It's often said when you are at your lowest point you become your strongest. Ember would say that is very true from her own personal experience. She was degraded in any way possible, mostly just with words of how weak she was. How being human was truly a curse because Notch made her weak, he made all humans weak willed and easy to control. Her lord took full advantage of that, using humans to seek an end to his plans, and carefully choosing his favorites.

Her eyes silted, her tail twitched, she felt it a change in the air. Her watch seemed to notice it also, humans were in their area. Her nose twitched, should she greet them? No, it was too soon, her lord knew this was to happen, he predicted they'd come because his brother sent them. She ran her tongue over her sharp teeth in deep thought.

No doubt she'd have to face them, the most pig headed could not see reason beyond their pitiful gods words. Sheep with no will to think, that is how she saw these people. Ember remembered her friend few days in Notch's army, just because the great war struck.

They were taught from day one not to question authority, it was war, was the excuse. In war, one question can be between you and your life. It was better to trust in your superiors, you'd come out alive and better for it.

This never sat right with Ember. Seemed to her like simple cult brainwashing. Her friend told her she was just being paranoid, Notch always wanted what's best for the people. And he was much better than the alternative to rule over them. At least Notch stated in a book he cared for everyone and always did what was best for them, even if it was tough love. 

Tough love? Those sheep hadn't spent one week with Herobrine! She knew her lord cared for very little, after his own betrayed him he held everyone at a distance. Ember shoved her hands into her gray hoodie, wasn't much she could do about it. Her lord would remain in his shell, that is until he gave Notch exactly what he deserved for tainting Noah's mind. 

A grin made it's way to her mouth, she couldn't wait for that day. The day Notch's blood spilled on the pristine white floors of the Aether and the true brother took his place as ruler over all! It'll be glorious, when the world's minds were free, there will be no place to stick their heads in the sand then.

Ember gazed out over the barres of the Nether, a change of scenery would be nice. She'd take care of the pesky ones in her domain soon enough, but first she had to wait. The Nether had different affects on everyone. Her green eyes turned to the pigmen beside her, "Send the hounds, their orders are not to kill, oh but they can play with their minds a bit." she ordered as the pigmen nodded and headed off.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Never let it be said the Nether didn't live up to it's name of being the most hellish place ever seen. Seems Hero really loved dark shadows and lots of shades of red, Seto wondered how the god could put up with the smell of the place. The heat wasn't too unbearable, surprisingly it was more moderate than anything else. It also surprised how breathable the air was, most depictions of the nether said the air was like sour milk and smog. However the air seemed to smell sweet despite all the fires around burning the netherrack. 

"Not exactly what I was expecting." Jason commented softly, his helmet moving as if taking in the sight. It looked like most pictures of it, lava lakes, lots of fire. But how it felt was entirely different from how many books described it. There was no searing heat, no sounds of the dead screaming. It was quiet, with just the sound of a ghast, bubble of lava, and occasional pigmen. It was almost peaceful in a sense, like a mirror of the overworld plains.

Ty shrugged, "Well most people do have different experiences, and primitive people most have taken one look at this and drew their own conclusion as to what it was over the years." he said, at least he hoped he was right about that, what motive would they have to lie about this place?

Seto didn't seem convinced, but the other seemed to nod along. "Well, we best keep moving, according to his map the portal is near, but it's a long walk." he told them looking at the map. Walking ahead of the group as they filed in behind. 

Ty again was left to his thoughts, mostly of guilt. Partly because he did feel responsible for Adam's kidnapping. He didn't try to think about that often, knowing Adam wouldn't want him to be beating himself up over it. But, he should have known better than to split up to search the beach, why had he even thought of the idea to begin with. 

He should be back at the castle leading them in Adam's place, that was what they planned for in situations similar to this. But, he couldn't. He wasn't Adam, he knew he'd mess up. Ian was always more qualified than him. Besides, Ian had more experience than him as it is, Ty was just Adam's friend and ground. He didn't know how to run a kingdom, just how to get Adam to run it.

"Ty?" he blinked and looked at Jason who was giving him a look of concern, "You alright?" he asked his friend in a worried tone. Jason was always concerned for everyone, often stretching himself too thin to help everyone, Ty smiled he knew his friend meant well.

"Don't worry yourself Jason, it's nothing." he promised, Jason nodded slowly knowing with Ty pushing him got you no where. He figured his friend would open up later. Seto then paused looking up for a moment, the others stopped as Jordan gazed up at Seto with a frown.

"Why have your stopped?" he asked, Seto hummed looking at the map for a moment before turning on his heel to everyone.

"We'll have to go through some tunnels." he told them, "So try to stick together." he sighed softly turning back to the tunnel openings. Jordan gave a worried look to Jerome who shrugged as they all formed a small group together and trekked in with Seto into the dark of the tunnels.

This really didn't look like it'd end well.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Long fingers skimmed the map in front of him as he watched the dots move. Her smirked, "Seems you haven't forgotten this place after so long." he said drumming his fingers on the map. "But how to bring out the side you keep hidden? Do they even know the true you?" he asked to no one before going back to his work. Michael knew he had his work cut out for him with this dilemma, but he was rather enjoying it.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Hmmm, I think that's a good place to end it. So yeah, Ty had problems with self esteem. And Seto is in charge of the map, even though he doesn't let anyone else see it. Huh, spoilers! XD

Next chapter will be interesting, and they'll finally meet Ember.