AN: 6000 Views. 30 Favs. 31 Follows. Thank you all sooooooo much for liking my story. Kind of hard to believe I've been typing up chapters for half a year. Kinda thought I'd go crazy by now.

To all my reviewers, don't panic that the reviews aren't showing in the review section. Something is wrong with fanfiction . net. It counts the reviews and I get them via email, but I can't see them through fanfiction. I hope this problem resolves itself because I like reading the reviews on here, but don't let that discourage you from writing them. I can still read your praise and criticisms after all.

No puzzle this time. But only because I'm promoting the humorous chapter prompt one more time. Read below if you haven't already.

I am planning a humorous chapter in the future. It will involve several short stories strung together on the basis of Cobb's travels with Wynn's group to Daymonte. Therefore, I have decided to give the viewers a chance to devise part of the story and give me their best A-game humor.

Here's the prompt: Cobb has set off to Daymonte with Wynn, her guards, Floyd, Soul, and Cara. The trip takes seven days, and each day Cobb finds himself in situations demonstrating his 'newbiness' to those around him. Resulting in mockery and laughs. Anything goes.

If you wish to send an idea, I'd prefer it sent as a PM (if you can't PM, then a review is fine). And if the idea makes me laugh enough, I'll include it in the story and credit the brilliant writer that suggested it.

So if you're interested, give me your A-game humor. I'm certainly looking forward to the entries (if there will be any).

Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd add chocolate cake.

Chapter 28

Gathering

[Spring]

"I-I-It's f-freezing out h-here!" I shivered while trying to rub some warmth into my hands. My attire was terrible for traversing desserts and tundras and we had been traveling for several days. Why did I have to spawn in something with the sleeves ripped off!?

Thankfully, you couldn't die from exposure to the elements in Minecraftia…unless of course those elements included fire, water, or lava. Those you could very much die from.

"Just hang in there." Park advised. He had been smart enough to bring a thick leather tunic and pair of leather pants for the journey. "We're almost at the meeting point."

"R-r-remind me again w-w-why the Gathering is b-b-being held in the Redbone Dessert?" The temperatures were either blazing hot during the day or freezing cold during the night. And there were miles and miles of empty red and white sand. Most Crafters died trying to cross it!

Park rolled his eyes. "I suppose you would have preferred it to be held at the pleasant shores and resorts of Oak Docks?"

"Actually, yes. Th-th-that sounds lovely."

Park sighed to himself, but looked ahead to see that 4Blite was still out of earshot. The coldblooded Lieutenant didn't appreciate idle chit-chat.

But I couldn't believe that he could handle such cold. He didn't have any leather armor to protect him from the elements and had similar attire to myself. Yet if he felt the cold, he never showed it.

Maybe he really does have ice in his veins.

Finally, my mentor whispered an explanation into my ear. "The cult can't afford to hold its Gatherings in public or frequently visited places. Crafters usually avoid traversing the Redbone Dessert. We need to stay in the shadows…or in this case, the desserts to keep our meetings secret."

"You call traipsing through an open dessert being s-s-secret?" I inquired indignantly.

"That's why we're traveling at night. Even if anyone was out here, they wouldn't notice us." Park's expression grew dark. "And if they did, they wouldn't get far."

"Whatever." I grumbled. "I-I-I j-j-just hope the meeting spot has heat. It's so cold m-m-my skin is trying to climb into itself to warm up."

I tried to think of warmer thoughts. That usually helped right? Mind over matter?

Hot cocoa. Even when it burns your tongue.

Fire! That was hot.

Lava's even hotter. Probably would need a Fire Resistance Potion for that though.

Hot baths!

The first rays of sunshine melting the chill away.

Sharing hugs with the woman of your dreams.

And that last thought did the trick. My chill was immediately dispelled when the first thoughts of that orange-haired beauty floated into my mind.

Ahhhh…Ember.

She had such beauty. Such kindness. Such strength. It was an honor being in the Northern Division with her as its Executive. It was even worth putting up with 4Blite's murder tantrums.

But what I wouldn't give to get her to notice me.

And maybe…perhaps something more.

"Spriiiing. Minecraftia to Spring! Snap out of your love struck thoughts man!" I faintly registered Park's voice before I refocused on the real world.

And the cold that came rushing back.

"W-w-what? I wasn't having love struck thoughts." I blushed beet red while I tried to think of warmer thoughts again.

Park smirked smugly. "I know for a fact that you were. You were thinking about Ember_Waves right?"

My eyes widened in shock. How could he tell so easily?

"Yeah I knew it." He shook his head with a chuckle. "You always have that dreamy expression of yours whenever you think of her. Lidded eyes. Small smile. And you ignore everything else around you."

I groaned while making a mental note of schooling my features from Park's observant eyes. He wasn't an expert archer for nothing. The man could see things a mile away.

"I have to say though, you certainly have some competition. Half of the cult is infatuated with her." He chuckled to himself. "In fact, I bet she's what's keeping most of our subdivision from transferring. It's a contest between fearing 4Blite and worshiping Ember."

I frowned at that. I knew he was right. Ember probably got hundreds of love confessions a day (from both inside and outside of the cult). She was beautiful and confident and skilled with her diamond rapier.

