Standing atop a block of dirt, Gameknight watched the battle and could tell that they were completely outnumbered. They were exchanging a defender for each monster, life for life … it was a losing battle. They needed more warriors … but where would they come from?
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw that lone painted zombie again, its chest of purple flowers standing out against the rolling green knoll on which they stood. Suddenly, there were two painted zombies, both with leather caps, then another and another. With a roar, hundreds of zombies came running over the hill, headed straight for the battle.
But, to his shock, Gameknight could see Monet113 running directly toward the creatures. She had no weapon in her hands … in fact, she had her hands outstretched, ready to give one a hug.
Leaping off the wall, he sprinted toward his sister. But as he ran, Gameknight saw her embraced by one of the zombies.
Is she being attacked? Gameknight thought. I have to hurry … I can’t let anything happen to her!
And then he met the first of the painted zombies. Readying his weapons for battle, he stopped to stand his ground. But instead of attacking, the monsters ran right past him and headed for the endermen that were just beginning to get into the battle. Confused, Gameknight continued to sprint toward his sister, dodging painted zombies as he ran. When he reached her, he found that Monet was in tears … and so was the zombie.
What’s going on?
“Gameknight, you remember Ba-Jin,” Monet said.
He looked at his sister, confused.
“You remember … from the zombie-town?” she added.
Gameknight999 looked at the zombie and saw a huge purple flower painted on her shirt and colorful dots running down her arms and legs—and then he remembered her. Monet had taught this zombie how to paint and express herself. This was the zombie who, with her colorful friends, had stood up to Xa-Tul and refused to kill for no reason. This was the zombie into whom Monet had planted the seed of self-respect and pride, and the refusal to simply follow orders and put the clan above the individual. Here was where the trouble had begun to brew in zombie-town, boiling over into this army of painted monsters; a violent group of vicious creatures now transformed into a caring community. This zombie was living proof of the effect Monet had on those around her; her joyous, colorful view of life had infected the green child.
“Gameknight999, ah … I … was looking forward to meeting you again,” Ba-Jin said.
“What is happening here?” Gameknight asked as he turned and looked at the battle.
The painted zombies were locked in battle with the endermen, keeping the lanky creatures from attacking the NPCs.
“The Free Zombies, as we call ourselves, are here to help,” Ba-Jin said. “It is time for the violence to stop and everyone to live together in peace.”
“That’s right!” Monet added.
Suddenly, the ground started to shake as the sound of thunder filled the air. The noise was so loud that they had to cup their boxy hands over their ears. Looking toward the source, Gameknight could see the forest trees shake and fall, as if some kind of gigantic beast were pushing through the woods, snapping the birch trees as if they were sticks. Then the sound of metal grinding on metal filled his ears, and the User-that-is-not-a-user knew what was causing all the commotion.
Out of the forest came a silvery wall of arms and legs, with dark eyes glaring at the monsters before them and vine-covered chests shining bright in the sunlight. They were iron golems—hundreds of them—and at the front was a metal giant whose head was ringed with a crown of vines: the king of the golems.
Gameknight sprinted to the king’s side.
“Thank you for coming,” Gameknight said. “I fear that without you, we would have lost the battle. Now, with you here, we may yet turn the tide.”
“I did not come here for you, User-that-is-not-a-user,” the golem king said. “I came for them.”
The metallic creature pointed at the villagers who fought behind the stone wall.
“We protect NPCs whenever we can,” the metal giant said. “We do not care about your struggle with the virus. We are here for the villagers, and that is all.”
“Well,” Gameknight said. “I’m just glad you’re here.”
The iron wave lumbered past the User-that-is-not-a-user and smashed into the monster horde. Flinging their arms up quickly, the golems sent monsters flying into the blue sky, their bodies flashing red when they crashed to the ground. They were like a massive juggernaut of fists and feet as they pushed through the multitude of zombies trying to climb over the defensive walls. Seeing the mass of angry metal approaching, the zombies retreated, running back to their leader, Xa-Tul.
