Nether Travel Alone (1/1)
Summary:Â When Ryan's not showing up at the end of a day of work, Jeremy heads down to mines to try to find his other Battle Buddy and let him know the others are looking for him. What he finds instead is Ryan getting in over his head like the idiot he is and Jeremy having to go after him to make sure they both get home safe.
A/N: Heyyo! Sorry for the delays on Solar, I promise itâs being done, but Iâve just been very busy. So enjoy this short lil fic in the meantime!
Done for the @rtwritingcommunity âs springfairy event, where I wrote this for @achievementtooth who asked for some minecraft Battle Buddies!! I hope you enjoy! As always, reblogs and comments greatly appreciated!!
AO3 link:Â https://archiveofourown.org/works/18819391
âRyan?â a voice echoes around the cave, vibrating around the walls where low torch light flickers. Jeremy tries not to shiver in the cold, stale air, holding his sword a little tighter. He isnât sure how far down Ryanâs gone. Ryanâs been mining down here all day so thereâs no telling how much deeper the mine has gotten. Jeremy hopes he at least lit up the way well enough.
Rocks and pebbles crunch under his feet, kicking past the chipped stones littering across the ground. His torch flickers in hand as he trudges along, ears perked for any sounds. For the telltale moans of zombies, clinking of skeletons, or worse of all, the hissing of creepers lurking in the shadows.
He calls Ryanâs name again as he travels, glancing through shadows and corners. He really wishes he knew where heâs going, but he hasnât been in the mine in a while. Heâs been roped into helping Jack build recently, along with managing the farm. Work he doesnât mind, but it left him missing the time heâs usually spends alone with Ryan. Exploring caves or helping Ryan on whatever new crazy project he is trying. He hopes Ryanâs been managing ok on his own.
Thereâs a faint bubbling that Jeremy catches as he continues down. A familiar sound, but something that quickens his heart regardless. As he turns a corner, thereâs light spilling down the man-made halls. No heat, but Jeremy knows that will come as he moves closer towards the small stream of lava sitting in silence.
âRyan? You down here or what?â he shouts again, holding the up his sword a little higher. Heâs already gone pretty deep, surely the cave isnât that much larger. Jeremy tries to swallow the worry at Ryan being so quiet, pushing on.
Jeremy tiptoes around the lava, the heat brushing his skin but not too intense. He looks around to see this area mined out a little more, pickaxe scratches deep into the stone. Thereâs no dust yet, no signs of the rock being fully settled again. He supposes this must be the area Ryan had been at today. And surely this means he isnât far.
âRyan! Stop hiding and get out here! I swear to the Gods if you are trying to scare me, this is not going to end well for you!â
The bottom of the cave opens up to a cavern, more heated light from lava pooled there. Again there is no answer. He walks until he finds himself stepping on something smooth, reflecting the light of his torch in black darkness. Jeremy bends down, feeling the new stone and the realization hits of what it is. Obsidian. Still warm, though that could be from the lava resting on either side.
Jeremy doesnât remember anyone mentioning they had obsidian down in the cave. Ryan mustâve created it to get across the stretch of lava. As he glances around the open cavern, he easily spots why. The sparkle of gems flicker and Jeremy moves closer, drawn by the shine. Emeralds, if the green color is anything to go by. Blinking and calling in the cave. Jeremy traces the stone containing them; worry pulling his gut after a moment. Ryan isnât the type to leave any resource untouched. Not after putting so much effort to reach them.
âRyan?â he says, stepping across the glass, the sound ringing in the chamber. âPlease fucking tell me youâre here somewhere. How far did you go? Itâs only been a day.â
Again, his voice echoes with no answer. Jeremy curses, shifting his sword in his grip. He follows the obsidian path, heart jumping faster in his chest. He creeps around a column of stone, eyes glancing through every shadow cast across the walls. Then thereâs a noise, low and vibrating, heâs amazed he hadnât heard it earlier. The unnatural hum sets his hair on end, a shiver up his spine.
And then he sees it. Tucked against the wall, standing from the obsidian sea, an archway filled with purple swirls and smoke that dripped what Jeremy could now tell was screaming. Distorted moans of pain.
