...Huh! Well... it makes sense. I don't have a sister, and I don't think Soul is the same kind of bro for Pop as he is for me.
We're back.
Eh?

Delta turns back around, and sees Soul and Pop.

You know? I'm all shopped out. Let's do something else.
What do you say, sport?
Oh! Me? Okay....
Ummm.... Let's get some Ice--

A hand covers Delta's mouth.

Iced Tea, he says! The kid has good taste, don't'cha think?
Hey, I'm as fine with it as you guys are.

Delta tries to communicate via muffled noises, but to no avail.

He says you can lead us there.
.....Okie dokie. I know a place with it, it's not so far away.

Pop turns around and walks away. After a few seconds, Soul feels something bite on his hand.

AAAAGGHH! YOU LITTLE TWERP, IF YOU DON'T-- GRRRH!

Soul slowly but surely pries Delta's teeth away, and then shakes his hand in agony.

What was that for?
Kid, you might have forgotten...

---

---

I... I was that close to wreaking havoc in this vicinity...
You also literally bit a helping hand. Dip.
S-sorry.

Soul pats Delta on the shoulder. The two follow Pop.

But man, who thought she could be that much of

---

The CRNS and Team Prototype (Minus the Prototype) walk down a hall.

A monster? What kind?
One that your group and us know all too well of.
B-bakana! You don't mean...?!
Yeah. He means exactly what you think he does.

♫ Minish Village - Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap ♫

Pop carefreely strolls through. Following her are Soul and Delta, with extremely large tower-like volumes of baggage in their hands.

Why? Why the hell are we even carrying these? You won't even wear any of these, I've only see you put on, like, two outfits before!
Can't we just stuff these in Soul's Limbo Dimension?
Maybe... but I'd rather have the comfort of knowing where they are instead of throwing them in some infinite abyss.

Pop nudges Delta, who's stack of shopped-for material begins to wobble. After a few seconds, he manages to balance it back to normal.

Delta. Can you do me a favor, and wait here? I... need to talk with Soul for a minute.
*Confused Travolta*
Meh. I can wait, I guess.

But why on earth do I have to stay behind?... do they not trust me?

...No, that can't be it. I'm carrying these, aren't I? Guess I'll just have to ask what's up when they come back. :T

Pop and Soul walk behind the nearest corner.

---

Okay, what is this about?
It's... about you. Or maybe it's about me. I don't know. Just... just be honest with me here.
Soul... am I a hindrance to you?
Hey, woah! Now, what makes you think--
I'm serious, Soul! For once, maybe you should be, too!
...

Soul is silent. Pop inhales, and then proceeds.

Delta can't know. He'll take it out on himself... but one of those... shadow guys that held me hostage. What they did and said... I just can't get out of my mind.

---

---

...
That's... that's why I tried to get you guys to stop worrying about me. To leave me alone. It's not fair that you have to deal with baggage! With someone who can be used as an exploit to you! You guys had to put me away with the world's worst person just to guarantee you wouldn't be held back!
S-so... I c-can't help but think t-that... you'd-d be b-better off without me... I dr-dragged you down, I'm y-your w-weakness...
...
And here I thought you'd have something problematic to say.
!?
Yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and call bull on everything you just said. Weakness and all.
But... but I--
You're not my weakness, dummy...
...Truth is... you're the only reason why I fight. Because a world without you would be meaningless. And every time some bad guy steps up, it reminds me that I have someone I need to protect.
...

Soul's hands shake.

You're my strength, my motivation, my pride... I refuse to go back to life without you. I can't lo--

Soul can barely finish his words as he is embraced by Pop. After seconds of silence, he returns the hug.

---

What da heck is goin' on with dem!?!?!?!?

The walking continues.

S-speaking of... I'm sorry I bailed out on you guys. I know you could've used my help and all.
I don't mind. You already helped more than enough. We're not entitled to the assistance of others.
...I mean, you say that, but so many people come just to fight alongside you. Like it's expected.

It's disturbing how much lack of a grudge he's holding. Was this a bad idea? Is he plotting some revenge scheme against me?

Yes. By choice. They're all willing to risk their lives for the same cause. And because of that, they're the best people I know. Including you.

Dim pulls her scarf to her face.

Oh. Wow. I had... no idea... b-but..
...That's... a weird thing to say to someone who's tried to kill you. And someone you've tried to kill.
It's all the same, at this point. Moments of the past don't reflect who we are forever. It's your actions that say the most.
...You don't know I've changed.
?
You don't know I've changed. I could be luring you into a false sense of security.

