This is a story I wrote a long time ago based on a server that used to be up. All characters, so far, are actual players I met on Epic Craft. I'll release a new day every Friday. If you guys like it and comment, I'll continue writing the trilogy. Please point out grammar/punctuation/spelling mistakes. Also, I work for a server providing company, interested in helping me create a Minecraft server? I'm looking for experienced administrators and MC server hosts.
I think that whatever happens before our first memory will never be understood. We will never understand where we came from in the first place nor control it. All we can do is look forward and control our fate, not our destiny. I can remember my first memory vividly, I will never forget how my strange existence started, how so many questions can be asked but so few answered.
Day 1 - Spawn
I quickly began observing my surroundings, not only do I have no memory or recognition of myself but I don’t even remember opening my eyes! My thoughts began to bubble and surface out of my previous instinct to panic. “Where am I? What Happened? What is this place? Who am I?” I felt myself begin to sweat and I finally asked a more immediately important question; “Am I alive?” Still observing my surroundings I found myself standing on a small, square shaped platform of glass, but beneath me...was lava. “OH !” the lava was incredibly terrifying to me despite the fact that between me and the molten rock was thick glass. I staggered away from the glass platform onto some cobble stone and leaned against a tall pillar. My hands squeezed the corners of the column and felt its texture. Sandstone? I looked at the pillar to see it was in fact composed of sandstone. My eyes studied it briefly and then followed the pillar upwards. That’s when this all started to make sense. The pillar was one of 10 or more surrounding the glass platform. They held up a large roof over the area. This strange place was some kind of decorated area that was gently lit by the lava underneath the glass platform. This didn’t really enter my mind as a strange place, or dangerous, but instead...it meant that I wasn’t alone...
I was looking around, still thinking strongly about my circumstance. I peered across the platform and saw a wooden sign on one of the pillars. I approached the sign cautiously, I may not be alone but that doesn’t mean that the indigenous population is friendly. I looked around quickly to scout my surroundings, then I read the sign.
“Welcome to our realm, ahead of you lay many adventures.” A greeting that wasn’t at all reassuring of my safety at the moment. It was night and I was hesitant to leave the shrine, the light provided by the lava was very inviting and the dark world I had never took a step in nor looked upon was very intimidating. However, I didn’t want to stay. I was nervous to come into contact with an indigenous population that may or may not want me dead is some way, shape, or form. I decided to venture out. I started to walk into the darkness and away from the lit shrine when I heard the strangest noise. It was a long woosh but it almost sounded auto tuned. I turned around and looked back at the shrine to see a person standing there. His back was turned to me and his head quickly snapped left and right trying to understand his surroundings.
“Hello?” I said. He quickly turned to me and positioned himself nervously in a ready position to either run or fight. “Who are you? Where am I? What is this place?”, He said. “Calm down...I don’t know. I don’t know anything. I’m like you”, I responded. He squinted his eyes in suspicion. “How do you know me?” He asked. “Well, I don’t know you. I just popped up here just like you, not even a few minutes ago.” “Who are you?” “I’m Graphix7” I surprisingly spoke.
Last night, me and the stranger talked. Without any recollection of the past, it was obviously hard to share a story. Thus, we simply shared our theories about this strange world and suggestions on what is our next best move.
“So, if you don’t remember anything...like me...how do you know your name?” The stranger asked. “I don’t know, I kinda just spoke without thought. I’m not even sure that what I said wasn’t completely made up or some kind of repressed memory that was able to slip out of my subconsciousness.” I responded. “Well, I think that Graphix7 can be your name for now. It works, no need to worry for now. But, I’m still in a bad spot. I don’t know myself like you do. I want to know my name.” “If it came so easily to me, you should be able to remember eventually also. Maybe it just takes time, and I was a little lucky. What about giving yourself a name for now?” “What if the new name sticks and I never remember my new name?” He interjected. That was a good point. What if he never remembers his name? What if he is never able to identify himself? How sad it is to simply not have a name. Also, if we were somehow able to find an answer to all of our questions, how would he be able to learn his past if he doesn’t even know his own name? I blinked, realizing the moment of awkward silence that had proceeded during my thoughts. “Well, that’s too damn bad! I have to call you something. Let’s face it, we’re gonna stick together through this. We only have each other right now, and I don’t intend on calling you anonymous! I’ll help you out, and if you have a problem with it, then TOO BAD!” I began with a smile on my face. “Your name will be...” I hesitated and my eyes darted along the cobble stone floor. “Noname! Yes that’s it, you’ll be known as Noname.” I was still smiling with reassurance that I’d help him through this, all he needs is the push. The stranger looked at me with a curious face and realized that I was giving him that push. I was taking care of things now. I was taking care of him. He chuckled and responded, “Haha, okay Graphix. Noname I’ll be!”
It was already morning and we were too distracted from our conversation to realize that the land had become visible through the light. “Come on dude, lets check things out.” I said. Noname nodded. We took a few cautious steps into a world we couldn’t believe we were afraid of! To the North was a large open sea with tiny islands with flourishing plants and animals. To the East was another shrine like the one we had come from but it was surrounded by small docking ports for boats. To the West was a pathway that lead around a large hill, the end indistinguishable. And to the South, was a city. “Look!” I shouted. Noname simply turned around and paused with awe. “Whoa, there is an entire town here!” He stated. “Think we should check it out? I did mention about hostile people right?” “Yea, but look at this place! It’s obviously no more dangerous than a neighborhood.” He was right. The small town was paved with smooth stone walkways between properties and each house was professionally made. The homes consisted of nice porches, balconies, and 3 floors of nicely decorated interior, or as far as we could tell from outside. So, we gave each other an assuring look and walked along the pathway into the town. The sun was bright and the grass was lush, the animals flourished in the pathways throughout the town. We felt very comfortable in the setting, but the looks were very deceiving.
Noname walked up to a nearby house and peered in from the window. “Wow! These are some nice properties! Check out the carpet, and the paintings!” He said in awe. “Hey dude, don’t be nosey!” I warned. “Look around, nobody is here. Why should I be worried?” I simply questioned his reasoning silently. Usually, a very well maintained town without any people is a little suspicious. While I was thinking that very thought, my subconscious picked up on my hearing. A fast thudding noise muffled by grass. footsteps! Suddenly out from behind me, I felt a shove push me from behind and force me to the ground belly first. I looked forward to see Noname quickly snap his head around to see what had happened. I could only see him, and his eyes widened with fright as a foot stepped in front of my line of vision and I heard the unsheathing of a sword. I reacted with instinct. I quickly grabbed and pulled at the mystery man's’ foot. he stumbled down to one knee and Noname backed off to a safe distance. I looked to see if Noname was safe, then turned to my assailant. He looked me in the face. His face was hardened with fights, scars crossed his nose and eyes, and a killer look had embodied his face. He screamed and swung his metal blade down at me. I rolled left and picked myself up off the ground. He tore his sword out of the grass and charged at me with a roaring battle cry and a blood thirsty look. I began to step away but clumsily tripped. I fell on my butt and looked up at this character, this complete stranger, as he was about to end my life with the swing of a sword. His figure blocked out the sun and I saw his silhouette bring his blade up for the kill. Suddenly, Noname came in and tackled the man shoulder first. The blow pushed him into the wooden house and forced his weapon free of his grasp. I quickly picked up the sword and held the sharp tip to his neck as Noname was holding him down.
The man was gasping, his eyes darting from me to Noname. I looked at Noname. What a daring rescue! Noname saved my life! All three of us were panting after the struggle but me and Noname had him pinned and submitted to our will. He said, “Go ahead and destroy everything! Just let me live!” I questioned the response but noticed the fear that had replaced his rage. I believed him. “What do you mean? We don’t want to destroy anything!” I responded. “Y-you mean...you aren’t griefers?” He asked while putting his fright on pause. “I don’t know what griefers are, but me and my friend here are new and just passing through when you tried to kill us!” I retorted with anger. “Look, I thought you wanted to destroy my house! We get a lot of fights here in Spawnville.” “Spawnville?” “This little town, we call it Spawnville since it’s so close to the spawn.” The spawn? Is that what the shrine was? I pressed the tip of the blade shallowly into this neck and drew blood. “AHH! No! Please stop! I’ll do anything!” I removed the blade from his danger. “Listen, you’re gonna answer our questions and you’re not getting your sword back got it!” “Fine fine! I’m XtremeKr3w...if it means anything to you.” He stated with an annoyed but thankful to be alive tone. I looked at Noname hoping that his response would reveal his real name. “I’m...I...I’m Noname...” He stuttered. Noname obviously was hoping the same, but was unable to let out the deeply hidden secret of his subconscious. “And I’m Graphix7, Nice to meet you Kr3w.” I said with a smile, and a blood tipped iron sword. “Yea, whatever...anyway...welcome to Epic Craft! We better get you ready...you have no idea what you two are in for. You have just started a journey into the world of the famous Cyto, MajorCyto” Kr3w said while leading us into his house. Me and Noname looked towards one another and considered the same possibility. We’re definitely gonna almost die again...
Me and Noname were kind of skeptical of Kr3w’s reaction to my threat. He seems so understanding and willing to help us out. Not a typical reaction when you had just been threatened your life’s end. However, the night had fallen long ago and we still had a caution towards the dark world outside. We were glad to be inside a rather comfortable home. Yes, his home was very well designed. The floor was completely made of stone steps and the walls were wooden with nice paintings and windows decorating the room. A staircase was in the the middle of the living room and went both up and down. Noname sat down on Kr3w’s wooden couch, making himself at home. “This is a nice place Kr3w!” He noted. “Built it with my own bare hands...4 times now.” Kr3w responded with a concerned face. Kr3w was busy fiddling with some materials he seemed to be crafting at a nearby workbench. His puzzling statement was just barely louder than a mutter. It concerned me. “4 times? You must know the design front to back, side to side, and up and down!” I joked. He didn’t laugh... “You think it’s funny?” Kr3w responded. He turned his head to glance at me, putting his project on hold. “This beautiful house has been destroyed before my very eyes by griefers. Just the fact that I can recollect the exact design of the house is embarrassing. I should have killed them a long time ago, but they keep getting away!” He ranted. “Who? Who would completely demolish your property for absolutely no reason other than their own pleasure?” I asked, almost anxious to target these characters. “I don’t know their names, it’s these two guys. They are kind of respected around these parts. I guarantee other people know their names. “Oh yeah, does anybody else live here?” Noname interjected. “No, it’s just me.” Kr3w said with a smile. A strange transaction of emotion. But the fact that he was proud to be living alone was worrying. I thought maybe he’s had a bad history with one or more roommates. I shouldn’t ask though... “Anyway, let’s get down to business...” Kr3w had changed the subject preferably for us. Noname looked at me quickly before starting his turn. “Yea, what is this place and how did we get here?” Noname asked. “This is Epic Craft, a realm of the uncertain. This world is not normal, it’s completely and directly controlled by its inhabitants. There is no government here mind you. It’s all for one and one for all. As for how you got here, nobody knows. That’s the mystery going around. Everyone has their own theories but don’t listen. They only person that knows that is Cyto.” Kr3w explained. “Cyto? Where can we find him?” I asked. “His name is MajorCyto and even if you were lucky to meet him, you’d be a dead man to cut in line. Cyto is the creator of this world, some people even worship him. And of course, people want answers. People all across Epic Craft hunt and follow his tracks in hope of meeting the famous MajorCyto.” Kr3w said. He made it sound so mystical, so magical. Only to interrupt himself... “What a bunch of ...” He spat.
“Cyto is only a rumor. There is no proof that he even exists let alone is the one that created Epic Craft. People say they’ve seen him from a distance but I only laugh. It’s all lies, it’s all a made up story to motivate people into the frontier. Nobody likes to live so close to strangers, so they made up a story to encourage people to venture outwards, very far.” Kr3w explained. I saw the look of Noname’s hope for answer become quickly shattered. He really believed that Cyto was the key, that we would hunt him down. Kr3w turned back to his work bench and began to craft more items. Noname looked at me and nodded that it was my turn. “Kr3w,” I began. “Hmm?” He confirmed his attention to me. “What do we do? We’re lost and have no idea what’s out there. How do you get out of here?” I asked. A very important set of questions. I pretty much assumed that he would be unable to answer. He kept his head down at the workbench and continued assembling items. I looked at Noname, his ears had almost perked with anticipation to hear his answer. But he remained silent. “Listen, I can’t just tell you.” He finally said. “What’s out there is not logically possible and understandable, you need these.” He picked up some stuff from the bench and handed me and Noname each a set of shabby armor, a sword, and some torches. The armor seemed to be made of the hides of animals. leather. Me and Noname looked at each other. This was obviously not a good sign that whatever out there was friendly. Kr3w simply motioned his hands. “Go on, put it on! I made it myself!” He said with a joking tone. Me and Noname began to put on our leather armor and afterwards I picked up the newly crafted sword he handed me. It was made of stone! I questioned the logic, I had just confiscated an Iron sword from hi- it was gone! I looked around for the Iron sword I had put down. “Hey! Where’s that sword I took from you!” I accused. “Hmm? Sword? What sword?” Kr3w responded. Such a guilty response. But I felt my face lighten from the anger. “Haha, you sneaky *******! You grabbed it didn’t you!” I responded. He laughed but never admitted it. He was still nervous that me and Noname weren’t exactly the understanding type. “Come on then, let’s go outside!” He changed the subject. He had adorned a set of strong metal armor and iron sword (go figure). He opened the door and scouted the outside. He motioned us to follow after taking a few steps. He was walking ever so cautiously. Me and Noname didn’t know what to expect. We were anxiously looking left, right, up, down...we didn’t have any idea! Kr3w relaxed suddenly and told us to follow him. He took a pathway heading east of his house. Noname and I followed him obediently, he was in charge now. and we came onto a large mountainous grassland. “Are you guys ready? This will be fun!” Kr3w said with a gleaming smile and that same blood thirsty look I saw when we met. He dashed down the mountain and into the dark grassland. The night paved our surroundings well, we could not see but 10 feet ahead. He had disappeared. Me and Noname once again looked at each other in agreement. We didn’t want to be out here alone. We both dashed in the direction Kr3w had left us. Running down the cliff side was hard, and my feet hit the right-angled vertices in its blocks. Falling almost guaranteed death. Despite my fears, me and Noname reached the bottom of the hill safely. Still shrouded in darkness, we called for Kr3w. No answer... “What do we do now?” Noname broke the silence. I thought for a split second. “I have no idea, it seems like the best thing to do now is to just protect ourselves.” “But from what? We have no idea what’s so dangerous! Kr3w is a vague ******* that left us to die with little information!” Noname interjected. “Look, I don’t want to just stand around here looking like a retard with a leather suit and a stupid stone sword! This is all a joke! There is probably nothing even out he-” He was cut off by the most horrid and nasty sound I’ve ever heard. Noname screamed with such intensity that I almost dropped my weapon in surprise. I heard him unsheathe his blade and swing. contact! I heard the slicing of flesh and the groan of an unknown adversary. Noname stumbled back into view and leaned on my shoulder. “What the was that! AHHH! It ing bit my neck!” He screamed in agony. I looked to see that the skin from Nonames neck had been completely torn off leaving a nasty, bloody gash. I was terrified. I heard an angry growl in the darkness “You didn’t kill it! It’s still coming!” I yelled, still terrified. “Calm down Graphix, just put down a torch now!” He yelled, still in agony... I hesitated at first but then pulled out a torch and struck the ground with the tip pointing straight up. The torch set aflame and lit up the area around us. We saw it.
