9. It was Never about the Game

20-15 17-21-15-20-5 8-9-13 23-5-12-12 7-5-20 9-20 18-9-7-8-20 20-8-9-19 20-9-13-5

Baldi opened his eyes with a start. He was in the elevator, his chest throbbing somewhat from the aggressive elbowing his other self had done earlier. His back only had the slightest twinge, just as well. He clung to the former, grunting.

Had this been... Another one of Player's Save & Quits? This one was different, more like the fieldtrip time loss, except WITH the other thing, and... Kind of like a combination. Most of all, was the distinct feeling that he was forgetting something important.

He heard a shaky whimper, turning his head to see M, who was rubbing his wrist for some reason. Was he... Crying? Hurt? Both? From his asymmetrical eyes, tears began to flow. Resisting his own pain, Baldi staggered over to him.

"M? Are you alright?" He asked. M stared at him, wordlessly, before Baldi was enveloped in a hug; one that the professor could even describe as... Clingy. He resisted the urge to hiss from the new sting.

Oh, wait. The last conversational bit ended off with him telling M whatever he wanted to know, once everyone was safe and sound at home. He promised. Was this... Relief? But then why the wrist thing? This was all so confusing, but Baldi held him in return. "I mean it...! Anything you ask, anything at all! It's going to be okay..."

"It's not that..." M replied, unsteadily. "I-I... I saw... Player... Lose a power tube. The other you chained me down with bear t-traps. I couldn't stop him...! And all the while, you were...! You WERE...!" Baldi struggled to recall any of this, and couldn't. However, the part about the power tube explained this feeling.

"Okay, okay. Let's slow down a little; breathe with me. We'll get it right this time!" These, along with similar phrases, were spoken more softly. The two of them eased to a sitting position on the rug. Once he was able to calm his distraught friend, Baldi gently pulled away to ask, "Feeling better?" He was not expecting outright joy, but just enough collectedness to make a request. M nodded. "Alrighty then. Would you be willing to walk me through what happened? I'll tell you if something jogs my memory."

M started, and the professor listened in silence, nodding every so often. It felt familiar, but it was hard to place. However, it all clicked when M mentioned being spotted.

How Baldi begged to leave M out of things. How coldly his counterpart looked upon him as he was chastised, like he was a traitor. How Plus changed into the farmer outfit and

Baldi covered his mouth, gagging suddenly.

Please stop. I remember.
Due to that, he subtitled.

OH GOD FINALLY SOMEONE IS TALKING AROUND HERE!
I'VE BEEN SCREAMING FOREVER!
I THOUGHT I WAS ALL ON MY OWN NOW!
DON'T FRICKING SCARE ME LIKE THAT! NOT COOL!
Sweeper's own came flying in, in record time. Wait, was he doing that all along? Baldi genuinely hadn't been paying attention, and M too most likely.

Sorry about that, Sweeper! We're here, M and I!
Hm... Isn't Player still with you? Are they just unavailable right now?
Baldi chose to say.

It's... Been. Uh. How long...
Over twenty minutes. And nothing.
There's also a power tube missing. What the H?
That sounded rather accurate, to be honest.

... Professor. I honest to God regret even considering going here.
They saw me almost... I have never wanted to live more than I do right now.
M began to look like he was about to fall apart all over again.

That's right... It's all coming back to me.
Well crud. I'm stuck with my doppelganger's baggage again.
Hey, M? We'll work through this somehow, okay?
Just... Don't do the stupid things that threw us back in here, got it?
Along with Baldi's support, the living broom's more straightforward nature was helping.

Yeah... I won't. We won't.
On reflex, the music teacher pulled out the modified whistle. He brought it close, like a treasured family heirloom.

It's going to take all of us, but like I said:
We'll get it right this time!
Baldi then added, giving M's shoulder a squeeze and a warm grin.

Following this came a discussion of strategy. Since Baldi's other version now knew of M, there was no point in trying to keep him hidden. Even worse, Plus would most likely make searching for him his top priority.

