[Herobrine's POV]

Notch has his sword raised, but my eyes aren't wide because of that. Those words ring in my mind. Hold on, Hero. That's what I heard, but it wasn't in a copy of her voice.

It was her voice!

I blink, feeling my heart start to race. If she's alive, then I have to keep fighting. I have to get out of this somehow. She has to be here! That had to be her!

Or this really is the end.

Notch starts to lower his blade, but a flash of purple to my left makes us both flinch. Notch stops his attack, turning his head to look at what disturbs his victory.

A small black fist slams into his face, sending Notch flying away from where I was lying. The fist becomes a wrist, then an arm, then a body. An enderman is standing before me, crouched and ready for a fight. I see it look toward me slightly, but its gaze moves to the broken sword. 

The enderman snarls. I push myself up enough and see Notch standing. Anger is on his face.

"What are you doing? You answer to me!"

The creature is silent. It lifts its gaze to Notch. 

In an instant, it's before him, attacking in sheer anger. I try to watch as Notch parries and blocks, obviously flustered. A figure appears before me, blocking my view. I turn my gaze to find a Pillager skin offering his hand. 

"Peter?!"

"No time to explain! We need to go!"

I take his hand and he hauls me to my feet. Pain nearly makes me double over again, but Peter slips his arm under mine and holds me up. "Hold on, Herobrine. You're not dying on us now." I lift my eyes to see a dwarf character helping the others get to their feet. He turns to us and nods.

"Duke? How are you guys-"

"Honestly? I don't know, but we need to move. She can't hold them off forever."

She?

I turn my head, my chest hammering with heartache, but hope threatens to bubble over. The enderman lands a blow on Notch, but he turns with his sword. The blade narrowly misses the enderman's gut, and it returns with another fist to Notch's skull. However, Notch disappears and reappears behind the creature, blade ready to strike.

"Behind you!"

The words slip out before I can stop them. I see purple blood just before particles surround the enderman and it appears directly before us. A small gash is on the back in front of me. The creature stays crouched, ready for a fight. Notch looks towards us, his eyes narrowed. I can tell, even from here, he was trying to figure out what was going on. My mind tells me this is just a stray enderman fighting an intruder, but my heart yearns for what I hope it is.

"You... You should be attacking them! What are you-"

The enderman snarls, interrupting the man. Notch glares and lifts his blade. It begins shining, glowing a dangerous red once again. The enderman takes a step forward, but I realize before anyone else it's just a ruse. Notch has his other hand out to the side, his fingers slightly moving. I look to my left and spot Steve fizzle into view. A bow is in his hands. If this was a normal enderman, it wouldn't be hurt. However, something tells me this isn't just an enderman. The bow is glistening as well, and the arrow holds a crimson-red tip.

An arrow of harming.

With Notch's tampering, that could easily kill any of us.

I can't lose her again.

Steve releases the arrow, and even though I don't know for sure, I can't risk it. If I'm wrong, then that's it. I wrench myself free from Peter's grasp and place myself between the enderman and the arrow. I can sense the creature move, and the faint voice in my head tells me I was right. My eyes fill with tears as the arrow pierces my chest, but they aren't from the pain. Cool, thin arms wrap around my body as I fall back into her grasp. 

My eyes lock with hers, and I finally see the scar along the face before me. Her eyes well up with tears, but I can't help but smile. Her hand yanks the arrow from my chest, but the damage has been done. How much of a cliche is this? Just as she returns, I leave. 

I have to tell her.

"Aria... I-"

A cough, feeling red spilling over my lips. I have to tell her. This is my chance to finally tell her. Her hand grabs my own, and I feel urgency fill me. I try to speak again, but it's nearly impossible.

"You don't need to say it, Hero."

I know, but I want to.

I can hear background noises, clashing blades, and angry shouts. Aria needs to go back and join the fight, but she can't win on her own strength. I can feel my body starting to give, but I have enough energy to move my arms. I hold both my hands above my chest. A dull light emits between them, and a command block begins forming. I see Aria glance at it. She looks back, and I shake my head. I know I won't make it, I can feel my legs already starting to pixelate. Once the command block fully forms, I push it upward. Aria lifts one hand and holds it gently.

"I'm sorry..."

That's all I can say. I wish I could have made this work. I wish I had more time, but the glow from my legs is getting brighter. My hands are starting to shine as well. Cool water hits my face as Aria presses her forehead against my own. I close my eyes, soaking in her presence as my consciousness leaves.

"I'll find you."

I remember something, something important, but it's too late. I only hope she means that.

I never imagined this would be how I go out, but at least I know they will have a chance to go home.

I am home.

Darkness takes over as I slowly lose the feeling of her around me.