Surrounding semi dark held shadows.
Dark, gray stone glistened upon walls stretching above to the shrouded ceilings, where enormous spider-webs hung still in silence like tattered, colorless tapestries. Dim red torches glowed dim on the walls, unable to keep back the oppressive feel of the place, empty and lifeless like a tomb.
Equally still, he sat in upon the cold, hard stone step below an equally imposing throne, his glowing gaze hazed as it emptily held ahead, unseeing.
There were no thoughts, only vague perception and waiting. For what? He could not remember. Even what he did perceive remained vague, coming in and out of focus just as his awareness did.
The sound of steps echoing in the corridors beyond the massive gates covered with ornate metal and wood, woke him up just a little. Hearing voices calling out to each other between the characteristic sounds of dull strikes against bone and metal, instantly brought forth images of faces twisted with anger and pain. He scowled, a wave of fury rising until it filled every bit of his conscious mind, what little of it remained.
Players. Returning here again to attack and destroy, to kill... and to die, at his hands.
It happened before, many times. Now, he remembered it. And he also remembered his purpose. To wait. To destroy. It was enough to act.
An unconscious push and he already stood in the center of the magnificent palace of this castle deep underground. Impatiently, his body tensed and rang like the sound of a blade thrust forth and piercing the air. The torches on the walls, previously shining dim, burst to light, revealing hidden details as the enormous space around him gained familiar bright colors.
Dark forms of tapestries lit, revealing the glory of battles and monsters, along with images depicting the history of the world, its creation, destruction, and rebirth, where two beings stood side by side surveying their marvelous work. Both in plain clothes, simple short-sleeved shirts and trousers, brown and gray, teal and cyan blue. One of them bearded and without head hair, his eyes brown on a calm, stern face and his form stout and strong, stood in the middle or slightly to the right. The other, with his eyes a deep, sapphire blue, stood lower and to the left, and looked directly at the viewer with a slightly amused smirk playing across his lips framed by an accurate small beard. In the image in the middle, the second man's expression held curiosity and childlike wonder. In further images to the right, the blue eyes changed to empty white, and the expression changed to anger that twisted his face into a scowl. He and the brown-eyed man stood in opposition to each other, ready to fight, as numerous figures crowded behind them with same ready hostility – on white eyed man's stood snarling monsters while on brown eyed man's human heroes held their weapons in their hands. The tapestries further along the wall bore images of battles where the monsters and men fought.
Beneath the tapestries crowded treasure chests, spilling coins gleaming golden in the light. Bones and skulls peeked out, sunk. A strange movement of the air suddenly passed across the chamber, like a released breath, softly stirring the hanging spiderwebs. Faint clicking sounds above made the spiderwebs shake as numerous creatures began their descent from hidden alcoves above. Figures in dark armor, until then standing like statues along the wall, made a step forward, straightening their great swords and pikes, preparing to face the returning threat yet again.
The one who stood in the middle of the palace waited, frozen, but his gaze burned brighter, glaring upon the ornate gate leading into his rest chambers. Expressionless face did not betray the all-consuming anger that now burned within him with a cold, contained flame. Eerily still like all the other guardians of the keep, he waited.
Finally, the shouts neared the doors and ceased as the intruders took a brief rest in the small, secure area by the doors, where they could regroup their forces before rushing forward to their final challenge – to face him and die or destroy him. Only for it all to repeat again. And again. And again.
His constantly fading mind remembered this. And that was all that he could remember.
The sooner it all ended the better. A thought suddenly came, weary and irritated. He hated to wake up. Waking up meant becoming aware of troubling feelings and concepts that he could not comprehend, even if did make the attempt to grasp on. Questions, images, faces appeared, only to vanish, but leaving a disturbing feeling of urgency and loss and certainty that he had to do something important. What? He didn't know.
All of this would cease as soon as these annoying intruders came and left. Then, he could go back to his slumber.
He could not, would not, give up to them without a fight. That was a part of him he did not even attempt to deny. And so, he waited, the anger only burning brighter the longer those outside his chamber delayed in making their predictable attack.
Behind the massive door, he perceived sounds. Words, which carried meaning. He remembered it, dimly. He simply didn't bother to strain his mind to remember what those sounds meant, only wishing that they would cease and leave him be.
