Chapter 14 - Distorted Victim
As Erika played on her computer, she sighed. "Aster, what's so fun about this?"
Aster clicked away with his mouse. "About what?"
"This! Why are we playing the old version of Minecraft?" Erika asked. "The recent one is much more interesting than this."
He shook his head. "I hate Minecraft. Well, I hate what it has become recently. With the uninteresting updates, the developers becoming weak-minded, and everything else behind all of it. Minecraft has become a mess."
"So? Nothing you can do about it."
"No. If I led Minecraft, I would've made combat and exploration much better by now. I would have changed how the game would've progressed every update. All these losers in Mojang are just adding small little things to the game while trying to send 'cute' positive messages that are unnecessary, useless, and stupid. A videogame is supposed to be fun and exciting, not just some 'Oh, we need to make it more realistic to teach players about the real world' and whatever shitty excuse they use. I mean are they really becoming that daft?!"
Erika groaned at my annoying rant. "If you're that upset about it, maybe you should make your own 'Minecraft' game."
"Hmm..." Aster nodded and closed his game down. "Right, maybe I should start planning that."
"Yeeaah. Good luck on that," Erika said.
"..." Aster looked out the window and saw it was raining out in the grassy field. "You know, it has been a while since we've seen Xenik."
Erika followed his gaze. "He received an important job in one of the biggest companies, right?"
Aster nodded. "Yeah. He's always been busy ever since. I wonder how he's doing."
"Hmph. You should worry about yourself!" Erika exclaimed. "You can't just keep taking small jobs here and there!"
Aster backed up. "Hey! I have a plan that will actually work. Once I'm done with my studies, I will be set for life. I'm sure Veronica would agree with me too."
Erika looked away. "If you say so..."
"Well anyways," he stood up, "Erika, let's go and and and and and and and and and..."
"...Erikaaaa"
Erika turned her head around and found her brother's room transform into a familiar scene. Her heart began beating faster.
"Brother, don't do it!" In panic, Erika flew forward in the darkness as fast as she could. As she approached closer, she reached out her hand.
With his personal blade, Concēlāre, pointed at the black mist, Aster turned his head slightly. "We must end this, Erika."
She shook her head. "No! I don't want to lose you again!"
He returned his attention back towards the monster.
Time froze. The darkness with white eyes gave her a disappointed gaze. "Erika, I expected much from you. However, you only disappoint me. Sleep for eternity."
Suddenly her brother began fading away from her view.
"NOOOOOOOO-"
Jumping out of bed, Erika tripped herself and slammed against the floor. She pushed herself up grumbling. "Oow... That monster stole my powers!"
"Erika?"
Observing where the voice came from, she didn't see Aster or anything anywhere. This reminded her of the dread and loneliness she experienced for many years in the End dimension. "Hahaha... No. This is fine. My brother is... I- I'm just delusional. Yeah. Just keep-"
"Still haven't recovered yet, Erika?"
Erika looked up but she couldn't see anything in front of her. "Brother? Where are you?"
There was a long silence. Erika began to worry. "Brother?"
"Erika? Can't you read what Veronica said?"
Erika looked around with tears. "Where? Brother? Veronica? I- I don't know where you are. I'm... scared."
"Erika, what happened?"
Feeling someone grabbing her arms, Erika jolted. "KEAA!"
"Erika! It's me Aster! Don't you recognize me?"
"Brother?! Are you holding me?" Erika sniffled. "But why... why can't I see you? Is this another dream?"
Aster gripped her tightly. "Don't tell me. Erika, what do you see?"
"I... can't. I can't see anything." She trembled in fear. "I can't see anything at all!"
There was another moment of silence.
"Brother?"
Aster slowly released her arms. "Is that true, Veronica?"
*Crash!* Erika jolted at the sudden noise.
"Damn that Architect!" Aster yelled. "He can't keep getting away with this!"
Erika tried looking for him, but he was nowhere to be found. "W- what happened?"
"... Just like Veronica lost her voice to that monster, your vision... has been stolen away by him as well."