A person stood slowly hobbling towards us, no not a person. This thing had green skin and tattered clothing. It moaned lifelessly and with sorrow...and hunger. It was a zombie. Noname was so shocked by the revelation he fell flat on his ass, still clutching his bleeding neck. I was wide eyed and still, but without reason and without awareness, I quickly picked up my sword and jabbed the creature upwards through the jaw. The blade pierced through his mouth and into his skull. Dirty black blood dripping from the wound. I didn’t think to withdraw my weapon. I simply let go of it. The zombie slumped to the ground, dead. He still had the sword jaggedly ripping through his mouth and skull. Noname broke the silence. “Holy ! Was that a ing zombie!?” He asked in fright, a barrage of questions had never left his mouth so fast, “Did you do that? How did you do that?! What was that thing? Am I going to die?” His questions were only white noise to me however. I just stared at the lifeless body and thought nothing. Noname’s questions were then interrupted by a hissing noise. The creatures body had began to almost evaporate. Steam was rising from its skin and then suddenly his body just, POOF! Disappeared. All that was left was 2 feathers floating gently to the ground from the cloud of steam quickly dissipating into the air. Conclusively, with that crazy event came daybreak...the sun was rising.
Kr3w was still nowhere to be found, so me and Noname quickly started heading back to his house. Noname was in no shape to be exploring, he was bleeding profusely. I kicked open the door once we reached Kr3w’s property. Noname ran and laid down on the couch. I was looking frantically around the house for something to aid my comrade. Then, Kr3w came walking casually into the room with a bounty of items. Noname stopped groaning to observe this too. Kr3w was actually whistling a happy tune and without any worry of our situation, he began neatly putting his trophies in his chest. “Um, HELLO! Noname is dying right now! He was bit by a ing zombie! Where did you go?” I yelled, ultimately annoyed. Kr3w just looked at me and reached in his chest. He pulled out a piece of cooked pork chop and tossed it at Noname. The meat landed on his face, messily. “Here, just eat that, you’ll be fine.” Noname was too scared to think at the moment, he scarfed the meat down faster then his blood was flowing out. Miraculously, his wound suddenly healed. I looked at Kr3w with an obvious question on my face. He simply looked at me and said, “Welcome to Epic Craft haha!” I was immediately shifted emotions, I only felt...reason. He had warned us, he said that we wouldn’t understand. Noname was alright, I got to get my first kill, and Kr3w had some explaining to do. I threw the sword on the floor. “Okay Kr3w, what happened out there? Why’d you ditch us?” I asked, sitting down beside Noname. “Well, to be honest. You guys are new. I wasn’t going to waste my time helping people that can’t look out for themselves. Think of that as a test, and you passed!” Kr3w answered with a wide smile. I was almost dumbfounded by his reasoning, how reckless! “I don’t think this is very funny...” I scolded. Kr3w’s smile dissipated as he realized my seriousness. “I think me and Noname are going to leave. We need to find this Cyto character, or at least try. He might be a myth but he’s our only hope.” I explained. Noname was still examining his neck, absolutely shocked at how fast he healed. Then, he heard what I said. “Graphix, wait. I don’t think we should just go on a journey to find something that might not be there. I think that’s a bad idea.” Noname said. I blinked twice in confusion. “Don’t you want to get out of this crazy place? Don’t you want to understand everything?” I argued. I was slightly offended that Noname was against my decision. I had become a little cocky. “Look, I don’t even know my own name! Yet, you expect to find a mythical person with the answers to everything. No, you expect to find the creator of the entire world!” Noname exclaimed. I almost staggered. He was right... It would be foolish to venture blindly after a fabled goal. “Okay, you’re right. What should we do from here then?” I asked. Noname quickly responded, “I don’t know...” Noname admitted. Kr3w had been staring at a corner, thinking very hard. “I have an idea. I’ll help you guys build your own place. I’ll help you survive.” Kr3w began. “But, in return I expect you to help me hunt down those griefers I mentioned earlier. I think you guys could really help me.” Noname looked at me without doubt. “Sounds like a plan. I think we should do it Graphix.” He said. I thought about the dangers, we were about to agree to a mission. “Okay, but let’s wait till day, then we’ll hunt them down.” It was sunset right now, the day passed quickly. The sun fell below the horizon and night took hold of the world. Kr3w talked to me and Noname through the night. He explained what these people did. There were three of them. He actually knew that one of them was named Extreats. A great start for when we would hunt the gang down. He found his house completely ruined 3 times, but walked in on the destruction while it was in progress in his last encounter with Extreats and his gang. They all got away, he didn’t have any sort of weapon at the time. My thoughts later drifted to Noname. This guy was pretty incredible. Not only did he save my life, but without him I’d be walking alone at night looking for the creator of man. I think our cooperation was working. I think we are a good team. However, I also thought about how I could help him remember his name. How can we uncover his identity? It must be hard, knowing that my identity was revealed only moments after I first arrived in Epic Craft. The sun was now rising...
I was awoken by a long and streaking noise. I cracked my eyelids open and saw Kr3w sharpening some swords and preparing armor. I had slept on the couch. Noname had chosen to sleep on the carpeted floor. “When did you wake up?” I asked Kr3w. “4 hours ago, I didn’t sleep well.” Kr3w said. He never looked up from the blade in his lap, stroking the sword with a black stone. I noticed that Kr3w had fastened 3 suits of armor, iron armor. I looked at myself and realized that me and Noname were still wearing our leather armor. “Are we upgrading to better armor?” I asked. Kr3w answered, “Not yet, you’ll put the armor on when we attack Extreats’ gang. For now, wear your leather armor. I don’t want the new equipment damaged before the fight.” Kr3w answered. He had really been thinking about this. He might have even been thinking about the chance of defeat, or even death. I was worried, but then again, everyone gets nervous before a fight. Him a little less than I, but that’s because he’s been thinking about a chance to murder these criminals for months now. The morning continued normally, we ate some bread and pork chops before leaving to hunt down Extreats and his gang. We stepped out of the house and into the Spawnville pathway. “Why is it always so quiet?” I whispered. “This is the battle zone, at least 5 murders a day occur right in this path. Either, everybody is dead, or they are smart. They are staying well armed inside their homes.” Kr3w answered. Noname interrupted our conversation. “Guys, look over there.” He pointed. Far east down the pathway we spotted a person preparing to swim out to see in a wooden boat. We intend to ask nicely if he knows of Extreats’ whereabouts, and then torture him if he answers incorrectly. We approached the man. “Hey, I’m Noname” He greeted himself. The man gave him a quick glance. “What do you three want?” He asked. We all looked at each other and felt that awkward silence. “Um, I’m Graphix7. We are looking for a person named Extreats and his gang.” I said. He stopped and pulled out a shiny blue sword. The material was unfamiliar to me but Kr3w showed fright. Kr3w was more experienced than all of us and it wasn’t very unsettling to see him scared. “Do you know what this is?” He began, “This, is a diamond sword. Made from raw diamond found only several layers above the bottom of the world. It’s the strongest material known to man and can cut you down like butter.” His words were incredibly intimidating. I was scared. He pointed the blade directly at my chest. “Does it worry you that I could slice right through your puny leather armor and pierce your heart with only the amount of pressure I can generate with my pinkie?” I felt the sharp tipped blade shallowly and cleanly cut into my leather armor, just like he said...just like butter. “No” I said, “It doesn’t scare me. It only gives me confidence that killing you is worth the effort. That sword will be mine before you can swing it.” I responded. I wasn’t bluffing, as soon as I inhaled the breath to create those words, I felt confident of my answer. I was true to what I said. He laughed. “Well, alright!” he said. He sheathed the weapon and held out his hand to shake with mine. I was confused but I still extended my hand greet his. “My name is zRevenant, good to meet you Graphix!” He said with a smile. “I hope you can forgive me about that whole rant about how I could kill you so easily, I wanted you to understand what you would be up against. Extreats has diamond weapons and they will be ready.” I felt so relieved. His explanation cleared the whole situation for me. I understood and felt even more confident than before! Weird, I’m happy to learn Extreats will have better equipment than me. “Hey Rev, how’s the town doing?” Kr3w asked Revenant. “It’s doing good. All the griefers around spawnville are pushing more citizens my way. People would sacrifice a tax on property just to have safety inside my walls!” Revenant answered. “You guys should really come to Sunset Cove with me. I’ll answer all your Extreats related questions and get you started in the right direction. “Why would you help us like this?” Noname asked. Revenant looked at him and said, “Why wouldn’t I want a griefer put to rest?” His answer satisfied Noname but I was skeptical, he had just said he was happy that the griefers were pushing people into his city. I just dismissed the thought though, I was just glad that we were being offered a great help. “Come on, jump in the boat.” Revenant commanded with a cool tone. All 4 of us crammed onto a large wooden canoe Revenant had just crafted. He drew a paddle and began steering us out to sea. The sea was calm and the sea spray splashed up onto my face as the small waves slapped the walls of the canoe. The clouds covered the sky in a gray tint, the sun barely breaking through. Kr3w was leaned back with a happy smile on his face, hand skimming the water. I was studying him because even though he seems to be our guide in all this craziness, he seems so confident and sure of everything that is about to happen. He was smart, and I noticed he was familiar with zRevenant. Is there something wrong? On the other hand, I was obviously paranoid. My thoughts bubbled with thoughts of deceit and betrayal within our group. I should relax, be more like Kr3w. “So, how long have you been here Graphix?” Revenant said to break the silence. I looked at him, surprised to hear a voice among the oceans noises. “Oh, uh...I guess me and Noname have been here for about, three days.” I answered. Revenant laughed. “Three days? Wow, and you guys are trying to murder Extreats?” He said. “Well, Kr3w told me he was well respected. But a sword cuts through everyone the same way right? Can’t be such a big deal.” “Well, you think what you want. It’s probably best that you find your mind in a more peaceful place before you see his shining blue blade pointed at your throat.” “Is there something we should know?” I asked. He became silent and stopped paddling. “I’ll tell you when we get to Sunset Cove...” Revenant responded emotionlessly. He lifted the paddle back up and began steering the canoe to his destination once again. I glanced at Noname, but he didn’t glance back. He was staring straight ahead with intense focus. I looked the same direction to see what object had caught Noname’s sight. It was an enormous wall of stone, and cement. The large wall had cobblestone striped with Sandstone and smooth stone decorating the top. I saw guards patrolling from atop the wall, passing from guard tower to guard tower. Then, as if he had heard my thoughts regarding the impressive structure, a soldier pointed towards our canoe and shouted the awareness to his fellow soldiers. Revenant continued paddling the canoe but I noticed a smile spread across his face. “Welcome to Sunset Cove!” He said.
Revenant docked the canoe and a squad of well armed soldiers approached. They were mostly sporting iron armor and stone swords. But, one of the soldiers stepped apart from the squad and was wearing a golden helmet. He was also carrying an iron sword. “Sir, Welcome back! We’ve ceased the riot outside of the church-” The gold soldier said but was interrupted. “General! Thank you for the welcoming committee but I am just glad to see you,” Revenant said rather suspiciously, “As you can see, we have some guests that would like to see our wonderful town!” The General looked at our group then back at Revenant. “Oh, of course sir! Shall I arrange an escort?” The General asked. “No, an escort through my own town won’t be necessary, we are going to visit the palace first. I would like a moment of privacy with my new friends before I give them the tour.” He answered. The General saluted and said, “Yes sir, your troops will continue patrolling the wall then.”
So, Revenant lead us through a far eastern part of the town into a large building that was undoubtedly the palace. It looked like a fortress on the outside, but when you entered it was surprisingly inviting. The floor was completely carpeted with a diamond pattern of red and blue. and the walls were smooth stone. Uniquely, the inside of the building was long vertical tubes of glass filled with flowing lava lighting the rooms. I was fascinated. I reached to study to luminescent tubes and obviously burnt myself on the glass. I said a very calm ow! and I heard the group giggle among each other. Ha ha, very funny. “Here, come take a seat,” Revenant said, “lets talk about this whole Extreats situation.” He had gotten a beverage but I didn’t remember him ever picking one up. He stared into the glass and toyed with the drink. Twirling the container in circles. The group took a seat on the couches around the room. They surrounded a fireplace in the middle of the room. “I know where Extreats is.” Revenant said. Me and Noname leaned in towards Revenant, sitting in a single chair across the room. He was silent, he said nothing. “Okay, where can we find him?” Kr3w asked. Revenant looked at him. “Alright, here’s the deal. I’ll only tell you if you promise me his death. Extreats can no longer be allowed to live, he is now a liability.” Revenant said. He’s talking about this like a failed business... “Extreats resides in a deep cavern out in the Sand Stone Desert. It’s a vast desert just north of Sunset Cove, it’s so large that stone can only be found 150 blocks below the lowest point. At the bottom of the sand, there is so much pressure that it actually find natural sandstone. Thus its name. Anyway, inside this desert is a cavern that leads far beneath the ground. Extreats is there.” A silence filled the room. The kind of silence that nobody notices, because everyone is thinking about what just happened. “What about his gang?” asked Noname. “They are dead, Extreats killed them all a few days ago. He has gone rogue,” Revenant said, “Extreats killed them all after attacking a peasant’s house in Spawnville. Evidently, they were spotted at the crime scene and fled. But later, Extreats murdered all of them and took all the loot for himself.” I looked at Kr3w. His eyes were wide and his lips stern. I could’ve sworn that his ears were perked as if those of a dog’s. “Peasant? That was my house damn it! I saw those mongrels destroy everything!” Yelled Kr3w. Revenant put his now empty glass on a nearby table and sat forward. “I’m sorry Kr3w, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I didn’t even know it was your house.” Said Revenant. Kr3w slouched back in his chair, angry. “Anyway, now that we know where to find him, what were you going to do to help us?” I asked. Revenant just smiled with a gleaming eye or satisfaction.
Revenant stood up and motioned us to follow him. The group stood up and followed obediently. He lead us to a room with several double-sized chests. He opened one of the chests and began searching through its contents. “I will supply your journey, it will not be easy surviving in the desert when you don’t know where you are going.” Revenant said, eyes still focused on the inside of his chest. He then pulled out 3 sets of iron armor and diamond swords. “Here you go, use these items with care. I’ll also give you each six cooked pork chops for your health.” Revenant said while returning to his chest and retrieving eighteen pork chops. “You know, this peasant right here, already made us some iron armor for the fight with Extreats.” Kr3w mentioned. “I figured, this armor is for your trip to the fight. It will be difficult to reach Extreats’ cave without injury while wearing that shabby leather armor.” Said Revenant. I looked down at my brown leather armor and agreed how mediocre I looked in such unsatisfactory protection. Kr3w was a little annoyed that Revenant was sort of taking over the command. Revenant was supplying, commanding, and directing our group. But this still made me feel uneasy. Ever since Revenant began to explain and discuss the situation to us, I felt unsure of him. I didn’t know what to think but doubted him every time he spoke. Noname however, didn’t show any thought or concern of our intel. I decided to shake any doubt of Revenant’s information because the others did not show any worry and I now felt a trust for my team. I also appreciated the items Revenant provided us.
