---

That sounds like it must have been a thrill! OWO!
Are... were you even listening?
I... well...
...Okay, no. I was too busy writing on my blog about why two fictional characters should objectively be together and that if you think otherwise you should be beaten and humiliated within an inch away from--
Uh... why don't I... just go over it again?

Cadence pauses.

Hmmmmm...
YE GO AHEAD!
...Right. Basically, it all happened like this:

---

So there was this weird black thing, right? And it was keeping this random gal trapped.

If yew wet me go, I'w give yew a biiiig hug and a kiss on da wips!
POP! WHAT THE F! YOUR BIMBOISM WON'T WORK! YOU DUMB B! STOP BEFORE YOU PROVOKE HIM!
NO. I DON'T CARE. I AM BEING FING CRUSHED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF MY OWN STRESS, AND THE ONLY OTHER PERSON I CAN RELY ON IS TOO MUCH OF A B TO SAVE ME.
I AM WILLING DO DO WHATEVER THE F IT TAKES TO ESCAPE.
Data Analysis: "Affection" attempt futile.
Pwease?
No.
!

Her brother was there too, but the thing that trapped her threatened to kill her if he tried anything. So he couldn't do anything.

Pop slumps to the ground and bangs the floor beneath her in distress.

*sob*... Why...? Why is my only existing family member such a useless fing p? Why couldn't I have been made alongside someone with a pair?

Though she is too busy wallowing in despair to notice, Soul flips her off with two middle fingers from outside the Notwen Field.

Needless to say, things were looking quite bleak...

Butlertype lies face-down on the ground.

...
Damn. Didn't think he'd get carried away like that. Though, I guess this is my fault for blowing his cover.

The entity goes on one-knee to check on Butler.

He should be safe here, though. Not like anyone cares enough to come here.
GAH!

Quickly waking up, Butlertype quickly readies an attack...

AWAY FROM ME, FIEND!!
H-hey, dude! It's me! I'm the guy who rescued you!
Silence! I have suffered torment from you LONG ENOUGH--!...

Butlertype suddenly stops.

...Ah. Apologies.
No harm done.

This is my fault. I underestimated those silly hooligans under your counterpart's command.

...Yes. They are hindrances to the righteous cause we so claim. Though their determination is... admirable...
I refuse to believe such perfection in a world is impossible. My hope will not fade, nor falter. I WILL turn the globe to salvation.

Yes... this is a battle of resolve. Only the one with the truest bravery to form their dreams into reality will succeed.

As Butlertype dusts himself, the figure confronts him.

So, what's next? Now that we're under their radar, we should be able to make some good progress into restoring the earth to how it should be. Right?
...No.
W-what!? But why? Valuable time will go to waste! We can't have that!

Butlertype balls his hand into a fist, staring at it.

True. But time is not the only thing against us in this battle of darkness and light.

After a few moments, he waves his hand to the side, tugging his cape. He looks outside the window of the room.

I have tried my hardest to get my other to see the light. I now recognize this as a mistake. So now... we will get rid of the one obstacle standing in our path... and hit it where it TRULY hurts.

...Hmmmm.

---

Vaati smirks, seemingly content at what he sees.

What delightful determination, Butler...

Vaati grins.

It seems you are beginning to realize what it means... to become a TRUE warrior.

Vaati chuckles, his humor slowly shifting into a maniacally laugh that echoes throughout the entire realm.

Gl... gladly...

In a somehow eager, yet limp fashion, the man follows MIDI through the door.

Looks like I won't be dead after all.

If I'm not already dead.

Where I came from...

The man pauses, considering these words. He then returns the brass-coated person's attention.

'Void', huh? Duly noted. And thanks. Help is probably the last thing I was expecting so soon.

He extends an arm.

You are?

...

Screw it.

The man folds his arms.

...Probably? I don't know. Truth be told, I don't know anything. I just... found myself here.

...Yeah. Okay.

After some slight hesitance, the man rises, and- albeit cautiously- makes his way towards the platform.

The remaining people left jump out multiple Space Orbs.

We're in a bad position. No knowledge of where Butlertype is, nor the president.
We can worry about that freaky-haired dunce later. Unless some unknown force has found the Super Special Naranja Pookernite, he'll be fine.
As for our 'Butler', the guy's got a special mission, right? And if his enslaved timeline--
Enslaved what?
is anything to go by, he's probably not in the greatest position to stall. He'll come out soon enough.
...? (In that case... what next?
...

Everyone looks at Prototype.

I...
...I don't know.
...
Butler... is different. From Vaati and all the rest. Not just in the fact he's totally convinced he's doing everything justice... but nothing's... simple. He could very well be three steps ahead of us right now.
You're kidding.
I'm not. We don't even know if that was the real Butler, or if he only wants us to think he has allies to put us off.

Prototype looks into the air...

Either way.... we'll find out soon enough.

auto, matey

....*sigh*...