"...After finally getting to see you again. I- I'm still in that same endless void..." Erika snapped in tears. "Hah- HAHAHAHA-" She felt two of her siblings wrapped around her.
"Erika! Please calm down. You're not alone. I'm not going anywhere. I thought we already talked about this last time."
Trembling uncontrollably, she cried as she hugged back.
-Meanwhile, In The Other Room-
Jesse stared at the unconscious Blazer who laid down in Petra's bed.
Petra, who sat beside Jesse, pointed at the sleeping person's face. "Jesse, does she remind you of anyone?"
"No, not really. But I feel like I've seen her face before..."
*Yaaawn*
"Look Jesse! She's waking up!"
The stranger rubbed her eyes. "Where am I?"
"You are in our temporary base," Jesse explained.
She instantly jerked back as if she gained a bad memory. "You guys think you can stab me in the back again?!"
Both Jesse and Petra immediately stood up from their seats. "Woah! You are misunderstanding something!" said Petra.
"Oh? Am I? I think I had enough of your games." She pulled up both her swords. "Tell me where Aiden is!"
Jesse shook his head. "Aiden is dead. You have already killed him. His two friends have been captured and are being monitored right now."
She glared at him for a while and returned her weapons to herself. "I remember now. I've finally gotten rid of that filth."
"Um, my name is Jesse. And this friend here is Petra."
"Hi," Petra greeted.
"What is your name?" Jesse asked.
"Isa, the founder and leader of Sky City. I believe you're the one who broke the rules of my city by building a bridge."
"Um, I see..." Jesse and Petra looked away.
"What's with that look?" Isa asked.
"Uh... The thing is, Sky City doesn't exist anymore," Jesse said.
Isa shifted. "What are you talking about?"
"Aiden and his friends unleashed a hoard of monsters which annihilated the entire floating island. We had to evacuate every citizen to safety."
The Founder shook her head. "But that doesn't make sense. How did my people evacuate the city if there is no land below?"
"There is land. We discovered it after Aiden pushed us down the island," Jesse said. "If you don't believe us, you can find the portal to your world."
"Where is this portal?"
Petra shook her head. "Isa, the world outside is in shambles. I don't think it's possible to reach that portal with all those monsters roaming around. The gateway to the portal room may not even work anymore since we've already tried accessing the Nether portal which never opened. I can even prove it here and now."
Isa looked at her. "I- Are you saying I might never see my people again?"
Petra sighed. "That is mostly likely the case."
She began to worry. "But there has to be a way... Maybe-"
Jesse glared at her. "Give it up. It's not worth wasting your time on that portal. You will only get yourself killed. We are planning to leave to stop this apocalypse as soon as everyone is ready. If you want, you can join us. Other than that, you're on your own."
Isa thought for a moment and nodded slowly. "Alright. I will help you for now. But once this is all over, help me get back to my people. Promise?"
He nodded. "Promise. After this is taken care of, I will do my best to help you return."
I didn't know how long we stayed there, but Erika finally managed to calm down and we made it out of the room. But I am surprised that everyone inside the main room was separated from Lizzie, Estella, Maya, and Gill. They were all standing far from them.
I quickly went over to my friends. "What is going on here?"
"While you guys were gone, a few started to argue about Maya and Gill," Estella explained. "We tried to understand why they were causing problems, but they started to push the blame on us too."
"I guess they're not fond of us being friends with you," Lizzie grunted.
"I see. Do you know where Jesse is? I have something to say."
Estella pointed. "He is right there with them."
"Thanks." I quickly hurried to the other side of the room. Approaching the group, many gave mixed reactions. I simply ignored them and called out his name. "Hey, Jesse! It looks like my sister can't use her powers anymore. We will have to travel by foot."
Jesse nodded. "Looks like we have no choice. I'll get everyone prepared."
"By the way, why are you out casting them?" I asked.
Jesse pulled me closer. "It wasn't my idea," he whispered, "Many are just putting the blame on the two new guys, Maya and Gill. And your old group of friends started looking down towards your two companions for looking up to you. It's going to be pretty troublesome if we are to work together."
