Veil of Shadows

Chapter 8. Dream World

"Toxic."

Jerking up, Toxic's eyes narrowed as she saw who had spoken. Shadow stood in front of her, helmet and all. Grabbing her sword, she lunged, aiming to take off Shadow's head.

The sword passed right through him. "What the Nether?" She breathed, staring at Shadow. Shadow chuckled. "You are in my dream world. I brought you here so we could speak."

"I have nothing to say to you." Toxic spat, and Shadow replied "But I have much to say to you. Everything Notch has told you so far is wrong. He is the evil one. We are simply the freedom fighters."

Toxic laughed scornfully. "And why should I believe you?" Shadow smiled sadly and said "You have no reason to. But I want you to know that you are serving a tyrant."

That made Toxic mad. "You call Notch a tyrant? Look what you did to Pro!" Shadow showed no emotion upon the mention of Pro's name. "It was for the greater good of Minecraftia that I turned her into a slime hybrid."

"She was just fine as a human!" Toxic exclaimed, and Shadow lowered his head. When he raised it, his eyes danced with deadly fire. "War is imminent, Toxic. Choose wisely the side you fight for."

Toxic replied "I do not need to choose. I will stand beside Notch until the end." Shadow's eyes burned brighter, and he growled "Stand beside that treacherous snake, and you shall die as well."

"I do not fear death if I stand beside the true King of Minecraftia." She said. Shadow's rage only grew. "You call HIM a King? Do you know what he has done to us? What he is trying to do?"

"Notch is more a King than you will ever be." Toxic replied. Shadow's rage seemed to vanish and his eyes became haunted. "I have no wish to be King." He said quietly. "I simply want freedom for my people."

"Then come and join Notch. You will be well cared for." Toxic tried to reason with him, but Shadow's anger quickly returned. "I would sooner take my own life than submit to that murderous liar."

Toxic nodded. "I will not change sides. Your words are wasted." Shadow seemed to stare at her for hours. "Then I no longer have need of you in my dream world."

Toxic woke with a start in Notch's Fortress.

Shadow's words still echoed in her ears. Could it be possible that he had been speaking the truth? No, it was impossible. Notch was a good King. He ruled over his people with a kind heart.

Shadow had looked...different when he spoke of the things Notch had done. She had to force herself not to think about the possibility of Notch actually being a cruel and lying King.

He had done so much for them; why would he not do the same for his people? And if the conditions were truly as bad as Shadow said, why did the people not rise up against him?

Toxic finally came to the conclusion that Shadow had been messing with her mind, trying to manipulate her into joining his side. It only strengthened her resolve to kill him on sight.

Perhaps a kind heart can turn to stone...