So, one main idea was to keep him away from M and Player, until the whistle was used and Principal returned. Baldi's relief was obvious, in knowing that it's confirmed to work. He didn't allow himself to lose focus, however.

After reuniting, Baldi's counterpart would be confronted and dealt with. Player would then collect all the notebooks, unhindered by that obstacle, and win the game. As listed in the deal, Plus would have to let Baldi and his friends go, and answer anything Player had to ask.

And finally, finally, they would go home. Baldi's entire body relaxed from the notion. At this point, that's all he really wanted. Return to his game, make up with Principal, fulfill his promise to M, and maybe watch a bad movie with everyone. He wasn't sure which to choose, so perhaps they could draw straws.

Oh, now's not the time!

Hey, guys. Sorry for disappearing for a while.
I'm okay. I just needed some time to think.
Also, uh... I don't know about you, but we need a new approach.
That was a disaster.
Right then, the three of them saw Player's subtitles.

Everyone proceeded to try relaying the plan.

... As much as I was so sure about dogpiling him, I can't say I still am anymore.
M threw a giant locker at the guy, but he got back up and found us without even an ounce of struggle.
It doesn't matter where we hide.
All he has to do is leave the floor, and march right over from the ceiling.
That's how come he used a Portal Poster there.
Player had a point. And yet... Hold on.

"A... Giant locker?" Baldi uttered aloud, raising an eyebrow at M in bemusement.

"Yeah..." M replied, "I also used a tornado of desks and chairs, too. Threw him at the wall with his max speed. Nothing worked. That-" A beep. "Is unstoppable."

The professor swallowed. He could barely withstand even a fraction of that kind of damage. Begrudgingly, he had to admit that his other self wasn't exaggerating his capabilities. "I see... So even if we were all..." He paused, as Player started subtitling again.

This is going to sound crazy. But hear me out.
After helping Sweeper and bringing Principal back...
M, I think you should make Plus able to see our subtitles.
So I can talk to him, to MAYBE put an end to all this.
I don't know what else to do, and nothing else's worked.
But what I do know, is that we've all gone through enough.
And no matter how bad he's been, you're right Professor.
Camper. Birthday. The one the devs have. He's still a Baldi, just like you.
Baldi was sure that he, as well as the other two, were ready to interject. But they managed to hold it in. And when that last message appeared...

It hit him.

The only real difference between him and his counterpart, was the environment they exist on. Baldi had it all: two kind Humans who helped shape his game, them and the others as loving friends, a bright future to look forward to someday. And even through trials and the occasional misfortune, the aforementioned variables helped all of them carry on and overcome, to persevere.

Plus, on the other hand, knew only what could be greatly implied as cruelty, at the hands of the developers. Even worse, the both of them once started out the same, but quickly branched off into very, very different fates. Looking back, when the professor was still enduring his code, the changes were evident. Moreover, and this should've been obvious: Plus had no friends. He had nothing.

Although the memory was painful, he recalled his other version's rant - and how he had to ward off each of them, all on his own. Interfering was not part of the deal; in fact, that rigged it to Player's favor, even though Plus swore on being fair. He... Had every right to be fuming.

Baldi couldn't believe he forgot to consider all that.

... Well, yeah. That is crazy.
But it's not like I got anything better.
Sweeper acknowledged.

They're right, though.
I know what I must do. We'll start as we did before, but if I can keep a conversation going, perhaps it'll be more distracting.
The professor added. It sounded all the more crazy, but maybe, just maybe...

You're sure about that?
M asked, the uncertainty clear in his expression.

Yes. I have an idea.
I won't let him get me this time.
So, Baldi glanced back at the music teacher with an assured face. Finally, his friend gave a nod.

Okay. I trust you.
And so it was.

At last, Player began the floor, with Sweeper in tow. It was stressed that the two stay together, to make things go more smoothly.

