Chapter 52: An End to an Era
Some time later, at the Studio Living Room...
*After IceBite and Alma ran to go stop the commotion across the Studio, Lindsey made sure to wait with M3 at her side as the Pranksters, minus Peregrine Connor, were fully back on their feet.*
*And once they were…*
M3: *Looking at Lindsey.* "... ...You look like you aren't done with them yet."
Lindsey: "... … ...I just...I'm still irritated with them…I really feel like just re-activating some of my 'emotion control' perks..."
Cait: *Being careful to respond.* "... ...Look, we are sorry for what we… ..ended up causing. And the fact we got through all of that… ...I… ...I want to say we paid for the punishment we "deserved".
M3: *Chipping in.* "... ...She does have a point, Lindsey."
*And as Lindsey stayed silent, Peregrine Connor in his Tek Armor returned with a familiar fellow…*
*Namely being Guardian Connor, which got M3 to give an odd look to Peregrine Connor.*
M3: "... ...Uhm, what are you doing?"
Peregrine Connor: *Quickly whispering into Guardian Connor's ears first before responding with, "Just sit back and watch."*
*After that, he quickly shot a signal to the other Pranksters…*
*That made them quickly check their Implants or Pip-Boys to get out a tonic of some kind. And once they were out, all of the Pranksters drank the tonic…*
*...Before taking a moment to cough and hack from the terrible aftertaste.*
M3: *Trying to follow along.* "... ...So now what?"
Guardian Connor: *Starts talking.* "... ...It's time for my part. If I can borrow your hand for a minute, Peregrine Connor?"
*Peregrine Connor does as asked, as Guardian Connor takes a few minutes to scan the body…And then carefully removing and replacing the mass changed by the Implant. The process did look like it stinged, but eventually…*
*The Implant in Peregrine Connor was fully removed, as Guardian Connor held it in clear view in one of his hands.*
Guardian Connor: *In a casual tone.* "... ...And there. One removed Implant. 4 more to go."
*After that, Guardian Connor moved over to Travis and began the process on his Implant, while M3 and Lindsey focused more on Peregrine Connor at the moment.*
M3: *Noting over to Lindsey.* "... … ...Did you see this coming?"
Lindsey: *Seeming to still not be very pleased* "...Not really…"
Peregrine Connor: *To Lindsey.* "... ...We had this planned out for a while. So not to be ungrateful for the stuff you did let us get to… ...adapt to the situation, thank you for the little bit of help we got."
*And as Guardian Connor began actively removing Travis' Implant…*
Peregrine Connor: *Still to Lindsey.* "But we don't want these anymore. They did their job and we think it's best we don't keep them as souvenirs."
Lindsey; "Why's that?"
Peregrine Connor: *Getting a bit blunt.* "Because we never wanted them. And I know its because we got punished… ...But since its over now, we should have the choice to do with them what we want. And well… ...We want them out."
Lindsey: *conflicted and frustrated, huffs and leaves the room*
M3: *Follows after her, calling out, "Lindsey…. ...Wait!"
*And as he left the room, Guardian Connor finished removing the Implant in Travis… ...Before telling Peregrine Connor, "... ...We should probably move to the Infirmary, in case any complications arise…"*
Meanwhile, out in the front of the Studio...
*M3 bolted out the front door, finding Lindsey at the bottom of the staircase. She was still furious and conflicted, but she was also just sitting down at the last step by herself at the moment.*
*So with that, Connor went down to get next to her before sitting down as well.*
M3: *Trying to get her attention.* "Lindsey. Lindsey, can you-"
Lindsey: "What?!" *notices who it is* "...Oh...C-Connor...I-I-I'm sorry...I-"
M3: *Carefully interrupts* "-You don't need to apologize. But I do want to talk to you, if you are willing to…"
Lindsey: *remains silent and turns away, but doesn't deny*
M3: *Remains quiet for a bit as well, till, "... ...I guess… ...I'll talk then. Look…. ...I know you are hurt over what they did, both to me with their prank and what they are doing now with those Implants as of now…"
M3: *Pauses* "... ...But you can't really control people, because they aren't you and everything you believe to be true or false. And… ...things happen that you can't control. Same applies to them as well, because they can't control everything."
