Forgive me but this story is quite long and all over the place. I'm not a natural story teller c: I'll fix the image dimensions when I return to a computer (Not why it keeps blowing up my blog picture). First time using FireAlpaca so I went for crudely drawn imagery.

It’s been fifty years since pioneers had set foot in the quiet west end village surrounded by flower biomes. The vast undiscovered wilderness offered many people the promise that riches and an honest living could bring. Mining was the more prominent job; so sought by men whose hearts were set on becoming rich beyond their wildest dreams. This aspiration in turn created many abandoned mines that became scattered about the over world. The small village was one of the few towns that survived the mining boom due to its abundance in other natural resources. Abandoned coal factories, as well as other relics from yesteryear lay in dust in forgotten buildings around the mountain, and even in old attics and cellars. Even though every old mining town had its share of these rather anachronistic remnants, the inhabitants no longer wanted to acknowledge these. The town had long ceased to encourage the occupation; an earlier mining accident that had tragically taken the lives of a large mining group had left the townsfolk shaken. To this day, those who are old enough to remember the tragedy, and the loved ones lost, avert their gazes from the direction of the glen where the horrible events had taken place. Unfortunately, even turning away offered little comfort for those from what now dwell within the caverns of the mountain…

A young, aspiring architect named Victor Donato was commissioned to design a row of houses on the outskirts of the village. This particular row of houses was to rest near the face of the mountain side. The architect stood out with his colonial garb and albino skin. A tricorn tilted over his forehead. His small stature didn’t call for fighting even though he carried an iron sword for protection from the dusk cloaked monsters. His friend, and bodyguard, Conway Burton accompanied Victor on all of his travels around the over world. He and Conway talked a bit as they walked the area. “Fancy a visit to the pub later?” Conway asked as the blasting crew, and builders worked around them.

“I’d rather enjoy a drink in solitude.” Victor answered.

Conway crossed his arms in disappointment. “You can’t let people get to you. I mean, you’ve got yourself a name in this business.”

“It’s merely a family business, mind you.” Victor said.

Blast miners blew through stone quickly. After the smoke from the TNT faded, two of the builders discovered a cave entrance that was rather small. They showed Victor the opening and questioned how they would work around it. “How should we close it up?” One of the miners asked. Victor stepped in and lit a torch to get a better look inside. A faint outline of a skeleton leaning against a rock casted a shadow on a wall with a book in its hand could barely be seen. Slightly uncomfortable with the remains, he carefully slid the book out of its bony fingers. As he stepped out of the cave, sounds of rubble hitting the ground echoed followed by a far off scream. Panicked from the cries, Conway and another man ran inside to help the poor soul. Other men followed suit. Victor ordered the building process to a halt until the commotion calmed. “There are people in the cave, no more mining until the survivors are found.” He said with a slight accent.



Riding back into town, Victor jumped off his horse and ran into the town hall, still panicked from the screams. “There is a mine with people in it south of here!” He said to Mayor Wimble.

“A mine…?” The Mayor said with a confused look.

“Yes, a small two by two winding shaft my men discovered while blasting away rock for space.”

Mayor Wimble looked at him in disbelief. “You found the haunted mineshaft… We should have told you about it but we didn’t expect you to blast mine anywhere.”

Victor shook his head at the noise of anything paranormal. “Are there any missing persons?” He asked.

“Yes, but they are assumed dead from the mining accident from fifty years ago.” Mayor Wimble told him. “You didn’t send anyone into this mine have you?”

Victor’s eyes widened from the tone of his words. “There are men searching them as we speak, Sir.”

The major grabbed Victor’s shoulders and told him to pull everyone away from the mine and to stop construction. “No one survives venturing in any part of those caves!” He said. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing after the Mayor spoke those words. They looked at them slightly terrified, and the feeling of dread hung in the air. Victor shrugged off their reactions and quickly returned to the site.

The darkling sky casted it’s shadows over the forest. Builders surrounded the cave, anxious for any sign from those that went into the cave.

“Has anyone surfaced?” Victor asked jumping off his horse.

“Not one soul, Mister Donato.” One builder said.

“How many went inside?” Victor asked.

“Probably eight.”

Victor grimaced at the thought of his crew dying in the secret cave. He especially feared for Conway’s safety, even though his dear friend was skilled in the art of combat.

“I’m going in. Keep everyone out. Get a list of names of the men who entered.” He said, lighting a torch and drawing his iron sword. The sound of a horse’s hooves caught his attention. A knight rode to the entrance, introducing himself. “I am Sir Markus of the Village Guard.” The knight unmounted his horse “It’s too dangerous to dwell within Herobrine’s Glenn at night.”

“Herobrine?! Who is this Herobrine you speak of? I have crew in there! I can’t wait till moonset!” Victor said as he hurried his pace into uncertainty.




