Flodge: A Fanfic

This is a Fanfic about a new character, a camo-colored stick who goes by her last name, Flodge, and her unlikely partnership with a familiar, but not so friendly, face.

Chapter 1: Kameron Olivia Flodge (Third Person)

A massive explosion decimated the distant mountains, catching the eye of a young, genius inventor. She went by her last name, Flodge, a massive change from her youth. Growing up, she had a relatively normal childhood, born a girl named Kameron Olivia to parents Olive and Tan, but she had a rare birth defect among Internet stick figures like herself. While most kids are the blended color of their parents, Purple being one example, Flodge took this more literally than most.

She was colored a spotted mix of her father’s light brown and her mother’s light green, with traces of dark green in there as well. That was from her mother’s side of her family. She had often been mocked for her unusual shade growing up, and often she wanted nothing more than to turn invisible. Somehow, one day, she figured out that she could. A quick snap of her fingers and instantly, she was invisible. What power! What ingenuity! What an opportunity! She decided against using it on her classmates growing up. It would be a waste to use it on these lackeys. No, she had bigger dreams.

School was a breeze for her, coasting through it all the way through college, graduating with degrees in science and engineering with the intent of being an inventor. Sure enough, she became just that. With the advancement of technology in Stick City, she built herself an empire on her own creative inventions. She was successful, but it wasn’t enough for her. She wanted more.

She was ambitious, too much so for her own good. She knew of the great disparity between Regular solid-colored stick figures and of Misprints, as they were called, like her. She had developed a device to remove said disparity. She would make regulars into misprints, but she needed a test subject. Knowing how much society was against testing on fellow stick figures, she had to use some underhanded tactics. She captured a fire engine red stick figure and subjected them to her device. Her test run was successful, and this formerly normal fire engine red had a red-and-white striped pattern. There didn’t seem to be any side effects, aside from a partial loss of memory. Flodge, however, saw this as more of a benefit than anything. She could develop an army of Misprints, ones that follow her every whim. She would bring justice to Stick City on behalf of herself and all other Misprints in the city. No one would be looked down upon any longer.

However, red flags were raised when news of the fire engine red stick’s disappearance became more and more prevalent. She needed to diffuse the situation, get attention off of this subject. No one could be allowed to connect the dots tracing back to her. But how? She was making sure to cover her tracks, double and triple checking every step she made, but more had to be done. What could be done? Lay low. Wait for everything to blow over and, in the meantime, continue developing her technology. She needed less notable test subjects, and she was going to get them.

She honed her technique, and after a while, she presented her creation to the public, claiming it could improve society in exchange for making more Misprints. She developed patterns with their own unique special abilities. Stripes give enhanced speed. Chessboard, an intelligence boost. Plaids were given superhuman strength, zigzagged sticks could leap and bounce off of walls with agility like no other and polka dotted sticks could teleport. With her trial run being a success, the bright red stick, now named Candy Cane, became her second. Flodge continued her experiments on less fortunate stick figures, sticks with a lot less of a profile. Sticks with less notoriety. Sticks who no one would notice. Even better, this would get society on her side since she was enhancing and helping them. It was perfect.

The drawback to getting transformed by Flodge’s invention was the partial memory wipe, but she didn’t care. Her army was growing, and even better, society didn’t even notice her experimentation. She was able to continue secluded in her lab, away from any prying eyes, exactly what she wanted. She was making progress, and she was not ready to blow it, but despite these advancements, she still found it nearly impossible to bring this globally. She needed help, and luckily for her, she knew of someone who had enough of a similar goal to her. That goal was to change the world… for their own betterment at the expense of the world.

She saw a giant explosion in a distant mountain and she and her best agents took a trek there. Among the rubble was exactly the one she was looking for.

“There he is. Bring the stretcher, boys.” She ordered. “The rest of you, examine the surrounding area. There might be something else that could be of use to us.”

She took this mysterious figure back to her lab and put him on life support. He was pretty banged up, but somehow, he was still breathing, and she was determined to revive him no matter how long it took. Some time later, her loyal second, Candy Cane, ran up to her.

“Boss! Boss!”

“Ah, Candy.” She said to the red-and-white striped stick. “How’s our new friend looking?”

“He’s awake, ma’am, and demands to speak to whoever’s in charge.” She answered.

“Perfect. I’d like to speak with him myself.” She walked into her lab where her guest still lay, barely strong enough to talk and far too weak to move. She bowed in reverence. “My Lord.”

“Who… Who are you?” He breathed coldly. His voice was deep and rough, as if he had just finished gargling sandpaper.

“I am Flodge,” she paused for a moment, “the one who saved your life.”

Chapter 2: The Patient (Third Person)

Flodge’s patient said nothing else. Flodge figured he was too weak to say anything, and she was right. Considering the shape he was in, it was a miracle he was alive in the first place. She snapped her fingers, turning herself invisible, and inspected the patient further. The most notable thing about him was what wasn’t there. He was missing half of his left arm and half of his right leg. His shade was considerably darker than what she had expected after doing her research on him. He had also suffered severe burns from the explosion and numerous deep cuts and bruises. He was in bad shape, but it would be worth it to bring him back to his former glory. She knew of her patient’s endeavors, of his own genius tech, but it wasn’t just that that drew her to him. It was his lust for power.

At his peak, the Patient was one of the most powerful stick figures ever created, and it wasn’t just his inventions that made him powerful. His creator had named him in such a way that gave him incredible power, more so than most other stick figures, be them Regulars or Misprints. He had craved chaos and world domination, something she also desired, hence, why she saved his life.

She left the lab and called her best and smartest doctor.

“Bishop!” A white-and-blue chessboard stick figure ran up.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Keep an eye on the Patient. He’s in critical condition. I want him brought back to his peak, and I don’t care how long it takes.”

“Right on it, ma’am. How bad is he?”

“He’s hanging on by a thread. You’d think he got hit by a dynamite truck that then exploded and then got hit by a gas tanker which ignited.”

“That’s quite the description. My men and I will get right on it.” Bishop vowed. He called his fellow chessboard sticks and all of them flooded into the lab.

Days turned into weeks, and then into months. While Flodge’s army stagnated, this was deliberate. She had found someone with the power of a chess player’s queen and needed him to join the army. She didn’t want more lackeys, more pawns to her arsenal, she wanted the Patient. Over time, the Patient was given prosthetic limbs to replace the ones he lost, and while he was still in bad shape, it no longer hurt so much to talk. Bishop returned to Flodge with news about the Patient’s progress.

“Boss, the Patient has some questions for you.”

“Excellent. I wish to talk to him as well.” Flodge strolled into the lab. The Patient was still lying on his back, chessboard sticks surrounded him, constantly monitoring his progress. The Patient looked up at her.

“You’re back…” he breathed coldly.

“Of course. Why would I abandon my pet project?”

“I’m no one’s pet project. I work alone.”

“We can take you off your life support, if you are so intent on working alone.” Flodge smirked.

“What do you want from me? Why did you save me?”

“We have the same goal, you and I: world domination. Being on top of the world will demand respect for my race... Misprints. However, I want nothing more than to be your humble servant when you are at full strength again.”

“Full strength? I will never reach those highs I once was at. My army was destroyed in the blink of an eye… all at the hands of one superpowered stick figure…”

“What? There’s someone more powerful than you?” Flodge asked, shocked. In her research, she had conveniently stopped part way through. “No matter. My team and I will find him.”

“No… I’m still too weak. I cannot fight him. He would destroy me.” The Patient breathed heavily, his heart rate starting to rise. “I need my weapons.”

“We will find them, but what if I told you I could do you one better?”

“What do you mean?”

“We could give you your enemy’s power. We would be unstoppable.” Flodge suggested.

“‘We?’ I told you, I work alone, and once I get healthy again, I intend to conquer the world without your help.” The Patient insisted. “I would have, too.”

“You did so with your own army. I have an army.”

“You think these puny stick figures could come even close to what I made? If I had my blades, I could remove them, I could remove you, from existence.”

“Yet without us, you would’ve died on that mountain. What do you say, My Lord?” Flodge bowed in reverence.

“Don’t expect flattery to work. Once I get well enough, I’m bolting out of here.”

“OK, but if I were you, I would hope not to cross with your enemy. I can get him out of the picture for you. Maybe even convince him to work for us.”

“There’s no way he’d work for me.” The Patient retaliated.

“You’d be surprised at what I can do.” Flodge said. “Think about it. I’ll be back later, and while you’re thinking, I want to give you some food for thought. I can take your power away, too.” She left the lab. Bishop met her outside. “The Patient is a feisty one, not easy to work with. Maybe he needs a little more… convincing.” She told him.

“Are you sure, ma’am? In his condition, that would be an incredible risk.” Bishop warned.

“One way or another, he’s joining us.” Flodge replied. “I guarantee you that.”

Chapter 3: An Unlikely Alliance (Third Person)

The next day, Flodge returned to the lab, the Patient still lying on his back, too weak to move or anything of the sort.

“Good morning, My Lord.” Flodge said, bowing once again. The Patient breathed coldly.

“You… When I get my hands on you…”

“I could kill you if I wanted to, just leave you to your own devices. You would’ve died if not for me.”

“You think you’re all that. You’re not. You are nothing compared to me.” The Patient threatened.

“How about I even the odds a bit?” Flodge suggested. “How about I take your powers for myself? Bring in the extractor, boys!” Several chessboard sticks wheeled in what she called, “The Extractor.” She used this to remove the patterns on Misprints, reverting them normal. She figured she could do the same with the Patient. The chessboard sticks powered it up, and once the machine started whirring, the Patient’s cold, red eyes widened with fear. How was he supposed to dominate the world without his powers? “What do you say, My Lord? Will you take on an apprentice now?” The Patient realized he had no choice, as he was still too weak to fight back.

“Fine!” He spat. “But I’m not happy about it.”

“That’s what I thought.” She called off the Extractor. “Now tell me, who defeated you, so I can bring him here for our newfound benefit?”

“Someone who looks very similar to me, except he’s orange. My younger brother…”

“I will find him.” Flodge promised. “And anyone else who cares tries to defend him.”

“No! I just want him. Something… awakened in him once I terminated his friends… Can you guarantee that his powers will not awaken?” the Patient asked.

“Yes, I am sure. My men and I will research him. As for you, My Lord, we won’t capture him until you’re at 100% health.”

“In the meantime…” the Patient added, “find my weapons. I look forward to impaling him… personally.”

“My men are looking for them now. You shall have your revenge, and we shall emerge victorious.” Flodge promised.

“You had better, otherwise consider yourself my former apprentice.” the Patient threatened. With that, Flodge left the lab and returned to her desk. Once there, she called her head person on the mission to find the Patient’s weapons.

“Polly! Give me answers!” She ordered. Polly was a polka-dotted stick figure who led the group to investigate the crater where the weapons were last seen.

“My men and I have been searching non-stop for days.” Polly told her. “So far, no luck. It’s possible that they got destroyed in the explosion.”

“I will not accept that. They must be found. Find them now!”

“Yes, ma’am. We will work double-time on finding it.”

“I look forward to examining this technology of our Patient’s.” Flodge added. “You remember what happens to people who disappoint me.”

“We’ll find it.” Polly promised. Flodge hung up without responding.

“This army is lacking.” She sighed deeply. “I am a Queen with nothing but Pawns. My King had better be on the right track, otherwise, the world will not be conquered. This will work, we have time, and the Patient’s wounds will take a while to heal. Soon enough, the world will be bowing at our feet.”

Chapter 4: Rehabilitation (Third Person)

Time passed, but some things were not going Flodge’s way. A few days after being forced to pick up the pace, the Patient’s weapon was found, but it was practically destroyed. Its remains were promptly returned to the factory to be inspected and studied, but Flodge was not pleased with it.

“It’s destroyed! What am I going to tell the Patient?” Flodge demanded. She then sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll analyze it.”

She took it into the lab. She had to know how it was made. She was not going to disappoint the Patient. Every piece was proverbially dissected so that a copy could be made, but even her genius could not make heads or tails out of it. Furious, she pounded the table in anger. What was the Patient going to say?

She entered the lab one day and told him the news.

“My Lord… I have found your weapon.” The Patient’s red eyes opened.

“Good…” He breathed. “I look forward to driving it through someone’s body.”

“It’s annihilated beyond belief.” Flodge nervously added. The Patient became enraged.

“You idiot! How am I to terminate my enemies without it?” A fiery ball began forming in his hand.

“My Lord, your powers… they’re returning.” He stopped and looked at his hand.

“Hmmm… Yes… and I know who to use them on.”

Flodge snapped her fingers, turning herself invisible, and then grabbed him by the neck, choking him.

“You forget that I don’t need you. I can sap your powers away at a moment’s notice.” She said coldly. “In fact, maybe I should.” She tightened her grip. The Patient gasped for breath. “You forget that while you might be the King, I am the Queen. I have all the power. Remember your role before you get checkmated.” The Patient, practically suffocating, begrudgingly agreed.

“OK…” He choked out before Flodge let go.

Months passed, and over that time, the Patient slowly but steadily improved in his health. He was fitted with a prosthetic arm and leg and his powers slowly returned. Flodge continuously monitored his progress, and week by week, he recovered his strength. She had her martial arts specialists, Punisher the Plaid and the twins, Zig and Zag train with him.

The first several sessions went badly for the Patient. He quickly got decked by Punisher his first time out, but his rage fueled him and he soon found his footing. Day after day, he got used to his prosthetics and began using them to his advantage. He even was able to keep up with Zig and Zag and their agility. Flodge was impressed. He was turning a corner and returning to his former glory. He was on the upswing.

It took a long time, but the Patient was back on his feet. This solved one problem, but there was another problem that they had to solve: his weapon. It was annihilated, and the Patient himself admitted that he had spent years on it. Flodge agreed to help, and they got to work on it. It was more complicated than Flodge had anticipated. The Patient proved to be quite the mastermind himself, and even with the two of them working together on it, it took them months to recreate his weapon. However, they successfully did it.

With the weapon finished, it was time for the Patient to try it. He applied it to his non-prosthetic wrist and powered himself up. Flodge sent a wave of no-name plaids at him and had them fight the Patient and the weapon. He ignited his weapon, making it into a blade, and after a quick tussle with the plaids, he drove it through one of their chests. The other plaids gasped, but Flodge applauded.

“Well done, My Lord. You seem to be back to your old self.”

“Yes. YES! I feel empowered! I haven’t had this power in years! Now, my loyal servant, I must have revenge.”

“I agree. We shall become all-powerful.”

“Bring me my brother.” The Patient said. “I will grind him to dust if I have to.”

“Well, I don’t know where he is, but I know who to call. Four of the best hunters in the business.” Flodge answered. She left and called the quartet of hunters she was referring to. On the other side of the line, someone picked up.

“Shades here.”

“Agent Shades, this is Flodge. I have a job for you and your team.”

“You have our interest. What’s your price?” She told him. “Nope. We have another offer, and that one is far, far bigger.”

“I’ll match it.”

“Just matching it? That’s it? Our services are off the table.” Shades hung up. Flodge furiously slammed the phone down as she hung up, swearing to herself. Once her rage ended, she decided to look some more into the Patient’s target.

“Who are these friends of his, anyway?” Doing her research, she learned of four main stick figures who did practically everything with him, along with two more who seemed to be close friends of his. Aside from one who was taller than the others, their colors enraged her. They were the bright colors of the rainbow, even named as such, aside from the one who was unique because of his ring-shaped head, but even then, he was nicknamed by his color.

Being a Misprint, she always had something against Regulars and their solid colors, but she overcame it and had developed an empire for herself. What she really hated was the colors of the rainbow. The color wheel was the foundation of all other Regulars, everything from the cleanest white to the deepest black. Even more demeaning, they called themselves the Rainbow Squad. This could not stand. She had finally found them, but even more importantly, she found the Patient’s brother.

Despite Shades not being available at the moment, the opportunity would soon arise several days later when Flodge got a call. She picked it up.

“Flodge? Is that offer still on the table?” It was Agent Shades.

“So you’re crawling back to me, eh?” Flodge asked.

“Let’s just say, my team’s services have just opened up.” He replied.

“Perfect. I look forward to working with you.” Flodge hung up. “Candy!” Her second in command ran up.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“I need you to wait for the hunters I hired. Once they arrive, bring them to me.”

Chapter 5: Familiar Targets (Agent Shades)

My men and I flew in the direction of Flodge’s laboratory. We were reeling from the loss of Vic, practically retreating with our tails between our legs. None of us were happy about it, but Ballista was the most salty. He has always been the wildest, the most insane out of all of us, the one to shoot first, second, and third before asking questions fourth. However, having seen the orange one’s power firsthand, I knew we had no chance against him and we had to retreat, especially after what he did to Vic. Besides, our paychecks were vaporized with Vic’s defeat. We had no reason to stay and chose survival over money, especially since all the money in the world means nothing if you’re dead.

Riding our speeder bikes, it wasn’t long before we arrived at Flodge’s lab. Anything that fills our pockets, especially after our most recent paycheck slipped through our fingers, we are in for, and Flodge promised to match what Vic was initially paying us. We parked our bikes and we headed inside, and what we saw caught all of us off-guard. We were surrounded by all different types of Misprints, more than I had ever seen before. It was a little unsettling. How was she able to gather so many? I pushed my doubts out of my mind and was soon greeted by a red-and-white striped stick figure.

“You must be the Mercenaries. Flodge would like to speak with you,” she said.

“Good, because my men and I would like to see her as well.” I replied.

“Follow me. She is in her office.” She led the way. CaveStick and Ballista joined me, but Pedestrian was a bit more reserved.

“Sir, what is going on here?” He asked me. “All these Misprints… I’m skeptical…”

“It doesn’t matter what they look like. What matters is our future payment. That’s what we live for, after all.” I told him. “Now shut up. No one is paying you to ask questions.”

The red-and-white striped stick led us to a room and told us that Flodge was within. I knocked, and heard her voice.

“Enter.” She said. We walked in, and there was the creator of this company behind a desk. “Ah, the Mercenaries. Thank you for coming… even though it took a while.”

“Who’s our bounty?” Ballista asked.

“Whoa, whoa, someone’s quick off the draw.” Flodge noted, rising from her chair. “My mission for you is simple. I need you four to find and capture this stick figure.” She showed us a picture of the orange stick we had imprisoned. “Do you know him?”

“Yes, we have experience with him.” I said, nodding. “I took him out easily. He should be no problem.”

“‘Easily?’ I’m surprised. I have heard he has incredible power.”

“He didn’t get the opportunity to use them against me and my men here. We overwhelmed him with our superior numbers and skills.”

“Most impressive.” She added. “I trust you four can do the same thing again?”

“We will not fail.” CaveStick claimed.

“You had better not.” She opened the door. “Follow me, and we’ll discuss your payment.” She led us down a hall into another room. “I have someone over here who has seen the full weight of the orange one’s powers. He is not afraid to kill, so I’d recommend not failing him.” She opened a door to another room, and in it I saw someone I recognized, though not from past experience. While looking through The Chosen One’s memories, I noticed a Hollow-Head get blasted by the orange one, and though this one looked a lot more banged up compared to his video counterpart, it was still the same person.

Flodge bowed before this Hollow-Head. “My Lord, here are the bounty hunters who will bring us your brother.”

The Hollow-Head breathed deeply. “Good. You had better not fail me, or else.” He ignited something on his arm, and a giant, triangular blade emitted from his hand. This was clearly someone to not be taken lightly, though I never knew his full capabilities.

“We won’t.” I assured him. “Speaking of, what about our payment, Flodge? My men and I like being compensated for our work.”

“You have to prove your worth, first.” Flodge replied. “What happened at your last job?”

“That orange stick figure happened, that’s what. He destroyed our boss.” I answered.

“Where were you during this event?” the Hollow-Head asked.

“We were doing our job. We were assured that our boss, a Hollow-Head like you, could handle it. We were wrong.”

“You worked for another Hollow-Head? My brother, Chosen?”

“No, our old boss’s name was victim.” I replied.

“Hmm…” the Hollow-Head sighed. “I’ve never heard of him. No matter. You won’t fail me, will you?” He leaned closer to me, so close my shades were getting foggy from his breath.

“Back off. You don’t want to mess with this.” I whipped out my baton and spun it around.

“And you don’t want to mess with me.” He ignited a blade on his arm. Flodge stepped between us before it could escalate.

“My Lord, let’s give them a chance. They have experience with him. Maybe they know how to counteract his powers.” The Hollow-Head backed off and sighed.

“Alright… Let’s see what they got.” He said.

The next several days involved me and my men showing our abilities in different training sessions. We showed off our speed, strength, and fighting ability to them, and while Flodge was impressed, the Hollow-Head was not, at least, not yet. He was determined to face off against me and my men, and he chose to do it without his blades, claiming it would be more of a “fair fight.” We agreed, and he squared off in the battle-testing chamber.

“We got him outnumbered, men. Just trust your instincts, and how we were trained.” I told them.

“Screw instincts! I want to face this guy head on!” Ballista said eagerly. He then bolted, shooting at him with his head gun.

“I guess we’re doing this.” I charged at the Hollow-Head, CaveStick and Pedestrian followed behind me. It turns out this Hollow-Head had some impressive power. He shot fireballs at us, flew into the air with fire from his non-prosthetic hand, and even his basic fighting skills were on par with Pedestrian’s, the best hand-to-hand fighter we have. He even turned my own Photoshop abilities against me, though I was able to counter them. He is clearly powerful, more than I thought when I saw him in The Chosen One’s memories. The fight between us was mostly a draw until the Hollow-Head took the upper hand late and pinned me to the wall. He ignited his sword, but before he could drive it through me, we were cut off.

“Stop!” Flodge called from up above. The Hollow-Head turned his blade off, and Flodge descended to our level. “Well done, I am impressed with all of you. My Lord, you are relentless. You seem to be back to your normal self. And Shades, you and your men seem like the right men for the job. Bring us the orange stick figure… alive.”

“And our payment?” I asked.

“Consider it doubled if you do it well.” She promised.

“No doubt his friends will be after us. They were last time, but they are no match for us. They are puny stick figures without powers and fighting skills that cannot compare to mine.”

“‘His friends?’ A quartet of brightly-colored stick figures?” The Hollow-Head asked.

“Yes, but they’re nothing compared to us.” I insisted.

“They’re dead.” The Hollow-Head protested. “I drove my blade through them and disintegrated them myself. What colors are they?”

“Red, yellow, blue, and green.” I answered.

“Liar! I killed them! They should no longer exist!” The Hollow-Head shouted.

“Perhaps this orange one is stronger than we all thought.” I theorized. Either that or he has friends of similar colors, but I have seen his power. It was nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Perhaps our first bounty, ‘The Chosen One,’ was keeping information from us.

“Regardless of his power level, I look forward to seeing his power drained.” Flodge said. “Now, find him and bring him here!”

“Yes, boss.” My men and I left for our bikes and, upon reaching them parked outside, we climbed onto them.

“Sir, you think we can handle the orange stick?” Pedestrian asked.

“Considering we decked him the first time we faced off against him, it should be no problem.” We took off into the sky, heading toward the portal marked ALANSPC, the home of the orange stick and the final resting place of our old boss. This one cost us our biggest paycheck yet, so this… this was personal. The orange one would pay for what he did.

Chapter 6: Red's Remorse (King)

It’s been a few weeks since the events involving me, the Rainbow Squad, and Vic, and in that time, things have settled back down in both of our households. My son and I are back home and we have returned to our daily routines, and judging from the texts from the Gang, they are also doing well. We are still so grateful for Purple and what he did for us, but ever since then, I’ve been extra protective of him. I nearly lost him… twice now, and I do not want to experience that for a third time. I’m his father. It’s my job to protect him, but Purple has told me that someday, he has to spread his wings and fly. And he’s not referring to his elytra. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. I can’t protect him forever, but as long as I have him and the entire Rainbow Squad in my life, I’ll fight for them with every breath I’ve got.

The day started off normally enough. After eating breakfast with Purple, he told me he was going to visit the guys.

“Hang on. I’ll come with you.” I told him.

“Daaad, I don’t need an escort.” Purple moaned, rolling his eyes.

“It’s not that, Prince. I want to visit the guys with you. I haven’t been back there since… well, Vic attacked us. Can we not spend just one day together? As a family?” I asked. Purple sighed, but then smiled.

“Yeah. I’d like that. It’ll be fun.” We grabbed our elytra, descended the ladder, and flew through our portal in the basement into the Nether and then to the Gang’s portal leading to their computer. We put away our elytra and Purple stepped through it, and I followed. “Anyone home?” He called. I saw the Gang around a table, seemingly finishing their breakfast. They turned to face us.

“Purple!” Green called. Purple and I dropped onto the taskbar.

“King! It’s been a while!” SC said, running up to us. The rest of the Gang followed.

“Yeah, not since Vic was here, I don’t think.” Yellow guessed.

“Yep. Not since this little guy here” I grabbed Purple and gave him a quick noogie, “became a hero.”

“Daaad…” Purple moaned. The Gang laughed, and Purple did as well.

“Honestly, Purple, I’m a little bit jealous.” Red admitted. “I wish I had that kind of relationship you have with your dad.”

“Hey, you have us.” Blue said.

“Yeah, but you’re my brothers, not a father like King. Besides, you have Yellow, Blue. We all know you two are best friends, and the Secondaries have each other. Where does that leave me?”

“Red, Red, don’t say that, buddy.” I walked up to him, putting my hand on his shoulder. “You’re one of us, part of our family. You’re still the heart of our team, one who fights harder and loves deeper than any of us. If I can be a part of your family, after all I did to you, you’re a beloved brother, loved by all of us, through and through.” Red looked up at me, his eyes filling with tears.

“Can I have a royal noogie?” He asked.

