his bags were gone, he spun around glanced around the room for his tools and supplies and felt himself breathe easy after seeing them sitting next to the chest and up against the wall. He walked over to them and kneeled down to open his chest pack to notice that everything was in it's place. His stone pickaxe, axe, torches, everything. He closed it back up then went through the other, everything was still in place from what he could tell, mostly chunks of wooden planks and potions. Steve blindly moved his hand around and then felt something sharp scrapping against him. He carefully latched on to the jagged block shape and pulled it out, he then gawked at it for a long time in shock.

"Netherrack?" He asked quietly to himself. He couldn't believe it, it wasn't Nigel's chunk because the old man kept the one they found, or maybe it was and he snuck it back in there though it would be unlikely that the elder would part with such a 'fascinating' stone. If Herobrine or the adventurer put it back in there then that would explain the reason for it's appearance. Still, the smoke smelling object had it's use and he would use it later when the time came, he hoped to Notch that it wasn't intended as a sign of going to that place next. He dropped the item back in the bag and stood up to get a better view of his not so stable structure. It would be so easy for a mob to just walk on in through one of the gaping holes next to the fireplace, even worse. Herobrine.

He shuddered at the thought and then chills crawled up his spine. Feeling unsafe he moved a hand down to his scabbard only to find that his iron blade was the only one in there. He anxiously looked around his feet then shot for the bed, hoping he still had the enchanted blade. He pulled the cover back to see it there and sighed after taking the weapon into hand. He carefully sheathed it and sat on the edge of the bed. So many things crossed his mind that he couldn't even keep track with it all. Like why he was here and not back at the fortress? How did mobs not walk through the hole and get him last night? What was Herobrine planning? Was this a test of the hero's, seeing if the miner would flee at the open chance? Was the Netherrack a sign? Was that dream he just had a vision from his distant relative or just one he wanted have?

Was Nigel still alive? …

The mortal stood from his bed and took a long moment to think as he paced back and forth in the small building. In his dream Lionel said that his friend was still alive, but that was a dream. However, that had to be the real sentinel to tell him what the old Hero had planned. He said that he would have to fight Herobrine and then he'd release the old man, that guard has yet to lie to him. He believed in the guy, but if it weren't the fact that he had dreamed it then he would have no doubt in his mind period. He didn't have no doubt in his dream, but with the newer confusing face of reality he almost questioned it. He needed conformation about Nigel and Herobrine's 'plan'.

Steve walked towards the hole in the wall and poked his head out, not one creature in sight. No Herobrine. He sighed in relief as he scanned the empty area, even that feeling of being watched was gone. A long stream down the hillside partially hidden by trees did capture his attention. At least now he had fresh water to drink and not those vile tasting potions that he should be reserving for when needed most. He moved back into the shack and saw an old dusty portrait hanging on the wall just above the crafting table. Steve stepped close to it with a light gape of mouth then ran his hand over the thick dust, he blew away the particles now swirling around in the air. He coughed a few times after having some of the tiny flakes fly down his throat.

He backed away a little and then stared at the painting in front of him. "Lionel?" There was the armored man smiling while standing in front of a stone brick wall somewhere outdoors and holding his silver helmet at his side, he looked so much like Steve. Some of the paint had faded and in some places paint was even chipped off. The top corners of the canvas had even coiled up some from years of moisture, water must had been leaking from the roof. The picture was quite old and in being in this small rundown hovel though was a mystery of it's own, this place was no home for a royal guardsmen.

The miner took a deep breath and then walked over to the door, he knew what he now needed to do. He pushed open the creaky thing and stepped out, then proceeded to walk out towards the frozen forest ahead. He left his bags behind and let his hands remain empty of any weapons. Whether his relocation be a test or just to make things different, he had to find Herobrine. Just the simple thought of looking for that hero or even calling his name seemed like a foolish and suicidal idea and it shook him to his core, but if the sentinel wasn't lying then Steve had to know if his friend was still alive and if he would be freed after the big fight. For all he knew though, this may be a ploy of the hero and he would fall right into it.

