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Spoke wasn't sure what exactly happened.
One moment, he's fighting with Jamatop, grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer as he screams at the man. Pushing him back until the two full to the floor and-
They somehow clip through reality itself. Slipping through the floor like it's nothing. Everything’s black for a moment and Spoke thinks he's dead but he doesn't actively feel himself taking any damage.
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And now he's here, falling in the air, flailing his arms around, desperate to find something to hold onto. He quickly goes through his inventory, grateful to see a singular pearl. He was a saving it for a different situation but this works fine as well. Once he's near the ground, he quickly tosses the pearl, teleporting off to the side, taking a single heart of damage. He lets out the biggest sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair.
Spoke then hears a distant water splash sound, looking over to unfortunately see Jamatop. His face grimaces, his brows furrowing in annoyance.
"Where the fuck are we Jamatop?"
Spoke sneers, looking around as he tries to keep his distance away from the man. He expects a snarky and sly comment or laugh but nothing comes. He glances over only to see Jamatop- Confused. Very confused. Which starts to make Spoke feel a bit uneasy.
"Jamatop-?"
"I didn't make this- I didn't have this built Spoke, I don't know where we are."
Jamatop says, his eyes showing confliction as he paces around. The voidling’s eyes narrow at the man, frustration surging through him.
"What do you mean you didn't build this-? Are you joking!? I-Is this some sick prank of yours-!"
Spoke yells out, panicked as body begins to become jagged and unstable. Jamatop flinches ever so slightly before gesturing wildly.
" No-! No- I don't know where we are, I swear."
Jamatop states, trying to ease the other. He watches in disturbance as the voidling glitches in and out of exist as he paces back and forth.
"So then where ARE WE?"
Spoke shouts, tail flicking as he puts his hand up to his mouth, biting at his nails. Jamatop winces at the sight, grabbing Spoke's wrist as he pulls it away.
"Don't do that- That's very unhygienic."
Jamatop says and Spoke scoffs in annoyance.
"What do we do??"
He then asks as the duo glance around a few more times. The environment looks different, normal but different. Clearly however, they're not in their server and are in some other world.
"I don't know, let's just..see if we can find something.."
Jamatop murmurs, beginning to walk off into the distance. Spokes gaze follows his figure, debating whether or not to join Jamatop.
For all he knows, this could be some big scheme and Jamatop was acting like he didn't know anything.
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Spoke's pure white filled eyes wander around, analyzing everything just a bit closer.
Everything feels and looks normal yet obviously different. Like inverted in a way. The whole atmosphere makes a shiver crawl up Spoke's back as he tries to focus.
He needs to get out of here- Head back to Purgatory as much as he really, really doesn't want to go back. He knows he needs to because he needs to save Mapicc, Jumper and the rest.
Spoke lags behind Jamatop, keeping a steady hand on his iron sword incase of anything. He doubt he could do much on the other but it's reassuring to him.
Spoke desperately tried to keep himself a float, steady and calm. But everything was too much, the air felt way too suffocating and he felt sick- Maybe it was all the stress piling up on him. After all, he hasn’t given himself an ounce of relaxation since Mapicc has gone missing. And even before that, he was busy with the Law and Leo. When was the last time he actually properly relaxed? Felt like forever.
“Can you be any more slower?”
Jamatop grits, turning around to face Spoke who clenches his fist.
“Well, I’m SORRY that I’m trying to find some way out! Unlike you who’s just wandering to whatever trap you have set in place!”
He shouts, Jamatop throws his head back, letting out a loud groan in response.
“Oh come on!! You seriously think I’d trap us in some completely different realm-? To what, kill you?”
“Yeah, I think exactly that!!”
“Spoke, this is way out of my power, there is absolutely no exploit that can do this!”
The voidling rolls his eyes, laughing mockingly at his former best friend.
“And how would I know that!? You’ve been on this server longer than I have so god knows how many exploits you’re aware of!!”
Spoke yells, throwing his hands into the air. It doesn’t take long before the two are fighting with each other once again, bantering between one another. Their voices are so loud and they’re so caught up with their aruging that they don’t even hear the nearing footsteps.
