(...So, this Askr's Summoner disappeared...?)
(...)
(...I've been gone from my own Askr for some time now, looking for Tedd... But with no luck and that bird guy claiming he might be dead... Maybe this is a sign that I should...)

(...)
(That dice guy out there... They might know what happened to this Askr's Summoner. I should join the others... And interrogate.)

FEHta makes his way back over to the others.

---

(So, that's how it's gonna go down...)

Jazz prepares the Siphon Cannon, aiming at Zenith!

I'll need as much power as I can get, so any help will be appreciated!

Reggae uses a Hyperspeed Crash on Kris, a Race Relay on Susie, and a Speed Star on ??? (or Zenith if ??? cannot be targeted).

...That siren aside, things are eerily quiet.
...So, what do you suppose we’ll find in here...?
Hopefully a way to get us out of this crater... Though, I’m sure we’re likely to find some alien defense mechanisms, too, so let’s be careful about this.
Watch out for alien machines, got it.
...Hm. Just in case...

(Assuming we're supposed to make some kind of move), Disarge puts up a Prism Guard.

Jazz strikes Zenith again with his Pocket Saber while Reggae strikes with Hyperspeed Crashes on Kris and Susie before using 4th-D Slip!

---

Dooming himself to a cat's demise, FEHta Shadow curiously approaches the ajar door.

As Military and Alarm weave past the Riptide Directors and Psychoblasts, Military grimaces at D-R Wave, before looking back over to Alarm, nodding. Afterwards, Alarm unleashes a wave of temporal energy, freezing everything in time except for herself and Military.

...Hmph. So that’s how they want it to go down. Fine... Let’s get rid of their little debuffer, first, THEN deal with the rest of ‘em.

Military charges an attack as he walks up towards D-R Wave, proceeding to gloat.

Ya know... I gotta hand it to the boss. I might have some power, but all the power in the world will matter none if your enemy’s gonna outmaneuver you.

He turns his head over to Alarm. He walks past Ashura while doing this.

And you? Heh, you’re not much of a fighter. Sure, you might’ve done it once before*, but let’s face it: you lack physical power. So, I wasn’t sure how pairing us together was going to work out...
...That is, ‘til Coda shared his idea about you freezing time and debuffing everyone until they’re too sluggish, weak, and fragile to strike back, allowing me to crush them without effort. Not to mention avoiding harm in tight spots.

Coda Military looks back at all the time-frozen individuals.

Look at ‘em... They have no means of countering the grasp of time. Hell, some of ‘em may not even get to live long enough to despair in the revelation of the Doc. Almost a shame... But it’s not their fault our plan of attack is flawless.

He turns back to D-R Wave.

...Or at least it WAS. But I won’t lament... Soon enough, he won’t be a problem anymore.

He aims his shoulder cannon point-blank at wherever D-R Wave’s IC chip may be.

...Say goodnight, sucker.
Goodnight, sucker.
...Wh-

another flash occurs as an EXTREMELY powerful blast of cosmic energy fires straight from Military Coda’s shoulder cannon... straight into the air, as he is bounced backwards by a spring in front of D-R Wave that was definitely not there before.

Just as suddenly as the Spring, Ashura appears from what seems to be thin air to most of the surrounding individuals, standing on top of the side of the spring.

Sorry, pal; But now that we’ve seen through your tricks, you aren’t gonna be pulling out any more of them.

---

Snooze Button - (Time) A basic, run-of-the-mill time-freezer move.

Military Erazor - (Space/Laser) An incredibly powerful beam of energy launched from Coda Military’s shoulder cannon, a massive upgrade of his Military Cannon attack. The beam is powerful enough to penetrate mostly anything, and leaves nothing but ash in its wake... But, it also causes quite the cooldown period for Military, to the point where he can’t even use anything past Buster Shots for the next 30 minutes, and the attack itself for 2 1/2 hours after that.

Debug Mode - (None) Ashura’s signature technique. The user enters a state that seems to transcend time, space, and reality, as if they have become separated from them entirely. However, in this state, they are only able to float around and place objects based on their surroundings, as well as Rings, Spikes, Springs, and a certain kind of Monitor. Ashura even takes on the form of the object he intends to spawn, albeit intangible; As a matter of fact, this intangible version of the object can only be seen by those who are aware of the 4th Wall.

---

*Reference: ”Create” a Mega Man Fangame, Page 17, Post #1.

Suspecting that Zenith is up to something, Jazz Hunter sets up a Lesser Anti-Weapon Energy Field.

Meanwhile, Reggae looks over to Kris.

(Dang. That kid sure looks pitifully uncomfortable.)

