Hero's Bane

Chapter 84: As Distant As He

A/N: First, New Cover! Second, Update! I'll focus a little more on Herobrine in this chapter, dialogue chapters are not my favorite but I feel like I need a little break from it. There is still dialogue, just not as much as the last chapter. Enjoy!

…

Pale white light of the full moon rising over the horizon graced Steve's battered body, the light filtered from the large window behind the bed and shined down on his passive face and upper torso; reflecting it's soft ashen glow. Herobrine gazed down at the unconscious miner pensively, he had wrapped the wounds up well but the number of wool bindings wasn't acceptable; he had caused the majority of the injuries and that was nothing to be proud of. He was fortunate that the human lived in spite of the things that was done to him; if Steve was not as considerate to swim out in the well and pull him out of the water tainted by his blood then the miner would have been dead, there was no doubt in that.

The powerful man standing by the bedside squeezed his hands tight with a toothy sneer, he felt the soft moist fabric in his right hand scrunch inward from the pressure. This was his fault, being a coward had brought him so low to actually attempt to kill the guy when all he did was try and help him; even if their were risks involved. That was all Steve had been trying to do right before his arrival in the Nether, is help him in some way or convince him to free himself of a life and debt he no longer wanted; and yet he was awarded such bodily damage he obviously did not deserve. Though he did talk to the creator and seem like a traitor in doing so; his intentions have always been for the better, so selfless. It was ridiculous how a mere mortal could be so kind after taking relentless tides of torment, anybody else would have put him down when they had the chance.

And just how many times had he already tried to kill this one? Herobrine knew it was few but it felt as though he had many of times; starting from encountering this human for the first time- then all the way up until now, it's been weeks since. He pushed the man to his utmost limits in fear and endurance and fought him to the death; literally, it wasn't a hard final battle because of prior injuries and unrest but still-. The mortal lives through the tough odds and somehow sways his enemies intent by something as small as a smile or just by a few words; and that's after everything done to him both mentally and physically. Steve is certainly one of a kind.

One worthy of being called a brother.

Herobrine suddenly snorted and tossed the balled up fabric from his hand to the end of the large bed at the miner's feet. There now laid his tethered cyan shirt stained with splotches of reddish-brown; still holding together and proof of such suffering that was underwent. Even a few small burns were present; along with a few large slashes and a couple of noticeable holes, it was in pieces and yet still whole somehow. Like a fighting spirit that has been whipped, cut, stabbed, lashed at, burned, and worn until it was thin; virtually broken, yet it still holds together. But it can only hold for so much longer before it is nothing but bit's and pieces, this mortal's life is already hanging within the balance; one final push could end him for good. Leaving the miner to face such a deadly fate was tough to ignore; but here he stood; spineless and bound to a monster to whom he has come to despise despite how understanding and civil he used to be to the same entity.

-It is 'I' that is not worthy of calling you a title that I only gave to Lionel and no one else, I do not deserve to be someone of such importance to you.- Herobrine thought bitterly to himself as he ebbed further from end of the bed until he stood in shadow; hiding just out of reach of the moon's stretching light. -Not even a friend.- He finished with an even more upset tone. -To leave you to face such a power that would easily crush your own, … this is truly selfish. I don't know what to do, training alone will certainly not be enough; even lending my blades would do little to bring about a positive outcome. So foolish, so headstrong; I must respect that, my only other friend was like that too. So tied to your goals and promises, I commend such nobility; I only wish I had the kind such as yours for my own. But I lack it and I'm bound to a pact, forgive me for that.-