I quickly glanced behind me and returned to Jesse. "Well, I don't think it is a big deal. The issue will soon calm down when we have to fight for a common goal."
Jesse started at me. "Since when did you have a change of heart?"
Smirking, I simply shrugged.
"Hmph. I still haven't forgiven you for taking away Ruben," he said.
"And I still think you're blind. Once you find out the truth, you will forget about it." Jesse glared at me as I said that, but before he could say more, I opened my mouth again. "Hate me all you want, but if you want to work together, forget everything that happened in the past."
"Easier said than done."
"Sure. Anyway, I'll come once everyone is prepared. I have something to do first."
I can create many items like how creative mode players can in Minecraft. These items can vary from any weapon, food, or blocks. Yet with having every access to every one of those resources, there was one that I couldn't access. Concēlāre.
There is only one item like that that exists in this world. It is the only weapon that is powerful enough to destroy the Architect. Its origins are completely unknown. My sisters and I have no clue where it came from. We just found it lying down in the middle of nowhere a long time ago.
I couldn't figure out how to use this black-sliver blade at first, but after a while I discovered its hidden ability. However, I figured it out too late and was defeated by the Architect.
Concēlāre cannot be created as a duplicate. But I, who knows the weapon's full structure, could teleport it to my hand right now. At least that's how I used to do it in the past.
Concēlāre, return to me!
No matter how much I called out for it, I couldn't reach out for that blade. I do know it's still out somewhere in this world. The burning snowstorm that constantly keeps reappearing and the flames that I and the others use are proof of that since Concēlāre produces the same type of fire.
Technically, I could say that Concēlāre is the origin of these flames that we use. The Architect probably found a way to manipulate that sword's power and distribute its powers to the others.
I looked at Erika who was silently sitting on a chair with Veronica. They didn't say much to each other because Veronica couldn't talk while Erika couldn't see her written signs at all.
It was not a pretty sight at all.
"Aster, did it work?" Erika asked.
"No. I can't seem to get a hold of my blade," I answered in disappointment. "The Architect probably sealed it away from me and is using all its power to destroy and recreate this fictional world."
"Sigh. Of course this wasn't going to be easy."
"I'm not giving up yet. He might have used Concēlāre's powers, but I know that power isn't infinite. The flames definitely became slightly weaker than before. But we don't have time to wait for the flames to weaken," I said bitterly. "The Architect will restore his full power if we waste time."
"Indeed..."
"That being said, are you prepared to move out?"
Erika nodded. "Yes I am. Still, I'm not looking forward to traveling thousands of blocks. Especially when I have to travel blindly."
"Don't worry, I or Veronica can help you walk."
"Thanks. Oh, and sorry for giving you a hard time earlier."
I waved it off. "Don't mention. It was no problem really. I will always be glad to help anyone in trouble."
Erika gave a small smile.
Standing up, I grabbed her hand. "Okay. Let's get going and begin this plan of mine."
"Are you ready, Jesse?" Aster asked.
Jesse, who was using Aster's ender chest, nodded. "Yep. Thanks to your infinite supply of food, we are more than ready, Alpha."
Aster grinned. "You're welcome. So, is everyone gathered? I want to give something important."
Counting everyone here, Jesse nodded. "Everyone is here. What do you want to give us?"
"It will be quick." Flying in the air, Aster picked his hand up and produced a large blue flame. Quickly, he spread it among the group who lacked the ability to use the flames.
Jesse expected the worst as he closed his eyes. As Aster's flames touched him, he felt a warm feeling inside his body. "What did you do?"
"Hey!" Stampy yelled. "Are you trying to attack us?!"
"I thought we were dead for sure," said Radar.
"I wasn't attacking. I split all my flame powers and shared it among you. This way you have something to defend yourself from the Fogbeasts," Aster explained. "Take out your blades and imagine summoning the flames like I have."
Everyone who received the flames followed what I said. Instantly everyone's weapon began to burn blue.
"Wait," Jesse looked at Aster, "If you split your powers what will happen to you?"
