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The first thing Spoke does is free the prisoners, the process is tedious and long but it’s accomplished. All the players are confused upon seeing Spoke but decide not to question. The voidling watches quietly as people hug each other, cry with one another and he feels relieved. Relieved knowing that these people aren’t suffering anymore. Surprisingly, no one causes issues for him, everyone seeming to understand that he’s only trying to save them. Next thing he does is making sure every player has the right amount of resources for survival. He doesn’t give them netherite nor diamonds but he gives them enough that surviving should be possible in the overworld. At least, he hopes so. He isn’t exactly sure what Spawn is like, he only knows certain bits from what Under tells him. The third thing he does is preparing the pearl canons back. He has half of the Null army pearl through to make sure each player arrives safely and that no danger was held on the other side. Spoke stands firmly, holding the Totem in his right hand as his eyes follow each player tossing the pearl into the red stone machinery. His right hand, the Commander stands beside him, his hands clasped together in front of him.
“Thank you Spoke.”
He mumbles, making the leader perk his head up, looking at the other as he chuckle softy.
“It’s no big deal! I’m just glad I could get everyone out..”
Spoke replies, twirling his mace around. It feels weird having such a powerful weapon in his hands, he’s never touched one aside from Minute. He frowns at the thought, he hasn’t seen the other in awhile. He wonders how everyone’s doing, him, Wemmbu, Parrot and Flame. He hopes everything’s going well.. Although everything that he’s been hearing about the overworld is making him have his doubts. He hums quietly, swinging his body back and forth. His eyes then momentarily wander to Under- Is that even his name?
“Hey..not to sound mean but, what do I call you? Since your usernames are..”
He gestures, trying not to sound mean in any sort of way but how was he supposed to lead a whole army and not even know anyone’s name, let along his commander? The other stares blankly at Spoke although it’s certainly hard to disperse any emotion since are their faces are mainly dark. Spoke can only see a select few features of them but that’s it.
“Well, it’s a lot to explain so bare with me..Null is a species, we’re all Nulli’s. Each of us have our own separate names to make us feel more..human I suppose. But our usernames dictate our age, the more underscores a player has, the older they are.”
Spoke listens to each word that Under says, trying to wrap his head around the whole thing as his eyes widen at the realization.
“Wait so I’m controlling an entire species?”
He exclaims, bewildered. He just assumed it was a group- A weird group but a group nonetheless, not an entire species! Under nods, unfazed by the idea.
“Yes, that totem carries our existence, all of us are bound to it. If that totem were popped than we’d all die.”
He repeats for what feels like the 10th time to Spoke, he understands- Don’t have the totem popped. Easy job!
“That’s kinda weird when you think about it..”
Spoke murmurs, examining the item better, watching as it glows a light purple, illuminating his skin.
“Mhm, we’ve never..died before so it’d be well, terrible to happen.”
The statement confuses Spoke, making him turn to Under as he raises a brow.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Nulli’s can die, you’ve seen us die. But we don’t actually die, we get rebirthed by Null and are given a new name, a new body and identity.”
Now THAT gets Spoke puzzled, blinking several times as he tries to find the words to muster out.
“W-Wait so you guys are essentially never ending and immortal?”
“Yes in a way.”
“Holy shit- That’s insane!?”
Spoke shouts, eyes wide as he throws his hands into the air.
“You guys are way more complicated than I initially thought-”
Under nods at Spoke, stiffing a small laugh at Spoke’s reaction. No wonder they’re so defensive about the totem- They’ve never actually died. Numerous thoughts and ideas cluster up in Spoke’s mind, he was suspired and curious. He needed to know more about this. And as if Under was reading his mind, he speaks up once more.
“I can tell you more about us when we get everyone out.”
He offers, Spoke eagerly nods at it, dying to know more.
“Yes please.”
A few seconds pass by and Spoke squints a bit, realizing he didn’t really get the answer to his original question.
“Wait- So what do I call you?”