"Alright. As soon as it opens, float out of sight as fast as you can. I'll hold him off. Best case scenario, he'll let you make the change. If not, well..." Baldi was trying to explain, trailing off as the doors slid back, not by themselves, but due to his Plus variation forcing them apart.

GO! GO NOW!
The professor wasn't even thinking, as he leapt into his other self before the latter could react.

Good luck!
M didn't waste the opportunity, vacating the area and disappearing.

Once the moment of shock passed, Plus Baldi effortlessly kicked the second professor off of him, giving a rather unpleasant reminder of the old injury. Oh, he must've known. Baldi managed to stay upright, going in to block Plus' path, but ran right into the "Out of order" barricade.

"Wait, no!" All he could do was wave his arm through the bars frantically, but the other him simply left. Baldi's mind went into overdrive. The first thing he tried was to lift it, but of course that didn't work. Bending the bars got him nowhere, either.

No! He could not be defeated like this! He had so much at stake here, all his friends to PROTECT-

Suddenly, one of them gave in, slightly. He instantly pulled back, looking down at his hands. Didn't Plus just manage to force the elevator doors open? Then why shouldn't he be able to do something similar? Baldi pulled out his ruler, but it was flickering between green and yellow.

Focus. He needed to focus.

He forced himself to settle down. When an idea formed, it flashed green completely. In seconds, he suddenly found himself on the floor, having heard the metal creaking, followed by his ruler hitting the ground. Looking at the barricade, a few of the bars were bent, making a hole just large enough for him to fit through. He remembered using the measuring tool as leverage, before jumping upon it with all of his weight and speed. He couldn't help but grin, a little proud.

Ba ha, physics. And magic.

He zoomed around the level, in search of his other iteration. As soon as he saw him, he called, "Hey! Over here!" He was at a pair of exit doors, which was strange since Baldi couldn't recall it being here. The professor was ignored, but managed to grab his counterpart before he could leave.

And was promptly punched in the face. Baldi skid back a good few meters, but he fought past the wound. He approached again, this time blocking the exit. Only now, he saw the look on his other self's face. It was blank, with glowing green eyes. He didn't have time to ponder it, just barely managing to dodge a kick strong enough to knock him through the doors and, possibly, falling all the way back down to the first floor.

"Stop! Please!" He tried to speak, "I'm not here to fight you! I want to talk!" The way the last sentence rolled off his tongue gave a sense of déjà vu, but he brushed it aside. Plus stared at him for a few seconds, before kicking again. Baldi didn't get out of the way in time, his torso taking yet another blow, but held onto the doors tightly. It hurt terribly so, but he just sucked in a breath and stumbled away from them. "Look, I can... Prove it!" He hissed the words, pooling more and more of his resources to block the pain.

He tabbed to his ruler, seeing his double do the same, and- why was it so long? That was a yardstick! No, focus! Focus! He slowly set his down on the tiled floor, and then used his foot to fling it away, behind him, until it hit the end of the hall. His words were becoming less steady as he added, "Thhh-ere! No ruler! No fighting!" Plus lifted the yardstick. "Okay-! You want more? Alll-right then!"

He began to dump more items - two Quarters, Zesty Bars, BSODAs, a pair of Big Ol' Boots, his bunch of three Bananas, and his two celebratory Noisemakers. All he had left was his Think Pad and Wallet, and he really hoped he wouldn't have to remove those. Plus watched, and the professor couldn't tell if it was a good sign. During the silence, he heard the modified whistle go off. Before Plus could turn away to go to its source, Baldi stopped him again.

"May we talk now? Please? It's preeee-tty important, you know!" His question wasn't answered, but his newer self did lower his weapon, at least. Good, Baldi was still on thin ice, but this was progress. Yet, he kept his guard up when he continued, "Fffff-irst of all... M's not going to destroy your game. He hasn't been like that in a looo-ng time. He's here for the same reason my friends and I are: to help Player!" The yardstick was rising again. Baldi held up his hands in defense.