But there was something else that drew me to her. I just…couldn't quite explain it. A magnetic attraction of sorts.

…

Meh. Probably just my penis talking.

"Your attention!" 4Blite shouted loudly to garner the attention of the cultists present. "We have reached our destination."

I peered past him to see what 'destination' we reached. I was horrified.

It was just an abandoned Testificate village! The farms were barren, the well was partially demolished, and half of the homes were in desperate need of repair. With no Iron Golems or wayward Crafters to defend them, the Testificates were sitting ducks. They all probably died or else got turned into Zombies themselves.

How was the Endward Cult expected to hold a Gathering in a place like that!?

"D'you think 4Blite got the locations mixed up?" I whispered to Park who just shook his head in response.

"Keep quiet and watch. You just might learn something." He spoke cryptically.

"Like the fact that I'm freezing my butt off for nothing?" I mumbled under my breath as we entered the Village.

4Blite led the way to the well and gestured for us all to enter first.

Is he serious? I internally questioned. But apparently none of the other cultists had the courage to question the Lieutenant as they jumped into the well and disappeared beneath the water's surface.

I hung back, wondering why we had to get ourselves wet. Was it like a ritual of some sort? Because the idea of getting soaked in freezing temperatures seemed stupid.

Finally, it was my turn. 4Blite's dark purple eyes glared into mine, obviously in being held up however slightly. Not wanting to incur his anger, I briskly stepped past him and into the well.

As I predicted, the water was freezing, yet still I sank into it…

Before falling into air.

There was no bottom to the well. Only signs positioned as a sort of filter, allowing Crafters to pass, but not water.

So I fell down, down, down. Shouting in surprise before I landed into a large pool of water. I resurfaced gasping and swam to the nearest shore. When I looked up I saw Park's extended hand, waiting to pull me out.

"Have a nice swim?" He inquired with a grin. I just ignored his words while allowing him to help me out. Behind me I heard a splash signaling 4Blite's arrival.

For the first time, I observed my surroundings and found myself overwhelmed. I was standing in a vast underground cavern. Sandstone stalactites hung from the ceiling, embedded with glowstone to illuminate the otherwise pitch black area. And dozens of cultists were mingling across the floor. Chatting, enjoying food at constructed tables, dancing and sparring at designated areas.

The sounds of merriment were so deafening that I was surprised not to have heard it from above. Sand must be great at noise canceling. Probably because it's all loose and shifty. Can't carry vibrations.

"They did a good job setting this up." Park commented as he took a look around. "About a hundred years ago, some brilliant newbie had the bright idea of constructing a Gathering spot under the dessert. They found this cavern under an abandoned village, though it wasn't as big as it is now, and expanded it. It took a lot of excavating, but it wasn't like we were short on manpower."

He spotted some people by one of the tables and his eyes lit up. "I got some old friends to chat with. Go try and mingle." And with that, he left me to do whatever I pleased.

The sparring area looked promising. There was a buff guy asking his audience if there was anyone worth his time. He was just begging to get beat down by me.

But I decided against it. I had a tendency to lose control when it came to fights. And killing a fellow cultist would be a real buzz kill to the rest of the Gathering.

So instead, I set off in search of the Executive of my dreams. It wouldn't be hard. Just search for a crowd of fawning admirers and she would undoubtedly be in the middle of it.

It was only my second Gathering, but from my own observations and Park's advice, I had begun to notice a pattern with the other divisions. The cultists of the Eastern Division were usually laidback and messy, but also very friendly. While the cultists of the Western Division were strong and disciplined, but also very edgy.

The Northern Division was kind of a mish mash of people, which made sense since it was primarily stationed by Ringwood, the closest Kingdom to the Origin. Therefore, it saw people of all kinds, freshly spawned into existence, and with the desire to kill other Crafters.

As for the Southern Division, if they were there, they would be eccentric and clever, if a bit annoying. But they weren't unbearable company.

Too bad they were all dead at the hands of the Angel of Death.

I probably shouldn't bring that up here. I thought as I wove through many black-capped cultists.

I spotted a table of potion brewing stands near the corner and quickly made my way over there. The alchemist was making a lot of crowd favorites. Healing, Regeneration, Invisibility, Strength. And they were going fast.

I quickly got on line and ordered a Potion of Leaping and a Potion of Swiftness. The two would put together would make my task of finding Ember all the more easy.

Two sips later and I was jumping above the hordes of cultists, seeking out any specks of orange hair surrounded by a sea of black leather caps.

Then, in the far corner, I saw her. She was predictably corned between a wall of stone and a wall of fervent male (and female) admirers. Though I was more concerned with the males. She was most likely trying to be polite in turning away the crowds, but it wasn't registering to the starry-eyed cultists.

I quickly used my Swiftness Potion to rush over to the wall. Maybe if I could break up the crowd, she would personally thank me. I'd invite her for drinks in an isolated location, far enough away from any prying cultists. Then we'd—

"OOF!" I ran into a portly cultist who fell into two others, and like dominoes we all fell down in a tangled mess of limbs. I tried to extricate myself, but by the time I got up, Ember and her crowd were gone.