He stands there, staring at it before the realization dawns on him of what he is looking at. A Nether portal.
Fuck.
Ryan had been talking about them. Thatâs how he knows what it is, as Ryan had excitedly shown him sketches and diagrams of the thing he had found in some old books. Ryanâs eyes shined as he explained it all to Jeremy late at night, sitting against each other to see in the flickering candlelight. A portal to some other realm, where they can find rare resources and supplies for better potions. It all sounded a bit like a fairy tale to Jeremy at the time. Then again, he should have expected Ryan to be the one to somehow bring a fairy tale to life. But is Ryan fucking stupid enough to have gone in? Alone?
The gateway looms over him, another distorted and twisted wail making him flinch. He grips his sword higher, knuckles white against the grip. He should wait, search around more, look for Ryan in this cave. But he already knows deep in his gut where he went. And, fuck, Jeremy is going to have to go after him.
âWhat the hell did you do? What the hell am I about to do?â he mumbles as his steps closer echo in the chamber. âRyan?â he calls out into the portal, but thereâs no signs that itâs reaching anything. Giving another curse, Jeremy stands in front of the thing. Heâll need to get Ryan back one way or another.
He hopes Ryanâs ok in there. Please let Ryan be ok.
Taking one more deep breath, he steps up and into the portal.
Itâs a strange sensation, moving between worlds. A coldness surrounds him, an unnatural chill without wind, but it doesnât hurt. He vision is just purple, swirling around and blinding him. If feels like an eternity passes, with his heart pounding in his head and his quickening breath the only sounds that he hears. Then, a blink. And the purple is drained to a deep red. And Jeremyâs new world is heat. Dragging, unbearable heat surrounding him, choking him. Jeremy stumbles from the portal, sword raised and he pushes past the fog of his mind as he preps for anything to jump out at him. But nothing is immediately there and Jeremy can take a few moments to get his bearings.
The landscape expands out before him, heat steaming and creating a haze that distorted the land. The ground is a strange red crumbled stone and it crunches under his feet like gravel as he steps down from the portal. Itâs warm but not melting, letting him press pass the fires that flicker and burn on random patches. Thereâs a ceiling, Jeremy notices as he looks up, leaving no sun or time of day. Lava is flowing in the distance and as he takes some hesitant steps into this world, he sees the flow connecting to what he could only describe as an ocean of lava. It bubbles, and thereâs a hiss as some rocks in the distance falls to it, melting. But, there was no other movement yet. Just an endless expanse of hell.
Jeremy wants to call out for Ryan, but stops himself last minute. He doesnât want to attract the attention of whatever living or undead things that reside amongst the fire here. He remembers Ryan telling him of them, men twisted into horrible beasts, skeletons as black as night whose arrows are tipped in poison, some horrible creatures that control fire. He doubts his iron sword would be able to hold back the monsters here for long. He swallows as he adjusts his grip, setting down his torch since it isnât needed in here. With no sign of Ryan, Jeremy takes in another breath, tries to stop his hands from shaking, and moves forward.
Thereâs some sort of cry in the distance, echoing through the barren land. Jeremy jumps at it, but as he turns all around, nothing is there. Too far away to be a threat. Jeremy moves, feet crunching on the hot stone. He sees movement in the distance, around a crest of mountain where lava runs down. Itâs too⌠unnatural to be Ryan, body hunched and twisted in weird way, moving strangely. At least it better not be Ryan.
Jeremy carefully trudges across the terrain, mindful of the cliff edge looming over the lava lake. Another cry is heard, along with some form of grunting echoing around the place. It quickens Jeremyâs pace as moves along, weaving amongst the fires spread across the ground and lava flows. He gives wide space to any shadows walking, but none seem to pay him much mind. Or maybe they just canât see him from afar. Whichever it is, he just keeps away.
Jeremy turns another corner, having no idea which way he should be going and worry building every moment he doesnât see Ryan. But then, he catches sight of something, a familiar flash of blonde hair and Jeremy moves faster. And standing there, as illuminated by some yellow light bleeding from some sort of cracked rock, indifferent to the fucking world around him, is Ryan.
âRyan!â Jeremy bursts out as he rushes to him.