Reggae pulls out an Experience Core.

Hey, kid! I'm gonna need you to be real still for a moment so I can try and blast those strings off of ya.

Reggae then uses the core as ammo for a Prismatic Core Laser at Kris, followed by a Recovery Core-powered Laser at Susie. He then looks over to Noelle and Berdly.

...Hm...

Figuring out which of the two he should free first, a thought comes to mind...



Wasting no time past this thought, he targets Noelle with a Flame Core-powered Laser.

---

Meanwhile, a certain individual finally shows up.

Sorry for being late, I had to-

FEHta Shadow suddenly notices where he is, recognizing the place in spite of its state of being.

(This is... Askr? But what happened here...?)

FEHta Shadow spots Zenith and the others fighting.

(...Well, I suppose I'll have to find someone around here to find out... Assuming I CAN find someone around here.)

FEHta Shadow proceeds to sneak past the group to go further into Askr.

Reggae activates Speedy Phase-Out, sets up an Anti-Tank, then uses Censorship on Zenith.

Uh-huh, sure. If that's the case, then maybe you should try to destroy this entire Omniverse while you're at it, seeing as most, if not EVERY universe has a minimum of 6 robots and an entire element based on altering time in one way or another.
Bruh.
Hey, I'm just saying; Maybe this isn't about "balancing the universe" at all. MAYBE it's an excuse to assert themselves, and satisfy the putrid superiority complex of their little "council".
MAYBE they're just trying to justify killing others for the sake of the so-called "greater good", just so THEY can be in the right.
Well, been there, done that, dice head. How about I show you where THAT got me?

Jazz Hunter proceeds to try and stab Zenith with his Pocket Saber!

Surprised at the plant popping out in front of him, Jazz looks over to Reggae, who looks at him with a smug grin.

...Fine, you made your point.

Jazz Hunter fires another Jazz Beam, aiming for the strings above Cloud T, using the Threepeater's assistance to strike Zenith as well!

Meanwhile, Reggae hits Zenith with a Hyperspeed Crash, followed by a Battery Puncture to disorientate him. He then takes the moment to perform a Race Relay on Cloud T!

...Well, I'll just put a raincheck on that.

Reggae then looks over to Jazz Hunter, who tries to aim a Jazz Beam at Cloud T... but instead hits Zenith as Reggae pushes the attack towards him.

Hey, hey, hey! What are you trying to do!?
...Fight back against the guy trying to destroy us...?
And kill our allies in the process?
They're not our allies anymore. They're under that guy's control... And I don't think this is the kind of mind control that'll wear off.
Have you tried attacking the guy controlling them? Or cutting off the strings that are totally how they're being controlled?
What are you, dense? There's no WAY it could be that simple!
...Could it?

Reggae then looks over to Harmonica, who prepares something.

...And what are you trying to do?
...Boosting my attack?
For what, exactly? Your one attack that gets rid of it?
Well, it's the only attacking move this thing that you gave me has!
Gee, maybe because it was intended for a Support unit?
What!? I thought this suit was supposed to help me be battle-ready!
It is supposed to keep you protected in battle.
...Look. I ain't gonna deny you have some real potential in assisting us... I just see it as a SUPPORTER role than an actual fighter.
But can I at least get a chance to prove I can fight?
...Sorry, but I just don't really see this as your raid at the moment. I'll let you know if we need support, but for now, I'm afraid I'll have to take over.
...

Harmonica sighs, conceding. She then Quick Switches with Reggae, who puts up a Mach Aura before Pestering Zenith.

Hey, blockhead! If you wanna gamble, let's gamble!

Reggae then proceeds to throw Gambling Dice at Zenith!

Boyfriend begins to pant, as if he was singing for a long time just to use the soundwaves of his voice to keep the walls from crushing him.

GRAHH! This little blue pest...! How are you still alive after all of this!?

As BF finishes catching his breath, he is suddenly levitated by the demonic hedgehog.

Fine; If you're just going to sing your way out of everything, I'll just make sure to send you to someone who'll tear those annoying vocal cords OU-

Suddenly, a figure appears from a portal of sorts.

Goaisatsu, furui yuujin!* How are things going around here?

The distraction is enough for Sonic.EXE to drop BF.

YOU! Urgh, your timing couldn't be any more infuriating! Can't you see I'm in the middle of something here!?
Ah, apologies. But you weren't responding to any of my texts, so I decided to come to you!
WHAT texts? I don't have a phone, you buffoon!
...Then who was I texting to earlier...?
NOBODY! You don't have a phone, either!
...Well, now I'm all manners of confused.

Sonic.EXE facepalms.