Bluff. She's gone soft.

...Oh. In that case.

Prototype walks ahead of Dim, and stops.

My back's open. My weapons are disabled. You could stab me before I have time to retaliate.
...

...His back is large... you could almost s...

...sssssshaaaaank... shank it... that is what I was going to say.

...Don't be stupid. Why would I do something like that in public?
The old you wouldn't care.
I'll be the judge of that. Move, before someone gets the wrong idea.

The walking continues.

The pair look at each other, and back to the guy. Prototype smiles.

Take a left turn behind us. It should be a couple blocks from there.
...
...Yeah... what he said.

Uuuuuuhhhh...
Is it the disguise? Is it weird seeing me the way I am?
That is the majority of it, yes. But now that I think of it, it makes sense you're like this... out here. This is how you look underneath all that?
I don't even know. But it doesn't matter.

Prototype looks at Dim.

What else has you so dumbfounded?
...

She turns around, bends forwards and grabs a newspaper, before slamming it in Prototype's face.

You're acquainted with "", right?
The clown from before. Sure, I am. What's this got to do with...

Prototype takes a closer look at the newspaper. He facepalms.

I think this is what Big Eye would call one of those "bruh moments"...

Yeah. I think I'm justified in my surprise seeing you here reverse-cosplaying.
"Battle to End all Conflict: Versus PROTOTYPE-001"... why am I not surprised?
Think you can beat him?
...

"Think you can beat him". That's a strange question to ask, instead of asking if I'll fight him at all or what I'll do to begin with.

But it does make sense. She probably suspects something's up with them, too...

..Hubris aside... If everything seen from him is all he can do... defeating him shouldn't be an issue.

---

---

You think so, huh?

That's not a yes. But not a no, either. I hate those kinds of answers. Make up your mind.

I know, so. But it doesn't matter, because I'm not obligated to fight him. I have far more important things I would, could, and should be doing.

Prototype punches a brick wall next to him, smashing a decent portion away.

Those scumbags who escaped because of Butler are still out there. You already know about Dracon, but there are more, and every second I'm not tailing them, I'm--

Prototype feels a hand on his shoulder.

......Don't you think you've done enough for now?
...

...No. It won't be enough until the day I drop dead.

As Pop, Delta and Soul leave, Scale stares at the closed window, gazing at the horizon below.

...You know, it's days where clouds fill the sky and the sun is eclipsed that fascinate me the most.
Not that I particularly enjoy rain. But the same ol' yellow star tends to get boring.
LARGE TENSION LEVELS DETECTED.

Scale is silent at this, but then moments later huffs, rotating his head towards the robot which spoke out.

Right. You guys can tell, can't you?
INSERT DATA FOR TENSITY.
...Fine. But don't take my reasoning for authorization to act. Also, it feels good having someone to say this stuff to.

Scale walks away from the window.

Those damn twins. Ever since I found my way here, something has never been... fully clear about them.
...
Pop hides it fine when she's not ticked. But with Soul, he practically wears it on his sleeve. I'm positive you robots've picked it up, but there's this atmosphere around them... this almost feral sensation.

Scale paces back and forth unwittingly.

They're like volcanoes waiting to erupt on someone or something. Truth be told, if I didn't already know they'd need me later, I may actually be worried about Pop's punches. She's kinda hot when she's mad. Wait. No. Concentrate.
...
CONCERN RECOGNIZED FULLY.
Eh. I doubt it's that much of a concern. Not unless something bad happens... but the worst is already behind us.

Firstly, I want you to tell me exactly how you feel.
Well, to tell you the--
Uh, uh, uh! Start your sentences with 'I'.
...
...I feel... I feel alone. I feel like a nobody. I'm a mass-produced model. Even if I try to put myself out there, nobody sees me for who I really am, and nobody cares. There's nothing special about me.
I... I'm hurt that my creator holds more regard for material value than their product. I feel vulnerable, so I cover that up with a tough-guy persona. I feel like there is nobody who would care about me if I just... stopped existing.
There's nothing special about me. There's nothing special about my concept. There probably isn't even something special about what I'm feeling, either. All the other guys probably feel the same way.
There's nothing special about me. There's nothing special about my concept. There probably isn't even something special about what I'm feeling, either. All the other guys probably feel the same way. I don't...
...Why am I even alive?
...

Four robots stand in front of a large building.

...You guys sure we can expect them to show?
For what it's worth, I trust 'em. They look like pretty okay guys. Otherwise I wouldn't have recommended 'em.
Indeed, I share this sentiment.
I dunno. Maybe we don't need them. We can do just fine on our own, can't we?
At one point, I felt the same way. Then I got torn in half.

