Work Text:
Spark felt Sprout's gloved fingers digging into his arms, causing a feeling he'd almost describe as uncomfortable if he wasn't used to her death-gripping him by now. Her voice was shaking as she spoke, small and frail.
"They're screaming. Spark- I can hear them, they're screaming!"
"Pardon??"
She didn't elaborate, only leaning forward to rest her head against his chest plate. He stared down at her for a moment, a bit hesitant before managing to wrap his arms around her and pulling her into a hug.
He normally wasn't one for this type of stuff.. He couldn't even find words to say.. Man..
He looked up from Sprout's shivering form, accidentally locking eyes with Pickle who was looking on with concern. Pickle blinked, quickly looking away and pulling the strings of his hood even tighter to the point where his face was no longer visible. The ever nervous one..
His brother was clearly the opposite.
"I'll be honest, Sprout, I didn't expect such a reaction out of you."
Axel's words here almost a laugh as he patted the fire off of his shirt. Pickle turned to him with a nervous sound, Sprout only letting out another sob. Spark just pat her on the back of the head a few times.
"I don't think she would have if I weren't a master at convincing."
"Guys- I don't think–"
Pickle weakly tried to interrupt their conversation. No to avail, of course.
"Yes, yes, you can speak English in a way that's comprehensible. Do you wish for a pat on the back? A cookie, perhaps?"
"I am hungry."
"Can you even experience hunger? Since, you know. You're built of iron and redstone."
Spark animated rolling his eyes at the remark before Sprout weakly pushed herself off of him.
"Can you two just-! stop.. talking. for a moment. Please. I- I just need a moment."
She covered her ears and walked off, muttering almost inaudible apologies underneath her breath. Fortunately Spark's hearing wasn't messed up. The rest of them stood in silence for a few moments, with Pickle clearly debating if he wanted to go attempt to try and comfort her but ultimately deciding against it. It was the better choice not to, Spark decided. He assumes breaking a streak of pacifism that lasted years comes with its package of guilt. While Spark couldn't exactly relate [for infinity's sake he was MADE for PVP. Or- PVE. Was he a player??], he could empathize with it.
The sound of a chest opening broke through the silence and Axel's greedy hands sat atop the chest.
"Our grand reward is..!"
He held it for dramatic effect, looking down in the chest and immediately deflating. His shoulders went down as a frown crossed his face.
".. A banner."
"A banner?"
Pickle parroted, Axel pulling out said banner and placing it down. It was easier to see as it's intentional size. A blue flower charge banner with no other design to it. Axel looked back in the chest and his face lit up with almost childlike joy.
"And an AXE!"
He held up the new netherite axe, his sharp teeth shown off in an almost manic grin. Pickle already looked tired. That was a bit funny. Axel put the axe in his offhand and stared curiously at the banner.
"Though, I am unable to link this to one of our classes.."
"Perhaps it's just something to collect?"
Axel shrugged, taking it out the ground and putting it in his inventory again.
"I'm not confident. Why would it only start giving us collection items now? And for what?"
"True."
Spark instinctively checked to see if his screen was cracked [even though zero errors popped up] before turning to Sprout. Pickle had went over to try and talk to her but was currently getting shoved away. Spark frowned slightly, going over and grabbed her hand.
"Let's just go to the next floor. No matter what we're still doing this to become tower legends, aren't we?"
Sprout sniffled, a hint of lingering anger in her expression as Spark let go of her. She wiped her face, took a deep inhale and nodded.
"Yeah.."
"Then let us make haste!"
Axel pointed at the ladder with his new axe, clearly giddy to already be using it. Pickle gave one more look to Sprout before following his brother to the ladder. Sprout didn't move yet, so neither did Spark.
"Sprout."
"I know."
She said, her tone a bit rude. Almost hurt his artificial feelings for a moment before remembering he's word worse back in the tournament dungeon. Wayyy worse..
Sprout pulled off her gardening gloves throwing them on the ground like a child having a fit.
"Fire hoe."
lmfao what.
