Chapter 30: Eyes the Colour of Emptiness

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- Nya's POV -

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I woke up the next morning grumpy and tired. My mind was whirling with possible explanations to last night's words that Clare had exchanged. Had it been a dream? My imagination creating illusions?

I didn't think that was the case.

Emerald was moving around in her bed beside mine. She poked her head from under the covers, then groaned when she was greeted with the early morning sun leaking through the windows. Clare was already wide-awake and walking around, getting ready for her Wednesday classes.

Today being Wednesday meant I had English at 9:30 and potions at 2. It also meant that today is the day to ask Mrs Kelly about permission into the library restricted zone - better sooner rather than later. I was practically itching with curiosity about what the book may contain. More clues? More answers? Or simply more questions?

Since I was a little late getting out of bed, I was rushed as I made my way to the English classroom. Luckily I made it on time.

The students were giving me wary, almost pitiful looks - the school had told everyone that a fire had started in the forest patch beside the arena and killed my sister. The witnesses of my powers were threatened into staying quiet. At least, that's what I've heard from Harry, who's still working within the campus.

I hated the way they looked at me; as though they were afraid I would fall apart any second. If anything, Tali's death has made me stronger.

Mrs Kelly was an odd woman with a terrible fashion sense and a knack of being late to class. Today, no less then ten minutes past 9:30, she rocked up in a long purple skirt and a red plait shirt - honestly, it hurt the girly side of my heart to look at.

I sat down at my usual desk around the centre of the classroom. I was surprised when the new kid from yesterday - Alex, I think (remember, I have memory issues that annoy the hell out of everyone) - walked past and sat at the seat to my right. Poor Jose looked lost and confused, since Alex had just taken his place. Up close, Alex didn't look too bad - although, his hair was so messy I suspected he slept with it that way. His eyes were an amazing shade of forest green. But the wonder was dulled by the alarm bells that were going off in my brain.

"Alex Machia," he stated, holding out a hand. I shook it firmly. "And you are?"

"Nya Analove." I smiled.

"Pleased to meet you. I don't suppose you happen to be single?"

Taken aback, I hastily replied with "No, I'm not."

He laughed. It sent shivers up my spine - but why? It was infectious and meledious.

We chatted for the next few minutes before Mrs Kelly began taking the roll call. Then, the lesson starting demanded us to refrain from speaking from each other. I could have sworn that Alex's eyes were almost constantly on me.

Class finished with the deafening chime of the bell. Whilst the other students were filing out the door, I walked up to Mrs Kelly who was behind her own desk. I coughed polietely, gaining her attention.

"Yes, Miss Analove?" she inquired, her hands filled with papers.

I cleared my throat. "I was wondering if I could get a note so I had permission to acsess the library restricted zone?"

She looked confused. "Why on earth would you want such a thing?"

"Just some research," I lied. Well, sort of.

She frowned. "I'm sorry, Miss Analove, but I can't go around handing about free passes to student-free areas without a proper explanation of why."

I opened my mouth to protest when I suddenlyjumped when I felt someone's appearence by my side. When I turned my head, I realised it was Alex Machia.

"Hey, Miss," he said, leaning forward over Mrs Kelly's desk, "it wouln't really matter if she just grabbed one book, would it? I have a feeling she knows exactly what she's after."

I gulped silently, turned to Mrs Kelly and nodded. I tried to ignore Alex's smug expression.

Finally, after many agonizing seconds of Alex's eyes on her, Mrs Kelly agreed. "Fine," she said, her voice defeated and annoyed, "I'll write a note that'll give you permission to access the restricted section, Miss Analove."

I smiled sweetly, trying to contain my excitement. "Thank you, Miss!"

"You're very welcome. Make sure you return this book of yours on time!"

"I promise." I waited patiently as Mrs Kelly slowly wrote out a slip on a piece of paper. She handed it to me. I read over it quickly, confirming she had indeed allowed me into where I wanted to go.

"Bye, Miss. And thanks again!" I called out to her as I left class.

"Goodbye, Miss Analove."

I sighed when I reached the hallway, sagging against the wall in relief. And then Alex Machia leaned against the wall next to me, thus ending my happy feelings.

"So," he said after a few seconds, "are we going to the library now, or what?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We?"

"Please do remember that I was the one who convinced Mrs Kelly to write you that note."

I scoffed. "Hardly. You just . . . provided the extra support."

"Yes, the extra support that got you that permission slip. So are we going now, or are we gonna sit around and wait and waste time?"

I contemplated the situation for a minute. Obviously, Alex didn't know the reason behind my wanting to go to the library's restricted section - only Zach, Harry and I knew about that. He must have one of his own motives. Perhaps a book that he wanted to check out for himself?

I didn't know for sure. But what I did know was that this teenage kid (despite his strange hair-raising effect he had on me) shouldn't give me any problems. When it came to borrowing Myths and Legends, I can just say it was extra work assigned by Mr Slayer. It's not like he would realise that I would be lying.

"Fine," I said, stifling an annoyed sigh, "you can come. Just please don't ask me questions about why I need this book, okay?"

"Sure', he replied. "Let's go."

