Hero's Bane

by BlackDragon41

Steve discovers the land of his dreams, now he's plagued by a mirroring figure with the cursed name Herobrine, a white-eyed man with unimaginable power and a deep hatred for humanity. After coming face to face with this force of evil, he will uncover the dark history of Herobrine and strive to earn the madman's trust. All while also trying to survive and escape his wrath. CH92 up!

87. Human He will Become

Hero's Bane

Chapter 87: Human He will Become

A/N: Yes I know, I still haven't finished updates. I just really wanted to work on the new chapter though.

Apologies for the mistakes, they are corrected now.

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"Oh hey there ... Stealth." Steve began nervously whilst making a slow wave of his hand towards the mob and smiling awkwardly as he inwardly sweated, he never expected the Endermen to be at the castle when he was usually by Luna's side. The reason why he was anxious however; was because of Herobrine's and Stealth's hostility and aversion towards each other; hence why they are both glaring at each other at that moment. Herobrine despises all mobs in general, they were only tools to use and easily disposable. Stealth has probably had too many grievous encounters with the white-eyed man, trying to keep the young woman safe and all; likely having to fight to survive many times.

The slender black mob only gave the miner a swift glance before returning it's gaze to Herobrine, the immortal returned the glare with thinly narrowed eyes. There was no doubt some kind of silent battle going on as the Endermen hissed with it's sharp teeth bared, looking as if it was about commence a charging attack.

Not wanting any confrontational actions to take place, Steve sat up straight in his chair and pretended to clear his throat in attempts to put the attention on himself; to his surprise it worked. His deep violet eyes first move up to the one-eyed mob and it quietly burbled and closed it's maw, now staring intently. "It's great to see you again Stealth, as you can see I am fine and doing rather well for someone who's only a little injured." He exaggerated by pinching his thumb and index fingers together. "I also see that you have noticed Herobrine is here with me," He said, gesturing his one hand towards the immortal, causing the Endermen to look back towards the white-eyed Steve double and hiss again. "I know you don't like him but he's my friend now and he's not going to hurt me, so no need to worry alright." The miner falsely beamed, now noticing that the two were having another stare down. Steve's smile fell flat instantly.

"Oh boy." The miner whispered to himself as he ran a hand over his face, there was no need for such tension. What really worried him however was Herobrine, Stealth appeared to be smart enough to not attack the old hero; but Herobrine could wipe the mob off the face of the Overworld if he really wanted to. To lighten the mood Steve decided to add some conversation to all this sudden tension in the air, he chuckled lightly as he scratched the back of his head. "Wow, Stealth really REALLY doesn't like you at all Brine."

"With good reason." Herobrine replied back blankly, scowl still on his face.

Blue eyes then widen as Herobrine placed his fork down next to his plate and began to raise his hand. Fearing the worst, Steve swiftly rose out of the chair and up onto his feet, he reached out towards the white-eyed man with a panicked look. "Wait! Don't hurt him Herobrine!" He plead. The hero's hand continued forward, but then moved down and hooked under the golden goblet, the miner mentally sighed in relief as Herobrine took a drink of his water and not making an attempt to rid the fortress of one friendly Endermen. "Oh thank Not- uh... yeah." Steve finished with a bead of sweat rolling down the side of his face, he sat back in his chair and exhaled softly. Close call.

"Relax, I will not bother the Endermen so long as it stays out of our way."

Oh? "That's a relief." Steve cooed.

"However;" Herobrine began again, eyes narrowing. "We must take some caution with this mob around, I will keep my eye on it at the very least."

"Why?" Steve blinked.

"Do not forget, Ender has control of these creatures. Friend of this one or not; we don't know the extent of what it's capable of, or if the End lord can use these mobs against us. Be weary around it at all times from now on. If this one tries anything suspicious then I will not hesitate to stop it at once, we cannot allow a single mob to jeopardize your training or even your very life." Herobrine finished, taking another sip of his water before placing the goblet back on the table.

The man frowned, the old hero did have a point but he was certain and pretty confident that Stealth wasn't the average Endermen; that he was only being protective. His eyes land on his plate for a brief moment as he ruminated over the friendly creature. "Well, I honestly think that Stealth is trustworthy." He lifted his gaze and stared at Herobrine, he then shrugged a bit. "Though I'm not a hundred percent sure if or how Ender could use him; I do believe that he's not going to do anything bad though. He's helped me out so much Brine, even before we were friends. By the way, thanks for not eradicating him on the spot."

Herobrine's scowl lightened up and he picked up his fork and continued eating again, the cooked beef was really pleasant to his taste receptors. His favorite meat if he recalled centuries ago. The ancient being chose to keep quiet and not focus on the dark mob anymore, it wasn't much of a threat at the moment anyway. Besides, Anthony should be allowed some time with his unaware brother before Steve runs to his devastating and egregious fate.

Should he share the truth of the Endermen? Herobrine wondered as he poked another piece with his eating utensil and stared at the meat, Steve would certainly be overly excited and glad to see his actual brother again even in the form of such a creature.

No.

He might not be happy that this is the fate Anthony got after being killed by his hands, such an admission would only dishearten and distract the miner from the trials of preparation. He simply can't afford Steve making any unnecessary risks of harm to his body or his resolve, not that he can beat the beast; but he did have to give everything he had and go down like a true hero that Herobrine himself couldn't be. That thought left a sour taste in his mouth, his frown deepened.

Steve raised a brow at the immortal, he appeared to be lost in thought so he returned his attention back to the Endermen. He waved his arm over his head at the mob and smiled. "You want to come down here and eat Stealth? We have plenty of food." The miner offered.

"Endermen don't eat, well not this kind of food. They only eat chorus fruit, a type of pome from the End dimension." The ex-hero interjected and took another bite. "I'm surprised I remembered that, Ender used to tell me things about his prison and himself, but that was a very long time ago." -How did I remember that? Such information is so trivial, useless even.-

"Huh?" Steve glanced back over to the white-eyed man adjacent from him then frowned. "Really? Can't even eat normal food? Wow. I know I'd be upset if I couldn't have steak and bread anymore. Well, can't do anything about that I guess." He moved his attention back to the balcony and smiled softly. "Hey, at least you're free to roam the castle Stealth, Herobrine won't attack you; he's actually a great guy when you get to know him better. ...Or on a more personal level." Steve finished the last bit a little more quietly with a hint of doubt as the white-eyed man gave him a puzzled look. "Still." The miner's eyes widened and his smile fell as the black mob took steps backwards and pulled itself behind a stone pillar and peered from around it with a cautious gaze. He could barely even see the mob now.

"Vlurp vlurp wwp heggh heggh uhhhooohhh."