The gloves suddenly burst into flames, Spark putting an arm in front of Sprout out of natural instincts. She held her netherite hoe in front of her, tears streaming down her face as the fire quickly spread from just her gloves to the grass and flowers surrounding it. Spark glanced back at her, wanting to say something but just coming up blank. He grit his teeth, grabbing her by the overall strap and quickly dragging her to the ladder. She nearly tripped, but ended up keeping pace.
Once they made it up the ladder, Sprout had to take a moment to catch her breath. Seeing as Spark doesn't have lungs, he's fine. Pickle just stared at them while Axel kept his gaze on the ceiling, probably waiting for the tower to speak.
"Sprout.. are you-?"
"I'm fine, Pickle. Just.. level."
She pointed to the ceiling, her other hand clutching her chest. Pickle didn't seem too trusting of that answer, but just nodded and turned back towards the room. It was empty, nothing but a floor made of netherbrick. The tower finally spoke.
"Build-"
"HA! Say no more!"
Axel let out a small giggle, running forward and already summoning blocks from infinty knows where.
". . . Build a castle."
"As if he wasn't already building one."
Pickle let out an awkward chuckle, still feeling the tension from the previous floor in the air. Spark got up from the ground, making sure his knees and legs were still functional before taking a step forward.
"Axel? Are you sure you don't want like. . any help??"
"Oh, perish the thought! Let the princess rest after such a distressing trial, yes?"
Sprout sent a glare Axel's way, making him clear his throat and momentarily pause building.
"That- wasn't supposed to be sarcastic. You know how I-?"
"Oh."
"Yeah."
He rubbed the back of his neck, letting the silence marinate for a moment before going back to building.
"No matter!"
Spark shook his head at Axel's enthusiasm, turning his attention back to Sprout as Axel did.. whatever the hell he was doing.
It seemed the stress was having effects on the poor sunflower that rested on the side of her head, its petals uselessly flopping over instead of blooming as they should. The leaves were crumpled and almost falling off, the roots that were normally hidden by her hair were now hanging off her shoulders. He's.. not exactly sure how that worked, but he wasn't going to comment on it. She was the farmer, not him.
She still seemed quite irritable, giving an occasional sniffle. Spark figured it was the best decision to leave her be, but luckily he's a robot with free will™!
"Sprout."
"hm-!"
She flinched, quickly looking over at Sprout.
"What?"
"Earlier you said 'they' were screaming. Who was screaming, exactly?"
He knows DAMN WELL it wasn't Hal with their mute ass.
Sprout fidgeted with her moss covered hands, turning her gaze to the nether brick ground for a few moments.
".. the plants. The grass, mainly. I think it's because I'm a good farmer.. not- to stroke my own ego or anything. But normally other people can't hear them."
She mumbled, her pale face going red with embarrassment. She then snapped her head back towards Spark.
"Wait- since you're a robot can you-?"
"I wouldn't be asking you about it if I could hear it, Sprout."
"Right."
Sprout looked away again, leading Spark to walk over and pat her on the head once or twice.
"It's not like I don't believe you. I'm still unfamiliar with stuff like that."
"Yeah- I know.."
"Axel, you're almost at height!"
Pickle suddenly shouted. Spark looked over at the building and god damn he WAS almost at the ceiling. Axel leaned out of one of the windows, looking down at the three of them before looking back up.
"Hm!"
"Chill out, dude!"
"I'm quite 'chill' as it is, brother! I'm chiller than the frozen peaks themselves! My veins are as chill as ice!"
It seemed quite the opposite, as Axel was visible sweating. From what? Who knows. It's not like building with his axe takes a lot of strength or energy. Just a lot of brainpower. That or Axel has successfully gaslighted him into thinking as such. That man hates to admit weakness. Though, Spark guesses that's a trait both of them share.
"You're not cold-blooded, idiot, that joke doesn't work!"
"Let me HAVE THIS."
A fire suddenly ignited a few blocks away from Pickle, but still close enough to make him jump and squeal. Axel snickered before going back inside of the castle.