Revenant gave us all a few glasses of milk and told us of a hotel across town. We passed through Sunset cove and saw the amazing structures of art and the perfectly designed homes. citizens roamed the streets, there was trade and commerce at checkpoints of traffic through the town. The streets well lit, the walls well structured, and the people very active. Much unlike Spawnville. However, I’m noticing something about the population. Everyone in the town loves Revenant and I mean loves! Nobody here talks poorly of their king, their attention is pointed towards the greatness of the town, the structural integrity of it’s protection. When arriving in the hotel, we paid for the rooms with the money Revenant had provided us with earlier and made ourselves comfortable inside our rented room. The room did in fact have 3 beds for large parties. I decided to mention my thoughts to the group before we went to sleep, it was already night now. “Guys, did either of you notice anything, strange about Revenant?” I said. They stopped getting comfortable and listened closely. “No, why? Did you think anything was strange?” Noname asked. I looked at my hands, I was nervously rubbing my knuckles. “Well, when we first met him he said that his town was doing well, that griefers in Spawnville were pushing people to his town. He mentioned it was a good thing,” I said, “But just earlier tonight, he said that Extreats should be killed for griefing, that it was a bad thing. I think he might be lying to us or keeping secrets or something.” Noname and Kr3w looked at each other. “Look Graphix, I asked him how his town was doing and he answered truthfully.” Said Kr3w. “Yea, and that isn’t to say that Revenant likes Extreats destroying houses and terrorizing Spawnville, it just means that it helps his town. Maybe he was just upset that such destruction and fear had overcome the small town and he wanted to help the poor citizens of Spawnville. I might be exaggeration, but I think he’s just being a good guy and I think you’re being paranoid. Ever since he pointed that diamond sword at you this morning, you’ve been unhappy with him.” Said Noname. I blinked, surprised. I couldn’t believe that my new friends just pointed me out to be a nutcase that wouldn’t know any better than to make out everyone around me as a threat. Had I accumulated such a consciousness? Have I developed the behavior of a confused and scared survivor in this crazy world? “Yea, I guess you’re right. Well, good night guys.” I said, eager to end the conversation. Noname and Kr3w glanced at one another and simply shrugged. They went to sleep. Tomorrow was a big day, we had a journey into a desert and a fight ahead of us. I was tired, time to relax. The pillow felt soft and the blankets warm, not 2 minutes passed before I would awake from a long sleep...
My eyes slowly opened and let the light slowly enter my retinas as I gradually woke up from a deep sleep. The light was peering in through a window. Where was I? I turned over to observer the room. Oh yea, this is the day I’ll probably be killed...
I got up out of bed and rubbed my eyes clean. I was in only my boxers, the pants and shirt I arrived on this realm with sloppily on the ground. I shoved myself into my pants and pulled on my shirt. I was so groggy from a great sleep, I dreamed of a large grassy meadow. The meadow had...flowers, hmm...flowers... Wow, I slept well haha! I looked out the window to see outside the hotel. Outside of the hotel room I could see the brisk cold of fall touch the town. The colors of the leaves had turned color and the small pieces of ice floated down the creek. It was early and only the citizens of the town that had work to in the afternoon were up this early doing their morning errands. I saw the business owners take their morning walk to their business locale. I saw the business employees take their morning walk to their business locale. I breathed in strongly through the nose and exhaled the cold air. ahh...morning. I never thought myself to be a morning person but wow! The staff of the Celebrate Inn did a terrific job making the customers nights here great. I slept so soundly. I turned back towards my roommates and walked briskly towards them. I knelt down between their two beds with a smile on my face. “Hey guys, wake up,” I said quietly, “It’s morning! Get up and enjoy it, might be your last.” Noname and Kr3w struggled in bed and took a very unnoticeable peek at who it was that dared bother their rest. Kr3w groaned and threw a shoe at me. A shoe? Why was he sleeping with his shoe? Noname sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes while yawning. “Wow, I slept well!” Noname said. He slept in his boxers like me and began re-clothing. Kr3w slightly lifted himself up on his elbows and squinted at us. “What time is it?” Kr3w asked. I glanced over to the ticking clock on the wall. It was about 7:48 AM. I turned back to inform Kr3w but he glanced to see the cock too. “Holy ! It’s not even 8! Why am I up!?” He complained. I stood up, still between the beds. I was wide awake now, that was bad news for Kr3w I suppose. I kicked him and he fell out of the bed on the side opposite of me. He stood up dizzily. I was laughing at the event. “Hey, what the hell? Why’d you kick me out of bed?!” Kr3w asked. “Because you’re a lazy bum! Get up dude! We’re going to battle today! Wouldn’t you like to enjoy a morning?” I responded. Kr3w sat down in a single chair nearby. “Yes I would, and I would be enjoying my morning right now if you hadn’t kicked me out of bed. Now I’ll never get to sleep.” “Well, get over it. I saw a restaurant out the window we can visit for breakfast. You’re coming with got it?” I said with a smile on my face. Kr3w just scorned me but confirmed by giving me a thumbs up to confirm he was coming. Noname was stretching, ready to face the day.
“What kind of restaurant is it?” asked Noname. I turned to him. “I think it’s a waffle house. Sounds great for the morning right?” I answered. Noname nodded and walked to the small bathroom. As Noname was getting ready for the morning, I was already up and awake. Kr3w began slapping himself lightly, buzzing his lips and rubbing his eyes. Kr3w was not a light sleeper apparently. After getting ready, we walked down the street to the restaurant. We were then seated and given menus. We discussed the choices of gourmet waffles and decided to share a single plate, none of us were really hungry. “So, what about Extreats? When do we leave?” Kr3w asked. My mind was focused on my share of the pancakes we ordered. Noname leaned back in the booth. “I think we should leave right now. While we are full and the day is low.” Said Noname. “Sounds like a good idea, lets go.” Kr3w agreed. I was surprised. “Wait, were just gonna go now?” I said. He simply nodded and nudged him out of the booth. He was not only willingly leading the way, but he was rushing. Kr3w was anxious to to get going now. Before leaving we stopped by the palace to talk to Revenant. I saw the palace with lava lights still lit. I really liked that idea. Revenant walked down the palace wearing nothing but a royally embellished robe and slippers. “Ah, I’ve been waiting for you three,” Revenant said, “I am anxious to get you on your journey!” Revenant was so happy. “Good morning Revenant, We’re ready to go.” Noname said. “Of course, I have to give you something first though,” He said, “I got you a map of the Sandstone Desert and marked the location I think Extreats’ cave is.” “How do you know where his cave is?” I asked. My words obviously accused him of being sinister is some way. “Well, the desert has lots of sandstorms and harsh dry land. Based on the most livable place to be in the desert, I decided he must be there!” Revenant said in retaliation, almost defensively. I nodded and looked at the map. “The desert is just north of the East gate. My soldiers will accompany you to the Sandstone Desert.” Said Revenant. The group looked at each other questioningly and then turned to see 4 guards ready to escort us. I looked at Noname and Kr3w. They just shrugged with acceptance. “Well, it was nice getting to know you guys. In the event that you don’t come back alive, I will commemorate your dying honor for the safety of Epic Craft!” Said Revenant. He lifted his hands up into the air and emphasised the greatness of his words. He made it sound like it was my destiny. Not to kill Extreats, but to die trying. “We’ll come back with his head on a stick!” Kr3w asked while we began to walk to the Eastern gate of Sunset Cove. Now, our party of 7 walked out of the town well armed, we obviously attracted attention. I could see the local people of the town whisper to each other in rumor and concern. After leaving the town, we went directly North. We didn’t go around any lakes or hills. We just walked right through or over them. After a few minutes of walking the land began to go uphill and I noticed the spill of very fine sand in the grass. When we reached the top of this large hill, I saw why. The entire Sandstone Desert was inside of a huge crater like formation, almost like bowl. The edge of the crater that we had found ourselves had a large stone platform, obviously man made. The platform marked the entrance and exit of the desert, and featured a way down. It was a contraption I would have never expected. Noname and Kr3w got in line to enter the desert. I looked back at the soldiers, they were just waiting patiently.
“Well go on, We’ll be waiting here if you come back.” Said one of the soldiers. Kr3w quickly pushed his legs off of the platform and let gravity carry him safely down into the desert. Noname jumped off of the platform and caught the handles that would take him to his destination. So then it was my turn. I wrapped my fingers around the iron bar and its handles. I leaned forward and pushed off of the platform with very little confidence. I felt the wire catch my weight. It was a zip-line!
I saw my comrades ahead of me, swinging left and right as the zip-line carried them quickly into the desert. I tried to look back to the receding platform and saw the soldiers leaning over the edge to see our departure. I heard, “Graphix! Let go!” I turned my sight forward and saw a large stone wall about to crash directly into me! I quickly let go, horrible landing. I twisted and kicked in the air and hit the sand floor hard. I felt the hot sun almost bake me. It was hot! More importantly, I felt the hands of my team mates pick me up. “Wow Graphix, nice landing!” Kr3w said. “Haha yea. That was horrible.” Noname agreed. “Shut the hell up, I was surprised at the giant stone wall the other end of this stupid zip-line was connected to.” I argued. Noname and Kr3w were holding me up by my shoulders, I could’ve walked myself but it was okay. Noname and Kr3w eased my weight back to myself and I started walking. So there we were, three random men traveling into a treacherous desert with iron armor and diamond swords. The only person here that had any kind of training or experience was Kr3w. I don’t know what we’d do without him.
We traveled far, across the large ripples of sand created by the winds. Long way up, quick way down, long way up, quick way down and repeat. We knew nothing of our location besides that we had to keep heading North, always into the North. Our armor was becoming hot and painful to wear, our legs could feel the strain but resisted giving any sign of tiring. Ahead of our current position, we saw a short palm tree. SHADE! “Look guys, over there. Lets take a break and look at the map.” I suggested. Kr3w nodded. Noname just followed us, I am not sure if he agreed or not. once under a very comfortable shade, Kr3w brought out the map. “Okay, we’ve been traveling for a while. But, we have to keep walking until we reach the cliffs.” Said Kr3w. “The cliffs?” I asked. “Some large wall of stone just north of here, then we walk West and we should see Extreats’ cave after some time.” Answered Kr3w. Noname looked out into the desert, the sun reflecting off of the sand can be painful enough. It hurt your eyes to look directly at the fine white grains that covered the desert for miles. “Alright, lets get going huh?” Said Noname. Kr3w and I looked at each other and just shrugged. “Yup, lets!” I said. So we continued walking, back into the sun! I noticed the wind pick up a little, thank you! The wind helped to keep us nice and cool. Let it be known that it didn’t do the best job, but I enjoyed it none the less. Finally, we reached the cliffs.
“Alright, so now we just walk West, along these walls?” Noname asked. Kr3w shaded his eyes from the sun and looked West. “Yes, that’s right.” Kr3w answered. Noname quickly began walking ahead of us. So ambitious! What’s gotten into him? Kr3w and I quickly jogged back up to Noname and walked with him. Man, the wind was really blowing now! I loved the breeze, but now it started to sting! The wind had picked up a little bit of the sand floor and was throwing it at us. I saw Kr3w was thinking the same thing, he covered his eyes with a hand in the appropriate direction constantly. However, Noname was just persevering through the wind. I finally decided to break the silence. “Jeeze it’s kind of windy huh?” I said. “Yea, it hurts! Damn it!” Answered Kr3w. “Just be glad it could be worse.” Noname said. “How could it be worse? The wind stings, the suns hot, my armor is burning my skin, and we’ve been walking for miles!” I said. “Trust me, it could be worse.” Noname said. I looked to Kr3w, he simply kept walking. No comment on that one. But he was right. “Damn it! Sand storm!” Kr3w screamed. I turned to the south and saw a large wall of airborne sand coming directly at us. It was terrifying! The thing must’ve been fifty feet tall! “Run!” Screamed Noname. He stopped walking and launched into a full on sprint along the cliffs. Kr3w and I followed at the same pace. Our armor was clinging but we couldn’t hear it. The wind was getting louder. None of us dared to look left as we ran forward. None of us saw how much time we had until we were engulfed, probably separated, probably killed. We looked along the walls of the cliffs to find shelter. I looked right at the rocks and saw no signs of protection. Suddenly, I felt my armor tug and bring me to the cliffs. It was Kr3w, he was screaming at me but I couldn’t hear him. He also grabbed Noname’s chest plate and held fast. He pulled us toward the cliffs and we just let him take us wherever he wanted, we didn’t know what was happening. Then I saw it, he was dragging us to a cave entrance! Shelter...