Nope, still had no clue what the mob was trying to say, but the fact that it hid made the miner feel a little bothered. Steve bit the inside of his cheek and stared as the mob continued to make burbles. "You don't have to hide anymore." He interrupted the creature. "Trust me, Herobrine is not our enemy; Luna will be safe. I'm safe." He concluded, placing his hand on his chest to represent his status before Herobrine. The mob however; didn't appear to be convinced. Steve sighed. "Alright then, hide up there if you want, it's practically impossible to hide from Brine anyway." He finished halfheartedly and began to eat again.

Steve was the first to finish his plate along with some pumpkin pie and cake, he sat back in his chair with a satisfied and almost tired look. "That was good, I haven't so much in so long; I wouldn't be surprised if I got sick." He lightly chuckled to himself and sat up in his seat as he looked towards Herobrine, the ancient hero looked to be almost done too. "So how was it?" Steve asked.

"Better than I remembered." Herobrine said, taking a drink from his goblet. "Though this is not exactly for a monumental occasion, it was rather nice." His eyes move to the table. "I know that 'he' would want me to enjoy such things again, so I do it in his honor and yours as well Steve."

The miner smiled, fidgeting with his fork. "Well I appreciate that Herobrine, the food too. You've come such a long way in such a short time, I'm going to try and make sure that none of my efforts are wasted; I'll promise you that. Wouldn't want you to forget everything and have to go through all the pain and fear again just to reach you a second time, especially if Endermen get thrown into the mix."

Herobrine raised a brow and turned his head towards the miner. "You would go through all we've been through a second time? Even to the brink of death? I practically tortured you the entire time up until recently, what fool would willingly subject themselves to such horrors and unimaginable amounts of suffering for a single being that truthfully isn't worth it?"

"Heh, well you're looking at him."

The old hero shook his head at the proudly looking human. "I don't know if I should be elated or down right disgusted, a man that looks for trouble and has already surrendered his life before his time has even come."

"Following the noble cause like his predecessor far before him." Steve continued. "I fear failure more than death, I know that Lionel was trying so hard to defend you but failed; well I won't." He said with a stern expression, hand squeezing his eating utensil. "I'm just the average miner with a dangerous mining job with not much to live for anyway, I don't have many friends, nor wealth, I literally live to mine for my family's sake; for a hobby too but that doesn't really count for much. I'm not much of an important person either, just a simple miner. Sure, I dream big of doing so much more with my life than mining and putting my family somewhere safe, explore, make more friends, and actually make it past the age of thirty since life expectancy is short for a large portion of people who work underground; but I'll risk it all because it'll be worth it for everyone. If I give in and die then I'll never forgive myself. I can't lose for your sake."

Steve's frown lightened and he looked back at the immortal with furrowed brows. "Can't you see yet Herobrine? I'm trying to make a point to you, that you can trust in humans again. With Ender out of the way then you'll never have to forget anything ever again, I won't have to go through all that I did a second time." He looked back at his plate absentmindedly. "I know you have no faith in me, but I'll prove you wrong. That's why no matter what kind of training you put me through, I'll go at it headfirst and try my best to learn from it no matter what."

"And because you want the rewards." Herobrine said softly, grinning weakly in his attempts to change the subject.

The miner blinked then beamed. "Of course! I would like nothing more than seeing my friends and family again, but other than that; just getting to know the more human side of you would be well worth it."

-Human side?- He wondered.

"You know what I mean right?" Steve asked. "Like when you were with Lionel and you guys did things that he liked to do or what you liked to do."

Herobrine frowned at that.

The miner paused, gauging the old hero's expression; something seemed a bit off. "Come on Brine, you did used to know how to live a little right?" Steve encouraged.

The powerful deity of a man exhaled softly, giving the miner a softer frown with eyes glowing a slightly brighter shade. "Lionel told me something like that once, are you implying that I am to 'go out and have fun'; as he once told me?" He asked, now folding his arms and leaning forward onto the table, the human gave him a surprised stare.

Steve let off a small chuckle and rubbed the back of his head nervously, he knew well that Herobrine wasn't the type to actually go out and do something too normal; or have fun that wasn't the 'hunting humans' kind of fun. "Well, I-"

The old hero huffed and narrowed his eyes, now giving the miner a bit of a glare. "Don't assume that hunting mortals is considered fun for me anymore, you've already proved that not all humans are the same and some could be trusted. I might not trust any other right now, but I assure you hunting them isn't on my list of enjoyable activities like it once was; that is unless I become unstable again. I know that neither of us want to go out and do that now would we?"

Steve tilted his head to the side in curiosity and placed a hand on his chin. "Hm. What kind of activities do you enjoy then? I'm guessing fighting and maybe sitting in the dark, it's kind of hard to tell since I've only seen you smile a genuine one only a few times now during these activities. There's got to be something that you like doing that isn't harmful in some way or another. That way when I earn my reward we can hang out, I'll give you a reason to be hopeful."

Herobrine shook his head. "I like it dark, but I wouldn't say it's an enjoyable hobby to sit in it and do nothing. I do however; enjoy fighting as you know. I don't know why, but I've always had a connection to violent tendencies and letting them out; though you might not find it something 'normal' to revel. I do enjoy it though, it's almost instinctual." The hero hung his head low. "Though I currently don't hunt humans at this time, I cannot deny that a part of me still wants to.

Undoubtedly I was made to destroy; why else would humans hate such actions and I take pleasure in them? I'm nothing more than a curse meant to kill and terrorize." He notice the miner biting his lip and frowning in concern, Herobrine unfolded his arms and laid them on the table. The conversation was beginning to feel awkward, he wasn't like Steve, he wasn't normal or okay. "Fear not, I will be violent with you no more."

"It's not that." The man sighed and leaned his cheek against his hand while looking down at the tabletop and his nearly empty plate. "You can't help the way you were made. I wish there was a way to fix you of that, but there is none. You were made to enjoy such abhorrent things and cause them because it's your nature." Steve said as he nonchalantly as he flicked a bread crumb off the table. "It's so unfair!" He finished with brows arching downward with eyes narrowing. "You deserved better, but you were made to be an enemy of everyone and every living creature that walks; a fate that isn't right! You had no choice or say in the matter, it's no wonder you barely like to have any fun that doesn't involve destruction and death. It's a deplorable purpose."

Herobrine gave the human a suspicious gaze, casting a dark glare on the human. "You don't know who made me or why I was made, why suddenly make such assumptions? I claimed to be made a monster back in the Nether and then you say that I wasn't, but now you agree? Steve, you have no right to make such claims, but I do. So why change your mind so abruptly?" He immediately noticed how quickly nervous Steve got but the miner's mind was suddenly too fuzzy to read. The mortal was hiding something from him, Herobrine continued to try and pry; even to the point to where Steve began to grimace and throw his hand over the side of his head and wrapping his fingers over his temple and into his hair. "Why finally agree that I was made a monster when you were so against the idea from the start?! You make no sense!"