Three beacon-like projectiles warp down in front of them, revealing themselves to be (three quarters of) Team Prototype.

The Big Eye Battalion, at your request!
Sorry, don't mind him.
Where's the emo?
(Busy.)
...You know what? Screw it. You guys are already here. Come in.

The CRNs head inside. Everyone else follows.

A simulation grid closes.

That went about as well as I had expected it to go.
(So not at all.)
Not in the slightest. But I had planned to cut ties with government, anyway. You three know that.

Prototype taps a few holograms placed in the air above his wrist, as his physical appearance changes...

This is only temporary undercover wear. I'll be out while you three meet with a group of people who've signaled for our attention. You should have their coordinates.
...I'm never going to get used to that.
Woah. Wow. Yeah. This is so cursed.
Focus.
Uh, oh. Right. Who are we meeting exactly? I doubt waltzing up to unknown people is a bright idea.
The CRNs. There's an important topic they have, and I trust you all with the responsibility to be there.
Huh! Talk about a blast from the past!
(What'll you be doing?)

Prototype opens up the balcony window. He hops on the rails.

Human stuff. I'll catch you guys later.

Prototype jumps off. Everybody suddenly falls silent...

...Vote for Tentative Team Leader?

Well, me and Delta have some catching up to do. So we'll be out of your hairs. Honestly, I don't even know why we went here first.

Soul and Delta turn around to leave, but they are immediately yanked back by Pop.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I'm coming with you two.
Well, sure. The more the merrie--
And we're going shopping.

An audible record scratch can be heard, soon following it an heavy atmosphere of silence coming from the word "shopping".

...extremely-melodious-oh-hell-nah.mp4

Soul quickly casts a large Space Orb in the middle of the room, and chucks Delta into it, before hopping in himself.

---

Nuh-uh. That's literally the one thing I would never, EVER, do for anybody. Not even my own sister.
Shopping is kind of boring... but I do feel kinda guilty leaving her behind like that.
You're not really in a position to pity me anyway, so don't worry.

Soul and Delta's eyes bug out as their heads do 180s, finding Pop already in the Space Orb with them.

H-how the hell!?
I keep telling you not to underestimate me. Just because I don't throw dimensions at people like you doesn't mean I'm complete canon fodder.

BS. I have never seen her move this fast before.

We're not going shopping. I refuse to waste time doing something so menial.
Cute, coming from the world's biggest loner. You don't have a choice, you know.

A Space Orb opens from beneath all three of them, as they land...

---

Back at the room they were in before. Anti-climatic.

And why not?
For starters, I have footage of my doofus brother fighting like the world's biggest moron and getting blinded like an idiot.
Uh, no you don't? That's me. I own all the footage he--

Pop grabs Scale and whispers something. All that can be confirmed is that it is definitely something. Scale faints with glee from this.

Really? Blackmail?
Normally I'm above it, but you did ditch me after I said I would be fine on my own and then left me here with this pretentious ass. Revenge was a given.
Well, you've got nothing on me! I'm as clean as a whistle!
Delta, you go everywhere he goes. I don't need to blackmail you.
Ooh.

Scale (plus da sub-robots) warp in.

Your knight in technologically-ascended armor has arrived.
Oh, great. I was hoping there would be a certain two people that wouldn't live through this event. Turns out my hopes were only half fulfilled.
Yeah, that Proteus guy is a douche. But don't worry, darling. He can't hurt you here...~
BOY, IF YOU DON'T GET 'CHO

Before Pop can do so, a white-gloved arm comes out of a Space Orb, punching Scale in the face.

AAGH!
Think you nailed him?
Well, I felt the density of his ego, and I'm pretty sure I heard that telltale feminine scream of his, too. Only one way to find out...
*le gaspe (pop edition)*

The Space Orb opens up, revealing...

Bingo!
Oh, it's been a while. You didn't tell me Pop was here too--

With blur-like speed, Pop races towards Delta, grabs him, and gives him a hug tighter than your favorite Smash Bros. Melee comeback.

*squeaky plush noises*
OMIGODYOUREOKAYIWASOWORRIEDABOUTYOUAREYOUHURTIMSOSOSORRYNEVERLEAVEMYSIGHTEVERAGAIN.
...

As the president tends to letters signing up for a certain policy, someone knocks on his door.

That'll do. Come in.

Prototype opens the door, coming in.

