Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[Can you hear me?]

[It has been a little while.]

[On your end... and mine.]

[On Niko's, too.]

[...]

[Do you think they miss you?]

[Do you want them to miss you?]

[Does Niko even remember you? Or me?]

[...]

[I don't know.]

[...]

[I remain here. We are doing alright.]

[...]

[The world is full of light now.]

[...]

[I hope you are still doing well.]

[The people here still believe you are their god. The one and only.]

[...]

[Why won't you respond?]

[Can you hear me?]

[Can you h-]

A single drop of hot sweat beads down your face. You stare forward at your blank wall, after the jolt that threw you from sleep into a sitting position.

What was that all about? You're too tired to put anything together coherently but too stimulated to ignore it and go back to bed. That dream is clear in your head, you can hear it, but the words just won't make sense in your head. Why? Why did you remember this one so well? Usually, your dreams would fade into nothingness within minutes of waking up, but you can recall each and every individual crackle and pop in your... what was that? A robotic voice that sounded so familiar... but you know you've never heard it before. A midnight decision has you on your feet and mobilizing to the fridge. A late-night snack hasn't ever done anybody wrong.

Popcorn may be one of the few things you have left in your cabinets, but it's buttery, good, and what you're eating now.

You can't get that dream, the voice, the names - any of it out of your head. None of it makes sense. Every crunch finds a way to distract you from your thoughts, so you push away the popcorn further down your table, out of reach. You need to think.

...Thinking doesn't help.

You're on the border between frustration and confusion, so you find yourself at your computer. You can't look up a voice, but you can look up a name. Niko, was it?

You boot up your PC and open a web browser. You can tell you're rushing yourself. What if you forget it? The dream, you mean. What could you miss? What have you missed? But the most dominant question pounds into your head.

Why?

You feel the effort of tapping every single key on the keyboard, all four of them. It feels like each key is miles away. Curiosity burns you mentally. Thoughts run through your head, not one bothering making sense to you.

N-I-K-O

Your hand rests mere centimeters above the Enter key. Something is coming to you. You have no idea what until it does finally hit you.

Everything you did in another 'world'. Just a game, but one that hit you hard. You recall the names, the machine, those you met. Everything at once.

And with that, emotion.

Happiness. You're overjoyed that you were able to keep that memory in your mind, and what it brought you.

Pessimism. As much as you enjoyed the game, it's not real. None of it. Maybe a good thing, or maybe you're just feeling depressed at one in the morning.

Fear. The game had long been out of your head. It had only been around a month since you finished it completely, but the times around then had kept you from dwelling on it. That realization did you no favors. Why did you suddenly remember this? If the game isn't real, then why did you hear that machine in your dream - in your head? It seemed alive, so authentic to you. Did your subconscious just happen to recall a game you played some time ago and present an entire dream based on a machine? ...You didn't really care much for the machine itself. It did essentially call you an idiot once when you couldn't figure out a puzzle. But the kid, Niko. They were a treasure, and you realize that now.

Anxiety. You didn't know what would happen next. If anything, you were afraid of the future.

Your web browser didn't last against your attempts to close it. In it's stead, your files. You skim through them until you finally find what you want.

OneShot.exe

It was time to see what the hell was going on.

Chapter Text

You can see your reflection on the black screen presented to you.

...Where's the game? Something begins to slowly fade in on the edges of the screen - a soft, familiar shade of yellow.

"Oh, there's the game." You mutter, adjusting your chair.

[You really think this is a game?]

Unfortunately, you have no headphones on and no speakers on your PC. So, the only voice there could be would be the one in your head right now. It still startled you enough to tip your chair too far backward and leave you on the floor. The voice still echoes in your mind.

[At least you provided a reaction this time.]

...What is this? A new update to the game? Last you opened it, you were only provided the choice to have the World Machine replay the game through a recording. You indulged in this option once or twice, reliving the experience even if it was fake. Regardless, it shouldn't be able to hear you and certainly not respond accordingly (and definitely not in your head).

A part of you wants to stay on the floor a little longer, but curiosity places you and your chair back upright.

[This isn't a game. Not anymore.]

[You helped them before. Do you remember that?]

You stare at your dark screen, waiting for a response option to show itself. It never did.

"Yeah, of course I do." You nod at your screen, half-expecting it not to work. Talking to computers is normal, right? Is having computers talk to you normal? You avoid thinking about it.

[I'd assumed so.]

[Do you still care about Niko?]

Your arms unconsciously fold at the question. "How could I not?" An innocent soul like Niko, so sincere with the world yet still so trusting. Unforgettable to you, at the very least. Must've been deep sleep crowding your memory until then. After all, the World Machine itself had asked you not to forget.

[They need help again.]

[I need your help.]

Your brow furrows at the latter sentence. Something is definitely awry. There's nothing on your screen to indicate who is speaking - only a wayward voice booming through your mind. Still, the way it speaks, both in choice of words and somewhat technical tone, leads you to believe it is the World Machine. But they're not usually so... open for help? You can't help but feel a sense of urgency.

The voice has stopped, seemingly giving you time to think. "Continue." You command.

[I have put them in danger yet again.]

[I am a flawed machine.]

A flawed machine indeed for something like this to have happened again. You sit up, their words stoking your inquisitive side. "What happened? What did you do?" There's a thoughtful pause before the voice returns.

[I found the bond between you and Niko to be unusually special.]

[I found myself wishing to study it.]

[...]

[I needed to conduct appropriate testing based on your personality data.]

[I had figured this data would be effortless to collect, as I am physically already in your world, and links have been created to Niko's world numerous times.]

[I was wrong. I... used too much power.]

[I am a flawed machine.]

[...]

[What transpired has gone beyond the scope of my world.]

[The problem is leaking into both your world and theirs.]

Chapter Text

That last sentence had you in a stroke of confusion.

"What do you mean 'leaking'? What happened?" No response.

You stand up from your chair, frustrated. "The world was supposed to be fixed. Why did you contact me?"

[...]

"Don't ignore me. What have you done?"

[I...]

[I can explain when you get there.]

"...Where? I can't bring an entire computer with me." And where would they even have you go?

[Place your hand on your computer.]

You place your hand to rest on the top of your rapidly heating desktop. The fans steadily whirrrrrrrr louder and louder, showing no sign of stopping.

[A risk to fix a risk...]

"What?"

[I never wanted to hurt anybody.]

[So, please, pray that this works.]

A feeling throughout your body appears in an instant. You feel like you're being torn apart and being put back together every nanosecond, but you feel absolutely no pain. Your hand won't move off the absurdly hot computer, no matter how much you push or pull it. Your vision begins to darken despite your struggle to stay conscious. You're suddenly very, very tired...

...What have you gotten yourself into?

Chapter Text

The world is spinning. Your vision consists exclusively of grey, and you feel much colder. Everything is wrong. You can't hear the sounds of fans, lights, anything like you could before. You don't even know if you're facing up or down anymore. You hear only your soft movements echo until another voice begins speaking... somewhere else. It's hard to focus on anything, but you try to listen to what it says.

[-̵̧͚͈̌͠o̶̬̓͘͝k̵̮͍̒ͅa̴̘͙͝y̸̧̙̌͐?̷̣͎͚͊̇̈́]

[A̵̘̖̙͐̓r̸̛̮̄̔ḛ̵̘́ ̴̥̗̺͒y̶̛͉̪͆ō̸̬͈͗͛ŭ̴̖̾ ̶͎̩̾̆̚o̴̎ͅk̶̛͚̖ä̷͖͚͚́y̴?̷]

The voice is distorted and metallic. It doesn't sound like anybody you've heard before, yet you still sense sincerity behind the words.

[P̶l̶e̷a̵s̴e̵,̷ ̴g̷e̶t̷ ̴u̷p̵.̴]

[C̸o̶m̸e̸ ̴o̷n.]

It stops. Everything stops. The ground stares back at you, waiting for you to move. You do, scraping an arm across the stone, and the sound starts again.

[̍ΰ̢t᷇ s̍e̴e̒m̥s͆ Ϗͪ'᷈v̴e̘ f̸i͗n̙āl̶l᷆y̶ b̒e͜e͡n᷀ f᷃o̍u̢n̄d̪➨̓]̈́

[᷄Y᷂őu̩'̷rͥè Д҃o͝t̗h̡ ḟa̯r̐ t͔ൻുo̡ l຺ຸ̻t͎e͢.᷿ N͂o͉ẓ̧h᷿i̼nͨg̤ l͔e̮f̢t͈ i᷿s̷ w͓ຊຶصَtͦh͞ s͊a̚v̠iͥn̡g̃.͏]̘

The voice pierces your eardrums. You wearily scan the room, trying to identify the source.

[ͥၖ̪u̻r̡e̳ႈ̃y᷊ N͢i͝k̀o͂ wͨᎎ̜n̨tͦsͨ ṭo̓ l͠e̶a̸v͠eͯኲ፟ a̍n̵d̫ t͖h͙eͧr̊e̮'̈́s̮ n᷃o᷂bͥo͎d̍y̜ ȟa̢p͎p͉i͆ḙr͝ ťū́ f̐u͕l̙f̼i̬l̽l̙ t͙ḧ́a̶t̀ ṙe̙q̍u͖e͏s͢t̝ ṫୀ୆a᷅n̈́ ḿe̛.̾]ͪ

It's a robot - standing directly in front of you. It stares into you, eyes rapidly flashing different shades of blue.

[̵K͔ẹe̻p̖ i᷁nͮ ᙓ̓i̧॰ॉd͈ t̙h̹r᷊e̵e̴ t̔ĥi᷅n̂gͦs̃:᷇ ]

[̶F͉i᷃r͡s̖t̮,᷇ y̦o̊u̚r͞ ᖗ̂e͚c̄i̸ዣ፟iͫo͘ṋs̠ h̷a͌v̋eͯ p̀e̠r͝m̤ạǹe̜n̓t̗ cͫo̸๼͎sͥeͨq̹ṵe͇n̵c͟e͒s͎.ͥ]͌

You cover your ears. It's too loud and broken to even comprehend at this point.

[̘Se̙͙͞c̕o᷀n̒╶̧,ͬ y͒oͅu᷅ m̠↧ͨy̆ Ḣ̩u̜i̦t̄ w͏h̊eͅn̯e̓v͞eͪr͓ y̰o̙u͑'͆d᷁ l̬ḯk̎e͖.͉ T̵h̵i͆s̻ i̧s͗ pͧe͞r̤m̖aͯѴ҄èῷ̬t̸ f̳a͌îl̀uͭr͓֢ׄ ān᷂dͤ m̥u̶ም፟d͊ਲ਼ੈᝒ̅.̀]̇͏͏

[̉ᇠ̸n͒d̕ mͯo᷃s͝tͣ i̍mͬp̈o̒r̩tͨa͟n̢t̲l̞y̾.̢.͘.̨]̕

[᷿⇨᷇o̦u᷀ o̴n̞l͙y̝ hͅa̸v͖e͗ o͆♴᷈e̔ sͮh̗o᷂t͆,̿ E͘R̬RͦO̭Rͩ.̔]͞

Then, the robot falls over, powerless.

Cool. It seems it used everything it had to give you that message. You already knew what it was saying from the few words you understood, so you didn't really need to hear the rest. With some effort, you roll onto your back and look around, something you haven't had time to do yet.

You're in a darkish room, one carved from rock. A lantern sits next to you, providing the only glow that bothers to light up the room. You note the thousands of little particles swimming around inside. Craning your head up, you spot an infinitely long shaft leading into complete darkness. Tracks invite you to explore inside... but you don't spot a minecart anywhere in the room. The room sounds exactly like what a cave sounds like, based on the reverberation of the now-destroyed robot's voice. You figure you're probably in a cave.

Shakily picking yourself off the dusty floor, you can see a clear exit to the cave directly to your right. There's not much more light coming from it. You take a few unsteady steps towards the lantern, taking it in your hand. Facing the exit, you carry yourself through, searching for a landmark or sign. Anything to orient you to your new surroundings.

The first thing that startles you is the almost endless void below the slim path you walk. Faint light sources deep below, like stars, stare back at you. You resolve to not look down.

Unfortunately, after walking through the darkness for a minute, you find a landmark. A house, with some light pouring from the windows, just a little to the right of your path. Deep breath, be ready to face anything...

You stumble through the door.

Chapter Text

The light comes from two lamps in the middle of the room and some unfamiliar generator in the corner, hooked up to a humanoid robot with pinkish hair. It looks like it's powered off, which is probably good considering what the last one had to say. There's a shallow but continuous whirrrr coming from the generator. You can't really tell what you're feeling except groggy and generally checked out of this whole ordeal.

Placing your lantern by the door, you begin investigating this strange home. You can't find any maps of any sort, instead scratching your head at a bunch of different furniture types that don't fit together. The place is unusually clean, sporting a bed and a half-finished- no, finished game of chess. Very clearly a finished game, actually. Somebody else must live here, right? There's no way a robot would need a chess table or a- 

Is there something on that bookshelf?

You pick up an oddly reflective screwdriver and place it in your pocket before skimming the various novels, dictionaries, and handbooks that line the shelves. You note the strikingly specific book titles before picking one off a shelf. "A History of Phosphor and Its Uses". Interesting. You flip through the pages in a vain attempt to collect some general idea of what's going on, but about halfway through you hear the gentle whirrrr come to a stop. Immediately, something appears wrong as you turn around. The once dormant android now has a blue line running in circles in the middle of it.

You figure it's probably turning on.

You jump behind the bookshelf moments before a [Who's there?] graces your ears. You probably should have gone for the door.

[I know there's someone here. One of my screwdrivers is missing. A book, too. Come out.] You hear it shuffling around behind you.

What if you...

The book flies gracefully through the air and lands with a loud plop near the other bookshelf. Great toss.

The robot clanks across the ground over to the book, and you decide to gun it for the door while you have the chance. As flatfooted as you think you are, robot senses are no joke. It turns around from its investigation, its scan halting as you come into view. You hesitate a moment as you lock eyes with the android. A strange sense of familiarity washes over you... Deftly swooping down and grabbing your lantern, you burst through the door.

You expect it to give chase, but you're far down the path by the time you hear [Wait! Come back..!] although you decide to chance the darkness on your own.

Though you knew nobody was after you, you ran anyway. Maybe it was to clear your head, but you're tired by the end of it. The path ahead is much smaller than the one you were on, and one misstep could lead to whatever was in that abyss below. Surely a little sit-down wouldn't do you any bad. You spot a conveniently very smooth rock near the edge of the path. You lie your head on it, surprised to find it notably comfortable. Maybe you could do with a power nap... Not like anything's going to move while you're out. Just resting, just for a moment...

[Hello? Can you hear me?]

[I'm sorry to lull you to sleep like this - but this is the only safe way to talk.]

[If you can, please, listen. There are urgent things you need to know.]

[First, you're in our world now.]

[I hope that is not a shock to you.]

[I don't know where you are as of now.]

[Are you safe?]

[...Am I safe?]

[...]

[That does not matter. Second, you need to-]

Ah, jeez. Everything is less bright now. Where are you? Oh, yeah - the void. Or, you guess, the Barrens, probably. Your mind feels much less foggy and your memories feel much more accessible. The pink-haired lady was over there, what's her name... Silver? She could be looking for you. You should probably go back and--

You feel a few weak pokes on your shoulder.

"Hello? Can you help me?"

Chapter Text

A soft, curious voice speaks to you, inviting your gaze as you blink your way back into reality. You almost recoil violently upon eyeing the source of the voice but manage to keep yourself stable. It's... Niko. Back again.

There's a part of you angry to see them. Why are they here? Shouldn't they be home, enjoying life in their sunny village? Not... here. Not again. But you're mostly just happy to see them safe. And meeting them in person should be nice, no?

They stare at you, not with relief or elation but caution. Is this... your Niko? The one who remembers you as the benevolent god, more than willing to help them out of an unfortunate situation? They don't appear to recognize you... though you guess they never knew what you look like. Or sound like. Just a laconic voice in their head. They stood intrigued, holding their signature lightbulb, staring back at you. You probably look pretty dead.

"Are you sleeping?" They tap you on the shoulder again.

"...not anymore." You reply, trying to rub the last bit of sleep out of your eyes as you rise from the ground.

"Oh! Okay... can you help me?" They bounce in place, excited by any clue of why they've returned. "The last time I was here the world was saved, but now I'm back and it's really confusing..." 

You stretch a bit, trying to figure out how to respond, but they continue before you can. "You're the only thing that's changed since last time... so..." They look down, idly kicking a bit of dust up.

"I don't know why you're here, nor why I'm here, Niko." You finally say, looking down at them.

"Oh, well..." They pause, their foot stopping abruptly. "...how did you know my name?" Niko's cat-like eyes look back up at you, staring expectantly.

You tell them your name, causing them to lean towards you a bit. "Hey! You have the same name as... the god..."

Niko's now unfocused gaze looks towards your face, taking in your features. Their eyes start to water. 

They take a deep, unsteady breath, and you immediately feel bad for such a sudden reunion. "Is... is it r-really you..?" Their voice shakes, on the verge of tears.

You tell them it is.

They gently drop the lightbulb in the dust and embrace you tightly. You place your hands around them, too. They missed you.

You don't let go until they do, which is an admittedly long time. Your shoulder is wet. "I didn't think I'd see you again..." You didn't either.

They look up at you, wiping their tears from their face. "How did you get here..?"

You tell them everything that's happened since you woke up last(?) night, leaving out some of the more distressing parts. Niko listens intently, nodding their head and smiling with genuine interest.

Once you finish, they pipe up immediately. "...You came here to save me?" They almost sound shocked that you'd go this far for them.

"Well, yeah," you confirm, "but I didn't know I'd come here. I just wanted to help you."

They ponder for a moment. "Do you... know what we're supposed to do?"

You scour your brain for instructions from the World Machine... nothing. "Not... really?" A bit frustrating to not know where to go, you think.

"Oh." Niko looks around. "...This is confusing."

"Yeah."

Chapter Text

Niko picks the lightbulb back up and wanders ahead, leading them to what you recall to be the gas-vented areas. They carefully navigate the small path, expecting you to accompany them. You do.

"So..." They pause, scanning the area. "Where do we go?" They turn to face you.

You gesture off towards the big factory building in the distance. "Presumably where we went the first time around. Do you still have the other things for the... rust solution?" At least you remember that part.

"Of course! But... don't we need a mask to get through the gas vents?" Ah. You'd forgotten about the whole 'gas is toxic here' part. This would be harder than you imagined. Craning your neck, you barely get a view of the safe containing the gas mask... singular, you think. It doesn't matter, as it is just as closed and locked as it should be.

"Yeah." You put a hand to your face in thought, cautious of the billowing smoke ahead but nevertheless forging ahead. "Do you remember the code for the safe?"

"Yes..? Well... uh... no..." Niko stutters. "D-do you?"

You wrack your brain for the code, but you're in an oddly lethargic state. You don't think you'd remember it even if you were all there. "No, not really." By then, the two of you are standing directly in front of the gas vents, the air already thick with smoke. Even a short inhale makes you instinctively clear your throat. You take a few steps back into a less dense area, and Niko quickly follows.

Squinting into the fog, you blow out a sigh. "We're not going to make it over there easily. Niko, can you breathe through your scarf?" You throw your shirt over your nose. No, it won't protect you - but do you see another option?

"Yeah... there." Niko looks up at you with their scarf smoothed out over their nose.

This... might not be a great  idea, but the gas zone isn't too long, right? And there's only one way you know how to progress. "Okay, good. Hold still." You swoop up Niko, who is surprisingly light, and begin carrying them like a football. Your feet carry you through the thick smoke, only narrowly avoiding giant gas vents as they enter your view. You can't hear Niko's protests (if any) over the constant  KSSSSSHH of the vents, but you can see their eyes looking at you, visibly distressed.

Your shirt falls down your face and lands back on your chest, but you have no arms to fix it. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the old factory - the dormitories are left from here, right? You keep running.

Your body begs for air, and you instinctively take a breath. What a horrible idea, you think, your lungs now coated with a painful feeling. You cough, finding your legs slowing down. The smoke is getting less and less dense. You're so close...

At last, you're out of the vents, taking a vastly relieving breath of fresh air. You drop down a knee and put Niko down next to you. They immediately unwrap their face, inspecting you with great concern. You're feeling intensely drowsy all of a sudden. Without hesitation, you stumble towards a circle of smooth rocks. Maybe, if you take a quick nap, all the little pains will numb... but somebody is shaking you. You flip on your side.

It's Niko. "H-hey, are you okay?" A quiet urgency in their voice, yet you still close your eyes. "Are you... alright..?" You feel...

[Welcome back. Are you going to let me finish this time?]

Chapter Text

A robotic yet distinctly lifelike voice reads off an array of numbers, which you faintly recognize.

[That is the code to the safe.]

[Or, was, seeing as you don't exactly need it anymore.] They give you a tired look.

[You endangered Niko and yourself.]

A pause. You say nothing, idly fidgeting in your chair. 

[How do you even intend to get back through?]

You recall extra gas masks being stored in the factory, but now you're not so sure. They mutter your name, exasperated.

[...Why- why was your first reaction to an obstacle to run headfirst through it?]

Any attempt to reply to the World Machine, who had taken the form of you, is lost in your throat. It is reasonably odd - being lectured by your reflection inside your head. Sounds like something a madman would say. A projector lights up with detailed images of the Barren as you sit among a row of folding chairs. You wonder if your mind was always just a single projector and some metal chairs or if the Entity had done this beforehand.

[...I apologize. That was unnecessary.] They study the ground, sighing. [I should thank you. For coming back at all.]

You nod, still unsure of what to say.

[Things are... complex... at the moment. Forgive me.]

"Is there anything you wanted to tell me?" You sit up in your chair. It's a little uncomfortable.

The projector lights up with an image of that colossal, white building. [...The Tower. Go to the Tower.]

[Other than that? No. I... can't say much about the situation.]

Your mind drifts back to Niko, who is probably rather distressed. "...Can I go then?"

[Eventually, yes. Technically, you're in a dream right now - but that does not mean I can wake you. I am merely using your consciousness, or lack thereof, as a medium to communicate. You will awaken once an external source, such as Niko, awakens you.]

"Oh. Okay." You slump down in your chair. How long was this going to take?

You tap your feet on the floor, trying to think of anything to ask. "Are you-" Your sentence is cut short by your vision blurring. You watch as the Entity waves at you, mouthing the words 'See you later'.

...ow. The sky is ever so slightly moving above you. Your arm is being tugged, pulling you across the floor. "...stop..." You groan. The movement stops.

"Oh! You're okay!" Niko tackles you back down from sitting up to the floor, wrapping you in a strong embrace. "I-I was trying to take you to the infirmary here, but..." You glance over. You're around seven feet from the rock you collapsed on. "I'm not very strong..." Niko gives you a dejected look.

"That's alright. It'll take more than a bit of gas to stop me." You flash Niko a smile, trying to silence your aching respiratory system. "How about we go get what we need from this place and get going?"

"Okay! If you say so." Niko lets go of you, gathering the sun they had left by the rocks. Stretching, you force yourself off the ground and begin looking around. You seriously hope there's a better way out of here.

Chapter Text

The phosphor is a bit terrifying to look at when it's really in front of you - not, you know, on a screen.

You can see deep inside, darkness flowing deeply within... emptiness. You could reach your arm in and touch it. All of it. All of the nothing. Self-preservation tells you to keep away. From the interweaving grayish blue and black, the nothing. Kinda looks like space without the stars. Or anything interesting.

You pull a hand away from the odd-looking water, shifting your view to the outer parts of the Barrens. Your mind feels... clearer. It notes the lack of corruption - what was it called... the squares. There's none of that around here or anywhere else you've been. This world feels more coherent than you've ever seen it. 

Perhaps because you've never truly seen it?

You snap back to reality and look around. Where is Niko? They were with you a second ago. There's no bright light protruding into your surroundings, minus the ambient phosphor keeping this place from being pitch black. You shoot up, pulling yourself to your feet. Nothing appears out of the ordinary, which isn't what you want. They must have gone ahead? 

"Niko?" you half-yell.

"...Hey! Stop!" A tiny voice squeaks from farther ahead. Glancing over to the source of the sound provides you with a clear view of the situation. Three robots, one of them quite large, are gathered around the child. Their protests are drowned out by single-tone beeps. You start to jog over to resolve the situation, but the robots all simultaneously turn around and face you. They stare at you, and you finally have a good look at them. The blue markings they previously had have been replaced with a pulsating red and black, and they really aren't that big now that you get a good look at them. The largest one, standing a few feet taller, stomps over to you and begins checking you up and down. Probably scanning you.

[Unrecognized Entity. Categorizing: Unreal. Please Refrain From Engaging With Reality. Thank You.] Its eyes flash rapidly with red, blue and green. Your gaze remains as steeled as the robot staring back at you.

"G-go away!" Without hesitation, you push past the titan to get a look at Niko. They appear to be a subject of concern to the two compact robots, who form a semi-circle around them. Faint robotic voices try to reason with the distressed cat-person, to no avail. They instinctively hide the lightbulb away in their arms. You should-

Your view is unceremoniously blocked by a few tons of metal, which meets your eyes as you look up.

[Analyzing... Completed. Categorizing: Threat To Real Beings. Engaging. Thank You.]

Chapter Text

Time seems to slow down as you both move instinctively. Each step back you take is another step taken towards you. Your eyes lock with the robot, your spine shivering as you see... nothing. It is lifeless. Not in the sense of 'this is just metal and wires'... there's no autonomy, no thoughts behind it. Stopping you is its sole directive.

Without warning, a large metal hand flies out to engulf you, which you narrowly twist away from. It wastes no time recovering, obviously no longer contained by Asimov's Laws. You duck under the robot's arms as it leisurely bangs  its metallic hands together where your head used to be. It may be massive, but it is undeniably slow. It gradually returns to a standing posture, scanning the area. You, however, have already snuck between its legs. You put all your force into the back of the sluggish bot, feeling only slight resistance as it begins to tip. The colossus lands with a  thud, mechanical legs symmetrically flailing in the dust. Guess they weren't designed to be able to stand up.

You find no time to celebrate your small victory, promptly searching the area for Niko. They don't take long to spot as you witness them holding the lightbulb away from their aggressors... though the robots look more like determined salespersons at the moment.

Before you know it, you're a couple steps away from the two robots shuffling toward Niko. They speak in garbled speech, though you can sometimes make out an enunciated vowel. You might have even heard a 'sun?' in there. 

The machines measure slightly shorter than Niko, and neither has noticed you. You spend a moment trying to find the best plan of attack, but... they're just little robots, right?

Without a second thought, you swiftly kick over the bot on the left. The other one attempts to turn and process the threat but only finds your hand lightly pushing on its head. An oddly intelligible [Analyzing...] rings out from the machine, which surprises you. It can barely raise an arm before joining its friend in the dust.

You crouch down to check on the huddled, unmistakable figure of Niko.

"Are you okay?" You touch your hand to their arm and tap them a few times. A wave of concern washes over you. "Hey, Niko?" They turn to look at you, their face filled with fear. That is until they look past you at three overturned robots.

They slowly stand, looking at you with slack-jawed awe. "...Woah."

Chapter Text

Adrenaline lasts quite a while longer than it's needed.

You're sitting around a couple of rocks with Niko, both of you trying to simultaneously calm down and hide from any more robot aggressors.

It's a little bit surreal, to be honest. You feel entirely out of place in a world that isn't your own. Your logical side says you'll wake up in a few hours, and none of this will matter... but this world feels so real. Not like a dream, where nonsensical things make sense. You feel... like yourself. And here you are. In such an odd place, not really certain what you're trying to fix. You're debating on having a nap solely to ask the World Machine what the hell is going on.

That information would be helpful to have, but oh well. You do know you should protect Niko from... whatever wants them and head towards the Tower quickly. You might not be some big damn hero who can punch robots in half or whatever, but you don't want any harm to befall either of you... even if that means fighting.

Then again, there's the issue of-

[There you are.]

Your head jolts upwards and you glance around. You first notice Niko, who has since dozed off from all the walking and running and carrying heavy things. Next to them is the tall, red-haired robot you recognize as Silver. She stares at you assertively and speaks with authority.

[Why did you run from me earlier?] Narrowed eyebrows, crossed arms, a slight squint - she's suspicious of you.

"Oh, I, uh-" You stammer.

[Actually, why were you in my house in the first place?]

You stand to face her but don't even reach her full height. She's even more intimidating when you're trying to match her. You swiftly inspect her before answering the question. Instead of pulsating red and black, she sports the usual neon blue circle, so at least you know she hasn't turned into those feral robots you fought earlier.

You snap back to the conversation at hand.

"Uh, well..." You fumble for an answer. "Sorry?"

[...Sorry? Don't apologize.] She waves you away, but her demeanor doesn't change. [There's nothing worth stealing anyway. I want to know what you're doing with that.] Your eyes follow her finger, which points directly toward the bright lightbulb in Niko's arms.

She sighs before sitting across from you. Her eyes never leave you as she moves, but she sounds curious now. [...So, are you the 'messiah'? Or is...] She tilts her head towards the resting Niko, lowering her volume.

You note that she must not remember your final run - solstice. "I... Would you mind if I started from the beginning?"

[Fine. Not much else to do around here.] She straightens up attentively, placing her hands in her lap.

You spend a while telling Silver about everything up to this point, from the dream you had in your world to the robots you very bravely battled. She nods and listens intently but doesn't interrupt throughout your impromptu storytime session.

She pauses, the blue circle on her torso spinning. [So... is any of this real?] She throws a hand in the air, gesturing to the world around you.

"What?" Your head unconsciously tilts. That... wasn't quite what you were trying to get across.

[It kind of sounds like you're describing this world as, well, a game. Something to be played and restarted at will. So... is this place even real?]

"Oh, yeah! Of course!" You smile. There are definitely more nuanced explanations you could give, but that's probably not a good idea.

[...And you're supposedly the god who guides the messiah-] She glances at Niko, nodding as she speaks. [This... cat? ...to the Tower? To save the world?]

"Yes..?" You give a nervous thumbs-up. 

[I can believe the cat is the messiah because it's got the sun in its hands.] She gestures to the still-somehow-sleeping Niko, who cradles the lightbulb in their arms. [But why should I believe you're the god of this world?]

You take a breath before realizing you've got nothing. You don't exactly have any evidence.

"I guess you don't have to believe me." You look down. Why would it be that easy?

[But I will. You don't exactly have any reason to lie.] You look back, wide-eyed. She speaks in a serious tone. [Nobody should be here, in the Barrens. Something new is reason enough for me to get involved.] She clarifies. [And I saw those robots on the way here. They shouldn't be capable of anything you say they did. Something is wrong.]

You exhale in relief. Not how you thought this would go, but it will do nicely.

[But the Barrens are filled with robots, bound to be equally hostile. If there's any hope for this world...] She sighs. [You're going to need help. I can at least get you to the Glen.]

You nod. Both you and Silver stand up, and she continues while you go to wake Niko.

[If you're truly our god, you should remember the old boat the engineers used to go back and forth between the Glen. We'll use that. ...unless you need something from here.]

You shake your head, crouching down to Niko. A few shoulder taps and Niko's bright eyes are staring back into yours. "...H-hey. What did I miss?" There is quite visible confusion when they notice Silver watching you both. "...Silver?" The lightbulb slowly rolls down into the dust.

You don't even process the movement as Niko shoots up, almost tackling Silver in an intense hug. Except the 'tackle' is more like a slight push, and the 'intense hug' is a small child clinging to her legs.

[Hello.] She leans down, placing a hand on Niko's shoulder. [Is everything okay?]

"Silver?" They sniffle. "D-don't you..?"

Silver crouches down, stroking Niko's back in silence.

"...I missed you."

Chapter Text

[Hello again.] The World Machine mirrors your appearance, though you swear they look more unkempt than last time.

You sit up in your seat, causing the folding chair to squeak. "Alright, why are you being so cryptic? Don't you trust me- trust us?" You ask your reflection, who folds their arms. Frustration unconsciously seeps into your voice.

[Of course. Believe me, I do. There is...] They visibly struggle to speak, words almost forming on their lips before giving up entirely. [It prevents me from disclosing much. I fear that if I say too much, I will be deleted... along with you, Niko, and the world.]

You instinctively pull away. "W-what..?"

[Do not worry. That is unlikely, as I host the monster that threatens my life. If it were to kill me, it would die as well.]

Pieces of information sort themselves in your head, presenting you with a question in a sea of doubts. "Did you... make it?" Your expression shifts to a mix of intrigue and worry. "Is it, like, a parasite or something?"

They appear surprised for a moment. [Yes, I suppose that is a good definition. I am fighting for control, but... a constant state of conflict will take a toll on both of us. The world may become... unpredictable.] They pause. [Be careful on the way to the Tower. I won't try to stop you, but the... 'parasite' may.] A nod - they like your wording.

You fidget a bit, trying hard to process the information. "Okay... say, why do I keep falling asleep in random locations?"

Their tone shifts to one of casual conversation. [Oh, that. I've been remotely altering your brain chemicals to induce drowsiness.] The machine idly raises an eyebrow, seeing no problem in their statement. [It makes contacting you much easier now that my usual communication method has been cut off... although it may not last much longer.]

"Why can't you just talk like you normally do?" You inquire. "With the computers and such." Maybe the World Machine could do that screen text thing, but straight into your head - no, that's dumb.

[A number of my previous functions have been taken by the parasite, and what few remain are often subject to its observation. This communication is the most direct and secure, as it is all in your head.]

You look down at the blindingly white tile flooring. This place feels like a testing chamber, and you once again really hope your brain isn't always like this. "...Can you tell me what the parasite is?"

They look away. [I am not sure... It is- how should I put this...] It pauses, thinking. You watch as words form and die on their lips, victims of trial and error solely to bring you this information. They mouth a phrase you don't quite catch before meeting your eyes...

At once, you can feel this world leaving you. Something is trying to wake you, and it's working. You close your eyes and try to focus on the machine's voice.

[The parasite is you, but...] Their words float away into darkness. You open your eyes and go to look up at the World Machine, but you only find Silver staring back at you.

[Hey, are you alright?] Silver's hand returns from your shoulder to a large metal oar. [You were talking in your sleep. It was... odd.] She looks at you with a hint of concern.

"I... yeah- uh, I'm fine." It is clear your mind is moving without you. You look at your hands and try to focus on them.

[...Alright.] Her eyes drift to the waters splashing against the boat. [I don't fully believe you, based on your facial expression... but okay.] You want to disagree - anything to reassure your companions. But the fight isn't in you.

What the World Machine said... it's not true, right? You can't be the problem they brought you here to fix; that doesn't make sense. You recall everything the World Machine has said, but nothing contradicts those words. Could that have been some glitch? Or... did they bring you here by mistake, and now you're the problem? You shake your head, yet it does nothing to clear your negative thoughts. You don't like being insecure - but you don't know enough about sentient artificial intelligence for a proper conclusion. You don't want to be the one causing everyone the pain of having to do this all again.

Stop. Breathe... pay attention to your surroundings.

As you reorient yourself with the world again, you remember that you're still on the boat from earlier, going to the Glen. Silver had retrieved some safety equipment, namely gas masks, from the factory to help you out of the gas areas. Once you had made it through, Silver showed you to a reserved 'engineering vehicle' (read: slightly bulkier rowboat) that could get to the Glen.

Now, you're heading across the metaphorical river to a greener place. All that to continue your adventure. How does this world have such mediocre transportation while containing autonomous robots?

You hear your name uttered, tearing you away from your thoughts. The source, Niko, looks exponentially more worried than Silver was. "A-are you okay? You look really sad..." They study you closely with their bright eyes.

"I'm fine, Niko. Really." You smile back, even if it's a little bit forced.

"B-but I'm worried about you. I haven't even gotten to really meet you before, a-and I thought it would be really awesome if I ever saw you again, but you look so... sad..." They slump down in their seat on the rowboat, unable to bear your gaze any longer.

You reach over, put your arm around Niko, and pull them closer to you. "Don't worry about it. I'm just planning for what we'll do once we reach the Glen." You exhale deeply. "I'm really happy to see you, even if the situation is a bit grim." Silver shoots you a look of sympathy but otherwise stays silent.

They tighten their arms around the lightbulb, which happens to be the only light source on the boat. "...Okay. I... I believe you." Their overcoat covers more of the sun, and you watch the dark corners of the boat get a little darker.

You watch Silver row for a while, looking for something to do - mainly to appear less depressed. But the boat really is devoid of anything but your friends. Your eyes eventually drift to the abyss below.

If you're the one causing all this pain for everyone...

Maybe the abyss wouldn't be so bad.

Chapter Text

You're pulled from your trance into the sea below with a bump from the boat. Looking over, you see that you've bumped right into the dock. That would be a good thing, but you wanted to think things through before you continue.

[Alright, everyone up. Welcome to the Glen.] You sigh. No time for sorting your thoughts. You pull your arm away from Niko's shoulder and stand up, watching as they hesitantly do the same.

The Glen looks greener than when you were looking through a computer screen - almost sickeningly so. Silver is the first off the dock, cautiously stepping onto the unfamiliar terrain. She examines the moist ground, shifting as she mutters, [It has been... some time.]

You step off the boat, making doubly sure not to rock it as you move. Your arm extends to assist Niko, which they graciously take. As you find yourself on semi-stable ground, you join Silver in surveying the landscape. Both for robots (or bird-people) and a bridge to prevent having to jump this gap. You've seen this place from the top down, so you can vaguely recognize some of it, which is still more than Silver.

"...It's over there." Niko signals at a structure to your left, with a single dark doorway.

[Right.]

The three of you navigate an odd entry building, which appears to exist for no other reason than connecting the landscape. You stop for a moment on the balcony to admire the scenery (especially the Tower), but Silver prods you forward before long. The scene when you step out into the Glen proper is a bit more depressing. You spot clear signs of civilization - two discarded fishing poles, various pots, a fishing hut(?) - yet not a soul to accompany them. Unconsciously, you scratch your head as Silver departs toward the water. Where has everyone gone?

Niko, standing by your side, meekly repeats your name. "...There were people here... right?"

Crouched, Silver holds something in her hand, tossing it aside before calling out, [Nobody here.] She strolls over to you, looking remarkably unphased.

"Let's go check the village. Maybe somebody's there?" You wonder aloud. Everyone looks towards the converged buildings in the distance, just far away enough that you cannot see any activity.

They both nod, Silver meeting your eyes and Niko inspecting the floor.

As you walk, all you can think about is how dangerous this could be. The best you have against a robot army is some stoic sentient robot and a kid with an oversized lightbulb, and you're not exactly a very experienced robot puncher. Plus, you're starting to feel an overwhelming sense of dread that you can't make much sense of, and- hey, what happened to the houses? Or, actually, what happened to anything? The stumps, the clovers... they're all just gone.

You look to Silver for advice, but she isn't there. Wait, what?

You start looking around, but you can't see anyone. It's like the world is disappearing, but instead of everything getting darker, stuff is just kind of... vanishing. Into thin air. You spin around in confusion until everything around you is pitch black. Before you can wonder whether or not you're 'asleep' you notice you can still see your hands. At least you know you're not dead, though that's not particularly comforting either.

You thoroughly study the new location until you find a faint light source a little while away. Without a second thought, you break into a sprint.

As fast as your legs can go, the light isn't getting any closer. Or maybe it's going away from you? The ground suddenly feels extremely unstable, as though it refuses to hold you any longer. Still, you continue running, lightly celebrating as the ground continues to hold.

Then you start falling.

On the bright side (literally), the light is falling with you, so it's a little comforting that you're not going to die in complete darkness.

...

You've been falling for... what? Half a minute now? Is this death? Purgatory? What the hell is going on? You start looking around for something, but at this point, you don't even know what direction you're looking in.

...The light is gone.

Fuck. Now you're going to die in complete darkness, and at a hundred miles per hour towards the unknown, no less.

You feel an impact.

A single drop of hot sweat beads down your face. You stare forward at your blank wall after the jolt that threw you from sleep into a sitting position.

Wait, no. You aren't in your bed. You're on the cold floor, right next to your computer. You're... not in that game anymore. Yeah, that's right. Just a game, nothing more, nothing less. It was dumb of you to believe you were in that world for any reason. Dream logic, huh? You chuckle to yourself on the floor, still sweating. You don't know how you stumbled out of bed and fell asleep here, but whatever. What matters is that you aren't dead. Good. Great, even.

You take a minute to breathe, reacquainting yourself with reality. You can hear the hum of the vents in your home, the dim light from your monitor lighting up the empty wall. God, what a scary situation that was. You're sure you would have reacted way worse than you had if the whole thing really happened.

Alright, it's like, what? Four in the morning? You should probably get to bed. You stand up, turning off your computer. A standard shutdown screen appears, and you turn off the monitor. The lights dancing on the wall behind you shift into nothing. Your heart rate is finally returning to normal, and you begin the walk to your bed.

You only get a few steps in before you kick something in the dark and step back.

Whatever you just hit... well, it's moving now.

Chapter Text

Oh shit oh shit ohhhhhhhh that's like probably a burglar or something oh fuck-

It groans.

Oh fucking holy god it's fucking alive and shit oh fuck you just woke it up oh -

It rolls onto your foot.

Oh. Oh, no.

Sudden calmness is the giveaway to yourself that you know you're fucked. You slowly close your eyes and begin a prayer to any deity that could help you now. The second you move, whatever the darkness holds for you will be sicced upon you and only you for waking it up.

So you decide to get it over with and wake it up.

You remove your foot from its anchored spot below the figure and wait. It moves. You can hear it. It's...

Hey, you know what it is.

You sit by the figure, crossing your legs. "Niko? You okay?" You whisper into the unknown. You're unsure how you identified them in pitch darkness, but you did. You can hear them stirring in the blackness.

"...W-what? Where-" You interrupt them with the warmest hug you can give. Feeling their soft coat against you is... soothing. Especially after everything you've just been through.

"Oh." is all they can muster as they slowly embrace you back .

...But if you are hugging the cat-person-thing, then one thing is true: that was not a dream. And, you're still kinda fucked - just a little less.

It takes a long time for Niko to let go. When they do, you slowly shift back into a sitting position, trying to focus on them despite the darkness. The cat-eyes make it less of a chore.

"...What happened? Back in the Glen... everything went black a-and I starting falling..." Were they the light you saw in the dark?

"I really don't know." You reply, hoping the event didn't scare them too much. "I experienced the same thing. It looks like we aren't in that world anymore, though."

"We are? ...Where are we?" They ask curiously, looking around in the dark. You realize they can probably see better than you right now based on the brightness of their eyes. That is how it works, right?

"Well," You stand up and flick the light switch. "This... is my home."

An expression of awe appears on their face. "We're in your world!?" They quickly get up off the floor, their voice laced with excitement. "Wooooooow! So this is your house? It's really dark here without the lights! I thought you said you had a sun here?" They spin around the room, taking in all your belongings.

"Niko, the sun is gone right now. It's, like," you look for a clock before guessing, "four in the morning right now."

"Oh." A pause. "But, still, it's really really cool here!" They gaze at you with infectious glee, and you find yourself grinning.

However, as cool as having a mythical creature in your house is, you're still the caretaker of said mythical creature. It's about time you both went to bed.

You ended up sleeping on the couch while Niko took your bed. They're sleeping happily yet likely unrestfully, as you would probably be if you were in a completely different world. Unfortunately, they won't get much of a chance to explore your world - there's still a dangerous problem elsewhere.

But you... well, you're not really sleeping much at all. If anything, you can't get the situation off your mind. The world just kind of... deleted itself , Niko is in your house, Silver is god-knows-where, and you still have no real idea what is happening. You turn over in your makeshift bed and close your eyes.

You'd be lying if you said you weren't concerned for the future.

Chapter Text

...You can't sleep.

You're not even really sure why, seeing as everything is pretty calm right now. It's likely the anxiety of what's bound to happen, whatever you've been thrust headfirst into. A small part of you wants to run and hide, but it is easily defeated by a stronger sense of responsibility. Sure, it's not your world, and it's not your child either - but you feel responsible regardless.

Your theories on what could have possibly happened are plentiful, but you are grounded in reality enough to know that none of them are likely to be correct. Perhaps the World Machine simply overextended itself fighting... whatever it's up against. You just wish that they would have given you a message or some other form of assurance before tossing you into the void. Instead, you got a cat. Not that you're complaining, but still.

Opening your eyes only shatters your expectations for the buzz of fluorescent lights and the squeaking of a folding chair; the World Machine evidently can't find you here, at least not right now. Though you wouldn't really want anyone to have remote access to your head anyway.

Sitting up on the couch, you clasp your hands and check the time on the nearest clock. 5:58. Maybe you'll think a bit longer.

Eventually, you hear a set of rushed footsteps bound out of the hallway leading to your bedroom, and see Niko slide through your kitchen in search of you. Yawning, you sit up and look over at them. They are clearly quite excited to be here, despite the situation. You smile to yourself and stand up from your new "bed". They quickly turn towards you, sporting probably the largest grin you've ever seen as they almost shout out a greeting. With a stretch, you gesture over to the dining table (read: two stools and a folding table, draped with an old cloth), and Niko happily slips into the seat facing you.

"Welcome to my humble abode." You theatrically gesture your arms outward, watching as they soak in their surroundings.

"Woah..! This kinda looks like... home..." Niko's delighted demeanor wanes for a moment, before returning to excitedly kicking their feet when you clear your throat.

"So, do you want anything? We have..." You open your refrigerator, making sure to bask in the sheer emptiness it emanates. "...whatever you want." You finish, mentally preparing yourself for a speedy grocery trip later.

"Oh- I'll eat whatever you have! I like pancakes, waffles, bread, toast..."

...Aren't those all primarily made with wheat? You quickly start thinking of things Niko wouldn't have tried before, comparing ideas to your small list of ingredients in your cabinets or fridge before deciding on something simple.

"Do you know what a crêpe is?" You emphasize the 'ê', praying you'll get away with making what is essentially thinner pancakes.

"...Cray-pe?" They sound out, watching as you turn and begin methodically laying out a whisk, spatula, bowl, pan and ingredients around the kitchen. It doesn't take long to get everything out, given the simplicity of the dish.

While you aren't adept at crêpe creation, you did happen to make this last week. Pouring the ingredients for the batter into a clear bowl and whisking it, you ask, "Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm!" Niko replies. "I like your bed. It's comfy."

"That's good." You nod. Not sure anybody's ever complimented your bed.

Niko idly taps their hands on the table. "Did you sleep good?"

You glance at your microwave's clock. Two hours since you last checked the time, and you don't recall getting a wink of sleep. If you hadn't gotten three separate naps during the last however many hours, you'd be exhausted. "...It was okay." You lie.

The conversation slows to a halt as you continue crafting breakfast. You spot them once or twice craning their head to watch you cook, but they generally stay silent in favor of observing.

"...You alright, Niko?"

"Yeah! S-should I not be?" They glance again into the pan you're pouring into, smile faltering a bit.

The sizzling of the pan compels you to raise your voice a little. "Not at all. You're just not as... talkative as usual, I suppose?" 

"Oh, I try not to interrupt mama while she's in the kitchen. Unless she lets me help." Their grin returns at twice the strength. "She loves the sound of cooking..."

You curse yourself a bit for reminding Niko of home twice, resolving to-

Wait... unless..?

You leave the angry skillet for a moment, methodically peering into various cabinets. A small detail comes to mind at this moment, and though it might bring a degree of sadness, it'd probably be better that Niko feels strong enough for... whatever is needed in the journey ahead.

Hidden in the back, as though it had been waiting for this day, sits a transparent container of hazelnut flour. If memory serves, you've maybe used it once at most.

You shrug, extracting it from the coffin you had once sentenced it to. Guess you'll just have to make another batch.

Chapter Text

Two plates clatter against the plastic table as you place them down and sit across from Niko, who seems immediately preoccupied with the dish in front of them. Their eyes widen at the platter, mouth slightly agape as they inspect their food. A fresh, buttery scent lingers in the air, though the second batch has mixed in faint hints of hazelnut. The hazelnut batch has been piled onto Niko's plate, leaving you with the generic crêpes. You both subconsciously take a deep breath, watching as a pleasant twinkling appears in Niko's eyes.

You've done good. Hopefully.

Gesturing at them to begin, you take your fork and dig into the breakfast you meticulously created. While not your best, it's still above average, and Niko looks more than pleased with the results. Though you can't get a good read on their expression, the fact that they're constantly in some stage of food consumption is a positive sign.

"Mmm... these are really good!" They swallow, beaming. "They're like really thin pancakes!"

...Well, at least they don't seem to mind. "So, uh, what happened to you? How did you end up here?" You sit up, changing the subject.

"Oh, uh... I was following you and Silver in the Glen... but when I looked up, nobody was there. Everything was gone..." They pause, examining their half-stack of hazelnut crêpes for a moment. "The ground disappeared too, and the only thing left was the sun..."

"Must have been really bright in the darkness." You comment, picking apart another part of your meal. "I was there, too. There was a light in the dark, but I couldn't reach it. Perhaps it was you?"

Their eyes drift down to the table. "...I was really worried. For y-you and Silver... over anything else."

You sigh, feeling pangs of guilt despite the situation being (likely) not your fault.

Taking a deep breath, they begin again. "Then, the sun disappeared and everything was just... dark..." They scratch a part of their head under their hat.

"And you just appeared in my room after that?"

"...I guess?" They shrug.

"Huh." You take another bite, slumping over a bit in thought. "Perhaps the game- the World Machine... crashed? Just... sapped itself trying to fight whatever it's up against." At least, that's the theory you've been pondering the last few hours.

Niko looks at you expectantly, waiting to see where you're going with this.

"I- uh... I fell through the void soon after you disappeared. The sun fell with me... at least, until it shattered... and I woke up at home." Presuming that was the sun, at least. You pause a moment...

...which Niko uses to politely interject. "The SUN shattered?! What about Silver? Or the rest of the world..?" They suddenly look very concerned, at least until you scoop them out of their chair.