Well, I guess I'll just starve myself to death then.

Not that I enjoy malnutrition. But beggars can't be choosers.

...

...Hold on...

....???

The man senses a presence of something from above. Confused, he turns around to face whatever it is.

Peony finds a strong hand suddenly grip her shoulder from behind.

Yes. And as her associate, I demand you lead me to her at once... Lest there be deathly consequences.

---

---

---

---

...It's been... I'm not sure how long it's been that I've been here. Perhaps it's been decades. Or maybe a few weeks.

A large, yet fit, humanoid man in a peculiar getup stands in the middle of nowhere in a cross-cross-applesauce position...

...


I don't know who or what I am. I also don't know where. Every time I try to rack my brain and dig deeper, my body becomes numb with pain.

I'm beginning to think it's more than just a simple mental block. This is the eighth time I've tried this, and nothing's worked.

Perhaps there's nothing there.

...Hrm...


I...

..!


Wait a second! A new feeling! It's pounding on the inside. I know it... I know it...! It's...!

...!
...~~~

The man's stomach growls.


...Hunger. Of course.

auto, mate

A-AH, AAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---
Got you!

As Pop falls through the sky, Defteros, equipped with nanotech wings, catches her.

Okay... maybe a safe location doesn't sound too bad. Thank you for saving me, by the way.
But then again. If we're going to meet him, I may as well be better of splattering my endo-skull.
Don't be silly, Pop. That's never the case. There's always a better way!
And besides! Scale's a nice guy! I've even met him before! Surely, he must not be so bad, right?
...Yeah. If we forget his ginormous ego-driven narcissism, his recklessness, his objectification of myself-- then, sure. I suppose I misjudged him.

Defteros zips through the sky. Pop sighs.

...Sometimes, our actions speak louder than our words. Maybe pay attention to the things he does instead of the things he says.
Maybe you'll be able to get through to him!
Rrgh... Fine.

---

Walter clenches his fists...

Damn... I can't sense other me. And he's not showing up in our collective Mindscape. And not only is that Butler guy gone, but because of Will, time is in even more jeopardy.
Could one of these things be related to what Hades said?.... maybe I should have brought this up when I had the chance.

Walter calms.

...It doesn't matter. All I can do is wait... and trust everyone on the mortal realm to set things right.

bruce, it's been five years, you still owe me sixteen dollars

---

The unknown Navigator slowly tries to get up.

O-ow... what? You think you bullies aren't gonna get what's coming to you?

BeastMan approaches.

Says the one that tried to pick a fight with *nigh-unnoticeable retch* the most powerful being known to Cyberspace.
But I'm not one to complain of your foolishness. A little punishment for your impudence beats the boring zoo life any day.
Uh oh...

Both parties seemingly get ready for a possible battle... until Omega steps in-between them. He looks towards BeastMan.

No. I have neither the time, the patience, nor care for more menial idiocy. Rising the ranks takes far more priority than this fool.
Why, you...!

The Navi runs towards Omega, who, not even caring enough to make full eye contact with him, backhands him across the entire area.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....!
...
That was just unnecessary.
So was their interference. It is only fitting, which one should perish as they live.

Ronald and Pepsiman collide, before jumping back due to the large force the both of them create, nimbly landing on their feets.

...YOU HOLD BACK YOUR POWER.
As do you. Shall we chalk your case up to foolishness and mine mercy?
...

Pepsi on the ground begin to float, along with other debris.

YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF, MCDONALD. I AM NOWHERE NEAR THE CALIBER OF THOSE YOU HAVE FACED IN THE PAST.
No... you are by far, stronger. Perhaps even moreso than the Prototype fellows I seek to crush. By all means, you are in a league of your own.

Pepsiman puffs his chest out upon hearing this. The nearby Pepsi fly into him.

...HMPH. THEN YOU SHOULD KNOW NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THE MIGHT OF PEPSI-POWER.
(He assimilated the Pepsi surrounding him to gain a power boost.)

Pepsiman vanishes, to which Ronald immediately bends backwards, evading a swift dive kick from Pepsiman, who after landing backflips into the air, dodging Sharp Fries to attack with a falling, ground-shaking punch, but Ronald rolls away in time to avoid it.

You'll have to force my true strength from me if you wish to see it.
AS YOU WISH!

The two vanish, in short bursts reappearing in different areas entirely. As their speed begins to ramp up, the shockwaves that come from their physical contact become larger and larger.

Hahahahah! Hahahahahahahahah!

Ronald jumps into a handstand, using his arms to step forward while kicking away at Pepsiman, who after weaving and parrying a few of the strikes grabs Ronald by both legs, putting him in a boston crab position!

!?...Gh...
(...How naive. It's obvious that brute is trying to goad me into using my time-space powers so he can counterattack appropriately. But I won't need them here.)
GIVE UP. I WILL NOT RELINQUISH THIS HOLD UNTIL YOU SURRENDER.