"3 minutes remaining."
"SILENCE, MACHINE!"
"Yeowch."
Spark held a hand to his chest in mock offense. Axel, being as distracted as he was, didn't even give a response. Well- maybe not because he was distracted. He'd called Spark 'bot' more times than Spark could count [that's a lie, it's happened 784 times] so maybe he just didn't like machines. But then the whole kidnapping thing- Axel was an enigma and Spark wasn't going to put his processors into overtime trying to figure him out.
"Don't take it personally, Spark.."
Pickle sighed, lightly elbowing him. Spark looked down at the miner, displaying a question mark on his screen.
"Me and the tower are two very distinct machines."
"Euh- yeah. Yeah! Pshh- why would you take it personally- haha.. hm.."
He started pulling the strings to his hoodie again, walking away. Spark just stared at him walking off before looking back to the castle. Thankfully Axel had calmed down on the height and it almost seemed finished-
"Wait when did you build a moat."
Axel stepped out on the balcony, smiling and placing the banner he'd gotten from the previous floor onto the front before hopping the railings and jumping down. Yes, he took fall damage.
"Finiiished!~ Oh, isn't it just the grandest thing you'll ever lay your eyes upon? Indeed, I have blessed each and every one of us today!"
"Control the ego, it's not bad."
Spark said, slowly taking his golden claws. He smelt something nefarious afoot. And it seemed he was spot on, as villagers suddenly went running into the castle. Axel was surprisingly too busy fanning himself to notice.
"Defend the castle from the hostile mobs."
"Pardon?"
Axel snapped his head up at the ceiling as if expecting the tower to elaborate. It didn't. A shrill shriek echoed throughout the room, a ghast no doubt. Sprout gave a frustrated noise that bordered on a yell, covering her ears and gritting her teeth. Ghasts were loud and nobody here was a fan of them. Axel gripped his axe tighter.
"We must make haste! I shall not let these THINGS destroy my hard work!"
"And we need to pass the floor."
"Yes, yes, whatever you said. Let's go!"
Axel tugged Spark BY THE HAIR [a habit he's gotten TOO USED to doing for Spark's comfort], with Pickle and Sprout trailing behind. Spark finally shoved the builder's hand away, but by the times his own hands were free a ghast had already shot a fire charge, not to mention the multiple other grounded mobs that were spawning. Creepers, endermen, the works.
Axel managed to summon a pillar of blackstone to take the hit, but a bit of collateral damage did occur. Similarly to his brother, Axel squealed. It's a bit funny, but Spark knows better than to openly laugh. The guy was crazy passionate about his builds.
Anywho, time to actually fight, yes? Spark was cutting down the seemingly endless amount of mobs with ease. Zombie groans, creeper fizzles, and skeleton bones clattering filled his ears and it was DEEELIGHTFUL! Though of course he wasn't the only one fighting. Pickle was leading the endermen on a wild goose chase, holding eye contact to aggro them and promptly running circles around them in a way Spark would almost describe as toxic. Never knew he had a dark side.. Oh, and Sprout was doing things too.
More- than just things, actually. She was genuinely fighting. It almost made him pause to check if his vision was messing with him. He'd hate to have to get repairs in the middle of the Infinity Tower, but he could hardly believe it. Though, her fighting methods could use some work.. It was less calculated actions and more the fact she was currently pissed off and was using this as an opportunity to take her anger out on something that wasn't her friends.
And Axel was just playing defense, as always. Not as always, Spark just lied. But he kept making blackstone pillars to block the fire charge shots from the ghasts. Though when a pillar of slime blocks rose up in front of Spark, he figured he just changed it up. The fire change hit the slime blocks, bouncing back and managing to hit the ghast in its stupid ugly dumb face.
"Huh! Sick."
"sick indeed."
Sprout mumbled, hitting a nearby zombie in the face with her hoe. He noted the mobs had stopped spawning, cutting down one more zombie before looking up at the last ghast. "Ah, Axel will handle it", Spark foolishly thought. No. No he wouldn't. A ghast shot had hit the castle and as he turned around to probably curse out the man, he saw he'd collapsed on the ground. Him being too slow as always, Pickle had made it to Axel first.