“‘May I,’ Red. It’s ‘May I.’” Yellow corrected.

“Lay off, bro.” Green scolded. Yellow chuckled.

“If it’s fine with Purple. That’s usually our thing.” I said.

“He’s my brother, Dad. That makes him your son, too.” Purple insisted.

“OK, Reddy Bear. Just so long as you won’t sock me in the face.” I grabbed and noogied him. He laughed, and we did as well. His energy is so infectious.

“You always have your pets, Red.” SC offered.

“And, even more importantly, you have us.” Blue added. “The Primaries.”

“And us, the entire Rainbow Squad!” Purple said, raising his arms. “And you know how the rainbow starts? With Red.” Red dried his eyes.

“Thanks, fellas. You guys are the best friends a guy could ask for.” He said. “What do you guys want to do?”

“Purple, you’re our guest. What do you want?” SC asked. Purple thought for a moment.

“Reddy Bear, do you have any spawn eggs?”

The next half-hour to an hour was spent playing with Red’s pets: cats, dogs, parrots, you name it. It was so much fun, and I never knew how much I loved the feeling of a dog’s fur or the sound of cats purring softly in one’s lap. It was so cute, and Red was having the most fun out of all of us. The rest of us were also enjoying ourselves, but our fun was abruptly halted. We heard a sound, and Red’s pets scurried off. We got up, and glanced over at the Bedrock wall covering the entrance to the Outernet. It was starting to glitch and flicker, and I didn’t know why.

“What is happening?” Purple asked.

“Stay behind me, Purple. Whatever’s coming though, it cannot be good.” I told him.

“Those glitches…” SC noted. “They look like… Oh no…” I saw his eyes widen with fear.

“What is it, SC?” Green asked.

“I have a feeling… they’re here for me.” SC replied.

“‘They?’ Enough of these riddles, SC! Would you please spill the beans?” Red demanded.

“Red, I think it’s… the bounty hunters who captured me.” Yellow said.

“There’s no way… We need to block the exit further!” Blue raced to grab the Minecraft Game Icon, but it was too late. The Bedrock wall was so glitchy it started to disappear, and the bounty hunters stepped through it.

“You…” SC breathed, shocked. “What are you doing here?!”

“We’ve come for you, orange stick figure.” The sunglasses-clad one answered. He was referring to SC, and not to me.

“If you want him,” Red said, stepping between us, “you’ll have to get through me!”

“My my, you must still be suffering from that concussion I gave you.” Sunglasses replied.

“Red, we can’t take them on.” Yellow insisted.

“They haven’t seen us at full strength!” Green replied.

“I’m not losing my family without a fight.” Purple said, stepping out from behind me and raising his fists.

“I have a feeling they’re at full strength, too.” Blue said worriedly.

“If it’s a fight you want…” Sunglasses began.

“Guys! Guys! Stand down! I’m not putting your lives in jeopardy!” SC proclaimed. “If I come quietly, will you leave my friends alone?”

“Of course. I have no use for them.” Sunglasses assured.

“We can’t trust him, SC! He imprisoned you! And Chosen!” I insisted.

“I can’t risk your safety. You guys mean too much to me.” SC countered.

“How cute. You guys care for each other.” Sunglasses quipped. “Weaklings.”

“Our compassion for each other only makes us stronger!” Red shouted, stepping in front of SC and assuming a fighting stance.

“Red, back off.” SC told him. Red turned and saw the look SC was giving him. He begrudgingly lowered his fists. “This is my decision.” He took a step forward.

“SC, what about your… talents?” Purple asked. SC said nothing. If I recall correctly from our last adventure, SC claimed to not know how to activate them. I don’t know if he learned in the time since, but if he didn’t, I can only imagine his frustration with this fact.

“I’m yours.” SC said, raising his hands in surrender. I looked around at the others, who were staring in shock.

“Say no more.” Sunglasses paused and grabbed him, carrying him back to their bikes. “And, men… show these puny stick figures what might happen if they try to rescue their friend.”

The three other bounty hunters cracked their knuckles. We knew what was about to happen, and we prepared for a fight. Green, Yellow, and Blue stepped out from behind me, in front of even Red.

“Kids, be careful.” I warned.

“They kidnapped SC.” Green replied.

“They’re going down.” Yellow promised.

“We’d like to see you try.” Pixelated mocked. Green charged at him, and Yellow and Blue were right behind, bull-rushing at Bathroom Sign and Scribbles, respectively. However, their skills and abilities were too great. Green met a blitz of punches, all aiming for the head, knocking him out, and Yellow was no match for Bathroom Sign’s hand-to-hand skills, getting punched, kicked, and uppercutted one after the other, also falling unconscious. As for Blue, he met a shower of arrows and a Scribble guy who is surprisingly buff. Blue took some swipes at Scribbles, missed, and was grabbed by the head and slammed on the ground, also getting knocked out cold.

I was shocked. I couldn’t recall facing a foe, or a group of foes, this deadly since either Herobrine and his clones or the Squad with their Minecraft allies. I grabbed Red and pulled him behind me, where Purple was still standing, shielding them, which wasn’t easy since both of them were equally eager to get vengeance for SC’s capture and for their friends.

“Guys, stay behind me.” I ordered. “I’m not losing either of you.”

“And we’re not losing SC!” Red insisted, trying to wrench himself from my grip.

“Red, calm down. Unhinged rage won’t help us.” Purple said. The hunters closed in, slowly backing us into a corner.

“Back off!” I shouted. “You don’t know what we’re capable of!”

“You guys are capable of something?” Pixelated quipped.

“Aside from being punching bags?” Scribbles added.

“Yeah, thanks for the warm-up.” Bathroom Sign said.

“Why you little…” Red loosened himself and bolted from behind me, punching and kicking wildly. Bathroom Sign effortlessly dodged him and then went on the offensive himself, grabbing and shocking Red, which is something I never expected him to do, and then clocked him across the face. He was out, too.

“Stay behind me, Purple. I won’t let them get to you.” I said. They closed in. I glanced over at Purple, and he looked terrified. For a tough kid like him, it was rare for him to look so scared, and seeing him like this broke my heart.

“Dad… if we don’t survive… I love you.” Purple said weakly, wrapping an arm around me. While I didn’t show it, I shared his level of fear.

“I love you too.” I replied. Suddenly, Scribbles and Pixelated lunged at us, making short work of us. I watched helplessly as Purple was stolen from me by Pixelated and got the Green treatment, a flurry of punches, mostly to the body and face, before falling. Scribbles lifted me up, grabbing me by the neck, and looked me dead in the eye.

“If you try to rescue your friend,” he began, “we won’t be so merciful the second time around.”

With that, he delivered a powerful punch across my face. That was the last thing I remember before slipping into unconsciousness.

Chapter 7: The Weapon Returns (Red)

I don’t know what happened. The last thing I remember is getting decked by the guy I’ve seen on bathroom signs. That was one of the more embarrassing moments of my life, for sure, but I eventually woke up. I rubbed my head, slowly recovering. It felt like I got run over by a truck head first.

“Ow… oh…” I winced. My vision slowly returned. I didn’t know how long I was out, and I quickly looked around. SC was gone, and my friends were lying on the ground around me. Seeing them around me freaked me out. “Oh no. No, no, no, no…” I quickly checked their pulses. Their hearts were beating and they were still breathing, but they were out cold and SC was in danger. I ran over to Purple, grabbed him and shook him, trying to wake him up. “Purple! Buddy! Please wake up!” It didn’t work, nor did it work for anyone else. As the seconds passed, I felt myself panic more and more. I had to do something. “Calm down, Red.” I said to myself. “Breathe.” I took some deep breaths and racked my brain, trying to find a solution to wake the guys up. My mind kept going back to splashing a bucket of water on them, like in cartoons, but I quickly discarded it because of cartoon logic. I tried thinking of something else, but my mind was too frantic to work properly, so I eventually settled on a water bucket. “It’s worth a shot.”

I hurried over to the Minecraft Icon and grabbed several buckets of water from it. “Please work, please work, please work…” I said as I poured the water onto the ground next to Purple and King. In classic Minecraft fashion, it spread over a wide area, washing over the two of them. I quickly scooped the water back up before either of them could inhale the water, but surprisingly, it worked and Purple and King started to wake up.

“Ow… Oh my… what happened?” Purple asked, rubbing his head and sitting up.

“Purple!” I threw my arms around him, crying tears of joy. He hugged me back.

“Reddy Bear… Thanks, but be careful. My body is aching.” Purple said.

“Sorry! Sorry, sorry, sorry!” I frantically apologized. “Are you OK?”

“For the most part… yeah. I’ll survive.”

“Thank the Animator!” I helped him to his feet and then turned around to see King, also sitting up. “King! Are you OK?” I hugged him and helped him to his feet.

“Is Purple good?” He asked. I stepped to the side to show Purple to him. “Purple!” He ran over and hugged him. Purple hugged him back. “Are you OK?”

“I’ll be fine. Thanks, Dad.”

“Oh, Purple, I’m sorry-” King began. Purple cut him off.

“No need to apologize, Dad. You did what you could. We were no match for them.”

“But I’m your father! It’s my job to protect you!” King sighed deeply, and I could see tears forming in his eyes. “What kind of father am I?” I felt my eyes well up. I had to comfort him.

“King, we were overmatched. There was nothing you could’ve done. We tried our best, but we couldn’t have beaten them. They are the stick figure equivalent of a runaway freight train. There’s no stopping that.” I told him.

“If nothing else, Dad,” Purple added, “you protected me from a life of trying to please someone who didn’t even want me or love me. That means more to me than I can say.” King dried his eyes.

“Thanks, kiddo. I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.” They hugged. The whole scene was so cute, but then I remembered the other Gang members. Using the same water bucket technique, I woke them up as well.

“Owww… that was not pleasant.” Yellow groaned, rubbing his head.

“I can agree.” Green affirmed.

“Guys! Are you two OK?” Blue wondered.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Yellow answered. “How about you, Blue?”

“Sore for now, but I’ll recover.” Blue replied.

“Guys! You’re OK!” I ran over to them, helped each of them to their feet, and hugged each of them, tears flowing down my face.

“Reddy Bear!” They said in unison.

“How are you feeling, Red?” Blue asked.

“My mind is going a mile a minute, but physically, I am ready for Round 2 with those guys!”

“That’s our Red.” Yellow said, smiling. Purple and King walked up behind me.

“I’m glad to see you guys are OK.” King said. Purple nodded in agreement.

“Thanks, dude.” Green replied, straightening himself out. “Purple, you’re good, too?”

“Physically, I’ve been better, but I’ll manage. Emotionally, no. I just lost SC.” Purple answered.

“We all did, Purple.” Blue said.

“But we’re going to get him back!” I claimed, determined.

“But how? We’re no match for those guys.” Yellow noted.

“Yellow, you’re supposed to be the one with answers, not questions.” Green said.

“We need more firepower… more weaponry… more something…” I said, racking my brain for a solution.

“Weaponry…” King said. “Red, that’s it!”

“What’s it?” I asked.

“Something we can use to fight them.” King elaborated. “Yellow, where’s your bedroom?”

“I’ll show you.” Yellow led King inside our house, and the rest of us followed. We stopped at Yellow's bedroom. “Here it is. What are you getting at?” King stepped inside.

“An old friend of mine.” He grabbed something from Yellow’s room and showed it to us. “I never thought I would need this thing ever again.”

“Your old staff!” Yellow gasped.

“They messed with my family.” King seethed. “They messed with the lion pride. They are gonna get the teeth and claws.”

“Is a Command Block strong enough?” Purple asked. I glanced over and saw the Minecraft game icon in the taskbar where SC left it after the Battle for Minecraft.

“How about that?” I asked, pointing at the MGI.

“Yes.” King nodded. “They have no idea what they got themselves into.” He took out the Command Block and handed it to Yellow. He stuck it into that space behind his back where we pull out things whenever we need them, like in cartoons.

“I’ll hold on to this, in case we need it.” Yellow said.

“Thanks, Yellow.” King said. “I’m not sure what will happen if we combine the block and staff here. I’ll wait until we reach the Outernet.”

“Do we need more power?” I wondered.

“What do you mean, Red?” Green asked.

“Well, I know a guy who also has an MGI.” I elaborated, shuttering at the thought. While it was my idea, I remembered how much damage the Double MGI caused us.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Red!” Blue protested. “Do you know how insane that is?”

“Since when has unknown insanity stopped me?” I replied. “They kidnapped SC, our leader… our brother…” I felt myself start to cry again, but I had to keep myself composed. “If you think I’m not going to fight for my family, we clearly don’t know each other that well.”

“I’m with Red.” Purple agreed. “I’m not losing any one of you… not again… not that easily.”

“But, Red, you have a good point. We need a leader.” Yellow noted. “Who should it be?”

“I think it should be King.” Green suggested. “He’s the oldest, he can wield his Staff well, and he, like SC, protects his family.”

“I agree.” Purple added. “I’ve seen Dad’s leadership skills. He led an army of Piglins. He’s the best choice.” We Primaries nodded. It made the most sense for King to assume this role. “Well, Dad?” King looked at us and nodded.

“I will get us SC back, or die trying.” He stood tall and straight. “Though with the power of Minecraft, I don’t think I can die.”

“Yeah, you survived a Netherite block to the face with barely a scratch.” I noted. I remember that moment vividly, since I was the one who delivered it.

“Yeah. You pack quite the punch. Thanks, kids. Red, get the other MGI.”

“They think they’ve seen us at full strength.” I said, nodding. “They haven’t even scratched the surface.”

Chapter 8: Second Coming and Second Thoughts (Third Person)

After pausing and capturing SC, Agent Shades put him on his speeder bike and told the other Mercs to deal with the rest of the Gang, Purple, and King. The hunters made short work of them and returned to their bikes, flying with Shades back to Flodge’s lab. It had taken longer than anticipated, but they were finally about to receive their payment for a job well done.

Back at the lab, Flodge and Candy prepared for SC’s arrival. They set up Flodge’s device designed to sap power from any stick figure, reverting them more normal than regular stick figures. They set up a metal table complete with cuffs for SC’s wrists and ankles, like a torture chamber. This fact was something Candy noticed, and as she was helping her superior, she brought it up.

“Boss… I’ve been thinking…” Candy said cautiously.

“About what?” Flodge asked.

“Why are we doing this?”

“To bring justice to the world! To give Misprints like me respect! Well, like us.”

“Yeah, but surely giving us powers is enough. What do you need this orange stick figure for?” Candy wondered.

“I don’t pay you to ask questions, Candy.” Flodge answered tersely. “I pay you to do what you’re told, and if you want to rock the boat, I can send you adrift just as easily. Bishop is just as qualified for my second in command, and you are expendable. You got it?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up again.”

“Good.” Flodge opened the last cuff and powered up her machine. “It’s ready. Where are the hunters I hired?”

“I’ll wait for them.” Candy promised. She left, but questions still flooded her mind. What were they doing to this orange stick figure? Surely there was another way to bring justice, right? What did this guy do wrong? She had seen pictures and videos of him, and to her, he didn’t seem that bad. What did he do to deserve this? Was it simply because he was solid-colored? Or was there something else?

Despite her skepticism, Candy pushed them out of her mind. This was her family, people just like her. Why would she betray them? Plus, she was one of the highest people at a prestigious company. Why risk her situation? She ultimately decided that it was best to keep her mouth shut. Knowing Flodge, and her determination, she would not let anyone get in her way, and there was also the Patient with his deletion blade. ‘That thing could remove me from existence. I’m not risking my life unnecessarily.’ Candy thought. ‘Just roll with it. That’s the best course of action.’

It wasn’t long before the Mercs returned, SC in tow.

“Where’s Flodge? We have our bounty.” Shades bluntly asked Candy.

“She’s this way, inside the testing chamber.” Candy answered. She led the hunters to the testing chamber, where Flodge was waiting. She joined her boss.

“Ah, you have returned.” Flodge said.

“Yep, and we have the orange stick figure. He put up surprisingly little resistance.” Shades replied.

“We took care of his friends. They won’t be here for a while.” Ballista said.

“I’d be surprised if they could find us.” CaveStick added.

“They probably never well.” Pedestrian nodded.

“Put him onto the table.” Flodge gestured to the metal table she had set up previously. “We shall begin the extraction process shortly.”

‘The extraction process?’ Candy thought. ‘What exactly were they extracting? His power? What will that do to him?’

“We did our job.” Shades said, putting SC flat on his back on the table. “Where’s our payment?”

“Yes, yes, we’ll get to that. Candy, fetch my checkbook!” Flodge ordered as she clamped the cuffs around SC’s wrists and ankles.

“Yes, ma’am.” Candy left to get it.

“Well… hold on. I’ve done my research on this guy. He has a group of friends who does everything with him.” Flodge said to the Mercs.

“We are aware. We saw them, but as my men said, they were taken care of.” Shades replied.

“We did that personally.” Ballista insisted.

“Still, I would not be surprised if they attempted to rescue their orange friend.” Flodge said. “To earn your payment, I want you four to make sure they do not get in my way.”

“They won’t. Trust us.” Pedestrian scoffed.

“They are little more than speed bumps on the road to success.” CaveStick confidently added. “Little more than twigs.”

“Well, make sure they stay that way.” Flodge commanded. “Nothing shall interfere.” Candy returned with the checkbook.

“You asked for this, ma’am?” She handed it to Flodge, who took it.

“Yes, thank you.” Flodge said before turning her attention to the Mercs. “Like I said, nothing shall get it my way. Make sure of that, and your payment will triple. For each of you.” The Mercs looked at each other and nodded.

“Deal.” Shades said. The two of them shook hands.

“Good. Candy, tell my Lord that his brother is here. I’m sure he’d like to hear of our advancements.” Flodge ordered.

“Yes, ma’am.” She disappeared. With her gone, Flodge gave one last instruction to the Mercs.

“Keep an eye on her. She’s been asking questions. Make sure she stays in line.” She said.

“Got it.” Shades said. “Men, start patrolling the area. This will be the easiest paycheck we’ve ever collected.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Elsewhere, Candy slowly walked to the Patient’s room, not using her striped speed to allow her more time to think. Her mind seemed to wrestle with itself between thoughts of standing up to Flodge and simply going along for the ride for her own safety. She eventually arrived at the Patient’s room.

“Patient, your brother is here and in chains.” She said. The Patient looked up at her through his piercing, blazing red eyes.

“Excellent. Take me to him.” He replied. “I look forward to seeing him drained.”

“Yes, Sir.” She led the Patient back to the testing chamber.

Meanwhile, Flodge and Shades remained with SC.

“Shall I unpause him?” Shades asked.

“Yes.” Flodge answered, snapping her fingers to turn herself invisible. Shades did as instructed, and SC snapped awake.

“What’s going on? Where am I?” He tried moving, but found himself pinned down on a table. He then saw Shades on the other side of the room. “You… What do you want from me?”

“Oh, I just want my payment for this. I’m looking forward to that.” Shades said.

“Who do you work for? Tell me!” SC demanded.

“They’ll reveal themself in time.” Shades smirked. He then glanced down the hall and saw the Patient. “Oh, look at that, here’s one of them now.” SC struggled against his cuffs.

“Are my friends safe? TELL ME!!” SC shouted, tears filling his eyes.

“Pathetic. How were you blessed with almost infinite power?” Shades rolled his eyes. Candy entered the room, the Patient behind her.

“Your brother, Sir.” Candy said, presenting SC before him. SC’s eyes grew wide with shock and fear.

“No… no, it can’t be. NO! It’s impossible!” SC protested. “I killed you myself!”

“You thought, but you didn’t.” The Patient said. “You should’ve killed me when you had the chance.”

“The Dark Lord?”

“The one and only.” The Dark Lord said. “Now… shall we get down to business?”

Chapter 9: A Plan of Attack (Red)

The plan was set. I was to mail myself to AlexCrafter’s PC, borrow their block, and return with it. It felt a little weird using their block… again… but SC was in danger and I was not going to let him go without a fight. I burst out of the notification and onto Alex’s PC. Thankfully, they were gone, so I was able to slip in, grab the block, and quickly get out. As I returned, King was getting our block to work, and thankfully, he did. I saw its familiar glow, and it brought back memories. Bad memories. Thoughts lingered in my head. Was this the right move, giving King this power back? I decided that it was, now that King is in a better state of mind and considering what might be happening to SC, we had no other choice. I raised the block above my head.

“I got it, guys!” I proclaimed, racing back to them.

“Way to go, bro!” Green said, high-fiving me. “King, can you get this to work?”

“Yeah, for sure.” King did the same to the other block, and it began glowing as well.

“Before we go, King, can we grab some weapons?” Yellow asked.

“Good idea.” King handed them the block, and each of us grabbed our weapons of choice. I made sure to grab a sword, shield, and various mob spawn eggs. Blue took several potions, a bow, arrows, and a crossbow. Yellow grabbed a sword, flint and steel, and enough TNT to blow up the moon. Green made sure to collect fishing rods and a sword, and Purple found his beloved elytra, fireworks, and a sword-shield combo like me.

“We’re loaded up, Dad.” Purple said.

“Sounds good, kiddo.” King replied. “Red, you take one block, I’ll take the other.”

“Got it.” I said, nodding and showing them the block in my hands.

“Yellow, can you hold my staff?”

“Yeah, no problem.” Yellow answered.

“Thanks.” King said. “Once we reach the Outernet, Red and I should be able to fly and float. Use that ability to keep the others safe.”

“Will do, King.” I promised. “But let’s go! We have no time to waste!”

“I agree.” Green said, racing toward the portal. “C’mon, guys!” He leapt through the portal, and we all followed, King and I clinging onto their blocks like our lives depended on it. As we flew through the vortex, one thing kept pounding in my mind.

‘Maybe now, I can prove myself.’ I thought. Despite the assurance that I was part of the team, I couldn’t escape a lingering doubt in the back of my mind that made me the odd one out. I have always been different from my friends, being the most aggressive and reckless of the team, and considering my closest friends were already paired up, I felt an extra determination to show myself worthy to them. I was the odd one out, having found friends in my pets, mostly. But then something else crossed my mind.

‘Don’t think like that, Red. You are as much a part of the Rainbow Squad as everyone else is.’ This gave me pause, and I thought about it some more. Yes, I was a part of the team. I remembered when I helped save my friends when we partook in a living game of chess. I brought my friends from Monster School to help fight King in the Nether. I am an asset, I am a friend, I am the heart of the team.

“Hey Red,” I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that hearing Purple’s voice surprised me and I yelped in a high-pitched voice. “Did I startle you? Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, Purple.”

“You OK, buddy? You’re turning my mom’s shade of pink.”

“Well, aside from the minor embarrassment, I’m fine. I was just thinking.”

“About what, Reddy Bear?” Blue gently asked. Hearing my nickname gave me ease.

“I’m just contemplating my place on the team. I’ve had this thought stuck in the back of my head, and I don’t like it.” I admitted.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s it saying?” Yellow asked.

“Let’s get on the ground, then I’ll tell you.” Red stated. The light on the other end of the portal brightened, and they all shielded their eyes.

“Here we GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Green shouted, and we flew through the other end of the vortex, transporting them back to the Outernet.

We crossed into the Outernet, above a familiar location: The cliffside where The Chosen One and The Dark Lord fought their incredible duel. We fell faster and faster as we barreled toward the water below, but King and I reacted quickly. King grabbed Purple and I saved the other Fighting Sticks, returning them to the clifftop to regroup.

“OK, guys… how are we going to find SC?” Green asked. Yellow spotted the shack where he programmed Alan’s cursor into the Outernet.

“I have an idea.” Yellow said. “I can tap into SC’s phone and find out where it is. Wherever it is, that’s where SC will be.” He hurried into the shack, and we followed him.

“Yellow, my friend, you never cease to amaze me.” Blue said, patting Yellow on the back. This only amplified my feeling of being left out.

“Thanks, buddy, but I gotta get this up and running.” Yellow replied, clacking away at the keyboard.

“So, Red, what’s on your mind?” Purple asked. “You seem distracted.”

“Well… It’s just these thoughts of being left out. I told you guys about it, but it seems like I’m the ‘misfit’ in our friend group.” I explained.

“Red, nothing could be further from the truth.” Blue insisted. “You are as much a part of the Rainbow Squad as… for lack of a better phrase, any of us.”

“I know, I know…” I sighed. “It’s just… hard to shake these toxic ideas, especially when all of you are already ‘taken,’ so to speak. You and Yellow are besties, and so are the Secondaries.”

“I’m surprised to hear this from you, Red.” King noted. “You’re so full of life, energy, and love.”

“We all wrestle with something, King.” Green said. “None of us is safe.”

“Can’t argue with that, bro.” Purple agreed. “But, as for you, Red, don’t buy into that. If Dad and I can be part of the Rainbow Squad, then so can you.”

“Well, I’m not sure if I am, but I digress.” King confessed. “We need to come up with a name for the full seven of us.”

“That can wait. For now, you’re still our brother, Reddy Bear.” Yellow added, pausing his work to console me. “I cannot imagine my life without you. You’re the light of my life, of all our lives.” He gave me a hug, and I hugged him back.

“You’re still one of us: the Primaries.” Blue said, hugging me as well.

“Thanks, guys. I love you all.” I said.

“We love you too,” the others replied. Yellow and Blue released me, and Yellow got back to his work.

“So, King, what’s your plan of attack once we find where SC is?” I asked.

“Either one of two options: full force or stealth mode.” King answered. “I imagine you, Red, want to go in guns blazing.”

“There’s another form of attack?” I asked. The others laughed.

“Let’s fuse these two.” King said, squeezing the two MGIs together. The two became one, and the block glitched like it did before. “Yellow, my staff?”

“Here you go, King.” He handed him the staff. King stuck the combined MGI into his staff. A beam shot from its top, blasting a hole in the roof. We were in awe.

