A Spark

Gordon's vision blurred as he lay on the ground, pain coursing through his body. His entire frame ached, every muscle screaming in protest after Brick's relentless assault. But what hurt more than his bruises was his pride. No way, he thought, clenching his fists. I can't be done like this. Not by some brainless brute.Just as Brick loomed over him, ready to land the final blow, a bright flash of purple shot between them. Gordon blinked, disoriented, until he heard a familiar voice."Well, look at you! Not exactly your best day, huh?" Alex quipped, pulling Gordon up effortlessly as he glanced at the wreckage of their brawl. His usual laid-back grin played across his face, the purple aura sparking lightly around him like static.Gordon grunted, swiping his arm out of Alex's grip. "I didn't ask for your help," he snapped, standing on shaky legs, his pride refusing to crumble completely."Yeah, sure," Alex replied, unfazed. "But, judging by the state you're in, I figured you'd need a hand before this turns into a full-on pancake situation."Gordon's aura crackled around him, a stormy blue haze, though it wavered with every breath he took. His body was screaming to stop, but his pride was far louder. I can still fight. He clenched his fists, determination burning through the pain. Before he could lunge at Brick again, Alex stepped in front of him."Hey, why don't you take a breather, champ?" Alex said casually, his purple aura now flaring to life. He shot a glance at Gordon, not unkindly, but firm enough to make his point. "You've had your round. Let me handle this."Gordon's eyes narrowed, his bruised ego flaring up again. "I don't need you to fight my battles, Alex," he growled, stepping forward, his energy sparking around him. "I'm not done yet!"Alex turned to face him, his easy-going grin still intact, but his tone more serious. "I get it, you're tough. But right now, you're also about two punches away from face-planting into the dirt. Stay back." His eyes flickered to Brick, who was grinning like an overgrown kid about to get a new toy.Gordon gritted his teeth, his fists tightening at his sides. "Don't you dare tell me to—""Relax, tough guy," Alex interrupted, his gaze still fixed on Brick. "You'll get your shot. Just not like this." Without waiting for a response, Alex strode forward, his aura intensifying with each step, as if the fight was finally starting to interest him.Gordon's fists shook with frustration. How could he just waltz in like that? His pride was telling him to charge in, to prove that he didn't need anyone's help. But his body... his body wasn't so sure anymore.He stumbled back, legs wobbling like they were about to give out. He clenched his fists, but it was no use. His body refused to keep up. With a final stagger, he collapsed—right into someone's arms.He groaned, ready to push off, but froze when he looked up. Of all people... John."Oh, this is rich," John sneered, barely catching Gordon before shoving him back on his feet. "The great Gordon, huh? Couldn't even stay upright."Gordon scowled, ripping himself away from John's grip as if the contact had burned him. "I don't need your help," he spat, eyes flashing with defiance despite the exhaustion etched across his face. "Especially not from you."John scoffed, crossing his arms with a smug grin. "Yeah? Well, from the way you're falling over yourself, looks like you could use all the help you can get."Gordon glared, forcing himself to stand tall, even as his legs threatened to buckle. "I'm not finished," he snarled through gritted teeth. "Not by a long shot."John rolled his eyes, clearly enjoying watching Gordon struggle. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. I'm just here for the front-row seat to your downfall."Alex squared off against Brick, both sizing each other up in the middle of the chaos. Brick, towering and built like a tank, rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck in anticipation. His strength was obvious, a hulking mass of power, while Alex stood his ground, his muscles tensed but his expression annoyingly calm, as if this were just another day for him."Come on, let's see what you got, sparkle boy," Brick grinned, throwing a punch that could've taken Alex's head off.Alex ducked just in time, spinning to the side with impressive agility. "Sparkle boy? Really? That's what you're going with?" He smirked, dodging another heavy swing and throwing a punch of his own, energy flickering faintly around his fist, but it was mostly muscle and precision driving his attacks.Brick staggered slightly from the impact, not enough to harm him, but enough to annoy him. "Not bad," he grunted, but his expression darkened as he lunged forward with a brutal swipe that grazed Alex's side.Alex winced but used the momentum to pivot, his foot catching Brick's knee. The larger man faltered, surprised by the speed, but it only fueled his aggression. Brick came at him again, this time his fist crashing into Alex's side with full force, sending him skidding across the ground."Alright, that hurt," Alex coughed, struggling back to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth. "But I'm still prettier."Before Brick could respond with another punishing blow, Alex darted forward, catching him off guard with a flurry of quick jabs, his fists glowing dimly with purple energy. Each hit barely phased Brick, but Alex knew how to make every strike count. For a moment, it seemed like Alex might be getting the upper hand—until Brick planted his feet and threw a counterpunch that hit like a sledgehammer, knocking Alex back."You're strong," Alex muttered, gasping for breath. "But I'm not done yet."Brick laughed, raising his fists for the final strike, when—"Need a hand, bro?" Flint called out, strolling into view with his usual carefree grin. He popped the last bit of his donut into his mouth, dusting his hands off. "Seems like you've been having all the fun without me."Alex's heart sank. As if Brick wasn't already enough of a problem."Flint..." Alex muttered under his breath, already knowing what was coming.Brick cracked his knuckles, clearly pleased with the backup. "About time! I was getting bored of this guy."Alex clenched his fists, purple energy flickering around him as he sized up the situation. He was good—physically, at least—but taking on both of them was pushing it. Brick alone had been hard enough. Flint, though, wasn't as physically intimidating as his brother, but he was fast and crafty, and the two of them together were bad news."Great, just what I needed," Alex grumbled to himself, trying to figure out how to get out of this in one piece. His eyes darted between the brothers, looking for any opening.Brick moved first, charging in with his massive frame, fists swinging. Alex dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow, but before he could counter, Flint was already on him, quick as a flash. A swift kick to his side sent Alex stumbling backward, barely catching his balance."Not bad, but I'm faster," Flint teased, darting in and out, jabbing at Alex's defenses while Brick loomed behind, waiting for the right moment to strike.Alex could feel the pressure closing in. His purple aura flared up as he lashed out with a punch, catching Flint in the shoulder, but it wasn't enough to stop him. The brothers worked in perfect sync, Flint distracting him with sharp, fast strikes while Brick landed the crushing blows whenever Alex slipped up.Another hit to his ribs sent Alex reeling, his body screaming from the punishment. He was tough, but even he had limits, and they were starting to show."Not so flashy now, huh?" Brick taunted, winding up for the finishing blow.Alex's mind raced. He could try one last push, summon everything he had—but before he could even think about making a move, Brick was already coming at him full force, Flint not far behind.This was bad. Really bad.