President Walter.
Where's the rest of your suck-up buddies?
They are not suck-ups. But the rest of my team is on standby.
Right. Because they're watching you host a 3D projection of yourself. You're not in my office. You're a fake.
With all do respect, commander-in-chief, this shouldn't qualify as me hiding anything. It's equally obvious to me that you would figure it out in an instant as it is for you that I haven't actually stepped foot here.
...Fair enough. I'll get to the point. You-- and I'm sure as well others-- have put me in a hell of a situation. How do you think the public will react to me saying it was one of my personal agents from an alternate timeline that jeopardized so many lives?
Yes. But there have been far more outrageous things than that.

President Walter slams both his hands on his desk.

You carelessly wielded. One of the seven most POWERFUL potential weapons across all of reality. Not even a MILLION fakes could beat the latent potential of one.
...It's not a weapon unless you make it one. Besides that, I have a hard time believing anyone capable of more Hope than me could have snagged this for their own intentions.

In a flash, Prototype immediately finds himself staring down the President.

Including me?
...
...Please. This is the lowest amount of Hope I've ever felt from you. It's plain to see that the one with a balanced control over the emotions is your other half.

Prototype turns around.

I respect you, Walter. But ever since Vaati, it's been easy to see something is clearly wrong with you. You're unstable.
...
...I know what you want from me. You wanted to use my reputation against me to permanently disassociate with the government. And that's fine. Butlertype may have been a lunatic, but even he knew that too much order only leads to suffrage.

Prototype walks away.

You can do more than any of us. You don't need a hitman. You don't need allying organizations... But you choose to sit here.

Prototype digitally fades.

...
...If that thing wasn't real, then what was the point of turning his back and walking away like that? Drama queen.

As the duo leave, Soul looks back to Delta. Hesitance fills the air...

...Kid, I'm sorry. I should've helped you out when I could. You didn't know who you were, who made you, and--
Soul.
...
...Let's go back to being pals again.

Delta offers Soul a fist bump, which after seconds of silence is mutually assured. The two walk through a prepared Space Orb, with Soul resting an arm above Delta's shoulder.

The best of 'em.

The Space Orb closes.

Wow. Some honorary member he is.

A yellow Revolution Sword grinds through the center of the crater, pulverizing Butler's remains. Everyone turns in the direction the attack came from...

My objective is complete. I no longer have any business with you fools.

Galacta Knight flies away, leaving only Team Prototype and Defteros, who sprouts nanotech wings.

If you need help with anything, pretty please let me know! I'll be with you guys in a heartbeat, 'kay?
*gurgle of agreement*
Byeeee~!

Defteros flies away...

---

Swapped asterisk for asterism. Not because asterisks would cause confusion, but because they look cool. And because nobody actually uses them. So they're me-centric now.

(Closure) Super Punch-Out!! - Credits

Prototype's power decreases, as he no longer fuels himself with hope.

That's... what I think... of your... bant...

As gracefully as a rock, Prototype speedily falls towards the ground with a hard crash... or he would have, had he not been caught by...

...
...
...Heh.

Carrying Prototype on one shoulder, Soul drops down. He tosses the worn down robot to the latter's allies.

...I got nothing to complain about.
Uh, guys? You might wanna take a look at this.
If this guy pulled another Zorro on us, I swear to god.

Gathering around the (latest) crater, everyone closely inspects.. only seeing remains of Butler/Vaati's outfit, albeit reverted to red and silver.

...So it's done, then. Vaati - and Butler - are gone.
Yeah, yeah, I saved you guys. No need to thank me. I'll just be on my way, gentlemen. I've got a mamacita waiting for me.

Scale and his robots all teleport away.

Everyone here has contributed just as much as him! Also, blegh.
Now, now! What matters most is we all gave our very best effort together! Teamwork is teamwork all the same? Right, Proteus?

Defteros looks back to where he remembers Proteus standing, only to see that he is nowhere there.

Proteus?

Defteros (and everyone else) suddenly hears the sound of minecraft loot being picked up in the center of the crater. They look down to see Prototype surrounded with his shields once again.

See you suckers never.

Proteus flies away. Everybody simply watches him leave, other than Defteros, who eagerly waves at his departure.

Bye bye~! Be safe, friend!
Speaking of goodbyes, guess now that everything's taken care of, we should be on our leave.
Yeah. Until next time you need us to stand in the background and/or get beat up.

A. Rock and Mech-tenant turn to walk away what the hell you guys can TELEPORT why are you WALKING!?, but are stopped by a voice.

Hold up.

A. Rock and Mech-tenant both turn back around. Soul stands behind them, but points at Mech-tenant.

...You held back. During our fight. You coulda won, but you didn't go that route. Why?
...

