(Herobrine X Reader)...'s Sister

Chapter 16, Lasts

     The two could finally breathe freely as they entered the dark and looming obsidian and Nether-brick fortress that lay dorment among many tall mounds of settling snow. The interior of the tower was cold, dark, and wet from soaking up too much snow. Though the air was uncomfortably damp, the Nether theme still poked through, as if the spirit of the realm itself had taken hold of the dark fortress. Lyla stared in awe at the tall scieling and spiraling staircase.

     "Down here." Steve grabbed her atrention, steeping down that same spiral staircase and further into the darkness. Lyla followed, ignoring the stinging chill that crawled up her spine. The two walked side by side down the staircase, silently rubbing against one another's shoulders. Lyla couldn't help but notice Steve had suddenly become distant again. He seemed to be fluxuating a lot between open and closed off. The stairs didn't seem to be ending any time soon, so Lyla decided to bring up conversation with him once again.

     "Hey, Steve.. What's up?" She asked, looking up at her friend. He seemed to jump a little by having a question to suddenly answer.

     "O- oh, fine. You?" Was his response. Lyla only raised her eyebrow at him.

     "I know we may have not been on this adventure together for too long, but I know more is going on in your head than you keep saying there is. And, I have opened up quite a bit, to be honest.. so it is only fair that you do the same." She said with a crooked bottom lip. Steve looked at her for a monet too long, nearly tripping down the stairs. Luckily, he was quickly kept from falling by Lyla grabbing his arm and pulling him back up. He chuckled awkwardly a little when Lyla's arms kept themselves wrapped around his, but Lyla kept on a completely innocent and unknowing face as she let go after he was completely steady. There was a little more silence after that as they continued down the stairs.

     "I guess.. I am just really glad to have you as a friend, again." Steve chuckled uncomfortably.

     "Same! I am so glad we are on the right track now. We both have quite a bit in common too, almost like siblings!" Lyla said happily. But when she looked over at Steve, his face had only fallen sadder. "..I'm sorry, Steve. Did I offend you; because it wasn't on accident!"

     "-No.. no. You didn't offend me." Steve said, finally letting the fake happy act fall.

     "Then, what is it? Steve, just tell me. I am going to annoy you to your grave if you don't." She threatened with a tease. He didn't make any effort to speak until Lyla placed her hand on his shoulder, telling him that she was all ears and genuinely cared enough to listen.

     "...It's just.. it's just... I don't know what is going to happen, when we face my brother.. afterwards."

     "Aww, Steve. We'll be fine, right? Wait, they took all your weapons, didn't they?." Lyla suddenly remembered back to the Trudgers. Steve was internally greatful the conversation had shifted.

     "Oh, yeah. That stuff. Not to worry, though. I always hide chests in places I think I may need them the most, including this tower. In it is probably my favorite set of armor.. and heavily enchanted diamond sword." Steve smirked, making Lyla sigh in relief after that little scare she made for herself.

     "Is there anything in there that I can use?"

     "I.. never really prepare for anyone exdept me, but, there should be some extra things you can use." Lyla looked a little disappointed. She wanted to help fight instead of having yet more reasons to be left behind. "...Heh, just teasing. We can share my set of diamond armor." Steve smiled down at her, reading her face perfecrly. She smiled back at him for that. Then more silence fell over them, followed by more thinking.