The White-Eyed being turned away from the sleeping moral and left the room with a slow amble, he walked through the doorway and came to a stop as his hand reached the door. He turned his head back and gave a long glance to Steve, he could have easily entered the man's dreams and made sure that he was dreaming well; seeing as he would likely have a few more before his demise, but he could tell on the man's passive face that there was no need to disturb his rest. Actually, he wasn't going to let anything disrupt the miner's sleep so long as he could prevent it. Steve did deserve of him; the best treatment and preparation for a great battle, he deserved to be happy and well rested in any way possible whilst he was still alive. Herobrine wanted to have confidence in that miner but it was hidden deep and nearly out of mind; he knew what the beast was capable of. Steve would end up as a toy to bat around if he didn't get utterly destroyed first, humans cannot heal what destructive power ate at his arms before; he felt the intensity of annihilation in his bones the last time. By the time he would have the miner ready; he would have a short time to dread about before having to take another round of harsh punishment and likely suffer much more than he did the last time. He could choose to stay out of the Nether by the time his debt his ready to be collected but then Ender's tough monstrosities would come after him; there would likely be more than he could fight off, this was not too alarming but punishment would come one way or another. He would not be able to collect enough souls desired so long as the mortal needed attention and training, it would take a lot of time just getting the miner back to moving on his feet normally before showing him to utilize his unbreakable blade's power. He wasn't going to let the human go without a sword worthy of use, it was a risk to allow the man to wield it but at least his confidence in that was more hopeful; Steve was strong in might and willpower.

Herobrine fully turned around in the doorway and lifted his hand upwards with his power focusing at his fingertips, he felt some energy return rather quickly after being mostly drained by Notch's own taking a lot of his when he was sinking in the well. It was astonishing to have it come back so swiftly and surprisingly growing more intense by the passing hours, he really didn't feel all that exhausted anymore; just a little winded like he needed a small nap or a short time to sit down. He felt heat form in his hand and from the pit of his stomach growing more concentrated, he immediately huffed outwards when it welled up to a painful degree and his silent outburst of energy had the temperature of the chamber raised to a warm and comfortable one in mere seconds. Expelling the heat from his body had cooled him off considerably, he wasn't bothered by it; he felt more relived to get rid of the fever heat actually. The chilling air of the dark fortress would not interrupt the mortal's sleep now, this was just one of a few other things that needed to be taken care of for the night. Herobrine assumed that Steve would awaken by sunrise, the rays of light would come through the huge glass window and surely awaken him; the night was young for now so there were plenty of hours to rest before that happens.

The old hero finally turned back around and left the room, he closed to door quietly behind him to stare at the dark and cool hallway he entered. He heard a distant screech from down the corridor and the stairs; mobs needed to be dealt with as well; but first he needed to light the fortress up to keep the fiends from returning to it. Herobrine's eyes moved to the dusty torches that lined each of the walls of the empty living quarters that were made specifically for the highest ranked sentinels and for royal family, one of them once belonged to Lionel; it was more empty than the rest he if he remembered correctly. All possessions here of the silver sentinel's was taken and possibly destroyed out of contempt, all that remained was a bed, a cupboard, and a small bedside table; the room was likely given to a trustworthy servant went it became vacant. It was the same place he threw Steve in when he first imprisoned the mortal for trespassing and to keep him while contemplating his fate, there was nothing special about it though; it was empty of past memories and caked with dust. Next to that room was once his own, but it too was stripped of what little possessions he once had and left to collect dirt. He blinked and looked away from the wooden doors, old memories had him a bit distracted; there were things that needed to be done, not stand around and think of the things that once were.

He closed his eyes and again gathered energy in his palm, white orbs shot open after a few long seconds. His sights soon found that the small hall was lit up, the torches were all blazing once again and even the chandeliers hidden in darkness above now had flickering flames pouring light down to the floor and completely bringing radiance to a place that had been sitting in darkness for over hundreds of years. It was beautiful, the place brought back memories of the time he was a revered hero; where wondering the corridors he was greeted on more than the occasion for being such an help and remodel to the people. He was looked upon with grateful eyes and often at times giving encouraging words to the nobles and the sentinels to press onwards and stay strong. He used to have many friends; or just many people he thought were his friends, there was no trust in them when he thought he had it. Herobrine sneered lightly and shook his head back and forth. Again he found himself peeling away from the days of old and moving onward to lighting the rest of the citadel, there were many rooms and hallways to light and still much more to do after that.

