Hero's Bane:

Chapter 67: Don't Refuse

Edited 5/15/2022

Herobrine sighed in frustration as he slowly ambled through the oak woods, he lightly slammed his fist into a few trees as he passed them; a few blocky leaves floated down after the woody plants lightly shook from the force. His head pounded and ached, there wasn't much to give him the relief he needed; not even diverting his mind with a little pain from few fist blows to the thick bark of the trees. His recent 'episode' had sent him into a bloodthirsty frenzy and he tried to kill the miner again, but that man somehow pulled him out of it. Steve got lucky.

...

"You're blinded Herobrine. You're holding on to your dark past and letting the rage consume you, it's turning you into a mindless monster!"

...

The powerful being could almost hear the miner's words again, he was surprised he remembered what the man said in his crazed state.

-That's because I must be one Steve. That has to be my purpose in this world, I am obviously one in your damned god's eye and in every other human's eyes.- Herobrine frowned deeply and ground his teeth. It was rage and 'those' people who could bring back the old him, they were the closest people to Notch; the descendants of the first Minecraftian kind. They once received power, guidance, and miracles unlike any other developing human civilization by apparently Notch himself; as the people of the fortress claimed before the demi-god's arrival.

Through those condemning mortals; he could get back at the god, that is why he spared some and plagued them generation after generation. Although, it didn't take too many years to find out that he wasn't doing much because Notch didn't do a single thing to stop him and he hasn't yet. The god had so much power that he could use to protect his pathetic beings but he was absent for so long and still was. He abandoned his creatures and apparently dismissed the world itself, leaving it to fall into ruin or whatever shape the future brings. But even if he truly left the world, revenge was still in order and so was his debt.

Things were different now, ever since the miner came around. That mortal had brought back memories that should have been forever buried, because of this; Herobrine felt a change within him. He didn't need change, he hated it. He wanted to refuse it; but he didn't. He let it come to him instead of pushing it aside and ending the mortal's life like he should have, now his mind was more open. He was becoming more observant and lenient. He even read every little expression that the human made while talking to him though he didn't have to. It was pointless and yet; he did it anyway. He could tell what upset the man and what made him happy, hurt, or worried. There was no real reason to read expressions anyway. He shouldn't have welcomed the mortal into his life because now things have changed and so did he, it was greatly interfering with his debt. Interference would be the end of him.

Herobrine had realized the change that swept over him, there was no more denying it. This new version of himself was starting to reflect his old personality and attitudes in the days of guarding the fortress, but that is not what he needed now. The powerful being didn't need a reminder of the stupidity he had to trust humans, it only brought so much pain and anger. Herobrine needed to go back to the version of him that didn't have an ounce of care for anything or anyone in the world but himself. It is what would have been for the best. He could then mercilessly slaughter his prey and enjoy it, there would be no hesitance; other than to watch his victim cower and beg for mercy.

He'd be the one that didn't have to rethink or reflect on what he'd done, memories would have been buried so deep in his mind that they'd eventually fade or even cease to exist. The old him would collect mounds and mounds of souls for the End lord without displeasing him, his Nether fortress would still be standing and he wouldn't have to experience the deadly power that ate at his arms. But ever since the miner came; things have changed and not for the better. He needed to be-

...

"Lionel… never saw you as a monster, and neither do I!"

...

Herobrine came to a stop in his aimless wondering.

Those words, they gnawed at him. It wouldn't have been so bad if Steve hadn't mention that name. Herobrine narrowed his glowing eyes and shook his head with a toothy sneer on his face. -I.- Herobrine growled. -Lionel is gone, betrayed by his own kind. Of course he'd never say I was a monster, even if I did take revenge for so many years but-?- Herobrine sighed and calmed down a bit. -But he wouldn't approve of my actions, that I really know. He wouldn't want me doing this… but it's too late now, the damage has been done and it cannot be undone. I'm too far gone. I want this, I want revenge. I am a monster!-

...

"At that stoning… he said that y-you weren't one. That is because… you aren't! So let go of your anger, focus on what lies ahead. What has happened with those persecutors back then are in the past, … so let go!"

"Herobrine!"

...

-Damn it miner! No! I don't want to let go! I will never!- Herobrine cursed on his silent tongue before he roared aloud, a light haze obscured his vision. -They will pay, all of them. … Everyone will pay with blood for what they did, for what they are. Slowly.- A nasty grin crept onto his lips, the thought of corpses littering the ground wormed it's way into his head and he liked it. The image didn't last long though, not after the miner's voice repeated 'Herobrine!' aloud. Herobrine spun on his heels to see the one who was speaking to him, but there was no one. He then spun around slowly, looking for the miner. He couldn't find him, with his superior hearing he couldn't even pick up a trace of a heartbeat or the faint sound of breath other than that of his own. He could hear Steve's voice but it was all in his head, coming from his memory. Why he didn't realize it sooner had puzzled him.