“I forgot how much raw power this thing has.” King said. “Those hunters won’t have a chance against us. Yellow, any progress?”

“Hold on, I’m almost done…” Yellow replied, still typing away at the keyboard. “There! I got it!”

“Where’s SC, Yellow?” Purple asked.

“He’s in some kind of laboratory building on the outskirts of Stick City.” Yellow explained, showing everyone the computer screen. On it showed a red dot highlighting where SC was. “With Creative mode, we can get there quickly.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” I said anxiously. “King, get us there! We’ve got a brother to save.” A fire burned inside my heart, a desire to rescue SC and bring our family back together. Even if my ability was a mere fraction of King’s staff, I was determined to fight with every ounce of my being.

“I agree. Kids, grab on, and hold on tight.” King floated into the air. The rest of us grabbed hold of his legs, making a human chain, and King took off toward the lab.

“Hang on, SC. Your family is coming.” Purple said. We nodded.

“And we’re bringing you home.” I said to myself.

Chapter 10: The First Floor (Third Person)

The announcement of The Dark Lord rang in SC’s ears like a gong. It wasn’t possible. SC killed him himself… he thought. Did those projections he saw of Chosen’s memories make a mistake? No, Chosen himself told him about his powers, and how he knew about them before. Was it possible that it wasn’t The Dark Lord he blitzed? If so, what happened to him? Questions flooded his mind, but only one left his mouth.

“How… How are you alive?”

“You didn’t finish the job.”

“‘Finish the job?’” SC asked. “‘Finish… the f*****g… job?!?’ I blasted you out of existence!! There was no conceivable way you could’ve survived what I did to you!”

“My apprentice found me and brought me back to my former glory.” Dark replied. “And I tell you, I have been looking forward to this day. Having you, my younger brother, tied to a table, helpless against me… I haven’t felt this way since I impaled your friends.”

“Don’t you DARE speak about my friends!” SC shouted.

“My, you have a lot of bite for someone who is strapped to a table.” Dark replied sarcastically. “I would silence you by force, but I still have use for you.”

“What are you going to do to me?”

“It’s simple. I want your power.”

“You think you can get it from me?”

“I don’t think, I know.” Dark answered. Flodge snapped her fingers, turning herself visible again in front of him.

“Your power will be ours,” she said, “and you and your friends will be helpless to stop us. Bring in the extractor, boys!” A giant machine was rolled into the room, pointed directly at SC.

“It won’t work.” SC protested. “My friends and I will stop you.”

“Have you forgotten how powerful I am?” Dark said. He ignited his blade and raised it up so SC could see it. He remembered what Dark did with it, and the memories flashed back into The Second Coming’s head. The final battle between himself and his friends against Dark, and seeing the Fighting Sticks get impaled and deleted before his eyes. Red and Blue getting the blade through their chests, Green through his neck and Yellow in his head. He was ruthless, and then SC himself met the blade, getting it stabbed through his midsection and then slashed numerously through his body. That’s when his memory blanked, up until he saw his friends sitting over him. The only reference he had was Chosen’s memories of him blasting Dark with his laser vision… at least, that's what SC thought he saw. How Dark survived the blast was beyond his comprehension.

“Begin the process.” Flodge said. The machine began powering up, and a laser started to ignite at the end of the Extractor. SC struggled against his binds.

“No! I won’t let you?” SC protested.

“I’d like to see you try.” Dark quipped. “With you out of the way, the world will bow at my feet.”

The beam turned on, hitting SC right in the chest. Green sparks began floating out of him into the laser as his power began to slowly get drained from him. Dark and Flodge watched eagerly, rubbing their hands together. Agent Shades also watched, smiling, but Candy was having second thoughts.

‘What did this stick figure do to deserve this? Also, was the Patient really named “The Dark Lord?” This cannot end well, can it?’ Candy thought. ‘It won’t end well for our enemies, that’s for sure, but surely this little stick figure can’t stop us, even with his power… right?’

Outside the laboratory, King, Purple, and the Fighting Sticks arrived with their new powers and weapons. They crouched down in the bushes outside to not give away their position.

“Alright, Dad, you’re our de facto leader. What’s the plan?” Purple asked. King had to choose which was superior: stealth or strength. After a moment of thought, King decided on the latter.

“I have the staff, you all have your weapons. I say let’s go aggressive. Let’s send them a message for kidnapping SC… again…” King said.

“Alright, King!” Red cheered. Green applauded the plan as well.

“What are we waiting for, guys?” Yellow asked.

“Lead the way, King!” Blue insisted, albeit a bit more unsure about it compared to his peers. King wasted no time. Riding a wave of obsidian blocks made from his staff, he burst through the front doors, his family right behind him. The Misprints within couldn’t help but take notice.

“Halt!” A chessboard stick shouted. “You do not have-” he was cut off when King swept him away with a quick flick from his staff, knocking him out.

“Alright, boys, if possible, do not harm them.” King instructed. “Unless they initiate it, then we can claim self-defense.”

“Dang it, what’s the point of bringing a diamond sword if I can’t use it?” Red whined. Various Misprints approached them.

“Boys, it looks like we have some intruders in our midst.” A plaid-printed stick said.

“Someone, sound the alarm! We’ll hold them off!” A zigzagged stick said. A striped stick raced off and raised the alarm.

“No turning back now,” Purple said.

“As if there ever was.” Red quipped.

“We need to fight them, guys.” King realized. “Pick your targets, and be careful!”

King led his friends into battle, raising his staff into the air, and struck the ground with it. Instantly, an obsidian wall formed in front of them, and he pressed it against the opposition. However, he was quick to learn that these were not normal sticks. The striped sticks were speedy and polka dotted ones teleported in front of him. Luckily, his allies covered his flanks with cover fire from Blue, TNT rain from Yellow, and aerial support from Purple. Red and Green began checking the rooms for any trace of SC, but found nothing.

“Where could he be, Red?” Green asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m not afraid to break every door down if I have to!” Red countered.

“I agree.” Green replied. King closed the obsidian wall on their enemies, encasing them in a giant obsidian cage. Purple took care of any annoying polka dotted sticks with help from his elytra, and the element of surprise.

“Any luck, guys?” King asked Green and Red.

“No, not yet.” Red answered.

At that moment, Candy, who had heard the alarms, zipped to the main lobby to investigate what was happening, and what she saw shocked her. She saw the Fighting Sticks, King, and Purple in front of a massive block of obsidian and a few polka dotted sticks lying unconscious on the floor. Terrified, she hid around a corner to prevent being seen by the team of rainbow-colored sticks, but remained close enough to overhear.

“Maybe these guys can tell us something.” King thought. He opened a one-block sized hole in the wall and cautiously peeked inside. A plaid stick grabbed at him, but Purple quickly pulled him back.

“Be careful, Dad!” Purple cried. “These guys seem to be no joke.”

“You’re right, kiddo.” King agreed. Standing a safe distance away, he asked the trapped Misprints, “Where is the orange stick figure you captured?”

“We won’t tell you anything!” A voice from within the cube protested.

“Very well.” King replied coolly. “How about we squeeze some answers out of them?”

“Yes.” Red confirmed. “I’m getting my family back!”

“‘Family?’” Candy said to herself. “This orange stick has a family?”

“Alrighty then.” King said. He raised his staff, and the obsidian walls began getting smaller and smaller. The sticks inside began to panic, realizing what was happening to them and the fact that they were no match against King’s power.

“We give! We give!” A different voice pleaded out. “I’ll tell you everything I know!”

“Yes! Good job, King!” Blue shouted, patting King on the back. King stopped closing the box.

“Where is the orange stick?” King asked.

“We don’t know! We’re loyal to our boss!” the second voice said. “We just do as we’re told!”

“Who’s your boss?” Yellow demanded to know.

“Her name is Flodge, and she has a partner, The Patient.” the second voice explained.

“Do you know what they’re doing with the orange one?” Red asked.

“No, we don’t even know where they are… but if I had to guess, they’re probably deeper in the lab, the testing chamber or something.” the first voice piped up.

“We heard that this orange stick has incredible power, and they want it.” the second voice added.

“Do you think we can trust them, Dad?” Purple asked.

“We swear! We’re telling the truth!” The first voice promised. “Just don’t turn us into stick figure pancakes! Please!” Of course, King was never planning on doing that, he just wanted to learn more about where SC was.

“We’ll see about your information, fellas. In the meantime…” King raised his staff, turning several higher-up blocks of obsidian into iron bars to allow air to pass through. “Don’t worry about suffocating… yet.”

“We don’t have time to lose, King! My best friend might be in danger!” Green said urgently.

“Your best friend? What am I, chopped liver?” Purple joked.

“You’re my #2, bro. Trust me.” Green replied, laughing.

“Regardless, I’m not leaving SC behind.” Red insisted. “I’d rather punch this obsidian down by hand!” He drove his fist into an obsidian block. “Ow! Jeez, that stuff is harder than I thought.” He held his hand, wincing in pain.

“Sheesh, Reddy Bear, calm down.” Blue insisted.

“I need to prove this… if only to myself…” Red said remorsefully. “I’m sorry, I just… can’t seem to shake it. But, one way or another, we’re getting our brother back.”

“‘Their brother?’” Candy thought.

“One more thing.” King said. He turned to the block. “Who is this ‘Patient?’”

“We don’t know his real name. That’s what we call him.” The second voice admitted.

“Hmm…” King pondered. “Kids, prepare for the worst. I’m not losing anyone else.”

“We’re not losing you, either…” Red paused. “Dad.” This caught most every one of his friends by surprise, but coming from Red, it made sense considering his deep affection for his friends, whom he calls his family. King, however, didn’t seem to mind it too much.

“Thanks, Red.” King said, patting the young stick on his head.

“We’re not losing you either, little bro.” Purple joked, giving Red a little noogie. The others laughed. Candy watched from around the corner.

“These six seem to have real chemistry with each other. They’re… a family…” Candy said to herself. She couldn’t remember her actual family. The closest thing she had to it was her fellow Misprints, but then again, they never treated her like this. They had little interaction with each other, as she mostly lived to serve Flodge, and while Candy remained loyal, Flodge threatened to dispose of her just for asking questions.

“Guys, we shouldn’t be wasting time. Who knows what they’re doing to SC!” Blue said in a bit of a panic.

“You’re right, Blue. The testing chamber, huh?” King pondered. “Let’s go, guys!” They took off in Candy’s direction.

“Oh no, I gotta get outta here!” Candy bolted for a nearby staircase, stopping the others in their tracks.

“Whoa! What was that?” Yellow asked.

“King, stop them!” Green shouted. Instantly, a wall of bedrock stopped Candy in the middle of the stairs. She turned around and saw the six sticks behind her. King pointed his staff at her.

‘Oh no… No, no no!’ Candy thought, her back against the wall. ‘This is the end for me.’

Chapter 11: An Act of Mercy (Red)

We had caught a red-and-white striped stick figure thanks to King cutting them off with a wall of bedrock. They turned around and looked at us. It was a girl. I was not expecting that. King raised his staff at her, but there was something in her eyes. There was this look of terror I cannot describe. She looked legitimately fearful for her life, and my heart just flooded with compassion for her.

“Who are you?” King asked. The red-and-white striped stick raised her arms in surrender.

“Please! Don’t hurt me! I’m Candy, Flodge’s second in command!” She confessed.

“Second in command?” Purple repeated. “We might’ve hit the jackpot, Dad.”

“I agree, kiddo.” King said. “Where’s your boss?” She trembled with fear. It looked like she was going to literally melt down. I couldn’t stand to see her like this. Something within me had to do something.

“King, stand down.” I put my hand on his staff and lowered it. I turned to Candy and slowly walked up to her. “Candy, Candy, it’s OK.” I assured her gently. “We don’t want to hurt you.”

“Tell that to your friend with the massive staff!” Candy protested. “He almost suffocated and crushed the others!”

“We aren’t here to hurt anyone. We just want to save our friend… our brother.” I explained.

“Red, what are you doing?” Green asked.

“You can’t trust her!” Blue insisted.

“Lay off, guys!” I fired back. “She is legitimately scared for her life, and can you blame her?” Candy looked up at me, tears started forming in her eyes. I could feel my heart break for her. “Are you OK?” I asked her. She didn’t say anything, just stared at me with eyes wide with fear, her heart beating so fast I could hear it. “Calm down. We promise we won’t hurt you. We just want our friend back. Can you tell us where he is?” She still said nothing, just breathing rapidly in a panic.

“Red…” Purple said shakily. “We have company!”

“Who is it?” I asked.

“The hunters! Three of them!” Yellow exclaimed. I raced down the stairs, my sword drawn, and there they were charging down the hall toward us. Only the boss we met earlier, the one with sunglasses, was missing, but considering our experience with the other three, we knew their threat level.

“Get behind me, kids.” King said. He raised his staff at them. “Red, are you ready for Round 2?”

“I was born ready.” I insisted.

“Shields up!” King shouted. He stopped a wall of arrows raining down on us from the scribble guy with literal shields summoned with his staff. “Blue, cover fire!”

“On it!” Blue began shooting arrows back at them.

“Bombs away!” Yellow shouted, igniting and throwing TNT over us toward the hunters. They dodged and swerved, clearly not expecting our new resources.

“We got them on the defensive!” Green said. “Time to swing into things!” He whipped out a fishing rod and grappled onto the ceiling, using another fishing rod to attack them.

“I got your back, Green!” Purple shouted.

“Hang on, Purple! I got some surprises for them.” I whipped out several Creeper spawn eggs and handed them to Purple. “Drop these eggs on them.” I added, periodically making sure Candy didn’t escape. “Let’s just say, they will deliver an explosive kick.”

“Got it, Red.” He took the eggs, and joined Green in the air. He dropped them above the hunters, and Creepers spawned around and between them. The perfect distraction.

“Are you idiots serious? What the heck are these?” Pixelated asked. A Creeper began hissing. “Whoa! Look out! Bathroom Sign knocked it out.

“Walking, living explosives? How odd.” Bathroom Sign noted. Purple dropped several more, keeping them off-guard.

“Now’s our chance. Look out, guys!” King swung his staff, and a wave of bedrock swept across the room. Purple and Green dodged it just in time, but the three hunters were not nearly as lucky. They were knocked to the ground, where King encased each of them in bedrock. “That should subdue them… for a while, at least.”

“We did it!” Purple exclaimed. “Great job, guys!” We shared a moment of congratulation and high-fiving before returning our attention to Candy. She looked in awe.

“Did… Did you really do that? You stopped the Mercenaries, the best hunters in the business,” was all she could muster.

“That’s what they get for threatening and capturing my family.” I said tersely.

“The orange stick… these guys… they’re your family?” She asked.

“Of course.” I answered sincerely.

“I… don’t remember having a family. The closest thing I have are these Misprints, but we aren’t like you six. You guys are coordinated, you fight for each other, you’re even here to rescue one of your own… you love each other… Flodge has never given me that kind of courtesy. She threatened to replace me, to dispose of me, just for asking questions. Yet you guys battle the hunters who kidnapped your friend just to get him back.”

“We’d do anything for each other.” I told her, putting my sword away. “And we are aware that he might be in danger, so tell us where he is.”

“The testing chamber. It’s on the third floor.” I looked back at the others, who clearly had their doubts about Candy.

“Can we trust her?” Green asked.

“She might just be stalling.” Yellow theorized. “Giving us false information to throw us off the track.”

“She is Flodge’s right hand.” Blue added. “Is she legit?”

“I promise, I’m being legit.” Candy swore.

“This is our only lead, guys, and we don’t have time to lose!” Purple said. “We don’t have a choice.”

“You’re right, kiddo. C’mon!” King agreed. “Should this one be encased?”

“No.” I insisted. “She helped us. She deserves her freedom.” Purple nodded.

“I agree with him, Dad. She’s not the mastermind behind this. She didn’t outright attack us. She should be free.” He said. King looked down at his son and nodded.

“Stay safe, Candy.” He removed the bedrock wall behind her, allowing us to race up the stairs toward where we told SC was. While my friends blew by me, I stopped at the top of the stairs and glanced back at Candy, who looked back at me.

“Thanks for your help.” I told her.

“Thank you for keeping me free… uh… I never got your name.”

“Red, but my family sometimes calls me ‘Reddy Bear.’” I gave her one last nod before racing after my family. I didn’t know what to expect, but one thing I do know: Mess with SC, mess with anyone I’m close to, you’re gonna get the bear’s claws.

Chapter 12: A Dangerous Dynamic (Third Person)

Part 1 Setting: During Chapters 10 and 11

Flodge, The Dark Lord, Agent Shades, and Candy watched the Extractor slowly sap SC’s power away. The orange Hollow Head struggled against his binds, unable to free himself or use his powers. He still didn’t know how to activate them or what provoked them. How he wished he could. He would be free in an instant, and his big brother would be done for. As the extractor worked, an alarm caught them off-guard.

“What’s going on? Flodge?” Dark demanded to know.

“Intruders! I’ll go check it out.” Candy zipped off to investigate.

“This changes nothing. We must finish the extraction.” Flodge said. “I’ll go check the camera feed.” She quickly left. SC continued wrestling against his restraints.

“When I get outta here…” SC began.

“When you get outta here, I’m going to drive my blade through your thin little body so hard your pathetic excuses for friends will feel them.” Dark finished, igniting his blade. “Why is this taking so long?” Flodge then returned.

“Well, well, well, it looks like your friends have come for you.” Flodge said to SC.

“The guys? Oh no…” SC said to himself. He knew what Dark would do to them: the same thing he did to them previously.

“Agent, call your men. My people are getting wrecked out there.” Flodge ordered.

“Right away.” Agent Shades called the other Mercs through his ear phone. “Ballista! CaveStick! Pedestrian! Our friends have arrived. First floor lobby. Show them what we’re made of.”

“Right away, sir.” Came the reply from Pedestrian.

“We are closing in now.” Ballista added.

“They don’t stand a chance against us.” CaveStick assured. Shades hung up.

“Your friends will be toast in a matter of moments.” Agent Shades said to SC.

“No! Let me out of here! NOOO!” SC rattled harder against his binds.

“Don’t even try.” Flodge said. “You’re getting weaker by the second.”

“When will this thing be done? I’m itching to kill him for what he did to me.” Dark said impatiently.

“It’s taking longer than expected, My Lord. This one has more power than anticipated.” Flodge explained.

“Then increase the Extractor’s power!”

“It’s going full blast!” Flodge yelled.

‘Of course, cartoon logic doesn’t apply. Why can’t this thing explode like in the shows Red watches?’ SC thought to himself.

“Fine.” Dark said, his blood boiling. “But if those sticks get here…” Dark raised his still pulsing blade. “I’ll make sure you won’t be.”

“My Lord, please! The hunters will stop them!”

“They had better.”

“Speaking of which, where’s Candy?” Flodge wondered. She left to check her security feed once again.

“Yeah, you worry about Candy.” Dark said to himself sarcastically. “Fail me, and I’ll chew you up and spit you out like green apple-flavored Bittles.” He turned his blade off.

“They’re lime, now.” SC corrected.

“Shut… up…” Dark seethed.

Part 2 Setting: Immediately following Chapter 11

Candy remained behind on the stairs as SC’s solid-headed friends charged to the second floor. The striped stick reflected on Red’s actions and his mercy toward her as he raced after his friends. She was pinned against a wall, afraid of what he and the others would do to her, but as it turns out, they didn’t do anything, and she couldn’t wrap her head around that. She literally admitted she was Flodge’s right hand woman, and yet, they didn’t encase her in bedrock or anything of the sort like the others. Her mind raced. She couldn’t understand it.

‘Why?’ she thought. ‘Why did they spare me?’ She needed time to think about it, but judging by the blaring alarm over her, she didn’t have much time, if any. Flodge would be looking for her, wondering where she was. If there was even a hint of betrayal toward her camo-colored leader, Candy knew she would be disposed of like month-old milk. Taking a different route to avoid the sextet of stick figures, she raced up another couple flights of stairs to the third floor and into the testing chamber.

“Flodge! Boss!” Candy said, feigning breathlessness. Her boss wasn’t there, however, but Dark and Shades were. “Where is she?”

“She’s checking the cameras.” Shades answered. At that moment, Flodge returned.

“Candy, you’re back. What happened down there?” Flodge asked. “What’s with all these cubes lying around and the giant holes in the floor?”

“Boss… One of those stick figures has a massive staff of some sort. It can make blocks and things appear out of nowhere! I saw it myself! He used it to trap the other Misprints and took out the hunters with ease!” Candy answered. She was still having questions about her loyalty to Flodge, but she decided to go through with it, if only to keep her head.

‘A staff?’ SC thought. He stopped struggling and pondered. ‘Yellow brought his staff with him?’

“How’d you escape?” Flodge asked.

“The super speed you gave me.” Candy replied. “I am in your debt. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me if they caught me.” Flodge nodded, intrigued with this news.

“Interesting…” She directed her attention to Agent Shades. “Shades, you failed me.”

“My men failed you. The idiots. They can’t even handle six stick figures without powers. I will handle them myself. They will die before they reach the third floor.” Shades insisted. He promptly left.

“You had better not fail.” Flodge muttered under her breath.

“Flodge, my patience is wearing thin.” Dark said. “How much longer until this twerp is drained?” SC gave an offended look.

“It should be almost done, My Lord.” Flodge said, bowing. “I never expected this… thing to have so much power.”

“Did you see what he did to me?” Dark furiously asked. “You should’ve expected this. I thought you were smarter.”

“My Lord, please! This one shall soon be out of our way.”

“Maybe I should put you out of the way.” Dark lit his blade. “You know, earlier you called yourself the Queen with all the power, but you don’t realize one thing every chess player knows.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t need a Queen. Even if she gets captured… the game goes ON!” With that, he swung her blade at her, but she quickly turned herself invisible, ducked it, got behind Dark and started choking him. SC and Candy watched in shock as the two were, somewhat literally, at each other's throats.

“Does your family get this angry with each other?” Candy quietly asked SC.

“My family? You mean my friends?” SC asked. Candy nodded. Thoughts of his fight with Red in the desert flashed through SC’s mind. The two fought viciously, but they eventually made amends and are still quite close. “Well, we have our disagreements, but usually we’re not trying to kill each other.” Candy nodded again, intrigued, and watched the fight between Dark and Flodge.

Dark swung his blade wildly behind him as Flodge lifted him off the ground. To Candy and SC, however, it looked like Dark was slowly levitating off the ground against his will, gasping for breath.

“I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?” Flodge asked, still strangling her leader. “I could’ve easily just let you die in that crater I found you in. I bring you back from the brink of death, and you still attack me?” She glanced over at the extractor, which was still draining SC’s power. “Hmm… maybe I should destroy that little wristband of yours.”

‘The wristband?’ Candy thought. ‘His wristband is his weapon… His blade…’

“I’d like to see you try.” Dark broke free from Flodge’s grasp and swung wildly, not knowing where the invisible stick was, exactly. “Where are you? Show yourself, you coward!”

Flodge had escaped the chamber and was in her security room. Turning herself visible again, she wondered how to get Dark on her side again. She needed a victory, she needed to convince her Lord that she could do something right. Racking her brain, she got an idea. If she could stop the intruders, that would earn Dark’s respect. Turning herself invisible once more, she called any remaining Misprints to the 3rd floor over a loudspeaker and set out to stop the team herself.

Chapter 13: The Second Floor (Purple)

Dad, the guys, and I charged up the stairs to the second floor, but I realized Red was missing. I stopped and glanced over at the stairwell, and there was Red racing at me. He caught up to me and the two of us ran, side-by-side, behind the rest of our friends, but we all soon skidded to a stop when we met another wave of patterned sticks blocking our path.

“Same strategy, kids.” Dad said. “Cover each other’s backs, and try not to harm them.”

“You fall here!” A chessboard stick shouted.

“OK, scratch that.” Dad corrected. “Don’t hold back. Except for you, Yellow. We can’t be blowing holes in the floor with your TNT.”

“OK then.” Yellow agreed, sighing. He put his TNT away and grabbed his sword. We took on a fighting stance.

I hadn’t seen Dad like this, this aggressive and passionate. Well, not since he unleashed the lion in Vic’s factory, RockeTech. I was a bit worried the power in his staff was getting to him, but he was doing this to save his family, and he hasn’t outright killed anyone as of yet. Besides, they started it by kidnapping SC. Mess with our family, the lion pride, you get the claws.

The patterned sticks charged at us. Dad made a wall of obsidian with his staff and shoved it right toward them. Multiple sticks leapt out of the way, while others were not so lucky and got trapped quickly. As for those sticks that avoided our first attack, they were sitting ducks for me and the Fighting Sticks. Yellow and Green took one flank, Red and I took the other, and Blue provided covering fire with a volley of arrows and the occasional firework from a crossbow.

Our teamwork and chemistry was amazing, and even these skilled stick figures were no match for us. They put up a valiant fight, but once Red spawned a pack of wolves, I knew it was over when he uttered two simple words:

“Sic ‘em.”

Green was able to rope up several polka-dot sticks, giving Yellow time to knock them out with his sword’s handle, and other tricky ones like the speedy striped sticks were blocked by Dad and the obsidian walls he generated. Hitting obsidian walls at such a high velocity meant they knocked themselves out. I flew overhead with my elytra, providing my own fighting skills, and even a few moves I picked up from Dad, and with Red’s pack causing an adequate distraction–and sharp teeth, evidently–these opposing sticks were easy targets for me, despite the pack getting picked off one by one. Blue even picked off a few sticks with his quick reflexes on his bow.

After clearing another wave of patterned sticks, Dad promptly swept them to the side and encased them in obsidian, making sure to give them air holes filled in with iron bars. We celebrated another victory by high-fiving each other.

“Amazing work, guys!” Dad said. “Your teamwork is incredible!”