***

Mrs Quest accepted our handwritten note from Mrs Kelly quick and sharp. The library's restricted section was behind the main desk, so that no student could sneak in without getting caught. It was located in a small room, no bigger than one hundred square blocks, with a locked iron door and what looked like security cameras. They must be really protective over their books at this school. The room was darkly lit and eerie.

There were three rows of shelves. They were about two blocks apart, which left enough room between them to sit down and read. The books, most of which looked leathery and ancient, were categorised alphabetically, so it didn't take me long to locate Myths and Legends (author unknown) from the 'U' section. I settled down almost immediately and began reading.

I am what many would call a traveller. This is my story.

A diary? The book Clare borrowed eight times is a diary?

Entry I:

I have been extremely troubled lately. The feeling that I am constantly being monitored never leaves my mind. It is as though a pair of invisible eyes were always there, watching me, watching everything.

A cold shiver ran down my back. I knew what this man felt like.

Entry II:

Three weeks have passed, and yet the strange, unsettling feeling still remains. It became stronger whilst I was mining last night. Now, my mind wanders for explanations. And I'm afraid my fear might get the better of me. That is all for the moment.

I kept reading.

Entry III:

Today I was confronted with whatever the thing was. As it turns out, he is nothing but a young man. He claims to have been waiting for me to notice him, for he is shy and timid and didn't want to ask for assistance to surviving these barren woods. I do not know whether to believe him or not. Yet.

Entry IV:

I accepted the young man, or as he calls himself, 'Steve', as my companion. He is actually quite useful. I have no idea why he needed help from me, an old loner, in the first place.

Steve. Oh no, oh no. This isn't happening.

Entry V:

Steve is becoming different. It's been almost a month since we started travelling together, and his constant use of his strange diamond sword is making me nervous. It's like he can't part from it. He never lets me too close to it, though. I'm also starting to question my sanity. Yesterday, at the corner of my eye, I saw Steve talking to a zombie. Ridiculous. It must be my age catching up to me.

I felt sick. I kept reading.

Entry VI:

Steve called me a 'Wielder' today. What that means, I have no idea. But I've decided to leave. This man is creepy, always murmuring to himself and to empty spaces around him. Now, I'm questioning his sanity. Two days ago, his eyes turned white. I'm finished with Steve and his games.

I'm screaming in my head. Get out, get out while you can.

Entry VII:

I'm writing this as a warning. Steve isn't a man. I don't know what he is. When I tried to leave, he captured me and took me to a hellish dimension below the underworld. I'm locked in a cell, and He says that it won't be long until he turns me. I don't know what that means. I don't understand any of this. I can hear footsteps. He's coming to get me. Please, please, don't trust the man with the blue shirt and navy eyes. Oblige my warning. His eyes are the colour of emptiness and sorrow and

That's where the diary cuts off.

I shut the book, and slammed it against the shelf. I let out a strangled cry. This man had become a Wielder. This was before Herobrine had used the Sangue Rosso - a fact I knew because he had told me that I had been his first experiment, and these pages had to be at least fifty years old. The man whose diary this belonged to is gone.

"What seems to be the problem, Nya?"

I turned, blinking hot, frustrated tears from my eyes. Alex was standing several blocks away, but his air seemed to have changed; his posture was perfect, and rather than being tucked jnti his hoodie pockets, his hands were by his sides. His face was twisted into an awful, sadistic grin.

I went ice cold. I felt sick, numb, and scarred. This was not the happy-go-lucky teenager who was new to the school. This was a completely different person.

"What. . ." I started, "What-?"

"Don't you recognise me through this disguise? Do you need a hint?" Alex's voice was taunting and cruel. And familiar. The world came crashing down on me.

"No," I stuttered, standing up from the shelf and then stumbling, "no, no, no, no-"

"You're stuttering an awful lot today, Nya. Is something bothering you?"

A raging terror siezed my body, both feeding and draining me of energy. I let out another chocked sob. My mind was in chaos. Alex was Herobrine. That's why I felt odd around him. Alex is Herobrine. Herobrine is here. In front of me.

"You bastard," I managed pathetically.

"So I take it you don't need a hint, then?"

I stayed silent, to paralysed with fear to speak. It was a terrible, helpless feeling.

Alex laughed evily. A smile crept up on his lips. "No time for games, I'm afraid. And don't worry, I'll tell Zach where you've gone. Maybe he'll go on another one of his little rescue missions."

Then, as Alex -Herobrine- raised his hand and pointed behind me, a portal appeared in all its magnificent purple glory. I had nowhere to go. To my left and right, shelves of books. I was too shaky to be able to break through them, and it would take too long anyways. Herobrine was pushing me back towards the portal, the portal which I knew would lead to the end of Herobrine's Revenge. My death.

I think I screamed when I fell through the unsolidness of the glowing, swirling patterns of the nether portal.

So much for becoming stronger. So much for piecing together the clues.

My last though before I blacked out was of Zach.

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*unedited chapter

CLIFFHANGER! WOOO

Sorry for the use of the word 'bastard' in there. I struggled to think of anything else as a replacement.

The next few chapters will be a breeze!

QOTD: How do you guys imagine me? Like, personality/appearance wise? Sorry, I'm just looking forward to being amused by your answers :)

- Jazz