He decided to just kill the mobs on his way through after hearing that spider again, mostly to save time and effort; what ever time he would get from after completing his tasks he'd use to rest himself. Sleep was never an activity of his, there was barely any need of it. Even back in the old days he hardly ever slept when he kept his mind focused mostly on protecting humans, but rest he found through his losing fight with the miner turned out to be a welcoming thing after going so long without it; though upon pain when awakening he felt rather rejuvenated shortly after almost killing Steve. He felt more focused and nimble, even with confusion keeping him preoccupied he was still better.

If fate would deliver the miner a victory; he would have to make sleeping a regular thing, he looked forward to having dreams of his own again.

The old hero began to amble down the hallway while cracking his knuckles and rolling his stiff neck, there were many things to take care of before he could rest himself.

…

" My name is Herobrine. "

"Herobrine huh? That's quite an odd name you have there but it sounds cool, almost villainy kind of. Brine of heroes… dissolver of hope." The creator said with a small friendly chuckle.

Herobrine quickly recoiled back from this reply with dread and tried to withdrawal to the shade of the trees, Notch noticed this and lost his smile, he hurriedly grabbed him by the shoulder and held firmly.

"Wait, there's no reason to leave."

Herobrine snorted lightly but looked away in dismay and pulled. "I hate it, it was a name bestowed to me since my beginning and it haunts me!" He spoke more loudly and sounded hurt as if offended by the creator's remark. "It somehow rings true to me, my nature, my being, …everything about me." He finished more softly while stopping his futile attempt of escaping, seeing the other's shocked and pitied reaction did not put him at ease but made him hesitant to leave immediately. Notch did not seem to be happy about his own words.

Notch let the man go once he stopped in pulling away, the guy of course looked away and kept his gaze off of him. "I'm sorry." He started with an apologetic voice. "I didn't mean to offend you Herobrine, I never thought that it would bother you friend. Actually, you look terribly troubled by this."

The man's white eyes finally turned to look into the other's dark ones, concern beamed at him. "There is a lot that troubles me, my name is just one aspect of many; it would be best to just leave and be on your way. There is no need to trouble yourself with the likes of myself, I have caused enough problems already."

Notch took a second to think as the foreign being turned his back to him.

I wanted to help him. Came Notch's voice to the surprised miner, it echoed loudly around him but it was not his bodily form that was moving his mouth.

"Notch?" Steve asked carefully.

As I've said, I must speak to you unconventionally to not interfere with the memory.

"What is wrong with Herobrine?"

There are many problems; a few that are too great to ignore, watch closely and learn of them.

The miner nodded and kept his eyes on the immortal.

The body of Notch tensed up a little and slightly bowed his head. "I see, but you are so distant. I cannot read who you are through my power but I clearly see it with my own eyes. I do not want to leave you like this."

The identical miner-look-alike fully turned around and gazed carefully, he still appeared so timorous and kind of afraid but more of himself. "I must be, I was made to be; or perhaps made to be something far worse. It's just the more reason to stay away from all. " He spoke cautiously and had the creator look up at him with a bit of confusion. "It is who I am though I wish not of this purpose."

Notch lifted his head with his brows furrowing. "What do you mean? What is your purpose? Do you know of it? Is this why you are ever so willing to shy away from me?"

"I don't know my reason to be." He sounded more quietly with his expression changing from a dejected one to one more disconsolate as if he was repulsed by his own self. "But I fear that is it meant for nothing but malice and devastation, I have done things that only prove of this. Things I couldn't control, like myself." The man known as Herobrine took a step back and suddenly narrowed his eyes with his fists coiling at his sides.

Steve felt something shift in the air and it terrified him greatly, unfortunately he couldn't hide but at least he was in no immediate danger though he sensed it down to his bones.

