Double Edge

The Scarlet Snow

To say you were alarmed was an understatement. Either the piglin followed you, or you were just unfortunate enough to cross paths again.

Both were not optimal, and you prayed to the gods that he hadn't seen you.

"Hello." the piglin said, voice rather quiet, unfit for such a large creature. "That fire is awfully big Schlatt. I don't know if you should be lighting fires in a forest. We're incognito." the piglin huffed. Placing his satchel on the snow covered grass, and took a seat next to the fire he complained about.

"Seems you're enjoying it regardless, old friend." Schlatt retorted. Throwing kendrick to the ground with a grunt.

"Little bitch wont tell me shit. Techno, surely you could work on him for me? I need to take a piss." he stated, already turning his back on Techno, and began strolling into the forest.

"Please-please! I wont tell anyone you're here! Just let me go, I'm a humble man, I've done not a thing wrong.'' Kendrick begged. He sat in the snow defeated. Seeming to be at the mercy of someone who didn't seem to care much for morals.

"Oh? Not a thing? What's this?" Techno asked, pulling a worn leather backpack, and tugging a metal object out.

You have got to be fucking with me. You thought, head racing. This Techno guy has my sword in his hand.

"Now, I'm no expert, but something tells me you're lying." Techno stated, pulling himself to his full height, and grabbed the man by his collar. "Wanna know what happens to liars?" he asked, a dangerous grin forming on his face. Tusks peaked out of his mouth, revealing white teeth and a new found sense of danger.

"P-please," Kendrick whimpered. Taking his bound hands and shielding his face as best he could.

Techno laughed, taking your blade, and as if he knew how it worked already, popped both sides free from their sheath, and cut the man's right hand clean off.

Your eyes grew wide, and you felt genuine fear now. This wasn't petty thievery anymore, this was far more serious.

Kendrick wailed miserably, and Techno didn't bat and eye as he placed the sword on the ground, pulling Kendrick upright.

"Now, tell me what you know about the end."he growled.

It was then that Schlatt arrived from his 'break', and sat on the other side of the fire, back turned to you.

"Ah! Good to see you're all loosened up now, good pal. Id love to hear what you have to tell us." Schlatt flamboyantly stated, throwing random twigs into the flame.

"The end... listen, I don't know much. All I know is that to get there, you need enderman. Lots. they were barbaric back then, and used their eyes to open a gateway, a portal to a new sort of hell. No one who entered came back alive." Kendrick said through gritted teeth. "I don't know much more, all I know is that it's one type of hell not even you bastards could withstand." he spit out defiantly. He still bled on the ground, its scarlet seeping into the Northern snow. You were listening, and growing more and more alarmed by the second.

Was the sword even worth it anymore? You worried for your life now, not your pride. This wasnt something you wanted to mess with, and something you felt like you already knew too much about.\

Worse still, the snow's bitter cold was catching up to you, and your toes were already frozen solid.

You needed a plan, and were certain you were royally fucked, when the gods themselves must have intervened.

A distinct howl sounded in the distance, making you simultaneously want to jump for joy and cry out of fear. You were in no position to fight, and knew if a wolf found you, you'd be as good as dead.

"Shit." Schlatt murmured. Pushing off of the wooden log he sat on. "Seems like your unlucky day." he said cockily, reaching for a blade at his side. Kendrick grew pale, if not more pale than he already was.

Schlatt didn't hesitate slitting his throat. He even seemed to enjoy it.

Sadistic bastard. You thought, covering your mouth to not make any noise at the sight of the life drain from Kindricks body.

"Let's get outta here Techno my man. You and I have some planning to do.'' Schlatt began walking opposite of your hiding place. Taking his bag and supplies from its resting place. Techno stayed longer messing with the snow, staring at Kendrick. He seemed to be lost in thought, Before sighing heavily and joining his partner.

You didn't move till they were so far out of range, even the whisper of footsteps couldn't be heard. You tried your best not to look at Kendrick as you rushed to the fire to warm up. You're not sure when you started crying, but suddenly tears streaked down your cheeks, and instead of brushing them off hastily, you let them fall. Someone would mourn him. Even if he wronged me. No one should die for it.

How could you feel so hateful towards someone, and so sad for them at the same time?

There was stillness in the forest, but now, you were not afraid. It seemed as though the worst had happened. A man lay dead at your feet for fucks sake. However, your eyes caught a glimpse of something that made you pause entirely, body growing a type of cold that even hell couldn't warm. Your sword lay unsheathed in the snow, with an arrow pointing towards where you were hiding, drawn in Kendrick's blood.