Full Summary: Steve is a young man with a dark past. Waking up on a large island so different from his home, he learns the ways to survive the nights and creatures lurking within the darkness. Fascinated by the many myths the people speak of, one in particular catches his interest; The End. Delving too deeply into the myth, he soon uncovers a secret that links himself together with the same legend. Being dragged into the story circling around the End, Steve simply tries to continue not only surviving; but also continuing to battle his own demons he keeps within. All at the same time, his presence on the island unintentionally catches the growing interest of another myth that the people dare not speak of out of pure fear for their lives; Herobrine...!

Important: This story is YAOI! The Pairing, if not easily guessable, is Herobrine x Steve. If that's not your cuppa tea I apologize. Rating starts out as T but WILL be bumped up to M much later into the story. ;) Hope you enjoy!

And just throwing the disclaimer out there: I do not own(sadly) nor make any profit from(again, sadly) Minecraft. Nor any of the characters except those I made up for this story. Minecraft © Mojang and the brilliant minds that work there. Though I guess now I say Minecraft belongs to Microsoft. XD

*A huge special thanks to slingading for the fantastic cover art for this story! Thank you so much and much love to you!*

[CHAPTER I]

[New Start]

The blazing heat beaming down from the sun high above did little to slow him down as he continued to make his way through the endless sea of sand that appeared to stretch as far as the eye could see.

Swallowing to dampen his parched throat, he paused in his steps, shoulders drooping slightly as he allowed the heavy bag that housed his current items fall to the sand with a muted thud, a loud popping noise coming from his left shoulder upon rolling the stiffness out of it. Bringing his right hand up, he began massaging the soreness out left behind by the strap of the bag as it had long ago began digging into his flesh through the thin material of his light blue shirt. Violet eyes lifted up towards the clouds, soon bringing his right arm up to shield his vision from the harsh UVs.

A sigh a relief left his lungs upon seeing the sun's current location.

Though it was at its hottest and most brutal peak, he knew he still had about seven more hours to go before dusk would be reached, signaling not only the cold night that contrasted the heat of the day; but also calling forth the many creatures that thrived in the darkness.

With a deep inhale, he lowered his arm and eyes, looking down to the brown bag that had sunk a little in the soft sand it was nestled in. Releasing the breath he held for a few seconds, he bent over and reached for the strap once more, lifting the heavy bag up and throwing it over his shoulder to continue forth on his way.

As he pressed on, he allowed his mind to wander, trying to glue together some sort of picture of where he was in that moment of time.

He had no goal as to where he was going. Ever since arriving on this massive island, he simply wandered the different 'biomes' he's come to learn that the different sections of this land were referred to, surviving on a day by day basis. Never really seeing himself the "adventuring" type, a small smile pulled at his chapped lips at the strange thought that he was rather enjoying this life. It was far different from the one that was both taken from him and left behind by him.

And even though he's only been here for roughly around six months, he was quickly catching on to the way this land functions. He's already learned of all the precious materials this land was deeply rich in, and knowing which tools were perfect for which job. He was also quick to learn of the different creatures that roamed the land freely, knew how to identify them and expose their weaknesses.

He was also familiar already with the many different rumors and myths that kept a dark hold on this otherwise beautiful land.

Being somewhat of a skeptic, he wasn't too sure how he felt about the stories he's heard. Nonetheless, they all intrigued him to keep the small light of curiosity burning just bright enough to allow himself to sit in the company of the villagers and listen to their tales.

The one he would have to admit that interested him the most, was the myth about The End. He was never really able to get much info out of people before they would clamp up out of fear.

He had high hopes that the village he was currently aiming for would have a wider verity of villagers actually willing to speak more about the myth and the legend attaching it to the mythical Ender Dragon.

A sudden thought fluttered through his mind as he thought back to the many different towns and villages he has passed through. All the people living there seemed…. different compared to himself. He would always feel so out of place whenever entering a town or village for the first time.

The alienated feeling would always wash away however, once he began conversing with the people. Everyone seemed to enjoy his own stories and tales, and were equally annoyed whenever he would turn the tables by refusing to speak of more that intrigued them about him.

