Encore: The Amnesiac and the Deceiver

14: Truth in dreams? (Herobrine)

Herobrine's theme song above. It's pretty appropriate for this chapter.

I was standing at the top of the arena, watching the players fight below me. I watched as they fell one by one until only two were left standing. One held a diamond sword while the other had a diamond axe. Their faces and clothes were blurred, I couldn't make them out. They stood watching each other, and although there was no expression on their face, I knew they would be smiling in the other world. It was time to get the ball rolling. With a wave of my hand, I forced the other players to leave. It was now just me and the two players. I dropped down from the top of the arena, standing in front of them. They both stepped back several times, their movements jerky. I knew they wouldn't see it, but I held up my hands anyway.

"I'm not here to fight you," I started. "I need your help."

I stirred briefly in my sleep. My eyes flickered open a few times and I rolled over, sinking back into the deep depths of dreams.

I was fighting next to him again. Unlike the others, he didn't run away when I approached. We fought the squids back, destroying every last one. I didn't use my powers even though I really wanted to. As well as not wanting to attract %*@*(^'s attention, I didn't hate squids enough to do that to them. Sure, they were useless, but still. We killed the last of the squids, our blades free of the blood I was used to seeing. I guess that was one positive side of this player-connected world. It still confused me how there was a realm in between the true Minecraft and the other world. I was unhurt, like usual, while he was down a few hearts. I summoned a health potion and gave it to him. He took it and his health went back to normal. I had gained his trust, I just hoped it was enough.

"There's something I have to tell you," I said. "I need your help."

This time, I stirred more and almost woke up. I couldn't tell who I had been fighting with, and there was that name that I didn't quite catch. Before I could ponder it further, my mind slipped back into sleep.

I didn't know exactly what he did. I had been watching him for several days now, and he seemed to do nothing except for build. He had seen me of course, but he seemed content with my presence, as long as I didn't interrupt whatever he was doing. He was in creative, flying around and placing numerous blocks. He seemed to be making a house of some kind, just starting the roof. I watched the pattern he was creating and then flew over and started to copy it, finishing the roof for him. He watched me for a bit, then flew down to the ground and finished building something down there. I finished the roof and flew down to him. He looked at me and was still for a moment.

"Thanks," he said. His words were clunky and machine-like.

"No problem," I said back. "I need a favour. Minecraft is in danger and I need your help."

Again, I stirred, frowning. There was something connecting these dreams together, but I drifted asleep again before I could make the connection.

She was sorting stuff in her house, passing the night. I almost didn't find her, but the glow of her torch caught my eye. I had to hurry, he was on his way here. He knew what I was doing, or he at least suspected it. I hadn't let any of them fall into #*@)%^'s hands yet, and I wasn't going to let her go either. The sun rose as I landed near the house. She stepped outside the house and I walked behind her, probably not the best move on my part, but I had no choice, I had to move quickly. She turned, saw me and froze.

"I need your help," I said, speaking quickly. "Minecraft is in danger. I need you to come with me." I mentally cursed myself, why do I always say stupid things when I'm under a time limit? "I'll explain more when you get here. Get ready."