M3: *Continues.* "Those 5… ...Their intentions were… ...dumb in regards to the whole prank thing, but if I'm going to be honest… ...With everything they did and with everything that could have happened… ...I'm surprised nothing else went wrong besides one part."
M3: *Trying to wrap it up.* "... ...And given everything those 5 had to go through to get back to the Studio… ...I don't think they will forget what happened. And I think the reason why they are removing those implants is because they want to move on from it, even if you don't like what they are doing..."
Lindsey: *sighs, but says nothing*
M3: *Looking at her with concern.* "As far as the punishment you set for them, they got it done… ...But you know, I think that's where the line ends. We move on from there and they move on… ...And given those Implants were forced upon them, they should have the choice to do what they want with them."
Lindsey: "... … ...Sometimes I wonder why I came on this vacation…"
M3: "To get away from being… ...Well, the other you…"
Lindsey: "...I used to be human a long time ago...but I've since… … …" *shakes her head and looks down* "...Begun losing touch with that part of myself...I don't even remember how long ago it was I went on my own 'Chain…"
M3: *Trying to be supportive.* "... ...Given what I've seen of you, especially now with you here next to me… ...I don't think you stopped being human. In fact, I see… ...A human being next to me, with the pros and flaws of being such… …"
Lindsey: "I've also said I deactivated most of the perks that help me maintain my emotions...If you will, those perks have become a part of me now, so… " *shakes head*
M3: "... ...And? If this is you with those deactivated, I still love you just the same. I fell in love with Lindsey, as who they are as a human being and a person. And I get that the Perks help, but… ...Even if you got every perk out there that makes you perfect… ...You'll never be perfect and that's… ...actually a good thing as far as my books go..."
Lindsey: *rueful smile* "Never perfect. Perfection goal that changes. Never stops moving. Can chase, cannot catch." *a few moments pass* "...Abathur, Evolution Master of the Zerg...2505…"
M3: *Taking note.* "Yeah… ...You aren't the only one that will never be perfect. Since if you were perfect, that means you'd be able to control everything. So… ...If you can't be perfect, you can't control everything. Yet, despite that… ...You still go on, making the best out of everything as everyone else does the same however they can…"
Lindsey: *sighs* "I know...I guess I'm still just...not used to being in control of a situation…"
M3: *Bringing up something.* "But… ...isn't there a part of "you", if I'm not wrong, that… ...may actually like seeing what plays out and what follows when something unexpected in a situation happens?"
Lindsey: "I mean...I…" *just sighs* "I'm even finding articulating my current emotions difficult…"
M3: *Pauses to think, before saying, "Well, let me ask this. What would you think if those 5 were going to end up breaking those Implants once all of them got removed? And if you need to, take your time to think it over..."*
Lindsey: "...That would make me doubly upset with them...because even if they didn't want them to, with my know-how, I could just repurpose them for someone else who did…"
M3: *Keeping that in mind, plus another tidbit.* "... ...So then, can you tell me that will be what they will be doing right now, without any Perks active and based solely on what your memory and emotions tell you?"
Lindsey: *shakes head* "My head's too muddled to do much right now…" *holds head*
M3: *Carefully slides closer to Lindsey and slowly place an arm around her.* "Don't mean to put words in your mouth, but… ...I think you are conflicted on this matter based on what I saw when I got out here. And… ...I can imagine that you could have ideas on what they would be doing with a clearer head… ...But till you go see what happened, you won't know and it's going to keep eating at you in some way..."