Inside the cave, the group leaned against the stone walls. I sat down on a block closer to the entrance. Noname, Kr3w, and I were gasping for breath. We ran easily 150 yards along the cliffs before Kr3w saved us. I leaned my head back and let the air flow comfortably through my lungs. I felt light cover my face. I cracked my right eye open and saw that Kr3w had place a torch on the wall to reveal that this cavern was large. It continued farther than light could reveal. I had an idea. “Isn’t Extreats’ cave at the other end of the cliffs?” I asked. Kr3w withdrew the map once more. “Yea, it is. Why?” Said Kr3w. I stood up and faced down the dark tunnel that we had took shelter in. “This tunnel probably leads to another cavern farther West of the cliffs,” I said, “If we go through the tunnels, we can head straight to Extreats’ cave. We won’t have to wait for the sandstorm to die down!” Kr3w looked at the map again. Noname stood up. “You sure that’s a good idea? Who’s to say we can navigate the tunnels let alone if it leads to an exit.” Noname said. I opened my mouth to speak but was interrupted by Kr3w. “No, look, he’s right! There is another cavern that is closer to Extreats’ cave, it’s probably connected to this one!” Kr3w said. I smiled, my argument has just been made for me. Noname looked at the map over Kr3w’s shoulder and then back at the sand storm outside. “You guys really want to risk it?” Noname Asked. We both nodded. Noname just shrugged. Kr3w looked at me. “You’re gonna lead the way, this is your idea, so you first.” Kr3w said. o_O
So, we were walking through a dark tunnel system. We followed the “Torches on the right” rule. At first the tunnels simply weaved left and right but we began going downhill, deeper into the maze of stone. My confidence was lowering. The darkness intimidated me. I could also hear strange noises throughout the caverns. “You guys hear that?” I asked. Kr3w nodded. “Yea, keep moving. They’ll catch up.” Kr3w answered. Noname and I looked at each other, not a very good sign. “What is it Kr3w?” Noname asked. “Skeletons...” Kr3w mumbled. My ears perked and my vision strained to identify any signs of movement in the dark. We continued, placing torches and finally, the tunnels had began to elevate higher, possibly an exit. Kr3w stopped and leaned against a wall. Noname joined him just a few feet forward from his position. I looked back and took notice that I shouldn’t go far. However, I walked forward. I walked only a little bit into the dark and saw something that surprised me. Something that stopped my heart and made me sweat. I saw light! “GUYS! I SEE AN EXIT!” I yelled. Kr3w’s head darted and his eyes focused on me, he stood back up and hustled to me as did Noname. They reached me and laughed with joy. Kr3w put down a torch. and the area was lit. It was a long uphill tunnel leading directly to the surface. The exit must have not been 50 yards away. I could see the sun, yes the sun! The sand storm has gone! Noname began up the tunnel and I followed him. Wait, something's wrong. “Guys, look at this!” Kr3w said. I turned my head to see Kr3w observing a stone wall. “Graphix, come here. I want to show you something.” Noname stopped, still a ways up the tunnel from me and Kr3w. “See this? This is iron ore!” Kr3w said. I noticed that the stone he was observing was actually oddly colored. Kr3w pulled out an iron pick. I didn’t know he brought that. Kr3w began chopping at the ore. “You see, if you collect this ore, you can smelt it and it becomes i-” Kr3w was cut off. I saw the block of iron ore disappear and reveal a gushing source of water that began to spill out and engulf my friend. His last words covered by the water were no longer important. The stream multiplied and almost flooded the tunnel. I dived out of the way and avoided being pulled away by the current. However, Kr3w was not so lucky. I saw him drift down the tunnel we had come from. Unfortunately the water decided to take a detour from our original path. The stream took a turn and pushed Kr3w over a high ledge. I didn’t see anything after that. Noname rushed down the tunnel and blocked up the water. “Kr3w! Kr3w!” We yelled while running to the ledge. Noname and I leaned over the ledge to see a large pool of water down a ways. A ripple that had spread in the middle of the pool was evident that Kr3w had landed in the water. Kr3w’s head popped up. “Help! Get me out of here NOW!” He screamed. His eyes were darting left and right in fright. It was dark down there, very dark. “Use your pick to dig a way up!” I said. He then dived back into the water. Silence. Noname and I could not hear Kr3w from underwater but we listened intently anyway. What we heard was not Kr3w. It was a horrible noise. Not physically but the meaning of such a sound was deathly and stung our hearts with fear. “Kr3w! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!” I screamed. Kr3w’s head popped up out of the water. “I can’t find my pick! Get me out of here!” Kr3w said. Noname looked on the ground and found the iron pick up on the ledge. “What is that noise?” I questioned. Kr3w silenced himself and suddenly became frightened. “SKELETONS!” Kr3w screamed. “I got it!” Noname shouted. He had found Kr3w’s iron pick. Noname lifted up his tool and struck the stone with such force, I could feel the vibrations through the stone floor. Noname drilled through the stone fast! He began forming a staircase pattern down through the stone. I stopped looking at Noname to observe Kr3w. Kr3w’s eyes were looking somewhere into the darkness around him. Suddenly his eyes went wild and I heard a thump followed by a splash. “They’re here!” Kr3w yelled. On that mark, Noname busted some stone and revealed Kr3w’s escape. Kr3w swam towards Noname and he was pulled onto the staircase. As my teammates were coming up the hand carved staircase, I drew my sword. I noticed that the water had disposed of all our torches farther down the tunnel. I heard more skeletons coming. I was ready to fight these undead. That was until I saw their method of attack. I heard a familiar thump and saw an arrow come out of the darkness! I dodged successfully. These skeletons were packing a bow and arrow!? As the skeletons came into view, I dodged their arrows and sloppily chopped them down. I ran left and right, ducked, jumped, swing left, swing right, back up, repeat. Their bones littered the ground and my fatigue wasn’t giving best show. One of the skeletons strafed around my left, I strafed around it and dodged its arrow. I quickly ran in and rushed it before it could shoot another. But I was outnumbered. As I struck down the skeleton, I felt a shove push me to the ground. I fell backwards, landed just at the top of the staircase my teammates were coming up. I heard a crunch and noticed the stone crack and budge slightly. I rolled left and looked down the hole. Then an arrow flew at my previous position and stuck a small crevice in the rock. This slightest force of inertia tipped the scale. the top of the staircase broke off and fell heavily to the water pool below it. As the large stone slab splashed the water, skeletons had began showing up below and releasing their arrows at Noname and Kr3w.
I performed a barrel roll to my left. Stood back up and swung my sword low, striking the nearest skeleton’s ankles. The monster fell to its knees and I swung downward, cutting it in half through the spine. My blade scarred the stone floor and littered it with the remains of my enemies. I continued to fight and dodge arrows successfully, glancing at the progress of Noname and Kr3w. Kr3w and Noname could no longer just walk up the stairs. In danger of arrows coming at them from below, Kr3w and Noname dived across the deep hole and landed on a small group of blocks jutting out from the stone wall. They stabilized themselves and stood up. The arrows kept on coming, the skeletons began making their way up the half destroyed staircase for a better vantage point to murder the humans. I noticed them jump from the perch back across the hole. I dived toward the ledge as Noname grabbed hold safely because Kr3w had not been so lucky. Kr3w barely missed the ledge and I caught him with my extended arm. Noname pulled himself up quickly, but with the weight of Kr3w and his inventory I had only progressed to my knees. Noname grabbed the back of my chest plate and pulled hard as arrows were flying at us from all directions. I stood up as Noname’s force dragged me and Kr3w to safety. Still grasping Kr3w’s wrist, I pulled him up to the exit of the tunnel as fast as I could. I felt him stumble and almost trip as a forced him up the tunnel. The thumps and thuds of arrows launching and missing their marks as they struck the stone. Unfortunately, Kr3w stumbled and I lost my grip of him. I stopped to turn back and recover my comrade. He looked up at me and stood up as quickly as he could, not quick enough. An arrow struck him in the right shoulder from behind. His eyes cried in pain. “AAAAAAHHHHHH!” a scream flew out of his lungs. I grabbed his left hand and pulled him up, I looked up to see Noname glance back and continue his ascend. We were almost out.
We surfaced, Noname looked across the Sand Stone Desert desperately. Kr3w was clutching his wounded shoulder. “What happened back there!?” Noname asked. I glanced at him then turned Kr3w around to inspect the wound. “Kr3w fell and was hit in the shoulder.” I said as I yanked the projectile free of his flesh. Kr3w screamed and fell to his knees, then he sat down panting. I let Kr3w endure the pain and approached Noname. “You see anything?” I asked. Noname looked back at Kr3w then leaned in to whisper to me. “Yea, Extreats’ cave is right over there,” He pointed, “But maybe we shouldn’t go right now, Kr3w is wounded.” Noname said. “What was that?” Kr3w asked, empty of breath. Noname turned around to Kr3w as did I. Noname looked at him and sighed. “Extreats’ cave is right over there.” Noname answered. “Well then what are we waiting for?” Kr3w responded. He got up and walked past me, making sure to knock shoulders with Noname as he passed by. This was obviously personal to Kr3w, he wanted Extreats dead NOW. I looked at Noname but he didn’t look back. We went to Extreats’s cave.
Walking again across the desert, Kr3w lead the way. We were very worried about his condition. Not just physically however, but also mentally. Kr3w was right down blood thirsty to at least engage Extreats as soon as possible, as if otherwise he would never get a chance again. Noname and I followed behind silently. Occasionally we would see a drop of blood stain the white sand but not at an alarming rate. Aside from Kr3w, Noname was very calm. As if he was prepared for this all along. And aside from Noname, I was having second thoughts about the whole situation. I wasn’t even sure that we needed Kr3w to help us survive in this world. Let alone if he was worth risking our lives for. We approached the large cavern, the entrance wide and pitch black inside.
We entered the cavern and followed Kr3w. He walked erect and ready. We followed the torches, torches on the right. It was not long before we reached his chamber. Extreats’ Home. We saw that the entrance was actually walled off with a door, quaint I suppose. There no knocking needed thought, Kr3w just kicked open the door. “Extreats! Where are you!?” He yelled. Me and Noname quickly exchanged our worn out armor with the armor Revanent had supplied us with. Kr3w was too hasty to think about being prepared. A man walked from around a wall. He was wearing full diamond armor and sported a diamond sword to match. Extreats. “Ah, you must be Revenant’s lackies! Come to kill me?” He said. I expected him to be cocky, but he said this with a straight and even concerned face. Kr3w drew his sword and assumed a ready position. “You, I want you dead! Noname, Graphix, even Revenant wants you dead! We’re here to slit your throat from ear to ear you son of a !” He said. “Even Revenant?,” Extreats responded, “Ah, another victim of conspiracy.” “Wait wh-” I began to ask. However Kr3w interrupted me by charging the enemy. Their diamond swords clang together. Sparks flew with each clash of the two blades. Noname and I drew our blades and charged Extreats from his flanks. Extreats quickly maneuvered Kr3w’s blade away from himself and kicked him directly in the chest forcing to fall backwards. With Kr3w temporarily disposed, Noname and I were next. Extreats blocked Noname’s swing and ducked mine. I continued the swing for another pass but Extreats dodged to my left, forcing Noname forward. I had to stop my attack to avoid stricking Noname and Extreats took the moment. Extreats swung his blade and struck my leg. The pain surged up through my body and I dropped to the ground. Extreats then proceed to elbow me in the face and kick Noname’s blade free from his use. Kr3w had stood up and begun his downward swing at Extreats. The griefer turned around and connected their blades. Extreats and Kr3w leaned in on each other, they could feel every breath their adversaryexhaled. Extreats forced forward and showed superior strength to Kr3w. As Extreats pushed against Kr3w’s blade, he groaned and cringed in pain. Blood spilled out of his wound. Extreats noticed. “Tsk tsk tsk, never come to a battle injured!” Said Extreats. Extreats then forced his weapon right and spun around. This made Kr3w’s blade fly right and out of hand. Extreats then returned with an upward strike. The blade cut cleanly through Kr3w’s iron armor and sliced Kr3w’s chest and right arm. The force lifted Kr3w up off the ground and down on his back. Extreats turned his blade around in his hand and landed a kill blow. He stabbed Kr3w downwards through the heart. I heard Kr3w release a breath of air. “NOOOO!” I screamed. Noname entered the scene and swung at Extreats. The enemy drew his sword from his prey and began blocking Noname’s attacks. I stood up and persevered through the pain in my leg and charged at Extreats. Extreats forced Noname’s blade downward and punched him in the jaw. Noname fell to the ground without resistance but with much effect. The move put Extreats with his blade downward, giving me a chance to attack without a counter. Extreats glanced at me and pulled his bade up to block my strike. I swung my sword as hard as I could downward at the murderer. When our weapons collided, I heard the swords almost shatter under the force. Extreats was pushed down against the wall. He stared me right in the eye as I pushed as hard as I could cut his throat. Then, Extreats began pushing back. He was recovering, Extreats was about to counter attack. Suddenly I heard a SHING! Extreats and I, still locked swords, looked down to see a blue blade piercing Extreats armor and penetrating his body. My hands loosened and stopped pushing on his blade, the lack of retaliation from his blade told me he had done the same. I followed the diamond sword to see that Noname had stabbed Extreats without getting up from the blow. Noname’s eyes were scared, he stared into Extreats’ eyes and they stared back. Extreats turned his view to look up at me. He withdrew one last breath and spent it on words I will never forget. “Don’t...trust...Revenant...” Extreats said. I was angry, I wanted him to pay for murdering my friend. I lifted up my blade and slashed diagonally to my bottom right and let my sword cut cleanly into his neck and chest plate, severing his spine and ending his existence. I heard the sickening cut and felt blood spatter across my neck and chin. I saw the blood spray the wall and pour down his torso. Noname pulled back his sword. I ripped my blade out of his body violently.
It was now dark outside, we covered the bodies with some blankets we found inside the cave and stayed the night. Extreats’ last words were, “Don’t trust Revenant.” Something is very wrong here, something is not right. Either way, I was not guilty for murdering the adversary, I mourned for Kr3w’s death that night. Noname stayed awake and just watched a man made fireplace for a few hours before relaxing. We didn’t speak. Nothing was left to be said, only to think and we thought to ourselves hard. I guess we go back to Sunset Cove in the morning.
I posted Day 1 in the middle of the week so that it wouldn't be long before Day 2 is released. That's because Day 1 is noticeably short and I realize that it's hardly enough to judge the story on yet.
Many Thanks to MadScientist, that really made me smile! I'm surviving on comments like these right now, c'mon guys, I'm begging!!!! Like I said, I will write Season 3 if you guys really like the series, and trust me, some good happens in Season 3...
Actually, I have already finished writing all of Seasons 1 and 2. I already know what's going to happen in like Season 6. Mind blowing stuff, I've just kept it up in my head for a while.
Well Jeeze, just realized I didn't put a title. Found a really cool banner posted on a server post. Check it out, credits to the original poster underneath the picture.
This is awesome dude! Keep on writing you have some talent!
Thanks a million Soul421, means the world to me.
Lets keep this interesting guys. How about we put some speculation into this. This will give you guys a chance to tell me what you think makes a piece of fiction really great and give me a chance to explain to you why I chose the approaches in my own story.
So let's start. So far, looking at the few characters revealed in the story, do you ever consider that they are not colorful enough? I've been considering the possibility that I don't give enough character to the stars of the show. Is it just me? Colorful characters make for some great dialogue and soliloquies. What are your thoughts?
Lets keep this interesting guys. How about we put some speculation into this. This will give you guys a chance to tell me what you think makes a piece of fiction really great and give me a chance to explain to you why I chose the approaches in my own story.
So let's start. So far, looking at the few characters revealed in the story, do you ever consider that they are not colorful enough? I've been considering the possibility that I don't give enough character to the stars of the show. Is it just me? Colorful characters make for some great dialogue and soliloquies. What are your thoughts?
Well possibly. Maybe give Graphix and noname more time. The others are nicely done in a truly artisticly mysteriously way that makes me check back every two seconds. I love this. Keep up the good work!
Well possibly. Maybe give Graphix and noname more time. The others are nicely done in a truly artisticly mysteriously way that makes me check back every two seconds. I love this. Keep up the good work!
I like that you give Graphix and Noname a chance to show their inner colors. I was unable to give those characters a history, due to their introduction into the world. They have no history, only questions. It's necessary for me to convey the sort of mystery I had hoped, but unfortunately our heroes have to develop over time and their is very little to them in the beginning of the story.
It's funny when I look back at Days 1-5 of my minecraft fan fiction. I always imagined our heroes being lost and innocent in a crazy world and just trying to survive the insanity. But when I put them in the hands of liars, warriors, and danger, Noname and Graphix7 began to evolve in the story. Their goals slowly go from getting out of Epic Craft, to finding somewhere safe, to helping an ally, and then things got personal.
Noname, a righteous man pondering his history as much as his up and coming fate. Noname finds comfort in not fighting reality, and accepting it but intervenes and controls his own fate, as well as the fate of others, more than any other character in the story. Noname is a mystery, but has evolved into someone with a gentler side that wants to accept the hand he was dealt and make the best of it.
Graphix7 started in Epic Craft as lost as Noname. However, thanks to his mysterious recollection of his identity, was more confident than his companion. Therfore, he began as the one with the initiative to keep the group going. He helped Noname to his knees, but Noname seems to carry him. Graphix7 would not have gotten far without his ally's help. Noname, although in need of Graphix7's guidance, is the strength the group relies on.
These two characters have developed one hell of a dynamic duo. I had no idea that the color of these characters could become so clear. Colors I hadn't even thought of when beginning the process! It's like, somehow, in my mind, those two characters even surprise me. I'm not creating these two, so much as I'm learning about these individuals myself. As if they have life.