He didn't do it to spite them. His past wasn't a myth or legend. It was real. And painful. Still though… those thoughts were not enough to prevent a smug grin to grace his lips upon their reactions and expressions when he would abruptly leave the group.

Fatigue was slowly dawning on him as he pushed himself to climb a dune, breath becoming slightly ragged as the heat continued pounding against him. Knees ached as he pressed on, soon reaching the top with a loud sigh.

Scanning the land on the other side of the hill, a smile came to him upon seeing the wavy image of the village he had been searching for off in the distance. And with a quick glance up at the waning sun, he tightened his hold on the strap and continued onward. If his calculations were correct, he would reach the village just before the sun hits the horizon, giving himself about forty-five minutes to replenish his stock and find a place to sleep for the night.

Ignoring the aches and pains that ran throughout his being, he kept his violet eyes on the prize, grin growing wider as the village grew larger.

Upon reaching the village limits, he took note that he had actually over calculated and had about an hour before nightfall, allowing him fifteen extra more minutes to prepare and get more acquainted with this town.

As he entered, he smiled to those who stopped what they were doing to watch him with cautious eyes. He has figured by now that whenever he entered a village for the first time, their reactions towards him are the same as his were upon the first village he ever entered shortly upon arriving here.

He was the outsider.

He had been told by many different people that they have never seen a person like him before, earning joking jabs from him like have they never seen another human being.

With which they would respond saying that they have…

… just not one like him.

He wasn't too sure how he felt about that answer… and it certainly didn't help the loneliness that long ago began creeping its way inside him. Sure he has made many friends along his journey, but he still couldn't shake the feeling that he was alone…

Clearing his mind of those thoughts, he filled it with a new goal; water.

Smiling upon reaching one of the many villagers with goods to trade, he approached the man's venue and examined his wares.

The villager, looking identical to the rest of the villagers around this land, and looking to be in his late-forties, leaned over his table, brow rising slightly while eying the stranger, "Hey there. Don't think we've seen you around here before. Come from one of the neighboring biomes?" he asked, a genuine smile on his face.

A chuckle passed him before lifting his head up, looking into the man's green eyes, but before he could respond, the man leaned back with a look of surprise on his face, "Wow! Your eyes! I—I apologize for my rudeness, but it's just that… well I've never seen such a color before…" he leaned in real close suddenly, his own eyes squinting as if forcing them to get a clearer view.

Another chuckle, only this time accompanied with a shake of his head, left him as he smiled, "Please. No need to apologize. I've quickly learned I'm apparently unique in these parts." He said, a slight wince was seen in his expression upon doing so.

The villager saw this and blinked, "Is something the matter when you speak?"

A small hum was his first response before speaking again, taking note of the growing crowd forming around the table he stood at, "I'm just not quite acquainted with the heat here yet. I just crossed the dessert so my throat is a little dry is all."

Quiet murmurs could be heard around them at his words, causing a slight alarm to rise. However, all paranoia fled him upon the vender placing a large, wooden jug before him, filled with water. "Ah, yes. The heat waves here show no mercy to newcomers. Here, drink this. And don't worry about payment. Take it as a welcoming gift."

All too happy for the water, he reached out, thanked the man and took the offered "gift". Within just a few swallows, he managed to completely empty the container, shivering slightly as he was able to feel the cool liquid running down the entire length of his throat due to just how dry it was.

The vendor chuckled while taking back the now empty jug, peering inside to see that it was practically bone dry, "My, you certainly weren't kidding about being thirsty. My name is Melz. I own and run this shop. My wife and I also own and run the village Inn, just up the pathway behind me. We have some vacancies if you're looking for a place to stay for the night. I'm sure you're well aware of the Mobs that lurk around this biome."

No longer feeling as if on the brink of death brought on by dehydration, he smiled with a nod, "That would be great. Thank you!"

Melz gave a laugh while beginning to pack his things up for the evening. "Great. Let me just close up for the night and I'll take you there." It didn't take long for him to load up his wares and seal everything up to protect the items from monsters and thieves alike.

