To die in their name
Merry Christmas everyone!
Man-at-Legs won the vote, so don't blame me. Some people decided to put in multiple votes like what majora999 tried to pull off. People, get it right. Besides, since Man-at-Legs lives in the Valley of Repose, I thought it would make a nice Christmas addition. That and I wanted to expose the machine half of the Man-at-Legs. New ballet to vote for at the end of the chapter.
It can be very hard…
To live as a machine is my burden…
I'm feared by many. No one wants to be friends with me. All because of my machine burden. If only I wasn't then maybe I'd make a few friends… nah, it's impossible. I know more than anyone that there is no such thing as 'friendship' in this world. I'm too smart to disagree.
It was another day in the Valley of Repose, a name I felt like calling this land for some unknown reason. Strangely, the other animals did also. But anyway, I walked around for some entertainment of some sort or anything that would brighten my day. I haven't had much luck recently, and by that I mean that I didn't find much entertainment. I was just about to give up when a bug hopped its way to me. I could sense its presence; Antennae Beetles give off constant sound waves.
"Man-at-Legs, I presume?" it asked me.
"Do you see any other mechanical monsters?" I replied.
"Heh, you wouldn't be the first," it said.
It asked me to talk in a more private area, since some Decorated Cannon Beetle Larvae were present in the area. We walked for some time until we stopped at a large mound of snow and it began to talk but I interrupted.
"We're not alone," I said.
The Antennae Beetle looked around in confusion.
"Under that mound of snow is a Burrowing Snagret." I said.
"Nothing escapes your eyes, Man-at-Legs, if any," it said, "but since it is a Snagret, he needs to know too. Hey Snagret!"
The Burrowing Snagret rose out of the mound of snow and stared at me. It came up at the speed of 25 mph, which is awfully fast for a bird underground.
"What is it? Oh, it's you Man-at-legs. What do you want? Just don't shoot me."
I pointed down to the Antennae Beetle before me saying he summoned him. The Snagret looked at the Antennae Beetle with a bit of hunger in his eyes. The Antennae Beetle shuddered a bit but reminded himself that it was against the law to eat an Antennae Beetle since some may hold valuable information for or from the Land Council. I could tell; it was in the motion of his body.
"Uh, yes. I have information for both of you from the Land Council. First, Burrowing Snagret: I'm sorry to be the one to bring you such bad news, but your relative Snagret, claimer of the White Flower Garden, has been deceased."
"…what?" he said, sounding a bit surprised, "Who did it?"
"At the moment, we're guessing it was the pikmin," which received a growl from the Snagret, "but we're not exactly sure. The body wasn't left behind and we all know pikmin have no need to go underground since they're onions don't travel with them. Only a predator leaves nothing behind from his prey but we're still confused as to what predator."
"Tch, shows what you know," the Snagret said as he licked his beak staring at the Beetle.
The Antennae Beetle shuddered back a bit in surprise but then asked again.
"Uh…anyways. The Land Council requests that you meet them at the Forest Navel for their meeting. I need your confirmation before I can report back," it said, fear littering his voice.
"Sure, I'll be there. No delays," he replied.
"Excellent," he said, now turning to me, "I'm afraid I also have dreadful news for you Man-at-Legs."
"Are the pikmin involved?" I inquired.
"We are not sure. Beady Long Legs has gone missing. Our Shearwig Squadron has gone to inspect the place. We're not exactly sure of where he is, but-"
"A Beady Long Legs' feet are adapted to filter water for its food, plankton. When this happens, a Beady Long Legs' feet get spongy. As well as plankton, it gets its water this way," I said.
"…is this really important?" it asked me, the Snagret probably having the same idea.
"Yes. When a Beady Long Legs dies, its internal water supply dries out. Everything of the Beady Long Legs evaporates into dust that can be as small as a molecule. So it's more than likely that he was killed rather than went missing."
"Ah, so you do know a lot," the Antennae Beetle said, "they said you were good at observation."
"What will the Bulblax Successor do?" I asked.
