[Chapter XVIII]

[The Eye of Ender]

The storm continued raging on throughout the remainder of the night.

Herobrine had stayed awake; sitting on the edge of the bed after making sure to clean up and get rid of any and all evidence of his little activity with his feet planted firmly on the ground, legs apart and with his elbows resting on his knees. His hands were folded together with his chin resting on top, blank white eyes staring intently on the still sleeping Steve, trying to work through his disheveled thoughts.

'What has gotten into me? What could've made me…? I've never in my entire life found another male to be attractive. Or certainly not to the point of jacking myself off to the thoughts of them! Could it have been simply because I was deprived for so long that I just took what was available? But that doesn't make sense! Why would I find Steve more attractive than those women!?' He sighed while his eyes flickered towards the window above Steve's bed, seeing the rain beginning to at last slow down while noticing the rather lengthy pauses now between the bright flashes of lighting and low rumble of thunder.

The weather was at last reaching a calmness outside that did nothing to help bring calmness to Herobrine's mind. He clawed through his brain over and over again, always resulting in further frustrating himself. 'There has to be something I'm just not seeing. Hmm… maybe it's not a physical attraction I feel towards him. I've never encountered someone with his type of personality before. The way he can stand up against me despite knowing who I am and what I can do.'

Feeling a headache fast approaching and coming to terms with himself that he wasn't going to find the answers to his seemingly endless questions, he crawled onto his bed with a sigh before settling down on the mattress, not bothering to pull back the blanket or sheets as he kept his back towards the human; white eyes half lidded and just staring blankly outside the window.

To say that Steve looked great by the time the sun rose would not have fooled anyone the instant they laid eyes on him.

Herobrine kept a close eye on the human as he continued stumbling down the pathway leading towards the center of the town with the giant water fountain. He was keeping his head hung lower and eyes half lidded as the sun's bright rays burned his tired vision. "You sure you're well enough to be walking around outside? You had quite a bit to drink last night… I can imagine you're having a hell of a hangover."

Steve mumbled while gently shaking his head, having learned by now if he moves his head too fast everything around him begins spinning out of control. "I'm fine… just tired and with a killer headache. Nothing I can't survive through." He chuckled weakly.

Herobrine's expression showed just how unconvinced he was despite the blindfold being securely in place. "If you say so."

They remained silent in each other's company until they reached the large fountain, taking a seat on one of the many wooden benches. Steve was the first to speak; "This place must've been amazing back when it was at its peak."

Herobrine lifted his head up and looked to his left where the human had sat down beside him, cocking a brow up. "Oh, it sure was! You would've loved to have seen the actual castle. The size of it alone was breathtaking. But the fine details into its carvings and structure were equally as astonishing! The architect was very exotic back then. Even today it would've been different. I think the people who built it were from a foreign island… which would explain the design."

"Oh wow… you're right. It sounds like I would've loved to have seen it." Steve smiled softly while watching the crystal clear water pouring from the top of the fountain. "Any ideas of where they could've come from? The people who built the castle?"

"Not too sure. It was built way before my time, so I can only go by what I heard back then." He shrugged his shoulder lightly.

Steve blinked and turned to him, surprise evident on his face. "Really? Any idea on just how old it was before your time?"

Herobrine couldn't help himself as he began chuckling while turning half way to face the human more face to face, draping his left arm over the back of the bench to help support himself. "Your curiosity most certainly is something else. I think it was about two hundred years old before my birth. I had once heard from someone that the small group of travelers hired to construct the castle were from a land to the far East. Something about having to cross a great whirlpool to reach it…?" Herobrine paused as he seemed to think about something before shaking his head with a sigh, "I can't fully remember."

Steve's smile had fallen upon Herobrine's words. Violet eyes open wide in a mixture of horror and shock. Before he could register what he was saying, he whispered to the demon; "The massive whirlpool nestled between the Great Twin Peaks Gateway…"

"Yeah! That was it! Fuck, that was going to drive me crazy if I couldn't remember it. You just spared me a lot of frustration." Herobrine laughed after releasing a long and exaggerated sigh of relief. He paused immediately after however once what the miner had said actually sunk in, tilting his head to the side and staring at the man through the blindfold. "Steve... How do you know that…?"

Jumping slightly as he was brought out of his thoughts, Steve blinked before looking Herobrine in the eyes, not even really seeing the blindfold on the man. He didn't say anything for a long moment, earning himself an annoyed sound from the demon as he continued waiting for an answer.

As he continued to stare the human down, the sudden thoughts that rushed through his mind had white eyes opening widely behind the blindfold as the dots slowly began connecting; 'Steve's personality, taste and even appearance are all so different from the humans on this island. Those traits alone show undeniable evidence that he's clearly from a land far away from this one. The biggest give away… are his eyes. Every human on this island have green eyes. But Steve's are…? Top all of that onto with how he's reacting right now… There's no way—! Could he actually be from—!?'

Herobrine leaned closer towards the still silent human, taking note of the younger male pulling back slightly. "Steve. Are you from that land?"

And then suddenly, Steve seemed to have snapped out of his trance and returned to reality, shaking his head despite knowing he would get dizzy and laughed. "What makes you think that? I've only read about it in some books at the Elder's place." He chuckled softly while pushing himself quickly to his feet, regretting it almost instantly as a wave of nausea hit him and swirled around until the ground stopped spinning underneath him.

Herobrine jumped to his feet and reached out to stabilize the other as Steve looked about ready to lose his balance. After making sure he was more or less able to stand on his own, Herobrine lowered his arms to his sides and followed after Steve as the miner began walking slowly on.

"You know as well as I do that's a lie, Steve. Why won't you tell me where you're from and what happened? You had no problem talking to me last night about it!" he whispered quietly to the other, not wanting to draw attention to them as they began heading towards a throng of people enjoying the weather after last night's brutal storm.

Steve tensed up for only a brief second before he was able to quickly respond, trying to play the dumb card; "What on earth are you talking about, Brine? I haven't talked to anyone about my past. I certainly don't think I would tell you anything."

Herobrine narrowed his eyes at the other's response. He was afraid of this; "You were drunk. But you had started talking about what happened that caused you to become stranded here. You had said you were attacked… But then you passed out before you could finish telling me!"

Steve hesitated while keeping his eyes forward and avoiding the other's stare. Finally, he scoffed before huffing under his breath yet loud enough for the demon to hear his words; "Well, too bad for you then, hunh?"

