=CHAPTER 8B: TRAPPED BY LASER LIGHT=

=CHAPTER 5A: DESOLATE HIGHWAY=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

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[SANDA LABS...

June 26th, 20XX]

[It had been hours since everyone had gone to bed. But the next bit of news… quickly changed that.]

[KSSSSST!]

[CALL] //: -VERY LOUD PING-

[CALL] //: Attention—

[MN.9] //: -JERKS AWAKE, SORRY, WHAT, WHAT IS IT--

[There’s the sound of someone falling all over a table or something, followed by others coming Online.]

<DWN-018>: > Geez! Are you okay, Gemini?

<DWN-019>: > -MUCH DISGRUNTLED TO BE STARTLED SO-

<DWN-012>: > Has something happened, or?

<DWN-018>: > Hang on, I’m gonna go make sure Siam didn’t hurt himself jumping into the ceiling…

<DWN-018 has left the channel.>

[MN.3] //: -Ouch...-

[MN.1] //: Call?

[Call doesn't answer back, but instead shifts the feed to a radio channel...?]

"—Highway Alpha 6 is under attack, I repeat, Highway Alpha 6 is under attack--Eyewitnesses have spotted a rouge robot destroying vehicles with no regard to innocent life—"

"We have reports that the rouge robot is armed with bladed weapons and is currently in the Four Corners area—"

<FMN-006>: > AHA!

<FMN-001>: > Avi no flying in the house— GET BACK HERE—

[MN.9] //: —!!!

[MN.1] //: Brandish—?!

[DR.WHITE] //: Highway Alpha 6—Call!

[CALL] //: Scanning...

<DWN-011>: > Welp. Gonna get complicated pretty quick, I bet. …Hope he doesn’t run into Cardinal.

<DWN-019>: > THAT would end poorly for both of them.

<DWN-013>: > What makes you think—?

<DWN-019>: > It’s not the statistical likelihood that’s bothersome… more the fact that Cardinal is known to have prepared to travel by highway—he took Shadow’s light cycle with him.

<DWN-019>: > And he won’t have any patience for anyone who tries to interfere…

<DWN-013>: > Well, I’d think we’d have more DEFINITE concerns to worry about.

<FMN-006>: > -Just let us scan the news feeds, please-

[MN.9] //: -Already suiting up and getting ready, listening over the feeds.-

[MN.1] //: -Gah, we have no immediate modes of transportation...- Beck, you're going to either need wheels or use Aviator's form to catch up to Brandish.

[MN.9] //: -...Lost all of my forms when I got reset, Avi's is the only option.-

<DWN-013>: > ... I'd offer my light cycle, but I think flying will be faster.

<DWN-019>: > -Scowls- If only Cardinal hadn't taken ITEM-2 as well...

<DWN-019>: > I don't understand WHY he did that, he has his OWN windsurfer...

[MN.9] //: ....

[MN.9] //: (Mic's form would have helped too, Brand's weak to it, but...)

[MN.9] //: What's Brand's status?

[DR.WHITE] //: Still the same as ever...Full Combat Mode, no restrictions...

[DR.WHITE] //: (But a highway...)

[DR.WHITE] //: (Brandish...what are you doing...?)

-PING!-

<FMN-006>: > Knew it.

[MN.9] //: Yeah? Got something?

[CALL] //: -Ping of inquiry-

<FMN-006>: > Yeah. Pretty sure it’s confirmation she’s on the move.

<DWN-013>: > …Out of curiosity… what makes you so certain?

<FMN-006>: > Food’s involved, Jayjay.

<DWN-013>: > -Please don’t call me that-

[MN.1] //: (...Even in her state—??)

<FMN-001 to MNN-001>: > -Well what else did you expect, really… this is SHADE we’re talking about here-

<DCN-007>: > …So you’re saying that now we have an assassin AND a sword master to worry about? At the same time?

<FMN-006>: > -Well you don’t need to put it like THAT…-

<DWN-012>: > No offense, but could she REALLY catch up to him? She’s not built for speed.

<FMN-007>: > … Do not underestimate the willpower of an angry woman.

[MN.3] //: -He'szzz got a point-

[MN.9] //: -...WELP, NOW THINGS ARE JUST BAD AND WORSE-

[CALL] //: ...MN.7's transponder signal is moving at extremely high speeds. I am also receiving reports that the remote controlled vehicles on site are behaving erratically on the next sections of Highway Alpha.

<FMN-009>: > I can help! I’ll handle my sister, you focus on your Seven!

[DR.WHITE] //: That's—

[MN.9] //: —the best thing I've heard all day, PLEASE.

<FMN-009>: > ^^;;7

[DR.WHITE] //: -But—-

[MN.9] //: -TWO OF ME IS BETTER THAN ONE, DAD.-

<DWN-019>: > Um. Won’t that cause problems if you’re seen…?

<FMN-006>: > I can handle that. Leave that to me.

<DCN-003>: > Perhaps oldest cousin will show up near Lady Shade, yes?

<MC005>: > …I must admit that IS a possibility, though not very likely…

<MC005>: > Regardless of who else may or may not be there, it would seem that you both have to start preparing, Number Nine.

<FMN-009>: > Yes sir.

[DR.WHITE] //: -...Kinda just gives up trying to argue because what is the poooooint--

[CALL] //: Xel Transfer will be delayed, as it is difficult to teleport upon a moving object....

[CALL] //: ...but not impossible.

[MN.9] //: -—Wait what-

<DWN-012>: > GOOD LUCK, DUDE 8’D

[MN.9] //: -I thought the cars were—I mean—oh man—-

[MN.3] //: -BZZZT, PLEASE BE CAREFUL, BECKY—-

[CALL] //: Dr. Sanda, I have calculated that it would be wise to cut off Brandish by teleporting Nine to a further section of the highway.

[DR.SANDA] //: Oof...just make sure that you get him on something big...

<FMN-006 to CALL>: > -Ping- Hey—I’ve heard you lend a hand sometimes by getting people out and about unseen?

[CALL to FMN.6] //: That would be correct, No. 6. It is illogical that certain measures of action are deemed too dangerous when the probability of success would be increased otherwise.

<FMN-006 to CALL>: > Well, I may get back to you on that…

[CALL to FMN.6] //: ...Acknowledged.

[DR.WHITE] //: We're going to have to time the cut off very close...

[CALL] //: Yes, Doctor. Preparing Xel Transfer.

[MN.9] //: (...Hang in there, Nii-San...)

[While Call calculated the coordinates, Beck does a final check of his various forms, going in numerical order until...]

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR]

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: > wELL looks like you’re ready GOOD LUCK my friend

<DWN-013 has left the channel.>

[MN.9] //: .....-sigh-

[MN.9] //: ....

[MN.9] //: (...I...I never really got the hang of flying...)

[MN.9] //: (I sure hope some of Avi's experience got assimilated too...)

<MC005>: > … -Sighs- Don’t mind him. Are you ready?

[MN.9] //: Ready for the runwa—

[MN.9] //: ...!?

[MN.9] //: —I—I mean the HIGHway—

[MN.1] //: —???

<FMN-006>: > -THUMBS UP-

<FMN-009>: > Let’s just cruise on over—

<FMN-006>: > -APPROVAL PINGS FOR DAAAAAYS-

[MN.2] //: -YEAAAAAAAAH—-

[MN.1] //: -Just—confused, since when was—-

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: -you can't stop either can you-

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: -what is happening with uuuuussss-

<FMN-009 to MNN-009>: > -IT’S A THING WITH AVI’S FORM, OOPS- -This happened last time, too- -Normally I just don’t say as much so it took forever to notice-

<FMN-009 to MNN-009>: > -Makes him really high spirited, though—GAH, even thoughts, this is worse than I remembered-

<FMN-009>: > Need to hit the road and make tracks… -Has given up trying to make it stop-

[MN.9] //: -YEAH let's just jet before Brand—DANG IT- -CALL PLEASE HURRY UP-

<FMN-001>: > …?

<FMN-009>: > Looks like there’s a bit of a delay on this end—you go on ahead. Need a more precise location for Sis—lemme know if you see sign of her.

[CALL] //: ....

[CALL] //: Coordinates set.

[MN.9] //: Roger that— -Oh man this IS worse than last time-

[DR.WHITE] //: Please be very careful, Beck—!

[MN.9] //: Yeah, we will.

[CALL] //: Xel Transfer initiated.

[MN.9] //: {I'm coming to save you, big brother...!}

______________________

[MISSION DETAILS: MIGHTY NO. 7, BRANDISH, HAS BEEN SPOTTED ON THIS NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY, CAUSING RECKLESS DESTRUCTION AMONG THE MALFUNCTIONING AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES. FIGHTING MIGHTY NO. 8, COUNTERSHADE 'KATE' WHITE, IS ALSO MOVING TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVE.]

[MISSION OBJECTIVE: PURSUE AND RESCUE MN.7, PURGE ALL HARMFUL MALWARE FROM SYSTEMS.]

[SUB-OBJECTIVES: IF POSSIBLE, LOCATE FMN.8 AND RELAY TO FMN.9 FOR SYSTEM XEL PURGE, MINIMIZE RMDC IMPACT.]

SYSTEMS READY?

GO!

[As Beck fully materialized into the moving rig, the heavy wind and rainfall splattered across his armor and face, causing him to shiver slightly. Buildings with holographic adverts were nothing but blurs, the speed of the vehicles almost making him dizzy.]

Beck: (Fast—WAY too fast—!)

[By his internal instruments, the rig was going at LEAST 90 miles per hour—!]

Soi: Great Scott, Mother Nature is NOT kind today...!

Will: -Oh no no please don't slip, please--

-PING!-

<DWN-012>: > Easy guys, easy!

<DWN-012>: > Beck—try adjusting your visual processing speed. It’ll help a lot.

[MN.9] //: O-Okay...

[After fiddling around with some settings, he blinked, and visibly relaxed as his optics adjusted, the blurs now becoming readable and not as disorientating...]

Beck: (Oh, man, that's MUCH better...)

[MN.9] //: Thanks, Speedy!

<DWN-012>: > No problem. Glad to help. Now, remember—your vision speed is going to be faster, so adjust to how your vision and motor systems coordinate before jumping off into the air. Try it out—once you get used to moving while seeing at that speed, it’ll be easier to move around.

<DWN-012>: > Remember, you’re just SEEING faster, not necessarily moving faster.

[MN.9] //: -Got it, gonna try that out now--

[PING!]

[CALL] //: Warning--! Contact in--

[SHING!]

<DWN-012>: > -DATA—-

<DWN-012>: > -I KNOW THAT SOUND, THAT IS THE SOUND OF LETHAL BLADED WEAPONRY-

[Even with Beck's vision processing at higher speeds...--]

[He still couldn't identify what had split the falling raindrops just mere inches from his face.]

[Beck stumbled backwards, and the red Mighty Number seemingly falls from the sky, as if he had either teleported--]

[Or...]

Beck: Brand!

<DWN-012 to MNN-007>: > -PING PING PING PING PING PING PING PING PING—-

<DWN-012 to MNN-007>: > Brandish! You’re alive—!

<DWN-012 to MNN-009>: > Something’s off here, Beck—

<DWN-012 to MNN-009>: > When people with our power and speed move just short of hitting you in the face, we’re missing on PURPOSE!

<DWN-012 to MNN-009>: > trust me on this, I’ve DONE it before with my own brother…

Beck: --!!

[On...on purpose...?]

Beck: Brand...?

Brand: . . . .

Brand: N-Ngh...

[Brandish's arms shake ever so slightly as he stands firm across from Beck, a death grip on either of his blades. His eyes are shut tightly--]

Brand: ...O...Otouto...--

<DWN-012>: > …

Beck: --!!!

Beck: Nii-San--!!

<DWN-013>: > -SUDDENLY, ABRUPTLY- BRANDISH!

<DWN-013>: > Keep fighting it!

<DWN-012 to MNN-009>: > We… recognize this…!

<DWN-012 to MNN-009>: > Jaden… Jaden was this same way!

[DR.WHITE] //: BRANDISH--!!

[DR.SANDA] //: Seven--!

Brand: --!

Brand: {F...Father...Uncle...}

<DWN-012>: > Hang in there, Sev—

[PING PING PING!]

[MN.1] //: Brand--!!

[MN.2] //: -LITTLE BRO, YOU CAN DO IT--!

[MN.3] //: -BRAAAAND--!

<DCN-008>: > {Brandish, Shadow is here—he will want to see you. You have to keep resisting!}

Brand: Ngh--!!

[His head turns to one side, and for a moment he looks as if he is about to collapse at any given moment...]

Beck: Hang on, Nii-san, just sit still for a--

[SHING!]

Brand: NO!

<DWN-013>: > -Harsh warning data- Beck—to your aid, an unlikely friend, indeed…

<DWN-013>: > But it’s a constant struggle, fraught with pain, and there are limits…

<DWN-013>: > We might purposefully miss, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make a strike!

[He turns back, slashing in a wild angle so that Beck would stop in his tracks. His eyes snap open, and they are a deep, deep violet color.]

Brand: KEEP--KEEP AWAY--!

<DWN-013>: > -Oh, Brandish, we are INCREDIBLY empathetic and I, personally, am really feeling rather wretched in the cross-references this brings to me-

Beck: --!!

[It fades off, however, to his normal blue, and he recoils back, away from his brother.]

Brand: I'm warning you, Beck--

Brand: Stay AWAY--Ngh!

<DWN-013 to MNN-007>: > Brandish…!

<DWN-013 to MNN-007>: > -We understand-

<DWN-013 to MNN-007>: > Fight it. Fight it! You are stronger than I could ever have been. Do not let it take you without a fight to be told for years to come!

[Despite the pleas, he retreats, impressively jumping two cars ahead to another rig, and before long, he disappears into the rainy haze of the night.]

Beck: BRAND--WAIT--!

Beck: I'm going after him, Professor--!

[DR.WHITE] //: Affirmative, Beck--just be sure to mind your step traversing those vehicles. Keep in mind what Twelve has told you!

[MN.9] //: Got it!

<MC005>: > -Sighs- His control truly is incredible.

<MC005>: > Forgive the metaphor, but—

<MC005>: > Just because a horse rebels against the reigns does not mean the bridle isn’t there.

[MN.9] //: -Yeah...no kidding...-

<MC005>: > There is a directive—

<DWN-013>: > -Ping-

<DWN-013>: > When…

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-012>: > …

<DWN-012>: > -We are here, brother-

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: > When…

[He seems to be struggling to keep it verbal, rather than abstract.]

<DWN-013>: > It… was easier to fight if. I could… take an option that would… trick it by seeming, possibly, to obey…

<DWN-013>: > We… he will… aim to miss, if he can, but it is easier to do that than to hold back entirely.

<DWN-013>: > But you must be quick if you corner him, Beck. Or…

<DWN-013>: > …

[He gave off data of pure dread and hopelessness, almost an intense kind of cold in quiet despair.]

<DWN-013>: > (In the end… his will overcame the program…)

[MN.9] //: .......

[MN.9] //: Where's he heading?

[CALL] //: Due southeast, towards Alpha 1. Proceed with caution.

[Beck nodded, and quickly dashed forward. It was a little dizzying given that he was seeing faster, and therefore made his Dash feel a bit strange--]

[But, after jumping over a few cars and trailers, he picked up the motions fairly quickly.]

Beck: (Think I got it...)

[....Strangely, all is...almost quiet, other than the sounds of rain and engines and his own feet against metal.]

[It was...kinda desolate--were there no people on this highway?]

Beck: (But these cars are automatic, either they should be stuck or...--)

Beck: (O...Or...)

[CALL] //: ...I am receiving distressed signals from Nine. Are you well?

[MN.9] //: -Just--had a really nasty thought, ngh--

<DCN-000>: > What’s that?

<DWN-011>: > “Distressed” means—

<DCN-000>: > No! I mean, why is the car squished.

<DWN-019>: > …What ARE you looking at?

<DCN-000>: > I saw it! It was squished.

<DWN-019>: > Well it’s not there now—

[MN.9] //: -Nope, nope, he gonna forget he ever thought that and just keep going--

<DWN-013>: > Uh… Beck?

[MN.9] // --?

<DWN-013>: > Are those signs supposed to be moving like that?

[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEEP!]

Beck: --WAAH!

[The Mighty Number was swarmed by a group of thin, floating display screens, which were switching different images of road signs and signals on their front and back. They rammed themselves into Beck, who raised up his arms in defense!]

Beck: SIGN BOTS--?!

Beck: -UGH, OW, STOP--!-

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON]

[BZZZZZZT!]

[Taking advantage of the wet weather, Beck shifted into his sister's form and let loose a strong electrical discharge, which fried the sign bots and their Xel Structures. They turned a deep blue, much to Beck's relief.]

<DWN-013>: > … Iiiiiii will take that as a “no."

[XEL STOCK 1 QUOTA REACHED.]

[MN.9] //: Ow, that hurt...

[MN.9] //: Please tell me those were the only sign bots on this highway---

[CALL] //: This is a major interstate. There are many Sanda sign bot models across th--

Beck: Dad DESIGNED those??

Soi: Eheh...n-no. I did...

<MC005>: > …I am utterly fascinated but I won’t go off on that tangent at the moment…

<MC005>: > Though I find it curious that they seem not to have tried to swarm Brandish. Either they can tell he is infected, or he was too fast for them, I suppose…?

<DCN-000>: > Look! See, there’s another one!

<DWN-019>: > What ARE you looking at, how can you see anything through this RAIN…

<MC005>: > I designed him to perform almost exclusively outdoors, Siam.

<DWN-019>: > … -Oh, right-

[Beck absentmindedly wondered what in the world Snow was talking about as he transverses the highway, switching back to default to shoot the sign bots before they swarmed him and dashed to collect their Xel.]

[He came upon another rig, which was--]

Beck: --!!

[--filled with strange, round, green robots?]

Beck: Whoa--!

[They rolled around the rig to and fro, dangerous spikes around their rims, and...]

[...They had the trademark eyesets and logo of none other than CherryDyn.]

<DCN-000>: > Uncle Will?

Will: ....??

<DCN-000>: > Why do they have a big power button on them?

<MC005 to DR.WHITE>: > Congratulations, you’ve been promoted. -Amused-

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: --Mikhail please--

[MN.9] //: Dad--Dad, what ARE these?

Will: I...I have no idea--!

Soi: I've never seen this model before... What in the world--there are dozens of them...!

[MN.2] //: -WHO CARES, SHOOT IT, BRO.-

[MN.9] //: -Does it even take damage, I mean it has SPIKES so I don't wanna touch it--

[MN.2] //: -SHOOT IT OR I'LL HIT YOU.-

[MN.9] //: -OKAY OKAY JEEZ--

Mikhail: Sanda, I’m rather confused about something.

Soi: --? Yes?

Mikhail: Why would CherryDyn make something like that? I can’t think of an Industrial use for it, and it is rather impractical as a Combat construct, save perhaps as target practice…

Mikhail: Unless they’re capable of more than they appear…

Soi: Good...question...?

Soi: Strange...

Beck: (Weird--they don't even SEEM all that practical...?)

[Beck raised his arm cannon and took careful aim, and then fired a few shots at the strange CDNs...]

[WRRRRRRR!!]

Beck: --!?

[...They did NOT like that.]

[They didn't even FLINCH, though they did indeed take damage--]

Beck: --oh NO--

[They sped up--faster, and faster, causing Beck to jump erratically to avoid them--what's more, they didn't roll off the edge, but rather changed direction back towards Beck.]

Beck: --They're CHASING me??

<DWN-011>: > … -Welp. Run.-

<DWN-012>: > -SEE NOW, IF YOU HAD /MY/ FORM YOU COULD PROBABLY JUST RUN THIS WHOLE OBSTACLE COURSE INSTEAD OF ALL THE JUMPING, BUT- 8’D

<DCN-003>: > HMM MAYBE LEAVE NOW THEN YES GOOD

<DCN-007>: > Da, they don’t look like they’d be able to jump…

[MN.9] //: -YUP, WE'RE JUST GONNA DASH ON OUTTA HERE--

[There were several crates that could be climbed on near the end of this rig--Beck wasted no time shifting to Avi's form and hovering over to the top most one.]

[WRRRRR--!!]

[...The wheel-like CDNs did not like this either.]

Beck: --?!?

[They backed up, and gained enough momentum to hop the first crate--then the second--]

[MN.9] //: -UUUUUGH--

<DWN-012>: > ARE YOU KIDDING ME, THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE ARMS—

<DWN-013>: > -sNORTS-

Will: (What strange models--they're clearly CherryDyn, but something is... off... )

[Frustrated, Beck decides to just abandon the rig altogether, and favors for another moving vehicle--a car-- and gently sets down on it's roof.]

[The wheel models, of course, try to follow--]

[SCREEEEEECH!!]

Beck: GNH--!

[The car he was standing on lurched forward, picking up more speed—]

Beck: -WHOA BALANCE, WHERE ARE YOU—-

Will: BECK!

[With the car far too out of reach, the wheel models end up jumping right into the speeding asphalt, a horrid crunching sound following suit. ]

[Beck ends up falling backwards into the car--]

[Hard.]

[CRRRSHH--]

Soi: --??!

<DWN-019>: > …That. <DWN-019>: > Didn’t sound good.

[...The roof caved in, and Beck's backside met luxury leather.]

Beck: --Oof--!

[MN.3] //: --He'szz in the CAR??

Beck: Ow...

Beck: ....???

Beck: Huh...?

<MC005>: > …

[Mikhail had to quietly turn aside to maintain his composure. Despite—or perhaps because of—the serious situation, it was just too much, and the image of Beck in a luxury vehicle was rather ridiculous.]

Will: E...err...

Soi: -SILENTLY PANICKING BECAUSE BECK DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE-

Beck: Uuuuuh...

[...The inside seemed...nice.]

[...If it wasn't for the fact the displays and lights were all a sick purple, and no one was at the wheel.]

[There was a slight groan.]

<DWN-019>: > …?

<DWN-019>: > Beck? Are you alright?

Beck: Y-Yeah? For the most part--everything in here is all--a weird purple-- and the radio is--

“Ugh… what the glitchfrag hell—”

<DWN-019>: > ?!

Beck: --it's all static but I...--

Beck: --?!?

[And then, as if a vision of a (very disgruntled) goddess of old…]

[The cowgirl decloaked.]

Beck: --!!!

Beck: Kate--?!

Kate: Beck?

Kate: What in th’ nine hells are ya DOIN’ HERE of all places?!

Beck: .....

Beck: Enjoying a nice driiiiive--?

[She pushed him aside to take the driver’s seat, shifting into her civvies.]

Kate: We’re fraggin’ lucky this ain’t a stick-shift, ya runt of a twit… -grumble-

[--OW--]

[The car did not like this, and only sped up.]

[And then she growled and GLARED at it.]

[…it immediately changed its mind and obeyed.]

Beck: --!!

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: ME--UH. I FOUND KATE--AND WE'RE KINDA IN A CAR--

<FMN-009 to MNN-009>: > YOU’RE WHAT

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: THE ROOF FELL--

<FMN-009 to MNN-009>: > AAAAH SHE DRIVES WORSE THAN DYNA but better than Cryo, don’t tell her I said that

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: SHE   W H A T--

[Oddly enough, Kate seemed to be handling the car just fine—especially considering she was simply using a left hand to steer and use the signals. She’d turned on the wipers and the brights, and was signaling to veer off the highway to another exit.]

Kate: You need to get out of here. It’s much too dangerous for you.

Beck: Uuuuh...

[Oh, now they had a problem--if he told Kate he was going after Brand too, she's definitely not gonna like that...]

Beck: But--what about you, I can't just LEAVE you here--!

Kate: Oh yes you can.

Kate: Cryin’ out loud, Becky—Ah’ thought you a’ ALL people ‘ld have a bit of FAITH in me…

[She growled again, though this time it was almost a wolflike snarl.]

Kate: Unlike SOME people.

Beck: --Wha--?

Beck: -Baaacks away as far as he could-

[...OK, that was freaky scary....]

<FMN-009>: > The best you’re going to get out of her is to stall her—just get her off at the nearest exit and sneak off when she’s distracted!

[MN.9] //: -Stall, stall...-

Beck: (Ngh...)

Beck: Kate--Sis, I DO, I swear, but--I don't want to see anyone get hurt over all this--!

Kate: Get hurt over what? -Clearly grouchy- Ain’t got a clue what yer talkin’ about.

[She had somehow woven her way seamlessly through the cars to pull off at the next exit—which thankfully was a rest stop and not more highway.]

Beck: THIS! -WAVES ARMS AROUND TO SIGNIFY THE SITUATION THEY ARE IN-

Beck: (Come on, think, think--!)

Beck: (I'm just making her angry, maybe...)

Kate: Then what are you doin’ out here? -Snorts- Of course yer gonna get hurt if you go out in a thunderstorm with a lightnin’ rod, Lil’ Nine! -Applying the brakes- I can secure the area for ya, but you’ll have t’ call Daddy on yer own. Ah’ ain’t comin’ back with ya. Not yet.

Beck: Ngh--!

Beck: (I'm not getting through to her--)

Beck: --!

Beck: (But maybe...maybe--!)

[She pulled the car to a stop and got out.]

Kate: Stay put, Nine.

[SLAM!]

Kate: Ah’ve got a job t’ do still, and ya don’t wanna be in mah way.

Beck: ......

Beck: -Pretends to pout and sit in the seat.-

Beck: .......

[MN.9 to MN.3] //: Psssst!

[MN.3 to MN.9] //: --!

[MN.9 to MN.3] //: Dyna--I need you to distract Kate--!

[MN.3 to MN.9] //: Wait, what--how?

[MN.9 to MN.3] //: Just--talk to her, maybe she doesn't know you're cured--or--I don't know, just stall!

[MN.3 to MN.9] //: OK OK, um--

[MN.3 to MN.9] //: Here goeszz nothing--

[PING!]

[Kate was already making her way back to the highway, but she raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement before pinging back in response.]

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: ...Zzsiiisszz?

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: --?? Woooow I hear a lot of background noiszze, what ISZZ that--? Zzsoundszz annoying--

Dyna: -Jeezz Beck I zsswear I'm gonna get you back for thiszz--

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > Oh, hai sis!

[She seemed perky, in a good mood.

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > Gonna have t’ pick Becky up from daycare. The noise is traffic.

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > Ah’ got a bit… heh… DERAILED.

[She sighs, pausing and looking to the sky thoughtfully. The purple glow of her eye faded for a moment.]

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > -Softly- … He woulda liked that, Ah’ think. …

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: Iszz that right...?

[While Dyna conversed with Kate, Beck scooted out of the his seat and looked for a way out of the car--maybe he can climb out the hole in the roof? He'll have to be quick...]

[MN.9 to MN.3] //: Whatever you're doing, keep it up--

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > …He said some real mean thangs, Sis.

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: --!!

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > N-nrrghh… It hurt so bad…!

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: ....

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: Izz that so... -BZZZZT, static-y angry sounding buzzes--

[Beck silently grabbed the edge of the hole and hoisted himself up, over and on the other side of the car so that he could hide behind it.]

Beck: (Gotta make a break for it...come on, sis...)

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > He said all ah’ was good for was bein’ a nightmare… that Ah’ was built that way…

[She was… clearly genuinely hurt over this.]

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: > Ah’ don’t understan’, Sis.

<FMN-008 to MNN-003>: >  He… he’d always stood up f… for me…!

[MN.3 to FMN.8] //: ....I--

[ACXELERATE DASH: MAX OUTPUT REACHED.]

[A blur of blue and white suddenly sped out from behind the car--!]

[Kate didn’t notice. Instead, she burst into an aura of violet flames.]

<FMN-008 to MNN-ALL>: > AAAAUUUGH—!

<FMN-008 to MNN-ALL>: > WAI DOES EVERYONE THINK AH’ CAN’T DO NOTHIN’ AN’ AH’M JUST GOOD FER LOOKS?!

<FMN-008 to MNN-ALL>: > AIN’T FAIR!

<FMN-008 to MNN-ALL>: > -Searing bitterness directed specifically at Pyro for all to feel-

[MN.1] //: --Nnngh--!

[There is the sound of someone collapsing over the feeds--]

[MN.2] //: BIG BRO--!

[MN.3] //: -sHRIEKS--

<FMN-008 has blocked MNN-ALL.>

[She vanished from sight and was gone.]

[Meanwhile…]

[MN.1] //: -w...we're fine--it's...argh--

Mikhail: Pyro! Are you sure you’re alright? -DAD MODE ENGAGED, it’s not normal for him to just collapse like that, never seen it before-

Will: -RUSHES OVER TO SON'S SIDE--

[MN.1] //: I...

[MN.1] //: -Shifts to abstract, we're just-- overwhelmed, it was all mostly directed to us...-

[MN.1] //: ....

[MN.1] //: I...she...

[MN.1] //: I didn't...but...

[MN.2] //: -FLAILS, LAY DOWN BRO, PLEAAAASE--

Mikhail: Easy… easy…

[There’s the patter of small feet. And suddenly, a Snowbab.]

[He was playing some music over broadcast.]

Snow: -Climbs on top of Pyro to clinghug, you can’t stop him-

Snow: -Softly- Mister Pyyyyroooo…

Snow: Let’s go make rice balls an’ such for when Mister Brandish an’ Miss Eight are rescued.

[The music certainly helps, and the Leader's breathing slowly evens out...he manages to sit up a bit, Cryo already on Pyro's shoulder while Snow clung to the other.]

Pyro: ....Mng...In a moment, Snow, let me catch my breath...

Pyro: .....

Pyro: (Kate...)

Will: --Soi--

Soi: -Already doing scans to make double sure Pyro's OK, we got you-

[MN.9] //: Pyro--you OK?

[MN.1] //: -Been worse, we'll be OK-

[MN.1] //: -Focus on your mission, we can handle things here.-

<DCN-000>: > An’ there will be food when you finish! : D

[MN.9] //: Roger that. Heading back into the Highway--

[Back at the Highway…]

[There was no sign of Kate.]

Mikhail: ... You're going to just have to go on regardless.

Beck: Figures...

[A quick Dash and a well timed jump, and Beck was back on another rig. The rain was finally letting up now, thankfully...]

[...But no sign of Brand...]

Beck: (He's probably WAY up ahead...)

Beck: (I gotta get moving before Brand gets too far--)

[CRUNCH!]

Beck: --?!?

[Beck whirled around to look behind him, and heard a loud crashing sound way off in the distance...]

Beck: (What was...?)

"AAAAAAAAAAA--"

Beck: --???

Beck: (That...sounds really familiar...)

[CALL] //: Attention--I have picked up another model's signal.

Soi: Huh?

[CALL] //: Verifying...

[Beck continued onward, once again shifting to Avi's form to fly over the larger gaps between the moving cars, and just narrowly avoiding another swarm of sign bots.]

Beck: Starting to really hate those things...

[PING!]

[CALL] //: Signal verified. The unit is Cherry Dynamics Number 7037.

Beck: 70--WAIT--

All: JACK?!

Mikhail: Dear heavens.

Speedy: Duuuuuuude he actually MADE it this far??

Siam: Well THAT Gemini: will certainly Siam: keep her attention Gemini: for a Siamini: while!

Beck: --But--! Jack could--!

[MN.1] //: --Ngh--Beck, if Jack made it all the way here on his own, then he can handle this. You need to keep moving!

<DCN-008>: > You must continue. For their safety.

<DCN-008>: > If she were to catch up to Brandish…

<DCN-008>: > If they get too close, it is not certain he would hold back: for she has been rude to him, and Jack was his opponent who delayed him in a time of crisis—and since the virus exacerbates all grievances…

[MN.9] //: Ngh...!

[He was right. He had to go save Brand...]

Beck: (Ooooh...please be careful, Jack...!)

[MN.9] //: --...Yes, sir...

[Forced to leave the CDN behind, Mighty Number Nine climbed another set of crates, blasting away at the flying models that cluttered the brightening overhead...]

[CALL] //: Warning--I am receiving reports of Seven destroying several vehicles in the road ahead. Incoming debris is a certainty.

Beck: --He's...?!

Soi: There's a tunnel coming up ahead too--it may affect visibility, so be careful!

[CALL] //: .....Odd.

Will: ...? What is?

[CALL] //: By my calculations, he is aiming for another exit to Highway Beta. This route leads to no major cities, while Highway Alpha does.

[CALL] //: It is illogical that the virus would not lead him to where he would cause the most destruction...

Will: ....

Will: Unless...

<DWN-013>: > -Sadly- To your aid, an unlikely friend…

Beck: ....

[CALL] //: There is a chance that Seven will overshoot the exit and proceed onward. I suggest you stop him before that moment, Nine.

[MN.9] //: Got it...

<DWN-012>: > Wait a minute. What were you saying a second ago about a tunnel—

[CRRRSHHH!!]

Beck: WHA--

[Was that the front half of a car FLYING TOWARDS HIM--]

[MN.1] //: MOVE, BECK!

[He didn't need to be told twice. His feet seemed to move on their own as soon as he spotted the debris, and using the rig itself as a springboard, LEAPED over to the opposite lane!]

Beck: -WHHOOOAAA--!

[THUD!]

[...Unfortunately, he crashed right into the side of a van--but his hands found perchance on the rails above it!]

Beck: -AAAAH FACE, my FACE really hurts, and I think--I think I broke my nose--

[...He felt something sticky and wet trailing down his lips-- oh he was bleeding Xel-- ]

Will: -Oh--oh dear is that--??!?

Soi: -and we feel faint now, gotta take a seat--

[MN.2] //: -BEEEECK, ARE YOU OK--?!

[MN.9] //: -No but that's OK--we can use a Xel stock, we'll be fine--

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 2...]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[The pain subsided, and he was fully invigorated once more, hanging onto the side of the van for dear life. With a grunt of effort, Beck planted both feet on the door--]

[--and pushed, launching him up and backwards in a flip that ended up landing him perfectly on the roof!]

Will: --!

Beck: --Oh--

Beck: -oH HEY LOOK THAT WORKED!-

<DWN-019>: > … WAIT A MINUTE

<DWN-019>: > Are you saying you weren’t sure it would?!

Beck: Have YOU ever been on a highway with crazy cars and had to jump across lanes and do backflips and stuff?! -WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST HERE-

<DWN-019>: > …

<DWN-012>: > …

<DWN-012>: > :’D;;; uh

<DWN-012>: > we plead the fifth on this one thanks

<MC005>: > I think he was just confused as to why you would try something you didn’t know would work.

Beck: .....

Beck: Oh. Well...uuuuh.

[MN.2] //: -BECK'S BEEN DOIN' CRAZY STUFF SINCE FOREVER AGO, AND IT'S STARTING TO CONCERN US-

Beck: .... ^.^;;;

<MC005>: > You what? ?__?

[CALL] //: Warning--multiple incoming robots heading for your location.

[MN.9] //: -nOT AGAIN--

[REXELECTION: CRYOSPHERE]

Beck: Stop SWARMING me--!

[A blast of icy wind dealt with the sign bots quickly--but they fell as their systems shut down, shattering into a million pieces before Beck could absorb their Xel.]

Beck: ...Oops.

Beck: (O...Kay, not doing THAT again...)

<MC005>: > …What was that about the stunts, again—

Beck: --Uh--

Will: --!! DUCK!

[MN.1] //: --?

Beck: --Wait I don't see a duuUUUUOH--

[NOW ENTERING HIGHWAY ALPHA 1.]

[...That was what the large overhead sign said as Beck ducked at the last possible second, narrowly avoiding giving himself another broken nose--and possibly worse.]

Beck: (Oh man that was close--!)

[There is a strong fuzzing noise of static.

It’s not coming from nearby, but rather over the feeds.]

Beck: !

[MN.3] //: --Wha--that'szz not me--

<FMN-006>: > OOOO—

<FMN-006>: > -OW, CAR RIGHT TO THE FACE-

<FMN-006>: > -Well not LITERALLY her face but man that had to have hurt-

<FMN-009>: > Aaaaaa I’M GOING AS FAST AS I CAN BUT THERE ARE CRAZY SIGNS EVERYWHEEEEEEEEERE—

[MN.9] //: What's--!?

[MN.1] //: -PING PING, IS SHE ALRIGHT--

Will: --Just--extremely so very worried with so many of his--and not his but his children AAACK--

<FMN-006>: > Her camo’s gone—

<FMN-009>: > -WHICH MAKES IT A LOT EASIER TO CATCH UP TO HER, DAD—-

<FMN-006>: > …She’s standing on her own, now—

<FMN-006>: > SHEEEE’ll be fine, Beckaronidoni, GO ON AHEAD :’^D

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > -UH. SHE’S KINDA GETTING AGITATED, IT SEEMS, STANDBY FOR DEVELOPMENT-

[MN.1] //: . . . .

Beck: -Whew, OK...-

[CALL] //: Contact with tunnel entrance in three...two...one...

Speedy: -OH GEEZ, DUCK, MAN!-

[THUD--!]

[Beck just dropped down to lay on the roof and held his head down--]

[--and saw the world turn much, much darker, illuminated only by pale, yellow lights that lined the walls--the emergency lights.]

[Beck lowered his visor for Night Vision before he deemed it safe to raise his head again.]

Beck: --In the tunnel--! It's...pretty dark but I got my Night Vision--

<DWN-011>: > Welp. Just keep an eye for the exit, too.

[Nine pinged back in confirmation, readying himself briefly before jumping to another car, and another. The traffic was more condensed here, so it was easier to jump from one vehicle to another.]

Beck: Lots of rigs here...

[With LOTS of malfunctioning robots...]

Beck: (No other way—I'm gonna have to fight through them!)

[....It wasn't long before the malfunctioning robots spotted him, and moved to converge on his position.]

[Beck narrowed his eyes at them, and—]

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN]

[—FILLED his fists with fire, and CHARGED at the CDNs in his path!]

Beck: Haaaaaah—!

[MN.1] //: .... -We taught him that, you know—- -HEH, THAT'S HIS BROTHER-

[MN.2] //: -Yeah well DUH-

[BAM—!]

[A few of the robots are knocked off the rig, while others either blow up or are absorbed on contact with his Dash, giving him some Absorption Boosts--and refilling his previously used Xel Stock.]

[XEL STOCK 1 QUOTA REACHED.]

[MN.3] //: —He'zzz really mowing those thingszz down, huh...?

[MN.2] //: -IT'S GLORIOUS, GO BECK GO-

Beck: —NNGH—!

[One by one, the robots are broken and beaten down before him, their components being drawn into his being as both Xel and Fire danced to his will, a strong green glow casting from his optics.]

Will: (....!)

Beck: Get out of the WAY—!

Beck: (Gotta—get to Nii-San—!)

[SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—!]

Beck: -cOVERS EARS, O W—!-

Will: What in the world was—?!

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > -NOOOOOOBODY PANIC, UH— -

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: -SIX, I DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT IS—-

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > SHE'S KINDA, UM

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > TIED UP AT THE MOMENT—

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: -NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR PUNS, AVIATOR—-

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > NO BRO

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > I MEAN IT FOR REAL

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: —!

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > -also, we pun when stressed, you know this, aaaaand thIS IS KINDA STRESSFUL TO WATCH-

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > Get Nine moving, this isn't something he should see!

[MN.9] //: Guys—?!

[MN.1] //: Keep GOING, Beck! NOW!

[MN.9] //: But what was—?!

[MN.1] //: N O W!

<FMN-006 to FMN-009>: > Hurry uuuup

[While Beck made a worried break for it, Goose suddenly gave off a blip of surprise and concern.]

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > Uh-oh—

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > oh geez, she took out one of my cameras— I've lost visual—

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > -But not audio, at least-

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: —Augh, of all the times—!

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: What about Jack? Is he injured? Did you see before you lost the visual?

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > ... Have you ever needed to wrestle your Shade? Or just lug him around in general? Tony's not exactly a heavyweight-- aaaand don't tell her I said that or she'll shoot my propellers off 8'D;;

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > Noooot so much injured as out of his league in trying to reign in a bucking bronco-- though he's doing REAL well, all things considered— …

[... But then he falls uncharacteristically silent.]

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: .....? Avi—?

[MN.9] //: --Eeep--Cars, more car debris, DODGE DODGE DODGE--

[More silence.]

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > …

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > . . .

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: -OK we have never EVER heard you be this quiet for this long, please say SOMETHING—-

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > -Swallows- She's not gonna be happy when she wakes up from this...

<FMN-006 to MNN-001>: > ... And hears what she's saying.

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: —.....

[MN.1] //: . . . . .

[MN.2] //: ...Bro?

[MN.1] //: .......

[MN.1] //: ...Beck?

[MN.9] //: —KINDA BUSY—! -SOUNDS OF METAL CRUNCHING-

[MN.1] //: ...Ngh...

[MN.1] //: (Curse this wretched virus—!)

[MN.9] //: How long until the tunnel exit?!

[CALL] //: Contact in 4 minutes, Nine.

<DWN-019>: > Wait. Where are Jack and FMN-008?

<FMN-006>: > Working on getting the visual back up, guys— lost sight of them, that may be a moment—

<DWN-019>: > … You are an aerial ‘bot, how could you lose sight of them—

<FMN-006>: > She spotted one of my cams and wasn’t too happy about it, okay? D: Charlieeee… why do you always have to go after Charlie, Siiiiiis…

[MN.3] //: (...Charlie??)

[CALL] //: Contact in 3 minutes.

Beck: Whoa—!

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR]

[More strange wheel bots had materialized--and learning from the previous encounter, Beck chose to avoid them altogether and and hovered just out of their reach.]

<DWN-011>: > Wouldn’t stay in that form too long.

<DCN-000>: > Why?

<DWN-011>: > Exit. Too tall.

[MN.9] //: OK, just let me find a place t—

[...A pause.]

[MN.9] //: .....Uh.

<MC005>: > …What is it, Beck?

[MN.9] //: UH, GUYS...

[BEEEP BEEEP BEEEEEEEP!]

[MN.1] //: -...oh no-

[MN.3] //: -HOW MANY OF THOSE THINGS A R E THERE??-

[MN.9] //: A LOT—!

<DCN-000>: > Can you slow ‘em down by freezing them? o:

[A swarm of sign bots—much MUCH bigger than anything he's seen so far.]

[MN.9] //: There's WAY too many, I don't think I can get them all—!

[MN.1] //: If you can't slow them down, can you disperse them?

[MN.9] //: Uuuuh...

[MN.9] //: I can tryyyy??

<DCN-000>: > Yaaay, Beckyyy~

-PING!-

<DCP-001>: > You can do it, Beck! ^.^

Beck: —!

Beck: ...Linka--!!

<DCP-001>: > You can do it! Beck is hero~

[...Nine's optics seemed to flare a touch brighter the moment he heard Kalinka's voice.]

[After landing on a car, Beck took careful aim at the mass of sign bots ahead, the propeller that replaced his hand spinning faster, and faster—!]

[—ZING!]

[The propeller unlatched and whizzed through the air vertically, splitting the large group of sign bots in half—!]

Beck: —Hah—!

[And he didn't stop there—a moment later and another propeller was launched, and another, and another—]

[CALL] //: Contact in 2 minutes.

[It took almost exhausting all of this form's energy—but he managed to completely disperse the swarm, quickly shifting back to default to shoot at the ones that lingered.]

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR//RECHARGING...]

[DR.WHITE] //: You're almost there, Beck—!

[MN.9] //: —! I see the exit! (It's really bright—...is it dawn already--?)

[CALL] //: Contact in 1 minute.

[Disengaging his Night Vision, Beck lowered his body as the car he stood on sped towards the light ahead...]

[CALL] //: Contact in 30 seconds.

[There was a sudden PING of alarm.]

<DWN-019>: > WAIT WAIT WAIT—

<DWN-019>: > PISCES WHAT WERE YOU SAYING ABOUT “TOO TALL”—

[MN.9] //: -What, but we're fine—-

[CALL] //: Contact in 3—2—1—

[The world was thrown back into light, and the first reddish sunbeams of daylight filled the sky over a brown desert, rock formations scattering their shadows against the hot sands of New Mexico.]

[There was a loud sound that echoed down the tunnel, bouncing off the walls.]

WHANG!

WHANG!

[Beck only had a second to stare in awe of the beautiful scenery when he heard the sound of something crashing against metal. He turned around back towards the tunnel in confusion.]

Beck: —?? What was that?!

<DWN-012>: > -Whine noise- x.≤;;; The sound of something running into a wall really, really fast…

[MN.1] //: (Something tall...)

[MN.1] //: .....!!!!

[MN.1] //: No—!

<FMN-006>: >  … … … -We can’t do anything now until they come out on the other side, bro-

[MN.1 to FMN.6] //: —I know that and it's—Ngh!

[MN.2] //: SIS--!

[MN.3] //: -BZZZZZZZZZZT!!- -Stressful and worried static across the feeds-

[MN.9] //: What--did something happen to Kate and Jack--?!

[CALL] //: -LOUD PING-

[CALL] //: Warning: Erratic movement detected in several nearby remote-controlled vehicles.

<FMN-006>: > Listen, Beckaroo!

<FMN-006>: > The best thing you can do is to save the day by rescuing Sevvie, ‘kay? </punning while stressed again> Trust me on that. You can do it!

<FMN-006>: > This is a teamwork sort of rig— I mean, gig—

<FMN-006>: > So just do your part and Pup will do his and it’ll all work out, a’ight? ;D ;;;;

[MN.9] //: —...

[MN.9] //: —I read you, Avi...

[...He just couldn't help it—there were so many people he cared about on this dangerous highway, and he worried about everyone.]

[But at least they were there to remind him what he needed to do.]

<FMN-006>: > Oooof course you do! : D Because the alphabet starts with “A” for “Avi!” ^^

<FMN-006>: > Now go get ‘em, Champ!

[MN.9] //: —R...Right!

[Another large rig backed up, allowing Beck to jump across and head out further into the highway.]

[CALL] //: Warning—I am detecting a buildup of erratic signals near your location.

<MC005>: > …? What does that indicate?

[CALL] //: Analyzing...

[MN.9] //: —...? Huh?

[DR.WHITE] //: Beck—?

[MN.9] //: The cars are...?

[The smaller vehicles were weaving around in seemingly random patterns, honking and trying to get in front of one another...]

Beck: It...kinda looks like they're freaking out...?

Beck: But why would--

[SHING!]

[There was a blur of--of a dark, violet blue flame—

And one of the cars was CLEAVED in half.]

<DWN-012>: > !!!

<DWN-012>: > oh gosh is this where the car halves were coming from?

[MN.2] //: HOLY--!

Beck: --!!!

[Moments later...]

[A red armored figure landed on the other lane, slamming a blade down on the car on which he landed.]

Beck: Brand--!

[MN.1] //: Brandish--!

[Brand's breathing sounded labored, wrenching his blade out of the car and staring across the lane at his little brother.]

Brand: Gnh...!

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: > … We may have a problem…!

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: > If that really was CND-7037 and FMN-008 hitting the tunnel that made that noise—

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: > They might not be conscious enough to evade if Brand goes after the car or rig they’re on top of!

[MN.1 to FMN.6 and 9] //: You two had better hurry when they get out of that tunnel--!

<FMN-009>: > YES SIR—!

Brand: I...I told you...

Beck: Brandish--!

[Before Beck could say anything more, however--]

[A surge of dark, violet flames burst from Seven's body, across his arms and blades, and he raised his head to scream-- ]

Brand: I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY!

<DWN-013>: > Yes, you did. But he won’t.

Beck: HANG ON, NII-SAN--!

[Brandish let out a cry of anguish, leaping towards another car as Beck chased after him from his own lane--]

[SHING--!]

