Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nothing built can last forever. 

And every legend, no matter how great, fades with time. 

With each passing year, more and more details are lost. Until all that remains are myths. Half-truths. To put it simply, lies. And yet in all the known universe, between here and the Far Lands, the legend of the Order of the Stone endures, unabridged, as self-evident fact. 

Indeed, it is only a troubled land that has need for heroes and ours was fortunate to have, so long ago, four heroes such as these: Gabriel the Warrior, before whose sword all combatants would tremble. Ellegaard the Redstone Engineer, whose machines would spark an era of invention. Magnus the Rogue, who would channel his destructive creativity for the benefit of all. And Soren the Architect, Builder of Worlds and leader of the Order of the Stone.

 These four friends together, would give so much to gain their rightful place as four heroes. Their greatest quest would take them on a dangerous journey to fight a mysterious creature known as the Ender Dragon. In the end, the Order of the Stone emerged victorious and the dragon was defeated. Their story complete, they slipped away into the pages of legends.

But when one story ends, another begins…

-

“Would you rather fight a hundred zombie-sized chickens, or ten chicken-sized zombies?”

“Huh?” The question knocked Jesse out of his focus, losing the grip on his sword as he glanced over to his friend with a look of confusion before continuing with his practice. 

Olivia rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips before mimicking the boy, “ Huh?” Her coal-like eyes watch him mockingly; they’re pulled halfway closed with her eyelids like purple curtains, along with faultless eyebrows stitched together above. Round dark-red lips are pulled into a soft sneer, but without malice, against dark skin, and a straight nose bridge that leads to a wide but strangely button-like nose is scrunched up. She tilts her body down as if weighed by gravity on the right side, causing dark pigtails to droop down, and the lime beanie and goggles resting on the top of curly hair goes askew. As she slowly tilts, light bounces off pearl earrings to create an illusion of dancing pixies.

Jesse looked over again, the same lost look plastered on his face, “What?” 

“It's just a dumb question, forget it.” She shook her head, the movement causing her pigtails to bounce around slightly. Jesse shrugged in return. Olivia walked past the boy, heading towards the lamp placed on a table behind him; Jesse had noticed her working on it for the past few days now. Connecting the last few parts with redstone dust while carefully avoiding her clean white shirt and apple-coloured tunic, the girl switched the topic, instead deciding to focus on something Jesse was more likely to pay attention to. “So… I've got the daylight sensor on the roof.” 

“Mmm hmm…” 

Glancing back at Jesse with a questioning look, one that showed her distrust in if her friend was actually listening or not, she continued with her words, this time paying closer attention to Jesse; trying to see whether he was following, or tuning out every sound that wasn't the wooden thud of his sword clashing against the armor stand. “And if I did this right, these lamps should go off once it gets dark.” 

“Mmm hmm!”

Olivia sighed, her eyes directing back over to the wiring she was connecting in her hands. “I didn’t wanna just leave Reuben in here with nothing while we're at the building competition.” 

“He's coming with us.” The sentence was short, direct. It’d cut to the point quicker than it should have. Jesse was dead set on his decision, so sure that it might've not even been a decision in his mind; he had probably assumed the pig was coming with the group to begin with. 

Olivia’s eyes widened at his comment. Her hands dropped the wires and she turned once more to look over at Jesse. “Really?” 

Jesse paused mid swing, pulling his sword down to his side, sliding it into the scabbard attached around his waist and spinning around on his heels to face Olivia. “What kind of question is that? Of course he is!” 

“Hey, I’m not saying he shouldn't come,” Olivia said, walking up to Jesse. Her footsteps lightly echoed, with the sound of gray leather boots, through the wooden foundation of the treehouse they were standing in, creating a familiar and comforting vibration through Jesse’s bones. “I'm not, but… don't you think it's a bit… odd? I mean, you take him with you everywhere you go.”

Reuben then ran up with some small stomps, tucking himself in between Jesse's legs, looking up towards him and Olivia, letting out an oink. Olivia looked down towards the pig, letting out a small smile before looking back at Jesse. "I think Reuben’s great. Really, I do but… I don't know… he kind of makes us look like, uh… amateurs?”

“Reuben’s my best friend,” He protested, crossing his arms. 

Olivia gave him a long look and said flatly, “I thought I was your best friend.” 

“You both are!” 

The girl sighed in frustration. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Don't get me wrong, I love the little guy and I’m glad he’s coming…” She trailed off. 

Jesse raised an eyebrow at the pause; he unhooked his arms, letting them both fall to his sides as he waited for the girl to continue.

“I just don’t wanna give people one more reason to call us ‘losers’. I’m just really getting sick of it, Jess, I’m tired of being a laughing stalk!” Olivia frowned, turning away from Jesse and walking back towards the lamp, tweaking around with it and fixing any last minute details. Her hands worked with great detail, without betrayal of her irritation. 

Jesse walked up behind his friend, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Who cares what other people think, Olivia.” 

She turned her head, looking at the boy; her eyebrows scrunched up, wrinkling her face. Her shoulders are stiff with disheartenment and plump lips are pursed into a thin line. She’s been thinking about this for a while, holding it inside a fragile bottle. They both watch each other in the silence after Jesse’s words for a few long seconds before she sighs, standing up straight. Jesse takes it as a hint to move his hand, and along with it, takes a step backwards.

“I- I know, it just… it wears you down” Olivia admitted, fully shifting her position to face Jesse, leaning back against the table whilst doing so. It was completely reasonable. They hadn't been the coolest group in Beacontown, and after being lame for so long, Jesse understood how upset Olivia must’ve felt. Jesse opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He looked down, racking his brain for anything he could say to make the girl feel better. The way she looked and the tone in her voice had made him feel so terrible. Olivia had always been there for him, as kids in the forest when they first met, as teens in school, and now, as they got ready to attend the Endercon building competition. After all that, it was his turn to cheer up Olivia. With that in mind, he had finally grasped onto a train of thought, or perhaps, a rope of salvation - one that could help him comfort his friend. Jesse looked back to her, grinning.  

“You say you're not a loser, so prove it; prove it to everyone today. Olivia; you, me, and Axel, we're gonna win the building competition and show them all!” He encourages the girl, raising his voice and giving her a smile so determined that she couldn’t help the grin creeping up on her face in return. He always knew what to say to calm her, always had, even when their maturity were ones of small children

Pushing off the table with a soft smile she replies, “Yeah, Okay. Thanks, Jesse.”

A concerned oink coming from Reuben snaps them out of the moment, as a faint hissing sound could be heard near them. A very familiar, hissing sound. 

“Do you hear that?” Jesse asks, his smile turning into a more worried look as he whips his head to the direction of the noise. A deep dread settles within his chest as he does so.

“Oh no… you don't think?” Olivia whispers, eyes widening and hair raising as she shifts slightly. Strangely enough, even with that small movement, the floorboards remained creaking.

The boy steps closer to the direction the sound was coming from, Olivia following shortly behind. He comes to the middle of the treehouse where the entrance of the place was neatly built, kneeling down next to the trapdoor to investigate. Jesse carefully leans towards the door when- 

“Boom!” The trapdoor slams open with a rattle, causing another loud creak, and a large, hulking figure pops up; their head covered in a cheap, badly made creeper mask smelling strongly of plastic. The muscular figure wears a large, strangely designed green jacket with threads sticking out of it, as if it was worn through many years, and has experienced many things. Large hands covered with black fingerless gloves reach out towards them like the branches of a horrific tree of a frightening night. What ruins the image of a green monster are the tan pants leading down to worn and dirty sandals.

“Ah!” Jesse screams, falling backwards. Next to him, Reuben gives a similar reaction, squealing at the sight before toppling over in fear. 

The figure begins laughing loudly, the sound reverberating off the walls, causing it to increase in volume. As it increases, it also increases in obnoxiousness; and the longer it lasts, the more ridiculous the joke seems. However, the howling soon dies out and he raises his hands to take off the mask. A dark unibrow is drawn in joy, mirth and laughter twinkling in deep chocolate eyes. The cheekbones on the figure are high, and a square face is framed with short, cropped pitch black locks. He smiles with a large happy grin, and he looks down a crooked roman nose that shows evidence of once being broken. “Hahaha! Oh, man you guys totally freaked out! That was awe-”

He's cut off by a now angry Reuben charging straight towards him, bumping him in the chest. The man grunts, placing a hand over the area, “Hey! Damn it, now I'm gonna smell like a pig at Endercon. I thought we were buddies, not cool dude.” He scowls at the pig.

“Axel, what the hell is wrong with you!” Olivia yells at the man. An angry look, similar to Reuben’s worn on her face. 

Jesse picks himself up off the ground, brushes off his butt and then begins to run his fingers down his palms, in search of splinters to pluck out of his rough skin, which was caused by the amount of building and fighting he had done all through his life. “You had that coming, Axel.”

Axel makes a loud, exaggerated groan, rolling his head back all the way around before dropping it. Jesse shakes his head at his stupid friend, before watching him pick his head back up and plead his case. “Awh man! I brought you good times, and now I’m being punished for it?”

Jesse let out a small incredulous squeak, flailing his arms around, stammering before coming up with a coherent sentence. “You scared us half to death!” 

Axel laughed, making his way towards the shorter man, throwing an arm around his shoulder and pulling him in close. “Aw c’mon Jesse, nothin’ is fun if you're not scared half to death!” Axel smirked, causing Jesse to facepalm. 

Olivia watched the scene from where she stood across from the boys, wondering how out of all the people she could meet, she ended up with these idiots. One who wore a costume that likely cost more than it was worth, and the other now donning a red print on his forehead and hand. She waited for the two to stop bickering, but quickly gave up when she noticed that their arguing did not show signs of ceasing any time soon. Olivia decided to change the conversation completely. 

“Did you bring the fireworks?”

“Of course I did! I even brought something for the little guy.” Axel grins, looking down at Reuben before pulling out a pig-sized Ender Dragon costume. 

Jesse’s eyes widened at the sight. “Nice!” He cheered.

“You brought Reuben a disguise?” Olivia places a hand on her hip, looking towards Axel as he carefully puts the costume on Reuben, an unamused look painted on her face as she asks the question.

Axel looks over to his friend, confused at the disapproving look that was so clearly directed at him, and raises his hands to gesture wildly. “Umm, we're going to a convention. Somebody’s gonna be wearing a costume!”

Unlike Olivia, Reuben seemed thrilled with his new attire, letting out an excited squeal as he ran around the tree house, the wings of the costume flapping up and down as he did so. Jesse smiled warmly at the pig as he watched him jump around. “Oh my god, Axel, he looks awesome!” Jesse smiles, leaning down to pet Reuben who oinks in agreement at Jesse’s remark. 

“Glad you think so; It only took me a million hours to build it,” Axel grumbles, leaning against the wall of the tree house. Olivia eyes him up and down, and then to the dust falling from the ceiling, before looking back to him. 

“But you definitely brought the fireworks, right?” She repeats, except more persistent this time around. 

Axel rolls his eyes and groans. “Yes! I'm ready, just waiting on you guys,” he says, pushing himself off the wall, walking back over to the trapdoor. 

Olivia followed the man. Before leaving she looked back over to Reuben and crossed her arms. “If he was really your best friend, you wouldn’t let him go outside dressed like that.”

Jesse glanced over to the pig shaking his head. “The only thing more dangerous than putting a costume on a pig, Olivia.” He paused for a second, looking back over to the girl, “Is trying to take it off.” He chuckled. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just hurry up and go grab your stuff!” Axel ushered his friend, before opening the door and climbing down the ladder, causing loud thumps and creaks the way down, followed by a louder thump as they heard him jump down a few rungs from the earth floor 

Olivia followed suit. “We’ll meet you downstairs okay, Jess?” 

“Okay!” He smiled, watching as she climbed down, closing the trapdoor behind her, leaving Jesse and Reuben together in the treehouse. Jesse then sighed, turning around and taking a good look at the surrounding area, before ultimately deciding to go through a few chests, looking for anything that could end up being useful. 

As the brunet rummaged through the chests he found a few items he deemed worth taking with him; nothing too much as all he found was flint and steel along with a pair of shears, but it was still better than nothing. Jesse got up off his knees, dusting his hands simultaneously, and  walked up to Reuben who had been watching him. 

“You ready to go buddy?” 

Reuben oinked in reply, jumping up at the question. 

It forced a laugh out of Jesse’s throat, shaking his body as it faded out. As he continued to scan the treehouse, a poster caused him to turn round and head over to it idly. Standing a simple few feet away from it, he inspected the piece of decor that covered the wall. Gabriel - his idol - stared back at him with a proud grin, pearly whites invigorating him. His name is printed across the bottom of the poster with bold letters that caught one’s eye, which would then lead to one coming over to scrutinize the poster, which would then lead one to think about Gabriel, which would then lead to them to an inevitable and natural idolization for him. At least, in Jesse’s case, this is what has happened.

“One of these days, we’re gonna win, and when we do, people will look at us and say ‘Hey, there goes Jesse and Reuben, winners of the Endercon Building Competition!’” He declares, looking down to Reuben, who in turn gives him a look. 

“Uh yeah, they really should change the name…” He scratched the back of his head. He washed away the thought, instead choosing to focus on something else. He kneels down to Reuben's height, or as close as he could get to his height, adjusting the mask of the ender dragon costume.

“C’mon Reuben, give me a dragon roar!” He encourages the pig, to which Reuben complies, using the best of his abilities to let out a squeal that sounded somewhat like a roar, or, at least, a good imitation of one. 

“That’ll do, Reuben! That’ll do.”

Jesse walks over to the trapdoor, pulling it open. Reuben oinks, running up behind Jesse who gently picks him off the ground and holds him in his arms before carefully climbing down the ladder, closing the trapdoor behind him. 

“That's everything,” Olivia says, as Jesse steps off the ladder onto the ground, and bends over to let Reuben go.

“Let's roll!” Axel cheers, energetically throwing an arm around Olivia who in turn, raises a brow, unimpressed with his choice of words. “Yeah dude, ‘roll!’” She says, mocking him. 

Jesse chuckles at his friends’ antics. He watches as they bicker, bouncing back words laced with a tease and a laugh. He can’t help the fond smile that tugged at his cheeks and stretched his lips thin. He jumps forward and tugs Olivia by her arm, causing her feet to stumble backwards against the grass; her other arm grasping at Axel pulled him back with her also, making a human train that dragged and hobbled along the path. 

“Let's go!” He announces brightly, and the group begins their walk - a march filled with shoving and staggering, in a line that zig zagged back and forth - to the building competition. 

Chapter Text

The group walks in silence to Endercon; nothing but the sound of footsteps against grass, and a slight breeze of wind rustling through leaves every now and then. 

There weren’t many big animals here, as Jesse had only noticed an occasional tittering from a bird or the sound of soft paws climbing on the trees that surrounded them. They were likely chased off by the monsters that roamed the forests when the sky grew dark; the creatures would bother the woodland animals around here, dangerous as they were. The only animals who would dare find a home here were the ones who were able to find a habitat high above ground, or maybe below it. With the sheer amount of healthy trees bearing leaves dense enough to offer their group a protective shade, it would be quite a hotspot if an animal is to survive long enough to build an appropriate home in the branches. Jesse ponders all of this with a quiet hum - he finds the stroll through the trees calming, that is until Axel finally starts acting like Axel. 

“Y’know, I heard a pretty juicy rumor about the building competition, but you guys have to promise to not say anything!” He teases, securely tucking his hands behind his back as he strides through the forest with his friends. The sudden spark of conversation attracts Olivia, “Okay…” She says, with a hint of leeriness. 

Axel grins, removing his hands from behind his back and speeding up his pace to match the girls, throwing an arm around her shoulders as his tone becomes more energetic. Jesse watches the change of position, and feels for the girl as he watches her lose balance for a second at the added weight thrown on her so suddenly. “Also, It's in two parts. Each part more exciting than the last!” Axel adds, doing his best to amp up the suspense. 

Jesse groans before complaining, “Okay, cool. Do you wanna actually tell us now? Please?” 

Axel snickers, throwing a free hand down onto the top of Jesse’s head and ruffling it through the soft brown curls. Irritated, Jesse slaps the hand away, which only causes the snickers from Axel to grow louder. “Alright, Alright! So, Part one: the special guest of this year’s Endercon is none other than Gabriel The Warrior, him-freaking-self.” He speaks, proudly. 

At the mention of the hero’s name, Jesse’s head perks up, twisting to face Axel, “You’re kidding? Well what's part two then?” Jesse grins in excitement, his previous scowl dissolving away. Axel smirks, then clears his throat, “Part two: According to my sources, the winner of the competition is gonna get to meet him! It doesn’t mean anything if we lose… But if we win… oh man! This would make up for all the losing.”

Jesse was filled to the brim with exhilaration, just the thought of meeting the man, standing there in person, face to face, felt incredible. But, then again, if given the chance, he would rather be faced with the entirety of the Order of the Stone opposed to one fourth. “Kinda wish they were all gonna be there, imagine how cool that would be” Jesse frowns, placing his hands in his pockets and looking down towards the grass he was walking on.

Axel’s face contorts into a look of annoyance, “Does nothing please you? You have to meet all of the members of the super secret super legendary Order of the Stone?” He mocks, crossing his arms as he stares down at Jesse, unimpressed with his friend's wishes. 

“I didn’t mean it like that… Besides, I wasn't saying it wasn't cool; I was just saying that would be cool too.” Jesse puts his head down shyly, turning it away from Axel.

 Not a moment later Olivia clears her throat, and with the back of her hand swats at Axel's arms, causing the man to stop in his tracks, glancing down at his friend, “Hey, Axel, does this ‘source’ of yours make posters for a living?” Olivia questions Axel, walking ahead of both him and Jesse, lifting a finger, pointing at an area of the woods next to them.

“Huh?” The group looks over to the direction Olivia is pointing at to see every tree visible covered in Endercon posters promoting the appearance of Gabriel. The majority of them bear his grinning face, blank eyes staring from the trees, watching them. It was eerie, and Jesse wondered to himself what it would be like to see those many eyes if the sky was darker, and he was with only himself, instead of in the company of his friends. He certainly would not come closer because of the bolded words, and the idolization of Gabriel’s character would be less natural.

“Oh. Yeah so about that… My source doesn't exist. You guys are my only friends,” Axel mutters sheepishly with a frown. His face shifts to a bright pink as embarrassment sweeps over the boy. Olivia facepalms, while Jesse sighs, shaking his head. “C’mon guys there’s no time for this. Let's just focus on winning the competition.” Jesse doesn't have a chance to take a breath after he speaks before Olivia steals the chance to continue talking, “We never win, and this year we’ve got Reuben with us! We basically have no chance,” She groans, hanging her head back to stare at the sky through the foliage. Reuben on the other hand, oinks back in retaliation. 

At this point Jesse is tired, stifling the urge to let out a loud, exaggerated groan, he drops his head, running a hand through his hair before looking back up and running with whatever comes to his head, “Faith, Olivia,” Jesse responded to the girl. Olivia, reasonably confused, clicks her tongue, “What?” She questions, looking back at Jesse and squinting her eyes slightly. 

Jesse brings his hand up in front of her face, positioning his thumb and index finger to form a pinch shape as he speaks, “A little slice. A sliver. A portion. Just a little faith. That's all we need. Also I'm hungry. To win.” 

While Olivia walks with her head tilted, completely lost to the idea Jesse was trying to put in her head, her gaze shifts to Axel in hopes of him being just as confused. God knows why she decided to do that. Axel presses his lips into a line, “No, no. I’m with that.” He nods, patting Jesse’s shoulder. And so, Olivia ultimately gives up, and decides to go with it.

“All right,” She says, albeit reluctantly and tone, a bit flat. 

Jesse suddenly stops. “Hold on… Wait a minute!” The sudden rise in volume catches Axel, Olivia, and Reuben’s attention. The three stop in their tracks, turning around to look at the man with varying levels of shock and concern.“We’re thinking about this all wrong! The point of the building competition isn't just to build something. We have to do something to get noticed by the judges!” 

Olivia nods her head, “Okay, then. So how do we do that?”

“We don't just build something functional, we build something fun! After we finish the fireworks machine like we planned, we then build something cool on top of it!” 

“That’s… actually a pretty good idea.” Olivia’s eyes widened, as if in shock that her friend could actually think of something so smart. Jesse didn't think much about it at the moment, he’ll take the time to be offended later.

“If you want to get a reaction out of the judges, you need to build something scary,” Axel pipes up, walking closer towards Jesse. And slyly stretching his arm around his shoulders. “So, I say we build a creeper!” His enthusiasm was evident, fully believing his idea was revolutionary, not to say it wasn’t, building a creeper atop a fireworks machine seemed pretty fitting. Although, it didn't seem as if the whole group agreed on the idea. 

“Wouldn’t an enderman be better? I mean, I’m more scared of endermen than creepers.” Olivia crosses her arms, staring at Axel, who shrugs in return to her disagreement. 

Jesse thought about both options, taking a second to himself to decide which one would work better and increase their chances of winning. His mind ping-ponged between the creatures they both suggested, debating the danger and overall scariness of each monster. Although Endermen were agreeably terrifying, the monsters being the sole star of his nightmares as a child, a creeper did seem like the more logical answer,  “ Alright then, I think we should go with the creeper!”

"You're going with Axel's idea?” Olivia groans, while next to her, Axel celebrates the win. Throwing a punch straight up into the air and letting out a short cheer.

Nonetheless, the girl accepts the choice and continues on with the subject, not being one to hold a grudge over something so petty. “You know, I think this is the first time we've decided on something before getting to the competition,” She mentions before looking over to Jesse,  “You think we’ve got everything?”

Jesse sighs, shrugging his shoulders, “I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to grab a little more.”

“Lets get with the grabbin’ then,” Axel smirks. 

“We're so prepared. We can't lose. Cannot. Bring it in.” The group comes closer together, reaching their arms out to bring their hands in the middle of the circle, each one resting atop the other. A sign of friendship between them, a trust and bond that their rag-tag group shared; one developed through years. 

"’Dare to Prepare’ on three. No. ‘Preparing is Daring.’ Nope, that's the same thing - forget it. ‘Team’ on three. One, two, three…”

“Team!”

With a shout they all raised their arms to the sky; whooping and cheering with a bright energy. It’s louder than the calming noises of the wildlife, more exaggerated than the buzz of beetles and the rustling of leaves, more connected and in tune with each other than bees with a common goal. With their hands outstretched to the clouds above them, Jesse felt like he could do anything. He felt like if he reached high enough, he could achieve anything.

