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Chapter Text

Valor grasped a handful of the dirt that made up his father’s grave, numb to the tears trailing down his cheeks. The wind from the brewing storm whipped through his choppy hair, but he barely acknowledged it, reddened eyes fastened on the bloodstained dirt in his hands. He hadn’t been ready for it to end, not like this. 

His heart ached, worse than any physical pain he had ever experienced. Herobrine was dead, and it was his fault. 

“Val, go!!” The command went in one ear and out the other as the boy charged at the brigands that threatened his home. The sounds of screams shattered the air as thunder bellowed above them, lightning striking his enemies from the heavens. The exhilaration of battle had him in its wicked clutches, until he was struck in the side of the head and sent crashing to the ground.

His vision had barely focused enough to register the sword arcing above him when his father appeared before him, throwing himself against his attacker with a mighty roar. Diamond struck iron, and the man fell. Herobrine turned, blank gaze flashing over him to check for injury, then his form locked up as a sword jutted out through his chest. 

Valor heaved a sob, bowing his head over the grave again. He should have listened. Had everything his father had taught him been in vain?

His miserable gaze lifted to the crude marker he had used to mark his father’s grave, upon which hung the simple circlet of gold that he had used to mark his status. His diamond pickaxe, stained with crimson blood, lay on the ground beside the marker, having been dirtied by Valor’ hand.

A scream rang out, and it took Valor a moment to realize that his own breath was gone. Herobrine whirled about, slaying the man with a single blow, but the damage was done. The next instant, he was collapsing, first to one knee, then onto his side. His weapon fell to the dirt with a thump, and Valor lunged for it, taking it clumsily in both hands and lurching to his feet. 

The rain, before just a trickle, increased in its intensity until it became a downpour. Valor swept his soaked bangs out of his eyes, staring at the pickaxe as the rain washed it clean. Removing the last evidence of the massacre that had occurred.

He had seen red until the last man was falling before him, the last screams going silent as the life left his eyes, and only then did Valor turn back to where his father lay. The man had not moved since he fell, and Valor teleported to his side in a flash, abandoning his weapon and falling to his knees in the dirt. Grasping his shoulders, Valor turned him over, but his eyes were dark and blank, and no amount of screaming his name would bring him back. 

Valor reached out, grasping the wooden handle of the pickaxe and tugging it closer. What was he to do now? His father was gone, his home, burned. He had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. 

Stupid, stupid reputation, stupid rumors , if not for his father’s mind games this wouldn’t have happened. The brigands had only sought them out in the name of presumed vengeance, for a crime they hadn’t committed that his father had allowed the world to believe.

His gaze fell to the circlet once more, and he swallowed his tears, the rain around him beginning to subside.

He had a legacy to uphold. 

Chapter Text

Valor stood on the hill above the walled-in settlement, a cool wind whipping around his cloaked form. His eyes shone brightly beneath his hood, and his father’s pick hung at his side. He knew they could see him. He wanted them to. 

Rumors had spread far and wide of the corruption in this town, but nothing had yet to be done about it. Once upon a time, his father would have sought it out and dealt with it, but now that duty fell on his shoulders. 

And he was wholly unprepared for it. 

Valor shifted, tugging his hood down further over his face. The rumors were nothing if not obscure, and he had no clue where to begin finding those at fault. It would be foolish simply march in and start asking around, if the town had half as much tension as the rumors had implied they would want nothing to do with a stranger attempting to find information. 

Valor spun around, retreating down the other side of the hill. Unfortunately, that seemed to be his only option. So in he would go.

Passing his hand over his eyes, Valor blinked, and his white, blank eyes were replaced by brown irises. He blinked once more, then made his way towards the great wooden gates.

The tavern was far too quiet.

Valor sipped his drink from where he sat in the farthest corner, brown eyes scanning the dim room. Despite the room being nearly full, the majority of the conversations took place in hushed voices and whispers, without any sign of the drunken rowdiness one would expect from such an establishment. As such, there wasn’t much he could overhear, other than a few snatches of conversation from those nearest to him, from which he could learn nothing about the state of the town.

Val had wrapped the blade of his father’s pickaxe in cloth, removed his hood, and smeared some charcoal on his face before attempting to enter the city, attempting to pass as a simple miner. His disguise had worked well enough, he had gotten into the settlement without incident, but he had yet to entice any of the townsfolk into talking with him. 

It was only around 9 in the evening, but some patrons were already leaving for the night. Disappointed, Valor finished his drink and snatched up his knapsack, intending to leave the town again for the night.

At that moment, the door was thrown open, and a tall man dressed in shining, gold armor marched through with an entourage of six similarly-dressed soldiers. 

“Innkeeper!” The man roared, and Valor hunched over a bit, intending to blend into the rest of the patrons.

“My lord!” A man dressed in an apron hurried to the counter, giving the man a small bow. “How can I help you, my lord?”

“I am in need of four rooms.” The lord spoke, his voice curt and disinterested. “We will be here for one night only.”

“I’m afraid my rooms are all full, my lord.” The innkeeper responded carefully. “But,” he continued hastily as the lord’s brows lowered. “I will ready some for you. For one night that will be four emeralds.”

“I will not be paying.”

“Yes my lord.” Ducking his head, the innkeeper hurried away. In the corner, Valor rested his chin in his palm. So here was the source of the corruption in the town.

Perhaps a petty warlord? Or a selfish knight throwing around his rank? Either way, he was clearly becoming a nuisance. Valor’s other hand found the handle of his father’s pickaxe, gripping it tightly. If this man died, then the townsfolk’s lives would return to normal.

The young man watched as the innkeeper returned, bringing with him a few people undoubtedly displaced from their rooms. Among them was a couple with a young child, and Valor’s lip curled with distaste. This man, whoever he was, seemed to have no issue with forcing a child to sleep on the street. 

“Your rooms, my lord.” The innkeeper offered the armored man four keys, which the man took without so much as a word of thanks and marched upstairs with his guards in tow. Valor took this opportunity to collect his belongings, then he slipped out of the tavern and retreated beyond the town’s walls to change into his disguise. 

No one knew that his father was dead, he thought grimly as he donned his dark cloak. With his white eyes and similar fighting style, they would never have to know. As long as he did his job correctly, that is. 

Stay in the shadows. Only attack those who deserve it. Don’t leave a mess. Above all, do not consort with mortals.

Valor’s heart ached. And yet, after all that, his father was just as mortal as any of them. 

His father may lie dead, but his legacy would live on. Val would be sure of it.

Tugging the dark hood over his head, Valor removed the veil over his eyes and teleported back inside the walls.

Chapter Text

Staring down at the sleeping nobleman, Valor wondered once more if he was doing the right thing.

He grimaced, pickaxe at his side swinging back and forth slightly. His father had killed hundreds of people for the better of this world, and yet the thought of killing someone in their sleep felt… wrong. Was it not better to be rid of an evil man without giving him the opportunity to hurt him in return? He would die either way. This man was no match for him.

Valor glanced up at the window. The town was virtually silent, broken only by the sounds of a few animals. Far too quiet, even for a town this small. He could fix this, just by taking out this one man, why was he so hesitant to do so?

His gaze lowered again. The man wore his armor to bed. What a coward.

As he watched, the man shifted, then his eyes opened. An instant later, they met his own and widened in horror.

“You!!” Valor grimaced, and took a step back. That moral conundrum had dealt with itself rather quickly. The nobleman shoved himself upright, grasping for his sword, babbling “Please, mercy!” 

The next instant, Valor’s blade was punching through his chestplate, buried in his chest.

Valor yanked the pickaxe free and let the nobleman slump onto the mattress, dead. He grimaced a bit at the blood staining the sheets - an unfortunate mess for the tavernkeep to clean up in the morning. Taking his father’s pick, he hooked it under the man’s corpse and pulled it onto the floor with a thump.

And then the door slammed open against the wall, the soldiers from before pouring inside.

Valor startled badly, leaping onto the table and sending a bolt of electricity to strike the first man. The lightning found his conductive armor easily, and he collapsed with a choked sound. The second soldier lunged at him, having recovered from his shock at seeing his master dead, and Valor parried a stab at his abdomen before bringing the pickaxe down on his head, killing him instantly. He was nearly knocked off balance when one of the soldiers slammed into the table, shoving it a foot and a half, and he narrowly avoided being skewered by a blade that flashed in the moonlight.

Lighting up his father’s pickaxe once more, Valor slammed the electrified weapon into the offending sword, sending the soldier down as well. A fourth sword found his leg, and he gasped as blood began to trickle from the fresh cut. This wasn’t good- he was off his game. He should go.

A sword flashed in the moonlight, and Valor teleported to avoid it, appearing behind his attacker and cutting him down with a single blow. He ducked beneath another swing, then bolted through the doorway, cloak flaring behind him as he dashed down the stairs. He didn’t have much teleportation left in him- he should save it for when he really needed it. 

The last of the tavern’s patrons scrambled out of his way as he tore through the bar, slipping through the front door just in time to stay out of sight of the remaining soldiers. His heart thudded in his chest as he cut down a side street, and a matching throbbing in his leg reminded him of the injury he had sustained. Coming to a stop in the alleyway, Valor knelt down, surveying the damage. It wasn’t deep, but it wasn’t particularly shallow either. 

A hand clamped over his mouth and dragged him backwards. 

Valor shouted- though it was severely muffled - and teleported, using the last of his reserves to escape his attacker’s grasp. He came face to face with the man, a tall, muscular man whose steely eyes were narrowed into slits as they surveyed his form. Valor inched to the right. He had to get out of here, fast, before the rest of his pursuers caught up with him. As he moved to dart to the left, though, the man spoke.

“You’re not Herobrine. ” Val froze. Had his cover been blown already?! How would this man even know??

His hesitation was his downfall, as the man seized him by the wrist and dragged him into the building he had emerged from. Valor dug in his heels and yanked at his hand, but the man’s strength was inhuman, and he dragged him towards the doorway with little effort. Tightening his grip on his pickaxe, Valor charged it with lightning and lunged at him, aiming for the man’s heart, but the man grasped the handle before it touched him.

“There, see?” The man gritted out as Valor strained against his hold. “The real Herobrine would never attack me.” That stunned him into inactivity. Had his father had some connection to this man? Or was it a trick?

Either way, he made no more resistance as he was dragged into the building and the door shut behind him. His wrist was released, and Valor immediately went for the door, but the man braced a hand on it to hold it shut.

“Hold on, now.” He spoke gruffly. “I need to have words with you.” Valor kept his mouth tightly shut. He wouldn’t have his higher voice giving him away. In the candlelight that lit the small room, Valor could see the man looking him up  and down, and he wished fervently for his teleportation to return long enough for him to escape. He amused himself instead by searching for another exit. 

“Valor.” The name had his head jerking back, and he immediately cursed himself for giving himself away so easily. “You’re his boy, aren’t you?” The man nodded to the pickaxe. “Where’s your father, then? Why isn’t he here?” Valor unclenched his jaw reluctantly - the game was up anyway. But when he spoke, his voice trembled.

“He’s dead.”

Valor sat before the small fire, poking at the logs with a stick as the man prepared him a small meal. The man had yet to tell him anything regarding his history with Herobrine, or how he knew him , for that matter, but he didn’t seem keen on handing him over to the guards so he had put off his escape plans for now. 

His thoughts kept wandering back to the nobleman. Who had he been, really? What had he been doing here? With him gone, Val should really just leave and put no more thought into the matter, but a nagging feeling continued to tug at his mind- he had messed up. 

A bowl appeared in front of him, and he looked up to find the man offering him a bowl of porridge. Valor accepted it with a mute nod, spooning some of the salty mixture into his mouth.

“Why did you kill that man?” The stranger asked lowly, sitting down on the floor to his left. Valor swallowed. 

“I’d heard of strife in this town… I saw him threatening the innkeeper, and thought… I assumed he was the cause.” Speaking the words aloud made his conviction dwindle even further. 

“Aye, as your father would have done.” The man grunted. “Unfortunately, had you spent a little more time seeking information before you acted, you might have realized that that man was not the villain - in fact, he was sent from the capitol to deal with him.” Val’s heart sunk into his stomach. So he had been wrong. “A faceless mastermind has been harassing the townsfolk for a good few months now, and they finally sent to the kingdom for help. They would deal with him themselves, but he’s never been seen, only those who work for him.” The man side-eyed him. “And now their solution is dead.” Valor didn’t answer, staring guiltily into the flames.

“I suppose it’s my duty to deal with the true villain, then.” He mumbled after a moment.

“I think you’ve done enough damage.” The man’s tone was harsh. “The capitol will send another. Go home.”

“I don’t have a home.” A note of irritation entered his voice, and Valor’s chin snapped up as he glared at him. “I have nowhere else to go, and I must carry on my father’s legacy. Who are you, anyway? Who are you to command me? And how do you even know who I am??”

Instead of responding, the man shifted, drawing a chain from beneath his shirt to reveal a sparkling, silver amulet. 

“My name is Steven, and I was there when you were born.”

Chapter Text

Valor’s thoughts ground to a halt. 

“What??” He stammered, dumbfounded. “I wasn’t born, I was created.”

“Close enough.” Steven huffed, letting the amulet fall. Upon it was stamped a mark, Valor realized upon closer inspection. It looked familiar…

“You’re lying. My father would never trust a mortal so much.” He protested. Steven hiked up a brow. 

“Did he tell you that?” He sighed, fingering the medallion. “I suppose he would.”

“What do you mean?” Valor was slowly putting the pieces together. “Did you do something to him?”

“Yes.” Steven bowed his head slightly, gazing into the flames. “When you were young, I told some of my friends about my friendship with him - they chose to use the information I gave to attack him, despite my insistence that he was on our side. They were slaughtered, and Herobrine refused to accept my apology.”

“Oh…” The reasoning for his father’s rule, then. “How… what do you mean you were there for my creation?”

“I mean I was there. I helped.” The man hooked a thumb under the chain of the amulet, lifting it again. “I offered this up for your... creation.”

“A magical artifact?” He guessed. Steven nodded. “And you kept it?” His father had told him how he was created - that a powerful magic item had been sacrificed to bring him to life, but never that a human had been involved.

“I was proud of my involvement.” Steven turned it over in his hands. “And, once your father cut contact with me, a reminder of our past friendship.” His face saddened. “I only regret that I was unable to rekindle it before his end.” A stab of pain went through Valor’s chest, and his father’s pickaxe pulsed softly in his grip. 

“He never told me about you.”

“Yes, well, I’d figured that one out myself.” He nodded towards the pickaxe. “How long has…?”

“He been dead?” Val finished. “Two weeks and three days.”

“Ah.” The man’s imposing stare softened slightly. “And you have nowhere else to go?”

“The men who killed him-“ his voice caught. “Burned our home. I was lucky enough to recover a few of his things.”

“I see. And you’re determined to carry on his work.”

“I am.” Valor lifted his chin. “It’s my duty as his heir.”

“Do you intend to continue appearing as a villain?” Val opened his mouth to respond, but Steven went on. “Because you’re doing a wonderful job of it.”

“I don’t know.” Valor responded with more than a small amount of irritation. “I never really understood why he did it. He told me, of course, but I didn’t understand.”

“Herobrine did not like being in the public eye, that’s all.” Steven glanced at his bowl, causing Val to remember it and take another bite. “So he framed himself as an unstable madman to keep himself from attracting too much attention.” 

“I don’t really see the issue with being liked.” Valor muttered around his mouthful of porridge.

“I don’t think it’s an issue you’ll struggle with.” Steven commented dryly. “Very well, then. If you’re so insistent in righting the wrongs you’ve committed, I will help you.”

“You will?” His spirits lifted slightly. “Thank you.”

“The catch,” Steven fixed him with a harsh look. “Is you haf’ta let me help you.” Val gave him a questioning look. “That is to say, you run your actions by me first before you run off. You listen to my advice. And you try to find another solution before taking lives.” Valor ducked his chin guiltily.

“Yes sir.”

“Let me see your leg.” The man held out an authoritative hand, and Val blinked before his gaze lowered to his bloody calf. He had nearly forgotten about the injury in his shock. Reluctantly, he extended it towards Steven, who tugged up his pant leg to scrutinize it. The young man immersed himself in his meal, trying to ignore the shocks of pain racing up his leg as the wound was pushed and prodded at. 

As he ate, Steven washed out the cut and wrapped it in strips of cloth. Valor tugged his pant leg back over the bandages once he was done, offering back his now-empty bowl.

“You should get some sleep.” The man instructed, taking the bowl. “In the morning we’ll talk.” Valor didn’t argue, laying down before the fire and curling up on his side with his father’s pick before him. The glow in his eyes faded as he stared into the flames, and he eventually dropped off. 

Valor was dangerous, that much was clear, but whether or not that quality could yet be channeled towards a good cause remained to be seen.

Steve dunked the dirty bowl into a basin of water, glancing over at the youth that slept before his fireplace. He would have offered him a more comfortable resting place, but he seemed more than happy to sleep before the fire. It was probably the greatest comfort that he had experienced since his home was destroyed. 

It had been many years since he had seen Valor, the boy had to be almost 20 at this point, but he resembled his father a great deal. Steve supposed that was reasonable enough, considering how he came about. He itched to press for more information regarding Herobrine’s death, but the event was likely still too fresh in the Valor’s mind to recall without emotional distress. He had time. Valor seemed willing enough to stay with him, he would have plenty of time to coax the story out of him.

As he turned around, the man nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of a tall, gangly figure crouching over the boy’s sleeping body.

Steve swore softly, and the figure swiveled around to look at him. Steve immediately averted his eyes - an Enderman. What was it doing here?? He peeked over at Valor, and was surprised to find his silhouette covered by a blanket, which the Enderman was currently occupied with tucking about his form.

Herobrine had strange friends.

“‘Ay.” Steve offered the creature a greeting, to which he received a low growl in reply. “I don’t mind friends of the lad stopping in, but mind knocking at least?” The creature shot him an offended look, then vanished in a cloud of purple dust. Steve blinked, then made his way to his own bed, setting down on the edge and gazing down at Valor’s sleeping form.

The boy was determined to be a force of good in this world, that much was clear, but from his actions thus far he would need a good amount of guidance. Steve could only hope that he was equipped to provide it.

Chapter Text

Valor sat at the small table in Steven’s home, eating some of the dried fruit and nuts that he had been provided before his host had left. The gruff man had muttered something about damage control, then ordered him not to leave the building before leaving himself. Valor hadn’t protested - he needed a minute to think. 

His father’s pickaxe rested against the side of the chair, blade stained faintly with the blood of the men whose lives he took the previous night. Another wave of guilt washed through him, and he made a note to clean it. His father’s weapon didn’t deserve to be dirtied by his transgressions. 

He had, Val realized, a much better chance now of succeeding in his mission. He had attacked the nobleman due to a misconception on his part, one that was entirely due to him jumping to conclusions. Perhaps, with Steven there to guide him, he would be more likely to get accurate information on the true villain.

Who, thus far, had little to no knowledge about. The rumors he had heard hinted at a mastermind who used his henchmen to do his dirty work - extorting and killing innocent townsfolk - without getting his own hands dirty. Considering the additional information that Steven had given him, the culprit could be anyone at all. Even Steven, but despite their relatively recent acquaintance Valor found that he trusted him a great deal. His host seemed to know slightly more, and, due to his local residency, would be able to ask around town for more information. 

Valor jumped when the lock clicked, looking up as the door was pushed open. Steven stepped through, and murmured an incoherent greeting before stepping up to the table and setting down a wrapped package. Val looked at it, then up at him.

“What’s that?”

“Clothes.” Steven responded bluntly. “You stick out like a sore thumb, and no amount of soot on your face is going to hide that.” Valor flushed a bit, one hand lifting towards his dirty face. “You can get changed after breakfast. How’s the leg?”

“Fine, I barely feel it.” He answered honestly. Steven grunted, stepping away.

“I’m not too surprised.” Whipping out a thin pipe, Steven tucked some tobacco into the chamber and lit it, causing Valor to stare in curiosity and confusion as he took a long breath. Steven shot him a look. “You want t’ try?” Val shook his head. “Then quit staring.” Valor frowned, but averted his gaze.

“I’m done eating.”

“Good. You can get changed over there.” Steven nodded to a changing screen against the far wall, and Valor took the bundle of clothes and ducked behind it to change.

His new clothes were not brand new, that much was clear, but they fit him well and would help him blend in. That was the most important part.

“What should I do with my old clothes?” Val asked as he stepped out from behind the screen. Steven grunted.

“Toss ‘em.” Valor’s eyes widened, and he managed,

“I can’t do that.” Steven gave him a harsh look. 

“Do y’ want to blend in or not?”

“I can’t throw them away. They were my father’s.” The man’s glare softened reluctantly at that.

“Fine. Wrap them up and we’ll leave ‘em here.”

“Alright.” Val responded with significant relief, already moving to obey. “Where are we going?”

“Out.” Steven grabbed a knapsack. “You’re going to accompany me to my workplace, where I’m going to introduce you as my nephew. So th’ townsfolk can get used to you.” He gestures to his own face. “You’ll need somethin’ over your eyes, I suppose.”

“Oh- no, here.” Valor passed a hand over his eyes, and they changed to brown. Steven raised a brow.

“That’s handy.”

“It is. Where do you work?”

“I’m an enforcer in the marketplace. Keep things from getting too rowdy.” Valor blinked. That was a concern? “And let me make this clear now- if there is an issue, you leave it to me. I don’t want you attractin’ undue attention. Understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good.” Steven picked up a scabbard, strapping  it around his waist before sliding a dull sword into the sheath. “Let’s be off, then.”

