. This fails and he dies. However, now there are two universes, the second of which is based off of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon universe.
. This fails, and now he shares a body with a guy named Walter. (Worship is currently in control, however, but he's better now. Ish.)
. This fails, but instead of dying, they proceed to lurk in shadows.
. This fails, and he is sealed away.
up again. Meanwhile, so does a robot named Coda, the trio of Badniks from before, and several other villains, making it a callback to (mostly) all above events, which is where we left off.
Tired.
...Hey, can you...?...
I never said this before. And I know it doesn't excuse anything. But I am sorry for what happened then.
I... *sigh*... there's no time for any sob stories, but that was me trying to fill the hole I had with what I thought it would. I see now I never needed any sort of violence and action to make me happy. Only my friend.
Like I said. I'm not asking you to do this for me. If anything, do it for--
We get the point.
What if this is a trap?
It's not a trap. I had the area scanned.
(...Oh. Then let's get going.)
You are here. I can sense it.
You must be wondering why I'm here, I assume? Then I can answer...
I, am one of few robots which humans call "Joy Mechs". There were the comedians, the fighters, the researchers, but they never considered the origins, of the Joy Mechs. For you see, my kind once originated from outer space, made from the "fruits of man" in your language. I, for one, came from the "Apple of Knowledge."* But my siblings, from the other fruits, I've yet to encounter. With one exception...
Altleax! Greeshe bih! (Atlas! Seize him!)
(Huh... I forgot how lonely it is not having anyone around.)
(But nobody understands. Not even my actual friends. For some reason, they just... treat the most cruel people with such leeway.)
Only I see the truth. That good people are good, and bad people are bad. Why's that so hard for everyone else to get!?
I'm tired of it. Why admonish others for their bad actions? So they can go and turn their backs again?..
So this is where she's being held...
Apparently.
There she is. Up ahead.
CADENCE!
OMIGOSH! I KNEW YOU WOULD ARRIVE!
NANI!?
OH YEAH! I PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE WARNED YOU NOT TO APPROACH ME! SORRY!
As expected, you have arrived. Team Prototype as well. Their early involvement was unplanned. This simplifies the procedure.
So you're the mastermind, aren't you?
Whether my being is or is not makes little the difference.
You've got that right. Because regardless of what plan this is supposed to benefit, it'll surely fail.
Let go of her!
Your threat level has increased since the preceding encounter. But your instability makes you a simplicity to deal with.
Dim.
I know. I was too hasty.
How do we go about this?
Each at their own angle, in sync. We don't let up. Whoever this is won't be able to escape for very long.
Teamwork. Be that as it may. Your efforts are futile. But you will not be discouraged for your attempts.
*huff, huff...*
*pant...* (Damn it all... he's just too fast!!)
...Well. You have surprised me yet again. This time, I will clearly commend your efforts. Perhaps if not for my newfound power, you two could have defeated me. You tried so hard, and got so far...
...But in the end... it doesn't even matter... does it?
...Heh. (What's wrong? Come on. Shoot.)
...No.
This-a-entire time we've-a-been on this planet, you've-a-raved about how much you-a-wanted to end us. What-a-now?
I had to suggest murder to make sure you three wouldn't get comfortable. But killing you completely goes against the plan.
Your imposter of a friend isn't dead, either. He's...
...What?... I had him immobilized countries elsewhere. How did--!?
Hmmh!
Somari!
Impossible! I had you paralyzed!
About-a-that. Running on-a-foot gets tiring sometimes. I took-a-lift instead.
Batman's gonna have my head for this...
While-a-I was on my way here, I was-a-thinking. About how much I-a-wanted this to end. But I also realized doing-a-things your way-- the easy, murdering way-- Would only-a-make us even more like-a-you.
I went the distance with-a-Shake King... but I-a-won't allow myself to go there again. Not against anyone. Not even-a-you.
...Neither will-a-I.
(Although it's a little less satisfying... yeah... well said.)