Jesse was so ready for this.

-

Jesse was not ready for this. 

When he separated from his friends, he ran off with Rueben by his side. The two found a small area surrounded by a handful of towering trees, next to a quaint pond with clean water; so clean it looked to be untouched, even with the surrounding nature, like it was purposeful. Around the body, laid rocks with connecting cobwebs that spread along the surface to other rocks adjacent, covering it in a ghostly veil. With the water being so limpid, one could also spot the coloured pebbles that spotted the bottom with bland shades of blander colours; a plethora of gray and coppery brown. The bowl of water was still; with nothing to bother it, no ripples were made, and if Jesse were to perhaps dip a finger in, it would ruin the serenity temporarily leaving it in a poor state. It had tall blades of grass that surrounded the area as if hiding a treasure, with little specks of vivid colours from flowers hiding among, and a scent of wood, nature, and pollen.

It was perfect. 

Jesse figured he would explore the area; maybe grab a couple extra materials, just to stay prepared. He would also be able to breathe in the tranquility, and perhaps, it would coach him on how to win this year, along with planned exercise. So, he had rolled up his sleeves and planned an appropriate routine, involving the natural supplies surrounding him and regard for his own physique. A little training for the competition couldn't hurt.

Of course, he was wrong about that too. 

He now laid on his stomach, grass itching his nose and stabbing his eyes with the breeze that rode upon them. And now, he felt that the perfect tall blades weren’t perfect after all, and the treasure was just the creepy worms, and beetles, and shit that decorated the earth floor. He simply sighed, sprawled across the grass floor, with Reuben sitting promptly on his back, like a king or a merchant upon a pitiful donkey. 

“Ugh… Damn it. Was I in over my head, Reuben? Was Olivia right? I mean. We never win, what are the chances that's gonna change now.” Reuben jumped off Jesse's back, allowing the man to sit up, resting his head in his dirt crusted hands. He kept it there for a moment before looking up to see the pig sitting in front of him, tilting his head. Jesse sighed looking over to the tree next to him, staring at the poster of Gabriel. 

“Was it stupid to think I could be as great as him? I mean, he defeated the Ender Dragon! I can't even win a stupid building competition.” 

“Oink!” Reuben moved next to Jesse, nudging his head onto Jesse’s thigh. Jesse laughed at the act, bringing his hand to Reuben's head, petting him gently. 

“Thanks bud,” He whispered gently, giving Reuben a warm smile. Not a moment later, he could hear Axel and Olivia in the distance, searching for him. “I guess we should get going now, shouldn't we?” Reuben oinked back, jumping up. Jesse pushed himself off his butt, getting on his feet, brushing off his clothes, and began his walk back to his friends. 

Even though he was slightly dispirited, he had to pick himself up and move forward; even through the tall blades of grass, and the slight breeze, and the unhappiness. It’s what Gabriel would have done, and with that in mind, he decided, it’s what he would do too.

 -

“Aw man, this is great! We know what we’re building, we’ve got all the stuff for it. We are so ready.” Axel exclaimed as the group walked up to the entrance of the building competition. The hustle of the competition could be heard from where they stood, and the haste of it made his world swirl. Excitement buzzed through the air, filling Jesse’s lungs as he breathed it in through his nose, which then revived him from his failed exercise. It reminds him of that strange coffee they sometimes sell in the festivities after the competition. Sometimes, he suspects that they have added something bizarre, like slime or some other item that has to be hunted down.

Along with the chattering that could be heard, he could also spot the blots of colour in the distance that indicated the competition. Banners were hung and people streamed in and out of the entrances, and he sighed with the contentment and familiarity of it.

Olivia nodded, agreeing with him, “Yeah! I can feel it. This year, it’s gonna be different. I'm not just ready to build.” She seemed to be in a better mood than before. He thinks that the festivities and the buzz of excitement has got to her too. If the design of it all even got to Olivia, the trinkets, colours, and joy must have been magic. “I'm ready to win.”

“Nice pig, losers,” Spouted a stranger, one who looked rather plain, as they ambled on by. Both Axel and Olivia stopped, cringing as they put their heads down in embarrassment. Jesse groaned, eyeing the man quite viciously as he walked away.

“Ugh… jerk”  He whispered under his breath. The group, now with their confidence knocked back down, takes a few more steps towards the front gate before Axel piped up, the tone of his voice obviously irritated. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” He grumbles, catching the attention of his friends next to him, who look over to what had been the reason for such a change in attitude; one from his small humiliation, to a more in-character loud vexation  “There’s Lukas and the Ocelots. The rivalry continues.” Axel says, with a point of his finger towards a group to their front. Great, just when they thought their luck couldn’t get worse.

Olivia let out a frustrated huff, “Man, they’ve got matching leather jackets and everything.” And like she said, they all wore matching attire. Each donned a sleek black leather jacket, tailored to each size, obviously made with the members in mind. It was clean, glossy, and looked to have a velvety feel. The midnight colour was only interrupted with a bright orange ocelot that seemed to be embroidered down the middle of the back; it stood detailed and designed with care. Jesse recognizes, with great displeasure, that they were of considerable quality.

“So cool,” Axel frowns. Right on cue the Ocelots look over, noticing the group. It was a bit uncanny - the smart way they shifted their expressions from one of humans to the ones of the monsters that chased all the woodland creatures away. Jesse thought that it fit their rude and unsightly features.

“Look who we have here, if it isn't the Order of the Losers! Can’t believe you guys actually bothered to show up” Aiden grins, marching up to them with confident steps. His bushy dark eyebrows are drawn down in malice, and his dark brown hair is gelled back against the top of his skull. He wears a rumpled dark green shirt under his jacket. Jesse can see that he was broad-shouldered and well-built with the shirt tight against his skin, and it makes him a bit envious. Although, that is cured a bit with his plain face, where his slime green eyes stuck out due to the strange shade of colour, and his twisted grin giving nothing but malice, especially with the cruel way he smiles at them.

Another two of the ocelots caught on and followed behind him. A brunette, with features enhanced by dark makeup, with pale blue eyes and the same cruel grin, donning a red t-shirt with plump blood-coloured lips; Maya, stands near him, giggling as she watches Jesse’s group slowly curl up into a ball of shame.

“Great, the fail squads here,” Maya adds. Another man, one so average and so plain Jesse does not look at in favor of the glare he shoots at Maya, stands at her side, throwing an arm loosely around her waist, laughing at her comment before making one of his own. 

“Ha ha! Hey, Lukas, get a load of these losers!” The man - Gill - laughs.

Lukas, who was standing off to the side, much involved in his own thoughts, turns, glancing up at Jesse and his group. From here, Jesse can make out his figure: a lanky man, with wiry muscles that the leather jacket bunches around as he shifts to turn; a striped shirt paired with long jeans that are scuffed and worn; and, tall, somewhere between Jesse’s and Axel’s height, even as he leans his weight on a single foot. Long blond locks brush over a pale face, with stray pieces grazing a high straight nose. Blue eyes, with a strange acuity in it, watches them lazily as it shifts between the two parties. It’s a queer look, and he feels the need to wilt and hide away; the exigency to droop is because of the impression that his look leaves: like he’s been caught in a grapple, or with a hand in a cookie jar, even if it is Lukas’s companions who had been truculent.

He takes a breath before diffusing the situation, “Let’s go, guys,” He says, calmly while walking to his booth. The rest of his group concludes their teasing and begins to follow him, still with that stifling air of malicious confidence 

Jesse watched as they walked away with a pinched expression. Shaking his head, he turned back to his own group, walking up to the announcer waiting in front of them. Axel, Olivia, and Reuben followed, staying close to Jesse. 

“Name please?” The announcer asked. 

Axel, being the man that he is, pushed his way to the front, stepping ahead of Jesse, leaning against the desk, and closer to the woman. “Axel, and how do you do?” He winked. 

Jesse rolled his eyes, hard enough to give himself a headache if the day was more dreary, and debated whether to run away or not. Olivia brought her hands to her face and rubbed at her wrinkled expression, unconsciously taking a step back, not wanting to be associated with him. 

The announcer tilts her head, easing out an awkward laugh. “No, your team name.”

Axel's expression switched to a more confused look. He pulls away from his close proximity to the woman, keeping an even distance between them and lets out a cough. “Uh team name? We are so not ready for this…” 

He steps back, letting Jesse come back up front. Olivia rubs the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index fingers, sighing, “So much for losing anonymously…” 

Jesse thinks for a minute, trying to come up with something as quick as possible. He felt the urge to rub at his chin in an inquisitive manner, like he’s seen others do, although he doubts it would help. Suddenly, he felt something brush against his leg. Looking down to see Reuben, a thought came to his mind. It was a brilliant idea; one he was sure would lift up the glum and fix their wavering confidence. Jesse grinned, looking back up to the woman.

“We’re the Order of the Pig!” He exclaimed. Reuben spun around, the wings of his costume causing the air to whistle as he did so, letting out a squeal.

Axel and Olivia stood behind them with their mouths agape and eyebrows scrunched together. They had twin expressions, and both stood in silence. It wasn’t even like the words were stolen from them; it was more like there were none in the first place. Eventually, Olivia shook herself, and could only mutter out one thing, “Really?”

Similarly, Axel didn’t have the most positive feedback for the name either. “Is it meant to tie us to Reuben, or are you making fun of me?” He asked incredulously as he crossed his arms.

The announcer blinked, waiting for a second like she suspected they were jesting her with a false name, and Jesse would give her the real one the next moment. Once she realized that wasn't the case she responded slowly and painfully, as if holding back a wince, “Okay… Order of the Pig. You guys are in Booth 5.” 

Jesse smiled awkwardly, thanking the lady before following Axel and Olivia through the gate and over to their booth. He had thought it to be an excellent name, but the strange reactions from those hearing it made him fiddle with the hem of his clothes. At least Rueben seemed to like it; this was why he enjoyed his company best. On the way, he took short peeks at the other booths as he walked past. All the other teams looked confident which only made him feel more anxious, but it was nothing too daunting. Or at least it wouldn’t have been.

“Is that a freakin’ beacon? They have a freakin’ beacon?!” Axel huffed, gestring over to the group ahead of them. Jesse looked over, perplexed at the tone of Axel’s voice, or he was before he saw it. There, standing alongside the rest of his group was Lukas, holding an actual beacon, just as Axel had said.

“And look over there,” Olivia chimed in. “That's stained glass. They aren’t just building a beacon. They're building a rainbow beacon. We’re gonna lose.” Olivia grumbled with a resigned tone, confirming she had reached the point of giving up. 

Olivia’s words caught Jesse’s attention and his gaze switched over from the other group to his friends. “What? What’re you guys worried about? We’ve got this!” He insisted, trying to help his friends regain some of their long gone confidence. He had meant to sound encouraging but he feels like he’s pleading instead. Even Rueben can sense the desperation, and he speaks in squeals and snorts. 

Olivia shook her head and spoke ruefully, “Who are we kidding? We’ve got nothing.” 

Jesse scoffed, looking around before speaking the first thought that came to mind. “Uh, no. We’ve got… a mascot!” He blurted out, pointing to Reuben who squeals. He’s completely ignored however, as Olivia bumps him in the side.

“Uh, we should probably stop looking at them-”  Unfortunately that idea came a bit too late.

“Ha ha ha!” Gill laughed, walking back over to the midsection in between the two groups’ booths. “Look, it's the Order of the Losers. Again.” He snickered to both Maya and Aiden who were walking up behind him. They were like imps; one for each of them, three to pass around.

“Good one, Gill!” Maya added delightfully. 

.

“We’re just looking,” Olivia told the three, just trying to cut the conversion short the quickest and most civil way possible. Already despaired with both their name and the uncertainty of their place in the competition, she does not think she can handle another round of cruel teasing. However, it became obvious that wasn't an option as Aiden speaks up just seconds later. 

“There’ll be plenty of time for you all to look at it after it wins and gets shown at Endercon,” He teased. 

Axel crossed his arms. “You’re being unpleasant.”

Aiden chuckled in response, clicking his tongue as he looked down towards Reuben who hid behind Jesse's leg. Boldly and unkindly, he moves on to insult the animal who has done no wrong. “Alright well, maybe not all of you... you know Endercon doesn't allow outside food or drinks, right? I'm talking about your pig! I'm saying he's food.” 

Jesse grit his teeth at the remark. “Shut up.”

Aidens brow quirked at the words. “What's that?” 

“He said shut up. Do you need to hear it again?” Olivia retorted back. She had thought she would not be able to handle another round of teasing. Of course, by that she did not mean that it would affect herself, instead she would burst like a firecracker at the next who antagonizes her. Really, she was being considerate and kind to those nearby.

Aiden scoffed, “I don’t know, maybe.” He stepped closer to the group, a stern look now residing on his face, casting . 

He was stopped once Lukas shifted his eyes over to the scene, with an odd quirk of a brow; an irritated look that meant to be a rebuke was framed on his face as he yelled, “Stop wasting your time, Aiden. We’ve got work to do,” pointing towards their booth. Aiden grumbled, looking back towards Jesse and his group. “You’re lucky I’m busy.” Before Jesse could make another witty remark, he heard a voice from behind him, calling his name. 

As he turns, he sees Petra: a tall woman with a striped turquoise bandana tied around flaming orange hair, edging on the colour of copper. On her, she wears a striped deep-blue t-shirt, under it, the colour of a white undershirt peaks out of the collar. On top, she dons a cropped black vest and a black sleeve fits her left arm under the shirt; her right arm is pale skin with scars covering toned muscle. In her right hand, she wears a fingerless glove, scarred fingers wrapping around the handle of a pickaxe that she swings as she strides towards them. Her lips are pulled into a little quirk on the right side. Her nose is upturned in an arch with freckles spreading across it; her pitch-black eyes are half-lidded - effect exaggerated with a neutral eyeshadow applied across her top lids, watching them with an impression of insouciance; and her eyebrows are relaxed with a scar running through the left one.

The people around her glance up at her, not with indifference, but with a habitual respect and favor as they skirt out of the way of her stride and swinging tool.

“Hey Jesse, guys,” Petra smiled at them, slinging her pickaxe over her shoulder. She stopped walking as she reached Jesse's side. Jesse looked at the girl, giving her a bright smile back, “Petra, hey!” 

“How's the build going?” She asked, stopping next to them, looking around the area.

Axel shrugged his shoulders, “Only time will tell. But we’re optimistic.”

“Hey, Petra,” Jesse looks towards the voice, seeing Lukas walk back towards them. “I forgot to thank you for that nether star” 

“It’s no problem, Lukas,” She smiles. Axel stares in slight shock at the scene, and his unibrow scrunched up in troubled disgust, seeing someone he considered a friend get along with a rival, “You helped these tools?” He asked. Petra nodded

“For the right price, I’ll help anyone. If you need anything, you know where to find me.” She winked and tilted her head towards them, swinging her pickaxe before it once again landed on her shoulder as she then sauntered away. 

“None of us know where to find you,” Olivia shouted. 

“Exactly!” Petra’s voice could be heard fading away as she gained more distance.

Lukas hummed with a low timbre. Turning over to Jesse’s group with a sweet smile plastered on his face. “No hard feelings guys. If you’re cool with Petra, you’re cool with us. So why don’t we forget about all this, and, y’know… make this about how cool our builds are.”

Jesse looked Lukas up and down, from the highest strand of gold, to the lower point of dirt coloured shoes. Although there was an obvious feud between the two groups, it was almost entirely exclusive to Aiden, Maya, and Gill. Lukas was… different. He stayed away from arguments and was actually more focused on breaking them up with the usual admonish that made Jesse scorn him. Lukas acts as if he’s better, and simply sighs when his friends saunter over to Jesse’s with jeers; he sits on a high horse with the calm chide, and then his friends would round back with a newly thought up joke. It’s just that: he doesn’t do anything: not a mock, not a rebuttal against the ones who do. Jesse shook himself out of his thoughts. His eyes came back up to Lukas’ face before responding. ”We’re cool with Petra… but you need to keep your friends in line.”

Lukas frowned at the comment and his eyebrows knit together. ”Hey, he’s just trying to get in your head. Don’t let it get to you.” Now as he spoke to Jesse, his tone was more hushed. 

Jesse scowled at the excuse, “Well have you heard the saying, it's possible to be nice and win?” He cursed. 

“Ha! Sounds like something a loser would say.” Aiden snorts. Jesse clenched his fist, ready to bite back at Aiden, when the sound of the announcer speaking drew his attention away from the thought. 

“Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Endercon Building Competition! The winners of this competition will have their build featured at Endercon. The winners will also meet, in person, Gabriel the Warrior!”

The two groups broke apart, both heading back to their booths, to get ready to start building. Jesse stood close to his friends, ready to give them another pep talk on how ‘they couldn't lose’ when a look on Olivia’s face caught his eye. He spun around to catch a glimpse of what she was looking at, and when he did, it was clear how reasonable Olivia’s reaction was. Over at the Ocelot’s booth, was the group performing some well practiced handshake. 

Olivia looked back to her friends.“Whoa. Handshake? We don’t have a handshake…” The girl uttered, bringing a hand up to one of her pigtails, nervously fidgeting with one of the curls. Jesse quickly spoke up, pulling his friends away from the scene before them and offering a solution to their worries. “We’ll just make one up! We’ll call it the… uhh… The Warrior Whip!” He stuttered. The three brought up their hands, each of them forming a fist. The handshake was messy and obviously unprepared, with their movements tense as they made things up as they went along. The timing had been off for all three friends, and their coordination needed a lot more work. Olivia brought back her hand, putting it down against her side, hand tapping against her thigh.

“And, just like that, I'm nervous again” She stated. 

Jesse shook his head, resting his hand on his hip. “Don’t talk like that! We can do this! Just stick to the plan and everything will be fine. This year, the Order of the Pig can’t lose!” He cheered, bringing his hand back to the middle. Axel followed shortly after. Olivia hesitated, for just a second. She took a peak behind Jesse, looking over his shoulder and towards the other group before bringing her gaze back towards her friend. She let out a puff of air and grinned before bringing her hand up, placing it right on top of Axel's who beamed. “Let’s do this!”

The group got in their places, hyping themselves up in the last few seconds before the announcer spoke up again in a loud booming voice, bouncing off the wooden fences and shifting between the posters and signs.

“Building… starts…”

Jesse took a deep breath and held it in. He closed his eyes. This year is gonna be different. He thought to himself. 

“Now!” The announcer yelled, signaling the start of the competition.

Jesse let go of the breath.

Adrenaline ran through his veins as he worked hard setting up the base structure for Olivia to lay the redstone down on. The work made his arms and legs sore, and as they finished up the machine he could see calluses beginning to form on his hands, already adding to his roughened skin that felt raw against the rock he had lifted and shifted around. Jesse took his time securing the final block before standing up, cupping his waist with his hands, and leaning to stretch his back before bringing his hand up to wipe the beads of sweat off his forehead. 

Aiden had stopped his own work for his build and got up from his original position to stand with his hands on his hips, looking at Jesse as he was building. “Oh, no!  A fireworks dispenser?! I’m so scared!” His tone was laced with sarcasm so loud it could shatter glass; his eyes were blown wide in mock fear, and his hands were brought to his chest as they cupped each other. Jesse watched as he snickered to himself, dropped his hands to his side, and straightened his position; In turn, Jesse watched flatly before rolling his eyes.

“You worry about your build and we’ll worry about ours.” Aiden’s smirk was wiped off his face as it returned to its usual snarl, patently unhappy with how unaffected Jesse was. He lets out a displeased snort and mutters something under his breath.

Once Olivia had finished the last bits of the redstone for the machine, the group had switched to starting the work for the creeper statue that would cover it: laying down blocks of green wool, one after another, placing them so the corners would match and edges would meet in a perfect line, without a crevice between them. As they built, they had to climb up the figure, watching their feet so as not to blacken and dirty the bright wool. Occasionally, one would have to leap down, which had to follow with a roll as the build got higher, to direct the rest of the group with the placement. It was tedious work, and before they could finish, the figure would sporadically wobble. Although, soon enough the statue was complete. 

Jesse heaved out a heavy breath that scratched against the sides of his throat as he stood at the top of their statue. He looked at the surrounding booths and the builds made by the other teams. From his view, he can spot the tiny moving dots that were people and the bright fairy lights that wrapped around poles; the fire in the lanterns danced, which would then be interrupted by the frequent smack from the body of an insect. Axel and Olivia eventually made their way up to the top as well, and they watched the crowd with observation, before melting into soft wonder. However, Axel watched with more self-satisfaction than the rest, buzzing with self-assurance and pride. Jesse turned his focus towards his friends and sighed, “And now, the moment of truth.”

Olivia walked towards the lever, grabbing the handle. She paused for a second, looking back towards Jesse and Axel. “Here goes nothing…” She breathed, strengthening her grip on the lever before pulling it down.

Seconds after she pulled the lever, fireworks flew towards the sky, exploding into beautiful flashes of colour. The group looked up at the sky watching their work in action. Axel raised his head so high he could feel his neck begin to strain at the angle, but ultimately, he ignored the feeling to stare at the view.  “Aw man, that looks so cool! We’ll win this for sure!” 

Olivia nodded, a bright smile beaming across her face. “Yeah, you're right! I guess building a creeper was a better idea.” 

A small crowd began to gather in front of the machine. People from all the other teams standing and watching the fireworks in awe. The noise caught Jesse's attention, he turned around and looked down towards the crowd and his eyes widened. The boy nudged Axel in the side, alerting him to look as well. “Guys, people are looking at us.” 

Axel and Olivia watched as the crowd grew louder. They could hear the sounds of people cheering, people in awe of the fireworks, and compliments being spit out left and right. 

However positive reactions didn't seem to be the only thing the build attracted. Aiden stood just feet away, his arms crossed and grinding his teeth as he watched the crowd around the machine get larger. “What? No way… It’s just a bunch of dyed wool!” He stomped his foot into the ground like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. In a haste he looked around and spotted the small pool of lava provided to the teams for use during the competition. In a fit of anger he broke the block containing it, sending a stream freely headed towards the machine. 