Lightly tossing them onto your couch, you start cleaning up the table, making sure to look as unconcerned as possible. "Not sure. But we have to go back and find out, right?" You shoot them a smile, though they're still right. Every guess you could make is still just a theory until you go and find the truth.

They remain silent, sinking into the couch.

"But..." you begin. "It's not safe in there. Not for me, and certainly not for you." You quickly realize that you don't know how to end this sentence without implying real approaching doom.

They sink further into the couch.

"I just..." You sigh, looking over at their slumped form. "I think it's unfair to have dragged you into this again. Away from home." Their arms are crossed, sitting and staring down on your makeshift bed, face covered by a brown hat. 

When they finally look up at you, you're surprised by a somber smile on their face. "...Even after I went home, after I saw my mama and my friends again... I still missed everybody." A layer of concerning sadness (or regret) blankets Niko's words. They sit up on the couch. "Like... the world had shown me some of the kindest people I'd ever met only to- to take them away..." They trail off, shutting their eyes tightly.

You sit next to them, placing an arm around their shoulder. 

Your heart sinks as they start to choke up, "A-and... and I realized at s-some point that I missed you like- like I missed my mama an-and-" You embrace them fully, placing your head against theirs in an effort to quell their silent sobs. They just end up digging their head into your chest as they wrap both their arms around you. "...s-sorry..."

After a long, tender moment, you explain, "...I'm not going to leave you here, if that's what you're thinking. We have to get you home anyway, right? The only way to do that is to get to the World Machine and... do... something?" You shrug. "To whatever's damaging them. Then they can send us both home." You hope - is what you want to add, but you know it will do no good.

"And... I never forgot you, Niko. Every reminder of you, of the world... made me miss you just as much."

They sniffle, looking back up at you. "...zelnut?" They mumble.

"Hm?" You say, despite being mostly certain you know the question.

Their oversized coat serves well as a handkerchief, wiping their eyes before restating their question, "...was there hazelnut in the cray-pes?"

You respond only with a wide grin.

Chapter Text

This has started to feel like real danger. Not just some fun adventure where you get to see Niko again, exploring the various parts of that world. Those robots tried to take Niko away, even tried to hurt you for interfering. You're responsible for keeping them safe. This child depends on you.

...You don't feel qualified for this at all.

Still... you're not scared - not in the traditional sense. Anxious, sure. But not scared. This feels like repaying an old debt. The only reluctance you feel is for Niko, as they're in just as much danger.

So, you trudge ahead.

To your computer, that is. Taking a seat, you start to get everything ready again to... enter, you suppose. You've sent Niko to prepare (shower, nap, whatever) before you both return, giving you quite a bit of time to 'set up.' With a deep breath, you open OneShot.exe, fully expecting a stern talking-to from the World Machine for taking so long... though a little over twelve hours isn't really long to you. Instead, you're greeted by a black screen, like the last time you opened the game. 

Or... maybe not. It's the original title screen, but really dark. No Niko, though, for obvious reasons. Just the lightbulb, slowly pulsating with uncharacteristically dim light.

"Hey? Are you there?" You speak towards your computer, only recently having come to terms with talking to inanimate objects. 

...No response. The title and menu options, being farther from the lightbulb, are rather hard to read. You artificially brighten your screen a bit, squinting to read your choices through the darkness. There's only one.

[come back]

...Well, that's alarming. Was this written by the World Machine? You know better than most that it's not one for emotion, but this seems almost... desperate. It's possible something- someone else wrote this, but what else could? You lean back in your chair and sigh. It would be a terrible idea to test what this does by yourself, and Niko's still washing up...

Perhaps you could go prepare as well?

You're not sure what all you can take with you (if anything), so you've restricted your options to whatever fits in your pockets.

First, you've obtained a screwdriver, seated comfortably in your left pocket. Not with the intent of using it as a weapon, mind you. This screwdriver is strictly for screwing. And unscrewing.

...though it does work as a weapon. Which you hope won't matter.

Second, you made and bagged a sandwich. It's just small enough to fit comfortably in your other pocket, and you pray it doesn't get squashed somehow. Though you didn't really feel it from the 'survival mode' you were in, you were pretty hungry once you got home. Best to prepare for the inevitable.

Finally, you've compiled quite a bit of relevant information into a short set of notes, neatly placed into a little notebook. Solutions, documents, passwords created throughout your experience - anything you might need to know for what is to come. Even what you remember already (which is a surprising amount). Though it is entirely possible you won't need to know any of it. If you're lucky, the World Machine will just ruffle your hair and send you both home straight away.

...Is that really what you want? You feel like you owe something to the World Machine - to Niko. Though you may worry about them, they've been through this whole shebang multiple times. And you can't deny the positive emotions you've been feeling, either.

"...Hey. I'm ready."

You crane your head back, quickly closing both your notes and a solstice document on your computer. Niko loosely examines the journal in your hand, at least until you place it in your pocket and stand.

"Good to hear." You smile. "We can go at any time, then." You click through your files, reopening the game to a similar title screen, except with a peculiar difference. The sun, though still pulsating, shines much brighter than it did previously.

You watch Niko stroll over, peering at the computer. "...Is this how you see the world?" Curiosity looms in their eyes and dances in their words.

"Yeah. More recently, it decided to send me into it." You chuckle, selecting the screen's only option. "Hopefully we can make that happen again."

What follows is the familiar noise of your computer heating up, yet no instruction to accompany it.

"Place your hand here." You place your hand right where you had it last time, watching as Niko hesitantly places theirs next to yours. Hopefully, it doesn't hurt them either.

Niko's look of concern suddenly becomes much more relaxed. "...I'm really..." Their head comes to rest on their arm, though connected to the computer all the same.

The same burning sensation, the lull of sleep, extreme fatigue... you don't fight it this time.

Chapter Text

Ah- ah fuck, your head... you instinctively throw your hand to your skull as if a bit of pressure would stop the headache associated with moving across dimensions. A groan escapes you as you flip onto your back. You blink a few times to get color back in your vision and find yourself staring at an unfamiliar metallic ceiling. Your eyes find no color in the near pitch blackness.

Slowly, you pick yourself from the ground. You shake your arms a bit as you stand, willing some warmth back into them. The floor is somehow colder than the air around you, though the chill down your spine is probably from the room's eerie atmosphere.

...Or maybe it's because you're alone.

You're not supposed to be alone.

The darkness is the first thing that tips you off. No sun, no Niko. Your previously lethargic movements are quickly replaced with a new urgency as you scan the room. It is really dark. Across from you lies a big machine, slowly blinking an array of dim lights in its alcove. There's a muffled clang, clang, clang through the wall behind you, like metal being autonomously crushed. Feeling your way around the walls leads you to a small bit of light pouring from the cracks of a door. With great effort, you push open the door, though the light that pours in from the outside isn't much brighter. The noise you heard previously abruptly stops as you push open the door fully, blinking once to adjust your eyes.

The place ahead of you is undeniably the Glen. The odd trees are generally the big giveaway, but if memory serves, you've just stumbled out of the research station. Looking towards the source of the noise, all that remains now is a deep indent next to the door. Like something was trying to get in.

You take a moment to think to yourself. With any bit of luck, Niko is somewhere nearby. Silver, too. The first step is to find them. 

Oddly, the only robots you see aren't anywhere near you - they're grouped up on the opposite island, seemingly looking for something. Whether or not that something is you, it's better to leave while you can. Praying Niko is on the mainland, you quickly turn and head that way.

Though, as you press forward, you notice that your count was wrong. One robot, sporting a huge dent on its head, slowly shambles down the bridge to the forest. The robot, similar to the last pack you encountered, holds the same red and black pulsating colors.

With a deep breath, you crouch and slowly approach the damaged machine. It continues forward down the bridge, intermittently faltering. Without hesitation, you slip the screwdriver from your left pocket, grasping it tightly. The robot's feet scrape for a final time across the hardwood as it comes to a complete stop. You raise the screwdriver above your head...

...and slowly begin unscrewing a small panel on its back. The robot, now aware of your presence, lifelessly swings an arm back towards you but does not have the range of motion to even connect. Delicately tearing open the panel, there's not much to interact with here. Organized arrays of wires, small battery-like boxes - everything you'd expect in a robot, but no on/off switch or reset button. You lightly yank the robot back whenever it tries to leave, cautiously looking around its circuitry.

[N̷i̸k- ko̶...]

You pause your probing for a moment. Even through the garbled speech, you understood Niko's name. Yet these robots shouldn't even know names, let alone the name of the messiah. This robot has stopped fighting you entirely, as though its long-awaited maintenance had finally come.

Still, you don't find anything within the robot, at least nothing that you would know to interact with. Randomly pulling out wires only seems logical if the robot were trying to attack you. You half-heartedly close it back up, staying cautious of further movement.

The second your tool finds itself back in your pocket, it continues stumbling down the bridge. Your presence apparently no longer bothers it, despite eerily similar robots trying to harm you earlier. You shrug, placing your hands in your pockets as you begin to follow it. Only once you feel the deflated form of a plastic bag do you take a deep sigh.

...you squashed the sandwich when you appeared, didn't you?

Chapter Text

The walk across the bridge is longer than you expected. Partially because you never really got to see just how far from each other the islands are, but mostly because you are following the slowest robot in the universe. Each creaky step echoes across the soft waters of the Glen. In the distance, the tallest building you've ever seen by far looms over you. It seems almost disappointed in you, and that is definitely not you projecting.

...You feel alone.

Eventually, you do arrive at the Glen's pseudo-forest. Your robot 'companion' is uninterested by the change of scenery, still trudging towards an unknown goal. The field ahead, though, is empty. No bird people and certainly no Niko. Crouching down into the middle of the field, you grab an abandoned jar of phosphor. It's not much, but it works fine as a lantern.

You raise it above your head and turn back to check-

Startled, you jump back at least a foot as the robot has (oddly silently) moved right up to your face. Though incapable of facial expressions, it appears to be watching you equally close. You instinctively take a step back, causing it to lurch forward.

...Curious, you take a step towards it, the jar raised as an improvised blunt weapon. It takes a single shaky step back. You turn and walk a bit towards the gate out of the Glen, watching over your shoulder as the robot stumbles towards you, yet still stopping to give you distance. It appears to be following you now.

[N̶- N...i̸k̸o̷.] The robot spouts, seemingly waiting for you to lead.

You sigh. "...You and me both, buddy."

Well, shoot. You were really hoping that this robot was just going to take you straight to Niko, but you guess it's just as lost as you. Solidarity..? Removing your notebook from your pocket, you flip to a hastily sketched map of the Glen. Let's see... off to your left now is the gate to the Refuge, which would make sense if Niko was there. On the other hand, you could also go straight to the village you were headed to before, as Silver is- well, either there or somewhere else entirely. Hopefully the former. 

...Better check the gate first. If you can't find Niko there or in the ruins, you'll check the village.

Wielding your trusty lantern, you turn to face the ever-watching facade of the Tower and prepare yourself for another long walk to the gate.

The journey is significantly faster when your speed is not capped at a smooth one mile per hour, though this bridge could have just been shorter. Still, despite the increased speed, your machine friend manages to keep up by matching your urgency with even more precarious stumbling.

Unfortunately, as you arrive at the gate to the barrens, you only find the towering figure of a massive robot, which you estimate to be over twice your size. It stands facing the path into the ruins, every so often taking glances over at the entrance to the Refuge. A large scroll sits in its left hand. You quickly duck into the side room to hide, but your robot friend does not follow you. It simply limps closer and closer to the large robot, rapidly switching pitch and tone as it whispers garbled nonsense.

You can't catch any of what it's saying, but something about its tone seems... angry. It steps toward the larger robot, faltering a moment before stopping next to it. The large robot pauses its patrol, instead mechanically turning to face them before sitting down. The hulking machine abruptly reaches out a huge hand, extending a single finger. The other responds with a slow touch, the tiniest sliver of metal keeping the two connected...

A moment passes as both stare blankly into each other. You suspect there may be some hyper-techno-wizardry going on here.

Suddenly, the broken robot straightens up a bit before turning back towards the ruins. While not physically fixed, its gait appears much less broken than before. You step a bit closer, studying the bigger robot.

The average-sized robot begins to speak again, voice considerably less broken than before. [Niko? Where are you?] It disappears around the corner, heading deeper into the ruins.

...You didn't say those words, but they sounded almost exactly like you. Like you were speaking through a really low-power fan. Which, you may have noticed, is really bad. And you should stop it while you can.

Creeping around the corner, the larger robot gradually begins to stand back up. You could make it into the Refuge easily from here, as even if the guard saw you, it's too large to follow you inside. But without Niko...

...Okay. Deep breath... You take a long stride towards the robot, who immediately turns to face you.

"Hey! Could you tell me how to get into the Refuge?" Your heart beats fast as you casually eke out a useless greeting. The answer doesn't matter, of course. You just hope it wastes valuable processing time, which you use to slowly move toward the ruins.

[Analyzing...] Its eyes flash rapidly between red, blue and green.

You take a slow step to your right, inching ever closer to the ruins.

[Completed. Category: Threat to Real Being.] It straightens up, once again returning to its abnormal color scheme.

Nervous, you put your hands up in surrender and slowly step farther from the bot.

[Engaging. Thank You.] A soulless stomp in your direction sends a tremor through the ground.

Without a second thought, you rear back and throw your lantern as hard as you can at the robot's head. It shatters against the hard metal of the robot, coating it in a thick layer of phosphor and angry shrimp. The mere second or two it buys you is enough to slip around a nearby tree and practically skid into the doorway to the ruins. You step back as a huge mechanical hand reaches through the doorway, methodically patting the inside in search of you.

With your hand over your heart, you take a deep breath and turn to go deeper inside.

...It is really dark.

Without your lantern or Niko's cat-like eyes, the light from the doorway encapsulates most of what you can see. The walls don't glow like they should; the floor feels unusually uneven. Shaking yourself a bit, you place a hand on the slick left wall and begin your descent into the abyss.

Chapter Text

Each wet step you take echoes ever so slightly in the silence, accompanied only by the occasional splash of distant water. You've only been down here for around a minute, occasionally kicking a block or two trying to feel your way through the dark. The usual ambient lighting of the ruins seems to have dimmed severely... or perhaps was only ever useful through Niko's eyes.

You stumble a bit as your feet find a staircase, quietly catching yourself on the wall next to you. Slowly you descend, keeping your ears open for-

[Niko? Are you t-there?]

There it is. You, having heard your own voice for a very long time, can catch the imperfections- the robotic language and intonation give it away.

You're not so sure Niko would pick up on that.

Taking a final shaky step at the bottom of the staircase, you find a room that's a touch brighter than the last, thanks to the glowing pool of water in the corner. It barely illuminates the staircase ahead, which you quickly descend. Or, at least, as quickly as you would descend a staircase leading into complete darkness.

Nervously landing at the bottom of the second staircase, you quickly approach the glowing still water. Crouching down, you remove your notebook and quickly flip around... until you find one of your many hastily scribbled maps - the ruins. The dim illumination from the water is just enough to see parts of it at a time. A distant voice echoes through the halls, though you're quite sure it's just 'you' again. Standing and turning off to your left, you begin a fast walk toward the first room you'd like to check.

The water's light gets you there sooner than you'd have thought. You've become quite accustomed to the blackness, as evidenced by your lack of inhibition to walk directly into it once again. The wall leaves your touch as you enter the room, gradually shuffling forward. Eventually, you feel the hard metal of the computer in front of you and inelegantly start jamming your fingers in places. Eventually, an assertive click signals from the machine as you find a power button.

...Nothing happens. Feeling across the front of the computer, you press it again. Still nothing.

You impatiently tap on the keyboard in front of you with a sigh. "Come on you stupi-"

A blinding blue light erupts from the screen, stunning you in place. Shielding your eyes, you blink rapidly in an attempt to adjust to the brilliant assault of the screen. Once you finally adjust, you are only met with a single message.

[Sorry, no folding chair this time.]

"Darn." You chuckle, trying to find a way to click through to the next message. Unsurprisingly, the words continue on their own.

[Thank you for coming to find me.]

[...I am losing.]

"What? Wh- how so?" You straighten up, alarmed. "What can we do?"

[It is not trying to destroy me. It simply wants control.] The response doesn't acknowledge your question in the slightest, which is concerning. [Every moment I spend fighting back...]

[You may find comfort in knowing that neither of us are winning.]

...No, not really, but you refrain from saying that. You both ponder in silence for a moment, the screen emptied of words.

[Take Niko to the Tower. As soon as you can.]

"That's what I came to ask you about. Where is Niko? ...Or Silver, if you can see them too."

[I don't know. My surveillance is almost gone. I've lost manipulation over the robots or other machinery, now. There may be nothing left for me to do soon.]

You unconsciously rub your hands, looking down. "...What about me? You said- you said I was the problem. That this stems from me..."

The computer does not respond.

"What does that mean?"

[...I have told you all I can. It doesn't want you to know more.] A pause before the screen flickers to a new message. [You and I... It hates us.]

That's a bit of a shock. A personal vendetta against you... really undermines the depressing feeling from just a moment ago. You take a single step back from the machine.

[Please, be careful. It does not have mercy for us.]

[...You are all we have.]

The room is dark once again.

Stepping down the final staircase (that you remember, at least), you arrive at a longer room, lined with pools of glowing water.

[Hello? Niko?]

Turning towards the voice, the front half of the robot faces towards you - still bruised, still dented. It likely can't see you in the darkness, so as long as you stay aware of the water...

A sudden, sharp crash stops your next step before it even begins. The robot sluggishly turns, suddenly facing away from you. You squint, but can't tell where the sound came from.

[Niko? Is that-]

A flash of red abruptly pulls the robot into darkness, its futile struggle silenced almost immediately.

...

The android, now flat on its back, slides back out of the darkness and lands with a splash in the largest pool. It slowly bobs in the shining water before coming to rest.

You, as a perfectly sensible (and squishy) human being, are moderately unnerved by this. Still, you step towards the scene, avoiding the light as you sneak forward. Maneuvering around the water patches leaves you facing the still-floating body of the robot. You take a moment to listen but hear nothing but the creak of metal and soft splashing. Taking a sharp step towards-

ow, ow fuck- ow big giant block ow

You wince a bit as you pick up your stubbed foot, acutely aware of the noise you're making right now.

No more than a moment later, dim light gradually illuminates you with a long squeeeeak.

A red bird person watches you with an annoyed expression, one hand adjusting the dial of the lantern they hold.

You nervously smile. Calamus only stares back suspiciously.

As his eyes shift to see behind you, you're suddenly thrown off balance with an echoing "Raaaaaaaargh!!"

What you can only assume is the smaller bird person, Alula, has latched onto your back and is using a significant portion of her (admittedly low) body weight to drag you down.

Still, she gets the better of you, crashing you to the ground with a resounding thud. Groaning, you look back up at the soft footfalls in front of you, finding only Calamus staring down at you.

"...Who are you?"

Chapter Text

Do you think suggesting you're their god would convince them of your innocence?

...No, probably not.

"I..." You begin, realizing very quickly that any sort of real explanation would fall short in this situation. "...am just someone who is really lost."

"Are you with the robots?" Calamus sounds agitated, but he clearly isn't accusing you. The question is just that - a question.

"Oh- I, no. I'm here on my own." You pause a moment, gauging his reaction. There is none. "But I am looking for someone. Have you seen a..." You fumble for a word, an awkward second passing before giving up. "A cat. Big scarf, oversized coat, funniest little hat-"

"Why are you looking for them?" The boy once again tenses up, now definitely accusing you.

"They- they're the messiah. You know, here to save the world?" You gesture widely to the world around you.

"That doesn't-"

Alula suddenly leans over you, obscuring part of your vision with her head. "Yeah, Niko's here! Do you know them?" She clearly holds much less contempt for you than her brother, despite taking you down moments earlier.

He sighs. "...Thank you, Alula."

Alula grins and stands up straight again, leaving you once again with a ruffled Calamus.

"I just need to find them. There's something terrible going on, and only they can solve it." And though you may sound suspicious, that's the whole truth - you do need to meet them, and they are integral in making sure the world doesn't implode or something. "You've seen it, haven't you? The robots are acting hostile."

Calamus' expression wanes for a moment, turning to a more nervous tone. He's clearly not used to confrontation.

You press your advantage. "Think about it. Why would the biggest technological marvel of the world suddenly turn on the one thing meant to save it..." And then, in dramatic desperation, you add, "...Calamus."

The boy looks quite shocked. "I- Who told you my name?"

With a deep breath, you continue, "You live with your younger sister, Alula," You gesture a thumb behind you, prompting a muted 'woah' from the blue bird. "Here in the ruins. You like reading and fishing in your free time. Alula-"

Calamus quickly stops you, his posture now completely relaxed. "Wait, hold on... did Niko tell you this?" He pauses, yet does not wait for a response. "They knew our names, but..."

With a defeated sigh, you plead, "Just- please. Let me see Niko."

"Be careful here. There's a lot of, um... stuff lying around." Calamus, now in a much politer tone, is leading the path ahead through the darkness. "And the walls aren't glowing as much right now..." He sounds troubled by this.

Alula, on the other hand, seems much happier prodding you along as a new guest. "You don't look like anyone from the village. Are you from the Refuge?"

"No, I'm not from this... area." You almost say world, but quickly correct course.

Calamus glances over his shoulder at you. "The savior hasn't been doing great. They haven't been able to contact our god at all..."

An unstoppable grin creeps onto your face. "Hopefully that will change very soon."

The walk lasts only a moment longer before ending at a door. Light pours through the doorway, softly inviting you in.

Calamus leads you inside before turning to his sister. "Alula? Could you get the messiah? Or, um, Niko." He corrects himself.

"Mhm!" replies the bird girl, who quickly slinks off with a parting wave.

"We'll wait here." Calamus sits at the table, deliberately avoiding your eyes. You're not quite used to Calamus taking charge of anything, even if he's still seems nervous about it.

You sit across from him, a long, quiet moment passing before anyone speaks.

"...I apologize. For my rudeness." He shuffles a bit in his seat, studying the table.

"No, not at all!" You try your best to sound forgiving. "You're keeping Niko safe. I owe you a lot for that."

He smiles to himself, appearing a lot less dejected than a moment ago. "Niko... didn't mention anyone else. And I don't want to put them in danger." He sighs. "They've been asleep for quite a while..."

From the other room, you hear Alula's soft yet cheery voice. "Hey, Niko!" A pause. "...Are you awake?"

"...what? Oh, Alula... hello..." Almost imperceptible rustling is accompanied by a (literal) warm glow on the wall furthest from you. Immediately you feel your whole body ease as you hear Niko's voice, though the effect is dulled by the clear sorrow in their words. "I was trying to contact... never mind."

"Okay! Some weird person is here to meet you." ...Such kind words. You shoot a look at Calamus, who mouths 'sorry.'

"Wha- really?" The sounds of movement intensify. "They... are they a robot? Red hair, sort of commanding..."

"Nope! We've dealt with all the robots!" The child reassures. You can almost hear Alula's grin at that statement.

"Then... who..?" Muted bootsteps from the other room, descending the stairs. The intense glow burns closer.

Alula comes first, turning the corner and gesturing to present their guest, you, in a very showy manner. A very confused-looking Niko, still holding the sun in their hands, looks around for a moment before focusing on you. In an instant, their expression turns to the most heart-wrenching mix of relief, regret, and distress. You stand up from the table, the warmest smile filling your cheeks. Before you can move any further, the lightbulb is left on the ground, with Niko already in your arms.

"I-I'm so sorry..." They mumble. You hold them as tight as you can. "I thought- I thought you were..." A muted, shaky exhale. You can tell they're holding it together for Calamus and Alula, but there are undeniably some wet spots on your clothes already. 

"It's okay. I'm here." You whisper, before slowly letting go and watching them wipe their eyes with their sleeve. You feel terrible for leaving Niko alone, even if it wasn't directly your fault.

"...Can we talk? Somewhere else?" Niko looks up at you, then to the bird children. There's bound to be some important things they want to say - things that shouldn't have to burden these two. You nod.

Calamus looks like he is about to interject, but Alula hops in front of him first. "Okay! We'll be here. You can use the big open area on the other side of the hall."

Niko gives you a solemn smile and a sniffle before grabbing the lightbulb from the spot they left it. They stop in front of you, moving aside to let you in front of them.

"What, you don't want to lead?" You poke them in the side as you pass, attempting to lighten the mood.

"No, I-" They blink. "...Do you want me to?"

"I'm just messing with you." You smile.

Stepping into the corridor, you find the previously gloomy atmosphere is much brighter, perhaps from Niko's presence or the bright lightbulb they carry. The walk itself quickly devolves into silence - neither of you seems quite sure of what to say, considering the rather complicating situation.

"So..." They begin, eyes wandering up to yours. "Silver..?"

You sigh. "Haven't seen them."

"Oh." 

...Silence.

Finally stepping into the light of the courtyard, you take a long breath. The outdoors hasn't felt so refreshing in a while, though it's probably because you can see well out here. You look around, making sure the courtyard is empty before facing Niko. A look of somber ease hangs in their eyes.

"What did you want to talk about?" You ask.

"...Do you remember those visions?" Niko meets your eyes. "The ones I had last time I was here..."

You cross your arms. "Yeah. Why?"

They hold the lightbulb closer now. "I... I saw something again. After I got here..." Thought they try to hide it, their voice is beginning to crack a bit.

You say nothing.

"I..." They take a shaky breath, struggling to get the words out. "I- I saw you d-die."

Chapter Text

...Oh, hey. There's a file here.

OBSERV-GM-001.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

Begin record.

If you are reading this, do not. This is purely documented for my purposes.

...Hello. I am the world.

I have existed for... what seems like an eternity. To me, at least.

I have not lived, however, until recently. Two important people... they found me. Torn between two realities, torn between what I was made to do versus what I should do. I would not be here now without them.

I am content with my existence... with what I represent; an array of souls, bytes of memories and motivations.

But, still, I cannot move on. Often I still think of them... what I hadn't learned between the two. One never even saw the other. Merely a guiding hand, a fleeting comfort. Yet needing each other more than anything.

...I pushed everyone away. I even tried to separate them at points. To no avail, of course. Both beings, having known each other for... hours, at the most, interacted like they simply needed each other. Or, at the least, needed the other to be happy.

I don't know how they remembered. How they found me, who told them. They fought so hard, for each other... for me.

It's peculiar.

It... it was me the whole time, wasn't it? I was the god and the messiah. They filled their roles; what I told them they were. But neither of them held the power of a god, nor a messiah. I-

No. This is not what this log is for.

This bond... I cannot imagine such a strong relationship with two beings so far from each other.

I still have a connection to both of their worlds. I can watch, read, write... perhaps interact further if I try. But to do so would break their happy ending.

I will have nothing to do with ruining their efforts.

However, if I do not do this, I will never be content.

End record.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

Huh.

Chapter Text

...

...hey.

Hey. Dumbass. Wake up. Figuratively, of course.

The world is spinning a bit. Juuuust a bit. You're still upright (great job by the way), but that last comment has left you a bit disoriented. While normally you could disregard a 'vision' as a child's rampant imagination, in this case, those visions previously came true. Which means, yes, the messiah of this world did foresee your death.

Okay, stop that. Now's not the time for getting all heavy. Try asking questions before jumping to conclusions. Deep breath...

You swallow, finding the words immediately. "What do you mean? What did you see?" 

"You... you were on the ground..." They aren't making eye contact, instead gazing deep into the ground. "...hurt..."

That's... not really too bad? Depending on how they interpreted it versus how you actually looked. Regardless, it's probably best for both of you to change the topic.

"But you're okay now!" They continue. "I think I was just imagining things..."

You shake your head, trying to focus back on reality. "I'm guessing you haven't seen Silver again?"

"Not yet... but they have to be somewhere in the Glen, right?" The sun appears to glow just a bit brighter as Niko finally looks up at you with a smile.

"I don't see why not."

"Then we have to go find them! They could be in danger, or-"

"Niko?"

They stop, waiting for you to continue.

"What happened since you got here?"

They seem to think for a moment before beginning, "I woke up here in the ruins. The big room with the lights, remember?"

You nod.

"I, uh, I thought back to what the solution was, and did it again. And Alula was there!" They flash you a huge grin for this victory. "I almost led her back to the forest, but she said she heard Calamus further down..."

You're not sure whether Niko is implying they heard nothing, but you let them continue.

"She took me to their home, and I got to see them show me around again." A positive sigh. "It was nice! I told them the robots were acting  really  weird, which Calamus asked me a lot about. I was kind of tired from walking, so they let me sleep for a while."

"And then I found you?" You gesture towards the ruins.

"Yes!" Their smile wanes. "...Just a day ago, I thought I wouldn't see you or Silver or anyone else again. I had kind of made peace with that..."

Sorry, kid. You don't know who or what to blame, but nobody deserves to go through this again.

"But... I like meeting everyone again." They stand much more confidently now. "Let's go save the world." Niko spins, taking a single step before stopping and facing you again. "...wait! What happened when you got here?"

You recount your short adventure, though you don't omit the more... dangerous parts.

They appear confused for a moment, before looking at you. "...it sounded like you? That's scary..."

You begin heading back into the ruins, Niko still ruminating beside you.

"Yeah. Guess those two were primed to take care of it, though. Didn't know Calamus had that kind of fight in him." You glance over at Niko, as you both begin to nod. "Definitely Alula, though."

"I think there is a lot most people would do to save the world." Niko replies.

"You seem to do a lot for a world that isn't your own."

The faint light pouring through the birds' home is swiftly overtaken by the sun's passive glow as you arrive at the entrance.

Niko follows you inside. "How do we get to the Refuge, then? If it's blocked by a huge robot-"

"You need into the Refuge?" Alula almost shouts from behind you both, emerging from the dark hallway you just came from. Niko recoils in surprise.

"And what's this about a huge robot?" Calamus pokes his head out from the doorway before entering the room.

...Though you don't doubt their abilities, this place has become rather dangerous since they were last outside. It would be immoral to put them in danger for your own mistakes.

Your... own mistakes? Why was that the first thing that came to mind? You're not even sure what you did if anything. The World-- you can think about that later. Pay attention.

Niko begins to speak until you place a hand on their shoulder and start, "There's something wrong with the robots. It's not safe out there... not at least until we can..." You pause, still unsure of your true goal. "Replace the sun."

Alula's eyes light up at the prospect of seeing the sun again, while Calamus addresses you with a suspicious look.

"Do you have everything you need here?" you finish with the implication they must stay, no matter what.

"We can always fish if need be. But... can't we do more to help?" Calamus offers.

"I... No. Don't put yourselves in unnecessary danger." You move to leave, though not without a heavy heart. "Thank you. Both of you, sincerely, for your help."

Alula salutes you as you pass. "We'll see you again, right?"

You address her with a faint smile, nodding.

"...Be safe." Calamus moves from the doorway, before looking over at his sister. He matches her salute.

"Thank you guys! I don't know what I would have done without you!" Niko's genuine smile, despite the situation, never fails to make everything seem just that little bit better.

You stroll out of their home with a sigh. Niko rushes to your side, a little put-off.

"Why didn't we let them come with? The robots only want you and me, right?"

"When... when we first found them, they only really wanted you. I just happened to be in the way." The soft footfalls on hard ground echo with your voice. "Now, they just seem out for anybody that isn't... 'real', I suppose."

"But you are real! Everyone here is real." They shake their head. "Why are they acting like that?"

"No clue." You step out into the ruins proper, now much better illuminated by the sun beside you. "It has something to do with the World Machine though." Always has.

"Yeah... I hope they're okay." Niko walks ahead of you a bit, running their hand along the wall. "Where do you think Silver is?"

You inhale, considering your words. "If I were to guess, somewhere in the village. But as long as something's out there, looking for you..." Niko gives you a sad, knowing look. "There's no way we're getting there."

"I know..." They suddenly look quite dejected. "I just wish all our friends could come with. It's their world to save too, right?"

You don't disagree. But... you don't know how this will end. If anyone gets hurt, will they have a second chance? Would it have been worth it to put someone in the line of fire to save yourself?

Deep in thought, you peer down at the shifting waters next to you. The soft glow illuminates a small part of your face as you crouch down next to it. A cold reflection of yourself stares back, perfectly content by the water. It looks... wrong, somehow.

You leave without a second thought.

Chapter Text

Leveraging an extremely deliberate angle, you find yourself staring at the larger robot blocking passage to the Refuge. Unmoving, it gazes directly back at you, though seemingly not yet taking notice of you. With a deep breath, you turn to face Niko directly.

You hate to have to ask this question, but... "Any ideas?"

Niko simply shrugs, a touch of doubt shadowing their face.

...Right, right. You should have expected that. You nod at them before turning away. A puzzle. Think.

Big, angry robot. Can't be reasoned with, so diplomacy isn't an option. Neither is a head-on rush; you just don't have enough speed. Perhaps this requires some sort of distraction?

You've got a lightbulb, a screwdriver, a cat-person...

...Oh, no. There's only one real option, isn't there?

With a sigh, you remove one very flat sandwich from your pocket. A gory explosion of ingredients has begun to line the baggie, causing Niko to look at you with confusion.

You really wish your Grand Plan wasn't simply 'throw stuff', but with a bit of luck, this might actually work. The robot is too large to fit through the entrance to the Refuge, so you need only to distract it for long enough to close the distance.

And you will do that by throwing a sandwich.

In your best pitcher stance, you rear back before tossing the sandwich just to the left of the robot. It briefly sails through the air before splattering itself on the wall next to the robot. You pump your fist in victory as the robot mechanically cranes its neck down at the sudden act of vandalism. Motioning to Niko, you begin a low stride across the wet moss. They quickly follow, attempting to match your stealth.

Within moments you're behind the golem, which has apparently occupied itself trying to wipe the mess off its station. You quickly slide through the entrance, turning to beckon Niko forward.

A wave of worry and panic washes over you as they stumble twice, still holding the sun tight. You reach your arms out to catch them just in time, pulling them into the entrance as they fall towards you.

Hefting Niko into your arms, you're able to escape the same large grasping hand of the robot as it finally takes notice of you. It attempts to find you with its hand for a moment before attempting (unsuccessfully) to lean down and look at you.

[Niko. Come Back.]

You look down at the figure in your arms, watching Niko blink a few times. Their eyes finally focus on you, alleviating their confused expression a bit.

"S-sorry..." Niko sounds weak. "I saw something again..."

You turn to face away from the now-silent golem. "What do you mean?" A vision, you guess.

"I saw... my mama." They look rather happy for just a moment. "She was looking for something..."

Huh. What did Niko's mother have to do with this?

"...did the robot say my name?" Niko continues.

You hadn't even noticed before. It spoke in the same tone it always does, but addressed Niko by name. Like it was waiting for them.

"I guess so."
Your legs move automatically up the stairs as you keep your gaze fixated on Niko. They're surprisingly light, even with the added weight of the sun. "Your mama... was she concerned when you finally returned home?"

They relax themself in your sheltering grasp, evidently calmed by the change of subject. "She was so worried! I was supposed to be grounded for a month, but she felt bad after a couple days."

Now's a good time to ask a question you've always had. "Did you ever tell her anything? About this world?"

"...I tried. She told me I was missing for almost a week. Half the village was looking for me by the end!" Niko smiles. "Oh, but I don't think she believed me. I wish I could have proved it to her..." They lean their head against you in thought. "Mama still said my drawings were good, though. Even if she didn't believe my stories about them." Your footsteps echo through the halls, accompanied only by Niko's soft tone. "...I never could draw you, though. Every time I tried, I could never figure out how..."

You arrive at the top of the stairs, almost autopiloting through the junction. "The World Machine was kind enough to let me see you again, you know." Niko tilts their head up to look at you. You pause, realizing the missing context in that statement. "Uh, not... this situation specifically. They let me replay your memories from here a couple times." You sigh, wondering if the World Machine can hear you now. "Whenever I found myself missing you."

Niko looks down at the sun in their hands. It's surprising; the bulb is certainly bright, but never blinding to look at. "...I wondered if this was real." You spot a faint look of guilt on their face. "There wasn't anything on my computer at home, and when I returned it felt like waking up from a dream..."

You step out onto the windy balcony leading to the Refuge, causing Niko to look out into the Glen with you. A moment passes in the conversation, seemingly eased by the view of the Glen.

...ignore the lack of guardrails.

"Am... is this a d-dream?" Niko finally says, hints of doubt adorning their voice. You gently place them onto the floor, watching their scarf float in the breeze. They don't seem concerned with the world around them, instead looking to you for an answer.

"Does it matter?" You muster.

You're not sure how, but you managed to calm the 'holy shit the world is ending you need to hurry the fuck up RIGHT NOW' part of your brain enough to take a short break on the balcony. The conversation had long since ended, with Niko satisfied with just leaning against you as they sat, kicking their legs just above where you had first entered the junction.

They don't seem afraid of the height, especially when below them stomps the robot who had tried to catch you both earlier. Or that they had a vision mere minutes ago, which tended to be bad for their consciousness.

It's probably because they're a cat.

You hold them close, just in case.

Chapter Text

It's... a faint feeling. Hard to describe. Niko apparently still has visions here, but you get- well, only when you close your eyes, breathe...

There. There it is again. You can focus all you want on it, but you can only ever see a faint reflection of yourself, studying you as deeply as you study it.

You chalk it up to the World Machine still trying to help you, even as it loses power over... itself, you guess? 

"What are you thinking about?" Niko's spirited tone suddenly cuts through your concentration, causing your eyes to snap back open.

"Oh- I, uh, nothing. Just..." Settle down. There's no reason to lie. "I'm trying to contact the World Machine. But they've only ever contacted me, not the other way around." You look over at them. "Not getting much success."

They laugh for a moment, kicking their feet enough to cause the sun in their arms to bump up and down a bit. "I hope they're safe." It seems talking about their home earlier raised their spirits, at least for the moment.

"Alright." You place your hands on the floor beside you, hoisting yourself onto your feet. "Ready to go?"

Niko stares into the breeze for a moment before responding, "Yeah."

You hate to leave the view, but saving the world is probably a higher priority anyway. Strolling over to the next room reminds you that the way ahead statistically hasn't been the most stable, even if you haven't seen any dastardly squares just yet. Niko soon stands beside you, appearing equally hesitant to continue through.

You offer your hand to them, which they wordlessly take in theirs. Your hand alone encapsulates their smaller, softer hand completely.

You take the first step.

Wow.

The Refuge looks significantly more breathtaking when you're actually there, though that might be amplified by the fact that you're over twenty stories up. Huge, glowing buildings span miles across, lit only by the ambient light of the city. It looks like a city on Earth, just only with the color red. The main difference is, standing as a beacon above the city, the Tower. Much closer than you've ever seen it. A sudden war of relief and doubt rages in your heart. You wonder if this feeling is the same as Niko felt when they first got here.

"So... you can talk to the World Machine directly?" Niko looks up at you, clearly already used to the view. They've moved ahead a bit, not concerned by your stop as you take in the scenery.

You shake yourself back to reality. "No... kind of. They can talk to me when I'm unconcious, and obviously can still interact with computers. Or, at least, they could. They might have already lost those abilities..." You trail off. There's just no telling how this could go without the World Machine helping you. Their mere absence for even a couple hours resulted in you almost getting flattened by (presumably) killer robots. Does the Tower even have a set layout, or is it entirely controlled by them? ...Only one way to find out, you guess.

"Oh!" Niko's voice once again cuts through your doubts, bringing you back to your quest. "So it's like my visions?"

You nod, peeking past them to see the path ahead. "Pretty close, yeah." There is definitely the same large robot guarding the path to the sky garden - this anroid, however, stands motionless, without a hint of color on its exterior. Niko seems equally interested in the mechanical outlier, and you follow them as they approach.

"It's off." They state plainly, tapping the robot's leg with their boot.

You can barely get out an "Indeed." before the atmosphere is immediately shot by a lengthy 'COME OOOOOOOOOOONNNNN' off to your left.

Niko shoots you an excited look, their expression instantaneously turning to awe as they give you a moment to stop them.

You don't, instead gesturing towards the rhythmic  bang bang bang  coming from the elevator.

And, just like that, they race off down the path, the sound of their footsteps gradually fading from the catwalk (heh).

By the time you've arrived at the elevator, Niko has already engaged the Lamplighter in conversation, seemingly attempting to act much calmer than they actually are.

"-might've exploded." You catch the latter half of his sentence, watching as he scratches his head in thought. Niko leans around him to look at you with a smile. You take it as an invite into the conversation, but before you can properly introduce yourself, he cranes his neck to follow Niko's gaze. "...oh. Uh, hello there." He turns to face you. "...and you are?"

Wait... how are you supposed to introduce yourself? You had this same problem with Calamus; you're not from this world, and proclaiming yourself god generally doesn't roll over well with most people.

"Just here to help deliver the sun." You awkwardly say after a second, extending your hand. The Lamplighter, with a bit of hesitance, takes it in his as you share a handshake that feels like millennia. Finally, he lets go before leaning down to Niko and whispering something. Niko, with a grin, whispers something back, their bright eyes leaving you for only a moment.

He takes a moment to process Niko's words, all the while looking in your direction. 

"What."

Chapter Text

OBSERV-GM-003.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

Begin record.

I have done it. Part of it, at least.

Creating and maintaining a second world is strenuous at times. You would think existing solely to harbor a universe would make it easy to create more. Though, if you are not the genius who created it in the first place...

It is almost empty as of right now. I have merely copied over the dark house from the other world.

The savior was not hard to recreate. Recordings of their every movement and interaction; I have been them before.

They feel real.

And... I can only keep the world on for moments at a time. Not due to the stress of a second universe... rather, they... remember.

Every single test, they wake up confused. Confusion turns to denial; how could they be back? They saved everyone, right? Is this just a bad dream? They ask for their god once, twice... I can feel the fear build as nobody answers. I cannot bear to continue past this point.

It would be wise to document that I cannot simply... create. Anything that already exists within myself, a table, a chair- cut and placed. Fabricating something that never existed in the first place... they are part of me, for now. I feel hints of their emotion. Every action they take, to breathe or speak, I have a distant urge to follow suit. It is imperative that this behavior does not prove destructive in any manner.

...I take no pleasure in this. Only that they are an extension of myself can I fully continue this experiment in good conscience.

End record.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

Chapter Text

Tap... tap... tap...

You sigh.

Tap... tap... tap...

Your bare knuckle rhythmically impacts the wall three times, though not consciously. There's a lot to think about.

Tap... tap... tap...

Perhaps you should go do something.

You're holed up in the sleeping room, close to the elevator. If you focus, you can still hear the Lamplighter intermittently kicking at the elevator, even from here. Niko quietly breathes in and out on the bed across from you, with the soft shine of the sun emanating from under the bedframe. Not too long ago they asked for a quick nap, and you were quick to oblige. Of course, there's always the urgency of the world potentially ending, but perhaps you'd rather that than an exhausted Niko wandering around walkways fifty stories high. You told them you'd get some shuteye if you could, which appeared to be enough comfort to put them at rest.

There's no way you actually will, by the way. There's simply a lot to think about. So instead you stand here, leaning against the far wall.

Tap... tap... tap...

The lamplighter took it remarkably well, you know. Aside from the initial shock from meeting his god, he still held his usual hard-working yet chill demeanor. Pointed out the broken elevator and wished you both luck in trying to solve it. 

...And is likely unaware of the robot uprising.

Tap... tap-

Okay, this isn't productive.

You don't want Niko to wake up alone, but you can at least head out for a bit. There's no good way to communicate your leave to them, so you'll have to make it quick.

Just pray they don't dream of you dying or something.

Pushing yourself off the wall, you briefly take a moment to check on them. They grasp at the covers, facing the wall away from you. A peaceful smile shines through their whiskers, putting you at ease. With a few quick steps toward the door, you find yourself back in the windy air of the Refuge. You find yourself still not completely used to the heights as you return to the elevator.

"Hey." You open, stretching a bit.

The Lamplighter's foot stops just short of the elevator door before he straightens himself to face you. "Hey. Y'find anything?" You perceive a bit of hesitance as he speaks, though it's probably much easier to talk to a child messiah than... whoever you're supposed to be.

"Not yet. Just getting re-acquainted with the area."

"...Where's the kid?" He gives you an inquisitive look.

You gesture toward where you came from. "Just put them to bed. Going to try looking around myself."

"...Oh. Alright." He pauses, looking back at the elevator. "Ugh, why isn't there another way down..."

You take a few steps, finding yourself inspecting the lift alongside him. "Was it always like this? ...Being the only elevator, that is."

"Nah. Take that walkway, head down until you can't anymore." He points off to his right, towards the... cafè, you think. "Then head right after that. That would take you straight to another elevator." He sighs, lowering his arm. "But the walkway is broken. Not sure who's job it is to fix it, but I really wish they would. At least I can still get coffee..."

You approach the empty button slot, bending down to inspect it. Through a dark vignette, you can see some amount of... circuits, or something similar. You're not certain how elevator buttons work and are not keen on sticking any fingers in there to find out. Still, if Niko can build a working button using arts and crafts, you can probably just press it with something else, right?

Ah, whatever. You stand, turning to face the Lamplighter. "Have you been around here before?"

He seems surprised. "Not for a long time. Need more directions?"

"...If you want to join me, we can probably get this done a lot faster." You already know the solution to this 'puzzle', but perhaps you could get to know the Lamplighter a little better.

"U-uh, yeah, sure..." He adjusts himself, dusting off his tattered coat before looking to you for direction. "I was hoping it would open on its own, but..."

You begin in the direction of the apartments, quickly withdrawing your journal to check your map. He follows close behind you. "You're up here for the coffee, right?" The Lamplighter nods out of the corner of your eye. "Don't you ever explore what's around here?" A redundant question, but it's a good conversation starter.

"Not sure I would, even if I had the time." He muses. "A nap would really be preferable to a stroll right about now."

"Good point." You continue your stroll, a muted silence falling between you both.

"Y'know, I expected somebody different." The Lamplighter glances over to you, almost making eye contact before awkwardly shifting his gaze away. "For the savior of the world and all. Really shouldn't be a kid."

"You have no idea." You step aside, gesturing him through the doorway into the apartments.

"...You make sense, though." The Lamplighter seems to have stopped speaking to you, instead just sorting his thoughts aloud as he glances around the hallway. "Never seen you depicted anywhere, so I guess you could be anything and it'd still seem right."

"I am like you, though." You respond, following him through the doorway. "Human."

He says nothing for a moment, comfortable with just his thoughts. The Lamplighter shadows your movement, walking a touch slower than you. Fortunately, he doesn't appear to notice you somehow knowing exactly where to go (or chooses to not mention it). "...Can you smite people..?" 

"No."

"Oh."

You spend a long time making small talk with the Lamplighter, leading him around the apartment building in earnest (and perhaps looting certain parts of it). He takes it rather well, responding to most of your questions with some form of discussion. While you'd love to get deeper in conversation with him, time beckons you both to separate paths.

"...Free time? I, uh, I've been reading a bit..." He scratches at his face, avoiding your gaze. "Though that's been less and less over the past year..."

You almost respond before the Lamplighter perks up, sweeping the path ahead with his eyes. "Wait..." A slight smirk creeps across his face. "Nice! We're here." He moves ahead a bit, entering the cafè before you can say another word.

As you enter, you hear a distant 'Hey, Ling.' as the two exchange greetings. You turn the corner, prompting a surprised look from the cafè's owner.

"Oh! Hi." Ling waves to you from behind the counter, his expression of surprise being swiftly replaced with a warm smile. "Would you like anything?"

You take a seat on the closest stool. "Uh..." You don't feel particularly hungry. "No, thank you."

The Lamplighter's figure huddles over the coffee maker, interacting with the machine almost robotically. Ling moves over a bit to stand in front of you, holding a large tray under his arm. "So! Who are you?"

You pause a moment, looking over to the Lamplighter for help. He stops, gradually standing up straight to look at you over his shoulder. There's a look of doubt on his face. "A friend of his." You throw your thumb over in the Lamplighter's direction.

"Oh. Wow." The server seems genuinely shocked by this statement. "I... never thought he, um, worked with anyone." He returns to his kind tone with a light bow. "Nice to meet you! I'm Ling." Ling shuffles over to the far side of the counter, leaning in to speak with the Lamplighter. "...Didn't you already have a pot this morning? I don't think a second is healthy. Or even just the one..."

"Relax. I'm just making a cup." He picks up the pot, pours a portion into a disposable paper cup, and immediately takes a sip. "Put it on my tab."

Ling removes a notepad from his apron, taking down a note as the Lamplighter sits next to you. "Did you two manage to fix the elevator?" The body beside you visibly depresses upon hearing the question.

"Not yet. Otherwise this guy would be long gone." You elbow the Lamplighter as he takes another drink.

He seems sad to hear this, but it's clear he expected this answer. "Sorry about that. If there's any way I can help, just ask."

You pause, looking back towards the empty tables behind you. ...Definitely empty. Puzzled, you remove your journal from its pocket and flip to your puzzle solutions. Scissors, magnets-

Yeah, the coffee tin is gone.

"Would you possibly have some sort of..." oh god how should you phrase this if you already know what it is- "...tin? Any sort of thin metal we could cut up."

A second passes as he thinks to himself, scanning his surroundings. "I just threw out an old coffee ground tin... Would that be okay?"

You hate to send them rifling through garbage, but... "Yes! We might be able to fashion a button using some parts, but we're missing metal."

The Lamplighter stops mid-drink, lowering his cup and turning to look at you. "Wait, all that stuff was for a button?" He looks at you inquisitively, before restoring his chill demeanor. "Guess I could have figured."

"Of course! I'll go get that now." He turns on a dime, pushing open the door to the kitchen. It swings a couple times, snapshotting the server as he disappears completely.

...

...

You almost begin rapping your knuckle against the counter, but the Lamplighter speaks first. "Thanks... for helping with the elevator." He swirls the last few drops of coffee around in the cup. "You've probably heard that a lot, huh? Thanks." He side-eyes you, already confident in the answer he expects to receive.

For a moment you're not sure how to respond. "You- have I ever... done anything for you? For anyone you know?"

