Work Text:
Conexion was slain by itsNOOB
_Tai: HELL YEA THAT'S MY TEAMMATE
ItsNOOB: W me!
The message stuck more than the death. Lately Sharpness had been losing his touch. Some how he had not only died to Noob but Tai as well! Twice!! it left a bitter taste on his tongue. Was he really that bad?
The screen looked as if it were mocking him.Sharpness sat at spawn no gear and now at +4 strength with no extras. Some 'top player' he was. If he could even call himself that.
Sharp wasn't even in the top 100 anymore. Somehow he let himself drop to 106! He kicked the grass in anger. What happened? Another kick. How did this happen? clearly he had been slacking off, letting everyone else surpass him.
The blondes mind was made up. This couldn't go on. He had to train. Train until he was worthy of being the best. but he couldn't do that on strength, so Sharpness left to go practice on some other server.
Sharp had been in minemen for a good 6 n' a half hours. Every day. for a week. Non stop. the sword collided with his current opponent making them pop into a puff of smoke. Another empty win against a new player. Even if though were weak, constant battle after battle had made his limbs sore.
It didn't matter. He was getting good training done, at this pace he was bound to see improvement. his next match was cued and ready to go until his eye caught a glimpse of certain name tag.
Judelow: Yooo sharp join vc I wanna 1v1
Probably the one guy Sharpness didn't want to see- Judelow, was here. And of course he wanted to fight. Reluctantly he joined Jude's call, not answering would just seem like he was on an ego trip.
"Sharp!! What game mode you wanna fight in?" The voice hit Sharpness like a truck, Jude wasn't usually extremely loud but after numerous days with limited human contact every single syllable felt like it was pronounced loudly.
"let's Just do sword" he responded but the blondes voice was Horse from disuse. "Where have you been on strength? I haven't seen you in forever." Jude commented while typing the battle request
"I've been busy" was all his mouth could say, not like it wasn't true! Jude gave a shrug before they both got teleported to the massive arena. Instantly gaining a ton of spectators. They were the two biggest creators in the lobby after all.
It was a simple best to three, to the audience and Jude it looked like Sharpness had the upper hand. Right. Right? Wrong. Sharp knew he had overreached his limits today. His body just- couldn't handle a fight against someone like Jude.
Then again backing out would put an even bigger crack in his already crumbling reputation. That couldn't happen. So he sucked it up and came to terms with the fact he'd probably be breaking a few bones for this win. No matter, Jude may be good but he was still just a trapper.
The first swing was like lighting. obviously it caught Jude off guard but the bunny had fast reflexes allowing for a swift dodge. Then followed by a counter attack. shallow yet continuous hits rained down onto Sharpness. He was in a bad spot and their was no stopping the slashes.
with no other option he raised his leg to the sky, kicking it right out off Judes hand. his leg ached from the impact but he marched forward giving the rabbit no time to pick he sword back up.
Sharpness was still losing by a large margin- he was only at 2 hearts, after seeing his opponents heath rapidly deplete it did give him hope. 5 hearts- 3.5 hearts- 2 hearts- 1 heart. The battle was winnable. Jude was defenseless
THUD
Sharpness was tackled to the ground, his body was just too tired to do anything against it. an onslaught of punches met His face, no time left between them. holy shit was he getting punched to death?? no he couldn't lose like this. Sharpness struggled at Judes grip. Sadly hoping and happening are too different things
First round 1:0 Jude was winning and Sharpness died in the most embarrassing way possible. he wasn't going to lose this round. he couldn't. "c'mon sharp really? you got punched to death! seems like someones losing their edge-" that struck a nerve "shut up bitch!!! just get over here and fight me already!" the angry brought emphasis to his accent.
Jude, over confidently ran straight towards the blonde- before his sword could connect Sharpness swung with inhuman precision at his heart. Jude managed to dodge but not without getting a few strands of hair cut.
in attempts to counter attack Jude aimed for the leg catching Sharpness off balance. however before sharp could fall he latched onto Judes shoulders and flung him over head, sending the rabbit crashing into the arena wall. with one final hit to the chest Jude was dead.
