Everyone suddenly hears a large beeping sound. They look towards the monitor.

It's... Soul.
So he is indeed of the living.
What's the fuss with him about anyway? For all we know, he's just returning this call to tell us to leave him alone.
Even so, we have to persist. It's imperative any signs of you-know-who are regulated.

Accel pushes a button.

Who the hell is this, and how do they know me?
!...? (It's us! Are you okay, Uncle?)

---

Uuugh... Never been better, kiddo.

---

It's good that it's you guys. If you went through all this trouble of contacting me, you probably have some clue of going on.
We can hear the fighting. Let us into the dimension you're in. You owe us that much.
Naaaah.
Don't be an idiot. We can help you win. Do you not trust us enough to--
Look, look, listen. I don't care what you say, I don't care what you want-- I'm not lettin' ANYONE else interfere in this fight. It all ends. Here. Even if I lose, he'll be trapped in this world forever.
...Enough people have died to this bastard. I'm not-- *OOOGH!*
Hey!
Don't do this! Don't throw your life away!
Heh... throw what away? I'm the strongest. I'll win. And be back in a jiffy like nobody's business.
THINE--
*clicking hang-up noise*

...Everyone processes what just happened.

Well... that was a disaster. So much for helping that "Butlertype" guy, huh?
In any case, we should probably find our way back to our home timeline. Things may get even more troublesome in the future.
...Nah. I think we can stay here a little while longer!

These words take Harmony and Extenguish Man Deluxe both by surprise.

We barely know what'll happen next! We need to find--
Harmony. Do you remember the reason I agreed to us helping out Butler in the first place? It wasn't just because of his sob story.
...There are strong people in this world. I want to be able to test myself against the toughest of the tough and find my very limits.
Ugh... you really are a fighting freak.
...I concur. But I think I somewhat agree with Ultra. I'm curious as to what would've happened if the fight we had wasn't interrupted.
...
I'm heating up just thinking about the challenge. But I won't back down.... and I bet Rainbow Man Eternal feels the same way.

---

Rainbow Man Eternal sheds tears while eating minted ice cream while he tightly grips a body pillow in the other arm.

Accel turns to Prototype.

Completely random question, by the way. Do you know any other robot who has complete access to your location and can track you at all times? It's imperative we withhold this information from the public so as not to cause a stir.
...
...Ugh. She followed me, didn't she?
"She"?
So what do we do about that?
Nothing. Whoever this person is'll never manage to get past this area's defenses. Anywho...

The doors yet again slide open.

Dibs on first punch?
Sorry, already called it.
Huh. I figured there'd be a lot more people here interested in the same thing we are.
Patience is a necessity.
Yeah. Give it a bit 'a time, won't'cha?
.....Should we contact the second one as well?
...
I doubt he's the type to congregate with others, especially since how sullied his pride has been as of recent. He'll likely find his way on the battlefield.

Kyo? Like Kyo Kusanagi? Drgh, probably one of his clones.... but in South Town?
...Fine. I'll be the one to go.
Interesting. I'll come too...

Mr. Karate stretches...

...But only to watch. I've got back problems these days, and fighting past my younger years is becoming a drag.
(Liar.... whether it's his old wounds or illness, it's almost like whatever doesn't kill him only seems to make him stronger. You just want me to do all the work.)

Ryo clenches a fist.

As I was saying before I was cut off... Did either of them say where they went?

Darn!? We've gotta avenge Robert! Do you have any idea--
Hold it.

"Mr. Karate" walks inside.

Correct me if I heard this incorrectly. But what I heard from this girl is that an invader stormed through the dojo, attacked one of it's strongest students, and left? And she herself made no attempt to avenge the Kyokugen name?
...
.....Yuri... surely there's an explanation for this... isn't there?...

. . .
...I see we're going to have more trouble getting along than anticipated.

Walter stares down Walter.

Your scare tactics won't work on me. I've been working hard, and I'm stronger than ever.
...So am I. Don't go thinking just because I've been spending time sitting here that I'm some pushover.

Walter stands up. As the tension increases, Worship simply groans.

Ugggh. Are one of you idiots actually gonna THROW a punch?
...Not here. We may destroy the planet on accident.
Although... I know a place we can settle this.
And I know exactly where you mean. If that's what you want, then so be it. But I won't hold back.

Walter looks towards Galacta Knight.

Take care of any threats in my absence.
...Hmph.

The two then stare each other down again, and then immediately vanish, along with Worship.

Walter teleports directly in front of Walter.

'Sup, cuh?
Trespassing. This should be good.
If I had told you I'd be here, you probably would have just told me to back off-- or worse, try and prepare countermeasures--

Walter looks down at Galacta Knight, who holds a lance to his neck.

Like him.
Leave him be, for now.

Galacta Knight puts his lance down, and floats aside.

