lrayasostripes

[lrayasostripes]

Tura, an TADC OC (from last year)

Everyone... Meet Tura. And she's ready to color and dance for Art Fight 2025.

some Info: LOL, classic Jax. But for some reason, Tura is somewhat not impressed, but actually doesn't hate it. I mean, the pigments on her fingertips are like washable markers. Draw, erase, repeat... Besides, I think she probably noticed Jax is less mean to her, and is likely just being childishly playful, in his way. (That's just my thoughts)

So yeah... her color palette is large, but I'm sure it is manageable.

[lrayasostripes]

Rayas After the RTV Tour, Epilogue

Epilogue for @4thwallbreakerdraws2 / @rtv-puzzlevision-studios

Directory:Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 3.5-ish, Part 4, Part 5 (END), Epilogue

Note 1: Once again, writing this in first person. Drawings now inlcuded

Note 2: Even more lore drop, and 25% angst. Warning, some Red and Blue Blood.

Note 3: A mix between a story and an analysis post. May not be accurate, but just sharing my insights.

Final note: Final post of the RTV tour, this being the epilogue.

Story

POV switching from (Real) Rayas and... a surprise

Well, so... apparently, it seemed that the staged death of Other Me and her resurrection was enough for everyone to dogpile RTV to the ground; I thought Other Me and I were going to 'die' again! (but then come back later anyways) We walked further away from the chaos. Of course, mostly because we wanted to tell RTV in our way that, me and Other Me did meant before: we are not fighters and taking him down was not our goal. He would look at us in the struggle, us very further away, to obviously scowl at us; I just hope he isn't thinking we are laughing at him, because our faces read "Not even us wanted this to happen..." (Me and I think Other Me feel bad that this is how it went down, even if we didn't want to. That we got more involved than we should. I might had shed a tear or two, but because of the stress of it all, mainly; and the fact me and Other Me reached this far)

And he also put the blame on his younger self, who is Kid RTV; the boy stood right in front of us, so it almost looked like RTV directly spat at us. We... do have fault it all ended how it did.

"You... This is all YOUR FAULT!"

Not even a part of his sub-conscience had to see all that.

(How many aura points did we lost now? And has it reached the negatives?)

It was all for a lost drawing with him in it... He's the first different Mr Puzzles to meet (the first to be on bad terms, sigh...)... and maybe too early to meet him. I knew how RTV's place and rules are, and still went with it anyways. I followed the rules of the Tour... but the moment we were forced to enter the TV Dimension, it feels like the tour was over... (and by over... no more rules for us but RTV)

When we saw his head slump down in the ground, facing the ground all exhausted and hurt, Other Me got the advantage to fly above and open her much larger umbrella above RTV before quickly moving away (why did she do that? to share the safety of the umbrella with him but only to change her mind quickly?); apparently, if we opened the umbrella above Kid RTV or if in the eyesight of Kid RTV, it looks like RTV will still see it. I got... a bit surprised at that. Because...

"Seriously, stop showing that damn UMBRELLA! I know it's you fox girl; the one in the blue stained shirt." (That was shockingly specific!!) grumbled RTV, and slightly muffled since his face was on the ground. After giving up and letting everyone go. With anything to do with Puzzlevision, it stays; the workers that is.

(I still feel bad for touching his TVs and possessing one of his clones... but do I get a bill to pay it back since Other Me still broke one by the recoil? Maybe not to forgive me nor soften since it's obvious he won't. But just to let him know I'll be willing to repay the damages... the main question... how if there is one?)

I almost forgot that if we talked or showed his kid version anything, the current RTV will sense it. (could that explain why he was more willing to kill me than before while I fainted while experimenting with Astral Projection ability? Did he also sensed that I softly touched his young version's head?) I was tempted to test it on Kid RTV, but I don't want to aggravate RTV more than he already is (the feeling to comfort his young version is nagging though). So... if that's true...

*"I suppose... when I was in the cave, back alive and you had to rest a second time, I saw his younger self look into our stuff," Other Me explained. "I saw him look at the cool Puzzlevision Mass Attack drawing the MOST. Which means..."

He did not!!!

"He saw it already now!?," I said. Now more flabbergasted at that. "After I went chasing it around and playing the waiting game... Being on my best behavior... And keeping his eyes from it..." Small pause. "Do you think he'll bring it up?"

Who knows...

RAYAS' HOME (Epilogue)

Well, the way back home from RTV's was... I don't know how to explain it. Uneventful yet tiring?

I brought a few of the participants home, to crash, relax, get to know a little more, and maybe eat and watch a few movies; be my guests I guess. It seems they have nothing much to do, but also trying to keep the bittersweet event of the Puzzlevision Tour from their thoughts. I admit, I do believe everyone, including RTV, didn't get what they expected to happen...

But alas... home sweet home. We'll leave the canvas door open for a bit in case someone wants to do a last-second to crash at my home. But later had to remotely destroy the gateway canvas from RTV's place, just in case he would like to crash as well... uninvited (and maybe settle what was unfinished... Lord). But my home's canvas portal will calibrate to find their respective homes to send them back.

Well, since we were all tired, the first thing we all did was flop on the couches in the main room; me and Other Me placed our trinkets on the coffee table closest to us, but the RTV plushie right between me and Other Me (heh, still keeping it even after the disaster. The participants still question why, but hope notice that I'm the type who would forgive even those that don't deserve one). With the roof being all glass window, it's sunset. Time works differently from here and over there; here, it is afternoon and slightly dark while over RTV's was barely about to be the afternoon. Enough time to unwind before everyone leaves home. (Why is Other Me not going to change shirts? I mean... it's... blood. But since it's blue... it looks like a blue pen broke and all the ink splashed on her. Maybe she's too tired to do so?)

Shortly at one point, I took the two Inscryption cards of the participants that couldn't return home anymore... We hold some sort of funeral event to remember them... Unsure if to tell or ask them... of what became of their...

A quiet moment to mourn them. And in some part, Other Me. She did died and came back, but still technically... she died. (Robo-Fox-Umbrella Bot? Wasn't that the nickname SMG3 gave me back in the castle? At least, a brief chuckle from one of the participants; at least they already know our names. Did Other Me put that name for light humor?)

But to keep the atmosphereas neutral as possible, and since my place is mostly a relaxed atmosphere, and offering everyone some matcha latte, we all calmly chatted for a bit. And then, sugar zombies Fudge, Soda, and J.D. (Jelly Donut) show up; their eyes brighten up when they saw the souvenirs, but mostly the RTV Plushie, as expected. They have been waiting for my return, but not expecting to see Other Me and the new guests; but hey, they would at last keep them busy to keep their minds off the Tour and while I order food for everyone (and J.D. wanting to bake cookies for everyone, ha ha). Other Me will take over while I'm busy. And she decided to set to watch a few movies. The sugar zombies picked their favorite movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2004)... ironic that it's a chocolate factory tour, after what happened before was... a tour (I don't blame the sugar zombies, since they don't know what happened. And didn't seemed to notice everyone's disheveled clothes). But it looks like the guests didn't mind at all? Or maybe they are being polite for the sake of being invited to crash in someone's place? Or maybe because they liked the story of it? But after that movie, we went to select the next one: Megamind; the irony that Other Me pulled back in the TV Dimension/Channel 999. And finally How to Train your Dragon; what I missed if I went with the other version of SMG4's group. I would loved to see the dragons, or even the characters in as well.

(I have a feeling, all ironies that happened are being brought up. But if that's how it goes, okay)

Now...

Back in Barbie and the Pauper, I still remember Preminger's "compliment" over my appearance; what would the people in HTTYD say about me... since my head doesn't add up? Possibly saying that... I'm some sort of amalgam with no classification; an enigma. And thinking about it, how did everyone in HTTYD reacted to the participants that weren't human? Well...

I'm still human... even if... my head and now new/broken cord tail don't add up. (I'll elaborate why my and Other Me's cord tails are broken later)

After eating and once the last movie is over, and more chatting, and a mini tour of my home in the gardens outside, and after touring a sub level room that is for smaller/medium size events that later turned into a dance party with Caramelldansen playing (picked by the sugar zombies, and a meme moment. And Soda played it 3 times! She loves that song), 'What does the Fox say?' by Ylvis, ironically the Barbie theme song (I guess a little goofing around helps), and finally Golden Brown by the Stranglers for a slow yet upbeat dance, it was time everyone was tired and for them to go home; its night already, and the quarter moon showing up and more stars.

(Ha ha, while dancing with the last song, for some reason... I still brought the RTV Plushie down with me, and slowly dance with it. How could have things been different back in the tour... perhaps...)

(Was a spontaneous dance party out of context after everything that happened? Maybe, but the sugar zombies appearance made it as if they were trying to make things a lot chipper; and they were unaware of some of the bad things that happened. Besides, they are naive and don't know about mood timing)

One by one, calibrating the canvas portal to be sure they return to their rightful homes; we hug and bid farewell. Ha ha, I guess the sugar zombies wanted to gift them their sweets as a present. Even though the zombies can be a little hyper and a little too happy, they are actually well behaved. So glad the guests/participants behaved well, even with their quirks and unique personalities; and even getting along with the sugar zombies. And besides, again, even if they can be a little mischievous when a little bit on a moderate level of sugar, they behaved very well. Like as if they have the idea that they need to act properly, or they think they might scare away the guests.

(It's almost as if... here, is all an exact parallel to the Puzzlevision Tour? I just hope this isn't to, quote, 'Show him up again.' That's not the intention, since I just invited guests to wind down and get to know them a little more. Nothing more)

After everyone left home, me and Other Me and the sugar zombies just chilled in the living room. And eating the cookies J.D. made; so glad the guests loved them.

......

"Has everyone left home?" ??? (no spoilers, hee hee) finally appears from around the corner of the hallway. ??? sees Other Me. "Well... this is something. But alas. How did it go?"

I look over the sugar zombies, and Other Me, and then ???. Wondering if the kids would want to hear it. But to start positive, I show the gifts and trinkets we brought. The keychain, the custom Inscryption Deathcard both the original and copies, some drawings, the RTV Plushie, and...

"Oh? You finally got the Puzzlevision Mass Attack drawing back?," ??? asks. ??? takes it, and smiles. "Honestly, I thought it wouldn't be worth the risk."

"But it has been recovered... Rayas."

The True Rayas.

MY POV, the TRUE RAYAS

"But tell me, did you make any friends? How was the place?" I asked. I think it's time I address these versions of me as Tour Rayas (or Tou-Ray for short), and the copy Other-Ray (Other Rayas). All to avoid confusion.

"Well honestly, I thought... even being the same person, it would be tricky and hard," Tou-Ray explain. "I mean, we share the same condition."

*"While I...," slightly drawled Other-Ray. "Showed up to make sure she's doing okay. And besides..."

"You seem slightly independent, even in a short time," Tou-Ray chimed in. "Like,... almost braver than me; and maybe a little more of taking and or making all the risks for me."

"Huh, well...," I nod. "So it turned out fine then? So what about everyone? The staff, or Him?," I asked. I noticed the two look at each other... with uncertainty. And seeing Other-Ray's shirt... I prefer to wait since... I got the idea, that something DID happened.

I can tell there's mixed opinions about it. I cannot blame neither of them, knowing the fact, I sent Tou-Ray there to retrieve the drawing; and the tour is hosted by a different Mr Puzzles: RTV Puzzles. Plus, knowing the sugar zombies are present, and want to hear it. They already (half) know there are Good and Bad Mr Puzzles... But... (not all of it)

Oh boy... what will Tou-Ray and Other-Ray say?

......

I think the two decided to lie a little, for the sake of the kids; they will explain the real events when going to their Rooms. But the good thing about the tour, which is the truth, is that they got to interact with the SMG3 Gang. Explains the keychain and Inscryption cards, and the fact Tou-Ray made matcha latte on the first try in the alternative SMG4 Castle, and that SMG3 loved it; there's more in the kitchen here, for the guests Tou-Ray made (I will try it). Both Tou-Ray and Other-Ray showed me the trick to duplicate items, like for example, creating a duplicate of the RTV Plushie (They'll have to teach me how, ha ha). I guess one for the two, and one for me... The friends/acquaintances such as Grinnames, Harley, Nira, Lucian, Colores, and Animsay; the four, Nira, Lucian, Colores, and Animsay, being staff of Puzzlevision (the fact RTV Puzzles isn't in it is reasonable, but he is like that. I respect that). So Other-Ray appeared by accident, yet was allowed to be there anyways. I got a bit worried that Tou-Ray got sick during the tour; she said quote, "The Resistance stormed the tour," and the big scare sort of was too much for her.

(I already know, how the RTV world is. I knew the hint)

Well, while finishing the tale with quote, "the threat was over, and everyone later went home; and some participants helped as well." So... it's late, so I sent the sugar zombies to bed. Once that is done, me and the versions of me walk to a different hallway, to their respective Room marked, 'Tour Rayas (Temporary in the RTV AU).' Along with their trinkets.

Opening the door, the Room is a near exact replica of my home; with the same living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc. Albeit smaller since, the two won't be involved in any more adventures; and 'hibernate' unless called. We sit on the smaller living room/main area.

"So... um," oh boy... I know Tou-Ray and Other-Ray are still me technically, so it's still strange. "Well, how did the Tour go?" I finally asked.

"...Well, the first half was fine and okay," answered Tou-Ray. "A bit overwhelming with the new people all around at first; and the fact the drawing was flying around and almost landing in front of RTV was nerve-wrecking. But I played the waiting game, and it has returned to me... I just hope it didn't got jinxed to get me to break away and get in trouble."

I smile at that. Wise move Tou-Ray; I would do the same. I close my eyes as the images come to me. Anything that goes with any copy of mine, all that information witnessed in their POV becomes my POV.

"Fun fact, the first person to interact was a TV head," Tou-Ray continued; I raise my eyebrows at that. "Well, if by chance you cannot attend the tour and speak to RTV, and since I share the same shyness... why not practice with one of the TV headed participants? Her name was Crystal, and wears a Kuromi cap."

Cute.

So... while Tou-Ray tells me all of her experiences in the first half of the tour, I keep listening through all of it; all the while the images come to me. I'm glad that she had fun; the fun I wished to... but I was not taking chances to get myself involved knowing how the place worked (even forced into the plot). Again, Tou-Ray is still same as me. All the while, Other-Ray is duplicating the presents Tou-Ray received from the SMG3 gang; I guess because she believes, I would like to look over them and keep them. The acrylic Pichu Bros keychain from Boopkins, the custom Deathcard from Tari; the latter, I'm glad she/I had fun with Tari with the Inscryption game match. Ha ha, Raya's MOD: Beasts vs Technology while playing with Animsay, the head of the Social Media Department; Tou-Ray admits that for some reason, Animsay showed a lot of wanting to interact with her, and a bit overwhelming. Looking into that, she just seems friendly. I wouldn't be lying if me or Tou-Ray would like to play Inscryption with Animsay again. While not making immediate friends with Crystal before, or Loyboo (I didn't think Tou-Ray would find a way to interact with him by using the Shy Boo gesture. Smart I think?), she believes her first friend being a tour participant was Grinnames.

"There are some points she might come off as scary, but actually, she's pretty chill...," explained Tou-Ray.

*"And funny," chimed Other-Ray. "We saw her pull a meme... but... I'll get to it." She sounds uncertain there.

And then, Tou-Ray explains that when everyone went to the Social Media Department, is when the good times stopped. With a version of SMG4 interrupting it all and stopping all the fun.

"Wow... but. That... that felt too early," I said in a tone that sounded like wary and slightly shocked. "I wished it didn't have to. Couldn't he just started near the end of the tour?"

"It was unpredictable chaos. And everyone was marked as collateral..."

The images coming to me. Indeed... chaos at the worst time. Panic, the division of two parties, the threat of getting hurt or worse.

"But... at least you helped comfort someone," I said. "Harley was it?"

"Yeah," confirmed Tou-Ray. "I got to be honest, a kid at that age-"

*"Alien, Real Me," corrected Other-Ray and decided to finish her sentence (An alien you say?). "Yeah, a young alien like Harley shouldn't be put in a situation like that. But... Harley is a bit stubborn and brave, but she still needed someone to look after her."

"I'm glad that not only I made her feel safe, but also made another new friend." Tou-Ray smiles.

I smile back.

"But then...," Tou-Ray looks at Other-Ray. "I got sick by the stress. And..."

I learned of how Other-Ray showed up. Huh, making a Wish while eating a custom Deathcard to absorb the sigils? I... to be honest, I was sort of thinking if it could be possible; but has my thoughts actually reached her as a feeling to do it? I mean... again, we are the same person with a link. I made a copy myself before sending her to the Tour to recover my drawing (actually wanting to hear how it played out). I was concerned with the Wr3n Ai seeing all that, but Tou-Ray was wise enough to use the umbrella and found an alibi to cover the making of the Wish.

"*So... I showed up," said Other-Ray. "The first thing I did was cover for her, protect her. I was thinking of joining the Security group, but protecting her was the first thing that came first."

Seeing the images... Yeah. Poor Tou-Ray... but hey, she helped clean up RTV first. That's nice.

The conversation changed to the Health Department. Other-Ray chose to lay Tou-Ray right next to RTV. I got to say... I think I'm starting to understand, that Tou-Ray was right of her being slightly independent. Because... that's a little dangerous, especially since while Tou-Ray was sound asleep, Other-Ray was the first to listen his rant after waking up and what where the chances he might crash and take it out on the two; I'm starting to feel... Other-Ray was meant to be there by Tou-Ray's side? Like an extra precaution to make sure she returns with the drawing and a couple of souvenirs, safe and sound?

(Oh, and Other-Ray gifted Nira, the head of the Health Department her striped vest? That's very sweet)

And then... the other half of the tour that went very badly. The fight in the TV Dimension (Grinnames making a meme, lol), the TV hijacking and the staging of "my death and sacrifice" (good lord, what where the two thinking, especially Other-Ray), more fighting and attempts to escape the chaos, ending up in a Barbie movie (?), meeting RTV's version of his subconsciousness, the talk with SMG4 and Tou-Ray, and finally... the finale at Channel 999...

(Oh, and that two participants died. One with glasses, and one being a cyclop cat sort of creature; the former died first in the Security group before the TV Dimension. The two showed me Inscryption cards with their portraits...)

The two me's almost died! Unkillable sigil or not, that's too much. As much as I don't want to admit it despite it could happened to me if I went, so glad they returned fine; especially Tou-Ray, who I sent her there. But now...

"That's... oh boy." I have no words.

The two affirmed in unison. But they also slightly look down. Like... as if there's more to it? Or the fact that now that RTV is on bad terms with them, that means I'm also on his bad side. Tou-Ray and Other-Ray are still me, and I'm linked in their responsibility.

"So... It's like there's no right nor wrong answers over there," I said. "Only consequences. And also...," I for some reason began to tense a little. A Heavy sigh. "Why did you touched his stuff? Wasn't that one of the rules of the tour he specifically said?"

"W-What other choices where there?," said Tou-Ray in a tone as if she feels sorry.

*"Like you said, only consequences regardless," chimed Other-Ray in the near tone as Tou-Ray. "While he did said not to touch anything, Puzzlevision Studios property that is," muttered Other-Ray. "But the moment he made everyone join the TV Dimension, I felt, and I think to everyone, the Tour just ended there. I felt the tour ended after stepping into the dimension."

Huh? What is Other-Ray saying? That the tour rules no longer apply in the pocket dimension? Is that a loophole she found or? Regardless, neither she nor Tou-Ray should have done all that. Not to mention, making everyone think I "died" and leaving them with a ghastly image to forever remember?

"I got to be honest Other Me," spoke Tou-Ray to Other-Ray, sounding slightly upset. "When the staged sacrifice went and then RTV going at everyone, I felt we made it worse; it actually made it worse. I was tempted to removing your Unkillable sigil, Other Me!"

(No crap Sherlock... Sorry, but I think Other-Ray is the guiltiest. And somewhat reckless. But why is Other-Ray different?)

Other-Ray raises her head a little... she appears to trying to comprehend that. And then looks down and heavily sighs. I think she now knows she shouldn't perform a Desti and/or agree to hijacking RTV's TVs. While seeing the images but in small bits... I also felt the feelings... But... like me... Tou-Ray holds no grudges on RTV. Mostly because it was staged, or because we are very different from him.

Tou-Ray forgave him...? Why do I feel that's debatable? (And there's no need to... but I think we also share the same big heart so, yeah)

(At least the fact Tou-Ray trying to think of dark humor of an example of an online gaming session gone wrong with raging and cheesing in a game with hacks and still losing. Well... I would think if it did took place in an online game session. Maybe even make a comic about it?)

*"The choices got very limited," continued Other-Ray. "And as much as I don't want to say this, but since I just have noticed I'm a lot different myself, but if he was very willing to off someone permanently himself, why not start with us. That's why we both had the Unkillable sigils; and regardless who was going to off, we would revive anyways."

....Bruh (that's a bit dark. A little meme moment)

*"But anyways, everyone worked together and he let us all go."

I ponder on a little on the information. And I'm also shocked that Tou-Ray had no choice but to possess an RTV clone because he was ready to kill her while unconscious and vulnerable. I mean, it's the last thing she did to stay alive... but that made him only madder than before (and did the two gotten a bill receipt for the broken TV and clone?)

I'm glad that she and also the copy, had the ability to grant a Wish for a better skill of adaptation/transformation, when things started to get hostile too quickly for their heads to make them come up with something. But I, the same and True Rayas, actually never made another one for a long time. Since my life is so calm and no worries, there's no need for it. Tou-Ray explained to some in the tour that she's still human, like me, even if the fennec fox head and the mechanical parts don't add up. (My biology is a bit abstract, but that's how I am)

Though, I'm not sure, about the "getting sick by too much stress." As far as I remember, I don't get sick by too much stress; unless school and college were (but minus the blue nosebleed and fainting thing. Unless I implemented that in a part of the... you know... plot). The disaster at the Social Media Department and the whole TV Dimension fiasco is understandable. Other than Other-Ray being somewhat independent and maybe a bit problematic with wise decision-making, I'm glad she appeared to keep Tou-Ray safe; and making sure the Puzzlevision drawing doesn't fly away again.

"Now... what happened after RTV surrendered and allowed everyone to go home?," I asked. Curious to know more. The images do come in, but only if they tell me the details, I can see them much clearer.

Tou-Ray and Other-Ray look at each other, ready to tell their versions.

"Once everyone had hopped off RTV, he shrunken down to his usual size; he's very tall actually." Described Tou-Ray. "Much taller than any Puzzles seen from out there."

*"We didn't think he would end up going out there with no one holding him back. But he was hurt in the end, like... he was covered in injuries, his suit was ruined with too many scratches. And the nice technicolor coat he wears, all battered and with blood." Other-Ray says, and her tone sounding like pity.

Seeing the images coming to me, of course. RTV's stubbornness, and holding on to grudges led him to surrender. All battered and injured. The participants who had beast attributes where the ones who hit him the most; the two, Tou-Ray and Other-Ray served as distraction to tire him out. Never directly hit him nor insulted him. Both share my same level of forgiving, and having a good heart to others; even for those with a frozen, stone heart. (But RTV is RTV. No chance for a slight warm-up)

"But you touched another of his things," I interjected. "Why Astral Projection of all abilities? Wouldn't a self-healing ability? Besides, Other-Ray's cord tail connection, you said that it staves off the stress sickness and replenish your energy quickly."

She nods, but looks down.

"I heard noises coming in the cave, so I disconnected it so it wouldn't arouse suspicion." Answered Tou-Ray.

*"I agree with her, True Rayas. But we both saw it was just RTV's younger version and subconsciousness," explained Other-Ray. "Besides, we later realized that after RTV surrendered, anything we showed or spoken to Young RTV, the real RTV would sense it. I guess what Real Me did was a close call. What if Young RTV saw the connected tails, and RTV realizes I was still alive."

I think that makes sense. An invisible form of spyware in the form of someone's repressed subconsciousness? But I admit, a part of me was curious if the RTV clones would be empty enough to be controlled by a different party. But did that thought travelled to Tou-Ray when it happened? And the Wish she made read it and granted it... who knows. Since... well, I knew what I was doing back home will eventually play over there.

Now...?

Flashback to Channel 999

Both Rayas' POV (Real and Other, or Tou-Ray and Other-Ray) and True Rayas

After being all hurt and exhausted, he let everyone go; everyone checking on who is hurt. For some reason, as expected, we walked up to RTV after he shortly spoke to SMG4, but not too close enough he would grab one of us and toss us. And SMG4 even gave us a concerned looked as if saying, 'Why are you approaching him again, after killing one of you and then almost the both of you again?'

*I know, we know. It sounds very unwise and unnecessary; and perhaps dangerous. But same as Real Me, we couldn't help but feel sorry. I think SMG4 might have caught our message that, we are not the type to hold grudges against someone like RTV. I don't hold a grudge on RTV for killing me when I took that shot for Real Me. But I think... I'm a bit on the fence for that? All I can think of, he is willing to kill anyone for the slightest thing wrong such as the hijacking incident.

As soon as he saw us, it was obvious he wasn't going to not scowl. He was mad at us for touching his TVs, possessing a clone, revealing that Other Me was back alive, running away from him... But why was he still mad at us? Like what else did we upset him with.

I also noticed some participants turned to look at us and a quarter stayed to watch and or trying to keep an eye. Obviously not trusting leaving us with him, they are ready if RTV would try to pull something again; I just hope he's too hurt to try anything, but... It's pitiful to see him like that.

"I don't want to fight," I stated with my arms in a gesture that supports the fact I'm not the one to start fights.

"*We are not fighters, we... are just visitors," I said and following Real Me's action.

He just, stares...

"What do you want?," grumbled RTV as if also gritting his non-existent teeth. "You are free now...Or are you here to laugh at my face? A last laugh?"

Dang it... cold feet caught up to me at the worst time! (and does RTV know I cannot look at him in the face since his screen showing a hostile expression with those eyes?) But I had to get it out quickly.

"No." That was it... just no. Sensing my cold feet, Other Me hands me the RTV plushie and first umbrella for comfort; the very same items that helped me feel calm. I also looked elsewhere while looking at him from the corner of my eye.

*As soon as I looked back at RTV, and despite his eyes narrowed, he was confused? I think its because of why are we still holding onto a toy of his likeness, after he shot and killed me and almost killing Real Me and the both of us; I saw his gaze. But he quickly scoffs to change subject.

"Ugh, then what?" He said almost sneering. Starting to sound annoyed.

*He "likes" us alright.