They were originally going to be defending themselves against the dangers of Epic Craft, but they have surprised even me, the author. Now, it's personal for Graphix7 and Noname. Although thrust into a strange world without past memory, they proved to adapt really fast to the hostilities. The duo couldn't have done it without one another either.
My Website: http://www.Graphix7.com
This picture came from
Day 1 - Spawn
I quickly began observing my surroundings, not only do I have no memory or recognition of myself but I don’t even remember opening my eyes! My thoughts began to bubble and surface out of my previous instinct to panic. “Where am I? What Happened? What is this place? Who am I?” I felt myself begin to sweat and I finally asked a more immediately important question; “Am I alive?” Still observing my surroundings I found myself standing on a small, square shaped platform of glass, but beneath me...was lava. “OH !” the lava was incredibly terrifying to me despite the fact that between me and the molten rock was thick glass. I staggered away from the glass platform onto some cobble stone and leaned against a tall pillar. My hands squeezed the corners of the column and felt its texture. Sandstone? I looked at the pillar to see it was in fact composed of sandstone. My eyes studied it briefly and then followed the pillar upwards. That’s when this all started to make sense. The pillar was one of 10 or more surrounding the glass platform. They held up a large roof over the area. This strange place was some kind of decorated area that was gently lit by the lava underneath the glass platform. This didn’t really enter my mind as a strange place, or dangerous, but instead...it meant that I wasn’t alone...
I was looking around, still thinking strongly about my circumstance. I peered across the platform and saw a wooden sign on one of the pillars. I approached the sign cautiously, I may not be alone but that doesn’t mean that the indigenous population is friendly. I looked around quickly to scout my surroundings, then I read the sign.
“Welcome to our realm, ahead of you lay many adventures.” A greeting that wasn’t at all reassuring of my safety at the moment. It was night and I was hesitant to leave the shrine, the light provided by the lava was very inviting and the dark world I had never took a step in nor looked upon was very intimidating. However, I didn’t want to stay. I was nervous to come into contact with an indigenous population that may or may not want me dead is some way, shape, or form. I decided to venture out. I started to walk into the darkness and away from the lit shrine when I heard the strangest noise. It was a long woosh but it almost sounded auto tuned. I turned around and looked back at the shrine to see a person standing there. His back was turned to me and his head quickly snapped left and right trying to understand his surroundings.
“Hello?” I said. He quickly turned to me and positioned himself nervously in a ready position to either run or fight.
“Who are you? Where am I? What is this place?”, He said.
“Calm down...I don’t know. I don’t know anything. I’m like you”, I responded. He squinted his eyes in suspicion.
“How do you know me?” He asked.
“Well, I don’t know you. I just popped up here just like you, not even a few minutes ago.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m Graphix7” I surprisingly spoke.
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Day 2 - Spawn
Last night, me and the stranger talked. Without any recollection of the past, it was obviously hard to share a story. Thus, we simply shared our theories about this strange world and suggestions on what is our next best move.
“So, if you don’t remember anything...like me...how do you know your name?” The stranger asked.
“I don’t know, I kinda just spoke without thought. I’m not even sure that what I said wasn’t completely made up or some kind of repressed memory that was able to slip out of my subconsciousness.” I responded.
“Well, I think that Graphix7 can be your name for now. It works, no need to worry for now. But, I’m still in a bad spot. I don’t know myself like you do. I want to know my name.”
“If it came so easily to me, you should be able to remember eventually also. Maybe it just takes time, and I was a little lucky. What about giving yourself a name for now?”
“What if the new name sticks and I never remember my new name?” He interjected. That was a good point. What if he never remembers his name? What if he is never able to identify himself? How sad it is to simply not have a name. Also, if we were somehow able to find an answer to all of our questions, how would he be able to learn his past if he doesn’t even know his own name? I blinked, realizing the moment of awkward silence that had proceeded during my thoughts.
“Well, that’s too damn bad! I have to call you something. Let’s face it, we’re gonna stick together through this. We only have each other right now, and I don’t intend on calling you anonymous! I’ll help you out, and if you have a problem with it, then TOO BAD!” I began with a smile on my face. “Your name will be...” I hesitated and my eyes darted along the cobble stone floor. “Noname! Yes that’s it, you’ll be known as Noname.” I was still smiling with reassurance that I’d help him through this, all he needs is the push. The stranger looked at me with a curious face and realized that I was giving him that push. I was taking care of things now. I was taking care of him. He chuckled and responded,
“Haha, okay Graphix. Noname I’ll be!”
It was already morning and we were too distracted from our conversation to realize that the land had become visible through the light.
“Come on dude, lets check things out.” I said. Noname nodded. We took a few cautious steps into a world we couldn’t believe we were afraid of! To the North was a large open sea with tiny islands with flourishing plants and animals. To the East was another shrine like the one we had come from but it was surrounded by small docking ports for boats. To the West was a pathway that lead around a large hill, the end indistinguishable. And to the South, was a city. “Look!” I shouted. Noname simply turned around and paused with awe.
“Whoa, there is an entire town here!” He stated.
“Think we should check it out? I did mention about hostile people right?”
“Yea, but look at this place! It’s obviously no more dangerous than a neighborhood.” He was right. The small town was paved with smooth stone walkways between properties and each house was professionally made. The homes consisted of nice porches, balconies, and 3 floors of nicely decorated interior, or as far as we could tell from outside. So, we gave each other an assuring look and walked along the pathway into the town. The sun was bright and the grass was lush, the animals flourished in the pathways throughout the town. We felt very comfortable in the setting, but the looks were very deceiving.
Noname walked up to a nearby house and peered in from the window.
“Wow! These are some nice properties! Check out the carpet, and the paintings!” He said in awe.
“Hey dude, don’t be nosey!” I warned.
“Look around, nobody is here. Why should I be worried?” I simply questioned his reasoning silently. Usually, a very well maintained town without any people is a little suspicious. While I was thinking that very thought, my subconscious picked up on my hearing. A fast thudding noise muffled by grass. footsteps! Suddenly out from behind me, I felt a shove push me from behind and force me to the ground belly first. I looked forward to see Noname quickly snap his head around to see what had happened. I could only see him, and his eyes widened with fright as a foot stepped in front of my line of vision and I heard the unsheathing of a sword. I reacted with instinct. I quickly grabbed and pulled at the mystery man's’ foot. he stumbled down to one knee and Noname backed off to a safe distance. I looked to see if Noname was safe, then turned to my assailant. He looked me in the face. His face was hardened with fights, scars crossed his nose and eyes, and a killer look had embodied his face. He screamed and swung his metal blade down at me. I rolled left and picked myself up off the ground. He tore his sword out of the grass and charged at me with a roaring battle cry and a blood thirsty look. I began to step away but clumsily tripped. I fell on my butt and looked up at this character, this complete stranger, as he was about to end my life with the swing of a sword. His figure blocked out the sun and I saw his silhouette bring his blade up for the kill. Suddenly, Noname came in and tackled the man shoulder first. The blow pushed him into the wooden house and forced his weapon free of his grasp. I quickly picked up the sword and held the sharp tip to his neck as Noname was holding him down.
The man was gasping, his eyes darting from me to Noname. I looked at Noname. What a daring rescue! Noname saved my life! All three of us were panting after the struggle but me and Noname had him pinned and submitted to our will.
He said, “Go ahead and destroy everything! Just let me live!” I questioned the response but noticed the fear that had replaced his rage. I believed him.
“What do you mean? We don’t want to destroy anything!” I responded.
“Y-you mean...you aren’t griefers?” He asked while putting his fright on pause.
“I don’t know what griefers are, but me and my friend here are new and just passing through when you tried to kill us!” I retorted with anger.
“Look, I thought you wanted to destroy my house! We get a lot of fights here in Spawnville.”
“Spawnville?”
“This little town, we call it Spawnville since it’s so close to the spawn.” The spawn? Is that what the shrine was? I pressed the tip of the blade shallowly into this neck and drew blood.
“AHH! No! Please stop! I’ll do anything!” I removed the blade from his danger.
“Listen, you’re gonna answer our questions and you’re not getting your sword back got it!”
“Fine fine! I’m XtremeKr3w...if it means anything to you.” He stated with an annoyed but thankful to be alive tone. I looked at Noname hoping that his response would reveal his real name.
“I’m...I...I’m Noname...” He stuttered. Noname obviously was hoping the same, but was unable to let out the deeply hidden secret of his subconscious.
“And I’m Graphix7, Nice to meet you Kr3w.” I said with a smile, and a blood tipped iron sword.
“Yea, whatever...anyway...welcome to Epic Craft! We better get you ready...you have no idea what you two are in for. You have just started a journey into the world of the famous Cyto, MajorCyto” Kr3w said while leading us into his house. Me and Noname looked towards one another and considered the same possibility. We’re definitely gonna almost die again...
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Day 3 - XtremeKr3w’s House, Spawnville
Me and Noname were kind of skeptical of Kr3w’s reaction to my threat. He seems so understanding and willing to help us out. Not a typical reaction when you had just been threatened your life’s end. However, the night had fallen long ago and we still had a caution towards the dark world outside. We were glad to be inside a rather comfortable home. Yes, his home was very well designed. The floor was completely made of stone steps and the walls were wooden with nice paintings and windows decorating the room. A staircase was in the the middle of the living room and went both up and down. Noname sat down on Kr3w’s wooden couch, making himself at home.
“This is a nice place Kr3w!” He noted.
“Built it with my own bare hands...4 times now.” Kr3w responded with a concerned face. Kr3w was busy fiddling with some materials he seemed to be crafting at a nearby workbench. His puzzling statement was just barely louder than a mutter. It concerned me.
“4 times? You must know the design front to back, side to side, and up and down!” I joked. He didn’t laugh...
“You think it’s funny?” Kr3w responded. He turned his head to glance at me, putting his project on hold.
“This beautiful house has been destroyed before my very eyes by griefers. Just the fact that I can recollect the exact design of the house is embarrassing. I should have killed them a long time ago, but they keep getting away!” He ranted.
“Who? Who would completely demolish your property for absolutely no reason other than their own pleasure?” I asked, almost anxious to target these characters.
“I don’t know their names, it’s these two guys. They are kind of respected around these parts. I guarantee other people know their names.
“Oh yeah, does anybody else live here?” Noname interjected.
“No, it’s just me.” Kr3w said with a smile. A strange transaction of emotion. But the fact that he was proud to be living alone was worrying. I thought maybe he’s had a bad history with one or more roommates. I shouldn’t ask though...
“Anyway, let’s get down to business...” Kr3w had changed the subject preferably for us. Noname looked at me quickly before starting his turn.
“Yea, what is this place and how did we get here?” Noname asked.
“This is Epic Craft, a realm of the uncertain. This world is not normal, it’s completely and directly controlled by its inhabitants. There is no government here mind you. It’s all for one and one for all. As for how you got here, nobody knows. That’s the mystery going around. Everyone has their own theories but don’t listen. They only person that knows that is Cyto.” Kr3w explained.
“Cyto? Where can we find him?” I asked.
“His name is MajorCyto and even if you were lucky to meet him, you’d be a dead man to cut in line. Cyto is the creator of this world, some people even worship him. And of course, people want answers. People all across Epic Craft hunt and follow his tracks in hope of meeting the famous MajorCyto.” Kr3w said. He made it sound so mystical, so magical. Only to interrupt himself...
“What a bunch of ...” He spat.
“Cyto is only a rumor. There is no proof that he even exists let alone is the one that created Epic Craft. People say they’ve seen him from a distance but I only laugh. It’s all lies, it’s all a made up story to motivate people into the frontier. Nobody likes to live so close to strangers, so they made up a story to encourage people to venture outwards, very far.” Kr3w explained. I saw the look of Noname’s hope for answer become quickly shattered. He really believed that Cyto was the key, that we would hunt him down. Kr3w turned back to his work bench and began to craft more items. Noname looked at me and nodded that it was my turn.
“Kr3w,” I began.
“Hmm?” He confirmed his attention to me.
“What do we do? We’re lost and have no idea what’s out there. How do you get out of here?” I asked. A very important set of questions. I pretty much assumed that he would be unable to answer. He kept his head down at the workbench and continued assembling items. I looked at Noname, his ears had almost perked with anticipation to hear his answer. But he remained silent.
“Listen, I can’t just tell you.” He finally said. “What’s out there is not logically possible and understandable, you need these.” He picked up some stuff from the bench and handed me and Noname each a set of shabby armor, a sword, and some torches. The armor seemed to be made of the hides of animals. leather. Me and Noname looked at each other. This was obviously not a good sign that whatever out there was friendly. Kr3w simply motioned his hands.
“Go on, put it on! I made it myself!” He said with a joking tone. Me and Noname began to put on our leather armor and afterwards I picked up the newly crafted sword he handed me. It was made of stone! I questioned the logic, I had just confiscated an Iron sword from hi- it was gone! I looked around for the Iron sword I had put down.
“Hey! Where’s that sword I took from you!” I accused.
“Hmm? Sword? What sword?” Kr3w responded. Such a guilty response. But I felt my face lighten from the anger.
“Haha, you sneaky *******! You grabbed it didn’t you!” I responded. He laughed but never admitted it. He was still nervous that me and Noname weren’t exactly the understanding type.
“Come on then, let’s go outside!” He changed the subject. He had adorned a set of strong metal armor and iron sword (go figure). He opened the door and scouted the outside.
He motioned us to follow after taking a few steps. He was walking ever so cautiously. Me and Noname didn’t know what to expect. We were anxiously looking left, right, up, down...we didn’t have any idea! Kr3w relaxed suddenly and told us to follow him. He took a pathway heading east of his house. Noname and I followed him obediently, he was in charge now. and we came onto a large mountainous grassland.
“Are you guys ready? This will be fun!” Kr3w said with a gleaming smile and that same blood thirsty look I saw when we met. He dashed down the mountain and into the dark grassland. The night paved our surroundings well, we could not see but 10 feet ahead. He had disappeared. Me and Noname once again looked at each other in agreement. We didn’t want to be out here alone. We both dashed in the direction Kr3w had left us. Running down the cliff side was hard, and my feet hit the right-angled vertices in its blocks. Falling almost guaranteed death. Despite my fears, me and Noname reached the bottom of the hill safely. Still shrouded in darkness, we called for Kr3w. No answer...
“What do we do now?” Noname broke the silence. I thought for a split second.
“I have no idea, it seems like the best thing to do now is to just protect ourselves.”
“But from what? We have no idea what’s so dangerous! Kr3w is a vague ******* that left us to die with little information!” Noname interjected. “Look, I don’t want to just stand around here looking like a retard with a leather suit and a stupid stone sword! This is all a joke! There is probably nothing even out he-” He was cut off by the most horrid and nasty sound I’ve ever heard. Noname screamed with such intensity that I almost dropped my weapon in surprise. I heard him unsheathe his blade and swing. contact! I heard the slicing of flesh and the groan of an unknown adversary. Noname stumbled back into view and leaned on my shoulder. “What the was that! AHHH! It ing bit my neck!” He screamed in agony. I looked to see that the skin from Nonames neck had been completely torn off leaving a nasty, bloody gash. I was terrified. I heard an angry growl in the darkness
“You didn’t kill it! It’s still coming!” I yelled, still terrified.