[Another car was sliced, and it's parts were swept across the road--Beck was forced to jump from car to car to avoid both his brother's wild attacks and the results of his reluctant rampage.]

[SHING--!]

Beck: {Big brother, please--}

[SHING--!]

Beck: {--you have to--}

[SHING--!]

Beck: {--FIGHT THIS--!}

<DWN-013 to MNN-009>: > …He is, Beck. … -Augh, it is so hard, and so painful- He’s trying as hard as he can. But you’ll need to make the final moves to overcome what’s in place.

[Brand paused, breathing heavily.]

Brand: Why did it have to be you—

Beck: —?

Beck: N-nii-san, I’m here to—

Brand: WHY. DID IT HAVE. TO BE YOU?!

Beck: Wh-what do you mean?

[The sword master gripped his blades, shaking… in anger.]

Brand: Is Cardinal still out there with his damn martyr complex, then? Abandoning his family, abandoning US in a time like this?

[To say Beck was surprised would be an understatement. He sputtered, trying to draw closer.]

Beck: Wha—how did you know—!?

[Brand suddenly flamed up, screaming in rage.]

Brand: I SAW HIM, BECK! I REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED THAT DAY, AND EVER SINCE!

Beck: !!!

Brand: -Distorted- Self-centered coward… always… always running away…!

[SHING—!]

[He took out his rage on another vehicle, forcing Beck to jump again.]

Brand: Never taking responsibility for ANYTHING he does! He wouldn’t help you then, he won’t help you now— instead he’s off GOD KNOWS WHERE larking about his on own, petty whims…

Brand: Irresponsible… SELFISH little… dishonorable COWARD…

Brand: Turning his back on responsibility, leaving it all to you…

Brand: I’ll tear him to pieces for this…!

Beck: !!! Nii-san, DON’T—! He just wants to help—!

[Brandish's answer to that was another slash in his direction, but easily avoidable. As Nine leaps over to a larger rig, the Xel-ninja speeds on by a set of trucks--]

[...But doesn't reappear once they pass.]

Beck: No--!

Beck: (Where is he, where is he--)

[DR.WHITE] //: .....

[DR.WHITE] //: (I can't help but wonder...Brand's fine control over his art allows him to achieve a greater focus than any of the others...)

[DR.WHITE] //: (But he's not like Beck in the sense that...)

[DR.WHITE] //: (....)

[DR.WHITE] //: (Brandish...son...)

[Beep!]

Beck: ....?

[The rig was larger than the others--and it was carrying many other cars on it's trailers. Once Beck climbed over the roof, and to the floor below, he was greeted by none other than Sunny the Patch Bot.]

[DR.SANDA] //: --? Will--Did YOU send Sunny down there?

[DR.WHITE] //: No--?

Sunny: ^.^

[CALL] //: -Ping of admittance, we had concluded Beck needed medical assistance once Brandish was spotted again-

<DWN-019>: > -Ping of approval-

[Sunny chirped pleasantly as Beck patted their head, unloading it's cargo and preparing to fly off...]

Beck: Wait, Sunny--!

Sunny: ?

[MN.9] //: Call--Xel Transfer him back to the lab right now, please.

[...He didn't want to add Sunny to the things Brand already cut up so far...]

[CALL] //: Acknowledged.

<DWN-013>: > Good luck, Beck. And remember…

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: > (“In the end… his will overcame the program…”)

<DWN-013>: > Remember what I told you.

Beck: ......

Beck: Yeah...

[Sunny was teleported off, leaving Beck to venture forward on his own. There were less and less cars on the lanes, he noted...]

Beck: ....!

[At one end of the trailer, there were more cars, stacked one on top of the other.]

Beck: (They're not moving...so they must have been turned off when the virus hit...?)

[DR.WHITE] //: Any sign of Brand?

[MN.9] //: Not--

"HAAAAAAAAAAH--!!"

[SHING SHING SHING SHING SHING--]

[B O O M!]

[Without any warning, the cars were sliced--and they all exploded, knocking back the smaller Mighty Number off his feet and rolling across the trailer floor--!]

Beck: Gah--!

[DR.WHITE] //: BECK--!

<MC005 to DR.WHITE>: > Careful, Will! With Brandish as his opponent… Beck will need all the concentration he can muster!

[Black smoke choked his throat, and he coughed, his vision straining to see the familiar figure that had appeared through it.]

[The smoke cleared, the rising sun over the now desolate highway....]

Beck: -COUGH-

Beck: B--...Brand...

[Screams of surprise and alarm in the far distance.]

<FMN-009 to MNN-009>: > Got them! I’m closing in!

[MN.9 to FMN.9] //: --... -PING-

[Brandish fell into a offensive stance, yet he was trying to draw AWAY from his brother at the same time, so it looked as if he was just a tense coil...]

Brand: Beck--!

[Beck gathered to his feet. Brand wasn't running anymore, but it sure LOOKED like he wanted to.]

Beck: Brand...

Brand: GNH--!

Brand: GNAAAAAAAAAAAAH--!!

[The dark flames enshrouded, engulfed, and for a moment, Brandish was not there—lost in the virus's grip—and then—!]

Brand?: WHY--?!

Beck: --!

[That voice--it was completely different, twisted, and demonic--it was not his own--]

Beck: (Is that...the virus...?)

Brand?: WHY, BECK--?!

Beck: ?!?!?

[--It said his NAME.]

Brand?: WHY WON'T YOU. GIVE. UP?!?!

[.........]

Beck: A...Ah--

[Those--those words--]

Beck: (W...What...)

[It was clear that Beck was completely unnerved, and found that he could not move at all. He stared, fixated, horrified and in disbelief all at once--]

<RMDC>: > -PING!-

<RMDC>: > UPDATE COMPLETED.

<RMDC>: > REBOOTING AI_DWN_024…

Beck: --!!

<MC005>: > What?

Brand?: RAAAAAAAAAAH--!!

[An unnatural groan of pain, and the flames die down to their original height, causing Brand to fall to a knee.]

Brand: Ngn...

Brand: S...Shadow....?

<DWN-019>: > What’s going on?!

<MC005>: > How could he—?

<DWN-024>: > -LOADING…-

<DWN-024>: > -Loading…-

<DWN-024>: > -Loading…-

[There was a broadcast… memory, almost—like looking across the Milky Way at endless streams of stars, clearer and more magnificent than any telescope could ever capture.]

[And then a feeling like some ancient thing that had long been asleep was about to stir…]

<DCN-007>: > -Much more presence than usual- {The student hears the voice of his master, no longer lost, but found again… and he will waken.}

<DCN-008>: > {You have been long missed and longed for, Brandish Atomo White.}

<DCN-008>: > {You don’t need to keep running from your family any longer. They think no less of you for what has happened. Do not fear their judgement—for they do not carry it!}

<DCN-007>: > Remember what you told us.

——————————

<DLN-000>: > But living life as a Wilybot… it’s always in the back of your mind—

<DLN-000>: > What if… what if something, what if /next/ time—there’s ALWAYS a next time—what if it really makes us… what if we become monsters?

[MN. 7] //: Then I will do everything in my power to save you WITHOUT taking your life.

<DLN-000>: > Sometimes people don’t get a choice.

<DLN-000>: > Rock didn’t get a choice.

[MN.7] //: There is always a choice.

——————————

<DCN-007>: > {THERE IS /ALWAYS/ A CHOICE!}

<DCN-008>: > {Even if the only choice is to resist.}

<DCN-007>: > {What do you think we did, Brandish? When we were enslaved like this?}

<DCN-007>: > {MAKE YOUR CHOICE! CHOOSE TO FIGHT IT!}

Brand: {I--!}

[The Mighty ninja recoiled once more, groaning again, the virus within him refusing to let go, to ensure that it completes its purpose using him as its host.]

Brand: --N...ngh...

Brand: T...here is...a...ch-choice...

Brand: B...Beck...

Beck: It's gonna be OK--!

Beck: I'm here to help--I've come to SAVE you, Brand--!

[Beck carefully tries to approach, but--]

Brand: N--No closer--!

Brand: O-One more step--and my blades will have their way with you--!

[His head jerked to one side, as if he didn't mean to say what he just said.]

Brand: It...it...

Brand: It...doesn't--KNOW--!

Beck: --what?

Brand: It....it CAN'T know--

Beck: Brand--what--tell me what's happening--! What are you--

Brand: I can't--control myself--! It--

Brand: It doesn't--know--what--

Brand: It--will not--STOP--until everything--is GONE--!

<MC005>: > …!!!

Brand: It—will—stop at NOTHING—

Brand: It—will use—WHATEVER MEANS—!

[DR.SANDA] // : Saints preserve us...

Brand: It will use ME—until I BREAK—!

Beck: —!?

Brand: If—if you want...to SAVE me...!

[SCANNING...]

[SCAN COMPLETE.]

[E N C O U N T E R.]

[MODEL: MIGHTY NO. 7. CODENAME: BRANDISH.]

[HEIGHT: 167cm WEIGHT: 187kg XEL COUNT: 37,400,000]

Brand: YOU MUST DESTROY ME!

[This phrase was dramatically emphasized by a sudden flash of lightning in the distance out of nowhere.]

Beck: —!!

Beck: NO—!

Beck: I don't want to do this—I don't want to hurt you anymore than I have to—!

Brand: RARGH!

[Beck's rebuttal fell on deaf ears—Brandish could no longer hold back. He lunged—!]

[REXELECTION: CRYOSPHERE.]

[Beck leaped backwards, switching his form into something he thought would slow Brandish down at least a little—]

Brand: Predictable!

[SHING!]

[...The wall of ice that was between them was cut to pieces.]

Beck: Gnh—!

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN.]

Brand: Always so VERY predicable...

Beck: Burning—gACK—!

[Beck was hit with a flying kick, sending him tumbling over to the ground—]

Brand: You—you expect to kill ME with such PREDICTABLE skills—?!

[A blast of disapproval across the feeds, directed RIGHT at Brandish.]

<DCN-000>: > N O.

<MC005>: > …!

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > I thought you were keeping him busy in the kitchen—!

[MN.1] //: -Snow—argh, tiny bots are always hard to keep track of—-

<DCN-000>: > N O, NO, /NO!/

<DCN-000>: > Beck isn’t like the monster—

[You could actually hear his budding arctic tantrum—the winds were howling with ice in their voice!]

<DCN-000>: > BECK /SAVES/ THE DAY!

Brand: —ngh—!

[He falters at the sound of Snow's voice...]

Brand: I—I can't—control—

Brand: AAARGH!

[There was an incredibly intense blast of disapproval, but this time, it… didn’t seem to be specifically directed at… Brandish…?!?]

<DCN-000>: > YOU!

<DCN-000 to ???>: > You meanie.

<DCN-000 to ???>: > You’re trying to make more like the blue monster.

<DCN-000 to ???>: > YOU TRIED TO MAKE /US/ LIKE THAT MONSTER!!!

<DCN-000 to ???>: > -SCREEEE, SHRIEKS OF RUSSIAN WINTER-

<DCN-000 to ???>: > MONSTERS NEVER WIN!

[At the sounds of the howling winds of icy fury—]

Brand?: -UNHOLY DEMONIC SCREEEEEEEEEEECH OF RAGE-

[This tantrum was abruptly cut short.]

<MC005 has sent DCN-000 Offline.>

[Apparently Mikhail had taken the matter into his own hands to prevent Snow from hurting Pyro with his abilities, as the little ice ‘bot used them recklessly when throwing a tantrum.]

[MN.1] //: Snow—!

[…Uh-oh.]

<DWN-011 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DWN-012 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DWN-013 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DWN-018 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DWN-019 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DCN-003 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DCN-007 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

<DCN-008 has entered Alert Combat mode.>

[MN.3] //: -Ooooh, that's not good-

Beck: BRAAAAAAND—!

Brand: RAAAGH—!

[Brandish flourished his blades in parallel position, arms stretched out wide to either side—!]

Beck: —!!

[Seven spun around on the spot, becoming a spinning blur of DEATH that soon sped towards Nine—!]

Beck: —aaAAAH—!

[Recognizing this move and what it can do, Beck had one option—]

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR.]

[Take to the sky.]

Brand: Ngh—!!

[Beck sighed in relief as he watched Brand simply glare at him after he came to a stop. Brandish could jump fairly high, but as long as he—]

[SHING!]

Beck: WHA—?!

[Brandish...threw his own sword at him?]

[Beck had to bank harshly to the right, the blade narrowly missing his side. He stared in confusion for a split second—

A pale cloth of what appeared to be the 'bandages' that decorated the hilt was now stretched out, and seemed to retract back to Brandish, returning the weapon to his hand.]

Brand: You cannot stay up there forever—!

[There seemed to be a buzz for a moment.

And then, suddenly…]

<DWN-024>: > -Loading…-

[SHING!]

[SHING—!]

[There was a far-off flash of green that lit up the dawn sky.]

[MN.1] //: —!!

[MN.3] //: —Waszz that—?

[Beck landed quickly, and shifted his form again—]

[...to default?]

Beck: (Brand has a counter to everything I got—)

Beck: (He keeps saying I'm predictable—)

Beck: (So--I gotta come up with something he WON'T expect—!)

Beck: (...I am so glad the others won't see this...)

[MN.9] //: DR. COSSACK—!

[MN.9] //: I'm sorry—but I have to ask you to—!

<MC005>: > …

[There was a pause.]

<MC005 has sent DWN-011 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DWN-012 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DWN-013 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DWN-018 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DWN-019 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DCN-003 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DCN-007 Offline.> <MC005 has sent DCN-008 Offline.>

<MC005 to MNN-009>: > {Do what you have to… but understand that you may not be able to keep this secret all the way through.}

[MN.9 to MC005] //: ...I understand.

Beck: (Sorry about that, guys...)

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON]

[MN.3] //: —?!? BECK—WHAT ARE YOU DOING—?!

Beck: TRUST ME, SIS—!

[Brandish seemed unfazed, but leaped into a front flip, using his blades to hack at anything that dared to come close--

Beck sparked in panic and threw large, glowing purple bits up in a make shift shield--they didn't hold up to Brand's swords, but it did give Beck enough time to roll out of the way, summoning more bits to his side.]

[There was a clattering sound as Mikhail hastily left the room he was in to make his way to the emergency bay.]

Brand: Fool...!

[He lands, and once again charges for another slashing attack, unrelenting in his efforts to cut Beck down to nothing but Xel.]

[Beck's bits are wildly thrown this way and that while he avoids and dodges and--]

[MN.3] //: --!!

Brand: Must slice--must DICE--!

-PING!-

<RMDC>: > PROCESSING NEW DATA…

<RMDC>: > UPDATING SERVER…

<RMDC>: > UPDATE COMPLETE. STATUS UPDATE: FMN-008.

<RMDC>: > XEL PURGE COMPLETE. ALL HARMFUL MALWARE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM FMN-008.

[MN.1] //: --!!

[MN.2] //: -ALRIGHT, MIRROR BRO!-

Brand: --n-ngh--?

<RMDC>: >ALERT!

<RMDC>: > SIGNAL ERROR: FMN-008 NOT FOUND

<RMDC>: > SCANS INDICATE FMN-008 HAS SUSTAINED SYSTEM-WIDE CRITICAL HARDWARE DAMAGE. DATA SOURCE: FMN-009

Brand: K...Kate--?!

[Brandish...stops.]

Brand: Ack--N...No...!

Beck: --Sorry, Brand--!!

[BZZZZZZT--!]

[The whole floor was suddenly electrified, the bits that had been thrown earlier sending strong currents across the metal flooring--!]

Brand: --gNAAAAAH--!

[He was covered in a purple glow--!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[The bits dissipated into loose Xel as Brand twitched and jerked, the currents wreaking havoc on his systems...]

Brand: Nnnggh...

Beck: {I'm sorry--!}

-Ping.-

<AI_DWN_024 SYSTEM UPDATE COMPLETE. REBOOTING…>

Brand: Gnh--

Brand: Y--Yes....

Beck: --!

Brand: You...you are...

Brand: Going to...break me down...right into Xels...

Beck: No--! That's not what I'm--!

<RMDC>: > ERROR: EMOTIONS.EXE ERROR DETECTED. DWN-024 REBOOT FAILED. RETRYING…

<FMN-009>: > -PING!-

<FMN-009>: > UM

<FMN-009>: > UHHH

<FMN-009>: > GUYS THERE’S A PROBLEM

[DR.SANDA] //: -Oh dear Asimov why now--

[MN.1] //: What is it?

<FMN-009>: > -HOW AM I GOING TO GET THEM OFF, HELP—-

<FMN-009>: > -EVEN IF I COULD LIFT SIS IN AVI’S FORM (WHICH I /CAN’T/, SHE’S TOO HEAVY—) I ONLY HAVE ONE ARM IN THAT FORM, WE CAN’T LEAVE JACK BEHIND—!-

<FMN-009>: > THEY BOTH HIT THEIR HEADS REALLY HARD AND AREN’T GIVING OFF SIGNALS I THINK THEY BROKE THEIR TRANSCEIVERS AAAAAAAAAA—

[MN.1] //: Calm DOWN, Nine--! We'll think of something--!

<FMN-009>: > BUT SHE HIT HER HEAD REALLY HARD, LIKE YOU SAID AFTER THE INCIDENT THERE’S XEL EVERYWHERE SOMEBODY HELP—

[MN.1] //: Beck--!

[BZZZZZZT--]

[DR.WHITE] //: -GAH THERE'S NO WAY TO GET THEM OUT OF THE HIGHWAY AND--

<MC005>: > -PING!-

<MC005>: > Has anyone seen Aviator??

[ALL] //: --????

[MN.3] //: He should zzstill be--

[MN.2] //: Uuuuh...

[MN.2] //: Are my four eyes seeing things right or am I seeing double--?

<MC005>: > {What??}

[P I N G!]

[MN.6] //: Diiiiiiid someone call for...

[MN.6] //: ...air support?~ ; D

[MN. ALL] //: AVI!

<FMN-006>: > You know what they say, Avi!

<FMN-006>: > Two heads are better than one!~ ; D

<FMN-006>: > It helps to have friends in… HIGH places~

[MN.6] //: You said it, Avi!

[MN.6] //: And they're only just a--CALL AWAY. ; D

[MN.1] //: --oH--

<FMN-006>: > Breaking news!

<FMN-006>: > Two handsome airplane rescuers stop highway chase from ending in tragedy, while everyone’s faaaaavorite underdog SAVES THE DAY— -Background flying noises-

[MN.9] //: AVI!~

[MN.6] //: Heeeeey, T-Becks, love to chat and catch up but I got a car-jack to get to and you got a bro to save!

[MN.6] //: You're doing great--so don't give up now!

[MN.9] //: Roger that, Avi!

<FMN-006 to MNN-007>: > EYYYY, LUCKY SEVEN THERE— I know you can hear me.

[MN.7 to FMN.6] // -low growls in response-

<FMN-006 to MNN-007>: > Enough of that doom and gloom nonsense, lil’ bro—

<FMN-006 to MNN-007>: > She’s pretty banged up and is gonna want you to help out again.

Brand: --!

<FMN-006 to MNN-007>: > -She needs you, so—if I hear more of this despair stuff I’m going to hang you up a flagpole by your fancy Japanese silk robes, snap out of it-

Brand: K...Kate--

<FMN-006>: > -Cheerfully- See you guys soooon!~ Avi, over and out!

[MN.9] //: Good luck, guys--!

[MN.6] //: You too, little Champ!

Brand: Nngh--!

[He convulsed, and the virus tightened it's reigns—but still, he was suppressing his urge to attack--!]

Brand: I...ngh--!

[BLAM!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[Beck did not let the opening go to waste.]

[BLAM!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Brand: NNNAGH!!

[The ninja suddenly screamed into sunrise, his blades raised in front of him--]

[--clicking into place as he brought them together--]

[DR.WHITE] //: --!!! BRANDISH, NO--!!

[PING!]

<DWN-024 is now Online.>

<DWN-024>: > -Very, VERY disoriented data- … Sensei…?

Brand: M--MOVE, BECK--!!

Brand: M-my body--my BLADES--They have a will all of their own--!

Brand: RAAGH--!

Beck: Brand--wait--!

[SHING--!]

Beck: aCK--!

[He backed off, but--pain, across his shoulder--]

<DWN-024>: > —!

<DWN-024 has entered Non-Lethal Combat mode.>

[Uh-oh.]

[SHING SHING SHING SHINGSHINGSHING--]

[Other shoulder--leg--]

[There was a whistling noise.]

THUNK.

Ssssss…

[A shuriken was sinking into the rig by Brandish’s left foot, hissing as acid ate away at the metal.]

Brand: --?!

[Beck stumbled, and fell in shock--Xel beginning to bleed from the gashes his brother had inflicted--thankfully not deep enough to sever anything immediately important, but OW--]

[Shadow seemed to melt out of his namesake, rising like some sort of ghost. His eyes were glowing a solid green.]

<MC005>: > I thought the Meadow teleporters were Offline!

<FMN-001>: > THEY ARE! He just—! MELTED into the darkness!

[He flicked his wrists, and two more shuriken appeared.

This time, he aimed for Brand’s hands.]

[Brandish did not linger--he avoided the projectiles altogether by flipping backwards, his eyes switching from his own blue to a monstrous purple...]

Beck: Sh--Shadow--!

Brand: You...

[Shadow did not respond at all. He was silent.

And relentless—melting suddenly into the shadows again, vanishing from sight.

Only to reappear—]

[SKLRRT!]

[APPARENTLY UNDERNEATH THE RIG AT BRAND’S FEET AND STABBING UPWARDS—]

Beck: --!!!

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 1...]

Brand: Gnh--!

[He jumped, but the acid beneath splattered and hit bits and parts of his leg armor, eating away at the paint and the trade-mark '7' that adorned it.]

[It wasn't long before the acid was slowly eating away at the armor itself, though at a slow pace. Brandish HOWLED in pain--!]

Brand: INSOLENCE--!

[SHING--!]

[The slice cut through the rig like butter, and there were some very troubling noises from whatever piping he had cut into.]

[There was a clattering sound, as if something had fallen down.]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: SHADOW--?!

[Silence.]

Beck: SHADOW--?!?

Brand: Nggggh....

[Brand’s shadow… rippled.]

Beck: --?!?

[Brandish didn't seem to notice, now turning his blade back to Beck--]

Brand: You--...

Brand: .....

[Until he sensed another presence--]

[Shadow sprang up out of Brand’s cast shade, grabbing him by the scarf and yanking HARD.

At the same time, he slammed his foot against Brand’s ankle, where the leg armor had been eaten away.]

Brand: --Hrk--

Brand: -UNHOLY SCREECH OF PAIN-

[Shadow let go of the scarf, but he wasn’t quite done—that much was clear, as he had another shuriken in his hand a second later.

His expression was void, and he didn’t seem moved by mercy whatsoever.]

[SKLR!]

[Brand stabbed behind him, impaling Shadow on his sword. Shadow’s eyes flashed red in pain.]

Beck: SHADOW—!!!

[Before he could move, Brand had already turned and cleaved the shuriken in half, the acid hissing and eating away at the sword. Enraged at his precious sword being so distorted, the speeding ninja had sliced away at his pupil, who fell onto his back under the assault.

Brand staggered, recoiling in inner agony as he stopped short of diving both swords down into the exposed core.]

[Beck was glad he couldn’t see what was going on very well, but he couldn’t let it continue.]

[BZZZZZT!]

[Brand turned to focus his attention on Beck, his blades tainted with oil stains. Shadow himself seemed to fade away, but Beck wasn’t given time to think it over.]

[SHING—!]

[Beck narrowly avoided a cleaving blow—]

[SHING—!]

[And then another—]

[SHING—]

[But Shadow sprang up from the darkness, shuriken-first, slamming right into Brand’s shoulder.]

Brand: AAAUUUUUURRRRGH!

[Just as his master had been moments earlier, Shadow continued a swift and merciless series of slicing attacks, tearing Brand’s armor into shreds as acid started eating away at the wounds. It was clear, now, that all the damage from earlier had healed, fully regenerated.

He whirled around behind Brand and kicked him down, stepping onto his back and bringing out more shuriken. He planted his feet firmly on Brand’s wrists, and raised his hands to attack—]

((Pic—Shadow v Brand))

Beck: SHADOW, STOP--!

[However…]

<DWN-024 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

[The green glow subsided, and his irises and pupils slowly came back into view—though his irises were still glowing the same shade of green.

He jumped off and slid further back, bracing himself against the driving cabin.]

Beck: --!!

[Brandish winced in sheer pain, but his head turned to GLARE at Shadow with violet orbs of rage, unlocking his blades to separate and--]

[BLAM!]

Beck: NO YOU DON'T--!

[Shadow crouched down, bringing out some sort of… strange but familiar item…]

Beck: --Ah--!

[His visor goes down--]

[And darkness covers… everything.]

Brand: --!?!?

Beck: (I--STILL CAN'T SEE, WHAT--?!)

[It is no ordinary darkness—not as if night had fallen—but as if light had ceased to exist at all.

It was as if it had smothered out everything else in the world, creating a void of NOTHING.]

[There was a firm grip around Beck, suddenly—]

Beck: --!

[In reaction to the darkness, Brand wildly slashes to where he last saw Shadow, and prepares to spin in place with his blades--]

Beck: Wha--!

[And then a tap on the side of his visor.]

<DWN-024 to MNN-009>: > -Data, brace yourselves-

Beck: --!

[Beck instantly tucks his head in, and tenses up in brace for whatever Shadow was talking about, his Xel Filter going online automatically--]

[The darkness lifted as suddenly and completely as it had come.

Beck was now standing in a different position than before, one with more favorable ground. Shadow was right beside him.]

Brand: --Aah--!

[Blinded by the sudden light from the sun, Brandish hissed and whirled around--where are they--?!]

Beck: (How did...?)

Brand: RRRNGH--!

Beck: (--Never mind--Brand's open--!)

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR.]

[Shadow side stepped and jumped up to be on the hood of the rig’s driving cabin, and thus out of the way.]

[ZING--!]

[The propeller whacked Brand SQUARE on the back--]

Brand: NGH--!

[Beck backed into a running start and LEAPED--!]

Beck: Haaaaah!

[ACXELARATE DASH: MAX OUTPUT REACHED.]

[CLANK--!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[There was the sound of something cracking--]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Brand: B--BECK--!!

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: FIGHT IT, BRAND--!

Beck: I'LL SAVE YOU--

[XEL QUOTA REACHED.]

[XEL PURGE: ONLINE. XELFILTER.EXE PREPARED FOR OVERDRIVE.]

Beck: --I PROMISE--!

[XEL PURGE INITIATED!]

[........]

"Again."

[THWACK!]

"Again!"

[THWACK!]

"--You're still holding back, Otouto."

"...Ngh..."

"I can tell when something is troubling you, you know."

"...."

"It is better to clear you mind than let it rage like a rushing current. There is no proper flow then. Only chaos."

"....."

"What is wrong, brother?"

"I...Brand?"

"Yes?"

"...Am I ever gonna get back on the team? I'm...not, aren't I?"

"....."

"I...I try--and I try--but I'm...I'm still SCARED, and I...I'm not getting any better--I do these practices over and OVER, but--!"

"...Seed."

"--? Wha?"

"You are a SEED, Beck."

"--....uh...?"

"You have yet to realize what you can accomplish with your abilities, and have yet to explore it. Like a seed planted on this earth, you need time."

"...Time...?"

"Time to GROW."

"You will need time, and guidance, and yes, much practice. You will need plant yourself firm once you discover your own way. You will need patience, focus...and above all--"

"--love?"

"...Yes. Love. Very good."

"I...heh..."

"...I can see it, Beck. Your potential. It is vast, and it is endless. You will become greater than the sum of all of us..."

"R...Really...?"

Brand: ......

Brand: --mn--?

"Yes. Of course you will."

Brand: B...Beck...

"You're a Mighty Number."

[....]

[XEL PURGE COMPLETE.]

[As the last of the green glow died off, cleansing away all of the sickly violet curse, Brand found himself staring into a blue, cloudless sky...]

[...As well as his brother...]

[ALL HARMFUL MALWARE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM MN.7]

Beck: Brand--? Brand--?!

Brand: . . .

Brand: I....

[A hand weakly reached out to rest on his shoulder.]

Brand: I...thank...you...

[MN.7 IS NOW IN SLEEP MODE.]

Beck: Nii-San--!

[There is the sound of something collapsing across the feeds.]

[DR.SANDA] //: --Will?!

[MN.3] //: --Daddy??

[MN.2] //: -GONNA GO GET OUR LIMP NOODLE DAD SOME PILLOWS AND MAKE AN ICE PACK-

Beck: Ooooh--!

[Beck winced as some of the cars ahead all BLARED their horns at once, as if they were angered at his victory...]

Beck: Shadow--I could use a hand with Brand--!

[At first, Shadow was nowhere to be seen.

Then, it became clear he was standing at the very back of the rig. …He seemed to be in some sort of defensive stance.]

Shadow:  . . .

[He was not so tense as to be frozen in place, but he seemed just one slight move away from a sudden and dangerous strike from the ENORMOUS shuriken in his hands.]

Beck: .....

Beck: How are you carrying that huge thing--?

[No response.]

Beck: Um--? Shadow? We're-- kinda still on a crazy speeding highway...

Beck: I can't carry Brand all by myself...please...?

[Shadow looked up.

His eyes were still bright green— he hadn’t left Defensive mode.]

Beck: --!

Beck: Sh...Shadow...?

[Beck collected himself up against his brother, eyes widening in slight surprise and fear--]

Beck: Ah--

Beck: G--Guys--!

[MN.1] //: Shadow! STAND DOWN--!

[DR.SANDA] //: Oh, dear--Mikhail--! -HELP-

[Shadow took another step back, holding the shuriken out like a shield by gripping at an edge of the opening in the center. He was at the very back of the rig now, and it was a wonder he hadn’t fallen off.]

[A soft ping.]

<MC005>: > -Quietly- {He’s afraid.}

<MC005>: > {He’s in Defensive mode because he is afraid of what is going to happen to him.}

<MC005>: > {He is… attempting to protect himself.}

<MC005 to MNN-ALL>: > {Keep in mind he’s been asleep since the beginning.}

<MC005 to MNN-ALL>: > {All he knows is that he has acted aggressively and against the wishes of his superiors, having injured his teacher—who then was overpowered by one with a Universal Adapter and then sent, for all he knows, Offline.}

<MC005 to MNN-ALL>: > {Additionally…}

<MC005 to MNN-ALL>: > {All the other AI&A signals from the server are Offline as well.}

<MC005 to MNN-ALL>: > {What do you THINK he has concluded?}

[MN.1] //: --!!

[MN.3] //: -oh no--

[MN.2] //: --BECKY--SNAP OUT OF IT--!

Beck: .......

Beck: Sh...Shadow--

Beck: --P-Please--we--we gotta out of here--and get Brand help--

Beck: Please--I just SAVED him, I--!

[HOOOOOOOOONK--!]

[Shadow seemed to be struggling, very hard, but he remained silent.

Finally, he reached into his scarf with his other hand…]

[And in a flash, tossed something that clattered at Beck’s feet.]

Beck: --!! It's--!

[HOOOOOOOOOOONK--!!]

[The loud horn came from a huge eighteen wheeler--on a dead-set collision course with the rig they had battled on--!]

[HOOOOOOOOOOONK--!]

Beck: !!!

[Shadow made a sudden dashing leap, bounding up to the top to the rig, and then—]

<DWN-024 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

[His energy readings spiked, and there was a whine that stuttered.]

[He hurled the massive shuriken at the road ahead, causing part of the road to get sliced away and the metal star to spin and clatter across the road. At the same time, he crouched down, and—

The whole rig began to sink into the shadows, falling—]

[Beck snatched the Amulet, held on to it and his brother tightly...]

[And screamed.]

Beck: AAAAAAAAAAAAAA--!

[The world around them was darkness, like before—except softer, somehow, like the haziness of dreams.

And then back into the sunlight in the desert, emerging from some cast shadows off-road—into the dust and sand.

Shadow swung down and grabbed at the side of the access panel to the fuel tank.]

[SKLORT!]

[He cut it open so that said fuel began rapidly draining away into the sand.]

[When the rig finally settled, that was when Beck stopped screaming.]

[He was hyperventilating, blinking weld up tears away as he held onto Brand's limp arm with a death grip, still processing what the heck just happened.]

Beck: (Highway--dark--sand--bright--what--)

<DWN-024 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

[Shadow lept down from the rig and into the sand.]

[And then he made a run for it, summoning, of all things—a giant frog to ride.]

Beck: . . . . .

[MN.9] //: -Did--did I hit my head too--guys--what happened---

[MN.1] //: . . . .

<MC005>: > …

[A long pause.]

<MC005>: > …That… is a very good question.

[DR.SANDA] //: . . . . . Er...

Mikhail: (I’ve NEVER seen him use most of those techniques before.)

<MC005>: > I think it would be best to bring the two of you back to the lab, now…

[CALL] //: Preparing Xel Transfer...

[MN.9] //: -- W-Wait--Kate, Jack--

<MC005>: > They’re waiting here already, Beck.

[MN.9] //: -sigh-

[MN.9] //: Good...

[MN.9] //: Thanks, guys...

<MC005>: > Just try to rest. Things will be alright.

[CALL] //: Xel Transfer in progress...

[SANDA LABS...]

[Mikhail sat back into his chair with a large sigh at last, groaning and putting his face in his hands.]

Mikhail: {What a mess…}

[He had tried to talk with Shadow to get him to calm down, but Shadow had turned his transceiver off, much like Cardinal had. He didn’t wish to risk trying to teleport him off despite that, since the ninja was at the edge of the vehicle and clearly poised to jump off or lash out at the first sign of something that startled him.

And now he had run off. Again.

The Russian Doctor had a fairly good idea where the wayward DWN would ultimately end up, so he didn’t find it urgent to initiate a chase.

…Besides, that would only make things worse.

No, he was more concerned about the psychological impact this would have on Beck (and Brand) in the long term.]

Mikhail: ({At least… as long as he keeps his transceiver off, he won’t upload his fear to the RMDC. Small blessings, I suppose…})

[The rescued Mighty Numbers all clamored and gathered around the injured pair, Pyrogen helping his unconscious brother to the emergency bay, with the rest smothering Nine with worried chatter and tight, loving hugs.]

[White was still passed out on his chair, a pillow propped up against his head and a white blanket over his form, a soothing ice pack lovingly crafted and placed on his forehead.]

Beck: . . . .

[Beck did not say a word, although he did return the hugs.]

Soi: Hoooo...

Soi: (These things just get worse, huh...)

Soi: (...But at least everyone's...sort of alright.)

Soi: (Goodness, Will, you REALLY can't just fall over like that..)

Soi: I--b-better get to repairs on Brand...Call, could you watch Will?

Call: Yes, Doctor.

Mikhail: …

Call: I will also watch over Dr. Cossack, as I am also detecting unhealthy stress levels.

Soi: Er...right...you...do that...

Mikhail: Mnnn…

[He waited until after Sanda left before he turned to type at the console.]

<MC005 to CALL>: > I am admittedly concerned for Number Nine’s well being.

[CALL] //: .....

<MC005 to CALL>: > He has been very withdrawn as of late, and has taken to secluding himself for long blocks of time.

<MC005 to CALL>: > He seems to be concerned what the others will think of him, and enforces the secrecy out of a kind of desperation—and I don’t think that what happened today will help matters.

[ANALYZING...]

[CALL to MC005] //: What do you propose, Doctor?

Mikhail: -Leans against a hand, seeming tired-

<MC005 to CALL>: > I’ll need a little time to think on that. He needs someone to talk to, that much is certain.

<MC005 to CALL>: > I’d like to talk to him myself, just to try and understand the situation better, so I can figure out how to calm down anyone connected to the RMDC server.

[CALL to MC005] //:  ......

[CALL to MC005] //: Acknowledged.

[CALL to MC005] //: I suggest you also rest, Doctor.

[He was thoughtful for a moment.]

Mikhail: …Is there a piano anywhere around here, I wonder…?

[CALL to MC005] //: ...Beck plays.

[CALL to MC005] //: There is a keyboard in his room.

Mikhail: Ah, thank you. …But I suppose you’re right. Rest, for now. ({I’ll play the song later.})

Mikhail: Shadowman will be heading toward Texas. There are three possibilities: either he will continue travel within this world, end up in the Wilderness, or make it to our own world’s Texas. He should make contact once he figures out his brothers are alright and are still alive.

Mikhail: Make sure to keep an eye on Wily Eight’s isolation.

[CALL] //: Understood, Dr. Cossack.

[With that, the Russian reluctantly relocated somewhere that was conducive to sleep.]

[MEANWHILE, AT CHERRYDYNAMICS...]

[...The sound of a phone ringing.]

[Click.]

"Mmm. Oh yes, yes, Senator. Our FULL resources our dedicated to resolving--"

[A pause. Some calm chatter from the other side.]

"...Mm. Yes, yes--Oh--yes, very wise of you. I'll speak with--yes, that too--Oh, no, thank YOU, sir. Hmm. Alright. Stay safe."

[SLAM.]

[A tall, lanky, blond haired man in a sharp, purple business suit slammed the landline phone down—HARD—on the receiver, nearly breaking the thing in his fit of rage. Violet eyes furrowed in both frustration and fury.]

Graham: IDIOT!

Graham: Argh, that aggravating MORON--!

Graham: Fine--FINE! If you want to be that way, friend, then you can go throw yourself to the bots-- see if I care.

Graham: I don't NEED you...

[He began pacing around his office, grumbling angrily under his breath...]

Graham: Why are they hounding ME about the problem, and not torturing BLACKWELL to get the answer?!

Graham: This is TWICE--

Graham: TWICE that old goat and his WRETCHED FAMILY have made me--MADE US--LOOK LIKE A FOOL--!

Graham: RrrrrAAAGH--!

Graham: Rrrgh...

Graham: You--You and that TOY of yours...

Graham: And HIM.

Graham: I should have just taken HER later when I had the chance--!

Graham: But you just had to INTERFERE, didn't you...

[...There are several files on his desk...]

[All stamped as confidential.]

[DEMONSTRATING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE BATTLE COLOSSEUM.]

[PROJECT TRINITY--CDN.1201]

[CANCELLED.]

[--REASON: STAFF COMPLICATIONS AND RESULTS OF CDN.1101.]

Graham: ......

Graham: At least I still HAVE her...

Graham: That's the one saving grace you didn't TAKE from me...

Graham: Rnnngh...

Graham: I hope you BURN in hell for what you've done, wherever you are...!

[Riiiiing...]

Graham: Uuugh...

[With a harsh sigh, Gregory picked up the receiver, and cleared his throat. His tone turned pleasant and cheerful.]

Graham: CherryDynamics, CEO Gregory Graham speaking--oh, OH! A pleasure to hear from YOU, sir, yes! My goodness, I was starting to fear the worst--! Are you and your wife and children--?

Graham: That's wonderful--yes, of course, but I have--oh, no, there's no need--I have to stay here, you know...

[Pause.]

Graham: ....No. There's no one--no, I'm not MARRIED, you silly--

[Another pause.]

Graham: I said there is NO one, sir.

Graham: ...Just me.

Graham: --Oh no, of course. Thank you for your concern, though.

Graham: I really do appreciate it...

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 10B: SNEAK INTO THE PRISON=

~AO v1.0~

((Courtesy of @limitbreakers))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{LATER…}

[CHERRYDYNAMIC HQ BUILDING - FACTORY COMPLEX, FRONT PARKING LOT...]

[MISSION DETAILS: INFECTED CDN MODELS ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED BY CHERRYDYNAMICS'S CALIFORNIA ROBOT MANUFACTURING FACTORY AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE FACTORY'S PRIMARY M.O.M UNIT ALSO REPORTED TO BE INFECTED.]

[MISSION OBJECTIVES: ESCORT DR. WILLIAM WHITE TO THE PRIMARY M.O.M UNIT IN ORDER TO SHUT DOWN AND REGAIN CONTROL OF THE ROBOT FACTORY. ELIMINATE ANY INFECTED HOSTILE CDN MODELS WITHIN THE VICINITY. DESTROY THE FACTORY'S ROBOT MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT IF NECESSARY.]

[SUB-OBJECTIVES: ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY OF DWN-012 AND DWN-013, MINIMIZE RMDC IMPACT.]

((music))

Systems Ready?

GO!

[After Beck had fully materialized, the familiar sounds of chaos in the city had once again touched his ears, now in a more dire state than before--even way back when he and his father had to make it back to Sanda Tech, it wasn't this bad...]

[MN.6] //: Yoooo, check one two, testing! This is your mission control requesting a mandatory sound off!

[Avi chimed in as soon as he felt Beck's signal nearby.]

Will: Ah.

[William White was currently looking over a holoscreen projected by one of Avi's cameras--it seems he already had visual of the inside.]

[...His grip tightened on the glowing Xel Rapier in his left hand.]

Will: (...It's even worse than I imagined...)

[MN.6] //: Teeeeeam One, what's your status?

[MN.1] //: One here. We're at the front entrance. It's been blown open, alright. Lots of hostile CDNs...They're almost crowding where the doors were.

[MN.5] //: Five reading ya loud and clear. Armed and ready for battle!

<DWN-013>: >Just to restate the obvious, but this is very important—

<DWN-013>: >These are just AIs, not AI&As, right?

[MN.6] //: Yuppers, just your average cookie-cutter AIs, like drones. It's mainly an Industrial Factory, not something like where ya-know-who came from.

<DWN-013>: > Good.

[…

…A priming noise could be heard.]

<DWN-013 has entered Active Combat mode.>

[For Avi, there seemed to be an echo of sorts…]

“Crashman paces back and forth Inside walls reinforced Crash bombs mounted to his arms Locked… loaded… ready… armed…”

[MN.6] //: -....miiiiildly creeped out-

[MN.1] //: ...Avi?

[MN.6] //: Huh? Oh, right, not done yet--

[MN.1] //: ... (Not what I was going to ask...)

[MN.6] //: Teeeeeam Two! You guys ready?

[MN.2] //: BRO I WAS MADE READY, I SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT POPCORN FOR THESE FIREWORKS--

[MN.1] //: -Snorts-

<DWN-013>: > … -You sure you’re up for doing this, MNN-008, you just woke up a few hours ago— -

[MN.8] //: I'm fahn, Jaden.

[MN.8] //: -Got a score t' with CherryDyn anyway and Ah' ain't gonna spend it layin' down--

[MN.3] //: Ugh, don't be zzzso dramatic, Shadebro. -Bzzzzt- You're just mad you haven't gotten enough beauty zzsleep.

[MN.8] //: -Pyro wai did Ah' get stuck with the girls again-

[MN.1] //: The three of you can cause more wide spread damage together. You'll be picking off anyone too stubborn, Shade.

[MN.8] //: -Mgh, fair enough, Ah' guess.-

[MN.3] //: Anyway, we're waiting on your zzzsignal, fire bro.~ Just zzsay the word!

[MN.1] //: Good.

[MN.6] //: Team Three, you guys up and ready to go?

<DWN-012>: > Glad you finally asked, can we GO yet—

<DWN-013>: >Don’t run into a wall, Carl.

<DWN-012>: > I told you only MY dad can call me that—

[MN.7] //: Speedy.

[MN.7] //: Focus. You and I will be covering for Mic. He'll be doing most of the equipment damage.

[MN.4] //: OWO

<DWN-012>: >Easy for YOU to say. I was made to move, and being in Active Combat makes me antsy!

[A slight priming noise—]

K-TANG! K-TANG!

<DWN-012>: >This is NOT the first setting of this sort that I’ve trashed.

<DWN-012>: > I am more than ready—

[MN.7] //: -Sigh- -_-;;; Yes, we know now, Twelve.

[MN.7] //: On Stand-By until your order, One.

[MN.6] //: Last but certainly not least--

[MN.6] //: Becko? Dad? You guys there?

Beck: Right here and waiting for orders, Avi!

Will: (That's everyone...)

Will: (I hope you're alright, Soichiro...)

Will: ....Right.

Will: Everyone listen carefully.

Will: Once Avi gives the signal, Pyrogen and his Team--Team One, will lead the charge into the Factory. Your objective is to clear a safe route into the main assembly line.

[MN.1] //: Understood...

Will: After Pyro and the others make some headway, he'll tell both Team Two and Three to enter and eliminate any other threats, as well as damage the manufacturing equipment. Consider it our second wave.

[MN.8] //: Got it.

[MN.7] //: Yes, Father.

Will: After that, Nine and I will start making our own way into the complex. You needn't fight every robot you see, Beck--our objective is the factory core, the Primary M.O.M Unit.

Will: It controls all commands and functions of the factory and it's robot manufacturing machines. It's located deep in the heart of the building, in the main assembly line.

Will: Avi will be monitoring all team's progress and giving support where needed.

Avi: Yeees sir! ^^

<DWN-012>: >If Snow were awake, he’d really be asking questions now—what an acronym, geez.

<DWN-013>: >You know full well [color=goldenrod]why[/color] he’s still asleep. Try not to go running off from your group, I’m getting interference for Robot Master signals…

<DWN-013>: >I think we might have some [color=darkgreen]spectators[/color] watching.

[MN.8] //: -Yer kiddin' me-

<DWN-013>: >Unfortunately no, but that is a matter for later, I’m afraid.

Will: Right now, he is the least of our worries.

Will: ...

Will: Everyone just be very careful in there--I may have upgraded everyone's filters, but...

Will: Don't do anything too rash, alright?

<DWN-013 to DWN-012>: > PLEASE mind yourself, Mic does have clearance to restrain you if you get too out of hand

<DWN-012 to DWN-013>: > I’m the older brother here, Crashman.

<DWN-012 to DWN-013>: > YOU try not to let the others know just how much you can TANK, we all know what happened the last time our strengths and weaknesses were used against us.

<DWN-013 to DWN-012>: > …

<DWN-013 to DWN-012>: > Cardinal’s going to kill you for that.

<DWN-012 to DWN-013>: > Hmph.

<DWN-013>: >I’ll do my best, Doctor. …I’ve already discussed the matter with Pyro.

<DWN-013>: >Just one last thing—

<DWN-013>: >Um. Aviator?

[MN.6] //: Yo?

<DWN-013>: >Just… give a heads-up whenever you’re about to head my way. >.>;;;;;

<DWN-013>: > -Mild discomfort data-

[MN.6] //: No problamo, Darth Jader. : D

Beck: -Snorts, Star Wars pun, heh-

<DWN-013>: > …Heh… thanks.

<DWN-013 to MNN-001, DR.WHITE>: >The RMDC has been completely disconnected from your servers. So there’s no way for Siam to monitor our progress. What you sense is what you get.

<DWN-013 to MNN-001, DR.WHITE>: >I haven’t heard from Dr. Cossack, so I can only assume he fell asleep. I’m not sure Felix knows how to run the teleporter.

<DWN-013 to MNN-001, DR.WHITE>: > I’ll be fine, but Twelve…

<DWN-013 to MNN-001, DR.WHITE>: > …Let’s just say we’re still all equipped with our self-destruct devices and let the rest speak for itself. >.>

<DWN-013 to MNN-001, DR.WHITE>: >If we take too much damage, don’t stick around.

[MN.1] //: ....Right.

[MN.1] //: -Sharp inhale-

[MN.1] //: Mighties!

[MN.1] //: You are clear to engage combat mode.

[MNN-ALL HAVE ENTERED COMBAT MODE.]

[MN.6] //: Team One, you're cleared for frontal assault!