"Oi, he's really gotten into this Land Council business. They ranked him the 5th because of his lack of motivation, but just yesterday, he was promoted to the 4th rank."
"Ah, so my distant cousin is feeling the pain too?" the Snagret asked.
"He ain't so happy, but from the look in his eyes, anyone can tell he could care less."
"Do I have to be at this meeting as well?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Raging Long Legs requested it. And as a 2nd rank, almost no one can deny his requests, not even you Man-at-Legs."
"Fine, I'll be there. Will it be tonight?"
"No, tomorrow. Bulblax has just recovered from a scuffle with his other brothers so the meeting will be held tomorrow morning. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a visit to the Perplexing Pool," the Beetle said, hopping away to a distant outpost.
"Well, see ya at the meeting," the Snagret said as he burrowed back underground.
I decided to hit the hay as well as I waltzed on towards my hole, the Subterranean Complex. I greeted the Watery Blowhog on my way and he seemed in a fitting mood. I walked over the gates that constantly emitted a foul gas that would drive away a Doodlebug. Once I reached my hole I readied myself for the long trek that would reward me with my nest. My battery compartment is powering down as well, so I decided to sleep as soon as I got to my nest. But I wonder what Raging Longs Legs wants to talk to me about? Oh well, better find out tomorrow.
Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z z Z
I made sure that my battery would respond to the morning sunlight so that I wouldn't oversleep. I walked out of the hole and planned to head to the meeting right now. Though a lot of strange things happened along the way that I noticed. Well, one was that the gate was halfway knocked down. Second, all of the animals on my way to the meeting were absent. Thirdly, there was a bridge built that went straight across the lake. And the water beyond the lake was gone, like it was drained. I would've asked the Burrowing Snagret what happened, but he probably went to the meeting already, which I couldn't miss.
I decided to ignore these awkward events and pass them off as the doing of some animal with the mental capacity of common sense and walk straight to the meeting. The meeting was a secret cavern where the pikmin had last visited. Although proof of their doing was everywhere, the pikmin never came back. We decided to call, or rename, it 'Land Council HQ'. It was a fitting name, non-arguable in the least. Our last LCHQ was located where the king lived. Well, after some reconstruction the land was extended so now it is called the 'Wistful Wild'. Again, a fitting name.
I managed to make it to the LCHQ finding Pileated Snagret, as well as the 5 Snagret Followers, by his side. Waterwraith stood by the light that was emitted near the center of the HQ. His ghastly figure stood there, as if he had no movement at all. There were two Prince Bulblax's (the proper name would be Emperor Bulblax, but the King prohibited that title and reserved it for his successor) that stood by each other, both of which had a look of defeat in their eyes, as well as their faces; those bruise were noticeable. It must've been that scuffle the Emperor Bulblax had with them. At least he didn't kill them.
Off to my side, the ground was erupting. From the ground arose two beaks, one of a yellow hue while the other of a darker hue. I recognized these two as a Pileated Snagret and a Burrowing Snagret. These two must be the pair that lived together in a hole somewhere in Wistful Wild, since they came together. They looked at me and greeted me before walking off to talk to the Pileated Snagret that was ranked 4th, well, 5th now. The difference between those two Pileated Snagrets is because one rules with an iron fist, the other has an iron stomach.
Off to my left, a thunderous stomping shook the earth around me. I was taken by surprise and hoped that my defense system didn't activate. When I looked, almost hoping it was Raging Long Legs, I saw and recognized the sea blue shell of the Segmented Crawbster. He waddled on ahead, not recognizing me, like it was nothing. Everyone knows that they shouldn't surprise a Man-at-Legs, especially a timid one. Not after last time…
I looked up and realize that I was standing above the edge of HQ. If an animal were to fall down and on me…
I shuddered at the thought and decided to stand in the water, since it was most distant from the edge. I was surprised to see Ranging Bloyster standing right there in the water when I thought only Bulblaxes and Snagrets were accounted for. He is a cold-blooded animal so it's no surprise that I didn't see him. When I saw him, I was reminded about the Antennae Beetle that made a stop at Perplexing Pool. I wonder if it was for him, since only Wollywogs are capable of sending messages to underwater creatures…
"Hey Ranging Bloyster," I asked, "Was there an Antennae Beetle that had a message for you yesterday?"