“Calm down Graphix, just put down a torch now!” He yelled, still in agony... I hesitated at first but then pulled out a torch and struck the ground with the tip pointing straight up. The torch set aflame and lit up the area around us. We saw it.
A person stood slowly hobbling towards us, no not a person. This thing had green skin and tattered clothing. It moaned lifelessly and with sorrow...and hunger. It was a zombie. Noname was so shocked by the revelation he fell flat on his ass, still clutching his bleeding neck.
I was wide eyed and still, but without reason and without awareness, I quickly picked up my sword and jabbed the creature upwards through the jaw. The blade pierced through his mouth and into his skull. Dirty black blood dripping from the wound. I didn’t think to withdraw my weapon. I simply let go of it. The zombie slumped to the ground, dead. He still had the sword jaggedly ripping through his mouth and skull. Noname broke the silence.
“Holy ! Was that a ing zombie!?” He asked in fright, a barrage of questions had never left his mouth so fast, “Did you do that? How did you do that?! What was that thing? Am I going to die?” His questions were only white noise to me however. I just stared at the lifeless body and thought nothing. Noname’s questions were then interrupted by a hissing noise. The creatures body had began to almost evaporate. Steam was rising from its skin and then suddenly his body just, POOF! Disappeared. All that was left was 2 feathers floating gently to the ground from the cloud of steam quickly dissipating into the air. Conclusively, with that crazy event came daybreak...the sun was rising.
Kr3w was still nowhere to be found, so me and Noname quickly started heading back to his house. Noname was in no shape to be exploring, he was bleeding profusely. I kicked open the door once we reached Kr3w’s property. Noname ran and laid down on the couch. I was looking frantically around the house for something to aid my comrade. Then, Kr3w came walking casually into the room with a bounty of items. Noname stopped groaning to observe this too. Kr3w was actually whistling a happy tune and without any worry of our situation, he began neatly putting his trophies in his chest.
“Um, HELLO! Noname is dying right now! He was bit by a ing zombie! Where did you go?” I yelled, ultimately annoyed. Kr3w just looked at me and reached in his chest. He pulled out a piece of cooked pork chop and tossed it at Noname. The meat landed on his face, messily.
“Here, just eat that, you’ll be fine.” Noname was too scared to think at the moment, he scarfed the meat down faster then his blood was flowing out. Miraculously, his wound suddenly healed. I looked at Kr3w with an obvious question on my face. He simply looked at me and said, “Welcome to Epic Craft haha!” I was immediately shifted emotions, I only felt...reason. He had warned us, he said that we wouldn’t understand. Noname was alright, I got to get my first kill, and Kr3w had some explaining to do. I threw the sword on the floor.
“Okay Kr3w, what happened out there? Why’d you ditch us?” I asked, sitting down beside Noname.
“Well, to be honest. You guys are new. I wasn’t going to waste my time helping people that can’t look out for themselves. Think of that as a test, and you passed!” Kr3w answered with a wide smile. I was almost dumbfounded by his reasoning, how reckless!
“I don’t think this is very funny...” I scolded. Kr3w’s smile dissipated as he realized my seriousness. “I think me and Noname are going to leave. We need to find this Cyto character, or at least try. He might be a myth but he’s our only hope.” I explained. Noname was still examining his neck, absolutely shocked at how fast he healed. Then, he heard what I said.
“Graphix, wait. I don’t think we should just go on a journey to find something that might not be there. I think that’s a bad idea.” Noname said. I blinked twice in confusion.
“Don’t you want to get out of this crazy place? Don’t you want to understand everything?” I argued. I was slightly offended that Noname was against my decision. I had become a little cocky.
“Look, I don’t even know my own name! Yet, you expect to find a mythical person with the answers to everything. No, you expect to find the creator of the entire world!” Noname exclaimed. I almost staggered. He was right... It would be foolish to venture blindly after a fabled goal.
“Okay, you’re right. What should we do from here then?” I asked. Noname quickly responded,
“I don’t know...” Noname admitted. Kr3w had been staring at a corner, thinking very hard.
“I have an idea. I’ll help you guys build your own place. I’ll help you survive.” Kr3w began. “But, in return I expect you to help me hunt down those griefers I mentioned earlier. I think you guys could really help me.” Noname looked at me without doubt.
“Sounds like a plan. I think we should do it Graphix.” He said. I thought about the dangers, we were about to agree to a mission.
“Okay, but let’s wait till day, then we’ll hunt them down.” It was sunset right now, the day passed quickly. The sun fell below the horizon and night took hold of the world. Kr3w talked to me and Noname through the night. He explained what these people did. There were three of them. He actually knew that one of them was named Extreats. A great start for when we would hunt the gang down. He found his house completely ruined 3 times, but walked in on the destruction while it was in progress in his last encounter with Extreats and his gang. They all got away, he didn’t have any sort of weapon at the time. My thoughts later drifted to Noname. This guy was pretty incredible. Not only did he save my life, but without him I’d be walking alone at night looking for the creator of man. I think our cooperation was working. I think we are a good team. However, I also thought about how I could help him remember his name. How can we uncover his identity? It must be hard, knowing that my identity was revealed only moments after I first arrived in Epic Craft. The sun was now rising...
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Day - 4 XtremeKr3w’s House, Spawnville
I was awoken by a long and streaking noise. I cracked my eyelids open and saw Kr3w sharpening some swords and preparing armor. I had slept on the couch. Noname had chosen to sleep on the carpeted floor.
“When did you wake up?” I asked Kr3w.
“4 hours ago, I didn’t sleep well.” Kr3w said. He never looked up from the blade in his lap, stroking the sword with a black stone. I noticed that Kr3w had fastened 3 suits of armor, iron armor. I looked at myself and realized that me and Noname were still wearing our leather armor.
“Are we upgrading to better armor?” I asked. Kr3w answered,
“Not yet, you’ll put the armor on when we attack Extreats’ gang. For now, wear your leather armor. I don’t want the new equipment damaged before the fight.” Kr3w answered. He had really been thinking about this. He might have even been thinking about the chance of defeat, or even death. I was worried, but then again, everyone gets nervous before a fight. Him a little less than I, but that’s because he’s been thinking about a chance to murder these criminals for months now. The morning continued normally, we ate some bread and pork chops before leaving to hunt down Extreats and his gang. We stepped out of the house and into the Spawnville pathway.
“Why is it always so quiet?” I whispered.
“This is the battle zone, at least 5 murders a day occur right in this path. Either, everybody is dead, or they are smart. They are staying well armed inside their homes.” Kr3w answered. Noname interrupted our conversation.
“Guys, look over there.” He pointed. Far east down the pathway we spotted a person preparing to swim out to see in a wooden boat. We intend to ask nicely if he knows of Extreats’ whereabouts, and then torture him if he answers incorrectly. We approached the man.
“Hey, I’m Noname” He greeted himself. The man gave him a quick glance.
“What do you three want?” He asked. We all looked at each other and felt that awkward silence.
“Um, I’m Graphix7. We are looking for a person named Extreats and his gang.” I said. He stopped and pulled out a shiny blue sword. The material was unfamiliar to me but Kr3w showed fright. Kr3w was more experienced than all of us and it wasn’t very unsettling to see him scared.
“Do you know what this is?” He began, “This, is a diamond sword. Made from raw diamond found only several layers above the bottom of the world. It’s the strongest material known to man and can cut you down like butter.” His words were incredibly intimidating. I was scared. He pointed the blade directly at my chest. “Does it worry you that I could slice right through your puny leather armor and pierce your heart with only the amount of pressure I can generate with my pinkie?” I felt the sharp tipped blade shallowly and cleanly cut into my leather armor, just like he said...just like butter.
“No” I said, “It doesn’t scare me. It only gives me confidence that killing you is worth the effort. That sword will be mine before you can swing it.” I responded. I wasn’t bluffing, as soon as I inhaled the breath to create those words, I felt confident of my answer. I was true to what I said. He laughed. “Well, alright!” he said. He sheathed the weapon and held out his hand to shake with mine. I was confused but I still extended my hand greet his. “My name is zRevenant, good to meet you Graphix!” He said with a smile. “I hope you can forgive me about that whole rant about how I could kill you so easily, I wanted you to understand what you would be up against. Extreats has diamond weapons and they will be ready.” I felt so relieved. His explanation cleared the whole situation for me. I understood and felt even more confident than before! Weird, I’m happy to learn Extreats will have better equipment than me.
“Hey Rev, how’s the town doing?” Kr3w asked Revenant.
“It’s doing good. All the griefers around spawnville are pushing more citizens my way. People would sacrifice a tax on property just to have safety inside my walls!” Revenant answered. “You guys should really come to Sunset Cove with me. I’ll answer all your Extreats related questions and get you started in the right direction.
“Why would you help us like this?” Noname asked. Revenant looked at him and said,
“Why wouldn’t I want a griefer put to rest?” His answer satisfied Noname but I was skeptical, he had just said he was happy that the griefers were pushing people into his city. I just dismissed the thought though, I was just glad that we were being offered a great help.
“Come on, jump in the boat.” Revenant commanded with a cool tone. All 4 of us crammed onto a large wooden canoe Revenant had just crafted. He drew a paddle and began steering us out to sea. The sea was calm and the sea spray splashed up onto my face as the small waves slapped the walls of the canoe. The clouds covered the sky in a gray tint, the sun barely breaking through. Kr3w was leaned back with a happy smile on his face, hand skimming the water. I was studying him because even though he seems to be our guide in all this craziness, he seems so confident and sure of everything that is about to happen. He was smart, and I noticed he was familiar with zRevenant. Is there something wrong? On the other hand, I was obviously paranoid. My thoughts bubbled with thoughts of deceit and betrayal within our group. I should relax, be more like Kr3w.
“So, how long have you been here Graphix?” Revenant said to break the silence. I looked at him, surprised to hear a voice among the oceans noises.
“Oh, uh...I guess me and Noname have been here for about, three days.” I answered. Revenant laughed.
“Three days? Wow, and you guys are trying to murder Extreats?” He said.
“Well, Kr3w told me he was well respected. But a sword cuts through everyone the same way right? Can’t be such a big deal.”
“Well, you think what you want. It’s probably best that you find your mind in a more peaceful place before you see his shining blue blade pointed at your throat.”
“Is there something we should know?” I asked. He became silent and stopped paddling.
“I’ll tell you when we get to Sunset Cove...” Revenant responded emotionlessly. He lifted the paddle back up and began steering the canoe to his destination once again. I glanced at Noname, but he didn’t glance back. He was staring straight ahead with intense focus. I looked the same direction to see what object had caught Noname’s sight. It was an enormous wall of stone, and cement. The large wall had cobblestone striped with Sandstone and smooth stone decorating the top. I saw guards patrolling from atop the wall, passing from guard tower to guard tower. Then, as if he had heard my thoughts regarding the impressive structure, a soldier pointed towards our canoe and shouted the awareness to his fellow soldiers. Revenant continued paddling the canoe but I noticed a smile spread across his face.
“Welcome to Sunset Cove!” He said.
Revenant docked the canoe and a squad of well armed soldiers approached. They were mostly sporting iron armor and stone swords. But, one of the soldiers stepped apart from the squad and was wearing a golden helmet. He was also carrying an iron sword.
“Sir, Welcome back! We’ve ceased the riot outside of the church-” The gold soldier said but was interrupted.
“General! Thank you for the welcoming committee but I am just glad to see you,” Revenant said rather suspiciously, “As you can see, we have some guests that would like to see our wonderful town!” The General looked at our group then back at Revenant.
“Oh, of course sir! Shall I arrange an escort?” The General asked.
“No, an escort through my own town won’t be necessary, we are going to visit the palace first. I would like a moment of privacy with my new friends before I give them the tour.” He answered. The General saluted and said,
“Yes sir, your troops will continue patrolling the wall then.”
So, Revenant lead us through a far eastern part of the town into a large building that was undoubtedly the palace. It looked like a fortress on the outside, but when you entered it was surprisingly inviting. The floor was completely carpeted with a diamond pattern of red and blue. and the walls were smooth stone. Uniquely, the inside of the building was long vertical tubes of glass filled with flowing lava lighting the rooms. I was fascinated. I reached to study to luminescent tubes and obviously burnt myself on the glass. I said a very calm ow! and I heard the group giggle among each other. Ha ha, very funny.
“Here, come take a seat,” Revenant said, “lets talk about this whole Extreats situation.” He had gotten a beverage but I didn’t remember him ever picking one up. He stared into the glass and toyed with the drink. Twirling the container in circles. The group took a seat on the couches around the room. They surrounded a fireplace in the middle of the room. “I know where Extreats is.” Revenant said. Me and Noname leaned in towards Revenant, sitting in a single chair across the room. He was silent, he said nothing.
“Okay, where can we find him?” Kr3w asked. Revenant looked at him.
“Alright, here’s the deal. I’ll only tell you if you promise me his death. Extreats can no longer be allowed to live, he is now a liability.” Revenant said. He’s talking about this like a failed business... “Extreats resides in a deep cavern out in the Sand Stone Desert. It’s a vast desert just north of Sunset Cove, it’s so large that stone can only be found 150 blocks below the lowest point. At the bottom of the sand, there is so much pressure that it actually find natural sandstone. Thus its name. Anyway, inside this desert is a cavern that leads far beneath the ground. Extreats is there.” A silence filled the room. The kind of silence that nobody notices, because everyone is thinking about what just happened.
“What about his gang?” asked Noname.
“They are dead, Extreats killed them all a few days ago. He has gone rogue,” Revenant said, “Extreats killed them all after attacking a peasant’s house in Spawnville. Evidently, they were spotted at the crime scene and fled. But later, Extreats murdered all of them and took all the loot for himself.” I looked at Kr3w. His eyes were wide and his lips stern. I could’ve sworn that his ears were perked as if those of a dog’s.
“Peasant? That was my house damn it! I saw those mongrels destroy everything!” Yelled Kr3w. Revenant put his now empty glass on a nearby table and sat forward.
“I’m sorry Kr3w, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I didn’t even know it was your house.” Said Revenant. Kr3w slouched back in his chair, angry.
“Anyway, now that we know where to find him, what were you going to do to help us?” I asked. Revenant just smiled with a gleaming eye or satisfaction.
Revenant stood up and motioned us to follow him. The group stood up and followed obediently. He lead us to a room with several double-sized chests. He opened one of the chests and began searching through its contents.
“I will supply your journey, it will not be easy surviving in the desert when you don’t know where you are going.” Revenant said, eyes still focused on the inside of his chest. He then pulled out 3 sets of iron armor and diamond swords. “Here you go, use these items with care. I’ll also give you each six cooked pork chops for your health.” Revenant said while returning to his chest and retrieving eighteen pork chops.
“You know, this peasant right here, already made us some iron armor for the fight with Extreats.” Kr3w mentioned.