"I can't believe that I am doing this." He muttered to himself with his posture tensing up the further he got from the house. Steve had a gut feeling that he may be regretting his decision but he believed in Lionel, if the sentinel was right; then Herobrine wouldn't attack him just yet, at least not in his weakened condition. Even if he did, he would only ask for Nigel's safe release. All he needed to was verification from Herobrine if he was going to allow Nigel his freedom. If he did then, he wouldn't waste his time trying to run away or beg for mercy … or dreadfully count the minutes until the attack. Just thinking about the alternatives made him move a little faster.

Once he was far enough out into the snowy woods, the miner took one deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Here we go." He said quietly in a clearing of trees with no animals or mobs in sight. He took one more deep breath and closed his eyes. "HEROBRINE!" He cried aloud, the call echoed throughout the large hills and everything grew to an uncomfortable silence within seconds. All that he could hear was the sound of leaves, branches, and tall grasses rustling about and swaying with a sudden gust of wind. The air flow picked up for a brief moment then died down almost instantaneously which was just completely unnatural.

Steve felt those inhuman eyes bore through his back and he shuddered at the thought of Herobrine being right there behind him.

…

Herobrine grew irate, he told the mortal what he had to do and now he was calling for his death card? He silently stood only feet away and disappeared as the miner looked back behind him.

…

Steve didn't see the hero behind so he looked to his left and then his right, growing more anxious with the sounds of limbs and twigs snapping from random places but there was no one in sight to cause the sounds. More chills crawled up and down his form and he then wished that he at least took the royal robe out of his bag and wore it so he wouldn't be so cold. He turned his head back once more and looked carefully between the trees, finding absolutely nothing resembling himself. He almost wondered if his call out even worked, he then turned his head back to now see Herobrine only a foot away. "Ah!" He screamed with wide eyes, he was completely caught off guard by the surprise appearance and he went stumbling back and down onto the ground with a boot from the hero helping him fall back onto the soft snow.

He watched as Herobrine scowled and press the foot harder onto his abdomen creating a very uncomfortable pinch from the force, the biting cold at the back of his neck and arms didn't help throw off the idea that he was at Hero's mercy once again. The hero lowly snarled.

"Wait wait wait wait! Don't! I'm not here to fight… not now. I only have a question, so please don't kill me. Uh… Truce?" He softly plead with his arms far from his scabbard and up above his head in a surrender pose, he silently prayed in his mind that Lionel wasn't just a figment in his dream telling him wild things. He believed in the guy and what he said, if the old hero would just confirm it then everything he does past this point would count and he could then get serious with the idea of training and surviving until the battle. He could only hope now. "Please, it's just one question … and maybe a request?" He felt the pressure tighten and mentally kicked himself for pissing off the powerful man more, he'd be lucky enough just to get the question answered and that is if he 'was' lucky. "You- you can do whatever you want with me afterwards, but just hear me out?"

The immortal's scowl lightened but only by a little, he removed his foot from the human's stomach and reached down to grab him by the throat. He hauled the man up to eye level and glared at him.

"I- I promise not … not to run away." Steve choked, bravely moving a hand up to lightly clamp onto the other man's arm. He dared not to reach for the diamond sword in the scabbard or even his other hand in that direction. "No tricks."

The powerful being only snorted as he dropped the miner. Steve staggered several steps backwards as he regained his balance but kept a close eye on Herobrine while rubbing his sore neck, he swallowed a gulp of fear as the being took a few steps forward.

"Please te-tell me that Nigel is alive. Please?" Steve stuttered and watched as Herobrine stopped his advance. "I just need to know." He said now with a more serious expression.

Herobrine looked down and away to his right and stood quietly as his eyes glowed brightly for a short second then faded back into a dimmer shade, he raised his head up and made a soft nod.