Despite having been standing in the marketplace for several hours without a single thing occurring, Valor was overwhelmed.

Valor sat perched on a barrel on the western edge of the marketplace, nibbling on some kind of meat pastry that Steven had gotten for him. The most people he had previously been around in his life had been the raiders who destroyed his home, and there were easily four times as many people here - consistently, despite the constant coming and going of customers. 

It was loud, too, but Steven seemed completely unfazed. He had introduced him a few times to (presumably) friends of his, but Valor hadn’t been able to make out a single word in the hubbub. How Steven was able to stand it, he wasn’t sure. Maybe his father had the right idea being completely isolated.

“You seem preoccupied.” Steven spoke directly by his ear, and Valor jumped, looking up. The noise was so great it allowed him to be snuck up on.

“Hard to be occupied with all this noise.” He grumbled. Steven raised a brow.

“This is a fairly small marketplace.”

“Notch.”

“Have you never been in one before?”

“I haven’t.” Valor crammed the rest of the pastry in his mouth, swallowing before he continued. “I’ve- I accompanied my father on a few trips to towns and cities, but they always took place under cover of darkness. Few people were around.” Steven muttered something under his breath, which from the tone of his voice Val could guess he didn’t want to hear. 

“Suppose you’re glad you don’t have my job.”

“Believe me, I am.” 

A commotion broke through the hubbub, and Valor looked up to see a group of soldiers pushing their way through the crowds. As he watched, a man in a cloak was grabbed roughly and his hood yanked down, his features studied before he was released again. Valor flinched, then his eyes widened in alarm. They were looking for him.

Steven’s hand grasped his shoulder.

“Keep your cool, they won’t recognize you like this.” He muttered. Valor forced his tense body to relax, dusting his hands off and searching for something to do with his hands. He ended up picking at a splinter of wood hanging off the side of the barrel he sat upon as the soldiers got ever closer.

“Marketkeeper!” The shout made him jump, and he looked up to find the captain of the soldiers approaching him - or, rather, Steven. “The Lord Viscount was slaughtered in his bed last night by Herobrine. Have you any news of the miscreant?” Steven gave a slow shake of his head.

“If I do, I‘ll inform you directly.” He responded gruffly. The captain nodded, turning to leave, but one of the soldiers stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Wait.” His gaze was trained on Valor, who met it with as much confidence as he could muster. The man had a pattern of burn scars arching up his neck and onto his face - which Valor recognized to be from lightning. One of the men he had attacked the previous night.

“Can I help you?” Valor spoke, loudly to be heard over the commotion of the marketplace. 

“Who are you?” The soldier responded icily.

“This is Val, my nephew.” Steven cut in. “He’s become my apprentice. Just arrived from outt’a town.”

“I didn’t ask you, marketkeeper.” The soldier snapped, and Steven scowled. “You, boy, who are you?”

“My uncle has introduced me already.” Valor responded smoothly. “My name is Val, I’m his nephew, and I’ve just entered an apprenticeship with him. I’ve lived in Palomar for my entire life up to this point, I just arrived two days ago.”

“Two days ago, eh?”

“You don’t truly think my nephew is the infamous Herobrine?” Steven spoke up crossly. “Leave the lad be.” 

“Lithian, do as he says.” The captain of the squad ordered, and the soldier shot one last glare at Valor before obeying, marching away. Steven waited until they had vanished into the crowd, then reached back and placed a hand on Valor’s shoulder.

“Good work.” He commended him gruffly. “I’ve been telling folks you arrived four days ago, not two, but you did well keeping your cool.”

“Well, I couldn’t hear any of those conversations you were having.” Valor muttered, but straightened up proudly at the praise.

“Unfortunately,” Steven pulled his hand back. “It’s lookin’ like you’re gonna be doing my job.”

“Ah.” Valor set his jaw. “So we have to play along with that?”

“Enough that we won’t raise suspicion.”

“Very well.” Valor exhaled. “Only until we’ve found the culprit.”

“Right. Of course.”

Chapter Text

“Kid.” Steven approached the table at which Valor sat, the boy in question looking up at the address. “Do you know how to use a sword?”

“Of course.” Valor responded easily. “Not as well as a pickaxe, though. I was taught to use both.”

“I see. Well, when you’re finished eating, I want you to spar with me so I can gauge your ability. It’ll be no good for you to try ‘n fight with a pickaxe while posing as my apprentice.”

“I suppose that might tip some people off.” Valor muttered, pushing his food around in his bowl. The pair had been at the marketplace almost the entire day, and Val did not appear to be looking forward to returning the next day. “Do you go to the marketplace every day?”

“Four days a week.” Steven sat down in the opposite chair. “Another guard takes it for the remaining three.” Val exhaled in relief.

“Do I have to go with you every time?”

“I suppose not. But, most of the time.” Steven gave him a withering look. “And I trust you would not get in trouble if I did leave you home?”

“Of course not.” Val assured him. “If I did go out, I would stay discreet.”

“Hopefully not by smudging coal on your face.” Val scowled at him.

“I tried, alright? And it worked for the first day.”

“Mm.” Steven shook his head. “I’ll remind you that you have no idea how to function in society.”

“Maybe not, but I can fake it.” Valor retorted. Steven grunted.

“Maybe.”

“Either way, I’m done.” Val pushed away his bowl. “If you’d like to test my skill.”

“Very well.” Steven rose, then crossed the room to where a pair of wooden swords rested against the wall beside the hearth. Taking them both, he offered one to Val, hilt first, and the boy took it. Steven lowered himself into a stance as Val tested the weight of the weapon. “Remember, we’re sparring. Neither of us is tryin’ ta’ hurt the other.”

“I know.” Val responded with a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Are you ready?”

“Are you?” In response, Val lunged forwards and swung at his opponent. 

Steven parried it, and the action alone nearly knocked Val’s sword out of his grip - he had underestimated his strength. Val backtracked hastily, ducking under Steve’s next swing and jabbing at his knee. Steve sidestepped, dropping the hilt of his blade on Val’s head, and the boy yelped, reaching up to rub his head.

“What happened to not trying to hurt me??”

“Any reputable swordsman would’ve dodged.” Steven grumbled, lowering his blade as Val straightened up.

“It’s been a while, that’s all.” Val pointed his sword at him. “Let’s go again.”

“Fine.” Steven swung at him, and this time Val redirected it effortlessly. He feinted left, then jerked the right to swing at Steve’s side. Steven blocked, but by the time he had managed to strike again Val was ducking behind him, tapping the back of his knee. 

“Not so disreputable now, hmm?” He taunted with a grin. Steven harrumphed .

“I went easy on you that time. And, for th’ record- don’t assume just because your opponent’s lost his leg that he’s not dangerous.”

“Oh, I won’t.” Val assured him. “I know better.” His father had lost limbs in battle before, but his healing abilities had allowed him to reattach them. Whether Val had the same ability, he wasn’t sure, but he wasn’t keen on finding out.

“One more time. Try your hardest.” Steven ordered. Val obeyed, coming back in front of him, and Steven swiped at him without hesitation. Val ducked, slashed at his knees, then jerked back as Steven’s sword nearly found his ribs. He jumped to the right, only for Steven’s sword to swing at his neck, and his sword came up too late to block it.

The wooden sword never made contact, however, as his imposing host was abruptly thrown to the ground by a gangly, black figure. 

“Lear!” Val yelped as the enderman snarled down at his host, pinned down with a hand on his throat. “Let him up, he’s a friend!!” The Enderman hissed as Steven clawed at his hand, but reluctantly obeyed, releasing his hold on the man. Steven scrambled back a bit, grasping at his throat as he sat up.

“This feller is a friend ‘o yours then, huh?” He asked, voice scratchy. “I don’t think he took kindly ‘ta me giving you a beating.”

“Lear, it’s alright.” Val assured the scowling creature. “We were sparring. No harm done.” The enderman crossed his arms but gave a small nod. 

“Bugger came around th’ other night, too.” Steven muttered as he rubbed at his neck. “Growled a’ me and tucked a blanket ‘round you, then left.”

“Ah.” Val looked up at his bodyguard again. “Worried about me?”

“Name’s Lear, eh?” Steven spoke up following the enderman’s stony silence. 

“Ah, not quite. His name’s Earl,” the enderman offered Steve a reluctant nod. “But in reverse, how endermen speak, it sounds like ‘Lear’. So that’s what I grew up calling him.”

“Mmph.” Steven grunted. “‘Long as he doesn’t attack me again, I don’t care what you call him.”

“Right.” Val looked up at the enderman, unflinchingly making eye contact. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch.” The enderman chirped gruffly.

“You two pen pals, or what?” Steven replaced his sword by the hearth.

“He’s my bodyguard. Or, he was supposed to be before I snuck off.” Lear gave him a reproachful look. “Sorry about that.”

“Well, as I said the other night, ‘long as you don’t bother me I don’t mind you poppin’ in.” The enderman glared harshly at him. 

“It’s his house.” Val cut in. Lear crossed his arms.

“Anyway, I think it’s ‘bout time you head to bed.” Steven turned away, collecting a couple of blankets and laying them out before the fire. “We’re gettin’ up bright and early tomorrow to head back to work.”

“Yes sir.” Val answered in a sigh, setting his own sword aside. “Don’t suppose you have a pickaxe so I can show you how it’s done?”

“You have one ‘f your own.”

“That one’s sharp enough to tear your sword to pieces.”

“Fair enough.” Steven conceded. “Go to bed.” Valor obediently crossed to the fireplace and lay down atop one of the blankets, tucking the other over him. 

“Kid.” Steve spoke again as he was getting comfortable. “Where have you been sleeping for the past couple o’ weeks?”

“Wherever was dry.” Came Val’s answer. “I didn’t have the luxury to be picky.” Steve didn’t respond for a moment. 

“I see.” Val said nothing more, and the two both fell asleep not much later. Lear sat on the table, sitting and watching them for several hours before slipping away.

Chapter Text

"Hey ! Get back here! Guards!!" Valor was startled from his work by a shout, and looked up to see a considerable commotion from the crowds in the marketplace. Drawing his sword, Steven snapped,

"Up, follow me." And charged off towards the hubbub. Snatching up the rusty sword he had been sharpening, Valor hastened after him in time to see his supposed mentor strike down a fleeing bandit with a well-placed strike to the head. Val slowed as he approached, watching as Steven hauled the bandit upright with one hand and tore a filled sack from his hands with the other. A portly shopkeeper shoved his way through the gathered crowd to collect his wares.

"Thank ye kindly, Keeper." Steven grunted, looking around as the thief, a filthy man missing at least one tooth, squirmed uselessly in his grasp. A group of soldiers appeared from Valor's left, prompting the crowd to return to their business, and Steven held out the captive bandit for them to collect. Valor quickly took a couple steps towards his 'uncle', not wanting the guards to feel the need to question him again.

"In most cases, you shouldn't need to cause a fuss." Steven told him as the thief was shackled and lead away. "For most infractions y' won't even need a sword. Most thieves 're just hungry peasants and beggar children." Valor frowned at that.

"Is there nowhere else they can find food?"

"We'll speak later." He gave Valor a meaningful look. About their hidden villain, then.

"Boy." Valor stiffened, then turned at the address to find the lightning-scarred man behind him- the one who had essentially accused him of being Herobrine. Lithian, the captain had called him. The malice and distrust from the previous day, however, was gone.

"May I help you?" Val asked carefully.

"Aye. Well, I ask nothing of you, but... I merely wanted to offer an apology for my accusations." The man gave him a small bow. "My treatment of you was unfair. Please forgive me." Valor shot a wide-eyed glance at Steven, who shrugged. He hadn't expected this.

"Of course. No harm done." Val managed, turning his gaze back to the soldier. The man gave a relieved smile, and offered a hand for him to shake. When Val took it, however, Lithian's smile died.

"Your hands are freezing."

"Are they?" Valor pulled his hand back, squeezing it with his other. "I suppose it's the wind."

"I suppose so." Lithian backed away. "I suppose I'll see you around."

"Of course." Valor watched as the soldier retreated, then Steven placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Come on. Back to our station, then we can talk."

"Almost nine weeks ago, the lord of this town placed several new laws into effect." Steven ran a whetstone down the blade of his sword, glancing over at Valor as he sat perched on a barrel beside him. "First, raising taxes on nearly every trade. This forced shopkeepers to increase their prices in order to make a profit.

"Second, the local militia doubled in just two weeks. At first glance that wouldn' seem like a bad thing, but his lordship put a ban on begging in order to drive out the poorest folks and set a curfew for the entire town. The soldiers keep these laws enforced."

"So the lord is at fault?" Valor cut in. Steven shot him a scowl.

"I'm not finished." Val went quiet again. "Not long after," His mentor continued, "townsfolk started bein' found dead, dragged from their homes at night and left in the fields surroundin' the city. At first everyone assumed it was the guards, but then th' guards started being found dead too." Valor frowned.

"There must be some connection."

"Most likely." Steven went back to sharpening his sword. "I know our lord is th' most obvious suspect, but listen- I've lived in this town for most've my life, and I can tell you that Lord Travok is a good man."

"Then why did he make those laws?"

"I suspect he's being pressured by an outsider, though I don't know what they have over him. I've tried to find out more to no avail. You, however," Steven nudged him. "Have some... rather unconventional abilities."

"Such as..." Valor gave a quick glance around to ensure that no one was near enough to eavesdrop. "...my teleportation?"

"Exactly. It'd be far more viable for you to take a look around than I."

"You're right. So... you want me to break into the lord's manor?"

"In a sense, yes." Steven shrugged. "'Tis not exactly breaking."

"Is there anything I should know about defenses?"

"There are guards outside the building, but not inside, not as far as I know. Th' servants retire at 10 PM, an hour after curfew, so don't go before then. I would do it in the early morning hours. It shouldn't be hard for you to slip through town after dark, not with your teleportation."

"There's a limit on it." Valor countered. "Usually I can teleport about five times in quick succession, as long as it's not a great distance, then I need at least a couple hours before I can teleport once again. I would prefer to save it for getting out if I need to."

"That explains why you didn't slip away from me initially." Steven grunted. "Very well. I'll help you find a hidin' place near the manor."

"Alright." Valor was already planning out ways to spend the hours after dark. "What am I looking for?"

"Suspicious characters, documents. Anything t' explain his behavior."

"You forget I grew up away from people. I don't know why anyone acts the way they do." Steven rolled his eyes.

"Fine, then. Anything you think even might be suspicious, bring it back to me and I'll look it over. Oh, and-" Steven gestured to his face. "Make sure y' turn on your eyes."

"Of course." 

"Last thing." Steven fixed him with a grim look. "Do not hurt anyone."

"What if I'm attacked first?" Val countered.

"Then you run. The guards of th' manor don't know you're not their enemy. You're responsible for making sure you don't become one." Valor's lips thinned, but he nodded.

"Yes sir."

Valor shifted in his hiding place, hunched between a beam and the roof of a stable that sat across the road from Lord Travok's mansion. He bit into the apple that Steven had bought for him at the marketplace before tossing away the core, watching as one of the horses snapped it up without much hesitation. 

It was late, almost time to commence his infiltration. The lights in the building had gone out hours ago, and he hadn't seen a patrol in quite some time. There were guards stationed at the front door of the manor, but that meant little to one who could simply pass through a wall. He just needed to find a window so that he had a visible target to teleport to.

Valor looked at the pocket watch that Steven had lent him. Nearly 3 o clock. If he waited much longer, he risked being caught by the early risers of the village. Time to go. 

Valor shimmied off the beam, dropping soundlessly to the dirt-packed floor and creeping to the exit of the stable. The night was silent, without a person in sight, and he quietly crossed the street and scaled the short wall around the manor grounds. Dropping into the garden, Valor startled badly at the sight of a grotesque statue that sat atop a fountain. At least the sound of the water drowned out any sounds he made.

The young man crept through the garden, peeking around the wall to see a pair of guards standing at the servants entrance as well. Stepping back, Val gazed up at the wall, the only windows on which were unfortunately too high for him to reach from the ground. So, beginning with a small fruit tree, Valor climbed up and managed to scramble onto a raised piece of moulding that went along the outer wall just below the windows.

The first window was, to his chagrin, closed and covered by a pair of curtains, but the second window he reached was wide open. Swinging his legs over the sill, he set foot inside what appeared to be a laundry room, in which he could smell the faint stench of soap made from pig fat and ashes. The cause for the open window, he supposed. 

The room was deserted, and he stepped out into the hallway outside. He was on the ground floor, he realized as he made his way around the corner to the entry hall. A personal study would likely be on the second floor, closer to the lord's chambers - or within them. He hoped not. At least the lord was almost undoubtedly asleep at this hour.

He searched the first floor first, just in case. The only room of interest was a small library, containing books of a plethora of different languages. The lord was a learned man, then. Unfortunately, while there were a few scraps of paper here and there, he found nothing of interest and moved on to the next room.

Up a grand staircase he found two hallways, one of which lead down to a series of small rooms and the other leading to a set of large, grander doors. The smaller were likely the servants' quarters, and the larger the lord's. Taking pains to stay utterly silent, Valor crept down the hall and eased open one of the carved doors.

The rooms were, thankfully, as dark as the rest of the manor. The doors lead into a small sitting room, and branched out to a study on one side and bedchambers on the other. Getting as close to the bedchambers as he dared revealed a man's figure asleep in the bed, with a woman next to him. He had a wife, then.

Valor backtracked and moved to the study instead. Inside, there were another pair of bookshelves, and a desk strewn with papers. Valor stepped up silently to the desk, sitting on the richly carved chair and brightening his eyes to illuminate the documents.

The next few minutes passed in silence as Valor pored over the contents of the desk. Many of the papers were fairly standard, appeals and proposals, the sort of thing he would expect to find in a lord's office. Others were written in another language - he tucked these away in the satchel that Steven had lent him, in case he was able to translate them. After finishing with the papers on the surface of the desk, however, and beginning to go through the drawer, Valor came across a small pile of letters that had been sealed with black wax. These were what he was looking for.

They were written in the common tongue, but used a very harsh script, rough while somehow elegant at the same time. The contents contained a variety of threats, from the safety of Travok's wife, the Lady Alys, to his position as lord. The letters demanded that he follow through with their wishes, including setting in effect the laws that Steven had told him about. They also mentioned the deaths of the villagers and guards, saying that they had become too nosy for their own good. 

Each letter was signed with an odd symbol, which he would have passed off as an odd scribble had it not appeared at the end of every correspondence. Quickly, Valor took the stack of letters and tucked them into the satchel, making ready to leave. He stood, turning for the doorway, only to come face to face with a woman.

Valor recoiled as she gasped, the unlit candle in her hand falling to the floor with a clatter. She had flowing, elegant hair and was in an ornate nightgown - the lady Alys?? She opened her mouth to cry out, but Valor moved first, teleporting behind her and clapping a hand over her mouth.

"Go back to bed." He hissed. She gave a terrified whimper, but nodded. "I won't hurt you. Don't make a sound." He released her, backing up, and she stood stock-still as he fled back into the hallway. The instant he'd made it through the doorway, a shrill cry broke the silence.

"INTRUDER! GUARDS!!" Valor nearly flew down the stairs, hoping to get out into the garden where he came in. As he reached the bottom of the stairwell, however, the front door burst open and three men appeared in the hallway. Val froze momentarily, then teleported back to the laundry room, scrambling over the windowsill and dropping into the garden. Already, soldiers with torches were swarming the grounds- had they been nearby, on call in case there was a threat to their lord? He had to find somewhere to hide.

Valor teleported over the wall, then straight back into the stable where he had previously hid. Blessedly, no one seemed to have seen him, and he dispelled the light in his eyes so as to not give away his location. Slipping into one of the stalls, he climbed up onto the beam again, leaning against the low roof and pulling up his legs to his chest. He should lay low for a few hours. Steven didn't work today, so he would be there no matter how late Val showed up.

With that in mind, Valor didn't try too hard to stay awake, and he was asleep within the hour.

Chapter Text

“Where were you??”

“In the stable where you left me.” Valor kicked off his boots and sunk down in front of the fireplace. “I was tired, and the guards were swarming the area, so I hid and went to sleep.”

“You couldn’t have gotten here first?” Steven shut the door behind him and bolted it. “Do you know how worried I was when I got up this morning and all anyone will talk about is how Herobrine was found looting th’ manor?”

“Well if you had asked they would’ve told you that I wasn’t caught.” Valor set the satchel beside him on the floor. “And I succeeded. Why are you so concerned, anyway?”

“Why shouldn’t I be?” Steven didn’t elaborate further, coming to sink down next to him. “Tell me what you found.” Valor nodded, and pulled out the documents he had found for his mentor to inspect.

“I couldn’t understand these, they’re written in a foreign language. They might be important, but these-“ Valor held up the stack of letters. “These are definitely important. Long story short, you were right.” He handed them over, and Steven skimmed over the first couple. 

“Well, that’s somthin’ at least.” He broke the silence after a minute. “Doesn’t give us much in the way of clues.”

“This symbol.” Valor pointed to the signature. “Do you recognize it at all?”

“Afraid I don’t.” Steven scrutinized it a moment longer, then tore off the bottom of the paper, folding the piece with the signature on it and setting it aside. “But I’ll keep an eye out. You’ve slept already, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Have you eaten?”

“Not since that apple.”

“Alright. I’ll get you some porridge, then we’re leaving.”