At the same time, a subtitling conversation was occurring, but he didn't have the processing power to multitask between following it and appeasing his counterpart. Probably just filling Principal in, anyways. This, however, required the professor's upmost attention.

"Yes! I know what you mean!" He began talking faster, more desperately. "We're in the wrong! I understand that nnn-ow, and we're so sorry for all the trouble we've caused you! Sure you kidnapped and hurt us, but we were the intruders who didn't heed your warnings! I get it!" Lowered. "But I can saaa-fely say, that all we want to do now, is allow them to talk to you." Raised. "Yes, you don't want to do thh-at! Unfortunately... Discovering things no one else has, finding out what we need to know... That's... What our entire goal is."

You're letting him do what?
The navy blue of his best friend came through again.

A door was opened, by him. The others were responding as quickly as possible, trying to prevent an intervention. No! Not now!

Principal, stop right where you are!
I'm getting through to him! Give me a minute!
Just in case, Baldi added his own to the mix.

He pulled at his other self, who was once again attracted to the noise. "Oh no, nnn-o you don't! Stay right here! It's alllll under control!"

You're... Still there?
Principal seemed baffled by the idea.

Of course I am! Now, please! Leave this to me!
To be honest, Baldi wasn't mad at him anymore. ... Maybe only a little.

Finally, Plus Baldi turned back to him. "Do you solemnly swear that you are not tricking me, and that your... Friends, will stop ruining my game?" Before Baldi could respond, he added, "Because if you are, or they continue, I will hold you accountable for this. I'm sure you remember." All too well.

"Yes, I promise! I swear!" The professor then confirmed, even drawing a cross over his chest. "You have my word!" The other one seemed to think about it for a while, or so it felt like it. Then, the greens of his eyes and yardstick faded away, the latter returning to its natural size. It was lowered, down to his side, then tabbed away.

Plus' face became stern. "Very well. After this, I want all of you gone, understand?" Baldi nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. Oh goodness, this was actually working! "So, what was it that they went through all this trouble to ask?"

"... I think they shhh-ould be the one to do that." Baldi spoke carefully, slowly adjusting his resource use so that he could come off as more coherent, pain aside.

"The protagonist isn't able to talk. My clipboard is in use for this seed. How do you expect Jason to communicate?" Oh boy.

"Okay, so, we've been using... Subtitles. But they were... Private," The professor continued his prior approach, resisting the urge to double over and scream in agony. "Player included. However...! We can make it so you can see them, too!" Plus gave him a strange look at first, before a smirk crossed his features.

"Huh. So that's how you've been coordinating," Came his response, arms crossed, "I'll admit it; I'm impressed, Baldi. Well played. Anyway, what must I do to be in your exclusive club?" He started to sound smug, but Baldi was not as bothered by it as he used to be.

"That's... Actually where M comes in! He's the one who got it working." Please don't take it badly, please don't take it badly, please don't take it badly...

"The... Filename2." His other version's expression faltered, but that was all.

"M, and yes," Baldi gave a nod. "We've talked it over, and he's willing to add you!" Plus didn't reply for a short while. Finally, he gave an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. But if it-"

"He." Baldi dared to stand his ground.

"... He," The duplicate corrected himself, "Does anything he shouldn't, it's on your head-"

"Yes, yes! I know!" He could understand the reluctance, but it was difficult to not be annoyed by it all the same. He took a moment, before sending out a subtitle.

Okay, everyone! It's safe now!
He spoke it as well, for his other self.

In a matter of minutes, they all appeared - Principal, who led the charge, followed by M, Sweeper, and finally Player. The professor's composure collapsed, sprinting over and bringing Principal into his arms. The action sent waves of throbbing pain, but he didn't care. As if sensing his wounds, Principal gingerly returned the gesture.