"Aw man!" I complained as I held my head in my hands. There went my chance…although maybe I could relocate her and try again.

Just as I was about to jump, my hand was grasped rather painfully by one of the cultists I ran into. "Oi! What's the big idea knocking me over? This is a party not a roughhouse!"

"Ugh, my bad." I apologized insincerely as I tried to get him to let go. "But I can't talk right now. I have places to be."

I snatched my hand away while the man grumbled about no respect for one's elders.

Away from any more distractions, I leapt into the air to search for my target. I spotted several sets of similar orange hair, but none of them were the same as Ember's luscious locks.

Once my Potion ran out, I could do nothing but follow Park's advice and mingle. So, with great depression, I walked up to a group of cultists chatting animatedly about something.

"—I'm telling you! Our Lieutenant wanted us to round up hundreds of Crafters to compete in some sort of…Survival Game!"

"Geez. She sounds hardcore. But—Oh! Hello there." One of them noticed me.

"Hey. My name's Spring_Fever." I introduced myself with a wave. "Crazy Gathering right?"

"Yes. We've seen a lot of new recruits." One of them held out a hand to me. "My name is Nickelback and this is Jo-McJambers." I shook both of their hands. "I'm from the Western Division and Jo is from the Eastern. We were just talking discussing our subdivision leaders."

"Ha! Don't even get me started on that." I laughed easily in an attempt to get along better. "I'm in 4Blite's division. And he's a ruthless sociopath."

Both of their eyes widened in fear. "4Blite?" They questioned in unison, though it seemed like their eyes were focused elsewhere.

"Yeah, 4Blite." I continued. "The guy is always lecturing us about punctuality and whatnot, though he can't bother to show up on time. And he always acts like he's superior to everyone else. With that pitying look on his face."

"Um…Sp-spring?" One of them tried to stop my rants, but I was on a roll.

"And the guy kills members of his own subdivision! In fact just the other day—"

"Spring!" One of them interrupted in a hushed whisper. "ixNay alkingtay about the ieutenantLay!"

"Dude. Don't interrupt me." I chastised with mild disapproval. I was just about to get to the good part. "Also are you having a stroke? Because you're talking weirdly."

Their eyes were still glued to something behind me. "4iteBlay is ightray ehindbay youyay! opstay alkingtay ownay!"

"Yeah I'm gonna go find you guys some medical attention." I said as I quickly turned around.

And came face-to-face with a frowning 4Blite.

…Shit.

I had to kiss ass quickly if I was going to survive. "4Blite sir! I didn't see you there! I was just playing a game with friends called…um…Opposite Description." 4Blite just raised an eyebrow over his cold eyes. "Yeah. See, it works like this. We describe our Lieutenants in ways exactly opposite of how they really are!"

4Blite just stood there with a hand rested on the diamond axe at his belt. Nickelback and Jo decided to leave without attracting the Lieutenant's attention.

"So…when you heard all those things I said…I really meant you were fair and compassionate. A-and that I'm so lucky to be serving under you."

4Blite blinked before closing his eyes while letting out a long sigh. "You're one of my subdivision's best killers Spring…"

I held up my hands in defense and took a few tentative steps back.

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open. "But that doesn't give you the right to speak ill of me!" He swung his diamond axe and slashed me across the chest. The Knockback Enchantment on it activated and sent me hurdling through the crowd before skidding to a stop along the cave floor.

"Ow…ow…ow…" I cringed trying to stand up while the surrounding cultists parted to allow 4Blite to approach me.

"Your words will not be tolerated in my subdivision." He spoke coldly as he raised his axe over his head.

Crap! I internally yelled as the axe head descended towards me and I screwed my eyes shut so I wouldn't have to see it.

*Tink*

…

Since I was still experiencing the feelings of the ground, I guessed I was still alive. Slowly I opened my eyes to discover what had saved me.

Did 4Blite hold his attack?

Poised above me was a sharp diamond axe head, stopped cold in its tracks by the very tip of a diamond rapier.

4Blite's eyes widened in realization as he saw who had stopped him. And I felt my heart would explode from the mere sight of my savior.

It was Executive Ember_Waves.

I was mystified by her calm and calculating light-blue eyes. Her long waist-length burnt orange hair that descended in waves and shoulder length bangs that draped over her shoulders. The way she had her eyebrows slightly raised as if inquiring what her Lieutenant intended to do next.

She wore a white bolero jacket with a blue-grey undershirt that really accentuated her…well-endowed figure. She wore slim brown pants with a black belt and matching black backpack. She had light-gray boots with very high heels. A blood-red beaded necklaces hung around her neck and another around her right wrist. And clad in diamond armor.

I was vaguely aware that a silence had permeated the entire cavern as every eye focused on Ember, 4Blite, and me. I was probably just another nameless cultist to everyone, especially when compared to the two high ranking figures besides me.

Slowly, 4Blite raised his axe from Ember's rapier and held it at his side. "Executive Ember, ma'am. A pleasure to see you again." He bowed respectfully.

"I wish I could say the same." Ember responded in her melodious voice that made me tingle. "Care to explain why you almost executed this young man?"

*GASP* She referred to me! She knows I exist! Ooooh I can't believe it!