〈...So, are we done here, or is there some other kinda demon you want to throw me at?〉

---

...And then, when you shot this... "Fruit Loop", you said that he died because you destroyed his soul along with it.** Is that what I'm hearing?
Look, I thought it was one of those cases where if I destroyed the thing, it would be set free, ok!?
...Right...
...Well, lead the way.
To where, exactly?
That Sunky guy probably knows where BF went after that. You DID find where he lived, right?
After-!? Did you not hear what I JUST said!?
Oh, I know. But I'm pretty sure I'd know if BF was still dead.
...And WHY would you know that...?
Oh, Pico...
If you knew, it'd be you who was dead.

Girlfriend walks off.

???????????

Pico follows behind... With both of them unaware of the figure in the shadows.

...This is my last chance...




...All of this planning, all these arrangements... I am low on time. I cannot afford to fail.

---

*Greetings, old friends!
**Reference: Chaos Zone Part II, Page 344, Posts #12-19

Like we'll let that happen!

Harmonica attempts to place a Harmonica Marker on Zenith while Jazz Hunter sets up a Blast Tripwire!

Meanwhile, Reggae tries to pull Narcian out of the rubble.

Hey, if you're still conscious, mind telling me what the whole stealing thing from earlier was about?

@ch4s3man : (It's likely from Harmonica's poor Attack stat; She's built as more of a supporter than a fighter. It's just that there's really not anything specific for me to support on, and his skill makes me incapable to debuff.)

Harmonica uses Crit Up to boosts crit rates, while Jazz Hunter creates a Jazz Barrier around Stache.

...
(...Urgh... That could've gone better...)
(...Wait... I think... I think I see someone... Is that...?)
Hey, you. You're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border, right?
...Border? What are you talking about?
Oh, come on, man. The least you could do is play along!
Play along with what?
Ah, nevermind. It's great to be back! What did I miss while I was out? You seem a little worse for wear... Which, makes sense considering the last time I was awake. So, I'd guess I've only been out for one hour?
Make it one month, give or take.

Disarge spots his shoulder cannon on the ground and picks it up, while Ninja Man Psi looks around.

(, now I have to get this thing welded back on again.)
So, is this the "big bad" for the month? If I was gone for one whole month, I'd assume this month is December, but it looks as though we're still in October.
Actually, everyone else went off to fight someone that Blast T claimed to be a thief.

*Distant Worm sounds*

...Except for the people over there, though I don't know what over there is about.
I see... The way you phrased that makes it sound like you're not so sure about the situation. Should we head over there and make sure we read the situation right?
Well, I already sent Reggae to do that, but at this point, I know you guys well enough that I can assume they already started fighting. So, it's probably too late for that at this point.

Disarge looks up to the top of the crater... Which seems to be a long way's up.

...Not that we can go anywhere from here. The crater's too steep, and something is jamming the teleporters.
...Actually, wait. If you weren't there to help with the crash landing, then how did you even get down here?
I jumped down here.
You- You jumped all the way down here!? After you JUST recovered!?
Oh, yeah, and lemme tell ya: Big mistake. ESPECIALLY considering the fact that I wasn't exactly 100% recovered before then.
You didn't even fully heal yet!? Why did you even come down here!?
To hang out with you, duh!

Ninja Man pulls Disarge into a headlock to noogie him a bit.

...Also to find out about that loud crashing sound that woke me up from my recovery to begin with. So, yeah, there's that.

Disarge looks over to the spaceship.

...In that case, stay behind me and only back me up if needed. I'm going to find out what's blocking our teleportation signals and turn it off... It could be our only way back out of the crater.

Discorded Sergeant and (if allowed) Ninja Man Psi joins RW's sidestory!

If also allowed, I'd like to relocate one of my two Extra Lives and one of my regular lives to Ninja Man Psi (who will be on the sidelines until Disarge loses his own lives).

Harmonica holds out the gauntlet on her arm, which then loads a red-colored arrow that was previously her attack buff.

Then why don't you get your own axe instead of stealing it from someone else!

Harmonica then fires the Buff Arrow!

I mean, he did say it was his axe to begin with.
A likely story.
...Actually, yeah, it is. I mean, we don't exactly know what his axe looks like, so for all intents and purposes-
Just attack him already.
Right, right.

Jazz Hunter performs a Hunter's Pack with Black WarGreymon!

Reggae suddenly appears with a fast food meal, noticing how everyone is attacking.

Dang, I knew I shouldn't have stopped for lunch...

Harmonica and Jazz Hunter appears, as well.

You boys aren't starting this fight without us!

Harmonica uses a Focus Boost on herself!