“Whoops…” His tone was snarky, not a drop of empathy running through his words. He watched the lava make its way towards the building, not before catching the backside of Reuben’s Ender Dragon costume, causing the pig to squeal in pain, jumping at the sudden heat before running off, deep into the forest near the area. Loud cries were heard, catching the attention of Jesse and the others from the top of the creeper statue, his eyes widened as he screamed out to Reuben. Jesse made his way down the statue, jumping from level to level and avoiding the flowing lava as he ran a few feet, calling out to the pig. “Reuben stop, come back!” 

Axel and Olivia made their ways down as well, running up to Jesse. Axel looked back, seeing the sly look on Aiden’s face as he slowly backed away from the scene. “It was Aiden, that punk!” Axel growled. Just then the emanating light from the lava caught his eye, he could feel the heat starting to creep up as well, “Uh… guys?” Jesse and Olivia both shared the same panicked expression,“The lava’s getting closer!” Olivia shrieked. 

“It's gonna ruin the building, we have to do something!” Axel yelled out. Olivia turned to face him, whipping her arm to point towards the forest, “But Reuben’s gonna get lost! We have to go help him before he gets hurt” she retorted, watching as a mix of emotions flew through Axel’s face, “But our build! It’s about to go up in flames!” Olivia groaned, Axel was right, if they left now the build would be reduced to nothing but ash by the time they returned, but they couldn't just leave Reuben, it was getting dark and the pig’s chances of survival alone in the woods would plummet down. Jesse could read the look on her face, he didn’t wanna have to make his friends choose between saving the build, or Reuben. He bit his lip, looking towards the group, then the forest where Reuben had run through, he shook himself, settling on a decision and turned back to his friends. 

“You guys stay here and save the build!” He ordered, the boy had begun to run towards the forest to catch up to Reuben but felt a soft hand grab at his wrist. He looked over to Olivia who adorned a concerned look on her face. “What? Jesse you can't just go look for him alone!”

“I'll be fine, trust me, you guys just go make sure that lava doesn't spread any further, I won't let us lose now when we're so close.” He reassured the girl. Olivia let go of his wrist, nodding, “Alright.” 

Axel sprung up behind the girl, “We’ve got it covered, Jesse. Be careful.” The two began piling stone around the fireworks machine, blocking off any lava that was close to reaching and setting the wool aflame. 

“We’ll meet up with you at Endercon!” He heard the fading voice of Olivia yell as he ran off, chasing after Reuben.

Chapter Text

“Reuben!” Jesse yelled as he ran into the forest, stumbling down the winding dirt path he saw Reuben run through at the competition. “Reuben, where are you! Come out it’s alright now, I'm here!” He screamed again, looking around at every possible corner of the forest, hoping to spot a splotch of pink and a familiar costume. Jesse furrowed his brows, running a hand through his hair as he stumbled further through the forest,  shoulders growing tenser and pulse loud as thunder beating faster.

The sun was practically set now; the sky had dimmed to a darker blue and the once peaking pale plate was now showing its face with confidence; the moon was particularly bright tonight, and it was full and round. Instead of a calm and welcoming feeling one may feel when greeted with the pale face, dread and perturbation had not only made a home in Jesse’s gut, it had begun decorating. There's no way Reuben would be safe out here all alone to begin with, and now that the blanket of night had draped itself across their land, the danger would prove itself to be at a new height. Jesse found himself shaking his head: side to side, up and down; he was rattling the odious thoughts out of his head. He would find Rueben soon enough, he knew. Jesse, who had now caught his breath from the sprint he had begun with when he first entered the bevy of large towering trees, returned to a quicker pace - not quite the run he had been doing as he entered the forest, but still noticeably quicker than before.  

In the distance, Jesse could see smoke curling up in the air and fading into the sky, like a wraith from a corpse; a thought popped up in his head. If the lava had caught on his costume, it could have very much caught on fire, which would have led to the large cloud of that wispy gray smoke. Jesse felt a pang in his chest and he was sure his heart had ceased its constant beat in that moment. God he hoped that wasn't what happened.

Jesse switched to following the path that led to the smoke, cutting through foliage that would have been caressing him if not for the speed he used to race through them. “Reuben! Reuben, come here boy!” Jesse called out with a throat rubbed raw; the attempt was once again useless as not a single sound from the pig could be heard back, causing Jesse to frown. Where could he be? He couldn't have gone too far in the time he was alone. It’s Reuben - sure - but, he’s a pig. 

Right at that moment, Jesse noticed a pattern engraved in the ground nearby, and he stepped closer, leaning down to inspect the scene. There, clear as day were footprints, or more specifically hoof prints. They indented the earth, into the mud and sludge of the ground, and the depth of them had suggested a speed Jesse didn’t know Rueben was capable of. Jesse’s eyes widened, a flicker of hope shining across them.

 “Pig tracks…” he murmured, following the tracks with his eyes as they led deeper into the dark woodland. Jesse picked himself up, uncaring of the grime that had stuck to where his legs pressed into the floor, and immediately began to follow them, not wasting another second incase these really did lead to his friend.

Once he reached the origins of the smoke, he was relieved to find a burnt out tree and not his pig on fire. However, It was hardly a tree anymore and was now just a pitiful stump, as the fire reduced most of it to ash, with the remaining corpse being blackened and charred so much it looked to be a shadow or mineral dug out from a mine. “It’s a good thing this fire didn't spread…” Jesse thought aloud, walking past it and continuing his search for Reuben.

As Jesse came to the end of the hoof prints and there was still no sign of his animal friend, he groaned and kicked his foot into the ground, trudging up a cloud of dust and sending several pebbles scattering across the floor with a soft click everytime it had hit and bounced. 

“Damn it!” It seemed he had hit a dead end; He had been searching for half an hour now and his limbs had begun to experience a familiar soreness and exhaustion that must have come with the grief of not spotting his friend.. Forlorn and weary he was - and not a sign of his friend, nor one of pity from the gods. The sun was now completely set, nothing but the light of the moon illuminating the dark forest Jesse crept through. And as the night set in, Jesse could feel the cold begin as well, enveloping him in an unwelcome chilly embrace. He crossed his arms, holding them tight against his chest, keeping in as much of his body heat as possible. 

Jesse would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't ready to give up, Reuben was so important to him and he would never stop looking for him, but it was like the pig had completely disappeared, not a single clue besides the hoof prints he had saw earlier and those had not led to anything, there was no longer anything he could go off of-

Out and of the corner of his eye Jesse saw smoke. 

It was much less than before, and it was coming out of a bush in the distance, but still close enough to the boy so he could make out what it was. Worry set in Jesse - at least more so than it had been before; what had been a low tide had suddenly peaked in height. Oh god, he thought to himself as he sprinted towards the bush, his pace slowing down as he got closer to the plant, kicking up the dust of dirt to add to the smoke that rose from whatever burnt itself. Jesse could see pieces of black fabric peeking through the bush, a closer examination alerting Jesse that it was the bodice of Reubens Ender Dragon costume. Jesse held his breath, his breathing quickened and he could hear a thousand thoughts running through his mind. 

“Please don't be in there, Reuben, please don't be in there!” The words came out without him realizing. Jesse carefully kneeled down, brought out a hand and picked up the costume.

It was empty. 

Jesse let out a sigh of relief, dropping the costume back down to the ground, stomping it out to avoid the chance of the fire recatching and spreading throughout the forest. His thundering heartbeat slowing down and the millions of voices fading out like a party ceasing. He wiped sweaty palms down his pants, and released the breaths he was depriving himself. 

Jesse frowned as he looked at the remnants of the costume: the mask was still mostly intact, a couple burns here and there but overall mostly the same with a snout fitted for his pig and holes for his eyes staring at him emptily. However, the rest of the body had practically fallen apart; one of the wings was disconnected and the other was burned off cruelly. Besides that, holes were littered through the rest of the suit, and the whole thing was covered in ash. If one hadn’t known what it had been before, one would assume that it had been some creature from the depths of the nether, and that the holes had meant to be ones for a surfeit amount of limbs befitting a deformed octopus.

Jesse backed away with a grim line to his mouth. He was glad he wasn't met with Reuben-pork chops, but he still hadn’t found him either. He brushed off the thought. It was fine. If the costume was here and was still burning before he put out the fire, that means Reuben couldn't be that far off. Jesse spotted a cave nearby, it was right next to the spot he had found the costume and he could see the glow of torches lighting up the mouth. Reuben would have seen the warm familiar lighting and run over to it, right? That's what Jesse hoped as he slowly entered the cave. 

Jesse crept through the cave with a watchful eye, making his way through it as quietly as possible as to not disrupt anything that might be in it with him. He tiptoed through dark halls, peeking and scanning behind crevices and under every ledge, looking anywhere that Rueben could have substituted as a hiding place. A clatter caught his attention - one that echoed ominously through the walls of the cavern. He whipped his head behind him, tensing his shoulders, his eyes scanning the area up and down with a squint as it regarded the gloom behind the rocks with extra caution. Not seeing Reuben or any potential threat, he relaxed his shoulders and turned his head back, ready to continue to the other end of the cave. Unfortunately for him, the time it took to check the cave while he had his head turned was more than enough for a cave spider to make its way down from the ceiling of the cave to the height at which Jesse's head was. So as Jesse turned back around, he was met with the large hairy arachnid that blinked its many eyes as it peered into Jesse’s duo.

“Ah, shit!” The brunet ducked down, running the rest of the way out the cave hunched over to avoid run-ins with any more spiders. 

Once again breathing heavily as he made his way out the cave, instead of being filled with the usual feeling of disappointment, Jesse was instead curious as the rustling of a bush caught his attention. He jumped from the level he was on to that of the bush and walked over, tilting his head side to side as if the slight change in angle would allow him to see into the collection of leaves and greens. Squinting his eyes, he gazed through the leaves, using one of his hands to push a few branches back, revealing a shaking, terrified Reuben.

Jesse's eyes widened, “Reuben! There you are!” He smiled brightly, holding his arms out for the pig. Reuben then squealed, jumping out the bush into Jesse's direction. Scooping him up and holding him tightly, Jesse hugged the pig close to his chest, and with both of his hands cradling him, he could feel the trembling that shook the form. 

“I’m so happy to see you Rueben! I was so sure I wasn't gonna find you, I- I…” He shaked his head, putting Reuben down back on the floor. The pig oinked, smiling at Jesse, who returned the smile with relief.

“C’mon Reuben. We should get back, It's pretty dark now and the others were already pretty worried about us to begin with-” An eerie growl interrupts Jesse mid sentence. He’s brought to a complete halt. He looks down towards Reuben who had done the same. Although, he had scooted closer to Jesse’s leg in an act of fear. The two looked over to the cave Jesse had come from and watched as two zombies crawled their way out from the warm glow of it into the trees where Jesse and Rueben had huddled themselves. 

Jesse swallowed as he watched them hobble to them, with a queer limp in their step, and a sort of listlessness that comes from being without a mind. Even from the distance between them Jesse could still feel the sting of the foul odour that comes from rotting flesh. He watched the green skinned ghouls limp their ways over; he could see one of the zombie's legs had been completely stripped of its flesh, revealing the bloodstained bone where ivory peaked from underneath the gore. As he backed away, his head turned back up to the creature's face, where sunken eyes sit on a gaunt face - deep enough that it looks to be just two empty sockets. 

“Reuben, Run!” 

At those words, the two turned around, sprinting away from the undead. Running through the forest, Jesse made his way through the fields of tall grass, looking down every few seconds to make sure Reuben was still with him, not wanting to risk losing the pig again. Due to this distraction, Jesse found himself tripping over a rock he hadn't noticed, making him stumble and crash, with the earth floor welcoming his face. Reuben squealed, running back over to Jesse who had then muttered to him reassuringly.

“It’s okay buddy, I- phew, I’m fine,” He heaved, pulling himself back up to his feet.

“Hey, I think, we lost them-” The hissing sound of a creeper cuts Jesse off; he glances back at it for a second before grabbing Reuben in his arms, earning him a high pitched squeak from the pig, and running away again. with Rueben in his arms, he doesn't have to worry about him wandering off. Jesse jumps over a block of stone, pressing his back to the wall behind him, putting Rueben down and taking the moment to rest. 

Unfortunately, before he can utter another sound, he feels his heart stop for a split second as a whistle splits itself through the air. The skeleton who shot the arrow reaches behind its back, pulling another arrow out of its quiver and pulls it through the bow, taking another shot at Jesse, with the arrow that had flown by his face in mere centimeters still quivering in the bark of the tree. 

Fear-stricken, Jesse manages to twist and duck out of the line of the projectile aimed for his head, making another run for it with Reuben following shortly behind. 

The duo slowed down as a wall of gray stone stood in front of them, stoic and unmoveable, and unfortunately, smooth and well built. A familiar growl turns Jesse around to see a horde of rotting undead, now backing the two up into the wall behind them. Looking down and watching Reuben shake and walk back in fear, Jesse feels a rush of adrenaline. He pulls out his wooden sword, the same he had used while practicing at the tree house earlier that day, and holds it out in front of him, his grip strong as he prepares to fight the corpses. 

“Hey, Reuben, listen to me, you stay back, okay? I’m gonna protect you, I just need to make sure you stay away from this.” Reuben complies, backing away from his owner as he takes a swing at the zombie nearest to him.  

Jesse takes another jab at the creature knocking it back and distracting it long enough for him to safely take a couple steps closer. He takes a few more hits before one final blow finishes off the zombie. He turns his focus to the one on his right now, repeating his previous movements: a slash to its chest, one leg, the other, then its head. The zombie perishes but with it, so does Jesse’s sword, which broke in his hands as the end of it fell with a startling thud. 

“Damn it! Stupid wooden swords can’t last for shit!” He complained, throwing the handle down to the floor. Looking back up at the increasing number of zombies, he groans, backing up now that he can’t do anything to stop them. Jesse and Reuben hit the wall behind them, Jesse looks up and watches a spider jump from one of the nearby trees to the ground in front of them, joining the zombies. “It’s okay Reuben, I- I’ll think of something.”

Jesse sucks in a nervous breath, looking down at Reuben. They were completely surrounded. There's no way the two of them could get out of this now, but…

“Reuben, I need you to run, right now, I'll distract them for you!” Reuben squealed at the words, Jesse just shook his head firmly.

“It’s okay, I’ll meet you back in town, I promise I just need you to get out of here!” 

Reuben hesitated, before nodding and running off, ducking under the zombies and dodging the spiders. As Jesse watches his friend run, he doesn't notice the spider that takes a leap at him, knocking him down to the floor. Jesse lets out a strangled yelp with his breath knocked out, kicking and squirming under the spider, as it wiggles on top of him.

Jesse continues his struggle, unable to move under the long legs of the arachnid above him. Regardless, he continued his flailing, giving his best effort to push it off him, but as a second spider crawled up next to the first one, he felt his attempts grow more and more useless. He shuts his eyes tight and tilts his head away. Jesse was going to die.

A wet ripping - a suggesting sound of flesh -  causes him to open his eyes. 

He feels the weight of the spiders lifted off his chest, allowing him the comfort to breathe. He sits up and watches reverently as a familiar redhead kills another spider running up to her before turning her gaze and staring back at Jesse. She walks up to the boy, offering him a hand which he takes, and pulls him up. “Are you alright?” she asks, taking a quick scan of his trembling body as he nods his head. 

“C’mon let’s get out of here.” She utters. Jesse nodded again - untrusting of his voice - following as she led him out of the area, killing one last zombie on her way out. 

-

After following Petra through the maze of foliage, The girl brought him over to the entrance of yet another cave. He watched as she climbed down a ladder that led to a safe path down. She marched assuredly through the rock cavern, without a glance backwards, expecting him to follow. He did.

“I wanna show you something.” Jesse hears Petra mutter as he jumps down to the floor of the cave. Her words barely register to him as he searches the depth with a cautious eye, still not having recovered from the scare at the previous cave. Nevertheless, he quickened his pace, catching up to the girl. 

“Hey… not that this isn't a cool and dimly-lit tunnel, but… how far is it? Uh- the thing you wanna show me?” He asked, tucking his hands into the pockets of his pants. His head glances to the side for a second at a faint noise that catches his attention. 

Petra chuckles, “Careful, Jesse. You don’t wanna get a reputation as a wimp.” She nudges the boy in the shoulder, bringing his attention back to her. 

Jesse gapes his mouth, and stutters, “Uh- I’ve been in caves before, Petra.” he crosses his arms, frowning at his friend. 

She turns her back, now facing him and stops walking, causing him to stop as well. She gives him a sharp crooked grin and her teeth flash in dim light. “Heh, yeah, but have you seen a wither skull?” She says, revealing the large black skull. Jesse’s eyes widen and he steps closer, his eyes plastered on the item. 

“Woah.” 

Petra grins, “Right? And it’s fresh from the nether.” She places her free hand on her hip, taking pride in her achievement as Jesse's eyes go from wide to wider. She laughs, throwing her head back, watching the boy try to pull his thoughts together. It’s not everyday someone tells you they ventured through the nether for a dumb skull. She crosses her arms, and steps closer to Jesse. “By the way you’re kind of the first person i’ve shown it to so,” she pauses and tilts, “you better appreciate this” 

Jesse with his mouth agape shook his head, trying to find the words to react. “I- what? You risked your life in the Nether for what? That dusty old skull?” 

Petra scoffs, rolling her eyes, “No, Jesse. I risked my life for what I'm gonna exchange for this dusty old skull.” She turned back around, continuing her stride through the tunnel. Jesse blinked, watching as Petra walked away. He picked up the pace as well, taking a quick jog and catching up with his friend. 

“Exchange? What do you mean by exchange?” He questions Petra, tilting his head to the side and leaning towards the taller girl. He winds his head around, attempting to subtly catch her eye. Petra huffed, rolling her eyes before quirking up the side of her mouth sardonically.

“An exchange, Jesse, is when you give someone an item and they give you something in return,” She teased.

Jesse’s mouth gaped for a moment before he shut it with a loud clack, his look of curiosity shriveled away and in return was a rather annoyed looking emotion Petra couldn't exactly decipher. He quit tilting his head, and stood up straight. “Ha ha. Very funny Petra,” he says flatly - unamused. 

It elicited an exultant laughter that echoed in the cave. “Sorry, sorry!” 

Jesse grumbled as he watched his so-called friend laugh at his expense. He looked at her pleadingly with his lips pursed in what he hoped wasn’t a pout, silently begging her to cease her giggles and give him a legitimate response to his question. As her huffs and chortles faded, she glanced at him before nodding, clearing her throat before beginning her explanation. “Anyway, basically there’s this guy I’m meeting up with at Endercon. He’s gonna trade me a diamond for the skull. Being the resident go-getter pays off every once in a while. Literally”

Jesse raised a brow, staring at his friend with a skeptical look, “Is a wither skull worth that much?” 

“Are you kidding? For all the trouble I had to go through to get my hands on it, I should be asking for more,” Petra scoffed, shaking her head. Jesse hummed. He hadn’t seen Petra in a bit, and she had always been a brave adventurous type of person, but, exploring the nether, killing wither skeletons - maybe he doesn’t know as much about her as he thought he did. 

“Wow.” He murmured. 

“Wow, what?” Petra quirked a brow, giving Jesse a curious look. Jesse bought a hand up to his other arm, rubbing it up and down in an attempt to comfort himself. He wasn’t sure what he was trying to do, but it didn't stop him from doing it. 

“In a single day, you went to the Nether, you killed a Wither skeleton… I mean, I did build a super cool statue, but still. It’s pretty sweet being you, huh?” He lets out a nervous, pitiful laugh.. Petra frowns with a searching gaze.. Jesse had a way of always making people weak whenever he brought out the look he had displayed on his face now. His eyebrows furrowed together; a slight frown played on his lips and jutted like a child; and big doe eyes - brown and shining; held a heartbreaking look. And so once again, Petra gives in. 

“Y’know,” She pipes up hesitantly. “You could come with me. If you want to, that is.”

Like a puppy dog, he shoots his head up, looking towards the girl, eyes wide: doubting and curious. Petra smirks, adjusting her pace so she was now side by side with Jesse. She playfully nudges his shoulder. “I mean, if you’re too nervous, I totally get it. But a little back up would be nice.” 

Jesse grinned wide, feeling a jolt of excitement run through him. “Well then, I'd be honoured to be your back up.” He nudges her shoulder lightly with geniality.

A snicker escapes her lips. “You know you don’t have to make such a big deal out of it. I just said-” Jesse cuts her off, grabbing a tight hold of her arm and shaking her in excitement. 

“‘You could come with me’ I know! I was there! It was awesome!” His actions were animated, his smile stretching across his entire face, and Petra wasn't completely convinced he wasn't about to start jumping up and down. With her face scrunched, she pulled her arm out of Jesse's hold as he calmed down. 

“I'm kinda starting to have second thoughts dude…”

Jesse rolled his eyes and smiled at the comment. In return, Petra gave a matching one before turning her back and pausing in her stride. To that, Jesse stopped as well, glancing around the cave they stood in, assuming it to be Petra’s final destination. The stone walls were lit up with the warm glow of torches spotting them, the same as the rest of the tunnel was. By the wall, where there was a gap between torches, sat a wooden chest, and placed next to it was a crafting table. Both the chest and crafting table had looked well used, with scratches near the rusted latch of the chest, the actual latch was fairly damaged beyond the rust, as it no longer completely closed, and instead, the cover sat on the chest with a gap, a tease of what’s inside, a scuffed surface of the crafting table, and a lack of dust and webs. 

Jesse eyed the girl. “You just keep a crafting table down here?” 

Petra shrugged, resting her hands on her hips, staring forward languidly.. “Comes in handy. And… since that wooden sword for yours got busted…” She trailed, smirking and glancing in his direction. 

Jesse’s eyes lit up. “You’re giving me a new one?” 

Petra shook her head and gestured over to the crafting table. “Even better. You get to make your own. It’s simple. One stick, plus two stones, equals one sword. Just grab what you need from the chest.” 

Jesse nodded. “Oh, alright. Thanks.” Stepping to the chest, he lifted the top up, opening the box. Inside it was a variety of different materials and supplies bearing the good quality that all of Petra’s tools have. While looking for the stone and sticks, Jesse came across stained pouches heavy with redstone and coal, bunches of tangled string, and bones that clinked together as he sifted through the contents. “Hey, is all this stuff yours?” Jesse asked unconsciously. He hadn't even realized the words came out until Petra drawled a reply. 

“No, we’re just stealing from whoever was dumb enough to leave all this stuff here. Of course it’s mine.” 