"Get the ghast, I have him!"
Right, the ghast-! Spark snapped his attention upwards, clutching his sword tighter. He wasn't much knowledgeable about attacking opponents from ranged without a ranged item like a bow and it's not like he had a fishing rod to pull the ghast closer. What an annoyance..
...
Unless..
Okay, stupid idea GO!
"Fire."
The blade of his sword lit ablaze in his hand, causing a flinch from Sprout in the corner of his eye. It sort of sucked that he couldn't do a cool thing with Axel where the latter would form a pillar under him for Spark to get some height. Not only would that be an absolute SHOW of teamwork, but it'd make this worlds easier.
He stepped back, adjusting his hold on the sword before straight chucking it at the ghast. Another shriek that WASN'T from his own teammates filled the level. Again, loud.. But after a few ticks of fire damage, the ghast died and his sword fell to the ground. Great, awesome. He's so glad that worked.
"Floor passed. Loot chest spawned."
"I got it."
Sprout said, walking over to said loot chest. Axel was still unresponsive, even with Pickle now carrying him which YES Spark had to double check. Axel is in fact being carried by Pickle.
"I think he had a heatstroke?? He's really up there in temperature."
"Oh my."
Spark mumbled. He walked over to get his sword back, ignoring the look he got from Pickle.
"Hey, Spark."
Sprout held a golden sword in her hand, a small smile on her face as she pointed it at Spark. His face must've been way too excited because she quickly dropped the smirk.
"Just take it and let's go before Axel dies or something.."
She sighed, letting Spark grab the sword by the blade and let out a small squeak. The 4 [technically 3 seeing as Axel was out of commission] of them made their way over to the ladder, descending down to the next floor.
"Rest floor."
"THANK GOD."
Spark quickly surveyed the area. While it was good they were out of the hot environment of the previous floor, they still needed Axel to wake up.
"Give him here."
He turned to Pickle and held out his arm. Pickle hesitated for a moment but ended up letting Spark carry Axel. He then walked over to the nearest body of water and proceeded to drop Axel in it.
"SPARK!"
"Oh hush, he'll be fine."
A few seconds of silence followed. Sprout ended up walking next to him to see if Axel was actually alive, and the silence was getting a bit concerning at this point. Axel then shot up, coughing- ew he threw up. Pickle immediately crouched down and touched his shoulder.
"Axel!"
Spark looked on as Axel kept coughing, as Pickle started hitting his back to get any water out that he'd breathed in. Sprout held out a load of bread and that's where Spark decided to walk off. Mainly to get a feeling for this new sword. He equipped it once more, smirking as he noted how good it went with his own golden colour palette.
A notification suddenly popped up in the corner of his vision.
>> SPARKY is requesting access.
whaaat!
He gripped the sword tighter, a bit skeptical. Doing a quick check, the sword itself was named Sparky. Unsure how it already had a name but Spark's just going to shut up about that part.
He shrugged. What the hell, he's already done enough risks, what's one more. He accepted the request with a hum and turned around once he noted Axel finally stopped choking.
"Are you alright??"
"Ngh.. Yes.. Of course, I'm well, why wouldn't I be?"
"You just passed out from heatstroke and almost drowned."
Axel surprisingly dropped silent, wiping off his shades as he stared at Spark.
"Our floral companion had a mental collapse a few minutes prior and even she exited the flames of her own guilt."
Axel promptly got smacked on the back of the head BY Sprout.
"Is it me or did his speech get more complicated?"
"It's not just you."
Pickle sighed. Axel put his shades back on, still dripping wet with water and equipping his axe once more. He pointed forward, flashing a smirk.
"Onward, brethren!"
"I'm- your only brother."
"Did. I. Ask you."
Silence. . .