He was loosing it, his grips on reality were slipping ever nearer to the edge of oblivion.

After taking a second to cool from his seething, the white disappeared out of the corner of his vision and he could breathe a little better. But at the same time; his head ached greatly and that twisted part of him wanting bloodshed stayed clawing at the surface of his being, a constant reminder that Steve was wrong no matter how much he wanted to agree with the human. Even now with some sense of humanity he could feel it slipping through the gaps between his fingers, his buried nature that desired ill intentions was always present; even way back then when he was a hero. Though hidden, it has never truly gone away.

The white-eyed man put one palm on his forehead and kneaded his temple with his fingers, a gasp of exasperation escaped his lips. He almost lost control of himself again, painful headaches always came up after the white faded or when he remembered the days of the fortress.

He didn't know how or exactly why he lost himself so easily, all it took was a little indignation or a memory of the sort before it slowly turned into something more sinister. It was clear that he needed to stay calm and focused until the time was right so that he didn't go rampant too soon for the miner's sake.

He had to forget everything; all of his memories once again, every little memory that would be a distraction like they were in his last hunt. It was memories that not only brought him pain but failure too, he couldn't risk failing again though; not with a force stronger than him calling the shots. What pained him more was forgetting what few good memories he did have, he did not want to sever ties with Lionel but he no longer has the choice.

Herobrine growled and clenched his fists real tight, on the verge of lashing out at anything within reach. Notch was always the stronger one, he was the creator of Minecraftia after all. The old hero felt his pride stretch and twist, Notch was still the strongest but he himself wasn't in second place.

The immortal felt weak and it annoyed him, the beast was above him in power and he hated it. Humans and mobs were nothing to Herobrine, yet here he was lower on the totem pole. Failure only reminded him of his low position. He felt like a slave, caged up and forced to do the whims of a revolting creature. He wished that it was him that was commanding the creature instead, but without Ender's help then he'd still be trapped in the Nether. Still burning and wailing to no end with no one to hear him, only silence and the sounds of the grunts and cries of the fire mobs would fill his ears. He owed a great debt to the End lord for freeing him and taking the paralysis curse for some long years, that was one big wish he was granted; even with a cost. He had to keep his promise and his end of the deal, Ender wasn't the most respectable, but his action to free him and take the consequences were. He definitely couldn't turn his back on his liberator, he had a job to do. Even if it was a requirement to be a dog on a leash, he had to claim human lives and plenty of them.

Now it was only a matter of time.

The white-eyed being looked straight ahead to the empty woodlands and continued his walk through the trees, waiting for nighttime to approach.

…

"Oh, there's just so much to write!" The old adventurer shouted with joy as he hastily jotted down everything that the miner had just told him, he had so much information and experience that he almost felt as though he had been a part of it the whole time. He scanned all of his notes to make sure that he didn't miss not one detail that he was given, whatever he did miss he wrote it on the sidelines as notes. Steve was very clear with his strong description and every little feature, this overall experience was nothing the elder had never heard of before. Surviving for so long in a perilous place, fighting the legendary Herobrine and bringing him down, to befriending the half-god, and even being saved by him with blood that belonged to that of gods. It was absolutely astounding to Nigel.

Even the encounter with the Nether creatures, the extreme blistering environment, and even the creation of the connection that allowed Steve to communicate with Herobrine was an amazing story; one he would not soon forget. But what was the most strangest things he heard was that of the soul collection and the bizarre ender pearl; that was more like an eye and had dark power. This particular part of the story was engrossing; however; he still didn't know much about the mysterious beast and the power it had, though some fearsome creature seemed vaguely familiar in ancient studies he had come across before. There wasn't much information on it though so he dismissed the connection for now. The dreams and link with the silver sentinel also piqued his interest as did Herobrine's unforeseen actions. Nigel couldn't let his smile fade with the vast wealth of knowledge he had gained on the legendary man, so much information in such little time to fully process it all; there was barely any time to absorb it all at once.

Everything he was told was obviously realistic and very fascinating, there was also no doubt in his mind that every word was said in truth. He trusted Steve, that miner was possibly the most trustworthy man he had ever met. The miner had a way with words and held such honesty in them, the old man didn't think that he could have ever met someone so pure and true; even if the man before him denied the statement as he had only minutes ago in their ending conversation of the man's journey.

There was so much more to ask about the use and position of human souls, he also needed more information on the 'End lord' as the miner had called the powerful creature; but he didn't ask too much on those particular topics. Nigel noticed that talking about Ender or the souls put the miner into distress and a slight depression, Steve didn't act like the man he was like when they first met; he was more shaky and cold on the subjects. Surely the guy had been somewhat traumatized by the souls in the mythic sands that were trying to take his body back at the Nether, an experience that Steve was quick to pass through in his outwardly adventure he shared.