The sarcasm hit Jesse like a brick. He felt his cheeks grow red and he chuckled nervously, “I'm just checking.” 

“Oh, hey! I found them.” Jesse smiled looking towards Petra, who then pointed at the crafting table. Standing up, stone and sticks in hand, Jesse took a step to the left, now directly in front of the table. He pulled out the stick, placing it down on the bottom half of it before taking out the stone and placing one above the stick, and the other above the previous stone block. 

In the blink of an eye, what had previously been useless scraps of wood and stone had been transformed into a brand new fully functional stone sword. Jesse picked up the weapon, adjusting it in his hand before taking a few practice swings, and he smiled as he heard it cut through air with an unfamiliar weight. 

Petra smirked. “See? Isn't it better when you make it yourself?” Jesse nodded, watching as Petra swung around, walking away. He tucked the sword away, chasing after the girl. 

Just a few short minutes of walking led them to the exit of the cave. The exit was connected to a bridge, which was connected to land covered in fine green grass. Looking past the fine meadow, he caught a marvelous view of Endercon against the dark sky. Petra stopped as she reached the beginning of the bridge and looked over to the town. She relaxed her shoulders and let out a breath, “Check it out. Endercon’s all lit up.” 

Jesse’s eyes followed over to the view of town. He watched fireworks fly into the sky and bloom into vibrant flowers, followed by the echoing boom of explosions that vibrated through his fingers. Similarly, his own face lit up as he watched the scene. “I can’t believe it.” He took a step, coming closer to the edge of the bridge. 

“We won!” Jesse beamed, staring at the night sky, watching the glow fading into the darkness of it every few moments from the constant barrage of fireworks. “Huh, guess Axel was right about people loving creepers.” He muttered under a growing grin.

“Good job, Jesse. I’m glad you won.” Petra smiled. 

“Yeah, and it’s about time we beat Lukas and his gang of jerks. What kind of stupid name is the Ocelots, anyway?” He joked, letting out a short chuckle. Petra’s face contorted from a happy look to one more uncertain. She pulled back and scrunched her face. 

“You know, Lukas may be sort of arrogant, but he has come through for me in tricky situations. You might wanna get to know him… just in case. He’s good at building, that’s for sure. It’s always useful to have a guy like that around. No matter what you might think of him personally.” 

Jesse grumbled as Petra did her best to defend the blond. She knew how not just Jesse, but how the others felt about the Ocelots, so why is she trying so hard to make them seem good? But then again, It’s not like she was wrong either. Maybe it is just Jesse being biased. Lukas was a good builder, he had skill, and wasn’t the most awful to be around-that was considering how awful the rest of them were. 

Jesse stood still for a moment, biting down on his tongue before shaking his head. “Fine. I’ll be a gracious winner, let him know he did good. Say it was a fair game and all…” Jesse trailed off. Petra raised her eyebrows, shoving her hands in her pockets as she stood resting all her weight on one leg. Jesse’s eyebrow twitched and his lips formed a scowl. “But, that’s it! Nothing more, nothing less.” Petra sighed, pulling her hands out from her pockets. 

“Jesse, Just- Just think about it. Okay? I know you guys haven't always gotten along but… you never know. He may surprise you.” Petra brought a hand up to Jesse’s shoulder, her face gave off a sort of look that was asking Jesse to trust her. 

Jesse shook her hand off. “Yeah, yeah. C’mon we should hurry back” 

Petra sighed walking alongside the boy. She decided that this wasn’t important anymore. If Jesse wasn’t interested in getting along with Lukas then who was she to force him? She looked back over at the town. The fireworks from Jesse’s machine were still going up, decorating the night sky with an array of coloured flashes. “Remember what Endercon was like before it was cool.” She asked. Jesse turned his head to where Petra was looking, taking in the view as he listened to her. 

“Remember what we were like before we were cool?” He added. A short chuckle could be heard from the girl next to him. Turning his head, he stared directly at her.

“Some of us will never be cool.” She teased.

Jesse pursed his lips into a straight line at the words. And here he thought he was done with teasing for the day. “Ha-ha.” 

The halt of Petra's walking catches him off guard. They were still at the middle of the bridge; he raised a brow but when he looked ahead he felt a chill run down his spine and he took a half-step back. Ahead of them were a small group of creepers - ugly melting frowns and armless bodies with a strange set of legs. They took no time in heading straight towards him and Petra. The two turned around to try and escape the other way by running back through the cave but they stopped again as from the opening emerged an ugly mix of green mobs: nasty zombies and more melting creepers. 

“Uh…” Jesse looked at Petra desperately, hoping she had a Petra-like heroic solution to their plight. He watched as she looked both directions, switching her gaze over from the left to right, multiple times as if suddenly the mobs on one would magically disappear. “This… This doesn't look good.” 

Great. The one person he thought would be able to get him out of a situation like this, just as lost as he was. They were completely blocked off on both sides, surrounded by groaning and hissing forming an awful, jarring symphony. There was no way they could fight off those creepers safely; they were stuck on this bridge with no way off, unless- 

Unless? 

Jesse looked down, he swung his head to the side, looking to see if Petra had been thinking the same thing. Petra looked at Jesse, then looked to the water below them. “I guess that's one way down.” She mutters hesitantly; her words sounded more like a question. 

“It’s your call, Jesse. Whatever we do, we’ll do it together.” She tells him with a fierce determined look and an oddly trustful look, hand at her side, ready to draw her sword in case it comes to it. 

“Alright then. Get ready to jump!” He yells. The two take a thundering, running start and are practically in sync as they leap off the bridge, just in time as seconds later one of the creepers explode, taking out a large chunk of the bridge where they were standing. 

It feels as if time had stopped as Jesse falls through the air. The wind rushes up to him, flowing and weaving through his hair. It took the boy everything he had in him to remain calm and not start screaming at the top of his lungs. It was working out pretty well. 

Correction: It was working out pretty well, before he had bumped into one of the creepers that had been blown off the bridge along with him and Petra in the explosion. He yelled a bit too pitchy, spinning through the air and kicking the creeper off him to the nearby ledge of the mountain next to them. The explosion, a result of such an act, that followed was an offensive display of sparks that was reminiscent of the earlier fireworks. Unlike the firework show, these series of sparks came with feathers and the clucking of some chickens that had been residing on the edge of that ledge. 

Jesse caught a glimpse of the damage - shrieking chickens and a plentitude of white floating feathers - for just a second before he and Petra landed into the pool of water, both screaming as they did. 

“Ah! It burns, it burns!” Jesse screamed, The impact had felt more like landing on top of concrete then into cool water. His face stung and he felt as if he had been thrown against a wall. 

“You’re supposed to dive into water, not land on top of it, dumbass! Ugh forget it, just pull yourself together and follow me.” Petra said, switching from her steady treading of the water to swimming through it. Jesse did as he was told, pulling himself together and swimming after his friend. 

Petra climbed out of the cold water, pulling herself up onto a solid block of ground she had found that led to another part of the forest. She grunted as she used the strength in her arms to push herself up and once high enough, scooted her butt to the grass. She pulled her feet up from the water, and stood up, helping pull Jesse up to the dry land as he reached the shore too. 

“Damn it, it’s so cold!” Jesse shivered, the words coming out of his mouth were rattled as his teeth chattered together. “Maybe we should've just taken our chances fighting them off.” 

“Nah,” He turned to look at Petra who was wringing out the extra water in her vest. “That creeper would’ve blown up and knocked us straight into the water anyway. You made a good choice.” She smiled, pulling the damp vest back on. Jesse ran a hand through his wet curls, feeling drops of water run down his forehead as he did so.

“Yeah but now we’re all wet.” Jesse groaned, motioning between both of them, the movement of his arm shaking out some water. Petra couldn't disagree with that, her clothes were dripping, clinging to her skin. She could feel the water in their boots slosh around with every step she took, and damp strings of hair stuck to the back of her neck while her bangs stuck to her forehead and the sides of her face. Despite the uncomfortable wet and cold feeling, Petra dismissed the thought. It was just some water after all, worse things could happen. 

“Relax Jesse, It’ll dry up eventually.” Jesse’s eyes followed the girl as she strode past him, heading to where he assumed was a way out of the forest. He felt the urge to complain, but even as his mouth opened, no words were spoken. Petra did have somewhere to be after all, so he sucked it up, and walked along with the girl, leaving behind two pairs of damp footsteps. 

Chapter Text

As Jesse and Petra re-entered the town, they were immediately hit with the overbearing festivities of Endercon, so much so that Petra likened it to being punched in the face. 

Decorations covered every inch of the area: vibrant streamers that hung from poles, fluttering banners that snapped in the wind, and glittering lights that sparkled like coloured stars. Not a spot of the town was left without the merriment of the festival. Groups of people clustered together, chatting the night away, swaying to music that boomed loud enough to make the hanging lanterns tremble.

Jesse looked around the entrance of the festival, taking in the scene, before he glanced down the alleyways and cobbled streets. Vendors shouted over one another, displaying food, shimmering jewelry, hand crafted goods, but Jesse couldn't be bothered to spare them more than a passing glance.

“Hey, are you alright?” Petra’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“Yeah I’m fine, It’s just…” He hesitated, his shoulders hunching slightly as he glanced at the path beneath his feet. “I told Reuben to meet me back here and, well…” He trailed off, not needing to finish.

Petra frowned. She could hear the guilt in his words. Tilting her head, she tried to catch his eye, but Jesse kept staring at the ground.

“I get it. You’re worried,” A gentle hand pressed against his back. “Reuben’s a tough little pig. I bet he’s fine. He's probably here somewhere.” She scanned the surrounding area, gesturing at the nearby streets.

Jesse followed her gaze, and after a pause, gave a quiet nod. Petra smiled softly, pleased at herself for being able to make Jesse feel better, even if it was just a bit.

“I hope you’re right,” He murmured.

They continued walking, the festival noise growing louder as they drew closer to the vendor stalls. 

“So. When we're making the deal, I need you to let me do the talking, okay? I just don't want anything– or anyone– to screw this up.”

Jesse blinked. The shift in tone tugged him out of his worries. He’d nearly forgotten about the exchange. Between losing Reuben (again) and the rush of adrenaline they had just experienced at the bridge, his brain felt like it was running behind by a few beats. 

“Hah,” he chuckled, “should I be nervous about this, Petra?”   

Petra raised a brow. Jesse would gladly admit that her unamused expression was more unnerving than anything he’d imagined about the meeting.

“Jesse,“ she said, in a flat, matter-of-fact tone. “Given your personality, your life experience, and everything else you've done to make it to this moment?” She took a dramatic, but not considering pause, “Yes.” The words rolled off her tongue smoother than butter.

The lack of hesitation made Jesse stop and question whether she had been waiting for an opportunity to tell this to him since the moment they had met. He was silent, staring back with blank eyes. 

“Well that’s reassuring,” He grumbled, kicking a small rock as they moved further into town. Shaking her head, Petra smirked, clearly pleased with herself. Jesse sighed and looked ahead, only to have his mood lift in an instant. 

There it was: the massive creeper statue. Towering, blocky, and impossible to miss. Despite the loud music and constant buzz of Endercon in the background, Jesse could still make out the words being called out as he and Petra stepped in front of it. 

“Jesse, hey!” It was Axel. Jesse grinned as his friend walked up to him. Next to Axel, as usual, was Olivia, wearing a similar smile–until confusion crossed her face once she noticed who was standing beside him.

“And… Petra?” 

 “Hey, you guys all know Petra, my new super close friend. We’re super close now.” 

Both Olivia and Axel stared at Jesse. Olivia crossed her arms, lips pressed together and brows furrowed. Axel reacted the same, though only one hand rested on his hip while the other hung limp at his side. Petra groaned internally, shifting her weight and looking awkwardly at the ground. She raised her hand to her face, the tips of her fingers resting just above her brow while her thumb pressed against her cheek, forming a makeshift shield to avoid making eye contact with the group.

Jesse deflated under their stares, the silence somehow louder than Endercons booming atmosphere. “We ran into each other while I was looking for Reuben.” He admitted.

Axel glanced down, frowning at the absence of the pink blur who would’ve currently been running circles around Jesse’s legs. “Couldn’t find him, huh?” He asked, not that the question was necessary. Jesse opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. He shook his head slightly, trying to find something to say. Luckily, Olivia spoke up, saving him the energy. “He’ll turn up sooner or later, Jess.”

“No, I did find him, it’s just–” Jesse cut himself off, frustration bubbling up. He should've told Rueben to stay with him. He could’ve protected him, just for those few minutes before Petra turned up. “We were attacked by this huge horde of zombies. I told him to run, I couldn't risk him getting hurt.” His head hung low. He knew his friends understood, they were in a difficult situation and he had to make a split second decision to keep him safe. Still, Jesse felt a sense of shame. 

Axel switched the topic, hoping it would keep Jesse's mind off the matter until Rueben showed up. “So… What were you doing in the woods, Petra? And… why are you guys soaked?” Petra shrugged, her eyes closing for a split second as she let out a light sigh. “It’s a long story. But to sum things up, the sounds of Jesse’s high-pitched screaming told me I was needed.” The other two burst into laughter, Jesse could feel heat rush to his cheeks as he recalled the moment. His screams were not that high pitched, he thought to himself. Nonetheless, Petra did save his life, she deserved the credit. “I would’ve been spider bait if she hadn't found me” 

“Sorry we didn't come with you, Jesse.” Axel offered, a hint of guilt in his voice. Jesse gave an understanding look. It would've been easier with more people, but he had told them to stay behind. Blaming them wouldn’t be fair. 

“But hey, at least we won!” Olivia burst, turning around and pointing up towards the giant creeper. Axel turned around as well, while Jesse and Petra just leaned their heads up. “Looks like abandoning friends in their time of need paid off again.” Axel said. Jesse chuckled at the joke, “hey, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that creeper was really gonna explode.” complimenting the skills of his friends while also silently beaming at his own. 

“We did okay, didn’t we?” Axel grinned

Olivia hummed thoughtfully, clicking her tongue against her teeth. “I still wish I got that part in the back to look better.” 

“I could’ve fit more fireworks in there somewhere…” Axel added, shaking his head.

Jesse and Petra exchanged a look. Amused as their friends started going back and forth with nitpicks and missed opportunities. The build had already won, but that didn't stop them from analyzing every detail. Jesse smiled warmly as he watched them. Just like old times.

“I’m proud of you guys. You did amazing," he said. His friends stopped their bickering, turning back towards Jesse. Axel gave Jesse a goofy grin, clutched his chest and tilted his head “Aw, shucks.”

Petra cleared her throat, stepping forward and placing a hand on Jesse’s shoulder. He felt a tug pulling him a step back. “Hey, uh– Jesse? It’s time to go see that thing, ” she said in a hushed voice.  Although that didn't stop Axel and Olivia from hearing it. They adorned matching looks of curiosity. Jesse’s eyes widened slightly .“Oh. yeah, right. The thing,”

“Subtle.” Olivia chimed in. 

“Yeah?” Jesse grinned. 

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Like a punch to the face.”

“Axel and I were gonna head into Endercon anyway. See you there?” She asked, already turning to leave. 

Jesse nodded. “For sure.”

He smiled as Olivia gave him a short wave before heading off. Petra gave the two a smile as well, but stepped beside Jesse once they were out of earshot, taking Olivia’s place and pointing behind him. Jesse raised an eyebrow, twisting at the waist to look in the direction she gestured. “C’mon, we’re supposed to meet in that alley over there.” Petra walked ahead while Jesse stayed back for a second, the nerves from earlier settling back in.

Of course the meeting spot had to be a sketchy alleyway.

- 

“Dark. Very dark in here.” Jesse muttered, taking slow, careful steps as he followed Petra. He examined the alley cautiously, much like he had in the cave earlier while searching for Reuben.

Petra hummed, brushing some hair from her face and leaving her hand to rest behind her head as she scanned the empty space. “That's weird… he said the dark, creepy alleyway close to the gates, but he's not here.” Petra dropped her hand to her chin, turning to face Jesse. “Maybe he's late.” 

“Are you sure this is the dark, creepy alleyway he was talking about?” Jesse asked.

Petra thought for a second. “Well, I was .” She turned again, double checking the surrounding paths, hoping to see someone approaching. Nothing. She sighed. 

“Okay, new plan. You stay here just in case this is the spot he meant, and I'll look around. I guess I could've been wrong. Then again, I've never gotten a meet-up spot wrong before.” As she moved past him, Jesse instinctively reached out and grabbed her arm. Petra stopped, confused, and twisted around. Jesse quickly let go and lowered his voice. “I don't know Petra, something about this feels… Off.” 

Petra rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “All of my secret deals feel off. That's usually why I keep them secret .” She emphasized the last word with an edge. Jesse leaned against the brick wall, visibility uneasy. Petra sighed, threw her head back, and cupped her face with her hands. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it. If he shows up while I’m gone, just stall for me.” Her calm, collected attitude helped Jesse settle slightly. He nodded and she nodded back, stuffing her hands into her pockets as she walked off into the main square. 

Time passed all too slow. Jesse was plenty uncomfortable, considering his clothes were still damp from the earlier plunge. Regardless, he stood there and tapped his foot against the ground, the soft click keeping rhythm with the muffled music of Endercon. He kept alert in case Petra’s contact appeared. Where was Petra anyway, she’d been gone for a while now hadn't she? Or was that just him? Standing there, in the dark–totally not creepy–alleyway, Jesse felt antsy. He looked for something to distract himself. His eyes landed on a chest tucked into a corner, sitting in front of a fence of iron bars. He pushed off the wall and walked over, crouching in front of it. He reached for the latch, cold metal meeting his fingers. 

Just as he began to lift the lid- 

“Ahem!”

“AH!” Jesse jolted, his heart skipping a beat. He lost balance and fell on his backside, scrambling upright just as the man stepped into view. Jesse backed up, stopped by the chest as it hit the back of his legs, almost causing him to trip and sit down onto it. The man stared, eyes narrowed.

“And just who are you? ” He asked, voice laced with a dry hiss as he crept closer. To say he was unsettling was an understatement. The shadows lifted from his face, revealing a pale complexion and deep, dark circles under his eyes. Long, black hair hung to his shoulders, with strands falling to cover his face, and he had a long black beard to match. Jesse had guessed the man to be in his mid forties at the earliest, either that or he had aged very poorly. 

Jesse stood up straight. “You know you really shouldn’t creep up on people like that. It’s… creepy!” He blurted. 

The man grumbled, taking another step closer to Jesse. “Don’t test me.” 

“I'm supposed to meet up with Petra,” he paused and scanned Jesse up and down before continuing, “not.. whatever you're supposed to be. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't walk out of here right now.”

Jesse took a deep breath, and stepped up. “You’re the guy who wanted a Witherskull, right?” The moment Jesse mentioned the item, the man quickly crowded towards Jesse and shushed him, looking back toward the alley entrance to see whether anyone had heard him speak. “Not so loud, you idiot! Too many people know of my business already.” 

He turned back around, marginally calmer. Not exactly approachable, but less… stabby. “So? Do you have the skull or not?” Jesse’s stomach dropped. Damn it, he asked the man if he was here for the skull and didn't think he’d ask for it at the very same moment? 

“Uh, Petra has it- and she'll be back any minute now!”

“Well… as long as she’s bringing it, I suppose it wouldn't kill me to wait a minute longer.” Surprised at the tranquil reaction, Jesse felt his shoulder loosen up, huh , he hadn't realized they were tense in the first place. It was a few good minutes the two stood in silence waiting for Petra. Jesse avoided eye contact like it was lava, staring at everything but his face. Thankfully for him, he heard footsteps and the sound of Petra’s voice calling out, “Ivor!” 

There weren't words for how relieved Jesse felt as he heard his friend’s voice. Then again, even if it had been a random stranger he might have felt just the same,  just the few minutes he was alone with the man–Ivor, is what he heard Petra call him–were so incredibly nerve-wracking. 

"Ah, here she is!” His voice cracked, ugh, embarrassing.

“Sorry I'm late- but I have what you asked for.” Petra stepped beside Jesse, standing tall. Literally–Jesse barely came up to her chin.

“ If you have what you promised us.” Jesse cut in. Petra shot him a glare. So did Ivor.

“You didn't say anything about "us" when we first met. And I don't like surprises. If these are the people you associate with, perhaps we should call the whole thing off.” Petra’s eyes widened at the words, Jesse could sense the moment of panic that hit her before she quickly came up with an explanation.

“Hey, this is just a misunderstanding. My friend is fine, right, Jesse?” She asked, elbowing him in the side. Jesse peeked over at Ivor and furrowed his brows. He looked back to Petra, hesitating before whispering to her, “hey Petra, maybe we should rethink this whole thing. This guy he- he gives me a bad feeling.” 

“ I’ll give you a bad feeling if you ruin this for me,” she whispered back. Before taking a step closer to Ivor offering a gracious smile. Ivor eyed her, “proceed, then.”

Petra pulled out the Witherskull, holding it out, letting Ivor pick it up from her hand. Jesse watched him inspect it from all angles, turning it slowly in his hands. His expression shifted from focused to delighted. A wide, crooked smile stretching across his face; just as creepy as he was.

“I’ll take that diamond now.” Petra asserted. Ivor's smile faded into something neutral. “Take it, you’ve earned it.” He motioned to the chest Jesse had been trying to investigate earlier. The two turned, approaching it. Petra opened the lid. The metal hinges creaked. Jesse peered over her shoulder as she reached inside. She took something out; blue, but dull.

“Uh, I don’t think that’s a diamond.” Jesse said, confusion panting his face.

“No, it’s lapis!” Petra snapped, throwing the ore back into the chest. It hit with a clunk, and the lid fell shut with a loud bang. 

Petra spun around, but Ivor was gone. 

Petra clenched her fists, grinding her heel into the concrete. “Of all the dirty, underhanded tricks to pull. I can't believe he got one over on me!” 

Jesse felt a new sense of determination run through him. He had been with Petra for the past few hours and had heard enough of how hard she had worked in hopes of receiving that diamond. This guy had some nerve.

“Well? We aren't gonna let him get away with it, let’s go after him!”

Petra nodded, already on the move “I’m either getting that diamond, or I’m getting my skull back!” She declared, looking at Jesse while running. Jesse nodded in agreement, “ Or, you’ll make him pay, right? Right?” That guy deserved something for what he pulled. Petra sighed, “c’mon.” 