“Where?” Valor blinked up at him as he stood, turning away. “I thought you didn’t work today.”

“I don’t. We’re going to visit my sister.”

“Steven!” A tall woman hurried out of the building as soon as she spotted them, running to embrace her brother. Steven grunted as she threw her arms around him, giving her a squeeze in return.

“Afternoon, Lizzy.” Valor stood back, looking around at the small farm. A few chickens pecked at the stones around his feet, and he could see cows munching on the grass in their pasture. Beyond the barn and coop was a field filled with nearly mature wheat.

They had walked a couple hours’ distance from the town, Steven hauling a sack full of food and other domestic goods. Apparently he had warned his sister to stay away from the city as long as the killings continued, and came out regularly to deliver supplies that she couldn’t produce on her farm. Valor had to come because Steven wouldn’t let him stay at his house alone.

“This is Valor.” The sound of his name caught his attention, and he looked over to find Steven gesturing to him. “He’s posing as my apprentice while we work together to find the murderer.”

“A pleasure.” The woman curtsied, and Valor offered her a smile.

“Valor, this is my sister, Elizabeth.” Steven pointed to the cabin. “That is her husband, William, and their daughter is around somewhere.”

“Likely in the barn.” Elizabeth cut in as Valor turned to see a redheaded man in the cabin doorway. He waved, then vanished inside. 

“Valor, I’m going inside. You may wander if you wish, but don’t go far, we won’t be staying long.” Steven ordered. Valor nodded, but he was already turning away, escorting his sister back inside the cabin. Valor kicked a pebble and watched it bounce down the path. What was he supposed to do now?

He wished to avoid the daughter if possible, as he wasn’t particularly eloquent around strangers. So he wandered towards the wheat field, skirting around the barn and following the edge of the plot until he reached a small river. After checking to make sure he was in sight of the cabin, he sank down on the bank and pulled off his boots to dip his feet in the cold water. Winter was on its way.

Valor mulled over the events of the previous night as he sat on the bank, watching a few small fish swim by. He had been seen again. Would the lord be required to report his appearance to the blackmailer? Perhaps, if he did that would be useful. He may be able to track a messenger. Unless the messenger set out while Valor was elsewhere, such as visiting Steven’s sister.

“Ah, hello?” Valor jumped harshly at the voice, spinning to see a young woman with red hair standing at the top of the bank. She was carrying a terracotta pot, and looked almost as shocked as he did.

“Hello.” Valor greeted her hastily. “Are you Elizabeth and William’s daughter?”

“Yeah.” She shifted warily. “Who are you?”

“My name is Valor, Steven brought me along.” Her tense shoulders relaxed.

“Steven’s here?” 

“Yes, we arrived about twenty minutes ago. I’m his apprentice.” He pulled his feet out of the water. “I’m sorry if I started you.”

“Oh, it’s alright. I’ve been in the barn for the past hour, I guess I didn’t see you arrive.” She carefully made her way down the bank, bending down to fill the pot with water. “My name is Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well.” He watched as she straightened up, then grabbed his boots and stood up as well. “Is there anything I can help you with?” He managed, hoping to break the awkward silence. Grace paused, looking him up and down briefly. 

“If you’re willing, I need to move some barrels.”

“I can help with that.”

Valor followed her back to the barn, where he helped her load several barrels onto a wagon. She made polite conversation, which Valor realized he actually enjoyed participating in.

Soon enough, Steven appeared and called for him to join him. Valor bid his farewells to Grace, then the pair headed back to town. 

“You didn’t tell me you had a sister in the area.” Valor broke the silence as they walked around a bend. 

“Well, you and I haven’t known each other very long.” Steven grunted. “My sisters- my sister knows the language those letters were written in. I showed her, but they had nothing to do with our case. Just a correspondence with a foreign friend.”

“Oh.” Valor hesitated, then asked, “Do you have another sister?” 

“Had. She died.”

“Oh.” Valor immediately felt bad. “I’m sorry to bring it up.”

“It’s alright. It’s been almost 20 years.” Steven didn’t look at him, watching the path ahead with almost unnerving focus. “Her name was Jane.”

“Jane.” Valor echoed. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but, then again, it was fairly common.

“You seemed to get along well with their daughter.” Steven broke his staring contest with the road to give him a side-eye.

“Yes, she was friendly enough.” Valor nodded. “I hope I was not offensive in some way, I’m rarely around strangers.”

“I know you aren’t.” Steven shrugged. “She seemed t’ like you well enough.”

“Good.” Valor felt slightly cheered at that. “Do you have any idea what we should do next?”

“I have some thoughts. But it’s been a long day. Once we get home, we’ll talk.”

Chapter Text

Steven sank down heavily in a chair, kicking off his boots and setting his sack on the floor beside him.

“So,” he began. “The symbol.”

“Did your sister know anything about it?” Valor sat down in front of the fireplace, stretching out a hand and lighting the logs with a snap of his fingers. Steven gave him a look before responding.

“No. But I have a plan t’ see if anyone else does. We’re going back to th’ marketplace tomorrow, and I’m going to ask around. Say I found it on a letter blowing ‘round town and want to find the owner.” Valor nodded. 

“Good plan. And until then…?”

“We rest.” Steven dug a hand into the sack and pulled out a triangle wrapped in cloth. “Cheese?”

“Where’d you get that?”

“Lizzy traded it to me for the goods from town.” Steven unwrapped it, broke off a chunk, and gave it a toss that Val easily intercepted. “Eat.”

As Valor obeyed, he mulled over the day’s interactions. He felt at ease around Steven’s sister and her family, more than he ordinarily would around strangers. The other sister’s name seemed familiar as well. Perhaps…

“Steven?”

“Hm?” His host looked up from staring idly into the fire.

“You and my father were friends, correct?”

“Aye.”

“Have I… how long were you friends? After I was… created?” Steven stared at him, and Valor continued. “I suppose what I’m getting at is, have I met your family before? They seem familiar.” Steven stayed quiet for a moment, gaze lowering, before he responded.

“Aye, you’ve met them.” He glanced up, brow hiked up a bit. “You remember ‘em and not me?”

“Well, maybe I do.” Valor looked down at the cheese. “I did grow comfortable around you awfully quickly.”

“You did.” Steven agreed. “Yes, you met ‘em when you were young. You met them when lil’ Grace was born. She’s just a year or two younger than you.”

“Ah. So I was quite young.”

“Right. You met them a couple more times after that, then your father and I… drifted apart when you were six.”

“Ah.” Valor gazed at Steven’s face, lit by the flickering flames in the dim room, as he searched his earliest memories. Did he remember him?

A warm room, laughter. He was handed something that smelled sweet, which didn’t melt in his hands. His father was there, with other people, and he was smiling. 

“I do have memories of being around other people.” He spoke after a moment. “I suppose that was you.”

“Prob’ly.” Steven stood, crossing the room to lock and bolt the door. “Get some sleep, Valor.”

“Yes sir.” Valor curled up in front of the fireplace and stared at his father’s pickaxe, glowing softly in the light of the flames.

Valor crossed his legs where he sat on top of the barrel, watching as Steven spoke with a shopkeeper and showed him the slip of paper. He was slowly getting used to the hubbub of the marketplace, and was almost able to make out conversations from nearby stalls. 

They had been at the market for a few hours already, much of which Steven had spent asking around about the symbol. He didn’t seem to have found anything so far, as he hadn’t let up yet. Valor didn’t really want to try to participate in conversations he couldn’t hear, so he stayed at their post. 

As his gaze swept back and forth over the busy square, it fell upon a child who was quietly taking a loaf of bread from a distracted shopkeep. Valor moved automatically, reaching for his sword to apprehend the thief, but he stopped. The boy was just another victim of the grip that the mysterious villain had on the town, and Valor stopping him would only bring more misery. 

The baker would manage without one loaf. Valor simply watched as the young boy tucked the loaf under his shirt and hurried away.

As he released his sword, Val looked at the barrel he sat upon and immediately saw the symbol that they had been looking for.

He blinked in astonishment, then looked closer. That was definitely the signature - Almost like an N and an X set together inside two triangles. What was it doing on this barrel?? He looked up, searching the marketplace for Steven, but he had disappeared. Valor thinned his lips with annoyance, not looking forward to trying to traverse the marketplace, but he hopped off of the barrel and pushed his way into the crowd.

The masses of people were even more disorienting without Steven to guide him, and he ended up ducking behind a stack of crates to get his bearings. Just before plunging into the crowds again, though, a shout caught his attention.

“Boy!” He grimaces, turning at the address to find the lightning-scarred soldier behind him- Lithian. “Val, isn’t it?”

“Yes sir.” Val’s gaze flickered around as he searched for an exit. Just in case this went south.

“You looked mighty disoriented out there.” Lithian gestured with his spear to the marketplace. “Are ye lookin’ fer someone?”

“My uncle. I need to… tell him something.” Valor suddenly wondered what would be wise to reveal to this man.

“The marketkeeper?” Lithian looks out over the marketplace again. “I just saw him. Come with me.”

“Alright.” While he was wary of following a near-stranger to his goal, Valor was relieved to have a guide who knew the area better than he did. Lithian wove through the crowds with ease, and they gave him space due to the sharp weapon he held. In moments, he had spotted Steven, chatting with the owner of a stall on the far side of the square.

“Uncle!” He shouted once they were (hopefully) within range to be audible. Steven looked up, looking more shocked than anything else. Valor waved to get his attention, hurrying closer and leaving Lithian a few feet behind.

“Something wrong?” Steven asked as he approached, looking concerned.

“Quite the opposite. I found one of the symbols.”

“Where?” Steven promptly tucked the scrap of paper back into his pocket, bidding the shopkeep farewell before following him back. Valor hurried back through the marketplace to the barrel, feeling slightly more secure with Steven at his side, and showed him the mark carved into the sturdy wood.

“That’s cert’nly a match.” Steven muttered as he held up the scrap beside it. “This barrel belongs to a local toolsmith - I’ll ask ‘im where he got it from.”

“Alright.” Valor squeezed his hands into fists at his sides, bouncing on the balls of his feet. They had a clue!

“Match?” Lithian’s voice behind them startled him, and he turned to see the guard studying the mark. “What… ‘xactly are you two doing?” Steven’s jaw tightened, but he turned to face him.

“...why don’t you come back wit’ me once the market’s closed.” He suggested lowly. “I’ll explain.” Lithian frowned, but nodded.

“Fine. I’ll meet you at closin’.” Turning away, the guard ambled away back into the crowd. Valor shot his mentor a look.

“...what exactly are you going to tell him?”

“Nothin’ about you, don’t worry.” Steven leaned over the barrel again, taking a closer look. “Stay here. I’m going t’ ask after this barrel.”

“Alright.” Valor leaned on the vessel, watching Steven engage a nearby shopkeep in conversation, and hoped he hadn’t made a mistake in employing the guard’s help.

Chapter Text

“Yesterday morning, Val and I went out of town ta’ visit my sister.” Steven stepped past Valor to strike his tinderbox into the cold fireplace. “Bringin’ them some household goods. I haven’t let her or her family come into town since all this started - you understand, I’m sure, that I don’t want them in danger.”

“Of course.” Lithian was seated at Steven’s table, while Valor hovered by the fireplace. Val wasn’t sure what Steven’s plan was, yet, so he stayed silent.

“On our way back, we found this.” Steven placed the letter they had torn the symbol from in front of their guest. “It’s very clearly a threat to our lord Travok, detailing some of ‘is demands. I suspect that Herobrine may‘ve taken it when he invaded their mansion and either lost it or tried ta get rid of it, with little success.” Lithian’s eyes narrowed as he skimmed over the piece of parchment.

“Why did you not take this to the captain of the guard immediately?? This’s a serious matter!”

“Hold yer horses, now.” Steven cautioned. “Read it again. The author clearly states th’t the villagers have been killed t’ keep them silent. Not only would telling more people place them‘n danger, but we can’t know fer sure who’s carryin’ out the killings. For all we know, th’ captain’s in his pocket.” Lithian frowned, mulling over this.

“Then why tell me?”

“Y’wouldn’t get off my back if I didn’t, for one. Second, you seem… passionate enough to be genuine.” Following Steven’s words, Lithian’s gaze promptly flickered to Valor.

“Again, I’m sorry for my accusations.” He grumbled.

“We’re past that, don't you fret.” Steven set down the scrap of paper in front of him. “This was th’ signature of sorts on the letter. We hoped if we could find it then we could find out who sent it.” He glanced at Valor. “And we have.”

“On that barrel?” Lithian filled in. “Where did th’ barrel come from?”

“Town’s toolsmith says he got it from his metal supplier, who works out of the mines in the mountains east’ve here.” Steven thumbs over his shoulder. “So that’s where we’re headed next.” Lithian frowns.

“Are you sure you want ta’ do this? The author of this letter could easily jus’ take you out as well.”

“I wouldn’t say easily .” Steven shrugs. “I’ve lasted this long.”

“You’re not altogether that old.”

“Thirty-eight is a perfectly respectable age.” Valor blinked. That was… considerably younger than he had assumed. “Anyway,” Steven continued. “I’m confident in my abilities to stay discreet.” He shot a glance at Valor. “And I know Val can too.”

“So your sister’s family you won’t allow t’ come to town to shop, but you’re content with bringin’ your nephew to visit a presum’ble den of thieves.” Steven scoffed softly.

“Val is more equipped fer th’ job.”

“If you say so.” Lithian straightened in his seat. “Very well, then- I would like to accompany you.”

“Would you?” Steven paused, taken aback. “And why is that?”

“You said it yourself - I’m passionate. I care about this town, even iffit may not be my own. And, I can fight if ye get yourselves inta’ trouble.” Steven pursed his lips at Lithian’s words, looking at Valor, who met his gaze with just as much concern. This would severely limit the amount that Val could use his powers.

“Very well, if you’re sure.” Steven broke at last. “Glad t’ have ya on board.” Lithian grunted.

“Where are ye goin’ from here?”

“To the mines.” Steven said again, glancing at Valor.

“I know, but how do ye plan to go about that? Have either ‘f you been in th’ area before?” Valor looked at his mentor to see him shaking his head no. “It’s a small community- populated only by th’ miners and their families. Any outsiders ‘t all will be seen as suspicious.” Steven pursed his lips.

“Suppose we could apply for work there.”

“They may know of you.” Lithian nodded towards him. “Hadleigh is the closest town, after all.” Oh, that’s what this town was called. “So yer searching for work may be… questi’n’ble.”

“And you?” Steven cut in. “Wouldn’ they know you?”

“Don’t think so. Not from around here.” Lithian shrugged, smirking. “Regardless, there is a Hadleigh militia presence there. I could jus’ migrate over.” Steven grunted.

“Alright. Say you and Val go- I can stay nearby to assist if you need to flee.” Lithian looked to Val, who frowned. He wasn’t incredibly keen on being left with a stranger in an unfamiliar place, but, he supposed, it was better than being alone. 

“That seems wise.” Lithian agrees.

“Will no one here notice your absence?” Val cut in. “You do have responsibilities here.”

“I ‘kin take leave. Besides- I have a hunch ‘n who may be our mystery villain, an’ I have a score to settle wit’ ‘im.” Valor’s brow furrowed.

“Who?”

“Herobrine.” Lithian thumbed towards his own face, patterned with lightning scars. “Th’ one who gave me these scars.” Val was stunned into silence, and the room was quiet until Steven spoke.

“I find ‘at unlikely.”

“Oh?” Lithian shifted his gaze to the elder. “And how is ‘at?”

“It doesn’ fit him. With th’ lord he killed, he came in quietly, killed him, and tried t’ get out without alerting anyone. That’s his usual bill. Blackmailing and threats aren’t his style.”

“An’ you know this how?” Lithian countered. Steven shifted.

“I’ve had some… encounters when I was younger.”

“Huh.” Lithian’s gaze flitted over him, searching for similar scars, but he found nothing. “Then… either way, I want t’ help.”

“And we appreciate your willingness.” Valor lied through his teeth. He was having enough trouble hiding his identity without having this man at his heels.

“Very well.” Steven thumped a hand on the table. “We leave tomorrow. Lithian, I trust you’ll have yer affairs in order by then.”

“Aye.” Lithian rose. “I’ll meet you here at sunrise.”

“Good.” Steven ushered their guest through the door, then shut and bolted it behind him, turning around to face Valor again. The boy met his gaze for a few moments, still processing the previous conversation, and he was a bit caught off guard when Steven spoke. 

“You’re going t’ have to be careful.”

“I know.” Valor rubbed at his eyes. “I’m sorry I encountered him.”

“Lithian can be a valuable asset, as long as he doesn’ find out too much.” Steven watched him carefully. “The more allies we have, th’ better.”

“Are you sure?” Valor sighed, sinking down beside the fireplace. “If he finds out, he’ll turn on me immediately.”

“Then he’ll have to not find out.” Steven shrugged off his satchel and set it on the table, pulling out a loaf of bread and a package wrapped in paper. “Come eat. We need to prepare for tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

Valor gazed up at the wall that loomed before them, noting the roughness of the tree trunks that made it up. A defense, but not a particularly strong one. Likely made by the miners themselves, not as skilled in this craft as they were their own. The gate, on the other hand, was wrought iron, and clearly masterfully made. This was their expertise.

“Val!” He was cuffed lightly across the side of the head, and he whipped his head around to glare at Lithian. “You’d gone still for so long I’d feared ye were falling asleep.” The soldier smirked at him from where he stood beside him, but Valor merely set his jaw and turned his gaze back to the gate.

“How will we get in?”

“They’ll let us in. I’ll just tell them you’re looking for work.” Valor opened his mouth to say I can speak for myself , but decided against the possibility of slighting his companion.

“Very well.” He said instead. “Lead the way.” Lithian did as much, setting a path towards the gates.

A muscular man was lounging on a stool on the other side of the gate, and his eyes flicked up when the pair approached him. Standing and placing one hand on the hilt of his sword, the man called out,

“What is your business here?”

“Good afternoon.” Lithian greeted him cheerfully. “My name is Charles Lithian, and this is my compan’in, Valor Daewolf.” Steven had been forced to hastily come up with a surname for him when Lithian asked after it. 

“We hail from th’ town of Hadleigh, to the west. My friend here is lookin’ for work, and I chose to accomp’ny him due to th’ killings we’ve been havin’.” The man’s gaze turned to Valor, looking him up and down, before he gave a silent nod and opened a smaller door built into the main gate. He beckoned them through, and Lithian thanked him before leading Valor through the opening.

The town beyond the walls was even shabbier than Hadleigh, but he saw far fewer beggars and homeless lining the streets. There were fewer people on the streets in general, now that he looked around, but Valor reasoned that the population would be much smaller, and many of the occupants would be down in the mines. 

“See that buildin’ built into the mountain?” The gatekeeper spoke gruffly, pointing to a tall, wood and metal structure that leaned against the mountain’s face. “That’ll be where to apply ‘fer work.”

“Your assistance is much ‘ppreciated.” Lithian told him, then set off towards the building with Valor in tow. “I hope you have a plan once ‘yer in there.” He muttered once they were out of earshot.

“Not a solid one.” Valor muttered in response. “But I have no information yet. I’ll figure it out as I go.”

“Pray to th’ Aether that works.” Lithian’s gaze didn’t leave the building as they approached it. “And ye know to bring anything y’ find to me ‘n Steven ‘mmediately.”

“Of course.”

“You might haf’ta scale the walls to get t’ Steven wit’out arousing suspicion.”

“I find it unlikely that there is no other exit to the town besides the gate.” Valor shifted his knapsack on his shoulders as he turned to look behind them. “I’ll find a way out.

“I’m holdin’ ye to that.” As they approached the building, Valor could hear the sounds of hammers striking metal from a building to their right - undoubtedly the forges. Would that be where the barrels were coming from, since that would be where they processed the raw ores? He would have to investigate further once he had the chance to snoop around.

From before them, he could hear the hubbub of many voices inside the large building, and Valor mentally steeled himself as Lithian pushed open the door.

The inside of the room was much bigger than the front of the building made it appear, as it was hewn into the mountain itself. It was lit by several torches and fires around the room, and Valor had to suppress an urge to cough on the fumes. It would undoubtedly be worse down in the mines. It was filled with men in stained and sooty clothing, many of whom were talking and eating together in groups. It was just after midday, so this must be their meal break, though Valor was surprised that they came up instead of just eating in the mines. The sounds of their voices echoed off the tall roof, creating the droning noise that drowned out any coherent sound.

On the opposite end of the room was a tall, imposing man with a black beard who stood out from the rest of the occupants. He appeared to be giving orders to several of the miners, who scuttled away at a wave of his hand. Valor tapped Lithian’s arm.

“I would suppose that is the man in charge?” He spoke loudly to be heard over the noise. Lithian nodded, and the pair started to make their way through the crowds towards him.

The man spied them as they approached, and he turned to wait for them to come within earshot. Once they had done so, he spoke.

“Something I can help you with?” His voice was low and gruff, but he lacked the accent that Valor was becoming so familiar with.

“Aye.” Lithian gave him a small bow in greeting, and Valor hurriedly followed suit. “My name is Charles Lithian, and this’s Valor Daewolf.” He recited his greeting. “From the town of Hadleigh. He’s lookin’ for work, and I ‘scorted him here in hopes you could use ‘im. I supposed from yer demeanor that you’re th’ man in charge here?”

“Indeed I am.” His gaze turned to Valor, who felt appropriately intimidated by it. “Can you handle a pickaxe, boy?”