With the golems, the painted zombies, the users, and the NPCs, they might just have a chance at defeating this army of monsters. But looking across the battlefield, Gameknight could tell that a lot of creatures were going to die on both sides of the battle lines … and that was not good.
There must be a way to stop all this violence … but how?
Suddenly, Monet113 screamed.
Turning around, Gameknight found Herobrine standing next to his sister, his evil hand on her shoulder. Before Gameknight could move, the vile shadow-crafter disappeared, taking his sister with him. He could see Herobrine materialize behind all his troops, right next to the new king of the endermen, Feyd. Shoving Monet into the dark red creature’s arms, Herobrine disappeared, then reappeared atop the tallest tree in the line. He cupped his hands around his mouth to make his voice project, then let loose a bloodcurdling scream that pierced through the sound of battle and made all the combatants take a step back. For a brief moment, the fighting stopped, which allowed the four horsemen to screech out commands, causing the army of monsters to withdraw and move back to the tree line, regrouping behind their leaders.
The painted zombies, unsure what to do, moved back to their leader, Ba-Jin, while the iron golems stopped in place and glared at Herobrine, a vile loathing in their dark eyes. The users, suspicious of anything the monsters did, moved back to their TNT cannons, repairing and rearming as needed.
Gameknight sprinted back to the village and mounted the barricade while the NPCs tended to their wounded. Standing on the top of the wall, he watched as Herobrine teleported back to Feyd. Pulling Monet from the enderman’s icy grip, he teleported to the center of the field of battle with his prisoner, then drew his sword.
“Come out and face me,” Herobrine yelled, “or she dies!”
Herobrine put his sword right next to Monet’s head. His eyes flared bright as he stared directly at the User-that-is-not-a-user.
“Gameknight, you can’t go out there,” Hunter said. “It’s a trap, and you know it!”
“She’s right,” Crafter added. “You’ll just be playing into his hands.”
Gameknight looked at his friends, then turned and looked back at his sister. He could see the look of terror in her eyes as she stared up at the diamond sword that was pressing against her forehead.
“I don’t have a choice,” Gameknight said. “She’s my sister—my responsibility—and I won’t let anything happen to her, not if I can stop it.”
The User-that-is-not-a-user then jumped off the wall and walked straight toward Herobrine. Reaching into his inventory, he could feel both his weapon and the Book of Wisdom, but he didn’t know how either was useful. Regardless, he had to face the evil shadow-crafter, even if it meant his doom.
CHAPTER 26
THE LAST BATTLE
As Gameknight walked toward Herobrine, he was suddenly knocked to the ground, hitting his head, hard. It took a moment to figure out what had happened.
Was I attacked? Did Herobrine do something? What’s happening?
Confusion slowly faded away as he realized that he was not hurt … just stunned and surprised. But as he stood, he saw a stocky figure running toward Herobrine with an iron pickaxe in his hands.
“You aren’t going to hurt Gameknight999—I won’t a
llow it!” the NPC said.
And then Gameknight realized who it was … Stonecutter.
“Nooooo!” Gameknight yelled … but it was too late.
Stonecutter crashed into Herobrine, the shadow-crafter in a woodcutter’s smock simply staring at the attacking NPC in disbelief. Herobrine crashed to the ground and lost his grip on Monet, who started to run back to the NPC army. Feyd moved quickly, teleporting directly in front of her. The tall enderman wrapped his clammy arms around her, then teleported back to the monster army, his captive held tight.
Frozen with panic, all Gameknight could do was watch … and pray.
“So, you wish to test yourself against the great Herobrine,” the evil shadow-crafter said. “As you wish.”
Herobrine charged at the stocky NPC, his diamond sword seeking flesh. But Stonecutter was faster than Herobrine expected. Stepping to the side, he let the razor-sharp blade just barely miss his shoulder, then spun and brought his mighty pickaxe down onto the Maker’s back. Herobrine flashed red, and a look of surprise came across his vile face. Turning, he attacked Stonecutter again, charging straight at the NPC, but just as he reached his adversary, he disappeared, then materialized behind him. Slashing with his sword, Herobrine tore at the NPC’s HP, gouging armor and tearing flesh.