Markus’s final echoed warning became faint. “You will die!”

The walls of the cave seemed to become narrower and narrower. After a few minutes, Victor came to a set of passages. He yelled out to anyone that could hear him but no one responded. Even though he was scared and wanted to return to the surface, he pressed on. As he continued to search, he marked the trail with red stone. “Maybe I should go back…” He thought. “I’m not properly suited for this sort of thing.” The temperature began to drop fairly quickly, and before long, Victor could began to see his breath linger in the air before him. After walking for an amount time, he heard strange tapping noises. He called out for someone but again, no response. Fear and anxiety tormented his mind. The tapping could mean anything. After hearing one loud tap next to his ear, he turned around frantically but didn’t see anyone. His heart fell into his stomach. He stood still for a moment while his imagination ran rampant, searching for valid reasoning. “Tis just silverfish within the stone…” He said to himself. He walked a little bit further, discovering a damaged record on the ground. Remembering the jukebox back at camp, he placed it in his inventory with the book. The temperature fell swiftly as unknown wind whisked the flame of the torch around. He turned around again, noticing the wind coming from behind him. Wielding the sword gave him very little comfort as he noticed a dimmed silhouette of a man in the darkness. His clothing was a bit distasteful in color. His shirt was a lighter shade of blue, clashing with the darker blue plants. He held a stone pick axe and his eyes glowed abnormally. Victor blamed the lighting of his torch on the glow. “I gave orders to not let anyone pass.” Victor said turning around, approaching the man. He stopped a few inches in front of the man, demanding answers. “Who are you?” The man leaned in a bit, raising his pick in the air, blowing out the torch. Victor saw the white glow of the unknown man through the darkness. Horrified, he ran away blindly through the black passage. The strike of the pick against the stone echoed. Struggling to craft another torch, he tripped over something. The newly lit torch rolled up against a wall. He hurried off his knees and as he reached for the light, he saw a red message on the wall. “Next” was crudely scribbled with a red stone torch placed in the middle. In the corner of his eye, he saw bodies on the ground. Conway sat against the wall, struggling to speak. He held his hand over a mortal wound to his abdomen. Victor dropped his sword and tried to pull his friend up. “He’s coming…” Conway struggled to say. Footsteps emerged from the darkness. Conway pushed Victor out of the way as the murderous man landed his pick. Victor reached for his sword and swung. Their weapons locked but the iron sword fell under the pressure and broke from its hilt. He ran further into the passage, losing hope of survival. His chest hurt from the anxiety and over exertion. A system of maze like caverns divided further into the abyss. Each choice was a painful move since nothing was certain anymore. His movement felt like a full circle as he entered the same room from earlier. His random choices proved him to be rather lucky. His red stone mark sparked a strong last sprint for the exit.

“He’s dead! Go back home!” Victor could hear the knight arguing with the builders as he neared the rays of light. Falling to the ground upon seeing the grass brightly lit by the morning sun, a group of camping builders ran to him. The knight stood there, surprised that Victor emerged alive and without a major injury aside from the scrapes on his hands. “There’s a mad man dwelling underground!” Victor screamed at the knight. “He killed them!” His fear channeled into anger from seeing his friend die.

The knight turned away from the architect, shaking his head. “Aye, but he is a mad man from the dead with a lust for murder.” The knight folded his arms behind his back and started to pace.

“I saw a man, not some fog or wisp!” Victor yelled, refusing to believe the paranormal aspect. “He broke my sword! He killed my friend!”

The knight stared down at him, motioning that he get on the horse. “Get up. You should see the Mayor.”



Before complying with the knight, Victor pulled a builder to the side, asking him to make sure everyone begins to pack up and head back to the village.

The Mayor stood, looking out the window. He quickly turns towards the two men rushing into his office.

“What is the matter?”

“Sir, the architect entered the cave AND returned.” Markus said.

Mayor Wimble looked at Victor in disbelief. He walked around them, looking at the small man.

“How did you get away from him?” Mayor Wimble asked.

Victor thought it was rather insensitive to disregard the news of the missing and murdered. “How I escaped…?” His pale eyes squinted and sharpened. The bridge of his nose wrinkled from the nasty frown. “How about giving the news to the surviving families?!”

As Victor tried to leave, Markus grabbed the collar of his coat and forcefully pulled him from the door.

“Stay and listen.” Markus said sharply.

Mayor Wimble’s hands trembled and his words became raspy. Trying not to stutter, he insisted that he sit down for a proper explanation.

“Mister Donato, this humble village has dark history, regarding the uncovered cave. A group of miners died in a cave-in. The past adventures that tried to locate the bodies were never seen again. You see, we sealed it off fifty years ago to keep the lost and damned souls from harming the townsfolk. To this day, screams are reported near the mountains. We believe the Tommy knockers are trying to lure in new guests. We are not able to truly seal off all of the entrances as tunnels from neighboring towns have dug there way in.”