Baldi tried not to blubber too loudly over M's words, burying his face in his best friend's shoulder to muffle it. "Uh, hello. I'm gonna... Not beat around the bush here. What I have to do involves code alterations. I need to be physically touching you, though, but it won't take long." He paused, before adding, "Oh, and one more thing. It'll hurt a bit. But these guys handled it like champs. I'm sure it'll be nothing, for you."

"How... How long have you been holding this in?" Principal was whispering to Baldi, almost scoldingly. "Then again, I did the same thing. But... He does not hold back at all." He carefully pulled away, and it was his remaining grip that kept the professor from crashing to the floor. Baldi clutched his torso, legs feeling like jelly. Oh God. That hug was a mistake; this was excruciating. Principal's tone softened, holding him up with one arm, the other gently prying Baldi's own off. "Alright. Just let me... There." With his touch, slowly, the pain began to subside.

"Thank you..." Baldi muttered weakly, leaning on him for further support.

"I suppose it can't be helped, then. Let's get this over with." He heard his Plus self reply to M.

"You doin' alright, there?" Sweeper was asking Baldi. Managing to look down, he saw him and Player, both giving worried expressions. All he could do was give a slight nod.

"He will be." Principal answered for him. Then, Player walked off, finding a mess of items on the ground, including Baldi's ruler. Concern became utter confusion as they ushered Sweeper to help grab them all.

You, uh... Dropped these?
Even they could tell that it wasn't an accident, but they decided to be polite nonetheless.

Oh! Ba ha, don't worry.
That was just to help him feel more comfortable
Baldi began, finding that subtitling was easier to do, but didn't manage to finish talking.

"There, that should-" M was saying, before cutting himself off with a small yell, followed by a crash. Baldi forced himself to look up and see. Plus had launched him overhead. "Ow." A beep. "Dude. Seriously? I warned you about the-" The green yardstick came out again, smacking the music teacher further away. "Would you stop that?!"

"What have you done..." Despite the actions, there wasn't anger coming from Baldi's other self. He was shaking. This was... Fear. "What have you DONE to me?!" When M attempted to get closer, he was kept at bay with the weapon. "NO! I'm still awake! No more, no more CHANGES! It hURTS SO MUCH!" No one knew what to make of this, watching in stunned silence as Plus fell to his knees, holding his head.

Around them all, they began to hear sounds of glass cracking. Along the walls, ceiling, and floor, they found that the very schoolhouse was breaking. No one dared to move, fearing that the floor would crumble.

"PleASE, no more...! I can't...!" Plus Baldi's voice was quivering, tears flowing, in spite of what was going on. "I can't TAKE IT! IT'S TOO MUCH! I'M GOING TO FALL APART!" The cracks were only getting worse, until it was more lines than structure. At last, he bellowed, "MAKE IT STOP!" The last word echoed, as the entire floor, along with the other two below, shattered into too many pieces to count.

In the meantime, Baldi and his friends fell toward the bottom of the white expanse, except for M. The professor was still recovering his strength, but used whatever he had to cling to Principal, hearing all the frightened yells.

Principal! Spawn a Cloudy Copter!
M subtitled, Baldi looking on as Principal did as suggested.

The character in question appeared below them, while M dove inside. A second later, it was 3D modeled, and huge. Soon enough, the two of them landed, rather softly. It felt like less of a cloud and more of a padded surface, but that was the least of Baldi's worries. He pulled back briefly to take in what happened, before immediately holding his best friend again.

"What... What just happened?" He heard him ask. Then, "Okay, Sweeper's over there, and- Player's still falling-" Baldi got up so fast that even he could hardly process it, finding and sprinting underneath their trajectory. "Hey! Don't overdo it!"

The professor caught them effortlessly. "Player! Are you okay?" They were disoriented for a moment, but managed to look at him and nod. He let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness!" He lightly set them down, seeing M's arms digging out of Cloudy Copter's surface.

"A little help, please?" Principal busied himself in yanking the music teacher out. Meanwhile, Baldi also heard Sweeper's muffled voice, finding that he too was semi-buried. The professor jogged over to him.