"Don't worry about it. Nothing will happen."
"This..." Jesse nodded as he observed his burning sword. "Thank you for this."
"I just want to make sure that you guys can protect yourselves from the enemy. So, use your powers wisely."
-A Few Weeks Later-
Many monsters tried to slow down their journey, yet after twenty-five days of foot-travel since they left that Fortress, they made it to the Farlands.
Jesse was thankful that they were located near the end of the world. He heard from Soren that it could take about many months or a year to just reach the Farlands if they start from the center of the world.
As he observed the new land in front of him, he found it was a distorted land filled with unnatural landscapes. Floating dirt and stone, stacked on top of each other. Reaching high above the clouds and beyond. There was also water and lava streams falling off the floating land.
"Wow..." Jesse couldn't believe what was in front of him. "This is-" Suddenly, he saw a strange shadowy movement beyond the new land. "Uh..."
"I had a similar reaction when I saw this for the first time," Soren said.
"No wait. I just saw something move over there," Jesse pointed.
Aster followed what he pointed at. "I didn't see anything. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was something." Turning around to the other awed people, Aster gave a sharp glare. "From here on we will enter one of the most dangerous and unstable places in the world. Anything could happen."
"Anything?" Lukas asked.
"Yes. Any blocks can fall like sand at any moment, multiple monsters can appear around you in an instant, or maybe an ignited TNT could appear right next to you by chance. These Farlands are really just a broken part of this world that ignores normality. So, stay close and be careful of your surroundings. Don't let your guard down."
Everyone understood and entered the warped lands. As they began to progress further inside, something still bothered Jesse. "Alpha, you know I'm still confused on one thing."
"What is it?"
"This whole thing about the Data, Operators, Admins, and Blazers. Much happened and I didn't have the time to ask."
Aster glanced at his blind sister. "Erika can explain."
Erika grunted in annoyance as she gripped Veronica's hand tighter. "Why me?"
"I wasn't around that time, right?"
She sighed. "Fine. First of all, Data contains every information about everyone and everything in this world.
Operators, Admins, and Blazers are considered no longer 'living beings' and more like machines that are connected to the Data. We Operators have the most but not all access to Data. We are the first to help maintain this world.
Admins have a more limited access to the Data but are still formidable against normal humans. They were our replacements after we went against the Architect. They even copied our color scheme. Violet, red, and blue.
The Old Builders can only access the Data through command blocks and have limited creational powers. They were created by the Admins but ran away from their responsibilities.
Blazers, as far as I know, are a new type of 'machines' with lesser access to the Data but they have special flame abilities. The Architect made these Blazers for the purpose of eradicating all life in this world. Why? I don't know."
Jesse nodded. "Thanks. I think I have a better understanding of you guys. But you are real human beings, yes?"
"We are still human. This body we reside in is not," Aster answered.
"I see. By the way, about this new fire power that I have, can I..."
While Jesse continued asking the Operators questions, Soren sighed when thinking about their conversation.
I just felt a strange yet familiar power within this land, Estella thought as she walked further in with the group. And it was horrible as well. Like bad memories are somehow coming to me...
Aster noticed Estella's nervous expression. "Estella, are you feeling well?" He asked.
Estella looked down. "I- I'm okay. It's just that I feel like I just felt a terrifying presence."
"Terrible presence?" Aster searched the area for anything suspicious. "Jesse, you also mentioned something like that."
Jesse nodded. "Yeah. I felt like its... eyes were... watching... us..."
What is- Is my hearing getting worse? Estella tried to squint through the growing darkness. My vision... Why? I can't see anything...
"To think I would find you here. It's like we were fated to be together."
Upon hearing an unknown yet familiar voice, Estella immediately opened her eyes in fear. Her hands are chained up with purple flames between the two stone pillars. Her friends were nowhere to be found. She was in a completely new area inside the Farlands. "W-who are you?"
The grinning figure looked at her. "Have you really forgotten me again?"
"I don't remember you." Estella struggled to free herself from his chains, but it didn't budge. She tried to summon her flaming sword, yet nothing happened. Estella's heart began to race, "Let go of me this instance!"