"So then just like that? You're not going to continue telling me? Can you at least tell me who it was that attacked you?!" He wasn't in the mood for Steve to suddenly start acting childish about the subject. He was certainly kicking himself in the ass now for not sticking around to watch when the Elder was viewing his memories.

White eyes opening wide as he thought about that, the words came out of his mouth in mild frustration before he could stop to think about the possible consequences. "You may have never told anyone about your past, but did you know that the night you were injured by the Mobs, the Elder of that dirty little village was able to see into your dreams?"

Steve stopped walking instantly, keeping his back towards the demon.

Even as he continued; "It wasn't just him. He shared them like an open book picture story with those two Inn owners and the two kids that are practically attached to your hip."

Feeling mounting anger and a little bit of betrayal, Steve suddenly diverted all of his emotions towards the Nether ruler with a brow quirked up in slight confusion. "If that's the case, then how come you don't know anything? You've been watching me all this time, haven't you? Didn't you watch and see what they did?"

Herobrine tched upon Steve bringing that up, hoping that he wouldn't. "I'll be honest with you. I thought about watching… but I at the time wasn't interested."

Steve only narrowed his eyes further upon the response he received. "Oh? So then what's so special about me now that has you so interested?"

"Because maybe I can help you find the ones who did this to you and your friends. Don't you want revenge for everything they stole from you?"

Steve pursed his lips together tightly, remaining silent for a long while as he simply stood still and studied the demon. Clawing through his thoughts as Herobrine seemed to have sparked something inside him, Steve at last replied; his expression growing sullen as his shoulders fell; his words not what Herobrine could have ever expected. "Everything has to be revenge with you… doesn't it, Herobrine. Not everyone who has been hurt and betrayed and have had something precious stolen from them desire retribution."

Stunned by the miner's response, Herobrine struggled for only a few mere seconds before retorting with narrowed eyes, his tone stern yet slightly quivering as he felt slightly cornered; "So then you're just going to run away? And let those who were killed just fade away while their murderers still walk the land they can't ever walk on again and breathe the air that was taken from them!?"

Steve sighed before lifting his head to look sadly into the other's glowing white gaze, by now used to seeing the blindfold that he almost didn't see it anymore. "They won't fade. They were my close friends. They won't ever be forgotten because they live with me. They are always with me. Those who took their lives will have to answer for their crimes one day. As long as I'm still alive, they will too. Even if I desire to get revenge on those responsible, I am just one man. A human! They weren't! I would only die and then they would fade…"

Herobrine only growled while gesturing almost wildly at the human; "I can't seem to understand your logical way of thinking, Steve!"

Violet eyes sparkled as they became glassy, a sign that Herobrine's persistence on the topic was striking a weakening spot in Steve's emotional wall; "It's fine. I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand my logic." he nearly spat before slowly turning his back on the other and began walking forward.

Herobrine stared at the miner as he walked away, unable to neither move from his spot nor form any words to say to get the man to stop. A sharp jab seemed to have pierced his chest and caused him to become briefly paralyzed.

A sneer was the first form of response he was able to give before briskly walking up to the human and almost painfully seizing his right arm and gave a rough yank, causing the other to halt and deliver a hard glare over his shoulder. "You said they will have to answer for their crimes. Do you really believe that day will come? That Notch will take care of even the worst sinner? Do you think everyone who has stolen, murdered and raped are judged and put to justice?"

"I think it's pretty possible."

"Why!?" he growled, his grip tightening until he heard a soft gasp of pain from the miner.

Anger filling him and mixing awfully with the already confusing feelings stirring around restlessly within him, Steve glared hard at the demon while replying in a low, almost emotionless tone. "He took care of you, didn't he? I think if that feat is possible then everyone will have to pay their dues at some point."

Feeling him pulling against his hold, Herobrine roughly released Steve's arm while taking a step back, expression one of shock until a smug smirk replaced it. "But it didn't last, did it. It only gave this place what, six hundred years of peace? But now I'm back!"

His tone.

The way he spoke…

Steve took a few steps away from the demon while rubbing the sore spot on his arm where Herobrine had a grip on him, his heart picking up as an uneasy feeling began creeping into him. "And it's to repent for your crimes. To help me succeed where you failed… Isn't that what you said in the beginning?" His right hand slowly began aching as fingers twitched to reach for his sword.

He dropped his tone lower as his eyes glared even harder. "Or… is there another agenda you're keeping me from knowing about, Herobrine?"

And it was at that darkly growled sentence that had the Nether ruler halting, white eyes open impossibly wide behind the cloth covering them as his lips fell slightly parted but not a single word was whispered between them. He stared into the violet that continued to glare back, taking a deep breath and licking his lips before speaking. Firmly but quietly; "Steve, I had meant every word I told you the night I came to you after my release. I… I guess when you word it that way… it could be possible. I was banished. And even though I'm back, I want to repent for my wrong doings." He breathed softly, finally breaking the intense stare he was being given and turned his covered eyes down to the cobblestone path they were following.

It seemed almost as if after that moment, Herobrine was unable to make any form of direct eye contact with the human, causing Steve to be concerned and confused. As well as the smallest ounce of sadness.

Feeling that maybe he owed the demon something after causing this strange side of him to come out, Steve took in a deep albeit shaky breath before breathing out. "I'm… sorry, Brine. I shouldn't have… jumped to any conclusions and accusing you."

Herobrine scoffed and shook his head with a nonchalant roll of his shoulder, "Don't be. It's only natural to think I would be up to something."

"Still though… I shouldn't have done that."

"Whatever! Just drop it already! It's fine!" Herobrine insisted while picking his pace up so he was now slightly ahead of the other. He threw a quick grin over his shoulder which only earned him any annoyed sigh before turning to face forward.

His grin fell into a serious frown as he furrowed his brows. 'Steve is a smart human... I have to be mindful to remember that...'

As the day went on, Steve was recovering from his intense hangover.

He was certainly able to get over the worse of it when they came across a merchant's stand that was selling potions. Herobrine had purchased one he knew for a fact would help the miner's headache.

Steve thanked him and was grateful for the potion worked almost instantly, relief washing over him as the pounding in his head stopped and so too the dizziness and nausea. His eyes were no longer painfully sensitive to the light as well.