Running out the end of another alley, they found themselves in what seemed to be the center of the Endercon festivities. The music was louder here than anywhere else, there were stalls lined up throughout the area, and there were crowds of people, but still, no sign of Ivor. 

“Do you see him anywhere?” Petra hastily scanned the crowd. 

Jesse shook his head, “We lost him.”

Petra turned sharply to Jesse. “Then we’ll just have to find him again. You head towards the stalls, I’ll go left.” Jesse nodded at her instructions and watched her run off again. He hurried down the steps and onto the main path. He slowed his pace as he began walking through the stalls, so as to not bump into anyone. The brunet looked at a few of them, one decorated with the same poster of Gabriel that he, Olivia, Axel and Rueben had seen in the forest. The stand was selling tickets for Gabriel's speech later that night–but a sign read Sold Out

Jesse moved past it, trying to continue his search, but a rush of people ran ahead, shoving him back. He grunted as he looked at what was causing the commotion. 

His eyes widened slightly.

Past the crowd, Gabriel the Warrior himself strode by, escorted by two ushers. He was likely on his way to the speech. What a coincidence. 

Jesse shook his head, that wasn't important right now. Jesse slipped past more people scrambling toward the ushers blockade. Where was Ivor?  He stopped to consider asking someone if they had seen the man, but a glance around told him it was pointless. Everyone here was too absorbed into their own activities. No one would have been paying enough attention to have noticed one man out of the crowds of people here. 

Then Jesse spotted a potion stand, groaned internally, and wished he had been right. Leaning against the stand was Lukas. He was alone, doing nothing but watching his surroundings, paying more than enough attention to have noticed Ivor if he had walked by. No way. Petra would understand, right? He didn't have to go up and ask, what are the chances he had seen Ivor anyway?

Damn it. Even if he hadn’t seen Ivor, it was a smarter choice to go up and ask, cause if he had seen the man and Petra found out about it later, Jesse would never hear the end of it.

He reluctantly walked over, mentally scrambling for a way to start the conversation. Hours ago they were arguing. Now he needed a favour. 

He landed on the smoothest opening possible: 

“‘Sup?”

Not exactly genius.

Thankfully, Lukas didn’t seem fazed. He mirrored Jesse’s words with a calm tone. “‘Sup?” He stayed leaning against the edge of the table next to him, his arm resting on the surface of it as he nodded his head at Jesse. 

“Nothing. ‘Sup with you.” Jesse asked, repeating the question with a shrug. Lukas shook his head. Silence settled between them, nothing but an awkward tension floating between the boys. Jesse fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, stretching it over his palm as he leaned side to side. 

Lukas broke the silence, clearing his throat and pushing off the table, standing up straight. Jesse’s gaze shifted upwards. Now that he wasn't slouched down, the blond stood a few inches over Jesse. Lukas wasn't too much taller than him. Hell, Jesse was sure that he was probably an inch or two shorter than Petra, but then again, six feet was still six feet. 

“Hey, uh…” Lukas hesitated, his voice was less confident then when he usually spoke. It was softer now, more shy. This peaked Jesse’s interest, he leaned his head in slightly, raising an eyebrow. Lukas sighed, and gave him an awkward smile as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. “Congrats on the win. I mean, I still think our beacon was pretty amazing but… you guys did a pretty good job. I thought the whole monster theme was plenty cool but- fireworks too? It was… sorta awesome.” He admitted, scratching the back of his head, as he looked down at Jesse, the same awkward smile plastered on his face. 

That was surprising to say the least. A congratulations from the other man was the last thing he had expected him to say. A more reasonable person might have accepted it kindly. But Jesse didn't feel like being reasonable.

“Thanks I guess,” Jesse drew his arms in, tight across his chest. “You know, that stunt your friend pulled really hurt my pig.” Jesse said, coldly at that. 

Lukas’ mouth fell open, eyes wide with shock. He snapped his jaw shut, biting his tongue as he glanced at Jesse. “Okay, yeah, it was a dick move, but… I didn't really have anything to do with that.” His features tensed.

Jesse cursed at himself. He couldn’t even remember if Lukas had been nearby when Aiden tried to sabotage their build. He mumbled a quick, ‘ yeah, sorry.’ The words were barely audible, he wasn't sure if Lukas had even heard them. He wasn’t sure he wanted Lukas to hear them. 

Letting out a breath, Jesse dropped his head, focusing on anything else. Lukas stood in front of him, silently watching. “He’s still missing, y’know…” Jesse frowned. 

Lukas, always the better man–always calmer, always more sincere, Jesse envied him for it–sighed, “I’m sorry,” He apologized as if Jesse hadn’t just insulted him prior. “I hope you find him soon, really. I mean it.” Of course he did. He always did. Because why wouldn’t he? 

Hell, Jesse knew why–because Lukas was perfect. Perfect Lukas didn’t hold grudges. Perfect Lukas didn’t make enemies. Perfect Lukas didn’t help his friends sabotage others to win. Perfect Lukas was just so… perfect. Jesse hated it. But he couldn’t hate Lukas, no. Lukas was too perfect to hate, because of course he was. 

But that wasn’t why he came over. So Jesse nodded–time to get to the point. “Hey, uh. You didn’t happen to see a creepy guy with long hair and a beard roaming around, did you?”

Lukas shook his head, lips pressed together in a fine line. “I don't think so, why?” 

“He kind of scammed Petra out of a diamond earlier.” 

Lukas blinked. “Yeah… messing with Petra’s a bad call. I’ll keep a lookout, alright.” 

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Jesse started to turn away. 

“Hey, Jesse?” Lukas called after him. Jesse stopped and raised a brow. Lukas cleared his throat. “So, uh… we’re cool?” He asked. Jesse sucked in a breath, hesitating for a beat.

“Yeah, we’re cool.” he said, his voice a touch too flat.

Lukas smiled, then quickly tried to play it off with a more neutral expression. “Cool, cool”

“Coolio.” 

“Coolness.”

Jesse gave him a tight, almost reluctant smile and half-waved. “See you around, Lukas” 

“Yeah… See ya.” 

Jesse headed towards the next section of the festival. He passed the DJ booth and cringed at the booming bass. He rubbed at his temple, sighing. He was frustrated, tired, and he could still feel his damp clothing clinging to his skin. As the thought came to his mind, he had also begun to notice the soreness in his legs and feet, from all the excitement of the day he had completely ignored how weak it had made him; apparently that's what hours of running, fighting off monsters, and jumping straight down into a lake of cold water does to your body. 

‘You're doing this to help your friend.’ The sentence played on repeat in his head, it was a way to convince himself to keep looking, even if it seemed like he was getting nowhere. Jesse was pulled out of this loop by Axel’s unmistakable laugh. 

He whipped his head around to see his friend at the chicken catching booth. Axel didn’t seem to notice he was there. Instead, he looked up, watching through the glass cage above the small farm, as another chicken was caught in the trap. 

“Thought you could just wiggle right out of that trap, didn't you? Well- Wiggle as much as you want; you're not goin' anywhere.” He chuckled. Jesse cleared his throat, causing Axel to straighten up and look at him, still focused on the chicken trap through his peripheral vision.

“Oh, hey Jesse,” he grinned at the shorter boy. Jesse wasted no time in getting straight to the point. “Axel, listen up. Have you seen a creepy looking beard-y guy anywhere?” 

“Nah, but Petra told me what happened. I’m keeping an eye out,” Axel said, puffing up a little. 

Jesse gave him a long, dead-eyed stare.

Axel deflated. “Okay, so I got a little distracted.” 

“A little? You know what- forget it. Just, stop messing around, okay? Petra needs our help.”  Jesse huffed at Axel who was considerably shocked at how Jesse reacted. “I was looking, I swear, I just- I got a short attention span.”

“Fine. By the way, have you seen Reuben? I was hoping he might've made it to town while I was distracted.”

“No, sorry man. But I'm sure he's fine, he's a tough little ham.” Axel threw a friendly punch to Jesse’s shoulder. Jesse tried his best to return the smile, but it came out a little wonky. Axel returned to the chicken booth, chuckling as another chicken floated to the bottom, Jesse groaned, “Axel?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll look, just right after I see one more chicken get owned.” Jesse gave one last disapproving look; he’s sure Axel doesn't even notice. 

Jesse left the chicken booth, heading back towards the main path that wound through the rest of the stalls. He pushed past groups of people and almost missed it–the quick flick of jet black, shoulder length hair catching his eye.

“Got you now…” Jesse muttered with a grin, picking up his pace as he began trailing Ivor through the crowd. He reached out ready to grab the man’s shoulder–only to be forced at a stop by none other than Aiden. Of all the people, Jesse groaned internally but ignored the urge to punch him on sight. 

“Well if it isn’t Team Trash Bag,” Aiden sneered. 

“How's your stupid pig? I hear intense heat causes brain damage. Makes meat more tender, though.” He laughed, clearly proud of himself. 

Jesse tried to peer over Aiden’s shoulder, searching for Ivor, but the crowd had already swallowed him up. Frustration bubbled to the surface. 

“Damn it, Aiden–you idiot!” 

Aiden’s teasing grin dropped, he grit his teeth and took another step up to Jesse, “Hey–who the hell do you think you’re calling an idiot?” 

“You. Now move!” He grabbed Aiden by the collar of his jacket and shoved him to the side, storming off, leaving a dumbfounded Aiden to watch him. Jesse had no time to be dealing with any of his crap.

Thankfully, Ivor hadn’t gone far. He stood chatting with a few people. Jesse approached quickly, grabbed the man’s arm and spun him around– 

“What do you think you’re doing!?” The very angry, very feminine voice asked, matching the also very feminine face of the women Jesse had just grabbed. Jesse took a step backwards, catching full view of the women he had mistaken for Ivor, along with the friends she was talking to, who all seemed equally angry. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry I thought-” 

“Get away from me!” 

“I said I was sorry…” He mumbled under his breath as he walked away from the woman. 

Everything was going horribly wrong for Jesse, and he swore he would’ve given up if he hadn’t heard the high pitched squeal that cut through the market noise. Jesse’s head snapped up. In his eyeline is a butchery. A man with a blood stained apron was enthusiastically advertising his products, yelling out about his fresh pork chops, before reaching down beneath the counter, and pulling up a small pig, placing it on the table. Jesse’s eyes widened in horror at the sight. The pig–Reuben, shook in fear as the butcher pulled out his knife. His giant, sharp, knife, raising it over Rueben who cowered below.

Before anything could happen, Jesse sprinted to the stand, placing his hands against the sides of the counter to stop himself. “Reuben!”

The butcher lowered his knife. Reuben was still shaking, but calmed as he saw his owner. “What’s the big deal, kid? I’m tryna run a business here.” The butcher asks.

“That’s my pig!” Jesse cried out, pointing to Reuben, who was sitting on the counter. The butcher scoffed, “Oh, really? Well, I found him out in the woods, so I think that makes him my pig.” Jesse’s blood boils.

“Give him back to me, now. ” His persistence surprised the butcher, but not enough to take him seriously. The man scoffed and grinned, setting the knife on the table and resting his hands on his hips.  “Woah ho, calm down, kid. No need to get all mad, I mean, from my point of view it would seem as if you’re threathin’ me,” 

Jesse snarled, clenching his fists tighter. “What if I am?” 

The butcher chuckled, taking the threat with a grain of salt, “I have no interest in arguing with you. But…  I might be amenable to some kind of trade... Not that you look like you got much value. I gotta get some kind of return on my investment. Otherwise, it's straight to the slaughterhouse for this one-” The second the sentence left his mouth, Jesse pulled his sword out of its sheath. The newly improved stone was heavier than wood, but much more comfortable to handle.

With a swish, he smoothly raised it from his side to over his head, then just inches away from the butcher's face. “ Give me back my pig .” 

The butcher, once sly, was now shocked. His face, ridden with panic. He stuttered, trying to find his words, barely managing to string together a sentence, “Alright fine, you little maniac! Take ‘em he's yours.” He shoved Reuben towards Jesse. 

Caught off guard, the pig is thrown off his balance, tumbling off the ledge of the table and landing back first on the ground with a squeal.

“C’mon Reuben,” Jesse rushed the pig away from the butcher. Once at a safe distance, Jesse checked him over. No injuries–just a fierce glare from the Reuben. Jesse sighed, “yeah, I know. Shouldn’t have let you run off alone. I’m sorry Reuben.”

Reuben let out a dramatic, high pitched squeal, in the most petty way possible for a pig. He turned his head away from Jesse with exaggerated flair, clearly furious. Jesse squinted his eyes, and groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Really?” 

He slowed his steps, glancing around the crowded area. They’d ended up near the front gates of the hall, where Gabriel's big presentation was set to take place. Conveniently enough, Jesse also happened to see Olivia near it. Letting out a sigh of relief, Jesse jogged over and tapped her shoulder. She turned, smiling. Then Jesse launched into his explanation, “hey remember that thing I had to go do with Petra? Yeah, long story short we met up with this guy and he cheated her out of this deal. We're trying to track him down now, you in?”

 As soon as he said it, Jesse hesitated. Maybe that came off too fast. Olivia had probably just been enjoying the festival, and now he was dropping all this on her out of nowhere. Now that he thought about it, it probably would've been better if he-

“I’m in.” 

…Huh. “Wait, really?”

Olivia nodded. “Yeah. If Petra got cheated, that’s not right. I don’t care what the deal was, she deserves better. Of course I’m in.”

Before Jesse could reply, Olivia nodded at something behind him. He turned to see Petra and Axel approaching.

“Any sign of him?” Petra’s voice cracked slightly. Jesse could hear the desperation creeping in. He frowned. It wasn’t like her to show that much stress, even in bad situations. Still, he understood. She’d worked hard, and being scammed stung. He opened his mouth to give her the bad news.

Then he saw him.

Just past the gates. It was Ivor.

Jesse’s eyes widened. “There! look!”

Ivor glanced over his shoulder, and for a moment, their eyes met. That smug grin spread across his face as he turned and disappeared into the building. Petra lit up. She slapped Jesse’s chest repeatedly in excitement. “Oh, oh! That’s him! Let’s go!”

She bolted toward the entrance. Jesse, Olivia, Axel, and Reuben rushed after her, but as they reached the gates, a new obstacle appeared.

The usher.

Petra practically launched herself forwards. Doing her best to look charming, she leaned on her side, resting her elbow on the fence blocking their way, “so… what’s it gonna take to get us in tonight?” She flashed a million dollar smile, nudging the usher with her shoulder.

The usher tilted his head, squinting his eyes as he looked at Petra and then at the rest of the group, even sparing a quick glance at Reuben who was trying to look cute enough to get in. 

“Uh…tickets? Hehehe, that was a good one man,” the usher laughed at what he assumed was a joke.

Jesse shoved his way past his friends to the front. “Here's the thing- We had tickets, but we lost them.” 

“Aw man, that sucks dude; I hate when stuff like that happens.” 

“Right? I feel like such an idiot!” 

“Still. No tickets, no show,”  The usher frowned, crossing his arms loosely. “Rules are rules”

Jesse sighed, overhearing his friends behind him complain about the failed attempt and begin to walk away. Once more before he gave up, Jesse gave the usher a pleading look, and although it seemed the usher was leaning into letting them in, he ultimately shook his head. This time, Jesse took the defeat, they’d just have to figure out a different way into the building, either that or wait until Ivor came out-

“AH! Chicken! Chicken- Chicken- Chicken! Phew, it’s gone, you're totally fine, you're fine…”

The sudden outburst startled the group. A loose chicken flapped across the entrance, presumably escaping from one of the nearby coops. The usher panicked, ducking and flailing as the bird fluttered past.

From behind, Petra raised a brow. huh

She didn’t say anything just yet, simply followed her friends back down the stone steps, already turning over a plan in her head.

“Well guys, I mean, I could totally bust right through.” Axel offered, cracking his knuckles. “I just need a little wind-up room.”

Olivia stared at Axel quizzically, shaking her head slowly. With a dramatic exhale, she turned to face the rest of the group. “Okay… Any other bright ideas?”

“It’s fine, we just need to find a way to distract the guy,”  Jesse said, eyes flickering back to the gate. “Then we can sneak right in.”

“A lot of chickens running around might be a distraction,” Petra said, leaning to peer over Jesse's shoulder. She nodded toward the usher, who was both trying to back away from the same chicken that had scared him earlier, and shoo it away. 

Jesse watched, biting the inside of his cheek as he scanned the area. His eye caught the sight of the chicken trap he had talked to Axel about earlier. He looked between the trap and the usher. He locked eyes with Petra who smirked. His mind connected the dots. 

“So the usher’s afraid of chickens,” Jesse said, smirking as he rested a hand on his hip and pointed toward the glass cage full of flapping birds. “What would you say if I told you I wanted to break that machine and create the mother of all distractions?”

Olivia cocked her head and strolled up next to him, arms loosely crossed. “I’d say nice imagination, Jesse. But unless you’ve suddenly learned how to fly, you’re not getting to that glass. You’d need to break that pane,” she flicked her hand up, “way up there.”

“We’ll find a way,” Petra placed an arm on Olivia’s back, nudging the girl to move with her. “Let’s split up.” She nods at the boys.

Jesse gave a pat to his thigh. Reuben squealed and ran over, trotting eagerly by his side as they wandered through the festival. Then Jesse felt a tug at the hem of his pants. Looking down, he saw Reuben clamped onto the cuffs of his pants, pulling gently as if trying to get his attention. 

“What’s up, buddy?” Jesse asked, shaking his head at the pig’s odd behavior. He followed Reuben as the pig stopped and nodded towards a stall at the end of the path.

The stall was selling slime–clearly, with the man jumping on a slime block to demonstrate right in front. Jesse grinned. “Nice eye, Reuben. I bet I could reach the glass with one of those.” Reuben squealed happily, then darted off to the stall, leading the way.

Jesse reached the booth, leaning against the table, his hands tapping the rhythm of the song blasting through the speakers as he waited for the vendor. When she turned to assist him, the smile he had ready to greet her dropped. It was the same woman he had accidentally grabbed earlier. Shit.

“Oh…hey. Small world, huh?” He attempted a laugh. It only made things worse. She stared blankly. 

Jesse cleared his throat and licked his lips, “Right. One slime block, please” 

“We don't give out slime blocks here. Just slime balls. You could craft your own if you had nine slime balls,” she pointed to the jar half filled with the sticky green spheres. “But we’ve got a limited supply today and we’re only giving out two per customer.” Jesse groaned, obviously she was still plenty offended about what happened. 

“Listen, ma’am, I'm so sorry about before- trust me, I completely thought you were someone else!” Her gaze softened at his apology and she clicked her tongue, “Apology accepted, but it’s not a personal thing, I still can’t give you more than two, even if I really wanted to.” She said, handing over the pale green pearls, Jesse felt his hand flinch at the cold slimy feeling. He looked at the translucent spheres, sticking to each other in his hand. 

“A round of smile balls for everyone please!” The voice came from behind Jesse, he turned and saw Axel, as well as Petra and Olivia walking up to the slime stand. He grinned as he watched the woman hand two slime balls each to all three of them.

Walking away from the stall, slime balls in hand, Jesse paused, “Wait, we only have eight. We need one more to make the block.”

“Okay, That's fine. We just need to find another way to get some more, and quickly.” Petra says, shoving the pouch with the slime into her back pocket. Axel and Olivia both nod in agreement, and the group splits once more.

Jesse stayed put, surveyed the area to see if there were any other vendors selling slime. He looked down once again to Reuben who was running figure eights between his legs. “Hey buddy, you got any more ideas.” Reuben stopped, tilted his head then oinked.

“What?” Jesse asked. Reuben rolled his head and oinked, motioning towards something ahead of them. Jesse looked, then immediately wished he hadn’t. As if asking for his help once wasn't humiliating enough. 

There stood Lukas. Leaning casually against a fence, one leg slung behind the other, tossing a slime ball in the air and catching it like he was in a commercial for being annoyingly cool. Alone, relaxed, and holding exactly what they needed

Jesse snapped his head back towards Reuben. “No.” 

Rueben oinked again. Jesse could practically hear the yes in it. 

He scowled at his pig. “Fine! Yay, Lukas to the rescue–again. Does that make you happy?” 

Reuben suddenly wished he had stayed with the butcher. 

Jesse approached Lukas awkwardly, hands behind his back. “Hey, uhm… Lukas?” 

Lukas caught the ball mid-air and smiled fondly at Jesse, “hey again, Jesse.” 

Jesse skipped the small talk.  “Okay, I know this is random, but… could you do me a favour?” He motioned towards the slimeball in Lukas’ hand. “I really need that.” 

Lukas studied him for a second, then turned briefly to the others regrouping behind him. He gave a small nod.

“Whatever you guys are doing, count me in.” He tossed the slimeball without hesitation. Jesse caught it, relief flickering across his face.

“Thanks Lukas,” Petra walked next to Jesse. She jabbed him in the side with a smug grin. “Told you he was useful,” She whispered, taking pride in being right, as usual. “Yeah, yeah.” Jesse muttered.

“Hey now, he can't just join. This is like- an us thing, man. You go hang out with your kitty-cats or whatever-” Axel swatted at Lukas, who simply rolled his eyes. Olivia—ever the voice of reason—pulled Axel back, silently reprimanding him, not that it changed anything. 

Jesse sighed, cutting through the bickering before it could escalate. He nudged the group towards a nearby crafting table, clearly not in the mood to waste any more time. He bent over the table, steady hands precisely placed each slime into place. 

He shivered at the cold feeling of the slime and cringed as it left a sticky green residue. What should have only taken a minute to craft was now delayed as Jesse did his best to neatly peel each pearl off the tips of his fingers and gently place them into their slots on the table. The boy could feel the eyes of his friends watching as he took his time.  

“So…” Lukas said, rocking on his heels, “you guys been building together long? I mean, you’ve got good chemistry.” 

Jesse didn't answer, too focused on the goo. Axel did. Much to everyone's dismay.

“You jealous?” Axel smirked. 

The response surprised Lukas. Caught off guard, he stutters, “What? No,” He said quickly, shaking his head, “I just think it’s cool.” 

Axel snorted, elbowing Olivia who took a step away from him with a sigh. Lukas frowned, clearly confused by the reaction.

“You're totally jealous.” Axel taunted, insisting that he was envious of the relationship their group had. Lukas muttered something under his breath, but before he could retaliate, Jesse turned back to the group, slime block in hand. 