Stonecutter screamed, then lunged at his adversary, swinging his pickaxe with all his might. Ducking under the attack, Herobrine teleported to an unprotected side and slashed at his enemy’s exposed skin. As Stonecutter yelled out in pain, he flashed red again and again.
Turning to face the attack, the stocky NPC found nobody there. Herobrine had teleported again. Looking to his left and right, Stonecutter readied his pickaxe, then glanced to Gameknight999, who was slowly standing to his feet. The User-that-is-not-a-user started to run to his friend.
“I’m sorry; I couldn’t stop him,” Stonecutter yelled to the User-that-is-not-a-user. “I’ve failed.”
“No, you haven’t failed,” Gameknight screamed. “Just run away.”
Stonecutter shook his head, refusing to give up, then spun around just as Herobrine’s sword came down on him, claiming the last of his HP. As Herobrine laughed, Stonecutter disappeared with a pop, his items falling to the ground. Three glowing balls of XP bobbed near his pickaxe. Herobrine, looking at the approaching User-that-is-not-a-user, smiled as he stepped forward. The XP flowed into Herobrine’s body, and instantly his appearance changed from that of some unknown woodcutter to that of Gameknight’s friend, Stonecutter.
“NOOO!” the User-that-is-not-a-user screamed as he approached his enemy.
“Why, hello, Gameknight999,” Herobrine said using Stonecutter’s deep voice. “You like my new look?”
“I hate you,” Gameknight spat.
“Oh, my … are we angry?” Herobrine mocked.
Gameknight stared at the monster before him. He looked identical to Stonecutter, with his stocky build, dark hair with a sprinkling of gray, and the numerous scars on his arms and hands.
How am I supposed to battle my friend? Gameknight thought.
This was the exact replica of his friend, save for one thing … the eyes. They still had the evil glow of Herobrine, and that was what Gameknight had to concentrate on … the eyes.
“What’s wrong, Gameknight? You look a little pale,” Herobrine said. “Maybe I should build another wall and let all my friends and family perish again.”
Herobrine laughed.
“Shut up!” Gameknight yelled. “Leave his memories alone!”
“This is truly wonderful. I get to torture you using your friend’s body.” Herobrine smiled. “If only you could feel your friend in here.” Herobrine pointed to his head with a boxy finger. “What’s his name? Oh, yeah, Stonecutter. If you could only feel Stonecutter’s torment for failing to protect you … it’s just delicious.”
Screaming, Gameknight charged at his enemy, his diamond sword in his right hand, his iron sword in his left. They clashed at the center of the battlefield like two titans, their swords creating a shower of sparks when they met.
Spinning to the side, Gameknight slashed out at Herobrine’s legs with his iron sword as he stabbed with his diamond blade … but Herobrine wasn’t there. Rolling across the ground, Gameknight narrowly avoided Herobrine’s attack as a diamond sword whizzed past his ear.
He knew he couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with Herobrine … he needed some help. He could see a lanky young NPC standing on the fortified wall, his dark hair matted down with sweat. Taking a step back, he shouted to the boy.
“Herder … NOW!”
The NPC nodded his head, then disappeared. In seconds, a growling, howling sound filled the air as a hundred wolves came bounding over the defensive wall and headed straight for Herobrine.
“Was this your plan?” the shadow-crafter asked. “You’re siccing a bunch of dogs on me? Ha, ha, ha!”
Herobrine laughed as he brought out a light brown egg that had dark brown spots all across its surface. He threw it to the ground, and a rabbit suddenly appeared, the black and white bunny hopping around playfully. Herobrine pulled out more of the spawn eggs and tossed them, more and more, until the ground was covered with the fluffy creatures.
As the wolves approached, they were completely distracted from their task, chasing the rabbits instead of attacking Herobrine.