Pickle sighed and walked forward, Spark giving a snicker as they went through the rest floor and descended the ladder once more. The next floor was a plain grass field, somewhat similar to the floor where Sprout had to fight Hal. Wasn't an actual arena though. Spark would know. 4 pairs of feet hit the grass below, yet the tower stayed silent. Oh, please don't tell him this thing is bugged. That'd be miserable.
Spark let out an artificial sigh, walking forward with slightly less patience than he should've had. Glass cracked from behind him, along with audible complaints from his 3 other teammates. Turning around revealed they'd been hit with several potions. Slowness, poison, and mining fatigue if memory serves. Thought the last one was a bit strange, seeing as mining fatigue wasn't a potion that could be made. But he had more pressing matters to focus on.
"Protect."
Oh, so it's going to be like that.
The poison was withering at the other's health slowly, so he still had time, he supposed. Not until they died, no. He has something far more sinister planned. Joking! He just grabbed Sprout's wrist and gave her forearm a good slash across the forearm.
"Hey- Ow! What the hell?!"
"Relax."
He mumbled, licking the blood off of his sword. He heard a small 'kyaaa!!' form GOD KNOWS WHERE and it honestly made him freeze for a moment. But again, more pressing matters to attend to.
>> Blood Levels At 95%
That's fine.
A dozen or so zombies rose from the ground, Spark humming and brushing his hair back as he walked forward. He's been itching for a fight, but this will suffice, he supposed.
The zombies were easy as always, a stab here, slash of the throat there, an occasional punch if he felt like it. Yadda yadda, this is boring.
...
Borrringgggg. . . ?
Huh! Usually not a word Spark would use to describe combat. He's used to facing players, yes, but combat in general isn't boring. He punched another zombie in the face with a hum.
"Good job Spark!!"
Pickle tried to give his support with a smile clap, making Spark turn to him and giving a thumbs up. Oh hey, skeleton! Oh no!!!
He absentmindedly threw his sword at the skeleton, sucessfully one-shotting the thing. Ouh, he's literally the best. He picked up the sword, sighing as creepers spawned and instantly locked onto Sprout, Axel, and Pickle.
"Sparky, fire."
The sword's blade lit ablaze as commanded and he quickly managed to SKEWER the creepers OH HELL YES!! They dealt with the rest of the creepers physically, aka beating them to death. Lmfao.
"Return to me, Sparky!"
Sparky quickly returned to his hand, giggling with giddy when it did. Sprout just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Are you good???"
"More than!"
He smiled, the fire on his blade going out. The potion effects on his teammates disappeared and their weapons appeared in their hands once more.
"Defeat the Wither."
"Oh come on.. Wait- Sprout!"
Pickle turned to Sprout, only getting a small hum in response. She ran forward, using her grass to slightly immobilize it. Since it was both HUGE and the god damn Wither, it could still move. But just slightly. Spark was suddenly on a platform with Axel who was grinning like never before.
"Ah, like a bird clipped of its wings. Stuck to the ground, pulled down from the heavens by a mere mortal! Quite the amusing sight."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Why of course! I am giving you an opportunity to let yourself shine, to show off your wonderous swordsmanship skills! Take this opportunity, Spark! For you may never see it again.."
Spark gave a digital blink as Axel stepped closer to him. Pickle loudly cleared his throat.
"Can you two stop kissing and get down here?!"
"I'm not gay."
"Right."
He can't tell if Pickle's tone was nervous or sarcastic and that bothers him greatly. He opened his mouth to have Sparky duplicate, but there was already another sword in his hand. He assumed letting it connect with his systems lets it just. read his mind. Isn't that great?
Yaaa :3
Oh okay what the hell was that!!
He quickly shook his head, dropped down and stabbing the two heads on the sides. Owie, fall damage. But he's fine. Axel dropped down with the axe like he was using a mace. But of course, he wasn't, so he just dealt a critical hit.
The next minute was just the Wither getting bullied, honestly. Fire, sharp blades, bing bang boom there's now a nether star in Spark's hand.
You're so good!! O_O
OKAY ACTUALLY WHO THE HELL IS THAT????????
Sparkyy!!~~ >v<
Oh.