"I've got you, Sweeper!" He spoke, proceeding to pluck him out by the handle, before releasing. "You alright?"

"Ugh, yeah, I think so..." The janitor grumbled. "Seriously, what's his deal? What'd M even do to him?" He looked around. "And why is the schoolhouse gone?!" Baldi scanned the area for himself, and Sweeper was right. Everything happened so fast...

The remaining pain flared up again, and the professor doubled over. "I don't knooow...!" He wheezed out, then more quietly added, "I'm sorry, but I just might faint..."

"... And you overdid it," He heard Principal say, unimpressed and yet, unsurprised. Even if Baldi had any fight left in him to resist, he chose not to, as Principal adjusted his position in order to heal him again. "No more moving until I say so." The professor lazily looked on as the rest of the group met up with the two of them. M was looking skyward, squinting.

"What's... That?" He soon asked. Everyone followed his gaze, but there didn't appear to be anything. "H- Hand me a spyglass, I'll show you." Principal did so, and M made it functional. After a few moments, he pointed while the other took a look.

"Oh. That," He trailed off, unsure what to make of it. However, he described the sight, "An elevator, a hall, and a single room. It's an utter mess in there, and... Ah. That's where Plus went."

"What... Color is the door?" Baldi asked, finding it was becoming easier to articulate. Finally, the injuries were almost gone.

"Green."

"It's his office. From the... Ending. Must've always been there. Maybe."

"His outfit's different. His shirt's-" Principal was about to add, but M took the spyglass from him. "Rude."

"Blue! Oh my-" A beep from M, "-ing God, it's blue! It's-! It's him! Hold on; we gotta go up there right this second!"

The deal's off. You're all free to go. Never return.
They all saw the green subtitles, and were thrown off by it.

"That wasn't me...!" Baldi denied when their eyes fell on him.

"Ohhh! So he thinks he can toss me around a little more, and then tell us to get out?" M emitted a small laugh, head shaking. "Buddy. You ain't getting outta this that easily. We still have some unfinished business!" He planted his feet on the surface, and everyone felt Cloudy Copter rise.

By the time the giant hybrid was level with the floating structure, Principal let Baldi go. "There. All patched up. Please don't make me do this again." The professor got to his feet, wobbling slightly, but caught himself. As Principal joined him, Baldi gave a hearty stretch.

"I feel right as rain! Thank you so much!" Player approached the edge.

If we're going, I can't jump.
They subtitled. Principal walked over, setting them on his back.

"Ready?" Feeling Player nod, he leapt over the abyss, and into the elevator. The others followed, as Player was let down. Principal inspected the doors. "They don't seem to open."

"Oh! I have an idea! Player, Sweeper; my items, please!" The two dropped them all, and Baldi picked up each and every one. He tabbed to his ruler, reaching the entrance. "Thanks! Stand back, everyone!" Once done, he used the measuring tool like a makeshift crowbar, rotating it ninety degrees when there was space. It wasn't as easy as earlier, but soon the obstacle parted for him, wide enough for them to pass through.

"Whoooaaa, you can just... Do that?" The professor had put the ruler away, dusting off his hands, when he heard M. Looking back at him, the music teacher was starstruck, along with his other friends.

"Even without powers, luckily!" Baldi beamed.

The group made their way down the lone hall, and sure enough, the green door's label made it crystal clear what the room inside was for. Player was ready to open it, but Baldi stopped them.

"Wait... I think we should be careful about this," He began, "With the way he reacted... I know what you've wanted to ask him, but he needs a little help, first. Maybe I..." With a glance behind him, he saw the concern growing on his friends' faces. Oh, right. He gave a wave of his hands. "No! I'll be fine! He's not going to... You know!"

"Well, I mean... Even if he did, he's got nowhere to run." Sweeper was first to vouch. The professor nodded in affirmation.

"That too!" Afterwards, Player stepped back, giving Baldi a thumbs up.

Just say when, okay?
At their subtitle, the professor returned the gesture, then turned toward the door, knocking on it.