The experience with the beast was more detailed but made the man more edgy and angry, especially after saying what it did to Herobrine and what the demi-god had to do for his sake. Unfortunately, Steve knew little about the Eye or the beast behind it. These pieces of mystery needed to wait to be clear though, at least until him and the miner were out of their current position. Also after Steve finds a way to reconcile with himself for failures that weren't really letdowns, just promises in progress that had come to an abrupt stop; as the old man had saw it.

The miner was indeed acting more disheartened and down, he now sat quietly leaning against the wall while staring blankly at his scratched palms. He lacked of life and the vitality he once had shown, being completely silent and motionless with his mind possibly coming up with the most unfortunate outcomes; or the one outcome he had repeated a few times already. An outcome that Nigel didn't want to think on himself. It was clear that Steve's latest encounter with the old hero was eating him alive and putting a heavy weight on his shoulders; one that put him into silence with a dreadful fate now approaching everyone within the confines of the village. Steve's apparent accord with the old hero was over, the worst was soon to come unless they could just do something about, or until they actually do. Nigel didn't like seeing his friend acting in a way that he shouldn't, Steve should be devising up ways to escape or at least keeping a more hopeful and upbeat attitude. He'd have to have a word with the younger man soon.

"So there's nothing you can do?" Carson asked quietly, breaking the silence of the room.

Steve said nothing at first, he just stared at his hands and closed his eyes for a brief moment for a good and long breath. "No." He said quietly. "As I've said before, Herobrine has to pay his debt to the beast. He's going to finally take the rest of the great fortress's descendants and me as well it seems."

"Why us? Why suddenly put us out of our misery? Our people have lived in the shadow of torment for so long, so if he really hates us so much then why end it now when he could just continue to bring punishment?" The guard looked intently at the miner with an expression that went from careless to mildly concerned, he was starting to worry for once. Maybe it was the concept of death finally coming that compelled him to care, before that; he saw death around him but it wasn't the same when the notion of death was aiming directly at him. People from neighboring lands or travelers would every once and a while; come to the village to stay when passing through, some of them never left. The demon would come and steal their lives away because they either lit a torch, went out at night, or was bold and foolish enough not to heed the warnings they were given. Sometimes he killed them for what seemed like the sport of it, just to plunge the people into deeper despair.

"He believes that it will drive him to want more, to want to claim more lives like he used to." The miner began again, his tone full of melancholy. "Since he detests your people so much; it would be very easy to wipe all of you out and set his frame of mind right. If enough bloodshed happens then his desire to kill more will overpower him, I wouldn't even be able to reach him at that point. I've seen him lose control before and nearly died at his hands twice that way, it doesn't take much to trigger him but it takes a lot to reach him. I got lucky before but I won't be if he lets go of his memories, he wants to forget so he probably will. He'll forget me and everything I did to bring him to a sense of self awareness, a part of his old self that was more human; like the real hero he used to be. I fear that the next time we meet will be our last, I'll just be more prey in his eyes." Steve said softly, fidgeting with his fingers.

"Isn't there some way we could fight him?" Carson leaned up from his chair and repositioned himself to sit more comfortably. "I know it sounds like a crazy idea but that could be an option, though I think it would be downright suicide."

"You won't stand a chance, no one will. I could only match him with his own enchanted blade, even then I was still overpowered when he couldn't send me to my knees. He lost control at that time too."

"What about your other blade? The lucky one?" Nigel asked and Steve finally moved his gaze from his hands over to the old man.

"He doesn't have it anymore, Jimmy confiscated it when we first detained him." Carson said before Steve could even reply.

"It wouldn't really matter if I had it or not. Stone cannot beat diamond, it definitely cannot take an enchanted blade when it's cracked and on the verge of breaking."

"I only asked because that blade must be a great charm if you've made it this far. I am well aware that stone is the second to weakest material when it comes to swords, but I can't help but feel as though it had brought you so far and powered your confidence."

"What confidence?" The miner blankly replied as he looked towards the corner of the cell. "I don't have any anymore, I lost it all when I failed to stop Herobrine for the final time. But it's not like we can fight the real monster, I still don't even know what it's entirely capable of doing. Neither me or Herobrine or any human can match Ender's deadly power, I've seen it first hand."

"Now Steven, I must oppose." Came Nigel's voice from the miner's right. "Where there is a will there is a wa-" The old man paused as voices suddenly came from above. All three of the men in the room looked up at the ceiling and remained quiet as footsteps treaded across the wooden planks, the footfalls the grew heavier as the people from above moved down the stairs.

Steve's eyes narrowed as the first man to come into his sights, it was the village chief.

"Take your leave now Carson, we've got it from here." Came the soft and almost arrogant tone of the leader. He held out his hand, waiting for something.