“Thanks, Dad. We are unbeatable together.” I said.

“Just imagine us with SC back.” Red added distantly. Yellow noticed his tone.

“You miss him, don’t you?” Yellow asked. Red nodded.

“We’re getting him back!” Red replied, determined.

“I agree. Let’s do this, bro.” Green insisted, pulling Red in in a sort of brotherly handshake.

“No time to lose. Who knows what’s happening to him…” Blue added. We continued our trek, looking for a flight of stairs leading to the third floor.

“Yo, Red, why did you save that striped stick figure back there?” Green asked.

“I- I-” Red stuttered. He then sighed. “I can’t explain it fully, but there was something in her eyes… this look of fear that brought out my deepest compassion.”

“That’s what we love about you, little bro.” I said, giving him a quick noogie. “You’re such a sweetheart.” Red turned my mom’s shade of pink.

“Thanks, Purple.” He replied. He then paused. “Do you think I made the right decision?”

“I think so.” I answered.

“Well, I don’t think the guys agree.” Red gestured to Yellow, Green, and Blue, who looked back at him.

“Red, it’s nothing personal. We’re just skeptical about it, that’s all.” Blue confessed. “Your friend Candy could easily alert her boss and send them after us.”

“She did say she was the second in command.” Yellow added. “Which means she’s probably a well-trusted and respected member in the chain of command.”

“We love you, Red, we truly do, but this move could easily backfire on us.” Green said.

“Lay off him, guys.” I said. Red looked up at me. “If you ask me, it was the right call. You all gave me a second chance, and for some of you, it was a third chance. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t extend that to someone I thought deserved it?”

“I’m with Purple.” Dad added. “She helped us. We helped her. And, like my son said, you gave him, heck, you gave us both a second chance, even though we didn’t deserve it.”

“I appreciate your support, Purple, King.” Red said, sighing deeply. “If this does blow up in our face, I accept full responsibility for this… along with whatever punishment you deem worthy.”

“Red, that’s really mature of you.” Dad noted. “I’m impressed.”

“It’s about time I learned a bit of maturity.” Red joked. “At least, that’s what Yellow has told me on more than one occasion.” Yellow looked a little embarrassed as we all shot him a look.

“Well… perhaps I was a little out of place with those comments. I’m sorry.”

“Yellow, you’re forgiven, but I see what you mean by it. We can talk about it later, but for now, where are these gosh darn stairs?” Red asked, a little frustrated.

“Uh, guys, we have bigger problems.” I pointed out. “Head bounty hunter at our 12:00!”

At the other end of the hall, there was the sunglasses-wearing hunter staring back at us. We stopped in our tracks, knowing his danger level was higher than any opponent we have faced thus far, maybe only outclassed by Vic and Dad when he wasn’t on our side. There was no avoiding him, and if we wanted to get SC, we knew what we had to do.

Chapter 14: Red Death (Red)

My family and I stopped dead in our tracks. The sunglasses-wearing hunter stood across from us. I remembered my first encounter with him, getting clocked by him almost instantly, and then getting pummeled by his henchmen. Not this time, I was not going to allow it.

“Your ride ends here.” Sunglasses said, whipping his staff out and swinging it around. “I thought my men decked you.”

“They did.” King replied. “But not hard enough.”

“Don’t worry. When I get through with you, you’ll be wishing you never came.”

“You’ve never seen us at full strength.” Purple replied, stepping out from behind King. I joined him.

“I see you have a little staff. What do you expect to do with that?” Sunglasses quipped.

“We took down your men with ease.” I shouted. “You think you can kidnap our friend and just get away with it?”

“Why not? We have thus far. In fact, it won’t be long before he’s only a shadow of his former self.”

“What are you doing to him?!” I demanded to know.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Sunglasses replied. My blood was boiling. Purple looked over at me.

“Red… calm down…” He told me. “Dad, can you box him in? We don’t have time for this!”

“I can try.” King answered. He created walls around Sunglasses, but it turns out he wasn’t just brawn, but also brains. He was cool, calculated, and athletic as well, managing to dodge every attempt to capture him. “No luck. He’s too skilled.”

“Of course I am.” Sunglasses quipped. “That’s your problem, you puny stick figures. You rely on your family, and that makes you weak.”

“We are stronger together, but I’m not afraid to take you on myself!” I shouted.

“Really? You? Have you even hit puberty, little twig?”

His insult stung me deeply. While I was, and still am, the youngest of the group, I’m not that young. I’m far from a ‘little twig,’ though my voice is still a little higher than I’d like. I closed my eyes and shielded my face to prevent him from seeing the tears well up in my eyes.

“OK, you just crossed the line!” Green shouted furiously.

“The line, the line segment, and the ray.” Yellow agreed.

“No one disrespects my brother Red like that.” Blue claimed.

“Red… you OK?” Purple gently asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“See? Pathetic. Who do you think you are?” Sunglasses asked. Thoughts whirled through my head.

‘Who was I?’ I had been asking myself something along those lines. ‘Was I an outcast? Was I misunderstood? Was I the odd one out?’ But one thought suddenly popped into my head. ‘I am loved, I am a brother, I am a son.’ I dried my eyes and looked up at him, my heart engulfed in the flames of an undying love for my friends.

“I am… Red.” I lowered my voice. “And I don’t mean that metaphorically or rhetorically or poetically or theoretically or any other fancy way. I’m Red. Straight up. And I’m coming for you.”

“Come at me.” Sunglasses taunted. I glanced back at King.

“King, cover me.” I told him before turning back to face our adversary. “I’m going to do what I do best: fight for my family.”

With that, I charged at him. I haven’t had much to do thus far, but now was the time I fought. He took a fighting stance, but I was more ready than I was during my first meeting. I threw an egg in front of me, and a Blaze appeared between us.

“What do you think that is?”

The Blaze ignited and shot fireballs at him, which he dodged. I slid under the Blaze, whipped out my sword, and clashed it on his staff. King gave me a boost by putting blocks under my feet, making it feel like I was surfing. I flew around him while riding the blocks, swinging my sword. Every time he tried to grab me or catch me, King blocked his attacks all the while my Blaze was spewing fireballs at him. However, the Blaze’s balls were too few to cause any real chaos, and I knew it.

“Hmm… How about I turn up the heat?” I said. “Guys watch out! I got reinforcements coming!” I pulled out some more Blaze spawn eggs. My friends got out of the way, and I slammed the eggs onto the floor. Four more Blazes appeared, and began raining fireballs on Sunglasses, one after the other. He put up a shield to try to block them, but I came prepared with more eggs. I threw them into the air, and several Phantoms appeared in the air above him. Since Sunglasses was distracted with the Blazes, I figured some air support would catch him off-guard, and sure enough, it did. The Phantoms struck, knocking him off his feet, and I lowered my sword, but he blocked it again.

“Enough of these childish games!” Sunglasses shouted. He grabbed one of the Blazes with his lasso and smacked the other Blazes with it, killing them all, and then treated the Phantoms like baseballs during the annual Home Run Derby. I dropped onto the floor, holding my arm up to my friends.

“Stay back, guys.” I told them. “I’m not putting you all in danger.”

“Awww, how sweet.” Sunglasses said sarcastically. “Now, let’s finish this.”

“I agree. Let’s end this now.” I pulled out one last egg, one I had been waiting to use for the right moment, and now seemed like the perfect time. I dropped it between us and out popped a regular-looking rabbit. Sunglasses scoffed.

“You really think a puny rabbit can stop me?” Sunglasses asked, raising his staff into the air.

“Yes.” I answered. “Ever heard of a Killer Bunny?”

The bunny attacked Sunglasses with surprising speed, fury, and damage. Sunglasses had clearly never seen anything like it, as he was struggling to combat the aggressive ball of fur. He took swings at it, but could not stop it and got repeatedly bitten, kicked, and socked by my little bunny.

“Now, King! His guard is down!” I shouted. King need not be told twice. After the bunny dropped Sunglasses to his knees, King encased him in Bedrock before he had time to react. The bunny, however, reacted quick enough and avoided being boxed in. He hopped into my arms, and I stroked his fur gently. My friends, though, were in awe.

“Red… That was AWESOME!” Purple exclaimed, throwing his arms around me in a massive hug.

“I have no words, bro.” Green added. “Your voice got deeper, too. I think it was that, ‘I’m coming for you,’ line, or whatever you said.”

“That was deliberate.” I explained. “Expect more if I ever do quote the Wolf.”

“H- H- How?” Yellow stammered. “You can tame a Killer Bunny?”

“Yellow, my friend, I can tame anything.” I said, still petting the bunny. “Aww… I think I’ll call you Bun-Bun.” I pulled out a carrot and fed it to him. He nibbled it happily.

“Red, I love ya, buddy.” Blue said.

“I love you all, guys. Thank you all for being my friends… my family.” I said, starting to tear up.

“Speaking of family, shall we rescue my orange counterpart?” King asked.

“You have to ask? Of course!” I exclaimed as Bun-Bun leapt from my arms onto the floor.

“You have a tall task ahead of you.” Sunglasses said from behind his cage.

“Shut up, you.” I shot back. Sunglasses started laughing.

“Oh boy…” He began. “You have no idea.”

“I told you to SHUT UP!”

I can’t remember what happened next. It all took place so fast it blurs my memory, but I do remember what I saw immediately afterwards: I was holding King’s staff in my hands, my friends were looking at me with horrified expressions, and a small stream of blood leaked out from underneath Sunglasses’ bedrock prison, slowly seeping toward my feet. I may not be the smartest in the group, far from it in fact, but I immediately put the pieces together. In a fit of rage, I swiped King’s staff and closed the ceiling of Sunglasses’ cell, crushing him to death. The only thing left of him was his sunglasses, which had flung out when I must’ve made a hole in the cage. Seeing the blood drip toward me freaked me out, and I leapt backwards in shock.

“W- What have I done?” I quietly asked, quickly giving King his staff back. “I… I killed him. His blood… is on my hands…”

“You fought for your family, Red.” Purple said gently.

“But did he deserve this?” I asked, tears filling my eyes. I dropped to my knees into the ever-growing pool of liquid matching my color.

The guys gathered around me and each of them put their hands on me. They know how much I love and care for them, but I also have a side of me that is reckless, dangerous, and overly emotional. They know how gentle I can be, but also how good of a fighter I am. I’m the epitome of two extremes, and for a brief moment, a temper I don’t too often show came out.

“Don’t blame yourself, buddy.” Blue said. “They started it by kidnapping SC.”

“They should’ve known what they were getting into.” Green added.

“No matter what, you’re still our brother,” Yellow began.

“And we wouldn’t have it any other way.” Purple finished, wrapping his arms around me.

“They messed with the lion pride. They got the claws.” King stated. I dried my eyes. Purple helped me to my feet, my knees still wet with blood, or perhaps that was my normal shade of red. I checked, and it was blood, which I quickly wiped off with my arm. Just the thought of blood on my hands makes me shudder, but then I saw my family around me.

“Thanks, fellas, for being precisely what I need.” I hugged all of them at once the best I could. “I love you all.” They hugged me back, and after we released, I turned to face Sunglasses’ tomb. “Mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.”

“Guys, we gotta go! SC still needs us!” Green said, in a bit of a panic. In all the chaos, I had almost forgotten our mission, but he was right.

“OK, Bun-Bun,” I said to my new pet bunny. “I’ll be back for you. Stay safe.”

“Considering how he helped you take down Sunglasses,” Purple began, “I think he can fend for himself just fine.” We laughed and continued our search. We soon found another flight of stairs and raced up into the third floor, the floor where SC supposedly was.

As we climbed, a thought crossed my mind. I had started the duel by paraphrasing the wolf character from one of my favorite animated movies, one I’ve seen many times. I had just now realized how fitting and somewhat prophetic the wolf’s line was in this instance.

‘I’m Red Death. Straight up.’

These guys had no idea what was coming for them.

Chapter 15: The Third Floor (King)

I was taken aback by Red’s surprising rage, and the kids were as well. Seeing him outright kill someone in cold blood shook me to my core, and the mere thought of that moment makes my palms sweat. I was reminded of how vengeful I was after losing Gold, and how I nearly destroyed the Minecraft world with countless innocent civilians and mobs. The last thing I want is for Red, or anyone for that matter, to do what I did, and if I could’ve stopped Red, I would’ve, but it happened so quickly I didn’t get the chance to react. The shock was so real. I never would’ve believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.

But, then again, I know how much of a fighter Red is. When we fought in the Nether, he was the one who landed several strong blows, directly to my face, and he was the one to stand up to me and fight harder than any other stick figure, outside of Purple. I’m thankful to no longer be on Red’s bad side, but even knowing this couldn’t have prepared me for him stealing my staff and using it to kill Sunglasses. He’s a fighter, not a killer… Well, for the most part.

I felt kinda bad for him. I wondered what was going through the kid’s mind, especially with his recent identity crisis, wondering about who he is and his place on the team. He’s such a sweet and gentle soul, the type of guy who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but he’s also so aggressive, reckless and unafraid to fight when his family’s in danger. I never thought he would go this far, but I guess Sunglasses must’ve flipped a switch in him or something.

Regardless, he was safe, Purple was safe, the rest of us were safe, and we were so close to finding SC. It was only a matter of time, which was good because time was something we did not have. We met more patterned sticks on the third floor, led by one camouflage-colored stick standing directly across the hall from us. We stopped in our tracks.

“I’m not losing to a group of rainbow-colored sticks!” She shouted.

“Are you… the ‘final boss’ of this company?” Yellow asked.

“You might say that, yes.” She replied. “In the sense that I will be the final opponent you fight.”

“We took care of your hunters, and your employees below us. You think you can stop us?” Red demanded.

“You haven’t met an adversary like me.” She said.

“Maybe not, but they’ve met an adversary like me,” I replied, “and I’d like to see you try to stop us.” I twirled my staff around, pointing it at her.

“Men, get them!!” She proclaimed. The patterned sticks charged at us.

“Same strategy, kids." I told them. "If it ain’t broke…”

“Stronger together!” Green proclaimed.

I summoned a wall of obsidian and pushed it forward with my staff. Similar to the floor below, we took care of most of the patterned sticks with ease thanks to my staff and the kids’ teamwork and coordination. I looked across the carnage and saw the camo-colored stick still standing there. She tried looking intimidating, looking fearless, but even from across the hall I saw sweat drip down her face. Clearly she was unprepared for us.

“Now you think you can take us on?” Blue asked.

“I still have an ace up my sleeve.” She snapped her fingers and turned invisible.

“Wait, what? Where’d she go?” Purple asked.

“Stay on your guard, kids.” I instructed.

“How are we supposed to combat someone who’s invisible?” Red asked.

“By doing the same thing.” Blue pulled out a Splash potion of invisibility and slammed it on the ground. The six of us instantly vanished, but their voices were distinct enough for me to tell who was who.

“Good idea, Blue, but she’s still out there somewhere.” Yellow noted.

“I know how to keep her off our back.” Red said. He dumped some water on a nearby block and spawned an Elder Guardian in the fountain. “This big guy can detect and attack someone who is invisible.”

“Jeez, Red, how do you know all that?” I asked.

“You underestimate how much I love animals.” Red explained.

“It won’t go after us, will it?” Purple asked nervously.

“No, not at all.” Red ensured. The Guardian’s eye laser powered up, presumably pointing at our adversary. It certainly wasn’t pointing at any of us.

“You think milk could undo her invisibility?” Blue asked.

“I doubt it. She didn’t drink a potion, so this seems in her DNA.” Yellow answered. The Guardian shot, delivering a powerful blast that Flodge dodged.

“Whoa!” I heard her cry. “That thing has power.”

“You better believe it.” Red smirked.

“Kids, I’ll try to hold her off. You five find SC.” I ordered.

“Got it, Dad!” Purple said. They split up. While Red’s Guardian was helpful, it was a bit slow when it came to its laser. I needed something more consistent, and that gave me an idea. I struck the ground and instantly, the floor was covered in pressure plates. Now I could follow her every move, and even though she also knew mine, Blue’s potion wasn’t infinite. It was ending in a few seconds, but she could keep it up.

“Be careful… Flodge. I’d imagine that’s your name.” I called out. “I can see where you step.”

“You’re assuming that’s me.” She replied. At that moment, my friends and I turned visible again after our potions ran out, and Red’s Guardian powered up again.

“I know it’s you now. Where’s SC?” I demanded. I made several walls around where she was, but she was quite skilled herself. I followed the pressure plates getting pressed into a separate room, so I raced there, but once I arrived, it led in a couple other directions. The entire lab was bigger than I anticipated, and I realized she could be anywhere at this point. SC was still in danger, and I had to help find him. I blocked off the door with Bedrock, if only to slow her return back to the hallway, and began looking for SC.

After checking several rooms, I eventually found the testing chamber, where SC was strapped to a table, a dark red Hollow-Head I had never seen before standing over him. Was it the “Dark Lord” I had heard so much about? No, it was impossible. SC said he killed him himself. What was real was the green particles emanating from SC’s body, being pulled out by a laser pointed at him. It wasn’t just the Hollow-Heads, though. Candy, the striped stick figure we spared, was there with them, caught off-guard my presence.

“SC!” I cried out. The kids heard me and raced over and joined me.

“King?” SC asked, shocked. “Guys?”

“SC!” The Squad proclaimed. They then noticed the red Hollow-Head and Candy.

“Candy? You?” Red gasped. Candy said nothing, but instead looked at the ground sheepishly. Blue, Yellow, and Green, however, were more distracted by the Hollow-Head.

“No… it’s impossible…” Yellow said. Blue and Green exchanged looks of shock.

“It can’t be…” Blue gasped.

“You again?!” Green shouted. "How?!"

"'Again'?" Purple repeated.

“Well, well, well. I see your friends have arrived, but it’s too late.” the red Hollow-Head said to SC. He ignited a red-and-black triangular blade on his arm. “We’re done sapping this one’s power. He is of no use to me anymore, except to quench my desire for revenge.”

“Yeah, I thought that once before.” I admitted. “It’s not as satisfying as you think. Who are you and what are you doing to him?” I pointed my staff at him, noticing that the green specks had stopped floating away from SC.

“Enough talk. I’ve waited years for this. No one is taking it away from me, and now that his power is drained, he is just like the rest of you… and just like her.” He gestured to Candy. “Useless, pathetic, a mere speed bump on my journey to world domination.”

“We’re a family,” Blue insisted, the initial shock having worn off, “and we will stop you.”

“Your love for each other is adorable.” the Hollow-Head mocked. “It’s also a crutch. Once you learn to cut ties with those that hold you back, you will achieve power like I have.”

“I will never abandon these guys.” Purple insisted. “You’d have to kill me first.”

“After I finish this one, my younger brother, you’re guaranteed to be next.”

“‘Younger brother?’” Candy said to herself. I think she was trying to keep it under her breath, but I was able to catch it. Those words gave it away to me who this red Hollow-Head was. Chosen said that he, SC, The Dark Lord, and Vic were all brothers, and considering we defeated Vic, SC was bound and Chosen was black, that only left… The Dark Lord. But… how? SC claimed to kill him, and Chosen was a witness to it. I didn’t understand it, but I did know that SC was in danger and I wasn’t losing him.

“I won’t let you!” I shouted.

“Too bad.” The Dark Lord smirked, raising his blade. SC struggled against his binds.

“No!” I tried blocking him, but every wall I made with my staff was deleted with his blade. How powerful was this guy? And his blade?

“I won’t let you harm him!” Red shouted, racing toward him, but I held him back, holding my arm between him and our enemy.

“Red, don’t! He’ll delete you in an instant!” I insisted.

“He already has…” Red quietly said.

“Wait, what?” Purple asked. “Red, who is this guy?”

“He’s… The Dark Lord.” Green answered.

“I knew it!” I said to myself.

“Say good-bye… you pathetic excuse for a brother.” The Dark Lord said coldly, raising his blade, about to drive it into SC’s body like an explorer planting their flag into a new country.

“Not today!” Said a voice from someone I never would’ve expected.

Chapter 16: Freedom and Capture (Red)

We had finally found SC, but who was with him I never would’ve guessed if you had given me a million chances. Our old enemy, The Dark Lord, was alive, and it seemed like he was back to his full power. His black blade pulsated on his hand, and memories of it flashed through my head. There weren’t many, since I was the first one killed with it, but it was still terrifying.

And then, there was Candy, the one I insisted we save. She grabbed my attention first, but I knew the true threat: The Dark Lord. I instinctively grabbed at my chest, where Dark impaled me, and while he was the bigger target, my heart broke seeing Candy there. I realized the guys were right not to trust her, and seeing her standing with Dark, I imagine she told Flodge of our presence, though a part of me still held out the hope that the blaring siren above us that we had gotten used to was more of a giveaway to us than she was.

Seeing The Dark Lord with his blade, and SC tied to a table, I wanted nothing more than to rescue him, but King was holding me back. I was not afraid to die if it meant saving SC, but King wanted me alive. He wanted me safe, I guess, but SC was about to meet his end. At least, that’s what I thought before I heard two words.

“Not today!”

Before The Dark Lord could connect his blade to SC’s body, Candy zipped over and socked him across the face, knocking him off-balance and away from SC.

“I’m not letting you hurt him!”

“You insolent-” was all The Dark Lord could say before King slammed a line of bedrock at his body, smashing him through the back wall knocking him outside. We looked out through the hole he made, and King encased him in bedrock.

“He can delete these walls, kids. Save SC now!” King ordered. He didn’t need to tell me twice. The guys and I hurried over to SC’s binds.

“Hold on, SC! We’re getting you outta here!” I said, tugging at one of his wrist cuffs.

“Thank you, guys.” SC said appreciatively. “Also, is that the Double MGI staff?” He had a look of shock on his face, no doubt unable to believe he would ever see the Double MGI staff again after the Battle for Minecraft a couple of years ago. I couldn’t blame him, even though I was the one who thought of it.

“Yep. Dad’s back at his peak.” Purple answered, tugging at SC’s other wrist cuff.

“Don’t worry, SC. I’m on your side now. I promise you that.” King said. He kept an eye on Dark through the hole, shooting blocks at him periodically. Green managed to open one of SC’s ankle cuffs. Yellow and Blue, working together, got the other.

“We got ours!” Yellow shouted.

“How are you guys doing?” Blue asked.

“This one’s surprisingly tight!” I strained at the cuffs. Candy ran up to me.

“You need help, Reddy Bear?” Candy asked. I was caught off-guard by the use of my nickname, but I wasn’t about to turn it down.

“I’d appreciate it. Thanks.” She and I pulled and we unlocked SC’s third cuff.

“Guys, hurry it up. Your ‘friend’ is coming, and he looks angry.” King warned. Thankfully, as he was saying this, Purple opened the fourth and final bind. SC leapt to his feet, and I hugged him, tears of joy streaming down my face. The guys followed suit and joined the group hug.

“I’m so glad you’re OK!” I said.

“You too, Red. You too.” SC said.

In the middle of our reunion, we heard another loud noise. We separated, turned, and saw Dark standing in another hole in the wall, one he must’ve made himself. His piercing red eyes and pulsating blade reminded me of the Wolf I quoted earlier, which made Dark even more frightening considering what that wolf character represents in the movie: the physical embodiment of Death itself. Regardless, the wolf was taken down near the very end, and something the hero said popped into my mind, paraphrased for our circumstances. ‘I may not be able to defeat you, lobo,’ I thought, ‘but I will never stop fighting for this family.’ Victory or defeat, life or death, I will fight for my family until my last breath.

“How are you not crushed?” SC asked. “Heck, how did you survive getting blasted by my lasers?”

“My apprentice found me and brought me back to health.” Dark answered. “The exact opposite of what I’m about to do to you.”

“I’ll hold him off, kids.” King said, standing between us. “I have the power to at least buy you some time. Unless… SC…”

“About that,” Dark replied, “his power got drained. He’s no more powerful than the rest of you.”

“Liar!” I shouted. “He took you down once!”

“It’s true, Red, I’m afraid.” SC softly replied. “I’m powerless.”

This news shook us all to our core, and I looked at SC. He returned a regretful look. His powers were the reason we were revived after Dark killed us, since the guys told me that yes, they also met their demise after I got terminated. Without SC’s powers, we didn’t have a 1-up. Dark was even more of a threat now, but thankfully, so was King, and he was a threat that Dark had yet to see, and having faced both of them, I know how powerful each of them are. We guys have actually had debates about who would win in a one-on-one fight. Heck, I even interrupted Green and Yellow playing with their action figures, one of Dark and the other of King, but I never would’ve imagined we’d get the chance to see a real-life battle between them.

King used another bedrock wall and smacked Dark with it, knocking him outside. King flew after him, stopping at the hole in the wall and creating a staircase leading from the hole wrapping around the building toward the ground.

“Get out of here, kids! Go, go, GO!” King shouted. “I’m not losing any of you! Especially you, Purple…”

“Dad, I’m not leaving you behind!” Purple insisted.

“And I’m not watching you die!” King replied. “I’ll do what I can, just… get outta here. Your safety is all I care about at this moment.” He disappeared from the hole to duel with Dark.

“We have to help him!” I shouted.

“How?” Blue asked. “We’ve seen Dark firsthand. Not even Chosen with his powers could stop him!”

“There has to be some way…” I answered. “Think, think, think…” I was trying really hard not to panic, remembering how much of a ball of nerves I was then Dark began overpowering Chosen. However, this was King at his peak. He is, I’d imagine, more powerful than Chosen. We fought King and, admittedly, were practically defeated by him. Surely he could hold his own against Dark… right?

“Guys, King’s got this. He can defeat Dark.” SC said, his tone a lot more confident than how I was feeling. “We gotta go! I’m not losing any of you!”

“I’m not losing you either, SC, but what about King?” Green asked.