(Let's see if you can work your way around THIS.)

Jazz Hunter places Plasma Mines around the area.

The two hedgehogs face against each other.

"Worst nightmare", huh? Hate to break it to ya, pal, but I've had a long history of beating fakers like you.
Oh, believe me, I know. That's why I've come to settle the score with you, once and for all.
...Wait, are you trying to say we've met before?
Me? No, never... But I've CERTAINLY met YOU. To make a long story short, you and I had a lot of history together where I came from... But now, it's in a past that's long since been forgotten, in a world that no longer exists.
...But that was then, and this is now.

Tails tries to step forward, but Sonic raises an arm.

Stay back, little buddy; Don't want you getting hurt.
Ah, don't even bother, Blue; This is purely a 1-on-1. No help on my side... And none on YOURS.
〈Well, I don't trust any of this, so I'm staying.〉
Suit yourself, Rat. I was gonna recommend sitting back and enjoying the show, anyways...

Oh, and try not to blink... You might just miss something.

---

While CRORQ Neo gets hit and blinded by the PK Flash y and the other attacks, it doesn't seem to phase it too much, as its incredible processing power allows for it to counterattack Alternate Aeon with a barrage of homing missiles!

---

Once again, a flash, and not only is Military out of the way, but Dyna Man can feel his Attack stat has weakened somehow...

Heh! Nice try-

A loud sound erupts, causing Military to cover his ears for a moment. He then looks over to his ally.

...What was that about?

Alarm covers her chest, as if to catch her breath.

...It's nothing that can't be handled.

Military then looks over to Sonic Man.

...Ah. So THAT'S it, eh?
Sounds like you need to start using your silent alarm, eh?

Alarm nods. Military then faces towards Sonic Man, generating two Star Crashes around his hands, the stars merging into two big stars before being thrown at Sonic Man. At the same time, another flash occurs; But this time, there was not even the hint of a sound. After the flash, all heroes on the field can feel their Speed and Defense lowered slightly...

Team Baton in hand, Harmonica grabs Jazz Hunter by the arm.

Come on! Let's take 'em on!
Wh- Why am I going with you!?
Since you made me fall into a hole, you're going to make it up to me by backing me up. Now, come on, before everyone else gets there before we do!
Wait, Harmonica-!

The two rush off to catch up to the thief. Reggae runs up next to Sergeant.

Come on! Let's go follow them! Follow them, SQUAWK!
...You guys go on ahead. I'm going to help Blast T with that falling spaceship... Then ask a few questions about what this "thief" has "stolen".



...They could be lying, or they could not be. The fact of the matter is, we don't have all the facts. And if we end up being in the wrong on this... Supremo will NEVER agree to restore this world.
Not once Santa gets my wishlist! I was good all year this year, and I asked for my Christmas gift to be him kicking Supremo's ass!
...Reggae.
Yeah?
You are faster than everyone else heading for that guy. Could you PLEASE try to convince everyone to NOT shoot first and ask questions later like they normally do?

Reggae salutes.

Sir, yessir!

Reggae then leaves in a puff of smoke shaped like him, much like a cartoon. The others follow behind whilst Sergeant goes off to help Blast T.

FEHta Shadow

> +49 HP | +51 WE | +50 Atk | +49 Def | +51 Spd
> Learned Brave Sword, Fenrir, 4-Star Red Summon, Brave Lance, Thoron, 4-Star Blue Summon, Brave Axe, Gronnblade, 4-Star Green Summon, Assault, and Atlas
> Bought Omega Seed and Reverse Module
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot > Crystal Shot (Reskinned to Breidablik Shots)

Beta Maximus
> +50 HP | +51 WE | +45 Atk | +51 Def | +43 Spd
> Learned Beta Spiral, Golden Spheres, Beta Gauntlet, Golden Charge, Golden Outbreak, Beta Mist, Golden Apple, Skull Barrier, and Golden Sparkler
> Level-up Weapon Slot into Upgrade: Skull Barrier becomes Golden Skull Barrier
> Bought Attack Booster and Xtreme Module
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot becomes Shadow Shot

Banetem

> +50 HP | +50 WE | +54 Atk | +53 Def | +53 Spd
> Learned Water Shot, Role Play, Thunder Punch, Rock Tomb, Detect, Smokescreen, Flare Blitz, Hydro Pump, Fire Punch, Ice Beam, Feather Dance, and Fling
> Bought Field Booster and Critical Module
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot becomes Flame Shot