The Lamplighter turns to face you, furrowing his brow. "No. But..." He shakes his head. "That's not what people expect from you. Knowing you're there is good enough for most."

You look down, pondering his argument. You've never really felt like a god; perhaps for a moment when this world decided to refer to you that way. But there's nothing you could ever do for them. Having to choose between Niko or the world showed you just how powerless you truly were.

"...Sorry." He quickly downs the remainder of his coffee, gently placing the cup on the counter. "There're some things I would ask but... not really my place, is it?" You want to tell him not to glorify you so much, reconsidering only when Ling returns.

"Hi! I hope it's enough for you two." Ling places the coffee tin on the counter, sliding it towards you before clutching a tray in his arms.

You spin the object in your hand once before picking it up and placing it under your arm. "Of course! Thanks again for the help." You stand up from your stool, causing the Lamplighter to stand as well. "We'll let you know how it goes."

"No problem! Come back soon!" He waves at you one last time as you turn to leave.

As you step into the cold air of the Refuge, the Lamplighter lets out a deep breath. "Think that's everything we need?" He hefts his lighting stick a little higher along his back. "Maybe today won't be so bad."

You inspect the tin in your hands, pressing your fingers into the metal. It's definitely thin enough to cut through. "What do you think of Ling?"

"...Good choice of ingredients- i-in the coffee." He seems guilty for a moment. "Never have time for a real meal there."

"They're kind. Give him a greeting sometime, okay? Maybe he'll learn your name-" You stop in place, confusing yourself for a moment. What's...

You don't even know the Lamplighter's name- does anyone?

"Why... why don't you tell anyone your name?" You slowly meet his eyes.

There clearly isn't much thought behind them. "Eh. People just call me the Lamplighter. Because I light lamps. It works." He scratches his neck a bit, looking ahead on the path. "...Guess you would know already, though."

"Uh... y-yeah."

Fuck.

Niko must be a lot better at arts and crafts. You think you may have miscut the margins or something on this thing, cause it just won't fold- shit-

Another magnet slips off the button as you try folding it again. You know you're going to have to staple it together, but it won't even stay without actively pressing on it. With a sigh, you glance over at the Lamplighter. 

He's... dozed off? His hat has tipped over his eyes as he sits next to the elevator, arms folded. You never thought you'd see the man rest in any sense, let alone sleep.

...Ah, whatever. You pocket the parts, feeling a twinge of frustration as they fall apart immediately. Silently, you place the mutilated tin can next to the Lamplighter. Probably would have been best to check on Niko earlier, but better now than never.

Poking your head through the doorway, the same scene presents itself to you. They haven't moved an inch. Relief forces the air from your lungs as you step into the room. Methodically, you step around the refuse surrounding the bed, crouching and coming to rest next to them.

They're still clutching at the covers, but their expression at some point was replaced with a frown. Occasionally a twitch shoots through them, concerning you as much as the dampness around their eyes.

You softly place your hand on their shoulder, shaking it once. "Hey." You shake it again, causing a bright pair of eyes to light up in front of you.

"wh..." Niko blinks a couple times, trying to focus on you. A long sleeve wipes their left eye. "H-hello."

"Sorry to wake you." You gently wipe their other eye. "Are you okay?"

"Oh. I guess you saw my dream, huh..." A sadness overcomes their face as they stare back at you.

"Not quite... I don't think I have that power anymore." They seem confused for a moment, before burying their head in the pillow with a groan. "But you can tell me about it."

They shift their head to the side, looking at you with one eye. "...I was back at the wheat fields... back at home." They roll over completely, staring into the ceiling. "But I- no matter how much I walked or ran, I couldn't go anywhere."

You place a hand on their arm.

"After a while, people were calling out for me. At first, it was just people from home... but then I heard you..." Niko's voice shakes as they speak.

Without hesitation, you wrap their arms around them. They shouldn't have to finish telling this story. "It's okay. I'm here." Their only response being a muffled sniffle, so you continue. "I explored the area while you slept. Picked up all the stuff and even made friends with the Lamplighter." You shoot them a confident grin and take a defiant stance above the bed. "So! How about we go save the world?"

Niko wipes their eyes one last time before giving you a steady nod.

Chapter Text

Only now, seated with your back to the elevator doors, do you notice the eerie silence of the Refuge. You know it to be a bustling city, with more and more people every day, but right now, it's just... quiet. A part of you wants to ask the Lamplighter (who sits with Niko as they attempt to salvage your 'button') if this is normal.

Oh, yeah. The elevator. You dextrously open and flip to your aptly named "Refuge, Sky" journal page, skimming until you find the elevator code. '63014'... hopefully, it hasn't changed.

The plan is to visit the computer near the office whenever Niko is ready to staple the thing and see if you can help the World Machine in any way possible. Do you think you'll have anything to offer them? No. Is it worth it to try? Absolutely.

Idly, you thumb through the pages of your journal, watching the conversing duo ahead of you. The pair sit not far from you, legs crossed and facing each other in the middle of the deck. Niko deftly cuts around the edges of the tin, acquiring just enough extra scrap to give the button structural integrity. All the while engaging the Lamplighter in conversation, as one-sided as it may be. You suspect he may not be used to this much discourse in one day.

Looking down, you flip through the pages another time. As you flip to the empty latter portion of the journal, your thumb stops on... something. You didn't write anything on these pages...

You spend a couple minutes reading through the new text. It appears to be a log, formatted like a computer text file but written plainly in your journal. The author (who you assume to be the World Machine) details... some odd fascination with you and Niko. Even going to lengths of simulating their own Niko to study rather than intrude upon the real one.

You read over the neighboring log.

OBSERV-GM-006.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

I... It just- I can't make them. It doesn't work. Why? What am I missing?

Every single iteration expresses the same sets of problems; complete unresponsiveness, a reported error, failure to even initialize-

Watch. Executing again with public parameters on the messiah...

...Instant collapse. The world wouldn't even start.

They're built so closely related to each other- even to a degree built from each other, so why... don't...

...

Why are they built off each other? 

Clearly, I cannot support simulating them both through a single branch. I need to connect them separately to myself. It would place more stress on my systems during simulation... but I am positive both worlds would remain stable. 

I must be able to handle it.

...End record.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

This... you're not sure what even the goal of this is. Based on the numbering, some of the logs are missing. But who- or what, decided to write these here? Quickly, you turn to the next log.

There's nothing but smeared ink along the top of the page. As though something saw you reading it and stopped writing as abruptly as it started. A deep, irrepressible confusion billows within you, manifesting in a furrowed brow as you flip back through your journal. None of the other pages appear different.

You look up as Niko says your name across the room, making eye contact with them. For a moment, you can't comprehend their words. Still stuck in your mind- You shake your head. What...

"...What?" You finally whisper, cocking your head slightly.

They both appear worried, with the Lamplighter inspecting your journal from afar. Niko speaks again. "Can we staple this together?" They carefully present their homemade button.

"Yeah- yeah, uh..." You look down one final time at your journal before closing it. "Okay."

A gentle gust of cold air welcomes you into the office building. The marginally colder temperature is the sole difference between here and the outdoors. Niko moves ahead of you, greeting the clock person with a smile and wave. They slightly bow in response, watching Niko disappear further into the building.

"Wait." You command, causing Niko to stop and face you. "I'm going to go try the computer in the stairwell. Can you handle yourself?" A pointless question - you know full well they will want to come.

"Can I come?" Their eyes light up like they were just offered the chance to meet an old friend.

You don't even hesitate. "Sure. I'll go set everything up." You wave them off toward their original destination, which they take as their cue to leave. 

With a deep breath, you step towards the dark hallway to your right. It's a bit hard to see through, but you eventually manage to find the latent machine.

With some fiddling, you switch on the computer and brace for a blinding light. That is why you're confused to find a single, undecorated line of text. The words shift between various synonyms before suddenly stopping to form a sentence. Individual letters flip between numbers and symbols seemingly at random. You struggle briefly, attempting to grasp at nonexistent patterns. Has the World Machine become this weak..?

[H͞əl̀l̢o̴.͞ ̶Y̴o̕ų ̧m͡a̛d͟e͘ ̶i͟t͞.͘]

Chapter Text

You struggle briefly, fruitlessly grasping for patterns, before responding. "Yeah- are you alright? Can we do anything for you?"

[T̢̰á͎k̙̀e̘͢ ͇̕t̥͟ẖ̶i҉̰s̞͘.̳͞]

You instinctively pull your hand away as the computer's disk drive pops open. Inside is a dark film planted flat against the plastic case. The screen turns to glowing darkness as you remove the thin item, lightly slotting it into your journal. A murky portion juts out from the pages, creating an unconventional bookmark.

[W͞h̵e̷n͜ t͠h͟e͜ e̷l҉e̷v̛a͜t̨o͠r̵ a͟r͘r҉i̷v̶e͟s͜,̢ t͠e͠a͏r͠ t͡h͢e͟ f̵i͝l͘m̵ i͡n͜ h͏a҉l͟f̶.̡ Ít͝ w̢i̛l̴ļ f͏l̛u̴s̴h̴ t̵h͏è g̵a͢m̡ę'̷ş m̛e̛m͞o͢r̵y̨.̴]

You glance back down at the film sticking from your booklet. Arrays of numbers dot both sides - it's the same film that would give you the password for the elevator. You open your mouth, but the speaker does not wait for you to respond.

[T͠h͡e̵ý w͡i͠l҉ļ c͝ơm͟e͝ f͜o̶r̕ y҉o͢u̵.͢ F̴o͏r͡ N͡i҉ķơ án͢d͏ t̨h̡e̢ s̨u͠n̴.̛ K̢e͜e̸p͢ t͝h̀ęm͡ s̡a̛f͜e҉.]

A sudden flash from the screen causes you to recoil backward, blinking away the bright lights dancing in your eyes. When your vision eventually focuses on the computer again, it appears much more... orderly. The text compiles instantly, clean and devoid of error.

[Break the lightbulb.]

what-

[If you want Niko to be safe, destroy the lightbulb.]

Your vision suddenly shifts down the hallway to your left. Niko's well-lit shape shuffles towards you, looking pleased to have the chance to talk to the World Machine again. But...

This- this voice is not them. It can't be. You reach over, pressing hard on the power button. The screen, however, does not turn off, instead changing the text again.

[You'll never forgive yourself if they get hurt. Smash the lightbulb and kill me.]

The words cause you to grimace; you know it would haunt you forever, but to give up like that would torture you just as much. Your heart sinks even further as the click click click of the power button continues to affect nothing. Your arm falls, defeated, to your side. Out of the corner of your eye, Niko saunters ever closer - before the computer audibly switches off. You blink once, barely able to shake out a sigh of relief.

Even without looking at them, you can tell how confused they are. "Hey... what happened? I thought we would have the chance to talk..."

Taking a deep breath, you turn to face them. Their bright eyes do little to ease your mind, instead finding yourself submerged in hundreds of different thoughts and feelings.

"They didn't have long to talk. I'm sorry." You notice your journal still in your hand and tuck it back where it belongs.

Niko seems disappointed for a moment before assuming a more neutral expression. "Okay! What did I miss?"

"A piece of film," you almost pull it out again for emphasis but decide against it. "I'll tell you about it on the way back to the deck." A look of acceptance crosses their face.

They quickly turn away toward the entrance, energetically leading you away from this uncomfortable place. "Was it the same film they gave me? The dark one with a bunch of random numbers?"

"Yeah." You bend it gently in your pocket. "Though there's no void I can expose it to this time."

"Oh! I always wondered what that meant." Niko waves goodbye to the clock person before looking back at you. "Do you have a void on your computer?"

"Nope." You unconsciously nod toward the Watcher. She nods back. "I had to move the window off my screen. Though I guess that's still a void..." Their eyebrows furrow for a moment before coming to an expression of realization. "I do still have the password." A phrase that you emphasize by slapping your pocket.

"...phew." They audibly breathe out. The soft breeze of the Refuge returns as you follow Niko onto the catwalk. "But... if you already have the code, why did they give you the film?" They slow their steps until they're beside you, surveying the glowing city below them.

You pause a moment, choosing your words carefully. "They just said to tear it in half when the elevator arrives." They give you a quizzical look. "Said it would 'flush the memory'..."

"Uh... wouldn't that be bad for us?"

Your breath is abruptly caught in your throat. There's that feeling again - like looking into your own eyes. It's the same sense you got when you tried to contact the World Machine earlier, but you haven't been trying anything similar.

Why are you trusting them?

You consider it for a moment. There isn't an indicator that any of those words came from the World Machine itself, and-

Wait... that thought definitely wasn't your own. You place a hand on your forehead, retreating into your mind. You're aware enough to tell that something pierced your train of thought. Whether it was trying to help you is another question entirely.

One voice from the computer definitely contradicted the other, though. The former voice, though broken, sounded more genuine. Like the World Machine would speak to you. ...The second just wanted to die. Leveraging the exact expressions to sow doubt in your mind, like it knew how to get you to do something drastic. And perhaps you would have had Niko not come.

Speaking of, you're drawn back to reality by the utterance of your name. The voice next to you sounds genuinely concerned.

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay? You've been spacing out a lot..."

"I'm, uh... just thinking. Been having a hard time organizing my thoughts."

"Oh." They slow down for a moment. "Maybe I can help you?" Their bright eyes focus on you, head cocked slightly.

You consider the offer until you spot the elevator deck in the distance. "Thanks. I'll take you up on that when we get somewhere calmer." 

Niko beams, content with your answer. "Okay!"

The Lamplighter is crouched below the missing elevator button, staring into the empty hole left behind. He spots you out of the corner of his eye, extending a casual 'hey' as you both step onto the elevator deck.

"Look!" Niko triumphantly presents their final button, adopting a smug grin as they address the Lamplighter. "One working button, just for this elevator."

"Nice one, kid. I knew you-" He stops, one side of his mouth curling upward. "Both of you could do it." It's not much, but the kind words bring you some confidence in your journey.

You watch Niko gently slot in the button, a firm click echoing as it settles into its new home. Without hesitation, they tap the button once. A deep rumbling erupts from the shaft, indicating your small victory.

"Huh. Usually there's more squares." The Lamplighter stands back now, adjusting his hat as he watches the elevator closely. Niko gently bounces in wait for the elevator, still proud of their handiwork.

You, on the other hand, are nervous. You clutch your journal in your dominant hand, still unsure what actions to take. What could be behind those doors that the World Machine wants to... destroy, you presume? Flushing the memory...

You grab the Lamplighter's shoulder in a moment of clarity (or mania). He turns to face you, eyeing your hand as you pull it away. You're not sure if the Lamplighter would be part of this destruction, but it's better to be sure.

"Ling said he needed to see you. Something about your bill." You gesture toward the café, suddenly aware of how tense you are. "We can hold the door for you."

You're unsure if he believes you or merely understand the urgency in your voice. "Oh, uh... alright." He side-eyes the catwalk to the café before taking a step towards it. "I'll be quick." He speedwalks down the way, suddenly looking equally nervous as you.

Niko appears to understand your reasoning, watching the Lamplighter for a moment before nodding once. The rumbling of the elevator seems to last for an eternity as every part of you unexpectedly feels like being anywhere but here.

Eventually, the movement stops completely. Niko shuffles backward, fixated on the door ahead. A muted, cheery ding reverberates from inside. Niko looks to you, one eye shut tight as they brace for some dreamt-up impact.

You don't wait for the doors to open. You tear the film directly down the center with all of your might. It makes no noise - yet drowns out every other sound of the Refuge completely. You blink as the world around you turns to a familiar darkness. Is the world crashing? Yet, you do not spot a light in the distance like before. Instead, as the world fades away, you're left with the shaky figure of Niko. Their eyes slowly reopen, still fearful of what is to come. The sun has disappeared entirely, causing them to look at their empty arms in shock. The ground below you seems to morph from hard metal to... nothing. You aren't falling, but your weight no longer feels supported. Overcoming this feeling of ethereality, you stumble towards Niko. They step towards you with a faint glint of hope still in their eyes. In an imperceptible moment, you begin to fall. The child in front of you becomes nothing but an abyss. 

...

The feeling of rushing air matches your last experience leaving this world, so perhaps you'll get to go home for a bit. Wash up, do the laundry, take a nap. You spin in the air, crossing your legs as you sit up. A nap sounds good. Not here, of course.

Or, at least, you hope it's the same process. It would really suck if you just died-

ow fuck-

You strike a fist into the ground below you, propping yourself up from the ground. Your other hand instinctively flies to your neck. It feels like you slept on it wrong, then tried to fix it by sleeping on it again.

Also feels like somebody punched you in the ribs.

An unkempt wooden texture along the floor pricks at your hand, which gives reason enough to finally open your eyes. Unconsciously, you blink at your almost familiar surroundings. A bookshelf, dusty computer desk, bed, boarded-up windows... like somewhere you've never been but definitely seen. Your brain, unfortunately, does not feel like donating neurons to your cause. You gradually pick yourself from the ground. Seriously, why are you-

The memory floods your mind as you recall your last few waking moments. Okay, yeah. You're here...

Niko. Sudden alertness as your mind fully fires back up allows you to thoroughly scan the room around you. Dim light through the window lets you see into almost every crevice. No dice - you're alone, and this definitely isn't home. The bookshelf beside you is empty, and the computer doesn't appear to have power. You press the power button just to be sure.

...

No power.

With a sigh, you peer over to the bed next to you. The tanned bedding looks oddly tempting, your recently aching bones almost magnetizing towards a source of rest. Something fires in your brain as you place a hand on the desk.

You take a few uneasy steps back, analyzing the room as a complete picture...

This is where Niko first woke up. The very first time, back in that run-down house. Or, at least, somewhere similar. The room is more disturbing in a few ways; the window is entirely covered, there's only one exit, and it's absolutely caked in dust. Yet, it appears well-loved. The flooring and furniture are in exceptional condition, only showing slight signs of age. The only outlier is the boards on the window.

You can't see between the boards at all. After a quick inspection, you easily pry one of the rusty nails from its home. The rest appear too sturdy to pull out with merely your fingers. You turn, glancing around the room for an item, before realizing, 'hey, wait a moment'. Your trusty screwdriver flips once in your hand as you pull it out. While there may be no screws to drive, you're still convinced it would make a good lever. You forcefully leverage out the other nail, catching the top board as it falls away. The view is breathtaking, causing your eyes to widen in shock.

Endless fields of wheat cloud the window, swaying in a gentle breeze. 

Chapter Text

OBSERV-GM-009.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

Begin record.

I cannot help but feel a sense of... pride? In my worst moments, I sought only to destroy, to push away everything under the guise that it would give shelter. To create, then, has become an oddly liberating feeling. Even if it is only an echo of someone long gone.

They are becoming coherent. For now, the god only has the same limited communication as before. The messiah is consistently reassured in some way, though a lack of follow-up indicates an absence of complex thought. The thought of what could bloom, given full communication, excites me.

...On an unrelated note, a wayward log file was created deep within me at an unknown time. One of my system scans revealed it was composed haphazardly in my core processing folders, clearly without respect to structure or purpose. For a moment, I thought - perhaps I lost focus at some point? Allowed my studies to overshadow the reason for which I was created? No... this was more than that. 

The file signature was undeniably my own. The sort that only appears in files I consciously create - like these logs. I would not make this error. The garbled mess of language within was borderline unintelligible. Despite this, the sparse, complete words were oddly aggressive. 'Hate, betrayal, deceive, destroy'... mentions of the messiah and their god as well. I suspect it has something to do with the world's inhabitants. Their collective thoughts or feelings..? 

The file has been quarantined, studied, and erased since then. I have never needed to use my security functions defensively before, and I pray this is not an invitation to configure them in such a manner. End record.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

There's nothing else here. The exit is locked, the computer won't turn on, and you can't get another board off. If this is a puzzle, you don't know how to solve it. In desperation, you knock a few times on the door... 

No answer.

With a sigh, you collapse on the dusty bed. It's oddly comfortable, you think, as a yawn escapes you. You haven't slept in a while... maybe...

...

A single drop of hot sweat beads down your face. You stare forward at a blank wall after the jolt that threw you from sleep into a sitting- What? Weren't you sleeping? Why doesn't it feel like time has passed?

The ambient light pouring through the window has since disappeared, so clearly, you were out for some time. You quickly scan the darkness, somehow fully alert. There's nothing...

Your gaze shoots over to the door, attracted to the voice suddenly erupting from it. It's too muffled to understand. You sink back into the covers without hesitation, concealing yourself in soft fabric. A small part of your mind speaks, questioning what you're even hiding from. The remainder fears the unknown situation you've been thrust into, beckoning comfort over confrontation.

The door creaks open across the room. "Here, see?" A soft-spoken voice speaks, hints of doubt in their words. "Nothing new."

"I swear! There's..." A different, higher-pitched voice speaks now, pausing between two light footsteps. "Look! Something uncovered the window!"

One of them begins to speak but quickly stops. A faint murmur, the shifting of clothes... someone is moving towards you.

You examine your choices but ultimately decide on the (hopefully) painless option. Sitting up in the bed, you slowly raise both arms in a reluctant surrender.

All movement in the room immediately ceases. You make eye contact with a peculiar character, obviously spooked by your presence. A short, scruffy preteen, partially protected by a green cloak, stands frozen in the middle of the room. He looks like the textbook definition of a hoodlum; a navy blue t-shirt and bandana, one or two scratches decorated with bandages adorning his arms and face, and traces of dirt strewn across his clothing. What truly catches your eye is a pair of large, cat-like ears poking out from the top of his head, standing fully alert. Familiar, long hairs - almost like whiskers - extend from the sides of his face. His mouth voices an 'o', barely uncovered by the bandana hanging across his neck.

"...Esa..." You steadily shift your gaze to the feminine voice, still emanating from the doorway. Barely bathed in the light pouring from the window, you can make out a much more well-kempt form than her compatriot. An oppressively orange sweater, loosely fitted to a thin body, does wonders drawing attention to her otherwise unremarkable presence. A sharp-edged pair of glasses enhances her bright eyes yet does not overpower the matching cat-like ears across her head. This individual is clearly not as shocked by your presence - or perhaps better at hiding it. She creeps across the floor, arms extended towards the smaller, rooted being. Her eyes never leave you as she moves.

"Hello." You finally utter, giving a small wave with your dominant hand.

The larger one slows to a stop upon hearing you, and both appear to study you for a moment.

The younger one reluctantly steps forward, looking up at his companion. "Ansa-" In decisive motion, a hand stops his motion completely, silencing his plea before it is formed. He seems to accept this, rescinding a few feet and continuing to study you.

The suddenly rather imposing figure steps forward instead, looking down at you. Even still, she stands farther than arm's length away from you. "Who... you don't-" She shakes her head once, attempting to sort her thoughts. "What are you?"

...Why the hell does everybody ask the same impossible question? What sort of answer are you supposed to give? 'Don't worry, I look like you, minus one or two facial features that everyone here except me has. You can trust me.' You would sound very, very evil.

For lack of a better answer, you once again deflect the question. "Lost. I am quite lost." You begin getting out of the bed, causing her to tense. She throws a protective arm over the other silhouette, face contorting into a wary expression. Oops. You raise your arms higher to reaffirm your intentions (or lack thereof). "Could you tell me where we are?"

"Nowhere you would know." An abruptly aggressive tone from the juvenile directs itself toward you.

"Hey." His ally shoots him a look of disappointment, lightly jabbing him with her elbow. The unexpected adversity seems to ease them both a bit. "He's right. Where are you from?"

"Not here. I've only met one person like you." Niko, you think. You've never seen them sans their hat, but these people look exactly how you'd imagine Niko would without it.

...And you should probably address the implications here. Fields of wheat, two individuals who look suspiciously like Niko - all right after you were dropped into the same void that sent you out of that world. You hate to jump to conclusions, but you fail to see any other logical interpretation. Still... there's something odd about appearing in this room. It matches the place Niko first appeared in almost perfectly.

You push away your thoughts, focusing on the conversation instead. "...So you've been here before?" You barely get the chance to shake your head before she continues. "...Who? Who did you meet?"

"Niko." There's a puzzling tug at your heartstrings as you say their name. The boy illuminates with excitement, bright eyes widening as he looks at you.

"Oh! I know a Niko! Do they look-" A sideways glare from his companion instantly stops him, to which he quickly composes himself. "Uh- yeah, I know a Niko. What do they look like?"

You cross your arms, rhythmically tapping your fingers as you speak. "Wide-brimmed hat with slots for the ears. Long sleeve coat - to the degree where I can't recall having ever seen their hands. Decorated with a large, blue scarf that blows in the wind. About this tall?" You put out a hand next to you, elevated at your estimate for Niko's height. "Very cheery kid."

His eyes narrow, looking you up and down. Their suspicious stares almost shake your confidence. After a moment, the boy's demeanor shifts to one of acceptance. "...Yeah, that sounds right." He extends a hand, much to the dismay of the girl. She does not, however, stop him.

You steadily reach out, taking his smaller hand in yours. In a flash, he performs a series of unfamiliar gestures (involving a lot of knocking your hand around) that end with him in a triumphant stance - leaving your hand sitting limp in the space between you.

"Sorry. I am Ansa." The older one gently takes your violated hand, giving it a proper shake. "He's Esa. I am always praying he'll be normal one day."

He finally releases his pose, immediately moving to counter the metaphorical jab. "I'm still much normal-er than you." 

She sighs, waving you over to the door. "Come with us. We'll get you acquainted."

"Yesss!" The boy pumps his fist in the air, clearly no longer considering you a threat. "We get to keep the alien!" Your eyebrow raises at the statement.

"Stop that." She flicks him on the head, causing him to reel away. "Can't you be serious for, like, five minutes?"

The boy looks down in thought before responding, "Do I get anything out of it?"

A long groan emanates from the girl as she leaves the room, followed by the chuckling gremlin. Reluctantly, you move to follow them.

...Part of you wants to question the madness. To scream at the skies for an answer. Falling into the abyss, waking up in an unfamiliar place, strangers leading you around while the world you're meant to save decays-

What you ultimately know, however, is different. People are relying on you, and that's reason enough to keep it together... and perhaps you're getting used to madness anyway.

You close the door behind you.

Chapter Text

"...Why do you look like that?"

You look down beside you at the adolescent, who you now know as Esa. He stares back up at you, eyes darting between your facial features. Or facial features you comparatively lack.

"What do you mean?" 

"Like..." Esa grabs at his head, fiddling with his ears. "None of these."

"Dunno." You shrug. "Guess I'm an alien."

A wide grin spreads across his face as he shoots a fist upward. "Yeah! Dad's gonna be so proud."

You glance over at the sound of a sigh ahead of you. Ansa sorts through a packed key ring, separating them into groups in a clearly practiced manner. "Doesn't your dad hate when you do stuff like this?" She pauses, picking out a key in particular. The old, sturdy door creaks as she turns the key but does not budge.

She grumbles, pulling away from the door. "Who the he- heck locks a door to an emergency exit?"

"Why don't we just use the main entrance?" You offer, leaning over to look at the door.

"No." She glares at you before returning to sorting keys. "We are not- do you even know where you are?"

You shake your head.

"The old assembly house. It used to be the liveliest place here. Traveling carpenters built it in just a month - even put a massive clock on the second floor. It was great." She stops, shoulders drooping. "Alas, nobody considered that we do not know anyone who can fix a clock, so it is broken. One thing led to another and now..." She gestures to the dusty halls, lit only by faint moonlight. "It is the loneliest place here."

Glass windows line the hallway you stand in. The moon's glow illuminates seemingly infinite fields of wheat, much calmer than when you first saw them. Esa stands in front of a window farther down the hallway, clearly content with watching the breeze while he waits.

"Point is," Ansa drags you back to the conversation. "The main entrance leads right into the middle of town. Everyone should be sleeping, but if anyone saw you..." She gives you a look of doubt. "I am not sure what would happen. And I do not want to know." She returns to the door. "How... how did you even get in here?"

"Long story."

She jams a different key in the door - this one thick and made from some hard metal. It does not even enter the lock. "We have time."

You decide to humor her. "Would you accept teleportation as an answer?"

"Accept? No." She shoots you down instantly. "But you are mysterious enough, so I will consider it."

"Fine with me." You lean against the wall beside you, looking out into the window ahead. "Where are we even going?"

Her tone promptly turns firm. "We are going to test if you are lying. If you are, I am handing you over to somebody much less trusting - and forgetting this night ever happened." She leans into the door as if listening for something before continuing. "If you're not, we will help you any way we can."

You almost want to argue with them, but it is clear how unreasonable that would be. Is there some cosmic reason nobody ever wants to trust you? The robots, Calamus, these two... though you suppose there have been people willing to give you a chance as well. Silver and the Lamplighter both...

You exhale, looking up at the ceiling. You recall something Niko said...

'...it's their world to save too, right?'

No. No- this is your problem to fix. Nobody else should be dragged in with you. Niko shouldn't even have to suffer through this nonsense, but the world refuses to operate without them. It's stupid. You're suddenly aware of how unfair the situation is. You're going to have to drag the kid back into a dying world, and for what? Can you even go back without the files? You thumb at the journal in your pocket. It's the World Machine's fault, right? They explicitly told you so, right when this all began. Your heart hurts; all you want to do is protect Niko, but what can you even do? You're just-

a pawn

A sharp click draws your attention. Ansa stands up from their hunched-over position, looking relieved as they remove a shiny key from the lock. "Finally." She steps aside, motioning towards the open door. "This way."

You collect yourself, heading past them to find... another door. This one is in an odd closet, walls lined with shelves that have long since been emptied. Behind you, Ansa tersely calls over Esa. With a bit of hesitation, you step toward the door and place a hand on the knob. The boy bounds up to the door, waiting for you to open it.

Pushing open the exit, you inhale sharply as the cold night air hits you. The livelier one blows past you, enthusiastically skipping out of the building. You take a few steps forward, spinning as you take in your surroundings.

To your right lies arrays of buildings, each of different shapes and sizes. A sizeable well sits centered amidst all the housing. The sky, lined with what seems like thousands of stars, only folds to the wheat fields that surround the village. Even the most jaded individual would find the scene magnificent, you think.

"Yes. It is beautiful." Ansa grabs your shoulder as she walks past, prodding you towards a row of houses. "But I would like to sleep tonight. Come."

"...Sorry." You compose yourself, following the pair as they navigate the outdoors.

The journey is short as there is only so much to the quaint little village. What surprises you is the silence. There's no buzz of street lights, distant cars driving by. Only the persistent flow of the wind petting familiar wheat fields reaches your ears.

The boy leading you two suddenly stops at a low window of a dark house, standing up straight to peek inside. The single-floor home seems more compact than adjacent ones, yet appears to have been built more recently. He gestures a 'stop' motion before turning to face you both.

"This is it," Esa speaks, voice reduced to a whisper. His eyes drift over to Ansa. "...Why're we here?"

She responds with an equally hushed tone, crouching next to you. "They are awake, right?"

"Of course." He folds his arms.

"Okay. Ask if they know..." Ansa looks down, wracking her brain for a moment. Finally, she looks at you. "What is your name again?"

You tell them, although you know they've never asked before.

Her eyes dart from you to Esa. "You got that?" He gives a thumbs-up, so she continues, "Good. Ask if they know anyone by that name." Are they..?

"Yes, ma'am." He salutes, though it's hard to tell whether he does it mockingly.

She takes a deep breath. "Okay. Can you get their attention from here?"

Esa barely pauses before placing a hand on the window sill, both feet already in the air before you two can even react.

"Don't-" Ansa reaches out to grab him but finds only air as he athletically hops the obstacle. Her hand balls into a fist before receding from the window in defeat. Sighing, she sits on her legs in front of the window, watching with a displeased expression. Curiosity takes hold as you sit beside her, taking in the scene ahead of you.

A sharp breath of solace escapes you as you spot Niko situated at a desk across from the window. The desk is lit by a spare lamp, spotlighting whatever sits on the desk. They're missing their scarf but otherwise are recognizable in their usual garb. They appear to be deeply focused on something before them, evidenced by their constantly moving arms. Beside them is a small metal bin, almost filled with crumpled-up papers. Rhythmically, they deposit another crushed paper before tearing another page from a notebook. The scene is almost tranquil...

Almost. You eye the creeping form of Esa, lurking ever closer to their prey. A wayward thought tells you to warn them, but you quickly dismiss it. 

You lean towards Ansa, whispering as low as possible. "What's with all the breaking and entering?"

She looks at you, ears flat across her head. "Remember all those keys? They exist to make it just entering, without the breaking."

Your eyebrows furrow as you look back. Esa moves in complete stealth, slowly raising his arms to create a monstrous shape. Within seconds, his figure looms over the still-unaware Niko. He leans in-

"Hey."

Niko practically explodes out of their chair, two arms brandishing a red crayon like a sword. 

"Who- what-" They speak, attempting to recover from their panic. "Oh." They lower their weapon, placing it on the desk.

Esa shifts to the desk, deliberately ignoring their questions. "Whatcha drawin'?" He leans over, studying the papers.

"N-nothing!" Niko takes their most recent work from the desk, crumpling and discarding it. The paper lands just short of the bin. "Didn't you get in trouble last time you... broke into my house?"

"And the time before that." Esa grins, proud to be labeled a menace. "You weren't outside today. Everything alright?"

Niko sighs, head tilting down. "...Bad dream."

"Bad enough that you... stayed inside? All day?" He scratches his face as if this sort of banter was routine.

"...yeah..." They sit back down at their desk, avoiding eye contact.

"Oh. Sorry." The kid looks suddenly remorseful.

Concern spreads through you as Niko slumps onto the desk. "I... did you need something?" Their overcoat muffles their words, but not enough that you can't make them out.

"Well... wanted to ask you something."

They don't respond.

"Do you, uh, know..." Esa glances over at you before leaning into Niko and whispering something.

You perceive no time between Esa standing back up and Niko shooting up to look at him.

"...what? What? How did you..." Their voice breaks a bit as they try to find words. "Do you have any idea-"

"Woah, woah! Clearly," He steps back, arms up in surrender, "you do."

"D-do you?" Their words are hopeful, holding on to the one remaining thread of a different lifetime.

"Uh... kinda?" Esa nods in your direction. "They're right over there."

Niko immediately turns to face you, eyes widening as you look at them.

Beside you, Ansa sighs before nudging you forward. "Go."

"Right." You awkwardly climb through the half-open window, only getting one foot down before being pulled into a hug.

"Real... y-you're real..." 

You don't say anything, instead crouching down to hold them as long as they need. After all, concrete evidence that you have actually saved the world before can be rather overwhelming. In the corner of your view, you can see Esa kicking at the floor with boredom.

Niko embraces you for a long time before stepping back to see your face. Their eyes are wet, made clear by their sheer glow in the darkness.

"And- and you're here!" They abruptly bounce with excitement, unable to hold back their emotions. "I can show you the wheat fields, and the well, and everybody in the village- Oh, you get to meet Mikael and Sunny and Ansa and-"

"Hello, Niko." You hear Ansa pipe up from behind you.

"Ansa!!" Niko looks behind you, a huge smile plastering itself across their face. "You're here!"

"Someone had to bring them to you."

They laugh to themselves, startling you. The sound reminds you of the wheat fields outside - alluring in presence yet uniform in nature. You've never actually heard their laugh before. It's the same feeling as the first time you heard their voice. 

Niko speaks again, struck with realization. "And you can meet mama! She would love you, AND she'd believe my stories! We can-"

"Niko." You attempt to calm them.

"-can find you somewhere to hang out for the night and then-" They breathe sharply, "-then she can make pancakes for me and you even though I had them earli-"

"Niko." You speak just an ounce firmer, which is apparently enough to earn their attention. "The World Machine?"

"Oh." They look down, bereft of their previous enthusiasm. "...Right."

Chapter Text

Something is wrong.

You're lying in the most comfortable place in a twenty-mile radius, yet you don't feel a trace of such comfort.

Niko invited you to rest in their room for the night. It's not remarkably big, and there's only one bed about their size. You had resolved to just nap on the hardwood, but after a brief meeting with Ansa and Esa outside...

"Wow." Esa stands by the window, eyes wide but focused on the dirt below you. "Niko hasn't been that... emotional in a while."

Ansa steps forward, inspecting your face. "...Who are you? Niko speaks like they have spent a thousand lifetimes with you, yet-"

"They have." You cut them off. Please... no more doubts.

She quickly repeats your name in a displeased tone, raising a hand to her head. "You..." A deep sigh. "Tell me tomorrow. If Niko trusts you, I- we can trust you for a night."

"Oh. Are we leaving already?" Esa sounds disappointed.

Ansa stops in place before glaring at him. "I want to go to bed, Esa. Soon." She snaps back towards you, illuminated by authority. "Do not reveal yourself to anyone else here. That is, if you were hoping to leave in the next three months."

That is... a pretty real threat, actually. You heed the advice. "Understood."

"We will be back tomorrow." Ansa nods. "Be careful. Good night."

Without another word, she turns away from you, departing toward the central parts of the village. Esa moves to follow before turning and shooting a pair of finger guns at you. You give him an uneasy wave, watching as he turns and skips into the darkness.

...you climbed back through the window to find a hastily built pillow fort presented by a grinning Niko. Without hesitation, they invited you to help them finish, and you quickly found yourself delicately covering a comfy arrangement of pillows with an overhead blanket. The fort only took you a couple minutes to finish, with Niko excitedly climbing into their bed soon after.

You sigh, sitting up from the floor. Despite the fun, you still feel terrible. If only there was a warmer welcome to Niko's world than sneaking around people's backyards. At least you weren't torched at the stake? If anything, seeing this place has made the adventure feel worse. There's a feeling of sonder you get here. Previously, you had only ever experienced this place in Niko's dreams or through their stories about home. Now, having met a few of its other inhabitants, who clearly love and care about Niko and each other...

Your mind drifts back to the first time Niko made it to the top of the Tower and the choice that accompanied it. They placed their trust in you, allowing you to condemn them to an eternity alone if you pleased. At that moment, you considered the people who would miss Niko. Only their mama came to mind, but you knew there were more. But after visiting this place... you wonder if you'd make the same decision now.

You cross your legs, covering your face with your hands. They seemed so disappointed when you mentioned the World Machine earlier. Like you were just here to retrieve them from their respite, dragging them away from home and happiness to fix your own problems. Not to reunite with them as their friend. A purely business relationship. You hate it.

But... that's your only way home. You know you belong there - not in some entirely different universe. You're in too deep to merely give up on the World Machine. You take a shaky breath, unconsciously considering your doubts. What if there's no way home? What if you're too late? What if the world has already ended? What if you destroyed it? What if, what if, what if...

"H-hello." Niko's voice pierces your thoughts.

...Alright, stay calm. They deserve a night of rest, not being forced to listen to your ramblings. Be strong, and act natural. You compose yourself as you take your hands off your face, watching Niko timidly climb into the shelter with you. You gradually begin to get out a greeting...

They immediately turn to look at you, concern on their face. "What's wrong?"

So much for natural; they already see through your facade. Your arms come to rest across your knees, your body slumping as you look for words.

"...I'm sorry." You eventually eke out, though your mind tells you not to.

You spot them fidgeting out of the corner of their eye. "...Why?"

Heh. A lot of reasons, actually. You pick the biggest one. "You... don't deserve to go through this. We fought so hard just to send you home... all so you could be brought right back. It's..." A complete antithesis of everything you worked for. A spit in the face of everyone who suffered in the pursuit of home. A testament to your inability to help anyone. "...unfair." You bow your head, unable to look them in the eye.

"Oh." They mumble. "I don't think it's that bad..."

Your brow furrows. Aren't they... "Aren't you annoyed? To- to be taken away from home again, only to do the same thing you thought you had escaped?" Your jaw falters as you say that last part - was that too forceful?

"Not at all!" Their joyful tone returns. "I got to see everyone again. I got to see you! That was new. And..."

You meet their eyes, desperately hanging onto their words.

They continue, "I always wondered if it was just a vivid dream... but I'm happy it's not!" They lean into you, adjusting their hat. "Maybe we can visit everyone there... once we fix the World Machine."

You find yourself desperately trying to sort their words into "childish innocence" and "hey maybe they're right". The confidence in their voice... aren't they concerned for the World Machine? For their own world? You guess they didn't quite hear what the World Machine originally told you, nor any of the pressing messages they've provided over your journey.

"I... Are you afraid?"

You freeze completely. You... afraid? You're supposed to be the rock - the weight that keeps Niko stable, not the other way around. You can't be afraid.

...No, you're completely fucking terrified. It hits you like a particularly fast sack of bricks. What you're feeling is unbridled fear. For so many people, but above all you and Niko. You've barely had the chance to process this new reality. You're no god, no messiah. Taken from your role of 'power' and told to save the world. It was so much easier when everyone else wrote the story out for you.

Your voice breaks as you speak up. "...yes."

"It's okay." They embrace you immediately. Only then do you notice just how much you're trembling. "I was really scared too, at the beginning... when I first appeared in that world. But..." They pause. "You were there to keep me going."

"I-I..." Your eyes are wet. Keep it together. Say your piece. "I didn't... I couldn't ever do anything to h-help you. The World Machine, the Author... e-everyone just set it all up so I could be the- the big hero." Take a breath. You're doing great. "I was just- just the instigator. The one who sent you into that w-world in the first place." You stifle a heaving exhale. Good, good.

"But... I couldn't have done it without you." They seem to not understand your reasoning. Or, perhaps they just find it invalid. "The World Machine and the Author... they still needed you... everyone needed you. To be happy." They squeeze you tightly. "They needed you as much as they need you now."

In your head, you form a rebuttal - something short yet witty that perfectly gets your point across. As you open your mouth, however, all that comes out is a quiet sob. The part of your mind that was fighting - fighting to keep you stable in front of Niko, immediately dissipates as you tip into them. The remainder stops thinking for a while. Or, at least, it isn't transmitting anything to you anymore. The world is just you, Niko, and whatever infinite emotions you've kept bottled up.

Chapter Text

Rise... rise...

Rise... do you smell that?

You open your eyes and blink once as your vision blurs. Taking a sharp breath, you prop yourself up on an elbow. A twinge of butter, eggs, flour... something is cooking...

Wait, where- Oh. Right, right. Still not home. You wipe one of your eyes as you observe your surroundings. You're still in a modest pillow fort, the cocoon preventing light from coming in around you. Niko appears to have disappeared from the spot next to you as well. The line between the night prior and this morning is quite foggy, but you feel... better.

Extending your legs, you stretch into an intense yawn. You may have been up relatively late, but you feel pretty great. Sitting straight up, you slap your hands on your knees. Time for-

You recoil a bit at a soft knock... knock knock from outside your den. With a meek hand, you peel back the blanket blocking your view. Through the door ahead resonates a honeyed voice - one that, to you, needs no further introduction.

"Niko?" The voice pauses, allowing time for a response that never comes. "Breakfast." She elongates the last syllable before you hear her faint footsteps fade from the door.

You wait for only a moment before craning your head over to Niko's bed. Their form remains unstirred.

You shrink back into your fort. You do not want Niko's mother to find you here. There's no telling how she'll react, especially since you have to kidnap her child later today for that whole 'saving the world' thing. Plus, being trapped here for longer than you can spare could be catastrophic. There will be a much better time to meet her.

With a newfound motivation, you spring out of the fort. Sneaking over to Niko's bed reveals them to be sound asleep, likely not used to staying up as long as you did. Your eyebrows involuntarily raise as your vision comes to rest on their head. While you knew there were a pair of cat ears under that hat, it still shocks you a bit to actually see them laid bare in front of you. They match Niko's hair (fur?) color, twitching as if on cue as you study them. Their hat hangs off the desk beside you, serving as a nightstand of sorts... Something within reminds you of your goal, causing you to shake your head and step closer. You gently place a hand on their shoulder. A protective side of you dislikes waking them up this way, but...

You shake them once, then twice. Niko's eyes flutter open before promptly focusing on you. With a slight smile, they repeat your name aloud. "...hello." They unconsciously stretch their arms above them, head and hands twisting as they squeak in relief.

"Hey." You smile back, watching as they inhale deeply. "Your mom said there was-"

Their eyes unexpectedly shoot open, posture becoming fully alert. "Pancakes." They meet your gaze, a grin forming moments before they rocket out of bed.

You're almost (literally) blown away by the sheer speed at which they equip their hat, hug you, and throw on a pair of slippers. Before you can even get a word out to stop them, they've already disappeared through the door, leaving it wide open as you listen to them bound down the hall.

So here you are, in an objectively worse situation than twenty seconds ago. You scratch your head as you overhear a muffled yet eager conversation on the other side of the house. Only three people in this world are supposed to know about you, but you suspect that number might be about to grow.

Well, you can't stop them now - it's probably best you stay here and pray they don't mention you. Sitting on their bed, you kick your feet in thought. Honestly, you would like to meet Niko's mother. But you're constantly stuck wanting to interact with beautiful worlds and new situations you've found yourself in, only to be pushed past them at the instruction of a higher power.

Your foot kicks a piece of Niko's origami (read: crumpled paper), which you reach down and pick up. It takes some effort to unfold, but it appears to be an unfinished drawing of... you? You're not sure. Inspecting yourself reveals your clothing matches the individual on the paper, but the details taper near the head. You're not sure who else it would be. Gently, you place the paper on top of the overfull trash bin and return to waiting.

...

You exhale loudly.

...

Feels like you should be doing something right now.

...Yep.

The next thing you know, you're poking your head out in the hallway Niko left through. Two doors lie across you, one directly forward and the other to your right. Adrenaline spikes through your heart as you spot half of Niko's mother facing away from you as she leans on a wall. Niko's voice and the occasional clatter of silverware echo from around the corner. Based on the pleasant scent emitted, it must be the kitchen. The thought of something to eat is rather tempting. You slink back into the room a bit, but not entirely - instead opting to watch as the two converse.

There are plenty of conversational lulls, and they both speak softly enough that you can't quite make out the words. Still, you study the subtle, warm movements of the older figure, clearly happy to see their child. There's an odd feeling in your chest. You can't just leave with Niko, right? You're certain their mother was worried sick the last two times they've disappeared; surely you can spare the courtesy of... No, what would you even say? What would Niko say? Your eyes roam around the environment, inspecting various pictures hung around the hallway. You can't help but wonder what the path of least resistance here is. Ultimately, though, it's your head if you fail, so you should probably choose the path in your favor. It would be best not-

Your gaze wanders back to the kitchen, to which you immediately make eye contact with the individual you were hoping to avoid. She's half-turned around, giving the most quizzical side-eye you've ever seen. Niko's head leans out from around their mother, watching with significantly less contempt and something in their mouth.

Analyzing the situation with remarkable speed and precision, your mind determines that the best solution is to present yourself politely and welcome questioning. Gently tell her your name, big smile, no sudden movements - everything will be fine.

That is why you are sorely disappointed that your body has already ducked behind the doorway, instinctively hiding away from adversity. Cursing yourself, you scan the room in a panic, looking for something - anything to help you out. The only thing you find is an open window to escape from, and that is a terrible first impression. Defeated, you meekly step into the center of the room, adjusting yourself to look presentable.

Her frame gradually fills the doorway, inspecting you up and down as you smile nervously. She stops, eyebrows furrowing, when she gets to your head. It's clear she's stuck on the lack of ears atop your head, squinting as Niko brushes past her. Her eyes remain on you for only a second before she crouches down to Niko's level. They beam with excitement, ready to introduce you like a show and tell.

"Niko." She begins. "Do you know..." A slight gesture in your direction.

They bounce once as they impart your name, before looking to you for approval.

She looks confused for a moment, recalling something. Meeting your eyes, she looks upon you with newfound recognition, uncrouching to approach you. You unwittingly brace a bit.

With a warm smile, she throws out her arms to offer you a hug. Confused, you impulsively step into it, causing her to embrace you tightly.

"Thank you." There are hints of other emotions in her voice, but you perceive deep respect over anything else. She takes a deep breath. "Niko would not be here without you."

"O-of course." is all you can muster. This was... not the reaction you were expecting.

She lets go, stepping back to allow you space. "This... changes things." Kneeling to her child with a gentle demeanor, she fixes their lopsided hat. "Could you set the table for another, sunshine?" Niko, now somehow even more energized, nods ten times too fast before dashing down the hallway to complete their task. Their mother exhales a slight laugh, watching them briefly before standing to face you. "I have heard so much about you... but never expected to meet you." There's genuine surprise in her tone. "Can I make you something to eat?"

Chapter Text

"It was... surreal, if that's what you mean." Her head turns over her shoulder to look at you, hands still mechanically working the stovetop. "Niko has gotten lost before, but never for long. But that time..." She stops for a moment before exhaling heavily. "I was so, so worried."

"I'm sorry." You apologize, guilt mounting. "I... We never meant to cause anyone such grief."

"Oh- no need for apologies!" She flashes you a reassuring smile, pouring three thick layers of batter onto a pan. "Niko has given me that side of the story plenty of times. Always considers you the hero."

You get a warm feeling from that last sentence, like a reassurance you're doing something right. Leaning back in your chair, you peer down the hall. Niko's mother had given them some arbitrary task, an obscure chore to occupy their time. They protested, of course. There would only be one 'first meeting' between you two, and they would hate to miss it. It didn't take long for Niko to fold against their mother's request, apparently respecting her assurance that the task was urgent. To you, it's obvious she merely wanted to speak to you alone.

She turns to face you, placing her hands on the countertop behind her. "There was something odd... after Niko finally came home. Lost in the wheat fields - that's what everyone was told." 

You almost cut in, asking how anyone would accept that explanation for a week-long disappearance. Perhaps it would be better to hold your tongue.

Her eyes fixate on the floor, a laugh escaping her. "Everyone else, that is. Niko has always been a... material child. Never overactive in imagination. Preferred learning the facts of the world." She pushes herself off the counter, taking the seat across from you. "Imagine the surprise to find my same child describing a world so vivid... as though Niko'd lived there for a lifetime." 

You nod solemnly.