He was torn from the beginning, his true unknown purpose troubled him greatly and would one day bring him to where he is in the waking world now. He wanted to run from the true reason, to escape it, to be something else back then. It was the only true burden that I have ever seen him carry on his own and dread it most, he never could fully escape it; even with my help. Herobrine's real purpose it was tore us apart. I tried so hard to keep it from him.

"He was burdened?"

"Then what exactly have you done to be sure of this Herobrine? Perhaps you are mistaking yourself?" Notch asked cautiously but remained calm and still despite invisible wisps of negative energy now hanging about them.

"I have frightened your creation, destroyed the things they valued and saturated them in never-ending terror. Is that not enough reasoning?" White eyes narrowed.

"Huh?" Notch blinked for a second before realizing. "Oh, then all of what happened to my first now makes sense."

"Your first?" Herobrine inquired.

The man nodded and frowned faintly. "Yeah, my first human creation. He used to live a little more south from here but had moved northeast without even telling me; thankfully I can find him with ease. But I understand why now, he would not tell me on his own and he kept his fears deeply hidden but I saw white eyes in the shadows of his dreams. It must have been you this whole time that provoked it." Notch gave the man before him a speculated look. "He was once without fear, had slain night mobs without trouble and explored the deepest caverns with ease. Now he has such fear and explores for coal and ores less often than he used to and is hasty while he does, he no longer treads outside at night and is slightly paranoid. Mobs… he has come to fear greatly of and no longer slays them for resources except on rare occasions, he now goes nowhere without a torch and flint and steel readily available." The creator's frown deepened. "What did you do to him? Did you have heinous intent?"

My first human creation was only one of many that Herobrine would terrify in this day of age; from there it would be thousands more with each passing year as the world and it's populace grew. But before there were many there was only one, one that would suffer a terrible fate.

Herobrine swayed his head back and forth. "I never meant harm, I swear. I was only curious and lonesome, I only wanted to get to know them after seeing this being that looked so much like me. It was in the oak woods not too far from here, I found him scavenging for the fruit of the trees and saplings. I have watched and observed this mortal for a short while and finally decided to meet him one afternoon, I figured that I could help him out since he lacked power and some knowledge of the biome and the mobs he occasionally fought."

"The first creation?" Steve asked.

The first mortal.

"Now heinous intent? Of course not, at least… not intentionally. Things did not go so well at first approach," Herobrine continued. "He was hesitant to start talking and something in him changed rather quickly; his heart raced and fear filled him from out of nowhere. He feared the very sight of me that day and fled, I've tried on a few occasions to apologize for my disturbance and make up for my appalling appearance; he only muttered words drenched with horror and ran to lock himself inside of his house each time. He truly feared me. I tried once to reconcile with him; speaking to him from behind his front door, he seemed able to talk a little more confidently but admitted that he was afraid to even see me; too terrified to open the door and invite me in and even he himself didn't know why. He seemed kind and I respected his rejection for I feared that it was my existence who had created such a negative influence, I left him alone and observed him a little while after; I protected him unseen when I could and placed food and supplies where he could find them with ease. I still wanted to help him survive, maybe even make amends in the future.

But he eventually stumbled into me by accident one day and refused to acknowledge me for a sensible being and fled once again, my apology went without acknowledgement as well; it was then when something sparked and set me off in a dangerous mood. I went to his home one late evening and demanded to be recognized as a social being in my rage but was rejected as all of the other times. I felt my control slip and broke down the door to the small wooden house with a forceful kick, he shrank back in fright in a corner and begged for mercy; I did not feel merciful… nor more like my rational self at that time. I had become different, wanting to force something that I could not have but wanted so desperately. I demanded him to relinquish his fear but he could not; it only got worse. I ripped his house apart in my flare up and summoned fire in my rage. My maddened cry drew monsters out of the woods to the house and they tried to attack him once the wooden walls came down, I've never seen such terror in his eyes until that very night."