"With all due respect ma'am," 4Blite began while remaining bowed, "he started the altercation by speaking ill of me. I was merely acting as I saw fit."

"If you kept acting as you saw fit, my Division would run out of cultists overnight." Ember counted with a shake of her head. "A simple reprimand followed by a warning ought to be sufficient enough to get your message across. No?"

"But—" Ember cast a stern glare towards the Lieutenant who promptly backed down. "You are right ma'am. My mistake."

The cold-blooded killer extended a hand to help me up. "I am sorry for overreacting, Spring."

I looked at his hand like it was some kind of bear trap before cautiously taking it. He squeezed my hand painfully, but only for a second as he pulled me to my feet. "Make sure to keep your opinions of me to yourself." He growled before turning to leave. The watching crowd parted to let him pass.

I let out a sigh of relief as soon as his white hair disappeared into the crowd.

"You're Spring_Fever, right?" The melodious voice of that gorgeous woman addressed me, and I felt butterflies flutter around my stomach. "And I'm not just going off the name above your head."

I cleared my throat and tried to sound as suave as possible. "You've heard of me?"

Ember offered a bright smile as she sheathed her rapier. "Of course. I know all the cultists of my division. But I keep an eye out for those who excel above the rest."

I couldn't believe it. I was actually talking with her! And she was praising me! Saying she recognized me! Hell, she even saved my life!

"Well, I do my best." I responded lamely, desperately wishing I had something more interesting to say. I glanced around and saw that a number of male cultists were shooting me jealous looks. They were obviously upset that I was hogging Ember all to myself.

"And I suppose you've heard of me too." Ember stated tiredly. "Honestly, some days I wish I was just another cultist. It's exhausting getting swamped by so many people."

I nodded in understanding. "Well, that just means they admire you for all that you do."

"Oh?" Ember smiled slyly, making shivers go down my spine. "And are you aware of exactly what I do for the Cult?"

"Uh…well…" I panicked. Park had explained that it was Lieutenants job to run the subdivisions or perform special missions given to them by the Executives, but he hadn't explained just what the Executives were responsible for!

But what could it be? They were obviously strong (if Ember's swordsmanship was any indication) but simple Head collecting didn't sound like their style.

Come to think of it, I have no idea what they do! Oh God, I'm ruining my chances! Say something!

Just as my panic was reaching level ten, Ember's soft giggle snapped me out of it. "Relax." She comforted in a soothing tone. "I don't expect you to know. You are relatively new to the Cult after all.

"The Executives are primarily responsible for charting a course for the Cult's future." She ticked off her fingers. "Planning large-scale wars between Kingdoms. Organizing construction products. Planning Gatherings like this. Even locating fresh talent."

Alright. That made sense. It also meant the Executives had a lot of pressure placed on them. "Sounds like difficult work."

"Well if you enjoy it, then it's never work." She commented softly, before she directed her heart-melting gaze towards me. "Speaking of which, can I ask you something?"

"Sure." I replied a little too quickly. But my internal thoughts were somewhere along the lines of:

Please ask me out!

Please ask me out!

Please ask me out!

"Do you enjoy serving the Endward Cult?" She inquired with a smile.

"Oh…um." I was caught off guard by her phrasing. Serving?

"Let me rephrase that," she leaned forward and locked her eyes with mine. I felt almost like she was peering into the depths of my soul. "Do you believe in what the Cult seeks to accomplish?"

Did I believe in the next life theory? That killing people was just liberating them from the plane of Minecrafia, freeing them to pursue better lives…in the next life?

Not really. Was what I wanted to say, but I couldn't very well say that to the Executive of my Division.

But as I opened my mouth to lie, I noticed her eyes gleaming sharply in the light. Something about those calculating light-blue orbs made it seem like they could see through deception.

"N-not…really." I confessed truthfully. "It's not an easy concept to accept."

At my response, the gleam in Ember's eyes vanished and she leaned back. But she appeared to be satisfied with my answer. Whether that was good or bad for me and my chance with her, I had no idea.

"I understand." Ember commented with a beaming smile. "This chat has been…eye-opening Spring_Fever. Thank you for taking the time to have it with me." She nodded graciously before excusing herself. All her admirers immediately swarmed her as soon as she left.

And I was just standing there numbly.

"No problem." I mumbled ten minutes later.

[The Gathering]

Several people entered the dimly lit room and took up positions around a square table.

Ember took the Northern seat with her two Lieutenants standing on either side of her: 4Blite to the left and the other Lieutenant, obscured by shadows, to the right.

One man took the Eastern seat. He had shaggy jet black hair with bangs sweeping to the right that barely concealed his blood red eye. His left eye was covered by a white eye patch with a red 'X' painted across. He wore a dark-purple collared shirt with black outlines along with a grey undershirt and white jeans. His backpack and belt were the same shade of purple as his shirt and he wore black sneakers.

As he took his seat, he kicked back and rested his legs on the table with his hands behind his head. He let out a yawn as his Lieutenant, obscured by shadows and mumbling something about proper etiquette, took a spot to his left.

The last remaining person, obscured by shadows, took a spot at the Western side of the table. He stood to the right of the empty Western seat, but if he was surprised that his Division Executive was missing, he didn't show it.