They continued walking around the town, simply trying to pass the time until nightfall so they could resume their hunting.

Steve was quick to notice Herobrine's mood had gradually turned sour after they had stopped talking. Tilting his head curiously as Herobrine's strange behavior only continued after watching him verbally biting the head off of a young man who was simply passing by but hadn't been fully paying attention and bumped into the demon's shoulder gently.

Finally becoming fed up with it when Herobrine gave the young man the finger in exchange for his apology for having bumped into him, the miner stopped walking with his arms crossed over his chest, "Okay. Mind telling me exactly what's gotten into you?"

Pausing in his steps, Herobrine jerked minutely before looking over his shoulder at Steve. "What do you mean?" he snapped.

"You're not still mad about earlier, are you?"

"No, Steve. I'm not. I've told you that."

"Well, okay then. Did something happen last night after I passed out then? You're in a bad mood about something. I know you're still upset that I'm not continuing where I had apparently left off with whatever it was I was telling you, but you're acting like there's more to it. Look, if you're pissed at me for drinking so much last night, you're partially to blame you know!"

Herobrine 'rolled his eyes' with a sigh while turning forward once again; "I'm not in a bad mood. And I'm not pissed at you for drinking so much. So just calm the fuck down already, Steve!"

"See? This is what I'm talking about." He pointed out, moving to catch up with the demon as he had started walking again. "What happened, Brine? I… look as shameful as this is to admit, I don't really remember much of what happened last night after we left the bar." He mumbled his confession under his breath. "Did… did I do something to upset you?"

"Steve. It's… nothing you did." he finally said, although with some hesitance. And Steve noticed this.

"But so then there is something troubling you." he pressed on, now walking side by side with Herobrine.

"I'm just… having some inner conflicts with myself is all. You don't need to worry about it, Steve. It's nothing you did, and it won't interfere with our mission."

Steve remained silent, which the Nether ruler sighed an annoyed "Finally." under his breath. Still though, Steve couldn't help but feel like whatever was bothering Herobrine… did indeed have something to do with him.

Especially since Herobrine kept saying that it was 'nothing he did'.

Picking up on the human's defeated spirit, Herobrine exhaled quietly through his nose. 'Perfect! I upset him again… What the fuck is wrong with me!? I shouldn't care if he's mad or upset! But… gah! FUCK! Okay. What can I do to cheer him up…?'

Suddenly, the idea hit him, causing him to come to a complete halt.

Steve only went about four steps further before stopping himself and turning to face the other with a quirked brow. "Is something wrong, Brine?"

"This is boring. We've seen all of this. Let's head back to our room. I've got something I want to show you." he grinned while turning his back to Steve and heading back towards the Inn they were staying at now.

Steve called out to him while quickly giving chase as he received no response.

Steve was mildly annoyed when he lost site of the demon after turning a corner into an ally next to the Inn. He had teleported himself into their shared room… apparently whatever he had to show him required for him to be in the room first.

Now Steve stood in the doorway, eyes wide and staring at the items lain out neatly on the table. Mainly staring at the single Ender Pearl nestled carefully in a bed made of rolled up wool hand towels to keep it safe and stationary.

"About time you made it." Herobrine teased with a smirk as he moved to stand next to the table. "You might want to shut the door. What we're about to do together is a little private." he began in a smooth tone, chuckling at the flushed color that suddenly took over Steve's face as he tore his eyes from the table to instead stare at him in shock.

Herobrine slowly began approaching the other, his blank empty eyes half lidded and lips still curled up in a devious smirk. Standing before Steve and cornering him between the open door and himself, he whispered hotly; "Unless… you enjoy having an audience?"

Steve jumped just as Herobrine chuckled deeply after quickly shutting the door behind him and pulling away. "Well, even if you do get off to that sort of thing… this needs to stay secret!"

Taking a second to try and have his heart rate slow back down to normal, Steve took a deep breath as he watched Herobrine move back towards the table and motioning for him to join. Nodding his head for no apparent reason other than he couldn't find his voice, he took shaky steps over and was now standing next to the Nether ruler. 'W-why am I so shaken up by what he said?'

"Okay, Steve. Here's the deal. See what's on the table?" Herobrine started, motioning to the items and acting completely normal like he hadn't just cornered the human against the door and spoke to him almost seductively!

Clearing his throat and looking down to look at the items once again, he raised a brow in mild confusion. "Yeah? A strange pair of gloves. Iron plyers, clean cloths and one of the Ender Pearls. Plus an empty glass bottle and an iron bowl… Brine, just what exactly am I looking at here?" He turned to stare at the demon.

"Simple. We're going to make something. But you're missing one important item. Maybe seeing this will help you figure out where this is going…?" he spoke in a sing-song tone while reaching behind his back and pulling out from apparently the air a long orange colored rod that was glowing beautifully.

Violet eyes opened wide. "I-is that…?" he tried asking as what Herobrine had said to him in the beginning returned to his memory.

"You are a smart human, Steve… This is a Blaze Rod." he confirmed while holding the rod up for Steve to see closely. Just as the human reached out to touch it however, Herobrine quickly pulled it out of his reach, "Ah, ah. You put those on first." he warned with a smile while pointing at the gloves.

Steve blinked and looked down at the dark brown gloves on the table.

"They're made of leather, but I've enchanted them to be heat resistant. A Blaze Rod is extremely hot to the touch." he explained while watching the other slipping on the surprisingly light gloves.

"Then how are you holding it barehanded?"

"Have you forgotten who I am, Steve?" he teased while holding the rod out for him only after making sure he had the gloves on fully.

"Oh right… silly me." Steve glared before taking the offered rod, surprise filling him at finding how light the item was. He could still feel the heat through the gloves, making his palms warm up. When he held it too close to himself, he hissed slightly while holding it away, feeling the intense heat radiating from it as if he were standing mere inches from a roaring fire.

He was terrified to drop it. Would the whole building catch on fire?

"The rod itself isn't what's hot. But the powder within it. That powder is what we need. Take the plyers and carefully get a firm grip on the top of the rod." Herobrine instructed while moving to stand almost too close to Steve. He assured it was just in case the rod slipped so he could catch it, confirming Steve's fears by saying it would instantly catch the floor on fire.