Ryan startles a bit, grabbing his sword but then letting out a breath as he meets Jeremyâs eyes. âJeremy? What are you doing here?â
âWhat am I doing here? What the fucking shit are you doing here? Itâs dangerous here!â
âI figured out how to build the portal, it took a bit of careful movement of the obsidian, but I got the shape right.â
âSo you went through it?! Alone?!â Jeremy spits grabbing onto Ryanâs shirt. âYou couldâve been hurt!â
Despite Jeremyâs screaming, Ryanâs face softens, placing his hand over his. âI knew what I was doing. Were you worried about me?â
âYES!â he howls. âYou disappeared, Ryan!â
Ryan winces a bit and finally Jeremy can see a hint of guilt in his eyes. Fucking good. âI didnât mean to scare you. I just wanted to see this place. All of that research and I opened it up! And look at this place! Thereâs so much to explore and study and learn-!â
âYou shouldâve at least waited for someone to go with you. You donât even have a fucking shield!â Jeremy grits, pulling at his shirt to pull him closer, away from the strange stone, whatever hidden dangers could be here.
Ryan sighs. âI got a bit carried away, but-â
A sound echoes around them, the same whimpering and moaning that Jeremy had heard before. They both jump, glancing around. It sounded closer and Jeremy pulls Ryan more against him.
âWe need to get the fuck out of here,â Jeremy whispers, not sure how much attention his yelling had attracted. âI donât like this. What even was that?â
âI think a creature called a ghast,â Ryan whispers back with a frown, a hand reaching out to hold Jeremy close as he looks around. âDangerous things from what I read, but we should be ok so long as we stay out of itâs sight. You didnât bring any bows and arrows with did you?â
Jeremy takes his hand, starting to drag them both the way back, as quiet as he can. âNo, why?â
âBecause they fly,â Ryan says, moving easily with him.
âThey fly?â Jeremy pales. âAnd you still came in here, knowing that? We are going to fucking talk when we get back about you not being such a damn idiot.â
Ryan sighs, but at least has the decency to stay quiet as he follows along with Jeremy. Jeremy hates how little heâs disturbed by this place. Like heâs just exploring some forest or ravine, like thereâs no danger to be had but only discoveries to be made. Jeremy would find it a lot more charming if he hadnât scared him half to death by vanishing in here.
Ryan looks bashful about it now, letting Jeremy take his hand and pull him away. But Jeremy recognizes the excited look in his eyes. He isnât going to stay away from here for long. Thereâs far too much for him to learn. Jeremy doesnât blame him though. This place is fascinating and new and there is probably a lot they can gain from it. He fucking hopes he doesnât come here alone at least.
They nearly get back without incident. Jeremyâs facing the portal, the eerie, wispy purple, when another cry is heard. This time louder. But they donât even have time after itâs heard to glance around, look for the source. A blur of white hovers at Jeremyâs side, rising from the cliffs edge.
Then, a scream.
It fills his head as a force, a blast crashes across the ground at his side in the same moment, scattering the stone and fire as it throws him off his feet. His hand is ripped from Ryanâs as his body is tossed backwards, back cracking on the stone as he falls.
Thereâs a shout in Ryanâs voice but Jeremyâs head swims and he canât work out what the noise means as he gasps to regain the breath punched from his lungs. Hands pull on his back, yanking to try to pull him up. Jeremy grits as pain shoots through him, burning from his legs and scratches from his arms. But he tries to push himself up, heaving the burning air as strong hands get him to his feet.
âJeremy! Run!â he understands as his hearing starts to catch up with him. Another horrible screech fills around him but he moves ahead this time, Ryan shoving him to help.
The ground shakes, rocks scattering behind them as whatever was thrown from the creature smashes to the ground. Flames flick at their heels but fear keeps them moving. The portal stands, watching over them as they run, heaving towards it. Jeremyâs body aches and stings, as Ryan holds him and yanks him. He glances back, finally seeing the creature.
Itâs huge, a white blob that hovers in the air, flying as Ryan had told him before. Itâs multitude of legs swayed in some non-existent breeze and Jeremy watches as it opens it mouth and lets out another horrid scream. Another ball of fire comes towards them, crashing against the walls besides them, scattering the stone, flicking the rest of it on fire. Jeremyâs chest groans, aching and thereâs a sharp pain with every breath but he canât stop. They canât stop.