“Ta-da. One slime block.” He grimaced. “One very gross, very sticky slime block.” The block was ten times worse than the individual balls. So even if he had meant to sound proud of the achievement, there was nothing he could do to mask the disgust on his face.

Olivia snatched the block from his hands, unfazed by the texture. She strode back to where the chicken machine was and eyed the area. She paused, mentally calculating the safest placement, one which wouldn’t lead to a failed attempt or Jesse winding up at the nearest medical tent. After a moment of consideration she found the spot. It was in a fairly visible and open area so they needed to act quickly before they’d be caught.

Jesse swallowed watching Olivia step away from the slimeblock, casually wiping her hands on the sides of her pants, not a care in sight about the green smear left behind. 

He looked up to the roof of the stand he presumed he'd jump off from to reach the glass he’d need to break. From down here, the jump looked very high. 

“Alright, Jess. You ready?” Axel patted Jesse’s shoulder, breaking him from his thoughts. “Yeah. Give me a boost.” 

Axel crouched, and Jesse climbed onto his thigh. With a grunt and a push, he hoisted himself up. 

He stood slowly, steadying himself, then glanced back. The group was watching. They nodded, waiting, trusting him to pull this off.

Jesse closed his eyes and took a few steps back, preparing himself for the jump. He let out a deep breath, opened his eyes–and with a wish and a prayer–ran forward, leaping off the stand. 

His feet hit the slime block and launched him high into the air.

He grabbed the ledge beneath the cage, groaning as his fingers scurried around the surface to grip onto something. With a final heave, he pulled himself up, then swung his elbow into the glass.

Crack

The glass shattered. A storm of chickens burst out, squawking wildly. Jesse yelped, nearly knocked by the flock of poultry. He steadied himself, then scrambled down, dropping the last few feet to the ground.

“C’mon, now’s our chance!” Petra called out. He ran to his friends, ignoring the frantic screams of the vendor trying to wrangle his chickens. 

Sure enough, the usher was in full panic. He fled the gate, screaming about chickens as the feathered horde swarmed the entrance. As bad as it was for him, It allowed the group easy access in. 

They entered to find the area almost completely empty. There were a few staff members still setting up the stage for Gabriel’s presentation, and a light scattering of early arrivals wandered the floor, but there was no sign of Ivor.

Petra stormed ahead, frustration rising, “Wha- Where’d he go?!” Jesse would've gone to console the girl, say something along the lines of, ‘don’t worry, we’ll find him soon,’ but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something. It was a door, to the left of the stage. Neatly hidden. Cracked open.

“Guys…” He called, pointing. “He must’ve gone through there.”

They neared the entrance, Jesse slowed, resting his hand against the old wooden door. It was rough and chipped, and the hinges creaked as he pushed it open wider. Just before stepping in though, Lukas spoke up.  “What do we do once we catch him? I mean- there are a million ways this could play out.” 

Jesse pulled away from the door, stepping back into the hallway. Lukas was right. What would they do? At this point, just asking for Petra’s end of the bargain felt laughable.

He shook his head. “We do whatever we have to do.”

Lukas raised his eyebrows. “Wow. That’s... ominous.” He gave a short laugh. ”You’re a lot more intense than I gave you credit for, Jesse.”

Jesse turned towards him, eyes narrowed. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

Lukas shrugged, a half-smirk on his face.

Jesse exhaled sharply through his nose, then turned to Petra. “Ready?”

Petra looked at him, then at Lukas, her expression unreadable. “Ready.”

Jesse nodded and faced the door, pushing it open. A dark stairwell lit by a few torches lay ahead of him. He took a step down, and the others followed. Their footsteps echoed against the stone floor, the clicks providing the only noise, aside from the crackling of fire.  

Walking down the cobble steps, Jesse placed his hand against the cold stone bricks of the wall. Reaching the end of the staircase, he peaked behind the wall to the rest of the room. Bookshelves crowded the area, from top to bottom, left to right, everywhere you looked stood another shelf. 

“He’s not here” Jesse stepped into the room.

“He must have gone out another way,” Petra added, glancing around.

“What is all this” Olivia asked, walking alongside the bookshelf, pulling one out and flipping through the pages. 

Jesse stepped further in, scanning the place. “Looks like it used to be a basement. Weird place to have a hideout.” 

Petra nodded. “Yeah, and I’ll bet anything my Wither skull’s down here.” She began weaving through the aisles, but Axel shoved past her, eager to explore.

“And if we find anything else cool to steal along the way…” He smirked, resting his arm on Petra’s shoulder. “So be it, right?” 

She brushed him off. “Axel. That’s not what we’re here to do.”

“Hey, if this guy isn’t around…” Axel’s brow nudged up and down.

Petra stepped in front of him, frowning. “I don’t want to stoop to his level.”

“But isn't that the best way to get back at him? Besides, it’s not like he doesn’t deserve it.” Axel crossed his arms defensively, offended that his friends weren't the most inclined to his idea. 

“C’mon Axel just focus on finding the skull, okay? There's no time for stealing right now anyway,” Jesse dismissed Axel, encouraging him to work on finding Petra’s stolen item rather than stealing items for himself. 

Axel pouted, letting his arms fall to his sides and turning away from Jesse and Petra, pretending to go through a few of the books in front of him, “Okay! Bossy, bossy… ” He grumbles, pulling out one of the books and flipping through the pages.

“Hey!” Jesse crossed his arms. Axel mumbled a ‘ yeah, yeah’ as he continued to skim through the book. Jesse rubbed his eyes. He just wanted to be done with this. He wandered deeper into the shelves. The air was thick with dust. Cobwebs filled every corner. It didn’t feel like anyone had been down here in years–how could Ivor have been using this space? 

He turned a corner, Petra spotted a chest and began rummaging through it. He walked up to her when suddenly she stood and pulled a gold sword from it. “Oh, hello.” She grinned, admiring the sword. 

She gave it a swing or two and readjusted her hold on the handle, “Eh- too heavy, too soft.” 

“But super flashy.” Jesse sung, reaching out his hand, running fingertips along the blade. 

Petra hummed, “Yeah, I don't think this guy does much fighting.” Glancing back at Jesse, she tilted her head, “Hey, you still have that stone sword, right?”

“Yeah. Had to wave it at this butcher earlier to save Reuben.”

Petra raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Nice.”

She tucked the gold sword away on her back.

“You're keeping it? What happened to, ‘ too soft, too heavy.’”  

“Never know when you might need a sword, right? Besides, it is pretty flashy.” And with a wink the girl knelt back down, continuing her raid through the chest. 

Jesse smiled as he walked off, heading out the labyrinth of shelves to what seemed to be a brewing station, identifiable from the brewing stands, furnaces, countertops scattered with ingredients and potion bottles. 

He saw Axel staring up at the potion bottles, his hands tucked away behind himself like he's trying to restrain himself from nabbing everything in sight.

“Find anything?” Axel had either misheard Jesse or completely ignored what he asked of him, cause instead of replying he began to point at all the potions in front of him, “I wanna steal that, and that. Ooh– I just wanna touch that.”

Jesse sighed, just as he turned to leave a dim glow of purple pulled him back, he walked towards the light to see one lone potion on its own table; separate from all the others. “Woah.” 

Axel flicked a quick look but the second the glow caught his eyes he gawked at the site. “You're not gonna believe me, but I swear I had a dream about this.” His hands inched closer. “Okay, potion, I know this is a big step, but... I would be honored if you'd come home with me–” 

“Axel!” Jesse smacked his hands away. “No stealing. Go find the skull.” He scolded Axel who stared at him with a frown whilst rubbing away the stinging pain on his hand.

“I am!’ Axel protested, grabbing the potion anyway. 

Jesse scoffed, “that thing was on a pedestal. He’ll notice it’s gone.”

Axel shrugged and walked over to a shelf, grabbing a similar looking bottle–minus the glow. “A good thief covers his tracks.” He swapped the potions. 

“And… fixed it.”

“Oh yeah, the perfect crime” The sarcasm is evident, Axel shook his head and walked away. 

Jesse glanced back towards the spot Axel took the replacement potion from and tilted his head. He noticed the wall behind it; there was a lever attached. Jesse stepped closer, and pulled it.

A low grinding filled the air. A bookshelf began to lower. Olivia, standing in front of it, yelped and nearly fell. Jesse grabbed her, steadying her as they stepped back to watch the wall finish its descent.

The sound attracted the rest of the group as well. Once the wall settled, they were able to get a clear look at what it was covering. On the floor was a chest, but what was more interesting, was the structure placed behind it. Jesse stepped closer, furrowing his brows, “What the hell is this stuff?” 

“Soul sand.” Petra says, “it was everywhere in the Nether.”

“And the block in the middle?”

Petra frowned. “Never seen anything like it.”

Olivia reached a hand towards the block, fingers hovering just above the surface. “It’s… pulsing,” she murmured. “Can you feel that?”

Axel squinted. “Hey, how is it glowing like that?”

Jesse shook his head, “I don't like the looks of this. Something about this whole thing feels… wrong.”  

Olivia took a step back to make room for Jesse and he came up next to her, taking a closer look at the block, ignoring the conversation his friends made, debating its purpose.

“What do you think it could be?” 

“All I know is that I want it.”

“What is the matter with you? Seriously.”

Jesse tuned out the noise and leaned closer to the block. Aside from the glow emitting from the center, he could hear the faintest buzz. It was… alluring. Magnetic, even; like it was calling his name. It pulled him in further before he was stopped by his feet kicking against the chest in front of the statue. 

He brought his hands down to the bottom of the lid, grabbing onto it and pulling it up. 

At the sight of the chest's contents his eyes widened and his lips parted. He waved a hand back to grab the attention of the others, not looking away from it. “Uh... guys?” 

Petra rushed over. Her face fell. “ What the hell? Why’d I risk my neck for that skull if he’s got two more ?!”

“This has gotta be connected somehow. These skulls were hidden back here with everything else, that's gotta mean something.” He pointed out, trying to piece together any information that could help them figure out what Ivor was planning. 

“Yeah, but what?” Petra looked between her friends, brows pinched. 

Lukas stepped closer to the chest, and spoke up, “I… I think I might know what's going on here,” lifting his hand, he pointed at the different parts of the statue, then to the contents of the chest. “Soul sand, plus three Wither skulls?” He swallowed 

“That's the recipe for a Wither.” 

The room went still.

Petra grew pale. “What? I- but… a Wither? That’s-” 

“One of the worst monsters there is.” Lukas finished grimly.

Jesse clicked his tongue, “we came down here to find the skull. Well, we found it”

Petra nodded vigorously, “Yeah, yeah… Maybe we should just grab it and get out of here. While we still can.” 

Everyone agreed. And they all got up to leave but–

Footsteps echoed down the stairs 

Petra let out a hushed yell, telling the group to hide. Everyone scattered. Jesse slammed the chest shut. Reuben jumped onto the lever, flipping the bookshelf wall back into place. 

Noting the absence of all his friends, Jesse scurried to find a vacant spot he could hide in to avoid being caught. After a quick skim around the room, he spotted a narrow gap between a chest and the back of one of the bookshelves, it would be a tight squeeze but it would work. He ran up to the chest, jumping over it and landing in the space between.

The footsteps grew louder.

Then a voice

“Don’t you recognize me? Or wait…” 

Jesse peeked. To no one's surprise, it was Ivor. He bit his tongue to keep himself quiet. Ivor was by Petra, who even though was hidden behind a wall, still flinched at the sound of his voice. 

“Surprised to see me? No, that's not good… Thought you could get rid of me didn't you! That’s better.” 

He paused in front of a chest, then froze as a bottle crashed to the ground. He spun, alert. “Who's there!” He called out. 

On the other side of the bookshelf, Olivia retracted her hand, scooting back in hopes Ivor didn't see her. She shut her eyes tight and held her breath. Jesse watched as Ivor made his way closer to Olivia. If he found her then- no. Jesse couldn't let that happen. He quietly got up from the ground, and snuck closer to Ivor. Any second and Olivia would be caught, so Jesse sucked in a breath, and diverted his attention from where Olivia was by calling out, “Hey!” 

Ivor turned and stood face to face with Jesse. His eyes squinted, causing a wrinkle at the bridge of his nose. His lips were pulled into a hateful frown. “You! What are you doing here?! ...What did you see?” He took small steps to Jesse, pointing his index finger at the boy whilst interrogating him. 

The commotion had the rest of the group running out of their hiding spots.

“Hey, back off!” Petra shouted. 

“Yeah, leave him alone!” Axel added.

The growing crowd only seemed to make Ivor angrier. 

By now, Lukas had crawled out of the chest he’d wedged himself into and was lingering awkwardly near Petra. Olivia had also decided it was time to appear, stepping up behind Ivor, boxing him in.

His eyes landed on Petra, “You… Did you follow me here?!” He snapped, head whipping between her and Jesse.

Petra scoffed, clicking her tongue against her teeth and shaking her head, “What, you thought you could just screw us over and get away with it?” Her tone was almost hostile. 

Ivor’s stare switched from her to Jesse, who shared a similar look. He snapped his head back to Petra and scowled, “What are you going to do about it? I have what I want, and you have exactly what you earned . Now get out before I put you out.” The threat slipped out of his lips with such ease you would've thought he’d had done it before–not that there was any doubt he hadn't. 

“You can drop the act, Ivor. We know what you're doing here.” Jesse hissed. 

Ivor crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders, playing dumb. This only pissed Jesse off further. 

“Oh come on! Soul sand and three Wither skulls? You’re building a Wither!” Jesse stepped up to Ivor.

Ivor leaned back to avoid the close proximity with the younger man, glaring at him with discontent. At the mention of the wither Ivor's mouth curved into a smirk, “You’re smarter than you look, boy.”

The insult didn’t go unnoticed. Axel seemed to be more offended than Jesse did–but that was Axel; always protective of the people he cared about. He pushed his way through, standing tall over Ivor. His jaw tensed and unibrow lowered. “Hey! You might wanna watch your mouth before it ends up broken.” He threatened.

Ivor grumbled, “enough! You’ve already wasted too much of my time.” He stepped to the side, then took one back. He spun behind Olivia, pushing her forwards before she could grab him. She tumbled over, thankfully caught by Axel before she could hit the ground. The group raced after Ivor–who rushed away as he released the shove–following him into another open section of the library, near the staircase leading back up to the main floor of the building. 

“Where’d he go?” Petra barked. It was like Ivor had disappeared into thin air. He was completely out of sight. Six pairs of eyes darted around every corner of the room. Jesse could feel his heartbeat quickening. As unsettling as Ivor's company was, his absence was just as eerie. However, he wasn’t gone long. the sound of Ivor's voice behind them boomed, and when they turned, the sight in front of them sent shivers down their spines. 

“If you won’t leave of your own volition," Ivor stood behind a tall structure built of iron, its shape similar to that of the Wither; four solid blocks stacked in a T shape. Strange how such a harmless figure can transform into something so deadly. In his hands, Ivor held a pumpkin. “ I'll happily remove you myself .” His voice dropped to a whisper, the shift only heightening Jesse's unease.

There was not a second to react before he lifted the pumpkin above his head and smashed it down on the base of the iron structure.

The blocks shook, and a deafening bang caused the room to as well. Jesse shielded his face with his arm and held himself in place. When he looked back up, out of a cloud of dust and debris emerged a tall, muscular figure, its silver surface glistening as it reflected torches in the room.

“Show our friends the door, will you?” Ivor, with a wicked smile plastered proudly on his face, stood next to the beast, one hand clasping the other behind his back.

At Ivor's command, the monster ran up and with a heavy swing, threw its arms around–a strike that would have knocked out Olivia if Petra hadn’t pushed her out the way, rushing her to the stairwell they had entered through. Its heaviness caused thumps that echoed through the library while it chased after them. But as the girls vanished up the steps, it paused. A moment later, it turned back around, forgetting its original prey, and lunging instead at the lone lamb still nearby.

The beast was swinging at Jesse with full force. He ducked, crashing hard to the ground, but dodged the blow that otherwise would have flattened him. The Golem didn’t hesitate. It spun right back around, charging again without pause. Jesse scrambled off the ground, scooping Reuben into his arms, holding the pig tightly as he darted for and ran up the stairs. He just hoped to god the thing couldn’t climb.

Chapter Text

The door burst open as they fled the basement, wood slamming against the wall with a resonant thump –though hardly audible over the voice blaring through the loudspeakers–a woman, presumably the host. Jesse followed closely behind his friends. He wove through the crowd, bumping shoulders with strangers. The room was packed, far more crowded than when they’d entered, which meant the presentation had already begun and Gabriel would soon be on stage.

Pushing after Olivia towards the pit, Jesse’s senses blurred in the roar of the cheering crowd. His body moved on autopilot. What just happened? He couldn’t think. Every time he tried to make sense of what he’d seen in the basement–nothing. Ivor wasn’t actually going to… Jesse shook his head, trying to clear the haze, to force his mind back into focus.

Then, the host's voice rang out, cutting through the fog surrounding him. 

“And now, for the first time ever here at Endercon! We are very proud to present-”

“The one! The only-”

“Gabriel The Warrior!” 

Jesse didn't think the crowd could get any louder. But as Gabriel stepped out from the curtains, into the spotlight, yells and applause pounded his ears. Gabriel thanked them, then launched into his speech. Under different circumstances, Jesse would be just as loud, but right now, after what he had seen, what he knows–Jesse couldn’t muster the enthusiasm. 

Gently setting Reuben on the floor, Jesse stopped in the middle of the crowd. His breathing steadied, and he checked on his friends. “Everybody okay?”

Axel gave a firm nod. Petra offered a distracted, mumbled ‘ uh huh .’ Reuben oinked in reassurance. Olivia, though… She seemed miles away. Jesse nudged her shoulder. She blinked, staring around as if lost.

“Uh… guys?” Her voice was laced with worry, her eyes wide. “Where's Lukas?”

The group froze. They exchanged uncertain glances. Lukas wasn’t among them. Jesse spun around. No blond. No Lukas. “What? I- I thought he was right behind me-” 

Axel shrugged, “If he’s not here, then…” 

Jesse’s head whipped towards the basement door. “He’s still down there!” 

Petra’s voice quivered. “Ivor’s got an Iron Golem and all the ingredients to summon a Wither down there. If he unleashes it now. Innocent people…” Petra paused, letting out a wavered breath as her eyes scanned the area. Hundreds, maybe thousands, unaware. Petra shook her head. “We have to act fast.” 

“Well, Gabriel’s here. He's our best shot.” Olivia insisted, eyes fixed on the stage.

Petra looked over Olivia's head, watching the warrior stride around the stage–confident, proud, and full of energy. She took a quick glance at the basement door before turning back to face the others. Her lips trembled. To her, Lukas was a good friend, a close friend. Even if the others couldn't understand why, he meant a lot to her. Regardless, she shut her eyes and nodded, “Yeah. Lukas is tough. I just hope he’s tough enough to hold out a little bit longer.” 

Jesse watched the look on her face and couldn't help but feel the same. He couldn’t pinpoint the reason he felt so inclined to go find Lukas. Maybe it was a moral obligation. Maybe it was a way to one up him. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought of this as a chance to do that. But just the fact that they had left him alone down there with a giant iron monster guarding the only exit, and a Wither just moments away from being summoned… It made him feel nauseous.

His friends moved towards the stage. Everything told Jesse to follow–but he couldn’t. He stared at the door. Fists clenched. Tongue bitten. 

“You guys get to go to Gabriel. I’ll go get Lukas.” 

His words froze the group. Petra snapped her head towards Jesse, her face contorted into a mix of emotions, ranging from confusion to shock. Her mouth was agape and head nodded as she stammered and stumbled with her words before she was able to properly confront Jesse. “Wha- Are you insane?”

“Petra-” 

“By yourself? Jesse, no-”

Jesse shook his head. “If Lukas is down there when Ivor summons the Wither, you know what could happen. Don’t worry about me, you guys just go get Gabriel.”

Olivia and Axel exchanged a determined look and both nodded. Petra sighed, but her resolve hardened. “Okay. We'll figure out a way to warn Gabriel and then we'll meet you back here.” 

“I'll be back as soon as I can.”

“Be careful, Jesse.”

From there the group separated. Petra, Axel, and Olivia pushed towards the stage, intent on getting Gabriel’s attention. Jesse split off, with only Reuben by his side, he headed down to the basement to rescue Lukas.

Gabriel's loud, assertive voice faded into background noise as Jesse twisted the door handle. He took a deep breath, staring down into the dark empty void leading to the lower level. He could hear Rueben’s anxious squeals, shaky with fear. Nonetheless, the brave little pig stuck with Jesse anyway. 

Jesse let out a whoosh of air, “ Why am I doing this, Why am I doing this. ” He whispered, stepping onto the cool stone stairs. 

It was quiet, much quieter than it had been when he and the others were in panic trying to avoid the deadly fists of the Iron Golem Ivor had spawned. Only Reuben’s hooves made taps as they descended the silent hall.

At the end of the corridor, Jesse crept to the corner and peeked, only to see Ivor’s Iron Golem turn its head towards him. Heart hammering, Jesse flattened himself against the wall, muffling his gasp. He stood still, as if it would make him invisible. The Golem didn’t notice; it continued its slow patrol

Once it passed, Jesse edged forward–crouched, quiet, Reuben trailing right behind.

Making his way slowly through the room, Jesse had not seen any sign of Lukas. He figured it would be difficult trying to find him while avoiding the eyes of the Iron Golem keeping guard of the area, but if he continued like this he could go through the entire floor and completely skip over Lukas. So, Jesse paused, throwing his head down and cursing to himself, before letting out a hushed call.

“Lukas?” 

No answer. He silently grumbled, balled his fists, then tried again, louder.

“Lukas? Can you hear me?” 

A faint reply could be heard. “Jesse? Is that you whispering super loudly?”

Across the room, Lukas’ head emerged from his chest. He peeked out–but then ducked back inside.

“Lukas! Over here!” Jesse hissed, gesturing to Lukas to follow him. Lukas shook his head and shut the lid.

Jesse was confused, and a second away from calling out to Lukas again before he heard the sounds. Footsteps and a deep growl shook the floor. Jesse barely had time to react. He looked to his side and before he knew it, the Golem’s iron fist slammed him into the bookcase behind him. The bookcase shook from his weight, and lingering dust fell through the air.