“Tommy knockers?” Victor asked.

“They are the spirits of dead miners that either aid or target a person. In our case, they all seem to be sinister. They tap or bang on walls to let you know they’re coming. The main Tommy knocker is believed to be a man named Herobrine. He was one of the first settlers to create this town.”

The mayor scratched his balding head, struggling with where to start on this subject.

“It is believed that Herobrine and a prospector had an argument. He told the greedy man to not pursue the center of the mountain anymore as they ran into unstable rock. The prospector ignored the warning and blasted mined a chunk of space trying to reach a gold ore vein. This is what we believe happened. The only survivor passed this story down.”

Victor quickly stood up. “A survivor?”

“Yes, Markus will escort you to his farmhouse if you like. It’s about two miles from town.”

As the day drew to a close, Markus waited outside while Victor knocked at the door to the little farmhouse. An old man answered the door. Slight fear swept over Victor as the old man’s garb reminded him of mad man’s. A bright star hang from a leather strap around the old man's neck, looking much more rare than a stack of diamond.

“Excuse me, Sir… My name is Victor Donato and--“Victor was interrupted by the old man.

“Don’t you look mighty strange?” The old man said laughing. Victor shamefully lowered his head slightly. He balled his fist and slammed it on the arch of the door.

“Does Herobrine ring a bell, old timer?” He said fed up with the disrespect everyone gives him.

The old man quickly became serious and told him to come inside. The old man sat down in his rocking chair facing the crackling fire place. Victor stood behind him, looking at the old man’s back, waiting on an answer. The man started to laugh.

“You entered the cave, Sonny? The old man asked.

“Yes.”

“Now why’d yaw go on and goof up like that?”

The old man arose from his chair and hobbled to Victor. “My name is Steve, the lone survivor.” They both shook hands for a brief moment. “So, Herobrine spooked ya in his Glen, I see?”

Despite being uncomfortable about the memories from the cave, Victor began to recall his ordeal.

“My friend, as well as several of my crew was killed in there, and the only objects I’ve found were these.” Victor gave Steve the record and journal. “I haven’t read a single page nor heard a single line from the record. The journal itself, even as it may intrigue curiosity, feels like prying on the dead.”

Steve flipped through the pages and shook his head.

“Ol’ Sam died at the entrance. He managed to make it that far before he bled out. The fool never let anyone peak a sample from this dumb ol’ book! I feel bad for even holdin’ it… I can’t believe my friend died like that.” Steve spun the disk around. “This thing here be one of them music devices. This must have been dropped by someone ‘sploring cuz’ we ain’t had these fifty years ago.” Steve began to tell Victor the tale of the cave brothers.

“This was around the time these records were invented. These two brothers snuck into the Glen, wanting to be little paranormal investigators. They both entered the cave and took along with them one of them there sound recorders. Whatever happened in that cave, they got separated. The one lucky gun that flew outta that death trap fessed up to his folks about them sneakin’ around in Herobrine’s Glen. Of course, the other boy never found his way back home. The record was lost and this might be the one from the story. You should finish yer’ own story, Mister Donato.”

Victor described his encounter with Herobrine and how he ran across a bloodstained message reading, “Next” with the red stone torch barely lighting the wall. Steve’s calm expression quickly became cold.

“Next’?… Oh boy…” Steve said looking away.

“He tried to kill me. He can’t leave the cave, right?” Victor asked worried.

“Herobrine is known to only leave the cave if he takes an unnatural interest in someone.” Steve said, getting up.

“You mean-“

“Yep, you’re done for, Sonny.” Steve said, giving Victor a beer.

“Is there anything I can do?!” Victor said sinking into the chair, resting his head on his hand.

“Don’t know but…”

Victor looked over. “But what?”

“It couldn’t hurt to find out why he’s got you in his sights. Only one other person got marked but she didn’t last long.”

“Who was she?” Victor asked.

“The prospector’s wife.” Steve said. A sinking feeling developed in the atmosphere. “Any surname or maiden names come to mind?” Victor asked.

“Nope, can’t remember.”

Victor sighed. He couldn’t think of any reason why a half century old ghost would stalk him. Victor’s eyes dimmed and his expression turned sour. “My apologizes for interrupting your evening.”

“No need to apologize, my boy!” Steve said, patting him on the shoulder. “Tell you what, let me look through my archives for a spell or curse remover. Come back in a few days, should be ready.”

Steve returned the record to Victor but asked if he could keep the journal. Victor agreed. He thanked the old man and left to meet up with Markus.