"What...!?" *Briefly exclaimed True Rayas (a bit funny, but I was being sarcastic)

*"Alright," I said. I look at Real Me, and noticed she's still hesitant to talk to him. Unlike her and I being both her and you True Rayas, you were right that I'm a bit different. I'm brave. "Mr Puzzles, we are sorry for touching your things. And... the fact the tour didn't went how it should,... it wasn't how we all wanted it to go. We never wanted it all to go down, honestly. We were being dumb."

I looked at Other Me like... what is she doing?

"And you do realize you are also calling me dumb?," questioned True Rayas. "We are the same Other-Ray. Hold on... y-yeah... you got some point there. Go on."

"I said it before, I mean it," I said as if pleading. But still looking from a side eye view, and then down at my plushie from time to time. When I look at the toy, it at least makes me feel comfortable. "I would never hurt you directly; and I... I never did." I felt like I had to mention the Spiny Chicken incident, to come clean. "The flying bomb was never meant to be directed at you, but the clones had other ideas to make it look like I wanted to. And, had I known about the TVs and the clone... I wouldn't had touched them... All along... I just wanted to enjoy the tour like everyone else... And much earlier on the tour, I hoped... I would have found the courage to speak to you...."

*The face he made like scrunching up, it was obvious he didn't believed us. I was sort of thinking that because our heads are of a fox, and since in some cultures (mostly), the fox represent sly cunning and trickery, he thinks we weren't being truthful.

He's RTV Puzzles, and very different from all versions of Mr Puzzles. He's the type to not listen to anyone. It's obvious he wouldn't believe a word we said, just like while I was being chased and shot at while possessing a clone to protect my body. After what we did, all that neutral trust is gone.

"But why are you still angry at us...?," I quietly asked, still looking from the corner of my eye and hugging the plushie and umbrella. "What... else we bothered you with?"

A brief pause.

"I'm not telling you," RTV slightly hissed with a small shake of his head. Giving us the side-eye. "The door's open. Go."

*"Sorry Real Me...," I softly sighed, breaking the act since there's no point due to everyone allowed to go home. I don't think the participants who stayed to keep an eye heard it. "Guess we'll never know. Come on."

"Yeah... and... I even forgave him what he did to you...," I muttered that part. For some reason, I felt like, I was not meant to say that last part. Why did I said that? "Um... Bye Mr Puzzles..."

Other Me for some reason decides to carry me again in bridal style, even if I'm not feeling sick anymore. I didn't mind it since it is very comforting; along with the blanket duplicate. And maybe that made me forget that now he knows I was the Real one and not the Other all along.

*Well, since it was similar to back in the Health Department, I recalled how he looked at us. Like, how we were able to get along. Almost as if apparently, doppelgängers get along better with their originals than he with the other versions before? I rather not say how I was able to read his body language.

"Huh? Strange," said True Rayas. "And then what happened?"

*The best part...

"Seriously, another lie?," I heard RTV said a little louder as we took just a few steps away towards the platform, before hissing as if his injuries hurt again. "And... you still forgive me after all? Like- Agh!," he appears to want to yell but he's too hurt but finishes his sentence. He takes a few breaths. "Like... as if I was in the wrong?! What is wrong with you two?" He sounds slightly hoarse. Or maybe realizing yelling isn't worth his energy in the state he was?

*Yep, that's the ticket! But just briefly. It had a 50/50 chance he would not care. By the way, I'm not sure what Wish I made in the cave, but it looks like I gained the ability to make others speak a little more; add another sentence. I call it... A(d)d Lib

"A(d)d Lib....?," blankly asked True Rayas. "Other-Ray... Hold on, that's not how a Wish of- That's manipulation!"

Other Me... That wasn't nice. And you probably made him hate us more if he happens to fall for the effect. He's already proven to be spiteful. And very, very spiteful.

*I admit, it wasn't the best one; and I knew he would grow more irritated. But at least, he did not gave off a look that read he was going to kill us again; he's already too hurt to try anything. But if honesty hurts more than lying, best to come clean. And yeah, that Wish sounded like I could use it to manipulate people. Selfish even... But... this isn't for personal gain for anyone, just wanted some answers. I swear I only did it on you Real Me... alright, maybe I did on him, but only once!

"Damn it... what am I going to do with you, Other-Ray," heavily sighed True Rayas.

I also don't know why all of a sudden, you revealed the ruse of our real identities. At least there weren't many participants nearby to hear it since they moved as soon as we were leaving; plus I agree, everyone is leaving home and no need to fight for the reveal of more lies. We rather stick that the 'Real Rayas' came back as a walking miracle. Because if they knew everything, the planned sacrifice, and including the fact we can come back after many deaths, they might hate us for traumatizing them for no reason but for the outcome. Or perhaps, if they heard our Desti plan earlier, they would sound so fake, RTV will take note of it.

*Yeah. But, let me continue. So, we took a few steps back to him but still a safe distance, a little further away than before, and looked at him. I didn't cared about the scowl, just wanted to say more. I also connected my tail to you, Real Me, because I felt like, you needed something to make you feel a little less hesitant.

*"We... we don't hold grudges," I said it, with honesty. I look at where he shot me. "It still hurts though." I looked at Real Me as we talked through the cord tail connection.

"I just... I can't hate you," I said as well. Moving around to let Other Me back to stand up. "What I said back when you shot her... the forgiving... I just said it, I think. The rest I said before that is true though... I-I said it for myself?"

When I realized that forgiving him was not only a bad thing for him, but the fact it read I wanted him to change, and that wasn't what I wanted back in the hall of TVs. RTV can stay as himself. I just wanted to show him that I'm just too nice (merciful even); the exact opposite. Like you and Other Me, from origin... we let go of all that old grudge and self-loathing from many years ago, for a long time ago.

"If this is an attempt to- shut it," RTV said/grumbled. He looks away. "The whole hijacking stunt... I will never forget it, and I will never forgive you two. What are the chances you'll try again? Leave..."

All we did was look down and sigh, in a tone of defeat. It's true, because he doesn't trust us anymore. And not just us; I think everyone else.

"I cannot believe you two kept at it," said True Rayas in a tone that sounded like disappointment. "At least he didn't barked back, but you probably made him even more to deeply dislike you two... and by some extension me as well..."

*I think it was all my idea... Yeah. I knew it... and still... I don't understand why I just wouldn't quit.

So in our psychic connection, shortly after, we quickly discussed if RTV won't believe us with words, then it will be with actions. What we did was, we disconnected our cord tails and raise it in front of us, close to our faces. RTV looks at us. I guess he noticed we barely moved away. But he did make an expression that read, 'Damn it... what now?,' though is confused of what was going to transpire.

*And... the time I only used A(d)d Lib once on him. Sorry...

Dang it...

"We'll make sure not to do it again if that's the case?" I asked.

*"Again, we were being dumb," I chimed in.

At the same time, Other Me and I, bite down the cord tails as hard as we can. And ripping the cable 5 inches away from the prongs, and drop the severed cable on the ground. The deed is done. A little moment later, RTV stares before he scoffs. But... was it a good thing? We want to let him know we learned not to touch his things for reasons for escape (and survival). And if we ever meet again, that mistake won't repeat again.

"Just as you are all allowed to go? Hmph! You disgust me," he said while his face showed a grimaced expression mixed with... not a smile but... barely forming there? "Yet, you are nothing but a pair of dumb girls, indeed."

He pauses for a bit, dropping the near smile as if realizing something. Indeed, I think that was the effect of Other Me's A(d)d Lib ability. He shakes his head a little. Back to his bitter personality.

*I shouldn't be proud of that, but my ability made him speak more than he intended. Again, it was only once.

"...Just go...," *RTV finally said. And I picked up he looks like he wanted to shout if we stood longer. I went to pick Real me in the same way as before. We are done.

"Bye... um... Mr Puzzles,... it was nice meeting you," I said that last part quietly after a few steps away.

That's the cue we are done talking to him. He may not be convinced that we are not like the other participants who attacked him, despised him, insulted him; which never will. But he'll remember that. So me and Other Me walked away from him, done talking to him, and heading towards the portal to head home; and repeating the pattern of being carried in bridal style. But... for some reason, Other Me told me to go ahead as she'll catch up.

*But not before knotting the cord tails, despite the fact they are severed as a sign of learning our lesson and mistakes. Luckily, the cord tails are extendable. So with the two tied, enough length for greater distance before the length limit ends.

I came to be transported back to the Health Department. Everyone is still yet to come in; they all looked at me in relief, that they were able to stop RTV from crushing me and Other Me. I looked around, and there was Swag who was unconscious for some reason, but had a bruise on his head. Chris was in a corner and Nira busy with... I looked at their eyes... Under mind control. The first thing I did was look into the room Nira was attending to and... Lucian!

"One of the members of security and who returned the Puzzlevision drawing back?," asked True Rayas, and I nod. "He was the one who went to the Security room with a few others. How was he?"

Oh boy... he looked like he brawled with a paper shredder. His outfit was ragged. The one injury that stood out what I could see, was some injury on his side; like something sharp went. I couldn't help but feel bad for him. He was still conscious, albeit barely. I rather not know what happened, but my guess was, it was messy. I went to sit in the exact room, me and Other Me were, right next to the room RTV was being repaired.

*I saw that.

"Wait... how?," asked True Rayas confusedly. "Weren't you still not back from... what you were doing still in Channel 999?"

*Well, it seems that as long as the cords are touching. Connected like usual or knotted, the psychic connection still goes like usual.

Because while waiting for her... I could still feel what she felt and saw. And spoken as well. And by feeling what Other Me felt, I cried... I mean, we both did.

"What happened when you decided to stay a little longer?," True Rayas asked. "And what made you cry?"

*Just as I looked back, I saw the same siren girl. She looked hurt. But then I saw Young RTV approacher her; I think RTV wanted to retrieve him but the boy escaped his hold for a moment. For some reason, I felt something's going to happen. That's when I decided to let Real Me go to the portal first and tie the cord tails. But for a little bit... for a short time... I was not expecting... that while I looked at a stone wall, there was... the other casualty.

("OH no...")

(*"What?! What the....")

("The connection still works? I-I can see-")

(*"No time to explain Real Me!)

*I had to put my hand in front of my face so Real Me didn't see the last casualty. It was the cat participant with a single eye. They didn't make it. (Or I presume, they didn't make it since the One behind them... just decided to pull the plug on them).

I was surprised that even with the prongs ripped off, the knotted cords, the connection works. I had to slightly close the curtain of the hospital room, in case someone sees me react via Other me's POV. Like you True Rayas, we almost never cry. But that wasn't the main source... Other Me?

*I decided to hide behind a rock, across from the fallen participant, and see what the siren, Young RTV and Him will be doing. As far as I can see and hear thanks to the sensitive ears, it looks like Young RTV didn't want to go back where everyone found him; the dark bedroom he was there. The siren, ho boy... knew that Young RTV cannot go. And neither can she stay...

As what I recall from throughout the tour, even if barely, she was the chillest and strongest; willing to protect those she cares. Me and Other Me could see, she was trying not to break down. The siren was the first person Kid RTV hold hands the most since the dark hallway; and she has been protecting him the longest, so of course Kid RTV found a guardian to look up to.

*Also, I noticed that while Young RTV was pleading at the siren girl to stay, I saw RTV glance at the fallen participant. Almost as if, he actually never wanted everything to go the way it went; like he never wanted that to happen. Perhaps, see it as collateral damage, that shouldn't be.

"Lord...," muttered True Rayas. "And then what else?"

*As soon as he got close to his young self and the siren, and too busy to know their surroundings, I... I was debating whether to bring the fallen participant back to the portal to give them a proper burial, or leave it there but left with items to remember them. If the latter, set as... I know this sounds unfair and cruel, but as a warning sign for future visitors/victims arriving in Channel 999. I also felt, the TV Dimension wasn't going to be a place to die; as if... metaphorically, someone dying in the villains place would result in them being lost souls. I believe a memorial is all it needs to put them to rest.

I could still feel what you were thinking Other Me... sigh, but it's you I guess.

Sigh...

*I created another blanket duplicate and draped it over the body, and carefully closing the half open eye of them from under the blanket; and making sure the blood isn't so visible with the blanket over it. All the while listening to what was going on with the siren girl and the RTVs, and making sure Real Me isn't seeing too much of it. I took an Inscryption card copy, I 'bleached' it, set the name and portrait... didn't know their name, so I settled with just 'Creature.' Then duplicated them, with one stuck to the wall above their body; the other for when we got the chance to mourn them. Just like we did when we came back home with a few guests. We hold a small mourning session.

I could hear what was going on with the RTVs and the siren girl; she was crying, and the boy as well. I heard... RTV almost... like wanting to...

*He was trying not to. The interaction with the siren girl and Young RTV, and since the boy is part of RTV, he could feel everything he for so long put aside. For him is foreign, but he hates it. And then, the siren girl gave Young RTV her spiky bracelets to the boy as gifts of comfort. Heh, the bracelets were too big on him. She even told him that with them on, he'll be tough. But... I doubt RTV would let his younger self keep them. Well... at least, the blue hand prints each by me and Real Me gave to his younger self will last a little longer.

I still remember that back in the cave when he went in there and before I fainted, I touched his frame with a blue bloodied handprint. Yeah... but does he know? If Kid RTV sees, RTV sees. But, did RTV brought up when his kid self saw you Other Me?

*I... I don't know... his young self was confused when he saw double; he never brought it up. And when the clones were searching, he hid under the blanket with me; and before I left for a final time, I made duplicates of the blanket and umbrella, and softly touched his TV frame on a different side. By the way, by the time when you crafted the handmade Spiny Shell and went with Animsay, I finally woke up from my coma and the injury all healed up; blood slightly fresh though after it healed. Look... a blue star, doesn't it?

"Huh...," said True Rayas as she looks at the scar. "It does look like a star. So... RTV gave you a One star huh?" Her tone sounding like as if wanting to laugh, but stops. "But the siren girl and Little RTV and RTV, what happened?"

*So, she tearfully turned back to the portal; at least she didn't noticed me hiding from where I was watching, and I would have blown my cover if I tried to place my larger umbrella above her as a sign of comfort. I looked back at RTV who gave a look that wasn't neither hate nor appreciation, don't know what it was.

More like... indifference? I think because he was still reeling what he felt through his kid version. I mean, I could still see and hear through the cord tail connection; and maybe the fact, we were both trying not to cry seeing all that. But what else could we do? We are visitors, just visitors. The main objective was to get the drawing back and make friends, not get involved in other's affairs.

*So, RTV took his young self away; a little too rough though. The siren turned and waved at Young RTV who was doing the same while being taken. I... couldn't help but wave as well from where I was hidden. And maybe I didn't cared that RTV would see me. But at least he didn't turned around to bark at me to just leave already. The cue to go back to the portal immediately was when I heard growls, and some dark beast with pink neon areas just running uncontrollable. So yeah... I returned back to the Health Department. I went to look in the room me and Real Me stayed; I knew she was there because not only the cable cord led me there, but I knew she was there. So, as soon as I found her, we sort of huddled, now that we are out of the place most escaped; and unknotted the cord tails as well, and wasn't so hard since it wasn't too tight. A few participants when they saw me, patted me on my shoulders like as if they were glad I'm back and running again. Again, like I was some sort of walking miracle.

After she came into the room, the same room we rested before the TV Dimension, we... just sat there to sort of trying to process what we both saw and heard; covering ourselves with our blankets. We were tired... But since there's still participants left to come in, guess it could give us time to look around a little. Me and Other Me decided to look for Lucian. He was partially conscious, but hopefully not passed out yet. So... while Nira, still under mind control, she paid no attention to us while she worked on him to recover.

"Lucian?," I asked, to see if he would react. A small grunt came from him, as his neon sign head slowly turned to us.

"...Oh... hey...," uttered Lucian as his head shakily displayed the word [...hi...]. "You are back..."

*"How are you doing?," I asked.

"Hm... not ready to die...," a small cough. "Yet..." A small pause before his head displayed the word [...um]. "Your shirt...?"

*Lucian was referring to me. He noticed my ruined, blue stained shirt. But I don't think he knows it's actually blood; like Real Me and you, our blood changes color from red to blue when it leaves the body. It looks like as if a blue pen broke and all the ink splashed all over... though that won't support the holes from the front and back. All I can say to not worry him.

*"I had an accident, but I'm alright," I said/lied and smiled.

Unfortunately... Only for...

"HELL NO! MR PUZZLES SHOT AND KILLED HER!!!" *Yelled a random participant who... randomly burst into the conversation. (Tattle tale... sorry)

Bruh...

*Bruh...

"BUT SHE CAME BACK TO LIFE!!" yelled another.

Ho boy...

*Ho boy...

I decided to come clean to him, because I felt like you were going to lie Other Me; it was a feeling I had. So... Hijacking the TVs to find Channel 999 alone to find a way out for everyone. Not just me and Other Me, but for all of them. Because to some of the participants, I grew close to them; especially Grinnames and Harley. We just couldn't leave all of them behind. And then more after Other Me's death and revivaI. It was all risky and stupid, but the choices were growing short. Though leaving out the part that it was all planned; saying that her revival could only be explained as a miracle. All Lucian could display on his head was [... I see...]

"But... are you...," Lucian tried to speak, but he appears to slowly slip out of conscience but fighting to stay awake. I also could tell, if he wondered if we came out differently. Emotionally than physically speaking.

*Oh. I'm fine," I said in reassurance. I showed him the blue star scar. May as well be proud of it?

"Same here," I chimed in. I admit, I might be the only one to not look all disheveled and the uniform in perfect shape; a bit dusty, but easy to clean. I don't know how I didn't get a drop of blood from Other Me's. Me and her still got the gloves we have, now ruined with our blood... I took mine off back in the cave in Channel 999 after painting the rotisserie chicken with the blue blood of Other Ray. Yuck.

If Lucian is about to pass out, because it almost felt like he will soon, me and Other Me should do one last thing. We approach him and carefully hug him one for each side, taking note Nira is still busy (and under mind control). If Lucian had an actual face, we could visualize he was relieved or even impressed we were emotionally strong; and the fact, I'm still keeping the RTV Puzzles plushie.

Real Rayas (left, and edited), and Other Rayas (right).

*I secretly slipped the inside of his ragged clothes two copies of our Inscryption Deathcards. The Beast and Technology versions. I just wanted something for him to remember us. I just hope he keeps them hidden a little longer. I wouldn't mind if he loses them, just as long as he saw them.

"I knew something like this would happen, but did Lucian said something more?," asked True Rayas.

He did said something else actually.

"...You... heh, you two are strong," Lucian said slightly quietly.

"THEY ARE," said the second random participant.

(*Oh stop it...)

"Rayas and her double were the reason we fought until we all escaped from that place," said SMG4.

(Why... thanks I guess?)

"And thanks for returning the drawing to me, Lucian." I said with a soft smile.

"...W...Will do..." uttered Lucian. "Again... not, ugh... not letting go of that doll?... even after..."

Lucian was referring to the RTV plushie I'm still holding close. I think he's questioning why I still have it even after the nasty mess back in the TV Dimension. So...

"Colores gave it to me," that was all I said.

Lucian hums in understanding. It's true, I'm keeping it since Colores was the one who gave it to me. Plus, the first person and one of the Heads, to talk to me and compliment on my custom uniform. She's so nice.

"So like, you associate the plushie to the person who gave it to you, and not whom the plushie's likeness is from?," True Rayas asked. "That's... I don't know what to say actually. I would have thought the same."

*I know... it's strange. But again, me and Real Me, the both of us... we don't hold grudges. Since...

Since we know how RTV's place works and the people in them. But now... that's in the past. Moving on.

We say or farewells' and leave Lucian's room to join the others, when all of a sudden, a spiky shadow-like monster with neon areas bursts out of the TV we all came back from. And erratically running away.

*I jumped out in fright and onto Real Me's arms. Sorry if I made you drop the plushie for that. Didn't want to get trampled by it.

No worries, I grabbed it with my cord tail and brought it to you to hold on. Plus, I think it was your turn to be carried. Ha ha. But we also learned that the monster was actually someone who works for Puzzlevision. The identity was actually the same silhouette girl with the heart-shaped patch eye, that I offered her the matcha latte from afar. I had no idea she can shift into that. I guess we missed so much while hiding in the cave. But anyways, the hologram of the AI security, Wren, appeared and spoke via the loudspeakers I think.

*We were the ones to on the front seat to be near him. Ha ha! I admit, from what I remember before showing up from memories of Real Me, I think this physical version looks cooler than the one from the Social Media Department.

“Puzzlevision thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoyed the tour thoroughly.” he spoke before teleporting to a hallway.

*Yeah... right... But hey, at least Real Me survived because of me.

And the fact the only best parts were the first half of the tour, before it all went south. But at least... I think, the fact I spoken more to RTV. The nerves to talk to him have almost all left. Guess because of how the situation worsen.

“Remember, we always enjoy watching your lovely creative process and all those great ideas you come up with. It’s been fun.”

Yeah, the 4th wall awareness very abundant over there. And I'm pretty sure, everyone over there will know what everyone did behind them; especially, the people from RTV's place. But alas, the tour is over, and we can all finally leave. The Wren AI opened the emergency exit from across the hall, and everyone slowly left. What a relief, but... I'm not sure if what Other Me did was to lift the mood with some humor. She puppeteered the RTV Plushie and...

"*Congratulations on attending my lovely the tour," said Other Me as she made the plushie 'speak' and facing me. "Would you like to rate your experience on the way out?"

"Hey," I hushed at Other Me despite I'm trying not to smile at that. "That's mockery!"

"But no one heard you? Or the Wren AI?," asked incredulously True Rayas. "I don't want you two to get even more trouble."

*I was careful to make it sound it wasn't too loud, and we were leaving anyways. But the impulse was too great. And no worries, it only happened once outside the studios.

That's right.

"Hm... that's what I thought," dryly said True Rayas.

So we made it to the hallway, once there was enough space to walk between a few of the participants. For some reason, I looked around for the cameras and spotted one; Other Me followed my gaze. I don't know why, but I just stopped and put Other Me down back on her feet to... wave at the camera with a soft smile. I don't know why, but I think because the Ai is still watching. Perhaps, to let him know, we don't break easily. Or it was just something random.

*Still holding onto the plushie, I raised close to the camera to make the toy look like it's waving as well after I did. I thought it would be cute and silly.

*"I forgive you," I said it out of nowhere.

"You what...?-"

"Me!!," I exclaimed before giggling a little. "You don't want to upset the security bot too, do you?"

*"Just a little bit of humor for the bittersweet ending," I answered.

And... as if by some coincidence...

What are you forgiving me for, fox girl? One of you snooped too much and I had to take care of him. Why though?-Wr3n

We don't know if to answer or not.

"Um... It's hard to explain. Really..."

*"I just said it," I answered with a shrug. "It's just... me and her, we are not the type to hold against anyone. And when we forgive someone, regardless, a part of that resentment goes away."

"It's... like the... the most human trait there is. And well... we still are, even if our heads and tails don't add up. Among the other nice things I did during the tour before we all went into the screen... I don't know much of the one being 'out,' but he seemed important to everyone."

A pause before Wr3n answered.

You two are a weird bunch to see life differently. Unfortunately, that's not on my database to learn, even if you talked to me many times over it. I don't care of any of that or if you just forgiven me just because. I'm just an AI doing my job. However, the First One of you, and the Other One, you're too nice... and maybe a bit naive. Thanks for cleaning up the Big Boss by the way. Now go-Wr3n

So, after that, we politely leave the studio grounds. And as soon as we leave, we made several somersaults and sprouted our wings to fly over head before landing back to the ground; a burst of energy and relief that we were all finally out. My Airborne sigil was not damaged actually, so I was worried I might fumble when taking flight if it was. I also discovered that the mysterious memer that yelled out "DO A FLIP!" was Other Me all along. I thanked her for that; she saved me twice back in Channel 999.

*Also, we hugged some participants as a sign of farewell. I also spotted SMG4 quickly leaving the scene. Of course, RTV would give him a head start.

*"SMG4! No running into ongoing tours okay?," I called and shouted from the afar. He did saw me and quickly made a salute and fled into the nearby forest. Hope that my "death" and from the other two taught him a lesson to not come in at bad times.

During the second wave of violence in the main tunnel of the TV Dimension, I still cannot forget the space-out expression he made after Other Me "died." Like he self-blamed himself for it, and for entering the tour undetected in the first place.

Then, we decided to fly for a little bit all around the place, but not too far away from the participants who cheered at us; and made them laugh with a few tricks as well. They were all happy Other Me, or the 'Real Me,' was back alive; the both of us actually. We spotted an alien ship flying, and we decided to take a closer look before it took off. It was Harley alright! Ha ha! We waved at her as we catch up to wave at her one last goodbye. She saw us, and her eyes beamed. I think because Other Me was back and alive, she felt a wave of relief that not all things that happened back in the TV Dimension was grim; like... giving her a sign of hope. She waved back at us. We are glad that it was a way to apologize for scaring her so badly for the planned sacrifice. So, since Harley will soon fly into space, what I believe is her home in space, we leave.

*For some odd reason, and I think Real Me as well, we loudly recited a famous quote from Richard Adams' novel, Watership Down while flying near the leaving crowd and around Puzzlevision Studios.

It was odd and random, but I think it's because of the heroism, survival, courage, and teamwork of everyone else, we all worked together until it was over.

"All the world will be your enemy, *Prince With a Thousand Enemies. And whenever they catch you, they will kill you. *But first, they must catch you Digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks, And your people will never be destroyed. *And your people will never be destroyed.

"Ha ha, well, didn't know you two would do that sort of theatrics," chuckled True Rayas. "It sounded like you wanted to inspire them. So what happened? I recall you brought some participants here to wind down a little."

Oh well, me and Other Me thought about it. Since they will be heading home and are so tired after the experience, we asked around if anyone would like to crash at out place to unwind. That is if they got nothing much to do. We thought maybe 3 or 4 of them would like to; our home is big but we don't want to crowd it too much.

*I sort of wanted the dragon shifter, Marie, and maybe the siren girl, if they would like to; but it looked like they got important people waiting for them, so we didn't insisted. And apparently, those two have their own Mr Puzzles waiting for their return. I didn't know how that was ironic, after confronting another Mr Puzzles who was "having a bad day and taking it out on them and all of us"; even though RTV started it... and in some part, the other version of SMG4.

"'Having a bad day?'," questioned True Rayas. "I don't know that's how you interpret it Other-Ray."

So... yeah, that's that. And the participants got along very well with the sugar zombies, and behaved despite their quirks and different personalities. J.D. baked some cookies for them; they loved them.