“Uh..Hello?”
A sudden voice calls out, making the two instantly stop and glance over to the source of the voice. In front of them stands two familiar people. Very familiar people. It’s them. Both Spoke and Jamatop but different.. They look younger, their clothes are different and they’re visibly shorter than they currently are. Spoke and Jamatop let out a gasp, backing away, confused.
“What the..”
“Holy shit, you’re us!?”
The other voidling exclaims, grinning widely as his friend stands there with a tilted head.
“Uhm..what..?”
The current Jamatop and Spoke share a glance, unsure how this is even possible.
“This isn’t your doing..right?”
Spoke asks, making Jamatop rolls his eyes, he takes it as a no.
“Are you from the future!?”
Younger Spoke chirps out, his tail wagging vigorously behind him as he stands right before them. Jamatop follows along, staring at the two taller and older figures.
“Or from another universe?”
He asks, expecting the duo to magically know.
“Maybe-?”
“We don’t know..”
“How!? How’d you guys get here- Wait I’m so confused?”
The smaller voidling exclaims, his silhouette wavering out. Spoke winces at the sight, is that what he looks like when he panics? The..other Jamatop rubs his Spoke’s back, trying to soothe the other before looking at the two.
“Let’s sit down and..figure this out..”
He suggests, Jamatop and Spoke’s face scrunches up with mild disgust before sighing as the four sit down on the floor.
“Are you guy’s Spoke and Jamatop too?”
Spoke asks, receiving nods before Jamatop clears his throat.
“Okay well- To make things easier, you’re Jama and you’re Poke.”
He states, pointing to the alternate versions of them who raise a brow at him.
“Why are we receiving the nicknames- This is our world.”
Jama exclaims, crossing his arms, seemingly annoyed at the idea. Jamatop blinks, staring at his other self, he doesn’t remember being this..sassy.
“Well we’re older so!”
Spoke exclaims, leaning back on the grass.
“And how do we know that- You guys just said you weren’t sure!”
Poke yells, gesturing around.
“Well, you look and act like us when we were young so we know that at least we’re older.”
Jamatop explains, fiddling lightly with his pearl necklace. The one Spoke gave to him all those years back. He sours at the thought.
“How even old are you guys?”
Spoke questions, pinching his younger selves cheek who instantly flails his arms around, whining.
“Stopp!! We’re fourteen!”
He shouts, the number piercing straight through Spoke’s head. His eyes widen, his mouth running agape.
“Fourteen?”
Him and Jamatop both repeat in perfect unison that Spoke frowns at.
“Yeah, how old are you guys?”
Jama then says, glancing between the two.
“Well, we’re both twenty-”
“TWENTY!? God you’re uncs!”
Poke yells causing Jama to cackle. Spoke stiffens at the sound before flicking Poke’s forehead.
“Ow, that hurts!”
“Good, you deserved it.”
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“Soo, does that mean you’re us from the future?”
Poke asks, rubbing his forehead a bit as his tail swishing lightly before settling around Jama’s wrist. Spoke quietly stares at the sight before him, unable to calm the curling discomfort settling in his stomach. He used to do that with Jamatop.
“I don’t think so, this worlds new to us. Neither of us possess the memory of this place so I doubt we’re the same timeline or well universe as you guys.”
Jamatop adds, Spoke is quietly grateful for him taking the initiative in this conversation because Spoke wasn’t sure what he could add to this. Poke seemed to be on the same boat, instead deciding to stare at Spoke, admiring the other. Spoke locked eyes with him, giving him an awkward smile. It’s weird seeing his younger self yet different. Almost like, a non traumatized him. A younger him that didn’t have to bare any harsh memories nor experiences. He envied it. Seeing him so..carefree. He misses that.
The air runs silent, neither of the parties knowing how to continue the conversation as awkwardness begins to settle in.
At least until Poke speaks once more.
“So, what’s your universe like?”
He asks, his eyes shining brightly, signifying his curiosity as he rocks his body back and forth. Spoke chuckles before shrugging a bit.