[MN.6] //: GO GET'EM, GUYS--

[MN.5] //: -TO BATTLE--

[MN.1] //: -Sound of FLAMES IGNITING, FOOSH-

[Interesting. Jaden doesn’t seem to be doing anything in particular.]

[From Beck's position, there was the sound of explosions and crashing of parts, and it wasn't long before whatever alarms that still worked to be set off.]

[The haywire CDNs immediately take notice and engage--they're sheer numbers seemed to almost overwhelm the three constructs...]

[BLAM.]

[…Now why would Jaden be firing at the ground—]

Pyro: --?

[And then it IMMEDIATELY churned in and started blinking.]

Jaden: …

Jaden: -Smirks-

[BOOM!]

[A pretty LARGE explosion sets off from where the drill was, enough to send debris right back at them.]

Jaden: -Looks up, eyes glowing green, still with that smirk-

[You could hear that priming noise again.]

Jaden: If nothing else, this ought to be informative.

((pic))

Jaden: Time for the welcome party!

Pyro: ...

Pyro: Heh...

Pyro: (Well, it IS a sort of drill, I should have guessed...)

Bat: HA! That all you got, you walking oven rejects?! Almost ain't worth the ammo!

[Bat was riddling the hordes of CDNs with bullet holes--the mindless infected did not stop of waver, however. They really were malfunctioning.]

Pyro: Careful not to point that thing towards something Father might need active.

Bat: -He won't need THESE tin-cans active, brother, so-

Jaden: Tch.

Jaden: These guys make themselves—

[He made a RUN for it, WOW is he fast for his size—]

Jaden: -Leaps into the air- —such an easy TARGET!

Bat: !

Bat: -Hooo, that's SOME height--

[He lands down right on top of a few unfortunate CDNs HARD, and SLAMS some nearby with a backhand swing.

Then he fires right toward the entrance, into the horde.

Sure enough, it can just barely be seen that the Crash Bomb burrows into the constructs too—

—no wonder he asked if they were sentient, that would HAVE to hurt!]

[BOOM!]

[Parts go FLYING as the horde is dispersed--huh. These CherryDyn Models do break easy, don't they...]

Jaden: PATHETIC!

Jaden: I’ve seen /Pipis/ more sturdy than this!

[Once they are inside, the sounds of factory making and... other unpleasant noises greet the three team members.]

Pyro: ....!!

Pyro: -That's--

[...Oh.]

[...Those...look like the fire-type Industrial CDNs from the Oil Platform, aren't they--]

Jaden: Heads up!

[He aims for the CEILING this time.]

Pyro: ...!! Bat!

Bat: -STANDING CLEAR--

[There was a resounding crashing noise as the ceiling came down on top of the fire ‘bots.]

Pyro: Good one.

Bat: --Gh.

Bat: -Points- There's a whole lot more where that came from...

[...It was as if every time they fell one, two more would take their place. This time, it was the standard Security Elite drones that protected the Colosseum in their way...]

Pyro: Allow me.

Jaden: Pyro.

Jaden: Do you trust me?

Pyro: --?

Pyro: ....You have an idea?

Jaden: Yes, but if I’m wrong, it might hurt you a LOT.

Jaden: If I’m RIGHT, though…

Jaden: You’ll get more powerful and will be able to move a lot faster.

Pyro: --!

Bat: Ya can do that?

Pyro: Well, it's not like they haven't surprised us before, Five...

Jaden: I don’t have time to explain the details as to how it works, but yes. Only for fire ‘bots, though.

Pyro: Bat?

Bat: -BLAM- Worth a shot, Commander, but better hurry--enemy flank's comin' in T-Minus 20 seconds!

Pyro: ...

Pyro: -Nods-

Pyro: I trust you.

Jaden: If I’m wrong about this, I’m really sorry—

[He turns and fires right at Pyrogen!]

Bat: --?!?

Pyro: !!!

[Pyro flares and takes up a defensive stance by reflex, knowing that Jaden had fired too close to dodge--]

[FOOOOOOOSH!]

Pyro: --!?

[Suddenly, Pyro's energy levels take a very high spike--!]

[MN.6] //: -WHOA WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHTS, MAN, WHAT'S HAPPENING--

Jaden: -Winces a bit, shielding his face with his arm against the searing heat-

[It turns unbelievably bright, flames almost engulfing Pyro himself--]

Bat: Talk about great balls of fire--

[BURNING LEVEL 3 ENGAGED.]

Bat: -OH-

Jaden: Ngh—! -Staggers back, augh, that hurts to be so close—HURTS—-

Bat: -Ya might wanna stand back a lil' for this one, soldier—-

Jaden: Noted— -Takes cover behind some rubble-

[Without another word, Pyro charges past various other CDN with so much momentum that he BREAKS down the door to the other room--]

[MN.6] //: -Holy--

[...You can even see footprint shaped flames where he ran--]

"BURRRRNIIIIING...."

Bat: -FIRE IN THE HOLE--

"SPIRIT--!!!"

[BOOOM--!!]

[The entire building shakes from the small shockwave of wind and heat that followed, charred CDNs being blown backwards either half incinerated or just plain melted. ]

Bat: ......

Bat: HOO-RAH--!

Bat: THAT WAS SOME FINE EXPLOSIVE ARTILLERY, COMMANDER PYRO--

Bat: -You alright in there--

"........"

"Aside from being covered in soot, yes--"

"Though I didn't think that Crash Bomb would send me all the way to Level 3..."

[MN.6] // THAT WAS AWESOME--

[MN.6] //: -AND WE GOT IT ALL ON FILM, NICE-

<DWN-012>: > …Wait, you’re recording this?

[MN.6] //: -Bro when am I not recording, dude-

[There is an audible groan from the other destroyed room.]

"Really, Aviator?"

[MN.6] //:  : D

Jaden: -Snorts-

Jaden: -Starts laughing-

Jaden: Avi, you crack me up sometimes.

[MN.6] //: -Thank you, thank you~-

[MN.6] //: Where you at, fire bro?

"...It was where shipment supplies were being sorted and organized..."

[MN.6] //: Ooh, good! Nice job, you guys! : D

Jaden: Aheh… I’m just glad it worked—I had a feeling it would but oh man I am so many levels of glad I wasn’t wrong—

[MN.6] //: Uh--...What exactly is IN those things--

[MN.1] //: Questions later, Avi. Can you tell us where we are relative to the factory core?

[MN.6] //: Still a long way to go, bro, but the equipment isn't too far off!

[MN.6] //: How about you go on ahead towards that and tell the other teams to get a move on?

Jaden: -Looks around at the many things still smoldering and/or burning-

Jaden: You might want to have Lady Cryo kill the flames before anyone else comes this way.

[MN.1] //: ...That would be a good idea.

[MN.1 to MNN-ALL, DWN-012] //: Team Two and Three prepare to enter on my mark!

[MN.4] //: E :< -MIC SMASH--

[MN.1] //: Cryo, you'll be on lead, there...Is a bit of a fire hazard now--

[MN.2] //: BRO WE COULD HEAR YOU ALL THE WAY OVER HERE, THAT WAS GLITCHING S I C K--

[MN.2] //: -I'M READY TO PICK SOME CHERRIES, LET'S GO ALREADY--

[MN.6] //: -EEEEEEEEY-

[MN.8] //: -Ugh, WAI-

-*-*-*-

“I’d rather light things on fire, but that wouldn’t be being…

…a good House guest~”

-*-*-*-

[MN.8] //: --....

[MN.8] //: -Ngh....-

[MN.8] //: (...this’d be more fun if he were here.)

[MN.1] //: Ready?

[MN.1] //: Mark!

[MN.2] //: PERSON THAT TAKES OUT THE LEAST CHERRIES HAS TO BUY EVERYONE FOOD--

[MN.8] //: --!

[MN.8] //: OI, AH' AIN'T PAYIN' NOTHIN'--

<DWN-012>: >DUDE I DON’T HAVE ANY CASH, WE’RE LEGIT DIRT POOR YOU KNOW—

[MN.3] //: -Who careszz, YOU GUYSZZ ARE GOING TO EAT MY DUSZZT--

[MN.7] //: =_=;;;;;

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: >You guys ran out of groceries again? Already? Seriously?

[MN.2] //: -IT WAS SHADEY--

[MN.8] //: AH' WAS-- -BANG- ASLEEP, YA MANIACAL SNOWGLOBE--

[MN.3] //: I bet it was Mic, he'szz been kinda craving everything since he got home.

[MN.4] //: ^^;;;!

[There is the sound of slicing and sword swinging over at Brand's feed.]

[MN.7] //: ...Unless Jack returned and raided our fridge.

[MN.5] //: -Doubt it, Secretary Donald is still at the lab-

<DWN-012, DWN-013>: > ?!

<DWN-013>: >  “Secretary”?

[MN.6] //: Uh--

[MN.6] //: Guys I'm getting some REALLY weird signals--

<DWN-013>: > This better not be a diversion, Avi—

<DWN-013 to MNN-005>: > Secretary of WHAT?

<DWN-012>: >Define “weird”. >_>

[MN.6] //: -No, DUDE, UH, AS IN “I CAN'T TELL WHAT IT IS” WEIRD AND IT'S HEADING YOUR WAY--

[MN.5] //: --?!?

[...There are clunking noises....]

[Sounds of something slugging and...sparking--?]

<DWN-013>: > Grrr…

[MN.1] //: What the--?!

[It LOOKED like it was one of the encountered enemies from Cryo's stage, but...]

[It looked like it had grown GIANT spider legs— and it was twitching erratically, this way and that.]

[MN.6] //: --??????

[MN.6] //: Dad, you gotta see THIS--

[DR.WHITE] //: --?!

[MN.6] //: That-- That isn't any CDN model I've seen--

[MN.6] //: -man it looks gross, EW-

Jaden: … This…

Jaden: -Ugh, no, not headaches now— -

[MN.1] //: Jaden--

[MN.5] //: There's more coming--!

_________________________

[MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE....]

Beck: What is going on in there--?

Will: Hmm...

Will: (This is concerning.)

Will: (Has CherryDyn become so desperate that they're literally mashing robot designs together...?)

Will: (Graham couldn't possibly be that stupid, and if he really is, it's very demeaning that he's done so much harm to us.)

Will: (No, this...This has to be something else...)

Beck: Dad? Is...Is everything okay?

Will: --Ah. Well...

[Will turns to the floating monitor, which showed the Teams all in a three way split screen.]

Will: They're encountering robots that we haven't anticipated before...

Beck: What?

Will: It seems CherryDyn has some... unreleased products still hot off the assembly line, so to speak.

Will: Be prepared for anything, Beck.

Beck: R-Right...

Beck: ....

Beck: You're gonna be okay, right, Dad?

Will: Well, I have you, don't I? ^^

Beck: Eheh...

Beck: Yeah, but, I mean, you only have that sword...

Will: Nonsense. Mikhail gave me something to defend myself with before we left....

Will: And while I haven't quite fenced in a while...

Will: I'm sure it'll come back to me. Muscle memory and all that.

Will: I'll be fine, Beck. So long as we stick together, yes?

Beck: R-Right! (^^)7

[MN.6] //: -Oof--UH--Yeah, I'm gonna head in there now, there's these weird flying things with drills on them and they do not look happy--

[PING!]

[The ping was clearly from someone on the RMDC server. Which was very odd, considering that it was supposed to have been in radio silence.]

Beck: --??

[Siamini’s worried data flooded the feeds.]

<DWN-019>: > Oh gosh Jaden, Speedy, where ARE you—

<DWN-019>: > Where is everybody?!

Beck: Siam--!

[MN.6] //: KINDA IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING, BRO--

<DWN-019>: > -Incredulous and growing annoyed- “In the middle of something—“

<DWN-019>: > -Increasingly frantic- GUYS ANSWER ME—

<DWN-012>: > Dude we’re BUSY—

<DWN-019>: > “Busy”!? What do you two think you’re DOING?!

<DWN-012>: >Siam, for all that is good, did you just call here to scream at us or what—

<DWN-019>: >  -Double data intensity- IDIOTS!

[MN.6] //: Dude, calm down, deep breaths--

<DWN-019>: >Avi, you don’t understand—

<DWN-019>: > -Talking over self- Are you two trying to live up to Wily’s name by being overly proud, or are you just plain stupid?!

<DWN-019>: >Hey, that’s not—

<DWN-019>: >There’s a primal analysis nexus being constructed, Avs! Doesn’t anyone remember what happened the LAST time a primal nexus was added into the database?!

<DWN-019>: >Do I have to spell it out for you?! If that thing goes live while you’re out there—!

<DWN-019>: > Even if it DOESN’T cause crippling pain, what kind of reaction do you think you’ll GET when you look at Shade?!

-*-*-*-*-

“Don’t… don’t do this… beg… begging you, please…”

-*-*-*-*-

[MN.8] //: --Ngh--hurts--

[Shade reeled in the despair of that painful memory. It stabbed at his heart, piercing him with sorrow right to the core.]

[MN.6] //: Sammy, bro, as much as we'd like to deal with it, we're all kinda out making sure Dad and Becker are okay in this crazy place--OW--

[MN.6] //: -OW GET THIS THING OFF OF ME--

[A red blur by Avi.]

[MN.6] //: --!

[Suddenly, whatever THING was on him was stuck with yellow boomerangs.]

[There is a SCREECH and then a Thud that followed--]

[MN.6] //: Whew--THANKS, SPEEDSTER--

<DWN-012>: >Siam, I know for a FACT that the data has been encrypted for slower release—otherwise, do you think I’d even be able to BE here at all? Please stop freaking out over something that isn’t IMMEDIATELY a problem, we’re kinda BUSY!

[Siam was clearly less than pleased with that answer. His data suggested that the situation was FAR worse than the Mighties were prepared for.]

<DWN-019>: >Do you HONESTLY think I would—

<DWN-012>: > YES

<DWN-019>: >I didn’t—

<DWN-012>: >I don’t care!

<DWN-019>: > GRAH! Why won’t you LISTEN to me!?

<DWN-013>: >No offense, bro, but if that’s all—

<DWN-019>: > IT’S NOT, YOU TWITS!

<DWN-019>: >There are some temporal anomalies and you’re all getting caught up in it! It’s not just you, it’s Mikhail as well—and do I need to remind you, YOU SPECIFICALLY, TWELVE, of how dangerous that could be to YOU, personally?

<DWN-012>: > -Mnnrrgh…!-

<DWN-019>: > Where is Mikhail?!

<DWN-019>: >I need Cardinal over here to properly oversee the updates, and I need his help with—

<DWN-013>: > Ugh—

<DWN-013>: >I’m SORRY, Gem, but— -BLAM!- 000 is still processing everything, we can’t move him yet, and it seems there are other problems—

<DWN-019>: >HOW can this possibly get worse?

<DWN-013>: > -Irritable- I think Mikhail is under arrest, Gemini!

[MN.5] //: (-Inwardly cursing self for using military titles where they are due out of respect, NGH-)

<DWN-019>: > …

[The feeds were slammed with acerbic data.]

<DWN-019>: >  -PANIC DATA-

<DWN-019>: >   -PANIC PANIC PANIC-

<DWN-011>: > …

<DWN-011>: > …Joking, right?

<DWN-011>: > Right?

<DWN-012>: > He was IN handcuffs, brother—

<DWN-019>: > Nnnnnnnn-nnn-nnn-noo—

<DWN-019>: > Stars above I don’t think I can do this—

<DWN-018>: >Look, I doubt that if—

<DWN-019>: >IT DOESN’T MATTER! NOT WHAT YOU THINK!

<DWN-019>: > I DON’T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO KEEP THAT DATA FROM REACHING THE COSSACK NUMBERS!

((COLLECTIVE OH GLITCH-- ))

[There was more than a little reason to worry. Having gone through so much suffering, the Cossack Numbers were very, VERY protective of their sister and their father. Mikhail had asked that they remain undisturbed for that very reason.

It was highly unlikely they could be convinced to sit it out—especially when one of the Numbers was the very epitome of rage.]

<DWN-018>: > Are you serious.

<DWN-019>: >I’m not the Admin, Nico! I don’t have that kind of power!

<DWN-018>: > That’s it. As head of the family, I’m intervening. Dealing with our dysfunctions is plenty; I am not going to put up with fighting the Russians. 

[It would seem that Nico had lost his patience.]

Will: -Winces-

Will: (Oh, no, this...This is not good--)

<DWN-018>: >Siam, there’s got to be SOMETHING you can do—

<DWN-019>: > Well I’ll TRY to stall—I think I can by changing the data Snow gets— but hurry up as much as you can, I need the rest of the family back as soon as possible!

[MN.6] //: Roger Dodger--

<DWN-018>: >Fine, do it. Gem, get that guy on the line. We’ve got to talk this out before it gets out of hand. And as for you two…

<DWN-018>: >Speedy, Jaden, you guys were BUILT for Combat, can’t you work ANY faster?!

<DWN-013>: > Grrr…

<DWN-013 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

[MN.1] //: --!!

[Jaden began to glow white.]

[It almost… almost looked like the light from an evolution!]

[MN.6] //: -WHOA WHAT THE HECK--

Beck: --!!!!

Will: (What is...)

Beck: (I know that light--)

Will: (What IS that...?)

Beck: (I KNOW that LIGHT--!)

((pic))

Jaden: I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!

[MN.1] //: ??!?

[Jaden had changed. The was larger now, and bulkier—and based on the energy ratings from him, he was packing some SERIOUS heat.]

[MN.5] //: -DATA AT ALL THE WEAPONRY BORDERING ON SURPRISE AND EXCITEMENT--

[Hatches popped open.

YEP. Those were some sort of missiles inside.]

Jaden: WE’RE TAKING A DETOUR!

[MN.1] //: Jaden--!

[MN.5] //: -I SECOND THIS NOTION--

[MN.1] //: BAT--

[Jaden used CRASH BOMBER!]

[A barrage of about five Crash Bombs were nailed into the wall, where they burrowed.

MORE hatches popped open.]

Beck: -DAD DAD DAD LOOK--

Will: -Is looking but with awe--

Jaden:  -FIRE!-

[Missiles launched from EVERY port at once. In conjunction with the Crash Bombs, they took out the walls’ supports—flattening the constructs that HAD been behind it—]

[—with more continuing to the wall on the OTHER side of that room and turning it into a gaping hole of RUBBLE.]

[MN.5] //: HOOOOO-RAAAAAAAH!

[MN.1] //: -Is just shocked into silence-

Beck: YEAH, GO JADEN GO--!

Jaden: COME ON, MAJOR, WE HAVE AN EXTERMINATION CONTRACT TO HONOR—

Jaden: AND WE’RE SENDING THE BILL RIGHT TO HQ!

[MN.5] //: RIGHT TO GRAHAM'S ILL-GOTTEN OFFICE, TOO!

[MN.1] //: -The both of you better not level the place while WE'RE STILL IN IT--

[The hatches close.]

Jaden: Who said anything about leveling the building?

Jaden: These constructs, on the other hand…

[Jaden used BODY SLAM!]

[He rammed RIGHT into one of them, crunching it against the wall. It had been covered in spikes, but he took no damage.]

Jaden: ARE GONNA BE FLATTENED!

[He was jumped by several more constructs—or abominations, rather.

He skewers one with a drill and fires the Crash Bomb—with the enemy on it—right into several others, exploding.]

Beck: : D!!!!!!

Beck: -I KNEW HE COULD DO IT--

Beck: -I KNEW IIIIIIT-

[MN.6] //: Wowsers....

[MN.6] //: Uh...I'm pretty sure you guys can head on in? : D ;;;;;

Will: Ah, yes...

Will: Shall we?

Beck: Yeah!

Beck: Just stay behind me, Dad, okay?

Will: Oh, by all means, take the lead. ^^

<DWN-013>: > Let’s do this, Mighty Nine!

<DWN-013>: >We’re just the opening act—you’re the main show!

Beck: Heh!

Beck: -Running ahead- Gonna be hard to top what you dished out, Jaden! c: <

<DWN-013>: >Heh…

<DWN-013>: > Not for a hero like you, it won’t!

[A mess of what was once dense with virus fodder was now in utter ruin.]

[Will quietly made his way behind his son with methodical footsteps, careful to not let his guard down.]

Will: Goodness, the lot of you really made short work of all this...

Beck: No kidding...

[MN.5] //: HA! I've met CAN-OPENERS THAT WERE TOUGHER THAN THAT!

[MN.3] //: I appreciate the zzzeal, Bat, but can you tone down the trigger happy crazzzy little? Trying to concentrate.

[MN.2] //: KYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!~ WHO WANTS FROZEN CHERRY SMOOTHIES FOR DESERT?~

[MN.6] //: Not of these weird things, bleh--

[MN.6] //: But get it together, you two! Tyrannasaurous-BECKS is here! : D

[MN.6] //: The haywire robot assembly line is just up ahead, Becker, it's all up to you! And Dad too, of course! : D Keep heading straight!

Beck: Roger, Avi! I'm on it!

Beck: --Whoooooa...

Beck: Pyro, what did you do?

[MN.1] //: I don't know how, but Jaden's Crash Bombs seem to have a sort of buff effect on me...

<DWN-019>: >Well of COURSE it does, you’re a fire based construct.

[MN.1] //: << -Siam shouldn't you be stalling right about now--

<DWN-012>: > -sNORT-

<DWN-012>: >You’re forgetting something, Pyro.

[MN.1] // -...Damn it, you're right, he can multitask--

Beck: -Cough, ugh, smoke's kinda bad--

Will: -Coughing and using lab coat sleeve over his mouth and nose-

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR.]

Beck: -Blows smoke away with propeller wind-

Beck: Dad?

Will: -Ugh- Yes?

Beck: How exactly are you going to shut down the Primary M.O.M Unit?

Will: --...Ah...

Will: I'm going to try and hack my way into it...

Will: It can only be manually shut down from that one terminal.

Will: (....I might have to combat the virus myself while I'm at it...)

Will: .....

Beck: ...Dad?

Will: --...Er. We need to keep moving.

Will: If we can shut down the Primary Unit, we won't have to bother with the Secondary...

Beck: There's a secondary M.O.M unit?

Will: Yes, but it only serves as a sort of support pillar to the Primary--shutting THAT down won't slow or stop the factory itself.

Will: It's faster and much more effective to go straight to the Primary M.O.M unit than waste time with the Secondary.

Beck: Okay...

Beck: (......)

Beck: (When did Dad have time to read up on how CherryDyn's Factory setup works...?)

<DWN-019>: >I suppose it doesn’t surprise me there isn’t more of a redundancy in the system for failsafe measures.

<DWN-019>: >I’ll try to leave you be for now, I know that most people can’t do two entirely different things at once, but—

<DWN-019>: >I’m a little concerned by what is going on over there, given the kind of files Mikhail printed off from this server. And the fact he’s under arrest.

Beck: .... Files...?

Will: ......

<DWN-019>: >Evidence files, Beck.

Beck: ....For...For what?

Will: Siam.

<DWN-019>: >William, with all due respect—

<DWN-019>: >My family leader is dead and our Doctor could very well follow, and you’re in the middle of somewhere dangerous while I’m trying to keep the Cossack Numbers from hearing something I DON’T have the authority to censor.

<DWN-019>: >I am a bit stressed, sorry.

<DWN-019>: >You and I need to talk when this is over.

<DWN-019 has left the conversation.>

Will: ......

Will: -Sigh-

Will: >>

Beck: ...Dad...?

Beck: What's going on?

Will: . . . .

Will: Beck, it...

Will: . . .

[Will places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.]

Will: I...I'm sorry, but we don't have time.

Will: We have to get to that terminal.

Will: ...Please, I know...I know things seem troubling, and that's a light way to put it...

Beck: .....

Beck: No, I...

Beck: I get it.

Will: --?

Beck: We gotta keep going.

Beck: (....I get it...)

Beck: Avi said the factory line was just down this straight path...

[Beck hovered over to the other end of the room--or, rather, where the room WOULD end, because the wall that was there was in several different pieces now.]

Beck: Don't fall behind, Dad!

Will: . . .

<DWN-012>: >Boy does this bring back memories.

Beck: You said you did wreck a place like this before, right--

[THUD.]

<DWN-012>: >Yeah, the place where I was built—hmm?

<DWN-012>: >Mic, did you—

[SMAT!]

[MN.4] //: -Oops-

[MN.4] //: MIC SORRY, MIC DIDN'T BRING WALL BACK DOWN--

[MN.7] //: Speedy--

<DWN-012>: > -SPRINGS BACK UP, readjusts balance sensors- Ow.

[MN.7] //: . . .

[MN.7] //: -...Oh.-

[MN.4] //: -Speedy okay? Okay.-

<DWN-012>: >YEAH BRO I RUN INTO STUFF ALL THE TIME, no big deal—

[MN.4] //: -Goes back to crushing things-

<DWN-013>: >Him wrecking where we were built is more impressive than it sounds.

<DWN-013>: >I was built there too, and like all ‘bots, I had a testing phase. Let that sink in for a moment, heh.

<DWN-012>: >And…

<DWN-012>: >And there was also Wily Nine.

<DWN-013>: >Oh yeah—Dad assigned him to a factory, didn’t he?

<DWN-012>: >Yeah.

Beck: .....

Beck: (...Wily Nine...)

Beck: (....Huh...)

Will: --!!

Will: Beck, look out--!

Beck: !

[Beck flanked away JUST in time to avoid a MASSIVE cylinder-shaped pillar crashing down from the ceiling, the CherryDyn logo pulsing above in a hologram.]

Will: --!!!

Will: That's the secondary M.O.M Unit--!

Will: How did it end up--

[The Hologram suddenly glitched Red and PURPLE-- ]

Beck: ?!

[--And then out materialize the generator robots from the Power Plant--! ]

Beck: NOT THESE THINGS--

Will: -BACKING FAR AWAY NOW--

[REXELECTION: CRYOSPHERE.]

[A blast of chilling ice coated the generator bots before they could charge and lock his systems--Beck did NOT want to be rendered immobile with his Father so close to these dangerous CDNs.]

Beck: Dad, get away! Now!

Will: -Ngh--

[Will turned to take cover the other way--]

Will: --!!

[...Only to find that a few trash robots had been materialized to block him.]

Will: We're surrounded--!

[Will took a step back, holding his Rapier in his left hand while his right went behind his back.]

Will: Ngh...

Will: (Parry, thrust, stance wide...)

Will: (Never take your eyes off your opponent...)

Will: (Look them in the eye and strike without hesitation--!)

[One of the trash bots leaps--]

[CLANG!]

[Will side steps out of the way, the Xel in his weapon glowing as it is thrust into the construct--]

[KKKSST--]

[...The trash bot's Xel begins to melt away--]

[SHING!]

[And then suddenly, it isn't there anymore.

The Xel dissipates as the trash bot vanishes, stabbed right in the exact center of its central core.]

[Back in the Meadow, Siam was utterly speechless.

The manner in which Will had acted was nothing short of slightly terrifying. To see the ease and unflinching willingness in which he could dissolve those that opposed him…

…It was more than a little unnerving, and a harsh new perspective that cast the Doctor in a much darker light than before.]

<RMDC>: > SENDING UPDATES…

[The reaction to this permeating their collective consciousness was immediate.]

<DWN-011 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-012 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-013 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-018 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-019 has entered Defensive Combat mode.>

Beck: --??? -Confused for a moment before going back to FIGHTING--

[Will let the trash bots come to him, watching their every move with a steely gaze that didn't quite suit his overall appearance...

He moved with practiced poise and grace, and while he did miss a swing here and there due to being out of practice--]

[SHING!]

[...The trash bots were no match for someone of Will's technique.]

[Siam suddenly felt very cold and ill. This was the man that had access to their blueprints and inner workings.

Suddenly, he wasn’t so willing to share them anymore.]

<RMDC>: > ERROR: ADMIN PASSWORD REQUIRED TO CHANGE ACCESS LEVELS. REQUEST DENIED.

<RMDC>: >CONTACTING ADMIN…

[The sickening chill had gripped the others as well. They were overcome with the need to flee for their lives.]

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: > H-how much more of this do you think there i-is—

[MN.1 to DWN-013] //: ...Are you alright? -What is with the sudden drop in mood-

[MN.1 to DWN-013] //: This factory is CherryDyn's, I wouldn't be surprised if it is larger than we think.

<DWN-013>: > D-dammit…

<DWN-013>: > -N-no, we aren’t okay-

<DWN-013>: > Let’s g-get this over with and get out of here…

<DWN-013>: >I won’t abandon you now, but something has happened and now I very much want to go home.

[While Jaden had started showing submission again, his older brother had much the opposite effect.

His usual hot-blooded demeanor had turned icy cold, much more like Shadow’s when the latter was in a dangerous and silent mood.

Furthermore, his usually green eyes had turned and were now glowing a deep red—a sign that he felt the presence of a powerful and aggressive, cruel enemy in his midst.

…

But then there was a shudder of some sort in the air, almost a glitch within reality itself.]

<DWN-011 has left Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-012 has left Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-013 has left Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-018 has left Defensive Combat mode.>

<DWN-019 has left Defensive Combat mode.>

Speedy: -Puts a hand to his head- Nnngh…!

Brand: --!

[MN.7] //: Speedy--are you alright? (...What just happened?)

<DWN-012>: > I hurt, really bad— it’s like… like all my programs just ran flat into a wall and were turned off for ages—

[He coughs, trying to re-calibrate various sensors.]

<DWN-012>: >Ugh… I wasn’t made to handle that sort of thing, it really hurts…

[…He was right.

Somehow, he seemed to have taken damage from whatever that was just now. The readings showed it.]

<DWN-012>: > (Maybe Siam was right…. Nnnngh, I have a bad, bad feeling about this…)

[MN.4] //: -PING- -Mic can provide cover if you need a minute-

[...And it REALLY seems Mic was confident in this, because he was just walling the other crazed CDNs.]

<DWN-012>: > …

<DWN-012>: > -Emotional data- Th… thanks, man…

[He grits his teeth against the pain and forces himself back to his feet.]

<DWN-012>: > -You guys really are the best-

Brand: -SHING- No need to thank us. -SHING- Besides, being the defense is Mic's function.

[CRASH!]

[A bunch of CDNs were casually swept aside by Mic's huge arms--he briefly turns back to Speedy to give a reassuring smile.]

Mic: ^w^

Mic: -Turns again to WHAM on a CDN that tried to get the jump on him-- -NOPE, DENIED-

Speedy: Heh… -Weak smile- I guess just… so not used to it.

Speedy: Our family… my series, just so very different, such a different experience.

Speedy: Almost all my brothers shot at me at least once. Including the defensive-based unit.

Speedy: That was the last time I… actually fought, was… the [color=blue]end[/color] of our Generation…. As the Last Survivor of my series…

Brand: .....

Mic: -WHANG- : E -Awwwww-

Mic: -Mic give you hug later-

Mic: -Busy with Cherry crazies right now but IOU a hug-

Speedy: Heh…

[A larger boomerang materializes in his hand. He’s smiling with his eyes closed.]

Speedy: Just try not to crunch hug me, I hear FMN-004 likes to do that.

[When he opens his eyes again, they’re glowing with determination.]

Speedy: But we’ll make our way out of here, alright—

[He gives a short burst of a sprint to vault his way onto Mic’s back.]

Mic: -Oop- : D!

[He hurls the larger Quick Boomerang down the hallway, slicing through about a dozen and a half constructs before it gets wedged into a piece of machinery.]

Speedy: And we’ll get to hang out with someone that gives a better name to what these guys are associated with.

Speedy: Let’s speed things up so we can FFW to the feast, yeah?

Brand: -Nods-

[Brand slices a few CDNs in half before pointing his sword towards the next room.]

Brand: Onwards!

[MEANWHILE...]

Beck: KYAH!

[Beck doesn't waste a second slamming a guided missile at the M.O.M unit, it's systems damaged and scrambled--but it was now churning out fused abominations of whatever it could find in CherryDyn's database...]

Beck: What even ARE these things??

Will: -KICKS A TRASH BOT AWAY- The systems are infected! The manufacturing programs must be going haywire--

[Another trash bot that seemed to be fused with a fire based bot is dissolved--]

Will: --The virus must be finding schematics in CherryDyn's database and mixing them together--!

Beck: But WHY?

Will: --Ngh-- I don't know--

Will: (Does...Does SHE know I'm here--?)

[CRUNCH.]

Will: --??

[After a few seconds, there was a sudden explosion from beneath one of the heavier fused Xel beasties—]

Will: --?!?

[Sending (besides Xel) a splatter of hissing liquid and green shrapnel pieces everywhere.]

Beck: Dad?! Are you okay?!

Will: Fine--

Will: --!!

Will: (...B... Battery Acid...)

Will: (Ngh--not you, not NOW--!)

Will: BECK!

Will: We need to get moving, NOW!

Beck: On it!

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN]

Beck: Out of the WAY--!

[Will ducks for cover just in time before Beck unleashed a Level 2 Burning Spirit--]

[CRACK--CREEEEEEEEEEAK--]

[The display on the M.O.M unit flickers and dies, the top end of the pillar melting away and--]

[CRAAAAAASH!]

[...falls backwards, COMPLETELY taking out the wall to the next room after.]

Beck: --Oops--

Beck: Uh...aaaat least we can pass--? ^.^;

Will: Goodness--

Will: (I didn't think Level 2 would be THAT effective...)

Will: Are you alright?

Beck: Yup--I'm good!

Beck: Let's keep going--

"Eeeeyyy, Beckers!"

Beck: !

[Avi flies in from the giant hole in the wall, surveying the damage done by the now broken M.O.M unit.]

Avi: Wowzers, next time give a little heads-up there, buddy, you nearly pillar-ized me!

Avi: -BADAUM TISSS SOUND EFFECT OVER THE FEEDS- : D

Beck: -Giggles- Sorry, Avi, I didn't know you were there.

[MN.7] //: -My guess is Avi, which means ignore it-

Avi: Love ya too, Ninjabro! ;D

Avi: Things all good with you, Dad?

Will: I'm fine, Six--what's the status of the other teams?

Avi: Team One is making some pretty good headway, and the other Teams are following right behind--they're not too far ahead of where we are.

<DWN-013>: >I must admit concern for the structural integrity of the place if we collectively keep blowing up walls and stuff, though…

<DWN-013>: >It’ll probably be declared structurally unsafe after we get out of here.

<DWN-012>: >Heh, no big loss. |D

Avi: -Snorts-

Beck: Hey, Avi--you haven't seen some weird fused robots, have you?

Avi: Oh, THOSE things--

Avi: Yeah, they're popping up everywhere in this place, they're so weird--

Will: Hmm...

<DWN-013>: > That’s rather not my point, though—

<DWN-013>: >We can say with a great degree of certainty that when things get unstable enough, they collapse and bury you alive, it happens more often in our family than you think. If this keeps up for too long, that puts you in a lot of danger, Uncle Will.

Will: ....

Will: (He's right--there's not only the infected robot threat, but the status of the factory building itself...)

Will: ....

Will: The fused infected CDNs and the weakening integrity of the building is all the more reason why we must hurry to the Primary M.O.M unit.

<DWN-013>: >Gah…

<DWN-013>: >If only we had Cardinal’s use of the Search Snake Power Capsule right now—that thing is great for scouting out unknown territories, it’s why it was made to begin with…

Will: (...Or to spy on others, in this case...)

Will: Avi, can you scout out the next room for us?

Avi: Already did, Daddo! Cleared it out while you guys were busy--this way!

[The next room seems to be a data storage room, with screens that take up the entire wall much like in Sanda Labs...]

[...Except they showed off dozens upon dozens of blueprints and schematics for all sorts of CDN Industrial Models--it looked like a viewing room for whatever few humans that DID work in the factory to oversee the manufacturing process.]

Beck: -Look, ITS A ROUND DIGGER, BUDDYYYYY-

Will: (All these models...)

Avi: --!!

Avi: Well, well, well, what do we have here...

<DWN-012>: >A punplane who’s about to tell us something interesting?

[Avi flies over to a schematic that's waaaaay up high near the ceiling, something that seemed...Out of place...]

Avi: Hey, Dad? The rest of these plans are for Industrials, right?

Will: ...They all seem to be, yes...

Will: Did you find something?

Avi: ..Oh, yeah, I FOUND something, alright--

Avi: A schematic for a COMBAT Model.

Will: --!

<DWN-012>: >I don’t get why that’s so strange—

Avi: (And if I'm reading this right--)

Avi: --!!

Avi: Uh Oh--

Avi: DAD I GOTTA GO--

<DWN-013>: >Woah, woah, woah—

<DWN-013>: > -Avs are you okay— -

Will: What--

Avi: Got a hot scoop to deliver to Doc Sanda-Man, DON'T WORRY I'LL BE RIGHT BACK--

[Without another word, Avi shifts into Jet Mode and zooooooms back out the way Will and Beck came in.]

Will: Wait--Avi! What about Soi?!

Beck: ....

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR.]

[Beck flies up to where Avi saw the schematic for the CDN combat model...]

Beck: ....

Beck: K-9...?

<DWN-013 and DWN-012>: > …

<DWN-012>: > Scrap—

<DWN-012>: > Canine models can get VICIOUS…

Beck: Combat model designed to patrol and guard--

Beck: Maximum security establishments--!

<DWN-013>: > UGH this is all Fahrenheit 451 on us—

Beck: -THERE'S ONE AT THE PRISON--

Will: SOI!

Will: (Oh God SOICHIRO--)

Will: (And you--)

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Soi: A-Are you sure you don't want to, uh... swap missions...?

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Will: (Oh, Soi, I never should have--!)

Beck: Dad--Uncle Sanda--!

Beck: And--And Call--!

[PING!]

<DWN-018>: > -Shocked data-

<DWN-019>: > NICO YOU STAY PUT—

Will: --!!

[Unfortunately, this was the worst thing that Siam could have said. Nico quickly snapped out of it, and his data became almost horrifically aggressive.]

<DWN-018>: > … You—

[There’s a loud WHANG and a crash, followed by static—]

[As if Siamini had been flung against a wall by a powerful force, and possibly into a transmitter.]

Beck: Wha--?

Will: (Nico...)

Will: (....Soichiro is going to need all the help he can get in there--)

Will: (Oh, please, Avi, PLEASE get there in time to warn them--!)

<DWN-012>: > Augh…

<DWN-012>: > By the time this is over EVERY ROBOT MASTER AWAKE is gonna end up in repairs, GREAT—

<DWN-013>: >With Cardinal, Nico, and Siam all out of it…

<DWN-012>: > I KNOW—

<DWN-012>: > Let’s hurry up and get out of here before I have no one left to look over!

<DWN-012>: > Doctor!

Will: --!

<DWN-012>: >Based on the perimeter and area of the building before we got in here, how close do you think you are to where you need to be? And would it be on this same floor or in a basement?

Will: Th-The same floor--and there's still quite a bit to go--

<DWN-012>: >Nnngh…

<DWN-012>: >Alright then—

<DWN-012>: >We need to make sure the building stays in one piece until then. Mic, as you go along, will you put in reinforcement beams in rooms and so forth to reinforce the structural integrity?

[MN.4] //: -PING- Hmm hmm! ^w^

<DWN-012>: >Good. Team One—

[There’s a loud crashing noise.]

Brand: . . . .??????

Brand: -What--

Brand: -I thought that only happens in the old cartoons Avi watches all the time--

[MN.8] //: Oi, what the HELL was that noise--?!

[MN.2] //: -Shadey stop being grumpy and COVER ME YOU COWPOKING GRUMP-

Beck: Dad--

Will: -Ngh...-

Will: We have to keep moving--

Will: (Soi--Soi has Avi coming, and Call is there, and Nico is on his way...)

Will: (He'll be fine, he'll be fine--oh goodness please let him be alright after this--)

<DWN-012>: > …Uh…

<DWN-012>: >OKAY so apparently not all the walls are meant to take Combat-model force momentum??

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: > You RAN THROUGH A /WALL/ are you SERIOUS—

<DWN-013>: >  -CRACKS UP LAUGHING-

[MN.2] //: -Yo for REAL, HE DIDN'T GO SPLAT--

Will: (... Well, this IS mostly an Industrial Robot Factory...)

<DWN-013>: > Are you kidding, Sis?

<DWN-013>: > -Warm data- Dad made him to be FINE after running into walls at well over 100 mph.

<DWN-013>: >I guess since he held up and something has to give when two objects meet…

<DWN-013>: > He just went right through the wall oh I’m dying of laughter here

[MN.2] //: -DUUUUUUUDE THAT'S SICK-

<DWN-013>: >How are you three holding up, by the way?

<DWN-013>: >Haven’t heard from you in a whi—

[MN.2] //: HEY MIC DO YOU THINK IF YOU THREW ME AT A WALL I'D GO THROUGH IT TOO LIKE THE KOOL-AID MAN IN THE FUNNY COMMERCIALS--

<DWN-013>: >  -SNORTS-

[MN.1] //: -cryo please FOCUS ON YOUR TEAM, NO ONE IS THROWING YOU AT A WALL-

[MN.2] //: -BUT IT BE SO COOL, THO, I'D BE ALL OOOOOH YEAH, GLITCHES, GET WRECKED--

[Jaden’s laughter quiets down a bit, but he’s still grinning as he goes at the infected CDNs around him in drill-to-hand combat.

He’s quite good at it, too, in a way that suggests he trained to be so.]

[MN.3] //: -Bzzzzt, we're fine, just pretty concentrated on these CDN creeps-

[MN.8] //: -Very focused data, trying to stay in the zone here but SOMEONE KEEPS YELLIN'--

[MN.2] //: -TOO BAD, I'M TEAM LEADER, PLLLLLLLPGH- -Raspberry noises-

<DWN-013>: > -Gently- Shade?

[MN.8] //: What?

<DWN-013>: > You’re awfully tense, and that makes it harder to focus right.

<DWN-013>: > …Everything will be okay.

[Shade didn’t respond to that.

As much as he was trying to hide it, he was in a great deal of emotional pain and physical exhaustion. He had only just woken up from the fights of his life, and the main thing that kept him going in the face of the terrible things, the things he had done—the only thing that kept him going was because he HAD to.

He had to—they needed him—

And he had to, he had to keep his mind—keep it off of—]

[MN.8] //: (Nnngh…)

[…The fact that the update of Cardinal’s memories to the server was a ticking time bomb, just waiting to make the Rebel Angels even more terrified of him and potentially hostile…

…really, really wasn’t helping.]

<DWN-013>: > We’re all in this together, alright?

<DWN-013>: >And we don’t need perfection here just now—

[Background noise of something being lit on fire.]

[MN.8] //: .....

[MN.8] //: -mmmgh.-

<DWN-013>: > -He’ll be okay, I promise-

<DWN-013>: >He’s already running again.

[MN.8] //: ........

[There was a muffled bit of data that seemed edge with dread—dread, uncertainty, anxiety, concern—

Almost as if he were thinking to himself a worry that what happened could ever be forgiven.]

<DWN-013>: > Ah ah—I know that data—

<DWN-013>: >Just try and loosen up a bit and be there for your sisters, okay?

<DWN-013>: >We can deal with the rest later after we get home.

<DWN-013>: >Think of it as…

<DWN-013>: > -Lightbulb-

<DWN-013>: >Some DLC for your tagging incident. : ]

[MN.8] //: --....

[MN.8] //: (....That would be nice...)

[MN.2] //: -YEAH AFTER WE CLEAN UP CHERRY'S MESS, WE CAN AAAAALL BE NICE AND CHILL TOGETHER-

<DWN-012>: >GG, Icewoman—

<DWN-012>: >Now I want black cherry flavored snowcones—

<DWN-013>: > I prefer strawberry and lemonade flavor, myself.

[MN.2] //: -Glitch when Snow wakes up we gotta make ALLLL THE SNOWCONES AND ICE CREAMS--

[BOOM-!]

[MN.2] //: --What the glitch was that?

<DWN-012>: >I’m not sure— Bat?

[MN.5] //: That wasn't us or Pyro--not Jaden either--

[MN.1] //: Avi isn't here and Shade didn't blow up anything, did you?

[MN.8] //: Nope--

[MN.7] //: --....

[MN.7] //: Beck--

[Static.]

[MN.9] //: B--Buddy--that's not Buddy--

[MN.7] //: -????-

[DR.WHITE] //: It's--It must be an unreleased, upgraded Round Digger Model--!

[Explosions can be heard over the feeds--]

[MN.9] //: -BUDDY IS LIKE TEN TIMES BETTER THAN YOU, STOP SHOOTING WATER AT ME--

<DWN-013>: > …

<DWN-013>: > -A Digger that uses WATER????-

<DWN-013>: >Are you sure that’s not a glitched model?

[MN.9] //: -Don't care--

[SHING!]

[MN.9] //: -This thing can wreck the whole building if we leave it unchecked--

<DWN-013>: >If Avi were here, I’m sure he’d be punning about “where’s the fire” or soOOOOOoOooohhhhh okayyy…

<DWN-012>: > -No, bailing and letting it run loose is not an option-

<DWN-013>: > -Didn’t mean it wasn’t tempting for a moment-

[SHING SHING SHING--]

[MN.9] //: -UGH THIS THING IS WAY TOUGHER THAN BUDDY WAS--

<DWN-012>: >But nowhere near as tough as you!

<DWN-012>: >I guess he’s using your form, Brand. : ]

[MN.7] //: >> -....He uses it well-

[MN.9] //: -wat really--

[MN.9] //: -I MEAN--THANKS NII-SAN--

[There's a strange burst of data when Beck is praised by his elder brother--]

[SHINGSHINGSHINGSHINGSHINGSHING--!]

<DWN-013>: > ?

Will: Oh my--

<DWN-013 to MNN-007>: >Brand, what am I hearing?

[MN.7] //: Otouto?

[MN.9] //: -......-

[MN.9] //: @~@

[MN.9] //: Sooooo dizzyyyy...

[MN.9] //: -Blrgh, dad why did you program me for nausea--

Will: -I--I think Beck just did Brand's Spin Slash technique--

Speedy: -Raises an eyebrow- …

[MN.7] //: What!?

[MN.9] //: WHOA WHAT REALLY I CAN D O THAT NOW--

[MN.9] //: -NII-SAN--NIIII-SAAAAAN I DID THE THING--

Speedy: -Slight wry grin- So when you hear it from someone you hold in high regard then, huh…?

[MN.7] //: -Low-key actually excited about this, what, that isn't pride, what are you talking about--

[MN.9] //: : D!!

<DWN-013>: >So… he can unlock secondary abilities, too? -Seems… pleased about this, in a sense-

<DWN-013>: >I wonder if that’ll happen when eventually you get to have our forms.

<DWN-012>: >Heh. Imagine Beck, like, duplicating himself!

<DWN-012>: >Or teleport spamming! B]

<DWN-013>: > -Chuckles at this-

<DWN-013>: >You’re just full of awesome surprises, aren’t you, lil’ bro?

<DWN-013>: > -Warm ping of approval-

[MN.9] //: ^//^

[MN.9] //: Eheh...

[MN.9] //: -Imeannii-sanistheonewhomadeupthatmoveso--

[MN.7] //: >>;

<DWN-013>: > -Laughs in data- Tell you what, Beck!

<DWN-013>: >After this is over, I’ll teach you some of the non-Capsule style moves I use!

[MN.9] //: -OOOO REALLY--

[BLAM--]

Will: Oh dear Beck wait for me--

[Will hurries behind a gleefully excited Nine, who is spurred on by the prospect of learning something new from one of his other brothers.]

Beck: Come on, Dad, how much further?

Will: Ah--Not long now, now that you took care of that Round Digger...

Will: We should be seeing some of the assembly lines right around here...

Will: .....

Will: That's odd...

Beck: --? Huh? What is?

Will: ...The assembly lines are going in reverse--?