Markus dropped Victor off at the inn and told him that he should stop by the mayor’s office tomorrow. “We’ve needed to rid ourselves of those Tommy knockers far too long. I apologize for our inconvenience. Until we come to a conclusion on what to do, I will check up on you regularly.” Markus rode off towards the tall sandstone building. Victor stepped into the dark inn, disappearing into his room.

The scared man looked up at the ceiling. A dead tree swayed in the wind outside of the window, which inspired more dread to well up in Victor’s mind. He violently pulled back the curtains and sat at the edge of his bed, trying to comprehend the concept of being haunted. After a moment, he grabbed his coat and rummaged about in the pockets for the record. When he found it, he walked slowly to the jukebox in his darkling room. “It can’t wait…” Victor said to himself.

He placed the record into the jukebox. He listened to the conversation between two boys about seeing a white glow within the darkness.

“He’s here…”

“Where?! You better not be lying!”

“Don’t you see him? He’s standing in there.”

“RUN JOHNATHAN!”

After a few minutes of running, the unnamed boy lost Johnathan.

“John...? Please don’t leave me here alone…”

Heavy winds distort the low sound quality.

“No! Please don’t hurt me mister!”

A bone chilling scream turned to choking and coughing. Wheezing followed shortly after what sounded like a few hits with a heavy object. The object fell to the ground, clinking a bit.

Victor removed the record, staring out of the window in the direction of the cave. That was when he noticed a faint, red glow coming from outside. He arose from the chair at the desk and reluctantly went to the window. Horror filled his eyes as he noticed a red stone torch lit just under the dead tree. “I need to find John…” He thought as he quickly dressed.

Sitting at his desk, he began to write in a journal to keep track of the recent events. The candle next to his book began to flicker along with low tapping noises coming from the door. He looked around but saw nothing. He checked the outside of his door but saw no one. Victor left the room, too scared to be alone. He sat at the closed bar downstairs, wishing his friend Conway was there to help him. “That monster took my best friend.” Conway was there to ward off bullies and to encourage him to face his fears. Privacy once was something he looked forward to. Loneliness did nothing but scare him now.

After sitting alone for a few hours, brooding over his limited options and resources, he thought about the potions and enchanted books Conway spoke of. His friend’s claims in magic never caught his interest until now. Any option, any resource, anything was worth trying. Victor eventually walked up the dark, squeaking stairs to his room. Before he entered, he peaked inside and was greeted by the red stone torch once more. He broke the torch on over his knee and threw the pieces into the furnace. Before he retired to bed, he put a gold sword under his pillow.

Struggling to get on Markus’s horse after a sleepless night, they rode to the town hall. Mayor Wimble had an old witch dressed in purple robes sitting behind the desk. “Mister Donato, please meet our arcane specialist and our head priest. The mayor had a few documents on the table with vintage photographs of people. From the looks of it, they all seemed to be victims from the glen.

“Based on our archives and some news from nearby towns, there may be a slim chance at banishing this demon into the nether regions.” The mayor said. “What did you learn from old man Steve?”

Victor cleared his throat. “A little bit of light was shed onto an old record from the cave. The person who made it died but a survivor was named. Johnathan, as it seems to be a common name, might still be alive.” The story Steve provided came shortly after. Victor’s voice lowered. “Herobrine has come for me.”

The mayor handed Victor an old newspaper article. The image was faded with yellowing blotches. A short man with similar features stood next to a cave opening with a group of miners. His eyes widened in confusion.

“His first name we do not know but this is the prospector that allegedly caused the accident.” The mayor said. “He wasn’t in town very long. I’m not even sure if a name will even help your case.”

The witch placed her hand on Victor’s hat and started to hum. “I see a thick fog. I see.. stars in the ground you stand. I see nothing...” She said, recalling her vision. “I need more time to interpret these visions.”

The Mayor gave a piece of the newspaper from The City in the Sky to Victor, pointing at an add pertaining to the housing expansion. “I never put this in any out-of-town printing press. Someone must have led you here…”

Markus added to the confusion. “Old man Steve looks similar to Herobrine. In fact, I think he lost one of his relatives in an accident that he seldom speaks of… I thought they both looked rather similar.” Victor felt dumb for not realizing the obvious. “I feel like this has gotten more confusing. Why would Steve withhold that information? Does he wish for my demise as well?”

“On what grounds can you support this accusation, Mister Donato?” Markus asked.

“He didn’t tell me he was related to this Herobrine and he claimed that he couldn’t recall much of anything. It was like he was being vague on purpose.” Victor said. “Finding the surviving brother mentioned in the record might help make sense of all this.”

“I’ve sent a summons to his household.” Markus said. “He should be here shortly.”

The witch put her hand on Victor’s hat again, chanting and waving a blaze rod around. This was rather uncomfortable. A few minutes later, a little woman stepped quietly into the room. The witch stopped and Markus showed her to a chair.