"Look!... Maaan, what babes... Hey, how did you even get here?... Hey, I'm talking to you!... Hey... What?... What the blaze?... Aaaaah!" The last came as a scream, though not of pain, but indignation. Those beings who came could feel no pain, unlike him, he suddenly remembered that as well. More shouts came as the number of his opponents suddenly rapidly decreased from nine to two, who had just arrived. They defeated the others? Good, then it will take even less time before he could return to his rest.
Some of his anger dimmed and a tiny surge of feeling stirred. Curiosity. It was too faint and almost immediately vanished to gray boredom, so he ignored the brief impulse to look at who those new arrivals were ahead of time, using the creatures beyond as his ears and eyes, though he could have done so. He simply could not master the motivation. Why? He would know soon enough and did not matter why they removed the others from this attack. It shortened the time when he could return to rest and that was all he cared about.
He didn't have to wait long. Another few minutes and the gates opened with a long creak feigning a lack of use. Two figures appeared in the doors, framed by light of a magical stuff dropped to the ground. Female players of indeterminate age, slim and fit, as most players chose to look. Dressed in armor that followed their curves and bore ornate patterns along the edges, their features hidden in shade beneath loose dark cloaks, both players stood with faces turned in his direction. Behind them, in what he could glimpse of the corridor, he saw the charred remains of the creatures that server as his outer guards. Broken bits of skeletal remains mixed with scattered items of the vanquished players. Strange. Unharmed spiders hurried to escape back into the shadows, not making the attempt to attack.
Remaining silent, too weary to hold on to the questions, he waited for the players to enter his place of dominion. They did not appear in a hurry to do so.
"Are you sure that's him? If we make another mistake..." The uncertain voice that came from one of the players sounded young and carried notes of frustration. The two players continued to study him, still not making a step forward that would allow him to begin his attack. He glimpsed expressive, violet eyes beneath the hood of the cloak of the one who just spoke. There was something familiar about the outline of that cheek, lit by the playful light of the torch that danced back and forth. Capricious lips pressed together. The feeling attempted to break through the gray indifference and died.
"If its not, then we'll keep trying. Again and again. And again." The voice of the other person came hard and determined, older, but strangely weary as well. Immediately, the strange feeling returned, this time stronger. He didn't turn his gaze, not finding the strength to do so, but he could still see the heated, black eyes that flashed at him beneath the hood. Living, smoldering coal, that was the sudden association. The feeling within grew stronger. Before he could decide what it was, the figure of the violet-eyed player made a bold step forward, a metal-decorated stuff appearing in her hand and making a preparatory whirl. The air rung, releasing a familiar sound. A skilled fighter, this one, something within him gave him an admiring approval.
Angry boredom shifted to a brief ray of interest, which did not die but stay, although small and dim. A challenge? That was worth waking up for a little.
"All right. I really hope you are right, Alviana. I don't know how much longer I can keep trying and hoping that this will work. It's already been more than I can count!" The staff bearing player complained and shifted her staff to her left arm, where she whirled it again with as much skill as in her right arm.
She was now within reach, her presence evoking the usual rage that blanketed his languid thoughts, though some eagerness burned in it as well. A challenge! Pushed by his will, the other creatures in his chamber lunged toward the intruders.
"Distract them for me, Arianna." The dark-eyed player spoke from beneath her concealing hood. With an obedient nod, the staff bearing player suddenly blurred into motion, turning into a whirl wind of protection. Her friend stepped forward as well and began crossing the ground with strange confidence. She didn't even bother to look at the fearsome knights that towered above her small height. Her friend distracted them, drawing them away to fight with her. Her staff flashing on impact against metal, the deceptively fragile form flattered around the room, leaving the path toward him clear. Dark eyes of the player held on his as she continued to approach, each step graceful and measured, as if her walk was a dance. Strangely mesmerized, he watched her approach, not finding the urge to attack quite yet.
Another step and the player cast back her hood with a careless gesture, revealing a dark-skinned, pleasantly shaped face with high cheek bones. Determined gaze of lively, black eyes held on his, forming a strange connection. The world beyond lived its own life, while in the midst of brightly lit space guarded by the flickering shadow of her friend fending off attacks, only the two of them remained.