“It’s crazy, very unstable and chaotic but it’s fun..”
He replies, trying to focus on before Mapicc was taken, before Null appeared and flipped his whole life upside down. Spoke can feel Jamatop staring at him, his dark void like eyes burning through his back.
“Are the people there nice?”
Jama asks, leaning in and feeling just as curious as well. Spoke can’t help but smile softly at the smaller boy, he’s so much..relaxed. He’s nice, he’s..exactly how Jamatop used to be.
“Yeah- There’s so many people, the server we’re in is insane- I have a few friends and they’re great.”
Spoke forces out, are his friends even still his friends?
“The builds are crazy- So many kingdoms are made and whatnot, it’s stunning, you guys would love it.”
He then adds, grinning at the thought of the overworld- God he misses spawn so much. He bets Parrot has made Unstable so much better, he doesn’t doubt it at all. Spoke then pauses, thinking for a moment before glancing around.
“Where are we though-? This place doesn’t look like regular Minecraft..”
He murmurs, Jamatop hums slightly and he silently rolls his eyes. He forgot about him until just now.
Poke gasps lightly, clapping his hands together as he smile widens, dimples becoming more present on his face as he smiles.
“Well we’re in a modded world! Jamatop actually made this mod too!!”
He chirps, tossing his arm around Jama, pulling him into a side hug as their cheeks smush together. Jama rolls his eyes lightly but a small smirk appearing on his lips, clearly proud of himself. Spoke nods at the other words, impressed and both surprised. He takes a glimpse at Jamatop and he seems surprised too, his eyes a bit wider than usual.
“That’s so cool dude!”
He exclaims, laughing a bit, Poke nods eagerly, seemingly pleased to show off his friends abilities.
“I know right! We were recording a video for my channel which I should pause-”
Poke suddenly says, quickly waving his hand at the air, a hologram appearing. It’s like the regular inventory holograms expect it’s obviously different. Both Spoke and Jamatop squint at the sight, leaning in confused. Poke clicks a few things before closing out the hologram and turning back to the others.
“Do you guys not record?”
Jama asks, crossing his arms.
“No..Not really.”
Jamatop pauses.
“Not anymore at least.”
Jama’s eyes furrow at Jamatop, clearly getting suspicious.
“What do you mean?”
He asks, Jamatop sighs, straightening out his posture.
“Well as Spoke said, our universe is very unstable. And well because of that, many features are disabled or corrupted. We can’t take pictures, videos neither communicate nor make voice groups.”
He clarifies, waving his hand around as he talks. Spoke watches at the other twos face slowly morphs into pure, utter confusion and concern.
“What-? How’s that even possible, they’re basic functions-!”
Poke announces, him and Jama turn to Spoke as if expecting him to say “oh nah dude, he’s tripping balls” or something. Spoke let’s out a huff before nodding.
“He’s right, we’re also heavily strained on resources, mobs don’t really spawn because of the mob cap so that poses another issue in the server.”
He shares, the two boys only continue to stare at them with wide eyes, unable to wrap their minds around the idea of a sever missing crucial functions.
“Dude, how do you even survive?”
“On hopes and prayers dude.”
“How did that even happen?”
Jama asks, visibly inquisitive on the topic. Spoke forgot how curious Jamatop used to be, always digging and searching for more, being educated in way too niche topics.
“Well, I’m not exactly sure. I’d say it has to do with exploits and the amount of players that has glitched the server to the point that it’s so corrupted that things don’t work.”
Spoke groans at the word ‘exploit’, he knows Jamatop is secretly poking taunts at him. Jamatop glances over to Spoke, letting out a very dramatic sigh.
“Honestly, it all stopped working after the Mafia.”
Spoke murmurs, more to himself and less to the others. However, Jama hears his words, curse better Jamatop for having good hearing.
“What’s the Mafia?”
Spoke bites his tongue, debating whether or not to explain as he places a finger on his chin.
“Don’t.”
Spoke side eyes Jamatop and then decides, he’s going to explain because he’ll do the exact opposite of what Jamatop wants.
“The Invis Mafia was this huge organization ran by this guy named Ashswagg-”
“Ashswagg?”