“I figured, this armor is for your trip to the fight. It will be difficult to reach Extreats’ cave without injury while wearing that shabby leather armor.” Said Revenant. I looked down at my brown leather armor and agreed how mediocre I looked in such unsatisfactory protection. Kr3w was a little annoyed that Revenant was sort of taking over the command. Revenant was supplying, commanding, and directing our group. But this still made me feel uneasy. Ever since Revenant began to explain and discuss the situation to us, I felt unsure of him. I didn’t know what to think but doubted him every time he spoke. Noname however, didn’t show any thought or concern of our intel. I decided to shake any doubt of Revenant’s information because the others did not show any worry and I now felt a trust for my team. I also appreciated the items Revenant provided us.
Revenant gave us all a few glasses of milk and told us of a hotel across town. We passed through Sunset cove and saw the amazing structures of art and the perfectly designed homes. citizens roamed the streets, there was trade and commerce at checkpoints of traffic through the town. The streets well lit, the walls well structured, and the people very active. Much unlike Spawnville. However, I’m noticing something about the population. Everyone in the town loves Revenant and I mean loves! Nobody here talks poorly of their king, their attention is pointed towards the greatness of the town, the structural integrity of it’s protection. When arriving in the hotel, we paid for the rooms with the money Revenant had provided us with earlier and made ourselves comfortable inside our rented room. The room did in fact have 3 beds for large parties. I decided to mention my thoughts to the group before we went to sleep, it was already night now.
“Guys, did either of you notice anything, strange about Revenant?” I said. They stopped getting comfortable and listened closely.
“No, why? Did you think anything was strange?” Noname asked. I looked at my hands, I was nervously rubbing my knuckles.
“Well, when we first met him he said that his town was doing well, that griefers in Spawnville were pushing people to his town. He mentioned it was a good thing,” I said, “But just earlier tonight, he said that Extreats should be killed for griefing, that it was a bad thing. I think he might be lying to us or keeping secrets or something.” Noname and Kr3w looked at each other.
“Look Graphix, I asked him how his town was doing and he answered truthfully.” Said Kr3w.
“Yea, and that isn’t to say that Revenant likes Extreats destroying houses and terrorizing Spawnville, it just means that it helps his town. Maybe he was just upset that such destruction and fear had overcome the small town and he wanted to help the poor citizens of Spawnville. I might be exaggeration, but I think he’s just being a good guy and I think you’re being paranoid. Ever since he pointed that diamond sword at you this morning, you’ve been unhappy with him.” Said Noname. I blinked, surprised. I couldn’t believe that my new friends just pointed me out to be a nutcase that wouldn’t know any better than to make out everyone around me as a threat. Had I accumulated such a consciousness? Have I developed the behavior of a confused and scared survivor in this crazy world?
“Yea, I guess you’re right. Well, good night guys.” I said, eager to end the conversation. Noname and Kr3w glanced at one another and simply shrugged. They went to sleep. Tomorrow was a big day, we had a journey into a desert and a fight ahead of us. I was tired, time to relax. The pillow felt soft and the blankets warm, not 2 minutes passed before I would awake from a long sleep...
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Day 5 - Sunset Cove, Celebrate Inn
My eyes slowly opened and let the light slowly enter my retinas as I gradually woke up from a deep sleep. The light was peering in through a window. Where was I? I turned over to observer the room. Oh yea, this is the day I’ll probably be killed...
I got up out of bed and rubbed my eyes clean. I was in only my boxers, the pants and shirt I arrived on this realm with sloppily on the ground. I shoved myself into my pants and pulled on my shirt. I was so groggy from a great sleep, I dreamed of a large grassy meadow. The meadow had...flowers, hmm...flowers... Wow, I slept well haha! I looked out the window to see outside the hotel. Outside of the hotel room I could see the brisk cold of fall touch the town. The colors of the leaves had turned color and the small pieces of ice floated down the creek. It was early and only the citizens of the town that had work to in the afternoon were up this early doing their morning errands. I saw the business owners take their morning walk to their business locale. I saw the business employees take their morning walk to their business locale. I breathed in strongly through the nose and exhaled the cold air. ahh...morning. I never thought myself to be a morning person but wow! The staff of the Celebrate Inn did a terrific job making the customers nights here great. I slept so soundly. I turned back towards my roommates and walked briskly towards them. I knelt down between their two beds with a smile on my face.
“Hey guys, wake up,” I said quietly, “It’s morning! Get up and enjoy it, might be your last.” Noname and Kr3w struggled in bed and took a very unnoticeable peek at who it was that dared bother their rest. Kr3w groaned and threw a shoe at me. A shoe? Why was he sleeping with his shoe? Noname sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes while yawning.
“Wow, I slept well!” Noname said. He slept in his boxers like me and began re-clothing. Kr3w slightly lifted himself up on his elbows and squinted at us.
“What time is it?” Kr3w asked. I glanced over to the ticking clock on the wall. It was about 7:48 AM. I turned back to inform Kr3w but he glanced to see the cock too.
“Holy ! It’s not even 8! Why am I up!?” He complained. I stood up, still between the beds. I was wide awake now, that was bad news for Kr3w I suppose. I kicked him and he fell out of the bed on the side opposite of me. He stood up dizzily. I was laughing at the event.
“Hey, what the hell? Why’d you kick me out of bed?!” Kr3w asked.
“Because you’re a lazy bum! Get up dude! We’re going to battle today! Wouldn’t you like to enjoy a morning?” I responded. Kr3w sat down in a single chair nearby.
“Yes I would, and I would be enjoying my morning right now if you hadn’t kicked me out of bed. Now I’ll never get to sleep.”
“Well, get over it. I saw a restaurant out the window we can visit for breakfast. You’re coming with got it?” I said with a smile on my face. Kr3w just scorned me but confirmed by giving me a thumbs up to confirm he was coming. Noname was stretching, ready to face the day.
“What kind of restaurant is it?” asked Noname. I turned to him.
“I think it’s a waffle house. Sounds great for the morning right?” I answered. Noname nodded and walked to the small bathroom. As Noname was getting ready for the morning, I was already up and awake. Kr3w began slapping himself lightly, buzzing his lips and rubbing his eyes. Kr3w was not a light sleeper apparently. After getting ready, we walked down the street to the restaurant. We were then seated and given menus. We discussed the choices of gourmet waffles and decided to share a single plate, none of us were really hungry.
“So, what about Extreats? When do we leave?” Kr3w asked. My mind was focused on my share of the pancakes we ordered. Noname leaned back in the booth.
“I think we should leave right now. While we are full and the day is low.” Said Noname.
“Sounds like a good idea, lets go.” Kr3w agreed. I was surprised.
“Wait, were just gonna go now?” I said. He simply nodded and nudged him out of the booth. He was not only willingly leading the way, but he was rushing. Kr3w was anxious to to get going now. Before leaving we stopped by the palace to talk to Revenant. I saw the palace with lava lights still lit. I really liked that idea. Revenant walked down the palace wearing nothing but a royally embellished robe and slippers.
“Ah, I’ve been waiting for you three,” Revenant said, “I am anxious to get you on your journey!” Revenant was so happy.
“Good morning Revenant, We’re ready to go.” Noname said.
“Of course, I have to give you something first though,” He said, “I got you a map of the Sandstone Desert and marked the location I think Extreats’ cave is.”
“How do you know where his cave is?” I asked. My words obviously accused him of being sinister is some way.
“Well, the desert has lots of sandstorms and harsh dry land. Based on the most livable place to be in the desert, I decided he must be there!” Revenant said in retaliation, almost defensively. I nodded and looked at the map. “The desert is just north of the East gate. My soldiers will accompany you to the Sandstone Desert.” Said Revenant. The group looked at each other questioningly and then turned to see 4 guards ready to escort us. I looked at Noname and Kr3w. They just shrugged with acceptance. “Well, it was nice getting to know you guys. In the event that you don’t come back alive, I will commemorate your dying honor for the safety of Epic Craft!” Said Revenant. He lifted his hands up into the air and emphasised the greatness of his words. He made it sound like it was my destiny. Not to kill Extreats, but to die trying.
“We’ll come back with his head on a stick!” Kr3w asked while we began to walk to the Eastern gate of Sunset Cove. Now, our party of 7 walked out of the town well armed, we obviously attracted attention. I could see the local people of the town whisper to each other in rumor and concern. After leaving the town, we went directly North. We didn’t go around any lakes or hills. We just walked right through or over them. After a few minutes of walking the land began to go uphill and I noticed the spill of very fine sand in the grass. When we reached the top of this large hill, I saw why. The entire Sandstone Desert was inside of a huge crater like formation, almost like bowl. The edge of the crater that we had found ourselves had a large stone platform, obviously man made. The platform marked the entrance and exit of the desert, and featured a way down. It was a contraption I would have never expected. Noname and Kr3w got in line to enter the desert. I looked back at the soldiers, they were just waiting patiently.
“Well go on, We’ll be waiting here if you come back.” Said one of the soldiers. Kr3w quickly pushed his legs off of the platform and let gravity carry him safely down into the desert. Noname jumped off of the platform and caught the handles that would take him to his destination. So then it was my turn. I wrapped my fingers around the iron bar and its handles. I leaned forward and pushed off of the platform with very little confidence. I felt the wire catch my weight. It was a zip-line!
I saw my comrades ahead of me, swinging left and right as the zip-line carried them quickly into the desert. I tried to look back to the receding platform and saw the soldiers leaning over the edge to see our departure. I heard, “Graphix! Let go!” I turned my sight forward and saw a large stone wall about to crash directly into me! I quickly let go, horrible landing. I twisted and kicked in the air and hit the sand floor hard. I felt the hot sun almost bake me. It was hot! More importantly, I felt the hands of my team mates pick me up.
“Wow Graphix, nice landing!” Kr3w said.
“Haha yea. That was horrible.” Noname agreed.
“Shut the hell up, I was surprised at the giant stone wall the other end of this stupid zip-line was connected to.” I argued. Noname and Kr3w were holding me up by my shoulders, I could’ve walked myself but it was okay. Noname and Kr3w eased my weight back to myself and I started walking. So there we were, three random men traveling into a treacherous desert with iron armor and diamond swords. The only person here that had any kind of training or experience was Kr3w. I don’t know what we’d do without him.
We traveled far, across the large ripples of sand created by the winds. Long way up, quick way down, long way up, quick way down and repeat. We knew nothing of our location besides that we had to keep heading North, always into the North. Our armor was becoming hot and painful to wear, our legs could feel the strain but resisted giving any sign of tiring. Ahead of our current position, we saw a short palm tree. SHADE!
“Look guys, over there. Lets take a break and look at the map.” I suggested. Kr3w nodded. Noname just followed us, I am not sure if he agreed or not. once under a very comfortable shade, Kr3w brought out the map.
“Okay, we’ve been traveling for a while. But, we have to keep walking until we reach the cliffs.” Said Kr3w.
“The cliffs?” I asked.
“Some large wall of stone just north of here, then we walk West and we should see Extreats’ cave after some time.” Answered Kr3w. Noname looked out into the desert, the sun reflecting off of the sand can be painful enough. It hurt your eyes to look directly at the fine white grains that covered the desert for miles.
“Alright, lets get going huh?” Said Noname. Kr3w and I looked at each other and just shrugged.
“Yup, lets!” I said. So we continued walking, back into the sun! I noticed the wind pick up a little, thank you! The wind helped to keep us nice and cool. Let it be known that it didn’t do the best job, but I enjoyed it none the less. Finally, we reached the cliffs.
“Alright, so now we just walk West, along these walls?” Noname asked. Kr3w shaded his eyes from the sun and looked West.
“Yes, that’s right.” Kr3w answered. Noname quickly began walking ahead of us. So ambitious! What’s gotten into him? Kr3w and I quickly jogged back up to Noname and walked with him. Man, the wind was really blowing now! I loved the breeze, but now it started to sting! The wind had picked up a little bit of the sand floor and was throwing it at us. I saw Kr3w was thinking the same thing, he covered his eyes with a hand in the appropriate direction constantly. However, Noname was just persevering through the wind. I finally decided to break the silence.
“Jeeze it’s kind of windy huh?” I said.
“Yea, it hurts! Damn it!” Answered Kr3w.
“Just be glad it could be worse.” Noname said.
“How could it be worse? The wind stings, the suns hot, my armor is burning my skin, and we’ve been walking for miles!” I said.
“Trust me, it could be worse.” Noname said. I looked to Kr3w, he simply kept walking. No comment on that one. But he was right.
“Damn it! Sand storm!” Kr3w screamed. I turned to the south and saw a large wall of airborne sand coming directly at us. It was terrifying! The thing must’ve been fifty feet tall!
“Run!” Screamed Noname. He stopped walking and launched into a full on sprint along the cliffs. Kr3w and I followed at the same pace. Our armor was clinging but we couldn’t hear it. The wind was getting louder. None of us dared to look left as we ran forward. None of us saw how much time we had until we were engulfed, probably separated, probably killed. We looked along the walls of the cliffs to find shelter. I looked right at the rocks and saw no signs of protection. Suddenly, I felt my armor tug and bring me to the cliffs. It was Kr3w, he was screaming at me but I couldn’t hear him. He also grabbed Noname’s chest plate and held fast. He pulled us toward the cliffs and we just let him take us wherever he wanted, we didn’t know what was happening. Then I saw it, he was dragging us to a cave entrance! Shelter...
Inside the cave, the group leaned against the stone walls. I sat down on a block closer to the entrance. Noname, Kr3w, and I were gasping for breath. We ran easily 150 yards along the cliffs before Kr3w saved us. I leaned my head back and let the air flow comfortably through my lungs. I felt light cover my face. I cracked my right eye open and saw that Kr3w had place a torch on the wall to reveal that this cavern was large. It continued farther than light could reveal. I had an idea.
“Isn’t Extreats’ cave at the other end of the cliffs?” I asked. Kr3w withdrew the map once more.
“Yea, it is. Why?” Said Kr3w. I stood up and faced down the dark tunnel that we had took shelter in.
“This tunnel probably leads to another cavern farther West of the cliffs,” I said, “If we go through the tunnels, we can head straight to Extreats’ cave. We won’t have to wait for the sandstorm to die down!” Kr3w looked at the map again. Noname stood up.
“You sure that’s a good idea? Who’s to say we can navigate the tunnels let alone if it leads to an exit.” Noname said. I opened my mouth to speak but was interrupted by Kr3w.
“No, look, he’s right! There is another cavern that is closer to Extreats’ cave, it’s probably connected to this one!” Kr3w said. I smiled, my argument has just been made for me. Noname looked at the map over Kr3w’s shoulder and then back at the sand storm outside.
“You guys really want to risk it?” Noname Asked. We both nodded. Noname just shrugged. Kr3w looked at me.
“You’re gonna lead the way, this is your idea, so you first.” Kr3w said. o_O
So, we were walking through a dark tunnel system. We followed the “Torches on the right” rule. At first the tunnels simply weaved left and right but we began going downhill, deeper into the maze of stone. My confidence was lowering. The darkness intimidated me. I could also hear strange noises throughout the caverns.
“You guys hear that?” I asked. Kr3w nodded.
“Yea, keep moving. They’ll catch up.” Kr3w answered. Noname and I looked at each other, not a very good sign.
“What is it Kr3w?” Noname asked.