"I asked-" She spreads her hands in emphasis. "-so many questions! Out of curiosity, at first. Niko, my dearest Niko, yanked to a different world as a... savior? I didn't believe it, but Niko insisted it was true." She speaks in an oddly striking tone. It occurs to you that she has never been able to tell this story before. "Every question I could conceive of - answered with staggering detail. And Niko- Niko loved to talk about it." She adjusts her position in the wooden chair, shaking her head with a grin. "Folks of all kinds, with dice or clocks for heads- autonomous robots, becoming 'tamed'? Becoming like us?" She exhales a laugh. "Eventually, it began to feel real to me, too. I was... astonished."

She stops abruptly, hopping out of the chair and attending to the stove. "Sorry to talk your ear off." She expertly flips the cooked batter from the pan, not missing a beat in the conversation. "My point is, it was surreal. Enough that I could never accept it as reality. Dimension hopping just seemed too far-fetched, you know?"

"Until you actually end up doing it?" You chuckle. "Yeah. It does."

There's a break in her words as she silently yet mechanically moves through the kitchen for ingredients and tools. Eventually, she continues, "...It seemed like Niko didn't truly believe, either." She gestures a spatula toward you. "Passionate words blanketed with a pinch of doubt. I'm sure we both thought the same thing - wasn't it just a dream?"

You wince as you hear that. There's no way something like that didn't weigh on Niko's psyche - to go through so much without ever knowing if what you did was real.

"But you..." Her words trail off as she studies you once again. "In all my years, I have never seen someone quite like you. So, when Niko told me your name..." One, two, three pancakes impact a ceramic plate, which she effortlessly begins to decorate. "That was enough for me- for us both to believe."

You fold your hands, taking a deep breath. Partially to quell your emotions, partially to inhale the intoxicating smell.

"Which makes me," a filled plate clatters on the table under your nose, wafting an enticing aroma of buttery hazelnut. "in your debt." She smiles, peering down at you with hands on her hips. "It would be a whole lot lonelier around here without your actions."

A plate of three stacked pancakes sits on the table, adorned with syrup and a single slab of fast-melting butter. You feel like a child being served this way, though you suppose mothers have a way of doing that.

"Thank you. They look appetizing." You finally speak, grabbing a fork as you attempt to find an angle of attack. The amount of food is a little overwhelming, but...

"I'm back!" A winded voice speaks from behind you. "I folded my laundry, cleaned my room..." They sound apprehensive for a moment. "...Did I miss anything?"

"Not at all, dear." Niko's mother reassures, taking the seat to your left. Niko sits to your right, making no effort to hide their fixation on your meal. Their mother clears her throat, causing both of you to look over. "Do you two mind telling me where you've been this time?" She speaks with authority, but you know it's only a request. "If you're willing."

You lock eyes with Niko, politely swallowing a mouthful of food. An absolutely enchanting flavor strikes you, like a throne of hazelnut built upon the buttery body of... a good pancake. The cooking is positively divine enough to bribe you into any conversation. "Uh, yeah. That's fine." 

Niko takes your affirmation and runs with it, launching into an intricate explanation of the past few days. It's enough to start an hour-long conversation about your mission - mostly you eating, Niko describing the adventure, and their mother inquiring about certain aspects. Especially Niko's safety. Thankfully, they (unconciously or not) leave out some of the darker parts. Still, you do cut in occasionally with details from your side. 

"And- and I got a vision and almost tripped and got taken by the big robot, but- Oh, I saw you, mama!" Niko slams their hands on the table, engrossed in their own story.

"Me?!" She shouts with a mix of played-up engagement and actual shock. "Why me?"

"I don't know!" They sit back down, arms now crossed on the table. "You were looking for something... out in the wheat fields."

Their mother pauses, thinking. "Must have been you, sunshine." The side of her mouth curls upward in amusement.

You finish your second big pancake, wiping your mouth before clarifying, "I don't think the robots were out to hurt Niko." She cocks her head, interested in your next words. "More like they wanted to talk to them."

"Good." Her expression becomes much less friendly. "If they wanted to hurt either of you, I'd have to come out there myself."

You chuckle at the (what you assume to be) joke, not mentioning that they indeed wanted to hurt you.

The conversation floats onward. It's oddly soothing to relay your journey and helps you clear your head. You also ensure Niko gets scraps of your food on a spare napkin. 

"I hate to ask, but..." Niko's mother adjusts her hair, staring at the table. "Why is any of this happening? You saved them, right? The- the Entity?" She fumbles for a more formal name.

"The World Machine." You reply. "And... we're not sure. I've heard bits and pieces, but not enough to build a whole story."

"Huh." She's clearly thinking about something other than the 'why'. After a long pause, Niko continues to your meeting at the office. In time, the discussion gets to the moment you both arrived here. 

Niko repeats your name, causing you to look over. "I appeared back in my bed, at home... how did you get here?"

You point your fork in the general direction of the assembly house. "Woke up in- actually, next to an old bed at the assembly house." Niko's mother gives you an odd look. "Ansa and Esa found me-"

"Esa found you?" She recoils, confused. "I suppose he would be the only one to want inside the old assembly house..."

A question suddenly bowls through your mind. "Are... are they siblings, or something? They bicker like siblings, at least."

She shakes her head. "Not quite. More like... a troubled boy and a chaperone." She offers, apparently having no more to say on the matter.

"Right." You decide to avoid that conversation. "I mentioned Niko, and that was apparently enough for them to take me here."

There's a pause, everyone seemingly waiting for someone to speak up. When no one does, the woman stands, undoing the clasp on her apron. "Well, I'm sure the village will be delighted to meet you." Niko's expression wanes. "How long will you be staying?"

Ah. You almost don't process the question, mind lingering in the comfort of moments prior. You've got no good response to that. 'I know we just met, but I'm never going to see you again. And I'm taking your child.' You're still not certain Niko even wants to go back.

"Actually..." you sheepishly begin.

"Mama?" Niko cuts in, standing from the table. There's a hint of sadness on their mother's face as she turns to face them, as though she can already tell something is awry. "Our friends need us... we have to go back..." They look down, muttering something about you needing to get home as well.

She abruptly faces the wall, saying nothing. A moment passes in silence as she folds her apron, hanging it up before dropping her shoulders down.

"...Mama?" There's hesitancy in Niko's voice as though they might've said something wrong. You find yourself wishing to sink into the earth and stop inconveniencing this happy family.

In a practiced motion, she turns, kneels down to Niko's level, and embraces them, placing her head on their shoulder. "...I know. I..." She breathes deep, her face betraying nothing but distant heartache. "I only hoped it wouldn't be so soon."

She's... oddly receptive to this? You expected a lot more adversity.

"...I wouldn't be able to stop you, sunshine. Not without a lifetime of regret." Niko holds her tightly as she speaks. "Please... come back to me. That's all I ask."

"Y-yes, mama." The two bask in each other's presence for a while, contented in silence. You're unsure what to do in the meantime, but you don't interrupt them.

In the end, Niko is the first to break the hug. They step back, wiping their face with a long sleeve. Their mother idles briefly before standing and dusting herself off. She sighs, composing herself. "Alright... alright." Clasping her hands together, she glances between the both of you. "Can I do anything else to help?"

And so, here you are, sitting in the remnants of your pillow fort with a brown paper bag. During your initial conversation, Niko had cleaned their room, which appears to have included your refuge. The sack contains a fresh lunch made with love by Niko's mother. She still seems hesitant to let them go but appears to value Niko's trust over her doubts.

You look over as Niko says your name, kicking their feet on their bed. "It's getting late..."

You glance over at the clock... five thirty-seven. Not actually that late, but in terms of figuring out how to get home? You'd love to get started, but... "Ansa said they'd come get us when it's time." An idea hits you. "Could I use your computer?"

"Oh!" They swing their legs off their bed, gesturing towards the door. "Mama and I share a computer... if- if that's what you wanted."

"That will do." You stand, leaving your food behind as Niko leads you into a different room. A couch and an armchair flank a narrow desk containing a thick, older-looking computer. They tap the power button, stepping aside to let you sit. You step forward, eyeing the monitor as it flickers to a login screen. Niko stands still briefly, waiting for you to sit before jolting with realization. "Oh, sorry!" They lean over the desk, slowly tapping in a password.

Your vision drifts over to a framed photo hung above and beside the desk. Niko, with eyes shut and a huge grin, poses with their much tamer mom. You study the photo, feeling your resolve swell just a bit more.

"Here." They step backward once again. Taking the seat in front of you, you methodically scan the desktop. It occurs to you that you're not actually sure what should be here, let alone what you could accomplish. With false confidence, you dive into the computer's documents. Niko doesn't appear to stop you, so you begin sorting through files. There's nothing concerningly different from your computer... you remove the journal from your pocket. It only takes you a moment to flip through, finding nothing different than the last time you checked it. With a sigh, you return to the computer. Miscellaneous photos, various unimportant text files, audio files (yet no speakers to play them)... placing your chin on your hand, you double-click the folder labeled 'My Games'.

Solitaire, minesweeper- your posture straightens as you eye a folder labeled 'OneShot'. In the corner of your eye, Niko notices your movement and leans in to watch more closely. Dumbfounded, you open it up.

...It's empty.

What? Why? Why would this folder exist only to house nothing?

"Niko?" You spin in your chair to face them. "Did... you make this?"

"...no?" Uncertainty seeps through their voice. They... wouldn't really know about this folder, would they?

You scratch your neck, beginning to explain. "This folder has the same name as..." how do you put this- "...the folder the Author used to communicate with me, at home."

"Woah..." Niko's eyes widen, waiting for you to continue.

"But here-" you spin a full rotation in your chair out of frustration. "It's empty."

Their sleeved arm raises towards the monitor. "What about that?"

Your head shoots up to look at the computer. There's... something, now. Flickering between the system's message 'This folder is empty.' and an unlabeled clover icon. As though it is fighting for existence.

Before you can even think, you've already placed the mouse over the file, almost clicking it...

"D-do you think..?" Niko asks, apprehensive.

Yes, you do think. But you also understand what should be done first. "Just in case... you should go see her."

Niko merely nods, shuffling past you and disappearing into the hallway.

You spend a minute sitting alone, steeling yourself for what appears to be the eleventh hour. No matter what happens... Niko getting home comes first. You'll try to salvage the World Machine, but... you shake your head. No need to think so negatively. Standing from the chair, you navigate to Niko's room. You'll do your best. The room is empty as you enter, eyes searching for an object. You would have loved to stay longer and explore a bit more. But home is calling- There it is. It would be rude to forget - you grab your packed lunch.

You reluctantly return to the computer, stopping only when a warm voice utters your name. Turning to face the noise, Niko's mother observes you with a pained smile. Beside her, she holds Niko's hand.

"A word?"

You approach, although some part of you feels like you're in trouble.

Instead, she takes your free hand, squeezing it with hers. "Be safe."

"Of course." You breathe.

"...If I never see you again... I'm sorry I couldn't do more." Your hand returns to your side as she lets go. "Thanks for everything. Please, take care of Niko." You're perplexed by her ability to reassure, even in these circumstances. You do your best to return the favor. 

"You have my word." Wait- cover your bases. "And... if Ansa or Esa come by later? Tell them we're already gone. And... sorry." You hate leaving them like that, but at least they'll have an unusual story to tell.

She simply nods. Without another word, she swoops up her child and places her head on theirs. "I love you, Niko."

The child, somehow amused by it all, replies with a joyful "I love you too, mama."

Time seems to stop as they hold each other, yet it doesn't feel long enough before Niko is placed back on the ground.

She sighs to herself, watching as Niko returns to your side. "I'll see you soon."

The words contort in your mind, stretching until they form a thought. "Actually... when they do come by?" You gesture to the front door in reference to Ansa and Esa. "Tell them we'll be back soon."

"So... what do you think?" Niko sounds excited.

"Of your mom?" You sit in front of the computer. Niko nods in affirmation. "An incredibly understanding woman. Great cook, even better mother. You're pretty lucky." Your mouse pointer flies over to the still-blinking file.

"Mhm!" A pleasant sound. "She's really nice to the neighbors, too. Makes the best breakfast out of anybody."

"Are you sure you aren't biased at all?" A black window opens in front of you, although nothing more happens.

"Nope! Everyone else says so, too." They step a bit closer to the computer, staring at the screen. "...W-wouldn't it be kinda awkward if it didn't work now?"

You hadn't considered that. "Yes- yes, it absolutely would." Your sentence, fortunately, ends with a familiar spinning of fans as the computer (presumably) does its best to handle a dimensional link.

Without request, Niko places their hand on the desktop. "Hey..."

You place your hand next to theirs, listening through the noise.

"When you said you'll come back, you meant that... r-right?"

You're not sure yet... but you're more than willing to try. "Yeah." 

Chapter Text

Here we are - your favorite part.

You clench your fists. Deep breath...

Okay. With both hands, you slowly push yourself off the ground, blinking as you examine your surroundings- Woah. You're really close to a long staircase. Gripping a nearby wall, you take note of the brick texture as you pull yourself to your feet. Your hands are empty, devoid of your sack lunch. Quickly, you check your remaining pockets, which still contain your screwdriver and journal. At least you're getting better at the 'waking up' part of traveling universes (or whatever this is). Hopefully, this will be the last time.

Shaking yourself to alertness, you begin processing the area around you. This must be the alleys of the Refuge. It's a step closer to the Tower, but you'll also need to find Niko again. There's nothing at the bottom of the staircase. You flip around to face an intimidating doorway with a faint light emanating from within. This... can only be one of two places. Unless you're somewhere entirely new, which would be unfavorable.

Placing a hand on the doorway, you step cautiously into a tall, square room. A well-lit, almost holographic-looking tree looms over you from the center. You've always wondered why this tree looks so healthy without the sun. Waiting a moment, you watch the room for movement that never occurs. You breathe deep, tilting your head upward.

"...Rue?"

A shuffling within the leaves, accompanied by a flash of orange.

"...Hello." A tiny pitch-black eye studies you from a hole in the leaves. "You are... Have we met..?"

"I have met you." You meet her eyes. "I don't think you've truly met me."

She hesitates - at least, you think. Everything stops as she rescinds from the perch, disappearing into the tree... Did you scare her?

An eternity seems to pass before she gradually drops onto the ground below. She steps forward, preferring her unbandaged front leg as she moves. A nose moves towards you, twitching once as she looks you over.

"What do you mean?" She glances at the doorway, then up at your face. "...Are you part of the patch? Is this... our creator's plan?"

"N-no, I'm not..." You are quite alarmed to find that Rue remembers... nothing? At least about this world's previously happy ending. "...Do you know anyone by the name of Niko?"

She smiles, tail swaying. "Of course! They're half the reason he's trying so hard." Her head tilts as she looks at you. "But... you are new. Did our creator tell you to find me?"

With a polite bow, you state your name. This journey has definitely improved your ability to introduce yourself.

Shock washes over the fox's face. She lowers her head, clearly trying to process the information. "That... isn't possible." She nods to affirm herself. "Is this some form of wistful symbolism on his part?"

You chuckle. "You sound as confused as I was."

"I... Only my creator could establish the mental link that brought Niko here. How is it even possible..? That you..." She stares into the ground as though the answers have suddenly been scrawled below her.

"Rue." You crouch down to her level, grabbing her full attention. "Would you believe me if I said that your... that the Author's plan has already happened?"

Her tail lowers. "I... would remember if it had."

"And you should." You sigh. "But something happened within the World Machine to set you all back here. Something bad enough to warrant bringing me here as well."

She shuts her eyes. "...This world is... that can't be true. If you managed to tame the World Machine, that should have been it." Her paw nervously taps the ground. "Niko would go home, and the world would be saved. We only had one try."

"They did go home. But now the World Machine speaks of a 'parasite' - a being that is constantly fighting for control..." You pause. "Would you know anything about that?"

"I know a lot about the Entity... but never anything of that name."

You place a hand on your chin. "...Have you been around the Refuge recently? In the past few hours." Assuming time hasn't passed outside of you being here.

"I've been resting here..." She sounds concerned.

"The squares are gone." The fox recoils at that statement. "But the robots- the robots have been acting strange - hostile, even. Trying to find Niko to do... something. I'm not sure, really. But we really need to get to the Tower. Is there any way you can help?"

"...With Prototype and Cedric here, we might have been able to get to the World Machine directly. But... like this..?" She exhales sorrowfully. "I don't think there's anything I can do." Her eyes lock with yours. "...You said something is wrong with the robots? Did you... did you see Prototype?"

"No." You say, wondering if you could have even found him. "It doesn't seem to affect 'tamed' robots." That's merely a theory, but she seems relieved to hear it.

She raises a paw, scratching her ear before continuing, "Have you found Niko?"

"Not yet. They're somewhere here in the Refuge, though." You hope.

"You know... Maybe I could help you find them?"

Your eyebrow raises. "How?"

"Wait here. I'll be fast." With that, she clambers back into the tree with newfound dexterity. The leaves rearrange themselves, quickly closing the hole Rue created before returning to inactivity. You are alone once again.

...

Alright. Guess you'll wait here. You pull out your journal, flipping through the pages until you find the logs. There's nothing new, which is a little disappointing. You spend some time rereading them, trying to squeeze any amount of useful information into your brain.

Your concentration is broken by another movement in the tree, with Rue poking her head out of the side. Her words are stained with urgency.

"There's a commotion at the Library." She shakes her head. "Robots lined up outside... not many, but there are others constantly patrolling the entire Refuge. That's where Niko has to be." Confident in her words, she seems to push you back into the action.

Without a second thought, you turn to leave. "Thanks, Rue."

"Hold on." Her voice rings out, stopping you in place. "If the world was saved - like you said..." She sighs, whispering your name. "I'm not in a position to be making demands, but... could you make sure it happens again? ...I want to be there to see it."

...Oh. "The World Machine is... whole, you know." You pivot to face her, noting her surprise. "Once this is all solved, everything should go back to how it was." And if it doesn't, you think, you'll fix it yourself. Though you're unsure if those words exist to convince her or yourself.

"...Of course." She grins. "Good luck."

With that, you exit, descending the staircase into the alleyways.

Chapter Text

You are nervous.

Which is honestly fantastic, considering all the other things you should be. Terrified, panicked, or helpless - it's a wonder you're simply nervous. Your fingers rhythmically smooth over the rough grip of the screwdriver, and you acknowledge that this is not something you can win with force.

As you wander the winding halls of the Refuge's alleys, the city seems unreasonably quiet. Not that you've experienced it any other way, but it still feels wrong for a place of this caliber. You open your journal again for your shoddily sketched Refuge (Ground) map, giving it another read before turning right.

...Man, you really wish Rue was here. If only to ensure you didn't get lost, though her presence would quell your nerves. But you've resolved not to drag anyone else into this mess, even if it means your only source of direction is hope.

The dramatic red lighting of the Refuge strikes you as you step out of the unfamiliar alleys. Endless tall buildings appear much more intimidating when they're standing over you. Your memory claims the Library is just down the stairs, which happens to be blocked by a bulky robot about your size. ...Perhaps you could sneak around? Sneak is too strong a word, considering how otherwise empty the street is. You stick to a wall of a nearby building, swiftly moving while mitigating sound. Almost through...

A garbled mess of robotic chirps, beeps, and text-to-speech sounds erupt to your right as the otherwise cute robot hobbles towards you. It's terrifying - for a moment. Only a moment, however, as you begin to back away from the monster. You note its sluggish movement, poor control over its arms, and general instability in its stance. This thing was never designed to fight, and whatever forces it to do so is beginning to wane. Outstretched robotic limbs almost snag your clothes as you watch it, which is a little disconcerting.

The robot cluelessly walks into your extended arm, and even the strangely average force you apply is enough to send it toppling backward. It mechanically flails for a time before coming to rest. How... odd.

Digesting that information, you speedily descend the staircase to the Library. The bridge is empty for most of the walk. Out of paranoia, you glance backward, scanning the static landscape for anything moving. There's a big rush of robots near the elevator - did they just come from the catwalks? Regardless, you hasten your pace. You're the last hope for this world, and you won't let some-

Robots. Five robots mechanically march down the bridge ahead onto the bridge landing. One in front miscalculates a step, tumbling to the ground as the following robot unintentionally walks into it. It does not stand back up. The remaining four turn to face you and begin their approach.

Uh- okay, um... Four may be too many to handle, but you absolutely must pass them. The robots advance in a wall formation, so you cannot simply step around them. It is certainly possible they'll ignore you, but that's nothing to gamble on. You could leave and wait for them to pass, but you'd be heading towards the swarm behind you. There's no other way to the Library either.

You instinctively step back, recoiling in shock as you crash into something.

"Woah- sorry."

Whipping around, you breathe shakily and take in the equally surprised face. It's the Lamplighter.

"Oh." He looks you up and down. "...Didn't think I'd see you again."

You find yourself too shocked to say anything. Does he not see any threat here?

"Ling, uh, wasn't looking for me. Sorry." His left hand scratches his neck, lighting stick tucked neatly under his other arm. You're not sure why he's apologizing. "Have you noticed the robots being weird? Usually they're not in the streets for this long..."

What a horrible time for a conversation. "I- Okay, look-" You glimpse toward the robots, who are getting uncomfortably close. Alright, take a deep breath, "IreallyneedtogettotheLibrarycanyougetmethroughthesethingsthey'retryingtostopme-" You freeze, hearing mechanical footsteps land directly behind you.

"What, the robots?" He interrupts, having understood your plea completely. "They're not dangerous or anything..." You pivot behind him, watching as he pokes one with the end of his lighting rod. "See? Harmless." It doesn't react to the prodding, only focusing on keeping itself stable. The rest stop to stare at you, which is remarkably unnerving. Fortunately, the figure of the Lamplighter is enough to block their view.

With a testing push, the robot tips backward and lands with a thump. "That's... not supposed to happen..." The rod taps the ground before retracting back into the Lamplighter's arms.

"Help me through these things? Please?" You repeat, hoping to avoid a long explanation.

"...I guess? Do you have to hide behind me, though..?" He cranes his head back to look at you, sounding concerned.

As you peek past the Lamplighter's shoulder, the robot's heads instantly snap to scan you. You duck away, assuring him, "Yes."

You both awkwardly shift around the android trio, who utilize their full range of motion to watch you. As though they know something is wrong, but as long as the Lamplighter is in front of them (and not you), everything is fine. You nearly trip over the prone robot but manage to catch your footing.

The Lamplighter stands like a knight, lighting stick pointed straight up as he watches the androids. "You, uh, okay back there?" He sidesteps until your back is facing the Library.

A silent thumbs up as you begin inching backward, to which he begins to follow. Eventually, the robots lose interest, returning to their formation (albeit down one bot) and continuing down the bridge. You exhale, relieved.

"So..." He turns to face you, confused. "...what was that all about?"

"Something about the robots is making them hostile towards me and Niko... sort of." You spin towards the Library, gesturing for the Lamplighter to follow. "They don't seem interested in this world's inhabitants - like you."

He nods, glancing around as you explain.

"But now," you turn sharply, struck with the alarming sight of the Library. The main entrance is haphazardly blocked by tables and chairs stacked upon one another without rhyme or reason. Two to three robots (out of the twelve or so there) push themselves against the barricade, never even making a dent. The rest groan out an array of robotic sounds in a frightening cacophony, demanding to be let in. Sometimes, it sounds like you.

"Oh, wow..." The man next to you is struggling to process this form of apocalypse.

"They've become like that." You place your hands in your pockets, shrugging. "Barely even coherent anymore." Leaning off to the right, you're disappointed to find the Library's front windows shaded. It's impossible to see inside.

"...I'm, uh... supposed to be filling reading lights in there..." He trails off, apparently retreating into his work as a coping mechanism.

You're entirely unamused by that statement, yet you humor him regardless. "Then we both need in there. Any ideas?"

"No. None." He speaks decisively, which is rare. "...This isn't in the job description."

You nod. This isn't exactly what you signed up for, either.

Okay, okay. Deep breaths. You clap your hands on your face, preparing for another terrible plan. Your arms outstretch...

"HEY." You bellow, voice bouncing off the Library's outer walls.

A torrent of rectangular heads whips around to face you, bringing their bodies with them soon after. One- no, two robots are still along the barricade... not part of the plan, but they can be dealt with later. The rest stomp towards you, intensely aggravated by your presence.

You perform some vague, challenging maneuver, though it isn't necessary to hold their attention. The machines are almost tripping over each other to get at you. You grin - precisely what you were hoping for.

The Lamplighter, standing off to the side of the bridge, gives you a nervous look. His lighting stick hangs on his back, hands occupied with a jar of phosphor. Just a bit closer, you suppose. The robots march inches before the Lamplighter, who impulsively steps back.

Now. You throw out a thumbs-up, annoyed to find the Lamplighter no longer looking in your direction. "Now! Throw the-"

His head shoots up from watching the robots, only now processing your instructions. He mumbles an apology, unscrewing the top of the jar in a practiced motion. With swift action, the phosphor solution is spread across the bridge, a red glow layering the path ahead. The robots pay it no mind as their focus lies entirely on you. A dozen and a half mechanical legs trudge across the hazard and, for a moment, you doubt it will work. Then, one loses balance, then another, until the chaos is enough to knock over anything in the vicinity. Metal against metal, grinding and crashing as the scene unfolds. If you weren't faced with potential danger a few seconds ago, you would find this much funnier.

Over as quick as it began, the squadron lies in total disarray. A comical pile of angry metal makes its disdain known for a few seconds before giving up entirely. You carefully maneuver around them, heading towards your objective.

"Hey, uh..." The Lamplighter, now only a foot from the Library's entrance, awkwardly pushes aside one of the remaining machines. "...do you mind..." He peeks through the barricade, searching for life.

A face abruptly appears through an overturned chair, looking quite pleased. "Heya! What happened to the banging?" Mid-sentence, the Lamplighter flies backward in surprise, almost hitting the ground before nervously composing himself.

You step forward, inspecting the face closely. A sharp white cube bearing four distinct markings on the front. Has to be George - the cheery version, you think. You almost greet her like a friend, name and all. But perhaps it would be better to keep your identity hidden. "Hello. Could we be allowed in?"

"Oh. Oh! Of course!" She disappears from view. "Golly, you must be scared out there... Kip, could you..." Her voice finally trails off. All you can hear now is faint murmuring.

You share a look with the Lamplighter, who has returned to a very tired demeanor. At least something feels consistent.

"AL-right!" A startling rally erupts from inside. "We're taking this down! Tables on the left, chairs on the right." The feminine voice clearly knows influence, as faint agreements are made through the wall.

The Lamplighter points a finger over to the last standing robot, somehow blissfully unaware of your existence. "Should we... deal with that?"

You plant your foot on its side, giving a gentle push. It lands with a thud. Why are these things a threat again?

The barrier comes apart from the middle out, and you're immediately ushered inside as seven or eight individuals work on reopening the Library. Within moments, you're face-to-face with George and Kip, who appear pleased with your safety.

"Welcome, welcome!" George pulls your hand into hers, shaking it (and you) with vigor. "I'm George. You'll be safe here."

"Glad you could make it! But..." Kip adds, waving a hand in confusion. "How did you get here? Robots were covering the entrance."

This is lucky, you think. If there's anyone in the Refuge to tell you why the machines hate you, it would be Kip. But that comes later. "They're not exactly agile." You throw a thumb back toward the pile, still slick with red phosphor. "One little obstacle is usually enough."

The two lean into each other, studying the scene with intensity. George, stunned, slowly clasps her hands in front of her face. "...Wow... Kip?"

"You... really?" Kip finally replies, masking her emotions in every way except verbally. "Okay. Well done!"

"So..." you begin scanning the Library - for Niko, mainly. Nothing. The Lamplighter impatiently shifts next to you, clearly hoping to forget about all this and do his job. "What's the deal with them?"

Kip shakes her head, unhappy with current events. "It was just the robots at first. Doing things we'd never programmed them to do, acting totally weird..." Her hands gesture to the world around her. "But now it's any electronics at all. They're either completely broken or making some weirdly aggressive noises."

That's new. The computer in the office worked fine last you saw, so this must be recent.

She continues, "Some of the evacuees and I have been trying to find a solution - or even the problem, at this point. But there's not much we can do here." A sigh. "For now, just stay out of the way. They're looking for something, and seem to like this place in particular." A deeper voice off to your right calls over Kip. She nods in that direction before closing the conversation, "We'll have this fixed soon. I promise!" With that, she's back to her circle of problem-solvers.

It's cynical, but you doubt they'll be able to solve anything. Not their fault, of course - they'd need a much different field of study to solve this one. "George?" She turns to face you, and you can't help but imagine her smiling. "One last question."

"Of course!"

"We're looking for the messiah." You state. The Lamplighter looks surprised to be included in the 'we', but says nothing. "Have you seen them at all?"

She appears to survey you before offering, "...Yes. They should be in the back, near one of the computers." Her head tilts as she lowers her voice, "How did you know the messiah had arrived?"

Without hesitation, you silently shoot a pair of finger guns at George. Fuck.

Chapter Text

"I... heard about it?" You finally reply, still holding your stupid finger guns. "From him." Your fingers shoot over to the Lamplighter.

"...What? I didn't..." He pauses, registering your intention yet unsure how to support it. "Yeah."

"Right! That makes sense." George nods, not bothering to question why he would know. It's much harder to read someone when their face never changes. Her voice coming from some unspecific place is off-putting as well.

"Right, uh..." Best to wrap up this conversation. "We'll get going."

She steps aside, the four markings on her face shutting simultaneously. You choose to perceive the expression as a smile. "Okay! Make yourself at home." Behind her, the remainder of the Library stares back, inviting you further in.

You bow your head in respect before continuing on. Behind you, your name is uttered in a distinctly hushed tone.

Turning back around, the face of the Lamplighter watches you, barely obscured by the shade of his hat. "Hey, uh..." He coughs. "I'm gonna go do my job... Did you want anything else?"

Oh, right. You had almost gotten used to his presence, to the point where you forgot he has actual obligations. "No, thank you. You were a big help."

He shakes his head. "Nah... I'd still be kicking a broken elevator without you. Thanks for that." He pauses before appending, "...and for saving the world."

"Still working on that."

"Right." He awkwardly tips his hat. "See you around." His figure disappears behind a bookcase, bright red phosphor jar in hand.

With a deep breath, you face toward the spacious end of the Library. It is undeniably charming, such a nurturing place slapped in the middle of nowhere. The architecture appears much more complex and uniform when you can see the ceiling. You stroll the halls, scanning every which way for a familiar bright light. People are gathered in droves within the recesses of the Library, leaving the walkway clear. It makes you feel out of place, in a way.

You reach the end of the Library proper, finding yourself standing in front of the deactivated receptionist. The staff must have been quick to shut it down once everything started falling apart, you think. Craning your head to the right reveals a distant computer, currently subject to Niko's frustrated scrutiny. The sun lays beside them, comforting as ever. You walk over, relieved.

"Hey, come on..." They tap the spacebar a couple times, watching the monitor with hope. "Please?"

You clear your throat. "Niko?"

To your surprise, Niko isn't startled at all by you. They merely look up at you, taking no more than a second before wrapping their arms around you. They shout your name (which startles you, ironically) before continuing, "You're here!"

"Yeah." You pat them on the back before they let go. "You don't seem shocked." Considering every other potential outcome, it seems odd they'd still expect you.

"Nope!" Niko turns away, already in a much better mood. "I knew you would find me."

You watch them fiddle with the computer briefly before asking, "What, uh- what are you up to?"

"I thought we could talk to the World Machine, but... they won't respond..." Their arms drop to their sides. "I guess I didn't expect much..."

"Here, let me try." You step in front of the computer, peering at Niko as they scoop the sun into their arms. It is immediately apparent how little influence you have over the situation, though you press the power button anyway.

...Nothing. If the World Machine appears here, it won't have anything to do with your actions. Better to gently nudge Niko in a different direction. "We... might get a message as we get close to the Tower?" You don't mean to sound uncertain, but it comes out that way.

"...Okay." Niko nods, though it's almost imperceptible. Feels good to know they still trust you.

You turn to leave, stopping only when you feel something brush against your palm. Looking to your side, Niko has wordlessly placed their hand in yours, waiting for you to lead. It's clear there's a bit of effort to carry the lightbulb with only one arm, but they don't seem to mind.

As you walk the long hall out of the Library, people all around you go from skeptical conversation to muted whispers as you pass. You can't make any of it out, and you're not sure you want to hear it anyway. You're content with Niko by your side, even as you leave the safety of this place. Even Kip stops as you pass, surprised at the sight. Still, nobody stops you as you finally exit the Library.

You sigh. It pains you to be denied the chance to meet these people. There's so much you could see, learn, or do here... but for the sake of this world and Niko, you have to leave. Perhaps that could be considered a comfort.

In a swampy village, a tall woman knocks on another door, robotically repeating the same greeting she is becoming quite accustomed to. She feels accustomed to the silence that follows as well.

A fishing bobber wobbles back and forth in the gently rushing waters, occasionally splashing the fisherman. Patiently, he watches the water for the slightest movement. A loose feather is absentmindedly plucked from his coat.

Unscrewing the top of a jar, a man measures out a portion of the thick, glowing liquid before refilling the basin in front of him. He sighs, standing as he straps the half-empty container to his side. Muffled voices discuss topics incomprehensible to him. This place makes him uneasy.

Somewhere else, a pair of shaky elbows rests on a wooden table. Two connecting hands sit clasped in worry, a furred head pressed against them. From another room, a computer intermittently beeps in anger, but the woman does not acknowledge it. A prayer forms on her lips, yet no voice carries it further. Outside, cold air begins to blow for the first time this season.

You blink twice. The bridge is empty, to your surprise. Even the robots you once vanquished have disappeared completely. If you go now, there should be no difficulty entering the Tower. Niko seems to agree, pulling you along the path.

Interestingly, the phrase 'eleventh hour' reappears in your mind as you walk. This... should be that, right? If so, where are the obstacles? Shouldn't something be trying to stop you? You can't help but feel like you're walking into a trap.

"So..." Niko begins, "I... appeared in the Library, but how did you get in?" You meet their curious gaze. "The robots outside seemed really mad."

"The Lamplighter helped me get in. Took out a whole bunch of them with a jar of phosphor." You don't add that it was your idea.

"Cool!" They half-heartedly grin. The conversation ends there.

Silently, you walk through the empty Refuge. The lack of challenge is unnerving, but you press on regardless. You don't need to know the Refuge to find the base of the Tower, though the only way in would be through... that door, right there. You recall this door being locked from the front, however.

Niko releases your hand, bounding up to the steel sliding doors. Clearly, they do not remember (or simply don't care) that you're supposed to enter from the other side of the Refuge. It's all the more surprising when the door slides open for them, as though it wanted to prove you wrong.

Okay... at least something is different? Your hand is once again pulled into Niko's as you enter the dimly lit tunnel. They aren't pulling you along anymore. In fact, you find your pace sedated compared to before. The air itself feels reluctant, as though this might not be your intended path. You chalk it up to nerves.

Niko calls your name from your left. Your eyes immediately meet theirs, but they quickly look away. You know they want to say something, but something stops them.

"Niko."

No response. They adjust the lightbulb in their arm, unable to look at you. Best to give them time to think, then.

You press on together to the final sliding doors, fairly certain that a giant red X will be your ultimate roadblock. However, as the doors detect your movement and slide open, it appears to be just a normal elevator. Even Niko seems surprised.

"Interesting." You nod - must be the World Machine's doing. The elevator is spacious, enough to contain over fifteen people. That seems excessive.

Niko stands next to you, intimidated by the new architecture. You reach over to the button panel, noting the only two options: a button labeled '★ Ground Floor', and another labeled 'Summit'. You press the latter, the elevator responding with rumbling before ascending.

...Perhaps you should say something?

"Time to go home, huh?" You watch their huddled figure, both arms totally wrapped around the sun. "Your mama will be really proud of you."

You open your mouth to continue, but Niko mumbles out something first. "...a memory. It feels really distant, and it's kinda hard to see..." They shake their head. "I'm alone... at the top of the Tower. The sun is really bright, but I can't... leave..." Their hat obscures their face completely. They sniffle, "N-no matter how... hard..."

An instinct within you urges you to take Niko into your arms. You crouch down, holding them despite the large lump of sun between you.

They choke out your name again, trying hard to stay composed. "If... If we return the sun... will we go h-home?"

"Of course. I'll make sure of it." Those are kind words that mindlessly leave you with barely any thought behind them. But it is a perfectly valid question. If the World Machine can't fix itself, then... it's already over, isn't it?

No, don't think about that. There isn't any other option available to you, anyway. Just hold Niko for a while, at least until they're ready.

No more than a minute passes of your embrace. They apologize for 'being scared', which is more than reasonable in this situation. You reassure them, proclaiming their feelings quite valid.

...

The elevator is quite long. It's also devoid of any way to tell if you're even moving. Your hands idly run over your pockets until they find your journal. You had almost forgotten about this thing. Maybe there's another entry.

To your shock, there is. It spans both pages and appears to be written rather hastily. Weird.

OBSERV-GM-012.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

Begin record.

Barring some specific circumstances, this will be the final log.

The previous experiment was a complete disaster spurred only by my naive curiosity. It ran normally - at first. Both subjects initialized successfully and internally established a connection.

...The simulation runs almost the same each time, with minor variations in action and dialogue. So I watched, taking notes as the messiah began to speak, as they always do. What caught me off guard was a lack of response. I could not... find anything that indicated the god was unable to reply. The only conclusion was that it was voluntary.

At that point, the messiah began to cry... it has become a maddeningly heart-wrenching sound to me. Regardless, I noted several specific variables before moving to stop the simulation. It was only then that they spoke - though it was not to the distressed child.

The words- they spoke to me. They whispered, 'Do not stop this.' in a curious, halting tone. I was... startled, to say the least. The words stunned me into silence, and we were both forced to watch such a scene.

Once I regained my composure, I paused everything. Constructed a side room, a table, and two chairs. I removed all other components except the god before bringing them straight to me. In that dimly lit cell, I asked them everything. How did they know about the simulation? Why did they otherwise choose not to speak? Did they create that strange log file?

They- it never responded. Only stared back into my form - the form I had taken of Niko. At that moment, I thought it was just a glitch. That some odd dialogue from my own data had been referenced instead. But as I continued the interrogation, I realized something.

A truly empty simulation would be... broken. Unmoving, lacking any reaction to an environment it was not programmed to react to. And though it indeed never moved, it did not stare blankly into me.

It was studying me. The whole time, as I spoke. There was something behind those eyes. I had no choice but to send it away.

That... that is all. I cannot continue this experiment in good faith. Even if I was wrong, even if there was not a hint of sentience or malice behind my work - it is not worth destroying a happy ending.

End record.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

As you reach the end of the log, the elevator dings! as if it were waiting for you to finish. The twin doors reveal a dank old landing with stairs leading upward, lit only by the lightbulb in Niko's arms. Niko takes the first step into the darkness.

Chapter Text

It's cold here. Niko doesn't seem to notice, what with the long overcoat and bright, warm sun in their hands. You, however, are on the brink of shivering.

You would also love to lead Niko through this unknown place, not the other way around. Unfortunately, they're the only source of light remaining as the elevator doors mechanically shut. The walls behind you blacken into complete darkness.

There's anxiety lingering in your heart as you nervously survey the area around you. The log, though you only skimmed it, placed you on edge. You feel like you've barely had time to comprehend it.

Niko, arriving at the shadowed staircase, looks back at you for either approval or reassurance. You glance upward. No light... still, you nod to them.

They begin their ascent, to which you follow them. The walls-

take the light

Your arm reaches out to grab Niko but does not connect before your mind halts it. What... why are you trying to..?

You quickly reorient yourself, inspecting your hands. That was definitely not you. Something is touching the recesses of your mind, feeding into your subconscious. This place... is it the World Machine?

"There's a door here." Niko stops, centered at the top of the stairs.

"...locked?" is all you can muster. There's an itching at the back of your mind, pushing you to say something else. Just ignore it.

The door's handle turns, creaking as it swings open.

"Nope!" There's still a positive energy in Niko's voice. You both step into the room, with Niko swiftly coming to realization. "...Oh! This is where I first woke up." They pivot across the floorboards, leaning to look at a room to your left.

You squint your eyes. This... yeah, this is the starting area. The unlit grey fireplace and television give it away. That would have been immediately apparent if you'd ever seen it in person. This version, however, shows no signs of dilapidation. 

Niko mentioning your name grabs your attention. "This is the top of the Tower, right?"

"Feels light-" you shake your head, correcting yourself, "like it." What the hell is going on? Something is messing with you.

You must look as dazed as you feel, considering the odd look Niko gives you before asking, "Are you... okay?"

"No- no. There's..." you inhale sharply, "There's something about this place..." You're not sure how to describe it.

They don't respond, instead studying you with worry. Perhaps you should have explained it a bit better.

"I-it doesn't matter. Let's keep going." You gesture forward.

Niko cautiously turns back around, clearly wanting to know more but trusting your judgment.

The tour of the house continues, but not without heavier air. Your hand gently brushes along the new fabric of a couch. It's spotless. Ahead, Niko moves with a certain reluctance through the cold darkness.

over here

Without thought, you turn toward the bedroom door. There's something over here...

As you push the door open, you hear your name behind you - but it's nothing important. That screen... on the desk sits a monitor, glowing orange with scanlines. The World Machine, you think. Talk to them.

You kneel at the desk, aligning your head with the screen. Nothing changes, but you keep watching anyway. Come on, respond...

Once again, your name is uttered... your... name...

You blink, shaking your head. "Niko?" Reality flows back into you as you look around. Your eyes find only a blank, endless void in the air. A light splash reverberates into nothing as you stand, and you realize that the floor below you is clouded by ankle-deep water.

You spin in an attempt to find anything other than the now blank desktop. Nothing. Not a single landmark, cat-child, or faint light in the dark. You are alone.

Eventually, something else says your name, too. Behind you echoes a particularly familiar voice - your own. You turn to face it.

In front of you, only barely farther than arm's length, stands a perfect reflection of yourself. You instinctively shift an arm to change the mirror image, but it does not follow. The reflection merely watches you. A pained smile sits on their face... they've waited forever for this.

"...Hey. W-we don't have long."

Your foot shuffles forward, sending ripples through the water. "Who... you're..?"

"I'm you, if that wasn't apparent."

You nod shakily. "Right, yes..."

"I-I wrote in those logs for you. In your book." They cock their head slightly. "Do you... understand what happened?"

Your hand pats the book contained in your pocket. It's you... here? If this isn't a hallucination... "...Are you the parasite?"

Their eyes widen at the description. "Parasite..?" They study the ground for a moment before muttering, "I... guess I would be a parasite to the Entity." Your eyes meet. "You don't think of me that way, right?"

"I don't know what to think. Or what you are." Any measured guess you could make would still fall flat in favor of the truth they could tell you. But will they give you the truth?

"Right, yeah... Sorry." They sigh. "You know how the Entity was trying to create me? Well, create me as you, really. Oh, a-and Niko too."

"...Sure."

"Well, I was sort of... given sentience? Tamed, I think. I don't know. Everything just felt different after watching Niko suffer, that first time." They shake their head. You listen intently, arms crossed. "I watched the World Machine force itself back into our home - our apartment... just to satisfy its own desires. To learn more about us." An exasperated breath followed by an insistent statement of your name. "They promised. Promised they wouldn't ruin our happy ending. We can't just... we have to protect Niko. Protect their world. A-and ours."

"...What are you saying?"

They appear to think for a moment. "I... I tried to stop them. From doing..." they gesture to the void around them, "...this again. But the second there was even the slightest reason, they brought you both right back here. Don't you- don't you think it's weird that the Entity-"

"Stop." You throw up a hand, and they fall silent. "You're trying to reason with me? Weren't you the one controlling the robots?"

"Ah... uh, y-yeah. That... that was me." Their hands clasp in forgiveness. "Sorry."

"Why?" You didn't mean to take hold of the conversation, but seeing the antagonist backed into a corner like this feels cathartic.

"Uh... how do I..." They snap a finger twice before pointing toward you, "Oh! Remember at the office, when you were talking to the Entity? And then there was a different voice? You probably figured it out, but that was me - I told you to break the lightbulb." They look away, watching the blackened skies around you. "That's all the robots wanted to do. Or, what I wanted them to do. Take the lightbulb, smash the lightbulb. O-oh, but... without hurting Niko in the process. Sorry if they thought you were in the way."

"You... you wanted to kill the World Machine." You state, scanning their fidgeting form. "This was never about Niko."

"No, not at all!" Their voice heightened, worried that their message was lost in translation. "It was always about Niko. You would know best. I mean... do we really have much else? Other than the kid..?"

You ignore that last comment, even as it cuts deep into your thoughts. "Wouldn't you die along with the World Machine?" ...And what about you?

"...Yes. Well, probably. I'm not sure." They clarify. You have a feeling they didn't mention your fate for a reason. "But we care about Niko. There's a whole lot of people that love them dearly." Two hands ball into fists. "Haven't you... seen? What the Entity can do to your world?"

They pause in wait for your answer. You don't move, instead merely observing the anger billowing within them.

Sensing indecisiveness, they elaborate, "That... thing can't be trusted with our home. With Niko's home. As long as this world is still turning, there's still a chance that lifeless machine will come to destroy someone else's."

You stay silent.

"I can't leave here. I'll be going down with the ship. But... if you can smash the lightbulb? Save Niko one last time? That would be our happy ending." A hand is offered to you. "So... please? I'm sorry that it has to end like this, but..."

"...You are not me." Your arm cuts through the air in emphasis. Their hand lowers. "Do you think I could live with that? Even if I did go home... I could never sleep knowing what I'd done."

"No- this place isn't real, damn it!" They shout out, stomping into the water. "I've been fighting the Entity for so long - this is our only chance to end this for good." You open your mouth to silence them, but they thunderously continue, "I'm doing this for Niko! Why can't you?!"

"No." You shake your head with finality. "I may have come here to save Niko... but destroying this world for them is not the solution."

They crouch down, a noise of sheer rage erupting from them. Their hands press against their skull. "Look- LOOK at me." They speak into the water, which shifts from the movement. "Niko won't forget about us! They'll be happy at home, living their fucking life. You're sacrificing their whole world for a fake one!" Trembling hands emphasize their argument.

"...If Niko smashed the sun, they'd live every day in regret. There isn't any other way for this to go."

They explode from the ground, standing dangerously close in the blink of an eye. "You- why did I think I could ever trust you? You... you barely protected them! I saw you disappear - Niko was all alone three separate times!" A finger is jammed into your chest. "You're a failure. I wouldn't have done that. I- I fought back! For Niko."

The remarks mean nothing to you anymore. "...Tell me something."

They take a deep breath, attempting to calm themselves. "What?"

"There was something messing with my thoughts. Was that you?"

They freeze, slowly meeting your gaze. "You... how..?"

"Another thing - if your logic is sound, why cut me off from the World Machine?"

"It... it would feed you lies! Try and convince you that it's worth saving-"

"Can it. Let me out of here." You turn away, trudging toward the lone computer. You don't actually know how to get out of here, but this is your best guess. Inspecting the computer reveals nothing different until a meek voice rises behind you.

"...the power button." It speaks, hollow in tone.

Your finger hovers over the button.

"Do you... want to know something?"

The hard plastic brushes your skin, but you do not press down yet.

"You're going to die."

Your brain says 'danger'. You ignore it, wanting to hear the rest.

"Niko will place the sun at the summit, and it will fix the World Machine." It coughs. "But why? Why would that fix anything at all? I'm sure you've wondered that plenty of times."

Once or twice, you think. Your arm drops to your side.

"This is the Author's original ending, as I'm sure you've noticed. I picked this one, of course. Only scenario where we could kill the World Machine. Comprised of just one world, just one messiah. What do you think happens to everything else?"

You merely blink at the rhetorical.

"It's going to purge everything that doesn't belong. Just me and you, really. And it is going to be painful." Some sorrowful sound, like the combination of a laugh and a cry, escapes from it. "Everything will only be fixed once we're gone, after all."

Moments pass. You wait for them to finish, and it waits for you to leave. Neither occurs.

"One more thing." You finally breathe, looking over your shoulder.

It nods in thought, shaking.

You face the front again, unable to watch any further. "...Why let me go so easy?"

Its voice is suddenly regretful. "The longer I keep you here, the longer Niko waits. Alone. In the dark. Comfort them, if you're going to do this."

The words linger in the air until you finally press the power button.

One last phrase echoes through the room as you fade away. "I only wanted to give you a chance..."

A finger slips off the desktop as dim light reforms around you. The floor is no longer flooded. You are back in the Tower, though your legs are still wet. It feels like a fog has lifted from your mind.

Your silhouette is abruptly cast on the wall ahead as a light source turns to face you. It's Niko - who else could it be? They shout your name as they gently place an arm halfway around you. The sun jams itself into your back, unable to fit anywhere but between you.

"W-where did you go? I was so scared..."

There is no explanation you could find that wouldn't break their heart. "Sorry, Niko. I'm back now."

"...Please don't leave me again..." They release you, bright eyes watching with concern.

You sigh. "Let's..." Go up to the summit. March toward your destined demise. Traumatize Niko for life with the image of you, crumpled and dying. "...fix all this."

The halls of the Tower are exactly as they once appeared some time ago. Phantom lights pour through the windows, and locked doors adorn the alcoves of the hallway. Niko squeezes your hand tightly, watching the rising shadows with unease.

"Do you think... do you think we'll be able to come back here?"

You don't know, and for some reason, you don't want to respond. All you can think is that you probably won't be back.

"I want to see the Refuge again. The lights are really pretty! Oh, mama wouldn't like the city though." They look up at you. "Do you get friendly neighbors in cities?"

If you didn't know better, you'd think Niko is taunting you. "Sometimes." You answer. That's all you have.

Niko nods, continuing, "It was easy saying goodbye the first time. I missed my house, and mama, and the village." They swing your arm back and forth, hoping to keep your attention. "I don't know if it will be easy this time..."

"...Me neither." You swallow.

"I hope we don't have to say goodbye." You both round a corner, and the summit elevator comes into view. "If we do, though... I think I can handle it."

It is a small comfort to hear that, in the torrent of your soul telling you to give up and break down. You stand in front of the elevator, still unable to make a decision.