"Well, then, so the end wasn't so bad," said True Rayas. "So only 55 participants from the original 57 returned home."

*Um... I think 54 actually. Since I was meant to cover the 57th participant, and after I 'died,' it technically still counted as a lost number. Plus, I was an accidental addition. So, I was not meant to be in the tour yet I appeared. And... wait. If I was the 'extra,' that means I could have fought RTV. But the reason I didn't, was because I respected your wishes to not fight him or attack him directly that would got us on his bad side, Real Me. And even if I wanted to fight him, I would feel regret if I landed a direct hit on him. And I think... yeah...

"Hm... well, despite the good start before the big conflict, until the climax, you secured the Puzzlevision Mass Attack drawing," said True Rayas. "I'm glad it actually turned out okay, and you two returned home. All of the friends you made, and inspired everyone, glad you were able to do it Tou-Ray. And to the same extent Other-Ray."

Me and Other Me smile at that.

"As for the problem-solving and way you handled the TV Dimension," True Rayas' expression changes to slight worry and disappointment. "Touching RTV's things and the Desti stunt... you two were very stupid. Yet I had a feeling... it was going to happen anyways." She sighs.

True Rayas yawns, so it means it's now very late. We yawn as well.

"Well, thanks for sharing the tale Tou-Ray and Other-Ray. You two need all the rest after all that. I still don't know what now though; but you are not stepping back in RTV's place again. By the way, nice RTV Plushie and trinkets. Hope you can teach me how to duplicate items, ha ha. Goodnight."

True Rayas leaves the Room with the trinkets the SMG3 Gang and plushie duplicate. (for the Puzzles Plush quest ha ha)

......

*"Still would..."

"What? Are you okay Other Me?Like..."

*"Oh... um... nothing. Okay, maybe dying and coming back made me feel a little... stronger? I don't know, I'm just tired; and I don't know what I'm saying. Lets go to sleep."

Well, the bedroom only has one bed. But it's at least queen size, so we fit; perhaps we won't sleep alone. Other Me went to change shirts, finally. And came back with one that showed as if there were no signs she was shot and with blue blood on it. Though she still kept the ruined one and hanged it on the very far end of the closet, despite the fact it was a ghastly reminder of what happened. I... I think I was too lazy to change out of my uniform. So we laid on the bed, covered with our blankets. And our RTV plushie sitting right between us.

After a short time to trying to fall asleep...

"Other Me, we, didn't told her that RTV already saw the drawing and actually brought it up."

*"I think because we didn't want to tell her what was his feedback, even thought the sudden surprise was too much we left in a hurry before we heard what he thought of it? And the fact we lied about that when I played with the plushie actually happened in the Health Department and not outside. I'm... not so proud of that, like you Real Me."

"I also... cannot believe I stayed quiet about it. But since we won't be involved into more adventures, and made it back, it's shut-eye for us."

*"Agreed. And also... I hope you don't mind I might had... somehow, got everyone's number."

"....Why?"

*"It's been nice meeting all those people, that maybe True Rayas would like to meet them again, the one's behind them of course in the same form they came to the tour. And maybe... we can also go outside."

A pause

"*I also left out the part that RTV DID barked at me after seeing his interaction of his Young self and the Siren girl, just as she entered the screen."

"Are you still HERE, FOX GIRL?! Mind your own business and just GO already!!" he barked/yelled. *And a few feet before going back, he yelled one more time. "These blue handprints better not be permanent! DISGUSTING!!"

*He would had phrased it with the meme sound effect, 'DISGUSTANG!' It would be funny if he memed once in his life. And I might had heard him mumble something along the lines of, "Just because everyone is trying to be nice, I don't need your pity."

"(Sigh) What am I going to do with you Other Me....? Let's just hit the hay."

But... for some reason, I still can't fall asleep. Does Other Me feel the same? Or is she asleep? Hm... there's one more thing, just as I bring the plushie close in a hug.

"Other Me, are you asleep?"

*"Oh um... what is it, Real Me?"

"It's just... while after you were finishing giving the fallen participant, Creature, a memorial... why did you went and approached the broken RTV clone I possessed, propped it up against a rock...and then hugged it? Did you know that... I could feel it as well? Why though?"

*"I... I'm not sure if because out of pity, or in case I was hoping RTV would look at it; a sign of how things could have been different and wished if there could be some way to fix the wrong foot, and a message to say we still don't hold a grudge against him, nor wanted to hurt him. Maybe a last farewell to the host via the broken clone? Given the fact doing so with the actual RTV, he might squeeze the life out of me if I tried, heh. And...We never told True Rayas about it..."

"The other thing is... while you did that, I did the same with my plushie back in Health; both at the same time. Maybe to not make True Rayas question it, or make her cry? Like her... we almost never cry."

A silence... before I felt something curl around my severed cord tail. It looks like... Other Me wants to see if we can share dreams like that? I'll figure it out.

*"Goodnight, Real Me."

"Goodnight, Other Me."

(*I wonder if RTV would pick up the severed cables and prongs we bit down and tore and dropped. He can throw them away if he doesn't want anything to do with us; or maybe keep them? I... for some reason... wouldn't mind if he uses them for something. It means, how I interpret it, is that he kept them as our parting gifts...)

Back to True Rayas, (ME)

After listening to their story, I leave their Room and close it. Once I lock it, the two Me's will 'hibernate,' but for how long? Unless there's a chance for a special event in the future. Now, turning to the living room, I sat down and take a closer look to the trinket and plushie duplicates; I still see the latter as the original one. Now, recalling everything they told me, that RTV's place could go right, or go wrong; and to some extent, terribly wrong.

The first half of the tour went smoothly until the Social Media Department, no problems whatsoever. I've been thinking if it would be wise to wait for the Puzzlevision drawing to come around, and it did happened; Tou-Ray waited. Tou-Ray started to trust Lucian the moment he returned her drawing back, and while looking up the tab (I'm looking it up, sorry), it was actually his sister Colores, who spotted it first; and it appears that indirectly, Tou-Ray made the siblings speak again. Tou-Ray, like me, being in the spectrum and shy when meeting new people, progressively attempted for small talk and/or making new friends. That growth became more obvious from the Film Department, until the end of the tour. How she was able to make SMG3 slowly like her via listening his one rule of not going up the stairs, make him like a Pokemon that would fit his style, make him laugh during a Smash Bros Ultimate match fumble, make some matcha latte he loved it and that she made on the first try; he was exhausted, and Tou-Ray not only made him less tired, but also spread her reassurance to the rest of the Gang. Oh, and that she grew worried when the girl with the heart eye patch who's name is Nicknack was not feeling emotionally well, she asked Lucian to give her the latte. What I can infer, it wasn't because out of shyness, but because Tou-Ray felt a near unfriendly vibe from her; so that's why she never directly approach her to ask if she was okay. And yeah, Animsay, or as she refers the cheery one, G0lly Ani, Tou-Ray was able to handle her with a game of Inscryption. And the time when she first spoke to RTV. It's where she felt she did it! She spoke to the host!

A comment Tou-Ray mentioned that when the SMG3 Gang gave her gifts, unexpectedly, she felt that she became an empathy/sympathy magnet. And it did made it until her return. She earned everyones' trust and friendship; for the second Animsay, only as close as an acquaintance, but not a full friendship. Looking up the other tab, it looks like her interactions with the whole Gang was what SMG3 noted, he wished to see them more happy if he could do the same. Sadly, Tou-Ray and Other-Ray are not stepping back there after the fiasco. Because, it feels like, the Gang will need more of her. And like how Tou-Ray said in her speech of sorrow after Other-Ray 'died,' her interactions was just as close as the late Axol. A good friend of the SMG4 Crew (in any version) who was loyal, gave words of encouragement, and who would put himself in harms way to save his friends. But... the two Me's won't step back in RTV's place, I repeat.

(And another sad thing, I don't think an RTV version of me would be there. I predict, her sole appearance and regardless which side she's in, everyone will be too hard on her. And that scrapped version's presence if she worked at Puzzlevision, would bother RTV too much since it reminds her of what the two did; even if she's a different one, with different memories, background, and has done nothing wrong. But thinking of more than one RTV!Rayas, as in twins, triplets... or even quadruplets... is barely nagging)

Now, Tou-Ray so far, and before the appearance of Other-Ray, she have been like a samaritan; a basic person doing what she can/could to help others. She cleared a misunderstanding in the Castle's kitchen and befriending Grinnames, offered latte to Nicknack albeit from afar, helped Harley feel safe from the fiasco at the Social Media Department, cleaned RTV from the sticky notes and hair, protected Animsay while everyone was grouping, saved Animsay from the RTV clones back in Channel 999, and distract RTV so Kid RTV (Young Other-Ray refers) could run away and for the siren girl who's name is Sci to recover.

Onto Other-Ray... I was thinking of scenarios of whether Tou-Ray would handle any situation alone, since like me, I'm creative to coming up with something. But a part of both her and me, we share the same insecurities; one of them, is if what to do would help and make us feel useful. I think when I was having doubts of how it would turn out, it looks like the obstacles Tou-Ray may not be able to had summoned Other-Ray to be on her side through a Wish after eating the custom Deathcard and absorbing the sigils; still questioning if my thoughts or Tou-Ray did it alone by impulse. The fact the Amorphous sigil changed to the Fecundity sigil... unsure if it was the perfect timing or a coincidence despite the fact, that sigil changes to a random one; but it looks like it decided to change to one that Tou-Ray needed the most? (Or maybe I was curious to see how it played out if a second Me showed up) Now, Other-Ray is just the same as Tou-Ray and me. Memories, personality, and trouble-solving. But shortly before and until she 'died,' it seems she slightly changed a little; and that Tou-Ray could recall, she was slightly independent. The whole Desti sacrifice plan was one of her ideas if the situation in the TV Dimension got out of hand, and knew that her own Unkillable sigil would protect her from dying permanently so she could keep a lookout after Tou-Ray. Other-Ray also knew it would be a bad idea, because "dying" in front of everyone would traumatize them, and she hoped she wouldn't do it; but Tou-Ray was about to be shot, so Other-Ray settled with the last resort. But both had the Unkillable sigils, even Tou-Ray for that matter, so it looks like... Did Other-Ray knew what would happen long before the TV Dimension since she showed up? Wouldn't be crazy if she had Foresight/Clairvoyance? But back to the matter. I recall, based on the rules of Inscryption about the Unkillable sigil, that a card bearing that sigil perishes, it returns to your hand immediately, but why did it took longer for Other-Ray to come back? Was the shot too fatal, that when she came back, she was put in a healing coma? Strange... But when she came back fully healed just during the battle of Channel 999, she continued keeping an eye out for Tou-Ray; such as helping her not get blown up with Animsay while being chased by the clones and the makeshift Spiny Shell, and saving her from a final shot by RTV near the climax. While when Other-Ray was with Tou-Ray, she was the one to willingly make the riskier decisions and actions. But when she was 'killed,' Tou-Ray was left alone to deal things in her own way as best as she could. Hesitantly even. After returning home, that independent side of Other-Ray become more noticeable. She still showed remorse and regret, after speaking a part of her mind. And a little more confident than usual; and again like Tou-Ray described, slightly braver (and cocky?) than her and I. But also... looking at the tab, aren't Wishes supposed to be in sync? It looks like when Other-Ray died and came back, it looks like that synchronization broke and made her even more independent; making her own Wishes.

As for the host of the tour, RTV... And in fact, very different Mr Puzzles. A... special case, to say... This version won in PV Movie, and that made him the Mr Puzzles, everyone should be careful with. And I mean by, be very careful. Plus, didn't helped the fact he doesn't trust anyone, even if some where on their best behavior; Tou-Ray was one of the nicest people in the tour, before the TV dimension forced her and Other-Ray to scheme an escape plan for everyone behind his back. In the first half of the tour Tou-Ray was in, he behaved politely as a tour host should be. Smiling and being nice, but like some Puzzles out there, it's all an act; putting a face of a perfect host. Other than distrustful, RTV also proved himself to be very spiteful. When he woke up after getting fixed back in the Health Department and hearing the news of the Security group's actions and for defending SMG4 (a different version), he went on a very angry rant, that everyone ruined everything, and everyone will pay in part for the people behind them (me included); dropping the perfect humble host act. All of the good behavior Tou-Ray did and helping him clean his clothes before getting involved with his TVs is probably lost... (hopefully not forever until the end of time) But for how long exactly? Holding on to grudges is also one of the things RTV Puzzles has; like he cannot let go of them for a day or a minute.

Now, RTV has to be... the most complicated one all Mr Puzzles AUs out there. How? A comparison between Tou-Ray/Me and RTV, lets take a look. Unlike RTV, Tou-Ray and me (and Other-Ray I guess), we don't hold a grudge on anyone. Because a little lore on Tou-Ray/Me (and irl), I once felt self-hate due to struggling with being born in the spectrum and school and the inability to make friends easily; brought me a phase of incongruity and depression (hence the broken left side of my face and eye). But because I have moved, and with new people came their support... and friends. That helped me heal gradually, that I learned to forgive the past no matter how much it hurt. I regained my confidence, and I no longer saw my condition as a curse anymore. My sense of sympathy/empathy grew as well. As for the fennec fox head, it was a gradual Wish to better adapt to sudden changes whether be social or for trouble-solving. The cog gear is natural actually, but the teeth are slightly different; the split blue hair is the most notable one. Despite these traits, still natural... even with physical changes to happen; still human. But for RTV... Like any Mr Puzzles, is a cyborg with all the mechanical modifications but still keeping parts of his humanity; and growing up with no friends like all the others (most of them). Tou-Ray/Me and RTV, both have human/organic hearts (I heard RTV still has his), but his is ironically... is all symbolically steel cold. Now, after the tour based on the girls' stories and from the tab, RTV refuses to feel anything that could make him feel all those feelings he never got as a young child; he has settled those feelings are all big weaknesses, including the want for friends. Like... he hates to feel 'vulnerable,' or hates to be weak; befriended by "enemies." Hm... this brings me my struggling time in middle school many years ago, that when I went down a path of incongruity and depression, and resentment; no one understood why I was the way I was, nor known I was in the spectrum (I also was unaware of this, which resulted in disliking myself). I also... didn't want to show how overwhelmed I was. But... hiding them only hurt me too much, even the self-hate. When I couldn't hide my feelings anymore, it was the time I had to look for help forgive the past; forgetting about it to me is optional, but I prefer to look back to understand all that. Tou-Ray and Other-Ray, still being me, have these memories as well. That's why... they don't hold a grudge against RTV. But he's still stuck to holding grudges that's the main difference; and what brought him down back in Channel 999, he still couldn't let go of what the two Me's did (I admit, touching his things is reasonable... and the Spiny Chicken? But just a gentle touch to his child self was too far?). Seeing two different people; one person who's been through harsh times yet healed and learned empathy, but the other one is full of apathy and refuses to look at their own history or to feel for others. (Like, Love vs Hate) And because of Tou-Ray's overly empathic and nice personality, it's the main reason RTV cannot comprehend nor get along with her. The other contrast of the two, like me, Tou-Ray (and Other-Ray) are ever adaptive and evolving, but RTV is stagnant and stubbornly sticking to harmful ways; the latter refuses to possibly even upgrade himself(?)

But like one of them said, it's all in the past. And RTV will always be RTV; he can stay like that, since it's not mine nor the Me's problem anymore.

(And they are not stepping into his place again!)

Now...

If Tou-Ray (and/or Other-Ray) were to do something to be on RTV's bad side, she would have mocked him for the fan mail incident, looked at him in the wrong way, side with SMG4 immediately back in the Social Media Department, abandon or destroy the plushie in front of him (but didn't because Colores gave it to Tou-Ray) or actually fight him physically like the ones who fought him; and maybe hold a grudge on him as well. You see, I would never done all that (not even the hijacking the two pulled up twice). To keep it short, I'm holding back (won't explain what that is). Tou-Ray so far has been on good behavior, sticked with the group and never broke away, never brought up the fan mail, respected all the rules by him and the workers, never spoke to RTV in a hostile tone, was very nice and respectful towards everyone else, and most importantly... always addressed RTV as Mr Puzzles out of politeness and respect. That's what the tab of how Tou-Ray did. I'm proud that she has to be the one to behave well the most... until the TV Dimension disaster and the appearance of Other-Ray forced her to be in the plot and to find ways to escape unnoticed (which was useless, but understandable since they were just experimenting with their new cord tails). I think the reason they wanted to escape with some instead of just the two of them during the first wave of battle, was because they grew attached to some of the participants; especially Grinnames, Harley, Astro (who I drew in the Puzzlevision Mass Attack drawing), and a few others. Like, they were more worried about them and help them, than deciding to stand by as bystanders of the Health group (looked the tab); I sent Tou-Ray as a visitor to recover the drawing, just a visitor (who's unfortunately forced into the plot).

The other things if Tou-Ray and Other-Ray wanted to harm RTV, they would have done more than just hijack his TVs. The would have broadcasted the fight publicly, ruining RTV; but they didn't because it would make them no better than him... or maybe just as worse as him. They were trying to either find Channel 999, or bring something from the channels for a vehicle or tool to help everyone escape. And as for possessing the clone, Tou-Ray would have used her finger gun to shoot back at RTV, but running away as far as she could was her priority to keep her body safe. The two girls (and some extension me) don't have to like him, but just show some respect (but I think touching his TVs and clone possession where infractions, that no one told them. Lesson learned, and that's now in the past).

I got to be honest, I would have no idea, what outcomes would turn out to happen. So many scenarios (ideas) came to my mind until ones settle; and sadly, none of the ones to keep Tou-Ray (and possible Othe-Ray if she appeared out of the blue) out of RTV's list of people he didn't liked; or even one that would keep RTV at least to tolerate her (never liked anyone even as the tour started?). And other scenarios if RTV saw the drawing at any point; or if Tou-Ray lost the drawing again in the TV Dimension/Channel 999 (how would that play out?). Or, what if Tou-Ray slipped by during the Social Media chaos... only to end up locked out between the entrance to the department and the hall outside; she would have been left alone and scared, not knowing what to do. Or what if Tou-Ray still absorbed the sigils but Other-Ray never showed up, and went to the Security group for moral support and to shield everyone with her umbrella. But the latter, it could play out like a more distressing version of Western Spaghetti. Dying over to only come back, and repeat itself... Except that Tou-Ray and I, already know the story; and since Tou-Ray isn't Meggy, she would not be bothered too much and would either make Wr3n target her more or grow bothered she isn't reacting how he wants to, but everyone would be so traumatized to see her die and come back over and over again. Or it could have been Other-Ray if she showed up and joined Lucian and left Tou-Ray to be cared for in Health, but the first thing she did was take Tou-Ray to Health (mostly to not conflict with the poll). Until the TV Dimension chaos and final battle in Channel 999, I still couldn't make a concrete idea or how the two would do. Almost as if when things started to grow hostile, many outcomes where waiting to happen, until one is settled; picked at random. Some that I'm not proud of, nor that one in particular, the "performing a Desti" plan, because it would make things worse. And it did... Though the ghastly spectacle inspired everyone to work closely together, and it turned out well so a tragedy can be prevented on time; but the therapy to all those people... One weird idea that came to mind... and that is what if Tou-Ray challenged RTV to a Inscryption match. Betting something whether be the freedom of the participants, or her freedom in exchange for everyone to be let go; but... RTV would refuse that, he's a movie producer, not a gamer. That would sort of mirror the ending of the first season of Meta Runner now that I think about it. But then she wouldn't return home with the Puzzlevision drawing and plushie if she loses. Unless if she manages to convince him to play, she would do what the last scenes of act 3 of the game: playing the game without keeping score; and maybe converse with him during the game... But his act of good host is gone, so he won't.

Though... what if in a scenario that didn't involved hijacking his TVs, they could probably explore the completely-dark abyss of the TV Dimension; and maybe sneak a few participants through the dark, but kept close via the cord tails to guide them, all the while one of the Rayas looking for Channel 999... and no hijacking. What if the TVs have their channels' numbers on one side? Or when Tou-Ray fumbled with the last TV she hijacked, why couldn't she and Other-Ray flew away from the pursuing RTV, or hide further down into the void where RTV may have a hard time finding them in the darkness? Maybe to not make him any more angrier, and take responsibility instead? This shows how much they were aware of how RTV would react to some not wanting to take responsibility; but he could find an excuse to destroy someone.

Another one... if RTV where to know how quickly Tou-Ray and Other-Ray could adapt too quickly for survival, and how creative they were... Why am I imagining that not just dislike them, but grow an obsession over them instead of destroying them?

Hm... looking back to RTV's place. Not a lot of abundance of memes or anyone memeing in his place; it's obvious not a single one under his rule. The only time memeing happened for a while, was during the tour. The Pomeranian sneeze, the Mutahar laugh, the Peter Griffin Death pose, the baked cookie tribute meme Grinnames pulled, the Deltarune reference RTV said (unknowingly), and I think the Megamind meme for last. The question is... who's keeping an eye to the meme lifecycle?

Still, I'm still debating if Other-Ray, since she came up with the "Desti" plan first, would it be crazy if she has foresight/clairvoyance all along? Like, she knew what will transpire? (Alas, still written regardless if she has. I still wrote something. Or maybe, all a coincidence?)

Now....

The big questions, to everyone, do you think the planned "Desti Sacrifice" was unnecessary and only made things worse and for everyone to end up traumatized for no reason, or was it a chain reaction incentive for everyone to keep fighting until RTV gave up and let everyone go? Looking back at what they did, I interpret this as a way for everyone to learn of their mistakes, I think. You see, the mistake everyone did was not looking after everyone close enough. And when RTV was about to destroy Tou-Ray and Other-Ray, everyone jumped so history doesn't happen again. Like, there's actually a benefit to losing: you learn from your mistakes. Other-Ray's return was likely a way to tell everyone, they got a second chance to redeem that mistake. A sign of hope. Heh, Tou-Ray described when she blocked the last bullet, Other-Ray looked like between a superhero and an angel. Ha ha, a Megamind meme shortly after SMG4 said the quote from the movie. At least, her revival brought everyone a sign of relief. Hope mostly.

The second, what could Tou-Ray and Other-Ray done differently?

Comparing the participants, the ones with much offensive (giants, beastly) attributes. The first half of the tour, everyone was civil enough; until the Security team's actions and the entering of the TV Dimension brought with them their inner... to make it less sounding offensive, inner Beast (?). However, even if Tou-Ray would give herself some ability that would either make her big, or have a variety of... of... like... maybe gain abilities from video games; one game now that came in mind: Octoggedon. RTV, like any Mr Puzzles, watched every moving picture that exists... but never played every video game that exists. But Tou-Ray (Me and Other-Ray to some extent) isn't that special, just an ordinary human, trying to adapt when things were going hostile too quickly; and not fighters... but who knows. So by not being like the shapeshifting participants, and not joining in the fight, she retains her humanity. I know, her head and new tail, don't add up.

So far... that's all in the past now.

Now... ending my internal analysis, I completely forgot it's past midnight. I take a good look at the keychain, it's very cute; the Pikachu and Pichu short is indeed, a favorite of mine. The Inscryption custom cards, well, I'm glad Tou-Ray had fun with Tari and Animsay (G0lly Ani, Tou-Ray would refer to the friendly one). Looking up the custom cards from the participants who sadly will never go home (yet I knew the ones behind them chose their fates), well... Now, looking at the RTV Plushie. It looks neat and cute I got to say; even the tiny cape with the technicolor in the inside of it. It's different from the canon classic one. It has a more smug vibe to it, but it makes it more unique I guess...

Well, since this is the first Puzzles Plush, guess I'll make a special glass case for it. I mean, RTV's plushie is the first for the Puzzles Plush Quest! (wonder if RTV would be at least... be neutral about it. He doesn't have to change his mind about the girls and me if he doesn't want to)

Looking at the notifications that at least two Puzzles are looking for people, what are the chances they are plushies to add for the Quest?

Now, whether to go there myself... actually, I'll ask the two Me's if they could help me make more Me's to explore. And maybe teach me how to make duplicates and absorb Inscryption sigils; the one to create copies a lot quickly. (But also visit them just to check how they are faring after the harrowing off-rails tour)

Also... I'm thinking if to add myself a tail or not, Ha ha. (I could use a slight upgrade. Or... even stitch a star patch on my shirts; or even a pin for easy removal)

Yawn... I think I'll sleep in the sofa tonight... And RTV Plush wouldn't mind if he stays with me all night. I'll build his special glass case the next day. (Wonder if I can dream up playing Inscryption against Animsay, to continue were Tou-Ray left off. Ha Ha, Rayas' Mod: Nature versus Technology)

__________________

Thanks to @4thwallbreakerdraws2 / @rtv-puzzlevision-studios for hosting such a fun and creative event. Loved how everyone's characters interacted with each other and the RTV characters as well. This was my first Tumblr event to take part of (the main reason I got Tumblr in the first place, lol), and I'm glad to have joined.

I apologize if I wrote and posted this too late after two weeks since the event.

I pardon if I wrote some of the RTV characters slightly off. (It's all Other-Ray's A(d)d Lib ability. Guilty)

If anyone would like to be interested in your sona at Rayas' place and for me to draw some, DM or comment down below. Sadly, RTV inserts cannot be there. Limit is between 3 to 4; one per person.

Mentions

@the-masked-astro / @astro-vision-au @entityarts @grinnames @runrabitrunrunrun @scimagic @fenicearts420 @michaelscorneroftheinternet @theclosetcreature @kuromipuzzles2000 @alelathedragon @niranutcake

[lrayasostripes]

OCS, The sugar zombies

I present you, the sugar zombies. Their refs, for art fight, that happened last year.

Here's Fudge, the first Oc since High School. And some drawings from the past as well.

A couple of extras

Moving on to Soda. The second sugar zombie, drawn back in college.

Finally, J.D. The third sugar Zombie, drawn first in a Magma/Aggie.io session with friends on Discord.

Some extras.

See you all in Art Fight 2025! :)

[lrayasostripes]

Aw... just Him? Not another of mine? I mean, I'm just starting to work on my Puzzle Pieces to possibly share them once final, and added to Art Fight 2025

But I'll give you another chance. I'll make one more poll. It's okay if you leave a comment if unable to do the poll (I'll also do that on my Instagram)

Another chance

Puzzle Pieces of My own!

Yeah, ever since I saw more Mr Puzzles variants, or Puzzles clones from other artists, especially from @the-masked-astro / @astro-vision-au, I decided to share what I might make. (DO NOT STEAL)

These are from a recent Magma session. But just their heads. Most are aesthetic AUs, while the Snowy Puzzles is one taking place after PV Movie.