"Yeah, so get your sorry behind up there. It's your turn to watch the door now and it's my shift to guard these dirt blocks, you can deal with pesky visitors now." Jimmy walked to the other side of Carson who lightly slanted his eyebrows and folded his arms. "Up out of the seat, you've had it for a few hours now." The guard muttered.

Carson looked away from his fellow guard and then to Morrison who gave him a nod towards the stairs. The middle-aged man sighed before leaning up to stand, he then reluctantly reached into his pocket and pulled out the key before dropping it into the chief's hand. "Alright, but don't be too mean to these guys. They've been cooperating the entire time and I think they deserve some food. It's been a while since the elderly man last ate."

"Don't worry. I am only here to talk, they will not be harmed. I'll have food delivered to them afterwards as well." Morrison reassured with a faint smile, he continued to smile though the guard gave him a serious look. "Now if you will go watch the door please, what's being said here is pretty confidential. I don't need the village in an uproar from the words we exchange."

"Yes sir." Carson replied unenthusiastically, giving a small glare to Jimmy who was quick to throw the leather cover out of the chair and plant himself in the warm seat comfortably.

Morrison waited patiently until the footsteps disappeared upstairs with the sound of the door opening and shutting, he then turned away from the staircase to face the 'not so happy' miner.

"Well, don't you look so happy to see me. I expected this much." The man in black started.

"You're the one who imprisoned me remembered, why should I be happy?" The miner said with his eyes fixated on the village chief, scowling. "You also wrongfully imprisoned my friend here." He pointed to Nigel who only adverted his gaze. "He's done nothing to hurt anyone and has nothing to do with Herobrine, he shouldn't be in here in this freezing cold and dark place; he's even still injured for Notch's sake."

Morrison adjusted his glasses on his face and folded his arms behind his back. "Yes. I did. But to be honest, it was for his own protection. The people were not happy at all when he came back to this village; especially after being presumed dead for nearly five full years. I took him into custody and care because I've heard that he was spouting lies and things that didn't make sense; take 'your supposed victory' for instance. I received several reports that you would defeat Herobrine but the people did not believe. I myself do not care if this is happened or not because Herobrine is still alive and coming, regardless. I heard back in the bar when you saved the demon, a very idiotic and traitorous act you pulled off." He lightly hissed with a sneer, Steve only lightly shook with anger but held his tongue.

"Well you could have treated me better." Nigel turned the conversation back to the right topic. "You told your men to lock me up and it took two days to get a meal, I had to persuade Carson to get me food because Jimmy wouldn't. It also took a while to be given new bandages and potions for my wound that one of your men ignored, I don't like dying Mr. Morrison." Nigel said sternly with tense narrowed brows.

Morrison slightly tilted his head to the right. "Is that so?" The man looked back at Jimmy who only folded his arms and shot a glare at the elderly man, his eyes then moved to the village chief and he looked away. "I didn't expect you to be this cold to the man, he's not an enemy so you are to treat him with some respect or I will give your rank to someone more worthy."

Jimmy muttered something indistinguishable under his breath, obviously fuming with his rigid posture. He nodded after the chief tapped his foot on the floor impatiently.

"There's nothing to say, nothing to tell you."

"So quick to speak are we?" Morrison said with nonchalance. "That's good I suppose."

"What do you want with me." Steve spoke back up, setting the conversation back on himself so that he will find out what will happen now.

"Well, I have been thinking up everything that I've heard from you and your friend and I have come up with a solution to stop the demon from attacking us and keep our villagers alive; it's simple really." Morrison said as he started a slow pace, moving from side to side of the barred wall with his eyes locked on the two men inside. It will not be easy though, not for you anyways. We've had several foolish people here who thought that they could face Herobrine and slay him, they are all dead now and leave behind either children or empty houses that we can't fill with our small amount of people."

"Just where are you getting at Mr. Morrison?" Nigel asked with a raised brow, suspicious of the man's intentions.

"Don't worry Nigel, the matter does not directly involve you; and if the miner agrees to my terms them you will be allowed to leave the village and return home."

"But what about him?" The friendly elder asked, nodding towards Steve.

"Patience, it's not really your concern but I will explain myself."

"Then get to it." Steve huffed, still leaning against the wall with a deep frown on his face, it was obvious that he wasn't going to like the man's plan to 'stop' Herobrine seeing as it is impossible. He really didn't have much of a say or choice in the matter, not being caged up till dusk.

"You see Steve, that monster is in association with you. You hold some value to the demon and he will not attack you. So-"

"That's where you are wrong." Steve shook his head back and forth in strong disagreement. "He'll kill me on the spot when he comes back."

Jimmy stood up from the chair and walked to the end of the bars to stand next to Morrison. "Hey, you shut your mouth! Let the leader finish or-"

"Silence Jim, now get back." Morrison coldly demanded. "I did not ask for your defense." He scolded. "Forget my guard here, he's not the talkative type."

"Neither am I." Steve added resentfully.

