Cruel but Gentle - Herobrine X Steve

Chapter 14

Dusky tried desperately to dodge left and right, forwards and backwards. Notch was fast. Too fast. She struggled as the god kept swinging his sword at her. The dog was well aware that Notch would not physically harm her if she failed to move out of the way in time and she was wearing that diamond armour Jacqueline had made her, just in case. Still, she wanted to train as hard as possible.

Dusky yelped as the sword almost hit her, she froze but it stopped suddenly. Her heart was pounding from the exhaustion. She was panting heavily.

"You did remarkably well, Dusky," Notch praised as he teleported his sword away. "And, considering that I will be battling with Herobrine, you should be perfectly fine when we go to rescue Steven."

Dusky's eyes lit up with excitement. Her tail wagged quickly as she jumped up onto Notch and began to attack him with licks of gratitude. He chuckled softly and gently pushed her down. Now that was two people she owed. Two amazing humans that proved not all of them were as cruel as...them. She owed them both her life.

"Lord Notch!" A vaguely familiar voice called. They both turned to see Alex, Ace by her side. She was smiling and waving while running toward them. When she was a couple of paces away, she stopped suddenly and kneeled. Ace jumped onto her back.

"Is something wrong, Alexandra?" Notch questioned, he seemed surprised to see her as we were inside the castle grounds and guards were not permitted to allow people in who didn't have consent from him. Alex raised her head to face Notch.

"Wow! You know my name!" She squealed before composing herself and standing up. Ace hopped off her back and was standing by her side. He hissed at Dusky and Dusky returned the favour by growling back. "I wish to-"

"There she is!" Someone yelled. "Get her before she attempts to harm Lord Notch!" Suddenly, guards were surrounding Alex, swords all pointed at her.

"Oh crud..." She muttered. Notch raised his hand to get the guards' attention.

"Let her speak first." He commanded. All of the guards replied with a 'yes sir'.

"I'm so sorry about this but I really wanted to join your army but when I go here they said you were busy..." Alex hung her head. "Saying that out loud let's me hear how stupid that was...forgive me please." Ace meowed and placed a paw on her shoe. Notch laughed gently.

"Do not fret; you aren't in any trouble." He assured her. Alex's face lit up at that. "I'm just impressed that you managed to get past the guards to see me in the first place." Alex's smile grew with every word said. "Tell me, why do you wish to join my army so badly?"

"I want to protect and serve you!" She excel with a determined look. "To get rid off all the evil in this world so the good can live peacefully!"

"Is that so?" Alex nodded. "What brought such devotion?" She froze suddenly, she looked nervous and Dusky could swear she smelt a waver of fear.

"Umm...rather not say in front of so many other people..." She muttered. Notch nodded in understanding then threw a long wooden pole at her, which she caught. Dusky got off the training grounds and so did Ace, both of them catching the hint. Alex stared in wonder at the pole.

"Guards, you are all excused to return to your posts." They all bowed before walking away, serious looks on the armoured faces. Notch turned to face Alex. "Then show me what you can do."

Alex wore a big grin before charging forward and swinging at Notch, who blocked it with ease. Dusky and Ace where sitting together on the sidelines, watching in anticipation. Notch pushed Alex back, who stumbled before going in for another attack.

This went on for a long while, Alex attacking while Notch either dodged or blocked. Alex didn't slow down and, even though she was getting tired after twenty long minutes, she kept on going strong.

"Go Alex!" Ace cheered from beside Dusky. Dusky realised how close she was sitting to him and moved away. She didn't particularly like Ace. "Kick his butt!"

Dusky continued to watch as Notch finally began to attack and Alex had begun to defend. It was clear to see how much Alex was straining. Notch then whacked Alex in the side and she let out a sharp gasp before falling to the ground.

"Alex!" Ace cried and raced forward at incredible speed before leaping at Notch, sharp claws and teeth bared. Notch just suspended a furious Ace in the air - using his powers - to stop him.

"Alexandra is not badly injured, do not worry." Ace was still hissing and scratching but thanks to Notch's powers, Ace couldn't touch him. Dusky them ran forward and came to a stop closer by. Alex was slowly getting up, clutching her side.

"Ace, it's okay." She assured, sounding sad and disappointed. "I'm fine, I promise." Ace meowed at her as Notch carefully put him back in the ground. Alex picked him up and nuzzled him slightly. She faced Notch. "I'm sorry for wasting your time, Lord Notch..." She apologised before turning around to leave.

"Just how have you wasted my time?" Alex stopped.

"...I couldn't beat you...I didn't even land a hit..."

"Which doesn't matter. I am stronger than all of the soldiers in my army put together." Alex looked at Notch shocked.

"I didn't have to beat you?" This got another laugh from Notch.

"Dear me, no." Notch smiled. "I do not believe one of my beloved creations is actually capable of doing so." Alex smiled again.

"Does that mean-"

"Welcome to the army, Alexandra. I see lots of great potential in you." Alex began to jump up and down in excitement, Ace yowling in disagreement at being swung around.

"Oh my...thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes!" Alex fist pumped the sky before realising her actions and who she was in front of. She stood up straight, stopped herself and bowed. "You won't regret this, Lord Notch." Then, as she was about to run off, she looked at Dusky. "Hey I know you! You're Steve's dog!" Dusky barked. "Where is he?"

"Unfortunately, Herobrine has him at the moment." Alex began to hiss like her cat, who joined in.

"The nerve of that-" Alex stopped herself from cursing in front of Notch. "Are we going to rescue him?" Notch nodded. "Good." Was all Alex agreed before running off, Ace in her arms. Notch turned to face Dusky.

"Where was we before all that happened? Ah yes, I think we would be ready to save Steven tomorrow."

Save. Steve. Tomorrow. Those three words buzzed through Dusky's mind as she jumped around happily, no, she was more than happy. She felt ecstatic. She would finally be able to save Steve.

"Come, I will tell you of my plans." Notch lead Dusky back inside the actual castle as the sun was setting. "But afterwards I expect you straight to bed; you've got a long day tomorrow." Dusky felt the joy still filling her. She didn't think about the what ifs. What if Steve couldn't have held out and was already gone? What if Herobrine had already killed him? What if all that was left was a corpse? Not one of those possibilities reached Dusky.