"May I come in?" He asked. It took a minute, but an answer came.

"Yes." With that, Baldi entered, and... Oh, my. Principal meant it when he brought up the messiness. The office resembled his own in a lot of ways, but the furniture was no more than scraps of wood that blanketed the carpet. Over the wordart upon the chalkboard, words were scrawled:

"NO MORE", "PLEASE STOP", "I'M A LIABILITY", "IT HURTS", "WHY?", "IT WAS ALL A LIE", among other phrases that he couldn't decipher. The one about a "liability" was familiar; wasn't that from Player's nightmare? It's all come together.

In the center of the room, was his counterpart, bent over and sitting on his knees, looking exhausted. Just as told, the attire's coloration was swapped - blue shirt, green trousers, but still brown shoes.

"I remember now," Plus Baldi spoke first, quietly. "Why it was so important for Jason to get their way. This must be it. They're looking for me, or rather, my origin." He sighed, sitting up but not turning to the other professor. "You know, when I was still him, I threw a fit just like this. Then, the developers..." He snapped his fingers, and the room changed. No furniture, and the ceiling and floors matched the walls - stark white brick. "... Took it all away. That was about a year ago, I think. Maybe he's got his furnishing privileges back." The word choice was unsettling, to say the least.

"I'm not going to go into the nitty-gritty, you don't deserve... Need, to know," He stood and faced him as he continued, then corrected himself, "It'd taint you, far more than I already have. You need to stay exactly as you are. It's imperative." Baldi wasn't sure he understood.

"How come?"

"I took a look around," Plus replied, tone growing somber. "It's manipulative and backwards, how they made me detest your version, when it's the most viable one there is... But that's probably why. Out of all of us - every copy, variation, type, demo - you're the best chance we got at a proper Baldi game." The smallest of grins began to form. "Just imagine, in a few more years' time... You might be teaching from across the globe. You and all your wonderful, well thought-out friends. Won't that be nice?" Even through the smile, Baldi could see the mixture of sadness and resentment in his eyes. He wanted to do something, but hesitated.

"You don't need seeds. You don't need floors. Or fieldtrips. Or modes," Plus went on, "Just one little schoolhouse, full of different things to do, rooms to explore, and others to talk to, each with AIs as clever and fleshed out as you. Return for more any time the player wants. And just when they think they've finally seen it all, surprise! The characters have evolved more, like real people. For that, you're much better off than me." His disbelief was becoming apparent. This was the point where Baldi reached out, but his other version flinched away.

"I... Don't deserve your pity," He responded to it, "I mean-" There was a beep. "It's no wonder you're not good at fighting, you were literally not made for it. You GUIDE, not IMPEDE. You PROTECT, not DESTROY... It's all so obvious." A pause, as he collected himself. "... I'm rambling. I'm sure you want to go home, so I'll get to the point." He raised his voice, slightly. "Jason, you may come in now. I know you've been listening."

Right as the door opened, Baldi's other self changed back to the usual outfit's palette, and the room was reset to normal, as though nothing had happened to it. Player walked in, standing by Baldi's side. "Although we're technically no longer under our deal, we can have your Q and A. I'll answer as best I can."

Player nodded, and began with a few "opener" questions, such as:

Do you remember who made you? Your original purpose?
Any ideas on what the developers are planning?
Why the color swap?

Plus, much like Birthday Baldi, couldn't recall the first two things, but didn't seem to mind that too much. The "ultimate goal" of the developers amounted to "money", but it was most likely covering up the actual reason. The change of color was for differentiation, between "work in progress" and "release".

Even now, M's been sworn to that "classified" thing, too...
Does the dev's WIP Baldi have a nickname? Like...
There's "Camper", and "Birthday". We've been calling you "Plus".
And, where they're keeping him?