Some are subject to change for the final product. I still have the sketches on paper from work. I have already shared Lion in an older post, but his design is WIP. I sketched the bodies of Peace, Johnnie and Him, but the others will have to wait for a decent design.

Yep, I'm coining the name for more than one Mr Puzzles or clone, Puzzle Pieces.

[lrayasostripes]

Art Fight 2025 is close around the corner! I'm thinking of adding only three of my own Puzzles Pieces. The rest will be added later. I can't wait to show the rendered final product.

In this poll, the three with the highest will make it to the Art Fight rooster.

Puzzle Pieces of My own!

Yeah, ever since I saw more Mr Puzzles variants, or Puzzles clones from other artists, especially from @the-masked-astro / @astro-vision-au, I decided to share what I might make. (DO NOT STEAL)

These are from a recent Magma session. But just their heads. Most are aesthetic AUs, while the Snowy Puzzles is one taking place after PV Movie.

Some are subject to change for the final product. I still have the sketches on paper from work. I have already shared Lion in an older post, but his design is WIP. I sketched the bodies of Peace, Johnnie and Him, but the others will have to wait for a decent design.

Yep, I'm coining the name for more than one Mr Puzzles or clone, Puzzle Pieces.

[lrayasostripes]

Thinking of Art Fight...

So.... in a couple of weeks, Art Fight 2025 will start. I only got like... 5 Ocs in the rooster.

Should I make more?

Here's my Art Fight page

[lrayasostripes]

Yes!!! More Puzzles variants!!

I love his sweater.

Introducing, Mr. Fuzzles!🐟

This guy is a silly creature I have been working on for a little while!

There is information and more art + renders under the cut!

He is an aquatic version of Mr. Puzzles who runs off of water, hence the theme of an axolotl, and also an angler fish! He still has mostly the same personality traits as Mr. Puzzles, but he doesn't talk as often due to nobody understanding him when he has his fish bowl on. He instead relies on voice recordings, sign language, and displaying messages on his screen!

A flat colored version of the first image!

[lrayasostripes]

5 stars....

5 STARS I SAY!!!!!

(Rip Creature though)

Thanks for including my Rayas into the story. Her interactions with everyone and the RTV AU was just... amazing 👏

I feel like writing an aftermath! And drawings as well. The after and important scenes of the tour.

And maybe... the last interaction Rayas and Other Rayas had with RTV (and maybe... a few surprises plot twists). Some never-included content, and... even...

A series of What If? scenarios of the Tour if Rayas (and Other Rayas) did things differently or different outcomes. With a few drawings of course.

☆ THE RTV!PUZZLEVISION TOUR [Part 6 - Final]

Man it’s been one hell of a ride!

I can’t believe we have reached the end. Thanks to everyone that participated and all that gave this story a chance!

Participant’s actions:

Becky

Lilith

Lucas

The Scammer

Nira

Grinnames

Marie

Rayas

Lari

Creature

Nia

Harley

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The dark channel was thick with tension as the participants stared up at the at best 24 ft tall TV head who still loomed over their way home, ready to cut them off.

A few people were taking a fighting stance, ready to take Puzzles on to manage their escape out of this dimension and the studio.

SMG4 now watched as Sci stepped in front of Little Puzzles, shielding him as she summoned her trident once again.

To the side, he could see Grinnames’s tentacles return, now in a pair of six and far more stronger than he had seen them before, as well as the cat eared girl grabbing her axe as her hair turned into a bright pink and wings spread on her back and even the Scammer using the figure she offered previously as a makeshift bat.

However, there were also some people like the brown haired girl that attacked him before who straight up gave up, the sight of their exit being blocked enough to rob them of hope.

Even though SMG4 understood the feeling all too well he really hoped they would at least try to stay alive because Puzzles certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take them out at this point.

With his only weapon now probably empty and owned by another person, the meme guardian himself was left without weapons.

Not good.

Even though the sight brought back some really unwanted memories and although he didn’t have his friends with himself like last time, SMG4 was not ready to just go out like that.

Least he could do was put up some fight.

He would be damned if he let that psychopathic prick win again.

With that in mind, a determined look settled on his face as he grabbed some pebbles off the ground.

Nothing special, certainly nothing strong but it was all he got.

RTV meanwhile had watched their reactions with a cold expression, before sneering as he now stepped over the portal, blocking it completely.

“Well, at least you don’t make it BORING…”

With that he suddenly charged forward, the participants quickly scattering before they could end up as a pancake beneath his feet or backhanded by his broken hand that he now let fly through the crowd.

Some were unlucky and not fast enough, getting impacted by the metal hand and thrown against the nearby walls, floor or scattering dangerously close to the edge of the cliff.

The blue meme guardian managed to throw himself to the floor just in time, feeling the wind of the attack pass over him and having a view of the unlucky one horned girl, Lilith,l next to her getting hit and slapped against a rocky wall, knocking the protest right out of her.

Soon as the hand flew past him, SMG4 quickly got back to his feet, scrambling away from the tall shadow of the TV man casting over him.

He now observed as the one horned girl transformed into a dragon, protectively moving in front of a group of people that was unfortunate enough to have landed in RTV’s sights.

What followed was a bright explosion between the beam fired from Puzzles finger gun and the fire spewn by the dragon girl as she tried to hold it off, but RTV didn’t back off.

SMG4’s hand tightened around the pebble as he watched the girl’s flames slowly extinguish.

Sure, they started off rocky back in the Social Media Department, but like hell was he going to let her die too.

Taking a deep breath, SMG4 prepared himself to do something really stupid, taking aim - and throwing the pebble right at RTV’s head.

There was a small pling noise as it harmlessly bounced off RTV's head, but the reaction was still immediate. Slowly the TV head turned into SMG4’s direction, the screen having turned to showing only a set of eyes that was now piercing through the meme guardian.

Then, he pulled his functioning hand away from the group he had just targeted and charged in SMG4’s direction instead, fingers clawed, ready to tear him apart as soon as they got a hold of him.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit-”

Now running for his dear life, SMG4 was thrown back by the huge blow that followed as the hand hit the ground behind him, sending him rolling down the cliff and onto the next platform.

“Uuugh…”, SMG4 groaned, really missing his usual endurance right about now, but a lot had changed ever since Mario…

Mario.

Yet another victim of this shitbag.

Gritting his teeth, SMG4 now started kicking at his attacker as his metallic fingers grabbed him by his overall, slowly pulling him in the air and back to the main platform.

“Oh don’t glare at me like that, you actually make it seem like your silly actions even DO something…”, RTV mocked, raising SMG4 higher, leaning his own head back as he started up at the meme guardian.

His screen changed to display a pool full of molten lava.

"Let's see how quickly the flash will melt off your bones-”

“HEY!”

RTV’s screen flickered back to an annoyed expression as he turned to face Sci who had just thrown her trident at him, its three sharp ends pinning his broken hand to the rock he had rested it on.

“Really?”

The Siren simply glared back, taking a stand now.

“Let him down, safely.”

A wide grin spread on RTV’s face, as he made a mocking half bow.

“But of course-”

In the next moment he let SMG4 drop the whole 24 feet.

“...whoops.”

In the matter of moments Sci reacted, dashing forward as her body started turning, shirting in size into a pitch black Siren form with blue fins and markings.

With the help of her tail, she caught SMG4’s fall, putting him gently safely back on the floor before glaring at RTV and now ripping the trident out of the stone.

Removing his hand, RTV now took on a more wary stance as Sci was now able to measure up with him.

Raising his hand, he wanted to strike with his fist as a grapple hook wrapped itself around his arm and a small figure came into view, determined expression on her face.

RTV saw how Harley now raised a hand to something she held in her hand and in the next second a full spray of soda hit him in the face, the confusion momentarily allowing Sci to use it to her advantage and pierce actual skin along his side, causing RTV to flinch back in pain.

That was when he was additionally hit by a star that the Scammer had now flung against him in true baseball fashion, leaving yet another crack in his screen.

Scowling, Puzzles first rammed his knee into Sci’s stomach who had taken yet another approach, before grabbing the grapple hook around his arm Harley still clung to, freeing himself from it and using the wire to fling the kid into the air, before kicking the Scammer to the side, nearly sending her over the ledge if SMG4 didn't grab her just in time.

Maybe it was a bit overkill to send a child of all people flying like that but he still had his version which was considerably less problematic and Little Puzzles being a part of him, he remembered the whole conversation they just had.

Including the hug.

And he hated the feeling that he felt as well when that happened.

He didn’t need friends.

He let go of that subject a long time ago.

With that, he charged back at Sci.

While the battle of giants ensued, some participants had tried nearing the portal only to quickly take a step back as a very motivated squirrel started to lunge at them.

Having seen what happened to Sci when Nira had touched her, C!Animsay quickly took a step back, letting the white squirrel target another participant instead.

Being a non-organic Bunnybot would be fine.

Probably.

The head of the SM Department now turned back to the portal, making a step towards it.

Another look around.

She could do it.

RTV was distracted, Nira too and she knew how to deal with Wr3n.

In fact she owed none of these people anything, so why not just-

Time’s up.

☆

“SHIT!”, C!Animsay cursed as a gloved hand grabbed her by the ankles, making her lose balance, her jaw hitting the floor.

Not again.

Turning around, she kicked one of the Puzzles clones that took a hold of her, several more TV heads now slowly climbing onto the platform as well, joining Nira in her effort to keep the participants away from the exit.

One of them now jumped onto the rock Lucas was sitting on, grabbing the camera they held for whatever reason and crushing it in its hand before tackling the participant ensuing in yet another fight.

The RTV clone that was dragging C!Animsay along the floor despite her best efforts to free herself, was now getting dangerously close to the edge, ready to throw her right off.

Usually, one would probably just break the invisible wall of the channel and fall into the next channel.

But this was the LAST channel.

So how big were the chances that one would just fall, fall and fall for eternity?

She wasn’t keen to find out.

As C!Ani was dragged past over the rocky floor, she grabbed a small stone, before smashing it with all her might against the clone’s knee.

Using her chance as it lost balance, she then raised a foot, kicking it back - and straight over the edge.

With grim satisfaction she watched it disappear in the void below, growing smaller and smaller.

Oh, how she wished this could have been the original.

But alas, she had better things to do.

Unfortunately her hopes of making a clean escape after all were quickly diminished as she saw the battlefield the area had turned into in front of her.

On top of that, RTV had now stumbled back with his opponents in their direction as well, making it way too risky for her to take the chance on an escape now.

That ship has sailed.

She tried not to think too much about the ominous words of the author, instead getting ready to run as she saw another pair of clones now coming towards her.

How she wished she had a weapon right now besides a few measly stones, but RTV had been smart enough to keep those from her at all times.

Either Wr3n had stopped her from getting one or the author who never could make up her mind if she was on C!Animsay’s side or RTV’s.

Snarling at the clones who now had started running as well, she jumped over a few rock piles quickly trying to get some distance.

Behind her she could hear them charging up.

Not good.

In the next second, she let out a yelp as someone grabbed her from behind, dragging her into a nearby cave and out of sight.

“It's just me, Ra-Other Rayas," her kidnapper now whispered in reassurance into her ear. "You’re safe here."

Right, Rayas.

That fox girl with the dead twin.

Rayas now removed her hands from C!Ani’s mouth, much to her thanks.

"Where's SMG4 and Little TV boy?", she then asked.

Right, the kid version of RTV.

Last time she had seen him, he had been hugging that other girl, Harley, before running off.

"Hiding..., but... thanks.”, C!Ani now replied dryly, supposing she owed Rayas one. 

Her gaze then fell upon the word assemble of ingredients behind the fox girl.

"What is that?"

"Um,", Rayas muttered, a shy smile now settling on her face. "Animsay... would you like to help... hold on. Do you like Mario Kart?"

"I never thought you where this creative, Other Rayas. But crazy creative.", C!Animsay commented, looking a bit flabbergasted at what could only turn out to be some weird makeshift item of said game.

"It... it just popped in my head,", Rayas explained. "So, when we have the clones all lined up, toss the Spiny Chicken until it seeks the very first person; which is us. We drop behind them at the right time, and let the "shell" do its thing. Kaboom! The blast will be bright enough, Mr Puzzles will have no idea what just happened."

"Hm... if you say so…”, C!Ani replied, skepticism clear in her voice.

How high were the chances that this would explode in their faces?

Apparently that was a risk Rayas was willing to take as she now activated her sigil and spread her wings again, flying back into the air.

"But one thing,", Rayas added. "I need to do this quickly and run back to Real Me. To check on her that no one has found her."

C!Ani was about to question why RTV would even be interested in a corpse or why Rayas was so interested in her dead real self, but held her tongue.

 "And because I need some rest. If I don't stop with the stress going, I'll pass out. And don't want that to happen in midair."

Wonderful outsight.

C!Animsay just huffed, crossing her arms.

 “You better not let me drop. Dying like this WOULD be embarrassing…”

The fact that Rayas did not give her any reassurance was not lost on her and left a slight nervous feeling in her stomach as she now was raised into the air with the fox girl with the help of her cord tail.

At least she was now handed a weapon…or a shield?

She had trouble putting an umbrella in any category but it did help her deflect the shots that the clones immediately started firing upon them.

With each deflected shot, she slightly moved around a bit stronger in the air, she grabbed on more tightly to the cord, fearing what may happen if it snapped.

That was when she noticed music playing from above, specifically from Rayas ears.

“Music? Right now? Really??,”

However, she quickly shut up again when Rayas now took a turn towards the bigger battle, C!Ani now spotting that RTV had managed to get a drop on the Siren, now turning his attention towards his younger version that was unfortunate enough to be in the area right now.

That’s when Rayas threw the spiny chicken which immediately started making it’s known round of doom that had cost many racers their victory.

And probably a few limbs now that she thought about it.

Even more reason why she started no tugging at the cord tail as Rayas froze up.

“Hey, Rayas, it’s coming back, HEY-”

A second later her heart nearly leaped out of her body as Rayas made a sudden flip.

Yep, she was going to die of a stroke at this point.

Heights were not her friend.

At least the flip avoided them getting hit by the explosion that now went off below, taking out a few clones in the process and hopefully no participants.

“Animsay, I'm going to drop you off! I'm sorry, but I'm not feeling too good! But, you can keep the umbrella! I can make more later...", Rayas now spoke up again, making C!Ani freeze up as she suddenly uncurled her tail.

Wait, wait, wait, they were still flying, how was she supposed to-

Oh right, the umbrella.

Opening it, she managed to float down safely to the floor just in time as Rayas loosened her grip fully.

C!Ani watched her fly back into the direction of the cave again, before turning back to the matter at hand.

Still the same chaos as before and no winner in sight.

Taking a deep breath, she now took the umbrella in both hands.

It was not much but it was something and sure, she didn’t own anyone here anything, but as long as she was stuck…she supposed she may help the others out as well.

☆

Having shielded himself from the sudden explosion with his coat, RTV growled in frustration as he realized that Little Puzzles once again had run out of his sight.

An annoyance and a dangerous one.

Right now, the last thing he needed was that pest poisoning his own mind. 

Well, at least there was a silver lining…

His gaze now landed back on Sci, still in her Siren form, startled from the sudden explosion as well.

Slowly striding over, he now picked up the trident that had fallen next to her, as RTV previously had thrown her across the platform.

The three stab wounds she had managed to inflict on his side were shallow but still stung like hell, so who was he not to return the favor?

Sci of course quickly got back up with the help of the rocks next to her as she noticed RTV arming himself with her weapon.

The TV head weighed the trident in his hands for a second, before tilting his head at the Siren.

“I can see why you use it. Fancy AND powerful.”

He spun it to his side, the familiar devious smile growing on his face.

“You just HAVE to allow me to try it.”

With that he dashed forward, aiming to strike, but Sci quickly dodged to the side, her long body wrapping around the nearby stones, using it as shielded before dashing forward and tackling RTV.

The TV head had fallen back with a grunt, but quickly spun the trident towards Sci’s neck, forcing her to back up and enabling him to get back on his feet, stumbling slightly as his malfunctioned hand landed wrong on the floor.

As Sci immediately used the chance to slashing at him, RTV displayed a triumphant grin as he got her close enough again to switch positions of the trident by clutching it under the arm with his broken hand, exactly where Sci was aiming for right now.

Due to the missing strength, the slash that followed on her torso wasn’t deep but it still was enough to draw bright blue blood and catch her temporarily off guard.

RTV being the gentleman he was of course couldn’t refuse such an offer presenting itself.

Grabbing the trident with his functioning hand again now, he raised it like a bat, before slashing it right across Sci’s head sending her falling back, a significantly more bleeding wound now in the form of three slashes across her face.

RTV made a sound similar to clicking his tongue.

He had aimed for the eyes, damn it.

Well, still plenty of time to correct that mistake-

-or so he thought as he raised his finger gun, until the floor beneath them suddenly started crumbling and a white scaled toothy dragon suddenly broke out, tooth filled jaw grabbing RTV’s arm.

Feeling the teeth dig into his metal, but also flesh, RTV flinched back but was promptly thrown back against a rock formation.

His head hit the stone, as his hand quickly grabbed the rough surface behind him, boosting himself back up as Sci now took a stand next to the snapdragon shifter Marie, reclaiming her trident that had fallen back onto the floor.

Now this….was a slight problem.

Ignoring the warm blood trickling off his arm, soaking the white sleeve, he took yet a stand again, folding his hands as he cooed.

“Aww, the monstrosities are teaming up…how MOVING…”, he spat out the last part.

“I don’t think we are the monsters today.”, Sci now spoke, pointing her trident at RTV. “Just look around.”

The TV head tilted his head, not taking his eyes off them as his smile grew condescendingly.

“As if you didn’t plan BACKSTABBING me all along.”, he chuckled, raising his hand but quickly diving to the side as Marie charged forward and sizing down momentarily  as a trident buried itself barely over his head.

Sneering, he seized up again, grabbing Marie by the tail, ignoring the spikes scratching using his robotic hand and launching her in Sci’s direction who quickly dodged the dragon coming at her.

A blast suddenly hit his screen out of nowhere, but RTV had no time watching out for the new attacker, as he had to dodge yet another attack from the dragon.

Instead, knowing that the other would probably use that to take another strike, he allowed his screen to become akin to those in the TV dimension, the next blast getting absorbed right through and causing havoc in whatever cha

Next thing he knew, he felt something crawling up his leg and sinking its teeth into the metallic part of his torso where, hilariously enough, it did almost no damage.

As soon as the creature bit down, their previous spell of invisibility fell off, revealing the culprit as Lari to him.

Of course.

Shoulder checking Sci, he then grabbed Lari off his torso, holding her in front of him with an unimpressed expression.

“You SOMEHOW are more FOOLISH than the other one."

"HISSSSSSSSS!"

Additionally to that, this Lari continued to be just as much of a menace than his version had been by showing her fangs and attempting to use her stinger to pierce his arm, her glance reflecting the same amount of contempt he also held for her.

"Disgusting.", he growled, before he started tightening his grip, crushing Lari and causing her to scream out.

“Go...To hell.", she growled at him to which he replied with a sneer.

"This isn’t the first time I hear that...Now do me a favor and PERISH!"

With that, he threw her down against a rock, content with the crack upon impact.

Unfortunately, his actions only fueled the other two to attack with even more ferocity, specifically Marie whose pine shot forced RTV to quickly jump over to a neighbor rocky platform to avoid getting impaled by the spikes.

Some of them still put a hole through his already battered coat, one managing to graze his leg, leaving a scratch across flesh and metal beneath clothes.

Further irritated by the fact he even was taking hits, RTV balled his fist, ready to once again take hold of the Screaming Death that was now flying straight towards him again, maw opened to charge up fire inside.

That was until a loud bonk could be heard as a stalagmite hit the back of RTV’s head, sending him stumbling forward and no doubt leaving a dent.

"HA! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!~”

Of course…he forgot how irritating Lari’s regenerative ability could be.

Attention temporarily divided, he ultimately decided to instead dodge the row of fireballs that was now shot into his direction as well as the trident that tried pinning his neck against another rock formation.

"Tch- as if I want to waste my time in capturing a vermin.", he growled for Lari to hear.

"Uhum right...like you definitely didn’t waste a LOT of that just attempting to capture a certain blue guy, a rat and even a kid- and still FAILED!!! What silly me to think you had any chances in catching me~"

Simple provocations, RTV would be a fool to fall so easily for such tricks.

“-Because obviously you can't do that even in your own dimension...do you really need your guards for everything? Damn you're pathetic- have you considered training? It may help that lack of skills-"

But alas this one had a death wish and he just really, really hated her snarky tone.

With one hand he boosted himself over the rock formation, putting temporarily some distance between him and the Siren, Screaming Death duo and instead charging at the lizard-like creature who only now seemed to register she maybe bit more off than she could chew.

“NOW YOU COME HERE PEST!", RTV barked, foot stomping onto the ground, sending her flying into the air though she still unfortunately was able to avoid his kicks and turned invisible to avoid his strikes and instead continued to appear and reappear, no doubt trying to distract him.

And he was really tempted to give in to it just to eventually crash and crush her right beneath his shoe sole.

For a few seconds, he tried chasing her, his hand decapitating the occasional rock as he tried to catch or hit Lari.

Though it was becoming quickly clear to him as he looked at his surroundings that she was trying to lead him away.

"HEY LAMPPOST! I'M RIGHT HEREEE!"

His gaze snapped back to the black lizard creature, scowling for a second as he hesitated, before his gaze snapped upwards at the stalagmite filled ceiling.

“Oh, I know.”

His hand then sped upwards, crashing against several of the sharp stony formations and sending down on Lari in a hail.

While she now scrambled to not get impaled, RTV now turned his attention back to the battlefield behind him.

Sci and Marie were starting to make their way back over to him together with a few others now that had gathered.

His gaze landed first on Nia, now with pink hair for some reason flying in the air with an axe, before falling onto Nicknack and Grinnames now with six tentacles and rushing forward at him.

“Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-”

Grinnames managed to get close to Mr. Puzzles with the boost of her tentacles, and grappled him with them, yanking his hand to the side before he could fire a shot.

RTV snarled, trying to get her off before he had to deal with the others arriving too, shaking his arm to fling her away, only for her to manage to climb onto it and face him directly.

“Listen. Here.”, Grinnames now spoke, eyes narrowed at the TV head as she held on.

“You killed, not one, not two, but- you killed two of my friends. I should kill you right here and now. But then I’d be a hypocrite.”

RTV scoffed at that, trying to hit her with his broken hand, but she avoided it.

“Whatever you’re trying to do, it isn’t worth it. I know from experience. You'll continue being just as miserable as you are now.”

Grinnames looked back up to RTV, eyes locking with him.

“Please. Let us leave quietly.”

“Quietly? Have you looked at yourself and the others? You think they would go QUIETLY?”, RTV laughed, but there was slight hesitancy in his tone.

This was turning out to be a lot more of a struggle than he thought.

His emotions getting the better of him, Little Puzzles free, getting injured-

But this wasn’t just about them potentially talking or running his reputation, oh no, it would take a lot more than this for them to achieve that.

No, the problem was that he had to set a sign.

A sign that he wasn’t just some character those people past the 4th wall could toy with how they liked.

Treat his life, his property like theirs.

Pretend like this whole world belonged to them when HE was the one who invited them.

So he was testing how far he could push it and maybe finally venting some of that frustration that he had bottled up over the past months.

Sure, if he killed everyone here, the people behind the screens would eventually return in another shape.

It's not like this was their lives on the line.

But if he started with a clean slate, well, there would be far more mistakes he was able to fix next time.

“Apologies, but they started this and I don’t LOSE.”, he now gave back, hesitance moving out of his voice.

“Heh, worth a shot. Oh whatever. I guess you're only gonna change when it really, really, hurts.”, Grinnames chuckled a wide but pained and bitter grin, before slashing her tentacles across RTV’s neck and aiming for the neck next. “Oh, and thank you for the meal.”

The TV head quickly shielded it with his injured arm, grimacing as it earned a few additional slashes, and not just on the robotic parts, before using his coat, grabbing it to throw it over Grinnames, blinding them temporarily and turning his attention towards Nia, deflecting her attack with his hand and pushing her back.

A shot of fire hit his already burned neck as he tried to tackle Sci who had arrived back at the scene, causing her trident to impale his leg, sending him staggering back.

His hateful sneer now landed on Nicknack who had her finger raised, giving him the same glare back.

“I should have taken your OTHER eye too, maybe then you would have lost that spine completely.”, RTV spat at her, growling as Sci now pulled the trident back, leaving three holes in his leg.

He didn’t notice the effect his words seemed to have on Nicknack, her hateful stare turning into a downright ferocious snarl as she finally snapped.

The following loud screech made everyone in the area flinch, before Nicknack’s body started to bend and break a sickening crack.

Even more spikes on her body appeared, tearing at parts to show pink and sizing up into a monster shape with large claws and sharp tails and teeth.

Then with a sudden motion she zeroed in on RTV, jumping at him though he quickly managed to dodge, but temsed at the sharp pain.

Nicknack landed on the rock behind violently thrashing before now jumping at Grinnames, Nia and any other participant that was unfortunate enough to be in the area, unable to tell friend from foe.

While it did have the fortunate effect of keeping them off RTV’s back it didn't stop Sci and Marie to now hit him together with full force, sending him flying back the way they came and rolling over the floor.

Grunting, RTV quickly sat back up only for Nicknack who had let off the other two now jumping on his back, claws digging deep into the skin.

“AGH-”

The TV head was cut off as Nia now hit his screen, Grinnames joining in and using her tentacles to slash at him as well with Marie who had caught up with them again sending a row of fireballs right towards him with Sci behind him raising her gradient, ready to aim it right at his screen.

Too much.

He took that and he was going to lose-

In a split second decision, RTV snapped his fingers, effectively stopping time in the whole dimension.

The  first fireball halted right in front of RTV’s face and he quickly scrambled out of reach, now staggering back to his feet, ignoring the pain in his leg.

He had seconds, maybe half a minute.

The longer he stayed like this the more he was draining himself.

He already was injured so that was an additional strain.

Being the only unaffected by the time freeze, RTV now quickly started moving Marie around, ignoring the fact that his hand got scratched by her spikes, facing her towards Sci.

Then he shot Nicknack in the eye, knowing she would feel the effect as soon as time set back in, before grabbing both Grinnames and Nia and throwing them both towards a rock formation that was sure to kill them upon impact if they didn’t react fast enough.

He would love to deal with them more permanently but he only had a few seconds left.

Running, he now moved back towards the main platform, back towards the portal and putting distance between him and the chaos that would erupt in a second.