"Well," The man with the eye-patch broke the silence, apparently taking notice of the missing seats. "Looks like some people couldn't be bothered to show up. After all the trekking though the desert—"

"Sdraw is running a bit late." The man to the west spoke. "He needed to make sure he wasn't followed."

"Uh huh, sure." The man with the eye-patch continued as he stretched. "And what about big, buff, and crazy? Was he being followed too?"

"…no, he won't be joining us." The man to the west confessed.

"Must be tough being in the Western Division." The man with the eye-patch mused as he flicked his bangs. "An Executive operating from the shadows and a battle-crazy Lieutenant. How does your Division even get anything done?"

"You're one to talk Abyssmal." The man to the west spoke. "I've heard your Division is far too lax to keep up its quotas. And just look." He pointed to the empty space beside Abyssmal. "Seems like you're missing a Lieutenant as well."

"Hey don't blame me." Abyssmal shrugged as he crossed his arms. "Teal said she had some super important business to take care of and couldn't make it."

"Like what?" Ember interjected, clearly amused by their argument.

Abyssmal thought for a moment. "I believe her exact words were 'I'd rather watch crops grow than go to that snore-fest.'"

"Super important indeed." The man to the west replied dryly earning a few giggles from Ember.

"Actually, I'm with Teal." Abyssmal defended with a smirk. "I'd much rather be watching crops grow. I've got 10 to 1 odds that the carrots will overtake the potatoes."

This earned even louder laughter as Ember could barely contain her infectious giggles. However, the man to the west shook his head in pity.

"I feel bad for you," He addressed the Lieutenant standing beside Abyssmal, "for having an Executive like him."

"Hey!" Abyssmal shouted as he uncrossed his legs and stood up. "I'm a great Executive! Right, Mark?"

"No." Said the Lieutenant beside him.

"See? Mark agrees." Abyssmal concluded as he ignored Mark's one-worded reply. "And Mark also says that Sdraw made a mistake placing you as a Lieutenant."

"My master makes no mistakes." The man to the west said in a dangerously low tone. "And I will not stand here passively while you slander his reputation."

"That's quite enough." A light silvery voice came out of nowhere. Immediately, each Lieutenant readied their weapons and tried to locate the source.

All they found was a floating milk bucket in place of the Western seat. A slurping noise was made as an invisible someone drained the bucket before materializing in front of the Cult leaders.

The once invisible man had light-brown hair spiked at the front and eyes that remained closed. His face held an unchanging apologetic smile. Tied around his neck was a thin orange ribbon. He was finely dressed with a deep blue suit adorned with a white collar and a blue tie. His dress pants matched his suit in color and his black shoes completed his wardrobe.

"Oh wow. Sdraw appeared out of nowhere. I'm so surprised." Abyssmal stated with fake bewilderment.

"Forgive me for my tardiness," Sdraw placed a hand over his heart and bowed in his seat, "but I couldn't risk getting spotted."

"It's fine." Ember excused. "Now that everyone is here, we can begin the meeting." She pointed to the empty Southern seat. "First off, let us all have a moment of silence for our fallen brethren of the Southern Division."

The room instantly went quiet as fond memories of the deceased floated through their minds.

After several minutes, Ember clapped her hands together. "May they have a better time in the next life."

"Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's move on to our yearly quotas." Sdraw snapped his fingers and held out his hand to the right as his Lieutenant placed a book in his hands. "So, how is everyone holding up with Heads?"

4Blite sighed as he stepped forward to relay his subdivision's work. "My subdivision has faced some…minor difficulties in fulfilling quotas due to…incompetence and lethargy. But I can assure you that I will hunt enough Crafter's to hold up—"

"Give it a rest 4Blite." Came the annoyed Lieutenant to the right of Ember. "I'm getting tired of your excuses when I'm the one who has to work 200% more just to break even on quotas."

"But—"

"She's right, you know." Ember stated matter-of-factly. "You always blame the people who serve under you rather than yourself. "

"I keep my policies strict to discipline my men." 4Blite defended. "Would you rather have me be the kind of Lieutenant that leniently disobeys rules? Like Teal?"

"There's a difference between strict and downright cruel." Sdraw commented as he scrutinized 4Blite over his interlocked fingers (despite keeping his eyes shut). "Rumors have been spreading that you tend to lean towards the latter."

"Rumors are just that: Rumors." 4Blite urged. "I assure you all that my methods will speak for themselves in due time."

"So…about two-hundred years?" Abyssmal joked to the amused chuckles of Sdraw and Ember. 4Blite remained silent and stepped back to allow the next Lieutenant to speak.

The Lieutenant to Ember's right side stepped forward. "As I've previously stated, my subdivision has been going above and beyond our quotas. We simply are not satisfied with being 'just enough' and strive to honor our Division." The Lieutenant glanced at 4Blite out of the corner of her eye and smiled smugly. "And we have seen much better results through the use of mutual respect rather than the fear certain Lieutenants rely upon."

4Blite clenched his fists and glared at his fellow Lieutenant.

"I think she's talking about you." Abyssmal joked as he nudged Mark's shoulder. Mark just gave an exasperated groan and facepalmed.

