Warnings: None

~Seto's P.O.V.~

     As Rob's image fades away I force a smile and wave until finally he disappears. However the moment he's gone my smile fades, replaced quickly by a frown. How come Rob gets to be a white gem? Am I not good enough? Surely my skills are far superior to his. Well... were. I sulk, staring at my blue gem with disgust. Sighing heavily, I stand up and stretch my hands high above my head, the bones in my back popping and snapping as I release the tension in my body. Whatever. Instantly feeling better, I wander over to a window in my bedroom overlooking my swampy domain. Outside the sun is beginning to set and Brice, Pete, and Matt are ushering in a new host of refugees to my base. Brice notices me watching and gives an energetic wave. I wave back, smiling tiredly, and retreat back into my room.

     "What I need," I yawn, hanging my cloak up on a coat rack and jumping into bed, "Is a good nights sleep."

       Pulling up the velvety purple sheets to my chin, I push all my negativity to the back of my mind, determined to be the bigger person and not let such childish feelings have power over me.

~~~

     I stand atop a high tower, adrenaline coursing through my veins and wind tussling my hair as I weave magic I've only dreamed of. Crowds cheer as I raise their loved ones from the dead, mobs quake in fear as I summon powerful beasts from your darkest nightmares, only they obey me and do my every bidding. The world bows down at my feet, chanting my name and praising my name. It feels great. It feels right. I have enough prestige to leave my murky swamp and travel through the jungle, across the ocean, all the way to Notch's Castle where the people welcome me as their own, deeming me the most powerful mage in all the land. There is nothing I desire I can not obtain, my magical abilities stretching far beyond those of even a white gem. I smile in satisfaction, gazing down at my loyal subjects.

      And then in the blink of an eye it is gone. I am surrounded by nothing but darkness, my power stripped away like bark. I growl, thirsting for that pride and control once more.

     "You want it, don't you?"

      I turn to see none other than the white eyed Herobrine, standing there with such a fake smile it makes me sick. I say nothing. Instantly I recognize this as a dream. I've visited the dream plane before. How dare Herobrine intrude here?

     "I know how you feel."
     "Do you now?" I counter, words sharp and unforgiving.
     Herobrine chuckles darkly. "Yes... the thirst for power. Respect. It is a hunger I seek as well, you know. But do you know what the difference is, my dear Seto?"
       "..."
       "I have it."

        The words hit a chord somewhere deep inside me, but I do not let any emotion reveal it. Herobrine simply smirks in amusement, white eyes gleaming.

      "Oh Seto, sweet Seto, don't you know I have full understanding of every thought, every feeling, every desire you have? Do not try and hide it from me. You are not in control."
       "Get out." I demand, glaring daggers at the fiend.
      "Oh I'm so very sorry. It's seems I've misunderstood. See, I thought you longed to be praised by humans, hybrids, mobs... everyone. I thought you craved that power. But clearly I must be wrong. You know... I have the ability to make that desire a reality. The dream I showed you, it was not unrealistic, if you were to join me. However, if you truly wish for my to leave, then leave I shall."

      The evil one nods... politely. With respect. And turns to leave. I bite my lip, watching him go.

      "...wait."
      Herobrine swivels back around, a knowing smile dancing on his lips. "Having second thoughts, are we?"

      I hug myself tightly, screwing my eyes shut, my brain and my heart tearing each other to bits. Herobrine sighs, stalking slowly around me, nearing so close I can feel his breath on the back of my neck. He leans in close to my ear, resting a hand on my shoulder.

       "I understand this is not an easy choice to make. You feel as though you are betraying your friends. But ask yourself this... are they really your friends? Are they truly helping you and fighting with you out of genuine care for you as a person? Or are they simply exploiting your magical capabilities for their own selfish cause?"

       He has a point... I realize, my eyes slowly opening as Herobrine circles back around, extending a hand out to me.

      "Join me, Seto. I truly care for you, and I see you potential, which is being held back by those who pretend to care for you. This Rob fellow is nothing but a child with a large sword. He has no idea how to use the power he's been given. He is not worthy. Join me, and let us show them what a real sorcerer can do."
        "...No."
        His smile fades. "Excuse me?"
       I grin. "No."
       "What?!"
      I laugh, smirking at Herobrine. "Oh please, did you really think I'd fall for that? Sure, being a super all powerful mage sounds cool and all but power does not equal happiness. Unlike what you'd like to have me believe, I know that my friends truly care for me, and would do anything for me. And me for them. It is something that reason can not explain, and therefore the concept of friends will make zero sense to a tyrant like you. But even though it is entirely possibly for them to be exploiting me for my powers there comes a point when you learn to understand deep inside when someone is deceiving you, or when they are really there for you. Those thoughts you read were purposeful. I was playing along. I wanted you to feel what it's like to be deceived. I know much better than to fall for your schemes. For goodness sakes, you're a black gem! In fact, you've already mind controlled me once and almost made me murder my friends! Like Nether I'd ever join you."
        Herobrine scowls, eyes narrowed into deadly slits. "Have it your way."
       "I will, thank you very much." I state, magic twirling around my fingers, "Now... GET OUT."

~~~

     ~Herobrines P.O.V.~

       I am forcefully kicked from Seto's dream with a jolt of magic, gasping as it feels like I've been slapped across the face. Crying out in rage, I obliterate the nearest thing to me, which happens to be a skeleton. Bones fly everywhere, and the evoker that strolls in has to duck to avoid being impaled.

      "That blasted mage!" I roar, driving my fist into my throne.
       The evoker warily inches forward, all the while keeping his eyes trained on the exit. "Master, I regret to inform you that-"
       "Plague is dead, I know." I seethe, slumping back down on my chair.
       The evoker ducks his head, attempting to hide a grin of satisfaction. "Yes, I am afraid so."

        I scowl at the evoker, considering blowing it up on the spot with a bolt of lightning to express my frustration at failing to convince Seto to join my side. Then I reconsider, examining the magical man with a thoughtful eye. Perhaps all is not lost.

      "You there. What is your name?"
      "My name is-"
       "Oh no matter, your name is now Durza. Tell me, how would you like an opportunity to become my personal servant? The previous one has... had some issues arise." I offer, glancing at the scattered bones around the room.
       The mobs eyes light up. "It would be my absolute pleasure."
       "Good, good. I am granting you some handy magical abilities outside of your nature to help you with this task."
        "You are too kind, Master... but um, what might this task be?"
        "I simply need you to... deal... with one of the six pesky white gems. It does not matter to me who. Just see that it is done."
        Durza smirks. "It shall be done. However, may I ask, why don't you simply go out there and obliterate them all? Surely you are powerful enough to-"
         "DO NOT QUESTION ME!" I snap, causing Durza to stumble back in terror.
         "My d-deepest apologies." He stutters, quickly gathering himself and dashing out of the room.

         I sit back in my throne, huffing. Why don't I do it myself? Some inner voice tells me it is because deep inside, I am afraid. But so long as one dies, then an entire sixth of Notch's power will be lost, and they will never be able to complete their mission.

     ...right?

~~~
Question of the chapter:

This was just kinda a filler chapter, but any thoughts?