Notch shook his head back and forth, his expression was one of shock and sadness. "That would explain his house when I found it, it looked as though a few creepers blew it to pieces. I almost thought he was dead if it weren't for the fact that I could still sense his presence. "

"I did not let the mobs reach him so he was mostly unharmed except for a few burns by the fire, I was infuriated but had some sense of control; I let him escape from that night and have avoided him since. This is why I believe that I was a purpose designed to strike terror in hearts of your creations and destroy them. I am sorry to have harmed this mortal physically and mostly psychologically." Herobrine finished solemnly.

Notch gaped lightly and ebbed closer. "So what if your powers and very influence frightened the mortal? This does not make your existence, you didn't kill him and that was by will alone. I am not afraid of you so there must be more to who you are than some tool of destruction and fear, there's no real proof that you were meant for that. You are new and different to this world friend; it has not adapted to your presence yet, so do not put blame upon yourself for what you are. It may take time but my creations may come to know you and get over this intimidation you have."

"You think so?" The White-Eyed man asked with a hint of optimism.

The more powerful being nodded with assurance. "Sure, one incident cannot account for your being so don't take that bad experience to heart. I have a whole group of friends in my world who would probably like you and want to get to know you. Maybe one day I can take you there to meet them?"

"Will they fear me as well? Or are they more like you?"

The man laughed loudly and rubbed his head. "I can't say that they are like me but they are good people, we make a great team and work together to better this world pretty well I suppose, so long as they don't goof off or grief my home as they often do. And the pranks… the guys are an interesting bunch." His hand moved from his head and he motioned for the man to follow. "Come and walk with me Herobrine, it is a fine day to enjoy the sights; and even greater time to get to know each other well. I may even be able to help you with these problems of yours if you want, it's all up to you." The man in brown held up his hand before him, directing them in a pathless route through the woods.

Herobrine contemplated silently to himself for a good minute. "Can we not just stand here and speak? Or go into the caves?"

Notch rolled his eyes, this guy was so uptight and unsure of anything positive. It's like he wanted to stay hidden and hide himself from sight. "Do you not like this world and all that it contains? Like these trees and the soft grass? Or the wind?" He said with a smile and a slight cool breeze blew through the leaves around them gently in that instant. "What about the warmth of the sun? I notice how fond you are of hiding in the dark but must you always be so reclusive and isolated? Isn't that why you tried to get to know my first created mortal? To be free of that?" He knew he had the man right where he wanted him after seeing that light nod. "Then come and have this burden you feel lifted a little, I may just be able to help you Herobrine."

Herobrine heavily sighed and began walking towards the creator with unhurried steps. "Fine, but I doubt you'll be able to help me."

"I might, but we'll have to see. So come." He gestured and the two began to walk through the woods with Herobrine lightly trailing behind a little and looking uncomfortable.

Steve stood still and watched them go, it was hard to move when his instincts were trying to stir him in the opposite direction. He truly felt bad for Herobrine and wanted more to express how he felt over the guy's situation but it was tough, he had plenty more questions too but decided to hold them.

I understand why it hard to move forward, at least it should be easier for you now.

The miner blinked and shook his head out of his panic daze, his eyes would not move from the two beings walking further away. "I think I am starting to understand this fear, your first creation sounds as if he had it pretty bad. Worse than me."

That… sort of is the truth.

"Who was he? Will I get to see him?"

He was without any fear, a fighter of sorts and a survivor made specifically to test the world; he once held so much promise until he was introduced to the aspect of deep deep fear. Herobrine brought the terror and dread to the world and made it strong with his very existence; even to those creations unbeknownst of him many decades after his arrival. My first mortal became a cowering mess, he was not the same. His courage grew weak as did his heart and determination to thrive comfortably. Even after moving far from where he encountered Herobrine he was never really the same even with the passing of time. I looked for him after he fled his last home and I found him in a new one miles away, every now and again I would visit him to give him company and asked on what he has learned and examined what he has been doing but could not understand why he was so withdrawn and boxed-in in his own body upon that visit. He was very paranoid and kept glancing behind his back and in any dark corner he could see. I asked of him what was troubling him but he acted as though he wasn't bothered at all, I knew the truth however; I saw the fear in his dreams and mind but I knew little of what caused it. He hid behind a façade of happiness and contentment and spoke around the subject of his change, saying that there was no change and that I was only worrying too much.