Swallowing with a slow nod of his head, Steve did just as Herobrine instructed. He let out a startled yelp as Herobrine's hands suddenly clasped over his left which was holding the rod. "Careful, Steve!" he hissed, "Make sure to keep the rod completely upright. The powder is extremely combustible and the rods are filled nearly to the brim with the stuff! There's a high chance once you pop the top off some of the dust will flare up! If even a single speck of it lands on the wood, it'll set this whole building ablaze!"

"Then why the fuck are we doing this indoors!?" Steve would've shouted in Herobrine's face had the demon not pull his chin off from his shoulder and lean back.

"For privacy? Plus, I have faith in you, Steve." He reassured. Just as Steve calmed down and gripped the top of the rod with the plyers, Herobrine added; "Besides… if you somehow fuck up and spill some, I'm here to put the fire out."

Steve growled under his breath before forcing himself to tune out the demon and focus on the task at hand.

Herobrine moved back into his original position, keeping his left hand firmly over Steve's as the human's arm began trembling from his nerves while moving his right hand to rest rather comfortably on Steve's hip, insuring he kept his body still as well.

He was observing Steve's motions from over his left shoulder after leaning over to rest his chin against him once again, whispering softly so he didn't startle him again; "Try not to jump when it pops. The rods are made out of a material identical to glass… so it'll make a breaking sound when you snap it off." he warned.

The more Herobrine spoke about the rod, the more nervous Steve was becoming. Maybe he shouldn't do this? Maybe he should just have the other to this part for him. About ready to give in to his nerves, a sudden calmness came over him.

He hadn't noticed it before until it actually hit his senses.

With the close proximity between Herobrine and himself… Steve was able to take in his scent. Once again, it had the strange calming sensation as it did back in the cave. Only this time the effect was much more enhanced than the last time as before it was simply the man's shirt.

This time, Herobrine himself was pressed flush up against him and was leaning over him, the man's scent cascading over the human so strongly it was almost intoxicating.

Before he knew what was happening, Herobrine had pulled himself completely away from the miner with a proud laugh; "You see? I told you, you can do it!" he praised.

Blinking confusedly as everything around him began returning to normal, Steve looked down at his left hand, seeing it being the solo one holding the rod. Steam poured endlessly over the broken top and onto his gloved hand, heating the material up even more so than the rod itself.

"Alright. Now, the next thing to do is very carefully pour the powder into the empty bottle. Don't worry, the bottle too has been enchanted. It won't break."

"Alright…" Steve took a deep breath, feeling himself calmer now and having more confidence in himself. With ease, he was able to empty out the entire rod of its powdery contents into the glass bottle, sighing heavily with relief after setting the now clear and cold rod on the table.

Herobrine patted him on the back while grinning, watching as Steve took the gloves off and set them on the table. "Great job! Now comes the best part! Turning the pearl!" he exclaimed excitedly while reaching over and gently placing the Ender Pearl into the bowl.

Walking over towards the bookshelf behind Steve's bed, Herobrine grabbed a cup filled with cold water that Steve hadn't noticed when he first came in. He watched as Herobrine moved back over to stand before the bowl and pour just a few ounces of the water directly on the green orb. "I'll go ahead and help you with this part. Every time I tell you to, take the bottle with the powder and pour about an ounce worth directly on the pearl. Understand?" he instructed while making eye contact.

Steve nodded his head while taking up the powder after testing to make sure it wasn't too hot to the touch. When given the cue, he did exactly as told; tilting the bottle enough to allow just a small amount of the glowing powder to fall onto the pearl.

He jumped back slightly with a startled yell as a loud hissing filled the room upon the contact of the hot powder and cold water. Herobrine reached for the pearl with his free hand, using his fingers to slowly rotate the pearl around to ensure it was becoming fully covered by the now hardening powder.

"Okay, a little more, Steve." he instructed again. Just as Steve poured more powder, Herobrine repeated by adding more water and spinning the hot orb, not bothered even the slightest bit by the heat.

The steam filling the room began making it too stuffy and hot, causing Steve to begin slightly losing his concentration. He could feel beads of sweat forming along his brows and hairline and feel some trailing down his back. He shook his head in an attempt to keep his focus as Herobrine told him to add more powder.

Just as he emptied the bottle, Steve tried to warn Herobrine but failed as he stumbled backwards and dropped the bottle, not even hearing it shatter against the wood floor as the room began spinning before his vision began blurring and fading.

"Steve! Shit, I forgot your heat sensitive now!" he cursed while quickly reaching out and catching Steve before he collapsed onto the pile of broken glass, making sure to keep his right hand that was coated with the burning powder from touching the human.

Herobrine lifted Steve bridal style and carried him towards the door, glaring at the knob for a second before motioning with his head. Taking a step back to allow the door to swing open on its own, the demon carefully carried Steve out and down the hall towards the wash room.

Once inside, he sat a barely conscious Steve on the counter before washing the powder off his hand, making a slight 'Oh shit' face upon seeing it burning the sink a little. Quickly shrugging it off and moving on, he reached into the closet and pulled out a clean cloth and soaked it with cold water. He then wrung it out enough to keep it from dripping before placing it around Steve's neck.

Violet eyes fluttered open upon the cold contact of the cloth, surprised to see Herobrine face swimming into view. "Did I… pass out…?"

"No. But you almost did." he teased. "You should've told me you were feeling dizzy, idiot. I had completely forgotten about your new sensitivity to the heat." He then sighed.

"Sorry. It just sort of… hit me suddenly." He admitted.

"How're you feeling now?"

"Better. We can go back now. Sorry again and… thanks." He smiled while carefully hopping off the counter. After testing his balance, he went out into the hall and followed Herobrine back towards their shared room.

Opening the door normally since he noticed Steve was too out of it to have witness another use of his powers, Herobrine decided to play it safe and keep it a secret since he seemed to have started gaining the man's trust again rather than scaring him.

He stepped inside and quickly moved over to the bowl and peeked inside. Grinning widely while looking up at Steve as the miner gently shut the door behind himself, Herobrine took a wide step back and motioned towards the iron bowl. "Take a look, Steve. It's OK to touch it."

Quickly moving to join the other, Steve looked into the bowl and gasped at what he saw.

A sphere, a few shades of green lighter than an Ender Pearl, and easily double the size, sat glowing in the bowl. Steve couldn't take his eyes off of it as it seemed to be staring the human down with the single cat eye-like black slit that ran in the center of the large pearl.