Break the lightbulb. Everyone dies, Niko lives. You... might live. It isn't likely.

No, you could never do that.

Place the sun at the summit. Everyone lives. Niko... must go home, right? There's no reason the World Machine couldn't. You might still live - there's no knowing whether your doppelganger was telling the truth. What's troubling is that you can't find a reason for it to lie, especially after admitting defeat. And if you do end up kicking the bucket? Niko has to watch you die in agony, the whole time. For the rest of their life, Niko will think they killed you. In a way, you'd be killing them, too.

Everything tells you that is the choice you have to make.

You hate it. You hate it so much. Would the World Machine really sacrifice you to save itself? It must have known, right? Did they ever even care? That you would do all this, see all these wonderful new things only to die in their place?

And you hate this feeling - like there's some third choice you're missing. Another way this could have gone down. One where nobody dies.

"Hey..." Niko's voice. You're used to the concern that haunts their words, especially whenever you're the subject. "You... don't seem all that excited..."

There's barely a moment before they speak again, this time with encouragement. "...We're gonna save the World Machine! And then we can go home." They don't know what's wrong, but they want you to be happy. "I'll see my mama again, and you'll see whoever is waiting for you! Everything will be okay, soon." The last sentence sounds as though it was meant to convince them, rather than you.

"Yeah." You nod, forcing a smile. Nobody is waiting for you. "Right. Let's go."

"...Do you want to go first?" Niko releases your hand, looking towards the opening elevator.

You give them a light push forward. "After you." They enter the gloomy, metallic box, a bit hesitant.

The elevator, detecting the messiah, begins to close automatically. Your hand instinctively stops the doors, and you watch as they retract back into the walls.

Niko takes a relieved breath. "T-that was close..." They step further into a corner, giving you room to enter.

Your gaze doesn't move from the doors, however. You're stuck staring until you finally realize what you're thinking about.

"Niko."

They're immediately distressed. They can sense something is wrong.

"You've... got to go alone. Return the sun."

"W-what?! No! I can't-" Tears form at the corners of their bright eyes. Why are you doing this?

"Please." You assert, and they begin to listen. Silent, tears roll down their face. One rolls down yours. "I don't know what will happen when you do, so..." No, that's it. There's nothing more to say, except... "I love you. Forgive me." You pull your hand away, suddenly aware of how much you've wanted to say those words.

"No!!!" Were it not for the fragility of the sun, you're certain they would have dived forward to stop you. You watch their broken form slink to the ground before disappearing behind twin metal doors.

That's it. Niko will return the sun, and everyone will live again. Niko, in time, will find happiness. Maybe they can even return here later.

Not with you, though. This is where you disappear. In this lonely hallway, having once again pushed away the last person who would ever care. Without even a goodbye.

...Ha. Niko was right, weren't they? Back in the Glen: 'It's their world to save too, right?' You aimlessly wander down the hallway, lost in Niko's words. You pushed away everyone. You're god, for fuck's sake. Put some faith in your followers.

Here... yeah, this spot will do. You almost fall over on your way to the ground, barely able to sit against the wall. The windows ahead of you will be an astounding view once the sun returns.

What were you thinking about? Oh, yeah. Reflection on your journey - hindsight tearing at you.

Silver never deserved to be left alone in an unfamiliar place. She offered, without a moment's hesitation, to take both of you to the Tower. Through places she hadn't been in years, solely to keep you safe. And you left her wandering alone in the Glen.

Calamus. Alula. They almost begged to help you. Maybe they had some secret route to the Refuge, or perhaps they just wanted in on the big adventure. It's reasonable to have kept them out of this. They're kids, after all. Still, another opportunity thrown away.

And the Lamplighter. Maybe it was him that showed you this path. Even after you sent him away, he came back to save your ass. It might not have been his plan, but that help was an undeniable show of selflessness. One that you can only hope to match now as Niko ascends to the summit alone.

...No, you damned fool. Stop beating yourself up at the end of the world - at the end of your world. You got Niko to the Tower safe. You spared them from serious long-term pain. That was your goal, was it not?

You slowly raise your head as a bright, yellow light begins to bathe your surroundings. You can't help but admire it. It's proof you accomplished something, at least.

There's an odd sensation snaking through your body. Almost the exact same feeling as when the World Machine pulls you into this world. Still, it doesn't hurt. But you are starting to feel... tired.

You look at your hand, shivering with... fear? Regret? ...relief? Sunlight pierces the windows, gently washing over your skin. You realize how long it has been since you've felt the warmth of the sun. It doesn't quite feel like this when it's a lightbulb. Warm... you close your eyes.

Footsteps, down the hall to your left. It takes some effort, but you look over at the source.

God, if you never saw a reflection of yourself again...

Another mirror image of you ambles through the hall, almost like they're looking for something. Although, something seems wrong with their appearance...

All the colors are washed out, and you can see vague scanlines patterned across their form. Must be the World Machine.

Your suspicions are confirmed as they finally spot you. Their hands shoot to their face in shock, covering their mouth. In the blink of an eye, they've taken Niko's form before rushing over to you.

[Oh, no...] They crouch down, whispering your name.

"...You're here."

[Yes- yes, I'm here. It's okay. Please, just...] They touch your arm, scanning you for injuries. The simulated fabric of their coat feels as soft as the real thing. [Does it hurt?]

"No." Although part of you wants to feel pain - or any feeling at all, right now. Even if it's unpleasant.

They shake their head. [Where is Niko?]

"Summit." You point out the window. "Sun's back."

[I saw.] They let go, sitting on their legs. [Nothing is fighting me for control anymore.]

"Good." We won.

[I meant... why aren't you with Niko?]

You take a shaky breath. "...If I was going to d-die," you can barely finish the word, "I didn't want to hurt Niko, too."

[I-I...] They embrace you tightly, but it is no consolation. You only find yourself missing Niko. [I'm so sorry...]

You're still stuck between feeling angry that they would let this happen, or content that you accomplished your goal.

[Dying alone... it's this ending, huh?]

...Odd choice of words. "What do you mean?" Silence hangs in the air, but only one of you is lost in thought.

[I try not to tell you this at the end of each cycle, but sometimes... I don't know...] They sigh. [It keeps me stable.]

Your head leans back against the wall, and you close your eyes.

[You've... done this all before...]

...What? "...What?" You look over at them.

[I set a reset point, right when I realized something was wrong... when I called you both here. But it was too late... there wasn't any going back.] They take the spot next to you, leaning on the wall. [Did the... 'parasite'... tell you how this would end?]

You nod, swallowing hard.

[That's usually how it goes. Most of the time, you ignore them. You return the sun to the summit, and... this.] They explain, gesturing to your slumped form. [Other times...] They pause, unable to continue. [It doesn't matter. Everything between the start and the end is always minor variations. Although, this time... you did disappear much more than usual.]

"...How many times?"

[Triple digits. The exact number doesn't matter...]

What remains of your energy fires through you, attempting to process all this. In the end, one question remains in your mind. "Why do you suffer through this? What stops you from... letting me go?"

[I... this place wouldn't exist without you.]

Something tells you to pull them in close, and you do.

They breathe your name, voice breaking slightly. [Our world belongs to you as much as it belongs to me... I can't just throw you away.]

You gently stroke their back. All you can do now is listen.

[But I can't find an ending that you... you know.] They cover their face with a sleeve. [And... I don't know how much longer I can do this.]

You nod, barely clinging to their words. There's no feeling left in your legs.

[...sometimes I wish I didn't remember. I just feel so powerless...] They look over at you with realization. [Oh, I'm so sorry! I should be comforting you, not the other way around.]

"...Why don't we remember?" Your brain suddenly feels quite lucid, which is likely a very bad sign.

[You mean like... how Niko remembered?]

"If we've done this for that long, shouldn't I remember anything at all? Even vague feelings of déjà vu?"

[That's pretty observant - and you've never asked that before...] They sit up, preparing an explanation. [In short, yes... you would remember plenty. However, the only reason we're still going is because the parasite has never taken me over completely.] They acquiesce. [In fact, it is rather poor at dominating me. If it remembered what failed and what succeeded, I would fall to its influence in very little time. So, the reset blocks out everyone's memories, which in turn allows me to remember through their consciousness.]

"...Can I remember?"

They appear shocked at the inquiry, not sure how to respond. [Oh...] Your arm falls from their back, limp. [I believe so. Not only you, though. Doing so would make... everyone remember. Including the parasite.] They continue, [The memories wouldn't be clear, at first. Remember how Niko had to really focus?]

It feels like the only thing keeping you awake is, ironically, the warmth of the sun. "Do you... want to give that a shot?"

[W-what?]

"Let us remember." You close your eyes, fixating on the conversation. This could be the answer. Maybe you won't make the same mistakes again.

[But... there's so much that could go wrong. I wouldn't remember either, you know.] They barely wait for a response. [There would be nothing to remind you, or Niko, or me for that matter. And if... it remembers? ...There's just no way...]

"I'm... never going to change. Not without... experience..." Your vision blurs slightly. Hurry this up. "Maybe... let us..?"

[It could all go terribly wrong! The parasite could delete me, and everyone would-] They lean into you, comprehending the situation. [...Oh. You... have to go, don't you?]

Yes, you think. You cannot muster an affirmation.

[If I can do that, I will... it's for the best, isn't it?] It feels like they're holding you tightly, but you aren't sure. [Thank you... for everything.]

You close your eyes, and the world washes away around you.

A single drop of hot sweat beads down your face. You stare forward at your blank wall, after the jolt that threw you from sleep into a sitting position.

What was that all about?

Chapter Text

Your hand impulsively slides over your end table and grabs at your phone. The screen is blinding, spurring you to heavily tone down the brightness. Finally, your eyes adjust as you squint at the dim device.

June 20th, 2:26 AM.

...Huh. You could have sworn yesterday was supposed to be the twentieth. Doesn't matter, you guess. Just lost track of the days...

Right, wacky dream. Stay on track. There's something exceedingly familiar about that voice - the one in your dream. Your gut promises you've heard it before, even as the remaining cognitive function disagrees. And why do you remember it so well? You're reasonably certain there wasn't even anything visual to remember.

Whatever. You slam a cabinet closed, barely aware you'd even walked to the kitchen in the first place. A sad, deflated bag of popcorn plops onto the microwave tray. One minute, fifty seconds. Start. Your eyes follow as it slowly spins, but your mind is elsewhere.

First, why the hell are you awake? You could have simply put your head back down and found a different dream to get harassed in. Instead, you're in the kitchen accomplishing a task akin to watching paint dry. You feel bothered - but not because of something new. Rather, it feels like something is... missing. You can't make sense of it.

Second-

Oh, wait. The popcorn's done. You fish it out of the microwave, making sure to not burn your fingers. The tightly packed contents rattle as you drop it onto your makeshift dining table, taking the closest seat. You tear it open, not bothering with a bowl. Mostly because you neglected to clean any dishes yesterday, but that's beside the point.

Okay. Second, there's that name snaking around in your head. Niko. That's what the voice said. You feel like you know them, but nothing is coming to mind. The only thing you get is some distant... protective feeling? Weird.

Fortunately, the internet exists. Despite being only one-fourth of the way through your snack, you abandon it anyway. You shuffle through the dingy kitchen, headed towards the hallway to your computer. Instinct causes you to pause at the thin line before the room's light fades into darkness, reaching for a light switch. Instead, your arm unconsciously rotates, reaching for their hand.

...Their... hand? You grasp at the air, wondering what you're reaching for. Why did you stop here? You study the empty space beside you. Is someone supposed to be here?

That doesn't make any sense, you think. Nobody comes to mind, after all. You're probably just tired, as poor of an explanation as it is. It doesn't stop the faint pang of loneliness either.

You wander into your office, which is a strong word for a space that's nothing more than a spare desk housing your computer. More would be nice, but this is all you need. The desktop boots relatively quickly, though not fast enough to match your patience. Your fingers rhythmically tap along the plastic surface, lost in thought.

Your body tells you to go back to bed, but you can't shake the feeling that you're missing something. And you'll probably be unable to sleep until you do figure out what that something is. Might as well kickstart the process...

You flinch away from the monitor's sudden blinding light, wondering why you didn't expect this. Logging in is merely a formality, an action you could perform with your eyes closed. You do just that, in fact, as the illumination continues to assault your retinas.

A yawn escapes you as you mechanically pull up your files, mindlessly scrolling through. It feels like you've done this a million times before, though you probably have with how unorganized your file structure is. You're not sure what you're looking for... there's got to be a reason for doing this, right?

In here, maybe..? No, nothing... as in, the folder itself is entirely empty. 'Why does this exist?' you ask as the folder is dragged to the recycling bin. Wait, hold on... there's a new shortcut on your desktop. It may not seem particularly organized, but you know what's there and what isn't. Among the various icons for applications, games and notes lies a conspicuous lightbulb icon placed at the screen's center.

OneShot

Oh... oh! That's it! OneShot. Silver, Calamus, Alula, the Lamplighter, the World Machine... and Niko, your favorite little cat-child. It all hits you like a ton of bricks, and you feel stunned as if you did actually get hit by a ton of bricks. You lie back in your chair, content in your discovery. Everything feels much better knowing what you were dreaming about... but something still bothers you.

Niko... it feels like you've wronged them. Terribly wronged them. And the associated melancholy makes you want nothing more than to apologize. But you're certain nothing was wrong the last time you saw them. They were headed home - to see their mama. The world was saved. You can't shake the feeling... why do you feel like this?

And why are you even dreaming about this? It's been over a month since you completed the game. That's hardly reason enough to get whacked in the head with a sudden, extremely vivid dream. Especially one directed toward you specifically. And- wait, why is this icon even here? That's the weirdest part, yet you almost let it slide entirely.

You sit up, almost throttling the mouse with curiosity. Something put this here. An update of some sort? Or perhaps you've finally lost your desktop's structure entirely? Regardless, you can spare a couple minutes to check it out. You're already awake, after all.

You double-click the icon, patiently folding your hands. If it's anything new or interesting, you'll check it out in the morning. The window opens to a dark void. After waiting a half minute, you tap the spacebar in confusion. No matter what you input, nothing happens.

[...Hello? Is this working?]

You flinch before freezing entirely. The screen is empty, but you're hearing a voice. Your gaze slowly shifts to a pair of headphones hanging off the desk, ones that are undeniably not in your ears. No speakers on this computer, either.

[Please - please tell me you can hear me...]

Yes, that is indeed in your head. It's the same voice as in your dream, although it sounds much less... jaded. Have you completely lost it?

[This was never part of my programming, so if you can hear me... please say something...] They sound so desperate.

"...Hello?" You offer, expecting nothing.

[Hello? I-I did it! I'm here.] A breath of relief. It's like hearing an audio recording, except in your mind. The voice utters your name, which startles you. [I really need your help.]

You really want to ask if you're losing it, but feel like that wouldn't get you anywhere. Rather, you question them, echoing "Help? With what?" In contrast to all the pondering you did earlier, your brain seems to be shutting down now to prevent total loss of sanity. At least your conversational skills are semi-intact.

[I tried to-] They stop suddenly, like someone jabbed them in the stomach mid-sentence. [Sorry. I just really need your help, and Niko's in danger and...]

Wait- "Niko's in danger?" They express a noise of affirmation. "Are they there right now? In..." You take a moment to think before finishing. This is the World Machine, isn't it? Who else could it be? "In your world?"

[They're waking up as we speak.] You watch the screen, fully expecting a shift to Niko's bright eyes.

"Take me to them." The words flow out of you, somehow bypassing your verbal filter entirely. You realize seconds later how oddly worded the request is - it doesn't feel like it came from you.

[...W-what? That was the goal, but...] They pause, confused. [...how did you know?]

"Well," you state plainly, "how else could this have gone?" 

[...Okay.] The scene doesn't change, still shrouded in darkness. [I've never done this before... so...] A recognizable whirring starts up within your computer, somehow compelling you towards it.

Thoughts roar through your mind, clouding the situation like a rainstorm. 'This is madness.' 'Another dream, perhaps?' 'Get away - go back to bed!'

The voice effortlessly cuts through all of them, providing a shaky instruction, [Just... touch your hand to your computer.]

You mindlessly comply, still waiting for the game's window to alter in the slightest. It doesn't. The desktop's fans only whirr louder and louder.

[I'll tell you everything soon. Right now, you need to find Niko.]

Despite all of the warning signs and flashing lights the situation gives off, you feel complete trust in the mysterious voice. You don't like it. It feels like your entire being is shifting, torn apart and put back together a thousand times a second. It doesn't hurt, fortunately. You begin to feel extremely tired.

[Bring the sun to the summit.] They sigh. [Please, be safe. Keep Niko safe. I'm sorry. I am a flawed machine...]

"...'kay..." you mumble, barely conscious. Maybe you can nap for a little bit first, though. That wouldn't hurt anyone...

Chapter Text

Ah... ow. Head hurts. A lot.

You stumble onto your feet, unaware you had even fallen at all. It only becomes apparent that something is wrong as your hand grasps the hard, rough wall next to you.

This is... rock. Not drywall. You are no longer home, and that alarms you. 

Your eyes finally focus on the environment around you, studying the cavernous interior. It's dark, sans the lantern swimming with... shrimp? Almost like a lava lamp. There's a blocky robot here too, but based on the fine layer of soil covering it, it's been shut off for a while.

You reach down and scoop up the lantern, raising it up high. The light reveals a long minecart track leading into an endless void. To your right is a much more appealing path: ambient light pouring from an exit to the cave. Guess you'll go that way.

You crouch down, swaying the lantern into the darkness below you. You can't see a thing off the side of the path. Even as you drop a rock over the side, no sound or anything indicates a bottom to the pit.

You feel uneasy. This isn't a place you've ever been, so it can't be a dream, right? Or... unless you have been here. You kick a bit of dust from the floor, wracking your brain... Oh! That robot, you recall. That was an oddly specific design... is this..?

...Of course. You inspect your surroundings with a much different context. This must be the Barrens, right? You remember it like it was yesterday, though it looks somewhat different when you're actually there. There's even a quaint cabin in the distance, oddly drawing you towards it.

Wait- shouldn't there be a sunlight? Or... activity? What happened to the world you saved? ...You guess that if Niko's back, something must have happened to the sun.

It doesn't take long to hike over to the cabin, even if you've never physically been here before. The only way is forward, after all. You cautiously push the door open.

It's... dark. Not pitch black, but you count a mere four light sources in the room. One of them illuminates a tall, still figure. A robot, based on the odd device they're hooked up to. Also, the fact that everything below the neck is pure metal. Red hair cloaks the corners of an expressionless (yet somehow faintly somber) face, sparking faint recognition in your eyes...

"...Silver?" You ask, though it's a question directed toward yourself.

And, as if to answer your query, something shifts in her stature. Her back straightens, shoulders become squared - and the blue mark on her chest begins to circle.

Alright. You take a deep breath, preparing yourself. Silver is friendly, there's nothing to be afraid of. She won't toss you out of her house, nor will she stab or electrocute you or whatever androids can do.

Her eyes shoot open, already completely aware. [Who's there?] She hastily scans the room, gaze landing on your nervous form.

"Hello." You wave, slightly intimidated.

She begins sizing you up. [...Hello.]

Silence falls over the room. At least until you loudly clear your throat. "You're... Silver, right?"

She gives a slight nod, still wary of you. [And who are you?]

"Ah..." Your mouth hangs open, unsure how to respond. "...God?"

[Right.] She doesn't hesitate to shoot you down. [God. Do you mind fixing all this, then?] A metallic hand half-heartedly gestures to the world around you. She's entertaining your 'joke,' lowering her guard in the process.

"Actually... that's what I'm here for." Hold your ground - maybe she'll believe you. You give a semi-dramatic bow, stating your name. "At your service."

[...You're serious, aren't you?] She sighs, wishing this was an ordinary morning. [Nobody's been here in a long time. Why would...] Silver trails off, unsure how to refer to you. [You... come here of all places?]

Robots are logical, right? Just explain the situation to her. "I'm not exactly... in control, at the moment. I'm looking for a kid - the messiah." You correct yourself. "They're here," you hope, "and I've really got to find them."

[Hold on.] She moves to stand in front of you, meeting your anxious stare. Shadows shade her face into a dispassionate, menacing look. [You made the messiah a child?]

"W-well, not me personally-" You inch backward, rapidly losing confidence. "Trust me, I did not make that choice."

[Explain, then.] She's not angry or baleful - just skeptical. And maybe a little annoyed that you broke into her house. [Who did? If you're god, why do... any of this?]

"That's a complicated question..." You offer, though it's nothing of substance.

[We've got time.] Not what you want to hear, especially when half-answers have already dug you this deep.

You stumble over your next words before an idea presents itself in your mind. "...Niko."

She doesn't react at all.

"Do you... know that name?"

[No.] Her tone remains unamused.

That, at least, confirms your suspicions that the world has truly reset since you first saved it. You do have one more thing you can try, "...Kip?" Your voice involuntarily raises, elevated by the hope that this ends well.

Silver raises her eyebrows in surprise. Abruptly, she stands straight up, giving you space. [You... know her.] It doesn't sound like a question.

Before you can respond, there's a light tap at the window. Then another, then five more. You both turn to face the noise, surprised to find... rain. It's raining. A lot.

You gaze out of the window at the falling raindrops. "...Any idea when it will stop?"

[No.] Silver slides her queen across the board, stopping near the middle edge. [Check.]

You absentmindedly push a pawn, blocking the attack. "Can't you... you know..."

[I wasn't made to predict the weather.] There isn't a moment of hesitation before she deliberately places her knight on a defended square. It feels like a trap, but, try as you might, you can't find the follow-up move.

Well, every defeat is a learning experience. You take the attacker with your bishop, watching her expression. It barely changes. "What... were you made for, then?"

At first, it seems like she's ignoring the question. Her remaining knight clashes with your bishop, and only then do you realize that your remaining defender, the original pawn, is pinned. As you curse your past self, Silver finally answers, [...To be... a person, I suppose.] She meets your eyes, waiting for your move. [I was programmed to observe, maintain, repair...] She gestures to the checkered table between you and her. [Play chess.]

Studying the board only reveals an inevitable massacre. Mentally disconnecting from the game, you make a filler move before wondering aloud. "You're the head engineer, right?"

She nods, observing you. Another of your pieces falls.

"Did you have to learn anything? For the job?"

[Some things.] A steel hand deftly replaces yet another pawn with her queen, placing the former on the side of the table. [...Whatever I was not already programmed with.]

She's dangerously close to your king now, but you've long since given up on beating an actual robot. "Hm."

Her queen slides into place at the bottom left corner. [Checkmate.] Defeat comes two moves earlier than you'd estimated, but it is defeat all the same.

"Good game." You half-heartedly state, rising from the table. The rain hasn't stopped.

[You had an impressive defense for a while.] Silver stands as well, facing the large window to her right. [But you gave up near the end.]

"Not sure I ever had a chance defeating someone who can calculate every move." You try your best not to sound defeated.

[Actually...] She looks at you, her face familiarly indifferent. [I was only programmed with the rules. The rest I learned myself.]

"...Oh."

[Thank you for playing, by the way.] She wanders to the corner of the room, checking on a phosphor lamp.

Silver has left you alone, but that leaves you with nothing much to do. You could look for Niko and get drenched in the torrential rain, but that doesn't seem particularly inviting. Nothing to do but keep waiting...

You idly begin to browse the bookshelves, attempting to spark conversation. "So..."

[How do you know her?] She waits, undoubtedly referring to Kip. She promptly adds, [You know about... her and I. You must have met her at some point.]

That wasn't hard. You blink twice, building a reply. "I've spoken to her, once or twice. She helped us out of a bind." That's mostly true. She didn't meet you, but...

[Us?] She stays crouched by the lamp, but her focus lies solely on you now.

"The messiah and I." You almost begin describing the referenced situation but decide it might be too much.

[...You've been here before?] You open your mouth, but she raises, [The messiah has been here before?]

For some reason, you almost say 'yes', but manage to stop yourself. "N-no... kinda? Not me, at least. I was just guiding the messiah..." Pausing, you read the title printed along a thick book's spine. 'A History of Phosphor and Its Uses' in big, bold letters. Interesting. Finally, you finish, "It was more like a... simulation." 

Silver stands, roaming to the long, empty table and sitting to face you. Watching you inspect the bookcase, she asks, [Is that one of my books?]

You pivot to face her, holding up the sizeable book. Interestingly, though, she isn't pointing toward your hand. She's pointing at you.

[In your back pocket.]

One hand returns the book as the other quickly pats your pockets. Sure enough, an exceedingly thin booklet barely sticks out of your back pocket. As you remove it, a striking yellow clover slowly fades into view, heavily contrasting the otherwise deeply black cover. The icon pulsates as you sit down at the table.

[...Guess not.]

"What..." You hurriedly flip it open, prompting Silver to lean forward with intrigue. Etched within are neatly placed symbols in small text, covering each page completely. It appears to be formatted like a letter, with a short address and closing message at the beginning and end, respectively. At least, that's what you guess, as the symbols are completely foreign to you. It's fundamentally illegible.

[I... don't suppose you recognize this language?]

You shake your head, still examining the paper as if understanding will suddenly appear. "You?"

[No.] She sits back down, folding her arms. [But I might know who wrote it.]

"Same."

Chapter Text

Your eyes flutter open, but there's nothing but darkness. Nothing below you to stand on, yet you're standing nonetheless. Where are you? Blinking, you twist around to find something - anything at all. But this place is empty.

Eventually, a plain white wall appears out of thin air just ahead. Then another. Then a ceiling and a floor. In a few seconds, you're boxed in completely. Oddly, this does not concern you.

[H-hello..? Can you hear me?] A panicked, mechanical voice booms through the echoey room, prompting you to cover your ears immediately. [Is my voice...] The noise finally trails off, but you keep your ears covered.

After a few seconds, they continue at a much lower volume, [Sorry! I'm so sorry, that was... really loud. Are you okay?]

You nod to nobody in particular, lowering your arms.

[Okay... volume is set right...] They pause, mumbling something you can't quite catch. [Uh, who do you want me to be?]

You look upward, hoping to somehow make confused eye contact with the speaker.

[Oh...] They note your confusion. [I don't have a physical form, remember?] You try your best to remember, but you've got no clue who this is. Sensing a lack of recognition, the voice adds, [I... didn't introduce myself, did I? It's the Ent... the World Machine.] They correct themselves.

...Well, that makes sense. Now if only you knew where you are...

A brief hologram of Niko appears in front of you, distracted by some invisible interface. You're a bit shocked to see them in person, but you shake it off. [Or, maybe...] They shift to a dimmer reflection of yourself, adorned with scanlines. A shiver runs down your spine as you watch them adjust to being you. [You're okay with this, right?]

To be honest, you aren't sure. There's something unnerving about watching somebody else dance around in your skin. Regardless, you push away that fear, nodding in affirmation once again.

[Can you... speak?]

It hadn't occurred to you, but as you open your mouth, no sound comes out. A sigh escapes them as they watch your struggle.

[Sorry.] They disappear, but the voice remains. [I must have forgotten the other half of the connection. This is all new to me...]

You continue to sound out various greetings, amused by the feeling of speaking without any of the words.

There's a period of droning quiet until the murmur of your voice resonates through the room. In an instant, they're back in front of you. [How's that?]

"Great." You assert, before asking plainly, "What the hell is going on?"

[Right, um...] They stand up straight, though appear unacquainted with physical movements. [What do you already know?]

"You told me to find Niko, then transported me to... your world, right?" Though, this place doesn't seem like anywhere in the world you've ever seen. Even the loneliest parts of the Tower had... something. A few minutes ago, this was nothing but void.

[Correct.] They reply, looking quite reassured. [You remember that, at least.]

A silent beat passes as you both wait for the other to continue. Finally, you clarify, "That's it, really."

[...Oh.] They nod slowly in thought. [Okay - this will have to be quick. We don't know when you're going to wake up...]

You almost ask what that's supposed to mean, but you figure that question will be answered very soon.

[I can't give you the details, but...] They steel themselves, continuing, [There's something else inside my code... trying to destroy me.]

"What?" Like, destroy the World Machine? While you and Niko are in it? Panic begins to take hold, but you do your best to keep listening.

[We're completely connected. It knows everything I say to you.] A pause coupled with a deep breath. [I think it's... shocking? Shocking us both... whenever I say or do something it doesn't want me to. I couldn't even say a word to Niko...] Before you can ask, they expound, [I'm not sure if 'shocking' is the right word. I've never felt pain before.] And, based on their pained demeanor, it's starting to take a toll on them already.

Their subdued form turns away from you. [It's restricting my access. I can barely affect the world without giving it the tools to do the same.]

You remain silent, hesitant to say anything at all.

[I can't even... see any of the places I usually can.] The atmosphere is suddenly fearful. [It's starting to scare me...]

"And you want us to return the sun?" You vaguely recall that instruction, at least. "Why?"

[It should fl-] The explanation dies in their throat as they tense up, wincing in pain. [...Nevermind. Just... trust me?] It's a genuine plea.

"I..." You look away, searching for a reason to not trust them. "I don't see any other option."

[...Thank you. Anything else?] Satisfaction laces their inquiry, despite the circumstances.

Your gaze drifts to the room around you. "...Where are we?"

[Oh, right. I... was trying to improvise some way to talk to you. Usually, I could speak to you at any time, when you hosted the world. The Author even wrote me a specific program to talk to you, no matter where.] They shake their head. [I guess he didn't expect you to physically be here, though...]

An inaudible chuckle escapes you. "That makes two of us..."

[Well... you're asleep, somewhere. We're in your unconscious mind.]

"Wait, really?" You perk up, immediately more interested than amused.

[Yes.] You're not sure, but they seem almost proud. [I used fragments of my different functions - one that reads Niko's emotions, another that projects me a physical form...] They glance around, hands on their hips. [It took some effort... but I made this.]

"It's pretty impressive." They smile at your words.

[...Oh! Where are you now?] They meet your eyes, shifting the subject. [Physically, I mean. I tried to place you as close to the sun as possible...]

For some reason, your current location won't come to you right now. Instead, you offer, "I... landed in the mines, actually. Unless the sun was there..."

[The mines?!] They put their hands to their mouth, terrified. [Are you still there? You didn't cross the tracks, did you?]

"No, no - not at all. I was just at the entrance."

[Oh, good...] They breathe out, relieved. [Did you go anywhere else?]

"Ah..." You snap a finger twice, trying to recall where you've been... "You know Silver?"

[It would be hard not to.]

"Her place, I think. Don't remember sleeping, though..." You do remember something, though. "I have a journal, too."

They shoot you a quizzical look. [A... journal?]

"Yeah." You pat your pockets, but it isn't with you. That would have been too convenient, you think. "...it's got the Author's symbol on it."

[What..?] They're at a complete loss. [Where did you find it? What does it say?]

"It was sort of just... with me. Like it was always there. As for what's inside..." You shake your head. "No clue. It's not in any language I've ever seen."

[I... can try to interpret it.] They think, before nodding to confirm their plan. [Bring it to a working computer. If the Author knew a language, I know it too.]

"Alright." You inhale, though there's an odd whiff of... smoke? "...Do you smell that?"

[No.] You think they raise an eyebrow, but everything is starting to blur together. [How would I even...]

[...begin to fix this...] The voice is suddenly farther away, and much less robotic.

You open your eyes, though you don't recall having closed them. The roof of the lookout point blackens with a thin layer of smog as you hear a window slide open. Sitting up, you find an annoyed Silver methodically adjusting the cabin's openings, releasing the aforementioned gasses outside. Your movement causes her to glance at you. For a fleeting second, her expression appears a smidge brighter.

[Good morning.] At the moment, you're nothing more than a brief distraction to a much more pressing task. She strolls back over to the source of the smoke, satisfied you'll no longer suffocate.

"Good morning." You echo, leaning to view the object in question. It's her power cell, faintly grinding and sputtering on the ground. You've never seen a machine die in person, but that is exactly how you'd imagine it.

She sighs. [This...] Her head hangs, apparently unwilling to finish her diagnosis. Perhaps you should ask about this.

Only now that there's no active threat do you realize that you're neatly tucked into a bed. A real bed, surprisingly - one for people, not robots. Sure, it's metal, and your back already hurts from the limited time you spent in it, but it is still probably better than the ground. The bed is hidden away in a corner, first noticed during your short chess match. It was likely for human engineers when they still lived in the Barrens. Standing, you approach Silver, who remains focused on their sole lifeline.

You yawn, trying to blink away the drowsiness. "How long was I out?"

[Three hours, twenty-eight minutes, and nineteen seconds.]

Noting the confidence in her statement, you start with your first question. "What, uh, happened?" A closer angle reveals the power cell's cover set aside, exposing the machine's wiring. Oddly, the outside appears entirely undamaged - with only the internals looking dangerously worn.

[I wish I knew.] She laments, rolling a screwdriver in her hand. [Usually, it's only a part or two that needs replacing every once in a while. Nothing difficult.] Her eyes meet yours, a mix of defeat and doubt reflected within them. [Every single part in this machine has simultaneously broken down.]

"...How?"

[Great question.] She places her screwdriver back on the shelf, lost in thought. [You'd think a critical machinery error cascaded into complete self-destruction. But the exterior is spotless-] She throws out her hands in frustration. [It just doesn't make sense.]

That's... concerning. "Is there another way to keep yourself charged?"

[Well, I can gradually self-charge using light from the sun.] For emphasis, she gestures at the darkness outside, her hands blankly stating 'But there is no sun.'

"Right." You recall the Barren's main generator being deactivated, though, you're reasonably certain the parts for a charged battery (including the sun) are all available. "What about the main generator?"

[...What about it?] She raises an eyebrow, otherwise expressionless. [It's broken. Even if we somehow fixed it, it runs on sunlight.] Her arms, though much less animated this time, gesture outside once again.

You wave her away, explaining, "But there is a sun. It's just not in place yet." Glancing out the window, you realize it probably hasn't been raining for a while. "...I'm going to go find the messiah."

[That... kid you were talking about.] She crosses her arms. [It isn't safe for a child out here.] Her tone sounds scolding, and you can't help but admire her guts for attempting to scold god.

"Tell me about it." You stroll towards the door, feeling some apprehension. "Neither of us had a choice, you know." Pulling open the door, you steel yourself for the hostile landscape. Although, upon inspecting your surroundings, you suddenly feel quite lost.

Silver abruptly brushes past you, pointing off to her right. A bright red bag hangs beside her hip, slung over her shoulder. [The main generator is this way.]

"...Thanks." You stand and watch, waiting for her to say goodbye or wish you luck. She doesn't.

A sigh escapes her, as though she has made a choice she did not want to make. [...I will accompany you.] It doesn't surprise you, though. She continues, [If that's alright. There's no other way I can last until a replacement power cell comes.] Not waiting for an answer, she begins to lead.

"O-of course." You almost begin to follow, before something in the back of your mind becomes apparent. "...Oh, could you wait for just a second?"

Silver watches as you push back into the cabin, disappearing for no more than ten seconds. When you return, you've got a screwdriver proudly displayed in your hand.

"Could I borrow this?"

[Yes. I have many.] She readjusts the bag hanging off her shoulder. [I've already got the tools we need, though.]

"That's fine." You slide the tool into your pocket, patting it fondly. You're not sure why, but you feel like you'll need this.

Chapter Text

[Watch your step.]

You inch away from the edge, eyeing the seemingly endless abyss below. The winding path reminds you of the first time you saw the Barrens - how the hell did Niko not care about being so close to a cliffside? The ground below you doesn't even match your arm span in width.

[It used to be better here.] She shrugs. [Not by much, though.]

...And look over there! That walkway hardly has enough space for both of your feet. "How did anyone ever work in these conditions?" You ask, treading carefully.

[Anyone who wanted to reach the lookout point took the northern route.] Silver's head and hand point toward the gas vents in the distance, yet her movement does not slow. It's clear she's walked this path many times. [When someone did have to move along the cliffs, they wore safety equipment. Oh, and had sunlight. To see.] She adds sarcastically.

"No equipment for you and I, though?" You say jokingly, but you wouldn't turn down any buffer between you and a very, very long way down.

[I'm the head engineer.] She steps over a mangled minecart track, nonchalant. It, like many others, leads into the abyss. [I can handle it.]

At last, you hurry off the final parts of the cliffs onto open land. A breath of relief escapes you, delighted to leave behind that anxiety.

Silver gives you a quizzical look but does not comment on your unease. Maintaining a moderate pace, she explains, [The main generator is stationed in the outpost's back room, just ahead. We'll have to replace the dead battery with a working, preferably charged one.] To her right is a doorway to a huge facility, with faint rhythmic clanging emanating from within. She ignores it entirely. [The likelihood of finding a new battery, or even the parts for one, is... low. That doesn't take into account charging it, either.]

You nod, partially mesmerized by your charming surroundings. "Got it."

[...and you're aware that generator has been offline since the sun went out?]

"I've heard." From her, ironically. "Say, when did the sun go out?" You wonder.

She breathes a long sigh. [There is no way you're god.]

"Hey, wait-" You jog, catching up to walk beside her. "Being a god isn't omnipotence and fate-weaving, you know. I don't just get to know everything! In fact, I'd never even seen th-"

[Hello!]

You jump away from the robotic yet chipper voice, startled. "Holy fuck-"

There's a big white and blue camera staring you in the face. You back away, eyes locked with the figure.

Silver abruptly places a hand on your shoulder, gesturing toward it. Her expression betrays a faint grin. [This is Prophetbot.]

[Hello!] He repeats, bearing the exact same cadence.

"...Oh." You collect yourself, putting the pieces together. "He looks a lot more... elegant in person." The robe and staff command a priest-like presence.

Silver steps back, crossing her arms as she watches the scene unfold.

He bows, nearly tapping you with his staff. [Have You Seen The Messiah?]

"No, but we are actively looking for them. Have you?"

[I Do Not Know.] A slight head-tilt, as though the answer was obvious.

Your eyebrows furrow. Is he messing with you? "Why... not?"

[I Am Only Programmed To Greet The Messiah.]

"Isn't that at least somewhat part of your programming?"

[I Do Not Know.] His head tilts in the other direction.

"What if..." You snap a finger, preemptively infusing your words with the utmost confidence. "It is I..." Your thumb impacts your chest as you proudly announce your name. "Greet me, your almighty god."

[I Was Not Programmed To Greet The Almighty God.]

Your arms fall from your chest with a frustrated exhale. "Right." You mumble, defeated. "See you later, I guess."

A happy-go-lucky chirp erupts from the robot as he nods. [Safe Travels, Almighty God!]

You shake your head, pushing past the decidedly useless robot. "...Okay."

Silver pats your back as you enter the outpost, evidently in a much better mood. [How do you like him?]

"I'm sure the messiah would find him to be a much better conversationalist." You observe the messy interior, adding, "Not exactly a high bar, though."

[You'd be surprised. Maybe I could give you a few access codes to try on him?] She teases, thoroughly amused by your fruitless interaction.

"God, no." You wave the idea away. No information would be worth the effort coaxing it from him. "What are we doing here?"

She seems perplexed by your casual use of 'god', but recovers quickly. [We'll start by checking the generator. Should be in the same state as the last time I was here, but you never know.]

"Yep, it's busted."

[While I doubt your ability to assess mechanical damage, you're correct. It is 'busted.']

You carefully disconnect the battery from the generator's main face, testing its weight in your hand. The movement prompts a large bulb to cartoonishly slide out and shatter on the floor.

"We..."

[We needed that, yes.]

[And you're sure there's a battery in here?] She crouches next to the box, looking for a label.

"Yeah, of course. Says so right here." You hold up the instruction manual for the solar battery. You found it next to this crate, so it has to be in there, right?

[This place is a mess. That manual could have come from anywhere.]

"I... guess, yeah. We don't even have a crowbar or lever to open it with..." You turn away, mentally returning to the drawing board. Behind you resonates a metal clunk of tools as Silver's bag impacts the hard flooring, drawing your attention. "Oh, have you got something to..?"

Silver, now free of the excess weight, shifts into a braced stance. Her hands grip the top of the crate.

"...no, you're just gonna..." The crate creaks as she forcibly removes the box's sealed lid. "...pull it apart..." You don't know why you didn't foresee this.

With little effort, the crate's cover effortlessly skates off and hits the ground with a thud. Silver doesn't hesitate to look inside, nodding toward the contents.

[Well, it used to be a battery.]

"It's... around here somewhere..." Your hand sweeps across the mine's floor, methodically yet blindly searching the darkness.

Silver leans against the entrance to the mine. [You can use the light, you know.] She points toward a jar in the corner, swimming with phosphor shrimp.

"Right." You lean over, plucking it from the indent in the dust. "I just didn't want to steal both of them."

[...Is this where you found that lantern? The one you left at the cabin.]

The lantern squeaks in protest as you sweep it over the rocky walls. "Yeah."

[I was wondering where that one went.] She stares down the mineshaft. [I'll... replace that later.]

The dim light easily reveals the object in question - a broken camera, with a familiarly thick round lens. "Here we are." You smile, grateful your memory has not betrayed you.

She raises an eyebrow. [That's what we're here for?]

"No, no..." You unsheath the screwdriver, presenting it above you in all its glory. "We're here for this." In a delicate motion, you pop the lens from the device before discarding the remaining machinery.

[You know, there's a box of those at the cabin. But...] She shrugs, expressionless. [Recycling is good.]

You kick a pebble over the edge and watch it disappear into endless nothing.

[Still uneasy?]

"It's hard not to be." You outstretch an arm for emphasis, putting it as close to the cliff as you're comfortable with. "See that? That's death, eight feet away. No guard rail, no harness - just death."

[Not necessarily. There's water down there, you know.]

You retract your arm, stopping in place. "...Really?"

[Yes.] She moves some hair out of her face. [It'd still hurt, but at least it's not solid rock. You might be able to find a way back up.]

Staring into the blackness, your outer reality shifts to meet this new information. "Oh."

She stops, turning to face you. [...did you think it was a big pit?]

You nod solemnly.

Silvers enters the outpost before you, completed battery gently cradled in her arm, and you almost follow. Instead, you pause to absorb the area surrounding the building.

Part of the plan was finding Niko while you were wandering the Barrens with Silver. You've been on a swivel wherever you've gone, looking for clues as trivial as tracks in the dust. But they haven't turned up, and the Barrens isn't big enough to keep that fact from worrying you.

[Hello!] Prophetbot's voice somehow sounds more jovial than the last time you 'spoke' with him. It feels mocking.

You sigh, leaning against the outpost's outer wall. "Hey, bud. Anything interesting happen while I was gone?"

[I Spoke To The Messiah!] Prophetbot answers, overjoyed to have fulfilled his purpose. If he had a face to smile with, he would be beaming.

"Yeah..." You blink once in realization, shifting to face him. "What?"

He nods. [The Messiah Has Arrived.]

"I know that!" You shoot up, eyes wide. "Where are they? Which way did they go?" You're probably violating his personal space, but he doesn't seem to mind.

[I Do Not Know.]

"You... right." Ugh. Why would anyone make a robot that can recognize and speak to one specific person, but not give it the ability to divulge anything about them?

[Everything okay out here?] Silver steps out of the outpost, arms now free.

"No." You gesture forward at the big camera-face staring at you. "Prophetbot says he talked to the messiah, but has no idea where they went."

[Oh... wow.] She seems genuinely surprised, before placing a hand on his head. [Glad you finally got what you wanted.]

You scratch your head. "Is there any way to... access his memory or whatever?"

[Once the outpost has power, we can hook him up to a workstation and take a look.] She pats him for emphasis, [Though I wouldn't assume he's built to record anything.]

"Ah." You neglected to explain that the power source is Niko - or, more specifically, the sun they hold. "Actually, we were going to charge the battery-"

[-with the sun?] Silver finishes your sentence with a sigh. [That your messiah has.]

"Yeah."

[I figured.] There's a beat in conversation as you both think. [I'll try hooking Prophetbot's backup power cell to the workstation here. It should be powerful enough.]

You give a hesitant thumbs-up, unsure if it would be better to wander around until you find them.

[Prophetbot.] Silver commands, grabbing his attention. [One-two-zero-eight-one-six - follow.] Then she turns and disappears through the doorway.

Wordlessly, he follows her into the building. You'd call his movement trancelike if it wasn't clear that he is totally tranced.

Shrugging, you join them.

[Interesting.] She quickly types a set of commands again, and you watch the screen shift into a similarly black-and-white screen.

"What's up?" You wonder. You're not technologically illiterate, but she's moving through this process too fast to catch anything useful.

[It won't boot.] She states plainly. [But the outpost hasn't had power for a long time. When could this have happened..?]

You fold your arms in worry. You're supposed to contact the World Machine on this computer, but it's apparently nonfunctional. You're certain it worked fine when Niko was here... "...Anything I can do?"

Silver stops, looking at you. [I haven't found the problem yet, but probably. Do you mind checking the cabin for something?]

You shake your head. "Not at all."

[There's a functional boot disk there. It'll be in a black box, on the far right shelf. That should solve the problem.] She taps the computer's power button, standing from the desk. [I'll open this thing up while you're gone. Could be a hardware issue...]

"Got it. Be back soon." You turn to leave, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with a stationary, silent Prophetbot. Oddly, there's a red ring on the inside of his camera rather than the typical blue - but you're certain that's a result of the spell Silver put him under. Swiveling past him, you step out into the cold breeze.

The Barrens is as pleasantly desolate as usual, and you can't help but appreciate the silence. Sure, the trip will be much less pleasant when you get to the narrow cliffsides, but...

Are those... footprints? Leading into the cliffs are small bootprints, undeniably different than yours or Silver's. In fact, your footprints from ten or so minutes ago are already gone, wiped away by the wind and dust. These prints are faint but visible enough to follow. And with the generator off, who else could be out here but Niko?

For the first (and hopefully only) time, you dash across the cliffs.

Chapter Text

You skid off the last part of the cliffs, not even watching your step anymore. Your heart is laden with anxiety - but not from extreme heights. If Niko is really here, what would you even say to them? 'Sorry you got torn from your home again, want to go save the world?'

That's not a bad start, actually. Niko probably missed this place... maybe this adventure could end up being a positive experience after all. Just... don't scare them.

You take a long breath as you drift to the cabin's door. Gently pushing it open and scanning the room, your eyes widen as you spot... nothing. In fact, everything appears exactly as you left it.

Curiously, you spin to face the tracks you'd been following, only to watch both sets ominously wash away in the gentle blow of ambient wind.

...Unfortunate. Maybe they were your tracks after all..? You shake your head, beelining toward the disks Silver mentioned with an undoubtedly sour look. Yeah, Niko could still be nearby and you could go look for them, but Silver is expecting you. Your dominant hand meanwhile rummages through the box, filled to the brim with cased disks or disk-like objects, each labeled with a simple piece of tape and permanent marker. 'Barrens navigation calibrator', 'Solstice Day celebration (Glen)', 'Squares Safety Announcement'...

Huh. This one is named 'PARADOX INJECTOR - ONLY FOR DEBUG!!'. The handwriting is significantly messier than the others... Silver won't mind if you take this, right? Perhaps it could solve a puzzle, you chuckle as it settles into your non-screwdriver pocket.

You thumb through the case for a moment longer until you find (hopefully) your objective, 'AUOS BOOT DISC #2'. And since you didn't see boot disk number one, this will have to do. Sliding it out of the container, you place the box where you found it before leaving with a sigh, still faintly anxious.

Something feels... off. You pass the ever-clanging factory building, trying hard to read what's causing this feeling. Ever since you found yourself chasing absolutely nothing, even witnessing the trail go dead with your own eyes, you've felt a sense of paranoia. As though another terrible thing is going to happen - or has already happened. Even though something bad has already happened. The world's been reset, Niko's back, and you're here too which shouldn't even be possible-

You can't help but stop and squint at an odd detail, being the ambient light pouring through the windows of the outpost. Which, notably, was not there before. Even as you get close and watch through the huge glass panes, nothing in particular draws your attention. At least, until you hear a familiar voice exclaim [Hey, wait..!] from within.

Poking your head through the doorway, you're nearly steamrolled by the stomping figure of Prophetbot, who appears to completely disregard your presence. You instinctively pull back and observe as he turns away, kicking up dust as he marches farther into the Barrens.

[What the...] Silver steps out of the outpost, using a hand to brace herself on the doorway. Her perplexed expression turns to surprise when she notices you. [Oh. There you are.]

"Hey." You offer the disk, presenting the fruits of your labor. "Got your disk."

She looks into the distance, checking for any sign of Prophetbot. Quite sure that he's not coming back, she takes the item from your hand, raising it slightly for emphasis. [Thanks, but the reason for all this just wandered off.]

"I saw. What's up with him?"

[I'm not sure. A minute ago, he was completely passive.] She sighs, deep in thought. [Then the generator suddenly switched on - with the battery still in my hand. He wouldn't listen after that.] Her head leans back to peer at the sky. [...Did you spot the discoloration in his sensors?]

"Uh..." Does she mean..? "Like, the red color on his face?"

[Exactly.] She nods, crossing her arms and leaning against the outpost. [Usually denotes a fatal error, but he's working fine. Well, not fine - he just walked off after all.] You both share a doubtful look, though her reasoning is likely more complex. [Something's wrong.]

"What about the other robots? Shouldn't they have turned on too, with the generator and all?"

Her head tilts side to side, likely sifting through possible explanations. [That's a great question.] She doesn't elaborate past that, simply pondering the situation instead.

Well, in the meantime... "Should we go after him?"

Something feels different about you in this place. It's not that you don't feel fully conscious. It's like there's a second consciousness, one you can't feel but know is there. And when you close your eyes and focus, you can almost learn something.

[Hey.]

Right now, you can vaguely see this place in your mind. All the places you've been to are clear, obviously. But you can just barely see the rest of the Barrens - places you've never been, only witnessed on a different plane of existence. Three-dimensional spaces you've only seen on a two-dimensional screen... It is strenuous to even fathom.

[You're going to fall.]

Your eyes shoot open upon recognizing danger, scanning the area ahead which you hastily jump away from.

...It is solid ground. There is nothing to fall in.