1:1 he could win this! "Hah! that first win was just luck" Sharpness knew he had this in the bag. "as if- watch me destroy you again." Jude was clearly all talk no bite, he could hear the shake in the rabbits voice.
they both circled each other for a while neither wanted to attack first. Dragging on the fight wasn't an option though, so reluctantly Sharpness dashed toward just slicing at his shoulder. Jude raised he own sword. The sound of metal clanking rung throughout the arena.
the amount of spectators almost tripled. Chat was going crazy, the pressure was on. agile dodges and dead-on slices were made by both sides. They were at a constant back and forth. This time instead of countering for the 100th time Jude ducked, causing the swords master to miss his swing.
Jude got into position, then swiped Sharpness' legs causing him to fall on his knees. Sharpness was at 5 hearts. Jude was on 6. Jude was winning and sharp was on the ground with no time to get up. it was game over. No. No. No.
worst of all his sword had dropped a few metres away from him. Just out of reach. In a final act of pure desperation, as Jude sword was inches away from digging into his heart Sharpness only had one way to stall the sword.
he stuck his hand out, getting impaled by Judes sword. The white hot pain surged across his entire arm. Despite the pain sharp pushed his hand deeper to get a better grip of Jude sword, then in one movement snatching it right out of his hands. Jude was. Jude was absolutely mortified.
blood was everywhere. Sharps hand was 30% hole with a huge sword through it. The blonde pulled the sword out causing more blood to spill and more sizzling pain in his head. Unluckily for Sharpness the impaled hand happened to be his dominant hand.
Regardless, if he wanted to win this fight he'd just have to use his right hand. his hits were timed frame perfect, even if the aim was slightly messed up. Jude had no time to process what was going on. But just beating the rabbit with a sword wasn't enough, so he dropped it in favor of giving him one last punch to the face.
1:2 he-he won? Sharpness won! He did it!! Even while exhausted and overworked he still beat Jude. This only proves that his method was working, Sharpness was getting better at pvp. The adrenaline died down and Sharpness lifted his head only to see an unreadable expression on Judes face. The best word to describe the face was
Anger, Jude was angry. the rabbit marched towards Sharpness without pause until only a few blocks away. "what the hell was that! you seriously hurt yourself." Jude was angry at him? So what if he did that- it gave him the win! "its not like it matters, i won!"
Jude gave him the most unimpressed look before grabbing at Sharps injured arm. pain instantly rushed back, causing him to stumble slightly. The thing about battling in pvp servers is that injures don't heal- or at least not properly, the only way to heal them is by dying or losing in a duel, which Sharpness didn't.
his hand was still unusable for the next few weeks. Sharpness tried to hide the shaking but had no luck, only proving Judes point. "listen sharp you reallyyy cant keep doing this, don't think your slick, i can tell you've been pushing yourself-" Jude was abruptly cut off "yeah? and so what! who are you to tell me what to do!?"
he took a step forward trying to intimidate Jude- but no amount of will power could stop the tremble in his voice."I'm fine. okay? so don't. Don't try tell me how i feel! Jude thought his next words carefully.
Softer- in a more negotiating tone he started again "Sharpness we both know that's not true, I'm not telling you how to feel I'm just saying what you wont admit! and you wont admit your tired and overworked, and hurt, and not fine!"
Jude tried to get another word in but Sharpness had already decided the conversation was utterly pointless. He exited the server opting to pvp elsewhere, preferably somewhere that dumb rabbit couldn't follow him.
Strength, specifically the world border. Best part about strength is that you'd have to actively search for someone to find them. Sharpness landed one final hit on the dummy in front, slashing it into bits.
He'd been at this for almost 2 weeks now. His body was so numb it didn't even feel tired anymore! Sharpness did not know what that meant for him- but it could only be good! unfortunately his hand still hadn't fully recovered and the constant use wasn't exactly allowing it to.
whatever it takes to be worthy. At this point all Sharpness had was his title, his team never logs on, he's now at +2 strength and he now 107 on the leader board only dropping further down the ditch he dug himself in.
Sharp was about to pick up the destroyed dummy- but something just felt… off. footsteps. he could hear someone approaching fast. Sharpness ducked behind a nearby tree but it was too late. they knew he was here. the figure scanned the area for a minute checking every nook and cranny. then stopped right in front of his hiding spot.
Sharpness didn't talk, didn't breathe, didn't even blink. the figure walked pass! his shadow disappeared in the distance. when Sharpness thought ne was in he clear he finally emerged from his hiding spot, letting our a sigh of relief.