"Stop Herobrine!" The miner begged. It was his fault, he said too much and it was things that Notch had warned him not to share; his mind kept trying to focus on the Minecraftian creator but the image of him thankfully blurred out on it's own as well as memories with the deity.

"What are you hiding Steve!" Herobrine shouted into the man's head as he stood up from the table with his hands clinging tightly to the ends, knowing well that he saw the blurred shape of a humanoid but the face was indistinguishable. Something about that form though was familiar and he didn't know why, he just wanted, no needed to see the face. "Show me that human! Who is he?! Did they change your mind?!"

"Herobrine, get ...out of my... head!" Steve shouted, his voice echoing throughout the dinning hall. "It's just a guy I met a couple times, you probably don't know him and there's nothing too special about him! No, he didn't change my mind! I still don't believe you to be a monster, but even being made one doesn't mean you have to actually be one! You proved that to me!" He defended and winced from the pain of the being's powerful influence, he then stood up from his seat and looked over at the man giving him a dangerous look.

"Then why are you hiding this mortal?! Why are you hiding anything from me? We have each other's trust, yet you won't show me? What do you know about me?" Herobrine pressed, still wondering just why Steve had suddenly stated such things before his thoughts became to muddled to look into.

"I-" Steve shook his head and screamed. "NO!" He then lowered his tone and softened his gaze as he stared into the eyes of white. "Of course I trust you, and you can still trust me. What it was is nothing to concern you, just a legendary enthusiast I've met with a bunch of theories on you and other myths." He paused and blinked when Herobrine still retained his anger. "But what I want to keep to myself I have the right to! I don't pry into your mind when I feel like it, you always drag me to it! Give me some privacy for once!" When he shouted this he could feel the meddlesome influence recede from his head and lessen the tension in his brain, this made the miner sit back down in his seat and quietly let out soft breaths from mental fatigue and the throbbing pain left behind.

The powerful duplicate let his anger subside and sat back down in his own seat, despite what the miner had told him; there was just a feeling about that form that he couldn't quite identify with. Yet he felt like he's seen that humanoid before but couldn't remember when or why he made him so angry. "Apologies." He started more quietly and kept his eyes on the table before him, a bit ashamed of suddenly being needlessly aggressive to the miner, his brother. "Such things you think up are of your own business, but there was just something of that figure that I-." Herobrine sighed and briefly closed his eyes. "Forget it, I shouldn't have pried at all. However; those things you've said, they make sense to me and I didn't know how you knew them."

Steve frowned. "I didn't think about what I've said, it's my fault for saying those things about you and stirring up your need for answers, it's only speculations since you weren't made by my creator and all. I don't want to hide anything, but I also like having some thoughts to myself." He said more quietly.

"I will give you your space, forgive my intrusion; I just wasn't expecting such words from you after our talk back in the Nether. I won't pry without permission unless you are in danger or call for me."

'Finally.' "Thanks for the space." The miner sighed, feeling rather lucky that Herobrine didn't discover Notch; that would have been a big and dangerous mess. "Though I shouldn't have said those things, I should be the one apologizing. I assumed your origin to be of a violent one because of the things you've been through and the things you've told me. Losing control, enjoying murder, the destruction, the need to harm, enjoying the pain and suffering of others. You told me you didn't want them, but I feel like you somehow do."

Herobrine nodded. "Yes. I'm afraid that what you have claimed is correct." He lowered his head, removing his eyes from the miner in bitterness of his actions. "I'm not human, I'm not normal, I'm unstable with powers that are fit for destruction and chaos. Like I was meant for an insidious purpose." He lifted his head and gave a sad look to Steve. "I won't deny that I enjoy destruction, holding power over the weak, challenging powerful creatures and fighters, terrorizing the innocent, ... killing." He finished more bleakly. "Even back in the day when I had joined the sentinels and became accustomed to the human way of life, I still had these impulses that would always be just below the surface of my will; things that 'I' wanted to do or carry out but would always fight against. Things that were wrong and unnatural by human standards, neither you nor Lionel would ever approve. Things I knew I would pursue if I wanted to have satisfaction."

The miner gaped in alarm and sat upright in his chair, he gave a worried look. "Herobrine."

"Why do you think it is so easy for me to lose control? Why I had almost killed you when I lost myself a couple of times already?" He gestured with his hands held out before him. "The blinding white is empowering, but I always come out of it confused and agitated; most times I don't even remember what I had done. There's something about me that isn't right, I force memories that once tied me to mortals away and then it comes back as soon as a trigger like Lionel is mentioned. I forced myself to erase all of those memories of way back then so that I could focus on collecting souls for Ender and getting my revenge on your kind. All it took was simply looking like my old brother to begin a wave of memories flooding back from the abyss of my mind that should no longer exist, then you just kept bringing up more and more and now I'm in this state of confusing right from wrong; living with a part of me that wants to unleash mayhem but also keep the peace. I've never even told Lionel this." Herobrine brought his hands up to his face and covered his eyes, letting out a groan of frustration.

Steve wanted to say something comforting or supportive but he couldn't think up anything to say, at least not at that moment, he retracted his reaching arm and laid his hand down on his lap.

Herobrine's hands fall onto the table and ball up into shaking fists, his eyes stay nailed shut as he scowls. "I told him that things for me were different, but never this push and pull within my very being; something I can't fully describe nor understand. Something so deep and yet so close to the surface, an incurable itch that never fades." He growled. "This purpose that I feel like I was meant live for to harm or kill him though he was my best friend, my brother. Sometimes I secretly wanted to-"

The ancient hero suddenly smashes one of his fists into the table with much force that the miner jumped in his chair in surprise, Herobrine had put a huge hole through the frail tablecloth and the table itself, cracks and splintered wood surrounded the gap and his coiled hand as dishes and food now lay scattered about. "He was everything to me and yet at the same time; buried deep within ...he meant absolutely nothing! I'm afraid that you are in that same spot Steve, you don't know the many quiet urges I face to stay my shaking hands from harming you." The powerful man growled, teeth gnashed in shame from what he admitted aloud. "I can resist it, but the shameful desire is always there. I don't want to hurt you, but at the same time I do. There's no sating this savage part of me, but I will always fight it unless I lose control.