Jazz Hunter

> Core Type: Laser/Wily
> Weaknesses: Cossack/Shield
> Resistances: Shadow/Laser
> 80 HP | 92 WE | 88 Atk | 75 Def | 95 Spd
> Knows Jazz Beam, Jazz Barrier, Blast Tripwire, Tracker Beam, Grapple Wire, Jazz Grenades, Laser Net, Pitfall Trap, Hunter's Pack, Pocket Saber, Buster Charge, Invisibility Cloak, Lesser Anti-Weapon Energy Field, Plasma Mines, and Siphon Cannon
> Bought Skill: Demon Hunter
> Bought Dark Frag and Guard Module
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot becomes Laser Shot

---

I don't know about this.
Hey, don't worry! Don't worry! I'm sure this will work out just fine!
Where did you even get this from?
I may or may not have taken more than just Ninja Man's blueprints from Wily's lab.
Well, I'll give that old jerk one thing...
This armor makes me feel like I can take on the world!

---

Harmonica

> Core Type: Neutral/Level
> Weaknesses: Explode/Flame
> Resistances: Earth/Energy
> 260 HP | 50 WE | 10 Atk | 30 Def | 80 Spd
> Knows Harmonica Buster, Harmonica Marker, Energy Boost, Energy Support, Focus Boost, Focus Break, Recovery Booster, Brash Defense, Buff Arrow, Stat Swap, Crit Up, Helping Hand, Endure, Overdrive Heal, Encourage, Helper's Determination, No Surrender, Brotherly Support, Prism Guard, Fine Tune, Rhythm Satellite, and Assist Call
> Bought Skill: Daring Decoder
> Bought Energy Upgrade x2

To save up on character space (and posts), all weapon and skill information will be on their respective Character Sheets.

Remaining Zenny: 10
Remaining Crown Coins: 218

Disarge looks over to Sarah.

...Well, you should know this by now,

He then turns back to Harmonica and Jazz Hunter.

but here's what's going on...

---

One explanation later...

So, now you're trying to prove yourselves to this "Supremo", huh? And then he'd restore this world?
That's the gist of it. But he's been awfully stubborn about it.
Well, I don't see why I can't lend a helping hand.
Yeah, I'll help you, too-
Absolutely not. It's far too dangerous for you, and I don't want you to get hurt.
I did get hurt, though. From the fall. Into this hole.
You know what I meant. You heard Calx over there; We've fought the guy who destroyed this world in the first place, and he was our FIRST.
(You say that as if you were actually there.)
And what makes you think I can't help?
Because you weren't built for fighting like I was.
Neither was Beta, and he did a good job with his first fight!
That's because he wasn't only upgraded for combat, but he was also against something far less dangerous compared to what we're against.
Hey, if I may... I might have an idea on what to do here.

---

Changes Incoming!

All Characters

> Bought 9 Levels; Now at highest level of 41
> Bought Character Slot, Team Baton, Quick Switch, 5 Archive Sigils, 40 Extra Lives, and 1 of every Core

Ninja Man Ψ

> +49 HP | +50 WE | +55 Atk | +51 Def | +45 Spd
> Learned Ninja Fireball, Senshi Goat, Ninja Star, Senshi Monkey, Ninja Staff, Senshi Rooster, Ninja Naginata, Senshi Wolf, Ninja Kunai, Senshi Pig, Invisibility Cloak, and Senshi Rat
> Bought Attack Booster and Wily Program
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot becomes Swift Shot

Gagaku

> +26 HP | +20 WE | +26 Atk | +32 Def | +26 Spd
> Learned Wily Hijacker, Wily Divider, Wily Alerter, Wily Striker, Wily Glitcher, and Wily Barrier

Phantom Reggae

> Bought Total Reset
> New Core type: Explode/Swift
> New Weaknesses: Space and Impact
> New Resistances: Speed and Copy
> 105 HP | 105 WE | 50 Atk | 50 Def | 120 Spd
> Ghastly Scream becomes Mach Aura
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot becomes Explode Shot
> Learned Hyperspeed Crash, Race Relay, Battery Puncture, Gambling Dice, Cursed Pizza, Pester, Speed Star, Speedy Phase-Out, Round-a-Bout, 4th-D Slip, and Baton Pass
> Bought 2 Speed Shoes

Discorded Sergeant

> +49 HP | +50 WE | +49 Atk | +75 Def | +37 Spd
> Learned Sergeant Trap, Split Missile, Sergeant Drums, Harsh Command, Sergeant Horn, Sergeant Mines, Photon Missile, Sergeant Firearm, Sergeant Turret, Sergeant Salute, Sergeant Cannon, Sergeant Flag, and Sergeant Sparkler
> Bought Defense Booster and Target Module
> Weapon Exchange: Buster Shot > Needle Cannon