“My name is Alex. I’ve come in John’s place.” She said softly. Her bright red hair framed her small face. She looked at Victor with a little bit of uneasiness.

“John died a half a year ago.” She said. “I hope I can help on his behalf.”

The mayor explained the situation. He asked for anything John could have known about or anything about the cave.

“He and his brother Connor snuck out to explore the cave. Connor went missing.” Bit by bit, small memories came to mind. “He mentioned passing Sam’s body at the entrance. Sam and Steve fought often now that I think about it. What they fought about, I do not know but it often involved fists.”

Victor thought about when Steve spoke of Sam like a friend.

“Thank you Alex. Your time is greatly appreciated and will serve helpful to us.” The mayor said, giving her permission to leave.

“Perhaps a search of the premises would be justified?” Victor suggested.

Markus’s eyebrows rose. “Seeing as it’s our only lead…

The mayor leaned back into his chair out of frustration. “If you insist…” His voice trailed off. “But please make it snappy… and take care to not to cause a ruckus, or being detected.”

An hour later, Victor and Sir Marcus were outside of Steve’s home. As Victor eyed the area with growing intent, the Knight filled him in on the plan. “Steve should be away for a few hours selling his crops in the other towns. If we do this in a timely manner, we should not be detected.” Sir Markus said as they left the village. “We need to walk to the farmhouse under the cover of the forest.” The Knight asked Victor why he was eager to perform a home invasion.

“Sam’s journal; I gave it to him, but now I need it back.” Victor said.

“Ah, so you reckon the book will give us some kind of lead.”

“Honestly, I will do anything to stop Herobrine and not let Conway’s death be left in vein.”

“Ah, must’ve been your friend of course?”

“He was my best friend. I saw Herobrine impale him with his pick axe.”

Markus frowned from the words. “We should have told you sooner... My late, yet sincere condolences.”

With the old farmhouse in sight, it was evident that Steve was gone. “The wagon and donkey are gone. We need to find a way in.” Markus said, discovering the door is locked. Victor walked around, studying and observing the area. There was an open window above the back porch. Victor showed Markus and said he might be able to open the door from the inside. Markus watched out front as Victor jumped on various objects and scaled the siding. After tripping over the fencing, he climbed into the window and switched the lever to release the lock. Markus lowered his head to get into the small doorway.

“What a mess. The thought of rummaging through a hoarder’s paradise could take more than one trip.” Markus said, turning over dusty books.

Victor looked at the bunch of bookshelves, feeling less hopeful about finding Sam’s journal. Skimming over the hundreds of books was overwhelming. Many of the book titles stood out and made him feel uncomfortable. “The perfect pyramids”… “The 2 by 2 tunnel”… “The glooming fog”… One particular book stood out and gave him goosebumps. “Signals of the red stone torch” As he pulled the book, it felt like a lever. A loud clink echoed and one of the bookshelves opened, revealing a basement. Markus ran into the front room.

“What in Notch’s name?” He said.

Victor stepped slowly down, shrugging at any danger since he’s haunted by something much worse than a mere mob. He lit a torch and its light revealed a chest, surrounded by framed eyes of ender. Most of the frames were empty, as if someone was still gathering the items. Victor opened the chest, surprised at how it wasn’t covered in dust. “Sam’s journal!” Victor said. As he emerged from the dark room, Markus peaked outside after hearing a donkey whine. “Damn, he’s back…” Victor reactivated the red stone current to the bookshelf and they ran upstairs. As they entered the balcony, Markus gave Victor an ender pearl. “I found these in the attic.”

The two run inside the inn, panting and out of breath from the run. They sat at the bar and began to look over Sam’s entries. Much of it was irrelevant except for three entries about the miners fifty years ago.

Entry 1

“We found evidence of a stronghold under the village. Mayor Wimble ordered that we do not disturb the ancient grounds as an old legend speaks of an entrance that leads to the void of our reality. Opening up such a portal could release the dragon that he speaks of constantly. Even if’s it a hunk of mumbo jumbo, it doesn’t sound like the stronghold is worth searching due to the unevenness of the earth above it.”

Entry 2

“Herobrine and that odd looking prospector, Mister Augeri been arguing all day. I think his little brother has been talking him into sneaking into the stronghold. Steve has always been a hard headed adventurer.”

“How can this be…? Steve is such a peaceful man.” Markus said, shaking his head, recalling an old memory. "After Steve and Herobrine fought the Wither, he changed bit by bit as if his heart began to wither itself. He locked himself away in his home, avoiding everyone". Victor read the last, haunting entry;

Entry 3

“Those two accidently set off the red stone line to the prepped TNT. Herobrine and Augeri rolled onto the pressure plate, leaving us all dead or almost dead. I guess this is my last entry. I doubt anyone will ever read it…”

They sat in silence for a moment. Victor stared at the oak table, at a loss on how this could possible answer anything. Instead, even more questions can be asked.