Where's Smith?
Rightfully watching over in case of lingering threats. Butlertype was born from a failed attempt to keep alternate-worlding entities to cause temporal anomalies. But I've fixed that now.
And how am I supposed to trust that?
I'm you, and we were one in the same. You can at least afford to trust in me. Worship can vouch for me.
.....Well, he coulda fixed it better...
...And you giving one of the World Rings to a robot? You already know what happened the last such a thing occured.
As you saw. I had the situation under control. And this is Prototype. If anyone, I'm certain he would have all bases covered on earth.. Crud, I should've went to get the ring back before coming here.
Anyway, none of this is what I came here to say.
...You're already here. And you'll no doubt start plotting again should I reject. Go on.

Walter puts a hand on his head.

I have reason to believe something's coming. Something bigger than either Butler or Vaati combined. Something that might destroy us all.
You probably have all sorts of forces ready. But none of that matters when we have you.
...
You're adamant on defending this planet. So it's only fitting you should be the main protecting force as well.
I know we've had our differences. But we need to put them aside. Prove we're better than them. What Vaati did was unforgivable, but--
DON'T.
. . .

What on earth? Robert's one of the toughest people on the dojo... he should hold his own fine against any opponent he meets.

Ryo looks over to Yuri.

Did you catch who did this?

If the door wasn't broken, the blur likely would have crashed through it. Instead, it lands in the center of the dojo.

Urgh...

Ryo gets up, dusting himself off.

Pops gets way too carried away with that tengu mask...

Ryo looks around...

Huh. I don't remember hitting a door on my way here. What's up with thaaaa... aha... what?

Ryo finally spots the beaten down Robert.

What the--? Robert!? What happened to him!?

Yuri sees a flying orange blur head directly in her direction.

Zanretsuken!

Ryo swiftly throws several jabs at Mr. Karate, but each one is seemingly parried with little effort. the masked karateka shoves Ryo away.

I haven't forgiven you for making me fight that pink-clad idiot, old man! Where'd you find that guy, anyway?
Why, fresh off the streets of South Town! He seemed like a warrior truly appropriate of your skill level.
Why, you...!

Ryo begins to prepare to fight, but Mr. Karate holds an open palm in front of him.

Although... that other wanderer with the headband seemed to be a strong fighter in his own right. He at least knows the basics.
Yeah, that guy. Ryu, or whatever...

---

---

He wasn't terrible.
And yet, he, a foreigner, fought you to a standstill. So much for the heir of the Kyokugen Dojo...
(This geezer's going too far...)

Mr. Karate folds his arms.

I had early suspicions, but that man is surely a disciple of Gouken's. Truly devoted to martial arts.
Gowho?

---

Zanretsuken (Swift)- The user throws multiple, precise superspeed punches at a singular target, and then finishes the combination with an strong uppercut.

Delta soars around, but seems unsatisfied from the result.

Damn! Neither of them are here anymore!

Delta returns to normal, and drops down.

Does that mean they're in Limbo? Or someplace else? Ugh, if only I could help!

Delta then looks around, seeing the state of the area from a previous skirmish is less than ideal.

Hnh... I guess I still can.

Delta walks over to a collapsed area.

What am I worried for, anyway? Soul's never lost a fight before. He should have this down pat!

...

Malware please that comment is a year old

...

Proteus stares at the atmosphere above him, in solemn silence. Drops of rain begin to descend...

Why? Why the HELL can't I go back to simpler times?

shaking back and forth, his fists clench...

I never asked for this. This isn't what I'm supposed to be. I'm supposed to be the guy that strikes fear into the hearts of everyone!

...But it's gone. My presence, my knack for evil-- It's history. Nobody fears me. They just fear the person they think I am.

---

---

No... it's more than just that. I've regressed so much, I can feel things that upon my arrival I couldn't feel before. Empathy. Compassion... regret. That pink-and-gold idiot has turned me into a weakling.
...

How do I go back!? How do I go back to the way it was? Before the constant team-ups, before being a punching bag... What am I missing...?... Is it even possible to go back?

Proteus stares downwards, at his right hand. He opens and closes it, squeezing back and forth.

I thought I could use my rage for evil, but it's not possible. Just like what Regulus said about emotions not being bound to morality...I have nothing left.

Nothing...

...Except him.

Oh. Huh. Hello?
*generic squeaky cartoon calling voice*
An emergency? We just beat Vaati a second time. Whatever the problem is can't be that big a deal in comparison.
*generic squeaky cartoon calling voice*
Hah! Okay, if you're serious, then I guess I should at least humor you. What's going on?
*generic squeaky cartoon calling voice*
What, him? Hah! That's nothing to be--
*realization*
OH,

---

Is this for real!?
Unfortunately. Or fortunately, if you wanted this to be the case.
We're glad you contacted us, then. We wouldn't miss this for the world.