Without saying a word, Steve took Herobrine's word and gently reached into the bowl, fingers trembling slightly until they came into contact with the smooth warm surface.

The instant his fingertips kissed the glass like surface, a sharp animalistic cry filled his ears as a burst of purple and black blurred his vision all for a mere second, causing him to gasp out loudly and yank his hands back.

Herobrine placed his hands to the human's shoulders to keep him steady, looking apologetic almost when Steve turned to look at him with confusion; "I, uh… forgot to warn you about that. You saw and heard the dragon… didn't you?"

"Y-yeah… I… I think so…" he breathed heavily.

"Then that's the final proof you are the Legendary Great Hero. And the proof we need to know that monster still breathes."

Steve swallowed thickly while moving away from Herobrine's touch and walking up to the Eye of Ender. With great hesitation, he slowly reached into the bowl once again and took a firm hold of the large sphere, a sigh of relief leaving him upon not experiencing the sound and vision again upon touching it.

Lifting it out of the bowl, he was surprised how light it was considering it had become doubled in size.

"Congratulations, Steve! You've successfully created an Eye of Ender." Herobrine watched with a smirk, his expression slowly softening as he saw the small smile growing steadily across Steve's face as he held the Eye of Ender close to himself while inspecting it.

"This takes us one step closer, Brine. One step closer towards The End."

Steve was too focused on the Eye of Ender in his hands to have caught the grin that appeared on the demon's face at his words. Though even if he had seen it, he would've thought nothing of it.

Casting a glance out the window, Herobrine's grin only grew upon seeing the beautiful hues in the sky as the sun began to set. "It's getting dark out, and not a cloud in the sky. Tonight we hunt those monsters down! But first, I say we have a celebratory drink!"

Steve's face paled at the suggestion, causing Herobrine to laugh with a shake of his head. "Don't worry. I said a drink. Meaning only one."

They both agreed to go to Joehl's Tavern, having enjoyed the beer and atmosphere and wanting to thank the man for helping them get a place to stay. That's why they were both surprised and sadden to find him not there upon entering.

A beautiful young woman was behind the counter serving everyone instead.

Approaching the bar and taking their seats exactly where they were the previous night, Steve smiled as she walked up to them with a wide smile while Herobrine tilted his head slightly to one side studying her; "Welcome, boys. What can I get you?"

Steve stared at her before finding his voice, having been slightly stunned by her appearance.

She was taller than most the women he's seen on the island and thinner. Her skin tone was tan and shoulder length hair was the brightest blond he had ever seen. Instantly, he wondered if she was from another land like himself as she clearly stood out. She kept his gaze locked with her own; violet staring deeply into bright blue.

"Um… I-I... j-just a beer for me please…" he breathed out while swallowing thickly and tearing his eyes away.

"Sure thing." she chuckled, her voice smooth as silk. Until she turned to Herobrine; her heartwarming smile dropped, eyes narrowed and a hand was placed to her hip. "And for you?" she bluntly asked.

Steve raised a brow and looked over at Herobrine, curious as to why the beautiful bartender would be acting so coldly towards the demon.

Herobrine was glaring hard through the blindfold, staring the woman down for a moment before responding with a grin, "Make it two, please."

She didn't saying anything more to him as she turned on her heel and began making their drinks.

Steve leaned over towards him and gently nudged his arm with his elbow, "What was up with that? You two know each other or something?"

Herobrine didn't answer him.

He instead kept his covered eyes on the woman, watching her every move while making the drinks as if he didn't trust her. He scrunched his nose up slightly as she sat his down before him rather rudely, whereas Steve's she gently set down and slid it towards him.

"There you go. Enjoy…" she smiled to the miner before looking over to Herobrine, once again placing her hand to her hip but this time was grinning, "What's wrong? I didn't poison it or anything."

"I was watching." Herobrine retorted, earning a chuckle from the woman and even more confusion from Steve.

"Then what's wrong? Afraid you'll enjoy it?" she baited him. There seemed to be a great deal of hatred coming from her as she kept her focus on Herobrine.

"Ha! As if! Don't be so full of yourself! You should be honored that you even made me a drink!" Herobrine loudly exclaimed while taking the cup in hand and bringing it to his lips.

Inspecting the drink closely, Herobrine slowly took a sip of the cold alcohol. Instantly, he was amazed by its taste. Steve had already begun telling her that it was delicious, so Herobrine was spared having to admit anything to her.

Though he growled to himself at the knowing grin she gave him just before excusing herself from their company and went to the back of the bar. He watched her lift up a trap door and climb down the ladder that lead into the cellar.

"Stay here, Steve. I'll be right back." he whispered to the human while getting to his feet and heading towards the main doors. He ignored the miner's questions as he left the tavern silently.

Looking around him, he took an immediate right and ducked into the narrow alley made up by the wall of the tavern and the massive stone wall that kept the town safe from the outside world before teleporting himself into the cellar where the woman had gone.

Instantly appearing behind her, he reached out and grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her around, pinning her roughly against the wall. "So… you finally decided to show yourself." He sneered.

The woman remained silent as she stared directly into his eyes, despite the blindfold.

"What? Now that we're alone, you're not able to make any snippy remarks?" he asked. When she still said nothing to him, he growled in annoyance while reaching up with his free hand and yanking the blindfold off, allowing his empty white eyes to stare into her blue. "Answer me! Did Notch send you here to spy on me or something!?"

"Do not bring our creator into this, Herobrine. He has nothing to do with why I am here." She at last spoke.

Letting out a deep sigh through his nose, Herobrine eased up on the hold he had on her, allowing her to push herself off the wall as he took a wide step back. "Why are you here? I can't help but feel it has something strongly to do with Steve." he inquired while crossing his arms over his chest.

"I only wished to meet him. I had been watching him from a distance here and there. I… was also concerned for his safety. A human traveling alone with a demon tends to worry us. You understand, don't you?" She taunted with an innocent tone.

Herobrine stared at her silently for a moment before sighing, "Well, I hope I've maybe put a dent in your fears! As you can see, Steve is perfectly safe!"

"Yes. I have seen. You've…" she began, pausing as she almost seemed to have a hard time admitting it; "I've seen multiple times in which you have saved that human's life. You've been keeping him from harm and danger away from him. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes… I would never believe it were true…" she whispered.

"Maybe now you can believe my words!?"