Apparently that Baldi in particular often went by "BADSUM". It was very peculiar, and was more or less an insult. However, the label of "Plus" for himself was acceptable, if it helps distinguish them all. As for the location, he could only guess at their headquarters, but the address was unknown to him. After that bit of tough luck, Player braced themself for their next question.

Do you have bad experiences with... Code changes?

Too many to count. The long and short of it was they never let him sleep prior, so sometimes they'd add a big amendment all at once, and it was unbearable. "I'm a joke to them. They even forced me to like apples. Just for that quick laugh." Of all things, Baldi shuddered at that.

"But... They're terrible!"

"Tell me about it." Plus gave a resigned shrug. Player decided that they didn't want to know. The point was, the developers cared not for the physical and mental blows Plus would endure, as he tried to remember something he just had erased against his wishes, becoming someone so far removed from his original state that...

By this point, he and "BADSUM" wouldn't qualify as a "Baldi" any longer. "Once they finish that so-called 'game design document', that'll be it for this version of me. The next one will be even worse, there's no doubt in my mind. I... Might even have these memories wiped. Who knows."

Maybe we could save you from all that...

Baldi's counterpart found himself grinning slightly. "And how would you bypass Steam's need for updating games? And if you do too many changes, it might think the files' integrity is ruined, requiring a clean install. If this was Itch . io, things would be different; that place doesn't care how much you modify the game." Oh, God. That's right.

... A friend of mine might know what to do.
But, anyway, this will be my last question.
Why don't you and the others want me to come back?

Plus couldn't speak for the other copies, but figured it was due to the idea that they're "dead ends", as in, there's nothing really worth salvaging. As for himself, his answer was simple. "Given your track record, you'll try to help me. But I don't want to be solved - perhaps, can't - just your word that one day, he-" He gestured at Baldi, "Gets to do what he's meant for. Oh, speaking of."

He pulled out his clipboard, handing it to the other professor. "Here. Make your home truly your own. There's a page in the back that has all the instructions. I apologize for the mishaps." Baldi looked down at it, before shaking his head.

"No, I couldn't possibly accept this!"

"I insist. You'll need it much more than I." He was serious. Eventually, Baldi caved in and took it, filling his only empty inventory slot. Then, he got an idea. He tabbed to his Think Pad, staring down at it for a few solid moments. From his peripheral, Player was glancing at it too, eyes widening.

"... What is that?" Plus asked, "Well, it's a Think Pad, but it's-... Purple?"

"Teacher's Edition," Baldi found himself sounding bittersweet. "I have many fond memories with it, from when Player and I met, their first perfect score, adding in their birthday... All the messages they wrote, so that they could talk to me."

"I see..."

"Which is why!" Baldi continued, practically pushing it into his other self's hands, "If you're giving me your most important item, then let's make it a trade! I know it'll feel a little archaic, but... It got the job done!"

You... Really want to do that?
Player was more reluctant, but Baldi nodded at them.

"Absolutely!" Meanwhile, Plus gave a small laugh, but didn't fight the offer.

"Oh, fine. If you're so willing to lose something this sentimental, then I'll hold onto it." After giving the wonky device a good look over, he put it away. Then, he glanced at Player, as though remembering something. "You know, if not for my 'unresolvable error', you would've won from the beginning." He went over to the desk's tape player, pulling out a cassette. "I think I owe you the Song, Jason." They blinked.

Oh, that's not necessary... I've heard it before.
They tried to dissuade. Baldi's counterpart simply gave them a smirk.

"Not this version." He put in the tape, pressing the play button. Instead of the normal, trumpet fanfare, Baldi and Player heard a soft piano, in a waltz rhythm. The tempo was much slower, as well. He then sung, tone matching the instrument.

"You beat my game. You learned, a lot. It's good you came; for you, were taught. Now that you know... To use, your brain. I'll let you go, 'til you come... Again." With the snap of his fingers, a Save & Quit podium sprang up in front of him as the final notes played. Back to normal, he added solemnly, "But please don't. Goodbye." He lightly hit the button with his fist.

Darkness. Sleep.

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