Chapter 28: "So you'll kill her?"

- Zach's POV -

It was sunset, and the intense colours were shining through the panes of my dorm room. Vent was snoring with his hands behind his back, and Ethan had left for the Arena about ten minutes ago - with a crude remark about him training to beat me (which won't ever happen, I can tell you that).

Since Swordsmanship didn't require much study, I had a lot of spare time on my hands. I had already checked Nya's dorm, only to find it empty, much to my dismay. So right now I was laying on my back, with my hands behind my head, thinking about anything that came to mind.

One of those things was Herobrine's Revenge. Yes, I decided to give it a title. It made it easier to talk about. More important.

Another was Clare. To be honest, most of my thoughts about her was either, a) her getting attacked by mobs at night, or b) her being lost in a deep dark forest, or c) something violent. But of course, I would never hit a girl, so most of this violence came from things other than my fist. Although Clare doesn't really count as a girl, I suppose.

My cruel thoughts were interrupted by a harsh light from the window above my bed. I sat up and peered outside it, taking in the sight like a punch to the gut.

The Arena park was on fire. But it wasn't normal fire: it was weaved and controlled, orange and swirling like a vortex in the shape of a ring.

I knew immediately whose flame's they were.

I got up, ignoring Vent's grunt when I woke him from his slumber and sprinted out the door. As I ran, I turned a corner and (literally) bumped into Ethan, who surprisingly didn't get all mad at me for 'getting in his way'. His eyes were wide and scared, and he looked like he had seen a ghost.

"Zach, I - I don't know what to do. There's fire, lots of it, the trees are burning, and it isn't normal -"

"- Ethan, chill. Go back to the dorm. I'll handle it."

If he were surprised by my response, he didn't' show it. He simply nodded, gave me a look of fesr that didn't suit him, and sprinted off towards the dorm.

I kept running. Full speed, through the crowded corridors and past dimly light classrooms. But by the time I made it to the Weaponry Wing and the Arena, I was too late.

Whenever Nya and I had practiced her Fire Manipulation, I always repeated one thing to her: "Limit it's power, keep it small and subtle. Only use it full-force if there's an angry mob or Herobrine chasing you."

So when I had seen the whole new world of flames she had created, I had known immediately that something was wrong.

There were about ten students in the Arena's bleachers; all of whom were watching the scene in front of them, their backs facing me. I ran around to where they were looking and I froze when I saw.

Scorched earth, burnt trees, and in the middle of the previously green patch of circular grass, bodies.

There were two people hunched over something, I couldn't see what, on the ground between them. They were covered in blood, which was glistening from the sinking sun's rays. One's curly hair was flattened with sweat. The other had long, brown hair that looked like it had been dip-dyed red.

I recognised her straight away.

I sprinted over, ignoring gasps from the small audience, and sat myself down next to Nya. She was covered in blood, every bit of her. I put my arms around her shoulders. She turned and sobbed into me. I tried to avoid looking at whatever was laying at her knees, but the curiosity was too much.

I wish I hadn't looked.

"Sh, Nya. It's okay, I'm here for you." I whispered softly into the crying girl's hair, a tangled mess that was stained with Tali's blood.

-----------

*THE NEXT DAY*

- Clare's POV -

"Good work, Jones. You didn't disappoint me at all." Herobrine hissed softly, his features clenched in anger. "It all went perfectly okay. It's not like the entire school - no, the whole city - saw the damn thing unfold!"

I wanted to tell him that they didn't actually see anything, only been told rumors that had spread faster than the flu, but considering the state he's in it didn't sound like a good idea.

"Look, Herobrine, it's okay -"

He slammed his hands down on the empty shelf in front of him. "- This is not okay! You've screwed it up, Clare! The one thing I specifically asked you to do was to keep this under wraps, but you went ahead and murdered the girl while there were people living on the same block! And you call this okay?" His voice was loud and angry, and I was once again thankful for the cloaking shield Herobrine had around us.

Then he sighed, clearly in annoyance. "Well, I guess now we'll have to finish this faster than expected. That pest Talia stole your school record, did she not?"

"Yes, she did."

"Then we'll use that to our advantage. I think," he laughed softly, murderously, "that we've damaged her enough."

"So you'll kill her?" I asked.

He grinned. "Yes. Right after I kill Dare."

My stomach dropped slightly, but I ignored it. "What would you like me to do in the meantime?"

"What you always do. Blend in. Maybe destroy a few more souls. I don't care. Just make sure she is here two weeks from now. Preparing a portal takes time."

The room spun, and I felt Herobrine's invisibility shield evaporate into thin air. As I turned and walked away, I tried to pretend the heavy feeling of guilt wasn't there. That it didn't exist.

It's not like I have much of a choice.

-------------------

*THREE DAYS AFTER TALI'S DEATH*

- Nya's POV -

I remember the day my father left me out in that jungle with my task for the IEM. At that time, his betrayal felt fresh, and it hurt to think about. But it was all I could think about for several weeks.

It was like a cut to the flesh, every time I reminded myself that he did this to me. But this - this grief is different.

I feel numb. And hollow. And shattered.

Because Tali was my little sister. Because I was meant to protect her like older siblings do. But I didn't, and I watched her die in front of me, covered in her own blood.

I faintly remember the school officials discovering the scene and sending a message down to the Bloquear Police station, but I was too dead to feel it. I knew that Zach was holding me the whole time, but it hadn't made much of a difference.

Because my sister is dead.

--------------------------

*A WEEK AFTER TALI'S DEATH*

- Nya's POV -

I've never been so thankful of Zach before.

I'm going to be honest. It still hurts. The wounds are still open and unhealed. But they would be so much worse if it wasn't for him.

Zach didn't leave my side. He stayed with me while we were being interviewed in the police station (where we lied, obviously - it's not like we could exactly tell them the real story), at Tali's funeral, and the time between. I haven't been to uni since it happened. So, typically, neither did Zach. His selflessness was one of the many reasons why I loved him.

I recalled what Tali said to me - the last things she said to me. I'll see you again. Kick Clare's butt for me.

And I sure planned to.

Tali's death was like fuel for the flames that represented my hatred for Clare and Herobrine. I was going to make them pay for everything they've done. I felt hardened; stronger. Before I was iron, now I am diamond.

Clare had better watch her back.

---------------------------

Crappy, short, long awaited update. Im extremely sorry.

Alright, so:

1) The next chapter will have more words, more action, and more mystery solving.

2) Sorry I haven't been updating. I really am. School's been stepped up this year and I need a lot more time to do homework and study :(

QOTD: If this story had a fandom, like a proper fandom fandom, would you be in it?

QOTD (2 - I skipped one two chapters ago): What's your eye colour? (random, I know - mine's brown)

AND GUYS IVE NOTICED THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VOTING SO PLEASE DO I REALLY APPRECIATE IT

- Jazz