Crossed between worlds- A Minecraft story

Chapter 23

"Why?" Ashton said, looking stricken.

"They're my friends," I said. "I can't just sit back and watch them die."

"But I'm your friend too!" Ashton said. "I need you! You're my bro!"

"I know," I said. "But you can stop Herobrine! You have the ability to hurt him! Nobody else can!"

Ashton stared down at his feet. "But he's just trying to lead you into his trap. You're gonna die, Steve."

The realization struck me. Herobrine would kill me any time he had a chance. If I had to turn myself in and spare Paige's and Hayden's life, I would have to give my life in exchange.

I took a deep breath. "I don't want anyone dying except for me. I got all of my friends involved in this mess, and I'm going to save their lives."

Ashton had a dead look in his eyes. His face was expressionless. "Fine. If that's what you want."

I started walking where my feet took me. Then I yelled out, "HEY ZOMBIE PIGMEN! COME AND GET ME!"

Immediately after I said that, zombie pigmen rushed over to me. They were all whispering to each other about me. All of them were holding up their swords, threatening to hurt me.

"Now, I don't want any trouble here," I said to them. "Take me to my brother."

The zombie pigmen look shocked, but still lead me to Herobrine's lair. Ashton followed behind, face still emotionless.

••••••••••••••

We arrived at the entrance. The pigmen stopped, and said, "Go in. He's expecting you."

Ashton and I walked in the entrance. I saw Herobrine sitting in his throne, and beside him was Hayden and Paige in a giant cage.

"Ah, Steve," Herobrine said. "I knew you would come. And you brought along Snapp too! Very nice."

Ashton glared at him and clenched his fists.

"Whoa, Snapp!" Herobrine said, pretending to look shocked. "No need to be so hostile!"

"Why do you want Steve so bad?" Ashton growled.

"Didn't he come to me?" Herobrine said. "Didn't he want to defend his poor, suffering friends?"

Herobrine laughed. "They can't even take some beating. Look at them."

I looked closely at Hayden and Paige. Sure enough, they were covered in bruises and deep wounds. They were both passed out inside the cage.

I saw Paige slowly open her eyes and lift her head weakly.

"Steve...?" she whispered. "What are you doing here?"

I turned away.

"Since you're here now, let's get this party started," Herobrine said.

He pulled out his dagger. "Decide now: Watch your friends die, or you die."

"I'll die." I said.

All of my friends cried out, "No!"

Herobrine smiled. "Good choice. Any last words to your friends?"

I gulped. Time to confess.

"Paige," I addressed her. "Ever since we met, I've always had a mad crush on you."

Tears were streaming down her face. "After a while, I had one on you too," she admitted.

My heart sped up. She has feelings for me too?