"Oh Stella. So, you have chosen to Escape from your fate." The ominous stranger broke in laughter before staring back at her. "After I humiliated your pathetic existence, you chose to forget it again." He took out an unrecognizable item. "But don't worry. Now that you're chained up with my new power, I will make sure you will never forget this feeling of pain!"
She searched frantically for a way out, her voice becoming more dryer by the second. "No! Go away! Don't touch me!"
"Hah... hah... heh... Eugh! hah... wh..."
"What? Out of breath already?!" He twisted her insides with a sharp object, causing Estella to twitch sharply. She did not have enough energy to scream anymore.
As the intense pain faded away, Estella looked down at him with empty, lifeless eyes. "W... Why...?" she asked in a hoarse voice.
In response, he twisted it deeper inside, making her twitch harsher in agony. "Why you ask? Didn't I already tell you? Your stupid face. I hate it."
"Heh... hah... Eugh!" Another twist.
"Let me remind you one more time," he gnarled. "We should have never trusted a monster!" He stared deep into her eyes. "You murdered and tortured many of my friends. After the Witherstorm was defeated, we found you again with your memories lost. So, we decided to torment you as punishment for all the sins you committed. And now I get to personally torture you again with your memory wipe out... AHA HA HA. THIS IS YOUR FATE. YOU SHALL RE-EXPERIENCE THIS PUNISHMENT ONCE MORE!"
"Augh! ...Travi-"
"DON'T SPEAK MY NAME."
"AUGH!"
I remember now. I did do something awful... In her growing insanity, Estella began to quietly laugh. What have I been doing this whole time? I should run... But my friends? No. No more. I don't care anymore. I have to leave. I shouldn't be here... I need to leave. I need to leave. Just leave. Just leave. Just leave. Just leave. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" Estella's hand lit up in shades of blue.
Travis snickered. "What's this? You're trying to use your powers to escape? Well to bad those purple flames of mine can diminish every type of flames! Give up your useless struggle an-"
*BOOM*
Bewildered after seeing what Estella has done, Travis shook his head. "Blowing your left arm like that... Are you insane?!"
Estella ignored him and grabbed the purple chains with her free, injured hand.
*BOOM*
As she freed herself from his shackles, her entire left arm hung down lifelessly, no longer functional. Estella slowly stood up with her blue fiery blade.
Travis backed up. "No... This cannot be happening! Why? After all this time?"
Savagely, she lunged at him, piercing his body with her flames.
"YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER EXISTED YOU MON-!" Estella's flames instantly consumed him, melting every part of his body.
As soon as he finished screaming in pain, she walked towards the edge of the cliff and looked down to the never-ending gaping hole. It reminded her what her true purpose was. Aster. Aster. Aster. Aster. Aster...
"Estella?!"
"Estella, where are you?!"
As everyone searched for Estella, Aster flew left and right in frustration. "Damn it. How did we lose her?!"
Lizzie, who had Estella's cat around her, looked down in worry. "What if we never find her?"
"No. She has to be alive. She can't be that far from us."
"Aster."
Aster's heart jumped in surprise as he heard Estella's voice. He quickly flew down to her level. "Estella? Where did you go?"
Everyone regrouped from their search. "You had me worried," Lizzie said in relief.
Estella, who never showed her eyes, pointed her hands in one direction. "I found a way down. Follow me," she said in a dry and monotone voice.
Aster became concerned. "Wait. I want an explanation."
She ignored him and started running back from where she came from.
"Estella! Wait!" Aster and the others chased after Estella.
"Hey Alpha, don't you think Stella is acting strange?" Jesse said as he ran beside Aster.
Aster nodded. "I can tell. I hope nothing bad happened to her. But just to be safe, everyone, be prepared to fight."
As the group catches up, they find Estella standing at the edge of the cliff, facing away from them.
"Estella! Tell us what is going on!" Aster demanded her.
"Aassterr. I remember you," Estella slowly turned her head, "but do you remember me?"
