I took another spoonful of Mushroom Stew. Gareth’s recipe, so he claims. Everyone seems to be enjoying it, so I assume he did not put some repulsive “treat” in it like he usually does.

Kristie decides to break the silence. “What do we need to know?”

Hazel finishes his bowl and sets it aside. “I don't know. I think we already know a lot.”

Gareth plays with his bowl carelessly. “You don't even know the half of it.” He plops it on his head. “Hey. Wooden helmet.”

I roll my eyes and retort, “That thing will shatter, you moron.”

He glares at me and takes to off. “Whatever.”

August leans against the wooden chair. “So if you aren't the villain, who is?”

Not that I don’t know. Who is? “I am not sure,” I answer thoughtfully. “I guess the game itself. If anything goes wrong with it, something really bad happens to the players. But I don't think that makes it a bad guy.”

Hazel nodded glumly. “No fortress needed, then.”

“Well, maybe.” Kristie assures him. “Later.”

Suddenly a voice appeared in my head. Why do you put up with them? No. No no no no! Not now!

This voice appears in my head whenever I’m near players it interrupts and I can't hear anything but the voice. It sways my thoughts and sometimes even makes me do things I really don't want to do.

Just rid yourself of them. Wait until night. Then throw them out. It said.

“No,” I said under my breath. “I will NOT do it.”

The voice gave a low chuckle. Why do you do this? You could rule Minecraft. But you resist. Why, glitch? Why do you put off your fate? This was surprising to me. It had always called me by my real name. Never an insult.

I fell over onto the bed. Gareth pulled me up, but I couldn't hear. My vision was fading, and I finally blacked out.

Sleep on it. Then we’ll talk...

....

    When I awoke I was alone in the cave and I head talking from Gareth’s room. I rubbed my aching head and rose.

“Seriously. What the heck was in that mushroom stew, Gareth?” Asked Hazel.

“Mushrooms, chicken, and broth. It was not the stew, I’m positive.” Gareth answered, sounding bored.

“Who puts chicken in Mushroom stew?!” August protested.

“We’re getting off topic,” Says Kristie. “What happened. Do you know?”

I got up and walked into the room.

Gareth shrugged, not noticing me. “Too much sunlight? I don't know.”

“You’re sarcasm skills need a little work.” I joked.

“You’re alive!” Exclaims Jared.

I nod and sit down on a rock. “Mmm-hmm.”

“What happened, really?” Asked Gareth.

“Voice in my head. Fell over. Next?” I answer, a false sense of security in my voice.

Everyone gave a shaky laugh.

“Voice in your head. Completely normal. NOT.” Says Hazel.

“Actually, it is kind of normal.” I say. “Happens when players get close.”

Jared nods. “Okay... does the voice have a name...?”

I shake my head. “No. Not that I have heard.”

Suddenly a loud bang echoes outside, shaking the cave.

“What was that?” Exclaims Kristie, jumping up and bolting for the cave exit. We all follow suit.

Once we reach the night landscape, everyone gasps at what they see.

    The village in the distance is up in flames, villagers frantically running around in the wreckage, tiny specks on the horizon.

“Oh. My. Cube.” Gapes Jared.

“Everyone grab on to me!” I say. One everyone is attatched, I will all of my energy to teleport. In a purple flash we all appear at the village. I nearly fall over from the dizziness, but the effects quickly wear off.

“Aaaagh!” One of the villagers screams, pointing at me.

“Calm down! I’m here to help.” I assure them. They seems to understand and crowd around us.

“It was awful!” One shouts.

“It was out of nowhere! Just strings of black code!” Cries another.

A little kid tugs on my pant leg and says, “They threw bombs everywhere. Our homes are gone.”

Gareth looks close to tears.

“Okay, okay,” Says Hazel. “Who destroyed this place?”

The villagers exchange nervous looks.

“His name was Kungen."