Lindsey: *just sighs*
M3: *Takes a moment before asking, "... ...You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but will you stick with me as I go check on the 5 and see what they did after we left?"*
Lindsey: *shivers a little, before looking away, then sighing, before getting up*
M3: *Making sure to ask, just in case as he got up with her.* "... ...You sure you want to tag along? This is… ...the last time I'll ask…"
Lindsey: *sighs* "Let's just get this over with…"
M3: *A hopeful smile briefly showed up on his face.* "Okay then…"
*The two then went up the staircase and back into the Interior of the Studio…*
Some short time later, at the Studio Infirmary...
*After getting to where the 5 ended up, M3 and Lindsey entered the Infirmary… …*
*Only to see that Guardian Connor was holding onto the Implants in a medical tray as he waited on a nearby chair, while the 5 were wearing medical braces on their respective as they rested on the available beds.*
M3: *Being the first to talk.* "... ...What happened to them?"
Guardian Connor: "Some complications arose when I removed their Implants, but don't worry about them too much. All they need to do is just rest for a bit before the braces are removed."
Lindsey: *looks away sadly*
Guardian Connor: *Taking note of Lindsey's mood.* "By the by, Lindsey. These are for you, on behalf of Leon, Cait, Veronica, Travis, and Peregrine Connor…"
*And as he finished saying that, he got off the chair and carefully offered the tray of Implants to her.*
Lindsey: *genuinely surprised, but accepts the Implants*
Guardian Connor: *Noting her expressions.* "I take it you didn't expect them to do that?"
Lindsey: "...No...I did not…"
Guardian Connor: "By the time we got to the Infirmary, they did pretty much lose any real animosity or anger they had on you… ...Especially Cait, for note."
M3: *In response.* "... ...Is it possible we can talk to them?"
Guardian Connor: *Takes a moment to consider things.* "I can wake them up and let that happen. But… ...do you want me to do that, Lindsey?"
Lindsey: *uncertain*
M3: *Taking a risk.* "... ...I'd consider it, Lindsey. They did make sure to give you the Implants, when they had the possible chance to throw them away or break them instead…"
Lindsey: *thinks a moment, sighs, then nods*
Guardian Connor: *Nods back, before heading over to go get the 5 woken up.*
*And after some time with the 5 getting out of bed and taking a quick moment to talk amongst themselves…*
*Cait ended up heading over to M3 and Lindsey, with at least a neutral expression written on her face.*
Cait: *To Lindsey.* "... ...I take it you have those little things with you at the moment?"
Lindsey: "...Yes...why do you ask?"
Cait: *Looking a bit nervous more now.* "Well, we wanted to make sure you got them… ...At least put them to use elsewhere..."
Lindsey: *nods* "...Alright…"
Cait: *Now a lot more unsure.* "... ...And uh… ...Look, if you are still mad at us, we get it… ...But… ...we'd like to do a bit more to bury the hatchet. Peregrine Connor… ...still has his camera and well… …"
*Cait takes a moment to look away, expecting something to happen as she finishes with, "... ...Give you a way to look back on this event with something… ...more positive to reflect on, we hope…"
Lindsey: "... … ...Alright…"
*Cait looks back after hearing that, not really expecting to hear that. But in doing so, quickly calls the rest of the group over.*
*After that, Peregrine Connor get Guardian Connor to hold the camera as… ...the group, along with M3 and Lindsey get together to take a photo.*
*The group made sure to get their braces in the shot, but… ..also make sure to put on a genuine smile as well. As did M3…*
M3: *Looking at Lindsey, after the photo got taken.* "... ...You… ...still look gloomy there, Lindsey…"
Lindsey: "...I just need some time…"
M3: *Looking to the group first.* "You guys go rest, okay?"
*And after they went back to their beds…*
M3: *Now looking directly at Lindsey.* "... ...C'mon, let's just go to your room or my room and… ...rest for a while, okay? I already lost track of what day it is, but I'll worry about that later…"
Lindsey: *nods* "Ok…"
*The two then headed over to the Residential Area, where they did end up going to Lindsey's room together…*
*But before they went inside, M3 made sure to ask her...*
M3: "... ...Can I get a kiss before we head inside? If its okay..."