He asks, tilting his head. Under doesn’t reply immediately, processing the others question. Spoke can see his mouth open a bit before closing only to open again, small fangs becoming noticeable.
“My..My name is Nihil.”
He answers, placing a hand on his chest, sounding a bit nervous almost.
“Nihil.”
Spoke repeats, trying the name out himself. It’s a bit odd but it’s nice and unique.
“I like it, it’s got a ring!”
He chirps, grinning as Nihil laughs quietly.
“Thanks..Jamatop never really got to know us beyond our usernames.”
He states, Spoke's face grimaces at the thought before scoffing.
“Well that’s Jamatop for you.”
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Once everyone’s through the other side, Spoke throws his pearl, he waits a few seconds before he’s launched to the overworld. Upon settling on the nice grass does he let out a sigh of relief.
“Oh it’s great to be outside again..”
He mutters, stretching his back slightly. Spoke looks around to see all of Null thankfully here along with a huge pack of players. He winces a bit at the sight, he’s not used to commanding this many people..Aside from the Spoke Galactic Empire but we don’t talk about that.
“What do we do now Spoke? We follow your orders.”
Nihil states, bowing slightly. The voidling can’t deny that he does like this, having status, power, people. He puts a hand on his chin, thinking for a moment.
“I say we had to the End, establish our control there, build a kingdom- A proper one, not Purgatory, one beyond the Farlands and move anymore essentials there.”
He states, looking at Nihil for guidance almost.
“If that’s what you wish Spoke then we’ll head to the End.”
He replies, Spoke smiles at his words before equipping cobblestone as he pillars up a bit.
“Attention everybody!”
He shouts, raising a hand high into the air as everyone’s eyes wander to him.
“As you know, I, Spoke am the new leader of Null. I have freed you all from the depths of Purgatory. You are all free to wander, live your lives as before.”
Cheers and applauds cut his words off, the old prisoners pulling each other into tight embraces, relieved at his words. Spoke let’s them have their moment- It’s fair, god knows how long half of these players have been here. Once the noise dies down only then does Spoke speak once again.
“However, please be aware of the horrors Spawn has faced since our time in Purgatory. I do not know what to expect once we reach Spawn so I tell you now to be careful.”
He pauses.
“But, if you have no home- If you do not know where to go then you can stay with me. I will be building an empire with the help of Null. And if you wish to join then you are free to do so. But if you do not want to then you are not obligated to.”
He finishes off, slowly letting his hand drop to his side. Whispers are shared amongst the crowd, people clearly contemplating on whether or not to join Spoke. A minute or two passes and people began to disperse. Everyone walks into scattered directions, some saying goodbye to others as they each find their own routes to walk once more.
The sight is bittersweet to say the least. Having to be cooped up with so many people for weeks gets you aquatinted with most of them, especially given that they were all on the same boat. All Spoke can hope for is that they’ll find their peace and comfort, the calmness that they’ve been deprived of for so long.
A good amount of players however stay, not a lot but a decent amount.
“If you’re still here then I presume you want to join us, we’ll be taking control of the End first so follow along if you wish.”
He announces before jumping off the stone pillar- He’s not gonna force them to join, he doesn’t exactly need them. He just needs Null. And he has Null so nothing else matters. The voidling begins walking off, making way to the nearest stronghold he’s aware of. Nihil trails after, keeping his gaze steady on any slight hint of movement as the mass of players walk together.
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It doesn’t take long before they reach a stronghold, Spoke yet again separates the Null, having some follow him while the rest stay and guard the players. He needs to make sure the island is clear plus he rather a mass swarm of players to not jump in all at once. He steps towards the open portal before falling through, Null soldiers falling suit. Spoke lands in a small compact area and he looks up to see the same main room that Minute had built a year ago. The door is broken, thankfully and Spoke makes his way out. The layout seems the same just a bit destroyed, walls crumbling and objects scattered around. His face grimaces at the sight as he heads up the stairs with Nihil.