A groan of pain escaped Jesse’s lips. His side felt sore and there was a throbbing pain in his head–probably from the impact it took against the shelf. Reuben squealed at the sight of his owner, biting the hem of his sleeve in an attempt to pull him up. The Iron Golem loomed closer. Through the dizziness, Jesse could register the pigs cries and began to pick himself up. He stumbled as he attempted to stand, falling back down to the ground with a grunt. Sitting on the floor, he scooted away as the Golem stepped closer. His breathing quickened. Jesse tried to pick himself up once more, but failed, dropping again.

But at that moment, Lukas slammed the lid of the chest he was in open. Before the Golem could land another hit, it stopped in its tracks, pulling its arms down and examining the source of the sound.

Lukas made his best effort to distract it, making a sound before quickly shutting the chest again. Those few seconds were enough for Jesse to gather the strength and push himself up, rolling over one of the shorter bookcases next to him and ducking behind it, out of the Golems line of sight, with Reuben in tow.

Sitting flat against the cold stone, Jesse pressed a trembling hand to his side–where the impact of the hit was most painful; he bit his tongue to stifle another groan. The area would definitely bruise, a broken rib was also a possibility. Jesse whispered, pain twisting his voice. “Lukas, are you okay?” 

The chest slowly creaked open, allowing visibility of Lukas’ eyes and strands of hair that had fallen out of place sometime during the rush. “Me? Are you okay? That hit sounded terrible, Jesse!” Lukas whispered, his tone harsh, yet filled with concern. 

Jesse unconsciously applied more pressure to his side. The aching pain was immense, sure, but he couldn't have Lukas worrying about him. It was Jesse’s turn to save him. If he succumbed to the pain, Lukas would only see him as weak. He couldn’t have Lukas help him again.

“I’m fine, forget about that, it isn't important right now,” Jesse watched as through the slit in the chest, two blue eyes squinted, unconvinced of what they were being told. 

“Are you sure?”

Jesse scowled. Of course he wasn’t, being slammed in the side by a pure rod of iron wasn't exactly something you shake off. But he’d be able to get help when they got out alive, and he couldn't do that if Lukas didn’t cooperate. 

“Yes! Now just sit tight, Lukas, I'm gonna get you out of there.” 

“You came all the way down here just to tell me that?” Lukas squeaked, his trust in Jesse faltering at how he had seemingly come all the way down here without a plan. Considering Jesse had already been injured, his inability to give him a clear answer on what he was going to do didn’t calm his nerves.

Jesse rolled his eyes. “Relax, would you? It’s part of the plan.” He glanced around and spotted a potion on the shelf. He grabbed it, took aim, and hurled it across the room. The bottle shattered, drawing the golem’s attention. 

Jesse took the opportunity to leap out of his place behind the shelf, and yelled at Lukas to run. Lukas was out of the chest before Jesse had finished his words and darted out of the room. The Golem lunged at Jesse, attempting to slam him into the wall, but Reuben squealed and darted away, distracting it. Jesse seized the opportunity and took off.

Breathing heavily, Jesse was rejoined by Reuben as the two made their way back to the exit. Jesse smiled warmly at the pig. “Good boy, Reuben.” 

They slowed as they met up with Lukas again. He was fidgeting with his fingers, and nervously chewing at his bottom lip before noticing the two and straightening up. “Jesse! Thank god you made it.” He said, before awkwardly slouching down, rubbing the back of his neck, “I- thank you, for coming back for me. I… really didn't know if anyone was going to.” He mumbled, his gaze dropping to the floor. 

Jesse looked at Lukas. He felt a tinge of sympathy pinging his heart. Jesse lifted his hand, gently resting it on the other’s arm, “hey… Don’t think like that. We’d never leave you, or anybody else behind.” 

Lukas looked to Jesse, his eyes widening and his mouth ajar. “I- heh, thanks. Guess I owe you one?” He smiled. Jesse chuckled at the words, giving the spot on Lukas’ arm a light pat before taking a few steps forward–then abruptly stopping. A groan slipped out, his mouth snapped shut with a wince. He clasped a hand to his side, just like he had before, his other hand going back to Lukas’ arm, gripping tightly to keep balance. “Yeah, I think I'm gonna cash that in right now” 

Lukas hovered close to Jesse, his arm just shy of touching. He wasn't holding him–Jesse wouldn’t want that–but he stayed near enough to catch him if he stumbled again. As they climbed out of the basement, Jesse gave Lukas a small tap on the shoulder, a silent ‘I’m good.’ Lukas nodded and stepped back. 

“Where are the others?” Lukas asked, his voice low.

Jesse didn’t have to answer. Axel’s voice cut through the air, loud and clear, coming from the direction of the stage. Jesse let out an exasperated sigh, oh god.

“Dude, I dunno how can I be any clearer! Weird guy! Doing weird stuff! Freaky with a side of strange! Why won't you listen to me? What do you want me to do? Tell you charades-style?”

“I promise you that's the last thing I want you to do.” 

They had managed to catch Gabriel's attention. 

Jesse, Lukas, and Reuben made their way over. Petra glanced back at them, visibly relieved to see they were safe, but the moment didn’t last. Gabriel was losing patience by the second, and Axel’s rambling wasn’t helping.

“Listen. Four words; six syllables; sounds like... Schmonster in the schmasement.” Axel mimed out like he was in a game of charades; still, no luck.

Gabriel dismissed the warning with a narrowed glare in Axel's direction. Then, he waved him off like he was swatting away a fly. “Next question.”   

Olivia stepped forward. “Wait, just-” 

She didn’t get to finish. She was cut off by a new voice. It was sharp, cold, and commanding. Heads turned to view a glimpse of the speaker. 

“I have a question for you.” 

A hand raised in the audience. A man slithered through the crowd towards the stage. Gabriel cleared his throat, “excuse me, sir, you'll have to wait your–.” 

“Just tell me first, do you really believe anyone can be great?” 

Gabriel hesitated, frowning. “Well, with enough hard work- yes. Absolutely." 

“Was that where I went wrong? I simply didn't work hard enough?” Anger rose rapidly in his tone. The man stepped into view, Jesse's breath hitched; it was Ivor.

Gabriel’s expression shifted into something Jesse hadn’t seen before. Surprise, and another thing. Regret–maybe. “Ivor?” He said, the name catching in his throat. “Is… is that really you?” 

Ivor came forward, hands clasped behind his back, a bitter grin tugging at his lips. Gabriel’s voice faltered and the crowd broke out into whispers. Jesse squinted between the two men. 

What was happening? “Hold on, hold on. How do you know him ?” He jabbed a finger at Gabriel, then swept it towards Ivor, matching the motion to his words.

Gabriel looked away in–what was that? Shame? Guilt? Jesse couldn’t tell. Seriously, what was with this guy?

“I don't know if I ever really knew him.” Gabriel said quietly. “But what I did know... I didn't like.” He kept his eyes averted. He was hiding something.

Ivor sneered, “the feeling is entirely mutual.”

Ivor made his way center stage, stopping beside Gabriel. He looked the warrior in the eyes. There was nothing but pure venom. Jesse had never seen hatred so raw, so… personal. Whatever happened between them—it hadn’t faded with time; it was left to burn—for Ivor, at least. 

“Why don’t you tell them the real story, Gabriel?” He snarled.

Gabriel’s expression darkened, “I see time has made you bitter.” 

“And it's made you an even bigger fool.” The man shot back, taking one more step closer, to really rub it in. Ivor turned to the crowd, and with a smirk, slung an arm mockingly around Gabriel’s shoulders. Gabriel stiffened at the touch.

“These people were promised greatness,” he let go, walking to the back of the stage. “And I’m here to deliver.” 

He reached behind a curtain and grabbed the handle of a lever. Ivor shook his head and muttered, “I’m just sorry this is how they had to learn the truth…” 

Jesse felt his stomach drop. A sinking realization hit him as Ivor pulled down. 

The lever clanked. The stage shook. Out of the ground rose the same structure they’d seen in the basement. Only now, two skulls were already in place. Left, right; Only the center remained empty. 

“Nothing built can last forever, Gabriel.” 

Gabriel’s eyes went wide. “Ivor, no!” He shouted, lunging forward.

But it was too late. Ivor placed the skull.

A deafening blast rocked the room. Smoke and dust exploded outward, blowing both Ivor and Gabriel from the stage. From the haze rose something far worse than the Iron Golem in the basement. 

Three skeletal heads slowly turned in different directions, eyes glowing a deep, unsettling purple. Its body was jagged and unnatural, not designed to trigger a false sense of security and lull in its prey–this body had no use for trickery–so it displayed its malevolent nature with pride. Pitch black ribs framed a glowing, pulsing light at its core–like a heart. But unlike a heart, meant to give life, whatever this being was, only had the goal to destroy. 

Black as obsidian, and something straight out of your darkest nightmares. 

So this was it, Jesse thought. 

The Wither.

Ivor picked himself up with surprising ease for someone who’d just been thrown off a stage. He dusted himself off and stared up at the creature with the pride and admiration any father would have for his child. 

“Creature, attack!” He commanded.

The Wither obeyed instantly. 

The crowd erupted into panic–screams, shoving, bodies crashing towards the exits. The Wither swept to the side, charging a strange, skull-like projectile. Jesse’s breath caught in his throat as the attack launched–straight at him.

Before he could react, a sudden force shoved Jesse aside. He hit the ground with a grunt. He clutched his side, groaning, another punch added to his fresh wound– exactly what he needed. Jesse looked up to see Gabriel looming over him. Beside them, the projectile crashed into the spot where Jesse had just stood, a loud burst that left a gaping hole in the floor. 

No time to celebrate. Another skull hurtled towards them. They scrambled out of the way just in time as the explosion tore up more ground behind them.

“Hurry!” Gabriel yelled.

As they ran, Jesse glanced around and froze. Chunks of the walls, furniture, and entire pieces of the auditorium were being sucked into the Wither's orbit. It was gathering them, molding the debris around itself as armour. 

They raced to the others. Gabriel sprinted in from the side, drawing his sword as he slid in front of them. “Everyone stay calm!” he shouted. “This foul beast is no match for me!” 

Ivor laughed, stepping closer. He snapped his fingers and pointed, signaling to the Wither who its next target was. 

The Wither surged forward. Gabriel launched himself at it, blade swinging, but his sword clashed uselessly. Gabriel was thrown back, his weapon clattered to the floor. He hit the ground hard, gasping, then he blinked up at the creature, stunned–its size, its power. He turned to Ivor, voice shaking. “What have you done?”

Jesse darted toward him, but Gabriel threw out a hand to stop him.

“No! Stay back!” He shouted. “It’s after me, not you!”

As if on cue, the Wither struck again, dragging more blocks into its swirling defence. The protective layer around it only increased by the second. The sheer size of it now, and how fast it was growing, left the group speechless. 

Ivor’s voice rung out, cruel and mocking. One hand rested on his hip, the other pointed straight at Gabriel, “Look at him! The mighty Gabriel, reduced to nothing.” His teasing softened, but the sting grew sharper. “Seems like greatness wasn’t in your destiny after all.” 

Gabriel said nothing, just lowered his eyes in shame.

Ivor smirked, eyes gleaming with triumph. “No worries. I can defeat it.” He cleared his throat, “creature–retreat!”

Nothing happened.

Ivor’s brow twitched, “Ahem. Creature–retreat!” 

The Wither turned its massive head towards him, but the harsh winds and destruction didn't cease. Panic flickered behind Ivor’s eyes. 

“Retreat, I said! Retreat!” Ivor’s impatience cracked into worry. 

Jesse shook his head, “He's lost control of it!” frustration and disbelief simmering beneath his words. Ivor, who was confident enough to summon a Wither just to prove a point, now had no way to stop it? Just great.

Ivor chuckled nervously. “No need to be alarmed, my friends. I have an elixir that will destroy this creature!” His hand fell to the belt wrapped around his waist. Attached to it were various potion bottles, the necks of which were held up by the loops on the belt. Ivor gripped his hand tight around one of the bottles, pulling it out of the loop and then pulling his hand back as he prepared to throw it. 

From where Jesse stood, he could see the dull, purple liquid inside the glass bottle. It was familiar, but–no…“That potion- is that?”

Axel had seemed to take notice as well, “uh-oh…” 

It was too late to do anything. Ivor hurled the bottle at The Wither’s glowing core. He stood there, arms crossed, waiting for his moment of glory. The bottle shattered against the block. No damage done. 

Grin wiped away, Ivor shook his head, “what? That’s impossible... It should've worked! I took such care…”

“The potion!” Jesse snapped. “Axel, you have the real one!” He shook him. Axel cringed, guilt and hesitation on his face.

“Aw, but… finders keepers?” He shrugged, eyes squinting under an awkward smile.

Jesse stared. “Seriously?!”

Ivor, who had managed to piece together the train of events that led to his failed attempt at a heroic moment, ground his teeth, “You thieves, you're running everything!” 

The scolding was left ignored. While Axel fumbled, Jesse made the choice for him. He snatched the potion from his hand, aimed, and threw it.

Just before impact, The Wither shifted. It hid its core behind thick layers of debris, and the potion burst harmlessly against the wall of defence.

“It’s protecting itself!” Ivor snapped, eyes scanning the Wither. “The command block’s no longer exposed. Without it, the potion does nothing.” His voice faltered just slightly. “This… wasn’t how it was meant to go.”

He stared up at the creature for a long moment–then ran. 

“Ivor! You coward! Come back here!” Gabriel shouted, attempting to chase after him, but his foot never reached the floor. A beam of purple light caught him midair. His limbs flailed as he was risen up to the Wither. 

Olivia, being the nearest, leapt up and caught his leg. She gritted her teeth, straining to hold on. “Uh- a little help, please?!” She squeaked. Jesse ran and grabbed Gabriel's other leg. Together, they yanked him down, breaking the beam's hold.

Gabriel’s weight dropped hard and fast, slamming into both of them. They all hit the ground in a tangle of limbs. Jesse groaned but quickly pushed himself upright, then reached to help Gabriel to his feet. Olivia rolled over with a quiet grunt and stood on her own, brushing dust from her sleeves.

Gabriel gave a winded, ‘thank you,’ gripping Jesse’s shoulder. He took in the sight of the Wither, devastation tearing apart his otherwise brave composure. 

“Ivor was right,” he admitted, voice heavy with defeat. “I… I can’t beat this thing.”

Gabriel took in a deep breath before Jesse managed to get caught in his line of sight. He studied the boy and the group crowded around him carefully. In a click Gabriel's emotions showed a sudden change. The glint of shame turned into a spark of hope. 

“Or at least…not on my own.” 

Jesse blinked. “What?” 

Gabriel grabbed Jesse firmly by the shoulders, startling the boy as he squirmed at the sudden touch. But as the seriousness in Gabriel’s face sank in, he froze, realizing the weight of what was coming next. 

“Everyone is running. All of them. Except you.” Gabriel raked his arm across the room then nodded at Jesse. “I know it’s a lot to ask but–will you help me?” His tone is determined, as if he didn't just ask a group of people he had never known previous to this moment, a group of completely inexperienced, barely legal adults, to assist him in stopping a world ending monster. 

The rest of what he said felt like a haze. Gabriel the warrior, the man he had looked up to since childhood, asking for his help? Jesse should’ve felt excited, but he didn’t. Jesse felt scared. He felt terrified. Gabriel is a trained hero, a legend made from his experience adventuring and defeating the world's greatest monsters. If the man who killed the Ender Dragon couldn’t take out the Wither, what made him think Jesse could? Surely he would fail—die a gruesome death to the hands, or in this case , tendrils , of the Wither. So why him? He felt the doubt rise. He wasn’t ready. He wasn’t enough.

Mouth agape and eyes wide, Jesse shook his head, taken aback. Then his gaze shifted away from Gabriel, towards the group; to his friends. 

Jesse thought of his home. Hanging out at the treehouse with Olivia and Axel. Taking Reuben out on walks. Occasional run-ins with Petra. He didn't want to lose any of that, not for a long time. So if he had to be the person to make sure that didn't happen, then so be it.

“Yes. Yes, of course! Yes, we’ll help!” Even after the mini pep talk he gave himself, he still stuttered through his answer. 

Gabriel's eyes lit up. “Thank you! Now hurry, follow me!” Without another word, Gabriel took off, racing for the exit.

Jesse turned to the others, heart pounding.

Time to move.

-

The chilling sound of screams echoed through Jesse’s ear as he ran out of the building. Chaos erupted all around him; crowds surged past in a frenzy of panic, scrambling to escape as the Wither grew larger by the second. The words stay calm looped in his mind, but with each pulse of the storm and each scream of terror, calm felt impossible. To make things worse, he’d lost sight of his friends in the rush of escaping.

A stampede of chickens had swarmed the plaza, likely due to the distraction he had caused earlier. The flock took up the space around him making it difficult to move. Damn it, he knew that would come back to bite him in the ass. 

The chickens were the least of his worries, though. A thunderous crash yanked his attention back. He turned just in time to see the Wither crash out the building's dome roof, glass raining down as it emerged in full glory, three heads and all. It let out a guttural, bone shaking roar. It was bigger than before. Way bigger.

Jesse sprinted forward, just as a nearby blast sent a glowing purple beam down in front of him. A group of people and the ground beneath their fear were ripped upward, swallowed by the storm. The bridge Jesse ran on shook. And it didn’t help that the next beam that came down ran directly across him. 

He didn’t have time to dodge, and the world began to tilt. His feet lifted off the ground and he struggled to touch back down. He flailed, trying to grab something–anything. A chunk of stone was ripped up with him, and Jesse clung desperately. Gritting his teeth, he clawed forward along the stone, dragging himself out of the beam's force. With one final lunge, he broke free, which unfortunately flung him forward, crashing onto the ground.

Groaning, Jesse forced himself to stand. Pain surged through his already bruised limbs, but he didn’t care. Around him, the storm continued feeding, pulling people and debris into its ever growing form. Jesse continued running.

He pushed through fearful crowds, ducking around another cluster of oblivious chickens–seriously, how were there this many?–and scanned the chaos for anyone he knew. Luckily, Jesse did manage to catch an eye on a familiar blond.

Ahead of him was Lukas panic etched across his face. Jesse shouted his name. Lukas turned, eyes widening in recognition. 

“Jesse! Holy shit! If I was still in there I-” Lukas cuts himself off, still breathless. “Thank you. For coming back for me. I mean it.” 

Even with the raging storm, Jesse noticed the softness in Lukas’ eyes, just for a second. Jesse opened his mouth to respond, but a new voice cut in. 

They both turned. Petra, Olivia, Axel, and Reuben were huddled under a market stall near the edge of the plaza. Relief swelled in Jesse’s chest. Together again.

The boys ran over, joining the group, but their reunion was short-lived. The stall creaked, its supports violently shaking as a new beam tore towards them.

“Move!” Olivia shouted. 

The group scattered as the structure ripped apart. Before Jesse could follow, he was called to by Petra, an unfamiliar desperation in her usually calm voice. He turned and immediately ran as he saw her caught in the beam. 

Without thinking, Jesse lunged, grabbing her arm. He braced himself, gripping a nearby fence post cemented into the ground, but the pull was too strong, The post cracked and tore free. Jesse and Petra screamed as they were pulled up. 

Then a hand closed around Jesse’s ankle. It was Gabriel.

He pulled them down and all three crashed back to earth just as the beam swung away in search of its next victim.

Everyone regrouped, shaken but alive. Jesse scanned his friends faces, relieved to see no one else had been taken. Gabriel wasted no time. “We must make it to my fortress. We’ll be safer there.” Without waiting, he ran. The others followed. Jesse stumbled for a moment before pushing himself forward.

The town was unrecognizable. Buildings were decimated, reduced to rubble. The Wither had left nothing untouched. Citizens in panic, anyone who hadn’t already been sucked in by the magnetic pull of the Withers power had been running in the same direction as Jesse, undoubtedly following Gabriel, believing he would bring them to safety. Jesse’s eyes landed on the first place build they’d made. The one he, Olivia, and Axel worked so hard on–crumbled. Disassembled block by block like it never had existed.

“Watch out!” 

Jesse was tackled to the ground. He looked up into a mess of fiery orange hair–Petra again. A second later, a Wither skull exploded nearby, blasting a crater into the ground where he’d just stood.

That thing really has it out for me. Jesse groaned. Third time’s the charm.

“Petra! Thank you–” 

“Save the gratitude for later, Jesse, run!” She barked, shoving him back to his feet and pushing him into a sprint. Guilt gnawed at him as he passed innocent people being sucked away. Families torn apart, friends screaming for loved ones who vanished into the sky.

The town gate was closing. Jesse grit his teeth, dropped low, and skidded under it just before it slammed shut behind him. They were out of the town, but not out of danger. Not yet.

The group ran into the forest. Jesse heaved; despite the  boost the adrenaline was giving him, he grew tired, out of breath. His legs burned, he felt himself slowing down even as he tried to pick up his pace. And although the intensity of recent events had drawn his mind away from the injury he sustained from the Iron Golem, he could feel his side sting with each step he took. 

Jesse stumbled as his feet hit uneven dirt. The night air was thick with ash, and the forest wasn’t much better; branches reached down like claws, and the smoke clung to everything, stinging his eyes and burning his throat.

Gabriel’s voice rang out through the dark. “The fortress is ahead, keep going! Don’t stop!”

Up ahead, a fallen tree blocked part of the trail. Olivia scrambled over it, Axel just barely managing to haul himself after her. Reuben squealed, pausing and looking back for Jesse.

“I’m right behind you, buddy.” Jesse wheezed, dragging himself over the rough bark. His hands slipped, scraping against the moss-slicked surface. Lukas, just behind him, didn’t hesitate. He gave Jesse a quick shove from below to boost him up.

“Try not to break your face before we get there.”

“Appreciate the concern,” Jesse grunted. 

“I can’t tell if we’re outrunning it or just making it mad,” Olivia muttered, breathless as she helped Petra over a collapsed trunk.

“Both,” Jesse huffed. “Definitely both.”

They reached the fortress gates moments later. Gabriel was already there urging people inside. One by one, Jesse and his friends crossed the threshold, just as another pulse from the Wither shook the ground behind them.

The group followed Gabriel down the neatly built stone stairs. The room at the bottom was plain. No furniture, no supplies, no personality. Just a single door.