<DWN-012>: >Say what?

<DWN-012>: >That sounds… really gruesome…

Will: (That's strange--why would the factory disassemble its own models?)

Will: (Something is wrong here...)

Beck: .......

Beck: (There's a lot of Xel up ahead, I can feel it...)

Beck: (Huh...)

<DWN-013>: >Why would models be being torn apart into Xel? That’s honestly messed up. >.>

<DWN-013>: >Even a malfunction should just cause it to shut off, because a buildup backlog would just cause an explosion somewhere.

<DWN-012>: > …Unless it were being used somewhere else in the factory, somehow…

<DWN-013>: >Doing what?

Will: Only one way to find out...

Beck: Keep going?

Will: Yes.

<DWN-013>: >Let us know.

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: >Kinda concerned we haven’t heard from 18 or 19 yet…

<DWN-013 to MNN-001>: >Nico must have either knocked 19 out entirely or else taken out the transmitter altogether. I hope it’s just the transmitter, because I don’t want our cousins to get involved…

[MN.1] //: Tch...

[MN.1] //: (Alnico, you better know what you're doing...)

[MN.2] //: --uh--

[MN.2] //: Guyyyyys--

<DWN-013>: > -Distracted- Yeah, Icesis?

[There is what could only be described as absolute chaos over Cryo's team's feeds--even Beck himself could hear it on the next rooms beyond.]

Beck: --!

[MN.2] //: WE MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE HERE--

[MN.8] //: -REQUESTIN' BACK-UP, THERE'S BEEN A INFLUX OF CDNs--

[MN.3] //: -BZZZZZZT OW--

<DWN-012>: >UH.

<DWN-012>: >TEAM ONE YOU MIGHT NEED TO BACKTRACK—

<DWN-013>: > Hang in there!

[MN.1] //: Bat! Move up front with Jaden--we're heading to the assembly lines!

[MN.5] //: Roger that, Commander--

[MN.1] //: Speedy, Brand, Mic, how far are you from their location?

[MN.4] //: -Not far, heading that way now--

[MN.1] //: Beck, stay with Father until we can clear things up enough for you to pass though!

Beck: Yessir!

[There’s an increasingly loud clanging noise coming closer.]

[MN.2] //: -EY, CALVERY IS COMING--

[MN.3] //: -BZZZ, HEY, HANDSZZ OFF THE PONCHO--

Jaden: -Runs in- HI BECK—

Jaden: -Runs past- BYE BECK—

Beck: !!

Bat: CHAAAAAAAARGE--

Beck: -WHOOPS, OUT OF THE WAY--

[Pyro does pause for a moment when he catches up to check on Beck and Will--]

Pyro: --...

Pyro: Father, you're a mess--

[Will did look a bit worse for wear, but there wasn't any real major injuries to worry about.]

Will: Eheh... Don't worry about me, son.

Will: Go.

Pyro: -Nods-

Beck: -GO GET THEM, BRO--

[Inside the assembly lines....]

Cryo: TOOK YOU GUYS LONG ENOUGH--

Cryo: -FREEZES A CDN instead of finishing that SENTENCE--

Dyna: -BZZZZ, THEY JUST KEEP COMING--

Jaden: Not for much longer, they don’t.

Shade: Ya seen Brand and the others--?

[Shade, of course, was at a high vantage point along with Cryo to pick off the CDNs as they came out of the lines.]

Shade: We need them t' trash the equipment--

[CRASH—]

Pyro: --!!

Speedy: -Keeps running so he doesn’t get run over- HI GUYS MIC AND BRAND ARE RIGHT BEHIND ME, STAY OUTTA THE WAY I THINK THEY AREN’T GONNA BE STOPPING EITHER—

[SHING SHING SHING SHING SHING--]

[RRRRRRRRRRR--]

Mic: -SLAMS RIGHT INTO A PROCESSING UNIT-

[Speedy opens fire with Quick Boomerangs.

Shade flinches at the sound.]

Shade: --ngh--

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

KTANG!

[Leaping onto the walls and vaulting onto a statue, he peppered the room with high speed Quick Boomerangs.]

"You clearly haven’t learned I don’t go down so easy, Counter.”

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Cryo: Hey! -Sprays with cold water--

Shade: GAH--

Cryo: I need ya here and now, bro, gotta keep those CherryDyn's down!

Shade: | [ -Ya didn't have to cold spray me--

Brand: Mic! Help me with these processing units!

Mic: -MIC SMASH--

Jaden: HEY MIC!

Mic: !

[He fires into a bit of debris and kicks it over Mic’s way.]

Jaden: Give ‘em a slam dunk! >B]

Mic: E : <

Mic: -WHAM--

[A slew of CDNs are crushed underneath the pile of debris, now just a pile of Xel on the floor.]

Cryo: -THREE POOOOOINTS--

[BOOM!]

Brand: --!

Mic: -OOO TRASH BALL GO BOOM--

Pyro: Dyna, barrier!

Dyna: You got it--!

[A bunch of bits fly in front of Pyro to create an electric shield, which he stands behind for a moment before igniting himself--]

[--And CHARGING FORWARD, Using Dyna's shield as a battering ram against the CDNs--!]

[Interesting. Bits of surge from what’s left of the Crash Bomb provide a boost. Not NEARLY as much as the full thing, but still.]

[PING!]

[MN.6] //: HEY GUYS, AM I LATE TO THE PARTY--

Speedy: EEEEY, LOOK WHO’S OUTTA THE JOINT.

Speedy: Tell me you have good news, bro!

Speedy: Everyone’s in one piece, yeah?

Avi: Yo I got there JUST in time, bro, Call's giving the pooch a lesson--

Speedy: How’s our younger brother?

Avi: They're on their way to Doc Blackwell, and--Uh.

Avi: ....Wait, what?

Speedy: …

[He leaps up onto a higher vantage point to start taking out his frustration on the production lines.]

Speedy: Nico went in there! Are you saying he’s not back yet?

Avi: -YO SAY WHAT--

Jaden: He must have seen Call on the screen after Siamini looked up the status of the Sanda team after hearing you freak out over the dog plans.

Avi: -I--I didn't see him there, I didn't know, I only broadcasted to Sanda-bag--

Avi: -Gaaaaaaah if I knew I would've stayed and backed him up--

Pyro: Avi--

Avi: --?

Jaden: I wouldn’t worry about it…

Jaden: He could tear things up pretty badly if he puts his mind to it.

Jaden: Especially if he took shrapnel bits with him on the way…

Speedy: I’m going to guess yes, given he was going into something with Combat in mind.

Avi: -Oh-

Avi: ....

Avi: : ' D -Okaaaaaaay yup cuz that's not terrifying to think about at all--

Jaden: -Laughs at this-

((pic))

Jaden: We’re Wily constructs, dude.

Avi: : ''''' D

[PING!]

[MN.9] //: How are you guys holding up?

[MN.5] //: Managed to push them back at least--

[MN.6] //: -EY BECKO GUESS WHAT, CALL'S BEATING UP THE DOGGIE AND NICO'S, UH--GOING IN FOR BACK UP-

[MN.9] //: Oh, That's-- waitdidyousaynico--

<DWN-013>: >Yyyyyyeah, uh…

[MN.9] //: -NOBODY TOLD HIM ABOUT CALL--

<DWN-013>: >No, we didn’t, but he apparently saw, because he took out both the transmitter and possibly Siamini as well in the process of storming off.

[MN.9] //: -Thaaaaaaaaaat's not good--

[MN.9] //: Do you guys need a hand?

<DWN-013>: >No thanks, I don’t use hands. B]

<DWN-013>: >No hands no problem, right, Shade?

[MN.8] //: Heh...

[MN.8] //: Little help does sound nice, though.

[MN.1] //: Someone has to stay with Father--

[DR.WHITE] //: No, we're running out of time--

[DR.WHITE] //: We NEED to get past this into the main assembly line--

Jaden: You want me to come over?

[DR.WHITE] //: No, Jaden, you're needed with the rest of your team--all of you just keep concentrating on the infected units while we slip by!

[MN.9] //: -Don't worry, I'll be in Mic's form for defense--

Jaden: Awesome! Go for gold, guys. : )

Jaden: We’ll just be having a ball here, right, Icesis?

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC]

Beck: -Snorts-

[MN.2] //: -TEN POINTS FOR YOU-

Beck: Hey, Dad--get on!

Will: --Wait--what, on you--

Beck: -This'll be much faster than you on foot--Don't worry, 'Linka and I do this all the time--

Will: Oh--

Beck: Just hold on tight because we're going to be going really fast--

Will: Uh--H-How fast--

[RRRRRRRRRRR--]

[MEANWHILE...]

Mic: -SMAAAASH--

Brand: --Mic, is that noise you--

[RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR--]

Will: -SCREAMING, TOO FAST, TOO FAAAAAAAAST--

Avi: -GO BECK GO--

Beck: -SKIDS AROUND STUFF- You sure you guys don't need some--

[WHANG--!]

Beck: !!

[OH WHEN DID A ROUND DIGGER GET IN HERE--]

Jaden: Woah! -Knocked over-

Brand: Haaaaaah--!

[S H I N G !]

Jaden: o.o

Jaden: -Looks as the half of a Round Digger turns into Xel goop- Nice one, bro.

Brand: Hmph.

Brand: Nothing here my blades cannot handle.

Cryo: -Oh stop being dramatic, ya loopy ninja-

Mic: -NOPE, got this area all under control-

Mic: -Maybe help Cryo team instead--

Cryo: PFFFT, I'm ice CREAMING these bots--

Cryo: -There's snow many of them though--

Shade: -Sigh- -BANG-

Shade: Maybe if ya spend more time FIGHTIN' and less on yer lame puns...

Cryo: -Shrills- WHAT?!

Cryo: Just remember who you're talking to, Shadey, I'm SIX WHOLE NUMBERS OLDER THAN YOU--

Jaden: Like the other punster? | ]

Avi:  : D

Cryo: Okay YES but six as in OLDER--

Shade: -Rolls his eye- Yeah, yeah, an' Ah'm--

Pyro: Shade stop arguing with your sister--

Shade: -OI SHE STARTED IT WITH HER PUNNIN'--

Speedy: -Laughs a little at this-

Jaden: -Jumps onto Mic- You provide a great vantage point, bro. : )

Mic: ^ W ^

Beck: -ZOOOMS AROUND XEL MUSH-

Will: -AAAAAAAH STILL TOO FAST, HELP-

Speedy: Buckle up, Will! |D

Will: -WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT I DIDN'T DESIGN BECK W I T H SEAT BELTS--

Beck: -Skids as he just HAS TO LAUGH AT THAT--

Beck: -BYE GUYS, HEADING FOR THE LINES NOW--

Will: -PLEASE, I want to get ooooofff--

Pyro: Bat! You're with me, we're going to secure the room ahead!

Pyro: Jaden, stay here and provide support for the others, alright?

Jaden: You’ve got it.

Jaden: Come on, bro, let’s wreck some things.

Speedy: Heh. It’s what we were made for!

[They both give devilish grins.]

Beck: -GOOD LUCK GUUUUUYS--

[Beck, with his father in tow, races across many a battered hallway, Pyrogen and Battalion following close behind.]

Pyro: Crash and BURN!

[Following Pyro's lead, they thin out the CDNs that littered the reversed assembly lines, giving Beck a clear pathway towards the center of the factory.]

Bat: HAHA! Now that's what I like to see! First into battle, the tip of the spear!

Pyro: | ]

Pyro: Heh, of course--it's a leader's duty, after all.

Beck: --!!

Beck: Dad--look!

Will: -Opens his eyes--

Will: !

[CHERRYDYN MAIN ASSEMBLY LINE FLOOR.]

Will: At last!

Pyro: We'll keep things under control here so nothing tries to come up from behind!

Pyro: Good luck, Beck!

Beck: c : <

[The door automatically opens, and then slams shut behind them--]

Beck: !

Beck: Whooooooooooa...

[Right in the middle of the entire assembly floor was the Primary M.O.M unit, it's displays flashing from red to purple with errors littering the holoscreens around it.]

Will: There it is...

Will: .....

Will: (All the assembly lines so far lead to here, but in the reverse way...)

Will: Alright, first, we need to find it's computer core and destroy it--

Will: That will halt all of the production lines so I can hack into the systems themselves and shut them down for good--

[Will calmly approaches the M.O.M unit slowly, looking for any sort of panel it might have that will reveal it's inner workings...]

Will: Beck, I need you to scan this with your C.Visor and--

Beck: --!!!

Beck: DAD, UP--!

Will: --?!

[Beck grabs Will and yanks him backwards, right before--]

Will: -Fumbles right into his back-

Will: Wh--

[GGGHGHGHGGGGGH...]

[The Doctor scrambles to his feet as the very earth shakes from the force of a giant, MASSIVE construct slams down just where he was not moments ago--]

((pic))

Will: What on--?!

[PING!]

<DWN-013>: >WOAH, guys, what’s with the shaking—

<DWN-013>: >It’s like something Gamma size slammed down!

[MN.9] //: -WHAT THE HECK IS THAT--

[MN.9] //: WHAT IS THAT, IT'S--IT'S LIKE FOUR TIMES BIGGER THAN MIC--

[DR.WHITE] //: G--Good heavens--

[DR.WHITE] //: I--I've never seen it's like before--th--this isn't like ANYTHING that CherryDyn's schematic database has--!

[DR.WHITE] //: --!!!!

[DR.WHITE] //: No, wait--of course, it makes sense now--the reversed assembly lines, the mixed up fused robots--

[DR.WHITE] //: The factory, the virus--it's--

[DR.WHITE] //: It's begun to CREATE it's OWN DESIGNS--!

[MN.9] //: WHAT--?!

[MN.9] //: H-HOW, HOW WOULD--

<DWN-013>: >Ooookay, um…

<DWN-013>: >Where are you guys right now, exactly—

[DR.WHITE] //: -Too terrified to answer--

<DWN-013>: >I’m… going to try and contact Siam, hang in there—

Beck: D--Dad--?!

Will: (Run, we need to--!)

[Will backs up, but the cold, hard surface of the door reminds him that they just can't run from this.]

Will: (Ngh--!)

???: -HELLISH SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

[MN.7] //: -What on EARTH WAS THAT--

Beck: This thing is huge--

Beck: Why would the virus want to--to MAKE something like this--?

Will: Ngh--

Will: It's still trying to cause mass destruction...

<DWN-013>: >Okay, so I couldn’t contact Siam, BUT—

<DWN-013>: >I was able to contact someone else, and they’ll be right on over—

???: S C R E E E E E E E E E --

Will: Beck--

Will: We--We have to--

Will: -Grips sword-

Will: We can't let this thing leave this factory--!

Will: We have to stop it here--now, and shut down the M.O.M Unit before it can create an ARMY of these--!

Beck: --!!

Beck: But this is--this is WAY bigger than anything else--

Will: We have to TRY!

Will: Otherwise it will tear this place apart with EVERYONE IN IT!

Beck: --!!

Beck: (Everyone--)

[TRIGGER RECONIZED. XELFILTER.EXE ENGAGED.]

Will: You distract it!

Will: I'll handle the M.O.M Unit!

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC.]

Beck: Yes, sir!

[SCANNING...]

((pic))

[SCAN COMPLETE.]

[E N C O U N T E R.]

[MODEL: CDN-XXX, CODENAME: NAMELESS]

[HEIGHT: 774cm WEIGHT: 4048kg XEL COUNT: 809,200,000]

[The giant Xel goliath lurches forward, and one of it's arms raises to the sky--]

[And-- detatches--?]

<CROSS-REFERENCE IDENTIFIED: HARD KNUCKLE.>

Beck: -UH OH--

[The arm rotates, and the boosters on its end propel it STRAIGHT at the pair--]

[Will and Beck both dive on opposite directions, Beck rolling to the left while Will tumbles to the right and off the platform.]

Will: -Ow--

Will: (Have to get to the M.O.M unit--!)

[The M.O.M unit is a slick jet black pillar instead of the smaller white secondary unit...

He calls on the terminal at once and begins to type away.]

Will: (If I can just find an old back door I used for this...)

[ACCESS DENIED.]

Will: Argh--!

Will: (Of course HE would lock my old pathway out of the system--!)

Will: (Fine, hacking the old fashioned way, then--where is that computer core--?)

[BLAM BLAM BLAM--]

[CRAAAAAAASH--!]

Will: --?!?

Will: Beck--?! Are you--

[As Will turns around, he is SURPRISED to see the giant, 25 foot tall Xelbot--]

[....Utterly in pieces.]

Will: Wha?

[...]

"Ngh..."

[POP!]

[Beck's head peeks out from the mountain of debris, in his default form.]

Beck: Okay, so...

Beck: These things break WAY too easy to my default weapon.

Beck: No joke!

Will: ...Really?? ?_?

Beck: Yeah!

Beck: Huh. Kinda weird that something is that big and it doesn't even hold well...

[CERCHINK--]

[A panel slides open behind Will, prompting him to turn around to watch it open--]

[ A black sphere with the CherryDyn logo on it juts out, pulsing with a sickly purple glow--there was no saving this data core, not when it was so corrupted like this.]

Will: The computer core--!

Will: (So it is infected...)

Will: Beck--

[SCREEEEEEEEEEEEECH--!]

Beck: -Wha--

[The earth once again shakes, felt by all in the building--]

Beck: A--Another one??

Nameless: -SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Beck: GAK--

[Wait, why is the floor moving BACKWARDS--]

<CROSS-REFERENCE IDENTIFIED: DWN-009>

Will: BECK!

[Chink--]

Will: --!

Will: No you DON'T--

[SHINK--!]

[Will manages to slash at the core with his Rapier before the panel shuts it away, the systems on the terminal glitching out as it went back into the M.O.M unit.]

Will: (I see now--)

Will: BECK!

Will: Keep breaking the Nameless!

Will: I'll destroy the core myself!

Beck: -BLAM BLAM- On it!

Beck: -Ugh, I didn't need a work out today, this thing is fast--

[BLAM--]

[CRAAAAAAASH--!]

Beck: Two down!

Will: (And the core should--)

[Right on cue, the core panel once again opens, the core itself revealed.]

[SHINK--!]

[ERROR--INTERNAL COMPUTER CORE DAMAGED.]

[PRODUCTION DOWN 25%]

Beck: It's working!

[S L A M--]

Nameless: SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE--

Beck: -Oh jeez--

<DWN-012>: > Guys are you okay in there

<DWN-012>: >DO YOU NEED STRUCTURAL ASSISTANCE

<DWN-013>: > -KINDA SOUNDS LIKE THE BUILDING’S FALLING ON TOP OF YOU OR SOMETHING?-

Will: Fine--we're fine, It's just Beck on the third of one of those things--

Will: -SHINK-

Will: I've damaged the computer core of the M.O.M unit, the production lines SHOULD be slowing down now!

[WHANG--]

Beck: --GUH--

[Beck struggles to keep an even footing on the moving assembly line, and failed to dodge an incoming arm from slamming into him AND the wall.]

Beck: ACK!

Will: You can DO this, Amadeus!

Will: Just hold on!

Beck: Nngh--

Beck: Y-Yes sir...

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 1...]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[BLAM BLAM BLAM--]

[As the third Nameless unit is felled, Will wasted no time moving from hacking the terminal to striking at the core the moment it came out of the panel, with quick thrusts and parries.]

[ERROR--PRODUCTION DOWN 50%, SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT.]

Will: (Ngh, I need--I need MORE than just this sword--)

Will: (But Beck is busy with the Nameless, and--!)

[There’s a shrill, FAMILIAR whistle that BLASTS across the feeds.]

Beck: --?!?

Beck: (No way--it--it can't be--)

Beck: (He can't be up already--?!)

“RRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNGGGGGHHH…”

Beck: --?????

[SCREEEEEEEEEEEE--]

[S L A M--]

Nameless: -HELL SCREECH-

Beck: Oh MAN--

Beck: (Help--)

[FOOSH.]

Will: --?!?

Will: Jazz?!

[Indeed. It was none other than Cardinal’s support unit—and BOY, did she seem to be in a BAD mood.]

Jazz: HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSSSS!

Nameless: -HELL SCREEEEEEEEEEEE OF PAIN--

Beck: Jazz--!

Beck: : D

[While Beck was happy to see her, Jazz didn’t return the affection. She was angry, and vicious, and it showed.]

Jazz: >8K

Beck: --Oh right you're in pantheress mode, Kay then--

Jazz: >|K

Jazz: Ree-ow.

Beck: We need to take THIS big thing down!

Beck: -And keep them away from Dad while he does his thing, okay-

Jazz: -REE-OW.-

[SHING!]

[YUP. THOSE ARE CLAWS IF EVER THERE WERE SOME.]

Beck: O.O

Beck: -....NICE- ^.^

Beck: -Yes, there will be food after, we know you-

Beck: Let's get 'em, kitty! > : D

Nameless: -SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Jazz: Ree-ow.

[BLAM BLAM BLAM--]

Will: (Oh, thank goodness, at least Beck will have some support...)

Will: (I still have to take out this core, but I have nothing else--)

[There was a squealing noise as Jazz dug her claws into the Nameless.]

Will: -OW, OUR EARS--

Will: --!

Will: (Wait...)

Will: (I DO have something else--)

-*-*-*-

Mikhail: At least take the sensory defense mechanism with you, Will!

Mikhail: I’m begging you—

Mikhail: You and Sanda are the ONLY friends I have ever since we were relocated in the protection program! PLEASE don’t get yourself hurt!

-*-*-*-

[Will scrambles to get the sensory defense mechanism off from around his neck--]

Will: (This--)

Will: (If I can get this right in the core, the signals should overload it and the system--!)

Beck: DAAAAD I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN DO THIS--!

Nameless: SCREEEEEEEEEE--

Will: Just a little longer--

Will: --And brace yourself--!

Beck: --?? Wha--

[CRAAAAAAASH--]

[Will presses the mechanism and throws it into the open panel, where it lands right on the computer core--]

Will: (I hope this works--!)

[The panel closes, and--]

[The closed panel prevented the blinding light, yes.]

[At least… the VISIBLE light… to the outside observer.]

[ERROR--E R R OR--]

[But the SOUND, and the SOUND and the LIGHT over the FEEDS—

Not so much.]

<DWN-012>: > -ERROR: DATA OVERLOAD-

<DWN-013>: > -ERROR: DATA OVERLOAD-

<CSU-001>: > -ERROR: DATA OVERLOAD-

[It was like every possible avenue related to the perception of vision and sound was overwhelmed in a blinding and deafening way. Both in the traditional sense and through data alone— it BLASTED throughout not only the entire factory, but also the building next door.

Although the concept had been originally designed specifically to fight against Robot Masters running a DWN_OS, it functioned through the use of sensory overload. Anything—even organic things—that had sensory perception was, to some degree, susceptible. This included the Mighty Numbers.]

Beck: -OW OWOWOWOW--

[MN.4] //: @~@

[MN.7] //: -ngh--cant see--!

[MN.6] //: -CRASH, OUCH, WE'RE OKAY BUT OW MAN WHO TURNED ON THE BRIGHTNESS SETTING TO EXTREMELY NOT OKAY--

[For Shade in particular, the experience was borderline torturous—his high sensitivity made it not merely uncomfortable—it made it PAINFUL.]

[MN.8] //: UUUGH WHAT THE DAMN HELL I S THAT--

[He was suddenly overcome yet again.]

-*-*-*-

"You’re going to have to do better than that, KID! But if you insist on playing hide and seek…”

[Cardinal used SCREECH—]

[He briefly stopped the mufflers on his fans, causing their overworked whine to get broadcast over his speakers.

It was worse than metal grating mixed with fingernails on chalkboard.]

___________________

“AAAAARUGH–!!!”

“Goddamn BUCKET OF BOLTS–AH’VE HAD IT UP T’ HERE!”

“Fahn, if ya wanna DIE SO BADLY–”

-*-*-

"HEY SHADE! Too bad your glasses got all dusty. Better wipe the dirt out of your eye!”

__________________

“Grrrr…”

“Just keep talkin’, Birdy, see where THAT gets ya…”

__________________

[…….]

[VEEEEEEEEEEEEE–]

"I don’t think so.”

[CARDINAL used FLASH STOPPER!]

[WOW, everything is hit not only with BLINDING light, but whatever is in those intangible waves of data is enough to STUN everything in the hall.]

[There is a HUGE clattering somewhere deeper in the house–it sounded like something very heavy just fell–]

_________________

“AUGH MOTHERSCRATCHIN’ CHEATER–!”

-*-*-*-

[MN.8] //: -Ngh--!

[THUD--]

[MN.6] //: -Oh crud SHADE BRO ARE YOU OKAY--

[MN.8] //: -WHAT'S IT LOOK LIKE--

Will: --?!?

[Will was taken aback at all of this, but didn’t have long to dwell on it.]

[E ROR LRKRKKDJSNAK--]

[SY TO TME F ISIALUT RE--]

Will: --!

[The lights and the holoscreens around the M.O.M unit blink out one by one, and then--

The assembly lines all over the factory come to a screeching halt.]

Beck: @~@

Beck: Uuugh, my head...

Will: ......

Will: >~>!;;;;

Will: (Er...Oops?)

Will: (I--er.)

Will: (Oh dear I really shouldn't ever make Mikhail angry ever again--)

Will: o~o;;;;;;

[MN.1] //: -Jaden???? Speedy????-

[The two of them were out cold, though they were still Online, at least.]

[MN.2] //: -YO THIS IS NO TIME TO BE TAKING A NAP BRO--

[SPLLIIIIIIISH--]

<DWN-012 is now Online.>

<DWN-012>: > -Gurgle noises-

[MN.2] //: -Rolls over to Jaden now--

[SPLLIIIIIIISH--]

<DWN-013 is now Online.>

<DWN-013>: > -AWAKE, SO AWAKE NOW— -

[MN.1] //: | / --Ngh--head still hurts, what WAS that--

[MN.2] //: -Yeah that was, like, WAY DIZZY-

[MN.3] //: -Bzzzz ugh is there such thing as robot asprin Because that would be nice right now--

<DWN-013>: > Ugh…

<DWN-013>: > That was Doctor Cossack’s robot mace.

<DWN-013>: > …On the lowest setting.

[MN.2] //: -YO ARE YOU FOR REAL-- --Wait what isn't Uncle Mikhail like back at the lab--

[MN.3] //: ...Hang on, didn't Doc Cosszzack give Daddy zzsomething like...?

<DWN-012>: > My head still hurts… man is that strong stuff.

<DWN-013>: > Is Shade okay?

[MN.6] //: Eeeeeeeh... -Gives the so-so kinda guesture-

[MN.8] //: -Incoherent data, mostly grumpy to angry data, but mostly discombobulated-

<DWN-013>: >Ow.

<DWN-013>: > …I don’t hear any more crashing noises, the production seems to have stopped…

<DWN-013>: >Does that mean we’re done here…? @~@

[PING!]

[DR.WHITE] //: ...

[DR.WHITE] //: ....Um. I-Is everyone--um...--MOSTLY alright--?

[DR.WHITE] //: -Dear god I am SO sorry I hadnoideathedevicewasthatpowerfulareanyofyouhurt--?????-

[DR.WHITE] //: -WE'RE SORRY, BECK WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE GIANT ROBOTS, THE CORE WASN'T--

[DR.WHITE] //: O~O

<DWN-013>: >I think Jazz is still stunned.

<DWN-013>: >There should… should be a button that does a hard reboot for systems on that device… it must still be intact, because destroying it sets off the highest setting.

<DWN-012>: > We’re okay, we’ve had worse—

[MN.1] //: Ngh... Besides minor damages from the fighting and a massive migraine...

[MN.8] //: -Sounds of stumbling and broken cursing-

[MN.1] //: ....We'll be alright, Father.

[DR.WHITE] //: -Oh thank God, for--for a moment I thought I had seriously hurt you all, I'm SORRY--

<DWN-013>: >No, noooope… >m> That was the LOWEST setting. That doesn’t… isn’t meant to do lasting harm.

[MN.9] //: @~# I really need to lie down...

<DWN-012>: > We should probably head back…

[MN.9] //: yeah that sounds nice, I'm--just gonna carry Jazz back after a bit--

Will: .......

Will: Beck.

Beck: --?

Will: Hold on to these for me.

[Will handed off both the device and his rapier off to Beck, who was resting besides a disabled Jazz.]

Beck: --???

Will: You go on ahead with Jazz without me.

Will: ....There is someone I must see first.

Beck: Huh?

Beck: I--I don't understand--

Beck: Who?

Will: ......

Will: -Puts a hand on Beck's head-

Will: Don't worry about it, alright?

Will: You make sure everyone gets out safely.

<DWN-012>: >You come back okay too then, or else Mikhail will give us an earful. |D;

Will: Eheh--yes, of course....

<DWN-013>: > …I honestly think he might have been put to sleep.

<DWN-013>: >Otherwise there’s no way he wouldn’t have been saying stuff through all of this.

<DWN-012>: >My point still stands…

Will: (Rest, that will do him some good...)

Will: I know.

Will: Just let me finish a few things here before I go.

Will: (Rather, go take care of some unfinished business.)

Beck: Okay....

Beck: Just don't take too long...

Will: I won't.

[Will fondly smiles at his son before turning around, tattered lab coat flowing behind him as he made his way towards a far off door.]

Will: (It's time you and I had a little chat...)

Will: (. . . Gregory Graham.)

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

[CHERRYDYNAMICS HQ BUILDING, CEO OFFICE SUITE.]

[Gregory Graham had little silver lining to go on at this point.

Not only were those Sanda Tech brats literally demolishing his factory (and costing him millions to boot!), the virus that had seemed to come from out of nowhere was threatening to spread to the other Continental servers--

And now the GOVERNMENT was sniffing around where they SHOULDN'T be, and Blackwell could very well be either DEAD or running amok!

And now there was that foreign intern, the fat Japanese doctor and the PRESIDENT herself knowing far too much--]

Graham: -...Ngh-

Graham: Keep it together, Greg...

[No, no need to panic--

She was still safely tucked away, albet running everything at this point, but still contained--and he had influences in Homeland and Defense, and his Sentator friend, of course--and if nothing else, he ALWAYS had that ace in the hole if things ever got that desperate.

He had options. It was all like stocks. It wasn't the end just yet.

And if he were to go down, he'll be damned if he wasn't going down alone.]

Graham: (I just have to make a few private calls, pull some favors...)

Graham: (Make sure she is under wraps and try to sail though this--)

[Knock Knock.]

Graham: --??

Graham: -Pushes the intercom on his desk- Darcy, I told you to not let anyone in here--

"Uh, yeah, he isn't--he didn't listen to me--"

"... And it's Daisy, not--"

[CLICK.]

Graham: Tch.

Graham: (Fine, I'll call whatever's left of security once he gets in here--)

Graham: Open.

[The door recognizes the verbal command and slides open without a sound.]

Graham: --?

Graham: What the--

Will: Hello, Mr. Graham.

[William White walks into the room as soon as Graham opened it, not once waiting for permission to enter.]

Will: Am I interrupting something?

Graham: White?

Graham: How the HELL did you get up here--

Will: Oh, I wanted to. Your staff seems to be rather, ah-- lacking since the virus struck.

Will: Nonetheless.

Will: I didn't come here for idle chatter, so I'm going to get right to the point.

Will: It was you who activated Trinity, didn't you?

Graham: -Sputters--

Graham: Wha--

Graham: What are you TALKING about--

Graham: (How does he know about HER?!)

Will: Greg. It's a little...

[His eyes turn dull and utterly emotionless.]

Will: ...Too late to cry dummy, at this point.

Graham: --?!

Graham: (That look--what is THAT look, why is it--?)

Will: Dr. Blackwell wasn't around to stop you this time, wasn't he?

Will: And yet you're trying to scapegoat his father again, just the same.

Graham: --?!!!

[Will walks across the room with a poised grace, almost too perfect, as he turns his back away from Graham.]

Will: -Sigh-

Will: It was NEVER about progress with you...

Will: Or the will, the drive to make the world a better place than what we found it...

Will: It was always money.

Will: -Angry-

Will: Just. Money.

Will: That's--

[He turns, a FIERCE expression breaking through the emotionless mask he wore to EXPLODE in RAGE!]

Will: --ALL YOU E V E R CARED ABOUT--!

Graham: -Falls back into his chair--

Will: Never about HIM OR ME OR EVEN HER!

Will: -Advances- All you EVER cared about was YOURSELF and this EVIL EMPIRE you've built on NOTHING but the PAIN AND SUFFERING OF OTHERS--!

Will: MY PAIN AND SUFFERING! T H E I R PAIN AND SUFFERING!

Will: H E R PAIN AND SUFFERING--!

Will: And YOU--

Will: When you pieced her back together, did you feel anything at all? No, because you would even BRING BACK THE DEAD to justify your own ENDS!

Will: YOU THINK I WOULDN'T NOTICE, GREGORY GRAHAM?!

Graham: N--this isn't my FAULT--!

Graham: Her warning label didn't SPECIFY all this, not specifically--

Will: Warning label--

[He laughs. Bitterly.]

Will: Warning label, WARNING LABEL, HE PUT A WARNING LABEL--

Will: Oh, that's just RICH.

Will: And even then--You didn't listen.

Graham: I--

Will: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT--!

Will: Trinity, my friends, my FAMILY, MY OWN CHILDREN--!

Will: And even this VIRUS, isn't it?!

Graham: Nono, THIS THING ISN'T OUR FAULT, DON'T YOU PUT THIS ON ME, WHITE--

Graham: I don't know HOW you got this information, but I can very well RUIN you if you so much as--

[Will once again laughs at the face of Graham's supposed threat.]

Will: Is that supposed to scare me, Greg?

Will: What are you going to do? Send your PEOPLE after me?

Will: I've survived them once. I can do it AGAIN.

Graham: --?!?

Will: I am. Not. Afraid of YOU.

Will: Not anymore.

Will: Trinity was my project. You and Blackwell ultimately deemed her a failure.

Graham: !

Will: But she was an educational one, if anything. I learned. Oh, I learned.

Will: And I put EVERYTHING that I had learned from her, from everything that I  experienced...

Will: ...All of it, and the good that came from it...

Will: ...Into Mighty No. 9.

Graham: (WHAT--)

Will: Beck is now our only hope of stopping what YOU have sowed.

Will: AT THE VERY LEAST, IF I CAN'T STOP YOU MYSELF--

[He swipes away the various objects on Greg's desk aside, including some very heavy paperweights--]

Will: --HE CAN!

[There’s a muffled CRUNCH and a hissing noise, followed by some leaking liquid.]

Will: --?!?

Graham: What the--

Will: Nnngh!

[He turns his attention back to Graham.]

Will: You--

Will: You honestly think you can get away with everything you've DONE?

Will: After HER?

Graham: --.....

Graham: Wait...

Graham: Waitwaitwait WAIT A SECOND--

Will: --??

Graham: You...

Will: --!

Will: (....Uh...Uh Oh--)

Graham: YOU!

Graham: I didn't RECOGNIZE you with that--that RIDICULOUS HAIR DO--

Graham: But you're--

Graham: YOU'RE BILL BLACKWELL--!

Will: ......

Bill: . . . .

Bill: You were always a bit slow on the uptake, weren't you.

Bill: All these years, Graham, and you STILL haven't changed.

Bill: It nearly makes me feel SORRY for you.

Bill: N e a r l y.

Bill: ...But you know what?

Bill: You're wrong.

Will: I'm NOT Bill Blackwell.

Will: And I HAVEN'T been.

Will: For a VERY. Long. Time.

Graham: HA!

Graham: -Sneers- Oh, you think you're so SMART, thinking that changing your name and identity will change who you really are.

Graham: I'm honestly impressed, though. I really did think you were dead after you just vanished.

Will: -Snorts-

Will: Reports of my demise have been GREATLY exaggerated, Mr. Graham.

Graham: You costed me, Bill.

Graham: YOU'RE the idiot here, coming back and building those Mighty Numbers even after what YOU did to her.

Graham: They don't even know they're really just BLACKWELLS, do they?!

Will: ..........

Graham: I THOUGHT not.

Will: Leave them out of this, Graham.

Graham: Oh, really, alright, let me just turn back time and stop them from becoming infected in the FIRST PLACE?

Graham: They were DOOMED the moment you created them, Bill, and that ISN'T just their namesake talking!

Will: --Nnnnngh...

Graham: Your old man was RIGHT about you.

Graham: Really, Bill. I thought that a BLACKWELL genius such as yourself wouldn't RETURN to the scene of a crime--what occurred here all those years ago was tantamount to MURDER.

Will: Both of you MADE ME DO IT--!

Graham: But I wasn't the one holding the metaphorical knife, wasn't I?

Will: Graham--!

Graham: I said I would RUIN you.

Graham: It'll be a VERY nice bonus to see everything that you've worked SO hard to accomplish just CRUMBLE away, hm?

Graham: You, those Mighty Numbers, your fat friend and his brother, and that little Russian intern that you CLEARLY have connections with.

Graham: Once the WORLD knows that Dr. William White is a LIE AND THE SON OF A MAD GENIUS--

[WHACK--]

[Gregory Graham's vision went bright as William curled a fist and socked him across the face, causing the CEO to tumble backwards into the floor.

There was a burning sensation as something ate away at the super expensive suit he was wearing, too!]

Graham: -NGH!-

[SMACK--]

[A sneaker plants itself squarely on Graham's chest to KEEP him there.]

Will: I am only going to say this once.

Will: If you ever.

Will: E v e r.

Will: Threaten or lay one hand on EVERYTHING I love and care about--

Will: I will TEAR you and this company ASUNDER.

Will: You PATHETIC excuse for a HUMAN being.

Will: You MONSTER.

[Will looks down on him with a BURNING hot gaze, like some kind of disgusting bug or rodent, not even worth the DIRT under his shoe that which is soiling the already ruined suit Greg was wearing.

And Graham?

Well, as one would expect, he was certainly no less than terrified, scared witless.]

Will: How fitting.

Will: I think I've gotten my POINT across, hm?

[There is a TOUCH of a evil grin that tugs at the corner of Will's lips.]

Will: Good talk.

[And just like that, Will steps off, carefully walks around the mess made, and makes his way back to the door.]

Will: I'm not paying for any of this, by the way, so you can forget about sending me a bill.

Will: I WAS the one that HELPED you, if you need a reminder.

[He waves back without turning around.]

Will: Enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. Graham.

Will: ... Because it is ABOUT to get a whole LOT worse.

[Click.]

[The room is dead silent.]

Graham: . . . .

Graham: (Bill Blackwell--)

Graham: (You--I'll--)

Graham: -OW MY NOSE-- BLEEDING--

Graham: DARCY--SOMEONE GET ME A DAMN FIRST AID KIT--!

Beep.

Graham: --?!?

Beep.

Graham: What the hell is that noise--

[A rather smushed Search Snake—having finally flickered to life, only to find itself incredibly damaged—scrapes itself out of the hiding place where it had been crushed by some paperweights. It was already leaking battery acid, but apparently it had more than one battery, because that wasn’t stopping it…]

Beep beep beep beep beep beep BEEP—

Graham: --?!?

Graham: -DIVES BEHIND THE DESK--

Boom!

Graham: WHAT THE--

Graham: BIIIIIIILLL--!!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

[BACK IN SANDA LABS SEVERAL HOURS LATER...]

Will: (Oof...)

Will: -Stepping out of the elevator- (I actually felt REALLY good about that. Huh.)

“William!”

Will: !

[It’s Felix! He seems to be in a fairly good mood, albeit relieved to see Will again.]

Will: Oh, hello, Felix! -Beams-

Felix: Good to see you back again! Most everyone is resting right now.

Will: Good, good, that's fine...

Will: I heard Mikhail was still resting as well?

Felix: I put him to sleep shortly after you started getting ready.

Felix: He needed the rest. Don’t worry, he’s still here—and it would appear Siam has been successful at delaying the Cossack Numbers from waking, so I’ve let him continue sleeping for now.

Will: Hmm...I see.

Will: (Yes, rest easy...Let me handle this now, dear friend...)

Will: ...And Soi? He's not back yet?

Felix: Not as of yet, no. I did see Aviator talk with him, but it seemed that there was some interference in the feeds toward the end of your fight.

Will: Ah...That.... >>;;;

Will: Er...I'll explain that later...

Will: Since Soi isn't here, I'll have to do repairs myself...

Will: (And on all nine of them...)

Will: (...Mngh...I still don't know how I'm going to take care of the virus without hurting Trinity...)

Will: -Frowns-

Will: (....And now Graham knows.... Knows who I really am.)

Will: . . .

Will: (...Maybe he was right about me being stupid...)

Will: (.....)

Will: (Oh, what the hell, it was worth it, for that ONE good right hook.)

Will: -Rubs his hand-

[...Oh, that's a little bruised, isn't it--]

[Felix steps forward.]

Felix: Here, let me take care of that.

[Felix used POTENT CURE!]

Will: ? Oh--

Will: (...Oops.)

Will: (Never exactly punched anyone before that...)

Felix: Goodness, it must have been rough in there. But your swordplay was excellent.

Will: --? Oh--

Will: Eheh, uh... ^^

Will: I'm honestly surprised I still even remember, it's been so long since college...

Will: Er, thank you for that, the hand...erm. ^^

Will: -It's my writing hand, the left one, that is-

Felix: Not at all. I only wish I could be as helpful to the others. I’ve been able to relieve pain to some degree, and helped alleviate some of the strain Mikhail has put on his body, but… -shakes head- I’m no Doctor. Not like you.

Felix: I still can’t get in touch with Master Siamini, so I’m afraid you’ll have to help tend to the Robot Masters as well. But just tell me what to do, and I shall help you.

Will: ...So that makes twelve...

Will: Hm.

Will: --!

Will: Ah!

Felix: Yes?

Will: Mikhail--he left us some of the E-Tank substitute, didn't he--

Felix: ! Ah, yes!

Felix: The cases from Guardia that were sent over! Is that what those are? That will be incredibly useful.

Felix: Ah, but one thing—Shade refuses to enter the lab right now. I think he’s asleep in Seismic’s room, and Pyrogen didn’t push the point as the repair bay has become rather crowded.

Will: ....

Will: I see...

Will: (Shade...I swear I will make this right, I promise...)

Will: Mic's room will have to do for him. I won't force him into anything either. Not until he's ready.

Will: I'd rather wait until Soi comes back, but we don't--

[PING!]

Will: --!

[DR.SANDA] //: -WILL--SOMEONE, ANYONE, PLEASE ANSWER--

Will: --!! It's --It's Soi--

<DWN-013>: >Doctor Sanda?

Will: Soi!

[DR.SANDA] //: Oh, thank God, William, you're ALIVE--

<RMDC>: >STATUS UPDATE: DWN-018. CURRENT STATUS: SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE SUSTAINED, APPROACHING CRITICAL

<DWN-012>: > What? What’s going on over there?

[DR.SANDA] //: Will, please, I--I need the repair bay ready--

[DR.SANDA] //: Nononono, Call, please, you're going to be OKAY--

[STATUS UPDATE: CALL is in CRITICAL CONDITION.]

<DWN-013>: > OH [GLITCH—]

Will: --?!? Call--!

[Nico didn’t take the news very well. His data started to fluctuate wildly.]

<RMDC>: > WARNING! DWN-018 HARDWARE ERROR DETECTED!

<RMDC>: > MAGNETIC FIELD POLARITY UNSTABLE: ERROR X00— MISSING/DAMAGED PRIMARY AND/OR SECONDARY UNITS

Felix: -Takes a step back, looking unnerved-

<DWN-012>: > OH MAN THIS IS  B A D

[DR.SANDA] //: I--I couldn't--it was so--fast, I--

[DR.SANDA] //: She wasn't any match for it, and--

“I am magnetically Drawing my death to me So why can’t my body Reverse polarity?”

<DWN-012>: > UH, GUYS—

[DR.SANDA] //: Dr. Blackwell--

[DR.SANDA] //: It--it TOOK him--

[DR.SANDA] //: HE--HE'S GONE--

<DWN-012>: > GUYS!

“You walk into my town Waving that gun around You want a fight I’ll give you one tonight—”

<DWN-012>: > NICO’S GONNA END UP HURTING HIMSELF BECAUSE OF THE UNSTABLE FIELD!

Felix: What? I thought you had that repaired—I specifically remember labeling a mold for parts for him!

<DWN-012>: > He put off getting his upgrade because he thought the research for Cardinal’s was more important!

Felix: Is there any way to get him out of there?!

<DWN-013>: >Nnngh…! He’s been triggered into Lethal mode due to a crisis, Felix!

<DWN-013>: >You can’t just stop something like that! The only way to put a halt in a Combat initiative is to eliminate the circumstances that created it or force a shut-down!

Will: (Ngh--)

Will: (And the only one that can do that is--!)

<RMDC>: >UPDATE COMPLETE.

<RMDC>: >WARNING: THREAT IDENTIFIED.

<DCN-000 is now Online.>

<DCN-003 is now Online.>

<DCN-007 is now Online.>

<DCN-008 is now Online.>

<RMDC>: >INITIATING DEFENSIVE COMBAT MODE.

Will: Felix, we need Mikhail.

Felix: …

Felix: -Puts his hands over his face- You don’t need me to wake him up at this point.

Felix: The nearest person can—

[SPLLIIIIIIISH--]

[MN.2] //: WAKEY WAKEY EGGS AND BAKEY, UNCLE COSSACK--

<MC005>: > -VERY much awake now- {What—}

<MC005>: > {Cryosphere, why are you screaming about breakfast—}

[MN.2] //: -CUZ I'M HUNGRY AND EVERYONE IS KINDA GOING BONKERS LIKE NOW-

<MC005>: > {What?!}

[It only takes him one look at the status screens to make his decision.]

<MC005>: > {Emergency shutdown! Authorization MC005!}

<DWN-011 is now Offline.>

<DWN-012 is now Offline.>

<DWN-013 is now Offline.>

<DWN-018 is now Offline.>

<DWN-019 is now Offline.>

<DCN-000 is now Offline.>

<DCN-003 is now Offline.>

<DCN-007 is now Offline.>

<DCN-008 is now Offline.>

<CSU-001 is now Offline.>

>ERROR: DLN-000 CANNOT BE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT DAMAGE TO SYSTEM.

>Internal Database ALERT: 06.30.20XX MEMORY DATA HAS GENERATED NEW PRIMAL ANALYSIS NEXUS:  DATA CANNOT BE ISOLATED UNTIL UPDATE IS COMPLETED. ALL SHUT DOWN PROCEDURES MUST BE PERFORMED MANUALLY BY AN ADMIN.

<DLN-000 is still in Maintenance Mode.>

Will: (Cardinal...)

[There’s a noise as a door opens and Mikhail walks in. He’s still in his pajamas, though he’s somewhat soaked from Cryo’s wake-up call.

He DOES look significantly better—apparently Felix’s Cure spells had really, really helped do him some good.]

Mikhail: {Where is Alnico?}

Will: At--

Will: At the Prison--

Will: With Soi and Call--

Mikhail: -Pinches the bridge of his nose- {I’ll—}

“No.”

Will: --!

Felix: No you won’t, Doctor.

Felix: For one thing, I don’t recall Master Desmond releasing you.

Mikhail: —…

Felix: And for another… now that you’re awake, if you insist on being awake and not taking more rest…

Felix: It should be to tend to some patients. Jaden sustained significant heat damage, and Carlos was injured by a fracture in time.

Felix: Now either go rest or go heal and THEN rest, because you aren’t leaving the building.

Felix: Neither are you, Master White, so don’t even try.

Felix: Lady Minerva called while you were out, said something about fencing championships and Master Battalion—she seemed to imply you would know what she meant by such a vague message?