On their way towards a three story building, Melz noticed the strange and even dirty looks the visitor was getting, rolling his eyes with a huff and turning to face them, "Instead of making our guest feel uncomfortable, maybe you should all prepare for the night that is upon us?!" he snapped, instantly causing everyone around them to jump and run off in different directions. After making sure everyone had left, he sighed again, turning to face the other. "I apologize on their behalf. With how far out we are, I'll admit we don't get many outsiders."

The man winced at the term that was used. Even if it were true, it always allowed that same damn alienated feeling to creep into his sub-consciousness. With a stern shake of his head, he forced a chuckle. "It's alright. Again, you don't need to apologize. I… I understand." He mentally cursed at himself for choking a little on his last statement, narrowing his eyes into a scowl that he directed towards the gravel they walked on.

Just as the sun was beginning to hide behind the horizon, and the first of the many creatures could be seen and heard far off in the distance, they reached the building labeled as the Inn. Melz walked ahead of him to hold open the door. With a thank you, the man walked in, sighing with content at the very obvious temperature difference being indoors.

Giving a quick look around outside, Melz gave a nod to no one in particular before shutting the door and throwing the lock, followed by sliding a thick iron rod into place right across it at waist high to support it against being rammed.

With a whistle and a clap, Melz turned his attention once again to the other male, "Right. This way please. We'll sign you in and give you a room. Glorenda? Are you here, dear?" he called out suddenly while walking up to the main desk.

Suddenly, a woman around the same age as Melz appeared from behind a dark blue curtain that separated the front foyer with the room that he guessed held all the keys and possible supplies. She looked the same as the villagers, only difference being her waist long black hair. She wasn't wearing anything too fancy, just tan colored pants, black sandles and a grey long-sleeved shirt.

Her face brightened upon seeing her husband, "Oh Melz! I was beginning to worry once I started seeing the shadows of dusk on the kitchen walls! You really have been getting home later and later!" she scolded him but in a caring manner.

A sad smile crept across his face as he stood silently to the side witnessing the little dispute as Melz began to practically grovel at his wife's feet. They really cared for each other. Though happy to know people do actually love each other deeply… a heavy, dull ache weighed painfully in the center of his chest.

He would never have that again…

Lost in his thoughts, he nearly missed when Glorenda noticed him standing there, all her "anger" towards her husband forgotten as she walked up to him, "Oh! A guest! Sweetheart, you look exhausted! Come, come! I'll get a room set up for you." She took his hand in a motherly fashion and guided him towards the desk. She then disappeared behind a corner that led to a staircase, heading up to the second floor to prepare his room.

With a chuckle, he turned towards Melz, "She's sweet."

Melz nodded, though sighed, "I thought I was in big trouble. I did not mean to stay out this late…"

"Seems it's my turn to apologize. Had I not kept you, you most likely would have returned at a better time."

Melz just scoffed while waving him off, "Nah. I would have still most likely been late anyways. But I think your presence saved me from a terrible fate!" he then burst out laughing, earning a laugh from the other. Once he settled down, he cleared his throat. "Oh! That reminds me… I haven't asked you for your name yet?"

Setting his bag down on the wooden floor by his feet to have it lean up against his leg, he looked up to see Melz smiling at him. Remembering that he had in fact failed to introduce himself, he blushed in embarrassment, "Oh, sorry. How rude of me." He chuckled while straightening up. Holding his hand out for Melz to take in a shake, he smiled; "My name is Steve. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Melz took the offered hand and gave it a few friendly shakes, "Steve, hunh? Unusual name. But I like it! It's nice to meet you! And welcome to Sanderlorum!" he beamed with pride while mentioning the village's name.

Steve smiled even more, feeling his aching muscles beginning to relax for the first time in a long while. He loved this feeling he got within any village. The people here were all so nice and caring… Nothing like what he had in the past…

When he first woke up on that beach many months ago, fear and dread were the first things to enter him. His first night here nearly drove him mad. But he thrived to stay strong, putting all of his skills to the test to survive.

Once he got the hang of the place, the next thought to enter his mind was finding a way off the island and to return to where he came from…

Whatever was left of his home that is…

But as he continued to travel across this land, meeting all the people he has, he suddenly began getting a new idea into his mind.

Maybe this was the new start he needed?

If he had any idea of just what this land had in store for him… then in the beginning he would have wished he had drowned in the cold water during that horrible night…

To Be Continued...