[Aria's POV]

I am standing at the edge of the village where the crack in reality is wide open. I can feel my friends on the other side, waiting for me. The new Herobrine is next to me. We just arrived after cleaning up the End a bit and setting the dragon free. Separating myself from her wasn't painful this time as the World helped. She told me the command block could be split again if I wished, but I knew it wouldn't be right.

I turn to Herobrine with said block in my grasp. His eyes drop to it and widen as he looks back at my eyes. I offer it to him with a smile. "This world is yours now. I trust you'll take good care of it?" He only nods before reaching out. However, I pull my hand back. I look at the village, feeling my heart sink. Notch let it go to ruin after my Herobrine left.

I would fix that.

I wave my hand in the air slowly, and I watch with joyful tears in my eyes as the sky illuminates with the sun, pushing the fog away. The buildings repair themselves, and villagers appear. It is filled with life once again. I sigh, feeling a sense of relief at the sight. Then, I offer it back to Herobrine. He tilts his head, and I shake mine. "Sorry, an old friend would have wanted this village alive again."

Herobrine takes the command block gently, then looks at the village. "Will I ever get to meet this friend?" His voice is so light, so full of hope. My chest hurts as I keep my voice level. "No, he's... he's not here anymore." Herobrine looks at me again, his eyes drooping a bit as he understands.

"I'm sorry."

I quickly wave my hand. "Don't be! You didn't know." I smile, and he returns it. I turn towards the rift, ready to go home. But, something makes me hesitate once more. I turn to look at this new Herobrine, this younger version of him. He was already playing with the commands and making flowers appear around him. A bird is on top of his head.

"Hey, Hero?"

He turns to me again, a bright smile on his face. I gesture to the portal. "Feel free to visit whenever you want." He nods his head enthusiastically, then returns to his work. I smile, feeling one last tear fall down my face before I jump up into the rift.

It was time to go home.

The travel through cyberspace is easier this time. I can see the ceiling of our base slowly coming into view. I have no idea how much time has passed since they arrived, but it couldn't have been long. I feel the cool air hit my face as I emerge from the portal and gently land on the edge. I lift my gaze to see everyone turning to face me. I see disbelief and doubt on each face until Alexa steps forward. She moves closer and closer as I make my way down the stairs. Her eyes dart all over my body as if searching to see if I was truly here.

"Aria...?"

Her voice is soft, worry flowing from it. I can only give a soft nod and a half-hearted smile.

"It's me. I'm home."

Joyous cheers erupt as Alexa wraps her arms around me. I find myself squeezing her tightly, not just out of fear this wasn't real, but out of agony. I feel her shift in my arms, and she pulls away to look me in the eyes. I can barely see her face through my tears. Her eyes widen as she realizes I am alone, and no one else has come through the portal yet.

"Aria, where's Herobrine?"

I can't hold it back. I about collapse to the ground, and Alexa drops with me. Her arms pull me in once more as I hear the others move closer. My sobs are the only noise echoing through the hall. Despite everything, despite it all, I had always hoped I would make it back with Herobrine. There were so many things I dreamed of doing with Hero if we ever made it out of there alive.

I told him he didn't have to say it.

But oh how much I want to hear him say it now.

I didn't tell him either, but I know he knew.

I just wish I would have said it.

Maybe one day I could, but it won't be the same.

My Herobrine is gone, with no way to bring him back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After a few hours of messing with the code, we finally create a separate end portal that leads back to our End Dimension next to the other one that leads back to Herobrine's world. I had explained to them what had happened once they all left, about how he was 'back', but not as our Herobrine. As we activate the new portal, Reginald and I both confirm it works our connection to the Ender dragon returns and her roar echoes in our minds. We were finally able to return home, but at what cost? For the first time in years, my house will be empty. As everyone gets ready to finally leave this place, I find myself hesitating.

I don't know if I'm ready for that.

The one who notices first is Reginald. Alexa looks between us, but I can't look any of them in the eye. How am I supposed to explain this hole in my chest? How do I explain the fear I have of returning home without him? It was only a month for them here, but I was trapped with only Herobrine for a year and a half in Notch's world.

Herobrine was the only person I spoke to, besides threats and insults at Notch occasionally.

Herobrine was my only source of comfort when I would have nightmares every night.

Herobrine was the only family I had, and now he's gone.

Was it really worth it?

A hand grabs my own, and I flinch at the coolness of the skin. I look up to see Reginald watching me carefully. His blue eyes move over my face before he sighs. "I'd be lying if I said I understand what you're feeling, but I know Herobrine would have wanted you to be happy."

My heart aches as his words ring true in my ears. I know he's right. I take in a shuddering breath, but only give him a nod. I don't have the energy in me to trust my voice. Reginald gives me a soft smile, then tugs my arm.

"Come on, it's time to go."

I let him pull me towards the end portal. Everyone else is already starting to disappear through it. As we make it through, I see everyone walking toward our new portal that leads home. Reginald tugs once more, but I slip my hand from his grasp. He looks at me, and I just shake my head.

"I just... I need a minute. Please."

Maybe it's my voice, but he doesn't push. Instead, he gives a small smile and rejoins his group of friends. I can see Alexa watching me as well, but Joseph grabs her arm and shakes his head. When she looks back at me, I offer a small wave. She returns it before following Joseph to the portal. I sigh, wrapping my arms around myself. This ache in my chest hurt no matter how I looked at it. Could there have been another way? Could I have saved him?

I hear his gears whirring before he appears next to me. "I'm sorry about Herobrine." He reaches up to give my shoulder a gentle squeeze. It takes all my willpower not to cry again. I suck in a deep breath and release a shuttering sigh. Besides myself, Mobius was the one in our friend group who grew the closest to Herobrine after he discovered their shared fascination with coding. Together, they had programmed nearly every warp and teleportation area in our server. I know his words are sincere.

Which only makes it hurt more.

"You know he would have had it no other way."

I can only nod my head. I don't trust my voice not to crack. He lowers his hand, then sighs. "I know words won't help right now, but you're not alone." He moves just ahead of me and gestures to the others. "Each one of them will be willing to help you through this, myself included." I nod, wiping my eyes with a huff.

"I know. I just... need a moment. Ill be right behind you."

Mobius only nods before heading to the others. One by one, they were going through the portal and returning to reality. I make my way towards the center of the island. I gaze around, spotting the dragon resting on one of the upgraded pillars we designed. I see her eyes open slightly and look at where I was. I smile at her and she lifts her head. Everyone was gone now, the only beings left are her and myself.

As if sensing my plea, she lifts herself from the pillar and spreads her wings in a massive stretch. Leaving them out, she carefully glides down and lands before me with barely a sound. I move closer as she lays down. I move to lay against her stomach, and she lowers her head in almost a hug while folding her wing around me. Feeling a sense of peace from her, I finally release everything I was holding back. My cries shake the entire End, but the dragon doesn't move. Her steady heartbeat and warm scales are the only comfort I have as my reality sinks in. Despite knowing I won't be alone, the silence in my mind is a constant reminder that I am alone.

Nothing will ever be the same.