My first memories are of roaming the world in disorientation, not knowing what I was meant to do or why I even existed. I was empty, deranged even; not having a meaning and yet fighting an inner feeling that wanted to take control. I didn't know what the feeling was and I was inclined to fall into submission with it just to have some satisfaction of being, but then I met that human; everything changed." His voice lightened up. "I became a hero to the mighty fortress and met others, I found what they loved and what they hated, what was right and what was wrong. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere with a meaning.

Lionel taught me a lot and I imprinted his values onto myself, he was the first to show me what it was like to live; I owed him my life for bringing comfort and joy when I had previously had none. Over the years living with humans was when 'certain tendencies' started to arise, 'certain thoughts' that they'd never support; when I had done something they considered wrong I would lock the desire for those actions away to never repeat them. The feeling to fulfill that which was evil in their sights never went away, I still conceal them even now for your sake; or I have for most of them since your arrival miner."

Herobrine looked up at Steve to see that the guy looked genuinely disheartened, even a little apprehensive and sad. "Being a friend of mine is dangerous, always remember that. I can control myself for the most part, but do understand that I will never be normal and can snap under certain circumstances. I will always have an 'itch' for violence, an insatiable desire for control to those below me. I can push it all away but it'll always be there in the back of my mind, reminding me that I am no true Hero and never was; just a madman with very real power that was meant for vile purposes. I know that what you said is true, but was unaware of how you came across such information. It was perplexing to hear you specifically say such things."

The miner inhaled the cool air of the dining hall and pulled himself back out of his seat with a huff, he then marched back in forth a few times in deep thought and with a coiled hand; he stopped once he made it back over to Herobrine. He kept his head down the entire time.

Herobrine could sense the distraught human and how he felt about the situation, but if the guy wanted to find a way to help fix him then he was out of luck. The powerful man got up out of his chair and stared blankly at the miner. "There is nothing that can be done to help me Steve, what is there is there. If what I said is my true purpose, then have a general understanding as to why I can't simply be like you mortals. I can't fully change what I was built for. I'm a monster, even if I don't act like one." He paused when the miner suddenly lifted his head, but he was wearing a smile. This confused the ancient being.

"Why do you grin human? If you know such terrible and heinous things about me, why would you display such a look? Are you not afraid? I could always lose myself from certain triggers and bring about your destruction, claim your soul even brother."

Steve let out a soft sigh and beamed despite the awful things he heard. "Herobrine, did you know that you talk too much sometimes?"

The demi-god gave him a puzzled look and furrowed a brow, as always the miner threw him for a surprise. "It is best to know and understand, such information and knowledge may further save you from my hands. It's best to have things cleared up and know the warning signs, why else would I explain myself?"

"Brine. Brine. Brine." Steve said as he shook his head, smile unmoved. He placed a hand on the immortal's shoulder who still gaped at him. "I get it, I think I know more about you than you think I do and it's okay." His grin faded a bit and he looked up from the floor and gave direct eye contact to Herobrine. "You're not like us, you may have things about you that are evil within nature; I get that. I also get that you can't fix that part of you, something so sinister integrated with your very being." He nodded, remembering Notch's words about Herobrine's nature and purpose well. "But you also have a good nature that Lionel started the foundation of and had built upon, it's there. Even now after what my kind had did to you so long ago, you still have the ability to care; you care more about me than you're willing to admit. I see this in your actions and sometimes in your expressions."

Herobrine adverted his eyes. "You have become my brother, earned my trust and have saved my life; of course."

The miner nodded again. "Yep, it was a rough journey and I nearly died by your hands many times over; but you've changed for the better. I'm still here and alive. You care if I'm hurt or bothered. You don't want to actually kill me and you haven't tried for awhile now, even back at the battle in front of Notch's shrine; I've never seen you hesitate so much. You've never hurt Lionel I bet." He shrugged. "So what if you're inherently evil and enjoy doing terrible things? You can have control, you've had it for a while now. I know you can't completely push this troubling part of you away, but it won't be as close to the surface if you're preoccupied with newer and better things to satisfy yourself.

I know you can't simply bury this problematic 'itch', you'll have to move forward and find ways to cope with it. I'll help, just let me either negotiate or kick Ender's tail and we'll work together to level it. You don't have to act on those impulses and you haven't been doing that too much, only a few times." The miner nervously laughed. "You can focus on the better things now; improve who you are as a person and find something to replace these ticks. I know you might not have much enjoyment doing some things we humans do, but we won't know what you'd like if we don't find out."

Herobrine tilted his head a bit, still a little confused. "What do you mean? You make it sound as if everything would be fine and taken care of so easily. I'm not a human remember? It's ingrained into my mental state, I've always been somewhat unstable."

"That's why we have to try until we find something that works for you, you've stayed your hands from violence this long; for the most part anyway." The miner smiled softly, mentally recalling what Notch had told him in fixing Herobrine. "I won't give up on you though, you're my friend, my brother Herobrine. Heh, we even look like brothers, nearly identical. I won't ever stop trying." He held his hand out. "Now the question is, will you at least try? Like I said this evil side of you doesn't have to go away or even be buried, it's part of who you are and what you are made of. We have to accept it for what it is, if you were made for evil then there's nothing that can be done. You'll just have to lean to master it, you take the reigns; not it."

"I think I understand, sill it will not be so simple but I shall try."

"It's as simple as I've stated it. Live a little Herobrine. We'll find something to do to keep it off your mind." Steve pulled his hand back and placed it on his hip. "Haven't you've ever had any safe and nonviolent fun when Lionel was still around? Like fishing, exploring, or mining; things like that?"

Herobrine gave the man a raised brow and curious look. "Yes, but fishing was irrelevant since I can literally teleport the aquatic creatures into my hands if desired." Herobrine noticed Steve's smile falling. "Many times the fish wouldn't even take the bait off Lionel's fishing rod, he would spend many hours with little results of his activity. I would often offer to retrieve him some, but he almost always rejected the help with only a few exceptions. He was a very tenacious warrior, he'd never give up nor accept help if he thought he didn't need it."

"Okay." Steve started, his posture sinking a bit. "What about going out and exploring the world?" He gestured.

The white-eyed man shook his head. "I can go wherever and whenever I please, I only have to imagine the location and port myself over at will. From atop the highest mountains to the depths of the bottom of the sea, even into the deepest and darkest of caves. Exploring is essentially a waste of time for a being such as myself, not to mention I can be in multiple places at once with my duplicates or through possession of creatures and mobs. I still eyes all over this valley miner."

"Oh. ...Right." Steve's posture sunk a little more and his smile faded some more. "I mean it's the journey of going somewhere that is they fun part and the best reason to explore, there's so many nice views to see and places to discover. It takes the fun out of traveling if you just zip from place to place like an Endermen, then there's no journey at all." He exclaimed. "At least tell me you've tried mining?" He asked, hoping Herobrine at least liked his favorite hobby. To his disappointment the old hero only shook his head and held his frown to the response.