“I’ll question Mayor Wimble about the stronghold mentioned. If anything, please try and get some rest, sir. You look like a mess.” Markus gave Victor a leather backpack full of potions and enchanted books. “I’ll come by tomorrow after I put a warrant out for Steve’s arrest. Falsifying information is strictly illegal.” The knight rode off into the dark streets.

Victor watched the rest of the people dance and drank happily. Some of them stared strangely at him, pointing and whispering. He returned to his room, feeling strong jealously and resentment of their simple lives. He sat at the desk, scribbling more into his journal. “Looking into its soulless stare might have dismissed my sanity. I don’t think I will make it back home. I won’t declare my ending to be anything less for it will be proper and lasting.”

Going through his inventory, he separated the strange potions. He was glad that they labeled them all in case he used the wrong one. A tided stack of arrows was wrapped up with a purple, shimmering bow. Despite this weapon being top quality and expensive to craft, it was useless to him at the moment. A shimmering gold apple rolled next to him. It was quite heavy and looked too metallic to consume. He didn’t understand why Markus put so much effort into this arsenal for Victor was a novice hunter, gather and pathetic fighter. As he repacked the bag, he heard faint taps at his window. He turned to it, only seeing the moon shining through the gray clouds. He turned towards the door only to see a dark figure standing there. Its eyes were white and cold, not sparing time for a single blink. Victor’s body froze up, his throat constricted, preventing a scream to let loose. He crawled backwards, leaning up against a wall. He clutched the bag close. The shadow stood still, only its wispy form moving in the air.

“What do you want from me…?” Victor asked.




A foot stepped from the darkness along with a bloodstained stone pick axe. Before the rest of Herobrine emerged, Victor threw a poison splash potion towards it, causing him to grunt and moan until he vanished. He opened the window and climbed down the tree. It was too dangerous for him to be alone. The empty streets gave no comfort as not a soul traversed the cobblestone. The heavy wind blew through the trees, causing a wispy howl. The town hall wasn’t very far but dark alleyways lined the way. Running as fast as he could, he heard loud tapping along the way. Pushing himself up against a wall for cover, he looked all around for the murderous ghost. He turned to face a tap and suddenly, Herobrine swung his pick axe at him. Victor ducked and rolled from the wall, causing Herobrine’s pick to get lodged into the wood. Running seemed to be pointless and the thought of surrendering calmed him since it would end his personal nightmare quickly. For some reason, something told him to survive. He had to try. He turned towards Herobrine and attempted to land an arrow on him. Struggling to pull the flax string, a burning shot headed for its target. Herobrine warped away and the arrow landed on the cobblestone street. Victor looked around frantically turning about and calling out to the ghost, “This is all a mistake! I am not your murderer!” A black foggy circle surrounded him. He struggled to dodge the many strikes from pick axes from all degrees. The fog felt too solid to pass through… The only thing he could do was smash a potion of harming, hurting himself in the process. With the obstacle dissipating, he staggered into the neighbor district, falling to the ground. The world around him became fuzzy and water colored. The last thing he heard was a woman speaking

The sun’s rays pierced the glass in the window, landing on Victor’s black, sleepless eyes. The discomfort of light awoke him abruptly. He sat up, screaming, confused about the unfamiliar surroundings. He jumped out of bed, grabbing a stone sword leaning against the wall. A woman runs inside, shouting at him to stop. “Calm yer’self!” She said. Her red hair and green eyes gave Victor comfort in at least remembering her from the mayor’s office. “Alex…” Victor said, dropping the weapon. “Come to breakfast when you are ready.” She said, leaving the room, closing the door behind her. Victor looked around, confused but at least, felt safe. “This must be the guest room.” He thought, looking at the dead plant in the window and running his hands over the dusty table. He quietly emerged from the room, heading down the hall to the brightly lit room. Alex and a young child sat at the table. The young boy stared at Victor. Alex scolded him for staring.

“It’s quite alright. I should be used to it by now.” Victor said, sitting across the table from Alex.

“Don’t make him think it’s okay to be disrespectful.” Alex said to Victor. “I make sure my boy knows that differences are to be respected; not tolerated, or gawked at.”

He looked down at the cyan clothed table with sad eyes. She put a bowl of beef stew and a baked potato in front of him. “It’s probably not what yer’ used to but you need to eat something.” Alex said. Victor looked at her.

“Your hospitality is wonderful, ma’am.” Victor said, trying to find a reason to eat. Anxiety had his stomach tightened in knots. Alex sighed and gave him a pink potion.

“It might bring your appetite back.” She added. He drank the disgusting liquid, surprised by its effects.

“Did you want your potato, mister?” The child asked. As he attempted to pass it to the boy’s hand, Alex smacked it. “You’ve had plenty to eat.”