"Well done my Lieutenant. Well done." Ember congratulated. Her Lieutenant accepted the praise as she stepped back with a faint blush on her face.

Next, Sdraw's Lieutenant stepped forward. "I regret to report that my subdivision has been facing many problems with meeting our quotas." Sdraw turned his head to focus on his Lieutenant. "It is a combination of lack of trust and sheer size. It's an ordeal just to keep everyone in control and the pressure is difficult to manage on my own."

Sdraw placed a comforting hand on his Lieutenant's shoulder and gave him an apologetic smile. As common as the expression was on Sdraw's face, the Lieutenant had known him long enough to distinguish a true apologetic smile from his default one.

"I know it's a burden managing two subdivisions. Especially considering my…unique political position." Sdraw wrote a personal note in his book. "I'll speak to your fellow Lieutenant about dividing the subdivision to a more manageable level."

"Thank you, master." The Western Lieutenant bowed low. "I'll work hard to make you proud."

"Get a room you two." Abyssmal jeered to the embarrassment of the Western Lieutenant.

Sdraw, however, remained calm as he turned his attention to the Eastern Executive. "And what of your quotas? I'm eager to hear your progress."

Abyssmal blanched. "Oh…uh…of course! ...Quotas…Mark tell them how good our division is doing."

"We're sucking." Mark stated bluntly.

"—sucking the life out of Crafters!" Abyssmal added as he nudged his Lieutenant's shoulder. "Right, Mark?"

"No, as in we suck. Period." Mark continued unashamed. "Our division is better at killing time than killing Crafters. And considering the amount of vacationers we get at Oak Docks, we really have no excuse for mmmph—"

Mark was cut off as Abyssmal pressed a hand over his mouth, muffling his voice. But the damage was already done.

Ember shook her head. "Abyssmal, please try to fulfill your quotas. We all know you're capable enough when you set your mind to it."

"Speak for yourself." The Western Lieutenant mumbled.

"Here, here." 4Blite agreed.

"I'd kill you both if I could." Abyssmal threatened as he glared at the two Lieutenants. "But now that quotas are out of the way can we move on to something else? Like…what are we going to do with the empty Southern Division?"

"Personally," 4Blite began. "I think we should consider elevating a Lieutenant to serve as a temporary Executive of—"

"Can't you at least pretend to show some tact?" The Lieutenant to Ember's right commented. "Every Gathering it's the same thing. You're always carrying on about replacing them."

"The south has gone twenty-five years without an Executive. It must be done…for the good of the Cult." 4Blite added as an afterthought. "I would be honored to take charge of rebuilding the Southern—"

"Your devotion is admirable," Sdraw interrupted, "but we lack the manpower to even consider rebuilding the Southern Division. For now, we stay a three Executive Cult."

4Blite paused before nodding curtly.

"Moving on." Sdraw commented as he flipped a page of his book. "The next issue of discussion…is what to do regarding the 'Angel of Death?'"

At the mention of the nickname, a few of the Lieutenants stiffened and Ember instinctively clenched her fists.

"What do you mean?" Ember commented in an emotionless tone. "Isn't it obvious what we should do? That whore killed the entire Southern Division. It's because of her that Garden's dead!" Her eyes momentarily darted to the empty Southern seat.

"I know how much he meant to you." Sdraw placated with a raised hand. "Just hear me out."

After glaring at Sdraw, Ember reluctantly folded her arms beneath her chest and gestured for Sdraw to continue.

"Thank you." Sdraw nodded to Ember before standing up and walking around the table. "To completely eradicate an entire division is no mean feat. The 'Angel of Death' is obviously a powerful enemy. However," Sdraw placed a hand over Ember's shoulder as he got to the Northern seat, "that doesn't mean she can't be turned into an ally."

"Recruitment?" The Lieutenant to Ember's right questioned. "Are you mad? After all she's done!?"

"I can assure you that I am not 'mad.'" Sdraw elaborated as he moved towards the Eastern seat. "The Angel can prove to be an invaluable asset…provided we can control her."

"Leave it to me." Abyssmal supported with a grin. "I'll win her over with my famous 'lady-killer' charm. After I'm done with her, she'll be begging to join."

"You mean to tell us that the success of her recruitment hinges on your 'charms?'" 4Blite summarized sardonically. "By God we are doomed."

"Shut up!" The eye-patched executive shouted with flushed cheeks as all the Lieutenants burst out in laughter. "I do have manly charms that get the girls running—"

"—straight for the hills." The Western Lieutenant finished with a chuckle. This earned even more uproarious laughter. It was loud enough that anyone standing outside the room could hear it.

"I will come over there and break your damn hand." Abyssmal threatened as he stood up from his seat.

"Enough!" Sdraw calmed everyone down as he stood between his Lieutenant and Abyssmal. "As…nice as your offer to help is, I think we would have better luck recruiting her with negotiation."

"No."

Everyone turned their attention to Ember as she spoke the word. Her luscious orange locks obscured her eyes and her voice remained dangerously low.

"No charms and no negotiations. That woman killed a quarter of our comrades and has plagued us long enough. She needs to die."

Abyssmal looked too scared to speak, but Sdraw held that same apologetic smile, perhaps appearing more calculating than before.