“Yes sir.” His father’s pickaxe he had, unfortunately, had to leave with Steven, due to the weapon being a clear connection to Herobrine. “I’ve mined before.”

“Very well.” The man jerked his head towards a hallway that vanished into darkness. “Head down there. Aether knows I’m in need of more workers.”

“Yes sir.” Valor shot one last, fleeting glance at Lithian before obeying the order and hurrying to the passage. Lithian shot him a friendly smile, then the last that Val saw before turning the corner was him continuing his conversation with the man.

The echoes were muted here in the tunnel, but as Valor made his way further down he could smell the air growing more and more foul. Fortunately, it didn’t cause him to gag on it like the initial rush of smoke had, and he made it down to the next lit area. This was a small, boxlike cavern hewn from rock, a lit oil lantern hanging from the low ceiling. He could see several knapsacks not unlike his own, and he supposed that this was where the miners left their belongings while they worked. Valor set his own down by the wall and stopped, wondering if this was where he was supposed to be. Another tunnel stretched farther down into the ground, but he decided to wait and see if he were further instructed before going deeper.

He did not have to wait long. Soon enough, the imposing man from earlier appeared from the dark tunnel to the outside world, carrying an iron pickaxe in each hand. One of these he offered to Valor, who accepted it gladly. Even if it paled in comparison to his father’s enchanted weapon, at least now he was able to defend himself.

“My name is Persson.” The man introduced himself. “They call me Notch.” Valor could see the scar that cut down through one eyebrow and through his right eye, which was likely the cause for the nickname. “I’m the foreman here, which means you answer to me, understand?” Valor nodded hurriedly. He was eager to give this man no reason to dislike him. “You’ll be accompanying me until I’ve decided you can work alone.” Notch headed to the other side of the small room, picking up an unlit lantern and striking a match to light it. “Get a lantern and follow me.”

“Yes sir.” Valor copied his actions, lighting the lantern, before he followed him down into the tunnel again.

The tunnels were pitch black other than the lanterns they carried, and stripped of resources, but Valor could hear the sounds of other miners working as they echoed down through the interlocking passageways. Notch moved with ease, while Valor was a bit more careful to avoid tripping on the uneven ground. He was never claustrophobic, but he found himself hoping he didn’t have to stay in this position long. He needed to find the source of the symbol and get out.

“How old are you, boy?” Notch’s voice startled him, reverberating off of the tunnel walls, and he swallowed before replying.

“Nineteen.”

“When did you start mining?”

“At thirteen.”

“Hm.” Notch cast him a glance, scrutinizing him again before turning back to the path ahead. “Where’s your parents?”

“Dead.” He answered honestly.

“Ah.” Notch was quiet for a few moments. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Valor only hummed in response. He wasn’t sure how to respond to condolences, and he really just wanted to stop talking about his father. “Once we’re finished for the day, I’ll show you to a place you can sleep. Did you bring food with you?”

“A little, but I left it in my knapsack.”

“It’s wise to keep some food on you in case you grow weak in the mines.” Notch patted a small bag attached to his belt. “I have some for today.”

“Thank you.” This man seemed friendly enough, and Valor could feel his unease slowly subsiding. If he had not seen the symbol that matched the threatening letters, he could easily believe that all the men here were simply laborers. As their foreman, though, Notch could be the mastermind behind it, so Valor resolved to stay wary around him.

Notch led him to a dead-end tunnel which was in the process of being mined out, and directed Valor to begin here. The two of them chipped away at the stone gradually, and Valor was sent up twice to carry a bucket of fallen rocks to the surface. After about three hours (Valor had kept the pocket watch Steven had loaned him) they took a break, and Notch shared some of the dried pork he had brought with him. He also had a waterskin, but Valor declined this as he wasn’t thirsty.

As they neared the end of the day, they each took a bucket of rocks and hauled them back up to the surface. Valor was very worn out by this point, but Notch seemed impressed by his endurance and brought him to get a bowl of soup from the communal pot. 

Valor was left with many of the other miners, some of whom tried to make conversation with him, but the noise from the many voices combined with his exhaustion rendered any attempts to communicate almost impossible. Once he was finished, Valor was directed to a shared bunkhouse, and he promptly collapsed into bed.

Chapter Text

By the time Valor awoke, it was morning.

The young man blinked uncomprehendingly at the gold and pink light that streamed through the windows before realizing that he had far overslept. A quick glance around the room revealed that the rest of the miners were still asleep, but he had still missed his chance to slip out and investigate by a long shot. He must have been truly exhausted. He hoped that Steven wasn’t too concerned by his failure to meet up with him.At that moment, a heavy knock sounded from the door, followed by a, 

“Get up!” His bunkmates immediately began to move, sitting up, stretching, and dragging themselves out of bed. Valor slipped out of his own bunk, straightening his rumpled clothing before exiting through the door.

Breakfast was being served in the main hall, and as Valor made his way towards the cooking pot a familiar sight caught his eye. Lithian was sitting amongst the men eating their breakfast, his blond hair standing out starkly against the dark-haired miners. He was chatting amiably, not appearing to have noticed him yet, and Valor helped himself to a bowl of oatmeal before approaching.

“Lithian?” His voice caught the soldier’s attention, and Lithian turned to face him with a smile.

“Val!” He gestured to the seat next to him, and Valor sank into it. “How was your first day?” His eyes were searching. Doubtless he was here to see if he had discovered anything.

“Exhausting.” Valor confessed. “I slept quite soundly last night.” He offered him an apologetic look, but Lithian only smirked at that.

“Ah, I see. I’m glad y’ weren’t hurt.” They had been worried, then.

“It’s hard work, but not exceedingly dangerous, and I’ve done this before.”

“Val!” A hand landed on his shoulder, and Valor jumped, craning his neck to look up at Notch. “You’re with me again today, lad.”

“Alright. Yes sir.” Valor nodded, and the foreman turned to leave. Lithian nodded subtly after his retreating form.

“You spent th’ day with him, aye? What do you think?”

“He seems friendly enough.” Valor shrugged, lowering his voice. “He does not strike me as a killer.”

“I pray you’re right, given y’re stuck with him again.” Lithian finished his meal, and stood. “I’ll let Stev’n know you’re alright. Try ‘n find a way t’ communicate wit’ us tonight, yeah?” Valor nodded, and Lithian melded in with the crowd.

After his breakfast, he sought out Notch, and the pair made their way down into the mines again. The first few hours passed in relative peace and quiet, before Valor struck a wall and it collapsed, revealing a dark opening beyond.

“Notch?” He called, getting his partner’s attention. He heard the large man come up behind him, then grunt softly.

“A cave. This is good - they can be full of exposed ores, but can also be filled with danger. I’ll recruit some of the guards to accompany me inside later.”

“Why? I’m sure we could handle it.” Valor picked up their lantern and held it to the opening, casting its’ flickering light into the darkness. From where they stood, he could see the light glinting off of something that shone from a boulder, before Notch snatched the lantern back.

“You don’t understand boy, the dangers are far greater than what we are accustomed to. There are undead, and other monstrous creatures down here.”

“I’ve fought undead before.” Notch stopped.

“You have?”

“Yes sir.” Valor shifted, wondering if he should have kept that to himself.

“We have no weapons, regardless.”

“I killed them with a pickaxe.” That earned him a strange look.

“Val, those ores aren’t going anywhere.” Notch spoke firmly. “There’s no reason to risk ourselves going in without assistance.”

“I’ve gone caving before, with my father when I was younger.” Val peered into the darkness again, waiting for his night vision to increase. “We never had any problems with monsters.”

“Your father was a fool.” Valor had whipped around before he even realized it, fixing Notch with the iciest glare he could muster. “A brave fool, but a fool nonetheless. I mean no disrespect, but two men against hordes of undead are tall odds to begin with, and without proper weapons our odds of survival become increasingly slim.” Notch turned away, unflinching even beneath Valor’s condemning gaze. “Come, we dig elsewhere.”

Valor was silent for the next half-hour, sullenly following orders, though his gaze slipped continually back to the hole in the wall. That shine, he hadn’t had enough time to identify it, but it could have been diamonds. He and his father had never found enough diamonds to make him his own pickaxe when he was younger. Now, he had no need for his own, but the allure of the cyan gems was enough to tempt even the most stalwart of hearts.

“Fine.” Notch’s sudden exclamation caused him to jump, and he turned to find the taller man giving him a long-suffering look. “We’ll explore the first segment. If you’re injured, it will be on your own head.” Valor’s heart leaped, and he nodded, waiting as the foreman caught up the lantern and approached the dark opening.

Notch had to duck to get through, but Valor fit through quite cleanly, extending his senses to search for their precious target as soon as he was through. The cavern was mid-sized, it appeared, as the lantern’s light didn’t quite reach up to the ceiling.

“Over here.” Valor beckoned his companion as he approached the shining boulder. As he got close, he realized with disappointment that it contained not diamond, but gold - a soft material with little use in combat. At least it was valuable.

“This is good.” Notch’s voice had lost some of its’ resentment, and he set the lantern on the floor in order to heft his pickaxe. “Let’s get this into the tunnel before we go any further.” Valor obeyed, and they broke the boulder to pieces before hefting each piece through the opening they had come through. It had a substantial amount of gold in it, and Notch’s excitement was contagious, causing Valor’s heart to lift with each new streak of gold he saw.

As they worked, Valor kept his hearing strained for any sign of them not being alone, but he heard nothing but the drip- drip- drip of stalactites from the other side of the cavern. He slowly let his guard down as they continued, and by the time they had moved the last piece he was fairly confident in their safety here. To be sure, there were great colonies of undead that lived in the caves below the earth. Too many mass graves and mining accidents had rendered the underground their primary home, as well as some other unsavory creatures such as the giant spiders that inhabited abandoned mineshafts. This cavern, however, appeared to have nothing but fortune for them.

Once they had finished, Notch lifted the lantern again, muttering a complaint under his breath, and they moved on. The stalactites Valor had heard came into view, stalagmites below them stretching up and nearly blocking off the other side of the cave. The pair wove between the natural structures in near silence, and their footsteps, as well as the incessant dripping from above, filled Valor’s head and drowned out anything else.

It was the third time that Notch spoke when he heard him.

“Val!” He stopped short, looking up to find the foreman studying him with a creased brow. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, why?” Notch’s frown increased, but he only shook his head.

“Do you hear that?” Valor went quiet, searching for the sound that was referred to, and they stood in silence for a few moments.

Footsteps.

And then a soft, inhuman groan split the air.

“Zombie.” Valor hissed, trying to track the source of the sound, but the groan had echoed off several surfaces before reaching them and he was unsuccessful.

“Come.” Notch grabbed his wrist and near-dragged him through the rest of the stalagmites, undoubtedly considering their effectiveness in a fight if they were trapped within the rocks. Valor’s gaze flashed around the dark cave as they moved, searching for their opponent, and he spotted a flash of movement from their right.

“Over there.” Notch came to a halt, nearly causing his charge to stumble, and set down the lantern where he stood. Valor lifted his pick, weighing it once more in his hands to gauge its effectiveness as a weapon. It was heavier than his father’s, for sure, and not as sharp, but it should do the job against a single zombie.

The two of them waited in silence, listening as the footsteps echoed around them, before they abruptly picked up and a decomposing form lunged at them from out of the darkness.

Valor cut it down almost before Notch could move, slamming the blunt end of his pick into the creature’s head and killing it instantly. Taking a step back, he looked up at Notch to see him gazing at him in amazement.

“That was truly impressive.” He spoke. A small grin appeared on Valor’s face.

Another footstep was their only warning before a second zombie appeared, throwing itself at Notch, and the huge man swung recklessly at it with his pickaxe. Luckily, the blow landed, and the zombie crumbled onto the stone where its body landed. Valor gritted his teeth, wishing he could activate his eyes’ glow, but that would ruin his chances of infiltrating this place any longer. A few zombies should not be much of a problem.

Over the dripping sounds, he could hear more footsteps, and the sounds of dragging. He wasn’t sure what was being dragged, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to, but he dearly hoped it wasn’t a weapon. Most zombies kept an approximation of the skills they had had in life, as well as the things they were buried in, causing zombies risen from a battle to be some of the most deadly. These zombies were, fortunately, likely the victims of mining incidents of various sorts.

Another zombie appeared out of the darkness, hobbling along and dragging one mostly-useless leg. The source of the dragging sound, then. This one was dispatched easily by Notch, given that it moved far slower than the others. Two more zombies attacked, and Valor took them both out before Notch was forced to move. Stepping back to the lantern, Valor raised his pick as another set of footsteps approached, only for a grotesque figure to step into view.

The thing was as tall as Notch was, had four legs that looked too small to support it, and a “face” that looked more like a butterfly’s camouflage than a real face. It was a hideous shade of sickly green, and the skin over its chest began to pulse as it approached. Valor wasn’t willing to wait around to see what kind of attack it intended to use, and he lunged at it, planting his pickaxe through the thing’s chest and watching it crumple to the ground.

When he turned, he found Notch’s horrified gaze on him.

“Good reflexes.” He managed, voice rough. “We need to get out.”

“Is it safe to-”

“Safer than staying here. Come.” Snatching up the lantern, Notch broke into a run back towards the stalagmites, and Valor was forced to follow. They wove back through the stalagmites, and soon the tunnel they had come from came into view. As Valor ducked back inside, Notch slammed his pickaxe into a rock above the opening, then threw himself into the tunnel in time to not be crushed as the rock collapsed in front of the gap, blocking them off from the cave.

The pair were quiet for a few moments, merely catching their breath, before Valor spoke.

“What was that?”

“You don’t know?” Notch looked up at him in shock. “That was- the men call them ‘creepers’. Those things will blow themselves up to take you out, the blast is as strong as a crate of dynamite. If that thing had gotten to us, it would’ve blown us both to the nether.” Valor swallowed, chilled by this news. “You truly are proficient with a pick.” Notch allowed. “But we are not going back in there, nor any other cave we may find.”

“No, I, yes.” Valor leaned back against the wall, pressing his forearm over his strained eyes. “I understand.”

Chapter Text

“Here.” Valor looked uncomprehendingly at the small bag that was placed in his hand, which clinked with the weight of coins. “It’s a week’s wages- you’ve only worked two days, but I think you deserve the extra for saving my life.” Notch winked at him “Try not to spend it all in one place.” Valor blinked after him as he walked away, squeezing the bag slightly and listening to the coins jingle inside. He had completely forgotten that people worked for money.

The rest of his workday had gone without incident, the majority of it being the transport of the chunks of gold up through the tunnels. Despite having worked harder, Valor wasn’t nearly as tired, likely due to the adrenaline of their fight. He should be able to slip out tonight.

Slipping the bag of coins into his pocket, Valor wandered out of the dining hall and into the small town. He had the money, he might as well spend it. What sort of things were there here to spend money on? He wasn’t sure how much things would cost, but Notch had treated the payment as a significant amount, so it must be enough for something.

Valor spied a lit building on the side of the road, and set a course towards it. The tavern would be a good place to spend his evening. As well as spending some of his money, he may be able to pick up on some rumors from the likely-drunken miners.

While the tavern was busy, likely the busiest establishment in the village, the low population caused even this chaos to be less than that of the marketplace in Hadleigh. Valor was able to make out a few distinct conversations, and he made his way up to the bar to order a drink. After observing several miners doing so first, he got one of his own, and paid for it before retreating to an empty table. 

He drank it slowly as he listened to the conversations around him, searching for anything that might be of use, but all that was being discussed was the miners’ personal lives and day’s work. More than a few glances were sent in his direction, and Valor tried not to watch them so obviously. Hopefully he was only a subject of interest due to being a newcomer.

“Hey!” A man sank into the seat next to him, and Valor jumped, nearly upsetting his drink. “Val, ain’t ya?”

“Yes, I… that’s me.” Valor coughed slightly. “Can I help you?”

“No, no, sorry t’ disturb, I jus’ wanted ‘ta ask ye somethin’.” The man was disheveled and covered in soot, traits that the majority of the men in the room shared. “It’s true that ye killed a creep’r with a pickaxe?” Valor blinked. Who had Notch told?

“Yes, I did.” The man whooped, and Valor shrunk in his seat a bit as heads turned to look at them.

“Incredible! Th’ men told me you saved th’ foreman’s life, killed the beastie with a single blow.” The man gestured as if swinging a pickaxe. “Ya haf’ta let me buy you a drink.”

“Oh.” Valor felt a smile creep onto his face. “That’s quite alright, I have one already.”

“Nonsense!” The man stood, marching off towards the bartender to order him a drink. Valor took a sip from his mug, thinking this over. Being friendly with some of the other miners may cause them to offer up some information they previously would not, so it would be wise of him to accept their hospitality. With this plan in mind, Valor drained the rest of his drink as the man returned, plunking another mug onto the table next to him.

“Where did you hear about that?” Valor asked, out of curiosity more than anything else.

“A buddy o’ mine heard th’ treasurer discussin’ it. Was it in th’ tunnels?”

“We broke into a cave by mistake, and decided to explore it.” Valor chose to leave out his pleading and begging. “We were attacked by zombies, and as we were fending them off the… creeper appeared.” He took a hold of the new ale and took a drink. The men at nearby tables were watching him again, and he raised his voice slightly to be heard. “Notch froze, but I didn’t know what it was, so I just attacked it. I’m lucky to have killed it on the first blow, hmm? Notch insisted we get out after that, and he sealed off the cavern. That was when he told me what it was.”

“Jus’ goes to show how ignorance can be as pow’rful as bravery.” A hand clapped him on the shoulder, and he turned to see another miner behind him. “Well done, kid, you’ve cert’nl’ly earned th’ foreman’s favor.”

“How did ye kill it with a pickaxe?” A third man spoke up.

“My father was a miner.” Valor told them, which was partially true. “He didn’t carry a sword in the caves, so he fought with a pickaxe. He taught me the same.”

“Show us!” One of the men called. Valor hesitated.

“I don’t have a pick-” The tool was thrust into his hands, the men backing up to give him room to stand.

“Keep your fights out on the street!” The bartender shouted, causing some boos and jeering from the crowd around him. Valor hesitated, then stood. He could feel the alcohol buzzing in his system, but he saw no reason he couldn’t show off a bit. This would make them more comfortable around him, right? 

Valor let them direct him through the doorway, out onto the dimly-lit street, where he positioned himself in the center of it. Testing the weight of the pickaxe, he shifted his weight, then spun it in his hands, around his head before slamming the point into the packed dirt. His action prompted a round of cheering, and one of the men shouted,

“Hit this!” Before a broken-off piece of a plank flew into his vision. Valor swung, smashing it out of the air and prompting another wave of cheers. Another piece of wood was thrown, and he hit it with ease. This continued with a couple more small objects before one of the miners stepped out in front of him, holding a wooden sword.

“How does it fare against a sword, eh?” He called out. Valor grinned, reminding himself to be gentle, and beckoned the man to approach.

Valor felt ill.

He leaned back against the side of the alleyway, trying to get his bearings as he stared up at the starry sky. His memories of the past few hours were fuzzy - the miners had gone to bed, but he had stayed out. He hadn’t… told them anything, had he? They had kept on buying him drinks, and he hadn’t been willing to deny their gesture of goodwill. He had probably… had too much.

The moon was almost directly above him. He needed to scout out the forge, but, in this state, he didn’t trust himself to be discreet, so he headed for the wall around the village instead. He should find Steven, let him know everything was alright, he just hadn’t found anything yet.

Having reached the wall, Valor pressed his hands against it, feeling the rough surface of the logs to ground himself. Quickly, he looked around himself, and, finding no witnesses, he teleported through the wall to the other side. He fell over almost immediately, but scrambled upright, scanning the moonlit plains around the settlement. Steven was camping out somewhere here, right?

He picked a direction and started to walk. He was having trouble keeping his balance, he must be exhausted. He didn’t feel tired, but the world was growing fuzzy before his eyes. Although… he spied a light from the side of one of the small hills, and after a moment realized it was a campfire. Steven’s campsite. Gritting his teeth and clenching his hands into fists, he started in that direction, and managed to make it without falling.

As he approached, he spied Steven sitting beside the fireplace, a cloak draped around his shoulders and a stick that he was using to poke at the fire. His head lifted, and he immediately frowned, dropping the stick and standing.

“Val?”

“Steven.” Valor called back. Steven immediately started in his direction, clear concern on his face as he approached.

“What happened to you?”

“Nothing.” Steven’s hand closed around his bicep, helping to steady him on his way over to the campfire. “Jus’ tired. I’ve been up all day- and all night, an’ Notch ‘n I fought some zombies and a creeper.”

“What in th’ world are you talking about?” Steven pushed him to sit beside the fire. “Slow down and talk sense.”

“Notch and I- the foreman, we found a cave today.” Valor made an attempt to clear his head. “We were attacked by zombies and an- an es’ploding monster called a creeper. I killed it, ‘n the other miners started buying me drinks.”

“Are you drunk?”

“I might be.” Valor admitted. Steven let out a disappointed sigh, then passed him a waterskin.

“Drink this.” He frowned at it.

“Wouldn’t that-”

“It’s water . Drink it.” Val obeyed. The cool liquid allowed him to, thankfully, think a bit more clearly.

“I haven’t found anything yet.” He told him as he handed the waterskin back. “Everything here seems normal.”

“Mm.” Steven gave him a suspicious look. “As far as y’ know, that is. I doubt yu’ve spent much time ‘n mining establishments before.”

“True.” Valor rubbed at his forehead. “There’s a forge… where I believe they process the ores. I haven’ been inside, but I assume that’s where the barrel… the barrel came from.”