Lindsey: *surprised, but doesn't stop him*
*M3 then took a second to kiss Lindsey on the lips, getting him to feel a bit better…*
*And got Lindsey feeling a bit better as well…*
*Before both of them went inside the room, to rest together…*
Two weeks later...
*As Connor and Lindsey managed to rest, the two ended up sleeping till the following morning till they both woke up and checked the date for Connor's sake.*
*It turned out that specific day was May 25th, which meant Connor then spent the two weeks since then getting adjusted back to working on the Studio and other tasks.*
*And during that time as well, he made sure to be with Lindsey when he could given their relationship as Boyfriend and Girlfriend.*
Later that day, inside the Living Room...
*The TV was currently going through a local ad for selling motorcycles, as the ad made mention of a T5 Hurley and a T5 Hurley RTE…*
*... ...Which didn't take very long for the two viewers to glance at each other.*
M3: *To Lindsey.* "... ...Speaking of those bikes, did your people look into who was selling those?"
Lindsey: *sighs* "They disappeared without a trace...Best I can do now is have my people get the motorcycle shops to dispose of the explosive vehicles…"
M3: "Okay… ...Well, at least they also stopped making more of the things…"
*The two then went back to the TV, finding it went back to the show they were watching, with its last syndicated episode back from the commercial break.*
M3: *Referring to the show.* "... ...You know, this series had a special final episode that went on for like a hour…"
Lindsey: "... … ...Alright…What was it about?"
M3: *Going into a bit of detail.* "It was about basically seeing the main cast say goodbye to each other, with good or bad things happening to them before they left. Though given what they also brought up, all of them won't see each other again…"
Lindsey: "...I see…"
M3: *Saying a bit more.* "... ...They did end up making a sequel of sorts, but they only got so many of the original cast back together. But other than that, not much else to say… …" *He ended up pausing.* "... ...Oh yeah, I almost forgot that the Wastelanders and Aria were also watching this show, but I don't think they got this far…"
Lindsey: "...Alright…Why bring this up?"
M3: "Because they were doing a marathon on watching the show, but they ended up stopping. Which is kinda of a shame because I can't talk about this episode and the items they left in the… ...time… ...capsule-"
*M3 then cut himself off as an idea popped into his head, getting him a bit excited.*
M3: *Focusing back on Lindsey.* "-Hey, why don't we do something like that for the Studio? You know, leave behind something for the future to find so many years later?"
Lindsey: "...I don't see why not, but why?"
M3: "Well… ...Nothing chaotic or anything weirder than usual been going on for a while… ...So why not take advantage of the moment and see if we can get the Studio to contribute to the capsule and do something with everybody for once at the same time?"
Lindsey: "... … ...Why not? What're we gonna do first?"
M3: *Thinking.* "... ...Well, part of a time capsule is to leave something behind that showed who everyone was… ...So we could take a big group photo, then also throw in a set of papers saying who was who… ...Along the rest of the stuff we put in there."
Lindsey: "...So...what? Just gather up everyone for a photo?"
M3: "... ...Well, yeah. But keep in mind, it's just one of the things we can do…" *Before he then took a brief glance at the Tv, seeing the show was in the midst of playing the credits.* "... ...And since that's done, let's go get that capsule started…"
*Then after saying that, Connor took off…*
Lindsey: *Prepares to get up...before stopping* "...I feel something...something that… … …" *shakes head* "Can't worry about that now…Got other stuff to do...
Some time later, outside near the Main Entrance into the Studio...