Steve despite his potentially dangerous situation; found himself breathing a little easier, he even smiled. Lionel had told him that he was alive and now Herobrine only confirmed it, now there was just one more thing he needed to know. "If you take my life will you spare Nigel's in return and let him go?"

…

Herobrine rested his hands on his hips and sneered, these questions were pointless and he was quickly becoming disinterested in this little one-way chat.

…

"Will fighting you free him?" Steve said with more confidence, more bravery.

Herobrine narrowed his eyes and instantly vanished before the miner.

Steve quickly glanced around, feeling almost sick that Herobrine was preparing to attack him at that moment, but after minutes of standing out in the snow alone he found himself feeling relieved. He quickly made his way back to the house, thanking Notch for his 'not so gravely' encounter. The hero did not come back and strike him thankfully. Plus, he got an answered question out of the meeting, he was certainly fortunate. The talk went a lot better than he thought though he was the only one to speak, he had to thank Lionel for all of it. Now he knew the hero was waiting for the right moment and this was Steve's time to prepare, a certain old man's life counted on this upcoming battle.

Steve walked back into the house and rummaged through the chest next to his bed. It contained a few useful items including several stacks of dried wheat, a few perfectly cut sticks, an empty bucket, some string and one old rusted iron chest plate.

He pulled out the chest piece and carefully examined the old rusted thing to find a few carved out insignia's along the chest and back, it seemed to be a legend of an item and he marveled a the thought of holding ancient history in his hands. He started to think that this place may have been Lionel's and that was a pretty cool theory, it was even better to hold an armor piece that the man may of worn so many years ago. He gently placed it back into the chest and decided to save it for later or when he decided to train. It would be most useful in the battle. He reached in and pulled out the stick and string along with the bucket, there was water outside so maybe now he could fish.

He walked over to the crafting table and tied the string to the end of the pole, a few nails laid on top of the table and he suddenly got an idea. He pulled out the diamond sword and used the hilt of the blade to hammer the nail into a curved shape, he then took the blade end and repeatedly scraped at the edge of the tiny piece of iron until it was sharp at the end. After tying the final piece on; he put the sword away and grabbed the bucket on his way out.

Cautiously walking down the somewhat steep hill, Steve made his way over to the flowing stream and looked closely at the water, it wasn't very deep but he did see some salmon swimming by. He finally noticed that he didn't have any bait but he was already down the steep hill so he decided that he could go ahead and give the plain hook a try, maybe a fish or two will mistake it for a curled up worm.

…

…

"Uhhg." He sat for a few hours by the bank but he wasn't catching anything, waiting for food was getting boring and the little aquatic life only taunted him as they swam by. He did manage to hook and catch one small fish by accident, barely a meal's worth. Still, he wasn't making any real progress. Now he was becoming frustrated; he should be preparing for the fight or eating to restore his strength and subdue his hunger; not wasting his time throwing the hook again and again for nothing. He rambled to himself angrily; pulling the pole up once more before slamming it down at his side with narrowed eyes, now it was time to make adjustments to fishing.

…

Herobrine carefully peered from behind a tree and watched as the human silently fumed, seeing the mortal get heated over such a pathetic thing actually made the being chuckle quietly to himself. The miner had been doing practically nothing for the past couple hours but now watching him was starting to get a little interesting. The man threw the pole down and the suddenly jumped into the frigid water. The old hero didn't expect that. Did the man not know that he was in a colder climate?

He watched as Steve broke the surface with a loud yelp. The miner sloshed around in the water and flung his arms over to the snow covered bank, somehow swooping up a large fish onto the ground in the process. Steve coughed and spat out water before seeing the little creature flop about on the surface, he quickly hauled himself out of the freezing stream and immediately threw his body over the fish on the riverbank before taking a hold of it. It moved around in his arms and had slipped from the grasp, but the human caught it in the fall and clung tightly before tossing it into the bucket. Steve began to shiver and seeing his breath wasn't lightening his situation. He grabbed the pole and the pail and darted up the hill, moving in a quick pace while he took deep rapid breaths, seeming as though he was about to pass out.