He looked at her face, barely noticing the rest, which strangely shifted to his view. Dim and vague, her dark armor suddenly flowed into elegant garments, which snugly shielded her form, then suddenly became a white veil, then became armor again. The air around her figure shimmered. Her dark hair framed her delicate shoulders, then gathered into loosely woven braids beneath a crown of glimmering bony ridges and black jewels that reminded him of the eyes of the spiders waiting in corners of the room. He noticed them with the corner of his vision. The creatures had paused in their approach, frozen, as their red eyes stared at the player in confusion, not daring to attack. Why did they not attack like the rest?
The thought came and fled, as his attention returned back to the strange girl. So small and fragile, she walked toward him with strange determination and not a hint of fear on her face. The rage burned still, but quieter, retreating back a step to allow slight curiosity through.
He stared at the player and suddenly became aware of a very conflicting feeling that also stayed his hand, making him unwilling to raise the deadly weapon that he already held in his hand, his knuckles tight. He wanted... to protect her. And slay her without mercy. The grip on his sword grew tight and a growl rumbled deep within his chest as the strange intruder stepped right toward him and lifted her chin, gazing into his face as if searching for something.
Black eyes looked up at his scowling face and for some reason filled with indescribable sadness. A hand reached out to cup his cheek and another gently drew behind his neck, drawing him closer. For some reason he didn't resist. Imprisoned by her eyes, he silently watched, as the mysterious being rose slightly on her tip toes and touched her lips to his, evoking another strange feeling that he couldn't name. Astonishment? The feeling faded, but his rage quieted even more, even though the red hearts indicating his life force began to blink, darkening one by one.
Spider Queen's Kiss: status – paralysis. A status line blinked in the corner of his vision.
Poison Effect? A thought appeared and vanished. He simply didn't care enough to act as calm descended over him mixed with indifference, though faint curiosity remained, bright against the bleak gray still wrapping his heart with overwhelming weight he did not have the strength to fight.
On last half a heart, the player released him, reluctantly moving back, though her hand remained on his stubbled cheek. His whole attention devoted to the changing expressions on her face, he silently watched hope give way to disappointment, then resignation and finally guilt. He held her gaze, feeling a slight frown crease his forehead as another long-forgotten feeling attempted to emerge through the reigning indifference – confusion.
"I'm sorry, darling. Forgive me..." Softly spoken words were so clear, unlike the words he heard before. Or maybe he simply managed to pay a greater attention. Only... he didn't understand what this meant.
Until sharp pain pierced his back, where the player's hand had thrust a deadly dagger.
Anger flared at this betrayal along with strange hurt, which for a brief moment shone so bright that it pushed back the gray. He glared at the face of the one who defeated him by some strange trick, almost expecting to see the mocking triumph in her eyes. Instead, he found only sadness. Dark eyes watched him through the long eye-lashes, misting with tears that shone like bright stars in the night.
Brief rage dimmed, again turning to confusion.
His knees gave as his body collapsed, to be gently lowered to the ground. The player kneeled with him, settling his head in her lap. Gentle fingers weaved through his hair, caring and regret in her face. The still stinging wound in his back spoke of a different intent. This was treachery, still, no matter how she felt about it or why she did it. He could remember something similar to this. He could... And yet he could not. Yet it happened...
Lost, he continued to look at this player as pain continued to course through his body, already growing distant. He had been defeated and death would not be long in forthcoming to embrace him and carry him away. To return again. To wait. And dream.
Why? He tried to hold on, suddenly badly wanting to understand the reason for all this.
The player turned away, as if the sight of him hurt her too and she could no longer bear looking at him. For some reason that made the pain in his heart worse.
Dark eyelashes blinked, releasing a tear to streak down a smooth, dark skin. The girl lifted her hand, where another weapon appeared - a dagger with a thin edge and an ornate handle. A bright gem glowed within an intricate crystal cage with eerie white-blue light that left misty trails in the air.
A swift strike, and it also pierced his flesh, this time lodging directly in his heart through his chest. This time the pain barely stung, distant as the world around him began to dim, the last of his strength keeping him here running out. The gem in the handle of the dagger faintly pulsed, falling in the rhythm of his damaged heart and he felt strange warmth flowing from it into his heart. It helped a little. His emotions suddenly flared brighter.
No! This time he didn't wish to sink into the dark. A sense of loss and pain burst deep within and twisted, drawing a pained gasp from his chest. Squeezing his eyes tight, his chest heaved. It hurt. Yet, he felt more alive than he had in a long time, though he still couldn't remember when was the last time that he did feel this way.