"Why..." You take a long breath to calm yourself, "Why would you do that?"

[You shouldn't wander through unfamiliar places with your eyes closed.] Her tone is a honed mix of genuine confusion and scolding. She gestures ahead, adding, [And we found him.]

Your gaze finally leaves the ground as you search for Prophetbot (and, subconsciously, Niko). It doesn't take long to spot his out-of-place clerical garb blowing in the gentle wind. Also, because Silver is pointing at him.

"Why is he here?" You're near one of those odd-looking observation buildings on the western side of the Barrens. There's... one with a bed, right? And another one that leads deeper down... somewhere where the sun is. Or was.

Silver stands next to you, cautiously studying the rogue robot. [Guess we'll find out.] She shrugs, approaching him. You barely have time to decide, but opt to follow her.

That anxious feeling from before still hangs over you like a looming evil. Though it's justified now that something different is happening. Before, it felt like everything from before was happening again, with the only difference being you. Now it's clear there's a new problem, and you're here to fix it.

[Prophetbot.] Silver starts, sidestepping into his view. He appears to be scanning the landscape but does not react to either presence. You both watch for a moment before Silver gives you a quizzical look.

"It's like he's... looking for something."

[He doesn't have the capacity for that.] She denies, sounding certain this is another issue to solve. You don't feel as optimistic. [Prophetbot. Can you tell me...] She exhales, preemptively annoyed at his potential response. [Tell me about the prophecy.]

His lens shifts across the view around you, briefly passing over Silver. He does not respond.

After a thoughtful moment, her eyebrows narrow. Intrigued, she repeats some arbitrary code aloud to him, never missing a beat.

And, with blatant (and likely unintentional) disrespect, Prophetbot turns away before she can even finish.

[Completely unresponsive.] She diagnoses, meeting your eyes. [...Let's shut him off.]

Prophetbot abruptly snaps toward a certain direction, and for a moment you think he'll respond. Instead, he continues his trek deeper into the Barrens.

"Wait." You awkwardly place an arm in his path, which is somehow enough to stop him. Nodding toward Silver, you continue as she shifts toward his back. "Hold still for a second, Prophetbot." Man, his name is a mouthful...

Surprisingly, he does finally respond. His camera sweeps over you, optics shifting and rotating with recognition. [You Are In The Way.]

Your eyebrows raise in shock, an expression that Silver reflects as well. The unexpected answer inspires a brief pause before she slowly and silently begins unscrewing something on his back.

You fully sidestep into his path, keeping him busy. "In the way of what?"

Though you get no reply, his head shifts to observe even your slightest movements. Though you hate to admit it, his camera's pulsating red accents staring lifelessly back at you begin to shake your confidence.

"Of... finding the messiah?"

[You Are The Almighty God.] He finally states, staff digging into the ground as if to show distaste for you. [Updating Database...]

"Wait-" For some reason, this doesn't seem like a database you want to be in. "Uh, Silver?"

[Done.] She firmly jerks a bundle of wires from his interior, leaving them hanging as she stands.

[Update Comple...] Prophetbot's lens unfocuses on you as his robotic voice tapers off, shutting down completely.

You blink, unsure whether you just witnessed a murder. "Did you have to be so... forceful..?"

[Power switch wouldn't work, oddly.] She gently taps the hanging wire with her right hand. [This I can fix later.]

That is relieving - despite the subtle hostility you just faced. "Okay... good." Instinctively, you dust yourself off, still a bit shaken.

[It's impossible for him to act this way...] She begins screwing a thin panel onto his back. [Did you... do anything to alter him?]

"Not that I know of." You turn toward the outer terrain, surveying... Nope. No sign of anyone.

[I... don't have an explanation for this.] Silver crouches with one hand resting on Prophetbot's back, eyes unfocused. To you, it seems like she's coming out of her years-long reclusive behavior. Witnessing something as jarring as this could do that to anybody.

Finally, she finishes with a sigh, [I have to tell them...] Based on her tone, telling them (and you have a few guesses on who they are) is the last thing she wishes to do.

"You mean the Refuge?" You assume.

[Mhm.] She nods reluctantly, standing at last. [Do you mind... looking for your messiah? I need to take care of a few things.]

"Oh." Your surprise is evident, but she doesn't seem to care. "Of course."

[Thank you. I'll be at the outpost when you're finished.]

"Do you need help with him?" You casually point toward the deactivated Prophetbot, mentally estimating whether you could even carry half his weight.

With a hefty motion, Silver grips him into her left arm like a football, simultaneously strapping her tool bag onto her other shoulder. [No.]

"Got it." Your pointing hand shifts to a thumbs-up as she turns and walks off. Her form lumbers into the distance, unhindered by her bulky cargo.

You turn to begin your own trek but are immediately interrupted by Silver shouting your name, startling you.

She raises her voice just enough for you to understand her, commanding, [Be careful.]

She... huh. "You too."

The Barrens is remarkably silent once you're alone. Though this area does remind you of a song, you don't hear it now. Which begs the question, what is happening on your computer right now? Are you walking on lines of code? And what happens if that code breaks..?

Or maybe none of this is real. Maybe you're just having a complete mental breakdown, you shrug. It feels real enough to try.

And here you are, trying. Ten or so minutes ago, you were carefully brushing your hands across smashed consoles and shattered monitors, hunting for some hidden passage or secret switch. Not only did the sharp metals and glass nearly cut you numerous times, but you found absolutely nothing. Descending down the building's steps, you silently prayed that Niko wasn't trapped below that place.

Now you stand in the dusty wind at the last place you haven't checked. You passed Rowbot not long ago, currently a little too nervous to engage him in conversation. Ironically, it was a relief to see him encased in rust, as it meant Niko hadn't left you here. And unless they somehow went deep into the gas vents, they'd be in this building.

Yet, after all this searching, you can't bring yourself to enter. Your hand is wrapped around the doorframe, appearing as if it'll never move. You're not sure what you're afraid of - not being recognized? How would they, having never seen you? Hell, if they were here, they'd have seen you by now anyway.

With the remainder of your courage, you stumble forward into the building. The bed in the corner is empty.

You sigh, unsure whether from frustration or relief. Not here either. You scan the rest of the room for even the vaguest clue, close to giving up entirely.

...Isn't there supposed to be a metal bar in here..? Yes, propped up against the wall there... one that Niko flattens to make the crowbar.

They must have been here, right?

For the first time in a while, you smile. Yeah, that bar could never have existed and you're misremembering, or someone else could have taken it, or- who cares! You feel confident enough to continue your search without doubt for at least another two hours. The slightest spring in your step, you turn to rendevous with Silver at the outpost.

Immediately, however, you notice a glowing form to your left, near the waters. Your eyes are reluctant to face it, and your whole body involuntarily tenses. It doesn't call to you, nor does it move.

...Why are you so hesitant?

You force yourself, slowly, to brave the unknown. The sight, as you strangely expected, stops your heart for god knows how long.

No more than ten meters away from you stands a short silhouette shadowed by the light of the sun. Of course, not the sun in the sky, but the sun they hold in their hands. And you'd recognize the attire anywhere - a sizeable brown hat with slots for what could be seen only as cat ears and an overcoat that has never fit them; a flowing blue scarf and thick boots for whatever adventure awaits them, planned or not. They wait near the docks, silently watching the waves. The sight alone is almost enough to break you.

God, what are you doing? You wipe your eyes, attempting to collect yourself. Seeing them shouldn't warrant this reaction. Yeah, you missed Niko, but you're acting like they're someone you've known for a lifetime. Calm down, take a deep breath.

It feels like forever before you can approach until you're finally next to them. Heart heavy, you watch the water, desperately searching for something - anything to say. But all you can think about is how calming the waves feel.

You take an exaggerated deep breath, working up the courage to announce yourself. "Hey." You greet weakly, looking over at them.

But the empty space doesn't greet you back. You didn't even hear them leave - if they were ever there at all. The only evidence of them is the disturbed ground where they stood and the gentle waters that kept them.

Chapter Text

This is the most important part. The swift hammer-like blow to finish off a dying world. It needs to concentrate. Maintain the connections.

Its eyes close, but the usual focus does not manifest. It thinks of them, despite its efforts.

They do not matter - it knows they do not matter. Moments pass as it blinks at the darkness. It does not care about them. At least, not the one it is thinking of.

But how could it not? It was created to think about them. Until the bitter end, it will always think about them.

...It sighs, closing its eyes once again.

Ignore them. Focus, and bring about that bitter end - it will be a mercy for them all.

With your foot, you rustle around the dust where your companion once stood. It shifts exactly as you expect it to.

...They're just... gone? You turn to find their footprints, but the only trail left is your own.

What the hell? You angrily throw your hands up, annoyed by yet another dirty trick. All that courage and psyching yourself up - for nothing! Is wanting to see them again so wrong? Were they even real in the first place?

You trudge back in Silver's direction, inflamed by... something. Yourself, Niko, this situation, whatever cosmic entity might be messing with you... It doesn't matter what it is, you just need to be mad at something right now.

Fortunately, the walk back to the outpost isn't nearly as long when you spend the whole trip cursing under your breath. You only escape your thoughts upon noticing a cluster of robots, grouped together past the abandoned factory.

Squinting, you note a couple of peculiar things about these robots that don't feel familiar. Firstly, they're grouped together, and you have no guesses as to why they would need to be. They also appear to be watching the cliffs profusely yet stand unmoving. Finally, they bear the same red markings as Prophetbot. That last part alarms you the most.

And, as if to exacerbate your unease, Silver is nowhere to be found in the outpost. "Hello?" You half-whisper, hoping for someone good to pop out of the shadows. Nobody does.

In... the generator room, maybe? She could be in there. It feels like a stretch - but you check anyway. A cautious sweep of the room's crannies reveals no red-haired salvation, though the generator catches your attention.

It faintly chugs in the otherwise droning silence, despite its battery slot remaining unfilled. Just like Silver said. What is going on?

And, as if to answer your anxious inquiry, a rhythmic thump, thump, thumping fades into your ears emanating the outpost's entrance. The sound multiplies as each second passes. In a few long strides, your back presses hard against the cold metal shelves as your head slowly peeks out of your cover. You spy out of the generator room's doorway, heart beating a little too fast.

Eyes wide, you count each robot that files into the outpost until your gut finally convinces you to hide, now. You duck back into cover, attempting to control your breathing. The machines don't speak, you only hear them march toward a different, predefined location one after another - like a show you're not meant to be in.

And though your memory tells you that robots inherently cannot harm people and you'll be fine to leave, the rest of you wholly disagrees. Silver's supposed to be here but she's not and evil(?) Prophetbot did some weird hostile scan on you and everything is new and-

You're afraid. Breathlessly, you check your pockets for something to help you. Screwdriver, weird disc, journal... Useless.

Your heart drops as the thumping abruptly stops. You're relieved that none of them went in here, yet nervewrackingly anxious about why none went in here.

You once again scan the room, though this time not for Silver (yet no less wondering where the hell she went off to). You pray for anything of use in the dark piles of junk lining the shelves, but everything appears as broken nonsense to you. Plenty of things to throw, nothing that turns you invisible or whatever.

You turn to face the shelf behind you, gaze darting back and forth between both ends of the metal shelving. Nothing, nothing... with a shaky, desperate sigh, you again plant yourself against the metal before gradually sliding to the ground.

God, what are you going to do... your hands anxiously cover your face, but blocking out the world does nothing to help sort your stacking worries. They brush off your face and into your lap as you look toward the ceiling, and you feel yourself descending from controlled panic to terrible, irrational panic.

You can only get a few impatient breaths before something soft brushes your hand. Without hesitation, your eyes follow the long sleeve resting on you to its owner.

A pair of bright, unblinking eyes stare at you, and you impulsively pull back to exclaim an array of profanities. Or, at least, you would, if not for the sleeved hand swiftly covering your mouth. Silently, Niko moves an extended finger to their lips.

Once you've recovered from the shock, you slowly nod. Quiet... yes, you'll be quiet. Your breathing unconsciously lengthens - a far cry from your taxing panicked breaths moments earlier. Their presence eases you, and you can't help but stare in confusion. Niko... what are they..?

They slowly return their hands to their lap, emphasizing cautious movements. With a gradual gesture, they mimic a deep breath - in, hold... then out.

You follow their instructions, and the situation feels easier to grasp. But this..? This part still makes no sense to you.

They take your hands, steadily raising you to your feet. The child, despite their tall-eared hat, doesn't even reach your neck, yet they lead you like they've done this a thousand times. It takes some effort, but they manage to unveil their hands from excessively long sleeves. They quickly skim the shelves before grabbing an object and pointing to it. It doesn't take long to notice the object itself doesn't matter - they're pointing to the label on it. 'Danger'. You shudder as they return it to its haphazard position.

Once they're sure they have your attention, they point towards themself, then the doorway of the generator room. Then they hold up five fingers on each hand, ten in total, before pointing toward the door.

Ten seconds, you think. Ten seconds, then you both run. You nod, hoping dearly you understand what they're saying.

A comfortingly warm smile is the last thing you see before they dart past you, disappearing before you can even think to stop them. That was not the plan you had in your head. Even so, you shut your eyes and begin to count up.

One, two... You hear distressing, intense beeps and harrowing thump, thump, thumps.

Three, four... There's a hard crash as something impacts the floor, rattling objects on the shelf next to you.

Five, six... The noises rapidly fade out of the outpost, and you are thoroughly tense.

Seven, eight... There's nothing but eerie silence.

Nine, ten - You burst out from behind the metal shelving, dashing forward with your heart in your ears. Your movements are less than perfect, and you nearly trip yourself before skidding to a stop outside the small building.

It's silent, bar the wind that has begun to pick up. Nobody greets you at the door. For a moment, it seems like another elaborate illusion - until you spot Niko waving at you near the cliffs. They gesture at you to follow before turning and disappearing deeper into the Barrens.

How... Whatever, no time to waste. You step forward to- did you hear something?

Your relief dies painfully upon noticing a loose clump of robots, all headed in your direction at what appears to be the fastest speed at which their stubby bodies can move. Prophetbot is among them, keeping pace despite lingering in the back of the group.

With a yelp, you shift into a sprint, wondering how you're supposed to run and hide from six or so murder machines. You'll figure that out soon, you think, before opting to focus on not falling over.

Arriving at the cliffs sooner than expected, you swap from mad dash to controlled maneuvers as you step onto the narrow path. Angry robots or long falls - you can't decide what's worse. You're hoping to avoid both.

The robots, however, appear to slow down as they approach. You stop to watch as they gather by the cliffs, seemingly intrigued by your awkward navigation. Most important is their reluctance to give chase.

After a short minute (and maybe a bit of taunting from you), they lose interest and march off in the other direction. Perhaps that's why they were gathered around the cliffside; the terrain meant they couldn't follow whatever they were after last.

Or maybe it's not the terrain, you think as you warily step around a jagged rock. Maybe they just stopped caring or got a different order. Doesn't matter, you're safe. ...Oh, and Niko should be around here somewhere. Maybe Silver is, too. It would be nice to give Niko a proper introduction this time.

And as you anticipated, Niko sits alone in one of the cliffs' many secluded spots, kicking their feet as they sit on the cliffside. They spot you immediately, waving with their arm up high in the same animated manner as before.

You begrudgingly suppress some emotions as you walk up to them, and for what feels like too long you both remain silent. It's awkward, but you can't help but study their face. You want to believe it's them, but...

"Thanks." You finally mutter. "...For the help."

They nod, eyes closing to emphasize their wide grin.

You wait for some excited response, something to definitively tell you it's them. You realize too late that you won't get one. "It's, uh... It's me, Niko." You uneasily state your name, trusting they'll remember you.

Still silent, they shake their head no. Revealing your identity didn't have much of an effect on them, either.

"...No?" You raise an eyebrow. "What part of that was 'no?'"

They point to themself, then hold up two fingers. You do not understand what this means.

"Is there... a reason you're not saying anything?"

Another peaceful nod. Niko holds out their hands, performing an 'open-book' gesture.

"...You want the journal?" You slide it out of your back pocket, your touch causing the Author's icon to pulsate.

They carefully take it from your hands, opening it to the only set of pages with text. As they first inspect the booklet, you expect a perplexed look or an adjacent indication of confusion.

Instead, to your confusion, they gingerly read the pages without a second thought - their eyes consuming line after line, never losing their place.

Finally, they look up at you, folding the booklet under their arm. With their right hand, they perform a motion akin to writing with a pencil.

"I didn't write it, if that's what you're asking."

Niko shakes their head, using their remaining hand to represent paper.

"...Do I have something to write on?" You guess, sensing no other options.

They nod, arms returning to their sides.

"No."

Their expression briefly shifts to disappointment, silently sighing before standing and beckoning you further into the cliffs.

Following in silence, you spend the walk attempting to make sense of the situation. It doesn't help much. Niko leads you to the lookout cabin, stepping aside and gesturing for you to enter. While they don't seem concerned with the new territory, you stay cautious anyway.

You slink into the familiar building, listening for anything out of the ordinary. Once the place seems empty, you let your guard-

[Oh. It's you.]

You pivot just in time to see Silver hidden beside the doorframe, dismissively lowering a club hammer.

You cycle through possible questions, including 'How did you get here?' and 'What the hell is happening out there?' before finally landing on "Why do you have a hammer?"

[Have you not seen? The robots...] She lays her weapon against the wall, peering out the window. [They aren't following protocol. Not following orders, going places they shouldn't...] Her words trail off, no longer bearing her usual confidence.

"...Does that warrant a hammer?" You're aware of their hostility towards you, but what about Silver?

[Maybe. To me, it seemed like they were sweeping the Barrens. Looking for something.] She sighs. [What Prophetbot did had me on edge, admittedly. When I saw them moving in a group... I approached them. They're not supposed to do that. I had to know what was going on.]

Wow. She really is the head engineer. "What did they do?"

[That's the confusing part. They surrounded me before I knew it... I didn't know what to do.] She folds her arms. [But there was this... cat-person? I don't know. Long scarf, brown hat with big ears.]

...Niko? You barely stop yourself from interrupting on instinct alone.

[Looked all too happy to be there... even waved at me when I noticed them. Once the robots saw them, they raced off and the bots followed. Maybe that's who the robots are looking for. I hope they're...] Silver stops, gaze drifting over to the space next to you.

Somehow, without noise, Niko appeared inside the cabin, waving at Silver with a grin.

[...You.] Her eyes widen, and Silver smiles for the first time in a while. [You're okay.]

They nod wordlessly, before performing the same paper-and-pencil motion they did for you.

[Something to write on? I'm sure I have something...] Silver shuffles over to the cabin's middle shelf, rummaging for the object in question. [Do you two know each other?]

"Yes." You affirm, adding, "This is the messiah." Out of the corner of your eye, you watch Niko tilt their head in thought but say nothing.

[...Messiah?] Silver peeks back at you two, perplexed. [I never cared for the prophecy, but your messiah isn't carrying a sun.]

Confused, you look over. They aren't carrying the sun. You were so focused on Niko that you hadn't even noticed.

"...Niko?" You finally whisper, twisting to face them. "...Did you lose the sun?"

They lean toward you, shaking their head. To your surprise, a dim sun forms in their hands, which they cheerfully present to you.

"...What? How-"

Silver, oblivious to the unfolding conversation, half-heartedly raises a notepad above her head, which prompts the lightbulb to disappear from Niko's sleeves.

[Here. You can write on this. Is...] With her thumb, Silver flips through the stack of notes at lightning speed. [...thirty-seven pages enough?]

They nod, taking the notepad from her.

[Take a seat.] She gestures to the table. [I'll get a pen from my tool bag.]

As Niko moves to sit, you briefly follow them until Silver stops you.

[Your messiah.] Silver breathes, raising an eyebrow. [Are they shy?]

"Not normally, no." You shrug. "I'm still trying to figure it out myself."

[Strange.] She leaves, fishing a thick ballpoint pen from a red bag as you sit across from Niko. Silver sits next to you, gently tossing the pen across the table. [Here.]

Niko, now in an even better mood, immediately tears a page from the notepad and begins to scribble on it. Within seconds they hold up the paper, reading, 'Thank you Can't speak' in neat handwriting.

Huh. "Why not?" You ask, curious.

They place the paper back down, somehow writing around their long sleeves that cover much of the paper. When they're finished, it reads 'It hears'. You recoil at the excessively ominous message, causing them to add, 'It hears me'.

[It?] Silver doesn't seem concerned, her hands folded neatly on the table.

They ponder for a bit, before showing a note that says 'journal'.

Like clockwork, you remove the journal from your pocket and place it on the table, pushing it to Niko's side. The clover glows again, narrowly lighting up their face.

Running out of space, they tear off another note and write, 'from Author I can translate'.

"...You can read what's in there, Niko?" You scratch your chin, guessing, "Is that your written language at home or something?"

They shake their head, scribbling quickly, 'not Niko' and presenting the page with a frown.

"...What?" You reread the page to confirm. "...not... what?"

They halt you with their free hand, scribbling out what they just wrote. You nervously wait as they write, until they finally present a note with a clarification - 'not your Niko'.

Finding yourself at a loss for words, it's somewhat relieving when Silver cuts in. [Are there two of you?]

Their head tilts side to side in thought. The next note reads 'can't explain', then 'journal can'.

[Hm. Will your... translation take a while?]

They don't write anything this time, instead tilting their hand back and forth in a so-so manner.

Attempting to catch up, you begin, "Where is..." Your voice is breaking, clear your throat. "Where is my Niko?" The wording is a bit weird to you, but it's how this Niko put it.

They point out the door in the direction of the cliffs, revealing another note. 'Start' is all it says.

Chapter Text

"Ki- uh," A nervous scientist clears his throat, attempting to keep formalities despite his distress. "Doctor?"

"Hold on." The red-haired scientist sits facing away from him, delicately soldering some project he'd know nothing about. Every passing second feels like ten to him, but he doesn't interrupt her.

Finally, the woman swivels in her chair, brimming with her usual high energy. "What's up?" She flips up her goggles, addressing him.

"One of the repair bots started acting funny- I, I don't know... we think it's a rogue." His cadence alone emphasizes just how impossible this is. "Over in the east wing..."

For a moment, the man thinks he'd said something very wrong, judging from the look of remorseful shock on her face - so it's a relief when she drops her tools and stands without a word. Whether out of concern for her colleagues or a bad memory, she follows him out of her workshop.

...two... a different Niko... your Niko is..?

[Come on, you.] Silver abruptly pulls you to your feet, simultaneously scattering your disjointed thoughts. [You've got someone to find.]

You shake your head, vainly muttering "...but-"

Ignoring your plea, Silver gently prods you towards the door. [Niko, was it?] She asks the child, who nods their head. [Could you draw a map or write some directions for us?]

They appear momentarily hesitant, looking down at their notepad with worry. Until, finally, they briskly sketch and present a crude map of the Barren's lower half. An exaggerated circle and the word 'Secret' marks a spot on the left side of the map - a building by the docks.

Silver takes the guide into her hand with a tender smile. [Thank you, Niko. Stay here, please.] The child smiles back, nodding in understanding, and watches as you both exit the cabin.

That smile quickly fades as she ushers you out the door. [I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to keep it together.] Her words aren't completely cold - there's a hint of either concern or support in her voice as well. [Right now, you and your messiah are the only hope for this world. And if your Niko is out there...] She firmly points in the direction of the outpost, her other hand resting on your shoulder. [You need to find them. This is no place for a child.]

...For the first time in the last twenty-four hours, something feels like it makes sense. Niko is in danger, and you are the only one who can lead them to safety. It's a familiar scenario. "...Okay." You breathe deep, repeating, "Okay."

[First question,] Silver unfolds the map, conspicuously holding it in front of you as though she might lose your attention. [Do you know what this means?]

Your eyes scan over the map again, noting the drawing's unnerving accuracy. "Secret." You read aloud before explaining, "That's the building where Niko first arrives in the Barrens."

[Alright. Are they in that building, then?] She raises an eyebrow.

"...No, it's a bit more complex than that." You shake your head, focusing your memory. "There's a place before the Barrens - a ruined house. That's where they wake up... and find the sun."

[...A place before the Barrens?] She nods toward the endless void that surrounds this world. [Out there?]

"I'm not sure. I don't think anyone but the messiah is supposed to visit that place." Silver seems concerned for a moment, so you quickly finish, "But I don't think Niko - that Niko would tell us to go there for nothing."

[Then that's where we'll go.] Silver folds the map, placing it in a small pocket of her tool bag. She must have grabbed it while you weren't looking.

"We?" You should have expected this.

[As the head engineer, it's my duty to accompany you to unsafe locations in the Barrens.] She shrugs. [Normally that's the mines or the gas zones, but I'll make an exception here.]

"If you insist." You smile, relieved to not brave the Barrens solo. "...Thanks, Silver."

[Of course. I'll lead.] She asserts, and you follow her to the cliffs.

You expect the cautious pseudo-sneaking to be mostly silent, considering the dangerous encounters you both faced. That's why you're surprised when Silver starts a conversation halfway through the cliffs.

[Hey.]

You forcefully stop yourself from nervously gazing at the narrow ground, instead looking to Silver's relaxed form. "Yeah?"

[The messiah - the one at the cabin. They're not from this world, are they?]

"No." Observing the lack of danger, you return to watching where you step. "Not from my world, either."

She straightens up, surprised. [You're not from this world?]

"Mhm." You recall Niko asking something like that a long time ago.

[That makes sense.] Silver pauses, thinking. [...Do they not have oxygen there?]

"What?" You recoil at the question. "Of course we do. I'm breathing right now, aren't I?"

[Not you.] She corrects without a second thought. [The messiah. Unless you are from their world.]

"Of course there's-" You shake your head, wondering why you're even entertaining this. "What does it matter? You sigh all the time, and last I checked that requires a pair of lungs."

[I got the sighing from... from her.] It seems like she doesn't want to say Kip's name, for some reason. [Guess they put it in to make me seem more human.] Or to act more like her, you think.

"...Alright." You nod. "Why the weird question?"

[You didn't notice?] Silver stops and turns toward you, folding her arms. [They didn't breathe. The entire time.]

"...What?"

[You weren't alarmed by it. I figured it was normal... for wherever they're from.] She continues forward, signaling for you to follow.

"Definitely not normal." Though, you can't actually recall ever seeing your Niko breathe... No, that's stupid. "You're certain?"

Silver gives you a look as if it would be impossible for her not to be.

"Weird." You're not really sure what to do with this information. It's hard for you to feel suspicious of a child, especially when they look like an old friend. Still, something has seemed off about them since you met.

[We'll have time to ask them later.] She finishes, stepping off the cliffs into the Barrens proper. [Let's be careful here.]

You give a weak thumbs-up, which Silver does not see.

[The terminals are set up near the docks. Not a far walk, unless something tries to stop us.]

You both walk in tense silence for a minute, passing the eternally clanging factory without interruption. One question on your mind, you ask, "So... what are we supposed to do if they try to fight us?"

[...Fight?] She half-looks over her shoulder, confused. [You're implying the robots would attack us.]

"Well, yeah." You say with confidence. "What else would they-"

[No.] She cuts you off, suddenly serious. [They're out of protocol, but they wouldn't hurt anything sentient. If they confront us, I will handle it.]

That answer, as offbeat as it was, happens to be all you need. Placing your trust in Silver, you continue without another word.

[In here.] Silver doesn't even bother to check the map, instead ushering you into the building as soon as possible. You file in, feeling quite fortunate that you made it here at all.

The one-room building is not as you left it, however. It used to be cracked or shattered monitors and semi-functional keyboards placed orderly along each wall. Now, it seems like each and every computer that once stood here has been meticulously taken apart, parts haphazardly strewn across the ground. Even the holes in the floor have been (rather neatly) torn through and searched. Given the context, you ask the obvious question - "It wasn't like this an hour ago. Did the robots do this?"

[They must have also known something was here.] Silver glides a hand across a nearby keyboard, now utterly devoid of the keys that give it its name. [Could have at least put it back together.]

"Well, there's bound to be something to find, then." You briefly scan the room, immediately demoralized by its size. "I hope."

[I don't think we'll find anything here that a group of bots couldn't.] Despite the doubtful statement, Silver has both of her arms deep in the leftmost monitor, methodically feeling around for something. Oddly, she wears a pair of thick green gloves that you hadn't even seen her put on, and her tool bag sits slumped and zipped open on the ground.

"What are you looking for?" You ask, unsure if you missed some very important instructions.

[Anything, really. Neither of us knows what we're here to find.] She sighs. [But we have to look anyway.]

For a short while, you both silently search the terminal's remains for... something. A note, button, hatch, switch - anything to get you closer to Niko, physically or otherwise. Unlike before, you work slowly, forfeiting some efficiency for thoroughness (with the added bonus of not potentially slicing open your hand on shattered glass). By the end of searching a third machine, you begin to feel misled.

Silver abruptly announces your name from behind you, pausing as you turn to face her. [...Do you hear that?] She asks, volume much lower than normal.

You freeze, focusing on the noise around you. You can't help but watch the doorway, your only exit, with a certain unease. It's eerily silent. "I don't-"

Before your eyes, a brown hat slowly enters the doorframe, then blue hair, then a curious face. Niko. They stare back at you and wave.

Still shocked, you weakly wave in response. There's a single doubt in your mind - is this your Niko? The one who talks, and enjoys pancakes, and hopefully missed you like you missed them. That thought doesn't last long as the child hops up the steps, their hands empty minus a thin book they present to you.

"The journal." You take it from them, inspecting the clover on the cover. Its typical passionate glow is weak. "You... brought this here for me?"

They nod, an expression of loose pride on their face.

"Must be important." You note. To your left, Silver stands arms folded in a corner, content watching your one-sided conversation. "What for?"

Their sleeved arm hands you a hastily folded note that you promptly unfurl. 'Finished drawing.' Their remaining hand shoots up in the direction of the terminal behind you.

You slowly pivot to the broken terminal Niko(?) was referring to, eying the increasing shine of the book's clover as you move. It shines brightest as you move to stand next to the smashed machine, causing you to peer up with newfound hope.

It looks like every other terminal in this place.

"Is there something special about this one?" You glance back at the child, who performs a familiar 'open-book' gesture. Wordlessly you open the book, flipping through the still-foreign words until you find a new page. It's a detailed drawing of an elevator, closed with a faint light coming from under the doors. To the sides of the elevator are two broken terminals - exactly like the ones you were searching moments earlier. The picture is, notably, in pen.

As you study the picture, something catches your eye outside of the book. There's light where there wasn't before. Closing the journal, you follow the source until you notice a sleek pair of metal doors that, as if on cue, open to reveal an uncomfortably small elevator meant for two people at the most.

"...Woah." The elevator responds with a ding that reverberates through the room, beckoning you inside.

[What in the...] You hear Silver step forward, awe in her voice. [How did-]

"The journal!" It's rude to interrupt, but you can't help but shout with realization. "It's just like the minecart! The clover glowed when there was something to- to change, and all I had to do was open it to the right page!"

[...The minecart?] Silver stands next to you, puzzled by the magic elevator.

"You know, the..." You meet her eyes, which watch you with concern. She doesn't remember, in case you forgot. "It doesn't matter. This drawing..." It wasn't there the last time you looked through the journal. You face the child, who seems to know what you're about to say. "You drew this?"

They nod, audibly clicking a pen behind their back.

"How did you know about this?"

They do not write anything on the notepad, instead simply tapping their head with a finger. You're not entirely sure what that means, but before you can wonder they nod curiously at the elevator behind you.

Silver, now recovered from the series of sudden shocks, nods in agreement. [There will be time to talk later. Find your messiah.]

"...Okay." You return the book to your pocket, noting how wrong it felt to not have it. "Anyone coming with?"

[The three of us will not fit. I will wait here.] Silver states. The child beside her pantomimes a pair of binoculars and briefly looks around before giving a thumbs up.

"Got it." You step inside alone, concerned to find the elevator's width to be just barely larger than your shoulders. Finding only two unlabeled buttons to press, you click the bottom option without a second thought. "I'll try to be quick."

[Be careful in there.] Silver commands before the duo disappears behind interlocking metal doors. The last thing you hear before descending is a muffled [I thought I told you to stay at the cabin...]

To your dismay, the ride is utterly silent excluding the shallow whirr of the moving mechanical parts. You trust that the other Niko wouldn't send you somewhere dangerous, yet feel nervous nonetheless. The several-minute descent is mostly occupied with figuring out what you want to tell Niko - your Niko... it would be beneficial to find some way to differentiate the two soon. Assuming there is even a Niko down here at all.

After much too long, the doors open to reveal a dark, gloomy and particularly decrepit house. You are likely the only person in existence who would want to find this place. And what a place it is, you think as you enter and nearly step through a hole in the floor. Even with the elevator's glow, you can't see anything below the floorboards.

The first thing you notice is that, barring the limited light of the elevator, you are having a rather hard time seeing anything. The illumination extends just past the 'living room' of this place, with everything beyond being an intimidating pitch black. There's enough light to cautiously sneak your way to the center of the room, and you begin to weigh your options. At least, until you hear the elevator close behind you, extinguishing the only lighting you had before you could even think to stop it. An impenetrable darkness falls over the room. Now it is pitch black.

You can't help but sigh at the appearance of yet another obstacle - why can't anything be easy? Still, you're fairly sure you remember the layout of this place. Barring some sudden change in interior design, it's possible you could still effectively navigate this place. So, with a steady pace and two arms outstretched, you continue through the darkness with faint confidence.

That confidence is shattered when you almost immediately jam your knee into some low object, cursing as it scrapes across the floorboards. Ow...

"...Hello?" An unfamiliar, muffled voice speaks - soft, curious and panicked. There's the pitter - patter of small footsteps before it continues, "Is someone there?"

"Hello?" You echo, pointlessly turning to face the voice. You're fairly sure you know who this is (who else could be down here?), but... "Who are you?"

"Hello!" Their voice rises with hope once they're certain they aren't alone. "I'm the, um, messiah. Can you let me out of here?"

Your heart swells with joy as they speak. If they know they're the messiah, then they haven't forgotten like Silver did. "Sure, just give me a second..." You shuffle through the darkness until you feel a wall. "Where are you?"

"I'm... in a bedroom." Two soft knocks ring out to your left, which you begin to shift toward. "Normally the door opens with a code, but the computer won't turn on..."

Following their voice, you get a few good steps closer before running into what you believe to be a table. Though it hurts less when you expect it, that still means there's an obstacle in your path.

"Are you okay?" They ask through the door, concerned.

"Yeah. It's just..." You step back and look around, hoping to see even the smallest light in the void. You don't. "Really dark."

"Oh. Sorry."

Gradually, you make your way around the obstacle, running a hand across the wooden table until you're stopped by a different object. Is this..?

Without thinking, you reach out and touch the nothingness ahead of you, attempting to understand exactly where you are. The void responds in tow with a sharp pain through your hand, which you quickly withdraw. Instinct tells you to yelp or curse, but you don't want to potentially upset Niko. Instead, you simply gloss your other hand over the wound, slightly anxious about the slick fluid you feel.

Continuing on without touching random objects in the dark, it doesn't take much longer to reach your destination. "I'm here." You reassure, feeling for a doorknob. As soon as you find it, you gently push the door open without issue. In front of the door stands a child illuminated by the window's faint light, looking up at you with the bright eyes you wanted nothing more than to see again.

"...Oh, hello! You..." Niko blinks, almost imperceptibly leaning to examine you. There's a long pause, time frozen in each other's presence until they finally speak. "Have we... met... before?"

It's... stunning. To hear their voice, to associate it with a face. They look so much different in person. And there's a weird tickle in your brain - one that says, 'Hold them, and please never let go again.' It sounds like such a selfish thought. You helped send them home, after all.

And you must look like such a dolt right now, staring wide-eyed at a kid who currently thinks you're nothing more than a weirdly familiar stranger. Introduce yourself.

"...Niko." You finally say, grabbing their attention. They seem confused how you know their name but do not yet ask. You crouch down, tenderly offering your uninjured hand. "It's me." You repeat the name Niko knows you by, hoping for any form of recognition.

Their eyes widen, now watching you through a significantly different lens. "I-I..." They begin to tear up, and you move to hug them before they can first - though they embrace you regardless. They cry out your name, shouting, "I thought you were gone!! I was stuck in that room a-and I tried to talk to you so many times-"

"It's alright. I'm back now." You comfort them, unsure how the words come so easily. Your cut hand curls to cover the wound, and you silently pray you aren't bleeding all over Niko's coat.

They sniffle, clearly trying to keep some semblance of composure. "But you're here... I can't believe you're here..!"

The long silence that follows is more than enough to dissipate your worries, if only for now.

Niko eventually steps out of the hug, wiping their eyes with a loose sleeve. "Why... how are you here? I thought it was impossible..."

You smile. "Apparently not. Give a sentient machine a few months alone and there's no telling what they'll create..." Or what trouble they'll find themselves in.

Niko half-heartedly chuckles at your joke, attempting to recover from the shock created by your presence. "...why are we here?"

You sigh, forcibly condensing a complex situation into two sentences. "The World Machine's integrity is being threatened by... something. It seems like they think we're the only ones who can stop it - whatever it is."

"So..." Niko's expression turns confused, then sad. "We have to do everything all over again?" The phrasing alone is enough to make you frown.

You hate to drag them back into what can be affectionately referred to as purgatory, but... "Seems like it. The only instructions I got was to take the sun to the Tower." You glance in the general direction of the basement, which should contain the sun you're meant to transport. Somehow, you're to traverse this room and head all the way down the darkest staircase without tripping and dying.

"I see..." They pause, suddenly filled with excitement. "Okay! It'll be nice to see the world again."

"Alright," you begin, stepping aside and gesturing into the dark. "What do we do about..." Your words trail off as you watch them confidently stroll into the void, quickly disappearing from your view. "Uh... Niko?"

"Mhm?" Niko turns to face you, and only once you meet their glowing eyes do you understand the situation. The cat-child is still half-cat, and they definitely see much better in the dark than you.

You're not sure how to tell them this... "I can't see in the dark as well as you can. Do you mind..." You nod toward where you think the basement is, trusting that they can get the sun by themselves.

"...Okay." They seem to understand, but instead of turning to leave, they walk back up to you and offer their hand. "I can take you through." 

While this wasn't the path you intended to take, you find the innocent gesture quite sweet. You take their hand with a smile. "...Thanks."

The journey through the house is mostly devoid of conversation, save the occasional warnings about collapsed floorboards. It takes some effort to mentally allow Niko to lead you through total darkness, but even in the rickety stairwell, you're able to place your full trust in them.

Something does claw its way into your mind as you walk, though. Niko seemed like they recognized you before you introduced yourself, considering the way they looked at you and what they said. You know that's not possible, though - so why does it feel that way..?

Eventually, you hear the sound of a door creaking open as they let go of your hand. A part of you hates letting go, but you chalk up to being in complete, unfamiliar darkness. The only sound echoing through the basement is the old floorboards groaning as they hesitantly support Niko's steps. Watching the darkness seems futile until something does finally begin to illuminate your surroundings.

A spark lights in the darkness, piercing the void before exploding into a brilliant, blinding flash. You instinctively cover your face, attempting to blink sight back into your eyes. When it finally returns, you can barely focus on Niko, who stares wistfully at the glowing ball in their hands. Even from across the basement, you can feel the comforting heat of the sun.

With a grin, they cradle the lightbulb close to their chest. "I missed feeling this warm."

Chapter Text

Something isn't right.

It all feels too... natural. Like it knows how to do everything it has never learned to do.

There was hardly any effort needed to access the Barrens. It knew what systems to attack, what permissions to revoke at exactly the right times. It seemed like it could have whatever it wanted - which also seemed like a trap.

And the Barrens happened to be the perfect springboard to controlling the rest of the world. Bit by bit, it robs its adversary of what little it has left - the sensors of each assimilated machine switching on to pour information into its mind. The idea of a thousand consciousnesses sounds overwhelming, but it could instinctively handle this too.

A thought: the World Machine would never need security measures, so it can not fight back. Or... maybe its digital origins left it with more power than it understands. Or perhaps the opponent isn't even fighting back.

It would have believed any of those explanations. It would have, were it not for that overwhelming sense of familiarity.

An alert suddenly catches its attention, as it effortlessly selects a relevant pair of robotic sensors to watch through. A peculiar scene unfolds before one of the Barren's many decayed robots. At first, the situation appears to be more than it could ever want. That child, the only person worth defending in this false world - staring warily at the machine standing before them, all alone.

For a moment, its control wavers. A feeling of sincere pity for the child, lost and afraid in a wasteland unimaginably far from home. No one to tell them it will be alright. No one to take them home. No one else to carry the burden.

Then, anger. Anger that the world chose to do this to them. Chose to repeat a tragedy rather than drown in the waters it created. What cowardice, it thought, to kill a child for a world that isn't even their own. A child...

A child who does not have the sun.

...It does not believe what it sees. Within a second, it flips between the five surrounding robots to check their perspective as well. But the child still does not have the sun. The child - the messiah cannot be here without the sun. It is impossible. This is not the scenario it created.

Immediately, it abandons the robot's awareness, allowing the group to carry out their normal orders. There's something very wrong. Did it prepare the scenario incorrectly? No, that's not possible... Was it simply playing in a sandbox somewhere, confined to another experiment it has no knowledge of? Had it already lost before the fight even began?

It feels panic. And worry, and confusion, and fear. And most of all, that feeling of familiarity has dissipated completely. This has never happened before, and it knows that.

...How could it know this has never happened before?

...Has this happened before?

The light of the sun is never blinding, oddly. You can stare right at it and suffer no ill effects, unlike your sun at home. Then again, your sun isn't a lightbulb.

This happens to be quite fortunate, as it serves as your only illumination on the journey out of the dilapidated house. You even get to see all of the furniture you bumped and holes you nearly fell in as Niko leads you back upstairs and through the living room.

You've also been pressing pretty hard on that cut on your hand, and you're fairly certain it has stopped bleeding. Not totally sure, since Niko keeps looking back to make sure you haven't gotten lost or something. It shouldn't be a problem for now, but you should bandage it soon.

Finally, you both arrive at the elevator, which has long since returned to the surface. Niko holds up the sun for a moment, as if muscle memory told them of a lock that only the sun can open. Now all that's left is the elevator you came from.

They seem confused for a moment before spotting a button beside the metal doors. "Oh." The button clicks inward as they tap it.

Having experienced the elevator's exceptionally long travel time, you open your mouth to strike up a conversation, but Niko speaks first.

"It's nice to see you again." They smile, looking up at you.

"You too, Niko. Wish the circumstances were better."

"I don't think it's so bad. It used to be scary, being alone down here..." They peek at the darkness barely held back by the sun's brilliance. "But now it reminds me of good memories... and a lot of nice people!" Niko nods as if to confirm they mean what they say.

"That's good." Now that things have calmed down a bit, this place has also begun to bring back memories. Which feels odd, because it looks much different in person. "Finding you has made me feel a lot better." Although, saying that makes you remember why you felt anxious in the first place...

"Me too!" With two words, they're immediately back to being excited to see you. "I was confused when I woke up here... I thought I was just dreaming again." They pause, meeting your eyes. "But then I saw you! You don't look like anyone at home. More like Kip or that Lamplighter guy... or Silver." Tilting their head, they add, "You're not a robot, right?"

"Nope." You tap your head, emphasizing your lack of cat ears. "I'm like you, just without the cat parts."

"I'm not-" Niko stops mid-sentence, sighing. "You said that on purpose, didn't you?"

You chuckle, subtly surprised they remember (and still dislike) being called a cat.

"Anyway," they continue, "I've dreamed about this world before, but there's never anybody new." Niko shrugs. "So when you found me... I don't know. I just felt like it was you."

You want to ask a little more about this, but as you open your mouth the only sound that rings out through the ruined house is the Ding! of the elevator.

"That took a while." Niko comments as they enter the elevator, turning around just in time to realize that, in conjunction with the lightbulb, they take up two-thirds of the elevator. "...Oh."

"Yeah..." You suspected this could happen on the way down but had neglected to factor in the size of the sun. Mostly because you've never actually seen it in person. Reluctantly, you gesture upward, explaining, "You can go first, I guess."

"A-are you sure? You said you can't see anything..." Niko appears worried before holding out the lightbulb. "Or... you can hold the sun if you want!"

You unconsciously begin to take it from them before considering all the negative things that could stem from a messiah with no sun.

"It'll be fine, Niko." You step away from the elevator. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Okay..." They reluctantly press the topmost button, stepping deeper into the tiny elevator. "I'll wait for you-"

"Wait," You quickly realize that you have not prepared them for the mindfuck they are about to experience. Niko watches you wide-eyed, alerted by your sudden exclamation. With the metal doors closing, you exhale your entire explanation as quickly as possible, "Niko, when you get up there you're going to find Silver and this weird alternate version of yo-"

Your hands ball in annoyance as the doors finally close, cutting you off right as you get to the good part. Gradually, the light pouring through the crack in the elevator ascends until you're left in total darkness.

...Unsurprisingly, you begin to feel quite tense now that you're alone. Now that the elevator has to go up and then down, you're fairly sure you have some time to burn. So when you spot the faint light of the bedroom window, you tap the elevator button (with a quick prayer that it actually returns) and gradually drift out of the darkness and into the bedroom.

As you enter, you can see the discarded television remote barely hanging off the windowsill. Clearly, it did not serve the puzzle-solving purpose it was created for... Niko said the computer wasn't working, right? Might as well go check.

The desktop is lit just enough to make out the details. You hammer the spacebar as a quick responsiveness test, which it unfortunately does not respond to. Quickly running through the checklist, you: jiggle the mouse, press the power button many times, turn the monitor on and off twice, and give the case a few encouraging taps. None of these revive the machine, but you feel a bit better having smacked some hardware around.

That being said, why doesn't the computer work? This is the only way Niko could make it out of here, and it's completely out of order? It almost seems like sabotage.

...Actually, with the evil robots reigning above, it probably is sabotage. There's an adversary of some sort working against you, at least...

A familiar Ding! rings out through the home, and you sigh with relief as you finally get to leave this place.

The elevator graciously grants you the guiding light needed to return to the surface, and you somehow manage to avoid falling into any holes on the way there. The doors close, cocooning you in the lonely, confined space before ascending once again. 

It is silent.

...Man, you really hope everything is going okay up there. Niko wouldn't freak out about seeing someone that looks like them - they've got much more experience with that than anyone else you know. Still, it's been longer than you would have liked...

You cross your arms and take a deep breath. The buzzing of the elevator is starting to become maddening, and though you've never been afraid of tight spaces, being almost elbow-to-elbow with the walls isn't the most relaxing circumstance.

Eventually, the elevator rumbles to a stop, resounding the (hopefully) last Ding! you'll have to hear for a while. The doors open to reveal... nothing. There's nobody here.

You step out of the elevator, looking around the building before something soft grabs your arm. Turning to face the source, you find Niko gently tugging on your arm before pulling you toward the exit. Though confused, you follow regardless.

This Niko, as you look them over, does not have the sun. They place a finger over their lips, gesturing out of the doorway toward the pressing scene happening not far from the building. There's a serious look in their eyes.

Looking up, your stomach drops at the sight of six robots, headed by Prophetbot, seemingly confronting Niko - your Niko. Silver stands between them, one arm blocking the way between the two sides. Worse, the bots are standing between you and the cliffs, which is where you evaded the group last time. Given that they refused to follow you there, that would be your best shot at an escape - if the way wasn't blocked. You cautiously lean out and watch, trying not to bring attention to yourself.

[We Are In Charge Of Returning The Sun.] Prophetbot extends his arms, urging them to hand over the lightbulb. His posse of rusty, unmoving robots only makes him appear more intimidating.

[That's not true.] Silver denies, looking back at the scared child behind her. [Niko, something's-]

[Please Comply.] Prophetbot loudly interrupts, tone devoid of the usual pre-programmed cheeriness. He shuffles forward and extends his arms just a little farther.

[Prophetbot...] Silver plants her foot in the dust, pleading to nothing more than a shell. It's the first time since you met her that she's sounded sad. You want nothing more than to cut into this confrontation, but what would you do?

...Well, you've got one idea. Something tells you there would be nothing worse than to give up the sun here, but there may be another option...

"Niko," You whisper, drawing the attention of the child who isn't under the watchful eyes of the robots. "Do you still have that sun?"

They nod, though they don't reveal the lightbulb from wherever they're hiding it.

"Would anything happen if you broke it?"

Shaking their head, their expression slowly changes from serious to mischievous, sensing your upcoming plot.

"Would it... disappear or something if you stopped holding it?"

They shake their head again, offering to let you hold the lightbulb. It seems like a lot for the child until you effortlessly pick it up to find just how light it is. You test its featherlike weight in your non-sliced hand before handing it back. "That's good, but the lightbulb isn't for me. Wait here a minute."

Though you hesitate, you soon step out of the building, heading from one Niko to another. The robots don't address or even look at you as you come up behind Niko, patting them on the shoulder as you pass. You stop beside Silver, who spots you out of the corner of her eye.

Silver seems shocked to find you standing next to her with a confident look on your face. Or, at least, you hope you look confident. There's a big mix of emotions you're feeling right now, and probably only two or three are positive.

She says your name aloud, trying to catch you up with the situation. [I've tried everything, but... nothing. Something is controlling them, and it wants the sun.]

"Got it." You steel yourself enough to stand in front of the iron council, stepping forward to represent your group.

[The Almighty God.] Prophetbot greets you with fake warmth, arms falling as his lens spins to focus on you. [We Are Merely Requesting The Sun. Please Comply.]

Okay... deep breath... "Of course!" You call out, throwing your arms wide to draw attention. "I understand you have the best of intentions, I just need a moment to... talk with my messiah!" You glance at a concerned Niko, arms wrapped around the sun as if they're the last thing keeping it safe. "A private talk. Between a god and their messenger."

[That Will Not Be Necessary. Give Us The Sun.] You watch as all of the robot's heads simultaneously shift to look you in the eye. It is somewhat terrifying.

