Ruben's Adventure
Chapter 7: Backstory
Disclaimer: I do not own Minecraft or any of the characters involved except Ruben
Ruben rode out into the desert, leaving his home and friends behind in the smoking ruins of their city. He rode for cycles in the direction he'd last seen Martin and his Summoner had rode off in, only stopping to eat and set up a small camp. After five cycles he was beginning to lose hope until he saw something familiar. A large mountain. He stopped his horse and took a closer look at the mountain before realization dawned on him: That was the same mountain he'd first tried to take refuge in when he set out from home.
"Then that means…" Ruben turned his horse and rode around the base of the mountain to find a large wooden wall awaiting him.
"I'm home…" He said to himself. Riding up to the gates he called to those inside. The large doors opened and Ruben was welcomed inside.
As he entered the small village Ruben looked around and smiled to himself. Once he entered the town square he dismounted and looked around before a familiar figure approached him. She practically tackled him to the ground.
"Oh Ruben!" She shouted.
"Hi mom," he said with a smile as he hugged her back.
"Welcome home Ruben… what brings you back?" The village elder approached them as he spoke.
"I… I happened to be passing through and figured I'd stop by," Ruben told him.
He nodded as he stroked his beard. Leaning against the stick he used to support himself he looked deeply into Ruben's eyes before sighing.
"Follow me," He said.
Ruben looked to his mother in confusion, she stepped aside allowing Ruben to follow. He and the town head entered the older man's home. He stepped across the entrance room to a bookcase.
"You aren't just passing through, are you?" He asked.
"No… I'm hunting someone," Ruben told him.
"Martin?"
Ruben's eyes widened "You know of him?"
The old man nodded as he produced a painting from behind a set of books. He approached Ruben and handed it to him. It showed his mother holding a baby that looked a lot like Ruben, the town head, and another younger boy who was only a few cycles older than Ruben in the picture.
"Do you remember when this painting was taken?"
Ruben shook his head which made the old man chuckle "I'm not surprised. You were only a cycle old at the time, this was taken many cycles ago now… the boy you see in the picture. That is Martin… I'm his father,"
Ruben almost dropped the picture in surprise as he said that. "You… you're Martin's father?"
"Yes… I can't say I'm proud of that fact, at least not after all this time. I'm aware of what my son is doing out there in the world. I'd like to say I could stop him but… my body is too old, I wouldn't stand a chance, but you… you my boy-"
"Where is he?" Ruben asked, cutting him off.
"I do not-"
"Don't lie to me!" Ruben said angrily as he pulled out one of his swords. The dull enchantment giving off a glow on his arm.
The old man paused for a moment and then sighed. "The last place I knew he resided in was an abandoned underground fortress not far from here,"
Ruben nodded and put the sword away.
"Ruben… I know Martin doesn't deserve any mercy for what he's done to you, but please. Consider an old man's request?"
Ruben looked to him, his eyes still angry. "Depends on what it is,"
"Martin is just misguided, corrupted by the world out there. Bring him home and I'll ensure he never causes anyone any trouble ever again,"
Ruben shook his head, "I'm sorry. After what he did to me and my friends… the monsters he unleashed on our home. I can't do that,"
The elder nodded, "I understand… tell me… have you heard of 'The End'?"
"Where's this coming from?"
"Just answer the question Ruben,"
"Once… in a passing conversation with Jack… he said that it was some alternate dimension, like the Nether,"
"Correct, but there's more to it than that. The Enderman you see around our world from time to time dwell there, they are higher beings than us Ruben. They make movements in the shadows and when we do see them we don't understand their intentions… however, there is a legend that says if one should defeat the beast that dwells in the End, one will receive knowledge beyond their years…"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"If Martin did to your friends what he's done to so many others, I think this might be a key in figuring out how to change them back,"
Ruben's eyes widened, "They can be changed back?"
The old man nodded once again "I've heard tale of a strange brew that can reverse the effects of death so long as a corpse is still present. If your friends were turned into zombies, they can be saved. Though I do not know how to make this strange potion, or what ingredients it requires. I feel that the knowledge gained by defeating the beast in the End is what will give the means to make it,"
Ruben gripped his hands into fists as he thought about this, "Very well, thank you for telling me all of this," he turned and went to leave.
"Ruben, perhaps it might serve to know how to get into the End?"
Ruben stopped and turned back to the Elder. "Sorry,"
He held up a hand. "Unlike the Nether, one can't make a portal to the End, it has to be found. I think Martin set up his base in that old abandoned fortress because he thought it might be there, and I suppose it might just be, but something has prevented him from entering for all this time,"
Ruben nodded, "I'll figure it out, thanks for your help,"
He turned and left the Elder's house. Making his way back to the center of town he found his horse was being fed an apple by his mother, she looked to him with a smile.
"Going back out again dear?"
He nodded as he leapt up into the saddle. "I have to mom, but don't worry, I'll be back, and I'll introduce you to all my friends I've made while I was gone,"
He whipped the reins and the horse pivoted before heading back out the gate he'd come in from. His mother nodded to herself as she watched him ride away, a single tear falling down her check.
"Good luck Ruben,"