I was worrying for him.

I couldn't get the truth out of him by speaking so I observed him closely from afar but only seen white eyes in the dark more than enough times of his nightmares. I was still not aware of Herobrine's true appearance at the time but grew more curious to this somewhat figment being and decided to keep on the lookout for him. I did indeed find him here and this single man was the source of the strong fear in my world; a foundation that would forever remain. I was actually kind of glad of it after ages passed, mortals survived longer with their wits about them and that intense fear was promoting them to take safer courses of action. Minecraftia has since been flourishing with life. I never wanted them to fear so much living in this world but I allowed it for the better. It's a bittersweet change.

Steve finally peeled his eyes away from the forms moving off deeper into the woods and took a deep breath of relief, the anxiety eating at him was mostly gone. "Wow, that is… it's tough to imagine. If it wasn't for some good measure of fear then I would have been dead a long time ago. Being a miner is a dangerous job, mobs are everywhere and caverns can be hazardous at times along with underground ravines with archer skeletons on the high shelves. I get a bit paranoid at times. I guess I have Herobrine to thank for that fear." He finished while scratching the back of his head in nervousness, he was going to have to start moving again soon to catch up.

You don't even know the half of it Steve.

…

Herobrine sensed a presence as he walked back towards the towering chamber that contained the shrine, he had cleared out a good portion of the fortress's lingering mobs and now he was on the main east end to finish it up before proceeding to the other. There were no lights in the temple but that of the skylight that only revealed stars in a smoky vale of thin cloud cover and the small ashy beams of the moon that had yet to reach the middle of sky. He knew he couldn't light the place up and he was even reluctant to return to the area with the smell of sweat and blood still hanging in the air, but he sensed a mob and had to do away with it to finish up making the fortress free of danger to the miner. He walked through the small antechamber before setting a foot past the archway and immediately coming to a stop once he was inside the same interior with the well. He saw the mob and momentarily froze before letting his surprised expression fall to a flat frown, he knew that this one was not one to exterminate. With a silent sigh he tread softly across the stone floor; passing over diamond ores without even a glance down at the marvelous and coveted eye-catching gems, his sights were set on a tall black mob that was kneeling down on the floor with it's interest in the red puddles.

The endermen suddenly lifted it's head from the quiet footsteps and looked back to view the entity approaching; it fully stood and turned around with a glare from it's single mauve eye, it's clawed fingertips were coated in a red substance. The mob hissed loudly in fright and disdain and revealed it's black sharp teeth, it's posture started to shift into a defensive position and it held still without looking away from the White-Eyed man.

"Shouldn't you be watching over your little female companion instead of being here, far away and unwatchful of her at this time of night?" Herobrine started carefully as he ambled slower towards the creature, he slowed because of the mob's sudden lower hiss like it understood what he said despite being unable to speak verbally. "I take it that you do hear me; just like back in the woods, but I don't see why you are here." Herobrine came to a stop and his eyes widened a little before falling back to his non-threatening slant.

Stealth brought up his blooded hand and glared darkly after sniffing it.

It was clear to Herobrine now, the endermen knew who's blood had been recently been shed, most of it had dried up but there was some still sitting in little pools on the ground. "Ah, you must have brought the miner here then. It would explain how he got here so quickly and why you are here now. Just how much of that black vessel do you control Anthony?" Herobrine's eyes widen again as the mob disappeared and in an instant was in his face with a clawed hand striking him across the cheek and sending him flying backwards. The being took the hit with exasperation and flipped himself while in the air to fall onto his feet when he neared the ground. He was taken by surprise and received a small scratch to his cheek by the obsidian-like scales raking across his face, he didn't expect the mob to get this aggressive nor bold towards him. He knew that the soul inside the creature held a strong hate of him but it also held much fear, as he saw back in the woods or all of the previous encounters he had with the tall mob and the archer girl.