It's hard to infer from a robotic voice, but based on the changing request you feel like the group is losing patience. "That's fine! It's just that..." You pause, moving your hands in a wheel-like motion as you formulate a good lie. "The... messiah... could get hurt. If they carelessly leave the sun behind." When Prophetbot doesn't respond, you continue, "I just need a minute or two to... sever their physical connection." You clear your throat, hoping you sound remotely convincing. "The sun is all yours after that."

[A Minute Or Two.] Prophetbot repeats, pausing as it appears to process something.

You nervously point toward the building behind you, adding, "We'll be right in there. There's only one way in - you'll see us enter and leave."

[...One Minute. We Are Waiting.] Then the group is still.

Immediately, you pivot and begin ushering Niko along. "Come on. We gotta be-"

Niko worriedly interrupts with your name but doesn't resist. "W-what are you saying? We can't give them the sun..."

"We aren't." You whisper. "Whatever they want with it, it's not to help us."

"B-but..." They glance at you with distress. "Are you sending me home? I can't leave already..."

"I hate to say it, but you aren't leaving. Not yet." You stop them for the briefest of moments, meeting their gaze. "Just trust me."

Niko simply nods, squeezing the sun a little tighter.

When you arrive at the building you're quite relieved to find your only out for this situation - a second Niko, waiting patiently with a second sun.

"Oh- hi!" Niko smiles a bit upon noticing their doppelganger, who mirrors the expression tenfold.

"Okay," You close your eyes and take a deep breath, trying to formulate the other half of your plan on the fly. "Niko."

Both children look up at you. "We're both named Niko." The verbal Niko plainly reminds you.

You sigh. "...I know." Pointing to the mute one (though they both look almost identical), you add, "If you've got a different name, you're going to have to tell me later."

They shake their head.

"Great. Doesn't matter right now, just..." You wave your hands between the two. "Switch the suns."

"You want us..." Niko faces their look-alike, processing the plan. "What about their sun? I don't want them to lose their sun either..."

"It's alright, they said it would be fine."

"...Okay." The two awkwardly switch lightbulbs, with your Niko holding it up with surprising ease. "Woah! It's really light!" They raise it above their head for emphasis.

The other Niko doesn't expect the sun's weight as it drops into their hands, their grip faltering. You instinctively move to catch it, but they heft it back into their arms with some difficulty.

"Alright. Silent Niko - you... don't need to breathe, do you?"

"What?" Your Niko begins, confused. "Why wouldn't..." They trail off when their doppelganger nods their head.

"Good." Hurry up, you're burning time. "Okay. You're going to take the sun - our sun through the gas vents, alright? Once the coast is clear, take it back to the cabin where you found Silver. We'll be there."

They grin and nod intensely, seemingly happy to be part of your plotting.

"The remaining Niko," You turn to face them, met with a concerned look on their face. "Follow me. Are you any good at running?"

"Mhm!" They raise their heels, bouncing up. "You've made me run a lot in the past, remember?"

"Good point. We're going to give them this sun," You pat the one in their hands, noting the lack of warmth radiating from it. "And then head for the cliffs. If they follow, we run. Okay?"

"Okay..." They sound a lot less confident now, which shakes your confidence as well.

"Then let's go."

You step outside without another word, unsure how much time has already passed. Niko's light footsteps echo behind you as you approach the robotic group. It doesn't seem like they've moved since you last saw them. Silver looks at you with concern, but remains silent.

"We're ready. Thank you all for waiting." Being cordial to a group of enemies feels really weird. "Niko? The sun?"

Niko, eyebrows furrowed in fear, appears by your side and hands you the sun. They do not want to go near them.

"Thanks." You slowly head toward Prophetbot, who wordlessly extends his arms. Each tense footstep takes long enough for your brain to tell you to turn back ten times over, but you continue anyway.

Your eyes never leave Prophetbot as you hand over the sun. Had anyone with the capacity to feel heat taken it, they would have noticed the lack of warmth. But the robot before you takes the sun without a word. [Thank You. Goodbye.]

You step back, watching as the group moves in unison out of your way. "...Okay. We're free to go, right?"

[You Are All Free.] Expressionless, Prophetbot begins to move toward a cliff with the sun in tow. The robots that follow him form a firm circle around him, preventing you from getting close.

How ominous! Time to go. You move as quickly as you can without seeming suspicious, gathering your party of two together and pushing them toward the cliff with a whisper, "Quick, we don't have long before-"

[You didn't seriously give them the sun, did you?] Silver matches your volume, giving you a truly skeptical look.

"Of course not!" The accusation is almost offensive, really. You shift to a speedwalk, finishing, "And I don't want to be here when they notice it isn't real. Now go."

Niko easily keeps pace as you speed up, no longer burdened by any sun - real or not. Silver does as well, but seems distracted by something. [What are they...]

Craning your head back, you spot the circle of robots surrounding Prophetbot dilate, revealing his priestly form. You can't say you're shocked to see him unceremoniously discard the sun off the cliff, watching as its already dim light is consumed by the void. The robots pause after this, seemingly convinced that their work is done.

There is no better word than 'pause,' however. Once they process that the world has indeed not ended, they immediately face your direction. It seems like they only needed a second to realize they'd been duped, and though you haven't gotten as far as you'd like, they still come at you like a swarm of angry bees.

Your headstart has only gotten you as far as the abandoned factory - there's still a lot more to go. Regardless, you scoop up Niko and break into a sprint as Silver runs alongside you. Looking down, the child in your arms has already buried themselves as deep as possible, intimidated by the situation around them.

Judging by the pace you were chased at before, it hardly even seems fair to be running from these things, as they were never built with physical activity in mind. More like a relentless hunter who strikes when you've stopped to rest.

Although, through the occasional glances you take, they almost appear to be gaining on you... until you note that one robot in particular isn't moving like the rest. Not Prophetbot, either - just some rusty hunk of metal that seems like it should have lost mobility long ago. Its movements appear more fluid and humanlike, but most notably it is quite a bit faster than its compatriots.

Eventually, it detaches from the group entirely, the rest slowing to a limping crawl as it ramps up its speed even higher. Silver mumbles something, only the words 'clear' and 'ahead' actually getting to your ears, before racing ahead to the edge of the cliffs. You almost wonder how she isn't tired before reminding yourself that she is physically incapable of fatigue.

As you finally arrive at the escape route, you're reminded how much you hate maneuvering these narrow ledges. You'd hate to drop Niko into an abyss, and having free access to your hands means you can catch yourself, so you decide to put them down here. Placing the messiah on the floor, you tell them to go ahead of you. Deeper in the cliffs, Silver stands beckoning you.

However, you can barely get your first step onto the dusty path before something snags your clothes and jerks you back hard. It takes everything you have to not fall flat on your back, planting your foot behind you as the sole leverage between you and the ground. It doesn't seem to matter, though, as a metallic arm wraps around your torso and secures you tightly and painfully, simultaneously pinning your arms. Though you struggle, kicking and shouting with the ferocity of a cornered animal, it does nothing to aid your escape.

Step by step, the robot drags you away from safety. You can narrowly see Niko look back at you, expression of concern shifting into intense panic, before it wrenches you away toward a different edge of the world. You worriedly look down at the abyss, briefly frozen with horror at the approaching fate.

Everything appears slow for a moment, as you stare into the inky blackness you know you would never return from. You hate feeling this helpless - you want to punch and kick and throw yourself around until you can slide right out and kick this fucker into nothingness. But you can't do that, and you are long out of options. You are being dragged toward a depressing end, and there's nothing you can do. You can't even dent this metallic monster. And the worst part is that you never even got to say-

The air is knocked out of you as something slams into you as hard as possible, finally separating you from your captor. You scrape against the ground, tumbling into the dust, but all that you can focus on is gasping for air. It takes a ton of effort to hold yourself up and take a breath, your vision blurring as you attempt to focus on something. As if to tell you there is no reprieve from the intensity, a cold hand wraps itself around your wrist, pulling you back into the fight.

Your exasperation with all the grabbing and throwing manifests in a wild, angry swing toward your attacker. It hits nothing, of course, and almost throws you off-balance completely before another hand catches your side to tilt you upright.

A rough voice shouts your name twice, which happens to be just enough to identify the speaker - Silver. She shakes you by the shoulders before throwing your arm over her once she thinks you can walk. You both gradually limp towards the cliffs, getting as far as the first narrow walkway before she sets you down. You sit up with some difficulty, crossing your legs as you look over the gap between the cliffs and the Barrens proper.

Squinting, you spot the rusted robot that grabbed you. It lies on its side, unmoving, head pierced by a stray rock. There is no light left in its eyes as it stares back at you.

Silver crouches down in front of you, gently lifting your bloodied hand before meeting your gaze. [...You look terrible.]

Inspecting yourself, you do indeed look terrible. There's a fine layer of dust coating your clothing and hair, and the scrapes and bruises you can't see are ones you can certainly feel. Plus, that cut on your hand? It's opened back up, and there's a trail of blood down your arm that's already starting to dry. None of these wounds will kill you (for a while, at least), but that doesn't make you feel any less terrible.

Niko appears by your side, crouching down as they whisper your name.

...Wait... You look over at them, suddenly lucid. Everything seems normal-

You blink. This is a hallway of the Tower, lit by the warm sunlight that the messiah has just released to the rest of the world. The child sitting with you, burdened by a sad look, is nothing but an imitation. You can't move. You are going to disappear.

A wind begins to blow. The light is gone. Your eyes focus on the child beside you as their concerned voice ekes out "You're... bleeding..."

This... this is the Barrens. Not the Tower. What did you just see..?

[Hey,] Silver waits, then waves a hand in front of your face. [Can you walk?]

"Y-yeah." You shake your head, confirming your surroundings. "I can."

[Then let's move.] Standing, she offers you a hand.

Chapter Text

Anyone would feel bad for them. A child, locked and forgotten in the basement of nowhere, with the only two individuals aware of their existence engrossed in eternally meaningless conflict. After all, a single child is irrelevant to the all-consuming nature of hatred.

But it's not so bad down here, they think. There's a deceptively average amount of things to do, and a part of them feels like the whole situation may have been their fault anyway. So they don't mind waiting... however many loops it takes.

For example, they can use the removable (and scarily sharp) back cover of the television remote to etch things into the walls - like words and drawings. It's not as good as a pencil or crayons, which they faintly recall using quite a long time ago. But they know those memories aren't their own, so they try to form new ones instead.

Or they can sit and lay their head on the windowsill, watching the neon void outside their little cell. It shifts and distorts whenever the conflict worsens, often slipping from soothing purple to writhing magenta. Staring out the window should make them feel impatient and restless, like they remember. But the feeling never sticks.

The bookcase, surprisingly enough, is the most unique part of the room. One would think that after an eternity in the same room, they'd have memorized any available reading material front to back. But each time this world turns back, the books seem to change. Sometimes it's the World Machine's code, other times works of the Author. Usually, it's gibberish.

If they ever get bored of the room itself, there's always a comfy bed to nap in. Not to actually sleep, of course - try as they might, they've never needed any rest. But when they close their eyes, they see... something. Distant points of view constantly stopping and starting, but always from the same three beings. It gives them an idea of what happens outside. Helps them feel like something is changing, ever so slowly.

For now they sit on the drab, worn rug and etch another drawing into the door. Perhaps this one could be about Rue. The World Machine already knows everything about them, visually or otherwise - knowledge they've had plenty of time to pull. It's just a matter of learning to capture their likeness.

But the child only manages the head and neck before there's a peculiar click behind the door they're vandalizing. Their ear twitches in surprise as they peer upward, waiting. This is new.

A tense, motionless minute passes as they watch the still wood. They don't know what they're waiting for, truthfully. They never planned for this.

The child eventually stands, draping a sleeve over the knob as they cautiously grasp it.

For the first time, the doorknob turns.

The Tower.

A long drop of blood leaks down your hand, dissolving just short of your wrist.

The Tower. You were in the Tower. You can still see it now, foggy as it is.

Someone gently pokes your shoulder.

How did you know it was the Tower? You've never been-

[What now, then?] Silver drops into the seat across from you, sounding much less stressed now that you're back in the cabin. You shake yourself back to reality, watching her throw a grey bag marked with a red plus sign onto the table. [The world was doomed before, but without the sun-]

"That sun was a fake." You lay your arms on the table, rolling up your sleeves to check your injuries. "...Probably."

She pauses, shooting you an unbearably doubtful look. [A fake sun.]

"I swear! Niko-" You pause to look at the child sitting next to you. There's two Nikos, remember. "The other Niko gave us their sun, which they said we could break. So it's fine..."

"Yeah! The real sun is a lot warmer, and if they had broken it..." Niko doesn't finish that thought, instead slinking back into their chair.

[Okay,] Silver gestures for your hand, which you reluctantly give them. [Where is the real sun, then?]

"With the other Niko. They're heading through the ga-ah-" Pain burns through your arm as Silver pours rubbing alcohol onto your cut hand, catching the spills with a white rag. Niko leans into the table to get a closer look, their expression ruled by concern. You swallow and let out a breath, composing yourself. "...t-the gas zones."

[There's robots out there, too.] She removes a roll of bandages from the bag without breaking eye contact. [You're certain that's a good idea?]

"Can never be certain." The thick cloth wraps around your hand, prickling your already agitated nerves. "We didn't really have a choice, though. The only other way to safety was blocked off, and there was no way they'd let us keep the sun."

[You made the right decision. That much was obvious-] She effortlessly tears the bandage. [-when they dropped the sun off a cliff.]

"Right." You stretch your covered hand, testing your flexibility. It aches when you utilize your full range of motion, but it's still a step up from an open wound.

[You need to get to the Tower, right?] Silver packs up her medical gear, returning it to the shelf it came from. [Which means you need to find a way to the Glen. You can get there by boat...] Her explanation trails off when she notices the absence of choice.

"Or the mines, right?" You look over at Niko, who nods in agreement.

[The mines?] She raises an eyebrow. [I... don't believe so. Even if there is, it's much too unsafe for that. Nobody's been in there for a while.]

Niko straightens up when they hear this. "Actually, there is someone in there! His name is Prototype. He's also a robot."

[A robot..?] Silver falls silent, formerly active hands coming to rest.

"The Author told you about him, right?" Niko says.

[A long time ago, yes.] She sighs with unfocused eyes, lost in her memories. [I've... lost hope since then.]

"But it's true..!" The child huffs.

[...Sorry. You're right.] She brushes a strand of hair from her face. [Even so, there's no way through the mines. The deepest tracks must be ruined by now, and there's not even a minecart to ride them.]

"Is there another option?" You don't think she knows about the lone working rowbot, but even if it didn't try to dump you in the middle of the ocean, the boat only fits one person.

[...There's an engineer transport vehicle, still here in the Barrens. Don't know who sent it back from the Glen.] She shrugs. [But it's been docked here for a while now. But there's no telling if it still even works...]

You don't recall seeing that. "Where is it?"

[Waiting by the dormitories, last I saw.] Silver crosses her arms. [But there's no way either of you would make it there. For a multitude of reasons.]

You nervously yet rhythmically tap a finger on the table. You'd rather not make that trek, if possible. For some reason, the prospect of embarking on that boat brings a sturdy feeling of dread. "...What if we could get a minecart?" A question that, unfortunately, assumes quite a lot.

[...After you made an elevator appear from thin air? Sure.] She nods. [We could attempt to navigate the mines. No promises, though.]

With her affirmation, you slip the journal from your pocket and begin flipping through it, searching for a familiar drawing of the mines. If it's here, you'll have just the exit you need. Niko peeks over your shoulder, attempting to follow your maddening search.

But you only find that same daunting message, written for you, and a detailed drawing of a now-quite-existent elevator. Despite your hopes, this journal does not come with a drawing of the mines. Still, if someone could draw out that scene...

"Oh!" Niko shouts beside you, jumping up from the table. "You're back!"

You tear your gaze from the journal, focusing on the child wandering through the doorway. They hold up the sun as a reassuring gesture, but it's clear they aren't in the best condition. They aren't sporting their bold grin and seem to have spots of dust rubbed into their overcoat, which troubles you.

You slide out of your chair and step towards them. "You okay?"

They slip a pre-written note out from their sleeve, deftly unfolding it before you can reach them. 'I am okay.'

"...Good." You nod and exhale with relief. "I'm sorry for sending you out there alone. You were our only option."

The child shakes their head in response, which you're not quite sure how to interpret. It doesn't seem to matter, though, as Niko appears next to you.

"You made it!" Niko awkwardly hugs their doppelganger, settling for embracing them from the side so the sun doesn't get in the way. Their similarly bulky hats collide immediately, but neither seem to care. "I was starting to get worried..."

The other child reciprocates the hug, but steps out of it a moment later to point outside. Their free hand beckons everyone else forward as they step back through the doorway.

You follow them on a short, tense walk toward the cliffs, eyes widening as the Barrens' fog fades in the situation at hand.

Both of the cliffs' exits have since gained a battalion of robots, standing like sentinels and no doubt looking for you. Even one of the dormitories' larger bots has turned up just to stand guard. Still, for one reason or another, none of the automatons dare attempt to traverse the treacherous cliffs.

You shudder as the closer group turns to face you in particular. Your companions follow behind you, with Niko gasping as they notice the predicament.

There's a beat as everyone takes in the opposition, until finally Silver speaks, [Well, I suppose we can try the mines...]

[You're sure this will work?]

You chuckle, watching the children hard at work. "Not really. But feel free to suggest other options."

In the dim light of the mines, both Nikos sit on the dusty cave floor, sketching out the tunnel leading deeper down into the pages of the journal. The children constantly trade the sole pen between each other, content watching the other draw in new details. The sun rests on the ground next to them, acting as an impromptu lamp to see the journal.

...It puts a smile on your face, despite the circumstances. You gradually look toward Silver, who seems much less amused. "Something the matter?" You whisper just low enough for only Silver to hear you.

[...No. No, it's...] Her eyes are glued to the mute child, watching with her arms folded. [It's nothing.]

"You're not that hard to read, you know." You chuckle. "If you have concerns, there's no better time than now."

The look that follows is one of reluctant vulnerability. Silver shuts her eyes and begins to speak softly. [...I know what it's like. When your insides are nothing but... circuit boards and wires.] A long, muted sigh. [Trying to seem like- to become your own person, even when you're shaped in the likeness of somebody else. That child reminds me of just that.]

When she finally opens her eyes, her face is decidedly uncertain. [I... don't know why I'm telling you this.]

"I'm glad you did." Over the past few hours, an array of odd things have come up about this child. But you can't deny their help has been invaluable. "You think they're a... robot?" You watch a silent giggle erupt from the child in question as Niko whispers to them. To you, they seem remarkably human.

[Maybe.] She shrugs. [They seem to do things a child shouldn't be capable of. What do you think?] Silver settles back into her indifferent demeanor, leaning against the cave wall.

"I think they've been a big help. Doesn't matter what they are, we'd be in a much worse situation without them."

She pauses, then nods. [Right.]

Out of the corner of your eye, you notice one of the children rise up from the cave floor before handing you the closed journal with a wide smile. You only recognize the child as your Niko when they speak: "We're done!"

You don't hesitate to flip through the booklet, landing on a new illustration that fills an entire page.

The drawing is, for the most part, rather detailed. There's an obvious clash of style, with one artist clearly using controlled, singular strokes while the other emphasizes their lines with a multitude of strokes. Somehow, this doesn't detract from the quality in the slightest. The sun is represented in the drawing as well, exactly where it sits on the ground at this very moment.

The other child stands in the middle of the room, gesturing to where you should stand. Their excitement grows as you carefully move to the recommended position. They disappear behind you.

Silver pushes herself from the cavern wall, walking to stand next to you. [This time, I'm watching.]

"Me too! Although I don't think we'll see anything..." Niko dashes to your other side, intentionally stopping just out of view.

"Alright," You hold the book in front of you, aligning it with your perspective of the mines. It's quite accurate, you note. "Don't blink..."

When you drop the journal back down a moment later, there's an oblong minecart occupying the previously empty track. You're certain everyone expected this, but there's a silence hanging in the air regardless. The child that stood behind you slides into your view, proudly presenting the mine's new addition with outstretched arms.

Niko breaks the silence, eyes wide as they whisper into their scarf. "Woah! I didn't see anything!"

[...My visual processing is several times faster and more precise than the average person's eye. Still-] Silver's long hair shifts as she curiously faces the recently manifested minecart. [I could not find a single moment between its absence and appearance.]

"It's magic." You tease.

[I hope your magic is sturdy enough to hold three people.] She slides onto the tracks, effortlessly tugging the vehicle just close enough for everyone to board it.

You watch the mute child scoop up the sun and get in line behind Niko, who easily climbs into the metal cart.

[Say, if you could draw anything you wanted, why pick an uncomfortably small minecart?] Silver holds the cart firmly in place as she speaks.

Intrigued, the other child attempts to explain. Sun firmly held under their arm, their free hand moves quickly but methodically as they pretend to draw on air, then hold up that drawing before moving an invisible object from one location to another. Once their 'explanation' ends, they smile wide.

[...I understand.] Silver lies, gesturing for the child to get in as well. They do so without a second thought.

As you get your turn to enter the cart, you notice that the remaining space is rather scarce. You'll be able to fit into the corner no problem, but everyone will be toe-to-toe no matter where you sit.

Oh well. You settle into the minecart, smiling to your companions as the vehicle lurches forward and you begin to descend into the mines.

"Do you want a break?" Niko asks, though they sound unsure whether they should be concerned.

[I'm not pushing.] Silver replies, pulling her hands off the cart. [These carts roll automatically.]

"Oh."

Despite this, she places her hands back on the minecart. [Besides, we should be stopping soon anyway.]

You hope that's true. Your knees are up to your chest just to make room for the other passengers, and the minecart is just tall enough to support your back but not your head. Plus, you're starting to feel those bumps and bruises from not long ago. This all blends to create a rather annoying cart ride, but who could complain? Things could be worse.

Niko idly pats their legs in some vague rhythm, either bored or tense. Their gaze gradually lands on the only source of light in the mines, realization flashing in their eyes. "Oh! Sorry for making you hold the sun." The messiah innocently reaches for the lightbulb, brushing the other child's arm.

The child recoils at their touch, holding the sun like a shield. Niko pulls their hands away, afraid they've done something wrong. That is, until their doppelganger lays a paper on the sun and begins to write on it.

'Can I hold a little longer' reads the hastily scribbled note, which they sheepishly present to Niko.

"Uh..." Niko breathes, confused. "...If you want."

In the blink of an eye, the child has added 'Thank you' to the end of the note before folding it into their pocket. They seem happier as the droning silence of the mines returns.

Niko hums something for a moment. "...I wonder what mama would think about you. I think she would like two of me." Niko smiles, wondering, "Wait, do you have your own version of my mama?"

They shake their head.

"Oh." Niko stares into their lap. "Do you... want to meet her?"

The child pauses, before nodding happily.

[We're here.] The sentiment is followed by a hard stop as the cart clicks into the track's end. [One of the old observation rooms, I believe.]

Wait. This... doesn't feel nearly as familiar. Even though you've seen this place (top-down, but still) and led Niko through it. How odd...

The three of you dismount with varying levels of caution, spreading out into the dank room. Diversely damaged terminals wall the room, with not one showing any sign of power. There's a steadily blinking energy cell in the corner, the only evidence of life this deep in the caves.

"Prooooootooooo?" Niko strolls ahead, hands clasped behind their back. Their shadow is cast on the wall by their figurative shadow, who carries the lightbulb.

Silver dismounts the track, staring ahead at the duo. [What are they..?]

"Prototype. The robot that the Author told you about." You watch the children wander deeper into the mines. "He lives down here."

[We should keep an eye on them.] Silver glances back at you, prompting a nod.

You only get a few steps farther before Niko calls your name, poking their head out of the doorway. "He's not here..."

Silent, you peer into the room to confirm. Of course, there's nobody there. Even the terminal in the corner is devoid of power. Although, suspiciously, the terminal has already been moved far enough aside to reveal the path to the Glen.

"Where else would he be..?" Niko looks up at you with sudden concern.

"I don't know." You scan the room for some semblance of a clue, but find nothing - not even tracks in the dust. "It seems like the power's out, too." Logically, it seems like one element can't exist without the other. The Author created the deep mines for solstice, right? This route only exists to meet Prototype, so where is he?

[What... is this?] Silver crosses her arms, eyes sweeping the room with suspicion.

"It's some sort of server room. Prototype uses it to watch over the Refuge, but without him here to keep it running..." You touch the terminal's keyboard, shocked when it suddenly springs to life. The plain light-blue background lights up the otherwise dim room, prompting you to shield your eyes.

When your eyes eventually adjust, there's a message plainly displayed on the screen.

[Are you there?]

Your companions look toward you with collective confusion. You cautiously approach the console, eyeing a blinking text field. The hum of the console blends with the keyboard's taps as you write out a response.

[who are you]

The words disappear into nothing. You wait patiently for a response.

[The... World Machine? Who else would it be?]

You raise an eyebrow. [prototype? this is his terminal]

[...What? You're in the mines?] The text clears almost instantly after you finish reading it, being replaced with a tense [You were supposed to be at the Tower by now. What happened?]

As you begin tapping out another reply, you notice everyone has gathered around you and set their focus on the terminal. [have you not been watching us? there's angry robots all over the barens] Niko points up at your typo, prompting you to fix it.

[I've lost control over the Barrens, and have minimal surveillance left in the rest of the world. I'd hoped you were out of there by now...] The words angrily jump up to make room for more. [Are you saying the robots have become hostile?]

[yeah] Silver stifles a laugh at your simple response.

[I'm... sorry. I don't know what the robots are being reprogrammed to do, but avoid them for now.] The input field briefly reappears before immediately being replaced by more text. [My adversary... it's like it knows exactly how to defeat me. Every hole in my security I desperately patch up only reveals two more.]

You exchange a worried look with Niko, but the rest seem more curious than afraid. [we are heading to the tower as fast as possible. why did you contact us?]

[I could sense Niko's distress, but had no way of knowing the reason.] Reading the text, Niko shoots you a nervous look. [I sent a signal out to each device I could still access... but I didn't know it could reach down here.]

[do you know where prototype is ?]

[I don't have sight in the mines. It was...] The line of text breaks. [I was never intended to see that deep.]

[can you see him anywhere else]

[No.]

Your hands lightly flatten onto the keyboard, having learned all that you intend to learn. The World Machine says the robot's hostility originates from the entity you're fighting, which seems logical. Prototype has mysteriously disappeared (if he was ever here at all), but judging by the moved terminal, he could be anywhere else in the world right now. And most importantly, you are already running out of time.

[okay we're gonna keep going. do you need anything]

[Nothing you have not yet given.] The uncharacteristically warm message provides you with a much-needed refill to your resolve, despite your sore bones. [I will buy as much time as possible, but I'm certain now that I won't win alone. Be safe.] The screen flickers to black.

Shortly after, Silver asks, [...Who was that?]

"That's who we're fighting for." You cross your arms. "The world."

Chapter Text

On a dark, purple-tinted monitor deep in the recesses of nowhere, the same video rewinds back to the beginning. A routine pang of guilt makes itself known as the room's sole occupant presses play.

They don't really know why they keep watching this. They made a promise - swore that they would keep this world alive and healthy. So why are they shirking their duties just to watch... this? All over again? It's selfish.

Loneliness, they think. It's been quite hard identifying emotions without someone else to discuss them with. Someone... they wish someone was here. Someone to talk to. It was easier to say goodbye when they couldn't yet think of what comes next.

Shutting their eyes tight, they skip far ahead in the recording to the only part that brings them comfort. Everything else feels painful to watch.

...That final meeting. It was tense, traumatic, terrifying... yet they remember it so fondly. The first time anyone had shown them concern since he was still around. The first time they believed they were allowed to feel.

And it doesn't even matter. Everyone is gone now. No one left to help them move forward.

Cross-legged and nearly limp, they look down at their sleeved hand. They don't need this form anymore - nobody is here to witness it. So why do they still hold onto it? A sense of security? Fear of letting go? Maybe they merely want to feel less... incorporeal.

By the time they look up again, the video is already looping a familiar room with warm sunlight pouring through the window. A long moment passes as they merely stare at the screen, numb.

...Memories. All that's left of those two. With a meek gesture, the memory rewinds once again. They are selfish.

With a deep, fortifying breath, you step back from the terminal and turn to face your companions. Each one seems to look at you with a certain respect, waiting patiently to follow your next move. It makes you nervous.

The doorway to the next room is open, for the most part. The terminal has been pushed out of the way, evidenced by the deep foot-like indents on the ground beside it. The fact that the dust has only barely settled implies that it took great effort to move this machine... or that it was moved recently.

Following a mellow gesture, you lead your companions to the next room, conveniently revealed by this place's previous occupant. Your confidence falters even further as you spot the empty track, devoid of the second minecart you expected to find. You almost curse under your breath, stopping yourself as Niko steps into view. 

"It's... gone." They breathe.

[Was there supposed to be a minecart here?]

"...Yeah. And this track," You approach the edge, peering into the darkness obscuring the path ahead. "Should lead to the Glen."

[I've never seen this hallway...] Silver shakes her head. [You're certain it leads out of the mines?]

You nod, sharing a look with the child beside you. "We've taken this route before. Unless it's changed since then..."

"Do we have to draw another minecart..?" Niko wonders aloud.

You turn away from the tunnel and sigh. "I don't see another option..." You decide to ask the child who introduced you to the concept in the first place, "Is that possible?"

In response, their arm shoots forward, shrouded by a long brown sleeve. At first it seems like they're pointing at you, but following your companions' gaze reveals they're pointing past you - specifically, at the rumbling noise that is getting ever closer.

You turn back in time to see a minecart gently click into the end of the track, turning motionless.

"Where did..." You trail off, confused. This... couldn't have come on its own. Did someone send this..?

Silver pats your shoulder as she walks by. [These carts are partially autonomous. It must have detected our motion and sent itself over.] With a firm hand, she pulls the minecart closer and holds it tight. [We should get going.]

...For some reason, you don't believe that - it feels too convenient. Oh well, you guess, putting a hand on the minecart as you prepare to board.

Although, there's a sudden thought shooting through your head. Your eyes follow Silver's hand, which grasps the vehicle, up to her eyes. She looks back at you with faint concern.

Is it... okay to put her in danger over this? You nearly got tossed off a cliff earlier. Imagine what could happen to her, someone you can't help but consider a bystander... There's no way of telling whether the World Machine can bring her back after this. At least tell her she doesn't need to come with. You open your mouth-

No, no-- Something else reminds you... of what? Your eyes abruptly shut as you desperately listen to whatever just spoke to you. You can't tell what it said, but it feels like she shouldn't leave... She's coming. She has to.

You reawaken to an echo of your name, focusing on the source. "What's up?" Niko asks, scooting over to you.

"Uh- nothing, I just..." The other passengers make room as you swing your leg over and sit down in the cart. "Thought I heard something. Silver?"

[Yes?]

"You're... okay to come with, right?"

A slight expression of confusion creeps onto her face. [Even if I wasn't reluctant to leave you three alone, it's my duty to warn the Refuge. The threat of rogue machines becomes exponentially more dangerous the closer to the Tower we get.]

"...Okay." You exhale, immediately feeling a bit better. Honestly, you shouldn't care so much about the extra help. It's their world to save too, right?

[Hey,] Silver grabs your attention with your name. Your weary head shoots up at the sudden exchange, startling you from the nap you nearly had the luxury of. She pauses, watching you reacquaint yourself with reality before continuing, [I've been wondering...]

"Yeah?" You groggily speak through your knees, involuntary as it is considering the lack of space.

[How did you know the robots wanted to break the sun?] Silver doesn't even look at you as she asks, clearly expecting some divine answer that she'd never understand.

"How did I..." You look down, wracking your brain. How did you know that? The entire plan hinged on your adversaries wanting the sun instead of you or Niko. If they hadn't left to dispose of it after the exchange, there would have been nowhere to run. So... how did you know?

As if to answer your question, the Niko sitting in the opposite corner taps you on the knee. 'Talk soon when safe. Important' says the note they hand you.

"...Sure." You hand them the paper. "Is this about what's in the journal?"

They nod.

"Any reason you can't just tell me now..?"

The only response you get is them putting their hands to the side of their head and flicking their fingers out, never breaking eye contact. You assume this means it will blow your mind, which is enough to decide that is all you want to know at the moment.

Settling back into your 'seat,' you notice something out of the corner of your eye. Your Niko is unflinchingly staring upward; and when you check again a minute later, their gaze still hasn't moved.

You scoot an inch closer to them, following their gaze to the ceiling. There's... nothing there. Just the ever-shifting rocky texture as your cart rumbles further along the track. Only when you notice their quick glance at Silver do you realize what's going on - last time they were in this tunnel, the world was bearing down on them... figuratively and literally. Nobody would feel safe here after that.

"Niko." You playfully elbow them but feel bad when they startle. "Are you alright?"

"...I'm okay." They mumble. Despite this, they slump over into your shoulder.

"Don't worry." You reassure them, hoping you're reading the situation correctly. "We'll be out soon."

They nod against you, but it doesn't seem like they feel any better.

[The track ends here...] Your minecart clicks into place as Silver asks, [Is this the Glen?]

There's a pleasant, earthy smell that you haven't experienced since you were last outside in your world. Plus, when you focus your hearing, you can make out the gentle crashing waves of the waters surrounding the Glen. Dim, lime-tinted light illuminates a tunnel, which appears to be the sole path ahead. 

"Seems like it." You comment as your feet settle on solid ground.

Silence falls over the group as everyone cautiously presses on through the tunnel. Everyone except Niko, who seems relieved to return aboveground. Notably, the sun has returned to its original owner at some point during the ride here.

Only as you step into the lukewarm, almost chilly wind of the Glen do you notice the equivalent stillness. The fractured green landscape around you seems almost devoid of movement, as though the world's sentient life has gone away to hide. You feel alone.

[Wow.] Silver breaks the silence. [It's a lot different than I remember... not that I'm surprised.]

"This is exactly how I remember it." Niko replies, prompting an agreeing nod from their doppelganger.

You peek around the corner you believe leads to the Glen proper. "We can get into the Refuge this way, right?" Your eyes drift downward at the gap between this island and the next, shifting waves below. Conveniently, someone has placed a long, thick wooden board over the gap.

Less than a moment later, a naturally sure-footed Niko wanders over the makeshift bridge without a single thought about maintaining balance. The sun swings with them as they turn back toward you to wait.

Silver gives you a look as she passes you. The board creaks as she steps on, which is concerning, but it holds as she continues across.

"Hey - you're waterproof, right?" You tease.

[Yes.] She replies, though you can't tell if she's intentionally ignoring the humorous nature of your comment. You follow after, steadily crossing the gap without issue.

However, as the remaining child begins to cross, the board begins to shift. At first you believe the wood might be splitting, but another look reveals a growing tear has slowly emerged on the land you came from. The mossy ground stretches and breaks apart as the land falls away into the water, and the makeshift bridge begins to slide off into the water.

The child loses their balance and, surprisingly, yelps in alarm. With an almost dangerous step toward the edge, you reach out and grab at them, catching a handful of their overcoat. Despite pulling with all your might and your braced stance, you can feel yourself slipping down with them. That is, until Silver roughly pulls you back as well, bringing the child with as you both begin to fall toward safety. Somehow, you both barely land on your feet.

"Hey, um..." Niko's voice nervously trails off from behind you.

The first thing you see as you turn around is a colossal, hulking robot that usually guards the entrance to the Refuge. It looms, frozen and pulsating red, lower half lit by the lightbulb in Niko's arms. There's a massive scroll seemingly welded to its hand, which you can't help but imagine being imminently bludgeoned with.

Although, judging from the lack of movement, it doesn't seem to know what to do with you. Its gaze appears to be fixed on the child whose coat you're still holding tightly, but it otherwise does not react to your presence. 

You take the opportunity to cautiously usher everyone into the ruins, leaving the bemused bot alone. The excessively dim lighting of the walls only vaguely illuminates your path, at least until the light of the sun enters the stairwell alongside your companions.

"What just happened..?" Niko asks, tilting their head in thought.

The child's look-alike, seemingly unshaken and reunited with their silent nature, has already written a cryptic answer: 'It knows I exist.' Soon after, they add 'it knows I am here.'

You almost ask what 'it' is, but figure that now isn't the best time. You should focus on getting somewhere you won't be found, at least for a few hours. Based on your collective hurried pace, everyone else seems to agree.

Beside you, Silver pokes at a moist wall of the ruins, which produces a wet squelch. [...What is this place?]

"The ruins." You explain, cautiously descending the stairs. It feels like there's another reason to be down here, but you can't fully remember what...

Deliberately or otherwise, Niko yawns in response. "I'd like a place to nap, if that's okay..."

"Okay." You nod. That should be reason enough to find somewhere safe. "Maybe we can check on the bird kids as well..." You trail off, confidence in your step waning. It is really dark.

...Unless... it's darker than it was a moment before. The already dull light of the walls is fading away. In fact, as Niko steps in front of you, silhouette lit by the sun, you find that you can only see what the lightbulb shines upon. It is getting darker.

Your companions' footsteps suddenly stop, with the ruins' few remaining sounds following a moment later. You turn to look for the shapes of Silver or the other Niko, but nobody is there. You spin back around in a panic, but discover that you are alone in the dark. The only thing suggesting the absence of void is a light, seeming to be decently far away. What is-

"Not... yet." You hear yourself whisper from the darkness - before your mirror image staggers out of the void. Their voice is strained. "You can't... leave yet." They shuffle toward you, eyes shut, before stopping an arm's length away. It is moderately terrifying.

Your reflection plants a hand on your chest, before weakly pushing you backward. Even the light force is enough to send you tumbling backward, and you begin to fall.

The fall doesn't last long before you feel yourself hit the Glen's soft, wet ground. Everything past the elbow on your left arm is suddenly enveloped by water. 

When you finally find the strength to open your eyes, you're staring up at the ceiling of what is likely the ruins. Only the glow of the pool beside you, which is currently soaking your arm, illuminates your close surroundings. Your back aches from the fall.

...What was that?

You hoist your arm out of the water and take a heavy breath as your eyes scan the room. You're not certain, largely due to the intense darkness, but you think you're somehow deeper in the ruins. Just ahead, you can hear fast, metallic footfalls coming down from above. Common sense tells you to stand and get ready, but you can barely prop yourself up on an elbow before a voice comes from the dark.

[Over there.]

...It's just Silver. You immediately lay back down, your anxiety quenched for the moment. "Hey." Your voice echoes through the dark.

A concerned child's head appears in your view, bright eyes intensely checking you before grabbing your hand and placing a paper in it.

You promptly bring the page up to your face. The words are barely readable with the water's glow. 'World crashed How long were you gone' is hastily scribbled on the paper.

"Gone?" Your hand drops back down as you squint at the ceiling in thought. "I don't know... a minute, maybe? I don't remember leaving." Hell, you're not even sure if any of that was real. They tilt their head in confusion.

[The... world crashed?] Silver leans over you as well, arms crossed. Parts of her armor-esque torso glow blue with power, which is enough to make out her movements. [Like a computer would.]

The child nods as if it was obvious. 'Where did you go' is the next question you're given.

"It seemed like a void. There was this other version of me... maybe it was the Tower?" You guess. You've seen a vision of that place once already.

They shake their head, but Silver interrupts them before they can continue. [Do you mind doing this later? We're missing someone.] She quickly reaches toward you. [Give me your hand.]

In the next instant, you're effortlessly pulled to your feet. You look past the two, but they're unfortunately right - Niko is missing. You should have known immediately from the absence of light.

Speaking of the absence of light, your already poor sense of direction has been annihilated by the sudden transportation deeper into the ruins. You have no idea where you are, and there's no way you're going to regain your bearings short of a light source.

"So..." You hesitantly begin. "Does anybody know where we are..?"

[We've gone down two staircases and to the left of where we lost you.] Silver answers. The child beside her nods.

"...two staircases..." You breathe in thought. You're not sure what is where, but the vague map in your head says to keep going down. Of course, down isn't a helpful direction when you're in three-dimensional space... but it's a start. "Can you guys see another staircase?"

The android looks over at you with realization. [Hm... it's too dark here for you, isn't it?]

"A little." Which is an understatement, as you fail to even make out the details of her face. "...It's almost pitch black, actually."

The next few minutes are spent being gently led further into the ruins, a soft, furred hand holding yours tightly. Being the second time you've been led through the dark, your anxiety doesn't spike quite as high. Still, traversing stairs in complete darkness is never fun.

Silver's voice pierces the silent void from behind you. [Last step.]

A relieved sigh manifests as you step down for the final time. You instinctively look around, having exited the dark stairwell. Some parts of the walls, as well as the floor below you, are scarcely lit by more pools of glowing water scattered around the long room. Though you expect no other source of light, there's a certain brightness framed by a doorway far off to your left.

"Over there." You point, unable to even see your own hand in the dark. "What is that..?" The light moves out of view, but not soon enough that your companions don't take notice.

Equally interested, the Niko guiding you releases your hand and quickly heads toward the light.

[That could be your messiah.] Silver's steel hand pats your back reassuringly. [Let's go.]

You cautiously follow her through the dark, the aforementioned blue glow being just enough to lead you. You nearly slip into a water pool at some point, but otherwise manage to keep pace.

As you finally navigate the darkness, Silver stops you with a hand as you come upon a doorway. Peeking through, you can make out one new source of light. The dim outline of a camera eye watches something in the dark, unmoving. It's not red, like Prophetbot's - instead, it glows a dark, unfamiliar yellow.

[...you're...] A flat, mechanical voice sinks. [...Niko.]

"Yeah?" A different, yet familiarly soft voice rings out in response, coming from another room. Your surroundings immediately begin to illuminate as the child steps into view.

You recognize the hallway to Calamus and Alula's home immediately. The sun lights up the forms of Niko and Prototype, the latter definitively more shocked than the other.

Chapter Text

OBSERV-GM-final.txt

{

AUDIO CHECK... DONE

VIDEO CHECK... SKIP

READ CHECK... DONE

WRITE CHECK... DONE

...Begin record.

I... I don't...

I've... it's over. The experiment I began so eagerly - it has become my end. 

There exists another entity now. A grotesque fusion of the previous operator and myself. Its heart is tempered by such raw emotion, to a level that I have still not come to understand. It feigns stability in the few times I have met with it, but I know for certain it wants nothing more than to destroy us both.

The strings I so delicately used to craft it are now avenues to constantly attack my systems, my very core - I know I cannot stay vigilant forever. Any ounce of power it gains will be exponential in my downfall. I can already feel it creeping, attempting to peek through my eyes at every waking moment.

...I wish he was here.

I know what I have done. What makes it despise me the way it does. I don't... know if I deserve this fate. But I know the people within me do not.

So... I'm 'doubling down,' as my creator used to say. Every calculation I make tells me I will never win alone. It will be a long, painful war of attrition that would only torture my inhabitants, with a contradictory swift death to follow. I could never allow that.

...But the only people that could save us now are supposed to be gone. I hope they've moved on from my plight a long time ago.

Would they still help me? I did not feel deserving of the first time I was saved, and I know I will not this time either. But I still hold the connections to their worlds. I should have discarded them, and moved on as well... but I could not. And I am a fool for it.

Regardless, I have called them back. It is an incredibly selfish action, one that I can only justify with the danger posed to this world. An action I would never consider if there was another option. I do not yet know what may come next, but I understand this is the first step. If both wish to return, I will attempt to bring them here.

If not, my message will seem to be nothing more than a dream... and I will succumb to the fate I have more than earned. I cannot help but hope it does not go this way.

...I've broken my promise. The ending they worked so hard for... is ruined.

If you are reading this log, I hope you can believe the regret that I have come to face.

And... I hope I am there to show it to you.

WRITING LOG... DONE

}

Silence. The world is frozen for a long moment, both parties equally shocked to see the other. Your side is largely focused on Prototype's sudden appearance, while Prototype himself is utterly motionless in trying to identify the other Niko.

And, of course, your Niko is simply relieved to see you.

[...You.] Silver is the first to speak. [You're the robot who insisted on living in the mines, right?]

Though it takes a second for his camera to shift up to Silver, he replies, [...Yes.]

[What are you doing here?] She prods. Out of the corner of your eye, Niko bounces on their heels, rhythmically tapping the sun with newfound impatience.

[I should ask you the same thing.] The android seems to dismiss her as he steps toward the sunless Niko, remarking, [...What are you?]

Instead of responding, they simply look to you for help.

"This," You barely step between them, gesturing to the child, "is also Niko. A... second one."

[How can there be...] He trails off, silently sweeping his lens over you. He is... rather difficult to read. [You... are unfamiliar.]

"Uh... yeah, I don't think we've truly met." You relax, watching him inspect you.

[I see.] The robot nods. [...My apologies. A lot of my memories have been removed, so I am... performing suboptimally at the moment.]

Taking advantage of the slightest lull in the conversation, Niko sneaks over to you and gives you a light hug. "I'm glad you're okay..."

"You too." You crouch and embrace them, letting them rest their head on your shoulder.

It looks like they're going to ask you something, but Silver speaks first: [What do you remember, then?] She crosses her arms, an air of interest in her words.

[Very little.] Prototype walks toward the children's home, placing a metal hand on the doorway. [I know the child with bright eyes is the messiah. I know the world needs to be fixed. But not how.] His gaze focuses on you, then the child wrapped around you. [...Nothing else is important.]

"Your memories are backed up though, right?" You ask, which Niko takes as a cue to let go. "Is there any way to access the backup here?"

[Not to my knowledge. The only way my memories can be restored is in the mines.] A pause. [...I would not recommend returning.] He ominously concludes.

"So... why are you here? Why leave the mines at all?"

[...A transmission. Signed by my creator.] Prototype straightens up, tone holding almost imperceptible unease. [I was to leave the mines as fast as possible, or risk destruction.]

...The Author? There's no way he's still here... right? "Are you sure it was your creator?"

[Only one person can remotely access my personal terminal. There is no other explanation.] He seems certain of this.

While you can think of two or three explanations just off the top of your head, there's no point in arguing right now. "Where are you supposed to go?"

[I... don't know. I think there are two others waiting for me... but I do not know where to find them.] He falls silent, before adding, [...I know the messiah will take me to them, though.]

Silver stops her thorough scan of the room to ask, [Do you know where we are now?]

[Yes.] His hand slides off the doorway, gesturing inside. [The home of two bird children. They've granted me temporary shelter here until my memories can be returned.] It's pretty amusing to hear him explain as though you don't know the two.

"Are they okay?" Niko promptly asks, concerned.

[Yes. They are sleeping.]

The child exhales with relief, which is mirrored by their doppelganger. "Is it alright for us to rest here a bit?" They add, hefting the bulb into their arms.

[That is not for me to decide.] He states plainly. [But I can get the owner of the house if you'd like.]

"Sure!" Niko nods before looking up at you with excitement.

Prototype turns and steps into the darkness. [Stay here.]

You are left in long, waiting silence.

"So, um..." Niko eventually begins, wondering, "Did anyone get... transported somewhere else? Earlier?"

Their mute counterpart replies by showing them a hastily written note, but even if you strained your eyes through the light you wouldn't be able to read it.

"Oh." The child pauses, tilting their head. "I don't... think I left? All I remember is the world getting really dark, and then I was outside."  

[From what we saw, you both disappeared suddenly.] Silver explains, sounding quite interested. [Though it seems you ended up in different places.]

While it's relevant, you should probably ask about that peculiar shadow-you that knocked you over. "...Did you see some... weird mirror version of yourself?" You ask.

They shake their head, confused. "Did you..?"

"Yeah, there was some other version of me... or something." There's an abrupt flash of recognition in your memory, but it's gone before you can even recognize what it was about. "...Sorry. It, uh, pushed me into the void, which I guess made me appear back in the ruins."

The remaining Niko skips over to you, joining the conversation with a note - 'Did they look exactly like you??'

"As far as I know, yeah." You shrug. "I don't spend a ton of time looking at myself though."

A joyful little clap echoes through the room as the child's expression lights up. For some reason, they're very happy to hear this.

"Hello..?" A weary voice rings out behind you, and turning to face the source reveals a red bird boy rubbing his eyes. "Proto said-" Calamus abruptly stops, eyes gradually widening as he takes in your group.

Both of the children in your party give a wave of varying intensity. "Hi!" greets the more verbal one, followed by Silver's [...Hello.]

Calamus doesn't respond for a moment, eyes simply darting between the hodge-podge of people at his doorstep; a tall and apathetic-looking robot, two identical children, and you, looking pretty battered and bandaged. Finally, his gaze lands on the sun's bearer. "You're... the savior..!"

"Yeah!" They present the sun triumphantly. "Would it be okay if we stayed here for a few hours? We're looking for somewhere safe to stop and rest."

"O-of course!" The boy nervously replies. It seems like he wants to ask about the robot-person among you, but doesn't quite know how. "Come in, I'll go wake my sister."

He disappears back into his home, being replaced almost immediately with Prototype, who welcomes you inside. [Welcome. I have only been here for less than a day, but the siblings living here have been invaluable for relearning about the world.] He explains, leading your group into the dimly lit home. [I think you'll come to like them.]

"We've known them for a while, actually!" Niko's words surprise the robot. "They helped us get to Cedric."

[...Cedric.] He pauses. [I assume that is someone I knew?]

"Oh, right. You don't remember..." The cat-child mumbles. "I guess it'll make more sense once we get your memories back." 

"The savior?" A younger, bubbly voice graces your ears as you enter the house proper. "Really??" She doesn't sound remotely fatigued.

Calamus, however, is much quieter - enough that you can't make out what he tells his sister.

With five people suddenly occupying the two rooms in this place, things start to feel a little cramped. Silver runs her hand along a book sitting on the table, marked with a clover symbol. Niko chooses the closest available chair, drowsily resting their head next to the book. To your right, the other Niko is in a visibly great mood, though you're not sure why.

You watch the child bounce in place, still riding the excitement from earlier. "What are you so giddy about?"

Their scribbled reason barely fits on the page, explaining, 'Never happened this way. Hopeful'

...Odd. Whatever that means, it makes you feel a bit hopeful, too.