"And who do you suggest to deal with her?" The Western Executive questioned.

Ember withdrew her rapier and stuck it into the table. "I'm the one with a score to settle with her. So when the time comes, I'll be the one to finish her."

Sdraw's smile grew a bit bigger. "That's a tall promise you're making Ember. I pray you're up for it."

"Um…can we talk about something else?" Abyssmal questioned with a raised hand. "It's hard enough to breathe in this room without the added tension."

"How about this then." 4Blite commented to gather everyone's attention. "The 'Angel of Death' was sighted by my subdivision in the Origin Forest just a week ago."

"Really?" Ember turned her attention to 4Blite and her eyes lit up. "What did she look like? How did you locate her without getting killed? What's her name?" Ember loosed dozens of questions upon the Lieutenant.

"She was sighted by a young cultist while I was on my mission." 4Blite explained. "The poor lad could only utter a few garbled words after escaping her grasp. It was like talking to a Jibberman. He was too traumatized to describe her beyond her nickname. No clue to distinguish her."

"So where is the 'poor lad' now?" The other Northern Lieutenant asked, annoyed that 4Blite was receiving more attention.

4Blite adopted a pained expression. "The boy was so traumatized…I couldn't stand to see him suffering as he was…I gave him a quick and painless death to free him of his burden."

Ember rolled her eyes at 4Blite's excuse. She doubted it was as tragic as he described. More like a stupid decision to murder a fellow cultist with valuable information concerning the identity of the Angel.

"You mentioned that you were on a mission?" Abyssmal inquired. "Surely after all this time, simple 'liberation' patrols are routine enough not to warrant that title. It's more of a pastime really."

As 4Blite was about to explain, the Western Lieutenant stepped forward once more. "4Blite. Since the mission you mentioned is the final issue of discussion, would you mind if I explain the initial details."

4Blite paused as he looked at the Western Lieutenant before nodding respectfully.

"Thank you." The Western Lieutenant withdrew another book from his belt and flipped the pages before settling on a specific piece of information. "Three weeks ago, a spy stationed at the Kingdom of Akasha's registration offices noticed an abnormally high number. A number close to a billion."

The three Executives shared a look that was lost upon the Lieutenants.

"Initially," The Western Lieutenant continued, "the information, while useful in determining the maximum amount of existing Crafters, was deemed irrelevant. However, this changed upon Executive Sdraw's urging that we further investigate the claim."

"Our spies located in the Kingdoms of Exter, Daymonte, and Jolin verified that the number of Crafters was slowly approaching a billion. Unwilling to await further confirmation, Executive Ember requested that a team travel to the Origin and discover the number of existing Crafters straight from the source."

The Western Lieutenant gestured to 4Blite to explain the rest.

"Thank you. My mission was to interrogate the resident Crafter counter, Helena, to uncover the—"

"You met up with Helena?" Abyssmal interrupted to 4Blite's chagrin. "Man, it feels like so long ago since I first met up with that smokin' slice of pumpkin pie. How was she?"

"…You can't be serious." Mark remarked dryly. "You consider her to be…smokin' hot?"

"Yeah!" Abyssmal defended earnestly. "I mean, yeah the nose is a bit distracting, but I feel like she has an inner beauty that transcends—"

"No offense Abyssmal," Ember interrupted with a forced smile, "but we really don't care."

"What!?" Abyssmal shouted indignantly. "I refuse to believe that nobody cares about my love preferences!"

"Alright. Show of hands." Ember called the attention of all Crafters present. "Who here doesn't care about Abyssmal's failed love life?"

Immediately, six hands shot up in the air.

"Mark, you traitor! How could you?"

Mark just shrugged uncaringly.

"Now that that's settled, may we return to my Lieutenant's report? This time with no further distractions?" Ember glared at Abyssmal who just huffed and crossed his arms.

"Thank you." 4Blite nodded. "As I was saying, I interrogated the Testificate known as Helena and acquired the information we were looking for." Everyone at the table tensed up at 4Blite's dramatic pause.

"The Billionth has spawned."

Silence claimed the table as each of the Lieutenants exchanged questioning glances among themselves and their Executives who were lost in thought.

"…so…what is that supposed to mean?" Mark asked.

The surrounding Lieutenants could only shrug or remain silent as they honestly had no idea what having a billion people spawned meant aside from a larger amount of work.

But apparently, the Executives had an idea.

Ember cleared her throat before addressing everyone calmly. "With the meeting adjourned, all Lieutenants should leave the room. The Executives will stay and…discuss the information we have received." Her voice shook with what sounded like barely contained excitement.

"What?" The Lieutenant to Ember's right spoke. "Ma'am you can't adjourn a meeting like that? What's the significance of the Billionth?"

"That doesn't concern you." Ember dismissed harshly. Immediately she realized how harsh she sounded to her Lieutenant and attempted to elaborate. "The information we're going to discuss is between us Executives. I'm sorry, but you cannot stay and listen."

"I disagree." 4Blite stated boldly as he took a step towards Ember.

"4Blite. Not now." Ember hissed as she glared at him disapprovingly. But 4Blite stood his ground.