Jama repeats, questioning the name.
“That’s a shit ass name.”
Poke comments, making Spoke snort.
“Oh absolutely, anyways Ash ran this Mafia with this rule that you had to stay invisible and if you weren’t you’d die. His goal was to take control of the server and he did a lot of crazy shit and killed a lot of people obviously.”
The two teens face grimace in disgust and horror, Jamatop smacks a hand over his face, groaning.
“Exactly why I said don’t.”
Spoke purposely ignores Jamatop, his tail flicking a bit before thwacking against the mans arm with some strength. Jamatop flinches, rubbing his arm as he gives Spoke a glare who simply sticks his tongue out at the other.
“Does it still exist?”
Jama asks, Spoke laughs, putting a hand on his chest.
“Nope, all thanks to me!”
He triumps, grinning widely.
'“What, really!? That’s amazing!”
Poke cheers, throwing his hands up in happiness.
“I know, it was crazy- But my best friend Mapicc was there to help me along with Wemmbu and Parrot.”
He says, feeling proud of himself. Hearing his younger self sound so excited made him remember that Spoke has done some good in this server! He’s not all that evil that Jamatop has made him be. Plus, Wemmbu has a way bigger kill count then him so.
“You have a friend named Parrot?”
Poke reiterates, holding in a laugh.
“I know- I know, werid name but he’s an avian, it’d be werider if he was like a dog hybrid named Parrot.”
He says, stifling his own laugh.
“Mapicc’s your best friend?”
Jama utters out, his demeanor shifting and only then does Spoke realized he screwed up. He blinks, throat running dry as he chuckles.
“Yeah- He’s great and-”
“Wait, why not Jamatop? Jamatop is my best friend here, why isn’t he your best friend?”
Poke asks, confused and panicked almost as he shifts closer. Both Spoke and Jamatop stiffen up, neither knowing how to reply.
“Uhm..”
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“Is that why do you guys look at us that way?”
Jama’s voice is careful, quiet but firm that it’s unsettling. Jamatop’s gaze wanders to Spoke who gives just as looks just as confused as he is.
“What..What do you mean by that?”
He mumbles out, almost afraid to know the answer. Jama’s eyes shift else where before settling on the two, glaring hard at them.
“You look at us like we’re doing something wrong, like what we’re doing is impossible or shouldn’t even exist. You’ve been doing it the entire time. You stiffened up when Spoke hugged me, when I smiled, when we laughed- What happened between the two of you that you can’t even bare and look at us?”
The younger ones voice becomes increasingly more agitated, getting louder by the second. Poke frowns, his frame flicker as his eyes dim ever so slightly. He reaches a hand out to his Jamatop, their fingers intertwining and only then do Spoke and Jamatop see their matching bracelets, glistening in the light. Jamatop’s breath hitches and within a second Jama flips out.
“SEE!? Exactly that!! And when we first saw you guys, you were full blown yelling at each other, what’s with you two?”
He snaps, his gaze only hardening. Poke winces at the loud noise, caressing the other’s hand lightly.
“Jam-”
“We’re not friends.”
Jamatop interrupts, voice sharp as his sentence affects the others, their eyes going wide.
“W-what?”
“I’m sorry but we’re not friends like you guys, we used to be but not anymore.”
Spoke mumbles, avoiding the others gaze. It physically pains him to see their younger selves upset- Upset at the idea of not being friends, in another timeline- Not even theirs!
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“What..What happened?”
Jama asks, looking just as upset as Poke but clearly trying to bury it down.
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“Nothing that you guys should be concerned over.”
Jamatop replies coldly, the teens flinch at his tone, moving back.
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“It’s our business, you’re still us-”
“In a different universe, it’s not the same.”
Spoke spits, frustration rising up in him.
“It is-”
“It’s not.”
“Just tell us- What happened?”
Jama begs, Spoke turns away, beginning to get up as Jamatop follows after. Their alternative versions quickly jump up, pleading relentlessly to know, confused as to why- Why their alternate selves weren’t friends.
“It’s nothing! It was something that could’ve been preventable, if SOMEONE listened.”