Oh what the fuc
So, after the whole Sparky realization which he swiftly brushed over, a whole spree of floors followed. EASY floors, mind you! Some were battle oriented [with mobs, of course. Stupid..], some were just menial tasks like 'find the button', 'don't eat the glowberries', 'carry sprout in particular across the level because she slipped from the ladder and knocked herself out'
...
okay that last one was just Spark venting his annoyance, but you get the gist don't you?
Though, he also noted changes in behaviour. Sprout had NOT gotten over her floor by any means. She'd became more snappy, almost barking commands at the rest of them. Spark was used to such behaviour, yes, but it didn't make it any less strange to him. Though he does appreciate her growing a backbone. From pacifist to raging leader of the group was quite the impressive character development, he'll say. Axel's speech was only becoming more convoluted with each floor and he seemed almost insanely enthusiastic about the entire thing. Maybe it's the heatstroke. He's still sweating.. That was a bit concerning to Spark, but he's not looking forward to trying to drown him again.
Pickle was the only one who remained somewhat normal. It seemed he was noticing the differences too, giving Sprout side eyes whenever she shouted in a particularly harsh tone or when Axel babbles on about.. something. Was it mildly worrying? Yes, perhaps. Does Spark care? Not exactly. Personality development is expected in a challenge such as the Infinity Tower.
He also got REALLY good as using Sparky. It was like he was with it from the beginning. He didn't have to speak to use his moves seeing as they were linked mentally. He only had to think of what he wanted to happen and she- it would do it! Also, he discovered it can absorb blood FOR him. And he's not sure whether that's a good or bad thing honestly. Of course he doesn't have to lick his sword anymore to get his blood requirements but it's also easier for him to overcharge now. Hm.. He'll work on that, he supposed.
Anywho, montage end. They descended down to another floor. It seemed empty like many before it. Spark sighed, figuring it was another combat floor and started tying up his hair.
"Hal, hurry up!"
ain't no way.
Sprout seemed to share his frustrations, letting out a growl-groan and gripping her hoe even tighter. The team's fighter noticed them and took out her bow, glaring.
"Defeat Team 2."
"What insignificant pests.. We shall cast them to the wind like the meaningless pests they are!"
Axel threw his arm to the side for dramatic effect, near hitting Pickle in the face with a netherite block he'd gotten from one of the floors. Pickle tried to say something but was cut off by the tower.
"Defeat Team 1."
"Gladly."
The fighter mumbled and drew back her arrow. The builder and farmer immediately charged at them, replacing the ground with dirt blocks and summoning vines from those dirt blocks respectively. Another Sparky appeared in his offhand and he took a moment to analyze their movements. Ha- as if that did anything he honestly just wants to look cool. He's a robot, he barely needs to analyze.
Sprout used her fire hoe, burning the vines that had started to form a semi-wall in front of them all and cleared the way for Spark who quickly ran up to try and stab at the archer. The miner tried removing the ground out from under him but he just did a 4 block jump and managed to get a stab on the fighter. He might be a combat machine but he can sure as hell jump!
He hissed once he felt a pickaxe in his side, wires tearing and his golden yet artificial blood leaking down his side.
"Burn!"
The sword in the side of the fighter went up in flames, causing a shriek from her. While she was busy removing that he managed to kick the miner away from him and remove the pickaxe, throwing it back at him.
Sprout was busy 1v1ing Hal once more, far more aggressive than last time. Axel was continuously trying to catch the builder off guard while he was distracted with both supporting the farmer and trying to hold of Pickle being strangely on the offensive, so it was mainly just Spark taking 2 at the same time. Ahh, he'll be fine. He was made for this. An arrow firmly lodged itself in his collarbone and he started glowing. Well that's great. Yes, it hurt, but he's not going to get on the ground and star whining like a baby.
>> BLOOD exceeds 100% - GEM OVERCHARGED.
Damn it!
He doesn't like overcharging, it hurts. He just shook his head and focused his attention back on the archer, going in for another stab, missing, and promptly falling on his face. OW! He heard her laugh and basically had to hold back the DEMONS that was his urge to go feral. Who cares if his blood percentage is approaching 120? Who cares! He's normal, he's fine.