After they ate, Alex asked if Victor would join them outside. “Jesse, would you show Victor how to use his bow?” The boy ran up to Victor and reached in his bag for the glowing bow.

“Stand like this, draw your arm back this, aim like this…” Jesse’s shot into the bull’s eye on the tree was perfect. He handed the bow back. Victor tried to mimic the same stance and technique but landed in almost outside of the circle. He frowned and Alex laughed.

“Don’t tell me you travel far from home and never practiced any self-defense?” She asked.

“I never left home without my friend.” He said, trying to hold back the memory of recent events.

“No more room for excuses. I’m sorry for your loss but if you’re going to get through this, you need to at least land a killing blow on your foe.” She said, throwing him a wood sword. “Hit me.” Alex said, holding a shield.

Victor hesitated at first but he lifted the blade and struck the shield. “You gotta put more force into it!” Alex said, charging at him with the shield. He quickly dodged it. “Where did you learn to move like that?” She asked.

“Backing out of fights, cowering from confrontation, avoiding people in general…” Victor said.

“Ready your weapon again.” Alex asked. Victor raised the sword. Alex armed herself with a wooden sword, dropping the shield. “Deflect and prevent me from hitting you.”

She swung at him, giving him little time to react. Victor proved to be a good blocker. Not being confident with his strength and becoming overwhelmed, he tripped her instead. She tumbled down, landing on her rear. Victor reached to help her up but she head butted him. “Never aid the enemy.” She reminded him. He staggered back from the blow. Jesse laughed much of the time. Alex suggested that he go to the town hall. Markus had Steve in holding for questioning. She presented Victor with a diamond sword. “John never used it. He’d be happy to see it put to good use, I suppose.” Alex said.

“Thank you.” Victor said as he went on his way.

Opening the door to the mayor’s office, Markus and Mayor Wimble could be heard arguing loudly over what to do about Steve. “There’s no point in charging him with withholding information.” The mayor said. “There’s evidence that he and Herobrine were working on activating the portal in his basement!” Markus said, slamming his fist on the table.

Victor walked in quietly, watching. The witch from before jumped up from her seat and grabbed Victor’s hands shouting, “You have a curse on you!” Everyone grew silent. “I figured as much.” Victor said calmly. His luck has always been sour.

“The name Augeri… We found records of him traveling from The City in the Sky.” Markus said.

“Possible great grandfather but definitely a relative…” Victor said, sighing. “Branded by this curse, I am defaced to his likeness.”

“Oh, yes! A generational curse it is indeed!” The awkward witch added. “There’s very little anyone can do for them.”

Markus told Victor to follow him into the cell room.

Victor ran up to Steve’s cell, enraged, gripping the iron bars to the point his hands turn red. “Call off your sick game!” He said to the old man.

“Now, now Sonny boy, calm yer’ self.” Steve said smiling.

“How can anyone be calm when they have to forever keep an eye open?” Victor said.

Markus hit the iron bars with his sword, getting Steve’s attention. “If you can provide any help or stop this mad demon, your charges will be dropped.”

Steve with a cheery laugh smacked his knee. “The curse can only be stopped by killing off the entire family! Mister Donato was simply unlucky to be a strong conductor for his ancestor’s foolishness. Look at you; you are Mister Augeri to a T!”

“And all of this over some ruins that may offer nothing?!” Victor said, grinding his teeth from the tension.

“You have some nerve to judge me and my brother’s search for relics, powerful weapons, and glory. You were born with all of these things while we struggle to make a good living.” Steve said.

Victor frowned at Steve’s comparison. “This so called curse has left me an outcast, isolated, and pathetic! All of the /balance in the world can’t fix that! I’ll wreck your plans!”

Steve laughed loudly. “It’s too late. We have found the portal and it seems you are the last in line for this curse to end with. With all of you gone, my brother and friends can finally rest-” His expression quickly changing to all seriousness. “Herobrine should have killed you a long time ago.”

Victor grew cold. His heart sank with the thoughts of his half-sister, Angelica. Her luck must be impeccable to not have been detected yet.

“If this how it should end, I expect nothing less from him.” Victor said, lowering his head, going upstairs. Markus quickly followed.

As they entered the office, they were greeted by the witch, standing in the corner, holding a poisonous splash potion in the air. “Don’t move!” She screamed. Markus and Victor held their hands in the air.