"Mining was irrelevant." Herobrine held out his palm and a dark colored brick formed within his hand, the miner seemed puzzled by the object but his expression of dejection soon took over. "I could have any gem, metal, or stone in my hands at will; even the most valuable resources known in this world and even the Nether. Even the strongest ore such as this one." In seconds the brick faded away into dust. "Using a pickaxe and digging through stone is unnecessary and time consuming. Lionel wasn't much of a miner and barely did so with his profession of being a guardian of the castle and it's Sovereign, but when he did he barely had collected much. I had to summon what he needed into my hands and was forced to ask either Kaith or Kale; or sometimes even Nori; to gift him the items because he was too stubborn to accept my help or his superiors."

The miner had completely lost his smile and now had his arm hanging down at his side with a disappointed look on his face. "No wonder it's so difficult for you to have any fun in human activities, you just will it and next second you have a fist full of diamonds or you've teleported Tekk City!" He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled loudly. "I can't believe that you don't like mining." He said with such disbelief, yet not surprised.

"If it puts your mind at ease, I can't exactly summon everything nor go everywhere; there are limitations but they few in number. I also cannot create things from midair, I usually take the resource from some other location in the world."

Steve blinked then put his hand over his face. "Great! Not only can you be wherever you want at any time of day, but you can also steal from other people in a pinch. No wonder you had the table full of so much food, I bet someone's not very happy to be missing out on dinner." Steve looked back up at Herobrine and placed a hand on his chin, giving the old hero a calculating look.

"What is it?"

Steve fixed his posture and folded his arm, now wearing a smile again. "Okay, there's had to have been a time where you were enjoying yourself that wasn't of those certain impulses right?" He beamed confidently when Herobrine nodded. "A time that doesn't include slaying mobs, being violent at all, or something evil. I want you to show me a memory of such a time, just so I know how to work with you since you're definitely not normal and can basically have what you want at your fingertips in a moment's notice."

Now it was the immortal's turn to give a look of inquiry. "You want to willingly be shown a memory?" The human nodded. "That is a first. Fine, I'll show you a time when I was trying to do as Lionel and you put it; live a little. However; I'd rather wait if that is okay with you? I would like some time alone right now."

"Breathing room?"

The ancient hero tipped his head in silence.

"I see, you need some time to reflect. Alright, sure. Maybe tomorrow then?" He then looked towards the doorway of the dining hall. "I guess now would be an opportune time to check this place out." He then looked back at Herobrine. "I can, can I?"

Herobrine nodded gently. "Very well, while you're at it you can use the bathhouse, you need it. I'll leave fresh new clothes and gauzes in there for you as well. You've been in rags long enough."

Steve blinked in surprise. "Oh, well thank you! As bad as I look and feel I definitely need to get cleaned, new clean clothes would be very nice too. You're the best Herobrine."

The ex-hero looked away, not sure how to fully process such a compliment. "You're ... welcome."

"I'll leave you to collect your thoughts and check this amazing stronghold, I hope I don't get lost; it's huge."

Herobrine glanced back to the miner as he heard the man beginning to walk away. "One other thing before you go."

"Huh?" The miner stopped in his tracks and looked back. "What is it?"

White eyes narrow. "The dungeon, stay far away from it and by no means ever enter it. There's a door down the right grand corridor before you reach the shrine that leads to it, there's an old rotting door with a redstone torch placed on the wall next to it; hard to miss." He paused, awaiting a response from the miner but he said nothing. Good. "There is nothing down there for you and it's infested with Silverfish, if you go down there then I won't hesitate to banish you far from this castle. Are we clear?"

Considering he wasn't met with a deadly threat, Steve was still surprised. He decided not to ask why and anger the white-eyed man, he still couldn't help but be curious but he'd respect the guy's wishes. He was just now finally able to safely explore the mob-less structure, he'd hate to get thrown out; not to mention that he was not about to experience Silverfish bites after what Nigel had said about them. "I won't." He said, fully turning back around. "I promise I won't go there, I don't want to see that cell that you were once trapped in anyways." He definitely didn't want to imagine how many times or all the things Brutus did to him down there.

"Good." Herobrine arose from his chair and stepped away from the table. "If you need me I'll be at my throne meditating."

Steve nodded and with that Herobrine vanished from his place.

"Alright then, time to check this place out." Steve said to himself and was beginning to walk to the exit before Stealth teleported right in front of him and stared down at him; burbling quietly.

"Whoa, try not to spook me like that." Steve chuckled and put a hand over his racing heart. "Hey, you want to tag along Stealth? I'm going to check this entire place out, you can come if you want."

"Vlurrp vlurrp."

With what seemed like a nod; Steve assumed the friendly Endermen agreed and he walked past the mob and into the halls. "Let's go then."

...

Herobrine ported to his throne and took a seat, a deep frown was plastered to his face as he leaned back and placed his arms on the armrest. The dinner was a bust; nothing good to remember and nothing but tension nearly the entire time. At least the miner had been fed well and Herobrine himself got to enjoy food after a very long time, as well a recall the last good time he had with his brother of old. So it wasn't completely bad, but nor was it great. He had been a disappointment and caused a scene, reflecting on a part of himself that he feared he would not always be able to maintain. Herobrine was grateful for Steve to give him some space after his outburst, but at the same time he abandoned the guy on his own selfish whim just to take a break from the self-loathing and emotional swings.

He sat in silence and closed his eyes. Though he was meditating he could hear the miner walking about and talking to what he presumed was Anthony. Even if he wasn't so hopeful of Steve returning back from the battle with Ender to help him 'cope' with his dark nature, the fact that he's willing to risk himself for his sake made him feel appreciated that he even had a friend willing to do so much for him. Keeping him alive was the best decision he's made, even before the battle of Notch's shrine he wanted the mortal to live.

Though frustrated with himself, he was grateful for the miner's presence and continued support. He's never felt so gregarious, so elated to finally be rid of isolation.

If only he could keep it.

...

Steve and Stealth wondered all throughout the fortress, checking out all rooms with curiosity and awe. First starting with the upper levels of the castle, where most of the living quarters were; including the living space where the royal family probably resided in most of the time. Though very dusty and covered in cobwebs; the furniture was rather nice and designed with elegant gold patterns on dark blue fabrics. Empty vases and pots for flowers were scattered about the room. What the miner found most impressive was the large framed map on one of the walls between some royal banners, the map was huge and showed all the land and mapped out building structures around the castle with very fine detail. He studied the map for a bit before looking out of the dusty windows, he used the bottom of his palm to wipe away the grim and beamed from the view; they were pretty high up and could see the setting sun on the horizon.