Almost immediately time set back in, the fighting continuing with Marie’s fireballs now hitting Sci and sending her staggering back, Grinnames and Nia now flying through the air and Nicknack letting out a loud screech and letting go of him as the effect of the shot hit her.

She blindly began running into walls, tail swinging around dangerously.

RTV meanwhile felt exhaustion crawl over him as he had expected, holding on to a rock formation as his wounds started burning like they were on fire.

This was taking way too much out of him.

But damn it, he didn’t want to give up.

It didn’t help that these people kept talking to his younger self.

First the hug from Harley, now that damn fox girl attempting to soothe that crybaby, making him feel this icky affection and comfort as well.

He didn’t want it.

He was killing these people, not learning to treasure them.

Letting go of his blood soaked arm, he then pulled the coat more properly over his shoulder again, almost if to comfort himself, before turning to the clones.

Two of them now were nearing RTV, dragging the unconscious body of Rayas with them.

Due to his connection to Little Puzzles, RTV knew that she had fainted after talking with his younger version.

Right after helping him escape with that explosion she caused.

So needless to say, after the whole TV hijack, that she had the audacity to forgive him and now this, he was quite done with her.

Charging up his finger gun, he was ready to put her in the grave right next to her doppelganger.

The affection of his younger half be damned. 

"...Know ...your ...place-"

“STOOOOOOOOOOPPPPP!!”

Startled, RTV momentarily stopped, looking from one side to another, trying to locate Rayas voice.

"WHAT...? WHERE??"

"I- I'm SORRY!! PLEASE!!!"

His gaze now landed on one of the clones, eyes narrowing as he saw the default screen had changed into a much more familiar one of a fox girl.

Oh, she was really trying her luck.

"You......... AGAIN!?" , he spoke through gritted teeth, before shooting and turning the clone into a pile of scrap.

However, the expression now flicked over to the second one which quickly picked up Rayas body before starting to run.

"GET BACK HERE!" , he shouted in rage, turning around to follow them.

“I'M SORRY. WHY are you mad at me and her so much?!", Rayas instead replied, before disappearing suddenly under the surface.

She could not be serious.

“Are you daft? YOu and the REal brat of you touched my TVs!," He yelled,   "And you are begging forgiveness now, when you should have when I caught the two of you?! AND now you just take my likeness to wear?! I THINK NOT!!" 

A stomp on the ground that sent cracks through the floor forced her to exit back to the surface again.

“I WAS AFRAID!!,", she shouted, "I thought defending myself with words was pointless!! I'm SORRY for Touching your TVs and possessing this body. I'll give it back!!"

She dove back under the surface again, causing RTV to grunt in frustration.

Right, because hijacking his property certainly heightened her survival chances right now.

"NO POINT ANYMORE! And maybe there wasn't one," he said the last part in a mocking tone. 

Stopping right above her, he then took a step forward.

"I WOULD let one offense pass. BUT THIS... THE Final STRAW, YOU!! YOU... ARG!!" 

He scrambled for once, before simply stomping onto the ground again, forcing her back out once again.

Why was he even trying to explain this to her?

Precious time wasted.

With clear distaste he now watched as she used her wings again to escape through the air.

"WE WERE TESTING THE NEW CORD TAILS TO THE TVS, TO FIND A WAY OUT FOR EVERYONE!!," she shouted in midair, now dodging the shots he gave in her direction.

"And I stated correctly, that NO ONE IS LEAVING HOME BECAUSE ALL OF YOU ARE RUINING EVERYTHING! After seeing what you did, YOU and Her are actively TRYING TO FIGHT ME!!", RTV barked back, following her.

"What?? Who said I and she wanted to fight you!?,", Rayas asked in confusion. "Please... just listen to me, Mr Puzzles!"

But RTV was done listening.

On his command yet another clone tackled her, sending her scuffle to hide in a nearby cave.

"I don't need to hear another WORD!”, RTV snarled as he now loomed over the cave.

“I MEAN IT! We would never GO FURTHER THAN THAT!," she shouted back. "I did all that because I had to; TO GET EVERYONE OUT OF HERE! And I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT YOU!! What other choices do I have?!"

Now there was none.

With a swift motion, RTV broke the roof off the cave and Rayas started running, before he backhanded her, sending her flying back.

His hand immediately curled into the fingergun, starting to shoot at her while stepping slowly closer, watching as she deflected one after another, before he kicked her right off her feet.

Her legs took damage with one of them getting shot right off thr clone’s knee that she was still possessing in the next second, the shot grazing her side as well.

Another kick and an arm was broken off as well. RTV knew these clones, so he also knew where to hit.

Still, despite the harsh treatment, Rayas still has not let go of her body.

At least he assumed that it was hers because it didn’t have a hole in it.

Suddenly, the clone's head slumped, falling backwards towards the floor and straight on top of Rayas.

Instead, the fox girl now opened her eyes again, immediately trying to run only to discover that the heavy clone body was pinning her to the floor.

Chuckling in glee at her circumstance, RTV now stepped closer, raising fingergun one last time.

Time to even the score.

"Now," RTV cackled maniacally. "I will teach you this time, the LAST TIME. NOT. TO SHOW. ME UP!" 

However, as soon as he shot, it was suddenly deflected by another familiar fox girl, now up and running again without a hole in her body.

RTV was stunned for a second, questioning if he was being tricked right now.

It had to be a trick because the other explanation he could only come up with was that plot armor actually existed.

And that this girl acted the whole time like her twin had been dead on purpose.

His surprised face turned slowly into a scowl at that.

"Um... hi guys... Um, how much did I miss?,", Other Rayas now asked, looking in the round.

“Me...," her twin muttered, looking about to cry.

Other people in the area now spoke up as well, one of them being the meme guardian.

"I... I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!," said SMG4 in disbelief.

"Um... my death was... greatly exaggerated?", she looked back at Rayas. "Are you okay Me?" 

Helping herself, she now pushed the clone to the side, helping her get back up, all while ignoring RTV who still stood there, scowl deepening with every second.

It felt like they didn’t take him seriously, immediately slipping into their own little world again, forgetting he was about to just kill the other.

All because of a happy little reunion.

"Why...," he  growled, turning everyone’s attention back to him. "NOBODY stays dead these days, do they?”

He now straightened again.

 "Now... You Little..”

He stopped mid-sentence.

What even was he wasting monologue for at this point?

Shaking his head he instead slammed his hand down, caging both Rayas to the ground, ready to just turn them to one with the floor beneath.

However, this time the others weren’t just going to let history repeat itself.

SMG4 was the first to jump onto RTV’s back, somehow trying to hinder him with the others quickly joining in, slashing on him, pulling, biting to get him to let go of the two and avoid another loss of life during this off-tails tour.

The TV head was forced to let go of the Rayas when the transformed participants now joined in as well, their strength managing to make him lose balance on his broken arm and forcing him to the floor.

He could spot Nira, still under mind control, trying to somehow reach him but Bunnybot had grabbed her, able as a non-organic to hold her in place.

Speaking to her to calm her down, he fought against her trying to break free, but still remained an iron grip to avoid her coming to RTV’s aid.

Still the TV host didn’t stop fighting, squirming and snarling, his free hand clawed towards everyone in his vicinity, viciously trying to get them off in any way, the pain of his injuries only adding to his determination.

He couldn’t lose.

He never did and he sure as hell wasn’t starting to now.

A small black silhouette stepping in front of his screen tone caught his attention and his expression switched to a hateful sneer as he saw Little Puzzles standing there, wringing his hands anxiously as his TV head was looking back at his older self.

“You.”, RTV spat. “This is all YOUR FAULT!”

It was his younger self, that stubborn part of his subconsciousness that kept projecting his weaknesses onto him.

That spiteful empathy, that sickening vulnerability, comforted by traitors and enemies alike-

And yet, no matter how much he tried to snuff that parasite out, here he was, preserving, haunting him.

Puzzles hated how he looked from the kid’s perspective.

He hated that he looked like a maniacal, raging monster.

Broken when he was supposed to look perfect without flaw.

RTV’s hand dug into the floor, as he tried to shove those unwanted feelings, thoughts away.

What he was doing was…justified.

He couldn’t lose and yet-

With an exhausted groan, RTV let his screen flop onto the floor, hiding his face of conflict from the participants.

And yet he couldn’t deny that this wasn’t going anywhere.

He was exhausted, he was injured… he didn’t even know anymore what he was doing and the only reason they had not tried to kill him yet was no doubt because they feared what would happen if he died in his own TV dimension.

For a split second, just a tiny one, RTV considered just dying and dragging them all with him out of spite - Little Puzzles flinched at that - but then he still lost.

So there was only one solution to somehow try and fix this in a way that they both won.

“Fine.”, he now spoke up, anger slowly leaving his voice. “You can leave.”

With a nod of his head, the remaining clones in front of the portal disappeared and Nira stopped fighting, leaving a free way of escape.

“Under one condition: Puzzlevision property stays and that’s my one and FINAL offer.”, RTV continued, now trying to get up again. “Alternatevly, we can ALL just stay here. You could, of course, just kill me being the BRUTES you are, but let’s see what happens to the TV dimension when the host dies.”

Hesitantly, he now felt the participants letting go and he quickly shot up, tensing at the pain of his injuries, before shaking the remaining ones off.

Now changing back to his normal 12 feet, he limped over to a rock, leaning against it as he watched them now turn towards the exit.

“What about Wren?”, SMG4 asked, not having moved yet and eyeing the TV head with suspicion. 

“Wr3n won’t attack, no worries.”, RTV growled back. “The lockdown is still lifted and I don’t need anyone seeing a giant pile of bodies on my studio grounds. So take your lucky chance and LEAVE.”

A cold grin spread on his damaged face as he tilted his head at the meme guardian.

“I will catch up eventually…”

The threat was not lost on SMG4 who frowned, giving RTV a glare before turning around and walking towards the portal.

RTV continued to glare dagger in his back, watching how one participant after the other now stepped through, a few of them quickly jumping to the side as the monstrous Nicknack nearly ran them over.

He would have to retrieve her later.

His voice could only be heard again when a certain former TV head tried to walk as well.

“Animsay, you stay. We have things to discuss.”

The head of the Social Media Department froze, before turning around, her eyes narrowed at him.

“If you think I will stay after everything-”

“I wasn’t talking to you.”, RTV sneered, making an impatient hand gesture. “I meant the other one. Come on now, you had your FUN. What are you going to do with her when she escapes? After this whole…fiasco I am much more open to discuss potential plot elements.”

He was sure to make it sound like something that someone who probably had been writing this disaster would find interesting.

And sure enough, he could spot that wave of fear wash over C!Animsay’s face before her posture completely changed and a grin that he usually never saw due to the TV head spread in her face.

“Hey, what do you mean she can’t leave?!”, Lari now growled who had taken notice of the whole conversation.

“Yeah, workers rights!”, Grinnames chimed in, tentacles once again tensing up if this developed into yet another fight.

“I said everything leaves except the Puzzlevision property. They ARE Puzzlevision property.”, RTV replied, the faint sign of his usual smug demeanor showing as he waved towards Nira and Animsay. “Besides, it’s not like they WANT to leave, right?”

Nira simply shook her head while Animsay made a declining hand gesture.

“Appreciate it, guys and the other probably does too - though I’m not going to include her curses and yelling in this story - but there isn’t much out there for me. I will stick with the boss!”

She made a salute before shrugging.

“Thank you though for making him realize that he needs me after all.”

RTV scowled at that, before turning around, head held high as he moved towards Little Puzzles.

One more thing to take care of.

With RTV finally giving free the way out of the TV dimension and the group starting to help up the injured or checking up on others before making their way over to the static square,  Little Puzzles who had stuck with the other participants before now remained standing as the rest of the group moved on.

The child stood next to a hunched creature with cat ears, one eye half lidded staring into nothing. Blood coated the wall behind their head that they leaned against.

Not every participant was lucky to have survived this fight.

Little Puzzles slowly reached forward, carefully poking the participant, only for his hand to lower again as no reaction came.

He flinched as RTV suddenly grabbed him by the arm with his functioning hand, dragging him in the opposite direction without another word.

The kid however immediately began fighting against the grip, managing to surprise RTV and slip out of his grip before he could catch him again.

A few seconds later Little Puzzles had reached Sci, quickly hiding behind her again from his older self.

The fish, now back in her normal form, watched with a tired expression as the tour participants left through the static portal, clutching at whatever wound that was on her as she rested just for a bit.

She supposed she should be heading in right about now, seeing as almost everyone began walking to the exit with eagerness to leave. And yet, as much as she was trying to escape before, the Siren remained still, unsure and hesitant to step through when she shouldn't be.

All because of...

As soon as Sci tried to turn around and look back  at Little Puzzles, she suddenly jolted at seeing him back with her, cowering like he initially did when—

The fish frowned and fully turned to look at RTV behind them, piecing together he must've tried to take his kid self back to the room they first found him in.

Sci nervously looked at the TV head, then down at his child self as she sighed sadly.

"Kid..." She muttered in a solemn tone.

RTV watched the scene with contempt, his back slightly hunched again now, a consequence of having claws dug into it. 

His gaze momentarily flickered back to the dead participant. 

Collateral damage, that’s all this was. Nobody would probably miss them. 

Yet…this wasn’t what he wanted either.

It was messy.

Taking a deep breath, he now turned back to the other two, eyes narrowed as he spoke.

“You do realize that’s ME, right? Where do you think you will take him? Outside?”

He gave a strained chuckle. Everything hurt, he was so goddamn tired. The fact that he had the nerves to talk was a miracle alone. “Give him to me.”

The kid continued to cling to Sci, not moving an inch though flinching as RTV spoke up.

Despite knowing that he couldn’t leave, he still did not let go.

Sci glared at RTV through the corner of her eye, remaining silent at his order before continuing to look down at Little Puzzles with a guilty look.

She knew that... It'd be fruitless to even try, it's just his conscience, after all. Just some mental projection.

Not. Real.

That's what she tried to tell her heart at least. 

Starting to feel heavy from the little hands clutching at the fabric of her pants despite her brain yelling the exact same thing RTV said.

She tried to gently tug her leg away, trying to get him to let go in her own soft way rather than the harsh words from the TV host.

"Come on, kid... You know I can't stay..."

The TV head watched with a scowl how his younger self only tightened his grip as Sci tried to move away. 

Why did he want to stay with her so badly? 

There was nothing special about this one.

No use to her, only trouble.

Small drops of static now started dropping out of his TV head again as he silently begged Sci not to go. 

He didn’t want to be alone anymore.

She cared, so why couldn’t she fix this? Fix him?

Her frown quivered as he still refused to let go, a sudden pang of pain and guilt going through her heart. 

As she tried to open her mouth to say something again, she felt a lump start in her throat causing her to look away from the kid and RTV as she closed her lips in a tight frown.

Sci could feel the waterworks start in her eyes, becoming teary-eyed as she tried to hold the tears back.

Come on... Not like this... She can't do this.

She can't just leave him like this here, but what choice did she have?

Even if RTV let them go, who knew what he'd do if she did attempt staying.

The Siren sucked in a breath, looking back at the child as her hands gently placed themselves on his shoulders.

"I'm— I'm sorry. I really am— But I... I ca—..." The words eventually died in her mouth, hands becoming shaky as Sci tried to keep herself together.

RTV remained ominously quiet at the scene, his hand moving to his chest, grabbing the ripped suit as he felt a slight ache as Little Puzzles now started to cry.

 Damn it all.

 But he still didn’t move, fearing what could happen if he upset his younger self even more.

”Either you GO or you STAY.”, he now hissed.

Little Puzzles looked up at those words, before turning Sci as if hoping for her to actually agree. Agree to stay with him in the lonely channel.

... She couldn't keep it together anymore.

The Siren suddenly dropped to her knees, breaking the last of her defenses down entirely as she brought the little Puzzles in for a tight hug.

No longer seeing him as the smaller version of RTV, but one she's met countless times through other Puzzles. Ones she loved and cared about.

Sci hiccuped as heavy tears fell down her cheeks, the weight of her guilt and the grief for Michael catching up to her all at once as she sobbed.

She could care less for the stares on her, not when she was leaving a child to fend for themselves against a monster after fighting to protect him.

"I-I'm s-so sorry... I'm so-... so... sorry, litt-le o-ne..."

Sci muttered in a broken voice as she buried her face in the little kid's shoulder, staining his little shirt even more as she held him tight and trembled.

The kid froze for a second at the sudden hug, before relaxing, wrapping his small arms around Sci and hugging back tightly. As if he was afraid she would disappear any second.

The TV head flinched as he felt a stinging in his heart and yet the odd feeling of comfort mixed with longing. 

For more affection, for someone to ca- 

NO. 

No, this was exactly what he had been avoiding. 

His expression changed from a previously vulnerable one into a sneer as he now stomped over to the two, only to stop as he felt a twinge of fear.

 Fear about what he could possibly break by ripping him away.

“En- enough of this.”, he seethed, cursing his voice temporarily breaking.

The fish only hugged the little kid tighter and closer to her, glaring through tears as the TV host approached, as if warning him to back off and leave them alone.

Sci remained like that for a moment, rubbing soothing circles into Little Puzzles' back as she sniffled and slowly calmed her tears.

She had to listen eventually... Not at RTV's pace however.

Sci slowly pulled away from the kid, staring into his screen as tears continued to fall down her tired and bruised face.

She took a slow breath in and exhaled a sigh, rubbing his little arms up and down to comfort him.

"Listen... I-... I can't protect you anymore... No matter h-how much I want to... But you're strong, kid. It's not a coincidence you still exist here..." The Siren weakly smiled, putting a hand to their case as she softly held their head.

"You're stronger than he ever will be... Just keep fighting that big bully." She scoffed a small laugh, side-eyed RTV with a small motion with her head, not even caring that he can listen or that he's standing right there next to them.

With a small shaky breath, she looked down with a thoughtful furrow, a small metallic glint catching her eye as she stared at her spiked cuffs.

The Siren's hands fall from the little Puzzles and start to take off her punk bracelets, the last remaining part of her she could leave to him... She takes the kid's wrists and puts them on him instead; they dangle and slide down his arms, as they're too big and not tight enough to fit him, but the thought is there.

"Here... These always make me feel tougher, maybe they will make you too..." Sci shrugs with a small, fond, and teary smile.

The kid’s shoulders visibly slumped at Sci’s declaration and he pulled his hands back, fumbling with them awkwardly as the Siren attempted to comfort him. 

He then glanced over to RTV who was still watching, his face expressionless.

However, Little Puzzles attention quickly fell back on Sci as she now gave him the bracelets. Looking at them, he ran his finger over the spikes before looking back up at Sci.

RTV started shuffling when he felt the same wave of misplaced comfort again that he had been cursed from with everyone that helped his younger version. 

He hated it. 

Even if most of these people saw them separate, they still were talking to RTV at the end. And he hated that he still reacted to such gestures.

“Last chance or the deal is off.”

Black genuine leather with shiny and silver metal jewelry, one with spikes and the other with metal squares, both decorated with stars.

Sci finally looked up at RTV, her expression emotionless towards him too before she looked back at his child self again and shuffled up.

 She wiped her tears away and sniffled, reluctantly taking a step back with clear hesitation to leave him.

"I'm sorry, kid..." Sci muttered an apology a final time before forcing herself to step away and walk to the portal, gaze looking down with mourning.

Before the Siren stepped into the portal, she clenched her jaw and looked to check on them a last time. 

RTV remained rigid, staring at Sci with a look that couldn’t quite be placed.

It wasn’t quite hate but certainly also not appreciation. 

Then, he grabbed Little Puzzles by the arm and started dragging him away.

“Nira, get to Health. Animsay…you stay.”, he ordered without turning to the people he talked to.

The small Puzzles stumbled over his feet at the fast pace his older self was going before turning around to Sci, giving a last small wave.

The Siren smiled as the corners of her lips trembled, tears starting to swell in her eyes again as she gave a small wave back.

She then finally turned back to the portal once the kid looked away, stepping through it as her smile painfully faltered.

The portal brought them right back to the Health Department where Nira immediately went to work, walking to Lucian in a corner who was guarded by Chris, barely reacting at the participants making their return.

Swag was in the next bed, still unconscious from his encounter with Beeg and Mickey.

When Nicknack came crashing through the portal, scattering to the nearest exit, Chris tensed up to stop him but was halted by the hologram of Wr3n that now appeared in front of the participants.

In contrast to his robot host, this version has detached arms that ended in pixels and no mouth at all.

“Don’t bother, Chris. I will make sure she doesn’t run into anyone.”

He then tapped his head at the group, soundwave below his eye shadow moving with every word.

“Puzzlevision thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoyed the tour thoroughly.”

He tilted his head before reappearing to the side of the hallway, letting them step through.

“Remember, we always enjoy watching your lovely creative process and all those great ideas you come up with.”

“It’s been fun.”

With a last wave, he then opened the emergency exit for them, before disappearing.

Epilogue:

It’s been several days since the events at the RTV studio.

By a miracle, SMG4 had managed to get back safely to their base where along the way he had also managed to meet up with a battered Beeg and a nearly ink puddle turned Mickey.

The latter one proceeded to spend the following days staying put and drinking any source of ink he could find and having the most horrible of moods.

In general the mood among the Resistance was tense, given they nearly died for absolutely nothing.

After this world’s Lari and Marie nearly strangled them for going through with that, all of them were left with even more questions when SMG4 mentioned the alternate versions of them that he encountered.

What exactly had RTV been doing with that tour?

Where did these people come from?

Of course, the aftermath of the tour had played out exactly in RTV’s favor.

Who controlled the press also controlled the narrative and so the next headlines were all talking about that VIP tour that Puzzlevision Security bravely defeated against the Resistance's attack, with several staff members hurt.

If any of the participants ever spoke out, they were either silenced or drowned out.

All in all, things were back to normal, it wasn’t like their reputation could sink any lower.

Sighing SMG4 leaned against the tree trunk they had built up a camp next to, staring up into the sky. Sometimes he even wondered if this was getting him anywhere.

Sure, he survived but all that risk had been useless in the end.

A sudden rustling made him quickly jump up, hand grabbing the gun he carried with himself ever since he realized how important it was to always be armed.

Instead of Puzzlevision security however, a familiar egg shaped dog appeared that looked like he wandered wilderness for days, which he probably did, with a small package wrapped around his neck.

“...Eggdog?”

Beeg was the first to run over and hug the dog sith the rest keeping in the distance, expecting someone else to now come out of hiding.

But nobody came.

Hesitantly, SMG4 now reached forward, grabbing the package and slowly unpacking it.

Hey Idiot,

I know it was you who I met on that weird tour. Needless to say, I’m still pissed at you and this is not me apologizing or forgiving you. However, I have realized that maybe not everything is as clean about this whole story as I first thought. I don’t know who to trust, hell, I don’t know if I can even trust myself at this point. I have questions.

Why you did what you did, what the story between you and Puzzles is, but that’s something we can’t talk about right now.

Don’t respond to this letter, don’t help Eggdog back, he can find his way alone.

Don’t make me regret this, baka.

Three

With the package came an USB stick, the same one Beeg lost on the tour with a small note.

I took the liberty to put a file with all my current credentials on that and from that weird room in the Social Media Department. I hope this was worth the risk. 

Deep in the lower levels of the Puzzlevision headquarters, following the railing next to the deep cliffs leading further below, sat RTV in one of the rooms on the other side.

“Hand me the screwdriver.”, he spoke to Wr3n, who back in his robot host, now handed Puzzles the tour, watching as he screwed the panel to his now newly fixed hand shut.

That had taken way too long, even longer than fixing his screen, though he had optioned to just a completely new TV with that one.

He just wished his actual flesh wounds would also heal that quickly.

Sighing, he now threw the tool to the side, standing up as he tested his fixed hand.

His eyes fell for a millisecond on the spike bracelets that he had left lying on the nearby desk a few days ago.

Taking a deep breath, he quickly looked away, promising himself to stuff them deep down in a shelf in his office later.

Things at the studio had quickly returned back to normal with the only things aside from RTV that had needed to be fixed being a few holes that Nicknack left and he blamed on that round SMG4 copy and some of the employees memories.

Nira thought the whole TV dimension trip to be a bad dream and Swag and Chris simply remembered doing their jobs.

Lucian was still out and recovering, nearly having bled out from his injuries but sticking to the story that RTV created.

As for Animsay, she had agreed to being monitored through the TV head again after they had made a small deal to work together more properly again.

She got an engaging plot for “her” AU and he got less leaked information about himself.

The true owner of the body she was using hasn’t showed herself ever since Animsay pushed her onto the backseat again at the end of the tour.

“I have matched every user that has ever interacted with our account to their participant if they had one.”

Wr3n said, showcasing a list of all employees next to usernames.

“Great, have you also checked up on my little theory?”, RTV asked now moving next to Wr3n watching as he accessed their blog.

“Of course, boss. As you can see, you were right. Animsay has been writing about almost every event on the tour. If a post didn’t align with her given rules, it was never accepted and never happened in our reality.”

He showcased the end of an event post where Animsay mentioned to not let anyone write RTV’s defeat.

The TV had felt the old spark of irritation rise up in him at that, but he was more interested in the proof at his hands.

“In the end I was defeated, but it never was THEM writing that but her.”, he hummed, as he scrolled through the others' posts.

“Exactly. It seems that only Animsay’s narrative only applies to our world and others only with her allowance. Meaning if you have her under control-”

“I can also control the other inserts' influence in MY world.”, RTV ended the sentence with a grin spreading back on his face. “All I need is to give her ideas she finds appealing. She sees us all as one big STORY she amazes others with. Morals don’t play a role when the victims are fictional.”

He chuckled, now leaving the room to lean down over the railing, gaze landing upon the structure in front of him.

A wall full of pods, most empty but a few occupied by a few familiar faces.

A pink haired rude girl, an always hooded idiot with blades for hands and, of course, a red certain Italian plumber.

“We shall make some changes to this world. Let’s show them who it REALLY belongs to.”

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

We actually made it!

Well almost all of us /silly

I want to thank you all again for participating and following this silly story of mine, I’m honestly blown away by the effort that’s been put in this!

I also want to thank you for being so patient with me because I will wholeheartedly admit, I improvised most of this plot spontaneously based on your decisions lol

I will leave it up to you if you want to write an aftermath for your character or not!