“The odds of our survival diminish the longer we stay here!” Yellow shouted. “Get to the stairs, now!” He bolted to the staircase, Blue was right behind him. SC, Green, Purple, and I followed, but I stopped at the top of the stairs. I turned around and saw Candy was still standing there, looking guilty.

“Candy, aren’t you coming?” I asked her.

“You… You want me to join you guys?” Candy asked. “But… I told Flodge about you, your weapons…”

“I imagine you did that to save your skin from Flodge. You deserve a chance, one away from her influence.”

“Red, what are you doing?!” I turned and saw Purple halfway down the stairs screaming at me. Green was also there, further down, looking on.

“I’m not leaving without Candy.” I insisted. I turned to her. “Candy?” She sighed deeply.

“Thanks for giving me a chance.” I smiled at her.

Before she could join me, though, she began moving, as if she was being dragged away against her will by an invisible person.

“Wh- What’s going on? Candy?!”

“Red! Help me! Please!”

“Hang on, Candy! I’m coming!” I raced after her, and I did so at just the right time. At that moment, a fireball exploded the wall behind me, collapsing the hole I was just standing in. There was no turning back now. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I raced deeper into the lab, following the sound of Candy’s voice as far as I could. One way or another, I was rescuing her.

Chapter 17: The Lord and the King (Third Person)

“And I’m not watching you die! I’ll do what I can, just… get outta here. Your safety is all I care about at this moment.”

King told Purple that before floating into the air to fight The Dark Lord. The two most powerful adversaries the Stick Gang had ever faced were now about to engage in a duel to the death. They met each other’s eyes, Dark’s empty, red eyes staring daggers directly into King’s soul. King himself glared angrily at Dark, scowling and clutching his staff with both fists as if it was life itself. Memories of his duel with Herobrine in the Nether flashed in King’s mind, and he remembered how he defeated Herobrine, even the Megastick. He figured that this would be his greatest challenge, his greatest enemy, since that moment. Not even Vic and his clones seemed to compare to this tyrant.

“I guess it’s just us.” King angrily shouted across the way at Dark.

“Not for long,” Dark replied. He lifted his blade, which was still pulsating on his wrist.

“I agree. You won’t be here for much longer.” King seethed.

“You really think you can defeat me?”

“You haven’t faced an opponent as powerful as I am.” King retaliated.

“I can say the same about you.” Dark held his blade in front of his body as if he was using a sword to protect himself.

“I faced these same stick figures, the same ones who practically killed you, and their own army.”

“I slaughtered those twigs in cold blood.” Dark bluntly stated. “And once I get done with you, they’re next.” A firefall began forming in his hand. King retaliated by sending a wall of Bedrock right at him. Dark slashed it with his blade, deleting it, and tossed his fireball at King. He dodged, and it exploded on the lab, right where Red was standing before he entered the lab looking for Candy, while also being a few feet above Purple.

“S***, I missed.”

“You missed me, or them?”

“Yes.” King’s blood boiled at this comment.

“You mess with me, fine.” King growled. “You mess with my friends… my FAMILY… you get the CLAWS!” King summoned a mass of fire charges and arrows and hurled them at Dark all at once, but Dark’s reflexes were on point and he dodged and sliced every object thrown at him. He retaliated by sending his ViraSpikes at King, but the former monarch spawned Nether portals to absorb the spikes, and made more around Dark, making the spikes attack their creator. Again, Dark was too quick to get hit by any of the spikes. King created another wave of bedrock and flung it at Dark, trying to encase him. Dark avoided it and began charging King.

‘He has the range on me.’ Dark thought. ‘I need to get up close to him for my blade to connect.’

King, seeing Dark bolt at him, used his black hole beam to slow down Dark’s progress. He was careful to not create a black hole again, since he was not intending to destroy a world… again. This was his world, that he lived in with his son. He wasn’t destroying it, but Dark was intent on destroying him. Dark slowly closed the gap between him and King, and King, seeing his adversary close in, turned the beam off and clashed his staff with Dark’s blade. Amazingly, the staff didn’t disappear. Its power of creation counteracted Dark’s destructive sword.

“Your skills are nothing compared to mine.” Dark taunted.

“I’m just warming up.” King replied, scowling.

The two separated, King wiping Dark’s spit off his face. Dark sent another fireball at King, who blocked it with a wall of obsidian, and King retaliated with a giant sword made of Netherite blocks, swinging it at Dark. The evil Hollow-Head dodged and swerved, closing in on King once again. King tried blocking his progress with a Netherite wall, but Dark sliced through it and clashed blade with staff yet again.

“Is that all you got?” Dark mocked, an evil smile crossing his face. “You’re weaker than I thought.”

“And I thought you’d be able to land a blow by now.” King quipped, smirking. “I guess we were both wrong.”

They broke off and continued their battle, launching volleys of attacks at each other. They practically traded blow for blow, though every time they tried, they each found their opponent too quick to get hit by anything. The battle seemed to be at a stalemate, neither of them able to land a blow on the other, but then Dark glanced behind King at the rainbow-colored sticks on the ground below them. There were the pawns he needed to break the draw.

“I found your Achilles’ heel: your friends.” Dark said coldly and tersely. “They hold you back. Cut those ties, like I did.”

“You’re wrong.” King’s voice was dripping with fury. “My family only makes me stronger. I fight this hard because of them, not in spite of them.”

“That’s cute.” Dark jabbed. “Sappy, but cute. Let’s see how much you care for them.”

Dark summoned a wave of ViraSpikes, aimed directly at King’s allies on the ground below him. King immediately saw what he was going for.

“No! I won’t let you!” King protested.

“I’d like to see you try and stop me.” Dark laughed as he launched the volley at the sticks on the ground.

________________________________________

Red disappeared into Flodge’s lab to rescue Candy. Purple looked on, divided as to whether to obey his father and escape with his friends, somehow find a way to help King in his fight, or pursue Red and bring him home. Before he could decide, though, a stray fireball aimed at King wrecked the side of the laboratory above Purple, close to where Red was standing. A wave of debris fell from the wall.

“Purple, look out!” Green yelled. With no time to react, Purple leapt off the stairs away from the falling debris, despite being two stories up. Green whipped out his fishing rod to try and catch Purple, but as he cast his line, Purple was already a few feet from the ground, too far for the line to reach. He bellyflopped on the turf, knocking the wind out of him, a pile of building materials covering his lower half.

“PURPLE!!!” Green screamed. He leapt off his step fifteen feet above the ground, stuck the landing, and raced over to the pile almost burying Purple. “Purple? Purple?!” He cried out, the normally chill Green panicked beyond belief.

“Over here, Green!” Purple’s voice came from the rubble. Green circled it and found him, Purple’s lower half crushed underneath a pile of dust, wood, metal, and other building materials.

“Purple! Are you OK?” Green asked, tears filling his eyes.

“What do you think?” Purple sarcastically asked. “My right leg got the brunt of it. I think it might be broken, but whatever the case, it hurts like heck!” He punched the ground, trying to hold back tears. “Help me, Green! Please! It feels like I’m under a hydraulic press!”

“I’ll get you outta here! I promise!” He grabbed Purple’s arms and tried pulling him out from underneath the wreckage, but it was too heavy and Purple’s lower half was buried too deep.

“This isn’t working, Green.” Purple admitted, still wincing from the hot, searing pain of his broken bones.

“I know, I know!” Green replied, his stress level escalating even further. “Maybe I can dig you out of this.”

“Get the guys! They can help.” Purple begged, wincing. “Hurry!”

“You’re right. I’ll be right back!” Green said, sprinting away to get the rest of the Squad.

“I’ll be here.”

Nearby, SC, Yellow, and Blue were making their escape on foot, but it wasn’t long before SC glanced over his shoulder and noticed that their team, their family, wasn’t complete.

“Guys, wait!” SC shouted, skidding to a stop. “Where’s Red?” Yellow and Blue also stopped and turned around.

“And Purple and Green?” Yellow asked.

“They must still be back there!” Blue said, terrified for his friends’ lives. “I just hope Purple isn’t up there trying to help his dad.”

“Knowing him, I wouldn’t be surprised if I was.” SC feared. “Oh, if he dies because of me…” Fears raced through his head. He was the one who offered himself to Shades in order to ensure the Squad’s safety, even though it backfired on him in that aspect. If not for his self-sacrifice, they might have been able to fight off the Mercs, and none of this would’ve happened. They wouldn’t be putting themselves in danger for his sake. They wouldn’t be under threat of Dark and his deletion blade. They wouldn’t have the chance of being deleted before his eyes… again, except this time, he couldn’t revive them.

Despite his anxieties, SC had to push them out of his mind. He couldn’t change his past decisions, nor his friends’ decisions, but what he could do was get them back. He knew who he was: the leader of the Squad, and he was going to help find them and bring them home. As the “big brother” of the Squad, only younger than King, it was his job to keep them safe, and much like Red, he wasn’t going to leave them without a fight.

“Keep an eye on the sky, guys,” Yellow suggested, “but what became of Red? And Green?”

“I don’t know, buddy.” Blue said. “But I suggest we start with the lab, where we last saw them. Follow me!”

Blue led SC and Yellow toward the stairs they had just descended, but before they got there, Green found them first, bursting through the bushes in a frenzy.

“Guys!” Green exclaimed. “Thank the Animator I found you!”

“Green! What’s wrong?” SC asked, grateful that his best friend was still in one piece.

“It’s Purple! He’s stuck under a pile of rubble!” Green explained. Yellow, Blue, and SC gasped, but SC was quite relieved that he too was still alive and hadn’t met Dark’s blade as of yet. “Follow me! Quickly!”

Green sprinted into the brush, SC, Yellow, and Blue right behind him. He led them around the lab, the stairs, and back to the trapped Purple.

“Green! Guys!” Purple shouted. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“We’re happy to see you too, Purple.” SC said.

“Let’s get you outta here.” Yellow added. Green nodded in agreement.

“Hang on. I got something that might help.” Blue remembered, whipping out a splash potion.

“What’s that?” Green asked.

“Potion of Strength II.” Blue answered. Without warning, he slammed it into the ground, and his friends were immediately given super strength for 30 seconds. “Now, guys!”

Everyone gathered around Purple and, rather effortlessly, they pulled the debris off of him. When Purple was loosened, Green grabbed him and pulled him out from under the pile, embracing him once he was free.

“Purple!” Green shouted, tears flowing down his face. “I’m so glad you’re OK!” The others smiled at the tightly knit sticks.

“Ow, ow, watch it, Green.” Purple said, holding his right leg off the ground. Despite his physical pain, he couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, bro. As for being OK… I think my leg is broken… along with my phone, come to think of it.” The two secondary-colored sticks released from their hug, Green and SC being Purple’s makeshift crutches. Purple pulled his phone out of his pocket and glanced at it. “Spider webbed. I’m surprised it wasn’t worse.”

“Purple, Green, did you see where Red went?” SC asked desperately, his mind racing. “If he met Dark’s blade…”

“Calm down, SC. It’s OK. Dark hasn’t killed him, but I’m not sure fully where he is.” Purple admitted, wincing from the pain. “I last saw him racing into the lab. He claimed that he wasn’t leaving without Candy.”

“That kid…” Yellow muttered under his breath.

“Lay off, Yellow.” Green reprimanded, frowning. “He’s going through a lot right now.” Yellow sighed deeply, knowing Green was right.

“I’m sorry. I just worry about him, that’s all.” Yellow elaborated, tears filling his eyes. “He means so much to me, and I’m afraid his aggressiveness will get him killed… again.”

“Me too, Yellow.” SC agreed. “Which is why I’m determined to not let it happen.”

“It won’t happen, SC.” Purple determined. “Not if I, not if we, have anything to say about it, even with a possibly broken leg.”

“You got that right, buddy.” Blue confirmed, nodding. Yellow bent down to examine Purple’s leg.

“It’s impossible to tell from here if it’s broken… or worse.” Yellow admitted. “I just hope it isn’t something too serious.”

“You should get outta here, bro.” Green suggested. “You can’t fight with a broken leg.”

“I’m not leaving Dad behind!” Purple proclaimed. The passion in his voice was evident to the others. “Or Red, for that matter. You guys should go find him. Quickly.”

“Uh, guys…” SC said shakily, looking into the sky at King and Dark. “We need to take cover! Spikes are coming straight at us!"

Chapter 18: Secondary Strike Force (King)

I watched as a wave of ViraSpikes from Dark came barreling toward the kids. They didn’t run for whatever reason, but instead, they stood frozen in place. I didn’t know why, whether it was out of fear or something else, but Yellow, Blue, and Green seemed to be prepared to take the brunt of it. I was not going to let that happen. I quickly appeared in front of them and put a wall of Bedrock up in front of them, stopping the spikes.

“You mess with them,” I said to myself, “you awaken the lion. No more Mr. Nice Guy.” I felt a wave of determination and grit wash over me. He had crossed the line with his attack upon the kids, now I was going to make sure he got what he deserved. Flashbacks of Gold ran through my mind, and how enraged I became at the developers after his death. While it may have not been their fault, in this case, Dark was doing this–attacking my family–deliberately. He crossed the line, now it was time to show him no mercy.

I made a giant hammer out of Netherite blocks with my staff. “Time to bring the hammer down!” I shouted, swinging it back and driving it right into The Dark Lord, knocking him into the distance. I squinted, trying to see further. I didn’t think that would outright kill him, considering how powerful he was, but at the very least, it would buy the kids some time to escape. I breathed heavily, fueled by my passion and love for the kids, especially Purple, whom I didn’t see in the group. I hoped he had just gotten out of here.

“King… wow…” Green said, in awe.

“Kids! What are you guys doing here?” I demanded to know. Yellow, Blue, and Green separated to reveal SC and, much to my shock, Purple. The latter of whom was using SC as a sort of crutch. I was grateful that he was alive, but he was clearly banged up. While I was irritated he didn’t flee like I told him, I was more concerned for his health at that moment.

“Purple!” I shouted. I dropped to the ground and hugged my son, SC stepping away briefly to make room for me. I felt my eyes well up. “What happened? Are you OK?”

“Some debris fell on me, but I’ll be fine. It’s just a broken leg, that’s all.” I released him, SC returning to be his crutch, and talked to the entire group, a little frustrated with them for putting themselves in danger despite my orders to escape.

“‘That’s all?’ You kids gotta-” I paused in the middle of reprimanding them upon realizing someone was missing. “Where’s Red?”

“He ran inside! The lab!” Purple answered. “He told me he wasn’t leaving without Candy!”

“And Flodge is still out there.” I figured, drying my eyes.

“Oh no… Flodge might have him!” Blue feared.

“Not to mention this lab is falling apart.” Yellow noted.

“The aftermath of a battle between two titans.” SC said, nodding.

“Speaking of, where is he? The Dark Lord, I mean.” Green asked.

“I got him with a line-drive with my Netherite hammer.” I replied.

“That won’t keep him away for long.” SC figured.

“I didn’t think so. He’s too strong for one whack to subdue him.” I theorized.

“Yeah, SC, who is that?” Purple asked. “He looks… kinda like you, except red.”

“The Dark Lord.” SC answered. “He and Chosen, two brothers of mine, had an incredible duel, not too dissimilar from your dad and him now, but Dark got the upper hand with his blade. Dark killed my friends, deleting them from existence and then me, which apparently led to my powers awakening, but that part I cannot remember.”

“Dad, you need help!” Purple insisted. “I’m not abandoning you!”

“And I’m not risking your life!” I retaliated. “You’ve got a busted leg! You gotta get out of here!”

“I can still fly, no problem.” Purple replied, putting his elytra on. “Are we not stronger together… as a family? Our fights in the lab are just proof of that.” As much as I wanted to keep him safe, I had to admit, he was right. However, seeing Dark’s blade delete bedrock, I feared what he could do to Purple, or the kids. One false move, one quick slash and they were done for. Thoughts and fears of losing them flooded my brain.

“I’m with Purple.” SC agreed. “I’m not standing by and watching a friend get attacked.”

“But, SC, what about your powers?” Blue asked.

“I didn’t know about them when I leapt in front of Chosen.” SC answered. “I see this no differently than that time.”

“I’m coming with you dudes.” Green said. “You both mean too much to me for me to stay on the sideline.”

“Me too.” Blue chimed in. “I’m not losing you.”

I looked at my son and saw the look of determination and love in his eyes. I then looked at SC, Green and Blue, who were all united in Purple’s sentiment. They weren’t leaving me to fight Dark alone. They were going to help, powers or not, but I was not willing to endanger them. They mean the world to me, and I couldn’t risk their lives.

“Yellow, help me out here! You’re logical!” I begged.

“It’s their choice, I’m afraid.” Yellow explained. “And, to be honest, I agree with them as well.”

“Thanks a lot.” I sighed. “I’m just trying to protect you all, especially you, Purple. If I lose you… I’m not sure I could cope.” Tears filled my eyes, and Purple’s as well.

“That’s why I want to join you, Dad.” Purple insisted. “Together, we’ll make it out alive.”

“You gotta let him spread his wings and fly one of these days, King.” Green said. “Let him, let us, help you.” I was still doubtful, still fearing what might happen to them. The last thing I wanted to do was put them in harm’s way. But then remembered something I told Dark during a clash.

‘My family only makes me stronger.’

I truly believe that, and I realized I needed to be at full strength. I knew I needed them–my family–to defeat our opponent. I sighed, realizing I wasn’t going to change their minds, and despite my fears still practically overflowing in my mind, I gave in.

“Alright, alright!” I said, frustrated. I gave each of them a pair of elytra, several stacks of fireworks, and a sword for SC. “You guys know how to use these?”

“Yep, no problem.” Yellow assured me.

“Perfect. You and Blue, go find Red.” I instructed, giving Yellow an extra pair of elytra. “That’s for Red once you find him.”

“Got it.” Yellow replied.

“We Secondaries will deal with Dark in any way we can.” I assured the remaining Primaries. “At the very least, we can buy you enough time to find Red and get him involved in our fight. Knowing Red, he’s probably itching to join us.” Everyone nodded in unison. The plan was set.

“Oh, Purple, before we part ways, you should drink this.” Blue said, giving Purple a Potion of Regeneration. “Your dad gave you this after you went berserk on Vic. It worked there, it should work for your leg.”

“I’ll drink it, if only for Dad.” Purple joked. I shot him a look, and he smiled at me, tears filling his eyes.

“Thanks, Purple. I love you immensely.”

“If this is our last day together, I love you too.” Purple said, tears flowing down his face. This statement made me realize that he too was worried, which is uncharacteristic for him. I know how tough he is, and he doesn’t get scared easily, so seeing him break down and cry… It surprised me greatly, but this only fanned the flames in my heart. Once again, my son needed his father, and I wasn’t going to let him down.

As for the potion Blue gave him, Purple chugged it promptly. “It has an odd taste.” He gagged.

“It’ll fix you right up. I promise.” Blue said, patting Purple on the back. “Now, Yellow, let’s find our friend!”

“I’m right behind ya, buddy!” Yellow replied. The two of them took flight.

“Purple, bro, how’s your leg?” Green asked.

“Not gonna lie, it feels good as new.” Purple replied, standing on both feet. SC carefully stepped away, but he looked like Purple was patched up. “Blue’s got some powerful stuff.”

“I’m grateful for him.” I said. Somehow, someway, my worries evaporated seeing Purple back at full strength. I was reminded of how strong he is, how brave he is, and how I’m not the only one looking out for him. Our friends, our family, we’ve all got each other’s backs, and perhaps they were what it took to defeat Dark.

“Hey, King, I admire your leadership.” SC said. I looked at him and smiled.

“Thanks, SC. That means a lot coming from you.”

“Secondary Strike Force, let’s get up there, boys!” Green exclaimed, taking off with a firework into the air. Purple and SC followed him, and I joined them, floating in the front. Sure enough, Dark was back, his red eyes burning bright. He glared at me, baring his teeth like a rabid dog, and I returned the favor, gripping my staff even tighter. I could feel its power in my hands and a deep, undying love for the three sticks behind me coursing through my veins.

“Well, well, look who’s so weak he needs backup.” Dark quipped, his sinister red eyes flashing white with fury. “They truly do hold you back.”

“I am your equal when I fight without them.” I retaliated. “With them in my corner, I am superior.”

“I can delete them, and you, with my blade.” Dark spat.

“Well, I’ve never been touched by your blade.”

“Of course not. Why’d you even say that?” Dark’s look of fury changed to bewilderment.

“I don’t know. I think I’ve heard it somewhere or something.”

“Probably from Red.” I heard Green say under his breath. “He’s obsessed with that movie.”

“Enough talk.” Dark said. “Let’s finish this.” I could see his gaze turning to SC.

“I would like nothing more.” SC said coldly, raising his sword. Purple and Green did the same, the latter also wielding a fishing rod.

Instantly, Dark bolted, pointing his blade at SC. SC dodged by flying higher and I slammed a Bedrock wall around him, beginning to surround him, but he sliced a hole in it and escaped. Green roped him with a fishing rod, allowing Purple and SC to land a few blows. Dark broke free and swung his blade at them, but I got them out of the way by grabbing them with my blocks.

“I got you, Purple!” I shouted. There was no way I was letting anyone take him away from me, not Vic, not Dark, not anyone. Purple seemed relieved and grateful.

“Thanks, Dad.” Without taking my eyes off Dark, I gave a nod intended for my son and clashed my staff with Dark’s blade again.

“I told you, they make me stronger.” I insisted.

“They’re a crutch, and we both know it, just like Chosen and my ‘apprentice,’ Flodge.” Dark growled, his already deep voice only getting deeper and more vicious. I could see a crazy rage in his eyes, almost as if he was a coyote that had gone months without digging his teeth into fresh meat. “They held me back, but no longer.”

Dark broke off and sent a wave of spikes, all directed at me and SC.

“SC, look out!” Green shouted as he roped him with his rod and pulled him out of the way. I used Nether portals to redirect the spikes aimed at me, and then I made a mallet out of Netherite and swung it at Dark.

“Be careful, kids!” I shouted. “Stay away when I’m swinging a giant mallet!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice, Dad!” Purple yelled, swooping higher into the air. SC and Green floated behind me. Dark managed to avoid my strike. He was pretty fast, and he was drawing closer. I backed up, but he charged, swinging his blade at me, but Purple was the one who intercepted it with his shield, knocking him away from me. I was shocked that Purple was willing to put himself in such danger, but seeing us both actively fight for and protect each other proved to me once again our love for each other.

“Purple!” I exclaimed, my palms sweaty from seeing his risky move. His shield slowly disintegrated before my eyes, and I realized that… that could’ve been him. Purple must’ve sensed my worry and said exactly what I needed to hear.

“I told you, Dad, we’ll make it out alive.” I breathed deeply, remembering some of the adventures we already had been through: The Battle for Minecraft and our fight against Vic. Both of those times we survived, and Purple was confident that the same would happen once more. His assurance gave me a morale boost, and I think it did the same to the kids as well.

Green roped Dark with his fishing rod and yanked him through the sky. SC slashed at him a few times with his sword and kicked him into a tree. I glanced at Purple, and his shield began to disappear. I spawned a new shield and threw it to him. Which he caught and equipped like nothing happened. Dark, however, levitated out of the tree SC kicked him in.

“I’ve had enough of your childish games!” He said. I saw a massive fireball forming in his hand. “One way or another, you’re gonna die, be it by deletion or incineration!” He threw it in my direction, and I quickly dodged it. It landed in the lab, causing severe damage.

“King, the Primaries are still in there!” Green shouted.

“I can fix the damage, don’t worry.” I braced it with Bedrock and obsidian around the crumbling parts and made a Bedrock wall in between the lab and Dark.

“He will pay for attacking our family, King.” SC said. I nodded in agreement.

“I feel like we have the upper hand.” I said. “But where are the Primaries? We need the family to be complete!”

“They’re in there… somewhere, Dad.” Purple said. “In the meantime, let’s show him that we are stronger together.”

Chapter 19: Saving a Stripe (Red)

As I raced into the lab after Candy, the entrance behind me closed. The roof collapsed on it, right where I was. I breathed a sigh of relief, realizing how lucky I was to not be crushed under a pile of debris, and looked around the hall for Candy. I was intent on rescuing her, though I couldn’t explain why. Perhaps my heart was overriding my head when it came to this decision. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done something like that. Regardless, I ran down the hallway, trying my best to be careful, especially since I throw caution to the wind more often than not. I knew Flodge kidnapped Candy, and considering her invisibility power, she could be anywhere.

The pressure plates King placed still covered the floor, though my Guardian was no more, buried under the collapsing roof. There was no time for me to mourn, though. Candy was more important. As much as I wanted to fight, I remembered a second way of attack: stealth mode. King brought that up earlier, and for once in my life, I decided to try it. I cautiously listened for either Candy or Flodge, eventually overhearing Candy struggling in a room on the other end of the hall. I ducked into a room across from it, making sure to stay out of sight, and peeked across the hall into it. There was the camo-colored stick tossing Candy into a sort of prison chamber.

“Candy, Candy, Candy…” Flodge remorsefully said as she activated a sort of force field barrier to keep her locked up. “Where did I fail you? I gave you everything: super speed, a roof over your head, a stable job, a family…”

“You were never my family.” Candy protested. I could see fury in her eyes, even from across the hall. “I’ve seen how a true family treats each other. Those six stick figures, your opponents, they’re a family. They look out for each other, fight for each other… They love each other…” I was amazed that Candy thought of us like this, especially since we had just met earlier that day, but I was also honored. Our brotherhood is so strong that even complete strangers could see it, and that goes to show how much we love each other.

“I love you. At least, I did before your betrayal.” Flodge spat.

“You never loved me.” Candy replied. “You threatened to replace me for asking questions. I was little more than your pawn, your first experiment.”