"Shhh. You can let go, darling."
No! He would fight! He didn't wish to leave. Not now!
His dimming sight gave him an image of a gentle smile and more tears trailing down a strangely familiar and dear face. A second face appeared, light skinned, where violet eyes also held concern. His vision flickered as an unimaginably vast force began to tag against his weakened being.
"I wish we knew where he would respawn next. What if they find him first?" The violet-eyed girl asked with worry in her voice.
"Don't worry, they won't be able to tell. Not with his code changed to match that of their own creations. This form will be a perfect guise."
"Still... What if we don't find him in time? He is going to be so confused. Without his memories... Damn them for doing this! I'll never forgive them. Never!" The girl's voice rang, echoing back from the stone walls. His eyes closed against his own volition. His life was nearly gone.
"He is strong. He won't give up without a fight, with or without his memory. He cannot really die, no matter what they will do. He made sure of that. If this fails, we... we will just have to try again." The girl's voice trembled a little, despite trying to sound sure.
"I'm tired, Alviana. If this doesn't work... I don't know if I can do this again. I'm sorry." Weary notes held on the verge of crying and he suddenly wished that he could pat this other, younger girl on her head as he had... done before?
His vision failed and chest ceased making attempts to breathe. The pull of the force beyond tore through his will and settled around his heart in an unbreakable grip.
"Come back to us. Do you hear?" He heard the younger girl's stubborn voice call to him through the daze.
"Come back... " Soft words came.
The force tore him away and carried him off into the darkness, where white patterns flickered in and out of being faster than he could burn their images into his troubled mind. Fragments... Brief bits of being, torn away from their place and carried off, just like him. He should have fallen asleep, as he had done before. Instead, his awareness cleared.
All around him reigned darkness, where he was nothing more than a tiny speck. He continued to fly forth, pulled, and entirely helpless.
"Wake up. darling..." From great distance, the mysterious girl's voice called to him.
"Wake up..."
...
Herobrine's eyes flew open.
He stared at the wooden ceiling above, not sure where he was at first. Last vestiges of the dream dissolved, leaving behind the same troubled, confused feeling that he had whenever he had this dream - as if he was on the verge of remembering something very important. The feeling began to retreat as soon as he became aware of it, however. He let go, knowing that the attempt to hold on would be fruitless. The memories that this dream promised simply did not exist.
His lost gaze focusing on the ceiling above, where several spiderwebs had appeared despite him cleaning code of such vestiges before he went to sleep, Herobrine frowned, turning his mind to the memories that he did have and reviewed the recent events.
Images began to flash with increasing speed. Faces. Places. The careless, lazy stay in the mansion where he stayed too long. The attack. Strange weapons. Nearly dying and his strange lack of power. Steve...
Steve!
His eyes opening wide, Herobrine sat up and called forth a map, where a lonely green mark burned. A hurried glance reassured that Steve's vital signs remained good. The steady heartbeat and measured breaths indicated that he was most likely asleep. And his location was not far.
Relieved, Herobrine slumped a little right where he sat. Good. The young human stayed where he was supposed to. Last night Herobrine had doubts if he would really listen to his warnings. The mistrust nearly led Herobrine to lock him up in one of the many furnished rooms nearby. He was now glad that he resisted the impulse.
Steve listened. And he was safe. And so was Herobrine. Still safe. For now.
Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to rest in that sensation. Just another moment, before he would fully wake up. Just a little longer, before he would again take on the burden and see what he could do to fix the mess that he himself had so carelessly caused.
A scowl appeared on Herobrine's face at the thought. Last clinging bits of the strange dream let go. White eyes opened again, this time focused as anger burnt within them and Herobrine's face hardened with determination, forcing the things he could not understand to the far background of his mind where he carefully locked it up.
He was not willing to let go of this strange dream completely. It seemed too much like a memory for that, though dim and vague. Likely his first one, before he became fully aware of himself. And it suggested... No, he didn't have enough to go on to understand what it meant.
So he put it away, for now.
First things first. Herobrine closed his eyes again and concentrated, hesitantly reaching to the algorithms stored in the part of his mind that he could not reach before. This time, he did it.
It worked!
A triumphant grin lit up his face as he began to issue the familiar commands. He started up a full health diagnostic and waited until the attached protocols would finish scanning his code.