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: ({What does Bat have to do with fencing, I don’t get it—}) -Clearly confused-

Will: (Fencing championsh--)

Will: -Pales-

Will: (Oooooooohdearlord--)

Will: I...

Will: -Swallows-

Will: ...I see...

Mikhail: …Will? Are you alright?

Felix: He was just in the midst of a very stressful fight, so no, he needs rest, too.

Felix: Both of you stay here, I will retrieve the others.

Will: -Um, okay, okay...-

Will: -I--I think I need to sit down, f-for a bit-

Will: (G-Greg--Greg I can handle, but--h-h-her--)

Will: (She can do s-so much worse--)

Mikhail: … Will?

Felix: … -Slightly concerned himself- She said not to worry about it, that she’d be coming over for tea by herself after the city was no longer a region of emergency.

Mikhail: What? Why?

Felix: She wants to see Cardinal, I believe. She didn’t elaborate much—even Master Desmond looked confused.

Will: (E-Erk--)

Mikhail: Will!

[He has his hands on Will’s shoulders again.]

Will: --!

Mikhail: Will, you should eat something: you look like you’re about to faint. Did you ever finish your breakfast?

Felix: Wasn’t that yesterday?

Mikhail: … -Puts a hand to his face- The last few days are running together…

Will: .......

Felix: -Shakes his head- I’m leaving for the prison.

Will: (......)

Will: (I'm running out of...time...)

Mikhail: How are you going to—

Felix: -Already walking off- The same way Jack did.

Felix: I’m taking a shortcut.

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 5C: DESOLATE HIGHWAY=

~AO v1.0~

(Courtesy of @limitbreakers)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{In the Meadow…}

[It was indeed a long day.

They had done what they could to stabilize the newcomers, though they eventually had to call Siam out of his room to make sure the injured fighters had been properly stabilized. Skull was left to take watch over one of them, while Digger went off on his own, seeming troubled.

By now, the news of FMN-009’s decision to pursue his older sister was well known, and some had gathered around a video feed to watch his progress. Skull had chosen not to.]

Skull: -Vents a soft sigh-

[The temperature had been increased much higher than usual, and there is a sound machine playing the ocean waves. Skull flicked at an iPad every so often, as it’s his turn to keep watch on the recovering Xelbots—Plume in person, and Landcrusher through remote camera observation.]

Skull: ({I would have thought that since Mic can fit in here, he could too, but… I suppose it was deemed he’d feel more comfortable among the earth and terrain rather than inside a lab.})

[He looked over at Plume again thoughtfully.]

Skull: ({I wonder whatever happened to the other gynoids? Father said there were survivors—AI&As, even… if only partially realized…. …I get the feeling he knows far more than he has told anyone else.}) … -Soft snort- ({Four is going to flip when he sees her. And Dyna, for that matter.})

Skull: … ({I think he’ll be terrified of Fighting Eight for other reasons, though. Mmm.})

[......]

[PING--!]

[IKN.1 IS NOW ONLINE.]

Plume: Mmmn...

Plume: --?

Plume: (Ow…)

Skull: …!

Skull: Ah… Good afternoon. Welcome to the Meadow lab.

Plume: ....

Plume: -Abstract, confused data--

Plume: {Lab...?}

Plume: {Where...}

Plume: -Ow, whyyyyy does everything hurt--

Plume: {I....}

Skull: You have been injured. You were brought here to recover. It is safe here.

Plume: {--But--}

[Eyes furrow as she tried to sift through blank memories...]

Plume: {I don't...remember being hurt...}

Plume: {...B...Brother--where is...?}

Plume: {Is he here...?}

Skull: (She seems to be searching for someone…) There was one other brought here also--the two that brought you here are gone, however.

Plume: {P...Pine...?}

Plume: {No, wait, he...he's still on the island...isn't he...?}

Plume: -Is just--very confused, how did we get here, we were on the island, right--??-

Skull: -data for now, to bypass language-

Skull: -You were brought here upon request, that is all we know, really-

Skull: -We are a bit low on Xel, but more will arrive tonight. If you would like to eat, however, we can get you something?-

Skull: -Or juice or something-

Plume: -That...that would be nice...-

Plume: ({Request…})

————————

{Memories…}

[A cold rain. Sirens back and forth. Some sort of strange rip in the sky itself.]

“He will be back. And then, you will rest.”

[What a strange man… such a formidable design, but he was twirling pool rings…]

“All will be clear in… due time.”

[SANDA LABS, THE NEXT MORNING]

[After Beck’s return with Brandish at his side, the rest of the morning passed mercifully without event. True to their word, Fighting Mighty Numbers One and Six sent over breakfast for everyone—even the injured, who were still asleep.

Dr. Sanda (who had been forced to take a rest by his daughter) resumed repairs at once after breakfast was over. There were three patients to tend to—Brandish, Jack, and Carmen.

Brandish’s repairs proved to be mostly straightforward, as had the other Mighties: exhaustion and a low Xel count accounted for the majority of the trouble. Unlike the others, though, he also had sustained acid damage—and that was something that Dr. Cossack handled personally, as he had more insight into Shadow’s abilities and weaponry.

Jack, for his part, had sustained pretty heavy internal damage—including, but not limited to: damaged sensors, a broken transceiver, and internal Xel loss… all from hitting the tunnel face first at high speed. Luckily for him, his stance had been unsteady enough that he was mostly knocked back at the first impact, making it more of a glancing blow. Patching him up was a fairly straightforward affair, and one that Mikhail was able to handle mostly on his own, once Brandish had been seen to.

Carmen, on the other hand.

Her younger brother had made an understatement in his report of her injuries.

She had been battered by a large piece of flying debris at high speed, which would have taken out lesser constructs on the spot. There were minor irritations webbed all across her torso, where she had struggled against the fine wires that had bound her.

But all that paled in comparison to what had happened as a result of hitting the Alpha 1 Tunnel at 90+ mph.

The impact had split her radar dish and cracked her skull, and caused some of the thin wires to bite into her skin. The whiplash in falling to the hard surface she had been standing on had compounded the internal damage further. The shift into a civilian form had quite possibly saved her life—it had either stopped most of the Xel loss, or at least slowed it down.

Her father had been reluctant to allow her to stay under someone else’s care, but had to admit that she had sustained serious enough injuries that would make a sudden transfer a cause for concern. He turned most of his attention—when he wasn’t looking after Plume and Landcrusher—to learning more about timespace and different worlds.

This delighted Siam, who took advantage of the situation to completely lose himself in his research. He was no longer actively responding to anything less than a direct order or emergency alert… slightly to the annoyance of his older brothers.

As for Shadow…]

-Ping.-

[Sure enough, just as Dr. Cossack had predicted… it wasn’t long before he got back in contact with them.]

-Ping.-

[It would appear his contact of choice was none other than the leader of the Mighty Numbers: Pyro.]

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -Ping.-

[MN.1] //: --!!

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Shadow?

Shadow: ! -Sort of hunches his shoulders up, feeling suddenly embarrassed/shy-

[The raw data itself would seem to indicate that yes, it is Shadow, albeit not a very talkative one. Not that that’s anything new. More like a reversion, really.]

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Oh, thank goodness, you're alive--

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Are you alright?

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -This, it would seem, is a matter up for debate-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Wait what--

[REN.2] //: -And we can feel the amount of worried Data from Pyro- He is not injured, Number One.

[MN.1] //: --Your Highness?

[REN.2] //: Yes, hello. Shadow would like to speak with you about some...pressing issues.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > I am functioning, although whether or not that is a good thing is a matter of debate. -n-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -What--but of COURSE it's a good thing ugh not you TOO.-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > … -Wait what-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -What do you mean-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ....

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: It's...Seven.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -He is just...ngh, it hurts to see him like this, it wasn't his fault but he just...can't help but blame himself-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: .....

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -Data suggesting a soft sigh and closing eyes-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > Where do I even begin…? Even I do not know the full beginning, and much of what has happened as of late has been lost to me.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > I could not handle—I could not bear—could not take on the burden of such a heavy thing, and so new to me at the time…

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -Despair… was it despair? I cannot know, but that is the only thing I can guess…-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ......

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > For us, you ((pl.)) have always been that rare source of hope… for our world is all but darkness, save for a few who show kindness—but the world itself is dark and without mercy. There is no hope; one must live on without it, and be content with simple blessings of survival and family.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >But such is a darkness so great and terrible that any light that defies it becomes maddeningly precious, overwhelmingly so—if only one can ensure that light staves off the spread of such… suffering, such bleakness in the world—

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > To see the darkness in the one place you were determined not to let it pass…

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > … …It was too much for me. I had never known the loss of hope before, as I had never had it to begin with, until all of you. That loss was more than I knew how to handle, as my Emotions program… -Sigh- We are prone to stupor in times of great distress, but my system has yet to adjust and advance to the level of even very young constructs, for I have not had it very long.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > I suspect my brothers hoped I could speak with Sensei, to buy some time, but…

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > This time, he did not hear me, and I… -Trails off- …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …I did not really know—and even only vaguely understand—what was going on. I was simply… -…Data, we just had to get the swords away from him, and then, perhaps, we could talk or restrain and THEN talk, had to get the swords away-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -Nothing else mattered, I did not care about the anger or aggression, it simply did not matter, it just did not-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ....

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Shadow...

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ....

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Look, I...I'm not angry with you, or what you did--surprised, yes, but...

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > I very narrowly kept on going.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

“Remember… Cardinal is used to being hunted. And in our world, you DO not stop until you are dead.”

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >Such was my intention.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: .....

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Slow, drawn out breath.-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Which is why I am very glad it was narrowly and not the OTHER way around.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Still, if you didn't interfere at that moment...-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > … -If you say so… but personally this is troubling because it is not the first time that we have had to be talked down, this aggression is… very deep, it would seem-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …It was never my intention to destroy. No. … -But I was not bothered by inflicting incredible damage… it is hard to explain-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …I still do not understand why he did not leave right away.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >Why did they linger there? If Lady Sanda had placed him there, surely, she could also have called them away. Why did that not happen?

[MN.1 to DWN-24] //: --Xel Transfer onto a moving location is rather difficult enough--it actually took a bit before he could be transported safely. Call couldn't lock onto him fast enough, and I suspect Beck knew that...

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ...And thus he...he turned to seek aid from the one that was most like his brother.

Shadow: …!

Shadow: …

[…He seems…

…troubled, by that.]

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …But… when that did not happen, I gave him the amulet, as he stated his goal was to leave safely.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >And still, he did not leave. Why?

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ...Either he didn't want to leave you behind...

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Or he was too....

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: (...Too scared.)

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -Cautiously, as if he is wary—though whether of Pyro, Beck, or just in general is hard to say- If he had left, that would have… helped.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Perhaps...

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Data, you must remember that he is still young, Shadow, and all this is hard enough as it is...-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -With no gentleness or hesitation, being very up forward- Perhaps I may have reminded him of his guiding brother.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > He, too, reminded me of a brother.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: . . .

[DEATH WEARS B L U E]

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …I will not lie to you, Pyrogen. Now is not the time for niceties. This is important.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >He was not the Nine I remembered from before, Pyrogen. He has changed.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >And the change worries me VERY greatly.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >It was terrifying. I was certain he was going to kill me, Pyrogen!

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >When he did not leave like he claimed was his goal, what else was I to conclude in that moment, with ALL MY BROTHERS OFFLINE!?

[DEATH WEARS BLUE]

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Shadow--

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: He's not like HIM!

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -This is OUR brother, and the changes he's gone though so far are great--

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -But he WOULDN'T take a life because that isn't who he is and we would NOTICE if he was--

Pyro: (...turning into something like the Menace...)

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Ngh, the point IS that Beck isn't...-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -.....-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -He isn't the Menace.-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: . . . .

[Shadow seems to recoil and give off acerbic data at that response, but as Pyro calms, so does he. He then seems very worn out.]

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …Neither is Rock the Blue Menace, Pyrogen. Do you understand?

[Indeed. As had been explained before…]

((Profile pic here with the split screen showing the two sides to the Blue Bomber))

[…The Menace was a program separate from Rock’s Awareness.]

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: . . .

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >During and after the fight… acting like two different people, in a sense. That bothered me.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >To be so bold and… -…mmm, data, participant, almost… Almost Cardinal-like—-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …but then to become seemingly timid afterward.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >That change bothered me, though I could hardly coherently process why at the time.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …At the very least, it is not healthy at all.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >It was as if in the fight, he were a different PERSON.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >It could very well be that my delusion is the mad anxiety of a fugitive, for such could be expected. Things were already strained from the beginning, and all that has happened has reverted things not to that point, but even further back.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >It is… logical and possible that I have misunderstood… everything. …And I am willing to… admit to that.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >But I am warning you now, Master—if I were the head of the family in absentia, what I saw would have provoked me to withdraw everyone back home, where you ((pl.)) could not find us.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: . . .

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Sighs, very, very tired data-

Pyro: (...Dear God, they're...they're going to be terrified of Beck at this rate...)

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …I have not spoken to the others about this, nor have I connected to the database. For sanity’s sake I will have the incident encrypted, and possibly isolated from my next sleep cycle, to be withheld until the matter is further resolved.

[He seems suddenly bitter.]

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >For what else are the hunted to conclude, especially when they have acted above their station?

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: >We have made things worse, and it only proves to you all that we are not tame, nor shall we ever be safe for humanity.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > -What have I done, this cannot be—-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Shadow.

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > —…

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -For God's sake, Shadow--

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: Please come home.

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -It's going to be alright, just--PLEASE, come home.-

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > …I…

<DWN-024 to MNN-001>: > … -I will… come… home.-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: -Relief-

[MN.1 to DWN-024] //: ...Thank you.

[PING!]

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...Dr. Cossack?

<MC005 to MNN-001>: >Mmn?

<MC005 to MNN-001>: >Sorry, I was just talking with the Sanda twins about making a press release—thankfully, the Sixes stopped FMN-008 from showing up on any news cameras…

<MC005 to MNN-001>: >What is it?

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...It's Shadow.

[MN.1 to MC005] //: He is coming back. Soon. He contacted me.

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > …

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > -Slowly- …Well that is a good sign. It means he is no longer in an active Combat mode. He must have been with Father Cruz, to be able to reach that point so quickly.

<MC005 to MNN-001>: >He doesn’t say anything at all when in an active Combat mode, you see… -Absentminded- Ever. Which is why you all misinterpreted him when you saw it—that is unique, among all the others.

[MN.1 to MC005] //: I see...mmn...

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...Well...While I'm not sure where he is at the moment...

[MN.1 to MC005] //: He and I talked for a bit.

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...and he...brought up some very... very concerning matters...

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...Matters concerning Beck.

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > …

[He sighs.]

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > …Come speak to me in person. We need to talk.

[MN.1 to MC005] //: ...Yes, Doctor.

{Later…}

[Dr. Cossack was waiting in the kitchen, preparing some hot chocolate.

He looked better than he had previously, to be sure—he was improving, now that he was more in control of the situation.

But he still seemed distracted, and also perpetually tired.

There was a signal coming from one of his lab pockets that was slightly disorienting at first—he was actively jamming recording devices, other than Pyro’s own memory, of course.]

[Knock knock...]

[Moments later, the Mighty Leader stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He, too, looked equally as tired, and now even more so as he was plagued with turmoils of all that had transpired.]

[The fact that Dr. Cossack wanted to speak with him privately was even more worrisome...]

Pyro: Doctor...

[Mikhail looked up, blinking a bit as he came out of his thoughts. It took him a moment to remember, but then he set the mug aside, looking at it as he spoke.]

Mikhail: I will first tell you what I know, so that what I have observed will not be influenced by what he had to say.

[…This was a statement, not a request.

He folded his arms and pressed a thumb to his mouth as he spoke, his weary gaze glancing down—but his eyes glazing over, as if he were too tired to stare at the floor.]

Mikhail: I have seen a change in Mighty Nine’s behavior.

[..........]

[It was as Shadow said...]

Pyro: ......

Pyro: What...kind of...change...?

Mikhail: He has become very withdrawn—to the point where he showed no response to affection. That is very unlike him.

[He closed his eyes and sighed.]

Mikhail: I am beginning to suspect he may be dealing with some form of moderate depression.

Pyro: .......

Mikhail: He specifically asked me to make sure no one would see what he is doing. He seems to worry about their judgment. Combined with how he wouldn’t return affection from all of you…

Mikhail: I’m worried about him.

Pyro: .....

Pyro: (Beck...)

Mikhail: This… this sort of behavior is something I have seen before.

Mikhail: Mr. Light became very weary and lifeless by the end of his second round with his brothers, and has become… permanently withdrawn, I’m afraid.

Mikhail: He needs someone to talk to. He cannot continue internalizing this, or it will sink like poisoned snake fangs into his soul.

[...Pyrogen crosses his own arms and sighs into his chest, shutting his eyes tightly.]

[...Hearing it from Shadow was one thing, but from Cossack himself...the thought of his own little brother being anything other than himself was...]

Pyro: ...I can--

Mikhail: And what will you do when he tries to push you off with less than his usual effort at putting on a smile?

Mikhail: You cannot make him talk to you. And neither can I.

Pyro: --.....

Mikhail: He is coming into his own, now, Pyro, and very rapidly, at that.

Mikhail: He is no longer taking orders from you.

Mikhail: You do not have the authority you once did.

Pyro: . . .

Mikhail: So using that context will not make progress.

[The older gentleman looked up, a sympathetic and fatherly look in his eyes.]

Mikhail: I should like to speak to him, ere the hour grows late. We still have several to find, and… I think it is important that I talk to him before he finds Cardinal.

[He placed his hands behind his back and went over to look at a photograph.

It was from Beck’s birthday.

Everyone was smiling and laughing, in costume—you could practically feel the joy from the photo.]

Pyro: . . . .

[There were Snow, Kalinka, Beck, BB8.

There were Felix and Digger and Mic.]

[And in that corner, Skull and Shadow and Brand. And over there, Dyna and Tobias and Avi.]

[Pyro was cutting cake while Keltso handed out slices, Cryo was bouncing Echo like he was a dodgeball, Bat was talking with Nico, who was showing off my making some of the forks start hovering.]

[…]

[…And there they were, grinning shamelessly…]

[The two troublemakers, side by side.]

Pyro: (Those days...)

Pyro: ......

Pyro: (Shade...Cardinal...)

Mikhail: …

[He starts using sign language.]

Mikhail: “Tobias tried to stop Aviator from History Repeating. …His Awareness got shattered, and his interference has burned a deep scar into Six that will likely never fully heal—given that such a scar is still raw and red for the rest that carry those same memories.”

Mikhail: “Shadow tried to stop Brandish. He descended into Lethal Combat mode as the situation became more and more dire, and he suddenly found himself a Sole Survivor with his friend now clearly stronger and more resolved than he remembered before. His teacher tried to kill him, and he was close to cutting off Sev’s hands. He would not have stopped… were it not for the willpower and control that Brand himself had given him.”

[He stole a brief, pained rueful glance at Pyro.]

Mikhail: “Do you remember what was then said?”

Mikhail: -Speaks aloud- “It will not stop until EVERYTHING is gone.”

Mikhail: You do not remember, Pyro, because it was not you who said this. But back in the beginning, I tried to contact you. And I succeeded.

Mikhail: The response to my inquiry was a declaration that all must end in fire.

[…He’s fidgeting with his hands as he says this.]

Pyro: I...

Pyro: (I...I said...)

Pyro: I...

Pyro: ...I'm sorry... (Dear lord just--just how MAD was I, when...when I KNOW that...!)

[Cossack’s expression softened, and he walked over, lifting Pyro’s chin up a bit.]

Mikhail: …I understand, Pyrogen. …I’m not holding it against you.

Mikhail: But it is one of a string of occurrences in a troubling trend lately.

Mikhail: Every time we seek to interfere… it is almost like the matter is made worse. That is exactly why I had tried so hard to prevent it, to begin with. Tobias was an incident that could not have been foreseen very well, since we didn’t know what was going on…

Mikhail: With Shadow, we knew something like that would happen. …But I’d never seen most of those abilities before. I did not realize he could shadow walk…

Mikhail: If that has happened so far…

[He looks over at the photo gravely.]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: …I can keep the others in line, but it is too late to prevent Cardinal from getting involved…

Mikhail: (With how bad it got between Shadow and Brand…)

Mikhail: (If those two find each other, how much /worse/ will it get…?)

Mikhail: (Especially considering…)

Mikhail: (Cardinal has military level orders…)

Mikhail: … -Sighs and turns his back, grabbing his hot chocolate-

Pyro: . . .

Pyro: (Shade...where are you...)

Pyro: (Where are you hiding...)

Pyro: . . .

Mikhail: -Sips the hot chocolate quietly, relaxing- (Ahh… better…)

[He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs inwardly.]

Mikhail: …Pyro…

Mikhail: What did you make of Cardinal’s departure, and continued absence?

[His eyebrows furrowed in thought for a moment.]

Pyro: ...He...he SHOULD be here.

Pyro: ...I...this might be because I am an elder myself, but...

Pyro: I can't help but feel... angry ...at him just--just taking off like that, and with the scarce supplies you have as well.

Pyro: ....

Pyro: But then again...those two...

Pyro: They're practically the same, and I have no doubt Shade would have...done similarly for him.

Mikhail: … -Mutter- Well that certainly could be a problem in the future…

[He downed a larger gulp of his drink.]

Mikhail: I’ll explain more when I’m done with what I’m working on, but there’s something I want you to keep in mind, Pyro.

Mikhail: The reason Cardinal is as advanced as his brothers is because his system evolved to be that way over time. He was not born with such complexity.

Mikhail: It’s easy to forget with how much he is in command and control of himself and others…

Mikhail: But he is still a prototype, Pyrogen.

Mikhail: He took what he did to ensure his best chance of survival.

Pyro: .....

Mikhail: He left because his mind, body, and soul were all bent toward his mission.

[He drummed his fingers on the side of the mug.]

Mikhail: He had about as much say in the matter as Beck did… probably much less.

Mikhail: He is a military construct, my friend. And the nation is in turmoil.

Mikhail: There is a great deal more to this than what there seems… and that doesn’t just go for the side of the virus.

Mikhail: There are more than two players in this matter…

Pyro: .....

Mikhail: Now then.

Mikhail: What did Shadow say that troubled you so deeply? … … -Gently- You didn’t have to talk him out of…?

Pyro: No, no, no...

Pyro: It's...he, too, noticed that change in Beck and...

Pyro: ......

Pyro: I just...the way he put it just as how DLN-001 isn't The Menace...

Pyro: ...And--how Beck seemed as if a different person when fighting, it just...

Pyro: -...scared him, even.-

Mikhail: -Frowns- …

Pyro: (He isn't the Menace...)

Pyro: (He won't be, he won't...)

Mikhail: I’m a Doctor, not a mind reader, son.

Mikhail: Whatever is going on in the code is something only your father knows. And Lord knows the poor man is working with enough already.

Mikhail: He, too, has become withdrawn, and I think he’s been avoiding me.

Pyro: --.... (Father...?)

Mikhail: Which is why I’m inclined to think Beck’s behavior is due to depression, and not… something else—it’s mirroring your father’s behavior, and he has mimicked Will’s ways before without realizing it.

Pyro: ... (True...)

Pyro: -Sighs- Beck always did spend more time with Father after... (After I benched him...)

Mikhail: …I haven’t talked to Will because… I think that’s Soichiro’s prerogative, as a life-long friend. As strange as it sounds… -Gives a faint smile- It HAS still only been… about six months since we first met, you know.

Pyro: ...Only just been half a year... (Seems....longer than that...)

[He clasped his hand onto Pyro’s shoulder.]

Mikhail: From what I’ve been told about Beck’s coding, I don’t think you have to worry about another force of will growing inside him. He’s been handling infected Xel for days now—when he isn’t fighting or recovering, he’s cleaning more to help repair your siblings. We know that this coding is fast acting and very severe—if there really were a problem? It would have been obvious a long time ago. Coupled with the fact that he has the filter he does…

Mikhail: There’s a saying for that which goes back over two thousand years. “A house divided cannot stand.”

Mikhail: And just as the context in which it was first said—evil does not drive out evil. Only good can do that.

Pyro: (...A house divided...)

Mikhail: No, this trouble is of the heart, not the mind.

Mikhail: I’m going to ask Will if he’ll let Beck have a camping sleepover with Kalinka in the Meadow. Just for the night. He’ll be within reach if we get any news that requires his action—but barring that, it’ll do him good to rest his weary soul. To look at the stars in a peaceful night—to remember what it was to have peace and contentment, to feel again what it is he is fighting for.

Mikhail: -Long sip, peering over rim of mug- It’s hard enough on a soldier, but he’s a young civilian. He needs that, even if he denies it.

Mikhail: And Pyro…

Mikhail: I suggest you go to sleep.

Mikhail: I realize it’s only late afternoon, but you really do need the rest.

Pyro: ....

[Pyro nods in response.]

Pyro: (...That'll be good for him...yes...)

Pyro: ...Alright, Doctor...

Mikhail: Yes. Things will be alright…

————————————

{Later…}

[Shadow did indeed arrive, as promised—though it was more by letting Cossack know where he was so he could be teleported. The Russian Doctor spent several hours running some diagnostics and talking with the star-born ninja quietly, before the latter was finally able to relax and be at peace. Although he was offered a chance to stay in the Meadow, Shadow, for his part, had joined Mikhail and David at Sanda’s labs. He kept a watch in the emergency bay, which was sadly well attended.

There was Brandish, of course. Thankfully, his physical injuries were recovering smoothly—but he seemed dead to the world. It was almost as if he were choosing to sleep to avoid dealing with what had happened. Shadow had hoped to speak with him, but had contented himself with just kneeling on the floor nearby, letting his presence serve as some form of comfort.

Besides Brandish, there were also CDN-7037 and FMN-008: Dencerjack and Fighting Mighty Countershade (better known to most as Carmen). They had both sustained critical injuries, though the nature of these hadn’t been made clear to the solemn ninja. Jack was stable (if practically comatose), but the lady sniper was not faring so well. Shadow had been obliged to leave the lab several times for many long hours as Sanda worked on her repairs.

And that wasn’t all.

Off to the side, behind a strange looking barrier, lay another Number Eight: DLN-008—Wily’s favorite son… Tobias.

He had been placed in strict technological isolation, for many reasons. Avi’s health was one reason. Tobias’s sanity was another. There was also the safety of the lab and the general public to consider—Tobias was infamously impulsive and defiant, and not above using his powers for his own ends.

Dr. Cossack had declared that the wide-eyed idealist would have to be kept Offline until it was clear how the public would react to all that had happened, now that they could voice their opinion. He was advising Will, Sanda, and the rest on that matter even now, which is why Shadow had this time for a bit of quiet and rest.]

Shadow: -Vents a sigh- …

Shadow: -Looks back over at Brandish- …

Shadow: (Oh, Teacher… I am so glad I did not go further.)

Shadow: (…I just wish that I knew what I am going to say—)

[He became distracted when he heard some of the readers beeping in protest at sudden spikes.]

Shadow: …???

[He looked over in slight surprise at Fighting Mighty Eight—]

Shadow: (Is she…)

Shadow: (Is she… dreaming?)

-*-*-*-

[Whimpers. Terrified whimpers.

Rough jerking, leaning in close to whisper—a toxic kind of soothing tone, a gentle purr that held not an ounce of love or mercy.]

“Y’ain’t worth /nothin’/, you know. First yer stupid enough t’ piss us off, an’ then foolish enough to run away, where no one can hear ya scream.”

[Choking noises.]

“Shhh shhh shhh, worm~ Oh, you had so much t’ SAY before… too bad none of it was useful. Even worse for you that ya wouldn’t use that tongue a’ yers t’ sing like a lark ‘bout yer makers…. /Maybe/ Ah’d have let ya keep it, if ya had.”

[Whimpering.]

“Then again… probably not. You dared to touch her, you filth.”

[A click, followed by garbled screaming.]

“Not t’ mention ya sliced up that poor child. You nearly killed him, you understan’? He’s STILL suffering because a’ the likes of YOU.”

[Weak screaming.]

“Aw, don’t give up NOW, Sawblades~ Ya still got a bit a’ dance left in you, Ah’ can /tell/.”

[Incoherent pleading noises.]

“HEH. Now THAT’s what Ah’ like t’ hear. Heh heh…”

[More clicking and locking noises. The babbling becomes more desperate.]

“Doesn’t matter you don’t know me, worm. Ah’ know you, an’ that’s enough. You’re long overdue t’ dance the hangman’s jig—an’ Ah’ am SO tired a’ /waitin/ on orders while the likes of YOU are allowed to run free and cause pain in the meantime.”

[Terrified screeching—]

-KZAP!-

“…Heh heh. Goodnight, Bladeblaster. -Blows smoke away from rifle- Y’ain’t worth mah time t’ kill—haven’t deserved THAT mercy, nope~”

[Cackling nearby.]

“Though OTHERS… may have a /different/ opinion on the matter. Me? Ah’d just as soon ya go get healed so Ah’ can /do this AAALLLLLL over again. And again. For the rest of your miserable little life.~/”

[The click of heels. Far off ripping and snarfing noises.]

“But Ah’ guess we can’t have everything, now can we?~~”

-*-*-*-

[Carmen “wakes” up with a start.]

Carmen: -DATA, ALL THE DATA—- (BRAND. BRAAAAAAND—)

[AAAAND then she was SCREAMING over the feeds—]

<FMN-008>: > BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND—!!!

[ P I N G--!]

[It was as if someone had just flipped a switch. Dead to the world before--]

[MN.7 IS NOW ONLINE.]

[His eyes snapped open in an instant, and he quite literally fell off of his repair table in his effort to race to his sister's side--but once he did regain balance, he was quick to send soothing signals to calm her fears, pushing aside his own pained turmoil in favor of Carmen.]

[MN.7] //: -Shhh...shhh...I'm here, I'm here...-

[MN.7] //: -You are safe, just listen to me...-

[MN.7] //: -Listen to the song of the forest, of the northern winds blowing over a hidden koi pond...-

<FMN-008>: > -bRAND BRAND I THINK I KILLED SOMEBODY wai can’t I remember or sEE NOTHIN’—- -In almost literal hysterics, readings going wild-

<FMN-008>: > -We were threatening a breakdancer and tranquilized him and— and planning gifts for Jack and talkin’ to Pyro an’—-

[Wow, that’s pretty trippy data she’s giving off. She’s clearly not really remembering much of anything.]

[MN.7] //: --.....-

[MN.7] //: -Carmen--Carmen...-

[MN.7] //: -Shhh....-

[MN.7] //: -Shhhhhhhh we're here, we're here, it's alright, you are safe, home...-

[MN.7] //: -All will be well...trust us, just listen for now, listen to our voice...-

<FMN-008>: > -And we said we’d take a bath and eat all the tacos—and…-

Shadow: .-. (…She sounds like she has high fever. I have not heard anything so… surreal since one of the parishoners back at home in the children’s ward was on a particularly strong cold medicine…)

<FMN-008>: > -…And…-

[She’s calming down quite a lot, seeming just… out of it, rather than panicked.]

<FMN-008>: > -And… Avi was making bad puns… and I made Clint laugh…-

[MN.7] //: -Shhh.......-

[MN.7] //: -Just stop and listen...listen to the rustling of leaves and peaceful winds...-

[MN.7] //: -Calm, soothing data, nothing can hurt you, just think of a soft, burbling brook in a far away forest, where fireflies twinkle in the twilight and the grass blows with the eastern wind...-

<FMN-008>: > -And there were…-

<FMN-008>: > -…were…-

<FMN-008>: > …

[It takes a few minutes, but she does eventually calm down enough to pass out again.]

Carmen: Zzz…

Brand: . . .

[MN.7] //: .....

[MN.7] //: -Siiigh-

[MN.7] //: -You're safe...-

Brand: Carmen...

[His head bows in both worry and relief, although the latter emotion does not last for long.]

Shadow: … -And now we are concerned for Sensei, he kinda fell off the bed onto his face-

Shadow: …

<DWN-024>: > … -Softest of data signals, we are here-

[Brand ever so gently lifts his head, but that is all he does.]

[There is a long silence as Brandish looks over Carmen, the only visible sign of his pain in his dulled, icy blue optics.]

Brand: . . . .

Shadow: …

[....Brandish's hands slowly reach up to unlatch his chin guard, and the mask bandages that are underneath.]

[...The helmet comes off soon after.]

Shadow: …?

Shadow: (Wha…? What is he doing?)

Brand: ......

[A very heavy sigh escapes him, long and sorrowful.]

Brand: ......

Brand: . . .

Brand: {If....}

Brand: {I had...only been...stronger....}

Brand: {Perhaps...}

Brand: . . .

Brand: -This is all my fault, isn't it...?-

<DWN-024>: > Sensei—

Brand: {If my will had been...stronger...}

Brand: {My sister wouldn't be like this, Jack wouldn't have been hurt, my brother wouldn't have to save me...}

Brand: {And you...wouldn't have had to put yourself in danger...}

Brand: . . . .

Shadow: (…I really do not like where this is going—)

Brand: {...This is my fault, is it not...?}

Brand: {If...if I had only just...}

Brand: .....

[Shadow kneels down. His hands are folded inside his sleeves.]

Shadow: -Broadcasting- “{We are so very grateful for your safe return. We missed you and worried so much.}”

Brand: . . . .

Brand: I....

[Brandish looks to the side in solemnity, unable to directly look in Shadow's direction.]

Brand: {...I'm sorry.}

[A hand moves to cover his face...]

Brand: {I tried...to tell you then...that I couldn't...}

Brand: {But...}

Shadow: … (This must be so hard for them. They have not lived in our kind of world….)

Brand: {I couldn't...fight it...hard enough...}

Brand: {Those voices...}

Brand: {Such...rage...}

Brand: {...I...don't...}

Brand: {I don't...deserve...}

Shadow: —?! (Most DEFINITELY do not like /where this is going!/)

Brand: {If I was not...strong enough to overcome that...darkness...and DRIVEN to turn my blades against those I have SWORN to defend--}

Brand: {What USE am I?}

Shadow: SENSEI!

[Shadow didn’t wait, this time.]

Shadow: {I started this life by horrifically murdering my own brother, and putting my father in the hospital.}

Shadow: {Since then, I have attacked almost any that approached me-- including many brothers, and nearly yourself, Pyrogen, and Countershade as well.}

Shadow: {If Doctor Cossack had not stopped us, I would also have been part of the death of Greater Dusk. I threatened poor Dencerjack— scared him to the point of groveling for mercy. On purpose.}

Shadow: {I… expected betrayal, warned so strongly against the only people that have ever made us so alive…}

Brand: --.......

Shadow: {Whatever honor I have ever had… I owe most of it to you.}

Shadow: {To YOU, Sensei!}

[Brand suddenly turns at this, and there is clear... surprise, for the most part.]

Shadow: {You and your family are the best thing that has ever happened to us!}

Shadow: {I promise you, Teacher—with how dark the world can be, and with how grave the danger that is posed—if it had not been for your guidance, there is a high chance I may have had killed again by this point in time. Our family leader was Offline, and division was growing deep between myself and the second-in-command. I was aggressive, and a threat to any that seemed a threat to me. Which was almost everyone.}

Brand: {...Shadow...}

Shadow: {You cannot allow this to undermine the light that has led for relative ages.}

Shadow: {Tell me, Sensei—do you consider the Cossack Numbers to have use? To have honor?}

Brand: ......

Brand: {...I...feel as they are protectors...of a sort...}

Brand: (...Which, of course...of their father, and their sister...)

Brand: {...I do think highly of them...if it was not for Skull, in fact...}

Shadow: {They have been forced unto a darkness which made the world tremble in fear of poison and fire.}

Shadow: {Does this mean they are no longer worthy to live in the world, even though their minds are now their own?}

Brand: --.......

Brand: {I....}

[Seven seems to plunge into deep thought at his pupil's argument, eyes flickering this way and that, but never on him.]

Brand: . . . .

Brand: -...N-no...-

Shadow: {Then why should it be different for you?! There is no sense in such a judgment, Sensei!}

Shadow: {You deem yourself responsible for the actions of another. If the will of one mind makes the victim to blame, where does that place your family, Sensei?}

Shadow: {Do you not remember what it was that the Eldest said to you about this?!}

Brand: . . . .

Brand: {....But I still... failed ...despite his warnings...}

Brand: {....I couldn't...stop it.}

Shadow: {Teacher. You fought. We. We are not even strong enough to fight.}

Brand: . . . .

Brand: {You all fight in your own way.}

Brand: . . .

Brand: {But I...know what you mean.}

Brand: . . .

Shadow: …

Shadow: -Turning head slightly, data showing a bit of anxiety and confusion as he speaks hesitantly- {Do you…?}

Brand: ....?

[His eyes flicker in something akin to… fear?]

Shadow: {I… was not even thinking of an alternative, Sensei….}

Brand: ......

Shadow: {I wanted—no… I was driven to keep going, to keep going until my objective was filled, until I stopped you from using your swords…}

Brand: .......

<DWN-024>: > -…would have kept going, stronger and stronger, if I had not been stopped—-

<DWN-024>: > -I was this close to making an attempt of cutting your hands off, I WOULD have if Beck had not stopped me from becoming…-

Shadow: (…becoming another one of Doctor Wily’s cruelty-filled monsters…)

Brand: . . .

[He’s rather hunched up on himself now with how low he has bowed his head, almost with his face on the ground in prostration.]

Shadow: -We have wronged you and your brother, deeply, among the many others-

Shadow: -We have acted when it was not our place, and without consideration-

Shadow: -And I say WE because I am not the only one involved in the situation as a whole, though this particular instance is mine to blame alone-

Shadow: … -Unless you count that everyone else thought it would be a good idea to leave me to speak with you alone, with no context and the rest of them Offline- >__>; (Siam…)

Shadow: -NOT HIS SMARTEST OF IDEAS-

Brand: ......

[Brandish takes a seat on the floor, flicking his gaze at Carmen for a moment before he did so.]

Brand: .....

<DWN-024>: >I thought…

<DWN-024>: >I did not understand…. I thought… I thought he had…

<DWN-024>: > And all of my brothers were OffLINE, what else was I to [color=blue]think—[/color]

Brand: .....

Brand: That...is not your fault...

Brand: ...Nor...is it that...you interfered...

Brand: {...If you had not, I fear that what I might have done to my brother would have been far far worse.}

Shadow: —…

Shadow: -But we nearly stabbed your hands off—- -STILL A LITTLE DISTURBED HOW BRUTAL HE WAS HEADING-

Shadow: -And then we ran away, like a coward-

Brand: ......

Brand: For us...hands can be replaced.

Brand: ....I don't blame you, Shadow.

Brand: Under the circumstances...no, not at all.

Brand: ...The fact that you had not resorted to it--it shows how much you have progressed, no?

[Shadow shifts his weight slightly, as if he thought of lifting up his head but decided against it.]

Brand: ....

Brand: This darkness...that I had felt...

Brand: It is unmerciful, and it will stop at nothing until all is ash.

Brand: ...And thus it reflects in the darker parts of us, as well, in the darkness in all of us.

Brand: ......

Brand: {...I do not know why it is...this way.}

Brand: {But we...}

Brand: {We...must not falter against it.}

Brand: ....

Brand: {Not now....}

Brand: {Not while we still function.}

Brand: .....

Brand: ...Shadow...

Brand: ...I...have not taken many pupils, aside from my brother.

Brand: ...But you have been one of the best I have ever had the honor of teaching.

Shadow: … -Lifts his head slightly-

Brand: ....

Brand: If...only my own Sensei still walked this earth...

Brand: ...He would have liked you, I think.

Shadow: -Straightens up at this, his gaze distant as he thinks this over- …

Brand: ....

Brand: -...We...we would...still like to teach you, if you still see us fit to do so-

[Shadow looked up in surprise.]

Shadow: -Data, we thought we would be dismissed at best after what happened-

Brand: ......Shadow...

Brand: Who else would I have to teach if not you?

Brand: ......

Brand: ... -that and, admittedly, you are the only one that doesn't fall asleep right away when in meditation.-

[Okay, that makes Shadow snort, and the tension leaves his frame loosely.

Then he sighs and shakes his head.]

Shadow: …I would be honored.

Brand: ...

[Some relief finds it's way to his face, and he nods.]

Brand: ...Thank you.

Brand: .......

Brand: ....Do you...know where Beck is, right now...?

Shadow: …I… I do not know. He was here, but he left before I arrived.

Brand: . . . .

Shadow: After my own diagnostic tests, the Doctors left to discuss something about the data from you with Mr. Seiji and Avi.

Shadow: … -We are not sure WHICH Avi, though-

Shadow: -There are now two of them hovering about-

Shadow: At least your brother is somewhat recovered from the terrible punishment… -Looks over at Tobias with a weary expression- Though I fear it shall never fully leave him. Six has looked into our soul and seen the fathoms of deep suffering…

Brand: --...A-Avi....

Brand: (Nii-san...)

Brand: . . . .

[Shadow now seems panged with sorrow.]

Shadow: We wanted so… we tried so hard… to prevent such a thing….

Shadow: (If only we had not… if only we had not chosen to step aside, but had pursued investigation…. Could… could we have prevented this…?)

Shadow: Wherever we have sought to interfere, great suffering has been left in the wake.

Shadow: …

Shadow: -Darkly- And it is not even over.

Brand: .......

Shadow: There are three that remain to be found, Brandish. There are still three who are missing.

Shadow: Tobias is locked in shadows, held in a slumber ’til the fate of this future is known, for he has already shattered his mind…

Shadow: I shall submit myself, come what may—I, too, shall no longer interfere.

Brand: (Shadow…)

Shadow: The others are not so inclined, for they have seen and they must—they must obey and withstand the lockdown enforced by the Doctors.

Brandish: ….

Shadow: …All, that is. But for one.

Shadow: Three are missing, Mighty blades…

Shadow: Two of your elders.

Shadow: And a younger.

Brand: —!

Brand: N...no...

Brand: (Shade--!)

[...But if he was missing as well....]

[Then that means...]

Brand: ...Cardinal...

Brand: He is…

Shadow: Gone.

Shadow: With everything the lab had to offer.

Shadow: Power Capsules.

Shadow: E-Tanks.

Shadow: Experimental prototypes similar to E-Tanks.

Shadow: My light cycle.

Shadow: Tobias’s radio.

Shadow: Jazz.

Shadow: All gone.

Brand: {It can't be--has...has he gone mad--?!}

Brand: (Shade...who knows what sort of state of mind he is in, and...with Cardinal out there--!)

Shadow: -Looks out of the corner of his eyes- {A lot of people asked the same question. But it is not so simple as that. He remains compelled as much as I—as much as I had been, but with clear intent and purpose.}

Shadow: {He knows very well what may lay ahead. He actually said so, in the final words before he left.}

Shadow: “John 15:13”.

Brand: --.....

Brand: "...No...greater love than this...."

Brand: (Cardinal....)

Brand: . . . .

Brand: {Mngh...we can't let them find each other...}

Brand: (But they are BOTH masters of staying 'off the grid...')

Brand: (What if...?!)

Brand: (What if they end up KILLING each other--?!)

Brand: . . .

Brand: (Shade....)

Brand: (Where are you, brother...?)

Brand: (What are you doing...?)

{Meanwhile…}

[Having acquired another sample of the virus, Will was eager to begin his analysis in order to combat it--the sooner he could figure out how it worked, the faster this could all be resolved.]

[..But before that could happen, there were a few pressing matters that had to be addressed first...]

Call: Transferring Assimilation data to your terminal, Professor.

White: If you can, please start running the proper analysis programs, Call...I'll oversee them after this...

Call: Yes, Professor. Running...

[Sanda was busy speaking with his brother Seijiro--along with Aviator, and going over the footage from Brand's rescue as well as the others....to what end, Will could guess it was rather important.]

Will: ....?

Will: Mikhail?

[...What was he doing?]

[He had recommended the meeting in the first place, but he no longer seemed focused on the conversation. He was intently reviewing something on a different screen, extremely focused on his task.

It took a moment before he responded—without looking up.]

Mikhail: Yes?

Will: Is...is there something wrong?

[...He seemed...distracted.]

Mikhail: Mmm. Maybe. It depends on the source… (If it is what I think it is… then that’s still potentially trouble, but at least not the malicious kind…) Someone has been poking around in the RobotMaster Database.

Will: --??

Will: W...What? Who--?

Mikhail: Well, it was accessed from an actual computer, so it doesn’t leave the same clarity of key logging as if a construct had accessed directly. I have a theory, based on how little was touched.

[He turned to look directly at Will.]

Mikhail: I think it may have been Cardinal.

Will: --!

Will: ....But...why? What did he need from the Database? (Status updates--?)

Mikhail: Information. It seems that the first status update after the servers reconnected was looked over—that would be the current state for all of the DCNs, DWNs, and MNNs. That is the only thing that was looked over.

Will: Ah... (So he knows how everyone is...doing, more or less...)

Mikhail: I’ve been having my sons look over the data and follow the trail. If we’re lucky, we may learn where the information was accessed.

Will: ...I see... (I can only hope it was him...)

[Mikhail sighed, removing his glasses and closing his eyes.]

Mikhail: I’d have Tobias look into it… were it not for the fact that he remains very… precarious. I can’t bring him back Online at this point. Not until we know how the public will handle this.

Mikhail: He already blames himself for the state of affairs in our world. Should it repeat again… (I fear that will break his mind.)

Will: . . . .

Will: I....I'm not very sure how the public will...

Will: ........

Mikhail: Well… I gave what advice I could from my own experience. I know a thing or two about mitigating damage caused by international panic…

[He scowled at this, rubbing at his (gloved) hands absentmindedly.

After “the Russian incident” had been prevented from reaching a nuclear tipping point, Dr. Cossack had still been a person of interest in the case and was under the very real threat of being put to death due to his “involvement”. It was nothing short of a miracle that not only had he been spared the death penalty out of retribution, but he had also managed to have his name cleared beyond doubt.

If anyone would know what sort of thing to say, it would be him.

But the experience weighed heavily on him, and he did still blame himself to some degree for things that had happened—and beyond that, he also carried a troubling defensiveness for those that really HAD gone mad—like Wily, and Blackwell.

That had been a point of slight contention that may have become deeper… had Avi not interrupted it at the start, and the both of them been busy with other things after they regained contact.]

Will: ......

[Will knew all too well--or maybe not enough... of what Mikhail and his family had to endure during the Russian incident.]

[...Hopefully...something like that won't happen this time--the virus seemed to be centralized to only the United States and it's surrounding territories...]

[...But if it ever found it's way to other countries...]

Mikhail: Now that people are talking freely, you’ll need to make a press statement. I wanted to be more involved, but… -Sighs- I have a lot on my mind, and a LOT of work to do. I gave my input, and then left the Sandas and Avi to the details…

[...Ah, so that's what they were discussing...]

Will: .....Mikhail...

[Will places a hand on his shoulder, and a smile--it's a bit tired, but well meant all the same.]

Will: ...We'll get through this.

Will: --With six virus samples, I feel I have enough data to finally make sense of it's coding, at least.

Will: (Perhaps even make a breakthrough...)

Will: I...I just need time.

Mikhail: …I… I know. …I wish I could help you more, but I don’t know enough to be helpful and there’s no time to teach me…

Will: ...It's fine. I can handle this, Mikhail. Call's running the programs as we speak, and--

[ P I N G ! ]

Mikhail: ?

Will: ...Huh--?

[CDN.7037 IS NOW ONLINE.]

Will: ...!! It's Jack...!

Mikhail: ! Already?

[He switched the display to the lab camera.]