*It took some time getting everyone outside, alongside keeping everyone in line given the Chapter Master didn't want to be near any of the A.I. or Aliens among the Residents alongside other complaints or issues like that. So after getting all of that settled…*
M3: *From behind the wide shot camera, setting the timer.* "Okay, we got… ...10 seconds. Everyone take your spots and do your best to smile or… ...at least look at the camera with a neutral expression or what have you…"
*Of course, the Imagin and Owain almost caused a ruckus, but Severa and Lucina set them straight.*
*After that was settled, M3 then headed back to the group after setting the time fully, as he made sure to stand next to IceBite and Lindsey
*And as it got to 3...2… ….1*
*The camera made a bright flash, catching everyone in the photo.*
M3: *With some relief to his tone.* "Okay… ...I'm going to go back and set up the timer again. Since it seems like we got a proper photo, we can go another round and have some fun with this next one..."
IceBite: "...'Fun'?"
M3: *Responding back as he moved to the camera.* "Yeah, you know… ...Like doing silly things like posing, making funny faces… ...More harmless things like that."
*Immediately, the 'Taros and Owain began causing issues again, as some of the others began getting excited as well.*
M3: *Setting the timer.* "Okay, same time as last round. So… ...Get Ready!"
*M3 then ran back over to his spot, as almost everyone in the shot started doing something that they wanted to get on the photo.*
*And after it was 10 seconds…*
*The camera flashed once more, ending the round.*
M3: *Taking a second to head forward before turning back to everyone else.* "Okay, thanks for the help. Now you can get going if you want, but those who want to stay around… ...We have a time capsule we need to start putting things into. So who wants to-"
*Suddenly, the ground began to quake...And Lindsey was IMMEDIATELY alert…*
M3: *Making sure to yell so everyone can hear him.* "Okay, just keep calm. It's just a Earthquake. We need to back away from the Studio-"
Lindsey: *quietly, but still audible to everyone* "...No...it's worse...it's much MUCH worse…"
M3: *Looking at Lindsey after he heard what she said, his tone reflecting a growing unease that was forming.* "Then… ...what is going on, Lindsey?"
Lindsey: *still quiet* "Some kind of dimensional collapse...it's not affecting EVERYTHING in the world...but we're close enough to the epicenter that we're gonna be hit HARD…"
M3: *Goes silent, before then getting everyone else's attention.* "Everyone! Let's get back into the Studio! It's not a Earthquake, but it's something we be better brace ourselves for…"
IceBite: "Yeah, we heard!"
*With that, everyone made their way into the Studio*
IceBite: "Well, now what?"
Lindsey: *looks around* "...I see no way for us to be able to actually escape...the only solution I can think of is using my own powers to shield us…
Kyle: "... ...Except it sounds like there's an issue with that…"
Lindsey: "...This particular collapse is going to be...intense...I don't have enough energy to protect us all…"
Leon: *As some of the Residents started losing some of their composure visually."... ...That's not exactly something we should be hearing, Lindsey."
Lindsey: "...BUT...I SHOULD have enough power to protect some of us, and...send the others home...or at least elsewhere…"
M3: "Wait… ...You'll be sending people back to…. ...well, whatever their home would be?"
Kyle: *Pulls Aria closer to him, along with Mark and Morgan Sevon.*
Alma: *clings to IceBite immediately*
Lindsey: "...Well…'home' is not accurate...more 'where they came from before coming here…" *turns to Alma and IceBite* "Don't worry you two...I know better than to send Alma back to where she...came from...I should still have the power necessary to protect her, along with the others that stay here…"
Kyle: *Speaking up.* "... ..What about someone like me and Aria? We… ...don't share the same world…"
Lindsey: "I DID just say that I more meant 'where you came from before coming here'...so long as you came from the same world directly to here, you should be fine…"
GotM Connor: "... ...But what about the Pokemon some of us have? What about them?"