She shook her head, "It is still too early for that. You have to understand… And besides," She paused as she slowly began walking in a circle around Herobrine, her eyes taking in his appearance while trying to remember what Brine looked like, continuing with her words in a low voice; "who is to say you are only keeping Steve alive and well because he is a key for you? Perhaps he is a crucial tool you need?"

Herobrine balled his hands into fists at her words and tone, "You watch the way you talk about Steve in front of my face, woman."

She came to stand before him once again, their eyes locking; "Are you really trying to say to me that you actually care for him? A human? All the lives you took and destroyed during your rampage of madness... you expect me to try and believe you care for a single man!?"

It was quiet between them until a sudden loud ruckus above them had their heads tilted up and a sigh leaving her lips, "Guess I should go back up there before those drunken fools destroy this place."

"Where's the Tavern owner?" Herobrine asked while watching her beginning to ascend the ladder.

She stopped and looked over her shoulder with a smile, "I knew you would be returning here so I gave him a night off." She then shrugged her shoulder and returned to the surface, leaving Herobrine alone in the cellar to think things out.

After making sure everyone within the tavern were happy once again with refills, she focused all of her attention on Steve upon seeing Herobrine hadn't returned to him just yet. Perhaps her words hit him hard enough that he was actually using his mind for once?

Placing another beer before him, she leaned over the counter and smiled; "So… your traveling companion is a nice guy." she began.

Steve looked up at her with a raised brow before chuckling, rolling his shoulder; "Yeah, well… he has his pain in the ass moments. But who doesn't? Sorry for his behavior earlier by the way."

She laughed. "Don't be. It's fine." She watched him slowly drinking the new beer, a warm smile growing on her face.

He reminded her so much of Brine... His kindness and smooth voice. The caring aura that encircled him was what was really drawing her to him. Maybe Herobrine was caught by it too...? Taking in a deep breath, she collected her thoughts before speaking again, at last moving on to her true intentions; "Have you heard about the part of the legend," she began, instantly seizing Steve's full attention, "where our Great Notch approaches the Hero with the gift of immortality?"

Steve set the cup down, staring at her in shock. "H-how did you know I was—?"

She continued on, ignoring him for the time being; "But that's not the only thing he will offer. A title will also come with the gift should the Hero accept it. Our Great Notch's army has been without a captain for many years." She lifted her eyes and stared deeply into his, an almost pleading look reflecting in hers; "Steve. Notch will one day come to you and offer you the greatest gift of all time. When that time comes… will you accept it? Will you become our new captain since our last one abandoned us?"

"What…?" Steve gasped.

Suddenly the doors burst open loudly, and standing in the doorway was Herobrine, seething; "I knew it…" he growled. Steve stared at Herobrine before becoming confused by everyone around them.

No one turned to look at the door. The people continued on with their conversations as if they couldn't see or hear the demon.

"She's manipulating the air within this tavern, Steve. They can't see us or hear us!" the Nether ruler confirmed while briskly walking up to the bar, white eyes uncovered and glaring hard at the blond. To further prove his point, just as he walked past a table with two men sitting across from each other, he had reached out and roughly smacked the back of the head of one of them.

The man cursed while rubbing where he had been hit, looking around and trying to see who or what had struck him while his friend, though laughing, was equally as confused. "See!? We're ghosts to them right now!"

He now stood just a few feet from the bar, "So that's it, hunh!? That was the real reason why you're here! You're not concerned for Steve's well being while in my company! I know I fucked up. I know I hurt you! I know you want me gone! But for fucks sake! Give the guy a chance to get used to being the Great Hero before trying to convince him to replace me!" he screamed.

Steve stood to his feet, "Wait a minute. Replace you!?" This was escalating way to quickly for the miner to keep up with.

Herobrine stood before Steve, "Think back to the legends, Steve. Think back to the fucking legends! Or if you don't want to, I'm sure she'll have no fucking problem explaining it! So go on! Tell him everything!" he shouted while turning his focus back on the blond.

Steve kept looking from one to another, confused beyond reason and feeling utterly helpless.

She parted her lips to speak but was silenced by one last out burst from Herobrine; "You harpies like to try and pass judgement on your own accord! Even though it is not! Your! Place! But please! By all means! Go by how Steve reacts to what you say! Let's see if you can unwind and destroy the trust I've put so much effort into building with him!" He didn't give Steve not even a glance when the human called out to him as he left the tavern in a rage, slamming the double doors closed behind him.

She sighed heavily while looking down at the wooden bar.

Steve stared at the closed doors for a few moments, deeply hoping that Herobrine would come back in. Sadness filled him as the demon did not.

Narrowing his eyes and turning to face the woman behind the bar, Steve asked in a serious tone, "Who are you? And what the hell was that all about!?"

The woman sighed quietly before lifting her head and making direct eye contact with Steve. The instant violet met blue, all activity around them within the tavern froze. No sounds could be heard as it seemed like Steve had become deaf to the world. "My name is Angelique. Herobrine calls us harpies, but in actuality we are Valkyries. I am merely taking on a human appearance while I walk on this land." she admitted.

Steve took a step back, eyes wide in amazement. "A… Valkyrie? So… you're a part of Notch's army?"

Angelique nodded her head, "Correct. So, do you wish to know everything I know of about Herobrine? I will tell you all you wish to know."

"I do want to know more about him." he quickly replied.

"Very well. Herobrine was once th—"

"But if you don't mind," he interrupted her just as quickly, only continuing after she stopped speaking and stared at him. "I'd like to hear it all from Brine first."

She remained silent for a few long seconds, not pleased by his answer but still held high respect for him. With a heavy sigh, she gently closed her eyes and softly spoke; "Very well. I understand."

"Thank you…" He reached into his pocket for an emerald to pay for the drinks when she stopped him by lifting her hand up.

"Do not worry about them, Steve. I have already taken care of it." she smiled warmly at him.

Thanking her once again, Steve took a quick look around the tavern before politely excusing himself to seek out Herobrine.

Angelique watched him leave silently, the moment the door quietly shut, all activity within the building resumed as normal, no one acting as if they had noticed anything strange happen. She sighed through her nose while lowering her head; "Demons are dangerous beings to trust, Steve. Please be safe."

Once outside, Steve took in a deep breath of the fresh air, his flesh prickling at the chilliness that wrapped around him. Looking over his shoulder at the closed doors upon hearing the loud ruckus coming from inside once again, he sighed before making his way back towards the Inn, assuming that was where the other had gone to.