[......]

[CDN.7037] //: Mnnngh....ow....

[Jack was slowly coming to, shifting this way and that on his repair table--his eyes blink several times, adjusting to the sudden bright lights of the lab.]

[CDN.7037] //: Mmuh...?

[CDN.7037] //: Where...ow...

Mikhail: I better go down to talk to him…

<MC005 to CDN-7037>: >Hold still, Dencerjack. I’ll be right down.

Will: .....

[CDN.7037] //: Huh...?

[He leaves abruptly, leaving the camera on so that Will can watch if he wants.]

{Lab}

[Mikhail walked in to find Shadow apparently meditating next to Brand—who was either meditating or resting, it was hard to tell. Carmen was still asleep, though her readings remained a bit fitful.

Jack looked veeeeery disoriented.]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Turns the lights down, he’s used to working in low light, he was just working on Anubis after all-

Jack: ...-blink blink-

Jack: ....Ngh... (So sore...)

Jack: (Ugh, I felt like I got hit by a truck...)

Mikhail: It’s alright, Jack. You’re safe. Try not to exert yourself too much right now. You’ve really been put through the wringer.

Jack: ...Nh...

[Jack's optics struggle to adjust--but when they finally do, he focuses on the Doctor.]

Jack: ...?

Jack: H...Hey, you're...

Jack: (Is that the Russian Doc Bird guy told me about...?)

Jack: ....Dr...Cossack...?

Jack: (....Wait am I in RUSSIA??)

Mikhail: Yes. I came over to help.

Jack: --...O...Oh...

[He doesn't attempt to sit up right away--his head felt very foggy, as if he had awoken from some long dream...]

Jack: Mnngh...

Jack: H...Here...?

Mikhail: We’re at Dr. White’s lab at the moment. Though as soon as you’re stable, I should like to move you both to the Meadow.

Jack: White....

[White....Lab...stable...]

[...Both.]

Jack: --!!

[Suddenly he BOLTS upright--]

Jack: Miss Eight--

[Carmen tosses and turns a bit before trying to sit up.]

Carmen: -oH GOD I’M LATE FOR WORK—-

Jack: --!

Shadow: -Opens his eyes- ._.?

Brand: --!!

Carmen: -GLITCH I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING WHERE AM I I NEED TO GET TO ENGLAND-

Brand: --England--?

Jack: --....!

[Did...did she still think he was...?]

Carmen: -YES England, gotta keep him safe from Cracker goons and snake brats—-

Jack: M...Miss Eight...

[CDN.7037] //: -Ping- -Hey--hey it's Okay, we're here--we're here--

[This gives her pause, though she’s clearly very disoriented.]

Carmen: …???

Mikhail: I’m sorry, Jack. Her transceiver is still slightly broken, so it may take a moment for her to respond….

Carmen: … Job? -Wha…-

Jack: Uh...

Brand: -...Even I am at a loss how to explain this...-

Jack: ......

[And then it clicks for her.]

Carmen: -Wait, that is Jack’s signal, okay-

Carmen: -Oh and Brand is helping, hi Brand, thank you kindly—-

[This placates her, and she lays down again.]

Brand: . . .

Jack: Uh...yeah...yeah, It's me. I'm okay, Miss Eight. (Mostly...)

Carmen: … -Eeeeverything is okay, then, sounds good—-

<FMN-008 has entered Deep Sleep mode.>

Shadow: .-.

Jack: . . . .

Shadow: …What happened to her? .____.;

Jack: Uh...it's...a long story...

Brand: .....-siiiighs-

Mikhail: She hit a wall going very fast. Think Twelve level of fast.

Shadow: -OW.-

Mikhail: As did you, Jack, so please, lay down.

Jack: ...Yeah...I did, now I remember... But...

[He looks over at her, and sighs deeply, letting himself fall back into the cushioned table.]

Jack: ...She got the worse end of it...

Mikhail: That is to be expected. She’s taller and heavier than you are. Though I wouldn’t bring up the latter if I were you. -Slight smile-

Jack: ...Eheh...yeah, she'd maim me a lil...

Jack: .....

Jack: She's...she needs to sleep that off, right? She's gonna be okay?

Mikhail: She’ll be asleep for quite some time. -Nods at Brand- She’ll become stable soon enough, with the both of you here. She will heal, yes. It just will take a little while.

[...This seems to get Jack to relax, some tension leaving his frame.]

Jack: .... Okay....

Jack: Yeah...I...I can do that. Be right here.

Jack: (...Wow...)

Jack: (...I actually did it...)

Jack: (...Well--not me, but the kid...)

Brand: .......

Brand: That DOES raise a few questions, however.

Brand: You ARE supposed to be in England--how did you...?

Shadow: …

Shadow: I wonder what she was going to tell us.

Mikhail: …Beg pardon?

Shadow: Her memory—whether from injury, illness, or both—seems to terminate shortly after the finals. She had contacted Master Pyro briefly saying she had important information to share. It was the last we heard of her, for all the communications went down.

Jack: .....

Jack: Wait....

[Mikhail holds up a hand.]

Mikhail: …Perhaps we had better start from the beginning.

[He goes over to the computer and types as he speaks.]

Mikhail: The beginning from this end being the first memory entry for you, Jack—invalid timastamp or no, it was important…

<MC005 to MNN-001>: > Jack is awake and we are about to learn something important, I think. I’m patching you through to listen.

[He turned around, crossing his fingers.]

Mikhail: You rebelled against Bladeblaster at that point. It’s not hard to see why in hindsight, of course, but at the time it sparked a great deal of curiosity.

Mikhail: That entered you into the RMDC as a positive entry, which was very unusual and very fortunate for you, Jack. When we had the meeting regarding the match for the finals, Cardinal and I spoke up in your favor because of that.

Jack: .....Really...?

Jack: (...Oh, yeah, Double Dude told me about that, I think...)

Mikhail: Yes. The finals themselves have been rehashed plenty, and I hardly wish to discuss them in great length again. But there are four important details to note from it.

Mikhail: First, that Tobias was very badly injured in public after forcing his way through. This made him and his family very fearful of what would become of them.

Mikhail: Second, the matter of the crosses. It was of such dark importance that even Lord Felix decided to look into the matter personally. I have recently learned that he was handling the closest material to the crosses that he knew of—which is probably why he got so sick and is still sleeping.

Mikhail: Third… FMN-008 was convinced that you were in danger because you had rebelled. She insisted on keeping a personal watch on the matter. She was very focused in the investigation in the fourth point, and very committed to the whole ordeal, treating it like an assigned protection detail.

Mikhail: For the fourth point….

Mikhail: We know that CherryDyn is involved to this to some degree. This has been proven. And we also know that you were taken advantage of, and forced to remain silent.

Jack: . . . .

Mikhail: This displeased everyone, but she had a very personal interest in the matter.

Mikhail: I can’t help but think it has something to do with her own past—and there are only so many unknown things that would make her so aggressively focused on such a matter…

Jack: ..... (Miss Eight...?)

[Another glance.]

Jack: ......

Mikhail: We know that you two were in contact just before all contact was lost until things were already unraveling.

Mikhail: She wanted to ascertain the situation to see how much danger you were in, and learn more about why this had all been set into motion, and how deep the involvement went. In this context, she mentioned that she had something important to share. She was still talking with you at that point.

Mikhail: That’s where our knowledge ends. If you feel up to it, filling in the blanks from there would be helpful, 7037.

Jack: ....Yeah...yeah, I get what you're driving at now...

[Breathe...]

Jack: .......I guess I should start with what I told Miss Eight then...

Jack: ...I...think she wanted to know what happened to Blade after the whole Finals disaster happened, first off....

Jack: I told her that his core might have gotten shipped off back to be rebuilt.

Jack: ...And--oh, yeah, she asked me how I got tangled up with Greater Dusk in the first place...

Jack: And if I was in debt or something...

Jack: ...But, anyway, basically what happened was I punched a guy, gave him a nosebleed and Blade was...impressed since I was just a Civvie then.

Shadow: …???

Shadow: -That is so confusing with no context, but more on that later, I suppose?-

Jack: --Look, the point is--

Jack: ...I think the reason--or PART of it, anyway...I think Blade just picked me off of the street just like that for the team was cuz...

Jack: ...We were both CDN units.

Mikhail: -Russian- {What.}

Shadow: -Japanese- {What?}

Jack: ...Yeah. I...I don't know his CDN serial--but he HAD to be one of the newer models...

Jack: I found out when he signed off something once--I only got to see the CDN part--not the number.

Jack: ....But...yeah. He was a Cherry...

Jack: I...kinda wanted to bring it up with him...would explain why he used GDN.L...

Jack: ....But...ya know. Blade wasn't real nice.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: …Siam mentioned you said Blade was deceased… -Looks over at Carmen-

Jack: . . .

Jack: ....Y...Yeah.

Jack: ........

Jack: -balls up hands into fists-

Jack: ....He...he's gone.

Mikhail: … (He was involved with CherryDyn. She STILL wanted answers.)

Mikhail: (I am now almost certain she was involved.)

Mikhail: (Oh dear…)

Jack: .....Blade was always a chass.

Jack: ....Real secretive too. Especially when the Queen's tournament rolled around, wouldn't let anyone near his room or touch his stuff.

Jack: (I KNEW something was up...)

Jack: ....

Jack: I remember when we got those... things.

Shadow: Out of curiosity. Was that before or after the tournament started?

Jack: ...Before...

_________________

"What the hell is this--"

"It's our ticket to fame and fortune, Den--congrats, maybe NOW you won't be so damn pathetic out there."

"Wha--but--"

"Put it ON."

"I....o-okay..."

"And don't lose it, or I swear to FRAG, I'll make your glitching chass feel a whole new dimension of PAIN, got it?"

"I...s-sure, Boss, I'll...I'll wear it..."

__________________________

[Mikhail still seems lost in calculating thought. Shadow, however, clearly has something else on his mind, but is refraining from asking.

Carmen stirs slightly in her sleep in discomfort, giving off waves of irritation and a dominant demeanor before settling back into deeper rest.

After a moment, however, Mikhail comes out of his reverie.]

Mikhail: Master Brand.

Brand: ....Yes?

Mikhail: For the sake of letting Jack rest as much as possible, I shall summarize the answer to your question.

Mikhail: Dencerjack was contacted by Cardinal after Avi got stunned from his fusion with Tobias.

Brand: --!!

Shadow: What? -This is news to him-

Jack: Yeah. From KC. He told me to go to the Meadow when I got the chance...

Mikhail: From there, if you enter the Wilderness, you can enter any world if the willpower is strong enough. He must have used that as a way to re-enter the States. Am I correct?

Jack: Yup.

Jack: ....I ended up in Seattle.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: My sympathies. >__>

Jack: Doc...you got NO idea.

Mikhail: Enlighten me.

Jack: Long story short, Crazy fire chick, Space Needle, saved tourists and a baby, Landcrusher, and about a few days of nonstop swinging and driving?

Brand: ....

Brand: What?

[Mikhail does a SEVERE double take.]

Mikhail: …You encountered IKN-001? And Landcrusher?

Jack: Encountered?

Jack: Dude she tried to FRY ME UP.

Jack: And don't even get me STARTED on LD, man, those two went AT IT.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: They’re both in the Meadow recovering right now.

Jack: --Wha--

Jack: Wait, but--

Mikhail: FMN-009 brought them in rather suddenly before going off to rescue you ((pl.)). He had given them a thorough detox.

Mikhail: I suspect time warps were involved. (…And Metalman, somehow, for whatever reason…)

Jack: --!

Jack: So that green light was...!

Jack: Jeez...and he calls me the superhero...

Shadow: …What did Cardinal talk to you about? </subtext: why you>

Jack: ...He wanted t' know more about the crosses.

Jack: ...And about Blade, too.

Mikhail: -SIGH- Of course he did…

Mikhail: He was likely hoping to either interrogate Bladeblaster himself regarding assassin hideouts, or else merely go to the one they had frequented together.

Jack: ....But Blade was already dead by then...

Jack: . . . .

Mikhail: Which is really rather unfortunate. Alas… still no leads on that end.

[He shakes his head.]

Mikhail: We have been working on analyzing the virus and preparing a statement.

Mikhail: … -Just lost in thought at the stakes-

Shadow: -Vents a sigh-

Shadow: …

Shadow: -WISTFULLY REMEMBERS THE TAGGING INCIDENT-

Shadow: (I would give nearly anything to have them both back and laughing now.)

Jack: .....Heh...Miss Eight told me about that...

Shadow: Mmm. It was very… them, to be sure.

Shadow: Doctor?

Mikhail: Hmm?

Shadow: …What are they going to say?

Mikhail: …The specifics? I’m not sure. But when we got the data from Brandish and Lady Countershade—but especially Brandish—there certainly was a great deal of enthusiasm.

Mikhail: I would ask Aviator about that if you want to know more, but we should hear and see for ourselves before too long.

Jack: Oh...well, I guess that's good news--I mean, once we all tell them what's going on...

Shadow: …

Shadow: I am sure it shall be.

Shadow: Aviator can talk his way out of most things, if he talks long enough. And he talks a lot.

Jack: ...Heh....I get it...

Brand: -...You tried.-

Shadow: -Humor and feelings are not my thing, oops-

Mikhail: -Smiles a little- For now, why don’t you all rest? We’ll wake you up if it’s something important. But for now, you should get some sleep.

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 1D: RAGING FLAMES SMOLDER=

~AO v1.0~

(Courtesy of @limitbreakers, @unluckyadept)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{BACK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM…}

Jack: .....

Jack: [Frag.]

[On the other side of the globe, a certain CDN was also on a solo mission on his own...

....Albeit with only half of a plan and only a few small details as to how exactly he was going to get back to the US of A. To find her.

[With MN.6 taking control of all airwaves and signals, simply teleporting there was out of the question. Most normal means of transportation would be very hard to get to at this point--without resorting to less moralistic means--and taking the long way would just take up way too much time...

With America quarantined, and with no easy way to contact anyone that could help him...

...Jack was running out of options.]

Jack: (OK, OK, just...think, Jack. Remember what the bird guy said...)

Jack: (He said that Miss Eight would go after people that did her wrong--that includes her brother, Seven--so I gotta find HIM first...but where the hell IS HE?)

Jack: (Plus, how the HECK am I gonna get to the States in the FIRST place? Nothing is working, no one's gonna listen, everything is SCREWY...)

Jack: (Think, you moron, think...)

Jack: ......

Jack: ......!!!!

"Head to the Meadow when you get the chance."

Jack: THAT place...!

Jack: Don't have any other options, anyway...

[A flutter of his trenchcoat and Jack's barrelling down the street with nothing but the clothes on his back.]

[........]

[In a distant dark alley, something long and metallic slinks away, its single red eye unblinking. It passes by an oozing pile of acid and green shrapnel, ignoring it entirely as it goes on its way.]

—————————————————————

{The Meadow}

[It doesn’t take long for Jack to arrive.

But he’s running so fast that he nearly runs right into the lab door.]

Jack: --!!!

[He--He did NOT expect that.]

[He manages to put on the breaks--but he still sort of bumps into the door hard enough to make a noticeable dent.]

[Within moments, someone opened the door, looking irritable.

…Except the same someone was also visible further back in the lab, looking confused.]

Jack: --!

Jack: ........

Jack: Um.

Siam: What are you doing raising a ruckus in the middle of the night.

Gemini: -Simultaneously, surprised- Jack?!

Jack: Hiiiiiiiii... -Waves meekly.-

Siam: Come inside before you wake the others up—

Gemini: We had just been calling you not too long ago! We weren’t sure what had become of you…

Jack: Okokok--

[Oops. Bird guy told him that these guys would call his landline or something--]

[Siam doesn’t really wait for an answer, more or less dragging Jack indoors.

There are numerous screens displaying schematics, blueprints, and massive amounts of data. There were several other Robot Masters hooked up to terminals, clearly in Sleep mode…

…though a few appeared to be Offline, including Snow and… Tobias…]

Jack: ......

[Jack put his hands in his pockets. The spark kid....]

[THIS was the guy that practically punched his ex boss in the face with a fistful of thunder.

And now he was basically down for the count.]

Jack: ..... -Exhales-

Siam: FMN-008 told us that she’d talked with you, and you had important information to share. What was she referring to?

Gemini: Are you alright? Do you need repairs?

Siamini: Where is she?

Jack: Nono, I'm fine--

Jack: ....

Jack: I...I don't know.

[This seems to break their attention span by making them both react with a mix of disappointment and acceptance.]

Siam: I had hoped…

Gemini: She’d talked more with you than anyone else, Siam: you were just the one most likely for her to contact to let you know she was alright…

[Gemini returns to his work at the terminal, while Siam starts going through some cabinets.]

Siam: Do you need answers, repairs, advice, a place to stay, some combination thereof, or neither?

Jack: ........

Jack: Uh. Well...

[Jack takes up a seat at one of the tables.]

Jack: .....

Jack: I...Actually came here to let you guys know some things, too.

Jack: ...About the crosses. And...

Jack: ......

[THIS gets their attention. They are alert, and communicating quite complex abstract data.]

Siam: We hope to Siamini: study Gemini: the code left behind when Siamini: the virus Gemini: infected our server and subsequently Siamini: the trail Siam: left behind when Siamini: Eight and Six Gemini: fused together.

Siam: Information on that could prove Siamini: highly Siam: valuable.

Gemini: …Although. You do deserve to know more of the full story behind what happened at the Siamini: finals… -Look(s) over at Tobias-

[He seems contemplative for a moment, and then he speaks up again.]

Siam: Whatever you have to say, I will likely turn my full attention to it.

Gemini: So it would be best to bring you up to task before that…

<DWN-019>: Thoughts?

Jack: ....

[....He did have questions of his own, yes...]

Jack: OK, alright...I guess that's cool.

[...He just hoped he was quick about it.]

[Gemini starts talking exclusively. The two of him suddenly look…

…emotionally tired.]

Gemini: From the start, you were entered into our databases positively. This is a rare thing, due to the nature of… our world, and the… paranoia that comes to those who live in fear.

Jack: (Rare, huh...)

Gemini: We did not understand why at the time, but the fact that it was was important—

Gemini: It meant you had done something to suggest you were not an enemy. Possibly even an ally. So… while our soul-brothers struggled on, we maintained insistence that they treat you gently, unless given absolute proof of reason to do otherwise.

Jack: .......

Jack: So, basically, you guys knew I wasn't a pain in the chass...

Gemini: Well…. You must understand, we were still very nervous. But what we’ve been put through…

[He shudders in unison.]

Gemini: We didn’t want anyone else to suffer that. And especially once David told us he’d seen you…. That let us know you were more like us. We wanted to help you out, but we couldn’t interfere. We did try to learn more, but it was no use. However. That changed on the day of the finals.

Jack: . . .

Gemini: Then. We knew for certain.

[A beat.]

Gemini: -Looks over at Tobias, venting a sigh- …Actually, we all went into Lethal at that point, not just Tobias.

Jack: ......Damn....

[If that happened then, he couldn't imagine what they were like when this all went down....]

Gemini: It was…

Siam: It was like seeing a brother die.

Gemini: My God help us, the cross-references…

Jack: . . .

Gemini: …Tobias always was the most like Father.

Siam: Cardinal, we were able to prevent because we were right next to him, but no one had been paying attention to Tobias….

Gemini: He’d blacked out after Dyna was taken hostage, from the weight of his own memories.

Siamini: -SIGH-

Gemini: He was so afraid after he was repaired, at…

Siam: …what might become of him, having lost control.

Jack: Poor kid...

Gemini: Having hacked.

Siam: Having attacked. He was once hunted as a terrorist, you know…

Gemini: The fear of the

Siamini: [color=blue] HUNTER [/color]

Siam: persisted with him long after Cardinal and Countershade became so close as to be interchangeable…

Jack: .........

Jack: (Bird guy and Eight...)

[He sighed again, looking in opposite directions.]

Gemini: It is hard to think back “that far,” for it seems a world away, now. But we were so focused on… finding out what had happened.

Gemini: After FMN-008 finally revealed her presence permanently, she spoke up further on your behalf and explained what she knew from her conversations with you.

Gemini: At the time, we were worried most about if we would be hunted as malfunctioning—

Siam: —insist they don’t punish /malfunctioning/ but—

Gemini: —not of the world—

[A garble of data, which quiets down.]

Jack: .......

Gemini: …We didn’t even have the chance to TALK the situation over with Dr. White and the Mighty Numbers, to figure out what to do about Tobias’s lashing out…

Siam: …Dr. White said he wanted to wait until they got back.

Gemini: We only saw them for a few hours before…

Siam: …before this.

Jack: .......

Jack: M'sorry.

[Siam starts pacing.]

Siam: It infected the server. Our server is connected to Sanda Enterprises; specifically, the server that houses Mighty Number memories.

Jack: .....The servers...

Jack: (So that--it wasn't the--!)

Jack: Hang on.

Siamini: Yes?

Jack: So...it infected YOUR servers...

Jack: ....

Jack: The virus....

Jack: It infected American CherryDyn servers too.

[The brother looks between himself, and then over to Jack with a frown.]

Gemini: …Jack, something you should know.

Siam: It would take a long time to explain all the details, but for a while now, Cardinal has been convinced that Gregory Graham had been planning to make a massive power grab, by means of setting up a crisis and solving it publicly.

Jack: --?!

Jack: What…? (He did NOT tell me that--)

Siam: He believed that the highway incident earlier in the year was the result of something in this plan going… wrong.

Jack: Wrong...?

Siam: The fact that Graham took the time during THIS disaster to—yet again, as before—publicly say “don’t blame me! Blame someone else!” does not help matters.

Gemini: -Dryly- Guilty conscience, perhaps?

Siam: Or just really bad lying?

Gemini: That’s what Cardinal believed, at any rate.

Siam: “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

Jack: ................

Jack: Jeezus....

[This...this was bigger than he thought.]

[Much, much bigger.]

Siam: That is part of why FMN-008 feared for your well being. Something went wrong again in the finals, clearly; something that had not been intended to be publicly known yet.

Gemini: If ever.

Siam: Likely never.

Jack: ...........

Jack: I....

[What in the world was going on now?]

[Could...]

[Could this be...just too much to handle?]

[Suddenly Jack felt like he was up against MORE than just a virus.]

Jack: .......

[A pause.]

Siam: To be honest, I’m not sure that it’s that level of conspiracy.

[Another pause, with only minimal hesitation.]

Gemini: …To put it bluntly…

Siamini: …Graham just doesn’t seem all that smart.

Jack: -....snickers-

Jack: Hehehehe....

Siam: Heh… well… ‘hem. -Slight grin- That’s a discussion for later, when Dr. Cossack is here.

Gemini: At any rate… -Siiiigh, and the good mood is lost- …When Number Six disrupted things…

Siam: …Tobias tried to talk things out with him.

Jack: ......

[Jack looks back to the spark bot.]

Jack: Take it that it didn't go so well.

Gemini: That’s one way to put it.

Siam: To put it simply… and since you have proven yourself, you may know this…

Siam: If Tobias were a traditional Xelbot? His secondary ability would be Communication.

Gemini: He has vast power in that area and maintains a firm control with great finesse— Siam: —but he is only able to do that because he is /sensitive/ enough to be able to pick up and send out such things.

[…Aaaaaaaand Number Six had taken over wireless communications…]

[Oh dear.]

Siam: …

Gemini: …

Siam: …Airman didn’t take too kindly to Tobias putting up resistance and breaking his monopoly.

Gemini: Light Eight tried to warn him…

Jack: ....

Jack: Oh my God...

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

“The reason the brothers got all hot an’ bothered is, well. -Shakes head, working dart over- Fact is…

They all have died at least once, each. Includin’ th’ kid.

Picked off one by one. By the likes a’ me. Me an’ Blaster both.

They’re purty sensitive t’ the idea a’ bein’ hunted again as a result. Some of ‘em saw or heard—definitely felt— others in their line die as it was happenin’, live.”

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Siam: -Flatly- He wasn’t prepared for the horrors that awaited him when he broke past the resistance.

Gemini: He didn’t take control, as he had been hoping for.

Siam: No. Hardly.

Siamini: His neural net got fused together and suffered the consequences that is to be a Robot Master.

Siamini: The suffering was FAR too much for him to handle.

Jack: ......

Jack: (Don't ask what he saw, don't ask what he saw--)

Jack: ......But he's still in control of the airwaves, isn't he?

Siam: -Holds a hand out to the side- He is now, yes.

Gemini: -Mirrors the gesture exactly- But for a few hours, he was not.

Siam: During that time, interdimensional and overseas calls were possible.

Jack: ......!

Siam: We managed to talk with them and let them know we were… mostly alright, other than what had happened to our electronic genius.

Gemini: Beck even… promised to save them, to give them the mercy our brother never showed us…

Jack: Wait— the kid that was on the bench in the finals??

Siam: He fought a Round Digger all by himself and disinfected it, Jack.

Jack: Wha--

Jack: He WHAT?!

[...Jack had NO CLUE just what Beck was capable of--now, at least.]

Jack: (Holy...that little kid against his whole TEAM...his family...)

Jack: (I know the kid is supposed to have some sort of special ability but--)

Gemini: Believe or disbelieve all you like, but I am convinced he is more than capable of fulfilling his promise.

Siam: Not that it will make it any less difficult or less unpleasant.

Gemini: Dr. Cossack assured them that Tobias would recover, and spoke that it be an example of why no one else should interfere—

[…aaaAAAAAAND NOW THE MIRRORED, DOUBLED FACEPALM.]

Jack: --?

Siamini: -Broadcasting- “NO ONE. ELSE. INTERFERE.”

Jack: . . . .

Jack: Uh.

Jack: . . . .

Siam: He turned off his signal we are nEVER GOING TO FIND HIM

Gemini: He’s MILITARY, he knows how to avoid being tracked and seen—

Siam: HE’S GOING TO GET HIMSELF KIIIIIIILLLLLED BY YOUR POLICE—

Gemini: -Nonverbal ranting, rant rant rant!-

Siamini: Cardinal went after Shade, we discovered TOO LATE!

Jack: (--WAIT A MINUTE.)

"He's not here, you've got no leads...time to move on."

[CALLER ID: KANSAS CITY.]

Jack: HOLD UP--

Jack: You're talking about the bird guy--right?!

Jack: He called me!

Siamini: !

<DWN-019>: > -DOUBLED DELUGE DEMANDING DATA-

[…More of the desperate than the angry kind, though.

He was clearly very worried.

…Very, VERY worried.]

Jack: OW OKOK--

Jack: Must've been when Six was down for those few hours--

Jack: The call came from Kansas City, but....

Siamini: -Seems… sad-

Jack: He wanted to know more about the crosses--I told him what I knew, and he told me to come here when I had the chance--and pass the info along to you guys.

[A soft sigh. Shuffling, looking away.]

Siam: …Did he have any message for us?

Jack: Uh...

[.....]

Jack: Something about the Bible...

Jack: John 15:13, I think...?

Siamini: …!

[…But the surprise soon gives way to clear sorrow.]

Siam: He…

Gemini: Heh… he…

Siam: -Regretfully, in a way- Of course he would do that…

Jack: ......

Jack: M'sorry...

Gemini: -Softly- “No one has greater love than this…”

Siam: “…to lay down one's life for one's friends.”

Jack: --!

Jack: .....

Jack: (Miss Eight...)

Jack: (Real deep stuff you're laying down here, bird guy...)

Jack: ......

Jack: Sorry I...I'm not much help...I...

Jack: (....REALLY hope you know what you're doing...)

Siam: -Weary… and sad…-

Gemini: -Just plain weary- No…

Gemini: It should have been expected and anticipated. We were not surprised. Alarmed, yes, but not surprised….

Gemini: It is the path he chose long ago, and none can deter it from him as long as he yet runs.

Gemini: He has made his choice. I only wish he weren’t so fragile…

Jack: ......

Jack: (Fragile...like a bird...)

Jack: (Flying solo for your friend, huh...)

Gemini: At least he took Jazz with him.

[Siamini lets out a long sigh.]

Siam: …That brings us up to the present, I suppose.

Gemini: Do you have any other questions we may answer?

Jack: .....

Jack: (Should I ask 'em if they can help me find Miss Eight? If they couldn't stop the bird guy, they'll DEFINITELY try and stop me....)

Jack: Uh...no, no--well, sorta. Do you guys got anything I can use? Like--supplies and stuff. Just to have on hand.

Jack: And...if you've heard anything from Miss Eight's family.

[Siam shakes his head, but Gemini nods.]

Siam: We have not heard from them yet, but we may hear from them within a week’s time. They are running on a different rate of time passage, so details may be different or confused. Time warps can fuzz the memory rather severely, as our own family can personally attest to. One remembers a general feeling, but not specific events…

Gemini: Oh, of course. Let’s see… if you’re on the move, a small radio would be good, so that you may stay informed while also keeping your own signal off the radar… -Starts going through the cabinets that Siam was looking through earlier-

Gemini: A compass and some maps will also help to that end. We have some extra.

[He brings those out and sets them on the table, while Siam wanders off. When he comes back, he has what appears to be a small cooler… or else a very large lunchbox.]

Siam: It’s not much, but with what you’re going through… lunch and dinner over the next few days to indulge in is the least we can do.

[There are sandwiches, sauces, ice cream bars, milk bottles, soda, even Xelpops in there!]

Jack: (....Holy crap FOOD. Jeezus, when was the last time I ate???)

[Jack starts folding the maps and stuffing the radio and compass in various pockets--he was still wearing his Greater Dusk attire, and for once he was glad the whole biker gangster style included lots of pockets.]

Jack: Thanks, man... (Oh jeez those sandwiches look so good right now.)

[…This doesn’t go unnoticed.]

Siam: Goodness. When was the last time you ate, Jack?

Gemini: I have an idea. How about I go make a dinner while you tell me what you have to say? Your choice—there is plenty to choose from.

Siam: Oh, I agree—a most excellent idea. What would you like?

Jack: .....

Jack: Dude--double dude-- I could eat a house, man--hamburgers--soda--do you guys have steak-- Chicken???

Jack: ....

Jack: ....oh right--

Jack: Please?

[Siamini chuckles at that.]

Gemini: I’ll go make the steak and potatoes. -Walks off-

Siam: We just had a taco night, so there’s no hamburger meat left.

Jack: -just--food--Ya know what we're gonna suck on a Xelpop while we wait-

Siam: We’re sorry that we couldn’t entertain you as a guest before now. Though David—Snow, that is—did mention meeting you.

Jack: --! Oh, the ice kid...

Jack: ....

Jack: His ice cream ROCKS, man.... Stuff in the store just falls short, Heh...

[Siam smiles at that.]

Siam: Ah, yes, I recall it being said he made several batches for you—one after the finals, for you to have in the hospital. We are very glad you’re better, by the way.

Jack: Ehehe...yeah, me too...kinda stinks being stuck in a bed all day, but the ice cream really helped...

Jack: One of the other GDs was even jealous, I think. Pretty sure he tried to jack it from me more than once, but the nurses are like hawks, double dude.

Siam: Heh.

Jack: ....

Jack: Dunno where they all went after we got released from the place... separate ways, I think.

Siam: -More serious expression now- What did they do with Bladeblaster’s core? Please tell me they locked it in a strongbox.

[.......]

[Jack's expression fell.]

Jack: .......

Siam: … -Cringes inwardly-

Jack: They....They sent it back to CherryDyn for them to look over what went wrong with him.

Jack: ....They said they found nothin', so they patched him up and kept him in for observation.

Jack: ....Then...

Jack: .......

Jack: He's dead, man. Dead.

Siam: … -Just closes his eyes and shakes his head slowly, his data suggesting a cold sort of discomfort-

Jack: .......

Jack: I...they told me he was...

Jack: Freakin' tortured...

Jack: ......

Jack: -turns away- (Is it bad that I still think he deserved it?)

Jack: .... Dunno about the other GDs... I could... (I could be the only one left...)

[Siam put a reassuring hand on Jack’s shoulder.]

Siam: …Being a last survivor is hard, even when you don’t like the other members. (Lord knows how much it’s hurt our family.) But… you are welcome to stay here as long as you need, if that’s what you want.

Jack: It's just...kinda scary...

Jack: If it wasn't for Miss Eight...

Jack: .......

Siam: (This must all be so very hard on him right now, the poor man.)

Jack: .....

[Jack takes a deep breath.

As much as he REALLY did wanted to just lay low and hope this whole mess all blows over...

...He couldn't stay.]

Jack: Thanks, double dude...but I think I'm gonna just eat here a while before I head on out.

Jack: Should probably tell ya what bird guy wanted you to know about the crosses before I do, anyway...

Siam: Ah, yes… thank you, that will help.

Jack: Alright.... Where to start...

Jack: Putting them on when they weren't active--didn't do a thing. They were made of Xel, so I guess the crosses also had this REALLY tiny core to keep it together....

Jack: They just looked like freaky jewelry to other people. I didn't like it. Felt...wrong. That's why I always hid mine under my shirt.

Siam: …In what sense? Physically, or morally?

Jack: ....Both? The cross felt...cold. Like it was just pulled out of the freezer, no matter how hot it was out.

Jack: That and inverted crosses are USUALLY a bad sign, double dude. Have you SEEN horror movies?

[Siam gave a cold smile.]

Siam: One of my younger brothers was a snake. He had the same sort of personality your boss had.

Siam: I was hunted down and KILLED by my own brother.

Siam: Jack, my friend—

Siam: We LIVE horror movies.

Jack: . . .

Jack: -sweATS NERVOUSLY- (Ooooookaaaaaay.)

Jack: G-Got it...

[Siam’s expression softens, and he sighs, bowing his head.]

Siam: …I’m sorry. Forgive me.

Siam: …This is just all so very much like the darkest of our days, that which we had hoped to prevent from befalling your world… no matter what the cost to us may be. The panic, the hunt… and we could do nothing to stop it, and can do nothing to help.

Siam: …We have survived these last years by living with a man and a community of deep faith. -Looks over at Shadow, who is Offline… and in his civvies for once, his hands folded over to touch the crucifix he always wore-

Siam: When you threw the cross down in the finals, that did allow us to briefly see what it was. …The use of that symbol did not go unnoticed.

Jack: …

Siam: Our “youngest” brother believed the one behind it was trying to “play God” and was using that symbol on purpose, as a highly disrespectful mockery.

Siam: -Softly- I do not discount the notion.

Jack: ..........

Jack: (The Provider...)

Jack: .....

Jack: Well, whatever nutjob made those things did a REAL good job fragging shit up.

Siam: Let me show you what we saw.

Jack: Kay...

[A few clips briefly play.]

————————————

Tobias: I don’t understand—! What’s going on?!

[They all fell silent when a quiet voice spoke up unexpectedly.]

Mikhail: … -Quietly- Berserkers.

Cardinal: …! What?

Mikhail: In ancient times, there were men of great strength, warriors that were great and terrible. They could work themselves into a rage that made them almost seem to ignore their wounds in battle—a madness that they channeled with incredible force.

Mikhail: This is why there is the phrase “going berserk.” This is almost exactly what it means.

Mikhail: But to concentrate only on bloodlust, at the loss of sense…

[He adjusted his glasses, the light glinting off them in a glare that obscured his eyes.]

Mikhail: …Especially against tacticians, that can be a very heavy price…

——————

Cardinal: What does he think he is doing—?!

Shadow: He is no longer thinking at all, you fool!

[He pointed at the screen, barely even noticing he’d already called a Shadow Blade to his hand.]

Shadow: LOOK AT HIM! He is possessed by the madness!

Cardinal: Oh God—if he can no longer think, then that means…

Cardinal: He won’t care anymore about the rules!

————————————

Jack: (Berserkers...)

Jack: ...........

Jack: God, it must've been horrifying for you guys to watch...

[Siam winces, looking over at Tobias.]

Siam: The horrifying part was when Number Eight was gutted. My stars. It was just like the first time he died.

Jack: (.....Spark kid...)

Jack: ............

Siam: -Seems deep in thought- …The talismans…. Was Mikhail right? Did they… induce that berserker state?

Jack: ....You bet they did....

Jack: When they went active...

Jack: All I felt was rage.

Siam: …

Jack: All I felt was...this feeling to break things.

Jack: It was ALL I could think about...

Jack: All...I could think about was...

Jack: How much I wanted to hurt Blade.

Jack: .....

Jack: It was like... something just...took over and....and...

Jack: --....

Jack: I knew it was bad. I had this gut feeling WAY before the finals...

Jack: I knew.

Jack: So I fought back.

Siam: … -Focused but also thoughtful- … -After some hesitation…- …We know what that feels like. …You have our deepest empathy.

Jack: ........

Siam: We know that to fight it off is no easy thing. …You are a stronger man than you give yourself credit for, Jack. Not everyone has the will or stamina to do this.

Jack: .....

Jack: -Sigh- Double dude, I'm just a normal guy that wanted some extra cash in his pocket. Sure, I'm probably not such a piece of scrap, after all, but...

Jack: I'm not special.

Jack: I'm just...lucky, I guess.

Siam: -Gentle slight smile- I suppose. Having Lady Luck on your side is always nice. Heh… I wouldn’t have survived otherwise.

[It was at this point that the smell of delicious, glorious, tender S T E A K came drifting through the air—]

Jack: --!!!!!

[Jack shoots up into a straighter sitting position, eyes WIDE and eager--]

Jack: That--that is the most awesome smell I've ever--

[Gemini walked in with a platter. A platter with SO MUCH FOOD.

There was steak, there was loaded baked potato with extra toppings set to the side—

Corn, green bean casserole, a tall glass of cold milk, a small bowl of fruit salad— and some chocolate pudding with Oreo bits and whipped cream!]

Gemini: -Sets it down at the table- Sorry to keep you waiting.

Jack: . . .

[Jack might have kicked himself later for forgetting his manners--but he just dove into the most delicious food he's ever eaten in his entire life.]

Jack: -dATA, SO MUCH DATA, OH GOD THIS IS SO GOOD HE COULD CRY- -HOW ARE YOU NOT IN SOME FOUR STAR RESTAURANT SERVING THIS, DOUBLE DUDE-

[This pleased the twins greatly, of course. He wasn’t as talented as Nico (and knew it), but it was nice to know one could still do a very good job.

Gemini returned to the mainframe console, resuming his work, while Siam happily and absentmindedly hummed and wrote down notes on a yellow legal notepad.]

Siam: -Amused and pleased, yet humble- I learned cooking mostly from Señor Gonzales and from my immediately older brother, Alnico Wily.

Jack: -oh man this is so good awwww yessss-

Siam: I am most suited for lab work… Nico’s the one who’s truly the closest to a Domestic. We make large family dinners—pasta or casserole the most often. There are nine of us now, after all. Ten, when you count me twice.

Jack: -...we're nearly halfway done with this meal OOO MILK-

[Jack nearly cleans out everything on the plate--apparently he has a rather large appetite.]

Jack: Ooooh, maaaaaaaan...

Jack: -cannot remember the last time he felt THIS full-

[Siam takes the liberty of placing the (very few) leftovers in a container that Gemini had brought in earlier, and placing that in the cooler. Gemini cleared away the dishes, and Siam spoke absentmindedly, automatically dimming the lights a little and increasing the temperature just a little to help make the atmosphere more calming.]

Siam: We wish you the best as you go on elsewhere, though the invitation still stands if you change your mind. I do hope you come back soon at least once—I think Felix had a gift for you.

Jack: ...?

Jack: Uh...I think maybe I'll just pick that up on the way? Where is he?

[Hopefully he had enough luck on his side to get back to the States in time...AND in one piece.]

Siam: He’s out a bit further in the Wilderness. There’s a path that leads more or less right by his house. (Granted, his house is underground, but Captain Piers will be by the road, at least.)

Jack: Hmm. Got it--I'll head that way for now.

[Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Jack straightened out his coat and grabbed the cooler with his other hand, stretching himself out a couple of times--the doc said he had to often just to keep himself limber.]

Jack: Nnh....

[...Despite the looming danger in front of him, and what was yet to come...

...Strangely, Jack didn't feel all that worried about it at the moment. Maybe it was the food.]

Jack: ....

Jack: Oi—didn't catch your name, actually.

Siamini: DWN-019: Project name “Geminiman”. Artificial Awareness and Intelligence, Combat Class.

Siam: “Siam” is the name granted to me, after the old phrase “siamese twins”—which itself originated regarding such a pair from Siam, which is a location.

Gemini: “Gemini” is the name granted to me, after the legend of the twins who were given a place among the heavens as a stellar constellation in the sky.

Siamini: Collectively, most people refer to me as “Siamini”,

Siam: …though David has taken to calling me “Sam” and “Samini”. I suppose it’s easier on a child to use fewer vowel-related syllables…

Jack: .....wow.

Jack: Iiiii am just gonna stick to Siam and Double Dude, if ya don't mind.

Jack: Thanks for all the help.

[Gemini shrugs in a “I’m used to it” sort of manner, and Siam nods.]

Siam: Thank you for confirming where our oldest brother has been, and what his intentions are…

Gemini: …and that he is, in fact, aware and prepared to accept the hardships ahead.

Siam: And also for your information on the crosses. Thank you, truly.

Gemini: We all wish you the best. We may have more questions later, so… send word when you’re settled down somewhere safe, alright?

Jack: .....

Jack: Yeah. I'll...try.

[With that, Jack makes his way over to the door, opens it...]

Jack: .....

Jack: Double Dude?

Siamini: Yes?

Jack: If you see her...

Jack: ....

Jack: Tell her I just couldn't help it.

Jack: Keep in touch.

[....And out he goes.]

Jack: (Hang on, Miss Eight...)

Jack: (I'm coming...)

{THE WILDERNESS}

[...Jack never thought he'd find himself in this kind of situation.]

[Last week he was only worried about how the heck he was going to pay the rent for the flat, and what exactly he was going to do next in terms of finding another job--]

[Now he was venturing into god-knows-where across time and space JUST to get back home, which was in the middle of a cyber pandemic, all to see if the woman who saved his life was out there doing good or...]

Jack: ....

Jack: I'm fraggin' crazy for doing this...

[Yet he still ventured forward, down the path he was told to walk to retrieve whatever 'gift' this Felix guy had to give him, supposedly...]

[The weather was mild, at least—though it was still a bit too warm.]

[Evident by someone later along the path leaning up against a pillar made of ice.]

Jack: .....

Jack: ...?

Jack: (....That's...ice. but--it's warm out???)

[Confused and intrigued, Jack kept walking, approaching the stranger next to it. Maybe he knew where to go?]

Jack: Uh....'scuse me?

Piers: -Looks up- ?

[The man had golden eyes and aqua colored hair. The air around him seemed to be cooler and… gentler, somehow.]

Piers: I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met before. May I help you?

Jack: (...OK, I've seen people dye their hair some CRAZY colors but--)

Jack: Um--yeah, same here. CDN.7037, Designation 'Dencerjack'. Just call me Jack...

[His eyes keep glancing back to the ice pillar, wondering where in the world it had come from--this guy registered as an organic, but he was getting some weird energy readings from him too...]

Jack: Uh--I'm looking for a guy called Felix? The guys back at that Meadow told me he had something for me.

Piers: Ah… yes, that makes sense.

[He drew up to his full height, resting his hand on the pommel of his sword.

…Oh. A sword, okay then.]

Piers: I am Captain Piers of Lemuria—a Mercury warrior Adept. Felix is still locked in the cursed dreams… I fear that it is the current disaster which overtook him. However, he did have some gifts prepared before he fell ill. One of them was for you.

Jack: (....Uhhh.) Nice to meet you...

[There were so many things Jack wanted to ask about that--the sword, where the heck was Lemuria and what in the world was an Adept--but he didn't have the time...]

Jack: Yeah, things have REALLY gone down the drain, huh. ...Hope he gets better soon.

Piers: I believe he shall, but that may not be until the crisis has passed… -Small sigh- It is hard to say, outside of time, how long it may take.

[He held out a hand slightly as he looked to the side, and…]

[The Mercury Djinn, after appearing in a soft aqua light, looked at Jack curiously.

Or, as curiously as something with solid-colored eyes could look.]

Jack: ?!?

Jack: (What the fresh Xel is THAT.)

Piers: My good friend… please retrieve the gift for Jack, so that he may continue on his journey.

[The Djinn made the sound of a bubbling stream before floating off.]

Piers: -Turns to face Jack, looking at him thoughtfully before giving a gentle smile- I see others have supplied you for the journey ahead as well. I must say… it’s nice to start off a quest with something at hand.

[Jack just...stared at the otherworldly creature as it floated away, not sure if what he's seeing is actually REAL or if he has TRULY gone mad.]

Jack: Yeaaaaaah surrrrre....

[Excuse him, Piers, he's still new at this.

Piers moved away from the ice pillar and looked ahead down the path, pointing to the horizon.]

Piers: Keep your sights on that city, and you shall arrive where you seek soon enough.

[…WOW OKAY. There was a city there that was NOT there before—

—and what’s more, it looked familiar! It was definitely somewhere from Jack’s own world!

Jack looked to where he pointed--his violet eyes widening as he locked his gaze into something familiar in this huge mess of chaos--it almost felt relieving to see his destination at last.

...In fact...judging from the city skyline--it almost looked like...]

[..Seattle?]

Jack: ......

Jack: I REALLY hope it's not gonna be raining by the time I get there...

Jack: That city is almost ALWAYS raining, see...

Jack: (...It's better than nothing, at least.)

[Piers smiled a little.]

Piers: Do you have a poncho you could use? That’s what I’d recommend.

Jack: Uh....

Jack: ...Noooope. You, uh, wouldn't have that and anything else I can use...?

[Yeah, the more stuff he can get on hand, the better. He's gonna need ALL the help he can get if he's going to be tracking down Miss Eight.]

Piers: We can loan you something, yes. We won’t be doing any traveling ourselves for a while.

Jack: Cool, thanks...

[From another pocket, he pulls out a grape flavored Xelpop and plops it in his mouth.]

Jack: . . .

Jack: Soooo, that little floaty guy that just kinda...popped up from outta nowhere...

Jack: No offense, but what IS he?

Piers: Ah, that is a Djinn. Specifically, he’s a Mercury Djinn. They are manifestations of the elemental energy of Weyard, which is the world I hail from.

Jack: .....

Jack: Oooooooh...

[OK, this guy was from some other world--made a little sense to him, at least, since Miss Eight was from another world too--just some OTHER version of his own.

...It was still so strange, though. Things were like that ever since the holes to other worlds popped up around last year...]

Jack: (Weyard...sounds like some place in a book or something...)

Piers: We’ll be able to tell you more after your return. Are you traveling far?

Jack: --Well, THAT...depends...

Jack: (Depends where Miss Eight and her brother are gonna be squaring off, if they do...)

Jack: I--I'm just gonna go grab some stuff I left back home before I try and lay low for a while. Til' this all blows over.

[Yup. That was TOTALLY his plan.]

[Piers gave a soft snort.]

Piers: Jack, I am not going to try to stop you.

[He seemed more amused than anything else.]

Piers: Though your determination not to be derailed is both familiar and admirable, in its own way.

Jack: ....

Jack: Was it REALLY that obvious...?

[Jeez, he thought he was a better liar than that.]

Jack: ......

Piers: I’m a lot older than I look. -Amused-

[The Djinn came floating back. It was carrying what appeared to be a traveler’s backpack (of sorts) and a small present.

It set both of these down on the ground in front of the sheepish CDN.]

Jack: ......! (Little guy is stronger than he looks...) Thanks....

Jack: ...What's in the bag? -Proceeds to pick it up-

Piers: Traveling supplies. Mostly related to sleeping, though there’s a canteen and some medical supplies in there. I think the present is something Felix put together with the help of other people… possibly little David Cossack. Such a kind child, that one.