"Ahem, anyway. I need you to comply with me. I do believe I know a way to get Herobrine to leave us alone but it'll require cooperation and I can even pay you for it." He waited for the miner to respond but Steve was staying quiet to his surprise. "The pay would be minimal as it is for every worker here with the lack of resources and etcetera, etcetera. We are not the most wealthy of people in the most wealthy of places around here but I am going to ask you to remain here, for the remainder of your days."

"What?" Steve's eyes went wide and his mouth lightly hung agape.

"And just why exactly?" Nigel inquired.

The chief lightly brushed the fine hair on his chin, wondering if the stunned miner would cooperate with him. "If Steve stays here and talks the demon out of bringing us harm and death then we may just continue to live for generations to come. In being in association to one with such formidable power; you are the only one who can convince Herobrine to leave us in peace. Therefore, we'll get to live like normal humans once again. We may even finally begin to prosper?"

"It can't happen! As I was trying to say before your men shoved me into this building; Herobrine will not be the same when he returns tonight. I can't do anything!"

"So you basically refuse?" He raised a brow.

"Yes, because all of us are going to die!" The miner rose up onto his feet but stayed in his place. "You must realize that."

… There was an awkward moment of silence and then the sound of water drops hitting the roof of the building and the grass at the barred windows above disrupted the quietness.

The village chief turned around until his back was to the miner, he thought on what the man had said but his response was just nonsense. His lack of reasoning was possibly out of the desire to leave the village, and taking only three of the people with him like a selfish man who cared for only a little. "I can honestly say that that is not the answer I was looking for." He said more solemnly as he turned back around. "I was expecting to reach a deal, you know? A 'fair' one, but you are not the 'fair' type it seems. You apparently think it would be fair to let three of our cursed people walk free of 'His' wrath while the rest of us in the village is mercilessly slaughtered."

Steve stood in his place and blinked in a terrible realization, he forgot about fairness and what he was going to do would be favoritism. There were plenty of innocent people in the village, even children; and he had completely forgot about them. It would be wrong to leave the rest to die while three were spared of suffering and death, but it would be wrong to let them all die. Steve couldn't believe what he was trying to do, deciding a life over another. Inner conflict stirred in his head, he had no intentions of being prejudice against the other villagers; even if they weren't his friends. Herobrine gave him an ultimatum and now he was struggling to come to terms with what was right and wrong. "What? No. No I- I wouldn't."

The village chief gestured a hand over his heart. "You put me into this compromising position miner, it is only right that I get you to see the error of your mistake. Maybe it was good that I had you detained when I did, or otherwise everyone of us would die except a tiny handful who had ever done little to deserve freedom of his haunting."

"He didn't get to chose over anyone." Nigel moved up to the bars and held a strong-like posture. "Herobrine granted his friends freedom and that was it, or that is what I was told. Sure, it's unfortunate that he can't take them all; including you, but some lives will be spared at least. Fair or not, someone will walk away from this alive if we weren't trapped here."

"I see your point Benrad, but if Steve agrees to stay here and keep Herobrine away; then none of us will die. It's not a flawless plan and it may not even work but we must try, my intentions are for my people as a whole; not individually. I want what's best for my people and myself, it's what I want for you as well."

"I can't do it." Steve lightly muttered to himself. "I can't save everybody."

The sound of the rain grew louder and a light mist came from the small windows and flowed down with a light breeze, drops of water splashed into the cell from the grass swaying in the gentle breeze.

"Then stay here. We have several empty homes, I will accommodate one for you; for free."

"No. I can't." Steve swayed his head back and forth again, staring at the floor from the indecisive decision. If he stayed he'd be dead for sure. "Herobrine will demolish this place to the ground and kill everybody like he did back at the old fortress, he will not listen to reason!" The miner couldn't look at the man before him, Morrison was practically trying to bend him to his will and that would not bode well with Herobrine, if he had even the slightest control of himself that is.

"Don't refuse my offer miner, you know it would be selfish to leave 'all' of us to die." Morrison stared coldly at the man, dropping his soft tone to a more deep and serious one. Steve remained silent and seemed to be lost in thought, the village leader was losing patience quickly. The chief lightly narrowed his eyes from the lack of cooperation, the imprisoned man was proving to be difficult to bend into his favor. He was going to have to take drastic matters though he really didn't want to, the miner was his enemy but not the old man in the cell with him.

It didn't take long before the village leader devised a plan, Steve cared about his friends so much and the old adventure was one such friend. Nigel would make good leverage to get Steve to cooperate, just like it would be the miner as leverage for Herobrine. All he needed was for things to work in his favor. "Don't tell me that you are going to leave us all to perish by nightfall? If that is the case then I have but no choice… you are forcing my hand. Jim."

