Chapter 31: Searching

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- Zach's POV -

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Nya had told me she had planned to ask Mrs Kelly this lesson about getting to the library restricted section, so I decided after my sword training session was over that I would wait in the library for her.

I've been waiting for over an hour.

I think the librarians are starting to notice. Mrs Quest keeps sending me nervous glances, and then moving on and finding some other job to do. I'm beginning to get impatient - how long does is take one person to go get a book, then leave?

As more time passed, the patience faded into worry. I restlessly paced along one of the book shelves, trying to distract myself from the thoughts that were rushing through my mind: Had something happened? Surely one of the staff would have notice if something had. Maybe Nya's in danger?

Ridiculous. She's looking for a book from the inner-sanctum of a school, for Notch's sake. She's fine.

That's what I tried forcing myself to think for another half an hour. Then, from the room behind Mrs Quest's desk, out stepped Alex Machia, the new kid. I hadn't actually spoken to him before - but what surprised me is that he must have been in the restricted section either with Nya or at the same time as her. I'd been waiting here for at least two hours, and I hadn't seen him enter. So he must know if she's still there or left before I even got here.

"Hey," I said, holding out my hand to him. "I'm Zach Dare." Alex looked around my age, with eyes so green it kinda made me jealous, since mine were quite remarkably plain. He glanced at me, smiled, and shook my hand firmly. "Alex Machia," he replied.

"There didn't happen to be a girl in the restricted library section with you, did there?" I asked, my lack of patience making me get straight to the point.

Alex shook his head. "Nope, I was by myself the whole time."

I knitted my eyebrows together. "Oh." Hopefully Nya was already back in her dorm, getting ready for her potions class later today. "Thanks anyway, mate."

"No problem," he shrugged. "See ya round."

Alex left, leaving me in a state of worry and confusion. I could only manage to sit there for about ten more minutes before I decided to ask someone about what was taking my girlfriend so long. I knew I should trust her to take care of herself, and Notch knows I do, but that doesn't make being apart from her when she could be in potential danger any easier.

I walked over to the desk where Mrs Quest was sitting, filing through papers. She glanced up at me and sighed, stopping her (not very important looking job) for a moment.

"Yes?" she asked, and her voice was exasperated.

"Hey, er, I was wondering if Nya Analove was still in the back room . . ?"

She huffed and got off her seat. "I'll go check for you, Mr Dare."

I called out thanks to her as she walked off, but she didn't turn back and acknowledge me. I stood waiting, and patiently as I could manage, until she finally returned several minutes later. Confusion was etched on her face.

"She's not there, Zachary, so she must have left while I wasn't paying attention."

A sick feeling grew in my stomach - dread. "Okay, thanks. I'll go look for her." I said, barely holding back a choke. I coughed quickly to clear my throat. "See you, Miss."

She didn't say anything as I walked out of the library. But once I was beyond the doors, I ran - towards Nya's dorm. Logic was against me, because I should have seen her leave if she had. Knowing Nya, she'd either be in the cafeteria, the Weaponry Wing, or her dorm. Best to check them off one by one.

I reached her dormitory just as Emerald was leaving it.

"Hey, Em," I rushed, "do you have any idea where Nya is?"

She shook her head, looking startled at my obvious worry. I tried to cover it up as best I could. "Sorry Zach, not a clue. I haven't seen her since she left this morning."

"Damn," I muttered. Louder, I said "Thanks, Em. See ya later."

"Cool," she replied, but I was already running.

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The Weaponry Wing had been empty, except for a few pairs of novices practicing sword play. I was hardly holding in panic now - the cafeteria was my last chance. But what if she's not there-

Save those thoughts for later, Zach.

It was almost two o'clock, so the cafeteria wasn't too busy. Gemma and Vent were there, chatting away, so I ran up to them first.

"Damn it - please say you guys know where Nya is." I sounded like I had gone for a long run - which I sort of had. The WW was miles away from here.

They looked at me worriedly. "Sorry, Zach," Gemma begun saying, "Haven't seen her all day."

"Me neither." added Vent.

My heart fell. Hope faded.

"Hey man, if you want us to help you with something-"

"-What seems to be the problem, guys?"

I looked to my right to see Clare, her arms filled with potion books she was no doubt going to take to her next class in fifteen minutes. A thought vaguely registered; maybe this was Clare's fault. I was too out-of-the-loop to control any emotions at the moment, so I blurted out "Where's Nya?"

Clare turned to me, and I think I was the only one to notice the dark amusement in her eyes. But continued to play innocent, and asked "Nya? Why, is something wrong?"

"You're damn right something's wrong," I spoke lowly, "I can't seem to find my girlfriend."

Then (although I knew she was acting), Clare perked up. "Oh! Yes, I saw her a little while ago!"'

Two can play that game. "Really?" I lit up, displaying hopefulness.

"C'mon, I'll show you where she went." Clare put her books down on the cafeteria table where Gemma and Vent were sitting, still looking confused. I knew better than to go somewhere alone with somebody who's intertwined with a revenge involving not only Nya but also myself, but right now in this state, I was ready to take any chances to find her.

I was suddenly reminded of the time Herobrine took Nya to his Hell palace and turned her into a Wielder. I was willing to take chances for her then, too.

"Let's go."

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- Nya's POV -

"Why the hell am I here?" I screamed at him. Once I had fallen through  the portal, and had thus moved into the Nether, Herobrine had taken me prisoner - but that's it. He hasn't physically harmed me - yet.

He watched me from beyond the charmed unbreakable iron bars, seemingly amused. "Didn't you figure this out, Nya? You're here to die. Following my rules."

"Where's Zach? Have you hurt him? I swear, if you have-"

"Not yet, no, but I've just sent Clare to pick him up. It shouldn't be too long until he joins you. Then the real revenge can commence."

An idea suddenly formed in my head. No, not an escape plan. I'll think of that later. A chance to solve the mystery. If I can't make it to the last chapter, like Mackenzie had said, then I'd better collect together the clues now.

"Explain all of it, Herobrine. Every single detail. Explain why you hate me so much, and why you're so keen on seeing me dead. I want the whole story."

He smiled, but it wasn't as strong as it had been before. "A final wish, then?"

The words gave me chills. "Yes."

A chair made of nether bricks materialized, and Herobrine sat down, taking a breath.

"Okay, then. But you probably don't want to hear some parts."

"Try me." I hissed.

He grinned again. His white eyes glowed. "Let's begin, then."

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Cliffhanger-y??? Sorta . . .

I slept through that alarm . . .

Anyways, if you guys have the chance, go check out @PaintersDaugher's youtube channel! (PaintersDaughterNet). She's currently doing a video version of M:HL and it's awesome!

QOTD: Who here writes?

- Jazz