Jack: ....!

[The first thing he notices is the...wow there is a WHOLE lot more room in here than what it looks like on the outside—how is that even physically possible.]

Jack: ....

[He proceeds to stuff the cooler in it because NO WAY was he going to drag that thing the whole way.]

Jack: Kay--here's the poncho...bandages...sleeping stuff...

Jack: Aaaand let's see what's in the OTHER thing--

Jack: --!

Jack: AW SWEET COOL GOGGLES. Dude--

[He IMMEDIATELY puts those on--they fit rather nicely once he adjusted the strap--]

Jack: ...? What's this--

Jack: --! OoooooOOHOHO THIS THING HAS NIGHT VISION--

Jack:(I feel so damn BADASS--)

Piers: Ah, those must be from David, then! (My, a good bit of foresight.) He likes exploring.

————————

"I wanna be an explorer. Do you like exploring, Mister Jack?”

“Uh. Yeah--”

————————

Jack: -WHAT OTHER NEAT STUFF IS IN HERE-

[Some of the stuff was OBVIOUSLY from Carmen.

They were more… practically oriented, like a flashlight, some cash, a burner phone…

…A… taser?!]

[...Jack...]

[....starts to laugh.]

Jack: Oh, jeez, Miss Eight--you shouldn't have.

Piers: ? ? ? -Clearly confused- (What is /that/? I think that one item is a “phone”, but that last one… I don’t know if I’ve seen that before…)

[Jack decides to test out the taser by simply pressing the button--away from Piers and himself, of course.]

Jack: She's got a thing with tasing stuff--probably comes from her sis....

[THAT gets pocketed. He didn't know what kind of crazy stuff he'll run into out there.]

Piers: -OH okay, it has a Jupiter-based attack stored in it, right then-

[There appeared to be… one more item inside.]

Jack: ....?

[....What the... a ring? ]

Piers: -Looks QUITE surprised- So that’s where it went.

[He is suddenly very thoughtful.]

Piers: He must have seen that you would need it, and had it set aside for you to give to you…

Jack: ? You know what this is?

Piers: Yes. That’s a Cleric’s Ring: a rare artifact that prevents loss of control of your person.

Jack: .......

Jack: You mean-- this thing will protect me from the virus?!

[It takes a moment for him to understand that Jack was talking about the sickness that had overtaken the Mighty Numbers, but then he nods.]

Piers: Yes, that is exactly the idea. It only protects the wearer, however; it does not have an area of effect or the ability to be used as a healing talisman.

Jack: ...So it's just for me. Got it...

[Jack takes a few seconds to inspect the ring a little before putting it on. It fit perfectly.]

Jack: Wow...feels weird...

[...But in a good way.]

Jack: .....

[He lifts up the goggles so that they rested upon his head, and put the rest of his presents in the knapsack--which he slung over his shoulder.]

[...He REALLY felt like he was about to embark on some important journey, now that he thought about it...]

[...Probably because he really was.]

Jack: ...-Exhales-

Piers: Godspeed on your journey, my friend. Return home safely upon its completion—and may that be soon.

Jack: Thanks, Captain. Thanks for everything.

[He turns away, eyes set on the horizon, rain clouds already starting to form over the distant, war-torn city of Seattle.]

Jack: ....Godspeed...yeah...

Jack: (I'm gonna need all the luck in the world for this...)

[In an instant, he starts to sprint off. Might as well get a head start and run for it...!]

Jack: (Just a little further, Carmen...! I'm almost there...!)

Jack: (Just hold on until then...!)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

This is a beautiful train wreck of dramedy. As some a’ mah friends say, “this can only end well.”

---

Sketch commission for my lovely friends! This is the third in a series of commissions I’m doing for them involving their AU crossover fanfiction, Allies Obstruct! It’s got robot, and robots, and smart scientists, and cool people, and despicable villains, and even a few OCs to boot (like Jack here)!

I’m also super excited to announce that they’ve started posting their fic so you can have a look at the intro here! Or say hi to them over on their RP blogs @codedhopes and @mowseries! 

---

=CHAPTER 5C: DESOLATE HIGHWAY=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{Titus}

[The streets of Titus, while still in significant disrepair, were quite busy. There were plenty of people bustling about, carrying on their daily lives in the big city.]

[Cardinal sauntered through the crowds, grateful for the cover. He was awfully close to Sanda Enterprises now, and he could not afford to catch their attention.]

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >Look at all these people, Jazz.

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >They’ve already started working on some basic repairs.

[No one really seemed to pay any attention to him as he made his way downtown. He’d only been there once before, but it was easy to rely on the memory. It’s not as if he could really miss where he was going, anyway.]

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >No one seems to be trying to kill each other, or destroying robots out of hysterics and fear….

[He had halfway expected that it would be like the streets of Upper Monstropolis. He’d been shocked when he arrived in the city, only to find it operational, if not fully functioning.]

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: > I guess Beck must have cleaned up the city, and calmed people down. These people are pretty safe now, and able to use their technology….

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >I’m glad.

Jazz: Ree-ow.

[He paid no heed to the merchants along the row. He utterly ignored the gossip flying through the air around him, even if his analysis filter kept picking up keywords relating to the Mighty Numbers. It was highly unlikely that they knew anything useful, or else it would have made the news. Which it hadn’t, of course; he’d spent that morning at the library, leafing through various newspapers.]

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >Of course, I don’t think we’ll find him there. If he were in Titus, Beck would have figured it out by now. He’s definitely not home. We’re just looking for leads, here.

[His cat purred, rubbing her face against him. He grinned a little, looking up into the sky.]

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >Wish we could fly there. But now that Avi’s better… I’m sure he has sky cams all throughout the city. Really… it’s only a matter of time before someone catches on after analyzing video feeds.

<DLN-000 to CSU-001>: >Oh well. I’ll burn that bridge when I get there.

[If it weren’t for the fact that he was on a grave mission in the middle of an ongoing apocalypse, he would have really enjoyed the nice day. It was sunny out, with the sea breeze coming off the harbor. Not nearly as sweltering as it had been in Kansas City the day before.

As the buildings gave way to a massive open area near the arena’s parking lot, he was overcome by a sudden weight of wistfulness.]

Cardinal: (I remember the first time I saw the arena, when Shade showed me around.)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

{April 2nd, Earlier that Year…}

[MIGHTY NUMBERS LOCKER ROOM]

[The locker room...wasn't exactly a locker room. More like a quick maintenance area with spaces accommodated for each of the Mighty Numbers, like a pit stop for cars. There WAS a storage area, though, each marked with a symbol for each Mighty Number.]

Shade: Here we are.

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: Dude.

Cardinal: This is RAD.

[Aw, lookit him geeking out a bit over it, going from station to station.]

Shade: B]

Beck: We mostly come here for halftime or after a match, to refuel, reload and relax, and the stations make small repairs if we need them.

Cardinal: -Broadcasting abstract DAYDREAMS-

Cardinal: -GLORYYYYYYY-

Shade: Aw, there he goes. He's got arena fever, heh.

Cardinal: -Looks over with a grin-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Cardinal: (Oh, Shade…. What I wouldn’t give right now to be back to those halcyon days. I hope your locker has some answers, though you’ll have to forgive me for breaking it open…)

[As he drew closer, however, he was surprised to see massive blockades.]

Cardinal: Oh? Now what’s all this?

[He hastened over to inquire into the matter, foregoing politeness for the sake of getting right to the point in a way that demanded an answer.]

Cardinal: You there. What’s the meaning of all this?

???: I’m sorry, sir, but the Colosseum is not currently open to visitors.

Cardinal: Why?

???: It’s not safe.

Cardinal: Again, why? Didn’t Beck heal everybody?

???: -Clearly getting tired of explaining this for the tenth time this hour- : | The building is structurally unsound. There was a lot of damage caused when the virus went live and sent every single of the powerhouse fighters into a rampage.

Cardinal: —…? (That… that day?)

???: -Now leave, please-

[Cardinal was compliant and willingly turned aside, but he didn’t go very far before he put a hand to his head, horribly confused.]

Cardinal: (I remember now…)

Cardinal: (I was supposed to go with them that day…)

Cardinal: (I went WITH them to the match…)

[He struggled in vain to find the cross-references. Every search he could think of turned up empty.]

>NO RESULTS FOUND.

Cardinal: (All I remember was going to bed that night, and then…?)

>NO RESULTS FOUND.

Cardinal: -Frowns- (Why can’t I remember the match? How did I even end up in Kansas City?)

>NO RESULTS FOUND.

[Puzzled and rather dismayed, he ran through all the data from that day to begin with. Much to his regret, the only entry prior to his memories in Kansas City was an error log report, stating he had suffered a Stop error and rebooted under a Code Red contingency.]

Cardinal: (What on earth could have made me black out like that? I wasn’t injured…)

Cardinal: (I don’t understand. I don’t understand it at all…)

[For a brief moment, he considered teleporting into the locker room anyway. He honestly didn’t care what the building security would think of it.

…But then he remembered that it was more than just a mere room. It was the personal space of the entire family—including Avi.]

Cardinal: (Augh…! He’s bound to have a camera or two in there! If not for security reasons, then for his own PR or personal amusement purposes…)

Cardinal: (This plan was flawed from the start. Stupid…)

[He vented a sigh and made his way back to the downtown district.]

Cardinal: (Shade said there was a sushi place around here, and we meant to go to it…)

[He knew that at this point, he was driven as much by nostalgia as by desperation. Walking the streets they had walked, going to the places they’d been to.

But it was all he had to go on. He had nothing, and… he was alone.]

Cardinal: (There’s got to be someone that has some sort of idea, some sort of clue…)

[…But, to his great disappointment, when he finally arrived at the sushi shop based on context and a lot of wandering…

…He found that it was closed, and locked up tight.]

Cardinal: -In a low growl- Well glitch. Isn’t that just swell.

[He sighed and leaned up against the boarded windows, crossing his arms.]

Cardinal: -Talking aloud now, since he didn’t sense anyone nearby to hear him- Where are you now, Shade? What are you after?

Cardinal: (I don’t know any other places. I can’t just wander around.)

[He knew he should get a move on and head out of the alley, but he just didn’t know where to go or what to do. He had no idea what sort of other places Shade might have frequented, people he would have talked to.

He’d never had the chance to find that out.]

Cardinal: (This isn’t fair, Shade.) You were supposed to show me around…

[He stuck his hands in his pockets and started to move down the streets. There was still someplace familiar he felt driven to go, even if he was only paying half-attention.]

[He found it more relaxing to move about at night, when people were paying even less attention to him. It was mercifully easy to use a fire escape to climb up to the rooftops and overlook the cityscape.]

Cardinal: …

[He found himself staring at a familiar building: the CherryDynamics headquarters.]

Cardinal: … -Somewhat broken smile- (Oh, right…. This is where we were that glorious night…)

Cardinal: (It was…)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

{April 16th, Earlier That Year…}

[The whole of CherryDyn looks to be blaring red in alarms in the distance, and some searchlights can be seen from the top of the building. The trio responsible is howling with hysterical laughter, chattering to themselves….]

Shade: They are flippin' out, God.-- -LAUGHS-

Cardinal: -Laughing like he’s a kid again-

Rockwell: Holy [frag]— -aaaand he's gone, laughing like mad-

Cardinal: DAMMIT I knew we shoulda brought popcorn!

Shade: THEY FOUND THE CRACKER.

[Sure enough, the spotlights settle on their own logo.]

Shade: -nOPE HE IS GONE HE IS FALLING ON HIS BACKSIDE IN LAUGHTER-

Cardinal: -HELP MY FANS, CAN’T BREEEEEEATHE FROM LAUGHING-

Rockwell: OH MY GODDDD -He can't breathe IT'S TOO MUCH-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Cardinal: (That was…)

[He was overcome by a great sense of loss and longing, his sorrow drowning out the joy of that day to where he could no longer even feel it.]

Cardinal: (That was the happiest night of my entire, long, looooooong, long life…)

[He shook his head sadly.]

Cardinal: (What HAPPENED that day, Shade? Why did I leave you? How could I just… run AWAY…?)

[He gave a small whine.]

Cardinal: (I left you—all of you, the whole crowd—simply to turn up somewhere I associate to be safe…)

Cardinal: (Did I…)

Cardinal: (Did I end up being a giant coward…?)

[He couldn’t bear to dwell on the thought. There HAD to be some other reason, there just had to….

He had no idea what it was, but there just had to be…

…Right…?]

Cardinal: -Ruefully, narrowing his eyes at the logo of the building- (I saw the headlines. I read the newspapers today…)

[His eyes flickered a brighter and deeper green in intense emotion, his heart turning from disappointed and bewildered guilt into a slowly growing into anger.]

Cardinal: (How dare he try to glorify himself at everyone’s expense….)

Cardinal: -Growls-

Cardinal: (He’s OBVIOUSLY hiding something…)

[His mind was taken back to that day, that day when he had warned them about this.]

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

{March 15th, Earlier That Year…}

Cardinal: He’s more slippery than I thought.

Cardinal: …I don’t trust him one bit.

Cardinal: He’s too… eager to make a big deal out of it. That’s not very good damage control, not good crowd control.

Cardinal: It’s a publicity stunt.  And I don’t like it.

Beck: Publicity stunt...

White: It is concerning, to be sure...

Cardinal: Why exactly is he so eager to deflect the attention[…]? What is it that he doesn’t want us to see about his company? Because you can bet your gears that investigations like this always get a little too deep for comfort for those who like to deal under the table.

Cardinal: I highly doubt he was /involved/… in -this-. But he may be trying to deflect attention as fast and as far as possible so that something ELSE isn’t found. The bigger the company, the higher the chances of the darker side of business being involved.

White: Graham, dealing in shady business...if word got out about that, he'd be ruined.

Cardinal: Right. Even the question is pretty damaging.

Cardinal: But to deflect the whole thing right back to you, the way he said it—that was on purpose. He should have caught that serve, not sent the ping-pong back.

Cardinal: We’re being played. -Grumpy data flow-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Cardinal: -Growls louder, his eyes turning a violent red- (First you go to the trouble of setting up a Combat team just to unseat the Mighty Numbers, humiliate them and cast doubt and disquiet…)

Cardinal: (And then your team goes WILD, nearly killing people…)

Cardinal: (I swear, if I find that YOU were behind all of this, I will find a way to DESTROY you…!)

[He gave a huff, making his way down to the streets below. He needed time to think.

He ended up making his way over to a bar, where he ordered coffee.]

Cardinal: -Leans back against the wall, scratching Jazz behind the ears with his free hand- (Well… if THIS isn’t fine and dandy….) -Siiiiiip-

Cardinal: (I have no more leads. What should I do?)

Jazz: -Purrs, flicking her tail-

Cardinal: (I told him that if anything ever happened to me, that he should go to the Mad Hatters. They’ve known me for decades, and that’s where I used to live. I still sort of have a job there, for that matter…)

Cardinal: (They would know where to find me. Some might even be able to help him, too…)

[He idly started broadcasting his signature tune very, very quietly as he stared off into the distance, “watching” the TV with a very bored expression.]

Cardinal: (And I knew that I wanted to get something similar from him, in case he ever got in trouble. Not like I expected this, though…) -Eyes flicker brighter for a moment- (When he talked about his coworkers, I knew that they would be the ones to go to if I needed information…. But I respected and trusted him too much to press the matter….) -Narrows his eyes in a scowl- (Paying the price for that weakness…)

[He sighed, putting the empty mug down rather heavily and putting a hand to his face.]

Cardinal: (Shade, what am I supposed to do? There are only two possible sources of information at this point: your family, and your coworkers.)

Cardinal: (I don’t KNOW where that “office” is, nor who the other assassins are! You mentioned a “Diamond” at one point when you were talking to Bladeblaster—and man, my first idea would have been to beat the information out of the guy, but he’s already dead.)

Cardinal: (Will I really be reduced to—)

Jazz: Reeerr!

Cardinal: —?

[He looked up to see something very… interesting on the screen.]

[As the headline report went on, he couldn’t help but smile.]

Cardinal: Wow. (I’m impressed.)

[He felt a sense of pride for the CDN. He hadn’t had the chance to get to know the guy very well yet, but he always felt that he was a good man. He was glad to see that Jack was still very much alive and well—though he was rather puzzled for want of context.]

Cardinal: (I thought you were still holed up in England? How and why did you turn up in America? Must have been an awfully good reason, given that you know more than others are willing to let pass…. Not to mention, you know. The whole “apocalypse” thing.) You’re a brave man…

Cardinal: (Well, wherever you are, I hope you’re sa—)

Cardinal: —!!!

[He just stared in utter surprise when the news story ended and moved on to the next headline.]

Cardinal: (What the—)

“…similar such heroics can be found in various places throughout the country. One of the most surprising stories comes right from the heart of Kansas City, where a mysterious Xelbot is reported to have almost single-handedly help coordinate and carry out a massive evacuation effort.”

[The screen jumped to a sketch of Cardinal in his Combat form, with Jazz at his side. An audio clip from an interview played.]

“ ‘He came out of nowhere, so unexpectedly—at first we thought that he was infected, and retaliated. But he never seemed to hold that against us… he was always just so focused on helping everyone get out…’ ”

Cardinal: -So many mixed feelings right now- (AAAAAAAAVS—! Is this— is this YOUR doing?)

“Witnesses across the metro gave countless reports of his heroic efforts at all of the city’s major tourist attractions, including Arrowhead Stadium. City officials are now on the lookout for this caretaker, who is reported to have vanished from the hospital where he was recovering after a major fight.”

Cardinal: -Oh, great— -

[He tried very hard to play it off casually, quickly tightening the amount of data he gave off so that it no longer reflected his emotion.

He had hoped that staying in his Civilian form would allow him to blend in with the crowd, prevent him from being spotted by the Mighty Numbers. Nobody else knew who he was, and they didn’t have reason to care.

He had not considered the idea that he would make the local news, let alone the national news.]

Cardinal: ([Gliiiiiiiiiitch]… this…)

[Under any normal circumstance, he would feel very touched by someone giving him such recognition. Even now, he felt extremely moved with gratitude, feeling both validated and honored.]

Cardinal: -Casually gets up from the table, rifling through his coat for cash to leave as a tip-

[…But in this instance, he also felt dismayed and concerned. It wouldn’t be long before some eagle-eyed observer noticed how similar Jazz’s Civ form was to her Combat form, and how he wore the same glasses and scarf regardless of form… not to mention his somewhat distinctive earcaps, which held the standard Robot Master (and NOT the standard Xelbot) design.]

Cardinal: (Was this a ploy to get some tips to a hotline? Really, Avi? Oh geez….)

[He made something less than a hasty exit, even though he wanted to bolt. He had to resist the urge to run, to take to the rooftops for safety. In the end, he took hasty refuge inside of a chapel, hiding in a dimly lit nook well out of sight.]

Cardinal: (Maybe if I’m lucky, this will be over by morning…)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 8C: TRAPPED BY LASER LIGHT=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

[C R A A A C K!]

[THUD—]

[The door came down, Shade was over Cardinal's broken form, rifle pointed right at his chest—!]

[Vrrrrrrr...]

[THREAT IDENTIFIED.]

[XEL OVERRIDE SEQUENCE INITIATED.]

[COMMENCING WEAPON LOCK.]

Beck: STOP!

[Shade looks up from his target, just in time to see Beck's outstretched hand glowing a deep green, his eyes reflecting the same glow. Or perhaps they were glowing themselves?]

[WEAPON SYSTEM LOCK ENGAGED. TARGET: MN.8.]

Shade: —!

[Shade suddenly felt his rifle grow heavy, and the laser from his scope died out—]

Beck: NNGH—!

[Whatever it was that Beck was doing, it seemed to be very taxing on him—it was like he was holding something in place, but he didn't know what that was, or how he was doing it, exactly—]

[All he knew was that it was stopping Shade, which was what he had to do.]

Beck: S-Shade—!

Shade: ....

[The weapon lock didn't do much about Shade's current state of mind, however, and he sneered.]

Shade: So the Lil' Doggy thinks he can bite back, eh?

Shade: Heh. That's c u t e.

Beck: Nnngh—!

[Shade doesn't look too concerned despite being essentially disarmed at the moment. He turns his attention back to Cardinal, who...]

[Wasn't...moving...]

Beck: --!!!!

Beck: C-Cards—!

Shade: Looks like you get to fly another day, Songbird.

Shade: -GRIN-

Shade: That is, if ya can even WALK after this! HA!

Beck: That...

Voice… voices…

> Procc…essin…g…

Beck: THAT'S ENOUGH—!

Beck: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS—?!

Shade: Feh—ya haven't figured it out yet—

Beck: I'm not TALKING to you.

> Proccess…ing…

Shade: —....

Beck: Yeah. That's right.

Beck: You.

Beck: I KNOW you can hear me.

Beck: And—And I know—at least...I think I know.

Beck: I know—you're like ME.

Beck: I've felt it ever since all this started—!

> Proccess…ing…

Shade: … …

Shade?: Like...you—?

Beck: I don't—it's just a feeling, but it's THERE and I know—

Beck: I know that somewhere in there—there's something else, something that knows all this is WRONG—!

Beck: So...

Beck: ...So please.

Beck: I'm begging you.

Beck: There...There's still time.

Beck: No more.

Beck: Just...no more.

> Proccess…ing…

Beck: No more pain, no more...of this.

Beck: I don't want to fight.

Beck: I...

Beck: I don't want to fight anymore—

>WARNING: POWER SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT: CORE HAS BEEN DRAINED IN OVERDRIVE CONVERSION.

Beck: —!

[Beck's attention snapped to Cardinal, who—oh, no, why is there so much oil and—]

———————————

Beowulf: Surge conversion is great, but energy cores weren’t built to function as first-aid reserves. They just aren’t meant for that. They’re there to provide a long-term internal energy supply to keep you running, like a heart does. You have a heart, but you still gotta eat and stuff.

Beowulf: Do that too many times, and the next bits of damage will stick, because there isn’t enough energy left to fix it.

——————————————

[Oh no—]

[PING!]

[TRIGGER SIGNAL LOST. XEL OVERRIDE MODE DISENGAGED. WEAPON LOCK WILL NOW BE LIFTED.]

Beck: -Blinks—- ??????

Beck: (Wha—)

[BANG!]

Beck: Guh—!

[A bullet found mark on Beck's shoulder—the assassin wasted no time once the weapon lock vanished.]

Shade: Alright.

Shade: While the lil' dance with the bird was FUN while it lasted...

Shade: It's time we settled this like robots.

Shade: Heh. Ya know what Ah'm talkin' about, don't ya?

Beck: —Shade, wait—!

[Too late. The hunter vanished without a trace, soundlessly making his escape.]

[...Leaving the mangled mess that was Cardinal behind.]

Beck: Cards--

[Beck came closer—he could smell oil and coolant— familiar smells—]

Beck: C-Cards...

Tired…

> Analysis complete. 1 Match found: MNN-009.

Cardinal: …

[To say he was in bad shape would be the understatement of the decade. He was too tired to even try and hide the damage—and there was only a faint humming noises coming from his unprotected eyes. They flickered dimly, sporadically—

—…no, wait, that wasn’t random, that was Morse…]

{Go… on… 9.}

Beck: —!

Beck: ....

[His vision began to grow out of focus.]

[...Oh, no. It's...not that.]

[Those were tears.]

Beck: N-No—

[Beck fell to his knees next to the First, but didn't dare touch him—not....Like this.]

((Pic—Beck crying over Cardinal))

[Flashes of something—someone. Red. Hurt.]

Beck: I...I can't—I can't leave you here—!

[Whether Cardinal didn’t hear him, or else didn’t care… that was hard to say.]

{Go… now…}

{SAVE… HIM…}

{Save… 8…}

{Go.}

Beck: I—I—

[His eyes darted erratically—flicking between a glowing intensity to a dulling light--]

[He promised, promised to save everyone, but Cards—but—Shade—]

[Cards was so hurt, but Shade was so close to losing himself—]

Beck: -Hurts—-

[Shade—his brother—]

[And Cards, Shade's best friend—]

___________________

"Beck."

___________________

Beck: —!

[A voice...]

_______________________

"Ow...yeah?"

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Putting yourself...Putting yourself up like you MUST prove something."

"Uh...I don't get it."

"Bah, of course you don't..."

"I'm saying...you always put yourself in a position where...where you WANT to be something greater when you're not READY for it."

"I..."

"You help others, sometimes out of your own expense—you give and give and give and give—"

"Until WHAT, Beck—?"

"I..."

"Why do you have to feel like you have to help...help EVERYONE in YOUR world—?"

"Um...Because it's the right thing to do?"

"Oh, don't give me THAT. That's cliché and you know it."

"Well, there's nothing wrong with wanting to help people, right?"

"...No, but it's dangerous to feel like you have to help everyone you meet."

"Hey, what do you mean by—"

"You can't help everyone, Amadeus."

"Wha—yes, I can—!"

"No. You can't. You're just one person. And we all have our limits."

*"I hope that one day even YOU can figure that out..."*

"...Mighty No. 9."

___________________________

Beck: .......

Beck: . . . .

Beck: (...I...)

Beck: (I can't help everyone...)

Beck: .......

>Shutting down…

Beck: . . . . .

Beck: O...Okay.

Beck: I'll go.

Beck: I'll...I'll save Shade, Cards, like I promised...

Beck: And...

Beck: I'll...I'll bring him home...

Beck: ...

Beck: Promise.

-Ping-

<RMDC>: >Signal identified: DLN-000.

<RMDC>: > Processing…

<RMDC>: > DLN-000 is now Offline.

Beck: ....

[It was quiet, save for Beck's small, retreating footsteps. Far too quiet.]

[Beck had come to HATE this kind of silence. It was unnerving, and too heavy for his... smallness to bear.]

[As much as it pained him to leave his friend like this, Beck...Beck just didn't have the heart to go on without some solace that Cardinal would be okay.]

[PING!]

[MN.9] //: G...Guys...

[MN.9] //: I...I'm going after Shade...

[MN.9] //: But—C...Cards...

[MN.9] //: -PLEADING data—- Help—I can't help him, please, someone help him soon, please—

[It seems forever before there’s an answer.]

<MC005>: > Can’t bring Robot Masters back Online. Xelbots can’t go until area is secured.

Beck: ......

[Which means...]

[Until Shade was saved, no one would help Cardinal get out of here.]

[MN.9] //: ...Yes, sir.

[.....]

[There was...no other choice.]

[He had to move forward.]

Beck: . . . .

Beck: (Cards...)

Beck: (I'll finish what you started.)

Beck: (I'll save Shade—for both of us...All of us.)

[REXELECTION: BRANDISH.]

[A flash of red and yellow, and Beck zoomed out of the foyer.]

[This was far from over.]

[Just because Shade had effectively incapacitated Cardinal and THEN some—]

[There were still many infected robots in the building, and who knows what kind of secrets were hidden in the White House that Shade could use to spread pandemonium across the nation.]

[Not to mention, the fact that they seem to follow Shade to an extent—he had no doubt that Shade was stalling for time back there just to ambush Cards at the right moment.]

[Eight could very well mount a invasion like had Five nearly done, and then there would be no stopping the government from utterly destroying the place.]

[...The more Beck thought about it, the more he could see why Cards wanted him to leave him behind. In a way, it lessened the sting of just abandoning him there—]

[...But only a little.]

[SHING!]

[Shade was still hiding, even after all this.]

[SHING!]

[But where...]

Beck: SHADE!

[PING!]

[MN.8] //: Lost, Lil' Doggy?

Beck: I THOUGHT you wanted to settle this like robots.

Beck: So where ARE you?

[MN.8] //: Ah' could tell ya. But that wouldn't as fun...

[MN.8] //: Ah' think ya have more worries t' attend to.

Beck: Besides YOU? Oh, come on—

[MN.8] //: Haven't ya heard the commotion outside?~

Beck: —Huh?

[Beck skidded to a stop, looking out to one of the broken windows overlooking the White House Lawn, and the gates beyond it.]

[There was...A lot of police. The kind that you see in... riots—? ]

Beck: What...?

[MN.8] //: See? I'm not the only robot tired of the status quo.

[MN.8] //: Even the meat-sticks don't want anythin' t do with the system!

[Indeed, it...It looked like there was a large, angry crowd outside—Beck could make out mostly humans, but also some Xelbot Civilians that didn't seem to be infected—]

[Some were cheering, others screaming bloody murder, and still others were trying to get inside—]

Beck: I...What is...?

Beck: (I don't understand...)

[MN.8] //: Lemmie ask ya a question, Lil' Doggy.

[MN.8] //: What are we REALLY built for?

Beck: ....

Beck: You're not going to get at me with this.

[MN.8] //: Not even gonna humor me, eh? Alright, that's fahn. I'll TELL ya.

[MN.8] //: All we were built t' do is fight in the Battle Colosseum, plaaain an' simple.

[MN.8] //: Don't seem so bad on the SURFACE, right?

[MN.8] //: W r o n g.

[MN.8] //: Humans can talk 'bout 'containin' violence' all they want, but that don't disguise what they REALLY want.

[MN.8] //: Entertainment, Lil' Doggy. We're just playthangs t' them. We dance and sing and fight and die just t' give them somethin' to fill the void in their PATHETIC Lil' lives.

Beck: —......

[MN.8] //: An' Combat Models have been doin' it fer YEARS an' no one' bothered t' do ANYTHIN' 'bout it.

[MN.8] //: We're givin' our spot in the limelight until they decide we're old news. And then they throw. Us. OUT.

[MN.8] //: Would've happened to One, eventually. Would've happened t' all of us. Would have happened t' YOU.

[MN.8] //: Heh.

[MN.8] //: Lucky for yew, lil' Doggy, Ah' plan t' make a few...changes t' that.

[MN.8] //: If ya manage t' SURVIVE, that is.

Beck: ...What are you getting at, Shade?

Beck: What's your plan?

[MN.8] //: Ah' really gotta spell it out for ya, don't Ah'?

[MN.8] //: Mah' first executive order as the first robot president is to set ALL robot FREE.

[MN.8] //: An' t' do that, I'm gonna abolish the International Battle Coloseeum Association. Permanently.

[MN.8] //: By FORCE.

Beck: —!!!!

Beck: Y-You can't do that—!

Beck: The IBCA isn't EVIL, Shade—!

Beck: Don't do that—

Beck: -PANIC-

Beck: PLEASE—!

[MN.8] //: Oh?

[MN.8] //: —Ooooh, that's right...yer off the team, ain't ya?

[MN.8] //: No IBCA, no tournaments, no more team.

[MN.8] //: You'd be useless, Lil' Doggy. Everythin' ya worked for--

[MN.8] //: --Kaput. See what Ah' mean, nao?

Beck: --........

[MN.8] //: Heh.

[MN.8] //: Truth hurts, don't it.

[MN.8] //: I'll be waitin' in mah new office, Lil' Doggy. If ya wanna file a complaint!~

[KSSSSSST--]

Beck: . . . .

Beck: (Those words...)

Beck: (I...I've heard those words... before...)

Beck: (I didn't understand then, but...Now...)

Beck: (You...)

Beck: (Has it been you...I've been sensing all this time...?)

Beck: (Are you the one behind all this...?)

Beck: (Have you...been hurting...this whole...time...?)

Beck: .......

Beck: (No...)

Beck: (Why didn't you tell me--?)

Beck: (Y...You could have...told me...)

Beck: (I...All this time, I could have helped you too...)

Beck: (How...how could I have been so blind--?)

Beck: (...Am I really that much of an idiot after all...?)

Beck: --........

[MN.9] //: -Erratic, sad, self doubt, empathetic data--

Beck: -Ngh--

Beck: (No, stop that--)

Beck: (If...If they knew...)

Beck: ....

Beck: (I have to keep going.)

Beck: (I can...think..about it...later...)

[His new office, Shade said.]

[Taking into account what Shade came here to do in the first place...]

[Beck knew exactly where to go.]

Beck: . . . .

[Soon, he came upon the large doors adorned with the Presidential Seal on them--The Oval Office.]

[Sunny sat to the side, hopping over to the small, discouraged hero with a worried look on her face.]

Sunny: D:

Beck: ...Hi, Sunny.

[Sunny opened up her compartment to give Beck some much needed Xel Cubes and Stocks--]

Beck: --?

[...Some other things tumbled out too.]

Beck: !

[A care package, of sorts, hastily thrown together.]

[Some cool water from Cryo, and cookies from Pyro--power nodes from Dyna and what looked to be a shiny rock from Mic...]

[A small coin from Bat--...Sadly nothing from Avi. He must be still out cold...]

[...A origami crane from Brand...His star projection toy he got on his second birthday from Will...]

[And some marshmallows from Sanda.]

[…!]

[And a note!]

Beck: ...?

“{LAST NIGHT—FOUND WORKING REPLACEMENT.}”

Beck: Working...Replacement...?

[.....]

Beck: --!!!!!

[Cardinal's core. He had all the parts, thanks to Beck, except for a working power core replacement. Something he could run on that wouldn't cause him to overheat--]

Beck: (He...They...)

Beck: (They did it--?)

Beck: ....

[And just like that, with that one note, with those seemingly few items that wouldn't have mattered to anyone else...]

[...There was hope.]

Beck: (I get it now...)

[There was a chance--!]

Beck: (I gotta save Shade--)

Beck: (So Cards can get help--)

Beck: (So he can be SAVED--)

Beck: (So he can live--!)

Beck: (Don't worry, Cards--)

Beck: (I'll save Shade for you--so he can live, right by your side--!)

[Strength returned to him suddenly, as he absorbed the Xel Cubes into his frame and put the power nodes away. He shoved the rest of the care package back into Sunny--he didn't have time to keep it all on him.]

[...The cookies and marshmallows stayed with him, though.]

Beck: (Alright, Shade--)

[Beck stood in front of the doors, and pushed them both open with some effort.]

Beck: (Let's end this.)

[CAPITOL BUILDING: OVAL OFFICE...]

[The office had seen better days. It was completely trashed. Even the chair in which the Madame President sat in was thrown across the room, the desk scorched, the tables turned sideways and riddled with bullet holes.]

[As expected...Shade was nowhere to be seen.]

[But he was here.]

Beck: (...Yeah...)

Beck: (He's here, I can feel it, somehow...)

Beck: (Is this how you tell he's near, Nii-San?)

Beck: ....

Beck: I kinda expected to be shot the second I came in.

Beck: That's what you did when I got here.

"Heh."

[The cowbot finally revealed himself, lazily leaning against the side of the desk, head down so that his radar hat covered most of his face.]

Shade: So ya do learn.

Shade: Okay, nao, Lil' Doggy...

[His head lifts just enough to reveal a single glowing violet eye, and a twisted smile.]

Shade: Let's see if you're all bark...or if you got some b i t e.

[A pair of bright, emerald hues meet his in defiance. Then Beck shook his head.]

Beck: Listen to me, Shade: you're malfunctioning! You're SICK! You're not THINKING straight!

Beck: Didn't you feel anything at all--ANYTHING--when you saw Cards--?!

[Shade pauses at that for a moment, as if thinking back...]

Shade: …

Beck: Please...

Beck: All this--freeing robots, us being just tools and playthings--

Beck: ....

Beck: I won't disagree with you.

Beck: ....

Beck: I've seen...and heard...what happens...when people see us like that...

Beck: Even when I shouldn't have...I did. I heard.

Beck: And it is nothing LESS than horrifying and wrong.

Beck: And...I won't deny that...

Beck: There are bad things, bad places, and...Yeah... really bad people in the world.

Beck: That being said--

Beck There are people that don't see us like that--!

Beck: Like Dad, and Uncle Sanda, and Mikhail--!

Beck: Mao, Felix, Piers--

Beck: The people that look up to us--

Beck: The people that we FIGHT for--!

Beck: The people that know what REAL freedom is, and try to protect it--!

Beck: Freedom doesn't require all this SUFFERING--!!

Beck: You're only going to make things WORSE, if you shut down the IBCA--! Not just for me--forget about me--! For EVERYONE--! What are you trying to ACCOMPLISH, getting rid of something that gives so many people so much HOPE?!

Shade: Tch.

Shade: Humans have fought over freedom an' hope with WAR for centuries. Your damn point? S'moot.

Beck: --!

Shade: Emancipation is worth ANY price...

Shade: Even at the cost of human lives.

[SCANNING.....]

[SCAN COMPLETE.]

[MODEL: MIGHTY NO. 8. CODENAME: COUNTERSHADE.]

[HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 273kg XEL COUNT: 54,600,000]

[CLICK.]

Shade: Or yours.

[BANG!]

[Beck saw that coming--he vaulted over a table on its side, the energy bullet seating the expensive furniture instead.]

Beck: I don't want to FIGHT you, Shade--!

"Bit late for that line, ain't it?"

[A quick peek over the table. Shade was no longer there.]

Beck: (Argh...)

[Countershade. The 8th in the Mighty Numbers, with state of the art technology that was only surpassed by Beck's own. The Teal Silence, the Mighty Assassin, intangible as a ghost...]

[Shade was synonymous with all of these titles and sayings and then some. He was able to pick his foes off before they even knew they were being hunted, and had many tricks and traps at his disposal--even with the lack of a right limb, that didn't slow him down in the slightest.]

[The world's greatest assassin robot ever built, and he had turned for the worst. He had pushed his inborn abilities of Radar Detection and Active Camouflage to greater heights, placing him squarely as the team's Sniper. It was often Shade that dealt the final blow against particularly strong teams, and often Shade that made sure that they had a ace in the hole in case things ever went...]

[...Wrong.]

[Against the strongest member of their family...]

[Beck had to be prepared for anything.]

Beck: (At least we're in an enclosed space--Shade's area of excel is long-range, not close quarters combat. I got the advantage there.)

Beck: (...But Cards had that too, and...)

Beck: (...And I DON'T want to taunt Shade into a rage--that would suck--)

Beck: (--I could use his weakness, I have Dyna's form...)

Beck: (--...But that isn't really going to deflect his shots, so...)

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC]

Beck: I hope I got Mic's bulkiness too...

[Beck took a deep breath and ZOOMED out of his cover--]

[BANG BANG BANG--]

[Bullet holes chasing his tracks, unrelenting in their pursuit of the smaller Mighty Number.]

"That's right--RUN."

Beck: -WELL, WHAT ELSE DO YOU EXPECT US TO DO--

[Shade still had his Camo online, even if Cardinal had done a number on his cloak...]

Beck: (Where are you--)

"Here."

Beck: --!?

[He looked up--]

[BANG--!]

Beck: --?!?

[Dizzy--]

[ERROR--GYRO SYSTEMS OFFLINE.]

Beck: Wh--Whoa--!

Shade: Heh! DANCE, Lil' Doggy!

[The world suddenly turned upside down, and his motor controls were reversed--]

[WHAM--!]

[He crashed into the desk so hard he reverted back to default, the ground and ceiling spinning at dizzying speeds.]

Beck: @~@!

Beck: (Can't tell what's up or down--)

[BANG!]

Beck: NGH--!

[Trying to move his right arm only moved his left, and vice versa--same with his legs--]

[BANG!]

Beck: OW--

[After some doing, he DOES manage to get on his feet--]

[But he's stumbling and tripping up, all sense of balance lost.]

Beck: (I've never--seen Shade do this before--not with Cards or anyone--!)

[THUD--]

Beck: (Ugh, I can't even walk straight, LET ALONE SHOOT--!)

[BANG--!]

Beck: ARGH--!

"Havin' fun, Lil' doggy?"

Beck: NO!

"Heheh."

Beck: (I gotta get normal mobility BACK--!)

[RUNNING XEL_FILTER.EXE...]

[NO MALWARE FOUND.]

Beck: (Wha--then how--)

Beck: !

[There--there's something caught in his shoulder's armor--]

[A purple dart--?]

Beck: --!

Beck: (Of course, Shade can detect signals--there's no reason why he can't also transmit jamming signals with his radar too--!)

Beck: (I gotta get this thing off me--)

[Left moves right, and vice versa--]

[So moving his right arm should--!]

Beck: (There--Ow, OW THAT HURTS--)

[BANG BANG BANG--!]

[The shots hit him squarely in the torso, knocking him away to the middle of the room--]

Beck: Nngh...

Beck: (Need a...good grip...!)

[SMACK--]

Beck: Mmmph--!

[His face meets the carpet--something big and heavy was planted right on the back of his head--]

((Pic—Beck pinned))

Shade: S'that ALL?

Shade: Ya didn't even last HALF of what the Songbird did. An’ HE was as soft as the sap he choked on!

Shade: How ya managed t' fell the rest of our kin is beyond me. Maybe it was all dumb luck, huh?

Beck: (Nngh--)

[... Amazingly, Beck raised his head even with Shade's weighted boot on his helmet.]

Beck: Sh... Shade--!

[...?]

[...Why...Why was this part of the carpet red--? ]

[Yes, it was faint, but he can make out the beginning of the letter H in...]

[Cardinal's handwriting...]

[HOPE LIVES.]

Beck: (H...Hope...Hope...)

Shade: Ah’ll make this short. After ‘m done with yew, ‘m gonna make SURE that birdy hasn’t pulled one last trick out of his arsenal. So.

Shade: Any last words, Doggy?

[CLICK.]

Beck: --Shade--

Beck: Cards--there's--there's a new source--

Beck: They did it, Shade--!

Shade: --!

[It was as if a switch had been flipped.]

[The sick, purple glow left him completely, for a moment--]

Shade: -Blink-

Shade: R..Really--?

Beck: Yeah--

[YANK--]

[GYRO SYSTEMS RESTORED.]

Beck: So you need to COME BACK HOME WITH ME--!

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON.]

[BZZZZZZZZZRT!!]

Shade: MOTHERSCRA--

[Shade screamed as pure high voltage surged up his leg, considerably damaging him--enough so that some of the infected Xel glowed around him!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: So you and Cards--

[BZZZZZZZZZRT!]

Beck: --can get better--together--!

Shade: Ngh--!

Beck: So you can laugh and smile and be silly and get into trouble--

Beck: So we can all Live—together--!!

Beck: IT'S JUST YOU LEFT--!

Beck: SO JUST LET ME--

[Beck dashed into Shade, he needed to end this quick, end this now before Cards--]

[Fzzt!]

Beck: --?!?!?

[....Did...]

[Did he just go... through Shade...?]

[He skids to a stop, turning on his heel, bewildered.]

Shade: -GRIN-

[Shade was... flickering red...]

Shade: What's wrong, Lil' Doggy?

[And then he just disappeared.]

"Ya look like ya just saw a GHOST, HEH HEH HEH!"

[BANG!]

Beck: Gh--

[The shot came from what seemed like above--he rolled and shot straight at the ceiling ledge where Shade was really perched--had be been there the whole time--]

Shade: That damn annoyin' Songbird fell for it more than ONCE, ha!

Shade: Half of the tahm he was chasin' mah Phantom instead of me.~

Shade: Did ya really think ya can win against ME, mutt?

Shade: Just like that?

Beck: --Ngh...Okay...I might have gotten...Carried away...

Shade: Heh.

Shade: So--will the humans give ya a SPECIAL treat for betraying yer own KIND, Lil' Doggy? Is Dad gonna put ya on a pedestal b'fore everyone?

Shade: S'just like them, huh?

Shade: T'covet what they hold DEAR--

[VRRRRR....]

Beck: !

[Several dark orbs fly out from under Shade's cloak--some create a shield around him, while one started to glow... bright red--]

Shade: T'WORSHIP UNTIL THEY GET BORED!

[BANG BANG BANG--]

[Strange visual glitches appeared in the air, but there were OTHER things to worry about—]

Beck: --?!?!?

Beck: (HOW IS HE DOING THAT--)

[Diving behind a table once more, he could only watch in absolute horror as Shade shot off bullets towards him--off of something that made some very familiar warping--]

Beck: (T..That shouldn't be possible--!)

[BANG BANG BANG!]

[Beck winces at what sounds like glass breaking, Shade continuing to shoot wildly--he managed to get around his cover a few times, but--]

Beck: Shade, I have no idea what you're doing but you have to stop it--

Beck: --?

[What's this--?

The visual glitchy cracks in the air were suddenly filled with a dark, pulsing energy...

That's funny, for a second he thought he heard...Voices...]

Beck: (What the heck...)

Beck: (Ugh, I don't know what's going on, but it isn't good--!)

[REXELECTION: CRYOSPHERE]

[PEW PEW PEW!]

Shade: HGNN--

[Pelting Shade with a few ice shard filled snowballs was enough to get him to stop making more of those strange glitches--but it did also made him angry.]

Shade: Freakin' MUTT!

Shade: I'll show ya EXACTLY what yer dealin' with--

Shade: Les' play a GAME, Lil' Doggy.

Shade: S'called--

[FZZT!]

[Shade vanished once more--only to reappear at Beck's left...AND right--!]

Shade and Shade: Which is it?

Beck: !

Beck: -DUCK--

[Both Shades fired at him, with those annoying purple darts--Beck could NOT afford to get hit with one of THOSE again--]

[SCANNING...]

[ERROR--MN.8 SIGNAL NOT FOUND]

Beck: (I can't tell which one is the real one--!)

Beck: (UGH--)

[PEW--!]

[He fired at one Shade, but it just went right through it.]

Beck: (Aha!)

[Fzzt!]

[No cigar--as soon as Beck figured out which was which, both Shades had vanished--and once again reappeared in different locations, as if in a game of shuffle.]

Beck: (No--!)

Shade and Shade: Heh, it hurts t' be seein' DOUBLE, ain't it?

Beck: (Nnngh, I even hear two voices overlapping--)

Beck: --?

[--? What was that--a light dangling from one of the Shades’ neck--?]

Beck: --!!!

[--Wait--that was a dog tag, with a red frayed thread around it--!]

[PEW!]

Shade: --?!?

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: (Thank you, Cards--!)

Beck: (It must have gotten loose during the fight...)

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON.]

Shade: Nngghr--...

Shade: Ya need t' be put DOWN, Lil' doggy, so sit STILL--!

Beck: I'm not a DOG--

[BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: --So stop CALLING me that--!

[Shade growled at his smaller brother, and sent out--a LOT of orbs--!]

[Shade--the REAL Shade--flared a bright violet aura, anger and wrath radiating from his frame in visible waves, distorting the space around him--]

Shade: You...

Shade?: You IDIOT.

Beck: --?!

Shade?: I have no qualms with you, NINTH!

[CLICK.]

Shade?: LET ME HAVE THIS!

[VRRRRRRRR--!]

[BANG BANG BANG BANG BANGBANGBANGBANG--!]

[It was just like the first fight Shade had had against Cardinal, where he’d taken out all the lights. The fixtures shattered.

Bullets and darts fly absolutely EVERYWHERE, leaving Beck with no room for cover--]

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC]

[The only thing he COULD do was shift into Mic's form and tank what he could...]

[But...]

[WARNING: XEL LOSS DETECTED.]

Beck: --!!

Beck: -Gnh--

[His leg armor was breached, and blue began to flow out of the wound from it...]

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 1...]

Beck: (Ow...Can't move...)

Shade: Gah, sloppy--

Shade: Hate it when it takes more than one bullet...

Shade: Heh, oh well. Funny, that ya bleed b l u e....

Beck: Ngh--

Beck: How many times do I have to say it--

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON]

[Bits flew around the room, dangerously sparking up--]

Beck: You got it all WRONG! I'm here because I want to HELP you!

Beck: I AM NOT--

Shade: --!!!

Beck: LIKE THAT--!

[C R A C K !!]

[A brilliant flash, the room turns alight with the brightness of the sun-- ]

[K-ZAP!]