"Yeah, I was supposed to get a message from a Wollywog yesterday morning, but the Wollywog never came. I just so happened to take a walk outside and there I met an Antennae Beetle who had the message for me."
"Think there were any delays for the Wollywog?" I asked.
"Not really. Wollywogs are quick and tentative, so he couldn't have been behind schedule. Though they have had a bad streak of short term memory loss."
Some time later, the rest of the Council came, as well as some additional members: a few Bulborbs, some Water Dumples and an Anode Beetle or two. Most of the council meetings were based on sightings of awkward events occurring, like bridges coming out of nowhere and walls being mysteriously torn down. We'd issue the Sheargrubs to tear down these bridges but they never return. Will this meeting be like the others?
From the ground in the center rose four legs. After which, a body covered in objects that shined in the light of the HQ. His presence alerted us that he arrived. Him, the highest rank, the Titan Dweevil. His mighty legs stood tall above the center of the room and was preparing to begin the meeting.
"Welcome all of you," he greeted in his king-like voice, "I'm glad that all of you have been accounted for. It is unfortunate that three of our members could not make it today and never will again. Let us reminiscence on the death of Empress Bulblax of Hole of Beasts, Burrowing Snagret of White Flower Garden, and Beady Long Legs of Citadel of Spiders."
"Who made you the priest of animals?" Segmented Crawbster said out loud.
"Ah, you do have a point. Well, on to the meeting. Our first subject is the so-called revival of the pikmin battalion."
"They really are back, y'know," Ranging Bloyster said, "I have reasons to believe that they aim to wipe us out."
"Don't forget the Onion factor," the Pileated Snagret claimed, "Onions don't go underground and members of the Land Council hold the most nutrition. I believe they are simply repopulating their numbers."
"Then can you explain the death of the Burrowing Snagret of White flower Garden?" Emperor Bulblax of Hole of Heroes said, "If they wanted a Snagret, they could get one from the Valley of Repose."
"Um, everyone?" I asked out loud, catching everyone's attention, "speaking of whom, is he here?"
With this in notice, everyone began looking around for the Snagret of Valley of Repose.
"Is Burrowing Snagret of Valley of Repose present?" Titan Dweevil announced.
With no response, the Titan tried again. After the third time, he made a conclusion.
"He must be late. He did say there would be no delays for his arrival, right?" the Dweevil said to the Antennae Beetle from yesterday.
"Absolutely. I heard him myself so what could possibly uphold him?"
"On my way to the meeting," I announced, making myself known, "the water that was near the snow mound where the Snagret lived had been drained. As well as the bridge that had appeared. There was a small ditch in the water that, if destroyed could drain the lake so I'm guessing it was the pikmins' doing."
"With the water drained, all pikmin have access to that area," the Titan Dweevil whispered to himself, though not loud enough for us not to hear.
"Man-at-Legs, with the water drained and a bridge built, they have access to your hole. I think they may be targeting you next," Land Council member Pileated Snagret told me.
It was a logical statement. The pikmin seemed prepared to take me down. But then again, they do have no idea of what I am exactly and what I'm capable of. But I don't want my machine half to go hostile, even if the target were pikmin. I'll just call it a self-defense statement and say they were coming right for me. But it's the thought that they want to kill me is what bothers me. They'll probably get me in my sleep, which is my most vulnerable state. I probably should analyze and review the information about pikmin to prepare myself.
"But then again, they could also be heading to the Frontier Cavern, but no one has claimed that hole yet," Waterwraith said.
"I guess now would be a good time to introduce our recent member," Titan Dweevil said motioning someone to come forward.
From a small area came a Red Bulborb, but this one had a swelling abdomen bigger than my body. I wondered how it was able to hold that girth.