He quickly got up before a pickaxe was lodged in his shoulder, deciding that punching the knee of the miner was a good idea. And it was, to be fair! He's a genius. The miner stumbled back and ended up on the floor with him using the opportunity to stab him in the midsection and - you guessed it - light the sword on fire. Cruel? Maybe? But take a wild guess on how much Spark cares!
Bottlecap was slain by Axel with [DESTINY]
Huh!
That helped!
The blood that had splashed on his face from Axel's axe suddenly lodging itself in the builder's skull despawned along with their body, making him let out a breath of disbelief. Though he barely had a moment to process the builder was dead before his vision cut to black and the sound of glass shattering fulled the floor.
>> Optical Error
>> Solution: Seek 'axel'
> BACKUP: Activating Emergency Hitboxes
Oh well that's just beautiful ain't it?
He reached up and realized there was currently about 3 arrows going through the back of his head and through his screen. Luckily his core command block is in his chest and surrounded by obsidian so it's not like it was life threatening, but still OW.
He quickly recovered, gripping his sword tightly and ignoring the shouts of his name from his teammates. He turned around, of course being met with a black void but also a large green rectangle. Huh.
Grrr.. She can't do that to you!!! Show her who's the TRUE Legendary Fighter around here!! o(T□T)o
Spark let out an annoyed sigh and took another stab at the fighter, summoning another Sparky when she dodged and lodging her STRAIGHT into her side. She staggered, Spark hummed with satisfaction at the hit and managed to stab her right in the middle. We all know where this is going.
"Burn!"
His voice was shakier than he would've liked. Even with his vision problems, he could see his blood percentage going up. 120, 124, 131, it's almost beautiful. His arms where suddenly wrapped with vines which.. very annoying. But hearing his swords clatter to the ground and the fighter's shrieks of pain being cut off, it was clear it was too late. That's his opponents dealt with..
He somehow got cut with of his vines, hearing a small giggle from Sparky in his head. She fit right back into his hand and- yeah, NOW he actually had to take a moment and analyze.
2 rectangles were off to the right and 3 rectangles were out in front of him. He legit cannot tell who is who. Now, the more reasonable decision would be to have faith in his friends and sit back for the rest of the fight. Spark is currently not a reasonable man. He gripped Sparky tightly and with murder on his mind, threw her forward. His audio suddenly cut out, but oh well! Based on the sudden 6% blood he gotten, he assumed Sparky hit and promptly set her on fire. He commanded another dupe of her and threw it at the 2 rectangles direction, one disappearing with the motion. HIT!
He realized the 3 rectangles in front of him had turned to 2, and 2 other rectangles were rapidly approaching. Not a fan, honestly. Of course he had trust his team had survived but they were coming TOO quick for his taste. He tried to step back but somebody managed to TACKLE HIM TO THE GROUND???? He felt almost offended.
His audio conveniently cut back on when he hit the ground.
"-SANE?! TURN IT OFF, PLEASE!"
"Axel, I don't think tackling him is going to work!"
A lot of noise- too much noise for him to process. Axel was screaming at him and gripping his undershirt, Sprout trying to calm him down, and- was that Pickle crying?? Moreso screaming. Scream crying. He was complaining about how much something hurt and it slowly, and he means slowly, clicked.
He probably just impaled Pickle with his fire sword.
Quickly willing the flames to die out and for Sparky to return to him, he felt Axel get off of him and presumably run over to his brother. Sprout sighed and got lower to him.
"We won. You kinda sniped Pickle with your sword though."
"Mhh.."
The high was running out and his blood percentage was going down. Not a good feeling. The arrows in his screen got grabbed and promptly pulled out.
"fuck-!"
That triggered his pain more than usual..
Now that he was actually out of combat, he could feel his blood soaking into his bodysuit. Not a fan, honestly! Pickle was still crying in the background and Axel was shockingly silent.