The next the odd duo checked out were the bedchambers. Steve was quite aware of the Sovereign's old room or rather Herobrine's as he owned the place. But he didn't get to see much of the others, the other royal chambers were almost as nice as the Sovereign's; albeit a little smaller and not as extravagant. Decorations lined the walls, the beds looked cozy despite being caked in dust, he even found a room that might have once belonged to Conner as it had a few toys stashed in the corner and a smaller bed. Though the thought made him frown, there didn't appear to be nothing that had been moved in that room unlike the others; Steve assumed that Herobrine strictly avoided this place as the door was also hard to push to gain entry.

Steve lightly sighed and the Endermen tilted his head in interest. Steve waved off the feeling and said it was nothing before moving on to the next set of rooms down the small hallway. Both him and Stealth found the living quarters for the stewards, maids, and other staff, these chambers were no where near as nice as the other royal rooms but still had plenty to look at, such as knickknacks, tools, cleaning supplies, books, old paintings, and collectable ceramic dishware in cupboards. Thankfully Herobrine had all rooms lit up with torches, the rooms and halls were seemingly a lot warmer than before too.

After burning time exploring the upper half of the castle, both the miner and Stealth meandered down the left corridor. Steve was trying his best to be extra quiet while passing the throne as to not disturb the being, him and Stealth passed by from behind Herobrine's chair; the Endermen of course hissed at the still form as they cautiously moved.

Steve found the kitchen and pantry next, finding a load of empty dusty furnaces and smokers. There were loads of empty shelves where kitchenware was stored, some even looked exactly like the kind that him and Herobrine ate off of. There were pots and pans scattered about as well as a pantry nearby with even more cookware and barrels for storage. There was also a small hall that linked from one side of the kitchen; all the way to the dining hall it seemed.

What the miner found next was a large undercoth, loads of chests, barrels, and wooden crates lined the room as well as woolen materials layered with dust. It was a rather large room and looked as if it could hold most; if not all of the stronghold's goods.

Next to this room was the bathhouse Steve had been searching for, he quickly moved over to a table by the huge tub in the floor to find a clean cyan t-shirt, clean blue pants, fresh white gauzes, and even a new set of travel boots and socks. Steve ran his fingers over the fabric and smiled, he hasn't had clean clothes for weeks now and was definitely ready to get washed up. He then moved over to the tub to find it filled with steaming water, he looked up to see a small set of stairs on the other end and walked over to find a few campfires burning underneath the tub; keeping the water nice and hot.

Deciding he'd take his bath after the exploration of the fortress, Steve motioned Stealth to follow and moved onward. The two come across the barracks on the main end and explored the multiple mini chambers for housing the guards, finding a small living area with benches, tables, and even a training area for sword fighting and even archery. There's a room filled with tools and weapons as well, swords, axes, lances, bows, crossbows, arrows by the dozens, pickaxes, shovels, stacks of unlit torches, and other various tools; all dusty but still looking rather sharp and useful. A door from the outside was also found within the barracks, this lead him to a stable with several empty stalls for horses and tons of hay bales lying around. This made the miner softly frown, the stalls reminded him of his horse he left back home with his sister; he really did miss riding his equine companion. He remembered that he stopped riding so much when he officially became a miner, he was going to have to see and maybe even ride his horse if he ever gets to go home for a little while.

Steve and the Endermen returned back to the castle and started checking out the grand hall that lead from the throne, he stared in awe and gaped as large arching windows of stained glass greeted his eyes on each side on them as they walked to the main entrance. Either Herobrine had them covered up with stone this whole time or he had just recently added them to the castle. Either way, they were beautiful and allowed the dwindling fading sunlight pass through them and paint the floors with light and color.

...

Herobrine opened his eyes slightly, watching Steve gawk at the large windows and then laugh as the Endermen suddenly patted him on the head and ruffle through his hair with it's claws. This made the white-eyed man smile a little and he shut his eyes, for some reason he enjoyed the miner's laughter. Lionel used to do that quite a lot, they almost sounded alike.

It was rather nice to have human sounds in the stronghold again, it's been quiet for far too long.

...

The two eventually make their way to the right corridor, they find another undercoth with less space than the first and even a large ballroom. Across from it was the library he's already seen and a treasury, unfortunately it was empty with the exception of multiple stacks of iron ingots and a few emeralds in a small display case in the corner of the room.

On their way out and towards the furthest end of the corridor, Steve noticed that it was the shrine of Notch down that way as well as the Nether portal across from it. He wasn't going back to the Nether and he was certain of that, yet he also wasn't ready to step into a room that has blood in the well and all over the floor; so instead of heading down there he turned back towards the left grand hall and began towards the bathhouse. On his way however; a dim red light catches his attention, he barely even saw the light.

Steve approached the old arch shaped door with the light next to it and stared at the ancient wood, it was undoubtedly the gate to the dungeon. He couldn't help but ponder why Herobrine forbade him from entering, the white-eyed man said that there was nothing down there for him; but he had been so stern on the matter that Steve couldn't help but wonder what else was really down there that Herobrine wanted to block or protect. Silverfish and bad memories couldn't truly be the reasons, it seemed like it was something more serious; more of a reason to guard it and to punish trespassers.

The miner sighed and backed away slowly. As curious as he was to check it out, he had to respect Herobrine's wish to stay away from it; it was none of his business to trespass no matter how curious he was. Getting kicked out of the castle was not on his agenda. He hoped that maybe Herobrine would eventually tell him why it was forbidden, but for now he left the door and returned to the bathhouse.

The miner gasped quietly with a broad smile as he sank into the steaming hot water, he felt his muscles instantly relax and his posture slacken; he almost couldn't remember the last time he had a hot bath. It was Aethersent. Steve looked back up and towards the open doorway to see the Endermen guarding the entrance, he couldn't help but smile at the helpful mob, though there was no reason to guard him as he bathed. Still, the fact that the Endermen had kept him company and was rather playful had made his time exploring the place more fun and exciting; watching the mob look at things with a tilt of it's head and staring like it was in wonderment.

Steve wasted no time in getting clean, he scrubbed off scabs, dirt, grim, and blood; finally restoring most of his skin to it's rightful color. He thoroughly washed his hair and relishing in the clean feeling, he also washed his face and noticed a bit of fuzz on his chin and upper lip. He didn't have anything to shave with but decided it was fine if he was slowly growing out a thin beard and mustache, he must look more like Herobrine after two weeks of no shaving. Steve then carefully and cautiously washed his long gash, it stung as water was poured over it and he lightly hissed; earning a quick glance from Stealth. He told the mob that he was fine and began to run his fingers gently over the open wound. Thankfully it was healing quick, though not nearly closed; but it was a lot better than the last he saw.

