Fractured: Eternal War

Chapter 3: Ender's Deal

Adrian's POV

I wake up to find myself in a strange room, on a table. I look around to see what I assume is a version of an infirmary. I stand up slowly, wincing from the pain from my wound. I check it by lifting my shirt, stained with dry blood. I'm surprised to see bandages over the wound, so I check my other wounds to see and they're all healed. I look at disbelief of how my body looks like it's never gone through a single fight. So I walk towards the exit with caution, and as soon as I step out, I stare in awe at the huge mosaics on the sides of the huge hallways, as if I'm in a extremely large palace. I start to walk as quietly as possible, unsure of what to make of my situation.

"You do realize that if we wanted you dead, you would be," says a female voice. "So stop trying to sneak around."

"Who are you and where am I?" I ask calmly as possible, despite being initially startled.

"I am Ceris, leader of the Ender Watchers," she says, her glowing purple eyes boring into me. "And you are in Ender's palace."

"Ender... as in the God?" I say, the realization hitting me.

"I'm not aware of any other being called that," she replies in a bored tone. "Come. Ender wishes to see you."

I limp towards her, seeing blood bloom again on my shoulder. I notice that she blushes when she helps me up.

"What's wrong? Can't handle all of this?" I say, gesturing to myself, making me wince again.

"I... have not seen another human in a long time... let alone a warrior like you..."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I say, grinning.

She holds me up, then closing her eyes. A few moments later everything around turns black, instantly we teleport to some sort of throne room. This time, the mosaics above the throne portray the creation of Overworld, Nether and finally the End. Then on the throne, I see a being of pure black, with no indication of any eyes or mouth. Near the throne is the strange Enderman with the staff and crown. I see Ceris kneel and bow to the figure, so I quickly do the same. So this must be Ender.

"Rise, Ceris and newcomer," says Ender with a celestial voice. "You have very little time left before you die..."

"Adrian, uh, Sir."

"... Adrian, so you must make a choice, a very difficult one," says Ender in a solemn manner. "There is a way to truly save you from death, I also happen to need a third guardian."

"What?" I say confused.

"I am offering you a place among the eternal Ender Watchers, to be one of my guardians across the planes of existence. However, accepting this offer would mean the loss of your current form, as it is not suitable for the realm of the End. Your fatal injury does not help your body, and my magic alone is the only thing that is keeping you alive. Despite this, even I cannot stop what is inevitable. I do not stop Death, as that would cost another life. A decision I am not willing to make. Remember this, there is a delicate balance that all must obey, even we, the Gods." explains Ender, rising from his throne.

"So you're going to transform me into an Enderman, like him?" I say, pointing at whoever the Ender Watcher with the crown.

"That is Vordus, the first Ender Watcher I created, as a gift for being ever loyal, even as a human," Ender says in a calm tone. "And yes, you will become an Enderman... of sorts."

"Uh, alright. Do I get some time to process this deal?" I ask authoritatively.

"You have one day, relative to this realm, of course, to decide whether or not I shall let you perish or to become the third member of the Ender Watchers," replies Ender.

"I guess it doesn't really matter, does it? Since you're a god, you can just see the future can't you?" I say with a chuckle, realizing I've been given little choice. Might as well enjoy what little time I have left as a human.

"Not quite, to be more precise, I see the possible end of things, the end of infinite possibilities, including yours, depending on your decision," responds Ender. "I will not influence your decisions, as that will cause an imbalance, as destiny and fate cannot be trifled with."

"So that means I'm destined to be here? That my fate is already written in stone?" I say with aggravatedly.

"No, fate can be changed. However, destiny cannot. Fate and Destiny are two different aspects, they are similar yet different. That is the way of existence, there cannot be good without evil, as there is no love without hate." explains Ender cryptically.

"Now, go. I will leave you to decide."

And then everything fades back to blackness yet in the same instant I appear in a luxurious room. For a God, Ender has good taste in decoration. Feeling a little faint I limp to the bed and lie in it, drifting into sleep slowly, thinking over the Ender's cryptic explanation.