WHOOSH a swing from behind caught him off guard, he scrambled for balance but got cut in the shoulder in trying. the attacker was Tai. y'know cause Tai genuinely. sucks!! He probably thought Sharpness was an easy drop after getting killed by his teammate.
Sharpness was slow to counter and sloppy with his sword. he was gonna quick drop at this rate and they both knew it. "whats wrong sharpyyy can't swing a sword?" Tai mocked him. if felt wrong being the one made fun of, especially by Tai! the guy known for doing stupid shit. but what could he do?
oh wait… Sharpness may not be in the mind set for his usual agile attacks, but he could still hit really, really hard. in other words he was gonna do the chud method of crit spamming. Sharpness slashed his sword wildly no end in sight. the blade continuously breached Tais armor, literally cutting it into shreds.
Tai was cornered and his armor was broken. they were both exhausted at this point, Sharpness especially. his arms ached from the force used and his hand still stung from the fight with Jude. it would be worth it once he wiped that shit eating grin off Tais face "got any last word Tai?" practically yelling his name. "fuck you sharp!!!" one finally blow in the forehead seemed to shut the guy up.
Sharpness won.he really did it! it didn't feel as good though. that wasn't a fight! he just crit spammed and it worked cause Tai sucks. he needs to get better. Sharpness dusted himself off and walked (dragged his feet) back to the dummy. despite acting composed Sharpness' body was screaming at him. his vision was going blurry on the sides, usually well kept hair was littered with sticks and his armor was a nightmare.
maybe he could take a break- No. Sharpness made the decision to keep training. Any second now he would move. Any second.
any…
second…
Sharpness had been staring at his sword for an hour. his body was too numb to move and his head felt too heavy. the only sign that he was alive was the occasional twitch in his hands. He had to train, to move, to do something.
but he didn't. instead he passed out. his head hit the ground hard, he felt a sticky liquid ooze out his head and onto his dazed eyes. The last thing he saw was a familiar silhouette approaching fast, running toward him. Then followed by something that sounded very much like his name.
everything was so loud. the wrestling of the pillow, the creek of wood, the ringing in his ear it- was all too much. wait a minute. Where was he!!?? Sharpness tried to get up but something stopped him before he could. thankfully so because the sudden motion was more than enough to make him feel dizzy. every ounce of his body felt like it was boiling. Sharpness tried opening his eyes but the soft lighting of the room burned then shut.
instead he opted for feeling his surroundings- he was on a bed, obviously in someones base he felt bandage tug at his skin so clearly whoever found him meant no harm. sharp reached his hand out trailing the blanket in search. Until he was met with another hand "what the- whose there?"
now being aware of someone else in here Sharpness was a little on edge and rightfully so! "Geez its just me sharp" the rabbit spoke casually, like it was just another Tuesday afternoon. Sharpness slowly and much more warily opened his eyes again. He did in fact see a blurry outline of the indigo rabbit staring right at him.
after the information was processed Sharpness got up again despite the pain. their was no way he was staying another second, Jude was gonna trap him and he knew it. "ohhh no you don't!" he was one again shoved back down, yet he body wasn't complaining- only making Sharpness feel more pathetic. look at him! bed ridden next to his enemy with no escape.
He was snapped back into reality when Jude continued his sentence. "you're not leaving anytime soon, have you seen the state your in!" Sharpness, sweet stupid Sharpness genuinely couldn't find anything wrong. so Jude had to set an example.
"okay sharp I'll let ya walk outta here right now. go on…" with such a good offer Sharpness instantly pushed himself off the bed. he lightly traced his foot on the ground before finally standing. then immediately falling after the first step. his face now eye level with the base of the bed. "yeah yeah you made your point" Sharpness muttered under his breath.
"you need help their princess?" Judes tone was sweet as sugar but his expression was plastered in fake kindness. The blonde just grumbled some more and Jude took it as a yes. Sharpness was plopped right back onto his spot on the bed but in a much more sour mood. He had to admit it.
"I get it! I was stupid and now I'm stuck here." sharp pouted and tried to cross his arms but immediately regretted it. this was just one big humiliation ritual huh? first he dies to noob then he almost loses a 1v1 in sword and now he's trapped in bed.
Jude could see the gears turn in Sharpness' head. although he couldn't exactly read the guys mind so he had no idea what the blonde was thinking! definitely wasn't something good based on his face. "Sharpness what happened?" Jude was blunt with it. He always was the 'rip the band-Aid off' kind of person.