General RTV AU content will now be posted again as usual over at my main SMG4 block:

Thanks for participating and stay tuned…

Animsay

Tag List:

@niranutcake @fenicearts420 @leirom71000 @entityarts @alelathedragon @mylifeisfakeenjoy @lari-the-dragon @lislelycan-i-am-dumb-lol @rat-n-atty @nia1sworld @untitled14360 @Irayasostripes @theclosetcreature @jovialoddity @purpdrawsthings @varian-the-alchemy-boi @beckycat19 @runrabitrunrunrun

[lrayasostripes]

A little something based on my recent RTV tour action

RayTV hiding from RTV. while Keeping Raya's body safe from harm's way. Ho boy. I wanted to draw what the possessed RTV clone's face looked like.

Based on the scenes of Rayas wishing Astral Projection and possessed an RTV clone to take her original body away from RTV; she had no choice but to do it. (what other choices she could have?)

Warning, spooky RTV Angy face

I got to be honest. Even if a rough sketch and coloring, I love to make it expressive. That's how you tell when an RTV clone is being possessed. Say hello to RayTV

RTV belongs to @4thwallbreakerdraws2 , and the event on @rtv-puzzlevision-studios

[lrayasostripes]

Is there room for one more?

Rayas joins the fray

Event for @livzees

Well, Here she is!

Due to her having experience before from all three... her role is undecided. (might as well multitask)

(Might joke she's a BG actress or something)

(Is there an option of designing merch such as plushies in particular?) (subconscious belief for a quote, "Puzzles Plush quest" or something)

Facts Below:

If storyboarding, might see her accidentally catch her posing or something for when she has to draw something,... when no one is watching. So she settles for some mini mannequins for that matter.

If making costumes, she would do the basics. But in her spare time, draws abstract ones with herself modeling in the drawings (will slightly panic if someone sees them, but will calm down to come clean. But she's still self-conscious)

If animating, all of her stuff is all done in Photoshop and... nothing else. Even the editing and music added to it. (Example) Usually with fades ins and fades out for saving time, but some animated movement; for her, telling the story is what counts.

Hope she can get along with everyone. She's shy and has trouble making friends, but she's slow to warm up. Just... don't overwhelm her.

[lrayasostripes]

100 posts!

Again?!?! XDXDXD

[lrayasostripes]

Thank you @ashlyterzas-blog and everyone who got me to 50 reblogs!

Wooo! Nice

Happy (Late) birthday SMG4

(Pretend the 25 is a 26)Drawn last year, lol

Bonus comic (Also made last year) Enjoy

close Ups below

So Yeah. ha ha, Mr Puzzles photobombing the scene. But nothing harmful. But SMG4 isn't amused by this; he's done and doesn't trust him. But Rayas feels bad for him.

[lrayasostripes]

Happy (Late) birthday SMG4

(Pretend the 25 is a 26)Drawn last year, lol

Bonus comic (Also made last year) Enjoy

close Ups below

So Yeah. ha ha, Mr Puzzles photobombing the scene. But nothing harmful. But SMG4 isn't amused by this; he's done and doesn't trust him. But Rayas feels bad for him.

[lrayasostripes]

Rayas at the RTV Tour, Puzzleship Down (The end???), Week 5

Fifth week of the of the RTV Tour, by @rtv-puzzlevision-studios

Directory:Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 3.5-ish, Part 4, Part 5 (END), Epilogue

Note 1: Once again, writing this in first person. Drawings now

Note 2: My main Oc is in the spectrum. But as the Tour goes, she might slowly try to interact a little bit. Especially when either trying to make social interaction. She eventually shows she's an empath. But also, do not overwhelm her.

Note 3: Interactions to the inserts are all Bg and not always direct for bigger actions. Interactions with Ocs and RTV characters more obvious.

Note 4: Even more lore drop, and 45% angst. Warning, Red and Blue Blood.

Final note: Same as previous posts. Rayas is a participant/visitor, and not the same for a future RTV version.

Story

Um... why is RTV tensing up-

“ENOUGH OF THIS SOB STORY!” (ouch my ears. Should have placed my earplugs)

RTV suddenly seizes up, looming over all of us, hand grabbing a nearby TV on the side with such force that dents were left behind. Wow... now that's the definition of being angry. I thought RTV was going to laugh at my "misery" or something. But why did it made him so angry?! Forgiving him when I know he doesn't deserve one after what he did? Or was he just done?

He now pointed a finger at the body of Other Me; I flinch and keep her close. (Is he raging at 'Her' through Other Me, thinking she's me?)

“You think you can BEAT me here? In MY world?! THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU!” And then he begins to cackle, like as if...

OH.... oh, so he's mad for us hijacking his TVs; like, bending his rules, or even trying to play him. I should have said sorry about that in my moment of 'sorrow,' but oh well... Hope to apologize for that, since he thinks I'm Other Me. And I still have my Unkillable sigil, so... I'll just come back. (but my uniform that I crafted will be ruined)

(My chest got ice cold for a moment after that wrathful delivery)

I got to be honest, after what he said, I'm somehow picturing the whole drama to an online game session, and RTV is an obnoxious (sorry but it's true) gamer who just destroyed my best avatar in some random rpg game, and now is raging through his mic and making the rude gesture with his hand only because he's tired of my roleplaying personality or something. Or, like I cheesed him in his own game with hacks, and still somehow got me. Still, I'm keeping the sorrowful act even while thinking of a dark humor comparison; don't want to spoil the act.

But now back to the present. This... oh boy... Other Me has not stirred. Wonder if she's playing dead too well. I'm getting very worried, because... RTV is keeping his gaze at me. Must keep the sorrow act, but adding fear to it. (I don't like it)

“You’re right. Why TALK it out when you can FIGHT it out? Well, it appears you’ve made your decision and I’ve made MINE.”

I don't like the sound of that....

"56 Participants to go...."

Even worse! D-did me and Other Me made it worse?! Damn It! (and I guess I won't say sorry for the minor cursing). Should have only performed a Desti without touching the TVs. Why did I followed Other Me's plan?! (I'm tempted to getting rid of her Unkillable sigil)

I was snapped out of my silent self-pity and silent anger when I heard RTV charging up his finger gun. I grabbed Other Me's body, still wrapped in the blanket with my cord tail, and her umbrella; I keep my other umbrella and plushie as secured as possible (I need the RTV Plushie to start the quest). And then, everyone scatters as the clones start attacking and tackling everyone... including me. If it wasn't for diving into the dark abyss and my Airborne sigil Other Me gave me to fly much quickly (without asking, but... thank you very much), I wouldn't at least, stay away from the clones following me. But it looks like RTV learned of his mistakes quickly, and learned my gimmick. Because the clones randomly fired at us while under the cover of darkness, as if trying to draw me out. I was lucky not to get hit.

I wasn't crying because of the frantic attempt to get away from the chasing and shooting clones, but because... this is in someway, my fault. Our fault... I never felt this feeling in a long time before my adaptation change: hopelessness.

(...the bridge is falling down...)

After a few swings of my open umbrella to block/deflect the bullets, I was able to lose the flock of clones after hiding behind, the left side of a TV (please don't come alive), and then hiding behind it, not realizing that one TV below, was the hiding place of SMG4 and... is it Animsay, but no TV head?

While crafting some sort of shield with the umbrellas (and making duplicates) and the body of Other Me, in a fashion to a clam or reinforced sandwich where we'll be protected on all sides, I couldn't help but listen to their conversation. Also, I tuck my RTV plushie inside my vest (You're coming home little one, even if papa was a big meanie to your twin auntie)

I think the Animsay I met before entering the TV Dimension, I'll refer to her as G0lly Ani; G0lly as in one of the Uberbot boss from Act 3 of Inscryption, and share that bubbly personality and mentions of the Internet. But the current Animsay... just Animsay.

“This isn’t working!”, I heard Animsay hiss, from behind the TV to avoid a clone or two. All passing by and chasing whoever is trying to get away. Thank goodness not one spotted us.

She peaks around the dimension. Her eyes glanced over to the TV’s, before she shook her head. I follow her gaze... but what exactly? If I recall... maybe channel 999? It's possible...!

“We need to enter the channels, we are literally sitting ducks here!”, she now meant to SMG4 who was next to her, only to realize that he wasn’t even listening.

Oh... I guess he's still traumatized for what happened with Other Me; he still thinks I, the real self, is dead. I hope when this cools and everyone is out, I'll clear out the tragedy that we are fine and just playing dead. Or maybe, he feels guilt that he caused all this? Maybe... Dang it! I knew this was a terrible idea. (and did this brought him more bad memories from... well, how this version of PV Movie went?)

Now, guilt and hopelessness when mixed creates the worst feeling: self-hate? I think so. Looking at the drawing, that has been safely been tucked in my shirt pocket... I shouldn't have arrived in the Tour to get my drawing back; it's just a drawing, that I can just redraw and improve. It was all going so well, aside from SMG4 (this version) ruining it. But I... and Other Me to some extent, only poured more salt. I didn't realized RTV was that volatile (and paranoid); and he is the first other Puzzles to meet. I knew it was too early to meet him. Especially this version of Mr Puzzles.

SMACK!

Wha-?

“Agh! What was that for?!” Oh, Animsay hit Four.

“Get it together, man! We need to get the people out of here and into the channels!” she sounds dead serious now.

“Into the- you think it’s better in there?!”

“Dude, look around!”

SMG4 gave the chaos a glance, even me. So much chaos. (I pray no one dies. Especially those I grew attached to)

“Yeah…okay, but I did this before. It didn’t work, he just caught us again at Channel 999.”

"Still, we have better chances there than here. You can’t save her, but you can still help save the others.” That's... that's something... yes! But do they know I'm eavesdropping them?

Even if there's no one from the canon Crew, or especially... Axol, the words of encouragement, Animsay wants to set it all right! And, even if I made things worse, and unintentionally made RTV hate us (and Her)... I want to help. This makes my chest feel warm again, and the near cold I was feeling gone. I'm not a fighter, but I can still support; the one thing I have been doing. In addition, since everyone thinks I died, I have to keep the mournful act till it's over, or until Other Me wakes up in a surprise. Other Me has not moved... She's not cold nor smelling, but her long resuscitation is worrying me. I peek at my sigils... the Armor/Nano Armor sigil has not been used after getting chased by the mini clones and almost getting crushed by RTV, phew... At least... I'll be safe for just one hit. (Question, after hearing Animsay's tone and manners, how will she react to when we reveal we can't die permanently thanks to the Unkillable sigils, and the whole 'sacrifice' was all planned?)

I look back down, and SMG4 and Animsay are looking up at me; they realized I was listening the whole time. SMG4 looks back at Animsay.

“...you’re right I got them into this. I need to get them out.” SMG4 leaves to gather his group.

"Psst! Hey, Other Rayas...!" It's Animsay; she saw me and... well... Other Me taking my identity. I almost forgot I have to pretend to be the copy, and traumatized. I quickly pocket my drawing back in the shirt's pocket.

"Hi...." I said quietly, but still retaining a semblance of panic and sorrow. I keep Other Me as close as possible.

"We are grouping. Come on now!" Animsay commanded.

I follow her, into the chaos. Wings of the Airborne sigil activating for a speed boost.

"What... the hell is that?," Other Animsay dryly asks about how I turned the body of Other Me, still covered in the blanket and wrapped with my new cord tail and with umbrellas arranged around her. In a quick second of demonstration when 3 RTV clones spots and follows us with finger guns ready to zap, with the 4 umbrellas being for cover, I position myself between the umbrellas and Other Me. If these where not made by me, then they would have been destroyed for just one shot; anything from my place can only be broken when in my own home or by my own hands, not by Strangers' Fire. The shots either get absorbed, and or ricochet back. Some eliminate the previous clones, and able to save a few participants. (Why did I felt a hateful glare?).

"I'm sorry!," I shouted to whomever could hear me and gave me the hateful glare.

Other Animsay gives me a wary and weirded out look. But she brushes it off. She grabs an umbrella from Other Me. Now she has a deflective shield now.

"Heh... Neat umbrella I guess," does she remember the courtyard from the main building to the Castle? "Get rid of that...," Animsay was referring to my RTV Plushie, tucked inside my vest.

"... Can't do that... she promised herself to leave with a souvenir,... and... I'll bring it to her home." I said it in a mix trembling and offended tone as if I, the Other Rayas, couldn't let go of the death of the 'Real' Rayas and doing all of her dying wishes.

But the current Animsay is... how do I say this... is bothering me.

After SMG4's and Animsay's group gather all of the participants, worn out, tired and hurt, we where ready to head to a TV; the fish girl participant (Sci by @scimagic ) had to be carried and tied on Other Me's body since she was still unconscious. But that also meant I can't quickly use Other Me's body as a shield again. I... never thought Nira not only can she heal, but also hurt people with just a touch; though, I cannot help but noticed that mechanical beings remain unharmed after she touched RTV (hm...). We were about to form into one big group and go into a TV when all of a sudden a giant familiar hand reaches and snatches SMG4. Dividing the group in two.

“Where do you think you’re going?” His grip on his is tightening, I can see that.

I looked away, since I wasn't sure if... SMG4 won't be lucky. But when I did, I noticed that the participant with the blonde hair and orange and sky blue uniform, Astro ( @astro-vision-au , @the-masked-astro ) and who is in my drawing, was readying the same EMP gun that knocked RTV out cold. They're aiming...

“Running from consequences again, Four?”, RTV taunted. “Why don’t you just give up? Maybe it will finally stop people’s lives from getting ruined- AGH!-”

Astro finally shoots. It only hit his hand, missing his head, but at least SMG4 is free now. RTV's hand just went limp, so does it mean he only has one working hand now? But this makes all the other clones focus on them, and Astro aiming the gun at them; and them letting out a swear (hey! Harley's here).

No time to loose, The two groups go to separate TVs; I'm still in Animsay's group. But when I looked back and briefly stopped, Astro was the last person to go in, but the gun looses power.

"IN!," exclaimed Animsay as she forcefully grabs me by the back of my vest, just in time when a RTV clone was about to catch me and the bodies of Other Me and the fish girl. For a split second as I was being dragged in the TV, I saw the classic smily face of the clone change to the classic "scary face." I think RTV, REALLY 'loves' (hates) us (and Her).

(I hope Astro made it in with SMG4's group)

As we all fell, the umbrellas around Other Me's body fall off, but at least, the fish girl didn't had to fall on the hard surface because I made sure Other Me would serve as an emergency mattress (sorry). My RTV Plushie, still safely tucked in my vest. Well... it looks like it's my first visit to a channel in the TV Dimension; this... is getting better?

So, the group I'm in consists of the silhouette girl I gave the matcha latte ( @runrabitrunrunrun ), the robot rabbit (Bunnybot by @selfshippinglover ), Grinnames (Grinnames by @grinnames ), the blonde girl who we all know her as Scammer (Scammer by @leirom71000 ), Lucas ( @mylifeisfakeenjoy ), the usually anxious woman with the big blue eyes and brown hair I learned her name is Becky ( @beckycat19 ), and finally, Harley ( @entityarts ). And Animsay, me and my still-dead Other (please wake up!)

Huh... a 3D pre-rendered, basic movie? Middle ages? As I was reaching for the third umbrella on the ground after picking the other two, I heard an unfamiliar voice.

“Agh! What are those hideous creatures?!" It was a man in purple and royal clothes (and that hair though), and very basic 3D rendering; he quickly steals the third umbrella, unsure what to do with it. Which movie is he from? And what movie that has these kinds of animation quality? Wait, are we in a Barbie Movie?! (I internally laugh at it, but must keep a confused look)

"...Hello," I meekly greeted after I picked up the covered body of Other Me. Animsay facepalms at that; because of me I guess... (So, not a Barbie fan, because I'm not into Barbie dolls; only plushies I find cute)

"Ugh! You dare say hello?," he scoffs before he then looks over us. "You should all be ashamed, for looking like that. All those weird ribbons and horns and red eyes, fish fins for ears, bizarre shadow girl with mismatched eyes, no arm with something hanging, some box rabbit, that woman with such big eyes... And you," directed at me. "Fox... wheel... split colored... , broken faced,... big eared, metal... rat tailed..., Ugh, don't know what you are, but you are by far,... the MOST hideous." He laughs at me (charming...)"But unless the ones that are normal, are you with them as well?"

But before one would answer...

"Actually, no matter. You are all into black magic. Guards! Take them away!"

"Yes, Preminger!"

(Hello Preminger)

Sure enough, royal guards start to close on us. Grinnames, silhouette girl, Harley, Lucas, and Becky where able to bail out of the scene. For us, not so lucky. Animsay tried to resist as if since this is a Barbie movie, maybe the violence here wouldn't be- she just got hit in the jaw...

One of the guards take the unconscious fish girl. One of them tried to take Other Me away, but I said she's my twin and that she's very sick. So... the guards keep their distance from me but still escort me to the others. All of a sudden, Preminger snatches my RTV Plushie! And taunts me with it!

"H-Hey- that's mine!," I protested. I don't want to lose it, since it'll be a good trinket to keep to start the Puzzles Plush quest. (even after what RTV did)

He just laughs at me, like a bully would. I never watched this Barbie movie we all ended up here, but now I know who the bad guy is. (And pictured the interaction if RTV took his role. Makes sense, albeit lighter)

At least Preminger didn't say anything about checking our pockets, he would probably take my Pichu Bros Keychain, the original custom Deathcard along with the Beast and Technology copies, some drawings back in the Health Department, and finally, the Puzzlevision Drawing.

Well, here we are, in the dungeon. I carefully adjust to a corner as I lay Other Me's body on my lap; the fish girl lies next to me a few feet away (I'm still shivering of what Nira did to her). Animsay meanwhile is grumbling under her breath, sounding frustrated. I look under Other Me from under the blanket, her expression still blank (almost peaceful); she's somehow not gotten cold, and no smell of rot (strange). Maybe she's in a coma? Oh... blue blood on her shirt (my shirt), still fresh; but somehow it slowly stopped bleeding? (and the blanket somehow not getting blood on it?) I decided to untangle my tail around her, and connect my cord tail to hers....

........

Nothing... But I have to try... (Honestly, I'm tempted to pinch or slap her awake, but I'm not a violent person)

("Other Me? C-Can you hear me?... Please... It looks like, we stuffed it up. Our plan only made a scene, and now RTV hates us, and 'Her'")

I cover her face and arrange her to have her head resting on my shoulder. Her ears peeking out.

("The TV hijacking... he hated it, Other Me! Maybe we should haven't done that; and should have defended ourselves by speaking after getting caught. He saw us challenge his pride, and now sees us with scorn. And... now he's going to kill everyone! Even if they have people behind them, it's still very sad. Please... Unless you are playing dead too well... I need you so you and I can help get everyone out easily.")

As I keep that link, and fighting tears of frustration, I notice the fish girl slowly twitch. Meaning she's about to wake up.

("...Fine... at least, SMG4 and Animsay was able to convince everyone easily after everyone thought you died, that I died, to follow them; and in addition for the other participant with the glasses and smile... We are all trying to regroup to go to the well-known channel 999, the final frontier... Or, when She has a better plan in the next second. So... please... Please wake up...")

.......

Before I disconnect the cord tails, after thinking, if doing so will transfer memories of the recent events, so I focus on recalling the events while connected... But not sure... The fish girl slowly wakes up.

“Ugh….what happened…?” she said, I finally disconnect the tails.

Animsay, the head of Social Media turned around to now see her waking up, rubbing her head before looking at the ceiling above in confusion.

“Am I tripping or is everything low quality?” (Ha ha. And btw, what year is this movie from?)

“Welcome to Barbie and the Pauper.” Blankly said Animsay.

“What?”

(I knew it! A Barbie Movie! I mean... oh no!)

The fish girl then looks around at us, including me and Other Me; she missed the whole 'sacrifice' deal, but... Should someone fill her in on what happened? If I was her and missed out, either I'm saved from seeing a tragic scene, or getting filled on the details to know and then feel a sense of distraught.

“Alright, we are not waiting for the others.”, Animsay announced, turning back to the bars of the cell. She's sounding impatient now... Ho boy. “Who knows, they might already be on the next channel.”

“You think they would leave us behind?”, asked the Robot rabbit.

"I would," bluntly said Animsay. (Seriously? Didn't she said that she and SMG4 will try to save everyone back in the second wave of chaos after Other Me 'died'?)

W-wha? Of course not, I befriended Grinnames and Harley, and to some extent the silhouette girl with the heart eye; at least, from afar after the latte. I don't think they would leave us, since I gotten close to Grinnames and Harley enough. Maybe... they are having a hard time getting us out?

Animsay then looks at me, at Other Me. And she says...

“Leave her behind, she’s dead weight.”

What!? No way. I keep Other Me as close as I can. And keeping the act of suffering the loss of the "Real" Me.

“Where else would I leave her?” I asked confusedly with my head tilted.

"Here, she's dead," she answered... just like that. I had to turn away from her.

(Bruh. An internal meme moment just to forget what Animsay said)

Come on! Just... wake up Other Me! Just whisper that you are back or make a twitch. (Do a flip, ha ha heh....eh) No way I'm leaving Other Me behind, not here. Sigh... Animsay must be having a hard time now... probably not thinking well. And despite her change in attitude compared to outside and here, I still see her as an acquaintance... I have to know... why is she being so hard on herself compared to here versus outside? Hm... maybe... I wonder if Animsay, or G0lly Ani, wanted me to ask her a tour question back in the Social Media Department; or perhaps, make up an excuse for me to speak more.

I take out and look at the Puzzlevision drawing, and secretly hoping that someone here would take a peek. The question that I actually wanted to ask her but couldn't, was about sharing fan art online; a slight pointer to my drawing.

Hm... looking at the drawing... and then looking at the copies of my custom Deathcard, including the original one...

(Maybe...)

“She never got to ask you her tour question…”, I muttered, but slightly louder so Animsay could hear me while she's trying on the bars; and keeping the sorrowful act going while busy working on something on my Puzzlevision drawing. How does Animsay reply...?

“That wouldn’t be a question to ask me anyway...." she muttered, but I was able to pick up the empathy she has, albeit barely there... sigh. “Has anyone here got something to break those bars with?” Animsay huffs. I stuff my Puzzlevision Mass Attack drawing back in it's safe place. (Now I have too much in my shirt pocket)

“Well, well, well….” It's Preminger, along with what I assume is his theme song? He finally shows himself in front of the prison cell with a smirk (2000s animation quality)

I stand up and carry Other Me on my shoulder; to be honest, she doesn't weight that much when carrying on my shoulder or in bridal style. I walk slightly close but keeping my distance from Animsay.

“You can’t tell me that RTV wouldn’t play this guy,” I heard the fish girl whisper to who I think is the robot rabbit. The bunny hid his snicker behind a cough.

I got to be honest, like before when Preminger just snatched my RTV Plushie, I do visualize him as RTV: a Bully. How long has it been... since... (since...)

“Don’t you have a wedding to prepare?”, Animsay drawled which earned her a condescending look from Preminger who sniffed, before looking at his nails. (Nails?)

“How lovely of you to bring it up.”, he now leaned forward slightly, gesturing to the side. “You see, preparations are almost done, but I keep having trouble with a particular annoying problem.”

Oh... someone is getting married? Well, recalling the original story of the Prince and the Pauper, the Pauper dressed as the Prince, is to be crowned instead of the intended Prince; but a Barbie version, so it's close but different. And besides, there's always the bad guy running a conspiracy to get their own way.

“Perhaps we can make a deal then?”, the Scammer (?) spoke up from inside the cell with us.

“A deal?”, he repeated, tone intrigued despite his scrutinizing look. He's interested? Well, Scammer at least looks normal, so that's why Preminger is wanting to hear her?

“We solve your little problem and you let us go”, the Scammer smoothly continued. 

Preminger seemed to consider it for a second, before raising a finger.

“I will let one of you out to do the deed and if that is done I promise to let the rest of you go.”

"Deal"

"Very well."

Hm... I feel like, he's going to break his promise as soon as Scammer extends her arm from the bars. But since her name is Scammer apparently, she might turn the tables on him to help us out? It could work, but I want to see how it plays out. But mostly because I need to recover my RTV Plushie!

As the door is unlocked, Animsay forced the door open, and the fish girl pulled her trident out at Preminger.

"Keep quiet." whispered the fish girl. Well, I guess we are all leaving then.

“Let’s get out of here.”, Animsay meant, stepping to the side to let the others out, before I noticed her flash a smile to the fish girl. “Let me help you with that.”

In the next second she punched Preminger’s light’s out. Oof! Oh! RTV Plushie! I cannot believe he kept it for himself; but, did he liked it? I quickly pick it up and place the plushie back into the safety of my vest.

Hearing footsteps nearby...

“Oh hey, you’re free already.” It's Grinnames, and the rest of the group with her following. Oh... um, they also brought treats. (May I have some?)

“And where have you guys been?”, Animsay asked incredulously to which she got a shrug.

“We visited the kitchen.”

“Yep, the portal was close by.”

“Totally.”

Well, that was easy... maybe... too easy? But at least, the treats, Other Me's body, my plushie, and all of my things are with me. I look back at Preminger, and he still has the third umbrella... he can keep it (and hopefully nothing changes anything here).

"Hey Other Rayas," Grinnames said to me, still keeping the act of being the copy. She hands me a whole rotisserie chicken at me.

"Oh, what's this? Grinnames?" I asked confusedly. It's looks delicious, and besides, I'm a bit hungry. (Just... why the whole thing?)

"You need to stay healthy and strong," she explained before pausing for a bit. "Wait can you even eat? You're a robot, right...?"

"Well," Oof, how to explain when I'm still human despite my head's shape, and that I'm still organic? "I can still eat... Like any human, and still am. I... I know... my head shape doesn't add up."

It seems Grinnames can understand.

So... I only managed to eat the wings of the chicken; the whole thing... saving it I think, not wanting to disappoint by throwing it away. On the way, I was able to find a metal serving tray and lid and tie it with the tie of Other Me; hope she doesn't mind it, but her blue Puzzle piece tie pin, I clip it to cover the hole in her shirt (I shiver at the exact spot she was shot at; bleeding blue very slowly if pressed around it, yuck. And it could have been me, regardless even if I still have the Unkillable sigil). The scar somehow healed halfway (almost looks like a star or something)... but I just hope Other Me is either just in a coma, or still... playing dead (But I hope the third one isn't the case)

I find out, she still has some of her own Inscryption cards on her after a peek on her trouser pockets. (they look a little small so they peek out)

Oh, and I quickly 'borrowed' a pen quill for... a different use. Hm... I wonder if anyone would like some of the chicken I have, or I can find... something useful on it.

At last, after stepping into the static screen that would take us to the next channel, the SMG4 group happens to be here; Marie changed back to human, but ho boy, the dragon she was before with too many teeth slightly gave me the chills with all those teeth. At last, reunited. I look around... and everything around... no colors... At least, everyone kept their colors.