Steve looked up as a metallic sound rattled in his ears, he watched in shock as the guard unlocked the iron door. A part of him wanted to move forward and push past the man blocking it to get away, but his legs were still sore. Nigel would have been left behind though, and he didn't think he could actually push past Jimmy; who was in a better condition than him. "What are you doing?!" Steve shouted and hesitantly stepped backwards until he bumped into the wall as Jimmy moved forward into the cell; cracking his knuckles and grinning wickedly. He then reached behind his back and pulled out his iron sword."

"I told you earlier that you are going to help me miner, one way or another. And because you can't decide on your own; I'll help you make the right decision. Take the old one."

"Old one? Well I say? That is pretty rude of you. Just what are you doing Mr. Morrison?" Nigel huffed in offense.

"Yes sir." Jimmy moved forward and grabbed Nigel by the shoulder and jerked him to the door, he then moved his blade up as the old man tried to yank free."

"What is the meaning of this?! I demand that you let me go this instant!" The adventurer growled, despite the blade that was held close to his throat.

"What are you doing? Let him go!" Steve screamed as he ran towards the door but the chief shut the door once Jimmy forced Nigel out. Steve painfully slammed into the iron door but it wouldn't budge, he then tried to rattle it loose but it held firmly. The miner pushed himself off of the iron rods as Jimmy quickly thrust his blade forward through the open spaces to put room between the man and the bars. Steve glared at him with a sneer.

"You will help us, even if I have to force you to." Morrison tilted his head back as the guard forced the old man into the chair, keeping the sword dangerously close to the elder. He turned his head back and saw that the miner had a dark expression on his face, quite an intimidating one that was like Herobrine's but not quite; not without glowing eyes.

"What do you want from me?" Steve asked with a dark tone as the village chief started to pace back and forth in front of the iron bars, a grin plastered the village leader's face.

"Haven't I already told you Steve? You are going to stop that demon seeing as you are the only one that can." Morrison stopped at the end of the bars with a small smirk across his face. "Isn't that right Nigel?" He turned around after hearing the old man whimper, Nigel writhed as the guard grabbed then bent his arm back with force as he tried to get out of the chair. "Don't hurt him too much Jim, he's old like me and our limbs don't bend so well." He said, the angered guard let up on the hold a little and the man lightly groaned.

"Just leave him alone Morrison! Let him go!" Steve aggressively defended. "Don't drag him into this!" Steve ran back up to the bars and glared threateningly with a deep toothy sneer etched on his face.

"I will, but you have to comply with me first miner. We're running out of time and I cannot have refusal."

"I already told you. When Herobrine comes to this village he's not going to listen to me, no matter how much I want him to. No matter how much I shout or scream, he'll be merciless. He probably won't even remember me."

"And just why is that? One cannot simply erase memories, it's illogical and completely impossible. If there is anyone who can erase memories then it'd be Notch himself but not that demon, I know that Herobrine will remember you and he will listen to you." Morrison stepped closer to the cell and came face to face with the angered man, only separated by a wall of rusty iron bars. "I know he will traitor."

"No he won't! Herobrine isn't exactly a stable being, he's capable of shutting away his memories like anyone else who has been through so much trauma. It's like he can push them away on will and be someone else, like a self defense mechanism. But in this case it's not really for heavy trauma, but to fuel his hatred of our kind; he only focuses on what mankind had done to him and he uses those bad memories of his past to force his hand for revenge."

"Pfft, that's absolutely outrageous."

"It's not. He's was tortured for months and was completely powerless, all he could do was watch and feel what the people did to him and heal even when he wanted death! Now he loses control of himself and becomes something he's not, especially when he's enraged! When he comes he won't stop and listen to you or me." Steve backed away from the bars and shook his head, ignoring the emotionless expression on the village chief's face. "He won't listen to me either, he won't recognize me. When he's out of control; we are all the same." He swung an arm out to his side. "We're all equally victims."

Morrison sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in dismay. "I find this whole argument to be a waste, you could at least try." He said bitterly before moving to the other side of the barred wall, passing Nigel with a downcast look.

Steve noticed the man's shift in attitude, it was sad in a way; but the stern look in his eyes made the miner tense up. Morrison was unpredictable it seemed.

"I-" The man paused and carefully thought about what he was saying before continuing. "I am going to tell you one thing miner and you are going to listen well, you are also going to do something about 'His' arrival whether you like to or not. No matter if it's living here for the rest of your life, or fighting him with your bare hands." Morrison looked through the bars and glared coldly at the icy blue eyes that stared right into his with an equally loathing gaze. The man then continued to pace back and forth slowly next to the cell wall, but this time he had his hands behind his back and moved even slower like a wolf stalking it's prey.

"Let me tell you why I am doing all of this, why I am taking such measures. It's for the good, that I can say." He paused to take a deep breath. "My people are everything to me Steve, I am going to take whatever measure I can to protect them. We are the last of our great predecessors, the last of Notch's gifted. You would be such one if you are tied to the great traitor that is? But that is beside the point. Our people are the descendants of the ones who received guidance and knowledge from the mighty creator themselves! We are the legacy of the greatest humans that have ever lived! Touched by the god and given power! We are elite!"