“Probably.” Steven agreed. “Maybe tomorrow night you kin give it a look, if you don’t spend it in the tavern again.” His voice was accusing, and Valor winced.

“Sorry…” The older man huffed and looked away.

“Alright, eat this.” A piece of bread was pressed into his head, and Valor obeyed, taking a bite. “You need to sleep.”

“Alright.” Valor rose to his feet, still holding the bread.

“No, you’re not goin’ back to town.” Steven gestured firmly for him to sit, and Valor sank back down. “Not like this, you’ll blow y’r cover. Stay here th’ night.”

“Notch will be suspicious if I don’t come back.” Valor protested, but Steven shut him down with a glare.

“I’ll wake y’ before dawn. Get some sleep.” Conceding, the young man stuffed the rest of the bread in his mouth, and curled up on the ground before the fire. He watched the dancing flames until the alcohol numbed his mind, and he eventually fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Notch slid a glass of ale across the table to Valor, who was leaning his head into his hand. The lad lifted his head to give him a questioning look.

“Hair of the dog.” The foreman explained. “A bit of alcohol will help your headache.”

“Oh.” Val sipped at the glass as Notch pulled a kettle from over the fire, pouring some of the boiling water into a cup to steep the tea leaves inside. Notch had found the boy about ten minutes prior, stumbling through the mining town and trying to get back to work before dawn. He was clearly very hungover, and had yet to offer any explanation or excuse. He had doubtless taken his pay straight to the tavern.

“I thought I told you not to spend it all in one place.” Notch let a bit of his disappointment show.

“I didn’t. I only bought one drink.” Valor protested, pushing away the rest of the glass. “The uh…” He trailed off, as if searching for words. “Men… the miners bought me drinks. Heard I killed a creeper.”

“And you drank all of them?”

“Yes.” Val lifted his chin, gaze a bit bewildered as he met Notch’s own. “I didn’t want to offend.” The foreman exhaled harshly.

“You’re lucky you weren’t robbed or hurt, boy.” He set the tea in front of him. “Drink.”

“Mm.” Valor tipped back the cup without a second thought, and Notch was forced to give pause. That tea was steaming hot, and he hadn’t even flinched! “It won’t happen again, sir.”

“It had better not.” Notch gave him a harsh look before turning away again. “I’ll expect you at breakfast.”

“Yes sir.” The foreman left him be, exiting his chambers and stepping out into the main hall to check on the progress of the morning meal.

As he walked through the cavernous room, he mused over his latest apprentice. It wasn’t often that a worker caught his attention like this. He wasn’t the youngest Notch had ever met- he had men as young as sixteen under his command. However, Valor was very well trained in combat, something most young miners had little to no experience in. And his eyes… told a story that the rest of his demeanor didn’t. Valor was more than simply a clever boy.

Perhaps he would make a valuable asset as well.

Valor collapsed into his bunk, eyes closing immediately, and he had to force them open again to avoid falling asleep within moments. Nether, what an exhausting day. 

Notch had left shortly after breakfast to run an errand, so Val was placed with a team of other miners. His task for the day had been to help them dig an alternate tunnel from a main passage, so that those inside would be able to escape if the regular access was blocked. Not only was he forced to work faster to keep up with them, but a portion of his energy had to go towards keeping up small talk with them as they worked. He was thoroughly exhausted.

And now he had to go check out the smeltery.

Valor felt his eyelids droop again, and he let out a whispered sigh. His bunkmates seemed to be already asleep, and it had been dark for more than an hour now, but he wanted to let the activity in the community drop as low as possible before trying to slip out. He didn’t need Notch growing suspicious of him. On the other hand, if he waited much longer, he was going to fall asleep.

After a moment of internal debate, Valor dragged himself up and quietly left the room. He could sit in the dining hall until it grew quiet enough. Hopefully that would keep him from passing out. 

Valor amused himself as he sat at one of the long, banquet-hall-style tables by tracing the patterns in the wood with his fingernail. From what he could tell so far, this was a perfectly reputable mining establishment. At least, on the mining side of things. The men he worked with seemed well trained and competent, he had no reason to suspect any of them to be the mastermind in this scheme. Then again, a lowest-level worker likely would not be. Also, the barrel with the mark would have come from the smeltery. If it was a grunt worker, it would likely be one in there. 

When Valor first arrived in the hall, there were a few stragglers left. Over the hour he sat, however, they slowly trickled out, finally leaving him alone. It was then that he decided to make his move.

Valor quietly exited the building, ducked into an alleyway, and switched his eyes to white. Better to be caught as Herobrine than as himself. He then promptly made his way towards the forge.

The streets were nigh abandoned, with only the occasional guard posted on a street corner. Fortunately, Valor didn’t need to go far - the smeltery was within view of the mining building. He circled the building first, listening for any signs of life inside, before peaking through the window. The soft glow of the forge was the only light, illuminating an array of tools along the walls, and a few crates and barrels. Deciding that it was safe, Valor teleported inside. 

As no one immediately sounded an alarm, Valor crept into the light, quietly taking stock of the building’s contents. The main room was rather haphazardly organized, tools and racks of cooling ingots set wherever there was a place to put them. Two doors lead into other parts of the building, and Valor wondered momentarily if the workers here slept here as well. Either way, he should be quiet.

He made his way over to the barrels and crates. If a mark on a barrel was the reason they had made it this far, perhaps there would be another clue here.

It was difficult to tell in the dark, but Valor eventually found one of the same markings carved into one of the smaller crates. Checking the other sides of the box revealed nothing, but when he lifted it up he found a sealed envelope (with the same insignia, of course) slipped into a loop on the bottom. 

He pulled it off, looking it over and noting the intended recipient - “Captain Theodore” - before going to break the seal. A thought gave him pause, however. Surely they would notice it was missing if he did not put it back. But it was likely important information… was it better to sacrifice his secrecy, or a possibly vital clue?

Luckily it wasn’t a decision he had to make alone. Tucking the envelope away, Valor hurried off to meet Steven.

Steven turned the envelope over in his hands twice before turning to Valor with a grim expression.

“Captain Theodore is th’ captain of the guard in Hadleigh. Anythin’ our villain has t’ say to him can’t be good.”

“It seems likely that y’were right.” Lithian said glumly, poking at the fire with a stick. “About th’ captain bein’ on his side, that is.”

“We won’t know unless we open it.” Valor paced around the fire, hands fidgeting before him. “But that will give us away.”

“Well…” Steven produced a small dagger, pressing the point to the bottom of the envelope and slitting it soundlessly. “If th’ seal is brok’n, sure. Doubtful they’d check th’ seam, though.”

“Surely they’ll notice if it’s open?” Valor asked in bewilderment, watching as Steven slid the message out.

“Aye, I’ll attach it again. T’won’t be perfect, but ye won’t know if y’not lookin’ for it.” Steven unfolded the message, reading it silently. As he did so, his face morphed into a frown.

“No good news, then?” Lithian asked. Steven shook his head.

"'Captain ,’” he read aloud. “‘ I have heard reports that a cert’n someone is poking around in your business. Meet me under the mines in the fifth corridor at midnight in five days. Your next paym’nt will be d’livered at that time, and we will speak on how t’ best solve your problem. NX’ ” Valor frowned.

“They’re meeting here.”

“Yes, to speak’ve-“ Steven stumbled over his words. “Undoubtedly t’ speak of Herobrine, who robbed th’ mayor’s mansion. They must think he’s on’ta them.”

“Why d’they care?” Lithian muttered.

“Because Herobrine c’n be their worst enemy right now.” Steven replied without missing a beat. “This’s how he operates - selecting a target, findin’ them vulnerable, ‘n takin’ them out. Our NX, ‘oever he is, is prob’ly afraid of ‘im. Thinks Herobrine broke in’ta th’ mayor’s mansion and stole those letters ta’ track him down. That may’re may not be th’ case.”

“If that’s th’ case, why doesn’ he hunt any poor sap? For that matter, how d’we know he’s not behind th’ killings in tha first place??”

“Lithian, how much do you know about Herobrine?” Valor cut in, unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Lithian shot him a look.

“Clearly not as much’s either o’ you.” He muttered.

“We know that NX’s behind th’ killings,” Steven continued, “Because’ve the letter we found. We know Herobrine isn’ affiliated with ‘im cause’ve this letter. ‘N for that matter, if Herobrine was with him, why’d he steal th’ letters in the first place? And we know Herobrine isn’t NX ‘cause’ve his track record.”

“And what is this ‘track rec’rd’?” Lithian countered. “Other’n slaughtering lords ‘n their escorts?”

“Herobrine killed people who deserved it.” Valor snapped, fixing Lithian with a bitter glare. “People who hurt others. Isn’t NX the perfect candidate for that?”

“He ‘ttacked me, Val.” Lithian shot back. “‘Ow would you ev’n know??” He paused. “And what do you mean killed? ”

“Kills.” Valor corrected himself quickly. “And he wasn’t there for you, was he??”

“He went after m’ charge! I had no choice but ta defend myself! And my lord did nothin’ wrong, he came ta do th’ same thing we’re doin’ now!!”

“And how sure are you of that?”

“How’d you even know?? I don’ remember you bein’ there!!”

“ Valor! ” Steven snapped. “That’s enough.” Valor shut his mouth, but didn’t let up on his burning glare. 

“You’re dead on your feet lad, bein’ unreasonable.” Steven muttered. “Best get this back to its’ place soon.” Pulling a tiny tube from his satchel, the man slid the letter back into place before squeezing a small amount of thick liquid along the broken seam. He pressed it together, then handed the envelope back to Valor.

“Bloody unreasonable ‘s right.” Lithian muttered darkly as Val took it back without a word. “Right sycophant. There any reason ye’r obsessed with the man?”

“Herobrine saved ‘is life.” Steven responded before Valor had a chance to. “We both owe ‘im a great debt.”

“Oh.” The hostility in Lithian’s tone softened considerably. “May I ask how?”

“He pulled me out of a river.” Valor cut in, recalling an experience from his childhood. “I wasn't quite an adept swimmer yet, and I found myself in the rapids. My- my uncle couldn’t get to me before I was swept away. Herobrine was nearby and pulled me out.” It was mostly true, only Steven hadn’t been present. The man in question nodded along.

“I’ve met ‘im a few other times… he nev’r sought me any harm. Val only remembers ‘im as a hero who saved ‘is life.”

“That…” Lithian huffed a sigh, rubbing at his hair. “…’s fair enough, I suppose. But my lord did nothing wrong.”

“Pr’haps he made a mistake.” Steven suggested quietly. Valor didn’t respond.

“I should be going.” The boy spoke up.

“Perhaps ye should sit’n rest for a minute.” Lithian offered. “Yer uncle’s right, ya look dead tired.”

“If I sit, I’ll fall asleep.” Valor turned away, steeling himself for the walk back to the town. “I’ll… try and see if I can attend that meeting.”

“Is ‘at wise?” Steven cut in. “They’ll be on th’ lookout f’r- for Herobrine, they won’t be careless.”

“Neither will I.” Valor lifted his hand in a small wave, not turning around. “Goodnight.”

“‘Night.” Lithian murmured in return. Letter in hand, Valor set his legs into motion, making his way back to the mining settlement.

Chapter Text

Valor could feel Notch’s gaze on him as they made their way down the secondary tunnel, scrutinizing his appearance.

“How much sleep did you get last night?” The foreman broke the silence at last.

“Uh…” Valor thought back, trying to remember how late it had been when he finally made it back to the bunkhouse. “…enough.”

“Somehow that doesn’t seem to be the case.” Notch muttered. “What kept you up?”

“I don’t know.” Valor rubbed at his eyes, wishing he had enough water spare to splash some onto his face. “I was exhausted, but I just couldn’t sleep. I suppose I had a lot on my mind.”

“Such as?” Notch prodded. Valor struggled for a moment to think of something other than an evil plot being organized beneath your nose.  

“…work.”

“I hope the incident in the cave hasn’t bothered you too much.” Notch’s voice was concerned, and Valor hastened to assure him. 

“Oh, no, it’s just…. I’ve never worked with so many people before.”

“Ah.” Notch seemed to relax somewhat. “You haven’t even worked a week yet. You’ll become used to it in time.”

“Mm.” Valor nodded, silently relying on his food to keep him from passing out. “Am I allowed to take a day…?”

“Yes, as long as you inform me beforehand. I can’t spare you tomorrow, but you may take off the day after if you’d like.”

“Please.”

“Very well. Remember-“ Notch jabbed a finger in his direction. “Not a drop of ale.”

“I’ve learned my lesson.” Valor assured him. “Never again.” Notch smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

Valor’s thoughts soon drifted back to the note. He had replaced it exactly as it was, and he had caught a glimpse of the filled crates and barrels being loaded onto a wagon before he headed into the mines. It was on its way. The fifth tunnel mentioned, he was familiar with it. Each of the major mineshafts was numbered in order to avoid confusion and streamline the work.

Would it be wise to tell Notch of this? He had been nothing but kind, Valor couldn’t imagine him being behind all this. Still, his enemy had been cunning enough to avoid him so far. Val decided to wait a little longer. 

As they walked, Valor could see his companion eying the supports the tunnel contained. At this point, he stopped.

“Why is there no support here?” Notch gestured to the curved stretch of the tunnel ahead of them. Valor frowned, then stepped forwards, crossing through the unsupported area.

“I suppose,” He reported, scanning the tunnel. “The curvature of the tunnel threw us off. Is it a problem?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Notch followed him over. “Curved portions tend to be more unstable. We need more supports here, not fewer. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to prop them into place. I could do it on my own, we shouldn’t have any trouble working together.”

“Good. There are some beams at the bottom of the tunnel, I think.” Valor gestured downwards, and Notch followed him down to the main tunnel.

The pair dragged a few beams up to the bend in the tunnel, and Notch showed him how to prop them up between the floor and the low ceiling. Valor hadn’t been a part of putting up the supports in the initial job, so he appreciated the lesson.

As they were putting in the second support, however, Notch stopped short.

“Hold, Val. Did you hear that?” Valor hesitated, listening.

“No… hear wh-“

“Quiet.” Valor released the rest of his breath in a whisper, and the two of them stood in tense silence for a few moments. 

A slow, ominous creak echoed through the tunnel. 

“We leave.” Notch spoke immediately. “This tunnel is unsafe, it isn’t worth-” Cutting off his words was a loud crack! as one of the beams snapped in half, the roof it had been supporting immediately caving in around them. With his reaction time slowed by his exhaustion, Valor couldn’t duck out of the way in time.

He teleported. 

Immediately, something heavy crashed down onto his leg, tearing a shout from his throat as he went down. He immediately berated himself - he’d practically given himself away, and for what?! His leg could be mangled!! Val gritted his teeth, peeling his eyes open to find the dust from the collapse settling, with Notch clambering over the rocks towards him.

“I’ve never seen anyone move that fast.” He gasped as he landed beside him. “Those reflexes of yours saved you. You’d be a bloody pulp by now if not for them.” Valor blinked at him. So he hadn’t seen? Val’s gaze lowered to his leg, ankle pinned underneath several large rocks, and he grimaced.

“Y-yeah.” He managed to grit out. He could still feel his foot. That was a good sign, right?

“You in much pain?” Notch slipped a hand underneath one of the rocks, testing its weight.

“Not as much as I thought I might.” His ankle burned, but it felt more like a cut than having been crushed. Bracing himself, Valor tested his range of motion, and found to his great surprise that he could wiggle his toes without issue. “I can move it.”

“Good. Don’t. We don’t need these rocks toppling onto you.” Notch’s fingers found his trapped ankle. “You have a lot of room… you’re quite lucky. We just need to get you out of there without this precarious balance being disturbed.”  Another beam creaked loudly. “…before the rest of the tunnel goes with you.” Valor’s jaw tightened. He could likely teleport out… but not with Notch here.

“Why don’t you go get help??” He suggested quickly. “We may not be fast enough.” Notch shook his head firmly.

“By then it could be too late.”

“The third tunnel is just down there, it-”

“ Val. ” Notch cut him off. “I’m not leaving.” Valor bit down on his lip to stifle a groan. Curse his selflessness.

“Alright… well, what now?” Notch’s finger prodded at his ankle, and he swallowed a yelp. 

“Your foot appears to be trapped by this boulder.” Notch pulled his hand out again, and Valor grimaced at the sight of his blood coating it. “If I can lift it, will you be able to pull your foot out?”

“I think so.” Valor took a breath. “Let me know when.”

“Very well…” Notch braced his hands on the boulder, prepared to lift it. “Ready?” Valor nodded, and the pressure on his foot decreased. “Now.” Val scrambled back, pulling his leg free, and the foreman released the boulder to slam into the ground again.

“Up, we’re leaving now.” Notch practically lifted him upright, wrapping an arm around his back and half-dragging him down the tunnel as Valor struggled to be of any help. At least he was more awake now. 

It wasn’t until they had reached the brightly-lit third tunnel that Notch lowered him, setting him down and kneeling to assess the damage to his ankle.

“It doesn’t look bad.” He reported. Valor only looked away, focusing on a lantern on the other side of the corridor. He had always been a bit squeamish at the sight of his own blood. 

His boot was tugged off, and he chanced a look back to see Notch wiping away some of the blood to get a better look at his injury. It wasn’t deep, but there was a large gash just above his ankle, and his foot and ankle were bruised. Not too bad for having a tunnel collapse on him.

“You said you could move it?” Val nodded. “Alright.” Notch whipped a handkerchief from his shirt pocket and wound it around the gash. “Let’s get you to the surface. The physician will be able to treat you much better than I can."

“Alright.” Val let himself be tugged upright again, feeling his fatigue set back in as the adrenaline ebbed away. “Thank you…”

“That tunnel will need to be dug out again.” Notch was murmuring, appearing to be otherwise occupied. “Perhaps the majority can be salvaged, but that area is unsafe…” Valor tuned him out, letting him muse.

Soon enough, he was stumbling out of the mines, Notch bringing him to the chambers of the resident healer. The healer treated his leg quickly and efficiently, then sentenced him to five days of rest. Notch made some quip about him getting the next day off after all, but Valor was preoccupied marveling at how blond the healer’s hair was.

The next thing he knew, he was put to bed and left there. The bunkhouse was empty, of course, as it was the middle of the day. Ordinarily Valor would’ve been affronted at the suggestion that he sleep off an injury, but he was so exhausted that he couldn’t bring himself to mind.

As he lay and began to fall asleep, however, Val couldn’t help but wonder how he was supposed to eavesdrop on that meeting with Notch fussing over him like this. At least he would probably be asleep at midnight… he needed to get a message to Steven and Lithian, however, tell them what happened. They would be concerned if he vanished for long. It really wasn’t that bad, the gash was the worst of it, he was sure he would be healed in plenty of time…

Chapter Text

Apparently Notch had a different idea of what “rest” entailed from his own.

The foreman had let Valor sleep until the next day, but the following morning he put him to work helping the blacksmith in the smeltery. Notch commanded him to stay off his injured ankle as much as possible, so he spent the majority of the day sitting next to the forge, pumping the bellows to keep the fire hot. It was genuinely miserable work, sweaty and hot with the smoke constantly choking him, and he gained a great admiration for the blacksmiths who worked in this building for hours upon hours every day.

The next day was much of the same, and the next. The date on the note was fast approaching, and his ankle was still tender, but Valor was reasonably confident in his ability to use it in a bad situation. Or he could teleport, whichever was more accessible.

The day of the meeting, the physician checked him over again at Notch’s request. His ankle was healing quite nicely, but was still fragile enough that he wasn’t to work on it yet. One grueling day of heat and smoke inhalation later, Valor wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed and take advantage of uncompromised air, but he had a job to do. So, as soon as his bunkmates were asleep, he slipped out of the building and headed out into town.

He wasn’t sure how much cover he would have in the tunnels, so he wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. For that reason, he slipped into the small general store in the center of town, taking a long, dark cloak and leaving the cost behind in its place. Sweeping the garment around his shoulders, Valor switched his eyes to white, slipping out into the town again.

Favoring his injured ankle, Valor tipped his head back to look up at the stars. This town always felt like a ghost town to some degree, since all the men were constantly at work in the mines, but at night it felt even more eerie. Odd now that was… comforting to him now, somehow.

Valor slowly made his way through the village, testing his ankle with each step. It twinged when he stepped on it wrong, but otherwise didn’t bother him. Still, a regrettable handicap.

“ Val! ” The sound of his name had him whirling around, and he stopped short at the sight of Lithian standing about ten feet behind him. The man in question’s smile dropped instantly, face going pale, and Valor’s hand shot up to his face. His eyes , Nether he’d really screwed himself over now. “He- you’re-” Lithian stammered, and Valor teleported towards him, slamming a hand over his mouth and teleporting with him behind a building.

Lithian struggled madly, managing to wrench himself free. “You’re Herobrine! I bloody knew it , I was right from th’ sta- ”

“ Shut up!! ” Valor hissed, trying to keep him quiet. “ Shut up, if the guard hears you we’re both done for!! ”

“What?! Why me?!”

“Because I’ll kill you myself!! Quiet!!” Valor looked around anxiously, keeping a vice-like grip on Lithian’s arm as he tried to jerk away. Across the town, he could hear raised voices, and he spun to face Lithian again. The moment he did, the man punched him in the face, turning tail and fleeing as Valor recoiled from the assault. Clutching at his face, Valor gave chase, teleporting in front of him and grabbing him again before teleporting outside the walls.