He did not know what exactly provoked such an action, he could kill the mob with little to no trouble if he wanted to so why would it risk getting on his bad side when it's always feared him for his power? Herobrine was only curious if the pearl inside held control or the mob itself, not all endermen were created with humans; only the strongest contained souls and they were many of them. However; none that he had seen acted in such a way like this. Mortals have much to drive their strength, but the vessels are like any other mobs only they lack the ambition to use their full potential. Mobs have needs and their instincts moving them to survive. Endermen are driven to attack all of Notch's creations who gaze upon them; or just the humans to be more specific, Ender specifically declared this once. All endermen attack those on sight who see them; even the ones containing the pearls attack, Stealth-or Anthony however; was rather a unusual case. These mobs cannot form connections with humans because of their design and yet this one has found a way through the barrier, it's as if the soul has overcame the vessel and controls it on it's own; whatever powered it to become so tame had to be a pretty good influence. Perhaps it took a strong will and a 'waking' event to gather the desire to become the mob and control it's own actions? If this was the case then Notch made his little human creations strong in a way that he did not know of until now, it was truly fascinating but at the same time disinteresting. Steve was certainly one strong in will, it only made sense that his brother would be too. "I see now."

With another hiss, the endermen teleported away and this time appeared behind Herobrine, the White-Eyed man was not surprised; he swiftly leapt away and made a small roll to the side to see Stealth now running at him with it's nails ready to impact him. With an annoyed snort; Herobrine quickly leaned back to avoid the monster's long reach of what looked like a balled hand, only it's hands and claws were too stubby to form a fist. He dodged another swipe by leaning to the side; the mob was fast; there was no denying that, he admitted it to himself but it wasn't faster than him. Herobrine teleported away as it leapt at him and reappeared close to the well with an expression of apathy. "Do you really want to fight me? It would be all in vain to, you cannot best me and never will. I can't be left at your mercy but you can be left in mine Anthony, I'd rather not bring you harm seeing as I have done enough to you. Now leave."

The endermen only flashed away and reappeared on the opposite side of the well, it's single eye glowed fiercely with the look of fight reflecting in it's purple pupil.

Herobrine knew where the mob was, he didn't even need to turn around to see it. "Persistent as your brother, I am not surprised. Your attacks are futile, cease at once. My patience is starting to grow thin, I am done with wasting time here." The old hero turned on his heels with his arms folded over his chest. "It would be distasteful to fight you so please go; I do not need-" He was cut off as the endermen instantly came from his right and kicked him with a good measure of strength. Herobrine tumbled to the ground with a light growl and rolled a few feet until he came to a stop against something thin, he opened his eyes to see the endermen towering him. He had little time to react as the mob tried to coil up it's blooded hand and landed another strike across his face, a kick to the chest cavity followed after along with another and a stomp to his abdomen. Herobrine endured, he didn't even try to fight back. Stealth then leaned down and started to rake it's sharp nails against the immortal's torso quickly and relentlessly; ripping through the cyan fabric and leaving long gashes in the place of it's scratches. Noticing that it still had the upper hand; Stealth swiftly reached down and plucked Herobrine off of the ground by the neck and brought him a few feet off of the ground before teleporting away from that spot and right up next to a wall. Herobrine sneered but didn't fight the hold; when he saw the blood drip from it's claw he then knew why the thing was attacking him, it was not his own blood that had the thing in distress but the miner's. That is why it was so attentive to the puddles in the first place. It must believe that the miner is dead.