"We are high-ranking members of the Endward Cult and deserve to know what the information regarding the Billionth means."

"Indeed." The Western Lieutenant added. "We are all devoted to the Endward Cult's cause and will protect whatever secrets you have to share."

Ember glanced around the room as each Lieutenant nodded to confirm their faith.

Sdraw shared a look with Abyssmal who only shrugged. "Hey, I'm fine if they want to know. We're all about to learn something new anyway."

"Yes. Perhaps it would be best to keep everyone on the same page." Sdraw advised as he peered at Ember with his ever-closed eyes. "It will certainly save time and explanations."

Ember glanced between the Western and Eastern seats before settling her eyes on the Southern seat. Finally she relented with a sigh. "Alright. I suppose they can know too. Just remember to fill in all the Lieutenants, including the ones missing."

Sdraw and Abyssmal nodded.

Ember took in a deep breath and began her explanation. "When the Endward Cult was first founded, it flourished under the rule of its Master Executive: A man with the power to decimate whole buildings, wipe out armies, and solve the mysteries of Minecraftia."

"However, one day, he vanished."

"His influence was destroyed and the once proud Endward Cult was forced into hiding."

"Rumors were spread concerning our founder's fate. Some say he died. Some say he wasn't human enough to die."

"Whatever the truth is, one fact remains. The day he disappeared, he left his four greatest apprentices a single book. One that contained a title."

At this point, Ember withdrew a book from her backpack. It looked old and tattered and was probably held in her Inventory for hundreds of years.

It was titled: OPEN FOR BILLIONTH

The book attracted the gazes of every person in the room. It was regarded more as a priceless treasure rather than a dingy book.

Ember wiped a tear from her eye. "I just wish GardenWalker could have seen this."

Sdraw decided to speak up. "That book has never been opened before. But now that the Billionth has spawned, we can assume it is the right time to read."

"Still," Abyssmal warned as he looked around the room, "whatever we find in this book, we keep exclusively for Executive and Lieutenant ears only. Got it?"

Everyone nodded eagerly as they huddled around Ember, waiting for her to open the text and read what may very well have been their founder's last words.

She wiped some dust off the book and slowly opened the cover. Then she began reading.

[I assume that if you are reading this, then you are a member of the Endward Cult. If you are not, promptly place this book on the ground, find the nearest cliff, and jump off it.]

[If you did not jump off a cliff, I can only assume that you are a cultist…or else you have no desire to jump to your own demise.]

[For the sake of faith, I'm just going to say that you are a cultist, and can therefore hear my story.]

[I have made several mistakes and find myself set back in my plans. This book may in fact be my dying words.]

[But for the sake of the Cult, I must relay this information. Hopefully, my apprentices will survive long enough to see my mission come to fruition.]

[A man will one day spawn into existence. A man whose arrival will herald the destruction of my cult.]

[The Billionth.]

[Despite the name, this Crafter is not to be underestimated. As ridiculous as it sounds, he possesses possibly the strongest weapon known to man.]

[For some reason…even I find myself afraid of him. And I have yet to meet him! It's inexplicable!]

[If I live through my current ordeal, I must hide myself away and prepare for the Billionth's arrival. If I die, I leave him, and this book, to you my cultists.]

[While without my personal aid, I will offer you the next best thing: A power which, in the right hands, is capable of destroying the Billionth a million times over!]

[But first, to ensure you are worthy of such a gift, you must perform the deeds listed below. Once all the tasks are accomplished, the items obtained, and your mettle proven, the power will be yours to own.]

[Don't disappoint me.]

[…And if you're reading this Ember…I'm sorry it had to come to this.]

Ember's brain had appeared to shut down after reading the last line from her cherished idol, so Sdraw had to lean over to finish the reading. But looking at the outlined tasks their founder expected them to perform; he could only utter one sentence.

"We have a lot of work to do."

AN: Ladies and Gentlemen...our Villains.

I bet a lot of you forgot about the Endward Cult from Chapter 10. Well I brought them back. And although they're not all present, I purposefully wrote them absent or covered in shadows so as to not reveal too many of them.

But they'll reveal themselves with time.

Now for the bad news I promised last chapter. Remember back in Chapter 9 when I first suggested taking a hiatus? Well now I'm officially taking a hiatus. For a number of reasons.

First off, this chapter marks the end of what I'd like to call Part One of a multi-part planned story. I will keep publishing chapters for this story and there's no guarantee that each part will be the same length of chapters long, but for now I'm taking a break.

Second, I've been publishing chapters on a weekly basis for half a year. That's a lot of writing. And keeping up with my weekly quotas can be draining at some times without piling school, work, and other factors of my life. So I hope you viewers understand my need for this break. Just so I can be refreshed and ready to write again. As a sort of apology, I published two chapters in one week.

And Third...well...the file I've been typing up rough copies for my Part One chapters is getting pretty full. So I was gonna make a new document for the Part Two ones. It just so happened to be convenient to do it now.

So, again, I hope you all understand that I NEED this break to function as a writer. I am not giving up on this fic. I'll be back in February. With the humorous Chapter 29 that I promised.

I won't tell you which Wednesday I'll publish it, but February is a short month. So I'll see you then. Promise. (^_^)