Sharpness was naturally extremely stubborn. their was no shot he was going to tell Jude the truth- or anything that makes him look weak than he already looks. He has to maintain some level of dignity. "none ya business buddy boy." the attempted snap to his voice didn't work.
"i don't care. your telling me or your not leaving" The rabbit just kept pushing, it was a battle of wits at this point. "why do you care?" Sharpness didn't exactly want about the answer it was more so about stalling. he couldn't tell Jude! but he was cornered.
Thankfully it looked like the question stumped Jude. it was easy to tell he was really thinking about it. Honestly Sharpness was kinda shocked the bunny didn't just use one of his usual witty remarks to avoid answering. The rabbit took one deep sigh finally making up his mind on what to say.
"look sharp. I don't- I hated- fuck!" Jude reached for Sharps hand, lightly grazing his thumb over the old wounds. "I can't see you like that. i can't bare seeing you lost in your head over something i don't know! And worst part is i can't do anything about it- i just. I want you to be okay again."
Jude looked genuinely worried now. Sharpness could see his foot tapping the ground repeatedly and his ears fully twitching. Sharp wasn't the best at telling when someone was lying but it felt pretty clear Jude was sincere. He wasn't going to tell him. not at first but after… that. It would feel wrong to not also open up.
finding the right words was impossible. Even starting the sentence was impossible! but Jude gave him time. "it's a really dumb reason y'know" Sharpness was trying to talk out of it. "i don't care how stupid you think it is, you're telling me." Jude stated like common knowledge. Who was sharp to disagree.
"nothing happened. I'm just not good enough at pvp. i wanted to get more training in, is all." it was more of a half truth but close enough. It clearly wasn't good enough for Jude. "Oh." It finally clicked in the bunny's brain. what was going on, why Sharpness was acting weird. All he had to do was cure Sharps self worth issues!
"Sharp. you can keep doing this forever eventually-" Jude was trying to talk some sense into him but Sharpness wasn't having it. "What? What am I doing? And why do you think I want your pity!" Sharpness spoke over Jude, louder than necessary. He hated being lectured and now was not the time for one. "
"I'm not giving you pity!" He let out a sharp breath. Eyes locked onto the blonde. "Then what is it! Why are you so desperate to- to. I don't know! What are you trying to do?" Sharps breath was jagged and uneven. "I'm not trying to do anything! Why are you so desperate to get better that your willing to"
"Because I have to prove it, that I deserve to be one of the best! Clearly that's something you don't understand! Having to work for some." Sharpness was gripping The bed sheets so tight his knuckles turned white. Tearing were threatening to spill but Sharpness, the absolute idiot was too stubborn to let them fall.
The words echoed in Jude's head. He was right. Jude was always naturally gifted in whatever he put his mind to. Even in pvp, Sharpness' specialty. Jude was better than most players within a month of practice. It's not like he never put work into thing! He just never had to justify his skill. And neither did Sharpness.
"you don't have to prove yourself." That simple sentence made Sharpness dead quiet. His breath hitched halfway in. The silence prompted Jude to continue. "Sharpness you are the most skilled swordsman I know. You're so skilled it scares me!" Sharpness offered a weak huff at the compliment "your lying." He stated, but his grip slightly loosened.
"I'm not." Jude said simply. "I know you worked hard for the abilities you have now and I know you don't think you're enough." Jude's hand slid into Sharps now open palm lightly squeezing it for reassurance. "but you are more than enough."
Sharpness blinked once. Twice. Like that might fix the thousand thoughts screaming in his head. Jude just stared back at him softly. A beat passed. Then two. Then sixty more. Before Sharpness finally caved. Jude felt Sharps grip tighten, the blondes head fell onto Jude's lap.
"you mean it?" Sharpness was looking anywhere but the rabbits face, Jude could hear the shake in his voice. "Well duh I wouldn't have said it if I didn't!" He replied sarcastically. The way he said it didn't matter to Sharpness though. It was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders.
"I'm sorry for being a bitch to you about it." Sharp admitted sheepishly. "Its okay. just go to sleep sharp." Too tired to fight back He fluttered his eyes shut. The warm air, the steady breath above, the way Jude played with his hair while resting, Sharpness was fast asleep with in 10 minutes.
Sharpness was more than enough. Jude was next to him. Today couldn't get any better.