Ryanâs hand is steady, grip nearly bruising on his arm as they run. He pulls him closer as they reach the purple arch, skidding to a halt as he shoves Jeremy towards it. âGo!â
âWhat?!â Jeremy says, glancing back as the beast seems to swim through the air towards them, preparing another attack. âGet in here!â
âIâll be right behind! Go!â
The beast howls and another flamed rock bursts, hurled right towards them. Jeremy cries out, reaching towards Ryan as the other shifts in front of him, raising his sword. Ryan doesnât shrink from it, screaming back as he lifts his sword, putting himself firmly between the creature and Jeremy. He swings as the flame approaches and Jeremy can only flinch back, eyes squeezing shut as he waits for the impact.
But the hit doesnât come, the heat fades away before it hurts. Jeremyâs eyes open, as heâs already grabbing onto Ryan who blessedly still stands ahead of him. He hears the bolder crash back, another scream, different this time, from the ghast. Jeremy doesnât take the time to figure out whatâs going on, wrapping his arms around Ryanâs waist and pulling them both to the portal.
He hears Ryan grunt, but doesnât resist as Jeremy throws them both past the purple swirls. Again that chill runs up his spine, the feeling made worse with the adrenaline and pain rushing through his veins. The world flashes with purple, vision blank for a moment before the ground is catching up and theyâre falling now, crashing onto smooth, cool glassy stone. Jeremy groans, blinking as he feels the heat gone from the air, looking to see such familiar dull grey walls surrounding them. The dull light of left torches flickering and much smaller pools of lava sitting at the sides.
Everything aches and every breath brings more pain as Jeremy sprawls as heâs lying down. He looks over to see Ryan panting besides him, still partially in his arms. Looking harrowed but breathing. Alive. Ok. Jeremy collapses back against the stone, relief overwhelming the pain for the moment.
âJeremy?â Ryan says, careful as he leans over him, hands hovering but not touching. âYou got hit hard. Are you ok?â
âI will be,â Jeremy assures, though his voice is hoarse. âBut if we have any healing potions left at the house, that would be really appreciated.â
Ryan gives a breathless chuckle, finally letting his hands brush across Jeremyâs cheek. âIâll find a way to make them even if we donât.â He then sighs, deflating. âIâm sorry, J. I didnât mean to scare you and I certainly didnât mean for you to get hurt. I got excited about exploring this new place and I had learned so much about the Nether, I thought Iâd be fine. But itâs probably too dangerous, that thing could have killed you! Maybe we should just close it off-â
Jeremy reaches up, placing his hand over his, turning to place a kiss to his palm. The movement makes him stop talking and Jeremy canât tell if the pink in his cheeks is from exertion or blushing. âAfter all that work? Letâs not destroy it. I want to see what this place is about. I just donât want you going in alone like that. Without proper fucking armor or anything. We need to be smarter about it.â
âYou want to go back?â Ryan raises an eyebrow as he entangles their fingers, of course all he took away from what he said.
Jeremy shrugs, wincing as the movement pains him. âSure. Not right away though. I need to fucking heal. Those fucking fire blasting-things are awful.â
Ryan frowns, but nods. âYeah. Iâll help you up. Letâs get you back home. Iâm sure the others are wondering what the hell weâre up to anyway.â
âThey can wait a little longer,â Jeremy groans. âA few more minutes, then Iâll stand up.â
Ryan hums, leaning down to press a kiss to his cheek. âAlright. A few more minutes. And Jeremy?â he says, voice softer and Jeremy canât help but look into those brilliant blue eyes, shining now in worry. âThanks for coming in after me. You didnât have to do that, not with something so dangerous. Not all on your own.â
Jeremy smiles, weakly squeezing his hand. âWeâre Battle Buddies, right? Iâll always come in after you. Even when youâre being a fucking idiot. And thatâs a damn promise, Ryan.â
Ryan chuckles, eyes a little brighter as he nods. âThank you, Jeremy. And I promise the same to you.â