Herobrine only watched quietly as another memory came back to him.

… …

"Lionel, what are you doing?" The immortal said as he watched the sentinel swim back over to the sandy bank with a deep frown. The way the exhausted human looked and how he clasped onto the shore was mildly entraining and the demi-god felt himself grin at the sight.

The sentinel coughed up a little water and made a weak glare at the being.

"Well?"

Sighing heavily, he pulled himself out of the water with a low grunt then pulled off a silver boot to dump the water out. "I was trying to get that dumb squid." He said flatly as he pulled his boot back on, he knew that Herobrine was laughing at him behind that small grin.

Hero only swayed his head back and forth before holding a hand out and helping the guard move up onto his feet. "You mean to tell me that we've traveled out of the valley and across mountains and over distant plains… all this way to the ocean just so that you could kill a squid?" Herobrine inquired, actually quite curious.

"I needed the ink!" Lionel abruptly shouted in his defense.

"Oh really? You don't craft wool and clothing items, so why would you need it? For a trade?"

Lionel was about to reply but held his tongue.

"Come on, tell me. Or is it the reason I think it is?" He mused and placed a hand on his chin in thought. "If you won't tell me then I'll just have to assume-" He said playfully with a raised brow.

"It's … it's for lady Nori." The sentinel lightly stuttered to himself, red formed at his cheeks with his gaze at his heels.

"I knew it." Herobrine said with a smug smile. "You're doing it because you love her and want to make her happy, she fancies woolen goods."

The man visibly pouted in silence, he sheathed his iron sword and walked over to some grass to sit on and catch his breath. "She requested it because she needs to make dyes for the new flags for the fortress, she can't get any on her own now; prices at the marketplace has increased by triple the amount of emeralds so she can't buy any there anymore."

Hero tilted his head a little. "Hmmm… Instead of swimming out onto the ocean with heavy armor and a heavy blade; you could of just asked me you know? I wouldn't have any trouble at all capturing the creatures, and I wouldn't even have to swim."

Lionel rolled his eyes with a silly expression on his face. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Rub your powers in my face again will ya?" He said with a deep frown. "I always wear the armor to stay fit, swimming with it on only helps my muscles develop and gain endurance."

"Lionel?" Herobrine took a seat beside of him and threw an arm over his shoulder. "You know, you don't have to push yourself to the limit. You are a valuable asset to the Sovereign and I'm sure you impress Nori enough, but you don't have to try so hard and make unwise decisions. Relax a little and be smart, only a fool wanting to drown would wear armor while swimming. Not that I am calling you a fool brother, but if you ever need help then ask for it and don't put yourself at risk."

"It's not only that." He whispered, his head lowered.

Herobrine blinked and leaned in a little to see the guard's face. "If it is about trying to keep up with me?"

"It is, I can't fight as good as you." He stared at the grass below his feet.

"No, you can't." Herobrine unhappily agreed.

"I'm not going to run away anymore." He shook his head and looked up with a distressing frown. "I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines while you and the others are out there getting their wounds and scars, not to mention the glory." He finished the last bit more quietly. "I'm not strong enough yet, but taking on these challenges will help me improve, I just know it. I need endurance and strength Herobrine, I tire out too easily."

"You also need time." Herobrine shook his head. "Endurance isn't everything, I mean we made it out here to the ocean within a week's time so we did good and covered a lot of ground in such a small time for the distance we traveled. You may not have the amazing stamina as the others, but you are very skilled and I've seen those skills used very effectively in your battles. … I personally helped to hone those skills, but you improve on them more than I ever thought possible." He noticed that the sentinel wasn't happy, even for the complement. "You know, there's actually something that you are better at than me and the entire squad."

The human looked at him with a curious yet hopeful look. "What is that? My good looks?"

The powerful man cracked a smile and quietly chuckled at the response. "No, something much better."