“Get on the ground.” The familiar voice ringed through their skulls. Its owner appeared. Mayor Wimble step in front of them holding a loaded bow. “Forgive me Sir Markus but you know a bit… too much,” he said as he readied to shot. “The dragon will be released tonight.” Markus and Victor looked at each other for a short moment, waiting to signal their last stand. “Now!-” Markus shouted as tackled the Mayor and Victor caught the flying potion. Victor drove his diamond sword through the witch. Markus pinned Mayor Wimble to the wall. “Why have you turned on us?!” Markus demanded to know. A stray arrow hit Markus in the back, his grip loosening on the Mayor. Steve, watching from the doorway laughed as Markus fell down. Victor kicked the door shut, causing Steve to slam into the ground. Victor dispatched the Mayor quickly with a stab. “Go… Stop him.” Markus said, struggling to stand. Victor nodded, gave him a golden apple, and ran after the quick old man. “Steve! Stop and pay for your actions!” Victor shouted. His eyes were bloodshot.

Crowds of people watched the two leapt over rooftops and obstacles. Victor was shocked with how agile the old man was; almost superhuman in his advanced age. Steve robbed a man of his horse and rode towards the cave. Victor had no choice to rob another horse from the same guy. “I’m sorry, sir!” He said as he followed.

Victor arrived to the cave, sprinting, Steve locked in his sight. Red stone torches were lined on the walls, giving him an eerily lit path. The dirt began to stop and stone and man make bricks lead them into a dark corridor. The stronghold was damp and crawling with sliver fish. Stepping over them and pushing down skeletons, zombies, and ignoring endermen caused him to lose Steve. Frustrated, he wandered around, paranoid and swinging at every tap or water drip. “Kill me then!” Victor’s shout echoed throughout the forgotten grounds. Footsteps quickly got his attention. Herobrine causally walked down the hall towards him. He let his pickaxe drag on the ground.

“Steve can’t finish his own ambitions?” Victor said rather sarcastically. “I don’t except you to understand, my murderer.”

Victor readied his bow, firing multiple shots. Each time, Herobrine warped away. Victor drew his sword and tried to sweep Herobrine’s legs. He jumped back and attempted to smash his pick axe over Victor. The sword and pick locked but this time, the diamond remained intact. Victor’s improvised fighting could only do such much as he managed to trip him. Herobrine rolled over, stopping Victor from impaling him by kicking him the abdomen. The force sent Victor sliding on the floor. Herobrine stood above him. As the pick axe lowered, Victor’s efforts to move got him stabbed in the shoulder. He struggled to his feet, attempting to communicate with the way ward spirit.

“Are you getting anything out of this? Your brother’s motives seem quite selfish, seeing as how he talked you into a deadly descent. He probably watched you fighting with the prospector, satisfied that he didn’t have to get his hands dirty.” Victor’s voice was harsh. Herobrine became angry and forcefully lowered his pick axe to strike. The point caught skin under Victor’s left eye, dragging it through his bottom lip. Victor held his jagged wound, spitting blood onto the ground. Herobrine hit Victor over the head, causing him to collapse from the trauma. Victor looked up at him, saying his last words in the over world.

“Aren’t you happy? Steve got away with his crimes. He glorified your name in death. Sam’s words were left in vain as Steve saturated your story with lies… Lies that left many dead within these unforgiving walls… Augeri just happened to get caught in the cross fire.”

Steve walked over. “See? I kept my promise to bring you Mister Augeri. Win this fight.” He said.

Herobrine’s focus seemed to deter from ending the young man’s life.

“This is not the prospector. This man fights like a hooligan.” Herobrine disembodied voice scattered through the air. He dropped the pick axe.

Steve picked up stone pick, lifting it over Victor to finish the job. The start glowed brightly, giving Steve the same white haunting, empty eyes. “Don’t let this wealthy fool trick you!”

Herobrine disarmed Steve, throwing Victor over his shoulders. “He may not be the prospector but he won’t escape.” Herobrine walked into the portal room. “I am not to be his final judge but he will unfortunately have to pay for his family’s crimes in front of the dragon.” Steve stood over him, waiting for the doomed man to fall into the unknown world. As Herobrine dropped Victor into the activated portal, he grabbed the side long enough remove most of the eyes of ender, causing the portal to dissipate. He let go, gripping Steve's necklace, causing the leather to tear. With a final look of pointless satisfaction, he slipped into the remaining window of void. Steve's eyes returned to normal, as if the necklace was to blame for his behavior. The last thing he heard was Steve’s disappointment. “What have you done?!” Steve cried. “It took almost fifty years to open the portal!”

The retired knight stepped into Victor’s hotel room, seeing if he had returned. Markus sat at his desk, peaking into the journal. The last entry confirmed his assumptions that Victor was trapped inside Herobrine’s Glen.
“I pray to Notch that my sister won’t ever have to experience the faults of our past lives. I won’t be back tonight. It’s kind of funny to think she’d actually read this. Regretfully I failed to be a better brother. I failed to be a better uncle. I won’t be there to warn or protect from this undying curse I failed to stop. Perhaps I did deserve such a terrifying conclusion. I’ve neglected so many... Conway, Angelica, forgive me.”

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