...So let me get this right. No matter HOW many times I come back to torment you. No matter HOW cruel, evil, or vile my actions have been or will ever be... you won't even do so much to kill me?
It's-a-called ethics. You could learn some-a-yourself, pal.
...Why... why!? Why can't I break you!?
Woah! That's a cool-looking machine... What is it?
This is known as a Reincarnation Machine. Before the Dead Zone fiasco, the Wily of Chaos Zone built this machine so that he could reincarnate himself with his old memories so he could continue his evil deeds... Of course, I stopped him before he could accomplished this, but something compelled me to keep it intact. Never thought I'd actually use it, though.
Wait, if Dr. Wily built this but never used it, and you also never used it, does that mean this thing was never even tested to see if it works?
...Come to think of it, no, I don't believe it has been.
...Well, that's fantastic.
Look, I may be the person who runs the place, but I'm no supernatural being; If we're going to reincarnate you, then unless you know Xerneas' number, this is the only way we can do it.
Better than nothing, right? Let's go for it.
...Well, I'll be. The crazy contraption is actually real. And here I thought it was just some rumor made by the poor saps down here trying to spark interests of escape.
What'd I tell ya, slick? This is your one-way ticket outta this joint.
Wait... Only me? I thought you wanted out, too.
Eh, I'll find my own way; I'm not too interested in becoming someone I am not.
...You literally just shapeshifted to get us here.
And I would proudly do it again. Besides, it'll be that same trick that'll get me past my first step back to the land of the living.
Yep; An extra life is awaiting the both of us, and there ain't nothin' they can do to-
!
!
...Get over here.
IS IT WRONG IF I KINDA LIKE BEING STUCK LIKE THIS!?
(Why would she--)
No reason. No reason at all.
Coordination from Team Prototype: Near-Flawless. Chance of Success: Lackluster.
Are you okay? Did they hurt you?
I'm fine, and nothing really happened to me.
Good. We need to get you out of--
Huh!?
I did not know about that.
She will not be free until her services are no longer requ
Shut up.
Your-- atta-- will accomp-- very li--
Negative.
How have you contained her!?
Percentile Risk of Compromising Success with Exposition: 0%.
She has been encased with a holographic barrier to prevent early release.
'Early release'!?
...
This is like, the third time you've tried to rescue me so far.
Relax. I got this.
...
Take your time, dear.
That's not-- what--
This barrier was used with your abilities in mind. Your absorption abilities will not work.
Did you really think I'd fall for such a trick? I saw straight through your cheep disguise.
I just wanted to take away your hopes of escaping at just the right moment, so that I could discourage you from EVER attempting this again.
A fair plan indeed... Except you've forgotten about someone.
What...!?
No! Get back h-
HA! What guard you turned out to be! Why did that pompous jerk hire you, anywa-
I've only let one of the two of you slip away; Rest assured, I will not be letting it happen again.
Atlas, mind if I give you a few words with you?
Protect. Your. Eye, from here on out. Understood?
Grand.
Where on the moon...?
Too bleak, too bleak. Such gloominess from this world clearly brings sorrow to everyday life. The shackled are shackled for no other reason than to evil's satisfaction. That cannot be allowed.
Very well. If the world needs me to be the shining brightness in the dark to pave the path of glory... then I shall accept the role of savior.
Delete all camera and video footage within this hour after my departure.
Alright, that had to have done something.
...This body is a taking toll from battle damage. If this were a regular encounter, my defeat would be imminent.
This... I think I know what's going on here.
(What?)
This was a setup. Someone's stalling us so they can get away with something.
You do not have evidence to substantiate your claims.
You kidnapped a regular robot, lured us here and fought us without specifying any sort of plan, only to end up on the losing side. I'd say stalling is a pretty good conclusion.
...Yes. But no amount of awareness of that will matter. You not only know nothing about which to stall from... but I also still have the one you call 'Cadence.'
...
7001 Comments