...

'Herobrine?'

Herobrine's eyes snap open and he leans up from his hand holding up his head, he then stands up from his throne and vanishes in the blink of an eye.

The old hero appeared in one of the royal chambers to find the half dressed miner standing by a bed with the Endermen companion trying to pull the gauzes over the miner's torso, the human gave the powerful man a nervous but 'help me' look. The mortal was being poorly wrapped up, not even is wound was being properly covered.

"So Stealth here has been at this for at least an hour now but it seems as though he can't really wrap the gauzes around properly, considering he has no opposable thumbs and is way too tall; it's just not happening. So can you know? Help?" He asked, picking up two low hanging straps and holding them up as he shrugged.

Herobrine folded his arms and lightly chuckled. "I don't know, I love to watch you suffer and struggle remember?" He said jokingly with a grin.

Steve halfheartedly glared at him but also grinned. "So you've come to grips with that side of yourself yet?"

Herobrine's smile faded a little and he unfolded his arms as he approached the miner. "Not quite, but I am trying. Joking about it seemed to improve my mood at least." As he got closer the Endermen glared and hissed loudly at him, but Herobrine didn't care and took the gaze straps as the the mob zipped away and out of the room; he undid the mess around the miner and started at the crook of Steve's folded arm. "Hold your arm close to your chest and don't move, this will only take a minute."

"Will do." Steve replied and did his best to remain in place as Herobrine carefully and meticulously wrapped his wound up, he didn't expect how careful and gentle the guy could be; he expected the man to be much more rough and impatient. "Thanks Herobrine. It's healing pretty well, I might even be able to hold a sword in another day or so. It still hurts when I bend this arm outwards, but it's definitely less sore."

"Good." Herobrine remarked as he banded the thin glowing gap. "Because soon you'll need that arm for training, and eventually for Ender. Make sure to get plenty of rest tonight as well. I have a plan for tomorrow's session, you'll need to be able to move quickly on your feet as it will be a lesson in evasion."

"Evasion?" The miner repeated and chuckled in confidence. "Sounds easy compared to what I had to do today, I still have good legs so I think I will do way better on dodging."

Herobrine frowned. "Don't get cocky miner, if you'll recall; I trained Lionel. I worked him into the dirt before I decided he was ready to move onto the next lesson. I will not be so forgiving this time, injured or not; it's very important to be able to avoid danger at all costs. One mistake, one hit, it could prove to be fatal with the End beast. So you better be on your heels and get creative, it will be no standard jumping back and forth; that much I can assure you." He finished as he tied the end of the gauze to itself and took a step back. "There, you should have asked me to do this earlier instead of wasting time with the Endermen."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Yeah I know, he just seemed like he wanted to help and so I let him. I'm surprised he at least knew how to even try and wrap the gauzes, he's smarter than the average Endermen; I'll give him that. I'm thankful he at least tried."

Herobrine nodded lightly. "Yes, he is rather intelligent." He said to the miner's mind quietly. His eyes snap back to Steve's face as the man yawns. "Looks like now would be a good time to retire for the night, tomorrow will be a long and enervating; enjoy the rest while you can."

Steve beamed. "Don't underestimate me Brine, I'm more than ready to show you that you can have confidence in me." He says as he walks over to the bed and sits on the side of the mattress, he the takes the cyan shirt lying next to him and places it on the end table.

Lionel was the same way, always so confident; with the exception of a few times of course. Herobrine folded his arms. "We'll see Steve. Goodnight." He grinned. He began to turn around and walk for the door when Steve called out his name.

"Herobrine?"

The ancient hero stopped in place. "What is it?" He asked, keeping his back to the miner.

"Don't you ever sleep?"

Such a simple question with such a complex reply. The old hero's shoulders slant a little and he shook his head. "Steve, I haven't slept in a very VERY long time, I can't recall the time but I know I have before. I haven't slept even back when I was among humans nor the sentinels, I was the guardian of the night and always on duty until dawn. I did sleep once recently back in the Nether, but I debate that it isn't much of a sleep as I held so much control in the dream. Even so, it wasn't but for a few hours; more of an accidental nap if anything. Other than that I've only ever been unconscious because of you and in that well you slung me in, I wouldn't call being unconscious at rest anyway. It's fine Steve, I don't need rest like you mortals do." He said turning his head towards the miner to see him frowning from the corner of his eye.

"It's been that long and you haven't slept but once in centuries?" The miner asked with a befuddled look, gaping. "What did you do all these years if you didn't eat or sleep?"

Herobrine kept a straight face and exhaled as he turned back towards Steve. "What do you expect? I hunted humans for a very long time and night was the most opportunistic time to attack, when not doing that or entertaining myself with human torment, I stayed here in this castle or my Nether fortress-"

"Doing absolutely nothing?" Steve finished, still amazed that Herobrine was so mechanical in how he lived all this time; it was quite pitiful and lamentable. "That's not living."

"I'm not human." Herobrine defended.

"Well maybe you should try? Just once even. Haven't you ever considered what good rest can do for you? Mentally of course. You might not believe that it could help you, but you won't know if you don't try." He gave a pleading look, Herobrine didn't look convinced. "Just this once, be human."

Herobrine narrowed his eyes a little. "I don't get the point of wasting time in a fake realm of the mind, especially since I am the master of it. But very well, I'll think about it." He said and disappeared from the room.

The old hero ported to the Sovereign's room and stared at the dark blue sheets of the bed, he could almost hear Steve's words echoing in his mind.

...

"Be human."

...

"Why?" He asked himself as he now stared at one of his open palms. "How can I be what I'm not?" He asked with doubt. Herobrine wasn't even sure if he remembered how to sleep, or if he should. He'd be letting his guard down, vulnerable. That didn't seem like a good idea at all, mobs could creep into the castle again and harm the miner. But, if for the miner's sake on his last days alive; he could try. The white-eyed man kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the king-sized mattress, he then slid himself under the covers and laid his head down on the pillow; he then stared blankly up at the high ceiling. Herobrine pulled the blanket up to his chest and took a deep breath before exhaling softly, the experience so far didn't seem too bad. His eyes soon move towards the window above the bed to see a sliver of the moon shining through with low lighted clouds somewhat drifting slowly across the sky, the atmosphere outside almost looked like a living painting in motion.

It was kind of peaceful, even a bit pleasant, he realized as he laid in place. The longer he laid there the more warmth he felt, and soon the more comfortable he became. The plush mattress, pillows, and covers made him feel as if he was sinking into a cloud, he could get used to this.