"That would be?" Lionel encouraged with a gesture.

"I might have powers that any of you mortals could have ever dreamed of but I've seen that you have more will, more drive in your fights. Even more so than I of all people. I've seen you push beyond your limits and fight with every ounce of determination in every swing of your sword. Even to the point of fainting Lionel, that was you and you get stronger each time you raise that blade. I mean you are the youngest of the group and we only joined the squadron a year ago; but while the elders have more experience; you have the one thing we lack. Or rather what they lack since I don't appear to have an age. They have slowed down a little in aging while you have grown and I don't think you'll ever stop growing with that willpower of yours. As for resolve? I've never had much of it, only when situations got really tough. Naturally, being powerful takes away the strength of mind, will, and even grit in skirmishes. But you- you try so hard to do your best at everything, I wish I could be more like you brother."

The sentinel blinked while lightly gaping but his expression was quick to fall. "You're just saying that." He said blankly as his shoulders sank, eyes still glued to the warm sands of the ocean before them.

"No, I mean it. If I fought as near as hard as you, then I don't think there is anything or anyone in the world that could stop me." He chuckled. "I would be pretty much a god. And you? You'd be a half god if you could fight hard enough and not make careless decisions that is."

The guardsmen smiled and laughed to himself as he tugged at his scarf; a little habit of his. "Yeah, maybe then I wouldn't have to run away and hide just to catch my breath." He stood up and moved his gaze to the ocean's horizon. "… I'm done running away Herobrine! No more will I run! I guess I will just have to try even harder in battles then."

"Do that, but don't get reckless and don't push yourself to the brink of collapse. Take cover and rest if you find yourself struggling. You are still growing and it may take more time to become a great combatant. So no throwing yourself in harm's way."

The man nodded and raised a coiled hand of determination. "I won't, I'll be smarter next time too. … So? Think you could help me with a few squid then? I've wasted enough time here as it is and I think I need a break every once in a while."

Herobrine laughed quietly and stood up. "Rest now Lionel, I'll take care of it." He grinned before walking over to the ocean.

… …

Steve pushed past the door and swiftly slammed it shut behind him, leaving the pole and the pail of fish next to the doorway. He pealed off his wet shirt and squeezed as much water out of it as he could, he then tossed it onto the furnace before running over to his bag and digging out the robe and Netherrack. He wrapped the royal coat over his freezing shoulders and took the red stone to the fireplace and gently laid the block down in the stone hearth. He reached into his pocket to find his flint and steel, but it was also wet and not about to spark any flames anytime soon.

Sighing exasperatingly, he took a seat on the floor and rubbed the flint with the robe in hopes of getting it dry enough to do anything. It wasn't drying out as well as he hoped so he blew at it and continued to get the thing dried up. He tried a few times to create a spark but couldn't produce a flicker. Biting his lips he tried many times, for long minutes to get a spark and he finally had enough dry friction to make a tiny ember catch the block on fire.

He leaned back and smiled at his accomplishment, he didn't give up like he wanted. He was about to- but was glad he didn't. Once feeling warmth return to his body he stood up and walked over to the bag to grab a potion of regeneration, seeing as he forgot to get fresh water and it was cold outside with his now wet attire. Plus heavy clouds came in and obscured the sun, it would probably snow soon. It was still quite cold in the small building with the holes and broken windows but Steve decided he'll fix it up later, if he lasted until then.

He took a seat in front of the fire again and forced the nasty concoction down his throat. He wiped away a small dribble of fluid from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and stared at the flickering flames. "Don't worry Nigel, I won't fail you. Not again." He whispered to himself. Now that he knew he could still save the old man, he didn't have to run away anymore. Despite the great sacrifice he was going to have to make, he still found himself smiling. 'I don't have to run away from Herobrine ever again.' He happily thought to himself, the idea of not running made him feel content, excited even. If Herobrine was to come bursting through the door then he didn't have to worry, just as long as he made a stand and fight like his father.

"Till the very end."