However, about halfway there, he heard the all too familiar sound of an Enderman screaming in death. Heart racing as he broke out into a run, Steve turned a corner and stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw—

The bodies of many Endermen lay strewn all over the place, their Ender Pearls rolling along the ground and through their blood, creating a sort of bread crumb trail that led to the end of the ally where Herobrine stood over the limp body of the Mob he had heard screaming, watching him yanking his bloodied diamond pickax from the creature's back.

Disregarding the precious pearls around him as he stared at the other in pure shock and horror at seeing the brutality used to slay so many of the Mobs and so quickly, Steve slowly began approaching the other with great caution; "B-Brine? A-are you alright…?"

Tensing upon hearing the human's terrified voice, Herobrine remained still for a few seconds, keeping his back to Steve before sighing loudly, his shoulders slumping almost as if in defeat. "Yeah…"

Now standing behind the demon, Steve tried to smile while reaching out and carefully placing his hand to the other's shoulder, "C-come on. Let's get out of here and go back to the Inn and get some rest. I-it's been a weird night…"

"Agreed." came the curt response, causing Steve's already weak smile to fall completely. Removing his hand from Herobrine's shoulder, Steve took a step back and was about to leave when the other's voice stopped him. "Grab the pearls. There's more than enough now. I just want this mess over with."

Steve stared at Herobrine, unable to stop the hurt from showing not only on his expression but within his eyes. He also couldn't stop the tightness that suddenly constricted his chest at the words spoken to him in a harsh tone, watching as Herobrine brushed past him and started picking the scattered pearls up.

Thunder could be heard in the far distance, indicating it was raining in other biomes as Steve cast his gaze downwards.

A sudden noise to his left had both he and Herobrine looking over, both men gasping before the Nether ruler shouted at the Endermen that were hastily trying to beat them to collected the pearls of their fallen members.

"Hey!" Herobrine yelled while running at the two nearest him, drawing his tool turned weapon up to swing at them while Steve tried to collect the pearls the demon had dropped.

Being unarmed, the miner figured if Herobrine could keep them at bay, he could scoop up enough of the pearls to at least get them where they needed to be.

Each swing missing the creatures as the Mobs teleported just before contact, Herobrine cursed the Endermen before turning to see Steve suddenly circled by six of the tall slender creatures. The demon stood still, white eyes wide and staring as he waited to see what they would do.

They never acted this way towards him before back when he was the Great Hero…

Steve looked from each creature as they continued to stare him down, making sure to avoid making any eye contact. He was unarmed and unable to defend himself again just one. He was certain he wouldn't survive six at once!

Even with Herobrine's protection.

He held tightly to the pearls he managed to gather, holding his breath as the Mobs began chattering with each other as if deciding what to do with the human.

All at once, two of the Endermen grabbed Steve just as Herobrine tackled three others, causing the creatures all to startle and scatter before causing the miner to drop most of the pearls he had picked up.

Disappearing with all of the spheres, Steve and Herobrine remained where they each had fallen to the ground and quickly scanned the area to see if any of them had remained.

"Dammit! Those assholes took the fucking pearls from us!" Herobrine yelled while punching the stone ground and leaving behind a cracked dent.

Slightly shaken up by the randomness of the encounter, Steve shook his head while before pushing himself to his feet with a shake of his head. "Not all of them." He whispered while watching Herobrine standing.

"What?"

Smiling while reaching into his pockets, Steve pulled out four Ender Pearls he had managed to hide before he was attacked.

White glowing eyes opened wide. Steve was holding four pearls. Add those to the eight they have already now gives them exactly twelve. They had twelve Ender Pearls!

Well… eleven considering they had just turned one into an Eye of Ender.

"Steve…! Y-you… but how did you hide those?" he asked while walking up to look at the pearls.

"I managed to stuff them in my pockets while the Endermen were trying to keep you from them before they circled me. Brine… what happened? Why did you go on a mass killing spree of them?" Violet eyes then fell half lidded as he sighed upon the demon attempting to give him a look like he didn't know what he was talking about, "You really do want this all over with then, don't you? I'm sorry it took this long. But… at least we now have enough to activate the portal? You think we should get just a few more to use to find the stronghold? I think two more will be enough… we'll be careful not to lose them." He answered his own question quietly and with a sad tone, not really giving the demon a chance to speak for himself.

Herobrine felt a painful twist in his gut at the human's response to what he had said out of anger and frustration right before those creatures showed up, mentally cursing at himself for once again being unable to control the words that came from his mouth while watching Steve now walking past him and back towards the Inn.

Being left alone in the ally, Herobrine sighed while looking down at one of the pearls he had taken from Steve to look at. "Dammit…"

Having chosen to give the miner some space and time alone, Herobrine had actually walked back to the Inn versus simply teleporting, making sure to keep his head down as he walked past what few people were out this late as he had left his blindfold back at the tavern.

Making it back to the Inn, he hesitated before taking a deep breath and entering their shared room, surprised to see Steve examining the large Eye of Ender so intently. The biggest grin was on the human's face as he watched the sphere shifting shades of green from the lighting.

"It's so beautiful." he breathed, unable to tear his eyes from it even as he heard the other taking a seat next to him at the table.

"Steve."

At last looking from the sphere and at the other, Steve interrupted whatever Herobrine was going to say, "Wait. Before you say anything." He sat the Eye of Ender down on the bed of cloths before focusing his attention on Herobrine; "After you left, Angelique began telling me about you."

Herobrine let out a fake chuckle, "So. What do you think of me now? Pretty monstrous and low right?"

Steve ignored him for now as he continued, "I told her I wanted to know more about you. But I told her I wanted to hear it all from you first."

Herobrine blinked and looked up at him. "R-really? And what did she say?"

"I could tell she didn't like that. But she accepted it and spoke nothing else about you." He hesitated, knowing what he wanted to ask but was unsure of how to approach it. It was almost as if he were afraid of what the answer would be… "Herobrine, you two… were close at some point. Weren't you?"

Herobrine stared at him for a moment before sighing quietly. "You can say that."

A heavy feeling began settling in his gut for some reason, but a surprising anger over powered his own feelings as he glared at the demon, "What exactly did you do to her? You had said you hurt her! I may have only just met her tonight, but she seems very nice!"