The ancient hero closed his eyes and let his mind wonder, he would eventually sleep if he got bored enough right?

It was quiet and the time ticked by slowly, but soon enough the ancient being fully relaxed and truly drifted asleep for the first time in centuries.

...

With Herobrine finally and fully asleep, a male human form manifested by the bed from thin air in just seconds and landed on his feet. The tall figure wore a large brown robe and had a hood over his head to conceal his face, he slowly but surely reached his arms and hands up for his hood and pulled it down onto his shoulders; revealing a bald head and a black scraggly beard. Notch exhaled in relief as his eyes glanced over the resting demi-god, he hasn't been this physically close to the old hero in a very long time and never expected to get this close again. He had to thank Steve for that, but for now he had come with a purpose; to impose something to the white-eyed man whilst his guard was finally down.

The man sighed and moved closer to the mattress, he let his arms fall to his sides and sadly smiled at the sleeping form. "It's been too long brother." He quietly whispered and glanced up at the moon through the large window above. "Too long." He added. Returning his gaze back to the old hero, he lifted his right hand and it steadily began to glow brightly. Notch then raised his hand over Herobrine's face and gently placed his palm down on the immortal's forehead; being ever so cautious while doing so, he had moved quick enough to trap Herobrine in the nightmare realm with a bit of his power. At least this way he won't wake up on him while he fulfills his purpose here in the stronghold.

"While I was gone, the people that once resided here; they- they took something away from you. Something precious and powerful, something that has kept you so isolated and desolate for so long; it was something not even Ender himself could restore. I've been waiting for a long time to give this back to you and you're still not quite ready for it; but you are very close."

The creator of Minecraftia chuckled lowly with an endearing smile. "I already unlocked some of your ancient powers in the water at the shrine, as well as beginning the immediate restoration of your memories so that you'll recollect them sooner than later; as you'll need them to stabilize your current mental state. But that was something I wanted to wait on before I returned here, just so that I know Steve would never be your enemy ever again. I had to be certain." He nodded. "Now I know. I give this back to you brother, it'll unlock at the right time and it might just very well change how you see humans; not just Steve; but others as well. I can't wait for the moment that it happens, the moment that something so long forgotten to this world will be known once more."

Notch's hand began to glow more brighter and soon pulses of white energy flowed over Herobrine's unmoving form, the god's eyes close and narrow a little. "There's something else that I came to give, it's not much but it might help you against the dragon; he's very strong and with a destructive force that you've already became acquainted with. A bit of my power should in theory; help you resist it a little better, as well as allowing you to take more of a beating should it come down to that. I would have given you so much more if I could, but seeing as you're not an original creation; I'm limited at what I can do for you. I won't run the risks of damaging you ever again, I promised that.

Besides, I'm not even sure if what I give will even work." He suddenly grinned. "But knowing you, you probably won't need too much of my help anyway; you've always been a unique and adaptable being. Always full of surprises."

"Hm?" Notch's tense expression lightened and he lifted his head a bit. "It appears your powerful influence has dragged Steve into your dream; that is not good considering the power of the nightmare realm and how real it can get, so I'll deal with that as well while I'm here." His closed eyes tightened and brows knitted in focus then soon lighten and relax. "There, he'll be safe now. You'll need to be extra careful if you plan to sleep more; you are most powerful in that realm of course, as well as your influence. Even asleep you can be quite dangerous, seeing as you are the Master of the Nightmare Realm." He mused. "Heh, it's no wonder you didn't sleep even back then when Lionel was around." He softly joked.

"Alright, that should do it." His charcoal colored eyes open and his hand loses most of it's glow, he keeps his palm over Herobrine's head and his smile fell some. "I'm sorry so much has happened to you Herobrine, I'm sorry I left and in turn; left you in a world you never belonged and in a state you didn't deserve to be in. I know you'll never forgive me for all that I did to you, but I'll do anything within my power to make it right. Now rest easy and enjoy your sleep, considering you haven't 'truly' slept since back in the Aether; you're in desperate need for much rest even if you don't agree."

He carefully pulled his hand away and let it fall to his side. "Well, that was it, I'm done here now." He paused, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "I know that it is very unlikely that we'll ever see each other face to face, but I will continue to hope that such a time will one day come. It's been good to see you again, even if it has to be in this way. Goodbye Herobrine." He finished with a somber smile and vanished with particles of dust stirring up and gently falling from his wake.

...

Stealth keep his gaze on the sleeping miner by the bedside and quietly chirped to himself, ensuring that no one disturbs the man. He reached out one of his long arms over the sleeping form and gently brushed his claws through Steve's hair now that the guy wasn't rolling around in his sleep anymore, the Endermen's eye closed a little. The soul within the mob cherished the little bits of time he got to be near to Steve alone, near his little brother that he never thought to see or know again. All he wanted was for him to be safe and happy, now the man was basically on a suicidal mission; all because of that white-eyed murderer. The mob withdrew it's hand and hissed in it's relentless rage of Herobrine.

A sudden powerful presence had Stealth immediately facing the doorway with teeth barred and claws ready, he expected Herobrine but was met with a different silhouette and dark eyes.

"It's alright Anthony." A calm voice said, one hand raised. "I mean no harm, but rather aid to your brother."

The mob went silent and lowered it's arms and slackened it's attack stance, this man immediately knew him in the vessel of the Endermen. Upon realizing who it was, Stealth ebbed away a few feet as the man stepped past him and placed a bright colored item on the bedside table, upon closer inspection the item could be identified as a golden apple. Then the mob lurched back in surprise as the figure now held out another identical apple at him; but this one was radiant and shined with an enchanting mystical aura.

"Take it." The bearded man smiled, now nudging the fruit forward. "It's an enchanted apple, it won't ever spoil nor decay; it has a lot of power and can be used to restore health and strength at a dire time. I want you to go and hide it, then when the time comes that it's truly needed; you know what to do." He held it up higher and the Endermen took it into it's claws with care, Stealth then looked back at the interloper.

"Vlurrp Vlurrp heghh."

"That's me." Notch's smile fell and his brows slanted. "I'm sorry but I can't do anything for you Anthony, if you were still alive or had a body then maybe; but unfortunately that's not the case. Even as a powerful being; I have limitations when it comes to the spirits of the dead with only a few exceptions. I apologize. But do not worry, I am keeping a close eye on him." He said, now turning his head to the side to see the miner from a side glance. "I expect that you'll do the same?"

The mob burbled.

Notch exhaled, grinning as he moved his gaze towards the door and in the direction of the Sovereign's chamber. "He's not the only one to watch over Anthony, remember that."