“What happened here..?”
The commander mutters out, beginning to withdraw his sword out. Spoke shrugs a bit, frowning at the scenery. It looks like a battle broke out is what Spoke assumes, gaze furrowing-
“Spoke?”
He flinches at the voice, body running cold as his tail stiffens. He glances over only to see the on and only guardian, Minutetech. Nihil quickly points his sword at the other, gaze sharpening as he steps in front of Spoke.
“Do not take a step closer-”
“Hey, hey-! He’s chill!”
Spoke exclaims, grabbing the others arm and slowly guiding it down. Nihil gives him a look, tilting his head at the other before sighing as he moves back. Spoke rushes over to Minute, grinning widely, god has he missed seeing someone he knows.
“Minute, my guy! How’ve you been, I haven’t seen you since Law!!”
He chirps, staring up at Minute who looks- terrified. Spoke’s demeanor quickly shifts as he steps back, his smile falling flat.
Minute’s eyes follow each soldier, noting their netherite armor, incomprehensible usernames and empty appearances. His gaze finally stops on Spoke who wears a different set of armor. The once bold red chest plate that he’s worn for two and a half years- is gone. It’s instead replaced by this emerald green one, his rainbow clothing peeks from the new outfit but remains mostly hidden. Formal and protective gear is on him instead and he looks so different. Minute’s stomach curls at the sight, what the hell happened?
“Spoke- Who are these people?”
Minute first asks, voice firm as his hand grips his sword in wariness. Spoke blinks at him before laughing as he waves the older man off.
“Oh don’t worry! That’s the Null, they won’t harm you.”
He replies, trying to reassure the other. Minute however only raises a brow in confusion, stepping slightly back once again.
“How do you know?”
“Because I’m their leader, duh! I command them so they’re not going to do anything stupid.”
Spoke reveals out, chuckling a bit. Minute stares at the other, blinking a few times as his mouth runs agape.
“W..What?”
“You missed a lot but don’t worry!”
Nihil notices Minute’s entire behavior morph as his body tenses up. Nihil glares at the man before stepping closer, standing just behind Spoke who notices the sudden movement.
“Oh and this is Nihil! He’s my right hand man.”
Spoke’s words only further confuse Minute as he waves his hands around.
“W-wait- I have so many questions- Why do you have that armor? How are you a leader? 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙘? "
He questions, his face scrunching up a tad. Spoke lets out a sigh, crossing his arms before speaking up.
“In short, I defeated a guy, took his armor and now I control these guys!”
He says, his face slowly darkening, his frame flickering.
“And Mapicc..”
He trails off and Minute’s heart sinks in an instant, observing Spoke’s rather saddened yet accepting look.
“Spoke, 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗰."
He repeats, voice harsher as he steps closer to Spoke who lets out a huff.
“I-I don’t know. I have to figure that out, he’s down under the void somewhere-”
“He’s fucking dead!?”
Minute yells, mind running wild as Spoke shakes his head.
“No- Ugh, I wind charged him off into the void but he’s not dead. I need to figure out how to get him out of there, probably with some exploit or something-”
Spoke rambles off, motioning his hand around. Minute feels sick the more he listens, his throat running dry as he stares at the voidling- Who he certainly, no longer knows.
“Spoke, are you hearing yourself!?”
He shouts, grabbing the other by his shoulders, pulling him closer. Spoke freezes up, gaze hardening as he pushes the other off.
“Why are you so worked up-?”
“Spoke, you killed your best friend and you don’t even care!?”
Spoke straightens up, looking visibly taken back as he laughs.
“I didn’t kill him- And for your correction, I care for Mapicc-”
“Then why isn’t he here!?”
“Because what I did was necessary!”
“Killing your best friend was necessary!?”
Minute shouts, laughing out of pure frustration and shock, was Spoke insane?
“I didn’t kill him Minute! Stop putting words in my mouth-”
“Why!? What could possibly justify this?”