Herobrine blinked in pure disbelief. This isn't where he thought this was going. "W-wait, what?! First off, Steve! Don't let her fool you! because she's a woman." he warned in a low tone though not out of actual malice. "Second! I think you've got the wrong idea about me and Angelique. If you think we were close as in being a couple, you're mistaken." he clarified.

Steve leaned back in surprise. He apparently did have the wrong impression… and for some reason, hearing that caused the heavy feeling to ease up within him. Almost as if he was relieved? "So then… what were you to each other?"

Herobrine hesitated greatly, truly debating with himself if he actually wanted to say. Sighing heavily, he lowered his white gaze to stare at the Eye of Ender sitting right before the human. "Before I went crazy, I was… the captain of Notch's entire army. I helped train the young Valkyries while serving Notch and helping protect his creations. Angelique… was one of my finest new recruits. She was strong and smart; very quick to move up in the ranks. She began looking up to me as I… began favoring her."

"So what happened to make you ask if I think you a monster?" Steve softly asked, mentally begging the demon to tell him.

True sadness covered Herobrine's face as he answered him, "I hurt her… by turning against them all. I betrayed her trust and loyalty, and caused an inner conflict within her to spiral completely out of control that at the end of it all nearly destroyed her. I was the one person she looked up to and trusted. And for me to turn against her, caused her to become lost and confused. How do you handle when the one person who was your hero and leader… promising you that you would be the second in command no matter what it took... suddenly stands over you after throwing you to the ground with his sword pressed firmly against your neck? Grinning down madly at you while casually explaining how he's going to slowly slit your throat wide open and paint his name all over the walls with your blood as you lay bleeding out!?"

Steve stared at him, pure shock on his face as he tried to find even one word to say. He had told himself that no matter what the Nether ruler had said, it wouldn't change how he saw the other man.

But now that he's heard it… he wasn't so sure he could stay true to that thought.

"Everything I had put her through during her training. Through all the injuries and pain… she never once shed a tear in front of me. She had always remained strong in my presence. Even when mourning those we lost in battles. But as I held her there pinned beneath me and using my weight to have her own body crushing her broken wings, with my sword to her throat and cutting her skin… while she took in every single word I said to her… her tears wouldn't stop. That night, I had broken more than just her body…" Lifting his empty gaze up to look at Steve, Herobrine sighed with a weak shrug, "Now you know."

Steve remained quiet for a long time, thinking over everything that was just told to him. He never thought Herobrine would tell him something so deep and painful. He was speechless and felt numb all over. When feeling finally returned to his being, he felt an overwhelming emotion beginning to choke him, causing him to shake his head before clearing his throat and sitting upright. It was only fair to exchange; "The... place you were thinking about eariler… with the whirlpool. It's… or was a massive kingdom called... Valerrencia."

Herobrine blinked before looking to stare at Steve as he softly sighed before continuing, staring at his hands as they fiddled almost nervously together on top the table, "It's nothing now of course. The years of war beat it down until at last it fell. It was wealthy of precious materials buried deep beneath its kingdom that were only open to the miners of the kingdom. The material harvested from those mines though were open for fair trade with just about anyone from any land. Many people wanted to just steal and exploit the material for their own greed though. Which is why the kingdom… why… w-we were always at war with someone."

It was Herobrine who stared at Steve now. "Steve… you're from… Valerrencia?"

Though he did not verbally confirm it, the sad sigh and gentlest nod of his head was all the confirmation the demon needed.

Herobrine nearly slapped himself in the face. It all makes sense now! Steve's exotic appearance alone should've been enough for a wake-up call of just where the man was from! He had never been to the kingdom, for it had risen and fallen during his time trapped within the Nether, but he had read about how the males from Valerrencia had a very similar trait with each other. For some reason that has yet to be explained, the males born within the castle and that were blessed by the waters from the king's fountain would develop violet colored eyes. For some reason, it did not affect the females born and blessed the same way.

Another thing Herobrine knew… was the kingdom of Valerrencia was rather far away from the island they were on now. He wanted to push on to try and get the human to tell him about the night of the attack.

But he didn't. He felt Steve told him more than enough. They had each shared a deep and secretive part of their pasts to warrant enough for the night. Watching Steve return his attention to the Eye of Ender, Herobrine forced a small smile, "Steve…" He waited to continue until the miner looked up at him. "It's been a long night. Go get some sleep. Tomorrow we'll leave to a safer location to begin the process of changing the rest of our pearls into more Eyes."

Smiling weakly with a nod of his head, Steve pushed himself to his feet while excusing himself to his bed.

Watching until he knew for certain the man was sleeping, Herobrine took the Eye of Ender and teleported himself to the roof, suddenly needing some fresh air to help clear out his thoughts.

Sitting on the edge of the roof with his feet over the ledge, Herobrine stared out at the full moon as it continued to climb into the sky while absentmindedly rubbing the Eye of Ender sitting in his lap.

Steve is from Valerrencia. A land most have forgotten unless they were a part of the many who were involved in the wars against the kingdom. If any of those who helped with the attacks were on this island, they would recognize Steve instantly by his purple eyes.

And as far as Herobrine knew, Steve was the last survivor of a forgotten land, making him instantly more valuable to the wrong crowd. A sneer spread across the demon's features at that thought as it came to him, a deep almost possessive growl following his words as he suddenly gripped the Eye of Ender tightly upon the over whelming protective urge that rushed through him;

"This only doubles Steve's worth. Not only to those who wish to use him. But to me as well."

To Be Continued…

A/N - Delayed update! I'm sorry for everything! I feel like I'm putting both Steve and Herobrine through a great deal of crap while they work on building something close to a relationship... It'll be worth it boys, trust me. They both have some fucked up pasts too I realize as I continue to write this story. And this chapter is only like... the damn cherry at the very top of a 3 tier wedding cake big enough to feed up to 300 guests for Steve's past...

Also, I hope people don't get too confused with Herobrine's behavior. Even though he's trying to make amends (or so he says...?) (j/k) (or AM I?) remember he is still Herobrine. Can six hundred years of solitude really be enough to change the heart of a man turned murderous demon? I just realized I gave you guys two cliff hangers... I'm a horrible person. (shuts up and crawls under bed to hide and work on finishing next chapter. But first... I'ma go bake some brownies!)

*Again a huge special thanks to slingading for the fantastic cover art for this story! Thank you so much and much love to you!*