“I wasn’t going to have ANYONE get in my way!” Flodge shouted, furious. I was taken aback by her sudden shift in tone. “Not this rainbow-colored ‘family’ you speak of, not the other Misprints, and definitely not you, a traitor to the cause.” Flodge’s voice changed to cold and terse as she talked. I was not amused by her jab at me and my family, but despite my anger, I remained still, silently waiting. I hoped she would leave and allow me time to rescue Candy and escape.

“And what cause is it? Truly. Huh?” Candy demanded to know. “You claimed to fight for other Misprints, to fight for justice, but you didn’t need The Dark Lord to do that! What is your goal? Why did you need this orange stick? Answer me!”

“I don’t need to tell you anything, you piece of s***,” Flodge seethed, “and once My Lord deals with your de facto friends, I’ll be sure to have him deal with you next. I am this close to victory and I am not letting you get in my way, you got it? Outside of me, you are nothing. And this is how you repay me? By stabbing me in the back?”

“They showed me more mercy than you ever have.” Candy retaliated.

“Shut… the f***... up…” Flodge swore. She sounded done with Candy, and if looks could kill, the Wolf I paraphrased earlier would’ve been there, reaping Candy’s soul. “I should kill you right now, but I’ll let My Lord have the pleasure of doing that. Speaking of which, I need to get out there. My Lord needs me, his loyal second.”

“You sound confident. If he's anything like you, I wouldn’t be expecting to live very long.”

“I said to be QUIET!” Flodge thundered, catching me off guard. I stepped backwards, accidentally knocking something off a table behind me. It landed with a loud thud.

“Oh, crap.” I whispered to myself. I could feel myself start to sweat, knowing my cover was blown. This is why I typically don’t go into stealth mode, since it’s admittedly not one of my stronger modes.

“What was that?” Flodge turned around. At first, I hid myself around the corner of the door, in a blind spot, but that’s when a thought crossed my mind.

‘No more hiding. You’ve proven yourself already. It’s time to do what you do best: Fight for your family.’

I decided that now was the time. It was time to reveal myself. Despite the nerves I felt, Candy needed rescue, and I wasn’t leaving without her. Pulling my sword out, I stood in the doorway directly across from Flodge.

“Release my friend!” I ordered, pointing my blade at her. Flodge gave me a dumbfounded look, and Candy, behind her, looked up and gasped.

“Who are you?” She asked mockingly.

“I am Red,” I answered, “and I am here to stop you and The Dark Lord.”

“Are you serious?” Flodge scoffed. “How can you defeat an opponent you can’t even see?” She snapped her fingers and turned invisible.

“The floor is still covered with pressure plates.” I pointed out, stepping into the hallway, my shield pressed against my body and sword raised. “I can see your every move.”

“So you can, but what if I stepped backwards?” The pressure plate she was standing on released. No others were activated, and it was clear she returned to Candy’s prison room.

“Red, be careful!” Candy shouted. “She’s dangerous on her best of days!”

“I can see that, and it seems like she’s the brains to my brawn.” I noticed.

“She’s smarter than a lot of people.”

“I see… but if she thinks I’m going to charge in there recklessly… She’d be right.”

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t make brash decisions, and we wouldn’t be safe if Flodge was still out there. I had to take her down, and this “Cat-and-mouse” game isn’t my playstyle. I bolted into the room, my shield and sword at the ready. I had no idea where she was, but I didn’t have to wait long to find out. She got behind me and began choking me out. I dropped my sword and grabbed at her arm.

“Why was I worried about you? You’re just a stupid child.” Flodge taunted. “You and your little toy sword are no match for me.”

“I got some tricks up my sleeve.” I choked out. I reached behind me and dropped a wolf spawn egg at my feet. Once the wolf appeared, I gave it one simple instruction. “Sic ‘er.”

The wolf sniffed around, caught Flodge’s scent, and bit her, hard. Blood gushed from seemingly nowhere and covered the wolf’s snout. Flodge screamed in pain and released me.

“Stupid b****!” Flodge kicked my wolf away, but that allowed me the reprieve I needed to pick up my sword.

“This is for messing with my family!” I shouted. Even though I couldn’t see her, I swung my sword, aiming for her head, albeit not with my blade, but with its hilt. I connected with something, I’m not totally sure, but what I did know was I apparently knocked her into a wall, judging by a crack that appeared in it. I wiped the sweat from my head and hands, resecured my blade and prepared to take another swipe at her, but to my surprise, she slowly became visible again, a pool of blood growing around her ankle. I kept my guard up, my sword pointed at her and my shield pressed against my body. Was she faking it? Was she trying to deceive me? I will be the first to admit I’m not the smartest member of the group, so I took one extra precaution. I struck her across the face with my shield, and if she wasn’t out cold already, she definitely was now. I panted heavily, wiping the bloodstains off my shield.

“I’m the Red Death. Straight up.” I tersely said to her body. “You should consider it an act of mercy that I’m keeping you alive.” Indeed, she was alive. I could hear her barely breathing, but she was out cold. She messed with my family, and thus she got the bear. My wolf walked up to me, limping, and the rage in my heart was overtaken by compassion.

“Awww, poor puppy…” I petted it and then glanced at Flodge’s body. “She’ll be out of commission for a while. Candy, do you have anything I could use to tie her up before she comes to? Duct tape or rope or something similar?”

“Not off the top of my head, I’m afraid.”

“Nuts!” I complained. I then sighed. “Well, perhaps your cell would be a good way to stop her. How can we open this thing?”

“There’s a panel against the wall.” She pointed out. I looked over and saw it.

“Ah, there it is.” I looked down at my puppy friend. “What should I call you? Rex?” The wolf barked happily. “Rex it is. Keep an eye on Flodge, boy. Let me know if she wakes up.” Rex yapped and limped over to Flodge’s body. I walked over to the panel, determined to free Candy.

“You sure are good with animals.” Candy noted.

“Thanks. They’re kinda my thing.” I explained. “Now, how do we turn this thing off?” The control panel was very complex, codes and technology I couldn’t make heads or tails out of, and I quickly got frustrated with it. “Argh! Where’s Yellow when you need him?” I stepped away from it, breathing heavily. After taking a minute to calm down, I asked Candy, “I don’t suppose you know how to open it, do you?”

“Afraid not, Red. Flodge never told me. I’m sorry.”

“Well… maybe there’s a plug I can pull. I may not be as good with tech as Yellow is, but one thing I can do is pull a plug.”

I grabbed my sword and began banging it against the bottom of the panel, hoping to open it and access some wires or something. As the sparks flew from it, Candy’s soft voice spoke up.

“Red… I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“What is it?” I asked, still swinging my sword.

“Why? Why did you preserve me? Why did you show me mercy?”

I did not expect this from her, but then again, I didn’t know what exactly to expect. I looked up at her and saw tears in her eyes. I stopped bashing the panel and addressed her.

“Honestly, Candy, I don’t know. There was just something in your eyes when we trapped you… a look of fear and panic, and my heart just flooded with compassion for you. Ask anyone who knows me, I rely on my heart more often than my head.” Candy chuckled as I resumed slamming my sword against the panel. I could see progress being made and an increasingly bigger and bigger dent being formed. “You just seemed like you deserved a chance… and you still do. You don’t seem like that bad of a person, just a little misguided, just like another former enemy of mine who is now one of my best friends.”

“I… I thank you, Red.”

“Thank me after this adventure is over!” I insisted. “My friend King is facing one of the most powerful villains we have ever faced, and he needs my help!”

“So… why are you saving me and not helping him?” Candy wondered. This question made me think. I knew I needed to help them, but I had already made my choice. I was going to get out there, I promised myself. I had to get out there. I just hoped that King could hold his own, as he assured us he could, but a part of me was strangely confident he could for one specific reason.

Thoughts of the Battle for Minecraft swirled through my head. I remember vividly the last time King was this powerful, the army of friends we assembled, and even that wasn’t enough to stop him. But above all, there was one member of that army that stood out to me especially: Herobrine. As King began absorbing him, he out of desperation, possessed me. I was possessed, yes, but while I couldn’t control my body, I still had my soul, my consciousness. I remember everything that happened, from the Megastick returning to Purple swooping in and rescuing me, I know all of it. That duel I had with King was the best shot we had to defeat him, and even then, Herobrine and I were no match for a full-powered father desperate for revenge on his son’s behalf. Once again, King was fighting for his son, and I have seen how much of a better fighter he is when his heart is inflamed with passion and love for his son.

If anything, Dark should be begging for mercy. Sure, Dark directly killed me, but so did King with his staff, except King actually succeeded in destroying the world. Considering the Internet is still intact, free from Dark’s spiders and viruses, a super-powered King, in theory, has the advantage. At least I hope. Goodness knows the guys and I have had serious debates about who would win in a 1v1. Nonetheless, I was confident that King was going to be fine, just as he promised us. But… as for the answer to Candy’s question… I finally landed on…

“Like I said… You deserve a chance, and I made you a promise. I’m not leaving without you.”

Tears started flowing down her face. I had to avert my eyes to prevent myself from crying. I had a job to do, and I had to, somewhat literally, put my head down and focus. Finally, I broke the panel enough for me to rip it open. Seeing the exposed wires, I was reminded of cartoons, where a character has to decide which of two they have to cut. For me, though, I took my sword and sliced them all at the same time. Amazingly, it worked. I was half-expecting it not to, but thankfully, cartoon logic doesn’t apply in real life. The digital wall separating me from Candy turned off, and she threw her arms around me. I was surprised, but I hugged her back.

“You’re my hero, Red!”

“Like I said, you can thank me later. We gotta get out there.”

“What about her?” Candy asked, gesturing to Flodge.

As if for an answer, a giant blast shook the building. The ceiling started crumbling above us. I grabbed Rex, Candy grabbed my wrist and, with her super speed, got us out of the room just in time. The doorway caved in, Flodge still inside, but the building remained intact thanks to a sudden structure of Bedrock and obsidian.

“Whoo! That was close!” I said, relieved. “Thanks, Candy.” Rex barked happily.

“You can thank me later.” She replied. I smiled at her, but then, out of nowhere, I saw someone across the hall.

Chapter 20: An Army Assembled (Third Person)

Yellow and Blue flew into the sky and descended onto the roof of the lab, right over the hole Dark made after he got clocked by King, thoughts swirling through their minds. Despite being known as a calm and collected stick, Yellow felt uneasy and worried for his friend. Aside from Blue, Red was his best friend, even if they have had their arguments and disagreements. It was a classic case of opposites attracting, with Red’s recklessness and childish behavior the perfect contrast to Yellow’s strategic thinking and maturity. Red always saw Yellow as a wise big brother, and Yellow, in turn, saw Red as a way to stay youthful when the stress of life took a toll on him. They have had their arguments, but that’s the nature of a sibling relationship such as theirs, and Yellow deeply feared losing him.

As for Blue, he felt similar things to his best friend. He and Red were so close, and the two of them were arguably, the most friendly and compassionate of the Gang. He remembered the great times the two of them had, like discovering Note Blocks and making music together, playing with Red’s pets, and even making a cake for SC’s birthday one time, along with gifting him a bouquet of flowers from Blue’s garden. Red was so excited he almost dropped the cake, Blue recalled. They might not have been the most exciting times the two of them have shared, but what Blue treasured most was the fact that he was able to spend them with Red and Red alone. While he loves Yellow greatly, Red just has an infectious energy and childlike nature that brightens Blue’s day every single time the two do something together. Blue couldn’t imagine not having Red in his life, which only made him more determined to rescue him.

“Yellow?” Blue asked as they lowered. “Do you think Red’s OK?”

“I’m sure he’s fine, Blue.” Yellow assured him. “At least, I hope he is.”

“You’re probably right. I’m just… worried about him.” Blue replied. “Who knows what Flodge is doing to him, and you know how reckless he is…” He paused for a moment. “He just means so much to me…”

“I’m worried as well,” Yellow admitted, sighing deeply, “but that’s why we’re here. We’re going to find him, no matter what.”

“You seem to be channeling your inner Red right there, buddy.”

“If that’s what it takes…” Yellow shrugged. Blue chuckled.

They landed on the roof, above the holes, one that King made with Dark and the other that Dark made by himself. However, they were caved in and there seemed to be no way to enter the lab from that angle.

“How do we get in, Yellow?” Blue asked, worried.

“Do you have any more potions of Strength or something?” Yellow replied soothingly, sensing Blue’s anxiety, mostly because he was anxious himself. “We could clear the debris with those easily.” Blue checked his inventory.

“Let’s see… Yeah, I have a couple.” He handed one to Yellow, and the two drank them.

“Ugh, Purple was right. Those do taste odd.” Yellow noted, a little disgusted. “How are you able to chug these so easily?”

“I don’t think about the taste.” Blue admitted. “Aside from the succulent… savory… spicy… Netherwart…” His voice and thoughts trailed off.

“Blue, focus!” Yellow snapped, and Blue suddenly regained his focus.

“Sorry, buddy.” The two of them began clearing the debris and soon enough, they made a small opening in the wall.

“We’re making progress!” Yellow exclaimed. “I think I can squeeze through that little hole.” He put his elytra away, sucked in his gut and shimmied his little stick body through. Blue followed suit, after making a slightly bigger hole, and the two of them found themselves back in the testing chamber.

“Alright, Red’s here somewhere. Where could he be?” Blue asked, looking around the room frantically.

“There’s no telling, and Flodge is also out there.”

“Oh yeah… I just hope we find Red before she does.”

“Indeed, buddy.” Yellow agreed. “Let’s begin the search!”

The two of them split up and checked every room on the floor, looking and listening for a clue, any trace of Red, or Candy, whom they knew Red had tried to save. Room after room, they came up empty, but then a loud, thunderous BOOM shook the lab, causing several rooms to cave in, including where Yellow and Blue were. They raced out of their respective rooms into the hallway, just barely managing to avoid the crumbling roofs above them. They took a moment to collect themselves, catch their breath, and as the building was braced by obsidian and Bedrock, they saw the last Primary being saved by Candy from a crumbling room.

“Red!” Yellow and Blue exclaimed, racing toward Red with their arms outstretched.

“Guys!” Red set Rex down gently and held his arms out. The three Primaries hugged. Rex barked happily.

“I’m so glad you’re OK!” Blue said, tears flowing down his face.

“Same to you guys.” Red said, also crying tears of joy. They then released each other. “Where are the Secondaries?”

“Fighting Dark.” Yellow said bluntly.

“Wait, what?” Red asked, horrified. “Oh no… If any of them gets touched by his blade…”

“Red, don’t worry. We’re going to join them as well, and with our family complete, we’ll take him down.” Blue explained calmly. Red took a deep breath.

“Thanks, guys, and in case you’re wondering about Flodge, she’s trapped in that room.” Red gestured to the room he, Rex, and Candy escaped from.

“That’s some good news.” Yellow said.

“You two get out there and help our family.” Red insisted. “I’ll be there in a second. I have a friend who can help us: Bun-Bun.”

“Who’s that?” Candy asked.

“A bunny.” Red said. Candy gave him a bewildered look. “It’ll make more sense, trust me. And guys… I just hope you can trust Candy now. She saved SC’s life… and mine as well, but I know you guys had your skepticisms-” Blue cut him off.

“Red, Red, it’s OK, buddy. After seeing her rescue you and punch Dark, I think those doubts are a thing of the past.” Yellow nodded in agreement.

“Thanks for saving our friends, Candy.” Yellow said appreciatively.

“Thank Red for showing me a better way.” Candy said, wrapping an arm around Red. He smiled back at her.

“Oh, Red, King wanted you to have this.” Yellow handed him an elytra and fireworks.

“Thanks, Yellow. Now go! Get out there and help them!”

“What about you, Reddy Bear?” Blue asked.

“I’ll be OK, just go! They need more help than I do.” Red was adamant in his stance, and the other Primaries could see the look in his eyes, a look of determination and passion that they were all too familiar with. There would be no changing his mind, and Yellow and Blue knew that they didn’t have time to argue with the Secondaries engaged in a battle that might kill them if they didn’t make haste.

“I’m not happy about it, Red, but OK, I trust you.” Yellow said, tears in his eyes. “Just promise me you’ll come back to me. I can’t imagine my life without you, little brother.”

“I can’t imagine it without you, either, big brother.” Red replied, tears filling his own eyes. “I promise I’ll come back to you.”

“I love you, buddy.” Blue added.

“No more than I love you, Blue.” Red replied. “Now go! Save our family.”

“There’s a fire escape right over here,” Candy directed, pointing to an open door at the end of the hall leading outside. Yellow and Blue gave Red one last look and raced outside, took one last look at Red, and took off into the sky. Red dried his eyes, dropped Rex a piece of steak to heal his wounds, and with Rex’s tail high and wagging, Red asked another piece of instruction from Candy.

“Candy, do you have any advice as to how to defeat The Dark Lord?”

“His wristband. Most, if not all his power, is tied to his wrist.” Red nodded, processing this information. “However, that will prove dangerous. I mean, have you seen his blade?”

“I met it personally, but that’s another story. Thanks, Candy. You should escape while you still can. You know what might happen if Flodge gets her hands on you.”

“Are you sure? I mean…”

“GO! I’m not losing you!” Red shouted passionately. Candy reluctantly agreed and broke for the fire escape, not saying a word on her way out. As she descended the stairs down the side of the building, she was distracted by Red’s last comment to her. ‘I’m not losing you.’ What did that mean? Was he falling for her? Was she falling for him? Or was it more of a familial relationship, nothing more than a desire to keep her safe? Candy had seen how wholehearted Red is, willing to go to extremes to save his family and keep them safe. But, then again, it was Red who extended mercy to her. This she found the most surprising, even now, and it caused her to stop in her tracks after reaching the bottom of the three-story stairs.

What Candy couldn’t believe was Red, his attitude and behavior toward her. He proved himself to be quite a fighter, aggressive and brash, literally clocking Flodge across the face and calling her lucky to be alive. What did she do to warrant the olive branch Red first extended to her? She should’ve been where Flodge was now, and she knew it, yet she was spared. Red firmly believed that she deserved a second chance, and this was it. She was free from Flodge, she wasn’t her right hand woman any longer. The question was, what would she do with it? Would she run, well aware that she had no chance against Dark, or would she fight with passion like Red? Red told her to run, to escape while she could, but she feared for Red regardless.

“What do I do?” She asked herself. For an answer, she looked up and saw Dark fighting against Red’s family. Everyone was there… except Red, and she knew how strong Dark was. Her head said to run, but her heart said to fight.

“What do I do?” She desperately asked herself, looking back and forth between the surrounding forest and the stairs she just descended. “What do I do…?”

Meanwhile, Red watched as Candy disappeared outside. As she ran to safety, Red assumed, he sighed deeply. His friends were in danger, in desperate need of him, but he made his rabbit a promise and wasn’t about to break it. “Now, to get Bun-Bun. How’s that sound, Rex?” Rex barked approvingly, and the two of them raced downstairs, into the hallway where Red killed Agent Shades. What he saw floored him, so much so he almost forgot his mission.

“Wha- How-” Red stuttered, unable to find the words to convey his shock. In front of him was a bury of bunnies, hundreds of rabbit offspring from his beloved Bun-Bun, all of whom were Killer Bunnies. They were hopping around everywhere, some of them, Red noticed, were lapping up Shades’ blood. Seeing that made his stomach churn, but after the initial shock wore off and he collected himself, he finally asked, “Where did you all come from? Bun-Bun?” He glanced around, looking for his pet among the horde of similar-looking bunnies.

At the sound of his name, Bun-Bun hopped over to Red and leapt into his arms. At that moment, the entire bury turned to glare at Red, unsettling him, but when Bun-Bun nuzzled Red’s face, the litter calmed down and hopped happily around. A friend of their patriarch is a friend of theirs. Red, however, was nearly speechless. “D- Did you do all this?” He stammered. “But… How? You’re a boy!”

Bun-Bun wiggled his nose, confirming this. Just then, another bunny hopped over to Red. Bun-Bun, seeing this other bunny, hopped out of Red’s arms and rubbed his head against this other bunny’s head. Red put two and two together and checked his inventory, realizing he was missing a Killer Bunny spawn egg. “It must’ve fallen out onto the floor and… you found a partner.” Bun-Bun wiggled his nose once again. That was exactly what happened. Red breathed a sigh of relief. “Whoo! I’m glad Yellow’s not here to tell me about the birds and the bees… or I guess the bunnies and the bees.” He bent down and pet Bun-Bun’s mate. “You should have a name, too.” He remembered a female rabbit character with the last name Hopps in another movie he saw. “How about Hopps? Or Hoppy? Do you like Hoppy?” She bounced around excitedly. Red smiled. “Hoppy it is.” Both bunnies hopped onto Rex’s back, riding him like a horse. Rex smiled, enjoying the soft fur on his back, and Red, seeing a new potential army on his side, stood on the stairs, preparing to give a speech to an inspired audience of rabbits. He still had an objective to do, and he was certain the bunnies could help him and his family.

“My Killer Bunny family!” Red shouted, his soft voice filled with passion. For once, he was happy his voice hadn't cracked yet, as his softer tone seemed to attract the bunnies more than a deep voice would’ve. He raised his sword, and the bunnies settled down. “Lend me your ears! My friends, my family, is out there, fighting a powerful enemy, and I’m not sure they can win! They need our help to succeed and defeat him, otherwise, none of us will make it out of here. You guys are Killer Bunnies! You are a family, a ruthless, violent ball-of-fury family! You all are the most deadly allies we have! I am asking you all to help my family win and save the world! Let’s show the world how mighty you all are! If you are with me, ‘lettuce’ take him on, and we will ‘bury’ him!”

Bun-Bun rose to his hind legs as well, mimicking Red. The bunnies, seeing Bun-Bun, hopped around excitedly, all too eager to experience the rush of murdering someone for the first time, and that’s not to mention their insatiable desire for the taste of blood they had acquired from Shades. Bun-Bun and Hoppy looked up at Red, and Red smiled back at him.

“Excellent! Follow me, my bury! To battle!” He charged up the stairs, sword and shield in hand. Bun-Bun and Hoppy rode Rex like a jockey next to him and the bloodthirsty bury followed them.

“Dark, you have no idea what you’ve got coming for you.” Red said to himself, putting his elytra on. “You’ve attacked my family, and for that, you’re gonna get buried.”

Chapter 21: Taking Command (King)

SC, Green, and Purple flanked me with their elytra and fireworks. The plan was simple: buy enough time for the Primaries to find each other and escape. I spun my staff around, pointing it at Dark, and he in response charged a fireball in his hand. It grew bigger and bigger, and I braced myself with a wall of Bedrock in front of me. He threw it, aiming at Purple, but I quickly and accurately blocked it before it could reach him.

“Is that all you got?” I shouted. “You mess with my son, you mess with me.”

“You say that like it’s a threat.” Dark replied.

“Be careful, boys!” I said to the group. “I’m bringing out the mace.”

I made a massive mace out of Netherite blocks, the only thing strong enough to break Barrier blocks, and swung it at Dark, taking out several trees in the process. He’s quite fast, but I know how to be faster, getting increasingly closer and closer to him.

“You won’t attack your pathetic family.” Dark said, closing in on SC.

“But I’m not afraid to attack you.” SC replied.

“Without powers? Give me a break.” Dark scoffed.

“I stood up for Chosen. I’ll stand for King.”

“Assuming you still can stand after I’m done with you.” Dark said. Sadly, he was right. I wasn’t going to strike if it meant I might hit SC, but my orange counterpart whipped out his sword. I may not have been willing to use my mace, but I have other weapons at my disposal. I made a Bedrock wall between SC and Dark, and the latter slammed into it. Green roped Dark and flung him away, and I slammed him with my mace into the grass when everyone was clear.

He rose from the ground and bull-rushed me. I braced myself, holding my staff to block him, and his blade met my staff once again. We clashed them repeatedly, two incredibly overpowered stick figures duking it out, and it seemed like no one had the upper hand. He kept the offensive by shooting fireballs and spikes at me, but luckily for me, shields are capable of blocking both. I retaliated with arrows, fire charges, and Netherite weapons, but Dark avoided them both as well. After my volley, Dark charged at me again and blade and staff clashed.

“I’m done toying with my food.” Dark breathed coldly.

“I’m done with you.” I seethed. We broke off.

Out of nowhere, Green roped Dark from behind and took a few swings at him with his sword, Purple followed up with a few blows as well, but Dark retaliated. He turned off his blade, and grabbed Purple by the throat.

“Purple!” SC, Green, and I shouted in unison. Purple tried fighting back, but Dark slammed him into the ground, making a small crater in the ground. I flew to him.

“Well, you’re not my brother, but you’ll do.” Dark said, igniting his blade.

“NOOOOO!” I cried out. I swung my staff at Dark in an attempt to get him off of my son, but amazingly, I didn’t have to. Before Dark’s blade connected with Purple’s body, Purple disappeared and Dark just stabbed the ground. I clocked Dark across the face, knocking him several yards away into a tree. My first thought was fear and panic. Where was Purple? Was he dead?

“Purple? PURPLE?!” I shouted, tears filling my eyes. I couldn’t believe it. I had failed him again. What kind of father was I? I was unable to protect Gold, and now I had lost Purple, too. I felt a rage growing inside of me, the same rage I felt after losing Gold, but before it could escalate, I heard a voice.

“Dad!” I looked to my right, and there was Purple, chugging another potion, Yellow and Blue flanking either side of him. Instantly my anger dissipated, replaced with my love for Purple, as well as a sense of bewilderment.

“How’s that for taking command?” Yellow proclaimed triumphantly. I was confused. How did Purple get there? He was about to die at the hands of Dark… What just happened? Yellow was standing over a Command block, and suddenly, I pieced it all together. Yellow used it to teleport Purple out of danger. He saved my son’s life…

“I got him healed up, King. Don’t worry.” Blue said calmly. “That Healing potion will work wonders.” Purple finished and wiped his mouth off with his arm.