"This here is the new breeder for the Bulborb tribe since the last one suffered at the hands of the pikmin. The new Empress Bulblax, or maybe Bulblax Duchess," Titan Dweevil said.
"Why did you choose her?" Raging Long Legs said, "She's barely at maturation."
"Because she has an interesting story. Tell them Bulblax Duchess."
"When I was born, the Empress wasn't present. Only some of the embryo survived and I had to feed off of my deceased brothers and sisters. It was there that the Burrowing Snagret, of White Flower Garden if I recall, that motivated me to become the next Empress Bulblax."
"You saw the Burrowing Snagret before he was reported dead?" Segmented Crawbster said, "When?"
"…a couple of days ago."
"This is bad news," Titan Dweevil said, "The pikmin are working faster than we expected. They killed off three of our members in less than four days. At this rate, they may have enough pikmin to overthrow the Land Council."
"I thought you said this was a 'so-called revival' of the pikmin rebellion," Emperor Bulblax claimed.
"Well, now I'm beginning to have doubts. But our objective is still the same."
"To kill off the pikmin race and stop the Rebellion?" Raging Long Legs asked.
"No. We will simply…do nothing."
"WHAT?! Thousands of our tribe members could be killed if we don't do anything and you want us to do nothing?!" Segmented Crawbster yelled.
"Two of my brothers are dead because of the pikmin. How do you expect me to do nothing about it?!" the Pileated Snagret claimed.
The entire room was in an outrage. Everyone, including the smaller animals, were yelling questions of inevitable truth and demands. I was an exception though, as I waited until the crowd had silenced so I could think straight. The Titan Dweevil, on the other hand, began to look annoyed, and angry! You don't make a Titan Dweevil angry, nor do you disobey one.
"Everyone…" the Titan Dweevil said; his voice unheard to the raging crowd of displeased leaders.
"Quiet…all of you…" he said again, once again, being ignored by the angry animals.
"I said…" he said, pulling out a purple sphere with pipes protruding from it, "ORDER! ORDER!"
He pressed the ball onto the ground that spewed a nauseating gas that swirled around the room. The crowd responded by coughing uncontrollably, some looking like they had trouble breathing, as they choked to a near-death factor.
He was killing them.
After a few seconds, he released the ball and stopped the poisonous gas from flowing. The poison aired out pretty quickly enabling some of the oxygen breathers to gasp for air. Apparently, the Titan Dweevil got ticked and used the Comedy Bomb to catch their attention. But did he have to use it? Why not the Monster Pump? I guess he is the ruthless titan he was rumored to be.
"Now that I have your attention, let me make this clear," Titan said, receiving a few growls and murmurs from the crowd, "the pikmin threat is really nothing to worry about."
"Now you say there's nothing to worry about?" Emperor Bulblax exclaimed, "Make up your damn mind already!"
"You should know I'm in constant theorem. These pikmin are not a real threat but they should be watched carefully. If anything were to happen, contact us immediately and send in all the information you know."
I must say, he is very unpredictable. It's almost impossible to tell what's going on inside his mind. It's possibly because it's a way to prevent his enemies from predicting his movements in battle. The more and more I think about it, he really is a fitting ruler of LCHQ.
"Now, back onto the subject. These pikmin are proving to be real pests. What they do normally is a nuisance to us. Burrowing Snagret, dweller of Valley of Repose, has obviously been murdered by the pikmin. But this has no impact on us, except probably the Snavian tribe."
"Of course it is!" Pileated Snagret said out loud, "you think I'm gonna let one death slide by me?"
"Now, now, your tribe is the most populated above us, with the exception of the Bulborb tribe. Speaking of which, I entrust the Bulblax Duchess as the dweller of the Frontier Cavern. Man-at-Legs, I entrust you to escort her highness to the cavern personally, since both of your caverns are closer than anyone else's."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Ranging Bloyster said.
"Ah yes. Have the Anode Beetles successfully assassinated the Giant Breadbug?" Titan asked two Anode Beetles who stood by the two Prince Bulblax's.
"Um…well, the thing is…" one stuttered.
"You did kill him, did you?" Titan asked.