“You see, fool, wolves have no choice but to chase a rabbit,” Herobrine explained. “Your little friend, the Oracle, created the wolves with this flaw in them. She was as careless as she was weak. When I destroyed her, she begged for her life on her hands and knees like one of her pathetic little pets there.”
“That’s not true,” Gameknight yelled as he charged again.
His diamond sword slashed out at Herobrine, but the shadow-crafter disappeared. Instinctively, Gameknight brought his iron sword over his back. It blocked an attack that would have done some damage. He then spun and charged at the monster, trying to get to Herobrine before he disappeared … but the shadow-crafter was just too fast.
Pain shot through Gameknight’s arm as the diamond blade found his flesh. He could feel his HP decrease.
Turning, he charged, slashing, at the monster. Herobrine brought up his diamond blade and blocked the attack, but he was not fast enough to stop Gameknight’s iron sword. The metal point found the shadow-crafter’s ribs, making him flash red.
Herobrine screamed out, more in frustration than in pain, as he teleported four blocks away. His eyes now blazed with an intensity that made Gameknight look away.
“I’m done playing with you, User-that-is-not-a-user,” Herobrine screamed, his voice filled with rage. “It is time that I show you what I can really do.”
Charging forward, Herobrine slashed at Gameknight999 with his blade. The shadow crafter was moving it faster than ever. Backing up, Gameknight blocked the advance. He tried to use his other sword to counterattack, but the shadow-crafter was still too fast.
Suddenly, Herobrine disappeared, then materialized on Gameknight’s side. Stabbing at Gameknight, he disappeared again, then reappeared, his sword driving into Gameknight’s shoulder. Over and over this happened, all in just a single second, Herobrine attacking from what seemed like multiple places, nearly simultaneously. Gameknight tried to block the attacks, but they were happening all around him; he could not be everywhere at once.
Pain shot through his body as he was wounded repeatedly. Bringing up his sword to block an attack, Gameknight saw his arm flash red as Herobrine’s blade tore into his back, destroying the last of his diamond armor. As the protective coating fell to the ground, Gameknight was overwhelmed with pain and fear as Herobrine pressed the attack. He slashed at him until he barely had any HP left. And as Gameknight’s legs failed him, he fell to the ground with Herobrine standing over him.
Some of the items in his inventory spilled out. Right next to him, he could see the Book of Wisdom lying on the ground, open. The reflective page was facing him … his own reflection mocking him.
Des
peration surged through him.
Was this the end? Gameknight thought. Is this the end of my life?
He knew that the digitizer was still fried, but he wouldn’t use it anyway, for that would unleash Herobrine on the physical world. Gameknight999 wasn’t going to do that, no matter what.
“Well, you seem to be in a difficult predicament,” Herobrine mocked as he stared down with glowing eyes.
Glancing to the fortified wall and the NPCs, Gameknight could see Herder standing on the barricade, a look of panic and fear on the lanky youth’s face. At that moment, a calm realization filled his mind. This was the moment … the time to act and use what the Oracle had given … he knew it! As he reached into his inventory to draw out the weapon, he could hear the music of Minecraft swell and grow in volume.
“You can’t help him with your pitiful music, Oracle,” Herobrine spat as he raised his sword. “He is mine!”
Gameknight pulled out the pink egg, its dark pink spots almost glowing with anticipation. With all his strength, he threw it at his enemy. Stepping back quickly, Herobrine watch the egg hit the ground and crack open, his sword held ready. But what stepped out shocked them both. A pig … a little harmless pig, probably the lowest and most insignificant of creatures.
This is supposed to defeat Herobrine? Gameknight thought.
The dark shadow-crafter laughed as Gameknight’s hope fell to nothing. Moving next to the pig, Herobrine held his sword up high, ready to destroy the innocent creature. But, instead, he lowered his weapon and picked up the insignificant little pig. Herobrine threw it as far as he could, sending it sailing through the air like a pink missile. When it hit the ground, the pig flashed red and disappeared. Where it landed remained only pieces of pork and three balls of XP.
Last Stand on the Ocean Shore Page 18