“Purple!” I raced over and threw my arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re OK!”

“Thanks, Dad.” Purple said, hugging me back. “And thank you both, Yellow and Blue, for coming in clutch.”

“Yes, thank you boys.” I said gratefully, tears flowing down my face. “You saved my son’s life, and maybe even mine. How can I repay you?”

“You don’t have to.” Yellow replied. “He’s our friend too, King.”

“And we’d do practically anything for him.” Blue promised. “And for you.”

“But, we saved your life?” Yellow asked.

“Yes.” I explained. “I’m not sure I could live without this little guy in my life.” I gestured to Purple. “Thank you again, kids. I love you guys.”

“We love you too.” Purple, Yellow, and Blue said in unison. The other Secondaries floated down and joined the group hug, but we quickly released each other, because Dark was still out there. I broke Yellow’s Command block with my staff and handed him a fresh one, along with some more potions for Blue.

“We might need you in the air, Yellow.” I told him.

“I can’t argue with that.”

“You’re a strong, strategic fighter, and each one of us makes our family stronger.”

“Thanks, King, that means a lot.” Yellow replied, gratefully.

“And, Blue, those Splash potions are some of the strongest in Minecraft, truly game-breaking, which is probably why you can’t normally get them.” I explained. Blue examined the bottles.

“Level 10, infinite time limit.” He noticed, taking note of what potions they were. “These should cripple Dark, assuming I can use them on him.”

“Your time will come, I’m sure of it.” I assured him. “Regardless, use those carefully.”

“Gotcha.” Blue replied.

“Where’s Red?” SC asked.

“He said he was retrieving his bunny.” Blue answered. “I can’t imagine what could be keeping him.”

“He insisted he’d be fine.” Yellow explained. “Flodge is out of the way, evidently.”

“That’s a relief.” I said. “OK, kids, the plan hasn’t changed. Keep Dark distracted and off of the lab, and if possible, kill him. But above all else, look out for each other.”

“Always, Dad.” Purple replied. “Always.”

A tree was toppled, followed by several more. Dark stepped toward us out of the fallen trees. We all took on a fighting stance, raising our weapons and pointing–and in Blue’s case with his bow and arrow, aiming–them at Dark.

“I see I have two more targets,” Dark noted, “two more weaknesses for you to cover.”

“I’ve had enough of you disrespecting my family!” I shouted.

“Don’t worry. Soon enough, you won’t have a family for me to disrespect.”

I uppercutted him with a spire of Bedrock formed from the ground.

“Red or not, it’s time to fly, kids!” I took off into the air, the others followed with help from their elytra. “We’re only getting stronger, guys. Soon enough, he’ll have no chance.”

The six of us met in midair, the kids behind me. I pointed my staff at Dark once again, scowling at him, and he returned the favor. I could see a fire in his crimson eyes, and they shone like royal rubies. He bared his teeth, making it look like he was willing to devour us alive if it came to that. He wasn’t backing down, but unfortunately for him, neither were we. He attacked my family, and for that, he was going to meet his end.

“Dad, how are we supposed to defeat him?” Purple asked. “He seems on par with you and your power.”

“As a family, son. As a family.” I answered.

“But… we’re still missing one.” SC said. “The one who is both the heart and the muscle of our team.”

“We’ll keep Dark at bay until Red shows up.” I said. “Where could he be?”

“Did someone call my name?” said a voice from behind me.

“Kids, is that Red? I recognize his voice.” I couldn’t turn around, since Dark was slowly descending from the uppercut I delivered to him and I wasn’t turning my back to him. He likely wanted me to turn my back, thus allowing him the chance to strike. I was not allowing him that opportunity.

“King… you’re not going to believe this…” Green said. Judging by his tone, he was stunned, and even Dark looked slightly taken aback by whatever was behind me. “It’s Red, he’s back… and he’s got a legion of…”

“Killer Bunnies!” Red finished.

Chapter 22: Dueling with Dark (Red)

After delivering my speech to my bury of bunnies, I led them up the fire escape and onto the roof of the crumbling laboratory. It was still structurally sound enough thanks to King’s bedrock and obsidian support. As I made it to the roof, Rex, Bun-Bun, and Hoppy beside me, I heard King a few yards in front of me.

“We’ll keep Dark at bay until Red shows up. Where could he be?”

“Did someone call my name?” I shouted, my army still flowing up the stairs to join me on the roof.

“Kids, is that Red? I recognize his voice.” King said. He wasn’t turning around, but Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple did. Seeing the stunned looks on their faces was priceless, but they couldn’t help but smile at me. I beamed with pride, my bunny army surrounding me.

“King… you’re not going to believe this…” Green said. “It’s Red… and he’s got a legion of…”

“Killer Bunnies!” I finished.

“Red… you are incredible.” Purple said.

“King, my pets would like a platform, if you don’t mind.”

“Gotcha covered, Red!” King waved his staff and made a bedrock platform extending from the roof of the lab.

“OK, Killer Bunnies, the deep red one with the sword and donut head is our enemy.” I informed them. “Everyone else is a friend. OK?” The bunnies hopped in place, and Rex barked, understanding, and I nodded at them. “LET’S DO THIS THING!” I proclaimed. Raising my sword, I rushed onto the platform, Rex and my bunny bury followed, flowing after me. I stood between my friends… my family, and stared directly at The Dark Lord, pointing my blade at him. “You mess with my family, you get the Bear’s claws.”

“Red… H- H- How?” SC stuttered. Judging by his tone, he was shocked, like he couldn’t believe it. To be fair, when I first saw my bury, I couldn’t comprehend it, either, but regardless, I’m glad to have gotten them on our side.

“I’m in agreement. Where did all these… bunnies come from?” King asked. His shock was mixed with laughter.

“I must’ve dropped a bunny egg,” I explained, “and Bun-Bun found a mate.”

“Wow, Red…” Blue said, in awe.

“You’re indescribable, buddy,” Yellow said, “in all the best of ways.”

“Enough talk. Let’s fight.” I replied, my sword still pointed at Dark. His red eyes narrowed and his blade pulsated, giving me more Wolf vibes, but if he was the Wolf, I was the cat, the cat who took him down as his found family watched.

“You think your pathetic family and an army of rabbits is enough to stop me?” Dark quipped.

“My family, me, and my bury of bunnies, yes.” I retaliated. “They’re bloodthirsty, and they love the smell of fear.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not scared of a bunch of sticks I killed before.” Dark replied, summoning a massive wave of ViraSpikes pointed directly at us. He flung them at us, but King came in quick with a wall of obsidian, blocking the spikes.

“Now, that my family is complete,” King said tersely, “you’re going down.”

King zipped up to Dark and clashed staff and blade several times. We all watched, scared to do anything for fear of accidentally hitting King. Once the two of them finally broke off, Dark shot fireballs at rapid fire at us. We took off with our elytra into the air, Blue retaliating with arrows and even fireworks from his crossbow.

“Yellow, now’s a great time to bring in the wrecking crew.” SC said.

“Say less, brother.” Yellow pulled out his TNT, ignited it, and flung them back at Dark, getting close, but not close enough to cause any damage to him. My bury cheered us on from below.

“Be careful, Bunnies.” I told them, not taking my eyes off of Dark and his massive fireballs. “We need you.” The bunnies squeaked in response, presumably affirming my command.

Dark zipped closer to SC, trying to use his blade on him, but Green grappled SC with his fishing rod and pulled him out of the way just in time. Purple and I took swings at Dark with our swords, and King himself did the same with a mace made of Netherite blocks once we were clear. As we flew back toward the lab to avoid King’s mace, Purple looked at me.

“Red, you’ve had experience with him. Does he have a weakness or something?” He asked. “At this rate, we’ll be fighting for an eternity.” Before I could answer, I heard a voice shout from behind me.

“His wristband!” I turned around and saw Candy standing on the roof. “His wristband is where most of his power lies!”

I was shocked to see her behind me, especially after I told her to get out of here. I know how dangerous Dark is. He killed me and my family rather easily, and from what SC has told me, he practically killed him as well. Candy being here was another person I didn’t want to lose, someone who I didn’t want to see get murdered. There was no way I was going to let her pull a Purple and have her sacrifice herself after being given a second chance. Not if I have anything to say about it.

“Candy?” I asked, bewildered. I descended to her. “I told you to get to safety!”

“I may not be the best fighter, but I still intend on helping you in any way I can.” She replied. I couldn’t help but admire her determination and willingness to help. I smiled at her, somewhat seeing myself in her. Her passion, her grit, I respect that, and we needed all the help we could get. Nonetheless, I was still worried about her. She admitted that she wasn’t the best fighter, but there would be no changing her mind. I knew the look on her face, a look I have used multiple times when I insisted to my friends I needed to do something… like get my bunnies. I sighed deeply.

“I don’t agree… but OK.” I said reluctantly, checking my inventory for weapons.

“No!” Another voice shouted. Candy and I turned and saw none other than Flodge on the fire escape. “Traitor!”

‘How did she escape?’ I thought. ‘I knocked her out cold and left her trapped in a room. She must be tougher than I thought initially.’

“You help your family.” Candy insisted. “I’ll hold her off the best I can.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“They need you.” I looked at King, who was still dueling with Dark, the others helping in their own ways. It didn’t take me long to realize that yes, we need each other.

“You’re right. Stay safe.” With that, I took off to join my family. “Guys, aim for his wristband! His blade is his power!”

“How are we supposed to do that?” Green asked.

“I’m not sure, to be honest.” I admitted. “But we’ll find a way.”

“He’s right.” SC said, nodding. King floated over to him, and the seven of us lined up. “Together, we are stronger, stronger than any adversary we will ever face!”

With that, we bolted at Dark, and he charged at us, his blade pointing directly at us.

“Watch that blade!” King shouted, taking the lead. He took a shot at Dark, swinging his staff at him. Dark retaliated by blocking with his blade. Blue, the skilled marksman, drilled Dark with a firework from his crossbow, knocking him backwards. Yellow followed it up with some TNT bombs, which Dark blew up with fireballs before they could reach him. Purple and I flew behind him and took swipes with our swords, with a follow-up from SC, though my friend’s evil brother dodged our strikes with impressive speed. Green tried lassoing him, but he missed as well, and King retaliated with a barrage of fire charges and the two of them clashed once again.

“How’s that for a ‘pathetic’ family?” King asked.

“Useless, just like my apprentice.” Dark replied. “That’s what I get for taking her on.” He broke off, only to get whacked by an obsidian wave from King. He quickly regained his balance and shot fireballs at the seven of us, but we dodged. Green even pulled me out of the way at one point. The guy’s a master with that fishing rod of his. Blue once again, sent a rain of arrows at Dark, and King did the same but with more fire charges. Dark shot them down with well-skilled ViraSpikes, and then directed them at us. I blocked mine with my shield, as did Purple, and King shielded the others with obsidian walls. Once the wave ended, King confronted Dark firsthand, clashing blade with staff yet again. I got close enough to hear King breathing heavily.

“Getting worn out yet?” Dark asked. “I can put an end to your weariness.”

“On the contrary, Dark, I’m just getting started.”

King summoned a massive wave of obsidian and slammed it on Dark, whacking him several more times with more obsidian waves. Dark broke away, shaking his head rapidly to recover. Using this time, Purple, SC, and I swooped in and took swings with our swords, Blue and Yellow providing covering fire and Green trying to rope Dark with his fishing rods. It seemed as if Dark was on his back foot, and while he continued fighting back, shooting fireballs and Spikes while taking swings with his blade, King’s defensive blocks were still on point and he kept us safe. After knocking Dark back into the air, he seemed to spot something in the distance behind us. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at, but he was even more enraged than ever. He breathed heavily.

“I’m done with you all… especially you.”

I wasn’t fully sure who he was referring to. He wasn’t looking directly at any of us, and I was confused. Before any of us could react, Dark sped right past us toward the lab. I instantly feared for one person in particular…

“Candy…”

Chapter 23: Masters and Apprentices (Candy)

After Red instructed me to stay safe, he took off to join his family in their fight against The Dark Lord, leaving just me and my former leader standing on the roof. We stared at each other, scowling and seething. She saw me as a traitor, I saw her as a tyrant, someone who pretended to be my family just so she could use me and make more Misprints like her. I was never a family member to her, just Experiment #1, her trial run, and having seen mercy firsthand from someone I thought was the enemy… It made me realize who the real enemy is.

“You’re going down, traitor.” Flodge hissed, her voice dripping with venom like the snake she was.

“You betrayed me,” I yelled, “used me, saw me as nothing more than a pawn; meant to be discarded once you got Dark on your side.”

“You are nothing without me.”

“I am everything and more without you, and I refuse to let you turn more innocent sticks.”

“I’m improving them! Helping them!” Flodge protested.

“You’re helping yourself. You gave us powers in exchange for servitude. That’s not an improvement, that’s imprisonment.”

“I don’t need to take your s***.” Flodge swore. “I just need to take you down. My Lord will take-”

“Ugh, chit-chat.” I interrupted, catching Flodge off-guard.

“...will take-”

“Chitty-chitty-chat-chat. Chat-chat-chat.” I joked, smirking at her. Flodge looked like she was going to literally explode with rage, her face turning as red as my fire engine shade. “Chit-chat. Come at me, Flodge.”

Flodge growled and charged at me, and I, without my super speed, ran at her. We collided, I stopped a punch with my own fist, and the two of us brawled, throwing punches, kicks, and headbutts at each other. Neither of us are the best fighters, as Flodge is more the brains to The Dark Lord’s brawn and I was not gifted the super strength of plaids, nor the agility of zigzags, but we were still seemingly evenly matched. We threw a punch at each other simultaneously, catching the other’s fist in our free hands, locking each other in place.

“What’s your problem?!” I demanded to know. “Why did you capture all these innocent people and have them turned into Misprints?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Flodge mocked. “I told you, I fight for JUSTICE!” She broke away and swung, but I dodged her fist. “And the only way to level the playing field is by undermining the top dogs.”

“What?!” I was shocked and appalled by her logic. ‘Bringing people down just to grow stronger? What kind of psychopathic scumbag does that?’ I thought.

She snapped her fingers, and instantly, she was gone. ‘So much for playing fair.’ I thought, so I began zipping around periodically with my super speed, trying to keep my distance from her, even though I didn’t know where she was.

“You heard me, Candy.” Flodge’s voice said soothingly, her voice trying to seem as sweet at honey. It was a weird turn for her, especially considering how explosive she can be, but I knew she was trying to deceive me, trying to get me to lower my guard, allowing her to strike. “Misprints like me can’t get ahead without stepping on the Regulars above us.”

“You’re wrong. You built an empire, a tech giant!” I protested. “Not even a team of Regulars could do what you did. What will finally satisfy you?”

“Bringing all Regulars down.” Flodge answered. I whipped around to face where her voice was coming from. “You see, Candy, Misprints like me will always be looked down upon or deemed as inferior by Regulars. With Regulars eradicated, no one will judge us, judge you, again.”

“Not to mention you will have an army of Misprints at your disposal.” I added, still furious at her for doing this to so many innocent Regulars.

“That’s just an added benefit.” Flodge’s silky, smooth voice seemed to get closer. I zipped away toward a corner of the building, leaving enough room for me to dart to either side.

“That’s your problem.” I replied tersely. “You always saw your camo-colored coating as a flaw, when I think most Regulars would love to have your power.”

“LIAR!” Flodge screamed. She turned herself visible again and charged at me. We locked fists yet again. “You know nothing. You are nothing. You’re just a stupid… f*****g… Misprint. Without me, you shall just be rejected, be shamed by society because of your pattern.”

“I’d rather be shamed by society with friends in my corner,” I spat back, “than rule society alone.”

Flodge screamed and kicked me in the gut, launching me across the roof of the lab. I clutched my stomach, wheezing, trying desperately to catch my breath. I didn’t realize she could kick so hard, and I felt like I was going to throw up, but I alertly rolled away from another kick, and sprang to my feet. She turned invisible once more, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw Red’s wolf, the one he named Rex, racing toward us. I had noticed the mass of bunnies, but was too preoccupied by Flodge to react to them. Rex, however, was bolting toward us, and his presence distracted me. Flodge snuck up behind me and put me in a chokehold, lifting me into the air, returning to being visible.

“I was going to save you for My Lord,” she growled, “but I think I’d like the honor of killing you myself.”

I gagged, choked, and struggled, kicking and flailing wildly, but I was unable to do anything to stop her. I felt the lack of oxygen start to set in, and the accompanying lightheadedness, but before I could meet my end, Rex ran up to me and sank his teeth into Flodge’s leg.

“AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!” She screamed. “Not again, you f*****g-!” She dropped me and kicked Rex away again, but that gave me the moment to regain my breath and sock her across the face, knocking her over. I stood over her, glaring squarely into her eyes, her ankle bleeding heavily, and a puddle of blood was starting to form at my feet.

“Your empire is fallen, Flodge.” I flatly told her. “You’ll pay for what you did to these people… What you did to me.”

Before I could deliver another powerful punch, The Dark Lord appeared behind her. I looked up in shock, and instinctively stepped back. I knew I had no chance against him, but I still held my fists up in self defense.

“My Lord!” Flodge exclaimed, staggering to her feet, the pool of blood still growing. “I appreciate your arrival. Shall we terminate this traitor?”

“We’ll terminate someone, alright.” The Dark Lord muttered in his deep, dark tone. Almost immediately after, Red appeared in front of me.

“I won’t let you harm her!” He proclaimed, extending his arm across my body. I was surprised he thought so highly of me, but grateful that he came nonetheless. His family, the rainbow-colored sticks that accompanied him, joined him and stood between me and Dark and Flodge.

“Don’t worry, Candy,” the purple stick assured me. “We won’t let them hurt you.”

“Not if I can help it.” The tall, darker orange one affirmed.

“Oh, I don’t want this pathetic stripe.” The Dark Lord grunted. “I have bigger problems to delete.”

With that, he stepped back and drove his blade straight through the back of none other than Kam O. Flodge.

Chapter 24: Mess with the Wolf (Red)

I was stunned beyond belief seeing Dark drive his blade through Flodge’s midsection. I instinctively grabbed at my chest, where he stabbed me several years ago, and the other FSF did the same, gasping and holding where they were deleted. Yellow held his head, Green, his chest and Blue, his neck. SC, Purple, even King stood, open-mouthed and shocked, at this turn of events. Despite getting impaled, Flodge was still somehow breathing.

“My Lord…” She gasped, barely able to get the words out.

“You promised me the hunters would stop them. You were wrong. You failed me.”

“I brought you back to life…” Flodge retaliated as Dark lifted her off the ground. “I gave you your power back…”

“Those were your first and second mistakes.” Dark stated tersely, his voice ferocious and menacing. “You called yourself the Queen with all the power, but you forgot what every chess player knows: Even without a Queen, the game goes on. Consider this the Queen sacrifice, the one necessary for a final checkmate.”

“Please… My Lord…” Flodge begged. For the first time, I saw panic and fear in her eyes.

“I told you, Flodge, I work alone, and now you will no longer hold me back.”

Dark threw her onto the ground between us, a massive hole in her chest that pierced through her stick body. Slowly, right before our eyes, she began disintegrating, and for the first time, I witnessed a stick figure get deleted before my very eyes. I grabbed at my heart again. Seeing someone get murdered in front of me, it was legitimately horrifying, and I felt a wave of fear overtake me. I’m not one to get scared much, my overaggression usually overrides any fear, but this… it legitimately terrified me.

“Who’s next?” Dark taunted. We all looked up at him. Despite my emotions and anxiety, I took a fighting stance, and everyone around me did the same.

“None of us are ‘next,’ Dark,” King coldly replied, “because none of us are going down.”

Instantly, he clashed staff with blade yet again, clashing them together repeatedly. The guys, Candy, and I flanked him on either side, looking for our opportunity to strike. We had to be careful, as King was engaged in some heated hand-to-hand combat and we didn’t accidentally want to hit him with a stray arrow or something.

Once he finally did back up, Blue and Yellow sent a wave of TNT and fireworks at him, and though Dark was quick to dodge them, Purple, SC, and I got behind and clashed our swords with his blade. Our blades were no match for him, though, but luckily, Green pulled SC out of danger with a fishing rod, King got Purple out of the way with his blocks, and Candy yoinked me out of harm's way with her super speed. King took the opportunity to strike Dark in the head, knocking him several yards backwards. King sent some more waves of attacks at him, his giant Netherite tools his weapons of choice.

We backed up with our elytra and regrouped.

“There has to be some way to defeat him!” I thundered.

“But how?” Yellow asked. “He seems virtually indestructible.”

“Yellow, buddy, you usually give answers, not questions!” Blue asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“We can do it, can’t we?” Green wondered.

“We are stronger together, Green.” Purple assured him. “We’ll do this no matter what.”

What Purple said seemed to give SC thought. Even as King and Dark fought, I could sense the gears turning in SC’s mind.

“What’s your orange friend doing, Red?” Candy asked, referring to SC.

“He’s coming up with a plan.” I explained. “He’s our leader and in times of distress, he is often the one to lead us to safety.”

“Any time, kids!” King demanded as he and Dark fought. Green and Purple joined to help, and I was about to join them, when SC came up with something.

“Guys, I have an idea!” He exclaimed.

“What is it, buddy?” Blue asked.

“Teamwork making the dream work.” SC began. I gave him a confused look, unsure where he was going. “Blue, what kind of potions do you have? And I’m talking about your most powerful and debilitating stuff.”

“I got these that King gave me,” Blue answered, pulling out a couple of potions, “but only one of each. These will cripple anyone who gets hit by them.” SC examined them.

“Whoa, strong stuff right there. That’ll be perfect.” SC confirmed. “Yellow, you still have your command block?”

“Indubitably.” Yellow answered. I rolled my eyes at his vocabulary flex.

“Perfect, get that ready.” SC ordered. “When King and Dark get into a clash…” I didn’t hear the rest, as I joined the other Secondaries in the battle. King and Dark had not let up, still trading blow for blow with each other. Purple and Green hung around as well, staying cautious, yet taking strikes at Dark whenever the opportunity arose. I charged forward, and Candy ran alongside me. I was surprised, but at this point, I wasn’t going to turn down the help. We needed all the assistance we could get, especially considering this was The Dark Lord we were fighting.

King did the lion share of the fighting, throwing various blocks and attacks at Dark, while Green, Purple, and I took occasional swipes at him with our weapons. Candy even tried to land a few punches, though that was a risky call. She almost got sliced by Dark’s blade, but her super speed saved her once again.

“You and your puny friends are quite bothersome,” Dark admitted, “I look forward to swatting them away like the mosquitos they are.”

“The only bloodsucker here is you, Dark.” King tersely retaliated. “Stay away from my family!”

“It’s more fun to attack them, though.” Dark replied, glancing over at me and Candy.

“You want her, you’re gonna have to get through me.” I shouted, raising my sword and shield. Dark bolted at us, and I braced myself for impact, but King stepped between us and collided his staff with Dark’s sword once again. Was this the time SC, Yellow, and Blue were waiting for? I held my ground a few feet behind King, wanting to strike, but I waited…

“Now, Blue!” SC shouted. “Now, Yellow!”

With that, Dark disappeared in front of King, causing him to stumble forward. What followed a split second later was the sound of glass breaking.

“What happened? Where’d he go?” King asked, looking around in a panic. Purple flew down with his elytra, Green next to him.

“Over there, Dad! Look!” Purple pointed. I turned to my left and saw Dark surrounded by potion bubbles. I looked behind me and saw Yellow standing over a Command Block and Blue next to him. I pieced it together, Yellow teleported Dark away and Blue hit him with the potions, but I wasn’t totally sure what potions.

“What’s happennnnnnnning… tooooooo… meeeeeeeee…?” Dark’s movements, and even his voice, slowed to a crawl, so slow one couldn’t tell he was moving.

“Slowness X and Weakness X.” Blue smirked.

“For an infinite amount of time.” Yellow added. “You’re not going anywhere.” He high-fived Blue.

“Green, tie him up!” SC ordered.

“Say less, bro!” Green whipped out his fishing rods and wrapped their lines around Dark, further restricting his movement.

“Purple, take flight.” SC commanded. “Drive him into the ground.”

“On it!”

“Be careful, kiddo!” King shouted. “Watch his blade!”

“I will, Dad!” Purple grabbed Dark and flew him high into the air. Once up there, Purple turned him upside-down. I knew what he was about to do, and it gave me an idea. If the bunnies wanted blood, they were sure to get it.

“Over here, Purple!” I called out, directing him to the pool of Flodge’s blood lying in an idle puddle on the ground.

“I’m coming in hot, Red!” Purple slammed Dark headfirst into the ground, the roof we were all standing on. He finished his “super move” with a couple of fireworks directly to Dark’s head, causing the puddle to splash and cover him even more with the liquid matching my shade.

“Red, finish him.” SC coldly stated.

“I’ll let my bury do that.” I replied. I whistled shrilly for the bunnies to join me, and they flowed over like a wave of white paint. I stood over Dark, and stared directly into his piercing, red eyes. “I’m Red Death. Straight up.” I took my sword and drove it directly into Dark’s wristband, piercing through his wrist and destroying the band one final time. I pulled my sword back out, and as the blood gushed from Dark’s wrist, Candy zipped up to me. She too stared at him.

“I don’t appreciate you attacking my friends… my family.” She said, “You’re done for.”

She clocked Dark across the face, hard, stepped back, and then wiped the blood from her knuckles. Not sure if that blood came from Dark or Flodge, but either way, the bury had arrived. Bun-Bun and Hoppy were first, followed by the rest of them.

