Finding Space | AvA/AvM one shots

Again

ANIMATION VS MINECRAFT EPISODE 30 SPOILERS AHEAD. WATCH THE EPISODE FIRST, PLEASE!!

A retelling of a short sequence from AvM episode 30. (will add more detail later after the episode has been out for some time).

Content: The first paragraph should give an indication of what this one-shot is about.

***

Red was trying to not think about it, it wasn't helping things, but... the battle wasn't looking good. He had watched in amazement as Herobrine fought the king barehanded, moving faster than his eyes could register, and then spewed dozens of those clones at the fight. From this distance, it had looked like a swarm of blue and teal amidst the spikes of obsidian and chunks of bedrock flying everywhere

But now the fight was making its way back to the group, and the clones were disappearing faster than Herobrine was generating them. As they drew closer, Red could see that the clones themselves were getting sucked into the staff. That couldn't be good.

"Uh, guys?" He glanced back over his shoulder. No one moved. Everyone was watching the fight with varying degrees of shock or fear on their faces. Endie, Skell, and Spider looked extremely terrified. He looked forward again, just in time to see Herobrine, barely ten blocks away... already half-absorbed into the staff.

He needed to help. Somehow. He had stepped closer without realising it. Herobrine was straining, reaching outward from the staff, almost in desperation and–

- looked directly at him. He couldn't look away. And then–

He felt like he'd been plunged into syrup. The gurgly static in his ears drowned out everything else and the world looked hazy. He couldn't move, and something was pressing him against a wall–

And then he felt a very familiar menacing presence.

Greetings.

Oh sticks, oh keys, this was happening again. He immediately flailed–

And the pain began, same as it had the last time. Serrated knives stabbing at every part of his being, forcing him into a space too small for himself, and his arms weren't working and his legs weren't working and his voice wasn't working–

You!

He felt the presence shift slightly. It seemed to have heard that.

I now recall our previous... encounter.

He fought for the energy for a response. "Now"?!  He managed indignantly. Giant obsidian stick! Made me ruin everyone's day! Nightmares for years!

The presence seemed to hesitate. You are an exceptional host. And then it added, I do apologise for this current intrusion.

...thanks? He couldn't think of anything better to say right now. But - problem - now -

Agreed. You may have observed that I am having difficulty against the tall one. You and your non-Minecraft companions are... strange.

He tried to project an offended glare.

It is merely an observation. I believe your strangeness may be useful right now. He felt the knives recede slightly. Would you agree?

It took him a moment to realise that the presence was asking for permission. Well, it wasn't as if any of them had a better option. Fine. Just... my friends, don't you dare!

I am only fighting the one hurting my students.

The knives retreated completely, leaving only a prickly soreness. The presence had turned its attention away from him.

He felt his body lean forward and suddenly zoom downwards. This was going to be interesting.

***

Published 05 Dec 2022.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed! :D Also hope you enjoyed Episode 30, that was incredible!!

Usual note that I'm always open to feedback :)