Spoke stares at him, his body beginning to glitch as anger bubbles up- Anger that he’s kept for way too long. He laughs, he laughs insanely, running a hand through his hair.
“I had to because Jamatop was torturing me, him and EVERYBODY else- So many people suffered because of that man and the only reason I lost was because of Mapicc! Because I had the love and care for him!! The second I got rid of him, I WON, I did that! I needed to- To end the stupid cycle that bastard put me through. I SAVED everyone here!”
He cries out, voice cracking, tears welling up in his eyes. Minute looks down at him with such a distasteful look that it sickens Spoke. Nothing is said, Minute stays silent before letting out a quiet chuckle as he shakes his head, eyes burning through Spoke’s.
“No..no, you’ve changed Spoke-”
“𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝘿!?"
He shouts, throwing his hands up in the air as he cackles.
“Changed!? What’s with everybody saying that- That I’ve changed!? I’m just as the same as I’ve always been! I’m doing what is necessary-”
He exclaims, trying to defend himself, his body continuing to waver.
“You’re selfish!”
Minute retorts, fists clenching. That gets Spoke to shut up because his mouth slips into a single line, his chest rising and falling at a fastened pace.
"𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩?"
He repeats, a smile growing on his lips, one insane and deteriorating
“Well guess what Minute- To live on Unstable, you need to be a little bit selfish and you of 𝐀𝐋𝐋 people should know.”
He sneers, pushing the other with the palm of his hand. Minute stiffens up, opening his mouth to say something but nothing comes out, he can’t give out a single reply. The air runs tense and silent, only the twos heavy breaths being heard. Nihli awkwardly stands there before raising his hand and steadily placing it behind his leaders back.
“Spoke..”
He murmurs, unsure of what to say. Spoke doesn’t reply, not for a moment at least. He then straightens his posture out, clearing his throat as he crosses his arms.
“Minute, we’re taking control of the End. You can either leave here or try and fight us.”
He pauses, waving his hand as his mace appears, falling perfectly into his hands. Minute’s eyes widen, a small gasp escaping his lips.
“H..How did you..?”
“I don’t want to kill you. But I will if I have to.”
He states, his grip tightening. Nihli steps closer, raising his sword as he backs up Spoke. Minute’s gaze shifts between the two before he suddenly equips his elytra.
“You’re insane Spoke.”
Is all he musters out before taking off into the dark sky. Spoke’s eyes remain fixated on his figure, watching it slowly become one with the void, disappearing into the night. He hums quietly, letting out a huff as he rubs his eyes, trying to rid any tears.
“Spoke-?”
“I’m fine, bring everyone back here and let’s start constructing.”
He quickly says, cutting off Nihli who steps back, sighing softly.
“Understood, you heard him everyone.”
Distant footsteps are heard, the other soldiers heading off to go retrieve the others.
Spoke perches himself ontop of the entrance building, holding his mace in one hand, his other holding the totem.
His gaze is sharp and firm, he remains calculated.
But deep inside, he’s swirling with emotions.
Minute doesn’t understand.
He doesn’t understand that Spoke had to do this.
No one understands Spoke.
No one.
He’s doing this because he has to, not because he wants to.
That’s what they don’t get.
Spoke scoffs lightly, tightly shutting his eyes as he tries to ease himself.
He has an army, he has power, he has people.
He has everything he needs.
So why isn’t it enough?
He shakes his head, this is Minute’s fault. Minute raised him to be like this.
Minute..Minute raised him.
Minute..
He let’s out a shaky breath, ignoring the tears threatening to spill out.
He’s gonna figure out how to get Mapicc back and once he does that, he’ll prove to everybody that he’s not that selfish- that he’s still the kind caring Spoke that he always was.
Yeah.
Yeah, that sounds good.
Spoke watches Null work, watch as they build together, in sync and perfect formation. It makes him proud, he’s gonna show everyone. He’s gonna show them what he’s truly capable of.