“Listen to me for one second!! ” Valor snapped, forcing him to face him. “I’m not Herobrine. What were you even doing in there?!”

“Oh a’course, you’re the only other blummin’ fellow around here with glowin’ white eyes!!” Lithian’s panicked movements were at least starting to calm. “I knew it, I knew I recognized you!!”

“Answer my question!!”

“I was lookin’ for you!! Neither me nor yer uncle has seen you in nearly a week!! If he even is your uncle!!”

“Okay, let’s ask him! He knows about me! He can explain!” Valor held onto his wrists until Lithian quit trying to jerk away, huffing for breath, eyes narrowed into slits.

“ Fine , we’ll go talk to him. Now let go .”

“Are you going to bolt??”

“Nether, no!! Now let go!” Valor let go. Lithian took a couple steps back, glowering and rubbing at his wrists. “Where’ve you been??”

“I was injured in the mines.” Valor muttered, stepping past him towards where Steven camped. “Notch wouldn’t let me leave.”

“Th’ foreman? Then what were you doin’ out and about?” Lithian pressed as he followed

“Going to try to listen in on that meeting we found out about, but now that you’ve alerted the guards I don’t think that’ll be possible.”

“I’m sorry ‘fer reactin’ poorly to being assaulted by Herobrine!! ”

“I’m not Herobrine!” Valor snapped. “I’m his son, alright?!” That stopped Lithian in his tracks, and Valor halted as well, prepared to go after him again if he tried to run. Instead, the blond merely gazed at him for a few moments before shaking his head.

“Truthf’ly, that explains a lot.”

“Just walk.”

The pair made the fifteen-minute walk back to Steven’s camp in silence, Valor keeping a close eye on his hostage as they did so. His ankle hurt with every step now, having evidently reinjured it in his mad dash to keep Lithian from blowing his cover. Lithian showed no signs of remorse, rubbing his wrists and offering him a glare every now and then. Eventually, Steven’s campfire came into view, the man in question leaning over it, and he sat up straight at the sight of the two approaching him. He said nothing as Valor came close, having undoubtedly seen his eyes first, waiting for an explanation.

“So.” Lithian spoke up conversationally. “Ye both lied to me, huh?”

“I wouldn’ say that.” Steven rumbled. “Omitted the truth, for certain, but didn’ lie.”

“He was th’ one who attacked me in Hadleigh,” Lithian’s hand traced down the scars on his face, fixing Valor with a harsh look. “Isn’t he?”

“I was.” Valor admitted. “I’m sorry.”

“ Sorry?! You meant to kill me!!”

“Well I didn’t, did I?! I was never there for you. I wouldn’t have harmed you if you hadn’t attacked me first.”

“What else was I meant t’ do when m’ master was attacked??” Lithian threw his hands up in the air. “Why’re you goin’ around impers’nating yer daddy, anyway??” Steven shot Valor a questioning look, which was ignored.

“He’s dead.” Valor forced additional coldness into his voice to keep it from breaking. “I’m c- I’m trying to continue his work. Steven found me after I killed that lord, and he’s keeping me from… messing up again.” Lithian looked to Steven, who nodded, and the soldier sank down to the ground with a heavy sigh.

“Th’ other night, when I last saw ye.” He gestured aimlessly. “How much’o that was true?”

“Bits and pieces.” Steven rumbled.

“He did save my life, pulled me out of a raging river.” Valor agreed. “Steven wasn’t there. He was- he was an old friend of my father’s, but their friendship ended when I was too young to remember him.” Steven grunted. “That’s how we know he isn’t involved in this mess, he isn’t even alive to be involved.”

“Valor, sit .” Steven cut in, and Val slumped down beside the campfire. “Where’ve you been?”

“Mineshaft collapsed while I was inside.” Valor muttered. “Leg was caught. Minor injury, but I have barely been allowed to leave the bunkhouse since.”

“Ah.” Steven glanced down, quickly spying the bandages on his ankle. “Learned anythin’ new?”

“I intended to listen in on that meeting tonight.” Valor shot Lithian a glare. “But he made such a ruckus that I don’t dare try to sneak into the mines now. Besides, I used up nearly all of my teleportation trying to keep him from running to the guards.”

“ You try stayin’ calm when a legendary killer is on yer heels!!”

“Both of you be quiet.” Steven rebuked them.

“Yer not even his uncle, are you??” Lithian turned his ire towards the elder.

“Friend’ve his father’s, close enough.”

“Oh, very well.” Lithian crossed his arms. “S’ppose that explains well enough why th’ both of you are such bloody ‘pologists.”

“My father did nothing wrong.” Valor responded icily.

“You’re blinded by idol’zation, y’can’t seriously believe that. Ask anyone, ye’ll hear about how their  aunt or uncle ‘r cousin-twice-removed was murdered by th’ villainous Herobrine.”

“He spread those rumors himself.” Valor snapped. “Let them believe he was a senseless killer. It kept them away from him, made it harder for them to track him. It kept us safe.”

“Not so safe, eh?”Valor’s jaw tightened at the jab, and he shot Steven an imploring look.

“That’s enough.” Steven pointed at Lithian. “You’ve had quite th’ fright, but you’ll gain nothin’ from riling ‘im up. If you think I can stop Val when he really wants to hurt someone, you’re wrong.” Lithian’s mouth snapped shut. “Val, you need t’ get back to town before morning.”

“They’re on the alert now.” Valor protested.

“Then wait ‘n hour or two. They’ll calm soon enough, but they’ll grow suspicious if they find ye gone after a commotion in town.”

“I suppose.” Valor lowered himself down on his back, reaching down to feel at his throbbing ankle.

“Lithian, th’ goal has not changed.” Steven spoke lowly. “Yer master was killed because Val thought he was th’ man we’re hunting now. He was wrong, which is why we’re takin’ steps to find th’ real culprit before goin’ after anyone else.” Lithian muttered something under his breath.

“And when were ye plannin’ ta tell me all this?”

“We weren’t.” Steven responded bluntly. “You’re th’ one who invited yerself with us.” Lithian scowled, but didn’t comment.

“What now?” Valor whispered. Steven’s gaze found him again.

“Keep at work… keep ‘n eye out. Anythin’ out of the ordinary, any more secret meetin’s. It’s a setback, nothin’ more.” Valor nodded, disappointed, but shut his eyes.

“Wake me in an hour…?”

“Alright.”

Chapter Text

The next day, news of Herobrine’s appearance was all over the settlement.

Evidently the guards (as well as a few others) had heard Lithian screaming bloody murder and run to investigate, but there was no one to be found. Since no one had come forward laying claim to having seen him, the general speculation was that Herobrine had killed whoever spotted him. Valor tried to appear disinterested, but not disinterested enough that it would become suspicious.

Lithian was calm enough when he woke up that morning, apparently having come to terms with his situation. Nevertheless, Steven had forbidden him from approaching the settlement, for fear of him blowing Val’s cover. He was noticeably more wary around Valor again, for which the youth couldn’t fault him. He had given him some very clear, very impressive scars. Valor was just annoyed that he had missed the meeting.

Notch, fortunately, never noticed him missing. He put him back to work in the smithy, which Val was almost thankful for given that his ankle hurt again. During his daily routine of suffocating until nightfall, Valor spotted an unfamiliar man carefully attaching an envelope to the bottom of a barrel. He would have to return that night to check it out.

That night, he brought the envelope to Steven for him to extract the message inside. It was another letter to the captain of the guard, scheduling their next meeting in a week. With Lithian given stern orders not to interrupt him this time, Valor returned the message to its’ place and settled back into his daily routine.

The days came and went. After another two, the physician deemed him able to walk consistently again, and he went back to working in the mines. Valor grew more and more apprehensive as the date of the meeting approached - he dearly hoped that nothing would go wrong again. At least this time he didn’t have to make a detour into town for a cloak.

The day of the meeting arrived. As he worked, Valor noticed that the third mineshaft was blocked off for ‘routine care’, which it likely had been for the previous meeting, too. He worked as lightly as he could without arousing suspicion, hoping to save his energy for a hypothetical escape, but was worn out just the same come the end of the day. He just needed to find a good hiding spot, then wait for the meeting to occur.

He waited until long after nightfall, until all the miners had retired to bed and the guards had thinned in their ranks. Only then did Valor don his cloak and eyes and slip out of the bunkhouse, heading for the mines. He was forced to teleport past a pair of guards that stood between him and the tunnels, but had no other obstacles.

The air felt cold, much colder than it felt during the day, but Valor chalked that up to, at least in part, his nervousness. His footsteps were nearly silent as he descended the primary tunnel, right hand clutching at the grip of a borrowed pickaxe. He longed for his father’s weapon, but he couldn’t think of any way to hide it on his person without being incredibly obvious, negating the advantage the cloak brought. So, an iron one it was. Even though it was quite blunt, it would still make for a decent weapon for clubbing someone over the head. He could almost certainly take on two opponents with it, if the need arose.

The third mineshaft came into view, blocked off with a small, wooden fence, and Valor climbed over it to enter. The main tunnel of the mineshaft was wide and empty, with a dozen smaller tunnels branching off from it. Rather than attempt to shelter himself in one of those, Valor climbed a wooden support to a small pocket halfway up the wall, tucking himself inside and wrapping his cloak around him. He dimmed his eyes, set the iron pickaxe beside him, and waited.

Nearly an hour and a half (in which Valor had to fight to stay awake) passed before anything occurred, and the boy perked up suddenly when he heard approaching footsteps. The sharp sounds echoed off of every surface, disorienting him until Valor could see the source- three men, one in military finery, flanked by two in common soldier garb. Valor clenched his jaw. The captain of the guard, and his escorts. Assuming the party he planned to meet with brought no one of his own, this already doubled the number of men he would have to fight if things went bad. He may have to run instead.

The captain, Theodore, looked agitated as he waited, checking a pocket-watch from time to time. Valor tried his best not to shift and move, but his hiding place wasn’t the most comfortable in the world. He relied on his dark cloak to keep him from attracting the man’s gaze. 

“You’re late.” The captain’s voice made him jump, and Val hastily checked to make sure he wasn’t talking to him. On the contrary, the man was focused on something in front of him, and Valor twisted ever so slightly to get a look at who he spoke to. The moment he laid eyes on him, his heart dropped into his stomach.

“It is my mine, I will arrive when I wish.” The speaker’s voice was scratchy and low, matching his appearance - pitch black, white eyes shining from his face. It was very difficult to make out his features and attire, given that they were the same black as the rest of his body, as well as being obscured by a slight cloud of black smoke. The only thing other than his eyes that deviated from the pattern was a gold necklace, a large, red ruby set in the center, which hung around his neck. The man reeked of dark magic, and Valor shuddered harshly. Was he why it felt so cold? He said his mine- this was the man he worked for??

“Fine, very well.” The captain tucked away his watch. “I have nothing to report. Herobrine, as far as I can tell, has not returned to Hadleigh.” Valor’s blood ran cold. They were tracking him??

“Very good. I had feared he had retreated after being chased away the night of our last meeting.” The sorcerer examined his nails, as if bored. “Keep an eye out.”

“Yes, my lord. And if he does not appear?”

“That will be for the better, as it means he is most likely here.”

“What if he disappears altogether? This ruse has gone on far too long for my comfort.”

“He will not. The old fool could never let something like this continue.”

“Null, I don’t think-”

“Hold your tongue, I will do the thinking here.” Valor’s heart pounded as he processed this. Had… had it been about him all along?? Not him, of course, they had clearly targeted his father, but now that he was dead…

The captain huffed. “Have preparations been made?”

“Of course they have.” The ruby on “Null”’s necklace pulsed with light, and the sorcerer raised his hands. A soft, red glow appeared around them, and Valor shrank back into his hiding place a bit further. The glow was maintained for only a few moments before fading away, and Null gave the captain a silent nod.

“Good evening, captain.” Without another word, both parties turned and headed back towards their respective exits. Valor nearly held his breath as the footsteps faded away, before finally letting it out in a small huff. That had been… too close for comfort.

He stayed for a few minutes longer to be safe, mulling over the information. The brief conversation had implied that Null and the captain were scheming to capture or kill his father, not knowing that he was already dead. Quite possibly, the entire reason Hadleigh was being oppressed by these figures was because of him - ‘he could never let something like this continue’, the sorcerer had said. 

But why?? Why go to such lengths?? Herobrine had never left those he targeted alive, who would have this much reason to hate him? Perhaps a living relative of one of those he had killed, seeking vengeance for a loved one? They could not be connected to the brigands that had attacked them… if that were the case, they would know that Herobrine was already dead.

Valor had gained more questions than answers from this excursion, but at least one mystery had been solved - that of NX’s identity. Quietly, Valor slipped out of his hiding place, dropping to the ground with the intent of heading up to the surface and going back to bed.

He had barely taken two steps towards the exit when a bolt flew past his head.

Valor whipped around to see a group of men with crossbows emerging from one of the side tunnels, one reloading his weapons. He broke into a run for the exit, only to to spy a group of spearmen closing in on him from that direction. Instead, he teleported into the mouth of an offshoot, taking off down the passage. Many of these were interconnected, he should be able to escape this way. What was going on, how did they know he was here?!

He can hear shouts from the men behind him, splitting up and trying to cut him off. This gave him hope that they didn’t already have someone on the other side, and, when the tunnel he was in met with another, he turned off into it. He had to lose them. If he had to, he could likely teleport past them and get up to the surface, he just needed to be careful with his teleportation. 

Valor slowed as he made his way through the dark passage, lit only by the glow of his eyes. It was a maze down here, and these men weren’t miners, they wouldn’t know their way. He took a moment to rest, slowing his breathing. Unfortunately, this would confirm to Null that he was indeed still here. How had they known he was there…?

He heard the step an instant before an arm wrapped around his neck.

Valor teleported in a panic, only a couple feet away, whirling around and catching the barest glimpse of a huge figure behind him before breaking into a run again. How had he found him?! And why hadn’t he heard him coming?? Was that the captain??

He broke out of a tunnel into the second mineshaft, dashing for the ascending tunnel, and was cut off by the group of crossbow-men. He dredged up his last reserves of energy to teleport past them, stumbling a bit as he landed and sprinting up the tunnel. He dearly hoped there was no one remaining, else he would be forced to fight them.

A cold feeling hit him, and the strength left his body in an instant. Valor gasped, staggering to the ground as his weapon slipped from his hands. What in-?!

The next moment, hands were on him, and two of the guards dragged him up, half-carrying him back towards the mineshaft. Valor struggled with all his waning might, but it did nothing against two men who were presumably at full strength. Oh Nether he was in trouble.

He was dragged before Null, who was standing expectantly in the center of the passage, and dropped to the ground. Val barely had the strength to catch himself, and slumped to the ground, willing his strength to return. He jumped as though shocked when a cold hand touched him, and his hood was flicked off, revealing the sorcerer kneeling before him. The man’s white eyes narrowed, and he grasped Valor’s chin, tilting his face up.

“You’re not Herobrine.” Valor’s mouth opened, then shut. Another man from his father’s past? How many people knew his face??

“I’m not.” He managed. Little point in lying if the man already knew.

“Who are you, then? What are you doing here in his stead?” Null released his chin, and Valor slumped again.

“What did you do to me??”

“Answer the question, boy, I have no patience for your insolence.” Null snapped. “Who. Are. You?”

“His name is Valor.” A familiar voice had him pushing himself up again, hope, then horror flashing over his face as Notch came into view. The foreman was carrying his pickaxe, and his face was cold as steel. “He has been in my employ for a few weeks now. I confess, with this development, I should have seen this coming.” He lifts the pickaxe. “Herobrine’s combat skill with a pickaxe is legendary.”

“But he is not Herobrine.” The man said impatiently.

“No, but he’s undoubtedly related somehow. The eyes, his behavior, it all makes sense.” Valor’s heart sank slowly into his stomach again. Notch… was under the sorcerer’s employ. Of course he was.

“Well?” Null nudged him with his boot. “What is your connection to Herobrine?”

“He’s my father.” Valor gritted out.

“Is that so?” Null took a step back, pressing one black hand to his chin. “How… fascinating. Where is he?”

“As if I would tell you.” Val snarled. It may not be prudent to reveal his death just yet.

“Speak now, boy, you will not like my methods of getting it out of you.”

“If I may,” Notch cut in. “Valor told me that his father taught him how to fight with a pickaxe, and that his father was dead.” Valor clenched his jaw.

“Well it’s clear now that I lied to you, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps.”

“It would be a shame… if he was dead.” Null mused. “Truly… my only course of revenge would be to inflict it upon his heir.” The sorcerer side-eyed him. “Do you know who I am?” Valor said nothing, glaring at the man’s boots.

“I still want to know what you did to me.”

“Lock him up.” Null gestured to the guards, and Val was hauled upright again. “Don’t bother being gentle. If his father still lives, surely he will hunt down his beloved son.” Valor grimaced as the guards turned, dragging him towards the surface. 

Quite the mess he had gotten himself into… If he could only regain his strength, he could teleport out of any bonds and make his escape. Whatever that man had done to him, though, could prove an effective counter to that… he could only hope and pray that it wore off soon.

His thoughts wandered to Steven and Lithian, waiting for news. If they came into the settlement… Notch had seen Lithian, had been introduced to him, and his appearance was striking even without the scars. If he entered the town again, he was sure to be arrested with him. Steven would need to keep him away…

Before they reached the surface, the guards took him down a side passage to where the town’s jail must be located, a dark, dingy passage lined with tiny cells. Into one of this is where Val is placed, wrists manhandled into shackles attached to the wall. Once he’s situated, the door is shut and locked before him, and the guards leave. Valor breathes in, then out, wrinkling up his nose at the rancid smell of the dungeon.

His father would have never had made this mistake.

Chapter Text

Steve chewed on the end of a blade of grass, staring grimly at the city that lay over the hill. It had been over a week, now, since he had last seen Valor. 

A sinking feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach the night that the meeting was supposed to take place, but he had done his best to attribute it to nerves. Now, two days later, he was starting to believe that wasn’t the case. Even his old friend’s pickaxe seemed off, the soft glow of the enchanted blade dwindling to almost nothing.

He turned to look over his shoulder, gaze skimming over a rumpled bedroll. And now Lithian was gone, too, slipped away while he’d slept. He could only hope the man had chosen to return to Hadleigh, rather than going to expose Valor. If he had not been exposed already…

Steve turned back to the mining town, busy in the midmorning light. Would it be wise for him to go and investigate? Lithian had voiced concerns that he might be recognized, but it seemed too late for that. Even if he was, wouldn’t that make them less suspicious of him, rather than more? A familiar face from a nearby town?

Slowly, the man made his way upright, taking a cloth and wrapping the blade of Herobrine’s pickaxe to hide the unearthly glow. He had trusted Valor thus far, but it was time to take matters into his own hands.

The slam of his cell door had Valor startling awake.

His wrists were unbound as he blinked in the dim light, disoriented, then he was hauled upright, hands tied again behind his back, Two men, on either side of him, dragged him out of the cell, and he reached instinctively for the ability to teleport. Nothing. His limbs still felt like lead, was the sorcerer’s spell still active? That’s what it had been, right?

Valor was dragged down the hallway, trying his best to walk rather than dragging his feet, until they reached a larger room. The sorcerer, Null, was waiting there, arms met behind his back as he watched him. The guards tossed him to the ground, none too gently, and Valor barely avoided cracking his chin against the stone floor. He rolled onto his side, fixing the sorcerer with a glare.

“What.”

“Clearly your father never taught you to respect your betters.” Null scoffed.

“Of course he didn’t. Did you want something, or did you just wish to disturb my sleep?”

“Information.” Null came closer, slowly circling his prone form. Valor took the opportunity to look around the room, and spied Notch in the far corner. The door was guarded by two men - not the men who took him here. Surely they were nearby. It meant little when he couldn’t teleport and could barely stand, but it made him feel a bit better to know his environment.

“Valor was your name, wasn’t it?” Null was speaking. “I’m surprised you infiltrated my mines with your real name.”

“It mattered little, no one knew of my existence.”

“Is that so?”

“You didn’t know Herobrine had a son, did you?”

“I did not. Then again, Herobrine and I have not been on speaking terms.” Val raised a brow.

“…were you ever on speaking terms?”

“No.” Null stopped behind him, out of view, and Valor shifted a bit to keep him in his peripheral. “You truly do not know who I am.”

“Are you important somehow?”

“Given I hold your life in my hands, yes, I would say I am important.” Null crossed around in front of him again. “Your beloved father is the one who turned me into this… monster.” He backed up, allowing Valor to see him a bit better. The boy stared at him for a moment.

“Continue?”

“I was a humble magician, and I sought to summon a… familiar for myself. Your father ruined my ritual, and I was turned into this.” He gestured to himself. “He ruined me. I cannot live amongst others of my race any longer. I had no other choice than to seek revenge.” Valor was silent for a few, long moments.

“A familiar?”

“You’re rather stupid, aren’t you? It’s little wonder your father has never sent you out before.”

“What makes you think he hasn’t?” Valor focused on being as misleading as possible.

“It matters not. All I want to know is where your father is.” Null’s fingers inched towards the golden amulet. “And I will get my answers, if I have to tear them out of you piece by piece.”

“Then do so, because I’m not telling you anything.” Across the room, Notch looked up, then swiftly left the room.

“You feel the effects of my sorcery still, do you not?” Null clenched his fist, and Valor felt the weakness in his limbs sink to a new low. “This is only a fraction of my power. Do you truly wish to test me?”