“The inner chamber is built entirely of obsidian,” Gabriel explained, already moving towards the lever beside the door. “We should be untouchable in there.”

Jesse barely had time to process what that meant before the door hissed open, revealing the long hall lined with obsidian. Just like Gabriel said. 

And then came the growl. A hoarse scream rumbled through the air, and then the entire room lit up in a flash of sickly purple. The Wither had caught up.

Panic kicked in fast. The group rushed forward all at once, stumbling and pushing each other to ensure everyone made it in. 

Gabriel, last in, stopped just inside the doorway, drawing his sword. He turned back, eyes locked on the Wither as it writhed, one of its tentacles swinging violently towards them. “Hurry!” he barked, voice strained. “If you get through the portal, you will be safe!” 

And so they do just that, fast as possible. Axel took no hesitation in volunteering himself as the first one to run through it–only to freeze mid stride. “Uh, I’m still here!” he shouted, spinning around. “I’m still here!” 

Olivia’s face went pale, “It’s not lit! We need something to light it!” 

Jesse perked up, rushing ahead of the others to the front of the portal frame. He knelt down, fumbling for the flint and steel he’d packed at the treehouse. His hands shook as he sparked it–once, twice–until finally, flame caught. The portal shimmered to life, casting a warm purple hue across the room. 

“Go!” Petra urged, motioning them forwards. 

Olivia slipped in first, her hand momentarily brushing the obsidian, taking one last look before she vanished. Axel knelt, scooped up Reuben into his arms, and followed close behind. Jesse hung back with Petra and Lukas, ready to follow them in until a yell snapped all three to attention. 

Behind them Gabriel was airborne, thrown off his feet by one of the withers tentacles, being dragged back towards the open door. Jesse rushed to help him, vaulting over a second tentacle that cracked right through the roof. Right through the ‘ unbreakable ’ obsidian roof.

He ran to Gabriel, grabbing a hold of his arms, yanking hard until the tentacle retreated.

“Thank you.” Gabriel rasped, hand going to his temple. He turned, watching the mayhem unfold as many others were caught by the Wither. The home they once knew, drowning in chaos. People he had promised to help–people who trusted him to save them–gone.

Gabriel’s voice cracked. “There's so many of them. I-I can't save them all. I can't stop this by myself.” He stumbled and fell to a knee. Jesse was quick to his side, helping keep him supported. Gabriel, looked back up. “We need to find the others.”

Jesse blinked “Others?”

Gabriel nodded sharply. “Soren's been missing for years. But the others- you must seek them out.” He shoved something into Jesse’s hand. “Take this amulet. Guard it with your life. You can do this. You must.” 

The object was strange. Circular, with a golden disc in the center, rods jutting through it to keep it in place–red, green, white, cyan. One of them glowed faintly. 

Jesse stared, stunned. “W-what! Why me?” 

Gabriel’s grip tightened. “I believe in you. Take the amulet, go through the portal, then-”

Jesse was hit with a wave of panic and stress inducing responsibility. “I- No! I can’t! I’m not you, this is out of my limits, I’ll never-” 

Gabriel held a firm hand to the side of his head. Forcing Jesse to look at him. 

“You can. I have known you for a very short time but you have proven to be a very strong soul. You may think you are not like me but I see myself in you. You have what it takes, and remember. You are not alone. Now go. Go and-”

Jesse is unable to listen to the rest of what Gabriel has to say when another tentacle splits the roof.

Then there was the scream.

Jesse turned just in time to see Petra thrown to the ground, landing hard. He drew his sword, running straight for her. The two take turns getting hits on the tentacle, and dodging it accordingly. 

Then, without warning, it changed course, charging Lukas, who stood frozen by the portal. Petra surged forwards, cutting off the strike just in time. 

Petra spun to both of them, breath ragged. “You two need to get through that portal, now. Meet the others. I’ll stay behind, buy you time.”

“What? Petra, we can’t just leave you here!” 

Petra frowned, “I’m sorry Jesse, this is something I have to do. If anything happens I'll just meet up with you guys at the temple, alright?” 

Jesse didn’t get the chance to argue. Gabriel’s scream cut through the room again and he was trapped in another beam. Petra sprinted forwards, but didn’t make it far before she too was yanked into the air, caught in a separate beam.

Jesse hastily jumped to pull Petra down. With a muffled thanks she stumbled over to Gabriel to help him.

Jesse made an attempt to run to Gabriel, but a sharp sting in his side halted him. Just as he was able to look back up, another strike came. A tentacle swung hard, knocking him off his feet and sending him flying towards the portal.

He flew right into Lukas. Their bodies collided and tumbled, the amulet clutched tight in Jesse’s fist and just like that, they were swallowed whole by the portal.

-

Jesse felt dizzy. The short trip through the portal was enough to send him into a disoriented state. He had never done it before so he had no idea what to expect, but then again, it should've been obvious traveling via portal would have negative consequences to his body. 

He groaned, the hit from the Wither threw him onto Lukas, pushing them both through the portal, leading to their ungraceful fall to the floor of the new world. With heavy breaths, he lifted himself up, hands placed firmly to the rough, scalding ground of the Nether. 

Now that his attention was less focused on the pain of the hit, he could register the blistering heat he’d been simmering in, which only increased how uncomfortable he felt. His breathing slowed, Jesse took a look around the realm, still in shock and unable to speak. 

Standing near him was Axel, Olivia and Reuben, all three glad to see he had made it through the portal safe. While Reuben wasted no time in running up to his owner, Axel hesitantly took another look at him, to the portal, then back to Jesse. There was silence for a moment and he carefully thought of his next words before he licked his lips, and asked, “Jesse, where’s Petra?” 

Jesse felt a shiver run down his spine–even through the hot air that filled the Nether. He looked to Axel and Olivia who slowly walked up behind him. Jesse tried to speak, but nothing came out. He thought back to what had happened. He helped Petra, he got her away from the Wither’s pull. So why wasn’t she here? Jesse had no explanation. 

Instead, Lukas, who stood next to Jesse, cleared his throat, “ She couldn’t- I couldn’t…” He trailed off, the image of him completely stunned, frozen in place as Petra and Gabriel were helpless to defend themselves, leaving Jesse alone still burned in the back of his mind, making him recoil in shame. 

Axel, previously presented as concerned and worried for the sake of Petra, now had a completely different set of emotions on display. His gaze once on Jesse, flew to Lukas, his stutters drawing him in. Brow pulled down and eyes narrowed, Axel slowly strode over to Lukas, “You couldn’t what?” He snarled, growing ever closer to Lukas who noted the shortening distance and took nervous steps back. 

“Hey, hey wait now, let me-” Lukas held his hands up in defense, steps now slow as he attempted backing away from Axel who only grew more impatient by the second.

“Couldn’t what, Lukas?” His voice was sharp, his hands curled into fists–like he might throw a punch then and there. Lukas swallowed hard, casting a desperate glance towards Jesse, eyes silently pleading for backup.

Their eyes met–briefly–before Jesse hastily broke the contact. He couldn’t give Lukas the reassurance he was asking for.

It wasn’t fair to treat him like this, Jesse knew that. It was unreasonable to expect him to do anything in the situation they were in, considering what the consequences could have been–but knowing Petra was still out there left a deep pit in his stomach. He needed time to think, figure out what they’d do next. 

He couldn't look at Lukas without feeling the urge to lash out. To mimic Axel. To back Lukas into a corner and scream that he should've helped her. That he failed. But he didn’t want to do any of that. Even though his body begged him for the release, he just couldn’t; the thought left an awful taste in his mouth. 

So he kept silent. Took a small step away. And avoided Lukas’ eyes.

Lukas parted his lips to speak, but shut them once he realized whatever truce he and Jesse had formed in the basement, meant nothing now. 

“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t…I just got scared, for a second I-” He stopped talking with a grunt as Axel unclenched his fists, and moved his hands up to give a slight push to Lukas. 

“You got scared?” He scoffed. 

Lukas shook his head, backing up further. “It wasn’t my fault.” His words were shaky, and did not build him much of a case. 

“You got scared, and it wasn’t your fault?” He said, giving another, stronger , push to Lukas.

“Axel, just-.” Olivia chimed in, grabbing Axel’s wrist before he could do anything more. She pulled him aside, not sparring Lukas a glance. “We’re all a little out of it. let’s just calm down for now-” 

Axel turned to face the girl, scowled, and roughly pulled his wrist out of her grip, storming back to the portal, “I’m going back.” 

Olivia caught up quickly, standing in front of the frame, blocking him from going through “Axel are you listening to yourself! You can’t just go back there-” 

“Am I listening to myself?” Axel grimaced, “Are you? Petra is trapped with that- thing!” 

“I know! You think I’m not worried?” Olivia shouted. Okay, wow . That didn’t happen a lot. “But it's Petra,” She huffed. “If anyone can handle themselves out there it’s her.”

Jesse figured it was about time to step in. With a hand on Axel’s arm he began to pull him away. “Axel, she's right. We can’t risk anyone else getting hurt, we should just wait.” 

“Don’t start with that bullshit, Jesse.” Axel tore himself away from Jesse’s grip. “ You went back for Mr. Scaredy-cat back there, now you’re trying to tell me I can’t do the same for Petra? Our actual friend.” Axel jabbed a finger into Jesse's chest. 

Jesse glanced back at Lukas, who sulked in shame, then faced Axel again. He was mad. “Wha- Axel, this is completely different!”  

“How? Oh right. Saving Lukas is strategy but Petra? Aw nah, that's just reckless. Got it.” Axel rolled his eyes. 

Jesse stepped forward, his voice rising. “That’s not what I meant and you know it–”

Axel squared up, fists clenched. “Then maybe say what you mean for once!”

Their shouting blurred into the chaos, until Olivia’s head snapped around. A flicker of light caught her eye, and her breath hitched.

“Uh guys?” She was left unheard. The two continued bickering. 

“Guys!”

Jesse’s eyes flicked to Olivia and her finger pointed to the portal. From it,  the ominous, vibrating hum gained volume, and the purple glow became brighter, shining against Jesse's face as he took a step closer, giving his skin a purple tint. 

“Come on…” He whispered to himself, hoping that from the other side of the portal, Petra would emerge. 

“Augh!” A heavy grunt escaped the man who stumbled through the portal, falling flat on his face with a thump. He groaned, pushing himself up and brushing off his clothes. After a quick cough and an awkward clearing of his throat, he looked up and noticed the group staring straight at him.

“Oh.” He grumbled, accompanied by a nasty glare directed at Jesse. “You again…”

Jesse’s stomach dropped, anger flaring in his chest. The person who came out of the portal was not Petra, but instead the worst possible alternative–Ivor. 

Before Jesse could demand answers, a tendril whipped out of the portal, sending a ripple of panic through the area. It thrashed violently, slamming into anything nearby, pushing people out of the way before it coiled itself around the frame of the portal and tightened. The obsidian began to crack and crumble, and with one final squeeze, it unwrapped itself, pulling back through the portal before it shattered, collapsing in on itself.

The group stared at the broken portal, stunned.

Their only way out, gone. They were stuck. In the Nether. No way to protect themselves. 

Jesse stood frozen, heart pounding, mind racing for answers that weren’t there. His fingers curled into fists at his sides. He turned slowly, eyes locking on Ivor who was dusting himself off, limping from the Wither’s last hit.

“Ivor,” Jesse grumbled. He took a step closer. Anger flared in his chest, finally overtaking the shock. “What did you-?”

But Ivor cut him off, his voice shaking with fury.

"You ruined everything!” 

“Me?!” Jesse’s tone, plagued with disbelief. 

“Don’t pretend you don’t know, thief!” Ivor wagged a finger at him. “You took my most valuable potion! And what should’ve been my moment of-” 

Ivor’s monologue is cut short as Jesse’s fist smashes in his face.

Ivor groaned, cupping his nose with his hands and stumbled back. He pulled his hand away and wiped at the blood trickling from his nose, eyes flicking down to the smear on his fingers before rising back to Jesse. He scoffed.

“More needless violence. It solves nothing. Learn the lesson now, or you’ll share Gabriel's fate” 

Before Jesse could say anything in retaliation, Ivor spun around walking away from the group. “There's nothing left up there! Nothing but that Wither Storm." He hissed and shook his head. 

Axel, not interested in listening to Ivor any longer, butts in, “Why are we wasting time talking to this jerk? We have to go save Petra.” 

The words catch Ivor's attention. He stopped in his tracks, and glanced back at them. “The girl. I saw her.” 

Jesse’s eyes widened. He exhaled, barely whispering, “what?”

Ivor nodded with a low hum, slithered back until he stood face to face with Jesse. “Yes. While I was running towards the portal I passed her.” 

He paused, a sneer curling on his lips. “Though she was running in the opposite direction. Such bravery. Of course, there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.” 

His gaze sharpened. “And your friend has crossed it.” 

“You’re a coward.” Jesse snapped

Ivor pressed his lips together, eyes shut as he gave a slow nod. “Maybe. But I survived. And in the end, that's what counts.” 

“There's more to life than survival.” Jesse argued

“Oh poor, naive, Jesse,” Ivor chuckled, stepping closer. He clasped his hands behind his back, then leaned his head in close to Jesse. “Don’t you understand? Without survival there is no life.” 

Jesse swallowed and let out a shaky breath. Ivor narrowed his eyes, then leaned back. 

He pointed behind himself. “Through that tunnel is a network of minecarts built by the Order of the Stone. It’s your only way out.” 

Ivor began his stride away, leaving Jesse utterly confused, and downright unnerved. 

“Hey, hold on,” Axel ran up. “No way we’re trusting this guy! Right? Not after everything he did. We should go the other way.” He crossed his arms.

“Yeah well, whatever we do we should do it quickly. I don’t think it's a good idea to stay here any longer.” Lukas chimed in. 

Jesse ignored the others. “What about you?” 

Ivor gave a questioning glare. “What about me?” 

“How will you get out of here?” 

“I’ll use my imagination.” Ivor joked. He then pulled a small potion bottle from one of the many secured to his belt. “I would wish you good luck,” he said, “but luck won't carry you through the Nether. You have my sympathies.”

With the push of his thumb, the cork plopped off. He downed the potion, then let the empty bottle drop on the floor where its shattered glass shards scattered across the ground. 

In the blink of an eye he vanished, but his mischievous smile burned itself into Jesse’s memory.

Before Jesse could spend any time wondering where Ivor disappeared too, a blood curdling scream sent him and the others into a panic. He turned around and behind him, a giant, white, ghostly being, was afloat. It slowly made its way closer.

Jesse gaped, staring at the monster. He backed up, an action replicated by the rest of his friends. The being opened its eyes, revealing their blood red colour as it let out another yell. 

“Okay, yeah! It’s time to go.” Jesse said, turning around and breaking out into a run through the cave Ivor had told them to go through, the others following behind. 

They ran through the dark tunnels of the Nether, their only source of light being the warm glow of lava or fire. The group came to a stop once they reached a ledge, and from it, they could see minecarts, and the first few tracks of a railway.

“This must be what Ivor was talking about.” Olivia said. 

Another scream made them spin around. The ghast loomed behind them, its mouth yawning open before it spat a fire charge straight at their heads. 

For a split second, the group scrambled. They shoved and ducked, messily fumbling into each other before managing to push out of the blast's path. The charge slammed into a wall of netherrack, erupting into a fiery burst. 

Without wasting a second, they leapt down to the lower level where the minecarts waited. One by one, they dove into the carts, which jolted forward and sped them away from the ghast’s screeches.

-

“Wow… the Nether.” Lukas breathed, in awe, as he looked out of his minecart. He tilted his head up to give himself a better view from the position he was in—his knees curled into his chest, wrapping his arms around them to sit securely tucked into himself. 

Olivia nodded in agreement, “Yeah. That is a lot of lava. And fire. And other things that could burn you to death.” 

She was right; the railway ran across an ocean of lava, nothing beneath them but the boiling molten pool. 

She flinched watching a piece of netherrack crumble off a cliff and sizzle as it fell into the pool of lava.

However the danger didn't stop at that. From their place on the railway, Jesse could see the steep drop they were heading straight towards. He let out a yelp, loud enough to catch everyone’s attention.

“Oh. No... That’s a drop. That is very, very much a drop.” Lukas said, holding on tight to the sides of his cart, tucking himself deeper into it. 

“What are you talking about, new guy? What dr- Oh shit! You weren't kidding.” As the track tilted downwards sharply.

“Everybody, hold on!” Jesse shouted, and no one needed telling twice.

As they came down from the drop, back onto the even path of the railway, Jesse thought for a second he’d be able to calm down again. But that was not the case as railway was semi blocked by a wall ahead of them

“Duck!” Lukas yelled. 

They did so, the group all huddling deep into their respective carts. 

“Hey, so… I'm not the only one seeing that we’re running out of track, right?” Axel pointed out, Jesse turned to notice a stream of lava covering the remaining track. 

“Jesse, that switch! Now! Do it!” Olivia pointed to a lever coming up, with the hopes it would divert the track. Jesse leaned out of his cart with his arm out and pulled the lever as it came by. The carts came to a stop, and the railway they were on began to lower.

“Haha, wow. I thought something bad was going to happen there. Guess everything's going to be… aw shit” 

The tracks split.

A chorus of shouts followed behind him. But Jesse’s minecart veered hard in a new direction, cutting him off from the others in an instant. 

“Uh… Axel? Olivia? Reuben? Anybody?!” 

Then, a flash of movement. Up ahead, Reuben was dodging arrows, a skeleton perched on the track, bow raised and ready.

“Hang on, Reuben!” Jesse drew his sword without hesitation.

He leapt forward in the cart, swinging hard. The skeleton staggered, stunned. It turned, not down yet, and aimed. Jesse didn’t give it the chance. One final swing knocked it clean off the rail.

Reuben squealed and jumped, landing behind Jesse in the cart. 

“Okay, Reuben. Remember when I said everything was going to be fine?” Jesse glanced back at him. “I know I was wrong then, but I have a very good feeling about this–oh…”

A roar came from ahead. It was another Ghast. And just like the previous, this one wasted no time in spitting its fire straight to Jesse. 

Jesse flinched as the fireball flew, sword reflexively slashing. The blast ricocheted, slamming back into the Ghast and stunning it. Jesse blinked. That… worked?

Then two more Ghasts emerged from the smoke.

“Of course.” 

Double the enemy meant double the fire. Jesse gritted his teeth, swiping and deflecting. Arrows of flame lit the tunnel but he fought back, striking one, then another, until he had defeated them all.

He slid his sword away with a breathless, “well. Ghasts are officially off my to see list. Done with the Ghasts. Never need to see them–aw, come on, again?!”

Another scream from below. 

Its fireball struck another track, sending debris flying. Reuben landed in Jesse’s arms just as his own minecart veered toward a crumbling hill.

“I cannot be this unlucky!” 

He launched off the broken rail, soaring for a heart-stopping moment before landing hard on a new platform.

Somehow, the rest of the group was there. Waiting. Wide-eyed.

“Ha… miss me?”

Axel blinked, then turned around and relaxed in his cart. “Nah. You know the break from your high pitched screaming was actually pretty nice.” He shrugged. Very nonchalant. Jesse just grumbled and turned his own head away.  

“Axel,” Olivia said, catching her breath. “Can you just be glad we all aren't dead.”

Lukas shook his head, still pale. “I just… I can’t believe Petra comes down here all the time. This place is awful.”

There was an awkward silence after that. Then Jesse exhaled slowly, “you know how you have those experiences you remember and reminisce about for the rest of your lives?”

“Yeah?”

“This isn't one of those. Let's never discuss this again.”

-

When the track stopped at a floating island that seemed to be a base station. All the other railways came to a stop here. The group got out of their carts, Jesse trailed slowly behind the others, following his friends through the path until it led them to the base of a staircase. 

“Look at this place.” Jesse breathed, admiring the mix of man made and natural architecture of the station as the group made their way up the stairs.

“All these tracks converge at this point. You could probably get anywhere in the world from here.” Olivia added, her voice tinged with awe.

This made sense. The Order must have been travelling in and out endlessly during their prime. In a realm this chaotic, a clear guide was more than useful–it was necessary

A familiar warped thrum pulled Jesse’s attention. 

“There's the portal!” He said, locking eyes with the shimmering violet glow. 

Olivia nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It must lead back to the surface.” She turned towards the others. “This is our way out.” 

Lukas hesitated. “Yeah and right back to the Wither.”

Jesse looked around at his friends. “He’s right. We don’t know what we’re walking into. It could be dangerous.”

Lukas offered a sideways glance at Axel. “Well, Axel. Goodluck.”

“Huh?” 

“Well I figured since you were so insistent on going back earlier, you’d wanna jump at the chance of going first now. Really brave of you, man.” Lukas smiled, not at all in a kind, gracious way–not that he was trying to convince anyone otherwise–but in a deliberately smug way. Like he knew exactly what to say to get under Axel’s skin. 

Axel (surprisingly) wasn’t an idiot; he could see through Lukas. He opened his mouth to protest, but shut it immediately. No, he wouldn't let that blond little punk have the satisfaction he wanted. 

“Yeah dude, of course.” Axel nodded, and stepped up to the front of the portal. “Someone's gotta make sure the helpless like you don’t get picked off one by one.” In response, Lukas gave another—totally real—smile.

Axel stopped in front of the portal. “All right. I'm gonna go.” He lifted his foot, then placed it back down.

He looked back at the group. All waiting for him to go through. He nodded, hyping himself up, “Okay. I'm going.” Another pause. “I'm going right now.” Nope.

Jesse let out a sharp breath through his noise and rolled his eyes. He walked up to Axel and nudged him out the way. “I'll go first.”

“Nah man, I was just practicing. Watch, I’m going right now-” Axel attempted to push through Jesse, but he placed a hand against Axel's chest, pushing him back. Despite the noticeably large size difference, it took little to no effort for Jesse to hold him back. As if Axel wasn’t trying to push that hard in the first place.

“I'm going.”

Axel gaped, then shook his head, backing up. “Well, if you absolutely insist.” 

Jesse sighed, looking at the portal. The other side could lead to safety, or back to certain doom. So really nothing to worry about. 

“Jesse,” Olivia called out. “Be careful. Please.” 

Jesse nodded, thankful he still had some source of calm amidst all the tension in the group.

And so, for the umpteenth time that day, Jesse sucked in a breath, gathered whatever courage he had left, and stepped through the portal.