"Well he is dead, it's just that, we didn't assassinate him."
"What? What happened?" Titan asked.
"See, our mission was interrupted by pikmin. They came in unexpectedly and began killing the Anode Beetles. They used our corpses as decoys to lure the Breadbugs into their own demise by crushing them against the floor."
"Did the Giant Breadbug die this way too?"
"Yes. We managed to escape but the rest have been killed."
"Hmm, interesting. Very well, you've served your purpose. Have the Antennae Beetle confirm Giant Breadbugs' assassination to the Toady Bloyster."
"He's dead," Ranging Bloyster said, "the pikmin got to him too."
"…and another one bites the dust. Is there an animal that isn't safe from the pikmin? These pikmin may be more troublesome than I thought…"
I simply stood still and looked over to Raging Long Legs, still wondering of what he wanted me for.
The meeting had ended soon with the confirmation of Waterwraith's plans for the future. The Bulblax Duchess had walked over to me as soon as the meeting ended waiting to be escorted to her new cave. I couldn't leave without talking to Raging Long Legs first so I decided not to care if the Bulblax Duchess was interested or not. Raging Long Legs had yet to leave so I decided to ask him about what he wanted before I left too.
"So, you wanted talk to me?" I asked him.
"Ah, yes. Man-at-Legs, as your older brother, I know you have a soft side for others," he told me in a way I've never heard him talk before, "I can accept your soft spot for animals alike, but you need to make an exception to the pikmin."
"You're not gonna talk me into another one of those scandals of yours, are you?"
"Of course not. But seriously, I too have reasons to believe the pikmin aim to take us out. In fact, I got worried when I heard about the bridge appearing and the water being drained."
"You, worried about me? What has this world come to?" I said sarcastically.
"This is a serious matter Man-at-Legs. The pikmin do have the power to take down someone like you. But you have a lot of power inside you and you need to use it."
"But…I can't. I'm not meant to be a machine."
"I know you didn't want this, but think of it as a blessing. If it weren't for this machinery, where would you be now?"
"…you have a point. But to use it against defenseless pikmin?"
"These pikmin use their minds against us. Their learning us; analyzing our traits and habitats like some freak computer capable of observing at maximum speed."
"I find that offensive."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. But don't forget: they can and will attack you. Don't be afraid to fight back, even if you go against a vow. Do not forget the power of your body."
"……"
His words had me thinking like I never thought before. As I escorted the Bulblax Duchess to the Frontier Cavern, I thought about using my body to attack such tiny creatures as pikmin. It is true that their numbers put together can be fearsome, but am I actually going to kill something as miniscule as a pikmin? I wonder how it feels, to kill in the name of defense. Is it right? Is it evil? Is it really worth it? Is my life really worth it? Then again, I wouldn't mind being rid of this accursed machine of me. Maybe I should just…lie still and let the pikmin do away with me…
"Is this it? Is this the Frontier Cavern?" Bulblax Duchess asked me.
I didn't realize that we had already arrived at the cave. I guess I was simply lost in thought. I hope the Duchess didn't notice.
"Well, I best be making my way now before I get even bigger. See ya later Man-at-Logs," she said as she went down the cave.
Huh, she mispronounced my name. Man-at-Logs…
Hope there is a next time…
It was already night and my battery cartridge was already responding to the moon's presence. It was preparing to shut down meaning I had to get back to my hole quick. If my battery were to shut down I'd be completely motionless, so I hurried my way to the Subterranean Complex for a goodnight sleep. I made it in time as my battery shut down. I nestled in the center of my room were the creatures fear to enter, daring not to leave any droppings that I would find offensive; I don't even have a nose so…
Is this some kind of arena?
What's that in the center?
Large, widely noticeable…
Does this mean we're gonna die?
We won't die as long as we believe in Leader Olimar!
Yeah! Everyone! Charge!
I had forgotten to set the alarm for my waking so now I was probably asleep until noon. I don't know how I managed to wake up since if I didn't set the alarm I'd be asleep until night. Although, it doesn't take much to wake up a Man-at-Legs. Even a slight tap can wake up a Man-at-Legs.