“If it means keeping my father safe, I will.” And if Null realized that Herobrine was dead, Valor would be the full recipient of his burning wrath. He needed to stall until he got the chance to get out.

“Whether or not you tell me where he is, he will surely come for you eventually, and he will fall into my trap as quickly and easily as you did.” The blood-red stone on the necklace began to glow, and Valor felt a tightness grow in his chest. The feeling increased, seeming to crush his lungs, and he found himself struggling to draw breath.

“My lord!” A shout from the doorway, and the pressure ceased, Null looking over in annoyance. As Valor watched, an armored man came through the opening. “Someone was skulking around, we found him heading for the dungeon.” Behind him, Notch appeared in the hallway, dragging a blond-haired, lightning-scarred figure. Valor gritted his teeth. He wasn’t supposed to come back here!

“Val!” Lithian shouted, and Null flicked a wrist at him, causing his mouth to snap shut.

“He was with the boy when he arrived, undoubtedly under Herobrine’s employ.” Notch tightened his grip on Lithian as he made another attempt to struggle away.

“My father works alone.” Valor snapped, trying to redirect him. “I tricked him into working with me, that’s all.”

“Your defense leads me to believe otherwise. Bind him.” Null turned his gaze back to his prisoner as Lithian’s hands were tied behind his back. “He knew we were here. We will have to move elsewhere.”

“I agree.” Notch passed off Lithian to a pair of his men, who took him swiftly away. “To your base of operations, my lord?”

“Indeed. Make ready.” Null waved him away, and Notch bowed before retreating. “You are lucky we were interrupted, boy. Keep this in mind- I do not enjoy being lied to.” Valor said nothing. Now he had to get himself out, and Lithian. What about Steven? Was he coming for him as well? It mattered little, as Null seemed intent on bringing them far from here. 

Unless Steven had already found them, he doubted he ever would.

Chapter Text

Valor stumbled on an uneven part of the trail, and a large hand grasped his shoulder, keeping him upright.

“Careful.” He heard Notch mutter. He offered no response, and they kept going.

Valor was blindfolded, his hands shackled behind his back with a short chain between them. They had been walking for at least an hour already, and had recently exited the mine tunnels, as evidenced by the birdsong he could hear and the cool breeze that wormed its way through the gaps in his shirt. He was just glad it wasn’t any colder.

Lithian was with him, similarly bound - Valor had seen them chain and blindfold him first before they moved on to him. Whatever spell that muted him was apparently still active, since he hadn’t spoken a word since his initial appearance.

The spell that weakened him, on the other hand, had lifted as soon as they had his eyes covered. Clever. Effectively, since he could no longer see where he was trying to teleport to, he could not escape. If he had tried immediately, he may have managed it, but the aftereffects of the weakening spell had proved too strong until long after he had left the area he knew. If he could get even a glance of his current surroundings, maybe… but he couldn’t lift his blindfold with his hands behind his back.

If he could see his guards, maybe he would be able to wait for them to look away, then jump over his bound hands and remove his blindfold in order to teleport. But, if he could see, he wouldn’t need to. Val muffled a sigh.

His foot landed in a hole, and he pitched forwards.

Valor grunted as he hit the ground, head ringing from the impact. A moment later, Notch was pulling him upright again, and Valor shook him off the moment he’d found his footing.

“Don’t touch me.” He muttered.

“I can see why a worm like you would prefer to stay on the ground,” Notch’s tone was icy. “But unfortunately we are on a tight schedule.” Valor barked a laugh, taking a step and nearly buckling as his ankle throbbed with pain. And now he’d reinjured it. 

“You insult me when you serve a thief and a murderer?”

“I have my reasons, boy. Are you not a murderer as well?” Notch gave him a little shove, and Valor continued walking, trying his best to keep off of his injured ankle. 

“I prefer exterminator . I stomp out the rats and leeches upon this world. And when my father comes for me, you will be first.”

“When your father comes, you and he will suffer the same fate.” Valor scowled. So his fate had already been decided, they merely waited on Herobrine. They would not wait forever.

“I can’t believe I looked up to you.” Val muttered under his breath.

“To me?” Notch scoffed. “I suppose we’re even, then. I can’t believe I saw you as an honest, hardworking youth.”

“Then I did my job well, unlike you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! You claim to take care of your properties and employees, and yet bow to the whims of a murderous specter!” Valor snapped. “You appeared to care for me, and yet turned on me so easily. I do not doubt you have done the same to anyone else who has gotten too close to your schemes.”

“I did care for you! And you betrayed my trust!”

“You betrayed mine.”

“You are a lawless vigilante who has wronged my master greatly.” Notch snapped back. “I fail to see how I am at fault.”

“I did nothing to him! All I’ve done was attempt to protect the people he oppressed.” Valor hissed. “I don’t care what my father did to him - I trust his judgement. And the moment Null set his sights on Hadleigh, he became my problem. Do you truly see no issue with a man who takes innocent lives in order to get revenge??”

“I hope you do not refer to yourself, Valor, as innocent, as you are far from that.”

“I mean nothing of the sort. I speak of the murdered townsfolk in Hadleigh - the ones Null killed in order to get my father’s attention.” Notch said nothing, and Val went on. “The raised taxes, the increased surveillance, men being found dead in fields and alleyways. The people lived in fear, so I went to find the culprit on my father’s behalf.”

“My master has his reasons.” Notch’s voice had lost some of its conviction.

“And what about you?”

“Of course I do. Null provides me with finance and materials in order to run my business.”

“So you assist him in the murder of innocents for a bit of coin.” Valor spat. “He is tearing families apart, starving and beating them, all to get his own petty revenge on one man , and you follow him while claiming to have the moral ground. You sicken me.” Notch said nothing.

They spent the rest of the walk in silence.

The door slammed, the ringing sound echoing through the small cell, and Valor winced and tried to cover his ears. It seemed he would have no luck escaping in this place, either.

After another few hours of walking (limping, on his part), they had arrived at their destination. This one was above ground, as they had transitioned directly from walking on a dirt path to hollow-sounding flagstones, but he knew nothing more since his eyes had yet to be uncovered. His wrists were chained to the wall, now, so he would have no luck doing it himself. His ankle throbbed with pain from having been ignored for the long miles they had walked, and he twisted, trying to rub it against the floor to ease the pain.

“Spot of trouble we’re in.” A soft grumble reached his ears, and he coughed to clear his throat before speaking.

“Lithian?”

“Aye.”

“You shouldn’t have come after me.” Valor tilted his head back to press against the wall, trying to assuage his growing headache. “You weren’t supposed to enter the town.”

“That’s it? No ‘thank ye for comin’ after my sorry self, it’s th’ thought that counts’?” Lithian scoffed. “We hadn’t seen you in more’n a week… thought you may be’n danger.” Valor heard the clink of chains. “Guess we were right.”

“What about Steven? Did he come after me?” A knot of worry grew in the pit of his stomach. He hoped not. He would likely be caught already if he had.

“Not’at I know of.” Lithian told him. “I slipped af’r he went t’ bed. Figured he’d stop me.”

“Probably should’ve.” Val grumbled. Surely Null would take him from this prison at one point… and, if he played his cards right, would free his eyes. Then he could make a break for it. But what about Lithian? Maybe he could find Steven and they could come back together? They would have more luck as a duo than alone…

“Hey,” Lithian spoke up again, voice quiet. “I wanted t’ apologize.”

“Hm?”

“Fer blowin’ your cover the other night. Can’t imagine I made your life any easier.”

“Oh.” Valor let a beat pass. “I’m sorry for electrocuting you.”

“Call it even?” Lithian’s voice had a teasing note to it, and Valor managed a little smile.

“Sure.”

The door opened.

Chapter Text

Valor hit the ground for what must’ve been the third time that day.

He held still, jaw tight, as his blindfold was untied and removed. Once it was off, he blinked once, then teleported to the doorway on the other side of the room, reaching for the handle.

“Not so fast, there.” Again, weakness washed over him, and his legs crumpled beneath him as it became impossible to hold his own weight. He slumped against the door, still grasping at the handle, before turning to shoot the sorcerer a weak glare.

“It was worth a try.”

“No one can say you’ve lost your spirit.” Null was standing in the center of the room, not far from where Notch had dropped him. The man in question was standing a few feet away with the blindfold, undoubtedly having lunged after him when he teleported. The room was small, built of stone bricks, and almost entirely empty. A couple old pieces of furniture were placed along the far walls, dusted with cobwebs. An abandoned fortress?

“Go on.” Null waved Notch away, who frowned but obeyed. Valor watched as he disappeared through the exit on the other side of the room, then looked back at Null, focusing on the blood-red amulet.

“Well?” Val spoke. “Why am I here? Going to gloat? Question me again?”

“Neither. Although-“ Null held up one finger, beginning to amble towards him. “I do have one question for you.”

“Spit it out, then.” Instead of doing so, Null curled his hand into a fist. Valor felt an unpleasant sensation in his chest, and his stomach dropped. Had he riled him up too much? Instead of the crushing feeling, though, Null merely jerked his hand towards him, and Valor was yanked through the air away from the door. He yelped as he hit the ground again. What was that?? Was he tired of telling Notch to drag him around?

There were about five feet between him and the door, now, he noticed as Null began to speak. “I’ve accepted that you’re unwilling to tell me anything of value, but I am curious… how did you know that the Viscount was a fake?” Valor blinked.

“Who?”

“The man you killed on your first appearance in Hadleigh- I assume that was you.” Null side-eyed him. “Though that could have been your father. Regardless, how did you know?” Valor stared at him dumbly, processing this.

“Fake?”

“Oh please don’t tell me you didn’t know. That would just be embarrassing.” Null kneaded his forehead with two fingers.

“It wasn’t me, it was my father, I was not informed.” Val lied. “How do you- what do you mean fake?”

“I fail to see why you need to know, but I suppose.” Null paced around him slowly. “I replaced him directly after he’d left the capitol to keep them from interfering. The moment he arrived in position, he was killed. I’d never understood how you - or your father - found out so quickly.”

“My father has many sources.” Val lifted his chin proudly. “There is little that escapes his sight.” His impulsive move had ended up being a stroke of good fortune, then. Not only had he not killed an innocent man, but Null’s henchman would undoubtedly have been a thorn in his side.

“And yet he let you fall into my clutches.”

“That was my error, not his.”

“Undoubtedly.” Null agreed. “And you seem quite confident that he will come for you.”

“He will. I don’t know why he left you alive before, but he will not make the same mistake this time.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Behind him, Valor heard footsteps, and Null looked up. “What do you think you’re doing??”

“Releasing him.” Valor twisted, trying to see what was happening, and was shocked to find Notch leading an unbound Lithian by the arm. “We have no need for him.”

“Don’t be foolish, he will run straight to his master.”

“ If he is associated with Herobrine, which I doubt, is that not exactly what we want?” Notch is stone-faced. “For him to be led here? Furthermore, I overheard their conversation while these two were locked up. He has no connection with them.” Lithian met Valor’s gaze, and the latter quickly gestured for him to stay quiet. Lithian not being a factor would greatly improve his chances of escape.

“Herobrine is a champion for those treated unjustly, having another captive will only encourage him.” Null’s eyes are narrowed into glowing slits. “Return him to his cell.”

“We are associates , Null, I am not your servant.” Notch snapped. “You have your prize already, the boy is plenty enough to lure in your prey. I will not see an innocent life lost for your mad game.”

“You think me mad?” Null scoffed. “Very well. Release him, it matters not.” Notch turned away, and he and Lithian vanished through the doorway. Null was silent for a few moments, listening as their footsteps retreated, and spoke again only once they had faded away.

“I am growing impatient, boy.” Null paced a half-circle around him again, moving out of sight for a moment. “It appears your father needs… more incentive to arrive quickly.” Valor grimaced.

“Hurting me will do nothing if he is not here to see it, this is pointless.”

“Perhaps so, but it will entertain me until he does.” Null crossed back in front of him, and the amulet began to glow. Valor cringed away as a low droning sound filled the air, then the breath was ripped from his lungs as a wave of pain crashed over him.

“ LEAVE MY BOY ALONE!!” 

The hold on him dropped instantly, Null taking a hasty step back as a dark shadow lunged at him. Valor winced, blinking up to see a man in a dark cloak, wielding a glowing, diamond pickaxe, standing over him.

Father…?

Null vanished into smoke, appearing on the other side of the room and lifting a hand as he began to chant in a foreign tongue. The cloaked figure looked down at him, and Val found himself staring up into Steven’s eyes. Of course, he had the pickaxe.

“Can you move?” Before Valor could respond, a flash of light startled him, and Steven ducked out of the way of some sort of projectile fired by the furious sorcerer. As he closed in on him, the weakness spell lifted, and Valor began to try and push himself up. An instant later, Steven faltered heavily.

“He’s a sorcerer!!” Valor shouted. “The necklace-!”

“Silence.” Valor’s mouth snapped shut at the command, and he found himself unable to speak. Steven was reeling from the curse, but still upright, and he charged at Null again. His opponent was forced to dodge Steven’s ruthless attack, hastily firing off another spell, which missed. As he felt the strength in his limbs begin to return, Valor struggled upright again. He had to help-!

A strong hand yanked him back against something firm, and cold steel pressed up to his throat. 

“ Not another step!! ” Notch roared above his head. Valor scrabbled at the arm now pressed over his chest, but he was still too weak to do anything. Steven whirled to face him, and his eyes widened in alarm. “Drop it!” The man only hesitated a moment, then the pickaxe hit the ground. Valor’s heart fell with it. 

“It’s about time you made yourself useful.” Null bit out, picking himself up and dusting himself off. He reached out, and the pickaxe flew into his hand with a flick of his wrist. He pressed it to Steven’s throat, and Valor’s heartbeat spiked. 

“You,” He studied Steven’s face beneath his hood. “Are not who I was expecting. Who are you?”

“Family friend.” Steven gritted out. His gaze shifted to Valor, and Notch’s grip tightened in response.

“Ah, wonderful. Herobrine sends more lackeys in his place.” Null backed up, tossing the pickaxe aside. “Then you will tell me where he is.” Val desperately hoped that Steven wouldn’t give up his ruse.

“As if.” The man snarled. Null shrugged, looking to Notch.

“Kill him.”

“Don’t you dare!! ” Steven shouted in alarm as Val stiffened. Notch, luckily, had hesitated.

“Why not? I have a new hostage now.” Null countered. “Besides, what better way to draw Herobrine in than by slaughtering his only son?”

“Because if you kill him, you’ll have to contend with me.” Steven hissed.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“You should be.”

“Notch.” Null gestured to him again. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re becoming squeamish.” He continued when Notch made no move to obey his command.

“Not squeamish, merely debating whether this is the right choice.” Notch muttered. Still cursed with silence and too weak to teleport, Valor was helpless to defend himself as the men around him decided his fate.

“He’s dead, alright?!” Steven cried out at last. “Herobrine’s dead! There’s no one left to find.” The room fell silent.

“That does change things.” Null allowed. “Very well, then. Notch, lock them up.” Notch released him, and Valor slumped forwards, managing to catch himself with what remained of his strength. He felt numb as Notch bound his hands again, then tied the blindfold over his face. Footsteps made their way around the small room, then he was hauled up again, dragged back to Null’s prison to await his death.

Chapter Text

The cell was dark and cold.

Notch had at least had the courtesy to remove Valor’s blindfold before he left him there, chained to the wall to anticipate his coming death. Steven was with him, chained to the wall on the other side of the room. Where Lithian had been. While he was glad he was safe, Val found himself selfishly wishing that he could’ve said goodbye.

It had been maybe half an hour since they had been locked down here. How long would Null deliberate before he put him to death? That was his plan, wasn’t it? He spoke of taking out his anger on him if Herobrine was dead - surely that meant a painful end. The waiting was excruciating.

“Steven?” He spoke up quietly. The man lifted his head on the other side of the room.

“Hm?”

“How did you know that I had told him my father was alive?” Valor could feel a lump in his throat grow as soon as he started to speak, and he stubbornly forced it down.

“I list’ned in for a couple minutes b’fore I stepped in.” Steven’s gaze lowered again. “I was waiting ‘fer a good moment. Ran outta time.”

“Ah.” Val nodded a bit. “Notch would’ve returned shortly…”

“They mean t’ kill you, don’t they.” Steven interrupted. Valor’s throat tightened, and he nodded. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, I never meant…”

“If it helps, if not for you I’m sure I would’ve died much sooner.” Val choked out. Steven only grimaced, looking away. The two sat in silence for a few minutes.

“Valor.” Steven spoke up quietly. “There’s som’thin’ I need to tell you.” Valor lifted his chin a bit.

“What?”

“When I… all that we told people about me bein’ your uncle?” He shrugged weakly. “That wasn’t a lie.” Val was silent, stunned.

“…what? You’re my…” He hesitated. “You’re Herobrine’s brother-?”

“Valor, let me finish, I swear if I don’t tell you the truth before that fiend gets t’ you I’ll regret it ‘fer the rest of my life.” Steven interrupted sharply. “Please.” Valor gave a little nod, and he took a shaky breath.

“No… ‘m not related to Herobrine.” He shook his head. “Didn’t meet him ‘till I was a young man. Don’t know why he never told you this, prob’ly to keep you from ever wantin’ to seek me out. Funny how fate works out, isn’ it? No, you’re… you were my sister’s son. I don’t suppose your father ever told you where his powers came from?” Val shook his head, silent. “I thought not.”

“Your father… he was undead.” Steven gestured a bit. “Not all ‘at unlike th’ zombies you’ll meet underground. He was imbued with magic… took a mortal wound, and bound himself to a magical artifact to keep himself alive. The artifact was that pickaxe of his. Didn’t know how it happened, that was long before ‘e met me. Sometimes I wonder how old he was.” He chuckled weakly. “I’m gettin’ distracted.”

“When I met him, when we became friends… he told me all’ve this in time. Which’s why, when my sister bore a child…” he gestured to Valor slightly. “An’ she and the infant grew deathly ill… I called upon him to save you.” Valor just stared, processing all of this. “He took you to a temple, out in th’ mountains, and we used this amulet t’ save you.” He shrugged a bit, causing his shirt to shift enough to show the chain of the necklace. “You became like him… white eyes ‘n all. Your parents had succumbed t’ the illness ‘lready, an’ I was too young to bear the respons’bility of a child, so he took you in.”

“When I saw you again in Hadleigh… I knew you right away. It’d been so long, but I knew your face like th’ back of my hand. I couldn’t let you slip away again, couldn’ let anything take you away from me. I didn’t want you t’ suffer ever again.” Steven scoffed softly. “Right good job of that I’ve done.

“To summarize… you’re undead, and I’m your uncle. Not just as an act.” He finally lifted his head, sorrowfully meeting his nephew’s gaze. “I’m sorry I didn’ tell you sooner…” Valor’s throat had all but closed up as he stared into Steven’s blue eyes. They were… related? And he was human, not summoned, he…

“ Herobrine wasn’t my father? ” He whispered.

“No, Val, he was your father.” Steven gave a fierce shake of his head. “He loved y’ more than life itself, guarantee he loved you ‘till the end. He never thought of you as anything less than his own.” Valor’s head drooped as tears filled his eyes. “Valor… he loved you, ‘n so do I.” His uncle’s voice lowered. “And if there’s anythin’ I can do t’ get you out of this… I will, I swear on my life.”

The door swung open.

“Oh dear.” Null drawled as Valor’s head snapped up. “I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.” In his right hand was Herobrine’s pickaxe.

“What do you want?!” Steven snapped, already straining against his chains. Valor’s gaze was locked on the blade.

“To settle an old score.” Null strode forward, gesturing with his free hand, and Valor’s shackles came loose. He immediately shifted, trying to push himself up, but Null’s spell only increased its’ hold. When the sorcerer reached him, he grabbed him by the collar, dragging him up and pushing him against the wall.

“I’ve been waiting seventeen years for this.” He hissed, an inch away from Valor’s face as the boy struggled to shove him off. “Your father may not be here to see it, but I will finally take my revenge for the life he stole from me. How poetic that I should take his son’s with his own blade.”

“ Leave him be!! He’s done NOTHING to you!!” Steven was shouting.

“Not going to plead for your life?” Null tilted his head as Val cringed away, white gaze filled with satisfaction. “A pity. It might’ve been entertaining.”

Null jammed the pickaxe through his heart.

He was cold.

Valor stirred, shifting to hug his arms to his chest in some weak defense against the chill. He blinked, then opened his eyes to find himself on the ground, laying on his side facing the wall. He reached down to push himself up, only to startle at the sight of his hand. Blue… and transparent. He could see the crack between two stone bricks through it.

A soft sound broke through the haze, and he pushed himself up, looking around for the source. The room looked oddly colored, as if seen through stained glass, and he soon found Steven on the ground, cradling a body in his arms. His body.

He was dead.

Valor lifted his hand again, again observing the world he could see through it. Steven was no longer chained to the wall… had Null let him go? Or had he freed himself out of sheer desperation? Blood stained the ground around him, still ebbing from the motionless body that Steven hugged to his chest. Sobs… he was crying. That was the sound he heard.

“ Steven? ” He whispered.

“He can’t hear you, Val.” A voice had his head jerking up in shock as he spun around, immediately spying another figure sitting behind him. “You could never hear me.”

Herobrine.

His father sat cross-legged on the cold floor of the cell, blue and transparent, with a soft mist coming off of him. He offered him a smile as Valor stared, lips parting in shock. “I suppose I have a lot of explaining to do.” He said softly. “I’m sorry I never told you.” Valor shut his mouth, swallowing, sitting up straight.