Lindsey: *about to speak, but pauses* "...I...don't know…"
Mireille: "...I was probably going to die where I came from...going directly back would-"
Ranartax: "Lindsey, would you be able to send me with Mireille? I...might be able to help her survive her return…"
Lindsey: *thinks it over* "...I MIGHT be able to do something about that…"
GotM Connor: *Bringing it up again, despite what Lindsey said, "... ...And please tell me there is something you can do for the Pokemon… ...Losing the bonds with them is going to be tough if we can't get them out as well."*
Lindsey: *thinks* "...I might be able to send you guys back with them...it'll probably take a bit of extra power, though…"
*The quaking gets worse.*
IceBite: "Whatever it is you're gonna do, do it NOW!"
Lindsey: *nods* "Gimme a second…" *concentrates for a moment*
Magma Bot: *A bit too panicky.* "Uhh… ...She's kinda taking longer than a moment…"
Lindsey: *takes another moment...before her expression hardens* "...Alright. Everyone, get ready."
*Everyone did as she said, but one of them… ...Namely M3, noticed how much she changed in an instant.*
M3: *Focusing towards Lindsey, before trying to say,* "... ...You look very different, Lindsey. Like you… ..."*
Lindsey: "...I reactivated my Perks...The situation demands that I not panic...Alright everyone...Farewell, until we meet again…"
*After some farewells (including one between the 'Bots and Gene, as Ice Bot wanted to 'follow Ophelia home', a pulse of energy comes out, which, when it hits some of the group, causes them to be consumed by spheres of energy...before they flash out of existence, taking those consumed with them…*
*And the only people left behind are M3, IceBite, Alma, Gene, Gespenst, and Nowan.*
Alma: "...Alright, good: what about the rest of us?"
Lindsey: *concentrates for a moment* "...Damn! Doing those extra favors didn't do my power levels any favors...I can't guarantee I can protect us, because of that!"
IceBite: *thinks...before getting despondent* "...What about...the stuff from the Jump Shards? Can any of that help?"
Lindsey: "Not directly no, but...If I reabsorb the power used to produce the stuff in question, I MIGHT be able to bring my power levels up enough to protect us all!"
*IceBite and Triple-M look at each other, before IceBite sighs sadly and nods*
M3: *To Lindsey.* "... ...Do what you have to, Lindsey..."
Lindsey: *nods* "I'll do my best to only take what I need…"
*Suddenly, some of the Jump Shard-acquired stuff begins to disappear...even IceBite and Triple-M feel 'changed' by the absorption...as though being turned back to normal humans*
Lindsey: *takes a breath* "...Ok...that should be enough...we still have a few things around, but not much...alright everyone…" *the quaking gets EVEN WORSE...* "STAY CLOSE TO EACH OTHER!"
*The group huddles up, as a bright light appears above them...Suddenly, a field of gold energy surrounds the group, but the glowing outside of it gets brighter…*
*...And soon, everything turns white…*
*A Tv was being flipped through till it stopped on one of the news channels, where it started with-"
*TV: "-In other news, another clash in South America has been reported, as an army purportedly consisting of mercenaries allied with cultists are engaging a force consisting of cybernetic aliens using plasma weaponry. Calls for assistance from the local UNSC Garrison have been met with urgent response."
?-1: *sighs* "...We got another fight going on...based on the images, looks like we got the Ptolemaic Army and Chitauri fighting in South America…"
?-2: *Groans.* "...And you know what that means, hunker down if they manage to start heading up our way…"
?-1: *sighs* "I friggin hate hunkering down…"
?-3: *growls and walks over, laying down next to ?-1's chair*
?-2: "Hopefully it'll be over soon before that happens...And if you need me, I'll be working on my projects in my room."
*?-2 ended up leaving his chair after that, leaving ?-1 and ?-3 to be alone as the TV was left on.*
?-1: *sighs, before giving ?-3 scratches* "...Alright, let's get you something to eat…" *sighs again* "REALLY glad those stories worked out...feeding a Caragor is expensive…"
?-Caragor: *small roar*
End Chapter 52.
Fin.