“Where did you end up?”, Animsay asked with semi-interest.

“How to train your dragon," answered SMG4. I feel a little jealous that I wasn't with him to see the dragons; or even ride one. "You?"

“Hell.” (I internally giggle at that)

Looks like Animsay didn't want to say we ended up in a Barbie Movie, so... SMG4 raised his eyebrows, instead nodding towards the hallway in front of them.

“If we are all together again we may as well continue.”

“Right…”

Looking ahead, it was a broad and ominous hallway of a typical house... but... where are the windows? I don't like this... I turn to Astro. I need to talk to someone to lessen the nerves I have. And maybe... show him the Puzzlevision drawing, but at the same time, make an alibi.

"Um... hi...," I greeted them in a light whisper, and keeping Other Me very close. And looking down to keep the still emotionally shaking act.

"Um... sup?," they answer.

"Um... not sure but," I hesitate, while noticing the group close to the end of the hall. I struggle slightly to look inside my vest, but pull out the Puzzlevision drawing, still folded. "She, Real me, the real Rayas...," I sniffle as I unfold it. "S-She drew this a year ago... S-she... included you... and..."

I hand it to them to look at it. I carefully scan their expression, to see if they seen it before or not (plus, why is there something in their glasses that is blinking?)

"S-She didn't want to show it to Mr. Puzzles (from here), especially after... but... maybe...," I sniffle. "She would have wanted to show it to you... All she was thinking... if there could be a place for everyone to get along... A world where everyone, could mingle... a hub..."

Astro doesn't seem to know what to say. For a second I thought I heard something barely audible... like, when someone's earbuds slightly louder in volume.

"I-it's Okay if... you can keep it?," I hesitantly asked. They don't know, I was able to create more than one back in the dungeon. "What's your name?" I asked, still playing the role of not knowing some people's names.

"Astro," they replied.

...........

Finally at the door, SMG4 opens the door on the end of the hallway. Looking inside, it appears to be a kid's bedroom. And the most notable feature was a large TV near the wall, displaying nothing but static. It seems that the way forward, is through it... SMG4 is the first to go in, then followed by some. I hesitantly stick my free arm into the screen... before going entirely in...

A copy of the same hallway? SMG4 looks back from where we came, and turn as well. No portal anymore, but flickers of light everytime someone came. Did SMG4 saw my arm move around the wall like as if it was disembodied? Creepy if anyone else saw that as well.

“It’s a loop?”, Animsay asked which SMG4 shrugged.

“Only one way to find out.”

So on the second loop. The hall looks much the same. But... I hear something. Muffled voices of two people fighting could be heard from one of the doors on the side, but as Animsay forced herself to push it open, there was nothing but an empty living room. The noise never disappeared, as if playing from a scene they weren’t allowed to witness.

This gives me the chills... I keep my first umbrella and RTV plushie close for comfort. Looking down at the plushie... I wonder...

“Getting major horror flick vibes here…”, SMG4 muttered, now moving on. I agree...

“The Conjuring maybe?” said Animsay. This doesn't give me any vibes we are in a movie. More like... someone else's....

Back in the kid's room, The same portal welcomed all of us. Like before, showing nothing but static. With there being no other way to go, we all entered through once again.

From the third loop to the sixth, I was slowly piecing together... what he have been stumbling despite everything unnerving me. We are walking into the memories of what it think... were RTV's? I admit, barely seeing a kid in the fifth loop almost startled me; and on the sixth loop, ho boy, I thought the silhouette of RTV was going to lunge at us, or me (does he still have a personal grudge on me?). It just disappeared into the shadows, but still....

Now, the seventh and final loop. There was an ominous trail of static liquid leading to the room they had entered through all the other times before. Is it meant to be... no, not sure...

However, as SMG4 pushed open the door this time, no giant TV screen awaited them. I'm sure that when we all looked, all of our eyes opened widely at the site in front of us. Instead of the larger TV, there was a smaller one... forcefully placed where the head of a young boy was... Instead of blood, it was liquid static taking it's place; dripping from his neck to his shoulders and floor.

Is this... RTV's past self? (this version of Kid Puzzles)....

......

Um... I'm starting to feel slightly tired now... (Not now...)

“Puzzles really doesn’t like his past self, does he?”, Animsay dryly spoke, but there was clear nervousness hidden in her voice.

This... RTV has such self-hate to his past? ...This... it could have been me, if no one reached out for me to get out of the depression I had... and helped me to heal from it all.

"It... could have been me...," I quietly muttered.

I'm sure that everyone, and SMG4, couldn’t tear his eyes off the scene, remembering the previous silhouette of Puzzles coming towards them and nearly giving him a stroke. I thought it was going to look at me and jumpscare me or something. I subconsciously connect my cord tail to Other me's cord tail...

Nothing, but... just... in... case... Actually... it looks like whatever I was feeling just a few minutes ago after connecting, the tiredness seems to be lifting slowly... so does it mean that Other Me is in a coma? Like, she came back, but is in a coma? (I pray it's the case) And she's somehow some form of healing... not sure what to call it, but this could help me not pass out like back in the Social Media Department.

“We must proceed with caution, you can’t trust creepy little children!”, Grinnames spoke, pointing at herself. “I would know because I was a creepy little child once-” (I don't find her creepy, just... eccentric?)

She halted suddenly, before perking up.

“Wait…what if this is Mr. Puzzles’ secret love child? We could use this to our advantage…” An evil grin spread on her face at the idea (...y-yikes).

“Any woman with self respect wouldn’t go near that man. But we could use it…” snorted Animsay.

“I don’t think he’s alive,”, SMG4 noted, watching together the siren girl and a few others with suspicion as Harley and and the robot rabbit now carefully approached the kid. If the boy was dead, then why is the static liquid still dripping as if it was fresh before?

“Be careful.”, Warned Animsay. “If this really a part of his subconscious or something then I don’t wanna know how messed up it can get.”

His subconscious...? So... In what ways can it be affected? Talking positively to him? Leaving something hopeful? ... Or maybe... an Imprint?

Everyone got slightly startled after Harley softly tapped... Kid RTV (yeah, coining that one), and he suddenly stood up.

“...I guess that settles that.”, SMG4 muttered, before slowly approaching Kid RTV. The boy was startled, he's backing up the wall. It's sad that, meeting so many strangers at once; not knowing what is going on...

Kid RTV is looking at all of us, even me. He stared for 10 seconds at me and Other Me (why?) before SMG4 spoke again.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay…”, SMG4 spoke, now kneeling down to be on the same level. “I’m SMG4.” He hesitantly offered a hand.

Since this is Kid RTV, RTV's past self shouldn't know who SMG4 is; otherwise would have summoned the actual RTV here. Maybe he's friendly? But the question now... why does RTV hate his past so much? Especially this Mr Puzzles. (the other ones have their own dealt differently)

To his surprise, Kid RTV now reached forward, giving his hand a small shake, before quickly letting go again. So he understood and could see. It didn’t seem like he could talk though. Maybe... body language and sign language, or both...?

“Nice to meet you too, dude.”, he said with a small smile. “Look, me and my friends are trying to find a way out. Do you happen to know the way to Channel 999?”

A quick nod was the answer.

Then Kid RTV walked past us, and then grabbing the hand of the first person that was standing to the side, in this case the siren girl and pulling her along.

She looked hesitant at first, but then reluctantly let herself be led by the kid who was now walking back into the hallway and opened another door. (I thought he would like... want me to lead me, but his pick was her, oh well...)

Previously, we checked every door which is why everyone knew that the stairs to the basement that Little Puzzles now led them down had not been there before. So... does the basement only shows when Kid RTV is present? Like, a sort of key?

As one by one slowly walked to the basement, I glanced at SMG4 briefly, but noticed anyway... On the corner of my eye, I noticed he was looking at the covered body of Other Me; he still thinks that I the real Rayas, is dead. He feels guilt about it... should I start to talk to him, or wait till he says something?

"Hey um...," SMG4 is the first to speak, but slightly quietly and reluctant. "Gosh... I..."

I let him gather his words with a solemn yet patient expression.

"H-Had I known... If I didn't... I'm so sorry...," he's looking down. "I-it's... all my fault."

......

"You...Shouldn't... yeah," I speak, and trying to put on the act of feeling so much sorrow, but stable. "B-but... same."

SMG4 hums in confusion.

"I didn't know... he would actually... that he was...," I slightly fumble, or try to sound like fumbling; he doesn't know I'm actually alive and that it was Other Me who took the brunt. "Me and her were just curious about our new tails... I was the one with the idea of the TVs," it was technically I the real one, but making sound Other Me was the one who came up with it first since I'm still using her identity; because in a short time, noticed she was slightly independent.

Oh boy, recalling the telepathic link of the plan of experimenting with the TVs and the planned sacrifice... it's almost making me want to yell and say it was all planned. That I'm currently alive the whole time! That Other Me took my identity to pass off as me dying! And that we can't die due to the Unkillable sigils I absorbed back in the Social Media Department! But... will everyone immediately turn against me, or look away...? Hate me? Or leave me behind? (Or even... Her?) Thinking about all that, I almost didn't realized I started to cry. (Better prepare another truth before my biggest fear decides to speak for me from my second mouth).

"I-I just wanted to find an escape for everyone... (which is the truth) wanted to be helpful...Was it... so hard to ask?," I sniffle softly. "It's my fault... Now she's gone... And now... He wants us all gone."

As we both go down the basement stairs, I feel SMG4 giving me a remorseful gaze. Like as if, we both share the same sense of guilt. One for interrupting an event at a bad time and getting support by some; and for me and Other Me, getting on RTV's bad side for trying to find channel 999 alone (what did he thought instead as we touched the TVs? That I was trying to be at his level? Or he just didn't want his TVs touched?). And making everyone an easy target...

"But if I'm a copy of her," I continued... now that I have a question myself. "Would he let me leave?"

"Not sure... but... we'll set it right...," reassured SMG4. "Me and Ani will try to save as many as we can. Besides, the TV hijacking, you actually saved some people if it wasn't for your Pomeranian sneeze," he slightly chuckles. Wait, I saved someone? "And copy or not, you and her will go home. I promise..." He softly smiles. This makes my chest warm again.

..........

"Um... you're SMG4, yes?," I asked. "I-I'm, Rayas... or that I'm supposed to be... a copy of Rayas. It means stripes in Spanish. I love stripes," I quietly said the last part.

"Nice to meet you," said SMG4. I slowly stop crying.

"Um...," I lean close to him, time for a little spoiler of the channel Animsay's group was; and hope she isn't listening. "The Hell channel we went to... let's say... it was too pink."

"Hm, is it the new Barbie Movie?," he asked slightly confusedly, but also sounding curious.

"...Maybe," I drawled a little; I thought I heard him chuckle a little. I mean, he's close. I wanted to lie and exaggerate a little... but I didn't have the heart to say tall-tales, nor the motivation. I could lie and said Animsay's group ended up in Mean Girls (please no), or Grease of 1978. And instead of saying pink, I would have said something around the lines was... a chocolate factory, or it was raining a buffet of food (an alibi for the rotisserie chicken I'm still holding on). Trying to bring some humor to tone down the uncertainty and dread looming ahead.

Now in the basement, at first when it appeared small, it looks like the more people there is the larger the whole place seems to expand; gives me Skinamarink vibes, but hey, it's an experimental movie with analog horror to it. (Has RTV seen it, since he watched every moving picture that exists?)

Ho boy... there's a saw next to the larger TV at the end of the basement. It has the same static liquid on the blade. Hold on... I heard that in canon, Kid Puzzles was only sitting in front of a static TV; representing blind bliss and... loneliness. But... Kid RTV is the representation of self-hate of RTV. I need to know, why does he hates his past so much. As for me... I learned to forgive it. We are so, so different.

Kid RTV now stopped, seemingly confused by the group’s sudden distraction, I guess because the saw was a haunting site to see... Because... like any Mr Puzzles, they replaced their heads for TVs. Kid RTV tugs on the siren's hand, before stepping halfway through the portal.

The Siren and SMG4 now evaded their eyes from the saw and instead moved forward, following through with the rest of the group. I give it another glance at it... I... I wonder... I disconnect the tails since I feel better now.

The portal immediately closed behind us.

Channel 999...

A dark rocky void leading up to the portal that was supposed to leave all of us out. This place, my first time here... Everyone's first time here...

“It took you a while, maybe even LONGER than the crew.”, RTV now drawled.

He's just... looming on the portal to the way out of here. Nira is there as well... just right next to it; I could faintly see that in the look of her eyes, she's under RTV's control. He looks around the group, and I follow his gaze. I see that Kid RTV hid behind the siren girl, this doesn't look right.

A chuckle escaped RTV though sounding more hysterical than amused. 

“Ah and OF COURSE you once again couldn’t help to stay away from things that don’t CONCERN you.”

Not of our... concern? Like... as if, we all now know his biggest insecurity?

(I... had some... before... sometimes they linger)

He now straightened, hands placed next to the portal as the colorful maniacal smile now popped up on his screen. The classic one... (Nice)

“So…who’s ready for the FINALE?”

Feeling as if time slowed down again...

......I'm not a fighter, still a visitor.... I could be a guardian to protect a many as possible, but protecting Kid RTV...? Or try to slip by and escape without bringing anyone... and live with survivor's guilt... like... a coward? And Other Me... still not moved from her coma. She has helped with multitasking enough. But... I'm alone. But does RTV know that?

(It almost feels, he's trying to break the ones with the biggest offenses, or maybe the weakest ones? I... one of them. For touching his TVs... his persona... and running away. Does he know... me?)

.........

Not wanting to get hit for my Armor/nano Armor sigil to get used, but at least still using my umbrella to cover some of the participants and myself that couldn't react fast enough. I could make more umbrellas when RTV isn't looking, but cannot risk him grabbing one without me having to get close to destroy it directly; especially if he finds out that my stuff only breaks when on my homeworld or by my own hands. All the while still carrying Other Me; and someone keeping an eye on Kid RTV. I would wish to be his protector, and maybe leave an Imprint... but it looks like RTV loves to pull his clones.

I find a barely visible cave, but small enough for three to four people to hide inside; enough light to see, but barely. But mostly because the stress is making me sick again and don't want to pass out again So I connect my tail to Other Me's tail to recover. A drop of nosebleed falls on the ground.

("Other Me... we are here... Channel 999. So close to reach home. For everyone to get back home. RTV and Nira are in the way though... So... I'm... going to do what I can okay? But please... don't show up at a bad time! I'll leave my stuff here so it doesn't get ruined and or destroyed while I do my best; especially the RTV Plushie, the drawings and keychain and Deathcard. Just please... wake up")

..... still no reply...

Well, what to do? I have the quill pen, the rotisserie chicken, my RTV plushie, the cards, the keychain my and her umbrella, the blanket, our cord tails... the Inscryption sigils that I have, I can make a change for a better-

A sudden crash by... something, causes some rocks to fall; it startled me that I accidentally drew my Airborne wings, and some feathers got loose. Some of the rocks looked pointy. I checked Other Me if she's okay. From what I see of her wound, it's almost closed up... but still slowly bleeding if pressed around the area. A drop of my nosebleed accidentally falls on her Visitor armband without me realizing it.

I looked over the tray where the rotisserie chicken is, the sharp rocks, the loose feathers... and then... the blue blood... Yeah! It's a one-shot thingy, but just enough. (I just hope I don't craft it too late) And maybe... Arranging all the ingredients for the"recipe-"

Suddenly, I see Animsay running, and without thinking, I just nab her just in time when a few RTV clones was chasing her; and not caring that since she's different, that she might hit me in the face. I won't blame her due to the chaos going around and her mind is racing.

"It's just me, Ra-Other Rayas," I whisper in reassurance, and almost spilling the truth. "Safe here." I remove my arms from her mouth, just as I no longer hear the clones anymore. "Where's SMG4 and Little TV boy?" I asked.

"Hiding..., but... thanks." Glad to hear. She then looks beside me. "What is that?" She sees the ingredients.

"Um," I pause briefly before a small shy smile came from me. "Animsay... would you like to help... hold on. Do you like Mario Kart?"

She raises a skeptical eyebrow about the last part. So... I told her what I'll be making; the chicken that Grinnames gave me. And she seems to understand the plan. It won't be a plan to defeat RTV since I don't want to attack him, and make him hate me more than before; plus, I'm a visitor. We'll only be a distraction, so everyone could escape. I look back at the body of Other Me, and my stuff well hidden behind a rock; hope she wakes up soon.

"I never thought you where this creative, Other Rayas. But crazy creative." said Animsay, as I have her tied to me with my cord tail, and holding on to one of my umbrellas. I'll be the one to hold on to the makeshift Spiny Shell, or Spiny Chicken. (Ha ha)

"It... it just popped in my head," I explained. "So, when we have the clones all lined up, toss the Spiny Chicken until it seeks the very first person; which is us. We drop behind them at the right time, and let the "shell" do its thing. Kaboom! The blast will be bright enough, Mr Puzzles will have no idea what just happened."

"Hm... if you say so," I can tell Animsay is still skeptical.

I start my Airborne sigil, and slowly take flight.

"But one thing," I start to add. "I need to do this quickly and run back to Real Me. To check on her that no one has found her." I leave the part that Other Me is in a coma for who knows for how long, since... she might start to suspect the ruse that I'm alive the whole time. "And because I need some rest. If I don't stop with the stress going, I'll pass out. And don't want that to happen in midair."

Animsay just huffs. “You better not let me drop. Dying like this WOULD be embarrassing…” Again... this version of Animsay... let's say, we'll get along... later. No rush...

(I feel like the roles switched here or something. Out of here, G0lly Ani would chat up a storm, and I'll politely and patiently listen as best as I can; whereas here, Animsay would be abrasive, while I would try to be friendly yet patient enough to give her space)

Take off!

So... we gathered a few flying clones, but not enough. Though Animsay is helping with deflecting the shots thanks to one of the umbrellas I still have and gave, I appreciated. I looked around for what the clones might target the most. And I remember, I can play something very loud from my ears. Hope Animsay likes Kenny Hoggins' Danger Zone, and hope the clones hate it!

“Music? Right now? Really??,” I can tell she's probably dumbfounded at that. I nervously giggled. But I want her to see this could work. Besides, best to set the mood a little.

Sure enough, it looks like we got the clones attention. The whole thing would look good for filming actually... if it was staged and not the real thing. The evasive maneuvers I was making were understandably justified when Animsay got nervous and had to grip my cord tail tighter; glad the cord has no nervous system, except on its limit of extension length.

"Okay, it's just about time to-" I stopped... as soon as after I threw the Spiny Chicken.

As if the noises where drowned..., and time slowed down... and ignoring the voice of Animsay and the warning that the Spiny Chicken was getting close... My eyes lock on the fact, Little RTV is being cornered, and the siren girl, slightly wounded... I... I just fro-

"DO A FLIP!"

I snapped out of it, and did the Flip. Just in time for the clones to take the brunt of the Spiny Chicken after dodging it; and quickly flew out of site. A large explosion going off... But, I was still shaken of what I saw, and I feel like I'm going to pass out. My nosebleed is getting worse, and the tiredness is returning; signs that I'm about to pass out again. But at least I hope Kid RTV and the siren girl now a giant protecting him escaped in the confusion. Seeing that my plan worked, my chest feels warmer.

(Also, thanks mysterious memer who called me before the plan went bad)

"Animsay, I'm going to drop you off! I'm sorry, but I'm not feeling too good! But, you can keep the umbrella! I can make more later..." I untangle the cord tail and see Animsay fall before safely float down with the help of my umbrella.

I almost crashed, but made sure to be careful on my feet. I stumble towards the small cave, and crawl in; and wiped the blood from my nose. Looking inside, everything is untouched... and Other Me... still not moved. But, was the blanket like that before? I brushed it off as I connect my tail to her tail; I need to heal as best as I can, and quickly as not to be left behind by accident. I look at my sigils, and all remain... wait... the Fecundity changed to Waterborne. I guess it changes when going to a different place, which makes sense. Why haven't I checked those before? I lay on my back so the nosebleed wouldn't keep dripping. Let's see... if I can make another... Wish. With my eyes closed. But before...

("Other Me... I'm not feeling well again. I... It was chaos out there... It was too much... even knowing, there's people behind them for the story. I'm going to make one more... hopefully something for the better. Um... If you wake up before me, could you please... carry me again? Goodnight....")

I was close to rest, when I heard footsteps nearby.... and what I think was...the same ticking noise from before Other Me grew into a giant... It can't be possible... As much as I need to recover quickly with the tails being connected, I had no choice but to disconnect them and wait until I rest the old-fashioned way. I heard something small crawl in the little cave, and then a small white glowing square in front of my vision. The last thing I did was, I reached my hand and softly place it on the side of... Hope whatever it was, didn't mind the blue handprint of my blood. I make a soft smile before my eyes went heavy.

But also... I heard more footsteps nearby, before....

(I wish.... I wish...)

Hm...? I feel... lighter? And good I guess? I look around, I'm in the same cave. I look down and, I see my body, my Real Body that is. Wait... did I granted myself Astral Projection?! And... can Other Me do that as well?... Nothing... Maybe if I can take a quick look outside. I look, and... chaos as usual. Oh god... Nira is about to touch SMG4! What do I do? Let me see if I can... I just grabbed him. He's startled and freaking out.

"What the f-" You are not finishing that sentence! There are kids here!

I was able to just glide with him and take him away from danger. I'm pretty sure, RTV and everyone is freaking out seeing this. Sometimes tossing him in the air, but alas... He's safe. Now... let's see if he could hear me. I place my hand on his head.

"You are safe SMG4. Sorry for the scare," I apologized. He's confused, but I think he recognized my voice.

"Um... no prob Rayas," ha ha.

All of a sudden, I feel a sense of something was terribly wrong. But not from someone... I have to check back to the cave.

....

No. No. Nonononono! STOP! Leave my body where it is! Other Me! Wake Up! I'm in danger!

Two RTV clones just pulled my body away from the cave by my ankles. What where they looking in there anyways? Where they searching for me, or someone else? How do I wake up?! It's obvious that my screams are unheard because I'm in a different plane. Do I slap one of them? I did and phased through but... it looks like one of that one felt it (I Like your cut g, ha ha!). They look at me, but appears they can't see me. Okay, let me try again but both of them. Okay, now they are very confused to the little ghost problem they have now. But I feel like... can I possess one? No! I can't do that! This would be just as worse as hijacking RTV's TVs! And if RTV sees this, he's going to explode on me first; and if he kills me, I'll just come back... but for how long will it take for me to come back? What do I do, what do I do? Should I do it? Or... I have to get back in my body! But I can't if the clones keep moving. I grab some nearby stones and pelt at the clones. They take note, but learn to ignore it. We are more out in the open...

Is it just me... or there are a few clones left? Is RTV running out, or he's not bringing more than usual?

Agh! Sorry RTV, but you give me no choice! Damn it! He's going to be more furious at not just me, but Her as well! (RIP his respect to me)

Come on, come on!!! Concentrate on 'borrowing' the vessel.

.......

Did it worked? I look around... I'm grabbing on to my body, form one leg. My arms look like... I... I'm RTV! A clone of RTV actually. Uh oh... we are now in the middle, and close to RTV. Should I play along, or get my body out of his reach? ~Other Me, I would like some help over here~ (And the fact Other Me is not going to wake up, it's her fault I'm getting in trouble now) (Also, does my face look different from the default one? Because there's no mirrors to look into, and must keep my head down)

Also, does this body have... screen and/or audio settings...? Because... it appears RTV was expecting retrieving Kid RTV, but not me...

"Huh..?," That's all he said.

Besides, I don't think he seen me much here since I was hidden... until now. I think he's slowly changing his mind since... he has unfinished business, or I'm a sacrificial lamb taking someone's place? But he still thinks I'm the copy, then why would he be interested in the copy again if he 'killed' the 'real' one? Or maybe he thinks I'm the body of the 'Real' Rayas? Probably not, because I would have blue blood on my shirt and missing my vest, showing my suspenders; which Other Me has.

He's kneeling down, ignoring everything; of course, some are busy avoiding Nira. I have a feeling I know what he's going to do. But even with the armor sigil not being used up...

"...Know ...your ...place-"

I got to say something!

"STOOOOOOOOOOPPPPP!!!!!" I shouted as loud as I could, with surround option ON. It almost sounded like it came from everywhere.

This startles RTV, and looks around where it came from. Ignoring me as I slowly walk away but trying an angle to recover my body. But also slightly close to the second clone to repossess if he decides to destroy it.

"WHAT...? WHERE??"

"I- I'm SORRY!! PLEASE!!!"

RTV looks around where my body is, he's scanning as if to see if my cord tail is connected or something. Did he recognized my voice? But seeing that it isn't the case, he sees the two clones; one of them, being under control of me. (Did my new "face" looked different from it's default...?)

... Seeing his gaze at the one I'm controlling... (It was at this moment that I knew, I F@%&#d Up!)

"You......... AGAIN!!???" (ouch my ears)

He quickly shots a beam at the one I'm controlling in a flash of light. I look down, and the clone was nothing but scrap and burnt clothing. He then focuses back on my unconscious body, and the clone vessel about to reach towards it. I quickly possess the second one just as it was going to hurt it. Now with the new body, I scoop my unconscious body and make a run for it.

"GET BACK HERE!" he's more furious now.

"I'M SORRY, Mr PUZZLES!!" I shouted back. My new long legs making me run farther than usual. And keeping my real body as close as possible. "I'M SORRY. WHY are you mad at me and her so much?!"

Now, let's see that even in a foreign body but linked to the original body, will the Waterborne sigil work on the vessel I'm 'borrowing'. I quickly duck under... the map? It worked! RTV just stops yards away, trying to find us.

"Are you daft? YOu and the REal brat of you touched my TVs!," He yelled. "And you are begging forgiveness now, when you would have when I caught the two of you?! AND now you just take my likeness to wear?!?! I THINK NOT!!" A stomp on the ground forces us exit back to the surface again.

He sees us and fires more lasers, but I was quick enough to avoid them thanks to the new body. Also, it looks like some realized what was going on and are trying to slow him; and some thinking I'm just another clone until I play back the Pomeranian sneeze.

"I WAS AFRAID!!," I shouted. "I thought defending myself with words was pointless!! I'm SORRY for Touching your TVs and possessing this body. I'll give it back!!"

I dive under the ground again with the Waterborne sigil. Hiding again.