“ Dad. ” And he was throwing his arms around his father’s neck, burying his face in his shoulder to hide the tears that flooded his eyes. Herobrine’s arms went around him in return, hugging him tightly.

“ I’m sorry Valor, I’m so sorry, I never meant for any of this to happen… ” he whispered. “ I never meant for it to end like this… ” Valor just buried his face in his shirt and shut his eyes.

Herobrine said nothing for a few minutes, letting his son cry himself out. When he’d finally dried his tears, Valor spoke.

“H-how… how are you… how long…?”

“My spirit is bound to the pickaxe.” Herobrine nodded towards the door, and Valor lifted his head a bit to see the weapon laid outside in the hallway, stained red with his blood. “Wherever it goes, this… form of mine must follow.”

“S-so you’ve…?”

“Been here… by your side.” Herobrine dipped his chin in a nod. “You have no idea how worried I was when you left the pickaxe with Steven to enter the mines…” Valor squeezed him tightly.

“Y-you’ve… I’m sorry. I’ve failed you so many times…”

“I have no one to blame for that but myself.” Herobrine pressed his cheek against his son’s head. “I’m sorry… I should have prepared you better, or prepared myself, maybe none of this would have happened. But you’ve done wonderfully on your own.”

“I wasn’ alone.” Valor shook his head.

“You weren’t.” Herobrine allowed. “I owe Steven my everlasting thanks for taking care of you… as long as he could.” Valor sniffed, trying to compose himself.

“He… why d-did you never tell me about him?” He managed. Herobrine sighed softly.

“I didn’t trust him… he told you why. He was young and foolish, and I… was too afraid of a repeat to try again.”

“Would you ever have…?”

“I don’t know.” Herobrine shook his head. “Someday.”

“Oh…” Valor scrubbed at his eyes. “I-I’m only glad to see you again…”

“I’m glad to be seen.” Herobrine shifted, letting his son lean on him. “I only hope Null will see fit to release Steven… he is not like us. Would not become a phantom, merely pass away.”

“Null is sadistic.” Valor choked out. “What did he- why did you-?”

“What did he have against me?” Herobrine finished. “He sought to summon a powerful demon as a slave… to boost his own power. I was in the area for another reason, I disrupted his ritual to keep him from posing a threat. I had no idea he’d survived… else I would’ve finished him off. So many lives could have been saved…”

“I knew you would’ve had your reasons.” Val nodded slightly.

“I’m only glad he can’t hurt you any longer.” Herobrine let out a breath, and Valor shifted, sitting upright again. Steven was still sitting with his body, and, as he watched, his uncle rested the corpse against the wall. Sitting back, Steven reached up to where the amulet rested around his neck, loosening the clasp and taking it off. Tears still flowing down his face, he reached down with the necklace and fastened it around his nephew’s cold neck.

The next instant, Valor was startling awake before him.

He gasped, one arm flying to his chest as a stab of pain hit him. Steven had recoiled in shock at the ”corpse”’s sudden movement, mouth hanging agape as Valor pressed a hand over the once-fatal wound. Val coughed, but he could already feel the wound mending, heart beating in his chest and spreading fresh blood throughout his body.

“ Valor? ” Steven whispered in shock. Valor’s fingers inched upwards until they met the silver necklace, tracing the red gem set in the center as he reeled from the sudden change. His gaze immediately flashed back to where his father had been, only to see his ghostly form sitting right where he had left him, a sad smile on his face. As he continued to stare, however, Herobrine’s smile faded, then turned to shock.

“ …can you see me?”

“ Valor-“ Steven threw his arms around him, crushing him against his chest. Valor gasped, hugging him back as well as he could as aches and pains raced through his body.

“‘m okay, I’m alive.” He managed.

“ How?? You were dead , you were-“

“The amulet?” Valor suggested. Steven loosened his grip, allowing him to sink back down to his knees as his uncle’s large hand traced the pendant.

“Nether, I didn’t think…” He murmured. “I never thought… I don’t know what just happened, but I’m so glad you’re alright.” Valor nodded, prodding at his chest again. The wound was nearly gone. He looked back to his father, who was standing now, and he made an effort to strengthen his voice.

“We need to get out of here.”

Chapter Text

Valor teleported through the barred door, picking up Herobrine’s pickaxe and slamming it down on the lock.

“ Valor! You can’t just drop som’thin’ like that and not say nothin’ more!” Steven followed him through, looking back and forth down the hallway. “You saw your father??”

“Can still see him.” Valor looked to where the ghost was standing, now a bit closer due to the pickaxe having moved. “I’ll explain everything once we get out of here.” Steven let out an exasperated sound. 

“Can he see us??”

“Yes.”

“Can he hear us??”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” Steven grimaced. “I hope there’s no hard feelings about-”

“There aren’t, he told me.” Valor interrupted. “Come on, I believe it’s this way.” Steven gave up, following as Valor made his way down the corridor. 

“ You may need to fight. ” A cold hand touched Val’s shoulder, and he jerked up in surprise to find his father hovering just behind him. “ Null has a surprising amount of protection. ”

“Alright.” Valor frowned. He could teleport out, but Steven could not. “Will you be able to defend yourself without a weapon?” He asked, glancing back to look at his uncle. It was now that he realized that there were still cuffs on his wrists- Steven had broken his chains.

“Well enough.” His uncle grunted. “Hopin’ to get a weapon off the first sap we come across.”

“Right.” They reached the bottom of a staircase. “I’m surprised we haven’t encountered anyone thus far.”

“Suppose they don’t think we’re much of a threat with you dead.”

“ Null spends most of his time near the center of the fortress. ” Herobrine informed him. “ I would not advise taking him on if you can help it. Best to rest and regroup beforehand. ”

“He won’t let us go without a fight.” Valor muttered. “I can teleport with Steven, but I have to have an idea of where I’m going, and I haven’t seen much of this place.”

“ I will guide you as well as I am able.”

“Thank you.” Valor turned to look at his uncle, who was staring at him with a bemused expression. “Follow me, Herobrine can lead us out.”

“D’you always call your father by his first name?” He muttered, but didn’t protest, following as Valor began to ascend the staircase.

“ It’s more of a moniker than a first name.” Steven, of course, didn’t react to the correction.

As they neared the top of the stairs, Valor slowed, hearing voices. He didn’t recognize them - likely the fortress guards.

“ If you are willing to use some of your teleportation, it will not be difficult to get rid of them. ” Herobrine murmured, stepping up the stairs in front of him to peer around the corner. “ Two of them, at the end of the hall. If you teleport closer you should be able to dispatch them before they raise the alarm. ” Valor nodded, lifting his pickaxe as he neared the top of the staircase.

“Val, leave the guards be.” Steven cut in quietly. Valor shot him an incredulous look. “In all likelihood they’ve no real connection to th’ sorcerer, only here t’ make a living. They don’t deserve death for that.” Val frowned, but turned back to the hallway. He only needed the barest glance around the corner before teleporting down to the end, slamming the handle of the pickaxe into one guard’s helmet with a crash! He dropped like a rock, and the other guard hastily drew his sword before being knocked out as well.

“Happy?” Val hissed as Steven hurried down the hall to join him. His uncle gave a curt nod, acquiring a sword from one of the fallen guards, and they moved on.

“ Down here.” Herobrine pointed him through a doorway, and Valor obeyed. Every room in this dismal place was old and decaying, cracks splitting the ancient bricks and cobwebs dusting every surface. Null must have used his entire budget on hiring help.

The trio moved as quietly as they could through the fortress, encountering no more guards as of yet. Twice, Herobrine got a bit turned around, and they wandered in circles before he got his bearings again. Finally, they came up on a hallway that looked familiar, and Valor stopped short.

“We’re close to the room where you found me.” He hissed. “I don’t want to be ambushed by Null.”

“ He spent most of his time away from that room. ” Herobrine assured him. “ I doubt he will- ”

“Valor?” A new voice came from behind them. Valor spun around, his gaze immediately lighting on Notch at the end of the hall.

Steven immediately stepped forward, raising his sword, and Notch lifted a hand to ward him off. “No- I… he told me he killed you.”

“He did.” Valor’s hand went automatically to the amulet around his neck. “I am not easy to kill.”

“An’ believe me, you don’t want to give it another shot.” Steven growled. 

“No, I wouldn’t.” Notch assured him hastily. Valor raised his pickaxe, gesturing towards the foreman.

“I would advise disassociating yourself with Null as soon as possible.” He told him coldly. “Very soon he will not be a safe person to be around.”

“Are you going to kill him?”

“Eventually.”

Notch pursed his lips. “I will not hinder you. Go.”

“Good.” Valor didn’t turn his back on him just yet. “Where is he?”

“That, I do not know.”

“Fine.” Val waved him away, and Notch backed up, vanishing through a doorway.

“ We need to go.” His father urged him, and Valor nodded, heading for the room where he had been interrogated.

The room was, fortunately, empty. From here, Steven took point, leading him through the door which he had seen Notch drag Lithian through (Val hoped he was somewhere safe). His uncle assured him that it wasn’t much farther to the surface.

Unfortunately, as such, all the guards appeared to be stationed here.

Steven stepped out into a small room only to yell and duck back as a crossbow bolt pinged off the wall by his head. Valor lurched forwards, teleporting behind the crossbowman and quickly relieving him of his weapon. He was one of six, Valor counted as he disarmed another. Steven was charging forward again at this point, disarming a third and thumping him on the head with the hilt of his sword to stun him. 

One of the remaining dropped his weapon, lifting his hands in surrender, and the others followed suit. Valor merely glanced over them to make sure none planned to attack them while their backs were turned before beckoning Steven with him and continuing along the path.

The next corner had two more guards stationed around it, which were swiftly dealt with. As Valor lowered one of the unconscious men against the wall, however, the low roar of a horn’s call echoed through the halls. Steven grimaced.

“Well that’s not opt’mal.”

“ Hurry.” Herobrine insisted.

“Are we close?” Valor whispered as he continued down the hall.

“Close enough, c’mon.” Steven fell into step behind him, and they headed through a doorway up another flight of stairs.

The moment Valor stepped off of the top step, he was electrocuted.

He fell heavily, fortunately not backwards, as both his father and uncle cried out his name in alarm. All Valor could do was cough, then choke out,

“‘least now I know how Lithian felt.”

“How dare you. ” Valor’s head whipped around, and he immediately spied Null standing about ten feet away. “ You cheat me of my revenge. You’re supposed to be dead.”

“I am dead.” Valor shoved himself upright, and would have stumbled if not for Steven’s strong hand on his shoulder. “No number of your tricks will make me any more or less so.”

“Tricks? ” An orb of electricity charged in the sorcerer’s hand again. “ I am no mere magician. If I cannot kill you, I will tear you apart piece by piece.”

“Sounds uncomfortable, I’d rather not.” Valor’s gaze shifted longingly towards the staircase leading upstairs, but he had a feeling that he wouldn’t be able to make it far with Null chasing him. Especially since several of his spells could be used at a great range.

Valor glanced at his uncle, who met his eyes, then he teleported behind Null and slammed the pickaxe down on his head.

The sorcerer had disappeared into a cloud of black smoke by the time the weapon reached him, stumbling back a few feet away. Valor charged at him again, interrupting as he prepared another spell, and Null growled.

“Hold still, this will be over more quickly.” Valor merely responded by clubbing him over the head with the pickaxe. As he reeled, Steven came up behind him, aiming to run him through, but Null teleported to a safe distance. Raising one jet-black hand, the sorcerer manifested his own weapon- a long, dark sword. Valor had his doubts that he was capable of using it effectively, but a magical weapon was dangerous regardless.

Null stretched out a hand, and Valor felt weakness crashing over him again, but an instant later the feeling lifted. Around his neck, the amulet grew warm. Valor feinted left, then teleported to the right, bringing his blade down on Null’s arm. Moving too slowly, Null escaped the brunt of the blow but was dealt a large gash, which immediately began to leak black blood. He swung recklessly, and Valor ducked out of the way.

Null continued to attack, able to keep Val off of him. The length of his sword didn’t allow for counterattack. Steven attacked from his other side, and Null was forced to divide his attention for a moment, before he cast the weakness spell and Steven faltered. Valor came in again, trying to keep his attention off of him, but it seemed with every blow that Null became more and more enraged.

“You truly think you can strike me down?? ” He bellowed. “ You wouldn’t be the first! Or did you mean to run, hide yourself away like the coward you are?!” Valor chose to save his breath instead of answering.

As he lifted his pickaxe to deflect one wild swing, he misstepped, causing his grip to falter, and when Null’s sword made contact it sent the weapon flying out of his hands. When Valor turned to look after it, the flat of the magical blade slammed into his head, knocking him aside. He hit the ground, and then the sword was at his throat.

“I warned you.” Null growled. Valor froze. A moment later, he grasped at the blade, trying to send a shock through it, but it didn’t transmit as a metal blade would. Null laughed as he jerked his hand, now bleeding, back to his side.

“ Hold it! ” A new voice shouted. Null lifted his head, irritated, and found Notch at the corner of the hallway- crossbow pointed at the sorcerer’s head.

“Oh dear. ” Null sighed and straightened up,rolling his shoulder as Valor lowered his chin. Null’s arm, he noticed, had stopped bleeding. “ If you recall, miner, you work for me.”

“Consider this my resignation.” Notch responded coldly. “I have no interest in working for one who endangers innocents for his own gain.”

“I merely look at the bigger picture. ” Null drawled. “ Who could tell how many innocents would have been killed if Herobrine was allowed to roam free?”

“If you are any indication of Herobrine’s targets, I sincerely doubt their innocence.” Behind Null, Steven grasped the handle of Herobrine’s pickaxe. Notch’s gaze followed him, but he gave no indication of having seen. “It doesn't matter. Herobrine is already dead, and you slaughtered those townsfolk for nothing.”

“I captured his replacement, did I not?” Null raised his hands in a shrug.

“Valor has only ever sought for your downfall, and I see now that he was in the right all along.”

“Pah. This is merely your mortal sentiment taking hold. Put down the crossbow, it will do nothing to me.”

“If it is, I welcome it. My gut has told me that you were trouble from the beginning, it is about time that I listened.” Notch loosed the bolt, and it struck Null in the head, sending him crashing to the ground.

Valor scrambled upright, glancing at his hand- the cut had already closed. Steven was sitting against the other wall, Herobrine’s pickaxe in one hand, watching Null’s body warily. Notch hesitantly lowered the crossbow.

“Does he live?” He asked quietly. Valor turned to look, scrutinizing the sorcerer’s form.

Null sighed, pushing himself off the ground.

“What a waste. ” Null tore the bolt from his head with a grunt, tossing it away as Valor backed up to take the pickaxe from Steven. “ I just told you that it would not hurt me.”

“Valor, go.” Notch drew a sword, approaching his former master. “I’ll keep him busy.” Valor didn’t budge.

“No, he’ll kill you. We have a greater chance if we outnumber him.”

“You think you’re the only one who cannot die? ” Null roared. “ My body may be ruined, but your father’s blunder made me immortal!! ” Beside him, Val’s father grimaced.

“ I was certainly careless with him. ”

“I don’t believe you.” Valor snapped. “You would not fight so hard to avoid me if that was the case.”

“Merely the human limitations that this body retains.” Null scoffed disdainfully. “Of them, I still feel pain. But it will not debilitate me. One of us will leave here alive, and it will not be you.” Sword materializing in his hand once more, Null charged at Valor with a deadly light in his eyes.

Valor struck down the sword as it approached him, parrying his attack, and immediately swung his pickaxe back up. Though the blade caught him across the face, Null barely faltered. Having reached him, Notch swung down on the sorcerer as well, but Null lurched up to counter it, driving him back with one blow. Steven too, having escaped the grasp of the weakness spell, attacked from Null’s other side, forcing the sorcerer to swing recklessly in his direction to keep him away.

As Valor moved to attack again, Null thrust a hand in his direction, and a low boom sounded as an invisible force threw him down the hallway to slam into the wall.

“ Valor! ” He heard the shout through the ringing in his ears, and he grimaced, lifting a hand to feel at the back of his head. Opening his eyes revealed his father standing over him, and Steven and Notch strewn on the floor of the hallway as well. Valor lifted his gaze to Null, and flinched back in alarm.

“ Seventeen years!! ” Null’s voice grew even more distorted as the hallway seemed to darken, a huge, shadowy silhouette hovering behind him. “ Seventeen years I planned and schemed, only for my endeavors to be in vain because of YOU!! ”

“You speak as if I killed my father.” Valor gasped out.

“ My revenge would have been complete if you had but had the decency to stay dead. ” Null began to approach with slow, deliberate steps. “ That amulet. That is new. ” Valor’s hand lifted to close over the pendant. “ Is that what keeps you alive? ”

“You leave ‘im be-“ Steven growled, pushing himself up, only for Null to slam him into the wall with a flick of his wrist, and Notch reaching for his sword caused him to meet a similar fate. Before him, Valor’s father sunk down to his knees beside him, one hand on his arm as he watched Null approach.

“ Is that truly it?? ” Null took his silence as confirmation. “ You make this too easy for me. ”

“What are you?” Valor gritted out.

“ I am more powerful than I ever have been before. ” Null’s eyes flared with light. “ This rage gives me all the power I could ever need. ”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“ All you need to know is that I will be your executioner. ” Null lifted his sword as he began to come close. “ If only your father could see me now. ”

A tall, black figure appeared in between them.

Null stopped short, having to crane his neck to look up at the enderman’s face. “ What are- “ Null cut himself off, swinging at the creature standing in his way, but it merely vanished just long enough for the sword to swing by harmlessly.

“||𝙹⚍∷ !¡ᒷ∷⍊ᒷ∷ᓭ╎𝙹リ 𝙹⎓ ᒲᔑ⊣╎ᓵ ⍑ᔑᓭ ↸∷ᔑ∴リ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ ᔑℸ ̣ ℸ ̣ ᒷリℸ ̣ ╎𝙹リ 𝙹⎓ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ ᒷリ↸.”

Behind him, two more endermen appeared, and Null swung around to find himself surrounded. One of the creatures seized him by the upper arm, and the sword in his hand vanished.

“ℸ ̣ ⍑╎ᓭ !¡𝙹∴ᒷ∷ ⍑ᔑᓭ ᓵ𝙹∷∷⚍!¡ℸ ̣ ᒷ↸ ||𝙹⚍ ʖᒷ||𝙹リ↸ ᓭᔑ⍊╎リ⊣. ||𝙹⚍∷ !¡⚍リ╎ᓭ⍑ᒲᒷリℸ ̣  ∴╎ꖎꖎ ʖᒷ ↸ᒷᓵ╎↸ᒷ↸ ╎リ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ ᒷリ↸.” 

Null gaped up at them, then the pair vanished, leaving only the first enderman behind. This one turned to look at Valor, gave him a small nod, then vanished in a shower of purple sparks.

The darkness over the hallway lifted, leaving Valor to sit, stunned, against the wall. Steven was stirring, pressing a hand over a knot on his head, and Herobrine spoke softly.

“ I suppose that’s that, then. ”

Chapter Text

“Could I have saved you?”

“ When I fell? ” Herobrine shook his head. “ No. I am too old- my connection to the pickaxe has grown too weak for it to revive me. If it had been possible, I would not have perished in the first place. ”

“Oh.” Valor gazed out at the mining town, looking so small from where he sat on the edge of the mountain. He wondered if they, other than Notch, had known about Null.

After they had escaped, Lithian met up with them again at the mines. While Valor had been glad that he was safe, he had left him and Steven behind and slipped away to find a quiet place to speak with his father. They had some things to catch up on.

“ I’m sorry. ” His father offered quietly from where he sat beside him. “ I never meant to leave you alone. ” Valor grimaced.

“I’m sorry I did such a terrible job of representing your legacy.”

“ I have no one to blame for that but myself. ” Herobrine rested a hand on his shoulder. “ I thought I would have more time, but I shouldn’t have put off teaching you. I shouldn’t have let you be isolated for so long. ” Valor just heaved a sigh, resting his chin in his hand. “ Valor… ”

“But I have you back now.” Valor twisted to face him, letting one leg dangle over the cliff. “You can help me. Right?”

“ Valor, I never meant for you to think that you had to be me. ” Herobrine gazed at him, almost sorrowful. “ That you had to carry on my work. That was the choice I made for my life, it shouldn’t govern yours. ”

“I don’t know what else I can do.” Valor protested. “I don’t… I’ve never done anything else.”

“ You seem to make a pretty good miner. ” His father pointed out. Valor snorted softly. “ And look, you already have a pickaxe. ” Herobrine gestured to his shimmering pickaxe, laying behind them.

“I suppose.” Valor shrugged a bit. “It seems a shame to use your weapon for such a… common purpose.”

“ It is no less important. ” Herobrine turned back to the mining town. “ Even if you don’t wish to, you could return with Steven. I have no doubts that he would be willing to take you in. ”

“Perhaps.” It was tempting… and he was right. “And you…?”

“ I would be there too. ” Herobrine smiled a bit. “ Unless you saw fit to simply leave me on this cliffside. ”

“No, never.”

“ Then wherever you go, whatever you choose to do, I will follow. ” Valor let his gaze fall back to the mines, where Steven and Lithian were waiting for him.

“I’m going to go back to Steven.” He said at last.

“ Good. ” Valor stood, and Herobrine stood with him. Taking the pickaxe, Valor teleported, leaving the empty cliffside behind. 

THE END