“How’s death by bunnies sound?” I quipped. “Bun-Bun, Hoppy, my bunny bury… Sic ‘im.”

Dark’s eyes grew wide. Unable to move or fight back, crippled by Blue’s potions, the bunnies swarmed him, devouring the blood that coated his deep-red body, as well as his flesh. I knew their insatiability would be to our benefit, and Dark was no match for the army I had accidentally made. My family gathered around me and watched as several bunnies squeezed their way into the hole I made in Dark’s wrist and began what I assume to be consuming him from the inside out. Dark let out an ear-splitting scream, one final cry that made my stomach churn more than watching him get eaten alive. Eventually, the bunnies separated, and underneath that pile, there was no trace of him. The only things left were his prosthetic limbs, a few traces of blood staining the roof, and the split remnants of his wristband. I whistled a familiar and spine-tingling tune, the iconic notes made by the Wolf, catching some looks from my friends.

“You mess with the Wolf,” I darkly told his remains, “you get the sickles.”

Chapter 25: Change in Leadership (Candy)

I watched, open-mouthed, as Red’s bunnies covered The Dark Lord completely. Seeing them devour him alive was probably the most unsettling thing I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot in my life working for Flodge. I never would’ve believed it if I hadn’t seen it in person, but, safe to say, I’m probably gonna have nightmares about it for a little while. However, once the bunnies separated, I was shocked to see no trace of The Dark Lord, aside from his fake limbs and his broken wristband. We breathed heavily, so deeply so that I could hear us, but soon the realization sunk in.

“Is that it?” the blue stick asked. “Is it over?”

“Yes, buddy.” the yellow one confirmed. “Dark is done for.”

“We did it guys!” Red proclaimed. “We saved the world, and each other!”

I was so shocked I didn’t put the pieces together fully, but once Red said that, I realized it too. Dark was dead… we survived… it was over… we won.

“Bring it in, brothers.” the purple one said, extending his arms. The entire team embraced him, though I stood back, watching. “I love you all.”

“We love you too, Purple,” the green stick replied.

‘Purple?’ I thought. ‘Are their names their colors?’

“The world is saved, but my brother…” the shorter, brighter orange cried. “I’ve never seen anything so graphic before.”

“He was never your brother, SC,” the tall orange stick comfortingly told him. “We’re your true family.” We separated. Red looked up at me, standing to the side of the group.

“Candy… are you OK?” Red asked.

“Yeah…” I answered distantly. “It’s just… a lot to take in, you know?”

“I understand,” the orange Hollow-Head, SC I guessed, said. He walked over to me, “but it’s done. Dark is defeated and we survived.” We all collectively took a deep breath. I could not deny either of their statements. It’s done, but thoughts swirled through my head, most of them along the lines of, ‘Now what do I do?’

“The shock will wear off.” the tall orange stick assured us. “Until then, let’s… settle things down.”

“I’m down for that.” SC said, nodding. “And, Candy, thanks for saving my life.”

“Yes, thank you, Candy.” Red added. “You saved my family.” I blushed, a little embarrassed but grateful nonetheless.

“Thank you, Red, for saving me.” I replied.

“You’re welcome.”

“You’re redeemed, Candy.” Purple told me. “Trust me, you won’t miss the old you.”

“Thank you… uh… Purple, was it?” I guessed cautiously.

“Yeah, Purple,” he introduced himself, “and my family, Yellow, Green, Blue, SC, and my dad, King.”

“Nice to properly meet you all.” I said, shaking SC’s hand. “Are you six all brothers?”

“Not by blood,” Yellow explained, “but we love each other like family.”

“We’d do anything for each other.” Blue added.

“Ask Purple, he’ll be the first to tell you,” Green elaborated.

“Sometimes bonds are stronger than blood.” King finished, wrapping his arm around Purple.

“King, you just stole Purple’s thunder.” SC complained playfully. We laughed.

“Sooooo… now what?” Red asked.

“Well… I’ve been thinking…” I began. “Without Flodge and Dark, this company needs a boss.”

“You’d be perfect, Candy!” Red exclaimed. “Hopefully a change in leadership will be just what this place needs.”

“I will say this, though,” Purple noted, “what is it with us battling genius inventors? First Vic, now Flodge…”

“And Dark once before.” Green added.

“Well, let’s hope our next adventure isn’t that… adventurous.” Dad said, nodding.

“Jeez, you guys seem to have quite the history.” I figured.

“Yep, but it’s a long story, my friend.” Red agreed. “Probably for another day.”

“Until then, let’s go home.” SC wished. “I’ve had enough adventure for a while.”

“Same, SC. Same.” King confirmed.

“But… what about the other sticks on the other floors?” Blue asked. “Perhaps they too deserve a second chance.”

“I’ll handle them.” Candy assured. “Just… free them from their cages.”

“And the hunters?” Blue asked.

“They don’t deserve freedom.” Red darkly said. “They got what they deserved for attacking my family.”

“I agree.” Purple chimed in. “They kidnapped SC, they got what they deserve.” The rest of the guys agreed, and I couldn’t argue even if I wanted to.

“I can free the other sticks.” King stated, gesturing to his staff. “The hunters, though, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about them for a looooong time.”

I collected the remains of Dark, SC grabbed the pieces of the shattered wristband, and headed down the fire escape stairs to the third floor, where we saw the box King used to encase the other patterned sticks. The guys followed, and bunnies joined us, as well as Red’s newest dog, Rex. I kinda like it, Red and Rex. There’s a nice ring to it. Nonetheless, we arrived at the sticks’ box and King opened a small hole in it. I spoke into it to the sticks inside.

“My fellow patterned sticks, follow me to the first floor.” I bellowed. “Dramatic changes have happened and I must tell you all about them.” I saw someone, a chessboard stick, peek through the hole. He must’ve seen the guys behind me.

“You sided with the enemy?” Someone inside cried out.

“Stand down.” I ordered. “Else, I don’t guarantee your safety. King, release them.”

King did as ordered, and the patterned sticks were freed from their prison. I led them through the hall, and the guys trailed, with Red’s pets bringing up the rear. I made sure that none of them stepped out of line, though I suspect the threat of King’s staff kept them honest, not to mention they got their tails handed to them earlier in the day. I left them down to the second floor, where we stopped in our tracks. I saw the sunglasses on the floor, a pair of which I recognized.

“You guys… killed Shades…” I uttered, completely shocked.

“That… was me…” Red sheepishly confessed, raising his hand as if he was called on in a classroom. Several patterned sticks turned and looked at Red with eyes wide with fear. They clearly were stunned and horrified by Red, a stick who he said went by “Reddy Bear,” a guy who saw the best in me and a guy who saved my life. Red clearly noticed the looks he was getting, but he decided to roll with it.

“Keep moving.” He growled in a low voice. Several patterned sticks whimpered and shuffled a little further ahead. I continued down the second-floor hall, stopping at the second box of imprisoned sticks. King opened a hole for me once again.

“My fellow patterned sticks,” I shouted, “there have been extreme events that have just taken place. I will tell you about them once we get to the first floor, just follow me. We must inform everyone.”

King opened the box completely, and the sticks exited. It didn’t take long for them to notice the guys.

“You’re siding with THEM?!” a polka-dotted stick asked me.

“Stand down.” a plaid advised. “The red one killed Shades.”

Red got some more looks. Red looked back at them and pounded his fist in his palm threateningly. That evidently scared them into submission and they turned around without saying a word. We shuffled down the stairs to the ground floor, which wasn’t easy considering how many patterned sticks there were, and we finally reached the first floor. Upon our arrival, King released the last wave of patterned sticks and the guys stood behind me. King made me a small pedestal, allowing me to communicate better to the massive crowd. I stepped onto it.

“Alright, Candy, we’re here.” A zigzagged stick said. “What’s this about?”

“My fellow patterns, there has been a sudden change in leadership.” This got murmurs and mutters from the crowd. “Flodge is dead, and so is the Patient.” This only aroused more gasps and shocked responses.

“Impossible!” A voice from the crowd proclaimed. “The Patient is unbeatable!”

“Do you have proof of this claim?” Another voice demanded.

“Yes, I do. This.” I revealed Dark’s prosthetics and tossed them to the floor in front of the group, gathering more gasps and mutters. A blue-and-white chessboard stick named Bishop, I knew him as our chief medical expert and the one who was assigned to The Dark Lord years prior during his rehab, picked them up and examined them.

“Are they real, Bishop?” A striped stick asked.

“Yes, these are, in fact, authentic.” Bishop answered. “And these bloodstains also seem legit. I’ll have to do a deeper analysis, but upon first glance, they’re the Patient’s. But… How? How did the Patient die?”

“Eaten alive by the mass of bunnies behind me.” I gestured to the bunnies. This got skeptical looks from the patterns, so I added, “If you don’t believe me, then get on their bad side. You don’t want to see that.”

“Trust me, you don’t.” Red agreed.

The other sticks looked at each other. Who was willing to test that theory? Thankfully, no one was. No one was going to go that far to see if a horde of murderous bunnies were dangerous. ‘Bullet dodged,’ I thought. ‘I don’t want to witness another murder.’

“So, what happened to Flodge?” Another voice asked.

“The Patient killed her.” I answered bluntly. “Practically skadooshed into nothingness, except 100 times more brutal. She had failed him, and he quickly and ruthlessly slaughtered her, driving his blade through her chest.”

“Our boss…” A voice said mournfully. “She’s gone…”

“I feel like I lost a family member…” someone else said.

“Don’t feel that way.” I replied tersely. “She was never our family. I’ve seen how a true family functions. The seven stick figures behind me, they’re a family. They care for each other, they fight for each other, but above all, they love each other. Flodge never loved us, she never cared for us. We were just pawns to her, nothing more than our patterns, nothing more than Misprints. Now, she is gone, and I, as her former second, am taking up her old post.”

I paused. No one in the mass of sticks said anything, all standing silently before I continued. “I fully intend on making drastic changes around here. First off, we will no longer be abducting people to turn into ‘Misprints.’ That is simply wrong, and none of us deserved to have that get done to us. I don’t care what Flodge believed, that she was ‘enhancing’ us. It was never an enhancement, it was an imprisonment. Second, we are going in an entirely different direction. Instead of using these incredible abilities for evil, as Flodge wanted, I intend on us using our powers… for good. Think about it, we are incredibly gifted. We have been given super speed, super strength, super intelligence. Flodge always saw her camo coating as a deficiency. That will no longer be the case. Behind each of our patterns, there are people, and even if we aren’t perfect, even if we are looked down on by society, I still firmly believe we have a lot to offer. I’ve seen it. I’ve been working here for years and I have seen incredible things from all of you. It’s somewhere in there, and I fully intend on unearthing it. If you are with me, then you are all free to join me. If not, then the door is right behind me. The bunnies will stand down if you choose to leave. Who’s with me?”

At first, no one moved or said a word. After what seemed like an eternity, I saw one of the sticks in the group clap. This was followed by another one, and then several more, and then the entire group applauded. I looked back at the guys. Purple gave me a thumbs-up, and Red smiled at me. The rest of them nodded approvingly.

“Excellent!” I proclaimed. “I am glad to have all of you with me, but from now on, we are not Misprints. We are not typos. We are not mistakes. We are… Regulars. We are not our ‘deficiencies,’ we are unique and specially created. We will make this company great, but first… We need to rebuild this place. It took a beating. Upstairs, my friends! The third floor needs it the most.”

Everyone flowed back upstairs. I turned back and got off my pedestal, down to the guys.

“Candy, that was incredible!” Red proclaimed, hugging me.

“Thanks, buddy.” I hugged him back. I was suddenly embraced by the entire group.

“You saved our friend’s life.” Green said. “Thank you so, so much.”

“We are forever in your debt.” Yellow added.

“None of them is more grateful than I am,” SC confessed. They released me, and I felt tears form in my eyes.

“You OK, Candy?” Blue asked.

“I’ve just… never met people like you seven before.” I answered through tears. “I don’t deserve what you have done for me.”

“Trust me, Candy, neither do I.” Purple admitted. “My history with them is a story in itself.”

“Mine is as well.” King agreed. “Quite the story… But maybe another time.”

“Hey, what about the hunters?” Red wondered, gesturing to three massive cages of gray-and-black blocks.

“Do you think they’re still alive in there?” I asked.

“Probably.” Yellow figured. “Their boxes are big enough to allow them enough oxygen for a while, though there are no air holes, it seems.”

“Good.” Red scowled. “They don’t deserve it.”

“How about I give them a squeeze?” King said, raising his staff. Instantly, the three boxes began levitating, and then began getting smaller and smaller. I could hear screaming coming from within them. Soon enough, the boxes became 3x3x3 cubes.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, you’re not going to kill them, are you?” Blue interjected.

“If I don’t, then will we ever be safe?” King asked. “You know how big the target on SC’s back is for whatever reason.”

“Plus, taking the Double MGI back home will reverse all of what we did.” SC added. “King… do it. If nothing else, innocent people won’t have to worry about them.”

“I’m not happy about it, but…” King nodded slowly. “I agree.” The three boxes were crushed like an aluminum can. I could see small trickles of blood dripping out of them.

“That was for messing with us, our family.” Green said coldly. “They messed with you, SC. They got what was coming for them.”

“Either way, we won’t have to deal with them any longer.” Purple confirmed, nodding.

“Oh, by the way, Candy, could you do me a favor?” SC wondered.

“Sure thing, SC. What is it?” I asked.

“It’s about my powers…”

Chapter 26: Old Endings, New Beginnings (Purple)

We headed back upstairs, where the patterned sticks were working hard, back to the Testing Chamber where we found SC. We found the beam that stripped SC of his powers and examined it carefully, looking for some sort of reverse switch, something to undo the damage Dark did. Unfortunately, after a deep search, we came up empty handed.

“Flodge never did ‘undo’ switches or anything like that.” Candy explained. “She preferred everything to be permanent.”

“There has to be something we can do.” Blue insisted.

“I’ll get your powers back if I have to destroy this thing bit by bit!” Red proclaimed.

“You don’t have to, Red.” Dad replied. “I got this.”

With that, he summoned a mass of obsidian and slammed it onto the machine, crushing it like an empty soda can. The machine sparked and buzzed, quickly powering off. Suddenly, green particles emanated from the machine, and floated back to SC. These particles flew inside his chest, and I could only assume his powers were back. Once the particles stopped, SC dropped to his knees. Green and I raced over to him, the guys and Candy right behind.

“SC! Are you OK?” Green asked.

“Yeah… I think…” SC answered slowly.

“Grab my hand,” I told him. “We’ll help you up.”

“Thanks, Purple.” SC took my hand and I pulled him to his feet, still supporting him like he supported me after my leg broke.

“Do you need help, SC?” Yellow asked, concerned. “How do you feel?”

“I’ll be fine, I think. Thank you.” SC said. “My strength is returning, I think, though I don’t feel any different, to be honest.”

“Well, you never knew about your powers, right?” Dad theorized. “You must not have sensed them before, I doubt you would now.”

“I agree.” SC said, nodding. “Could you guys help me downstairs while I recuperate?”

“Of course, bro.” Green confirmed. He and I, both flanking and bracing him, supported his walk downstairs. Red and Candy led, Blue and Yellow followed and we Secondaries brought up the rear. As we headed down, Red spoke up.

“Candy, did I hear your speech correctly?”

“What do you mean, Red?” Candy asked.

“I thought I heard you say… ‘Skadooshed.’ You’re into martial-arts fighting panda movies?” Candy blushed, a little embarrassed.

“You’ll think I’m a child, but yes. I love that franchise. The second movie is my favorite movie of all time.”

“No way… I love those movies, too! Those are some of my favorite movies, though not my absolute favorite.” Red explained. “That honor would go to The Last Wish, but pretty much any movie involving incredible fights and anthropomorphic animals, I can get behind.”

“I figured. ‘Mess with the Wolf, you get the sickles’? I know that reference quite well.” Candy added.

“Like I said, I LOVE that movie, though my friends… They’re not into it as much as I am.”

“We still like it, Red,” I insisted, “but you’re like a superfan.”

“I truly am.” Red affirmed. Candy chuckled.

“It’s nice meeting someone who loves animated movies like I do.”

“We could go on a binge sometime!” Red said excitedly.

“I’d like that a lot.”

I could definitely see sparks flying between the two red-colored sticks. It was so cute, Red finding someone who shares his interests so well, and clearly I wasn’t the only one that could see the connection. Yellow and Blue looked back at us, gesturing at the red sticks and sneakily making heart shapes with their hands.

“Am I the only one who senses the romance between these two?” Yellow quietly asked Blue.

“Nope, not in the slightest.” Blue answered. We Secondaries laughed, and Green whispered to me and SC.

“Red and Candy, sitting in a tree…” He sang jokingly.

“Binge watch-ing Dream-Works mo-vies.” I finished, snickering. SC chuckled as well, slowly getting his strength back.

“We’ve found a new friend, that’s for sure.” SC said quietly. “I wonder what Red thinks of her.”

“Anything’s possible.” Dad replied. “We might have to ask him about it.”

We reached the bottom floor. SC no longer needed Green or me to physically support him, to be his crutches, and at long last, Blue gently spoke up.

“Red… Do I sense a sort of ‘connection’ between you and Candy?” The two red sticks looked at each other.

“Nothing outside of friendship.” Red answered. “Why?”

“Because you two are holding hands.” Yellow observed. Props to him for spotting this fact. I didn’t even realize this until Yellow spoke up, and evidently, neither did Red or Candy. They both looked at their interlocking hands at the same time and quickly separated, as if they just got caught with their hands in a cookie jar.

“Oh my gosh I am never going to hear the end of this…” Red moaned, his face turning bright pink. Green chuckled.

“Awww, look who’s found love.” He teased.

“Watch it, Green, else you’re becoming a kale smoothie.” Red protested, glaring at Green.

“Calm down, Red.” Candy said. “He’s just teasing you. I’m sure he just means it metaphorically… rhetorically…”

“Poetically and theoretically.” Red finished, laughing. “Thanks, Candy, but now it’s time for our dramatic exit.”

“What’s that?” Candy asked.

“Look over there!” Red pointed vaguely behind Candy and then bolted. He didn’t get far, as his bunnies and Rex were still blocking the entrance.

“He’s right.” I agreed. “We should head home.”

“But… my bunnies!” Red pleaded.

“They can fend for themselves.” Dad insisted. “Besides, you think you can take care of… I don’t know, hundreds of bunnies?”

“314, to be exact.” Yellow confirmed. “And counting.” Red sighed deeply.

“You’re right, but can I say good-bye?” Red asked, tears filling his eyes.

“Of course, buddy.” SC replied. Red bent down to his main two, Bun-Bun and Hoppy.

“I love you bunnies. You did a great job for us, for your family. Please, please, promise me you’ll stay safe.” The two bunnies hopped onto Red and nuzzled his face. He was then suddenly swarmed the entire mass of bunnies, knocked onto his back due to their sheer number. I was a little concerned at first, but hearing him laughing put my mind at ease. “Down, bunnies! Down! I love you guys, too, but I can’t take care of all of you. You gotta go home. I can’t take care of all of you.”

Dad made a Nether portal right there in the room. It was the quickest way to return to Minecraft, after all. Red turned around and looked into the glowing, purple doorway. I didn’t doubt his heart was breaking, so I walked over to comfort him.

“I’m… so sorry, Reddy Bear, but it’ll be OK.” I assured him. Red looked up at me through tear-stained eyes.

“Thanks, Purple.” He breathed heavily. “Killer Bunnies… time to go home.” Bun-Bun and Hoppy, still in Red’s arms, nodded, and the rest of the bunnies flowed into the portal. All of them went except for Bun-Bun, Hoppy, and Red’s puppy, Rex.

“Aren’t you going to join them, Bun-Bun? Hoppy?” Red asked. To his surprise, they shook their heads no. They leapt from Red’s arms and bounced over to Candy, rubbing their heads against her leg. Candy couldn’t help but smile and gently pet them on their heads.

“I think they like me.” Candy said, laughing. The rest of us laughed as well. Red bent down to address the bunnies more directly.

“You want to stay with her?” He asked. The bunnies nodded, and Red stood up straight. “Can you take care of them?”

“I’ll do my best… for you.” Candy promised. Rex barked happily, and Red nodded in agreement.

“Thanks, Candy. I trust you with them.” Red said. “I can take care of Rex just fine.”

“Red, it’s time to go.” SC said gently. Dad nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, I know.” Red said melancholily, putting on his elytra. The rest of us followed suit. “I guess this is good-bye.”

“Not yet, Red.” Candy countered. She gave Red a quick kiss on the cheek, catching all of us off-guard, but none more than Red himself. He blushed a bright pink, even brighter than Mom’s shade. “Now it’s good-bye, but what you and your family did… That was pretty hardcore.”

“Thanks, ‘Tigress.’” Red joked, picking Rex up and cradling him in his arms. Candy chuckled.

“I like that. I even got stripes like Tigress.” Candy proclaimed. Red laughed.

“Never stop fighting against the Lord Shens and Tai Lungs of the world.” He said. Candy smiled again, and the rest of the guys joined us as we began heading out through the front doors. “So long, Candy.”

“Love you, Reddy Bear.” Candy said, waving good-bye. “You’re my favorite fearless hero.”

“Love you, too, Master Tigress.” Red replied, “Protect her, Bun-Bun, Hoppy. She’s a great person.” The bunnies nodded, and one by one, we took off into the sky. Red, unsurprisingly, was last to leave, but, soon enough, he caught up with us.

“Look who’s found looooove!” Green jested.

“I have to agree.” Yellow agreed, laughing. “Seeing them together, it makes logical sense.”

“Knock it off, Green, Yellow.” Blue insisted. “They’re just friends… Right, Red?”

Red didn’t answer.

“Right?” SC repeated.

“Maybe yes, and maybe no.” Red smirked. “Make of it what you will, but I’ll never tell.”

“Me personally, I’m in the ‘they’re just friends’ territory.” I said. “But, either way, it’s so sweet. I wouldn’t mind meeting someone.”

“You will, I’m sure of it, Purple.” Dad insisted. “You’re a great kid. It’s only a matter of time.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I paused. “Hey, what do you and SC think of this?”

“Keep me out of this!” SC protested. Dad nodded in agreement.

“A perfect split.” Yellow calculated. “Two in the ‘shipping’ camp, two in the ‘friends’ camp, and two neutral. Red, you have to break the tie.”

“Like it or not, I’ll never tell.” Red replied, smirking. I was a little frustrated, but it was his call whether or not to tell us.

The seven of us, plus Rex, flew through the portal back home, to ALANSPC. Upon arrival, the Double MGI in Dad’s began shaking and stretching.

“Get down, guys!” SC shouted. We all ducked, and just in time, too. The two blocks separated and the one became two, bouncing around violently and rapidly until they finally came to a stop in front of us. We looked up at the blocks, sitting innocently in front of us, and we all stood up.

“Back to normal.” Dad said, sighing and giving Yellow the staff back. Yellow put his Command Block back into it, and SC picked up the blocks.

“Red, could you put AlexCrafter’s back?” He asked.

“Sure thing, buddy. I’ll be back!” Red emailed himself away, and was gone. SC then took out the broken wristband and smashed it to pieces, broken beyond recognition. No one could ever use it again.

“Well, guys, I think Dad wants to go home, and to be honest, I do as well.” I confessed. “Two epic adventures in a matter of weeks… we need a break.”

“I need a breather, too.” SC agreed. “Maybe I’ll sleep for a week straight.”

“I’ll join you, bro.” Green said, nodding. Yellow and Blue nodded in agreement.

“I’ll wait for Red to get back, and then I’ll give all of you a group hug.” I said. I didn’t have to wait long, as Red appeared out of the email notification.

“Thanks, guys, for saving my life.” SC said gratefully.

“We love you, SC!” We all proclaimed, hugging him all at once.

“I love you guys too.” We released each other.

“Ready, kiddo?” Dad asked. I had to wipe tears from my eyes.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” I flew up to the portal heading home, and Dad joined me. “Love you guys!”

“We love you too, Purple, King!” The Gang replied.

“Farewell, friends.” Dad said, stepping through the portal with me. Together, we returned home through our portal, up the ladder and stepped into our living room.

“Home sweet home.” I sighed deeply, collapsing onto our sofa.

“Time for things to get back to normal.” Dad said.

“As normal as things get for us.” I joked. Dad laughed.

“So… what do you want for dinner?”

“Let’s order something. I want nothing more than to do nothing for a while. A LONG while.” Dad chuckled.

“I agree,” Dad confirmed, picking up the phone. I pulled out my own phone, to try and chillax, but then remembered.

“Oh yeah… my phone screen is cracked.” Dad stepped over to examine it.

“Yikes, kiddo. Does it still work?”

“Amazingly, yes, but soon I will need to buy a replacement.”

“Yeah, but not tonight. It’s late, and I’m exhausted.” Dad insisted. I couldn’t deny that, as I felt the same way.

We ordered pizza, ate it while watching a movie together, and turned in relatively early, both of us worn out from our recent adventures with the Squad. After a long night of rest, we woke up the next morning, and things slowly settled back down, back to normal, as Dad put it. While my phone was broken, it worked at least for a little while, but I could tell it was breaking down rather quickly. It only lasted another couple of weeks before it refused to work completely, which thankfully, was enough time for both me and Dad to recuperate. I told Dad about my situation.

“Dad, my phone’s done for. Could we stop by the store so I could get a new one?”

“Sure thing, kiddo.” Dad replied. “I need some things anyway, so it works out perfectly, actually.”

In the aftermath, I see that Dad’s ‘perfectly’ comment would be an understatement. We arrived at the store, did our respective shopping, and while examining their phone selection, I accidentally bumped into someone, a reddish-purple stick figure and aspiring artist who, as it turns out, would change my life forever.

But that’s another story.

THE END