The miner lightly gaped from the man's words, Morrison gave him an almost crazed look as he continued.

"My ancestors and even myself have been given great power by the creator, there has been no other civilization or cultured people who have been bestowed this blessing. My ancestors had tools and advancement in crafting way before any other people out beyond that land, the first Minecraftians that lived there were blessed and so are we; even if we have that monster lashing out at us. That source of great power still exists, it lies within the abandoned fortress beyond these mountains. In it; a shrine that we can use to summon Notch.

It's always been out of our reach though, guarded heavily by your demon friend. We should be living there in that towering stronghold though, not living in shadows so far away like the repressed people we are. Our people, including me; deserve nothing more than to live there. That was the home of our ancestors and it ours by default, we own it with the very blood that runs through our veins!" Morrison finished with throwing his arms up in a gesture of being a higher mortal, he then let his arms fall to his side as he came to a stop right in front of Steve; who stood quietly close to the bars. "We are greater than any other humans out there, 'we' deserve everything that was given to us!"

"I pity you Morrison."

The chief turned around to see Nigel hunched over with his arms still forcefully held behind his back. "Pity?" The man said more calmly. "Why is that?"

"You heard right. I pity you because you are blind. Being a descendant of the first people makes you no higher than any other being out there, we are all equal as mankind. Being blessed with knowledge and prayer doesn't make you superior, it's only an advantage; nothing more."

"Lies, you wouldn't know the importance of my people seeing as you aren't one of us."

"Well of course I am not a descendant of that land, as you can tell with my accent. I hale from the far west; from the icy mountainous region of Snowspire, my people are no different from yours and neither am I from you. Well except our accent and heritage, we do take pride in our stone craftsmanship but that is beside the point. All humans are equal and Herobrine might hate the descendants of the ones from the valley, but he still hates every other human too; just slightly less since their forerunners didn't partake in his fall from heroism."

"You don't get it." He patted his chest roughly with one hand, signifying himself. "These are my people, my ancestors were Notch's first beloved kind to harmonize with the god himself and get knowledge from him unlike the first Minecraftians that had to learn and create all on their own. We are superior to other humans and we deserve our right to LIVE! We should be living at the fortress and living in the real wealth of the prosperous land for we have Notch's blessing! If my plan works then I will find a way to get us back to that vast land and our inherited home, we will live once again as Notch's greatest!"

"You're crazy!" Steve shouted aloud and Morrison scoffed.

"You think I am ill in the head?" The chief folded his arms and took a deep breath in attempts to calm himself. "Well we'll see about that. In a few hours I will be back and you are going to do something about our 'Herobrine', problem Steve, I can't say what yet since you can't just 'convince' him. Like I said, I am willing to risk a lot to keep the people of this village alive. If I have to sacrifice this old man here than I will." He looked at Nigel and the old man only gaped from the reckless and senseless idea. "Throw him back in for now, he may come in use later." The man in black said and Jimmy unlocked the cell door and swung it open.

"Get in there!" The guard shoved the old man in and Nigel went face forward to the ground, he was lucky that a few leather covers cushioned his fall. He still hit the ground with an 'Oof though.

"Nigel!" Steve quickly rushed over to the older man and helped him to sit up. "Nigel, are you alright?" Steve asked with a more softer tone of voice; losing his anger quick to be replaced with that of concern for his elderly friend.

"Oh, and absolutely no one leaves this village tonight. Especially not you miner." Morrison finished coldly as he slammed the iron barred door shut. "Come back up Jim."

"But why sir? It's my shift."

"Because I need your help to set some things up for later. If he can't stop Herobrine then… then let's just say that we're not going down alone." He said quietly as they headed up the oak wood steps.

…

Herobrine closed his eyes as multiple drops of water flowed through his hair and streamed down the sides of his face, he focused on finding the white deep within his mind and ignored the cold sensation hitting his skin and drenching his clothes. He also disregarded the light rumble of a distant storm, it was getting further away so the rain would end soon. He was searching in the deepest reaches of his mind, being completely focused in on himself and not the tiny distractions all around him. There was one thing in particular that he was hoping to find. It was that blinding bright light that would consume everything in his vision, sort of like when he lost control through anger; but this was different.

The white he was looking for was the fog he used to hide his memories away with, at least until something pulls them back out; it would be difficult in the depths however. With a blank slate of mind; it would make things much more easier, he would simply forget and his vision would later clear up so that he could see the beautiful havoc he made on mankind. Just has he had done before with Ender's help, he was taught how to shove memories away and close them off. He would then forget just about everything that held no importance to him, there were some important things he had forgotten by accident. The only thing he would never forget was his hatred towards the humans and his unpaid debt, he would also retain some fond; but not needed memories. Some seemed almost impossible to let go.