“Skeletons...” Kr3w mumbled. My ears perked and my vision strained to identify any signs of movement in the dark. We continued, placing torches and finally, the tunnels had began to elevate higher, possibly an exit. Kr3w stopped and leaned against a wall. Noname joined him just a few feet forward from his position. I looked back and took notice that I shouldn’t go far. However, I walked forward. I walked only a little bit into the dark and saw something that surprised me. Something that stopped my heart and made me sweat. I saw light!
“GUYS! I SEE AN EXIT!” I yelled. Kr3w’s head darted and his eyes focused on me, he stood back up and hustled to me as did Noname. They reached me and laughed with joy. Kr3w put down a torch. and the area was lit. It was a long uphill tunnel leading directly to the surface. The exit must have not been 50 yards away. I could see the sun, yes the sun! The sand storm has gone! Noname began up the tunnel and I followed him. Wait, something's wrong.
“Guys, look at this!” Kr3w said. I turned my head to see Kr3w observing a stone wall. “Graphix, come here. I want to show you something.” Noname stopped, still a ways up the tunnel from me and Kr3w. “See this? This is iron ore!” Kr3w said. I noticed that the stone he was observing was actually oddly colored. Kr3w pulled out an iron pick. I didn’t know he brought that. Kr3w began chopping at the ore. “You see, if you collect this ore, you can smelt it and it becomes i-” Kr3w was cut off. I saw the block of iron ore disappear and reveal a gushing source of water that began to spill out and engulf my friend. His last words covered by the water were no longer important. The stream multiplied and almost flooded the tunnel. I dived out of the way and avoided being pulled away by the current. However, Kr3w was not so lucky. I saw him drift down the tunnel we had come from. Unfortunately the water decided to take a detour from our original path. The stream took a turn and pushed Kr3w over a high ledge. I didn’t see anything after that. Noname rushed down the tunnel and blocked up the water.
“Kr3w! Kr3w!” We yelled while running to the ledge. Noname and I leaned over the ledge to see a large pool of water down a ways. A ripple that had spread in the middle of the pool was evident that Kr3w had landed in the water. Kr3w’s head popped up.
“Help! Get me out of here NOW!” He screamed. His eyes were darting left and right in fright. It was dark down there, very dark.
“Use your pick to dig a way up!” I said. He then dived back into the water. Silence. Noname and I could not hear Kr3w from underwater but we listened intently anyway. What we heard was not Kr3w. It was a horrible noise. Not physically but the meaning of such a sound was deathly and stung our hearts with fear.
“Kr3w! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!” I screamed. Kr3w’s head popped up out of the water.
“I can’t find my pick! Get me out of here!” Kr3w said. Noname looked on the ground and found the iron pick up on the ledge.
“What is that noise?” I questioned. Kr3w silenced himself and suddenly became frightened.
“SKELETONS!” Kr3w screamed.
“I got it!” Noname shouted. He had found Kr3w’s iron pick. Noname lifted up his tool and struck the stone with such force, I could feel the vibrations through the stone floor. Noname drilled through the stone fast! He began forming a staircase pattern down through the stone. I stopped looking at Noname to observe Kr3w. Kr3w’s eyes were looking somewhere into the darkness around him. Suddenly his eyes went wild and I heard a thump followed by a splash.
“They’re here!” Kr3w yelled. On that mark, Noname busted some stone and revealed Kr3w’s escape. Kr3w swam towards Noname and he was pulled onto the staircase. As my teammates were coming up the hand carved staircase, I drew my sword. I noticed that the water had disposed of all our torches farther down the tunnel. I heard more skeletons coming. I was ready to fight these undead. That was until I saw their method of attack. I heard a familiar thump and saw an arrow come out of the darkness! I dodged successfully. These skeletons were packing a bow and arrow!? As the skeletons came into view, I dodged their arrows and sloppily chopped them down. I ran left and right, ducked, jumped, swing left, swing right, back up, repeat. Their bones littered the ground and my fatigue wasn’t giving best show. One of the skeletons strafed around my left, I strafed around it and dodged its arrow. I quickly ran in and rushed it before it could shoot another. But I was outnumbered. As I struck down the skeleton, I felt a shove push me to the ground. I fell backwards, landed just at the top of the staircase my teammates were coming up. I heard a crunch and noticed the stone crack and budge slightly. I rolled left and looked down the hole. Then an arrow flew at my previous position and stuck a small crevice in the rock. This slightest force of inertia tipped the scale. the top of the staircase broke off and fell heavily to the water pool below it. As the large stone slab splashed the water, skeletons had began showing up below and releasing their arrows at Noname and Kr3w.
I performed a barrel roll to my left. Stood back up and swung my sword low, striking the nearest skeleton’s ankles. The monster fell to its knees and I swung downward, cutting it in half through the spine. My blade scarred the stone floor and littered it with the remains of my enemies. I continued to fight and dodge arrows successfully, glancing at the progress of Noname and Kr3w. Kr3w and Noname could no longer just walk up the stairs. In danger of arrows coming at them from below, Kr3w and Noname dived across the deep hole and landed on a small group of blocks jutting out from the stone wall. They stabilized themselves and stood up. The arrows kept on coming, the skeletons began making their way up the half destroyed staircase for a better vantage point to murder the humans. I noticed them jump from the perch back across the hole. I dived toward the ledge as Noname grabbed hold safely because Kr3w had not been so lucky. Kr3w barely missed the ledge and I caught him with my extended arm. Noname pulled himself up quickly, but with the weight of Kr3w and his inventory I had only progressed to my knees. Noname grabbed the back of my chest plate and pulled hard as arrows were flying at us from all directions. I stood up as Noname’s force dragged me and Kr3w to safety. Still grasping Kr3w’s wrist, I pulled him up to the exit of the tunnel as fast as I could. I felt him stumble and almost trip as a forced him up the tunnel. The thumps and thuds of arrows launching and missing their marks as they struck the stone. Unfortunately, Kr3w stumbled and I lost my grip of him. I stopped to turn back and recover my comrade. He looked up at me and stood up as quickly as he could, not quick enough. An arrow struck him in the right shoulder from behind. His eyes cried in pain.
“AAAAAAHHHHHH!” a scream flew out of his lungs. I grabbed his left hand and pulled him up, I looked up to see Noname glance back and continue his ascend. We were almost out.
We surfaced, Noname looked across the Sand Stone Desert desperately. Kr3w was clutching his wounded shoulder.
“What happened back there!?” Noname asked. I glanced at him then turned Kr3w around to inspect the wound.
“Kr3w fell and was hit in the shoulder.” I said as I yanked the projectile free of his flesh. Kr3w screamed and fell to his knees, then he sat down panting. I let Kr3w endure the pain and approached Noname.
“You see anything?” I asked. Noname looked back at Kr3w then leaned in to whisper to me.
“Yea, Extreats’ cave is right over there,” He pointed, “But maybe we shouldn’t go right now, Kr3w is wounded.” Noname said.
“What was that?” Kr3w asked, empty of breath. Noname turned around to Kr3w as did I. Noname looked at him and sighed.
“Extreats’ cave is right over there.” Noname answered.
“Well then what are we waiting for?” Kr3w responded. He got up and walked past me, making sure to knock shoulders with Noname as he passed by. This was obviously personal to Kr3w, he wanted Extreats dead NOW. I looked at Noname but he didn’t look back. We went to Extreats’s cave.
Walking again across the desert, Kr3w lead the way. We were very worried about his condition. Not just physically however, but also mentally. Kr3w was right down blood thirsty to at least engage Extreats as soon as possible, as if otherwise he would never get a chance again. Noname and I followed behind silently. Occasionally we would see a drop of blood stain the white sand but not at an alarming rate. Aside from Kr3w, Noname was very calm. As if he was prepared for this all along. And aside from Noname, I was having second thoughts about the whole situation. I wasn’t even sure that we needed Kr3w to help us survive in this world. Let alone if he was worth risking our lives for. We approached the large cavern, the entrance wide and pitch black inside.
We entered the cavern and followed Kr3w. He walked erect and ready. We followed the torches, torches on the right. It was not long before we reached his chamber. Extreats’ Home. We saw that the entrance was actually walled off with a door, quaint I suppose. There no knocking needed thought, Kr3w just kicked open the door.
“Extreats! Where are you!?” He yelled. Me and Noname quickly exchanged our worn out armor with the armor Revanent had supplied us with. Kr3w was too hasty to think about being prepared. A man walked from around a wall. He was wearing full diamond armor and sported a diamond sword to match. Extreats.
“Ah, you must be Revenant’s lackies! Come to kill me?” He said. I expected him to be cocky, but he said this with a straight and even concerned face. Kr3w drew his sword and assumed a ready position.
“You, I want you dead! Noname, Graphix, even Revenant wants you dead! We’re here to slit your throat from ear to ear you son of a !” He said.
“Even Revenant?,” Extreats responded, “Ah, another victim of conspiracy.”
“Wait wh-” I began to ask. However Kr3w interrupted me by charging the enemy. Their diamond swords clang together. Sparks flew with each clash of the two blades. Noname and I drew our blades and charged Extreats from his flanks. Extreats quickly maneuvered Kr3w’s blade away from himself and kicked him directly in the chest forcing to fall backwards. With Kr3w temporarily disposed, Noname and I were next. Extreats blocked Noname’s swing and ducked mine. I continued the swing for another pass but Extreats dodged to my left, forcing Noname forward. I had to stop my attack to avoid stricking Noname and Extreats took the moment. Extreats swung his blade and struck my leg. The pain surged up through my body and I dropped to the ground. Extreats then proceed to elbow me in the face and kick Noname’s blade free from his use. Kr3w had stood up and begun his downward swing at Extreats. The griefer turned around and connected their blades. Extreats and Kr3w leaned in on each other, they could feel every breath their adversaryexhaled. Extreats forced forward and showed superior strength to Kr3w. As Extreats pushed against Kr3w’s blade, he groaned and cringed in pain. Blood spilled out of his wound. Extreats noticed.
“Tsk tsk tsk, never come to a battle injured!” Said Extreats. Extreats then forced his weapon right and spun around. This made Kr3w’s blade fly right and out of hand. Extreats then returned with an upward strike. The blade cut cleanly through Kr3w’s iron armor and sliced Kr3w’s chest and right arm. The force lifted Kr3w up off the ground and down on his back. Extreats turned his blade around in his hand and landed a kill blow. He stabbed Kr3w downwards through the heart. I heard Kr3w release a breath of air.
“NOOOO!” I screamed. Noname entered the scene and swung at Extreats. The enemy drew his sword from his prey and began blocking Noname’s attacks. I stood up and persevered through the pain in my leg and charged at Extreats. Extreats forced Noname’s blade downward and punched him in the jaw. Noname fell to the ground without resistance but with much effect. The move put Extreats with his blade downward, giving me a chance to attack without a counter. Extreats glanced at me and pulled his bade up to block my strike. I swung my sword as hard as I could downward at the murderer. When our weapons collided, I heard the swords almost shatter under the force. Extreats was pushed down against the wall. He stared me right in the eye as I pushed as hard as I could cut his throat. Then, Extreats began pushing back. He was recovering, Extreats was about to counter attack. Suddenly I heard a SHING! Extreats and I, still locked swords, looked down to see a blue blade piercing Extreats armor and penetrating his body. My hands loosened and stopped pushing on his blade, the lack of retaliation from his blade told me he had done the same. I followed the diamond sword to see that Noname had stabbed Extreats without getting up from the blow. Noname’s eyes were scared, he stared into Extreats’ eyes and they stared back. Extreats turned his view to look up at me. He withdrew one last breath and spent it on words I will never forget.
“Don’t...trust...Revenant...” Extreats said. I was angry, I wanted him to pay for murdering my friend. I lifted up my blade and slashed diagonally to my bottom right and let my sword cut cleanly into his neck and chest plate, severing his spine and ending his existence. I heard the sickening cut and felt blood spatter across my neck and chin. I saw the blood spray the wall and pour down his torso. Noname pulled back his sword. I ripped my blade out of his body violently.
It was now dark outside, we covered the bodies with some blankets we found inside the cave and stayed the night. Extreats’ last words were, “Don’t trust Revenant.” Something is very wrong here, something is not right. Either way, I was not guilty for murdering the adversary, I mourned for Kr3w’s death that night. Noname stayed awake and just watched a man made fireplace for a few hours before relaxing. We didn’t speak. Nothing was left to be said, only to think and we thought to ourselves hard. I guess we go back to Sunset Cove in the morning.
Click to return to the Table of Contents
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
TT2000, you are genius.
Many Thanks to MadScientist, that really made me smile! I'm surviving on comments like these right now, c'mon guys, I'm begging!!!! Like I said, I will write Season 3 if you guys really like the series, and trust me, some good happens in Season 3...
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
TT2000, you are genius.
Actually, I have already finished writing all of Seasons 1 and 2. I already know what's going to happen in like Season 6. Mind blowing stuff, I've just kept it up in my head for a while.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
Thanks a million Soul421, means the world to me.
Lets keep this interesting guys. How about we put some speculation into this. This will give you guys a chance to tell me what you think makes a piece of fiction really great and give me a chance to explain to you why I chose the approaches in my own story.
So let's start. So far, looking at the few characters revealed in the story, do you ever consider that they are not colorful enough? I've been considering the possibility that I don't give enough character to the stars of the show. Is it just me? Colorful characters make for some great dialogue and soliloquies. What are your thoughts?
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
TT2000, you are genius.
Hahaha XD I bet Graphix feels like he's Admiral Ackbar, "IT'S A TRAP!"
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
Well possibly. Maybe give Graphix and noname more time. The others are nicely done in a truly artisticly mysteriously way that makes me check back every two seconds. I love this. Keep up the good work!
I like that you give Graphix and Noname a chance to show their inner colors. I was unable to give those characters a history, due to their introduction into the world. They have no history, only questions. It's necessary for me to convey the sort of mystery I had hoped, but unfortunately our heroes have to develop over time and their is very little to them in the beginning of the story.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
Noname, a righteous man pondering his history as much as his up and coming fate. Noname finds comfort in not fighting reality, and accepting it but intervenes and controls his own fate, as well as the fate of others, more than any other character in the story. Noname is a mystery, but has evolved into someone with a gentler side that wants to accept the hand he was dealt and make the best of it.
Graphix7 started in Epic Craft as lost as Noname. However, thanks to his mysterious recollection of his identity, was more confident than his companion. Therfore, he began as the one with the initiative to keep the group going. He helped Noname to his knees, but Noname seems to carry him. Graphix7 would not have gotten far without his ally's help. Noname, although in need of Graphix7's guidance, is the strength the group relies on.
These two characters have developed one hell of a dynamic duo. I had no idea that the color of these characters could become so clear. Colors I hadn't even thought of when beginning the process! It's like, somehow, in my mind, those two characters even surprise me. I'm not creating these two, so much as I'm learning about these individuals myself. As if they have life.
They were originally going to be defending themselves against the dangers of Epic Craft, but they have surprised even me, the author. Now, it's personal for Graphix7 and Noname. Although thrust into a strange world without past memory, they proved to adapt really fast to the hostilities. The duo couldn't have done it without one another either.
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.
Day 6 being the start of Season 2. The Table of Contents has a direct link to the next day, or you can click here to continue the story: http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1803595-epic-craft-a-story-season-2-day-6-released/#Day%206
We're all just doing our best, to do what we think is right, in the world we believe in.