Wither

Chapter 23-The Rally

I gathered my militia. Rows upon rows of pigmen, wither skeletons, and magma cubes lined up before me. Alongside them was a horde of organized human soldiers, glancing nervously at the ruthless monsters beside them. "Armies!" I bellowed, my voice booming across the grounds. My soldiers clicked their heels and saluted. Notch's whirled around, staring into my white eyes, terrified. "Knock it off," I snapped. They fearfully repeated the gestures my soldiers did. "As you all know, I am one of your generals. You will address me as you would any other general in war. General Notch will explain to you why we have gathered you here today." I stepped back begrudgingly, standing broodingly with my arms crossed.

"We are planning siege upon some of the most powerful entities in the world: hybrids." That word alone sparked distrust and hatred in the two armies, mine more malicious than Notch's. "They are seemingly very powerful, but with General Herobrine's skill, General Wither's legendary fright-empowering might, my power and influence, and the numbers gathered here today, we can beat them. Be warned, they most likely recruited armies of their own. Our intelligence has concluded that they have sustainable affiliations with ghasts and blazes. We are lucky at they don't have access to the Overworld portal, because they most likely could recruit witches, wolves, and many other hostile mobs due to a shapeshifter in their midst." Worry and unease shifted through the crowds. Shapeshifters had a dark history with every army. They were rare and dangerous. "However, General Herobrine has secured the services of all other Nether mobs."

Of course, this was little comfort to the soldiers. Ghasts and blazes were very powerful and could wipe out our army. But the sheer numbers of the attacking force gave us a feasible chance. "We advance in precisely three days. Be ready, or die," the Wither said in his deep, gravelly voice. Of course, his threat was worthless without my support, so I nodded agreement. The soldiers shifted nervously on their heels. "Train and serve us well. Go now," the Wither growled simply. All of the soldiers, man and beast, saluted to us and marched off.

"I hope we win," Notch murmured to me with an air of worry.

"We'd better win," I snarled, "or the world is going to suffer a lot."

*Mabel's POV*

I sat at the little makeshift table for a meeting next to Jet and Ember. I awkwardly scooted next to Jet to get away from the pyromancer. She sighed and rolled her eyes. I bristled angrily and turned away, focused on the beginning of chatter.

Romani, who was the undeclared leader being the oldest, sat at the head of the table. He called for attention and everyone quieted. "Now, Peterson has been flying around the nearby area and discovered that Herobrine has allied himself with someone from the Overworld, presumably Notch. Now, he has the force of many men and his original army at his side. So, in an effort to gain numbers for the inevitable war, I'm hoping some of you will go on an expedition with Peterson and me to gain assistance from the Blaze colonies and Ghast flocks."

Ember's hand was the first one up, followed by Lauren. Toboe and Jayden also raised their hands, and Seto joined the group. Johann, the kidnapping assassin, raised his. Bored and impulsive, I raised mine and Jet's shot up to join it. Romani gazed, surprised, in my direction. "Alright. We'll set off now."

Romani, Lauren, and Peterson took to the skies. Toboe shapeshifted into a ghast and Ember frowned. She unsteadily wobbled up to her father. Clearly her sister had inherited the flying powers. Halfway there she tumbled from the sky. With a grunt, she landed. Embarrassed, she brushed herself off with what little dignity she retained. "Do you want me to lead the party going to see the blazes?" She called, ignoring my slightly muffled snickers. Her father nodded, clearly hiding a smile. She angrily flushed and stalked off.

"Head that way for approximately five miles! You should reach a fortress! Climb to the top and that's where the colony should be!" I heard Romani yell as we walked off. Still bristling, Ember nodded curtly and we continued to walk.