The white-eyed being grabbed the sides of his head shook it, he was struggling to keep focus on the white with many things still running around in his mind. The rain didn't help his wavering focus. It was turning out harder to dish out the memories than it should have been. He didn't have trouble the first time when he was told to, he forgot almost everything. Although, he couldn't entirely forget about Lionel; even if he thought he did. It took a great deal from a certain miner to remember his only friend and what that man did to earn the honor and title of being his brother. He couldn't completely forget his fallen friend, that is why he couldn't destroy the damned painted canvas of him at one of the public stonings or burn down the sentinel's old home. Lionel was painted on both the canvas at the fortress and on the portrait at his house. He couldn't get rid of those paintings no matter how hard he tried. The sentinel was the only person he ever truly cared about, Lionel did nothing to deserve his history or image wiped away forever. So the ancient being preserved them and kept his focus on his prey, leaving the light of his brother buried deep behind his old memories.

Herobrine was growing tired of walking in circles of the woodlands, the trees barely did anything to keep him dry anyways, not with the wind blowing the drops in all directions. He couldn't hold focus for long anyhow, there was something bugging him but he didn't know just what. It was getting closer to dusk so it would be better to get closer to the village. He could have easily teleported to the village but he chose to walk along the gravel road to pass some time.

The old hero saw wheel and hoof marks all the way down the road ahead of him, the merchant was at the village by now which meant the miner should be leaving soon with some fortunate prey. The cart would head straight through the village and then out towards a far province west, the merchant's next stop would be far enough to keep the miner out of his wrathful reach. He wondered if the man even made it to the village safely. Herobrine himself was too frustrated to take the miner there himself earlier but that human was strong and pretty resilient so there wasn't too much doubt in Steve's capabilities.

The ancient demi-god sighed heavily, it's not like he wanted to forget everything; especially not this 'peace of mind' he found through the miner; but he had to even if he wanted to keep his calmer state. Killing would be more difficult and he didn't need certain things to slow him down or stop him from replaying his great debt. He definitely didn't want to bury his memories of Lionel again but as Ender had told him before; that mortal is gone, living like he was still alive is nothing but a hindrance now. Herobrine slowed his pace even more when that miner came to mind. He never imagined that he'd ever make another friend again, Steve had definitely proved that he was worthy of trust. In fact, he proved that he was almost an equal to Lionel… if not greater? Herobrine swiftly shook his head, no one can compare to his brother but Steve did come pretty close. That man was more of a hindrance, probably because he was live and talked to the being just recently. He didn't leave on good terms with his new friend, but it was for the better. Just like it was better to forget and be as though he never encountered or befriended the man.

Herobrine delved into the far reaches of his mind once more as he continued to walk, he let the distractions around him go again; even the rain drops. The miner should be gone from the town by the time he got there so he found it easier to focus and soon enough; he found the white he was looking for. He closed his eyes as a strong ache formed in his head, it was time for the real pain now. Herobrine grimaced as one strong and sharp ache shot through the top of his head and traveled to the back, he growled and snorted as he focused in on the white. He could feel the strange emptiness coming upon him, he almost forgot where he was heading to and why as he fought the pain.

Then it happened.

Herobrine slowly opened his eyes and winced as the sharp pain receded, he then looked down at the ground to find the object that his boot had struck and disrupted his progress. He blinked before reaching down and picking the wet forest green book from off of the ground, he carefully eyed the book and then turned it around to see the cover. His eyes went wide and then they narrowed sharply as he looked at the golden insignia. His bright white gaze searched the gravel pathway that he was moving along, he was still a good distance from the village.

He returned his stare to the book and lightly wiped away the tiny pieces of dirt and gravel that covered the surface, he then looked at it from the side to see that some of the pages were getting wet. He wondered why it was all the way out here and not in the miner's hands. The being tightened his grasp on the book and watched as the written manuscript faded piece by piece into dust that disappeared in thin air. His fist clenched where the book was once at and Herobrine growled deeply while grinding his teeth.

He first thought that Steve had accidentally dropped it, but then he would notice he didn't have it wouldn't he? It was the only item he had in his hands. Then he thought that the miner had purposely left it behind, but he couldn't have; the mortal was very elated to have received the gift earlier in the day so he wouldn't have ever trashed it. The only other explanation that Herobrine could come up with was that some of the villagers must have been walking along the road and spotted him. They must have thought that he was a weakened Herobrine and have forcibly dragged the man away to kill him.

The white-eyed man coiled his fists tightly and roared loudly into the sky, making birds scatter in all directions and thunder roll. He then looked at the gravel pathway and started a quick sprint towards the damned town, he was already going to put them out of their miserable little lives but now they were going to pay dearly first. Even if he had to break their limbs and leave them struggling to escape, they were going to suffer.

And if the miner was injured or dead, there would be no telling what he'd do.