Ronald, feigning distress, cracks a sly smile.

I would rather die! Hyaaagh!

Ronald raises his arms, and then slams them into the ground, pushing himself and Pepsiman into the air and breaking his grip as the two then exchange an assortment of beyond lightspeed punches!

Next order of business. Soul, your sister has to go. Preferably somewhere safe.
Hey. I appreciate what you guys are doing?... but I don't see what this has to do with me. I got thrown off-guard once. I'll be perfectly fine.
Actions speak louder than words. Prove we have nothing to worry about from you..

Pop runs towards Prototype.

Gladly!
...Are... are we really doing this right now?

Leaping into the spaceless area above her and flinging two airborne front kicks at Prototype, the capped robot casually blocks off both attacks in repeated succession.

U-uh...!

Prototpe, still fending off one of her legs with a forearm, uses his other hand to catch a fast punch from Pop, and after grabs her leg, throwing her aside.

It's over.
...

As Pop... somehow.... drops down, inches before her stops a fist from Prototype.

As I thought.

Prototype draws back his fist.

You can defend yourself. Actually, you're even better than I had expected. But even against a fraction of him, you're outmatched.
...Well. I tried.

Defteros approaches Prototype.

I have a feeling I already know where... or who... you want her taken to.

Prototype nods.

As uptight as he is, he's the most secure of us so far. He's got the funds to prove it, too.
Who are you guys-- wait... funds?
...No, no, no no no. I pray you aren't thinking of what I'm thinking. I'd rather stay in my brother's loner zone--
What did I do!?
--Then stay ANYWHERE near that womanizing chauvinist for even the most miniscule fraction of time!

Pop turns to Soul.

Please. Please let me stay here.
...
...Sorry, sis.

Soul snaps open two holes in Limbo, which Pop and Defteros sink under.

WHEEEEEEEEEEE!
I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!

Just in the knick of time, Soul closes off the Space Orb.
That's bullshit! We WON! We literally WON! Now we'll waste even MORE time with this stupid Butler deal!
When we came, he had hardly the energy to do anything. How is it possible he could have escaped?

Prototype folds his arms.

It was one of his accomplices, no doubt.

---

---

I got a very dweeb-like vibe, not unlike Big Eye.
It's CALLED, being CULTURED!
Right. Best of luck to you guys.

DX begins walking away.

You're... leaving?
I'm here because I wanted to help sort out another hostage situation. I didn't ask to get roped along in some rag-tag adventure. Sorry, but I'm... just not cut from the same cloth as you guys.
...Hmmm.

DX stops and looks back.

Hope you guys manage to beat that ButlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...!

DX falls through a torn space in Limbo made by Soul that leads into the atmosphere. Everyone looks at Soul.

I had my reasons for doing that, okay!? Besides..
...it's not my fault she was filled with hot air.

A. Rock and Mech-tenant both groan. Pop slaps Soul.

Asshole!
Hey!
Oh, don't pretend like that hurt.

Of course... I don't mean I'll be the one responsible. No. That's on you.
For some reason, you insist on letting the same people get to this world and plague it, kill it-- honestly? You're a disgrace, Walter, old friend. We're the heroes here.
It's true. I tried using... other... less covert methods to get my way... but it's clear people will simply meddle until the end of time if not.
And by the way? Don't bother attempting to break free of that. Psionic regulators. It'll keep you in place.
Gh... You're making a grave mistake, picking a battle with the President. He'll serve all your heads on a platter.

The quint chuckles.

You misunderstand. I don't care what you do, and how you do it. But we are here for one reason and one reason only; To stabilize the space-time continuum and rid this world of any lingering threat.
Then you should have consulted us.
!?
It's true. I haven't done much about it. But that's because I've had no idea the threat existed in the first place. Fixing this would have been as easy as contacting us.
....How naive are you? You think you lot are so special that we haven't tried this in the past? The only solution is to--
Shut up. You IDIOT. As far as I'm concerned, you all are already dead to me.
Everything you say to me from hear on out is nothing but a filthy excuse. You willingly CHOSE to plow your way through instead of seek cooperation. In my eyes, that makes you all ENEMIES.
...
...
...Hah! Very well, then! But I do find it funny... how you insist on talking down to us while we have you captured. If we're your enemies... then you are a prisoner. Trapped in a realm far, far beyond your home. with NO "Team Prototype" to save you.
...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! What kinda president would I be without a little backup plan?

Moments later, a Quint barges through the slid-open room.

An unidentified entity is heading towards the region! At it's rate, barriers won't be able to be deployed in time!
Run grid footage.

The Quint deploys an object, which displays holographic footage of the outside.

---

...

---

Should we--
Don't bother. It's moving too fast.

Crashing noises are made as a pink-trailed blur quickly enters the room!

You will hand me the one known as "Walter" immediately.