[Well THAT was certainly stronger than expected—!]

[...The room was covered in black soot, though, Shade and Beck included.]

Beck: ....

Beck: -cough, ugh--

Beck: (Dizzy...I feel all tingly...)

"N...Ngh..."

[Shade was on a single knee across the room, twitching slightly in some places...

The glow that surrounded him earlier had faded to a dim, but the assassin was not completely spent...]

Shade: A Mighty...doesn't lose...On their KNEES...

[Slowly, with some effort, he rides to his feet--]

Shade: This tahm--gonna kill ya DEAD--

Beck: --!

Beck: SHADE WAIT--

[ZZT.]

Shade: OW--

Shade: -Nnmmgh that smarts, what the hell--

Beck: -...We're on carpet, haven't you ever rubbed socks on one--

Beck: (This is perfect--all I have to do is get closer--)

[ZZZT.]

Beck: OW--

Beck: ......

[ZZZT. ZZZT. ZZZT.]

Beck: Ow ow ow--

Shade: Wh--

Beck: Ow OW OW, that hurts, ow--

Beck: @-@

Beck: Ow.

Shade: -GROWLS, DON'T YA DARE, WE /W I L L/ BEAT YA WITH OUR GOOD ARM IF WE HAFTA--

Beck: Okay, Shade...

Shade: Ya don't know what yer doin', Lil' Doggy.

Shade?: This is something you cannot even begin to fathom.

Beck: .....

Beck: No.

Beck: I think I do.

Beck: I think I have all this time.

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[XEL QUOTA REACHED. XEL PURGE ONLINE. XELFILTER.EXE IS PRIMED AND READY FOR OVERDRIVE.]

Beck: I...just didn't want to believe it.

Beck: I know you're listening.

Beck: ...

Beck: Everything is going to be okay.

Beck: I will help everyone.

Beck: ...I'll keep giving, if that's what it takes.

Beck: And, Shade...

Shade: --?

Beck: Cards is going to be okay.

Beck: He's hurt, but he's going to be okay.

Shade: .....

Shade: C... Cards...

[XEL PURGE INITIATED!]

Beck: I think we've stayed here long enough...

[.........]

"What are ya doin' in mah room, Beck?"

"WAAH--I--I thought no one was in here--"

"Heh. Hidin' from Dyna's wardrobe game again?"

"...Yeah. >//> I hate being in a dress..."

"Alright, ya can crash here fer a bit."

"...Y...You're not mad?"

"Beck, Ah've known those two fer longer than ya have been alive, Ah' get it."

"Oh...Okay."

"... Penny fer yer thoughts? Ya seem distant."

"Um...I... was...just wondering."

"Mm?"

"...People say... that... you...."

"...you hurt people. B...Bad people, though."

"But...why? I...I mean, isn't violence only confined to the Battle Colosseum--and why do you have to--"

"Hush, nao..."

"When did ya start thinkin' like that, huh...Eh, you're gettin' older, Ah' bet..."

"Listen t' me, Beck, an' listen well."

"Dad's taught us that there is good in everyone, an' he ain't wrong 'bout that. There is a light in all thangs..."

"... But there is also darkness. Evil. Sometimes...Sometimes good people don't come back once they let themselves go too far."

"An' as much as some would like nothin' more than t' get them back..."

"Sometimes, it ain't enough. An' someone has t' stop them b'fore they hurt even MORE people. Good, innocent people."

"...People like the ones we see on the street..."

"...An' sweet lil' kids like you, Becky, come 'ere!"

"Ack--! Shaaaade, that tickles--!"

"Heh."

[.......]

"But...Dad also taught us that..."

"... Sometimes, good people do bad thangs, but that don't make them bad people. It takes a strong heart t' tell the difference, Beck."

"...?"

Shade: B...Be...ck...

Beck: --!!!!

"Just remember this."

"There is such a thang as second chances."

"Few, an' far in between..."

Shade: Ah'....

"But they're there."

((Pic—Shade’s purging))

[XEL PURGE COMPLETE. ALL HARMFUL MALWARE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM MN.8]

Shade: Ah' owe ya one, don't ah', Beck...?

[THUD.]

[MN.8 IS NOW IN DEEP SLEEP MODE.]

Beck: Shade--!

-PING!-

<MC005>: > {Please tell me I didn’t just imagine that—}

<MC005>: > {Beck! Are you ready to return?}

Beck: ! Yeah, but Shade--

Shade: .....

Shade: Zzzzzz....

Beck: . . .

[…

Mikhail laughs.

It is clearly influenced by stress, and you could almost hear him crying in relief—his voice was kind of shaky.]

Beck: ....

Beck: Heh...

[He is soon joined by Beck, after a while. It...

It was almost like a great weight had been lifted up from his small shoulders...]

Mikhail: They’ll…

Mikhail: They’ll be fine, Beck.

Beck: -Sniff- Y...Yeah...

Mikhail: I can’t… I haven’t had the chance to talk to your father yet, but I know a way to even minimize the impact of this…

Beck: !

Beck: R...Really?

Beck: -Sniff- Th... That's great...

Mikhail: I’ll need to have a lengthy private conversation with him first, but…

Mikhail: He’ll be alright.

Beck: Heh...

Beck: (I...)

Beck: (I did it. I saved my whole family.)

Beck: (They're...going to be fine...)

Beck: ^^ M'...M'kay...

[...Oh, poor boy. He looks ready to keel over, but he's keeping himself awake through sheer willpower.]

Mikhail: I’m going to bring the two of you home. Try to get some rest once you get here, Nine.

Beck: -Sleepily- Mmm mmm...

Mikhail: Call, if you please…

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=PROLOGUE C: IT ALL BEGINS NOW=

~AO v1.0~

(Courtesy of @limitbreakers)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

White: MIKHAIL! IT'S HIM! HE'S ALIVE--!

Sanda: WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE, WILL, ANSWER HIM--

[DR.WHITE] //: MIKHAIL--!

[The feed switched on.]

[…To utter chaos.

The whole family seemed to be there, Russians and Americans alike—the ground was coated in over an inch of solid ice, everyone was in full armor, and three of the brothers seemed to be out cold, sprawled as if they had passed out on the spot.]

[Siam is shouting, as usual.]

Siam: —OBODY PANIC, NOBODY PANIC

Digger: {HOW CAN YOU EXPECT US NOT TO PANIC}

Speedy: THIS IS MONSTROPOLIS ALL OVER—

Gemini: —! EVERYONE SHUT UP THE FEED Siamini: JUST CAME ON!

Mikhail: !!!

White: Mikhail!

Beck: GUYS--

Sanda: Y-You're OK--!

Mikhail: WILL! Thank God you’re alright! What is going on over there?!

Siam: -Talking over Mikhail- What is going on, first we got attacked from your servers and then—

White: We didn't--

Beck: EVERY ROBOT IN THE CITY AND THE COUNTRY IS GOING BANANAS AND I CAN'T CONTACT THE OTHERS AND I FOUGHT A GIANT ROUND DIGGER AND EVERYONE IS GONE--

Sanda: Beck--BECK, CALM DOWN--

Mikhail: {WHAT?!}

[Nico was silently screaming in alarm and panic over the channel. Even Digger—who rarely let his smile leave his face when he was in public—looked terrified.

And Speedy?

Poor Speedy was laying on the ground, curled up in full armor and clutching at his earcaps.]

Speedy: Oh God they’re all going to die

[Pisces was trying to comfort him, but it was in vain.

Everyone’s minds were drawn deep into the fall of Monstropolis—fire and smoke everywhere.]

Speedy: The people are going to kill them all they are going to dIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

[And he was screaming, screaming in agonizing despair.]

Speedy: {PLEASE HAVE MERCY PLEASE YOU HAVE TO SAVE THEM}

Beck: -Breathing HARD, the XEL around him reacting erratically-

White: Beck--BREATHE, just...!

Sanda: -tIIIIME TO LOCK ALL THE NON INFECTED XEL IN THE GIANT CANISTERS IN CASE BECK BREAKS DOWN-

[The others were really starting to break down as well. Mikhail was hastily locking the database to prevent a data overload the likes of which Avi had /just/ seen from being sent /Beck’s/ way as well.]

Jaden: -Groveling- I’m begging you not to kill them like that, please have mercy—

Pisces: -Just plain crying, on the inside-

Nico: Oh God help us— Beck, pLEASE, PLEASE DON’T KILL THEM—

[C R A C K]

Beck: -pANICKY NOW-

White: --!!!

Sanda: Ohno--

Mikhail: -SORRY, TRYING TO PREVENT THE SERVER FROM CRASHING-

[Mikhail was doing the best he can, yes...

...But Beck could HEAR the desperation in their voices, their screams, and recalling the stories he wasn't supposed to hear...

...Their voices rose and seemed to entrap him, PLEADS of mercy and terror, growing louder, louder, LOUDER--!]

[C R A C K!]

Beck: ENOUGH!

[THAT garnered an interesting reaction.

Skull created a barrier around himself and his family, while some of the others instinctively summoned weapons to their hands. The look in their eyes was wild—that of cornered, panicked prey.]

[The Xel within the large storage canisters in the lab BURST open, and both Will and Sanda threw up their arms on instinct, as if expecting a repeat of the LAST time Beck had lost his composure...]

[...But the wave of Xel never came.]

Mikhail: …?

[Instead...the Xel paused. Drew TOWARDS the Mighty Number, the same soft, green glow enveloping him...]

Beck: All of you be QUIET!

[Mikhail stands, placing a hand on Keltso’s shoulder as a signal to stand down.]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Mikhail: … Incredible…

[XEL QUOTA REACHED. XEL PURGE: ONLINE. XELFILTER.EXE HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR OVERDRIVE.]

Mikhail: (Why, it’s like watching Felix…!)

Beck: .......

[ And as Beck stood there, eyes glowing a willful emerald green, coming to terms with what he just did and what was transpiring around him...]

[…Interesting…]

[The green glow seemed to calm the others.

Their own eyes /stopped/ glowing the panicked solid green they had been moments before.]

Beck: . . .

"...Haywire robots...in all 52 states..."

"IT'S BLACKWELL'S FAULT--"

"Hellllooo! Is this thing on?"

[…Screaming. Two voices, screaming in agony—]

“{PLEASE HAVE MERCY PLEASE YOU HAVE TO SAVE THEM}”

"You have tools of which this world--or ANY world--have only just begun to see!"

"USE THEM!"

"Come on--SNAP OUT OF IT--NOW!"

“Let me tell you something, Master Beck.

It is your heart and your build, your purpose, to help others. That is where your greatest power, I think, will always lie.

When you truly believe in your cause, the strength comes to you.

And after all.

You are Mighty.”

Beck: .........

[.....]

[Beck closes his eyes...]

Beck: .....

Beck: I'm...not going to destroy my own family.

[The Rebel Angels did a double take in alert surprise.]

Beck: No...

[When he opened them again--]

[They were a FIERCE bright green, shining with a will and determination that could only be defined as Mighty. ]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: (I feel like I’ve seen that look before somewhere…)

Beck: I'm going to SAVE them!

[Their eyes seemed glazed over.

…Clearly, this was going to take a moment to process.]

White: .......

Sanda: ........

Mikhail: -Sighs in relief and puts a hand to his face, finally coming out of an adrenaline rush into a hard crash-

Mikhail: …It may take them a few minutes to finish processing that data.

Mikhail: It’s just.

Mikhail: Barely within their comprehension….

Mikhail: [sub]{great heavens I am so tired}[/sub]

Beck: .......

White: .........

Sanda: ......

[......]

White: Beck...

[Mikhail is sitting down heavily, just listening for the time being as he gathered his thoughts.]

White: I...I can't let you go OUT there--

Skull: Nyet.

[They had finished processing, and were MUCH calmer now, if… weary and haunted.]

Skull: -Quietly- {Doctor, you must.}

Skull: {Unless you wish the likes of my [color=blue]cousin[/color] to be created to go in his place.}

White: ---.....

Sanda: .........

Keltso: {It’s true, Doctor. Your family, they are the strongest. Who can stand against them if they wish to fight, unless they themselves also use incredible force?}

Keltso: {Without you all to help keep order, it will fall to others who are…}

Keltso: {LESS compassionate.}

Sanda: .......

Sanda: Will...Will, they're right.

[Sanda turned towards his best friend, who had placed a hand on his son's shoulder...]

Sanda: There's...no other way...

Jaden: …Please…

Jaden: …Doctor, people are already panicked. Beck may be the only way to stop this from becoming a second Monstropolis.

Jaden: And… a-and it’s not unheard of for one boy to take on the world. And win.

Jaden: [sub]…And since he stays in his right mind, Beck’s far better than he could ever hope to be…[/sub]

White: ........

[He seemed--conflicted. On one hand--he SO DESPERATELY wanted to save his sons and daughters as well--]

[...But Beck was ALSO his son.]

[What if...?]

Beck: Dad...

White: ....

[Will kneels, looking at his son in the eye while placing his hands on both of his shoulders, now, almost identical green hues staring into each other.]

Beck: Dad...I...I'm not gonna lie. I'm scared.

Skull: …

Beck: And--to be honest--I...I don't even know if I can DO this...

Beck: ...But...

Beck: I gotta try.

Beck: Because--....losing...

Beck: ...everyone...

Beck: ....scares me WORSE.

[Speedy looks…

Heartbroken.]

Speedy: (…When it reaches that point…. It’s almost like life isn’t worth living anymore…)

Beck: Dad, I...I don't...I have to...I LOVE them, Dad, I have to TRY. I HAVE to.

Beck: They aren't--themselves, this isn't their fault--!

Digger: -Drills whirr in memory of his own brainwashed chaos- :’ (

Beck: I have to TRY and SAVE them, Dad! WHO ELSE WILL?!

White: . . . .

[Tears...]

Beck: Please...!

[......]

White: ....

White: Soi?

Sanda: ...Yes?

White: Please tell me the teleporters are still working.

Beck: --!

[…!!!]

White: We're going to need them.

[Mikhail stands abruptly, speaking sharply.]

Mikhail: {WAIT!}

[This startles his family members, as he’s speaking VERY sharply—with authority.]

Mikhail: {Will you can’t use the same frequencies as before—}

White: --Of course not--

Mikhail: {Avi has control over the signals, and if he interferes with THAT, it would KILL them!}

White: Yes--I figured that--we've seen his 'news report'.

Sanda: -tHIS IS NEWS TO HIM- WHAT?!

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: …He may be out of commission for a while, but I doubt it will be for long—

Sanda: Wait, what—

Mikhail: -Dryly- He made a critical mistake.

Mikhail: And paid… VERY dearly for it.

White: ....

White: ....So...the screaming--

Mikhail: Yes. That was the two of them.

[Toby was...offline--]

White: --!!!

White: He...no...

Mikhail: When he broke through—the cross that this family bears… was pressed onto HIS shoulders.

Mikhail: It was more than he could bear.

Beck: ----!!! No--! AVI!!

Mikhail: There’s a /reason/, friends, why we tried very hard to downplay what we’ve been through…

Mikhail: And, well. Now he knows. And he’ll remember it ever after, when he snaps out of it.

White: --.....

[His son....]

White: A-Aviator...

Sanda: -Places a hand on his shoulders-

White: .......

Beck: ...Dad...

White: ....-loooong sigh-

[White shakes his head and slumps down to sit on several boxes labeled with the Sanda logo, his hands on his face...]

White: My family...

[....It...]

[It was...almost like LAST time...]

[His family was....!]

Sanda: Will...

[Sanda walks over and sits beside him, an arm around his shoulders.]

Sanda: Will...it's going to be alright.

White: ......

Sanda: You've got me in your corner, remember? ^^

[Ah, there it is. That old Sanda positive optimism and charm.]

Sanda: I'm ALWAYS here for you, you know that!

Sanda: So of COURSE I'm going to help you!

White: ......

Sanda: What are best friends FOR after all. We're in this mess together... So we might as well stick together too, right?

White: ....

White: Heh...

White: What would I do without you, Soi...?

Sanda: Ooooh, I don't know--probably working yourself ragged, that's what.

White: -chuckles softly-

White: .....

White: ...Thank you, Soi.

Sanda: Anytime, Will. Anytime.

Beck: -Smiles-

Mikhail: …Will?

Mikhail: Remember what I told you?

-*-*-*-*-*-

Mikhail: Listen…

Mikhail: If anything ever goes that wrong for you,

Mikhail: I /promise/ you I will help you find a way to fix it.

-*-*-*-*-*-

White: ...Heh...right... I remember...

Sanda: Ya see, Will?!

Mikhail: Though…

Mikhail: -Sighs- Tobias is… out cold, so getting back in contact once Avi regains strength is not going to be an easy feat.

Sanda: .....!

Mikhail: It’s going to take me a while to go through his coding to make sure it hasn’t been disrupted. And even then, I… don’t know if I will revive him right away.

Keltso: … What? But Father—! Why not?!

Mikhail: …Because, my son—he is his father’s son.

Mikhail: He is impulsive, impatient, and passionate.

Mikhail: He very nearly got sent Offline the last time his friends were in danger, remember?

White: ...Quite so...

Mikhail: I do not know what Dyna’s situation might be, but undoubtedly he would… try to stop her, in some manner.

Mikhail: …which would be dangerous for /both/ of them and likely severely emotionally damaging to Lady Dyna long term…

Sanda: -pALES at the thought-

Digger: -Drill whir- : (

Digger: Doctors American…

Digger: …To lose control, from outside force.

Digger: Very hurt much, yes bad. :’C

Digger: … -Can’t. Just can’t. It’s hitting too close to home, here-

[aaAAAAND HE SUDDENLY STARTS TALKING VERY INTENSELY.]

Digger: It is frightening, and horrid!

White: --!!

Digger: I only survived because Cardinal spared my life, faked my death for me—

Digger: All the others, the ones he didn’t reach—they were all dead, but we all have to carry—

Digger: It will be no easy thing, once they recover, for to be returned to right mind does not take away the sins. It will hurt them, badly.

Digger: …

Digger: -Sadly- you must… be ready for that….

White: ........

Sanda: ......

Beck: ......... (Guys....it's....I swear...it's not your fault...)

Mikhail: Yet another reason why we have to stay out of this, boys…

White: ........

White: ........

White: ................

[Stay....out of this...]

Mikhail: We don’t want the Avi-like incident repeating with the other numbers. It will be hard enough to carry without hurting close friends in the process…

Nico: …Good luck getting Shadow to agree. -Looks down at said brother- Maybe we should keep him Offline, too?

Skull: …At least, until Brandish is better…

[…]

[… … …]

[…There seemed to be.

Something missing…

…

…UH-OH.]

White: -sUDDENLY VERY PANICKED-

White: MIKHAIL.

Mikhail: …?

Mikhail: …

White: WHERE IS CARDINAL?

[A moment of pause.]

Mikhail: -oH GEEZ— - …No…

Siam: No…! No no no no no no no—

Mikhail: CARDINAL!

Sanda: ohhhNO--

Beck: Cards--!

<RMDC>: >ERROR: DLN-000 SIGNAL NOT FOUND.

[There was no response.]

Siam: WHERE IS HE?!

Mikhail: SHUT DOWN THE TELEPORTERS, NOW!

[The Doctor was running off toward the complex in the background.]

Mikhail: For all that is good in the world, PLEASE let him be in the lab—!

White: Beck--

Beck: He's not answering--!

Sanda: -pANIIIIC-

[Nico was hovering by now, eyes glowing in distress.]

Nico: I thought he’d been awfully reserved from his usual commentary—!

White: He....oh no...he must...he must have...!

[...Nearly all of the Mighty Numbers had been taken by the virus...]

[...Including Countershade.]

Skull: … -With surprising amount of emotion for him- {My God.}

Keltso: -Also with surprising amount of emotion, though it’s clearly more on the “anger” side than the “fear” side- {We should have seen this coming, they’re practically twins.}

Skull: …

Keltso: -rAEG- {CARDINAL!}

Keltso: {YOU SELFISH BASTARD—!}

Beck: He's gone after Shade--!

Sanda: --IS HE SERIOUS--

White: .........

Keltso: {WE NEEDED YOU /HERE/, DAMMIT—}

Digger: -OI, OI, WE DO NOT CALL THE COUSIN WHO SAVED OUR LIVES SUCH NAMES— -

Keltso: {THEY HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING!}

Keltso: THEY’RE GOING TO THINK HE’S AN INFECTED XELBOT, JUST LIKE THE OTHERS—

Keltso: My God, your military is going to KILL HIM!

White: ..........

Beck: NO!

Sanda: Will, what is Eight's status?!

White: .....

White: I...I don't know.

[There is dismayed shouting.]

White: It's COUNTERSHADE, Soi! I don't KNOW!

[After a few moments, the feed abruptly cut to the Meadow Lab.

Drawers and equipment lay scattered everywhere, as if the place had been raided.

…Which was an apt description. Not only was Cardinal gone…]

Siam: -Cries out in alarm, rushing over- NO! THE RESEARCH!

[Nico’s system screeched in feedback as they looked in dismay on the empty units.

All the E-Tanks AND the Power Capsules were… gone.

Even the prototypes of the Tanks that Siam had been trying to make.

Cardinal had cleared the place out.]

Mikhail: He took the ENTIRE emergency stock with him—?!

Nico: Has he lost his MIND?!

Keltso: -Hotly- What the glitch does he think he’s DOING?!

Skull: -Eyes burning- He’s going to get himself killed.

Mikhail: My God, we’ve got to get him out of there—

Gemini: I can’t find his signal—!

White: I have NOTHING on this side either--!

Sanda: -sCRAMBLING FOR THE TERMINAL-

Beck: -REPEATEDLY PINGING CARDS, PLEASE ANSWER-

[There is no response.

…Not just “no response,” either.

It’s like the reception had been turned off entirely, like it simply never reached a destination.]

Beck: !?

[For—as a survival feature—ALL the AI&As of his world…

…were able to turn reception and outgoing signals off entirely.]

[Doing so cut them off from the world, reducing them to the more human senses—

—but it also forced others to rely on those same senses to track them.]

[And he had evaded such efforts for twenty YEARS.]

White: ............

White: I...can't find him...

Sanda: BLAST IT--!

Beck: C...cards....

Mikhail: … -Sounds very… resigned- …Nor will you.

Mikhail: …He is not just a Combat construct.

Mikhail: He is military.

Mikhail: And one of the features all AI&As have—just for survival’s sake, as they are hunted—

Mikhail: …is to turn off all wireless transmission—ingoing AND outgoing.

Mikhail: He doesn’t want to be found. He has a mission directive, and he won’t let anyone stop him from completing it. -Slight groan- I’ve seen him like this before. Last time, he traveled half the world—certainly most of Europe and parts of Africa—before he was finished.

Mikhail: He was being sought by the CIA, KGB, and God knows who else…. They never found him.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: The only way we’ll know where he is…

Mikhail: Is either by his return, or his destruction.

White: ....Unless we figure out where Shade is first...but even THAT is a nigh impossible task...

Sanda: ........

Beck: ....

White: Dear God, Cardinal--...please be alright...

Pisces: …

Pisces: -Slowly- …lasted this long.

Pisces: Fought military before. Police before. Feds before. Even [color=cadetblue] him [/color] b’fore.

Pisces: …Don’t think we’ll find Shade b’fore Cardinal does. We’re all focused on big picture. He’s just focused on Shade. Simple resource distribution comparison.

Pisces: …Plus he seems to know a bit more than at least we do of how Shade thinks and stuff…

Skull: …

Skull: … -Dryly- That’s Shade under /normal/ circumstances.

Pisces: -Flatly- Fine. Viper, then.

White: . . . .

Beck: [sub]....Pisces does have a point...[sub]

Beck: ...Cards could be our best shot at finding Shade....

Pisces: … I know my brother pretty well. He’s… gonna be moving, constantly, staying out of the way unless forced. He only uses force when he has to—to keep the element of surprise. So that people underestimate him. …You guys have no idea what he’s /really/ capable of.

Pisces: But. T’ give you an idea. Basically trying to fight all the rest of us. At once. With teleportation.

Nico: -Grumbles- Yeah, I’m glad we didn’t STAY infected, ESPECIALLY him…

White: --?!? What?!

Sanda: So it DID try to--

Speedy: Dude. The SandaEnterprises Database (White Server) uploaded a corrupt file to the RMDC.

Siam: It didn’t work, but it activated the closest equivalents—

Gemini: The DLN_COMBAT.EXE program and the DWN_COMBAT.EXE/PLAN_M initiative.

Siam: …Basically, the thing that causes 001 to become Death, and the forced “fight to the death” clause Dad put in to counteract it.

Sanda: ..........

White: n...no...

[If it had done THAT to THEM...

Then...who knows...what it could have done to....]

Siam: -sUDDEN THOUGHT— - (CARMEN!)

Beck: --!!!!

White: --!!!!!

Sanda: NOT--

Siam: -Turns sharply- Doctor!

Mikhail: -A bit surprised by the sudden alarm- What?

Siam: Is FMN-008 connected to the RMDC?! The FMN series?!

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: …I don’t think so.

Mikhail: They do have access to Paige, but I hadn’t made entries for them in the RMDC as of yet…

White: .........

Mikhail: She had just been using Shade’s access codes the whole time.

White: ....Mikhail....

White: ....if this is happening to us...

Mikhail: …I know, Will. I know. But we can only handle one apocalypse at a time, my friend. And remember…they’re not as… integrated as we are to the point where time would run parallel. For all we know, it’s several months later for them. Or three weeks ago.

Mikhail: I’ll have Lady Ky look into the temporal status of that timeline.

Skull: -Slowly- I think if Carmen were to get as mad as we were…

Skull: …she’d probably go around castrating a bunch of guys before anything else…

White: ......-wINCES-

Sanda: oh dear--

Beck: -eRK-

Skull: -Looks up- Gotta remember, she was…

Skull: …Pretty sensitive to being given a hard time by guys, either for her looks or behavior.

Skull: … [sub]including her Brandish, even, THAT doesn’t seem like it would end too well, oh dear[/sub]

Mikhail: -Shakes his head- We have enough to worry over without going into “what-if”s.

Mikhail: I would say my youngest son’s insight is correct, however—which is as much of a blessing as we are going to get, because it means she will leave well enough alone, and none of her siblings have any motivation to come here.

Mikhail: …I wonder…

White: ....? Yes? What is it?

Mikhail: …There IS one person who might know.

Jaden: … -Confused- I thought you said you didn’t want to risk sending any viruses to the other timeline.

Mikhail: I’m not talking about Will’s counterpart.

Mikhail: I’m talking about Dencerjack.

White: .....

White: .....Jack....

[There was a brief pause.]

Mikhail: …Jack’s not answering the number in the database.

Mikhail: He must have moved out, or else doesn’t want to answer a strange call. We won’t be getting answers there.

Skull: -Monotone- I suppose we’ll find out if we hear of any mysterious deaths with lipstick left on the victims.

White: .....

Sanda: (Have mercy....)

Beck: -sad, SAD DATA, SIIIIIS-

Keltso: …

Keltso: So now what.

Sanda: Hmm.....

Mikhail: -Looks over at his son-

Keltso: -Shakes his head and sighs- Father…

Keltso: The family leader for our cousins is gone. His bodyguard has fainted. His technician is in critical condition.

Keltso: We cannot go over there in /person/, nor bring them /here/—not while MNN-006 controls the frequencies.

Keltso: -Starting to show irritation- What is there to /do/?!

Mikhail: -Aaand now we place a hand on Rage’s shoulder, calm, son, calm-

Sanda: .......

Sanda: -SNAPS FINGERS-

Siam: ?

Sanda: It's a long shot, but while Avi is still recovering--

[Sanda works away on his terminal, White looking over his shoulder to see what he was doing. Meanwhile, Beck was still trying to contact his siblings--to no avail, of course, but it didn't stop him from still trying.]

Mikhail: -Somewhat curious- You have something in mind, Doctor?

Sanda: I'm going to see if I can contact my brother at the head office in Tokyo...

Mikhail: …! Ah, yes—

[Despite the situation, he couldn’t help but smile.]

Mikhail: You know, Dr. Sanda, I heard it mentioned you had a brother…

[Keltso suddenly looks majorly embarrassed.]

————————

White: Ah, I see. I'll do my best to work around his schedule, so that he may get as much rest as possible.

Siam: -Amused- Do your sons ever have to enforce your curfew, Doctor White, to make sure you get some sleep?

White: Er, W-Well....

Sanda: Are you kidding me, I'M the one that has to remind him to get to bed!

White: And....Beck as well.

<DCN-007>: >?

[Data stream.

Family tree image showing White and Sanda as brothers.]

Siam: -Bursts out laughing-

Sanda: (-LAUGHING OH JEEZ-)

White: (-WAIT WHAT NO-)

Siam: -Fans wheezing- He means that as an inquiry. bwaaaahahaaaaha/haaaaaa/…

White: Sanda isn't...my brother, no...! I mean, I've known him since high school, but...

Sanda: (-HE'S STILL LAUGHING PFFFT-)

Siam: Hee hee… Oh, goodness, I can’t wait to see the three of them have a science sleepover and then… hee hee… -Just shaking with laughter- Like the Second Gens!

Sanda: (-OK ok he's calming down now-) Ahah...oooooh, man. I'm sorry, it's just...!

Sanda: I actually have a twin brother of my own, and I'm just imagining HIM HEARING THIS HAHAHA--

<DCN-007>: >!

[Picture of Siamini]

Siam: Something like that, I imagine. Is he like you, Doctor?

Sanda: We're identical twins, yes! His name is Seijiro Sanda. He's the CEO of Sanda Enterprises's main office in Tokyo!

————————

Keltso: -WHY, DAD, WHY- -NOW WE ARE RED WITH SHAAAAAME-

Siam: -Gleeful pinging- Oh, I Gemini: remember Siamini: THAT Siam: conversation!~

Siam: I still think it’d be funny to see Gemini: the three of you in a sleepover.

Mikhail: -Cracks up a little at that-

White: Heh...

Sanda: -caNT HELP BUT CHUCKLE WHILE HE WORKS-

Sanda: Heh--Seji would like that too, I think--I just hope he's alright. I know this whole mess only seems to be centralized here in America but you never know...

Digger: -Russian shouting- {BECK MY DAD CAN BEAT YOUR DAD IN VIDEO GAMES} :^D

Mikhail: -Strained snort-

Keltso: … {He gets that from /you/ somehow, you know…}

Mikhail: {No, that’s something he got from your mother, my son.}

[.............]

Beck: .....

White: .....?

Beck: Huh? Oh--sorry. I wasn't listening...

[-PING!-]

???: {-PANICKED JAPANESE YELLING-}

[A holoscreen feed was brought up, and a man almost identical to Soi appeared on the screen, looking less than calm. The only key differences was the slightly different hairstyle--and the sharp business suit.]

???: {SOICHIRO--CAN YOU HEAR ME?!}

[Mikhail blinked as the feed entered multi-window mode, with Soi, White, and Beck in one half, and the Seiji in the other half.]

Skull: … -Looks down at the ground where Shadow, Snow, and Tobias are (still) passed out- ({…This is probably not the best way to make a first impression.})

Soi: {Seijiro--}

Seiji: {OH THANK THE STARS YOU'RE ALRIGHT--! I've been trying to contact you for HOURS but most of the signals and feeds are down--WILL!}

Mikhail: ({Similar temperaments, alright…})

White: -AHEM takes a moment to remember our Japanese-

White: {I'm alright, Mr. Sanda--please, take a moment to calm down, though we might not have much time on our hands...}

Skull: -Is discretely getting his brothers and Siam to help move the Offline AI&As out of view of the feed-

[Seiji takes out a small handkerchief to wipe his forehead a bit, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself.]

Seiji: {Yes, yes...I apologize, I was just so worried after that... broadcast...}

Seiji: ........

[He switches to English.]

Seiji: Is it...true? Has Avi really....

Mikhail: … -Quietly, though still loud enough to be heard- Yes. Unfortunately so.

Seiji: ......

Seiji: And who is--

Soi: Reeeeeemember the friend Will and I made that I told you about....?

Soi: Mikhail, Seijiro--Seijiro, Mikhail. Sorry you both had to meet in these circumstances....

Mikhail: Михаил Сергеевич Казак, at your service. Or, Ｄｒ．ミハイル・セルゲイビッチ・コサック, as you might say it.

Mikhail: MNN-006 is currently disabled after a tragic conflict with DLN-008; but he will likely recover before too long. Some things will have to wait until later to be explained.

Seiji: ...Yes, yes, of course...I understand. What is the current situation?

White: ...There appears to be some kind of virus outbreak that infected our servers here in the American Branch--which in turn, infected other servers and the like. It's causing nearly every robot to malfunction and act aggressively--even civilian and industrial models have been affected. The only robot that is immune to the ongoing virus is...Mighty No. 9, Beck.

Beck: ....Hi, Mr. Sanda...

Mikhail: Sadly, it affected the rest of the series. They appear to be dispersed.

Mikhail: One of the DLN series has also gone missing, likely having gone out to seek No. 8.

Seiji: ....

Seiji: So even....the Mighty Number line...

White: .... Yes. They've...all gone somewhere else. I don't know where they are at the moment, and some of the other numbers have no status whatsoever...such as Mic.

Seiji: .....

Seiji: And...Call?

White: I--

White: ....

White: Soi--where IS Call?

Soi: She's in the east wing. Offline, at the moment--

Beck: Offline?!

Nico: Uh…

Nico: Who’s “Call"?

Mikhail: …! (Uh-oh.)

White: --! -OH NO WE FORGOT--

Digger: -LOUDLY- COUSIN COME HELP WITH ELECTRIC BROTHER.

Nico: Uh—

Digger: YES GOOD -Drags Nico off-

Skull: … -Russian- {You all do realize you’re going to have to confront that eventually, right?}

Siam: Perhaps, but not /today/, now is /not/ a good time, one disaster at a time, please. >__>

Seiji: ....???

White: We'll explain that later too.

Seiji: .....

Beck: -AHEM WHY IS MY BEST FRIEND\SISTER-COUSIN OFFLINE?! -

Soi: Well....

Jaden: (This is where Felix would say “It’s A Long Story”—man, I wonder if he’s still sick…)

Soi: Before this all started--several minutes before, in fact--today she was due for a firmware update....so I shut down her systems for it can install properly...

Mikhail: Wait.

Soi: --?

Mikhail: Are you saying she was in technological isolation when this happened?

Soi: In a way--Yes, but...since the lab's systems are mostly down, I can't know for sure if she's been...or even IF the firmware update completed before it all started...

Soi: ......

Mikhail: -Becomes quiet, apparently thinking this over- … -Murmuring- I’d offer to help in that regard, but I’m afraid I’m out of the country at the moment…

Seiji: ......

White: ...We'll have to bring her back online in a sealed room--so if she IS infected, Beck can bring her back to normal using his assimilation and filter program. We will definitely need her support, Soi.

Soi: I know, I know...

Mikhail: Speaking of support. I will help however I can, but that will be limited to how long we can stay in contact.

Mikhail: -Russian, as he is banking on Seiji not knowing it- {You know why it would be a bad idea for my sons to come over—thankfully, at least THEY will listen to me. Unlike a certain red bird we know.}

White: Hmm....

Beck: I can go do that with her right now, Dad. If anyone can handle Call in combat...

Soi: .....

Soi: Beck?

[…Theeeeee RUSSIANS SEEM TO TAKE A DEFENSIVE STANCE AT THAT.]

Soi: ....If she is...not well... please be careful she's my little girl--

Beck: I will. Promise.

[As Beck moves away from the terminal, Soi turns back to his brother.]

Soi: Seiji...we could use all the help we can get. Can you do anything for us right now? Anything at all?

[........]

Seiji: .....I....

Seiji: I'm sorry, Soichiro...please understand. If things are as bad as you say they are, then....

Seiji: The Japanese government won't let us intervene unless we know the exact CAUSE of the malfunctions--and how to combat the virus en masse...

Mikhail: -Sighs, but clearly not at all surprised- : |

Soi: ....

Soi: ...I...I was afraid of that.

Soi: ...But it makes sense.... If you send more robots overseas, THEY could get infected too, making everything even worse.

Mikhail: And there is little enough human resources to go around…

White: ......

White: Just to confirm, Mr. Sanda.

Seiji: Yes?

White: If we can isolate the cause of the robot rampage--you WILL send aid?

Mikhail: -Perks up at this-

[Seijiro nods.]

Seijiro: Absolutely. Anything we can do.

Mikhail: Will— -Somewhat eagerly- {Even if I wouldn’t be able to report it right away, I would be able to help study it. For every action, an equal and opposite reaction—}

[Aaaand he’s talking absentmindedly and rapidly in Russian about comparing and contrasting the strain with the DLN_COMBAT.EXE program and the notes he had from what Will had been teaching him about coding with Xel.]

Skull: -Politely, for Seiji’s sake- Father says he will help figure that out.

White: {Ah--I was actually going to ask!}

Seiji: -....and now we wish we took Russian instead of French in our second languages class- Thank you, Dr. Cossack. Thank you.

Siam: Doctor, Doctor—

Siam: I know it’s important but I /beg/ your help to fix Tobias first, to make sure Aviator didn’t fatally damage his Awareness coding. D: Gemini: I can’t code as well as you do.

Mikhail: —… -Small, quiet sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose a little- Right, of course. Sorry, Will, it may be delayed be a day or two, but… I don’t think it would take much longer than that. {Time warps, and all that.}

White: That's alright. I understand. I can handle things until then.

Seiji: ....It sounds as if you already have a plan in mind, Will.

White: More or less.

Mikhail: …It would be important for us to know what that is, given there are already a number of independently [color=brick]moving[/color] [color=cadetblue]parts[/color]…

White: Hmm.

White: I would like to have No. 9 present as soon as he--

[-PING!-]

Mikhail: ?

[CALL IS NOW ONLINE. STATUS: NORMAL.]

[MN.9] //: GUYS GOOD NEWS SHE'S OK! : D

Soi: CALL--

Siam: -Pings in approval-

[Therrrre he goes!]

Mikhail: -Smiles- (I had thought as much, but hadn’t dared to hope…!) {Good news amidst the darkness. The sun still shines out there somewhere. We’ll drag it out from behind the clouds, if that’s what it takes.}

[CALL] //: .....

[CALL] //: I detect distressed emotions in various vocal patters of all present. Is something wrong, Dr. Sanda?

[MN.9] //: Lemmie fill you in on what's going on, Call...it's...not good.

[UPDATING...]

[CALL] //: ........

[CALL] //: Analyzing....

Siam: …Tobias will need time to recover, I’m afraid… but I am sure we can fix the damage.

Gemini: … [sub]The “physical” damage, at any rate…[/sub]

[CALL] //: ............

[......]

[-PING!-]

[CALL] //: I have been informed of the current situation. I will assist in any way I can, Doctors.

Soi: Attagirl! ^^

Mikhail: -Turns his attention to Will- You were saying?

White: -Ahem- We will be sending Beck to save all of his fellow Mighty Numbers, as he is the only combat model available to face them at the moment--

[-PING-]

[CALL] //: I am also registered as a combat model.

Mikhail: -Can’t help but smile at this- Dearest Sanda daughter… It is psychologically important to the Whites to be able to handle the matter internally if possible.

[CALL] //: ..........

[CALL] //: ..........

[MN.9] //: Call--I'd really like for you to have my back...

[MN.9] //: ...But this is WAY too dangerous and the Doctors need you here. No one can sort through data like you can, you give even AVI a run for his money.

[MN.9] //: ....Plus...you don't have my assimilation ability.

[MN.9] //: ...and I don't want you REALLY getting infected either...

Mikhail: Ah, is that so? I didn’t know she was so skilled at data analysis. Though to be fair, you haven’t told us much about her…

Mikhail: With both Aviator and Tobias out of the picture and Siamini busy with other projects, that role is in desperate need of being maintained.

[CALL] //: ...... Confirmed.

[CALL] //: I shall remain here and assist with data analysis and navigational support for No. 9.

[MN.9] //: .... Thanks, Call.

White: Right....

Siam: The support role may not be glorious, DSN-000, but it is an important one.

Gemini: [sub]As I can say from experience…[/sub]

[CALL] //: ... Inquiry---

White: AS I was saying... (We really do not have time for stories, Call.)

<DWN-019 to DSN-000>: >It might be best to ask directly for now, and let the humans talk amongst themselves.

White: Beck will be tracking down his fellow Mighty Numbers. His assimilation ability should filter any and all irregularities in his siblings' programming.

Mikhail: -Has his arms crossed, eyes closed, and head lowered- ({Hopefully, he’ll find Cardinal in the process, too. BEFORE he ends up getting himself destroyed.})

White: If we can gather and study multiple samples of the virus's coding from the Mighty Numbers themselves...

White: Perhaps we can isolate the cause of the problem.

Mikhail: -Nods in agreement- We shall help in that analysis as best we can.

White: Once we've identified the root of the malfunctions, we can work on some way to combat it. Be it in the form of a anti-virus program or whatever else we can come up with. Meanwhile, Soi can help repair the rescued Mighty Numbers while I study the code along with Mikhail--once he finishes repairing DLN-008.

Soi: -Nods- Hmm. I'll do what I can with the non-infected Xel we have on stock.

Seiji: ....But...

Seiji: Are you SURE you will have sufficient Xel for ALL the Mighty Numbers?

Mikhail: From what I understand, Seijiro—Number Nine can cleanse infected Xel. So, yes.

Mikhail: And in fact, one moment…

[He starts typing away at the console.

A few moments later, the Xel canisters that were in the Meadow show up next to Will.]

Mikhail: That may help somewhat.

Soi: !!!

White: ! Ah! {The supply in the Meadow--I had nearly forgotten...}

Mikhail: {You may need it. …It’s the least I can give, since I can’t go over there in person.}

Mikhail: I promised you, once, to help you fix it if things ever went “that wrong”. I stand by that now. We will bring your children home, Will. {And, God willing, Cardinal as well.}

Mikhail: -Sloppy sad smile- {Though he does almost see you as a father now, himself. Even though you are about the same age.}

Mikhail: -Definitely amused- {Apparently you function as the scolding “this is a bad idea” part of his conscience. He’s picked up a lot from Shade, to be sure, heh heh.}

White: (....He...does...?)

[...He paused for a moment, as if to mull over that for a second--when he remembers something from earlier.]

White: Incidentally, I did manage to catch a bit of news on the way here. It's something I don't think I've told you yet, Soi.

Soi: ...?

Mikhail: ?

White: The president of Cherry Dynamics is insisting the cause of the malfunctions is... Dr. Blackwell.

Mikhail: -Snorts- Oh, right, that. To be honest…

Mikhail: -Turns to look behind him- Carlos was yelling so loudly in Spanish, and Shadow in Japanese, that we didn’t hear the full broadcast.

Speedy: ^^;

Soi: What??

Soi: That's-- -sputters- --poppycock!

Mikhail: Of course he would say something like that. What could he be hiding about his company?

Mikhail: Cardinal is convinced that he and CherryDyn are connected to some sort of great darkness. While we are prone to paranoia, his behavior certainly isn’t helping his case.

Mikhail: I’d help you with these shark-infested waters like I did last time—

Seiji: I'd thank you properly for that but I'm afraid time is short. What about Dr. Blackwell, Soi?

Soi: Dr. Blackwell may be a genius but he can't POSSIBLY be behind this! Not THIS time, at least--

White: Soi... you must admit, there ARE similarities to his LAST plot to...shut down every robot in America...

Mikhail: Will.

Soi: You mean how they both originated at the Battle Colosseum?

Mikhail: I do believe Siamini already discussed with you the likely /cause/ of his last attempt.

[Woah, what’s with the sudden coldness there]

White: .......I know, Mikhail. But we must consider all possibilities--

Soi: Will--he was caught and arrested! Even Ben isn't clever enough to pull this off from inside a maximum security prison!

White: Exactly.

[Mikhail pinches the bridge of his nose. He looks weary, in an impatient way.]

Mikhail: -Warning tone- Will…

White: Which is why I wonder why Mr. Graham seemed so certain. He is OBVIOUSLY hiding something, we know that much--

[KKKSSSSSSST!!!]

Mikhail: !

Mikhail: Nyet, nyet, nyet—!

Mikhail: {Not NOW!}

"MISS ME, GOOD DOCS?!"

White: AVI!

“STOP."

Mikhail: !

[He turns around to see Jaden striding forward.]

Jaden: He isn’t himself. Please, don’t get angry with him.

[MN.6] //: Ooo, nice drills ya got there. Kinda rings a bell.

[MN.6] //: AAAANYWAY--whatever your little sparky friend did REALLY ruined my good mood.

Siam: -Hotly- It’s whatever YOU did, Number Six— he did WARN you.

<DWN-013 to DWN-019>: >Shut up, little brother. He’s not himself.

Jaden: Avi, don’t blame yourself for this. Tobias will be fine once you are. Remember that, once you get over it.

[MN.6] //: ; D

[MN.6] //: Pfft, get over what? Kinda missing some context, here, drill hands.

Jaden: -Slight smile- Of course you are. But it won’t stay that way, will it?

Jaden: You seem like the investigative reporter type, after all.

[MN.6] //: Stillllll don't get it, but yeah! Seems my MIGHTY rep proceeds me, huh?~

Jaden: You could say that.

Jaden: …What exactly are you planning to do, Avi? Mind enlightening the uneducated masses, here?

Mikhail: ({My stars, is he patient. He certainly got his father’s way with words, that’s for sure.})

[MN.6] //: Heh...

[MN.6] //: Avi News is gonna take off, drill hands. At long LAST.

[MN.6] //: ...I'd tell you more but that would be a MAJOR spoiler alert right there.

[MN.6] //: So. Ya know. Stay tuned.~

Jaden: Oh, so we’ll have to stay tuned, then? -Whirr whirr- Hard to do that if the cable’s out.

[MN.6] //: Oh, trust me, I'll make SURE the cable works--

[MN.6] //: Avi News is gonna be every hour on the hour, 24/7! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!~

<DWN-019>: > Yeah. GREAT job you did there.

Mikhail: -Facepalm- ({Aaaaaand his father’s propensity for things backfiring on him.})

<DWN-013>: >Oh, be quiet, pretty boy. Tobias wouldn’t be happy to come back to learn Avi was hating himself for things we had said while he was sick.

[MN.6] //: Better get used to this voice, ladies and gentlemen! It's all you're gonna hear over the feeds for the REST of your lives.~

[…

Jaden laughs at this. He sounds very amused.]

[MN.6] //: Somethin' funny? Cuz I can do comedy too!

Jaden: Well, perhaps. But that, too, would be, as you put it…

Jaden: A spoiler alert.

Jaden: I guess I’ll just have to call back later, won’t I.

[MN.6] //: NOW you're getting it!

[MN.6] //: Welp, gotta fly! On a tight script, ya know. Oh...

[MN.6] //: And Lil bro?~

[MN.9] //: --!! [...The same dark tone used for Tobias was present in his next words.]

[MN.6] //: Don't be late.

[KKKSSSSSSST!]

[WARNING: SERVER SIGNAL NOT FOUND.]

Mikhail: -Sighs- {At least we got some things done.}

[The Russian Doctor shakes his head and walks off to start working on repairs for Tobias. The others do likewise… save for Jaden.

He just stands there, in front of the feed.]

<DWN-013 to MNN-006>: >Took you a bit longer than I expected to get back on your feet, Airman.

[MN.6 To DWN-013] //: No comment, drill hands. Now shut it, trying to work here.

[Jaden just gives a cold smile, though the way his eyes are glowing suggests more of a smirk.]

Jaden: (Try to work all you want, Turbine. You won’t stay in control of Avi forever.)

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