Jamatop grits making Spoke halt in place, his fists clenching, frame flickering. He snaps his neck over to the man, anger boiling up- All that resentment and hatred that he’s been building up for so long-
“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?”
He shouts, he can feel his physical form glitch and it’s painful- But Spoke doesn’t care. He couldn’t give a shit.
“Spoke-”
“SO THIS IS MY FAULT? We’re switching it on me now!? Don’t act all fucking innocent!”
He yells, grabbing Jamatop by his shirt, gripping the fabric. Jamatop’s expression becomes panicked, trying to shift away, clearly not expecting the sudden switch. Jama and Poke freeze at the sight, watching in pure horror as Spoke screams at Jamatop, punching at the others chest.
“Fuck you- Fuck you! YOU put me through hell- You put everyone I love in fucking hell-!!”
He cries out, tears beginning to spill out the corner of his eyes as it burns at his dark skin. Jamatop winces at the sight, trying to push the voidling off to no avail.
“Spoke- Spoke, you’re hurting yourself-!”
He exclaims, fear evident in his tone as Spoke’s body flickers in and out of exitence once more, jagged edges running across his frame.
“I DON’T CARE! I don’t fucking care anymore!”
He wails out, tears contuining to stream down his face, steam wisping in the air. "
“Spoke, spoke- Please, calm down-”
Jama says, clinging onto Spoke’s hoodie, desperate to get his attention. It works, Spoke’s hands fall from Jamatop, staring at the younger version of him. His malice dissipates within seconds, envy and guilt consuming him. His gaze shifts between Jama and Poke, both looking beyond terrified.
“S-sorry..Sorry..”
He mumbles, voice quivering. Jama gently rubs Spoke’s back, trying to comfort him. It relaxes his frame, his figure becoming stable once more as his tears dry up.
“Thanks..”
He whispers, letting out a small sigh before moving forward. He chooses not to confront that situation at all, he knows if he stands there any longer, he’ll just lose his shit on Jamatop again.
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An hour at least goes by, walking in dreadful and tense silence which is occasionally broken by the small conversation between Jama and Poke. The teens walk alongside each other, Spoke on Jama’s side and Jamatop on Poke’s side. The two best friends exchange concern glances hear and there, whispering quietly and lowly that Spoke can’t make it out.
Thankfully, the awkward situation ends as Jamatop notices an odd portal embedded into the ground. He walks towards the eerie looking sight, staring down below.
“I think this might lead us back to Unstable..”
Jamatop murmurs, kneeling down to better investigate it. Spoke lightly scoffs, crossing his arms.
“Is this..goodbye then?”
Poke peeps, tilting his head as he steps closer to Spoke who sighs.
“Seems like it, it’s been nice talking to you two though!”
Spoke chirps, ruffling the twos hair as they whine.
“We’re not kids!”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever-”
“Spoke, c’mon.”
Jamatop blurts out, Spoke tightly closes his eyes, sighing heavily as he tries to calm himself.
“Yeah, I know.”
He spits, beginning to walk over to the portal until a sudden hand grips his wrist.
“Wait-”
Spoke turns around, confused to see Poke fiddling with his sleeves. Before he can question however, the young voidling hands one bracelet to him and another to Jamatop. He raises his brow in confusion before gasping lightly upon recognizing it. It’s the same one the two were wearing earlier.
“We can’t take this- These are yours”
He states, handing the bracelet back over to Jama who shakes his head.
“It’s fine, really. We can make new ones.”
He replies, shrugging simply. Spoke frowns a bit before raising his hand up, examining the bracelet more. Dull blue, grey and red beads mix match together nicely, a small moon pendant hanging off. His eyes follow to Jamatop who holds a rainbow beaded one, the bracelet carrying a sun pendant instead of a moon. His eyes stay fixated on it, trailing up to see Jamatop staring at his bracelet. He turns his back away, stuffing the bracelet into his pocket.
“Goodbye.”
Is all Jamatop says before jumping into the portal.
“Of course this kid tries to aurafarm..”