"Congratulations on becoming Tower Legends. Not a lot of players survive the Infinity Tower. Would you like to stay for another phase?"
The noise finally died down. Slowly. Pickle's sobs devolved into muffled cries and the static in Spark's ears went radio silent. He barely processed the question before Sprout grabbed his hand and squeezed.
"Yes."
"What?!"
Pickle's tone was full of horror, Axel making some choked sound at the same time. Sprout's tone didn't change as she answered.
"Thiink about it.. Look at the loot we got! It's really good, right? So.. what if we just stocked up? I know you're tired and hurt, BUT! If we start off with better loot than everybody else.."
She trailed off, letting the end hang in the air. Pickle audibly got up with a hiss.
"Are you insane!? Spark's blind and I almost have a hole through me! Even with our 'powerful loot' we still got hurt!"
"Hmm.. The floral one makes a grand point though, brother. While tragedy has struck us this time, with our bounty harvested we shall have quite the advantage over others! What's the phrase... 'the rich get richer'!"
"Axel-"
AGAIN, Pickle got interrupted by the Tower.
"Loot chest spawned."
"ooo chest."
Sprout let go of Spark's hand, having him hold onto Sparky tightly. The only thing that was certain to him, the shape of his sword in his hand. Sprout opened the chest, then giggled.
"Let's see.. flower, chest, gold block, and golden ingot."
He felt the ingot gentle nudged his side as she slid it across the floor to him. He grabbed it and his sword made another sound. Publicly, at least. She just let out an excited scream in his head.
"Onwards, brother! The next round awaits our domination! We shall have the fools kissing our feet soon enough."
"Axel!"
Pickle tried to argue but the sounds of teleportation indicated that Axel had dragged them through some sort of portal. There was still a rectangle in front of him, so Sprout was still here.
".. You okay?"
".. not exactly."
He mumbled, slowly getting up. Sprout grabbed his shoulders to attempt to stabilize him which- somewhat helped. She then grabbed his hand again.
"... You'll be fine. Hopefully we can get some glass and fix your screen, 'kay?"
Spark just focused on the lines of the rectangle symbolizing her position, slowly nodding. She hummed and started to drag him to where he assumed the portal was. Sparky then spoke in his head.
I luv youuu!!! ^^ <3 <3 <3
His cheeks went gold at the sudden deceleration, covering his face with his elbow in case Sprout saw and got the wrong idea. Was a sword flirting with him?/ That had to be mad. Insane. Just non believe able!
...
then again.. she was sentient.
"I believe I have it."
Axel mumbled, his rectangle moving to the side to in front of Spark. A bit of stealing later and Axel DID end up getting the glass for both his LEDs and his screen. Not sure if Spark wasn't considered a player, but fixing it was as simple as placing down a block. One moment his vision was black and the next it was filled with color and a Legendary Builder standing in front of him. He then held up 3 fingers.
"How many fingers am I holding up?"
"Oh, now you're not speaking fancy anymore."
"Spark answer the question."
"Okay- jeez. 3."
Axel hummed, putting his hands on his hips.
"Excellent."
Spark was about to say his thank yous as always when Axel fixed his up, but he noted something.
". . . the rectangles are still there."
"Pardon?"
"My systems activated hitboxes when my screen shattered. But they're still there."
He said, tracing the rectangle around Axel with his golden claw. Axel only tilted his head with a noise.
"Hm. Ahhhhm.. I shall deal with it tomorrow. Get out, I'm fatigued."
"You're lazy."
"Gaylord remove yourself from my property."
Spark laughed but did as he was told and got out of Axel's house.
Axel didn't end up dealing with the hitboxes tomorrow. Far too busy, he supposed. But he didn't fix it the day after that either. Or the day after that. Or ever, actually. Never got the opportunity to. Phase 1 passed by far too fast. Then phase 2 started. Then the both of them basically forgot about it. Until he saw Sprout's hitbox disappear on that screen, though.
Then Axel's through the wall and Pickle's the next second.
...
Safe to say the hitbox issue never got fixed.