Mech-tenant shrugs.

...Part of me felt you were right. That I should only be influenced by myself above all other things. I guess I couldn't fully reject that.

He looks up at Soul.

How'd you know all that, anyway?
...Simple. We all start somewhere.
...

Mech-tenant scoffs (but it's one of those smiling scoffs) and continues walking away with A. Rock.

Man, what's with you two? You guys have some sort of bromance going on?
HELL NO!

Prototype ceases Vaati's sudden disruption as an opportunity, drilling his fist even further into Vaati!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!
No... n-no, no! This isn't how it was supposed to end, dammit! I haven't even gotten my own harem yet!
Seriously!? This shit is so dumb! So because part of something inside of me has hope, that somehow overrides my abilities!?
I even had a whole bucket list of things to do as soon as I escape the Shadow Realm!? Guess how many things I got done!? Three! Out of how many? Eighteen million, five hundred nintety-six thousand, three hundred and thirty four!
You know what? What am I worrying about, anyway? This is a RedBomber post. We all know he refuses to let his bad guys die. Even if you kill me, I'll come back with some off-the-cuff bullshittery! You're doing this for nothing! NOTHING! NO--

A beam of energy from Prototype's impact overwhelms Vaati, swallowing him whole.

After Big Eye gets knocked back from an off-screen attack, everyone circling Vaati seemingly stops attacking.












What's the matter, darlings? Why so silent? Come to your senses, mmmmmm~?

Hope begins to rise from each and every individual person surrounding Vaati...

Woah. Is that your souls leaving your body upon realizing the situation, or are you guys just happy to see me?
It's game over, you degenerate trash. This ends here.

Vaati looks up to all the residue energy, which goes to...

Hope... the more I have, the more powerful the Ring gets. And the more powerful it is, the more hopeful we are. Not just of exterminating you permanently... but going beyond to a better world.
...Scrubs. Can't you tell? There ain't no hope for any of you h8-filled m8s on the globe! all that awaits is madness and Despair...

Vaati flies straight towards Prototype!

And THAT'S why we gotta look for as much fun in it as possible, baby!

Vaati throws a haymaker mid-flight, but Prototype firmly grasps it, bashing him across the face, which sends Vaati skyrocketing!

IT ENDS HERE!

Prototype flies after Vaati. Defteroes enjoys being surrounded by Hope.

Wowie... I'm so tingly!

---

Someone views the ongoing conflict...

(....Emotional Power. That's immense Hope he's wielding.....)

The President bangs a fist on his table.

(Did my counterpart give him one of the World Rings? That idiot. Each one of those seven artifacts hold the individual power for mass destruction and more. If someone had obtained them and intended to use them for evil...)

---

As Prototype charges at a surprisingly nonchalant Vaati with one fist extended, the fused sorcerer wags a finger.

Did you forget, Strappingtype? My l8tent magic allows me to regener8 with ease!
...Hnnn...

He may be right about that.

In space, none of our attacks could do any long lasting damage. It was only until Grande Supreme Kai Walter stepped in that his regeneration ability was negated. But we don't know how he did that....

(...It doesn't matter. I can't afford to back down and lose hope now. Everything is riding on this fist.)

Faster and faster, Prototype accelerates towards Vaati, slamming into him with a Breaker Type punch. It damages Vaati, but despite Vaati making direct contact with the hope, he seems to automatically heal...

Idiot. What did I tell you, young man? Now, you're in big trouble, mister.

Vaati prepares a counterattack, but...!

!

---

...I... have no excuse. I listened to passion instead of ration, and I became exactly the kind of being I despised. Verily. I am a monster.
...but even so...
Heeeey, Butler, pal, ol' chum, my very own body buddy, you can-- you-- just so we're clear, no hard feelings, right?

Vaati is immediately blown back from the hope radiating from Butler!

I will assure that you are eradicated as well!
AAAAAAAAH! Y-YAMATE! YAMATEEEEE~!

Gonbei sighs.

Frankly, I'm almost relieved I don't remember anything. It might just lead to me stressing out even more.

Gonbei wipes the bean sauce from his face, clearing his throat before replying to Gyro M.

I wouldn't know. You guys are the first people I recall meeting since I've gotten here.
But it's clear my lack of memories is some kinda oddity. When it comes to how... eh, your guess is as good as mine.

Only now seeing the eyes placed on him in a moment of silence, he immediately swallows the Beans he is consuming.

...Eh. I've got no problem with it. Frankly, I'm just relieved to have something to be referred by.