He grumbles, sighing before turning to the two. They still look just as scared as before just a bit tamer, the sight however makes Spoke’s heart ache as he leans down to them.
“Listen, I’m sorry for earlier, I am. But do not think about me and Jamatop. You guys have a great relationship and I need you to keep that, don’t overthink us. You don’t know what we went through so don’t start doubting yourselves.”
He tries to assure, patting both their backs as he gives a clumsily like smile. The duo glance at each other before nodding, returning the smile.
“Got it”
“Don’t worry, I won’t be letting him go anytime soon!”
Poke chirps, hugging Jama. Spoke laughs quietly, his gaze softening as he stands back up.
“Well, maybe we’ll see each other some other time but for now, it’s goodbye!”
He exclaims saluting the two who giggle at the gesture.
“Bye Spoke!”
They say in union, Spoke stares at them a second longer before throwing up a peace sign and fall back into the abyss below..
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His body slams onto the hard floor as he groans loudly, whining.
“Fuck that hurt!”
He mumbles, sitting up as he rubs his back. He glances around to see himself back in Jamatop’s main room, back in Purgatory. His stomach churls at the realization as he huffs. A cough is heard behind him and Spoke turns to see none other than Jamatop, crossing his arms. The voidling rolls his eyes, standing up as he locks eyes with the other.
“Well, I’ll be on my way..”
He says, not wanting to be with Jamatop any longer in fear of the other deciidng to put him through whatever toture again. Spoke doesn’t turn back, instead contuining to make his way out of the room. He stuffs his hand in his pocket for comfort, his fingers however coming in contact with something. The bracelet. He pulls it off, staring at the accessory for a moment before sighing. He carefully slips it on his wrist and surprisingly, it fits quite well.
He’s wearing this only for Jama and Poke, not for Jamatop.
Definitely not.
..He hopes Jamatop didn’t see that.
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Unbeknownst to Spoke, Jamatop silently watched as Spoke exited his chambers, noting each movement. So when Spoke pulls out the bracelet and puts it on, it surprises Jamatop and he can’t help but relax at the sight. He glances down to his fist, opening it up to see the bracelet in perfect condition. His thumb rolls against the beads slightly before gently putting his hand through the bracelet. He turns his wrist around, watching the beads shine beautifully with the light. He bites back the growing smile on his lip before turning away.
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“So that was something..”
“Tell me about it..”
Jamatop mumbles, running his fingers through Spokes hair who hums quietly.
“Why'd you even give them our bracelets anyway?"
Jamatop asked quietly, a little upset at the action but who was he to deny Spoke?
" Well..I thought maybe it'll help them, y'know? Maybe it'll help them be friends again.”
He says, shrugging a bit, his eyes filled with this sense of hope that Jamatop admires.
“Y'know there's more to them than we know, right?"
" I know but if it makes them hate each other a little less than I'm okay with it.”
Jamatop nods, leaning his head against Spokes.
“Do you think we'll be friends when we're older?"
He asks, almost afraid at the idea of the future now. Before he used to be so confident that him and Spoke would still be friends in the future but now..He isn't so sure. Clearly his other version did something to Spoke- It seemed more so of a mutual thing, both of them having done something to the other but he thinks that his other self escalated it. Or so he thinks, he's not exactly sure. Either way, he's can't help but feel concerned, what if he hurts Spoke? What if he repeats the cycle that the other two went through? What if-
" Jamatop, whatever you're thinking right now, it's not true.”
Spoke's voice cuts through with ease, dismissing his thoughts.
"Yes Jam Jam, I think we'll be friends in the future.”
Jamatop groans at the nickname, feeling embarrassed as his cheeks warm up.
“Oh my god- That's such an old nickname-!"
" What!? I love it, it's so funny!”
“It's funny because you're mocking me!"
"Noo, who said that?”
“I- Would you like me to start calling you Speaky again?"
"OH FUCK NO”
“SEE, IT'S NOT FUNNY NOW IS IT?"
The two laugh hysterically, holding onto eachother as they grin.
"You're not getting rid of me at all Jamatop.”
" Good, I wouldn't want to anyway.”