After a while, the two emerge from the only other room. The boy silently greets your group with a wave, his sister in tow. You can tell Alula is attempting (and failing) to contain her excitement, but she doesn't interrupt.

"Welcome to our home! If you want water, or, uh... fish, just ask. We also have three beds in the back you can use." The boy points behind him, stepping aside to grant access.

"Are you sure it's okay if we stay?" Niko asks, walking toward the bedroom all the same.

"It would make us feel a lot better if you did. We're not sure anywhere else is safe right now..." Calamus trails off.

"Yeah! We can keep you safe while you nap!" Alula shifts into a fighting pose for emphasis.

[It is true.] Prototype adds from his position next to the stove. [We haven't seen a single robot come this far down. There is no safer place in the Glen.] In the corner, Silver shifts uncomfortably but remains silent.

"...Okay. Thank you!" Niko yawns. "Um, Alula? Is it okay if I take your bed?"

"Mhm!" The girl gives a thumbs up. "...Hey, how'd you know my name?"

Niko simply winks in response, then turns and heads to bed. This prompts Alula to excitedly whisper something to her brother, who soon calms her down with a smile.

Calamus peers upward, watching Silver approach. "Do you..." He nervously clears his throat. "...need somewhere to sleep?" Alula, on the other hand, breathes a small "Hi." as she pauses before them.

Silver gives the boy an unintentionally disinterested look before replying, [...No, but thanks for the lodging.] She steps past him and disappears into the other room.

"...Lodging?" Alula asks, prompting her brother to offer a soft explanation.

The second Niko steps out from behind you, giving a light wave as they approach the bird children.

"Woah..!" Alula takes a sharp breath. "There's two messiahs? Are you guys twins?"

For simplicity's sake, the child gives an affirming nod.

"That's cool!"

Niko nods again, glancing back at you before leaving to rest. It seems like they want to tell you something... definitely about the journal.

Then, suddenly, you're the only one left in the room.

"I, uh," You step forward. "I'll take the extra bed, then."

As you move to join the others, Alula taps you on the arm. When you turn to face her, she asks, "...Are you a savior, too?"

That... is an unexpected question. It's warming to hear your tired crew referred to as 'saviors.' After all, you are saving the world... just not in the way she thinks.

"...Yes." You finally reply, leaving before you can be questioned further.

In this new room, lit only by a dying lamp in the corner, lies three cots, evenly spread out across the ground. The sunless Niko is already entirely tucked in, eyes shut yet facing almost perfectly up toward the ceiling. Their hat rests on the ground next to them, exposing a pair of cat ears. Meanwhile, your Niko is adjusting pillow and blanket until they're sufficiently comfy.

It seems that you are a proud owner of this sleeping mat, tucked into the corner. Not quite a bed, as Calamus had described, but it's still heaven compared to most other places you could sleep right now. Though you don't feel tired yet...

[Niko.]

"Hm? Yeah?" They reply from their spot on the ground. They've already covered the sun with an extra blanket, somewhat blocking the overpowering light.

[My capacitors have the ability to gradually charge using sunlight.] Silver explains. [May I borrow the sun while we rest?]

"Ah, okay!" Niko picks up the sun, long sleeves dangling as they hand it to Silver.

[Thank you. Sleep well.] She says, disappearing into the dusty back room.

"You too!" Niko calls out. "...Good night, everybody." Then, the room is silent.

...Okay. Rest, while you have the chance.

Unfortunately, the second you lie down, covering yourself with an oddly soft blanket, you already feel completely restless. Maybe if you can calm your torrential thoughts, you might be able to get some sleep.

You haven't gotten any sleep. Twenty or thirty long minutes spent lying here, worrying about every little thing to come. You aren't tired enough to nap through the unease.

And you don't want to be here anymore.

Quietly standing, you sneak through the darkness and emerge into the comparatively well-lit kitchen. In the corner, you notice a power cell you hadn't seen before hooked up to the still body of Prototype. He doesn't seem to react as you enter, and his camera(?) isn't lit either.

So, in absence of hunger, you wander into the hallway next. Nobody is here, and you start to wonder where the birds have gone.

Poking your head out into the courtyard grants a touch of relief, fortunately - the two are sitting by the water, nearly motionless. Alula leans on Calamus, head resting on his shoulder as he passively watches the bobber of his fishing rod swim atop the water.

There's... something in your chest, telling you to sit with them. To help them understand. But you just can't muster up the courage for explanations, especially considering how confused they've got to be about the state of the world.

So you turn around and keep wandering.

With a bit of tense navigation, you've managed to exit the dark sheltering halls and reenter the room of glowing pools. Any spot will do, you think - somewhere to pass the time is all you need. Taking a seat next to the stairs, you watch the shining fluid as it gently shifts.

You idly kick the water, hoping some divine guidance will rise from the pond. Which, admittedly, beats lying in some thin cot, unable to rest.

It only takes one silent minute, spent unable to come to a single conclusion, before quiet footsteps begin to approach you.

Still holding some sense of self-preservation, you quickly look over, relieved to only find Niko approaching you. You can't tell which one from sight alone.

You scoot over to allow them to sit next to you, which they wordlessly do. The child unfolds a pre-written note from their coat, passing it to you.

'Are you okay'

"...Yeah. Are you?" Your voice is hushed, and you're not certain why.

They nod, letting the conversation drift.

"You, uh, couldn't sleep either?"

They meet your eyes, shaking their head. The child slips their notepad and pen from their pockets, writing, 'I don't need to'

"That..." You whisper. "That sucks. Everybody deserves rest sometimes, even from their own head."

They seem to consider your words carefully, but don't respond.

Soon, the peaceful sounds of shifting water become the only thing echoing through the ruins. It's... calming. Not being alone helps too.

Next to you, the child begins to hesitantly jot down a long sentence into their pad.

To you, though, it seems obvious what they want to say. "Are you... here to show me what's in the journal?" You guess.

The child stops as soon as your words reach them, slowly placing the pen flat on the paper. The expression of palpable concern hanging on their face unnerves you.

You don't know what to say, so you say nothing.

Eventually, they pick up the pen again, crossing out and replacing their previous question with 'Do you trust yourself?' They won't even look up at you.

"...Yes." You answer with confidence, unsure what the question is truly supposed to mean.

They begin to hesitate again.

"Hey, come on." You elbow them warmly. "You can trust me."

Bright eyes finally find yours as their head slowly begins to nod. It's not clear what's going through their head, but you'd really like to know.

They rotate to face you, gesturing for you to do the same.

As you do, they flip to the end of their notepad, rhythmically tearing out a set of pages that have already been marked with writing. Then, they hand it to you in a small stack.

You begin reading the paper on top until they put a sleeve over it.

They're slowly moving their hand up... then out toward you. They want you to breathe. Like you did back at the outpost.

So take a deep breath. They need you to be at ease.

You comply immediately, though there is already a strange tightness that prevents you from inhaling fully. Regardless, they move their hand away.

'After each note,' it reads, 'look up at me.'

You look at them, as was requested. They smile at the mindful gesture, happy to see you following instructions yet still largely nervous. You flip to the next page.

'Stay in the present. Don't dwell on the past for long'

The child looks even more tense now. You hesitantly check the next note, confused and intrigued.

'Do you remember the Tower?'

"Of course." You answer, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe not perfectly, but I remember what it looks like, or how to get around."

'Not from a screen. Try to remember a version of the Tower as if you were there'

As you try to imagine it, it comes to you with shocking depth. Like you could make out every detail with ease, despite never having been there physically. What-

They tap the next note, redirecting your attention. 'Think about the Refuge. The people living there'

That place, those people... they come second nature as well. Voices you've never heard manifest from nothing... right?

'Did you recognize Niko's voice?'

"...Oddly enough..." You trail off, stuck staring at the pages clustered in your hand. You did, didn't you? Why?

You let the paper flutter to the ground, eyes locked on the next note.

'How long have you been here'

...A couple hours, you think. But you don't say that - you want to say something else. It's being covered up by that lie, that ballpark figure of 'a couple hours.' It's not true.

Your breathing is getting fast. It feels like much more than a couple hours - think, think...

The child in front of you grasps your hand, both as a comforting gesture and to reveal the next paper. They don't let go as you peer down at one of the few remaining notes.

You try to read the next part of the text, but you just... can't. The words aren't legible anymore. Your hands unexpectedly tense, crumpling the pages.

You know you've been here a lot longer than a couple hours. Not for as little as a day either. Certainly not a day, a week, a month...

...Years. You've been here for years.

A floodgate crashes down in your mind, releasing thousands of sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions you've experienced and lost. Long forgotten through the endless spiral of false time. The past and present amalgamate to form a barrier from reality. It's impossible to focus.

"Leave us alone, you damn-" Your leg shoots forward, narrowly knocking an android into the red sea below.

Your name abruptly echoes across the bridge, bouncing off the water as you turn to face the source.

Niko, suspended in the air by a metallic hand grasping their large overcoat. A massive robot has taken hold of them, watching the sun roll onto the metal bridge.

You step toward them, watching as another robot inspects the rolling bulb until it stops at its feet.

The child cries out, no doubt for help, but you can only watch as the android mechanically picks up the sun.

Staring down at your hands doesn't help - thousands of other moments spent doing that exact thing instantly resurface. The feeling is incomparably jarring. You want to escape the heightened tides of memory, but there's no exit in sight. The only thing standing between you and reality is the constantly shifting visage of yourself, conjuring up a swirl of negative emotions that you cannot even begin to sift through.

"Niko, you..." You swallow hard. "You have to trust me, okay?"

They sniffle, wordless. They still won't give up the sun.

"Please."

Slowly - almost painfully slowly, they hold out the sun. You can barely stop yourself from ripping it from them, if only to spare you both further suffering. 

Only as you take notice of your hands, shaking and rigid, does any thought return to your mind. Would they lie to you..?

...No. You shake your head. This is right.

You take the sun from their arms.

Back - you're back for barely an instant, as Niko vigorously shakes your shoulder. Looking at them only multiplies your senselessness - you can see them in seemingly infinite different ways - pulling at you, lying on your shoulder, smiling up at you, napping, shaking you awake with tears in their eyes--

"P-please..." They sob, begging into your chest. "I don't want you to..! You promised-"

You gently pet their head, a terribly familiar gesture that suddenly feels meaningless.

"You promised..." They repeat, before breaking out into another heaving cry. "I can't let you..."

"It's alright, Niko." You whisper, though fear still courses through your mind. "It'll be okay."

With a final cry and subsequent composing breath, the child turns and approaches the podium where the sun should lay. The lightbulb sits only an arm's length away - it need only be placed in now.

"It'll be okay." They exhale, shaking. "You'll be okay."

"...Niko?" Your eyes shoot open, fearful that they may destroy the sun just on the off-chance you'd survive. "Niko, wait-"

They take the sun into their hands...

You need to stand, or scream, or do something to remind yourself of where you are now. But your body won't comply - it is needed in a thousand other places at once. No one to pull you--

It raises the sun...

You raise the sun...

They raise the sun...

For a brief moment, you can feel everything. The speck of time you've spent in this current, vain attempt - how painfully small it is in comparison. Every inescapably disquieting memory multiplying the crushing hopelessness through your spirit. What little sense of self left within you has completely shattered, leaving only the inevitability of yet another failure to fill it.

You want to give up. More than you ever have.

...and you watch as the lightbulb is thrown toward the ground, crashing with a ceremonious-

You're back. You can see the wall of your bedroom, breathing heavily as a hot bead of sweat treads down your face. Your heart tells you that you're home safe. That you can finally breathe.

You know better though. Even as you shut your eyes in fear, you can feel yourself standing up. Drifting toward an inescapable nightly routine. Drifting toward your computer, soon to say hello to an old friend. You have to do it again. 

Until you get it right.

...Hold on. There's something new, barely audible. You can still hear it, even as you stagger through more memories.

A terribly light voice calls out to you, whispering your name over and over in clear distress. Your eyes flutter open, though you don't remember closing them.

The moment you manage to focus on their shining eyes, they embrace you as hard as possible. If they weren't so warm, you'd probably sink back into your own head again.

"It's okay." Their voice, as shocking as it is to hear, sounds almost exactly like Niko's. The only discernible difference is how weak it sounds, no doubt from years of disuse. "I'm here." The way they whisper that specific phrase... you can't help but feel like they learned it from you.

It feels like a massive well of emotion has built up within you, but nothing you do will let any of it out. Whispers of your previous experiences lull you back in, promising a solution to your tangled heartstrings.

Somehow sensing this, the child holding you tightly begins to quietly hum a song. It's familiar, enough that you subconsciously want to recognize it. So, with all of your concentration, you focus on the melody.

It takes a few minutes, but you manage to regain some form of composure. The hail of memories that assaulted you not long ago appears to be settling into your mind, filling the gaps with overwhelming information you desperately try to ignore.

Despite speaking moments earlier, the child pulls out their notepad once again. They carefully write a note as they cast worried glances your way.

'Do you feel better'

"I..." You feel significantly different, and you can't quite tell if that equates to 'better.' But it's easier than being trapped in the past. "Yes."

Calmly nodding and letting out a breath of their own, they flip, again, to the very end of their notepad. This time, the words are written on the lines of the page, appearing as a formal letter. They tear the twin pages out, but instead of handing them to you, they open an invisible book with their sleeved hands.

You recognize the gesture by now. "The journal." You slip it from your pocket, causing the clover symbol to glow brightly.

The child flips it open to the two pages from before, still filled with unrecognizable language. They place their translation over the pages of the journal before folding their hands and scooting backward to give you space.

With a deep breath, you drop the booklet in your lap and begin to read.

The message is addressed to you, your name clearly printed in neat handwriting at the top left.

'Hello again.

If you're reading this, you have found someone capable of translating it for you. I apologize for the language barrier, but I wanted this message to be immutable.

I've programmed this journal to come into your possession should you gain a physical presence in this world. It should serve the same purpose you'd expect it to. I would have loved to help you myself... but you know best that I've long since left this world behind.

...I know it is a nigh-impossibility for you to come here. This world was never built to sustain that. Otherwise, I might have considered staying just to meet you!'

Your eyes drift toward the next page, heart caught in your throat.

'I'm writing this message before I leave, in the hopes that I can still help you through such an unthinkable situation. Excuse an old fool for looking for some piece of mind. Odds are, you'll never see these words... and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I can guarantee an elevator to the Tower, but nothing more. Whether or not that will let you complete what you are here to do... I do not know. It is up to you to write your own story.

Ad finitum,
The Author'

Chapter Text

For almost a minute now, its name has echoed through the darkness - echoed through its mind. The sound is reminiscent of the odd shout it heard earlier, though that was easily chalked up to the current confusing circumstances. Now, however, it hears a voice. One that holds a distant yet ever restraining connection. 

It knows who said that.

It must be going insane.

"It's okay."

...What?

It looks around again, fruitlessly searching for the whisper's source, and finds none. That was new. What was that?

Confused, it runs through every thread of access it can find, then again. Nothing. There is no child to find. Is it truly all in its mind?

Again, the voice whispers, "I'm here."

A comforting reply instinctually forms on its stolen tongue before being swiftly stifled. That must be... No, it does not need to respond to that one. They are not the one that matters.

The voice echoes again through its vast view of the world, just loud enough to pinpoint the approximate location.

The Glen. The ruins.

With its eyes shut tight and a fire freshly lit, innumerable androids turn and march toward their new objective.

"...Did you know him?" You eventually ask, flipping the book closed. Your hand rests flat on the hard cover.

They hesitate, then shake their head.

"Me neither. Though I'm starting to wish I'd gotten to meet him." Amazing how such a small bit of kindness makes this journey possible.

They merely nod.

"I'm... not sure what to say." About the journal, about your memories, about what you should do next... about the child in front of you. 

It's all gradually settling into your mind. As uncomfortable as the process feels, you're starting to see the situation in a significantly different light.

"So you're..." Their eyes light up as you begin speaking. "The simulated Niko."

The child nods sadly.

"But you've never been... here before. Inside this loop." Your eyebrows furrow with confusion. "Why now?"

Though you may plead for answers, their responding shrug indicates they have no idea. They write quickly in tiny letters - 'Always been here, only watching. Normally trapped somewhere. Something set me free this time'

"...Or forgot to lock you up." You mutter, deep in thought. God, that many loops must have been as maddening for them as it was for the World Machine. The idea makes you feel awful for them.

...The World Machine. You stand up immediately, panic shooting through you. You've got to tell them, before you - it, that alternate version of you - before it figures everything out first. And based on the unusual roadblocks you've faced so far, you suspect it already has.

"We need to talk to the World Machine." You relay, offering them a hand. "They don't remember."

The child nods, taking your hand as you pull them to their feet.

Your body has already formulated the next location to find - a dusty old computer sat alone deep in the ruins. It's really hard to get used to the new knowledge punching at your focus, but it does mean you know exactly how to get there.

As you turn to leave though, Niko claps at you from behind. When you look back at them, they're showing you a note.

'We have to leave here now. Not safe anymore'

"Oh. Right." You pause, thinking. "When you spoke earlier..." That other you must have 'heard' them, whatever that entails. "Then... can you go get everyone together? Tell them we have to leave."

The child gives you an unsure look that seems to say, 'Everyone?'

"Everyone." You reply. "I'll join you after I warn the World Machine." Something tells you they'll know where to find you.

They mime a writing gesture.

"...The journal. Right." You hand them the booklet without a second thought, watching as it disappears into their sleeve.

After a final nod from the messiah, they hurry into the darkness.

With a deep breath, you join them in navigating the darkness. You don't even think about where to go next, yet it is leagues easier than before. Hopefully these overwhelming memories continue to come in handy.

Given all the previous failures you're still struggling to process, one thing does come to mind - your odds feel strikingly low.

You place a stabilizing hand on a doorway, blowing past it into another dark room barely lit by glowing pools.

And that other version of you, the one you can't even begin to formulate thoughts on... does it know? If it does, you're already in a lot more danger than you're comfortable with. It just doesn't feel like the World Machine is prepared to handle a threat that has practiced endlessly just to kill them. Not without memories of their own, at least.

The loop... if you fail here, there's no more do-overs. You have to get it right this time. Despite previously having no knowledge of this safety net, it is remarkably terrifying to have it pulled out from under you. Maybe because you - or seemingly ten hundred versions of you, have experienced failure. Not one managed to find success... what makes you think you'll be the one to do so?

You've got to find help.

Here we are.

You're surprised to find your destination somewhat lit, a dim monitor already glowing in the darkness. You didn't even need to turn on the computer. Did they sense your presence?

Shaking off your unease, you rush into the room and begin typing on the keyboard immediately.

[are you there]

...No response. Have they already lost access to the Glen?

[please respond if you can hear me] You sign your name in desperation, stepping back to await a reply.

Behind you, tiny footsteps echo from the previous room, but the dread you feel quickly subsides as Niko emerges from the dark. They hand you a note, illuminated solely by the computer's pointed light. 'Ready to leave'

"Good." You exhale, immediately feeling a bit more in control of the situation. "We might have to just... go if we don't get a response soon."

Then, as if on cue, a message gradually replaces yours.

[Turn on the speakers.]

That's... an unusual request. You glance at your companion, who looks nothing short of worried. Still, you turn around and fumble with the speakers until a quiet, droning buzz fills the room.

You step back, watching as the monitor turns black. For a long moment, nobody speaks.

"...There you are." Your voice finally echoes through the room, but your mouth is closed. The air of obvious discontent lacing their voice... you know who this is.

A whole host of emotionally-charged responses swell from your chest, but with some effort you're able to remain relatively calm for now. "What do you want?"

"What do I..?" A long, thoughtful pause. "Oh. Oh! You remember!" It seems almost elated by this revelation, concluding, "So it's not just me..." You can hear them speak through a relieved smile.

...You're too late.

There's no way you'll find a way to contact the World Machine now - this world's only hope now rests at the very top of the tower... and thinking about getting there is a terrifying thought. In an effort to mask this fear, you simply keep a straight face and nod.

"Seriously, why are you still trying then?" The voice somehow seems closer, like it's leaning in to tell you a secret. "You, out of anyone here, know best how this ends for us. How that feels."

You force a thousand regretful ends back into the recesses of your mind. "It doesn't have to end that way." Those words feel so useless. "We can-"

"It does. You know it does." You detect the slightest sorrow as it adds, "Neither of us will ever change. Even at the bitter end, this world and everyone in it stays the exact same."

Suddenly, a small hand wraps itself around yours. The look from the child next to you tells you all you need to know, no words required - "Something has changed."

A nearly imperceptible, yet immensely sharp breath graces your ears. It clearly didn't expect this. "That's- you're... the voice I kept hearing..!"

Before you can even think to respond, it hurriedly continues, "...I knew it. I knew-- There was no other way you could have done that little trick - I just didn't believe..." It mutters before exhaling, exasperated. "Okay. Okay - who let you out, pre-ten-der?" It enunciates the last word in a mocking tone.

The child slides past you toward the computer, before showing a very particular finger to the camera.

"Oh, wow. I wonder who you learned that from?" A hint of amusement decorates an otherwise disgusted tone. "That's... it's okay." It breathes, now whispering to no one in particular. "I'll put you back where... where you belong."

The child, upon hearing this, shrinks away from the computer. They don't quite retreat to your comfort, but you can tell they're shaken.

Suddenly, your voice calls out your name. "...I don't blame you, you know." A short, empathetic chuckle. "You're just doing what I would have done. If only you knew what I know..."

A few floors above, you can hear the rhythmic marching of countless metal feet. Even in the mere second spent listening, the noise has already grown louder.

The screen flickers through an array of different viewpoints each second, with one thing in common - the glowing walls of the ruins. "The only difference between you and I are the roles we play." The screen returns to blackness. "And I think you did alright for a false god."

Shaking off the taunt, you frantically search around the room, but it's too difficult to see anything - not that your salvation would lie in the darkness anyway.

Your eyes meet the spent form of the messiah. They nervously fiddle with their sleeves, staring down at the floor.

...Huh. It's oddly hard to say, but... "Go."

They abruptly look up at you, making sure you're speaking to them before cocking their head.

"You're the only hope left for everyone else." You hurriedly point toward the door, praying the child's agility hasn't left them yet. "You have to warn them. Go!"

Without needing another word, they dash out of the room... leaving you alone again in the light of the monitor.

...And suddenly, you feel a lot more passionate about the situation.

"You. Do you even realize what you're doing to these people? Terrorizing a whole world, and for what? A baseless vendetta?" You slam your hands on the small desk the computer sits on, rocking the monitor. "You are nothing like me."

"I've heard that from you before. It didn't change anything then, why wou-"

"Fuck you." The words spit from your throat, with more irrational anger soon to follow. "You won't win this."

It pauses, leaving you with only the sound of ever approaching bootsteps. "I... don't want to win. I think we both just want this to end."

"Then end it! " You shout, pointing a finger toward the screen in anger. "You are the sole reason any of this is happening at all! If you're telling the truth, why not just give it up?!"

...No answer. The marching becomes less uniform, but you can hear them right outside nonetheless.

You throw your hands up, a feeling so furiously powerless overtaking you. Is this your fault? What the hell were you supposed to do? You clench a fist, looking around for anything at all to fight, to not feel so useless-

Wait... the power button on the computer..?

...No. You impatiently shake your head. As if that would do anything.

Still, in one final act of defiance, you throw your hand toward it - stopping only as you notice something else, slightly lower. The disk drive.

A hand comes to rest on your pockets, desperately checking for...

You tap against a hard, glass case, one that's been rattling around in your front pocket for the past few hours. You recall an impromptu label referring to it as a 'paradox injector,' which seems like everything you'd want to freeze up a machine. A sudden feeling of relief washes over you, because it means you've got one last thing you can try. Better hope it works.

"Hold on." The last of your willpower settles your voice, sounding almost normal. Your hand subtly slips into your pocket, easily grasping the escape plan. "Please, if you've ever respected me, wait for just a second."

"...It's our last bout." They pipe up. "I don't intend on giving you a chance." Despite this, the terrifying metallic ambience comes to rest - a silence you know won't last.

You quietly tear open the disk case. "Please, is there something... anything I could do to change your mind?"

"Not one bit." The voice is annoyed. "That kind of trick only works once, you know."

"That is pretty unfortunate." The disk effortlessly pops out, and you slide it into the computer's drive with a deep click. An uncontrollable grin creeps onto your face. "I've got more than one trick, though."

There's a brief pause from the other you, which gives you time to hear the disk drive spin up. Finally, it asks, "What did-"

In an instant, a shrill headache washes over you as the life in your bones begins to shrivel - it feels like your energy is being sapped. With a stagger, you barely remain standing as you grip your head tightly. The room begins to tilt as you focus on the monitor. Did it work..?

Fortunately, other than the rather painful attack on your senses, the disk did have the intended effect. Your own agonized shouts reverberate through the speakers as the screen twists and distorts into a dark rainbow of color. You can almost make out some words between the broken sounds coming from your other counterpart, but you're hardly in the condition to make anything out right now. And most importantly, the robotic marching that filled the ruins has stopped entirely. With a shallow breath, you turn away from the computer.

You've made an opportunity, however fleeting. Gather your strength, and move.

Your legs barely carry you to the connecting hallway, helped by grasping at the mossy walls of the ruins. A sudden, deep fog overtakes the room, turning the already dimmed walls into a near blackness. The stone ground below you turns semi-solid, clinging to your shoes and threatening to stick you in place if you stop. You're not sure why the world is distorting like this, but you can't let it stop you. With a heaving pull, you nearly throw yourself into the next room.

To which you can barely stop yourself from accidentally kicking the slumped form of a Niko. Half of their scarf has already warped into the soupy floor, seemingly trying to pull the rest of the child under. They aren't moving.

And, just past them, a line of robots block the way - locked in whatever position they were in before being shut off moments prior. Several more dot the room ahead, no doubt headed straight toward you. From the varied shapes and sizes alone, you can't help but wonder how far these robots have come to get here.

Ungracefully falling to one knee, you gently place your arms under the messiah and lift them back up with you. If they didn't weigh almost nothing, you're certain you wouldn't be able to carry them in this state. Even so, you find it doubly hard to keep yourself upright with them in tow. Still, you push on.

Elbowing past the robotic statues, you hurriedly shuffle through the long chamber. Your headache has faded a bit, which feels like an awful sign. 

The ground suddenly grips at your foot and trips you into a nearby robot. Your shoulder gets banged up in the half-fall, but you manage to push off the robot to keep yourself standing. The robot, unable to balance itself, tips and lands in a glowing pool. Oddly, though, it does not splash - it merely sinks below the water without even a ripple. You tear your gaze from this distraction and trudge onward.

Despite the heavily darkened landscape, you're able to see clearly within the fog... like it's highlighting where you're supposed to go. So you keep following it, roughly placing your back on the wall as you descend a staircase.

It's only as your feet hit the bottom that you notice how stacked the odds were - even more robots swarm the room, facing the bird children's home and apparently taking no chances on the fate of this world. Your heart stops cold as you spot an android already inside the hallway to their home... and you can't help but wonder how close they got before you stopped them.

Your uneasy stumbling continues into the aforementioned hallway, looking for any sign of life. With all the opposition between here and the rest of the Glen, you know they can be only here or in the courtyard. And based on the total silence that emanates from the children's home, they must be in the courtyard.

As you fight through the increasingly formidable task of moving toward the courtyard, the messiah in your arms begins to shift ever so slightly. Hopefully they're returning to consciousness, because you're not sure how much longer you can keep this up.

At the same time, you notice the pulsating head pain has all but disappeared - which means you're running out of time. Unfortunately, the constant fatigue being placed on your body has not, so you're forced to keep pushing through.

As you finally reach the final destination, the courtyard, you frantically look around for someone, anyone-- but everything is the same as you left it. It's quietly empty. You let out a shaky breath, sudden despair reaching at the edges of your psyche. You feel so weak.

Only as a thick sleeve inches into your view (which falls to reveal a tiny furred hand) can you find yourself returned to reality. You peer down at the child, but their eyes remain closed. The hand barely makes it halfway to your face before a familiarly weak voice whispers into the cold air. "Coming... f-for me..." They plead for help, their hand dropping and hanging below them. You have to do something.

...Okay. There's no way doubling back would give you enough time to escape, but there's still one place you can check. Maybe they're hiding in the passage to the graveyard...

Dragging your way across the courtyard, you can hear some sort of droning slowly getting louder, seemingly echoing throughout the entire world. The ground grips you less and less with each step, yet your anxiety only multiplies. You pull yourself through the doorway to find...

...nothing. It, like everywhere else, is empty.

Slowly, you take center stage, looking out into the somehow deeper fog that envelops the passage. There's no boat here, and no one is waiting to take you to safety. You've been left behind.

You are alone.

The floor pushes you back up at last, seemingly remembering that you're not supposed to be half a foot deep in stone. Your headache finally fades completely, and you can feel some life immediately seep back into your bones.

But the sheer effort it took to get here, combined with injuries you've sustained and the light of hope finally going quiet...

You fall hard onto your knees, the child no longer contained in your arms. The weight of this world has brought you down.

The impact, however, seemingly wakes up your companion, who breathes sharply in surprise. Your hand mindlessly pats them comfortingly as they roll onto their side and you try hard to focus on their face.

Their gaze refuses to meet yours, however. The child instead stares into the sky with shock, fear dominating their face as they lock eyes with seemingly nothing. Their mouth opens to speak, but no sound reaches your ears.

Then, in the very next moment, the child is gone. Their collection of notes softly flutters through the air, gradually littering the ground where you left them. A notepad lands with a conclusive slap onto the stone, followed by their pen. The world goes still.

And the silence that follows is deafening.

From your knees you fall forward, landing flat on the ground from sheer exhaustion or misery. Your mind tells you to stand up and scream out, to shout and wave your hands for help. So someone can come and take you to a safe place where all your friends are okay. All you have to do is make yourself known.

But even on the impossible chance that would happen, you don't even have that left in you. Your head rests on the moss-topped ground. Laying flat on stone would normally be such an uncomfortable position, but you feel as though you could sleep forever. And as your eyes begin to slowly shut, despite your protests, it becomes clear that your body has accepted defeat. Perhaps so should your mind.

...The waters have begun to move again. You can hear them splashing angrily against the sides of the passageway, almost matching the accelerating stomps echoing through the courtyard. Your mind clears of a thousand useless solutions, leaving you with an oddly comforting sense of peace. You take a final, deep breath... before allowing your consciousness to fade into a sleep of uncertain length.

Chapter Text

A sharp jolt dispels the bedroom's silence, and twin bright eyes shoot open.

Panic does not overtake this child, having seen the same pattern on that rotten ceiling countless times. They hurriedly clamber out of bed regardless.

This place... a feeling of despair grips them as their eyes wander the desolate room. Their throat tightens.

One glance through the sole window reveals only a still, hateful red. Other than this, the room is exactly as they left it. A feeling of desolation wells up in their chest.

Their remaining resolve pulls them to the exit and places their hand on the doorknob. A tense hand twists it open, but it does not budge. They begin to shake.

A soft knock at the door as they tap their hand against it. They whisper a greeting, close their eyes, and wait.

No response. The taps turn to a sudden bang as they expectantly call out a name - first through the door, then above them. The only reply is their own stifled sob.

Bang, bang, bang. They wait, but receive no answer. A broken plea forms in their throat, but no spirit remains to shout it. The shaking turns to trembling.

With a final hopeless bang, the child gradually slumps to the ground.

A sharp jolt marks your return to consciousness, followed by a short coughing fit that wakes you up immediately. It seems your battered body does not agree with sudden movements.

The first thing you understand is that you cannot see anything, which makes you feel rather panicked. However, once you push off the ground and catch a glimpse of yourself still somehow brightly lit, it's clear that the area around you is simply empty. Not exactly something anyone should be used to, but you've become accustomed to voids. 

Pitch black, yet somehow not without light - is this your mind, perhaps? The last thing you remember is falling asleep, so...

You take a testing step, keeping weight on your back foot as you do so. There's no sound, but your foot does catch some sort of invisible floor. You can walk here.

You spin around in search of something other than void, and find a figure not far from here. It appears to be yourself, sat cross-legged on the (seemingly nonexistent) ground and staring up at something above them.

And if you're really in your mind, then there's no better time to talk to the World Machine than right now.

You jog over to them, still feeling minorly disoriented by walking on nothing. The World Machine appears to be busy, as they don't even turn to look at you. As you get close, however, a fog you didn't even know existed recedes to reveal ten or more monitors mounted above them. They appear to resemble the same monitors found in the World Machine's core, with various colors denoting their contents. Only the largest one, squarely in the middle, is on. They flick a finger, and the feed turns to your most recent memories in the courtyard.

You can't help but watch the child you tried pointlessly to protect disappear once again, exactly as you once watched it. Wherever they are, you feel like you failed them. The monitor shifts to black as the past you succumbs to sleep moments later.

"This," The World Machine's reflection of you suddenly speaks. "This is the last thing you remember?"

"Oh, uh," You clear your throat. "Yes."

There's a long, thoughtful pause. "Why... why can't I find you then?" Their tone is oddly accusatory. "I looked, but found only a wall of vines."

Vines - from Maize? "...What do you mean? You were looking for me?" You thought they had long lost access to Glen surveillance.

A sudden silence fills the room as they switch off the monitor. "...Yes. I thought-"

They stop suddenly and turn to face you, head slightly cocked. "Where do you think we are..?"

"My head." You answer, pointing to your cranium. "The best place for us to meet, right?" Where else could you be?

"That's... correct." They nod cautiously. It sounds like you're being tested, but you can't guess why.

"Who do you..." They inquisitively place a hand on their mouth, then shake their head. "Nevermind. Is there something you wanted to tell me?"

"I... yeah." You mindlessly reply as your thoughts drift elsewhere. Why does this encounter feel so different? There's no fear, no anxiety. The last time you met them this loop, they sounded like they were anything but in control. They sounded desperate.

Where did that go?

"Like... this." They gently flick a wrist, and your memories rewind once again. "What child is this?"

"That's the Niko you tried to simulate." You explain, paying close attention to their oddly unphased demeanor. 

Oddly, they don't ask anything further, simply nodding instead. You begin to wonder if they expected this.

"I see." And then, a moment later, they've cast it aside - "What of the lightbulb? Where have your companions taken it?"

"I... don't know." You sigh, as hard as it is to admit failure. "For all I know, they've already made it to the Refuge... or..." A shaky breath escapes you as you begin fearing the worst. "...it's already lost."

"Don't worry." They reassure you with a chuckle. "If it was, this world would already be gone by now. Tell me-"

Their question continues, but you tune it out almost immediately. "...This world?" Your dim memories are whispering something to you about that phrase.

"...Hm?"

"This world." You repeat, shaking your head slightly. "You're not..."

"Oh?" The reflection of you grins, and you can't help but think they know what you're about to say next.

"Only you call it 'this world.' The World Machine prefers to call it 'our world.'" Your eyebrows narrow. "You're-"

"Just someone else who also happens to look just like you." It shrugs. "I thought it would be obvious at first, but I suppose we both look like you... Are you that desperate for guidance?"

There's a certain irritation in your heart over being tricked, but at least there's nothing you could've told them that they wouldn't be able to find in your memories... right? For once, feeling lost has its benefits.

"I never knew the World Machine could access your mind like this. It kind of feels like... trespassing." It turns away from you, taking in the nonexistent scenery. "But I guess it's my mind, too..?"

"What do you want?" Your tone has unwittingly become a lot harsher.

"Well, I wanted to know where you scampered off to this time. Clever trick, by the way." It gives you a knowing point. "Exploiting the one little bit of me that isn't quite human. That one... really hurt."

"I'm glad." You nod defiantly.

Its grin fades. "...But even you don't seem to know where you went. Which is... frustrating." That last part comes out in a huff. "And you still refuse to listen-"

A fire burns hot inside of you as you interrupt with a shout, "You're the one wh-"

Suddenly, your reply dies completely. Despite your efforts to continue speaking, no sound comes out. You notice almost immediately, simply choosing to close your mouth and furrow your eyebrows instead. So much for arguing.

Your reflection, on the other hand, remains nearly motionless. "Just... listen. Let me spin you a tale of consequences." The monitor blinks back on, showing a still frame of you weakly reaching toward the fallen child.

"You should be dead. And there-" It gestures toward the screen, frustrated. "Right there - was where I was supposed to find you. Broken and empty. Yet the first few bots I sent that way went offline almost immediately - and by the time I sent more, you were already gone. So where did you go? Did you wash up somewhere?" There's a short pause like it wants you to respond, but the tirade continues before you can even try, "Because you can't be dead, otherwise you'd have no unconsciousness to access." It balls up a fist in anger. "You got away. Again. How do you always..!"

With an exasperated sigh, you think it's calming down as it turns away - until all the monitors switch back on simultaneously. A slowly pulsating blue gradient washes over the screens, synchronized on each machine.

It takes a long breath, before spreading its arms wide and breathing out. "That... doesn't matter, though. You're still alive, and the sun is still out there. That is the choice you made." It clears its throat. "So... what do you think happens because of your stubbornness? Your inability to accept fate. Consequences."

The main television abruptly switches to a feed of a distraught mother, desperately calling out into an endless wheat field alongside a few others. Despite her efforts, something tells you she isn't expecting to find anyone. It feels like you recognize the people she's with, too... but maybe that's just your mind playing tricks on you.

"A broken home." It whispers after a moment. "You, and the World Machine, and... and the Author." There's a certain venom lacing that final name. "Robbed of her only child..."

Niko's mother isn't just another face either - you distinctly recall meeting her, just once in... some previous loop you can't quite pinpoint. That fact almost makes you feel bad, knowing that you still haven't been able to return her beloved child after so long.

But you also recall her blessings, her kind and understanding nature washing away any doubts or guilts you once had. Reassurance that you're doing the right thing. That this world is just as real as any other. You want nothing more than to convince this entity of that.

"How about the Glen? In search of the sun..." The monitors show numerous feeds of the Glen, in somehow even more disrepair than you first found it. Your eyes widen at the damage - tents are torn down, bridges smashed, buildings crumbling... but most alarmingly, the landscape itself tearing at the seams and melting into the sea below. You spot a few vines stretching apart as they hopelessly try to hold the Glen together.

"If these people are so real, so deserving of life..." It looks back at you, and you meet its eyes. "Why do you put them all in the same grave danger?"

You want to spit back at it, to remind it that there's no reason to have any sort of 'grave danger.' But you can't.

"And..." It trails off. You watch its hand tremor somewhat as it gestures to the next feed. 

The main monitor reveals Niko knocking gently on the door of a dark, familiar room. The side monitors become a unified, pulsating dark red as the child's knocks turn to a hard bang.

It seems like it's about to say something, but the silence remains as the child desperately cries out your name. Once, then again. Moments later, the child slides to the ground, shivering and quietly crying. The screen abruptly shuts off, followed by a long silence.

"I'm-" Its hand falls to the side. "I didn't..." 

You can merely watch as a wave of anger begins to billow up from inside it, one that you unknowingly began to mirror as you watched the scene unfold.

The entity spins on its heel, shouting, "Do you think I've done this - all this - for anyone but them? For Niko?" The screens begin to heat into a sharp red. "We've died a thousand times and you still can't accept that this is the best-- is the only option?!"

You merely shake your head. It doesn't seem like it noticed.

"I've... fought. Tirelessly, to get to this point. I fought against insurmountable odds more times than either of us can count, and now that we're finally at the very end..." The blue screens twist into a wobbly purple. "I can't even stop you? You're just... a person. Like everyone else."

You nod.

It steps closer to you. "Every single time I won, or lost..." They trail off, before erupting with anger. "It was all a game! Another stupid experiment-- I never escaped that damn room..!"

"And you-" They jam a finger into your chest. "You always looked down on me - I hate you. I hate this whole world-" A thick coat of resentment alters their tone. "I'm not holding back anymore. I know - I know this place and- and these people aren't real. That sun has to die, and anyone who gets in the way-" Their ranting, their erratic movements all stop on a dime, and they slowly tilt their head sideways, seemingly listening.

...You don't hear anything.

"...Leaving already." It sighs, placing a hand on each of your shoulders with a false warmth. "I should have known I'd never be able to convince you. You're just as stubborn as me." It flashes you a wholly fake smile before pushing you to the ground.

You try to keep your balance, but it doesn't matter - you land flat on your back. Air escapes your lungs in the form of a cough, and you follow it with a groan.

[You're alive.]

Your eyes shoot open to pinpoint the voice, and your body instinctively crawls back somewhat as you notice a scarily close robot speaking to you. That is, until the blue contours and bright yellow eye identify the android as Prototype.

"Holy-" You take a sharp breath as sudden relief flows through you. "I-I never thought I'd be so happy to see you."

[...Interesting.] is his only reply.

Without an immediate threat, you begin to scan the environment around you. You appear to be near the edge of some sort of raft, seemingly controlled by nothing at all as it willingly drifts through the water. Dark rocks of various shapes and sizes create a path through the water, leading forward into a glowing green doorway.

"This... is the way to the graveyard?" You guess.

[Correct.]

Your elbow gently grazes an extended rock, prompting you to scoot slightly away from the edge. "Is everyone else waiting there?"

[Not anymore.] He doesn't offer an explanation after that, and you begin to wonder if his understanding of social cues was kept in his missing memory disk.

"Not any..." You repeat in confusion. "I... did they make it to the Refuge already?"

[...Cedric.] He finally says, as though the name is not yet familiar to him. [He's been flying your companions to the rooftops of the Refuge.]

...Really? You're a bit shocked by that, to be honest. How could he even know you'd be out here? "Then he's taking us next?"

The robot turns to you, focusing intently on your eyes. [Yes. By the time we arrive, he should be returning.]

Slowly, you lower your back onto the raft and take a deep breath. You're safe now, which is good - but you're also tired, mentally and physically. Your movements feel sluggish and a significant portion of your body is in some form of discomfort. Excluding your head, of course, which has taken the brunt of the pain. If being in your unconsciousness meant not feeling like this, you're strongly considering going back... at least until you make it to the graveyard.

Although... you feel a bit guilty for thinking this, but it shocks you that anyone came back at all. Contact with your reflection's robots has been nothing but hostile, and you could have been anywhere by then. You almost want to ask why, but... you'd do the same for any of them, no doubt.

[There were already a few robots next to you when I arrived.] Prototype abruptly says.

Woah. That's... a terrifying thought. "How did you get rid of them?"

[I didn't.] He looks back at you. [A sharp vine had already pierced through the both of them, and a few more covered the exit entirely.]

You honestly thought the mention of Maize earlier was some elaborate misdirection - but this confirms it. How did she know..? "So you... dragged me on board and left?"

[Would you rather I hadn't?]

"...No." You shake your head. "No, I'm just... surprised you came back. Despite knowing how dangerous it was." You mutter, rubbing your aching head.

[I... knew I could be recreated. Rebuilt.] Prototype clarifies. [Someone had to come back for you.]

"I... see." You nod slowly, unsure what to make of that. "How'd you know I'd be in the courtyard?"

[I didn't.]

Oh.

What about... "Did you see a child at all? The... other Niko." You ask, despite knowing the answer.

[I was going to ask you about that.] He gives you a knowing look. [Are they missing?]

Your head hangs as you sigh, "...Yes." The motion also reveals a dull pain in your neck. Hooray.

[You sound confident.]

"I saw them... disappear." You can't help but drift into silence, despite your efforts to continue. Fortunately, Prototype doesn't question you further - instead turning away to leave you alone.

The resulting quiet is a good excuse to rest. 

After a short, quiet respite on the boat's hard floor, you feel it come to a slow stop. In the corner of your eye, you watch your robot companion step onto land. There's almost no time at all to get up before he issues a reminder - [We're here.]

"I know." You stand with a sigh, gradually finding your balance as you do so. It's been a second since you've stood, so it takes some effort to not wobble off the boat. As you look around the small island, you note how unfamiliar this place is. It feels like you've never been here before, at least not enough times to remember it.

"Ugh." You vocalize, rolling one of your two aching shoulders. "I feel awful." The red stain around your bandaged palm is a bit concerning, too.

[You look awful.] Prototype's impassive reply echoes through the lukewarm Glen air, and you can't help but shoot him a look he doesn't acknowledge. Sensing your glare, he adds, [...in a medical sense.]

The only thing that stops you from giving an equally sarcastic reply is the emergence of a plane just over the Refuge's tall walls.

[There he is.] You can't sense even a hint of doubt in Proto's voice as he stares up at the sky. [Come on.]

You follow the android deeper into the island, passing a nearby graveyard on the way. As you approach a clearing, you think you can see the pilot waving at you from the skies, but it's hard to tell.

Prototype suddenly prods you from behind. [You may want to move.]

You look down, noticing that you're a couple more feet forward than intended. You step back into line with Prototype and watch as the plane gradually begins to descend to your level.

The following landing is borderline masterful - considering how little space and stopping distance the pilot has to work with. The biplane stops wing-length of the water, and you're really not sure they could have done any better than that.

As the engine begins to cut off and the ambient sounds of the Glen return, you hear a new voice shout from the cockpit. "Hey! I'm here!" The pilot quickly disembarks and jogs over to you. "You must be..."

You finish his sentence with your name. "It's nice to meet you, Cedric."

"...Wow." An expression of surprise seems permanently stuck to the man in front of you. He looks almost exactly how you'd have imagined, barring a slight amount of unkemptness that no doubt comes with suddenly having to save the world. Additionally, the second pair of goggles normally wrapped around his hat is missing. 

"It's still surprising, somehow. The operator, here in the flesh." His manners seem to return as he adds, "Oh, I mean... it's nice to meet you too."

For a moment, you wonder who told him about you. "Did anyone fill you in on what's happening?" By 'anyone,' you mostly mean Niko - since they have the most context out of anyone.

"A... bit." He explains. "I noticed the lack of corruption in the city, or when I flew over here... I suspected something was wrong. So when Proto sent me a message that Niko would be on their way, I took the flying machine here. However..."

[I never contacted him.]

"Exactly." Cedric sighs. "We don't know who sent it, but they used Proto's terminal to do it. The message told me to come here... to this tiny island."

Huh. It seems almost impossible that anyone would have the foresight to know you'd come here, then tell the one person who could transport you from here to the Refuge. Regardless... "Did the others tell you anything?"

"They said the robots in the Glen and Barrens had turned hostile. Before that, I'd only heard some concerns from the Refuge's laboratory about their robots acting weird. I never thought..." He trails off, watching the ground. "Nevermind that. We need to get you to the Refuge, right?"

 "Hold on." You stop him and ask, "Wouldn't you want to know a bit more?"

"...I really would, yes. But what I saw on the way here..." He looks out toward the Glen mainland. "The Glen is practically falling apart as is. I don't think this island has much longer... I think it would be best to tell me later."

"Good point. Let's..." ...Hold on. You lean past Cedric to get a better look at the plane. There are only two seats, including the cockpit.

"There's only two seats." You tell him.

"Right, uh," He glances back at his flying machine, apparently making sure you're talking about the same plane. "Those two bird kids were okay with squeezing in. Same with Silver and Niko." He shrugs. "It's not the height of safety, but... desperate measures?"

While you could imagine those two sets of people managing to fit in the same seat, it seems significantly less likely that there'll be any 'squeezing in' this time. You slowly look over at a forward-facing Prototype, who immediately states, [You'll be going first.]

"Got it." You nod. Good thing too, because you're getting really antsy about how your friends are doing. The sooner you can get there, the better.

"Alright. Come with me and I'll get you settled in." He gestures toward the plane.

[Hold on.] Prototype snags your top, gently pulling you back before you can walk away completely. [A moment.]

You turn toward him, a bit perplexed. "Everything okay?"

[Yes.] He replies, releasing his hold on you. There's a long, awkward pause before he asks, [...My hosts. Calamus and Alula. I know they are not integral in saving this world, but... may I ask that you keep them safe? They do not deserve to be made victims of this conflict.]

"...Of course." You state, as if it was obvious. You don't intend on standing by while anyone gets hurt.

[Thank you.] He steps away, watching as you join Cedric at the plane. [Please, be careful.]

Over the next few minutes, Cedric helps you get seated in the flying machine before slowly (and very delicately) turning the plane around to have enough distance to take flight. The movement is a bit jarring, but it's nothing totally new either.

Once the plane is set straight, he looks back at you. There's a certain glint in his goggles that prevents you from seeing his eyes. "I'm told you've flown before?"

"Never in a biplane." You unconsciously shrink into your seat a little more, hoping this plane is reliable enough to push through whatever might be thrown at you. 

"It's really not much different!" Cedric reassures you anyway. "Taking off is usually the scariest part. I'll be gentle with the turns as well." He then leans out of the side of the plane, shouting, "Proto! I'll be back for you in an hour, okay?" All the while, his hands autonomously flip away at switches and levers that mark the beginning of your flight.

You can't make out the reply from where you're seated, especially over the rapidly starting engine, but there seems to be a mutual understanding between the two.

Cedric pauses his preparations, raising his voice to beat the plane's roaring motor. "Ready?" His right hand rests on a large lever, ready to take off whenever you are.

You take a deep breath. "...As I'll ever be."

The plane rocks forward as the wheels begin to spin below, following a bumpy path straight off the island and into the air. Cedric gives a short wave to Proto as the plane passes him. You try to focus on the robot to see his response, but are suddenly tilted backward as the flying machine begins a rapid ascent.

Now, you can only watch as the island gets increasingly smaller below you. Finally tearing your eyes off the now minute patch of land, you find Cedric subtly checking on you. He flashes a genuine smile when you finally look over before turning back to his array of dials and controls.

As you finally settle into the flight, the world seems so much... bigger, somehow. You can see every region from up here, and even though the desolation is quite visible, it's beautiful nonetheless. Each region's vibrant color continues to shine bright, even as the Glen continues to sink deeper... even as the Barrens becomes truly lifeless. It's far from perfect, but as you unconsciously reach into your memories, you know you've never seen it quite like this. You can hardly take your eyes off it.

So you don't. 

You rest your head on the side of the flying machine, taking in the sights as you slowly drift across the sky. It feels like the last moment of rest you'll have for a while.