---

You did it, Walter. The balance of time itself has been restored. I admit I was a little skeptical, but I see I underestimated you.
Wait. So the council...?
They won't have a reason to visit this Universe any longer. It'll all be fine now.
Ain't'cha forgettin' something?
Walter, yes. I still recall. He'll probably want to talk too, after you these fours' screwup.
Don't rope us into it, too!
Ain't'cha forgettin' something else?
Again, I already know what you mean. In fact, I plan on bringing it with Mr. President himself.
We may have trouble seeing eye to eye, but I doubt even he would neglect a foreboding threat if he was told of it.
Shall we accompany you?
No. If something happens, you should be here to see it. That way, there'll be multiple lines of defense in multiple areas.
Besides... this is personal.

Walter teleports away, leaving the other five to their own affairs.

Meddy keeps firing.

DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DEMON DIE DIE DIE DIEEEE!!!!

---

Heat Man shrugs, and walks away....



USING THE MOMENTUM TO GAIN A RUNNING START AND BARRICADE THROUGH THE WINDOW LEEROOOOY

DAMN IT!

In a notably frustrated haze, the purple robot child Delta slams his fist across the ground beneath him. rose-colored petals descend, but the aforementioned individual barely notices.

Th-this is l-like a bad dream... I c-can't s-stop shak-king...

Why!? Why did he have to show his ugly mug again... why now!? We were in peace!

Him. H-him, he s-s-s-split me in h-half. Killed me. u-used my b-body like s-some sort of t-tool. F-forced us to f-fuse into a m-m-m-meg-g-g-a-lo-lo-maniac.

He eagerly gets up from his knees, and spots the tree which shades over him and Pop. Slamming his foot against the bark, he releases his frustration upon what just happened.

I'm s-scared.

It's not fair. I won't let Soul do this again! I'll help him whether he likes it or not!!

D-don't w-w-ant t-to die.

After a good few seconds of venting on his surroundings, he looks towards Pop.

I'll go help him. I don't know where he is, but I have something which should let me spot him faster. You should let Scale know what's going on. Guess us forgetting to block him came in handy...
...
...Hey, are you--?
--I...

Pop lets out a large inhale, and the huffs.

...I'm not worried. My brother is the strongest. If anyone can win, it's him. There's never been a fight where he hasn't got back up.
I won't try to stop you, but it's because he values us that he did this. I can only make peace with that. You should, too.
...Be careful, little man.

Delta nods a very serious nod, and then trails off. The stomps from his footsteps are unusually loud.

Accept...? I guess s-she's on to something...

I-I... I am scared. I hold m-more fear for him than I do anything else.

But that's okay. It's okay to be scared. As long as you still have the guts to fight. And I've already made up my mind never to run again.


Pop remains idle as Delta venture further away...

(And the same goes for you...)

---

Everyone looks behind as Prototype walks into the room.

Ohey, it's him!
He was the last documented person to confront him. Coupled with his enormous power, he would be a tremendous asset.
We've been trying to. But we've been getting no response signal.
(Could this be related to MKII's return?)
Perhaps. Truth be told, I don't know much about your friend, but we can't rule out the possibility. Either way, we need to contact as many people as possible...

Not noticing how the Torpor has fallen, Meddy furiously shoots at the air around her in a rabbid frenzy.

The screen the eight robots were looking at seems to be back to the way it was before any comments were made. Accel is the first to regain composure.

It was there. Only for a second, but that brown-red blip was there. That means MKII was present in this world.
(So, then... what do we do!?)
First things first, we gotta let your Pops know. I'm not one to interject, but I'd bet he'd DEFINITELY want to be aware of this!
The Prototype guy, eh...? Yeah. That's probably for the best.
We've got no time to waste. Contact as many people as you can. We may need as much helping hands as we can get.
What about the President?
We'll cross that bridge later. For now, the first person we contact is...

---

So we beat him up. And now he's gone.
Everything you just said sounds insanely dumb. It sounds like something only a poor failure of an adult man would come up with in a story.
...But you're probably not lying either, so...

Prototype suddenly freezes in place.

Cohorts. One minute.

Prototype walks away, then taps his headphone once. Dim watches in silence as Prototype stands there, nodding.

Oh yeah... those little buddies of his. I don't see them often.

Must be important or something if he has to talk to them now. Not that I care.

Yeah. I see. Alright. I'll be there.

Prototype presses again, and the call seems to end as Prototype no longer mumbles.

Done talking to your sidek--
!!!
....Something just came up. I gotta go.

That... feeling from him...

---

It's the same as back then.... he's furious.

---

...That's a pretty strange shift in tone. You wanna tell me 'bout what happened in between that little transmission? Hmmm?

I shouldn't be acting coy. Especially not now. But I can't help myself.

Putting it bluntly, it's none of you're business. I'll see you when I see you.

Prototype abruptly teleports away.

...
...You're not getting off the hook so easily, buster wolf.