The endermen howled loudly and started to pound the being against the stone wall with much force, it slammed the man repeatedly into the stone but the being was enduring it and only glared halfheartedly when he didn't impact the flat surface. The endermen did this several times before it stopped and panted loudly from what looked like exhaustion, it put much of it's strength into dealing as much damage as possible to the White-Eyed fiend and now it was actually getting a bit winded. The being wasn't fighting back surprisingly; now was the one possible chance to end him. With the man in it's grasp Stealth quickly jabbed it's hand into the man's chest and dug it's claws into the guy's upper torso, just slightly above the heart.

Herobrine kept his teeth gnashed as the sharp ends forced their way into his body slowly; moving ever so slowly towards their goal of his beating organ. He could tell the mob's intention; he saw in the thing's eye. The creature was trying to kill him, it might just be able to actually. This was a conflicting thought though, so much that he wasn't even fighting back or moving much at all while the creature rips it way into him. Death, it was one of the two ways to end his debt; in dieing the miner would not have to go and get himself killed nor worry about the concept of facing such a beast ever. He wouldn't need to put his life at risk, he could live on and live a good life. On the other hand however; he only deserved to die by the hands whom he tormented most, Steve deserved this right even if he didn't want it. Dying now was also conflicting because the miner might still try; even after this death to try and find a way to stop Ender so that his reach in this world through the endermen would stop and spare many lives. The miner was undeniably foolish but resolute.

Herobrine frowned deeply and grabbed a hold of the clawed hand digging into him, he knew the essence inside the mob wanted him dead but he couldn't die yet. "I know you want this more than anything Anthony; so much that you'd risk your cursed vessel and very soul just to get back at me. For what I did to you, your father, brother, your human friend, her village, and it's inhabitants, even what I did here. Unfortunately, I cannot allow that to happen right now." And with that reply he pulled the claws out of him and dropped to the floor while now holding his fresh healing wound in the mix of healing gashes, the endermen only stumbled back a step but retained it's attack-ready stance. "Steve is not dead." He simply stated and the mob's eye widened for a long second before re-narrowing. "I was going to kill him and I nearly did, - I was until I saw his intentions and unwillingly went along with them. I was afraid that I did take his life but thankfully didn't, I let anger power me and betray my friend; his wounds and injuries are indeed my fault. But he lives and I no longer plan to bring harm to him ever again, he is resting in my chambers; the Sovereign's old room. Go and see for yourself if you'd like. But know that killing me now would be detrimental to your brother, he's going to heal and then I am going to train him to fight more properly. He's going to try and find a way to the End to either calm the beast or kill it, it's a fate he'll likely fall but he deserves all the help that I can offer to try and succeed. Do not deny me of this."

The mob lightened it's posture and made a more softer hiss.

"I am his friend … yet I know how distant I am from him; how distant you are too, I know I don't seem as far to him like you but I am actually further. Furthest out of reach no matter how close I stand to him, I am unworthy of his given title. I don't even deserve to mentor him let alone be within the same fortress for my wrongs against him. Things will not be the same should he return or not, with or without success. That much I know. Rest is assured though, he lives. Go to him but do not disturb his sleep."

Stealth growled lowly before teleporting out of the towering shrine chamber, it appeared to have understood.

"Thank you." Herobrine finished with a light bow of his head and then grasped a hold of his new injury; he just didn't seem like he could avoid them recently, thankfully recovery was already underway. The powerful being looked away from his new gashes and to the well, there was nothing different about it. But strangely he was healing a lot faster since the plunge, he was unsure of what to think of what happened to him in that well; what Notch had did to him and what intentions he had.

…

A/N: Chapter 84 completed! Hope you enjoyed and leave a review or comment if you like, it's quite the motivator. Also, you are welcome. I spent all weekend on both the cover and the chapter and managed to get them both done and posted before the end of the week! Until next time my readers…

Onemore thing, please I encourage any reader that likes this story or Herobrine specifically to check out A Minecraft Tale by Amandathehuntress and her other story Chronicle, they are amazing! :D