Tap!
Yeah, something like that.
Tap! Tap!
And now I'm awake.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
But what is-
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
What's going on?
It was obvious that something was pulverizing my metal hull. I could feel that there were a lot of them surrounding me. If only I could get and get a good analyze of what is attacking me…
I blew steam out of the pipes that surrounded my body to blow off the creatures that were assaulting me. I used my mechanical leg to lift me off the ground, since my other legs weren't strong enough, even when there strength was combined. As soon as I got up, I recognized the tiny plant-animal hybrids that I so-dearly didn't want to see. Along with an awkward signal coming from two of them, I could sense their vital systems running through their tiny fragile bodies. It was them, the pikmin, who have come for me.
They began jumping onto my body and pounded away at my body penetrating me with damage. I wanted to run but there were too many of them, but I still tried. They missed sometimes and a weird whistle would be heard after but they'd resume jumping on me again. I wanted them to stop but I knew it would be meaningless. If only they would stop attacking…
My body began got paralyzed. Steam blew out of my pipes as my bottom hull opened. A cylinder scope rose from the fleshy insides that were my intestines. I had no control of my motions as my mind went blank for a few seconds…
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
I regained consciousness some time after. The machine gun retreated back within me to prevent its over-usage. I feared for the pikmin that might've gotten caught in the gunfire. Even though they were the ones attacking me, they died of a horrible merciless death because of me. Even though I'm safe and defended myself, I feel sorry for the pikmin who suffered by my bullets. But what did they want from me?
Suddenly, the pikmin latched onto me again. I was surprised to see that they all survived my machine gun's assault since it had a lock-on feature. But, how did they avoid it? Not a single animal is capable of avoiding, if not surviving, my weapon's gunfire. These pikmin can't think for themselves…so who was thinking for them?
I realized that I had no choice but to use my machine gun again. If I activate it manually, then I keep my conscious and shoot manually. I remembered what Raging Long Legs told me: don't be afraid of my power. If anytime, I'd have to use it now. Enemy has huddled together. No time for second thoughts. Target locked on…
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
…no way…
…none of them sufficed…
…they survived the shots…
I'm in trouble now. These pikmin must have some kind of protective armor that…no, that's inconclusive. Maybe they absorbed the shots and…no, that's non-theoretical either. Argh! What's with these pikmin?! How could they have the power to withstand something as powerful as my weapon fire?! It's…it's…a NUISANCE!
They began to attack my body again. They managed to dent the hull of my body and began to strike my internal battery core. NO! If they break that, the photons discharge and my body… NO! They pierced through the hull! The battery is leaking! The photon chargers are shot! My hydraulics have detonated! What's…happening?
The hydraulic tubes in my legs blew up. My mechanical leg fell apart. The photon battery mixed with the other chemicals within my body, causing it to glow through the cracks of my broken body. I only had a few seconds before the photons discharged and my body disintegrated in a cataclysmic explosion. All that was left was an oversized battery bulb that served no real purpose.
How did it happen? How did they overthrow a machine like me? They can't outsmart a machine, only exploit its weakness. So what did they exploit? I died by their hands that killed the four members of the Land Council. Raging Long Legs, and a Beady Long Legs as well as another Man-at-Legs, are the only ones left. If only I stood a chance…
But…it was my wish. I wanted to be rid of my machine half and live like a normal Arachnorb. Did these pikmin intentionally save me? Was death the only option to rid me of this curse? It was understandable. It was a logical statement. It was a prayer answered.
To die in their name is dying with no wishes left.
You know, it gets really tough to think of lines that start with 'to die in their name'. I'm full of originality and all, but when you have to stick to an important piece of story plot, you start to get dry. Anyways, on to the new ballot!
Remember folks, only one choice, that way, it'd be easier to count the votes.
A) Emperor Bulblax
B) Pileated Snagret
C) Ranging Bloyster
D) Waterwraith
E) Empress Bulblax II
R&R!