"NO POINT ANYMORE! And maybe there wasn't one," he says the last part in a mocking tone. He stops right above us, but one step forward; I clean the nosebleed that stopped a little while ago, and planning to when to come out. But I peek out a little to attempt to flee at the right time. "I WOULD let one offense pass. BUT THIS... THE Final STRAW, YOU!! YOU... ARG!!" Another stomp on the ground.

Forced on the surface again, but use the Airborne sigil to at least not touch the ground to make noise. I fly away, but he sees us. And of course, even here, he can fly. (My new body has wings now)

"WE WERE TESTING THE NEW CORD TAILS TO THE TVS, TO FIND A WAY OUT FOR EVERYONE!!," I shouted in midair, and dodging the shots.

"And I stated correctly, that NO ONE IS LEAVING HOME BECAUSE ALL OF YOU ARE RUINING EVERYTHING! After seeing what you did, YOU and Her are actively TRYING TO FIGHT ME!!"

"What?? Who said I and her wanted to fight you!?," I loudly asked with a slight of indignation. "Please... just listen to me, Mr Puzzles!"

A few shots almost hit me, but I was about to smash into a stone wall in front of me...

"DO A FLIP" again yelled the voice of the mysterious memer.

I did do a flip, and managed to somersault in the air and avoid the wall. But... where did RTV go- All of a sudden, I'm tackled by one more clone; I was careful enough to keep my original body from getting hurt... or even stolen. I learned from my mistake last time, and never letting go. I was slowly falling down, because the remaining clone ripped a few feathers off my wings; I just hope this act doesn't damage the Airborne sigil.

I ended up crashing near the same cave Other Me and my stuff should be, but made sure to keep my original body safe as possible. And does anyone know that since I'm possessing an RTV clone, it almost looks like what RTV would have been if he was a truly nice person who would protect his tour participants? I look inside and... where's Other Me?! And my stuff?!... just an umbrella left behind and the blanket... Could it be-

"I don't need to hear another WORD!," echoed the voice of RTV. I quickly squeeze in the cave, now smaller due to the new body. I cover my body with the blanket. And take the umbrella as well.

I think it's best to answer that, because... "quiet people piss him off."

"I MEAN IT! We would never GO FURTHER THAN THAT!," I shouted. "I did all that because I had to; TO GET EVERYONE OUT OF HERE! And I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT YOU!! What other choices do I have?!"

All of a sudden, the roof of the cave is broken. Looking up the looming appearance of RTV, flashing the dark pitched screen with only a realistic toothy grin. It's far larger than it was before! And his coat looks much more ruined than before... Looks like he's gotten to the point to being reckless.

And where is everyone to help me? I immediately start running. But I wasn't quick enough, and a swipe from RTV's larger hand knocked me across several feet. I instinctively curl around my original body to cushion it from the impact. I look around myself, and noticed a light blue glow around me and then flicker off. My Armor/Nano Armor sigil has been used up! But I can still protect my real body with the new one. I still have just one umbrella... I can feel this body sturdy, but for how long will it last?

.....

I was able to deflect a few lasers blasts before... another swipe.

My legs get damaged with one getting shot off from the knee, my side gets grazed, and one throw aside has left half of my arm broken off. And still, I don't let go of my real body... I need to get back to it somehow, but RTV won't give me a chance. All of a sudden, my head slumps. When I open my eyes again, I'm back in my body finally! But RTV is right in front of me. I tried to move away, but the now-dead body of the clone is too heavy to move it. And the umbrella is too far from reach. A low chuckle...

"Now," RTV cackles manically. "I will teach you this time, the LAST TIME. NOT. TO SHOW. ME UP!!" (ouch my ears) His finger gun is pointed at me. And then.... he fires! (even if I have the Unkillable sigil on, I don't want everyone to see one more death)

I'm... I'm fine?

.......

!!

It's the umbrella, but even larger! And... you can't be serious!!

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: spoilers below)

Other Rayas' POV

*10 mintues ago

*......Channel 999? How... that's too long! Wait... I was seeing images and the voice of Real Me. Guess I realized that we can transfer memories to keep updated when the cord tails are connected while one was down. Smart move Real Me. This blanket? Did Real Me produced it from the drawing? Huh, it's our stuff, her stuff? The RTV plushie, the custom Inscryption cards, the keychain, and her prized drawing among the other ones. Another smart move Real Me.

*I hear a ruckus... am I in a cave? Feels almost cozy for hiding. My injury, it has healed nicely; the scar sort of looks like a star... I'll take the blanket with me and go check carefully... Indeed, everyone is fighting against RTV. Oh! Is that Danger Zone music playing from... Ah, Real Me! And Animsay too I guess. Look at you two fly. Is that a... what is that, a Spiny Chicken? Uh oh! I see clones chasing after Real Me. Oh, so it is a Spiny Shell, but wouldn't that target them since it always crashes to the person in 1st place in Mario Kart? Uh oh... why did Real Me zoned out...? I have to do something!

*"Do a flip!" I shouted in a similar voice to the meme.

*Phew, I'm glad I saved them from that explosion; what was she thinking? Well, I have a feeling to return back to the cave. Looking at the Umbrella, I secretly make a duplicate, not sure why, but just in case and... can sigils affect objects? I wonder...

*Now, back to how I was before... I hear footsteps. But, is it Real Me?

*....I feel a connection.

("Other Me... I'm not feeling well again. I... It was chaos out there... It was too much... even knowing, there's people behind them for the story. I'm going to make one more... hopefully something for the better. Um... If you wake up before me, could you please... carry me again? Goodnight....")

*She disconnects....

*Wait... another one? Like, the same from the sigils and cord tails...? (Guess I'll do mine as well then...)

*And what did she mean, not feeling well. I peeked from under the blanket. Sure enough, Real Me didn't looked too well; the blue nosebleed is back again. W-wait, who's coming in? Is that... a younger RTV? But he... he looks wrong. A TV over his head? He's, standing over her; she just touched his casing with a blue bloody hand... Real Me finally passes out. Hm... Oh, I stop peeking since I felt his screen/face looking at me; but turns out, he went to check Real and my's stuff. He seems very curious about the Puzzlevision drawing. He slowly turns to look at me, and not knowing what to do, I smile. I wonder if he's confused that there's another twin in the cave. All of a sudden, as I hear footsteps out of the cave, and the young RTV just went under the blanket with me! I follow and get ourselves well covered. But... what got him so scared?

*"Hey young one," I whispered. "What was chasing you back there?" He didn't answered, but it looks like he can't talk. But makes the motion of putting his hands on his screen as if telling me to stay quiet. "Just a peek, okay? I'll check."

*When I did, I saw a pair of the all familiar gloved hands reaching inside the cave. Oh no! The clones are dragging Real Me out of the cave! I wanted to stop them, but the younger RTV wouldn't let me! I was panicking... what... wait. Where the clones looking for him, but found Real Me instead? This is bad! This is REALLy bad! She's still sick, and cannot fend for herself.

*"Hey um... young one," I whispered to young RTV, as I carry Real Me's plushie in her umbrella, and her trinkets in my pant's pockets. And wearing the blanket as a cloak. "Wait here. Until I tell you, or go to the person who was protecting you before, okay?" Young RTV nods hesitantly. "Good." I place my hand on his case in a different side. I softly smile.

"....AGAIN?!?!?" "Come BACK HERE!!"

*What was that? I leave the cave, but not before leaving an umbrella duplicate... just in case; and a copy of the blanket too. Either for young RTV, or for anyone would find a use for them. RTV is furious out there. But why? I turn to look at the commotion around... Why is RTV chasing a clone of himself in a fury? Is that Real Me?... wait... Has Real Me granted the wish to possess empty bodies?! Dang! I...WOW! I didn't know sigils can also affect vessels; maybe because she's still linked to her true body, and has strange effects. Fly away Real Me, and RayTV! (ha ha! RayTV)

"Please... just listen to me, Mr Puzzles!" shouted Real Me. It looks like she's struggling.

*Oh no, she's about to crash on a stone wall. Okay, the first time it worked. I yelled out "Do a Flip!" again. Yes!... But it looks like I got RTV's attention; I duck out of view. I peeked from another corner and...Oh no!! Her wings!! Where did that other clone come from?! I have to see how she's doing, while at the same time keeping my identity secret from people's eyes. I almost got caught and discovered after many times.

*Oh no!! She's stuck! Her Armor sigil has been used...And RTV is about to- ALRIGHT! THIS IS MY TIME TO SHINE! The Fledging sigil on the umbrella is about to go off.

*And....ACTION!!

Present Day

Rayas POV

I-it's her!! (Other Me!)

Everyone gasps at her return, even RTV and SMG4. She has the blanket worn as a cape/cloak of sorts, and my plushie safely tucked in an umbrella hanging on a suspender strap. Wearing the blanket like that makes her look like a superhero or something honestly. Or even an angel with her Airborne wings showing! She moves the larger umbrella away from view.

*"Um... hi guys... Um, how much did I missed?," meekly asked Other Me.

"Me...," I uttered. I sort of felt my eyes shine for the moment.

"I... I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!," said SMG4 in disbelief.

"*Um... my death was... greatly exaggerated?" she looks back at me; she still has blue blood on her, lord... "Are you okay Me?" she winks at me as soon as she moves the broken clone out of the way, and she helps me get back up. I could see in the corner of my eye that... SMG4 feels relieved of the little 'miracle' Other Me pulled.

(Why are we addressing each other as 'Me-' Oh... I get it. But it doesn't appear anyone notices)

"Why...," he growls. "NOBODY stays dead these days, do they?” he mutters that last part before partially straightening. "Now... You Little..."

Uh oh!

(For no reason)

To be continued?

‐-------------

Author's Notes: Holly Molly! Never meant to scare you all like that! OTHER RAYAS RETURNS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! This time, both Rayas remain together.

The drawing in question. The one Rayas came to recover, and the fact Kid RTV saw it (does it mean RTV has finally seen i?)

(Between The Star and AV Puzzles is Astro by @the-masked-astro , one of the participants on the tour) All Ocs/AUs belong to their owners and can be found here Puzzlevision Mass Attack)

Note about the drawing. In the story, her drawing is impervious to getting destroyed/damaged, and the only one who can is Rayas since she made it. So, anyone not from her home or herself, it's like stretching an unbreakable rubber band.

Note, interactions available, but comment/dm first. Plus, if anything, I might slightly change the story here.

[lrayasostripes]

I know... But good will prevail from the bad.

All for Rayas!

Even if... it was all... greatly exaggerated

Rayas at the RTV Tour, Calm before the Storm (the End?) (week 4)

Fourth week of the RTV Tour, hosted by @rtv-puzzlevision-studios

Directory:Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 3.5-ish, Part 4

Note 1: Once again, writing this in first person. Drawings now

Note 2: My main Oc is in the spectrum. But as the Tour goes, she might slowly try to interact a little bit. Especially when either trying to make social interaction. She eventually shows she's an empath. But also, do not overwhelm her.

Note 3: Interactions to the inserts are all Bg and not always direct for bigger actions. Interactions with Ocs and RTV characters more obvious.

Note 4: Even more lore drop, and 30% angst. Warning, Red and Blue Blood.

Final note: Same as previous posts. Rayas is a participant/visitor, and not the same for a future RTV version.

Story

Other Rayas POV

*Seeing the other hallway the Security group went going dark gave me the idea, they're going to have a Bad Time (heh, Sans reference); I keep "myself" as close as possible to me, fearing for their lives. But anyways, Chris has taken the lead to the Health Department; Swag opted to look after the back of the group. Swag walked closer to me, and I saw him quickly glance at me. I can imagine, that there's now two Mes, he's confused and weirded out. And I think, everyone is.

*"Y-yeah... two now, heh," I quietly chuckled nervously.

*I have to find out how "I" made a copy of "me." I just have to wait until "I" wake up.

*I looked on my other side, to those carrying RTV- Mr Puzzles. So far, the people who volunteered to carry him, are being careful (after a warning by Swag); they where the woman with the big blue eyes and brown hair who hit SMG4 and acted all out of her mind (Becky by @beckycat19 ), and the robot bunny guy (Bunnybot by @selfshippinglover ) (I'm curious talk to him, he seems nice)

*I then noticed that Nira ( @niranutcake ), the head of the Health Department, approach us. Looks like she's curious of the enigma, Real Me and I caused.

*(Yep, coining Real Me and Other me, to tell apart)

"Hi. Oh, um... So... I'm sorry, I didn't ask your name and didn't tell mine," nervously said Nira. "But I guess you've already caught that, haha. So... What's your name?" her tailed moves as if, embarrassed?

"*Well um... hi. I'm Rayas... well, a copy of sorts? I think Other Rayas is okay," I explained as best as I can, the nerves of the past events still on. "But here (looking down at the Real Rayas), still the real Rayas. Um, so... head of the Health Department?"

"Nice to meet you Rayas! And thank you for the help with Mr Puzzles. Oh, and... Heh, no, I'm not the one in charge there. Just a worker."

"*Oh, um... my bad," I felt a bit embarrassed, but thanks for the correction Nira. "Well, me, as in (looking down at Real Rayas), "me," I didn't want Mr Puzzles to wake up with a mess. I... I just did it. It felt like.... the right thing to do. And um... did you heard Real Me sing? The.... Human song? I... still don't know why Real Me sang it, it just came in." To be honest, Human by Rag n Bone is a good song. (And I think both us do)

"Oh yeah, I heard the tune. That's alright. I sometimes sing too when doing something. It helps me concentrate," answered Nira. Guess we both have in common? "So, how are you fairing?" she asked in a hushed, soft tone.

*A pause before speaking. I look down at the Real Me, in my arms.

"*Well, as of now... it's... strange, odd. I just opened my eyes, and I was under a cubicle, in the dark. The same place Real Me was helping make Harley, the youngest of the group, feel less scared." Another pause. "The other thing is... not sure but... l would like to find out... how I came to."

*Another small pause.

*Still... it's all an enigma. A missing puzzle piece.

"Hmm, I see... Well, I hope everything works out. For both of you." Nira smiles. End of the conversation.

*"You are welcome, Nira."

*While thinking absentmindedly, I couldn't help but listen to the conversation that Swag and Animsay where on; all thanks to my sensitive ears. And apparently... Hold on. Animsay's... glitching? What is going on?

*(But I still figured out she was trying to spell the Ai's name. Which is Wren. I think no one here knows... I know)

*...Guess I'll have to tell Real Me of the events that have and will fold. And I heard that SMG4 didn't came alone. Heh... Mickey of all people; and alive in this place's version. Like Real Me said, this place is different with it's own people... rules... (and story). And I'm just a visitor. (We are just visitors)

*Seeing how the entrance of the lobby was secured and blocked, I don't think it would've been wise to run for it. How I wished, and Real Me wished, that no one should have to be split in groups.

*At last... The Health Department.

*Guess this is where Mr Puzzles, and Real Me, will be staying. Passing the double doors, and into a round area with many patient rooms... and Some of the beds come in different sizes; largest and even the smallest. Wow! This place looks nice enough...

“Put the boss on there. Nira, get to work.”, Swag added as bluntly as usual, waving over to Chris. 

*I was snapped out of my zone-out when I heard Swag tell everyone to lay Mr Puzzles on the largest bed (wow). Then he turned to us, waving at all of the other rooms.

“Take a pick. Boss is first in line for medical treatment though,” said Swag.

*"Thanks Swag," I softly said. I look down at Real Me, as she seems to stir a little (please don't drop the plushie). "Alright, alright, let's find "me" a bed." And debating if one next to RT-Mr Puzzles or further away, but if Swag said to pick one and since Real Me is still out and not able to decide... (Oh no, it looks like "my" nose is about to bleed again) Next to the VIP I guess!! All the while, the participant with the pink and white hair ( @purplehairball ) sitting next to ours; looking into space.... strange. But alas..... Lucky for Real Me, it's Queen size for the two of us! Okay, now, slowly and... there you go Real Me. And luckily, there are tissues for that nose of "mine."

*I hear Nira walk to Mr Puzzles' room, possibly to check on him. I... couldn't help but, wanting to look. So I did (sorry Real Me) but left my umbrella and plushie on the bed, close to Real Me; I'm starting to notice Real Me is slowly waking up, so. What I could see, RT- Mr Puzzles has a burn on his neck; without his bowtie, it's more visible. And... it appears more... organic? (So he's not fully mechanical?)

"*Um... Nira?," I asked Nira, and was able to get her attention.

"Sure, what is it Rayas?," answered Nira.

"*Um... do you know where the blankets are? For, you know... Real Me?"

"Of course, there on that cabinet at the wall next to my Boss' bed. Left door."

Real Rayas ("me") POV

Hm...? Uh...? I'm... is this the Health Department? Hm... there's my umbrella and Puzzles plushie. The keychain and custom card is still where it is, phew. And... my drawing? Still where it is; and hope it stays there. The bed I'm at, feels comfy? Decent... I guess? Oh, and I still have the gloves on I was given. They feel nice. Looking around, there's curtains dividing the "rooms." And in front, a partially closed curtain as the "door."

Hrrg, I still feel tired... but less. My nose is bleeding, and thanks whoever brought the tissue. Well, what happened?

"H-hello,?" I called. And then again, slightly louder, even if strained.

As if like the statement of being a magnet to some... guess who answered?

"Hallo!" It's Animsay. "Oh, you're awake! How are you feeling Rayas number 1?"

"Um, fine...?," I answered confusedly and groggy. "Just, what do you mean number 1?"

Animsay turns around and let's in.... me? (I later hear Animsay go to tell Nira that I'm awake).

"*Um... found you a blanket, Real Me," meekly said the Other....Me? Okay...? So the mystery shadow back at the Social Media Department, was my clone/copy/double?

We both look at each other in confusion and astonishment. How...?

Nira then comes up to check on me, as I hear the sound of small feet. Oh, and Animsay I guess. Nira jumps up the bed. She sees my nose bleed and comes to use her powers to make it stop bleeding.

"How are you feeling Rayas?" Nira asked.

Not sure how, but it seems me and Other Me got the same idea for some humor.

"Okay-ish" *"Okay-ish" We answered. We slightly smiled at that.

*"To avoid confusion, call me Other Rayas," explained Other Me.

"Well," I continued. "I still feel a little sore. I think it was the stress for the... you know. I didn't think I would take it so badly."

Nira looks at me closely. And still confused. But why?

"Why... Is your blood changing colours? Are you alright? How are you feeling?," she asked

Oh... that. Well.

"My blood... it's just like that. Red inside, but then blue when outside... And... I know, it's strange. "

(blue is my favorite color, and I love stripes)

Nira nods. But... I feel like I should explain, about why I sang the song, Human. Truth is... I am human, and still am.

As strange as it is, but to just keep it short. The cog gear and split hair are natural; the latter is a indication of me born in the spectrum. Scarred eye a psychological manifestation of emotional injury. Took a while to recover confidence again after a time of incongruity. The fennec fox head was a gradual Wish to adapt better when things are changing too quickly. And then the second mouth to be more expressive.

"Hm, I see. Okay, but I'm glad you're feeling better. If something else is troubling you, you can tell." And Nira left to check on RT-Mr Puzzles. But then she stops, and turns back. She looks at Other Me, since she sees both of us as the same person(?). "Are you... both. In the spectrum?," she points at the blue puzzle piece tie clip on Other Me and me. "Just making sure."

"Yes"

*"Yes"

Nira nods and says with a soft smile, "If you need anything - just call me." She heads to check on Mr Puzzles.

"Alright," I answered back.

So... now it's just me and Other Me; Animsay left shortly. A short time seemed to take even longer. Other Me would peek around the corner from the curtain separating the one next to us; and jumped back once, because Animsay was there and appear to want to do the same. She accidentally gave Other Me a jumpscare. And Other Me's face went slightly pink in embarrassment, which I find it funny I laughed softly; and Animsay laughed as well from the other side of the "wall."

"Who are you looking?," I asked Other Me as I slowly finish laughing. She made a small smirk.

*"Well... while you where out," she drawled a little. "And Swag asked me which room to lay you... and since you were unresponsive... I chose the one... next to the VIP." She finishes with a smile that is mixed with shyness and false confidence...

.......

I listen to the noises of something getting fixed next to my room. She... she did not... I don't know what to say about it. Right next to R-Mr Puzzles?

(I hope that the curtain wall doesn't rip open and Mr Puzzles crashing at us with the "scary face" as soon as he wakes up. The big stunt SMG4 pulled really put everyone on a tight spot, and who knows how much He's going lose it)

But anyways... Other Me would peek around and walk around. At one point, spoke to Swag; clearing the issue of the duplicate phenomenon. Other Me told me that it then turned into a pleasant conversation about cars. Well... guess Swag isn't so obnoxious as he seemed (this Swag); and even gave Other Me a fist bump (Ha ha). Another point, Other Me came back with her vest missing, revealing the suspenders she and I have; she said as a token for helping me get better, she gifted it to Nira. At least we won't be mistaken who is who. And I'm glad she likes to receive gifts. Hearing all that has made my chest grow warm again. And one final look to Mr Puzzles' side, Other Me said that the participant who's name is Lucas (Lucas by @mylifeisfakeenjoy ), the one with just one arm, was fixing R-Mr Puzzles. And Nira, keeping watch.

(Hope no one minds the music Other Me chose to play from her ears, but will be somewhat audible; we both share this trait. Will loop only 10 times, and then it stops) (And song is based on the game I talked and requested to Tari to look up, Lenin the Lion)

We would lie on the bed, talking of the good things before the disaster (the mayor good things of the tour), looking at the gifts the SMG3 Gang gave me; the Pichu Bros keychain, and the custom Inscryption Deathcard. Play a little bit with my RTV Puzzles Plushie. Sometimes Animsay checking on us. And then we went to drawing. I drew what I believed would be new Puzzlevision Merch, such as a tie fleece blanket with the logo over print; both sides black and white with the logos swapped in those colors, and the ties being colors of the technicolor bar. It looks beautiful honestly, and so is Other Me; I keep it in my pocket where my drawing is. But then... I noticed something I missed. On my left arm, but very faintly, have peculiar markings. Then I pulled the custom Deathcard out and... it matches! But one of the sigils...

"Um... Other Me,?" I muttered, and Other Me approaches. "I... I think I know how you came."

*"Hm?," she answers confused and leans to have a look. Her eyes widen in surprise since it look like, she knew (and I) exactly what the new sigil replaced the Amorphous sigil, the one with a ? mark. It has a pair of mice inside a square."T-the... it's the Fecundity sigil... the one where..." Other Me then looks at me. I was smiling in astonishment.

"I didn't think it would work," I said. "I was praying it would and wouldn't. And it didn't tasted that much." I chuckled lightly.

Back in the Social Media Department, when I told Harley to close her eyes while we were under my umbrella, I ate the Deathcard duplicate as I was making a Wish; mostly meant for career paths, but for me, as adaptation/transformation. Wonder if the (Wren) AI was able to see that, but I doubt it, since the umbrella covered enough vision.

Other Me looks at her arm and... same thing! But the Amorphous sigil remains unchanged. Maybe only works on the original, me?

I was growing sleepy now, then look down at the Deathcard and the marks on my arm. To be honest, I don't like the Sharp Quills sigil; it only goes off if I'm attacked. I feel that I might hurt someone without meaning to. Hm... maybe I can change it to a different one? Can Other Me do the same? (Still wondering who called me an amoeba, Other Me filled me on that)

..........

Well, deed is done... somehow. Armored/Nano Armor sigil for me, and Airborne sigil for Other Me (We sort of expected to see some wings come out, but oh well. And her Amorphous sigil has not changed still, but neither of us wanted to touch it). For some reason, Other Me gave me a fourth and final sigil, Airborne; don't know why, but she said she had a feeling (and... no wings showing up). I kept the first Deathcard intact as it is. Well... out of boredom, decided to play more card magic with making more copies; and for some reason, Other Me decided to as well and accidentally made Technology card versions of my first card (how?). A yawn... and I think it is time to go night night for me; Other Me is thinking the same thing. I put away the Beast cards in my pockets, and Other Me puts her Technology cards away in her own pocket; we both have the two types mixed up actually. She also found some earplugs from the small drawer, that will be enough to sleep through the noise next room. I move further to give Other Me some space, put the umbrella and Puzzles plushie between us. One last look at the new and Puzzlevision drawing... back to its hiding place. And glance at the gloves I was given. I'm indeed keeping them. Oh... just noticed that Other Me also has gloves. But where did she found them?

Wonder what we'll wake up to... And hope no one from the Security group got too hurt... or... worse...

(Hm... maybe if I... make another? Just in... case?)

Other Rayas POV

(Muffled DAMN IT!)

*Hm...? how long has it... wait... um... I'm still sleepy. How's Real Me? Still sleeping as peaceful as possible. I'm half asleep... or am I dreaming? Even with the earplugs on, I thought I heard something.... crash? And... something else... (my eyes were too heavy to keep open, blinking)

"...gave you a CHOICE.... You think this is all just a fun little EVENT... won’t be consequences for your choices?..... now, you all will have to PAY for..."

*..... I slowly loosen an ear plug as awareness sets in. I look back at the closed curtain. And sure enough, the voice I heard before, was RT-Mr. Puzzles. He's awake... and... Very. Angry...

*(What did I and Real Me missed? But thank goodness we didn't woke up him crashing into our room)

“I offer you a SINCERE apology, but I need to send a message to the people BEHIND you," I already know what he means by that (even a copy myself). "Consider this some kind of vengeance for yourself as well because I’m sure they did not vote in your best interest either.”

*Whatever happened, or if bad news came from the Security area reached him, it looks like he's finally lost it. The lights of the Health Department appeared to have dimmed drastically, and an ominous glow. That can mean one thing...

“Nobody here is leaving. Not before we made some things CLEAR. So, step on through.”

*Does he mean... And everyone else... Everyone... Sigh

*Oh how I and Real Me wished, never came to the tour to get the drawing back, and just leave it here where it will be ignored anyways. Besides, since we both share everything, I know coming here in this place and meeting Mr Puzzles... RTV... was too risky. But since Real Me is still asleep, I'm aware (and she as well), the fact the room... has four walls...

*(What part will we play?)

*Hearing noises, and the hostile tone of RTV speaking,

*If this was a dream, then none of this was real... But what if it isn't?

*Looking at the duplicate cards... one last time.

*It... It has to be a dream... It has to...

*I hear the curtain rustling... I pretend to be asleep, or try to wake up...

*I hear small pitter patter, I look up, and Nira comes in, with worry in her eyes as she gently rubs my arm, and giving us a knowing look, bedtime is over.

*She slowly moves the curtain wide open.

..........

"...There's... two?"

*Welp, surprise...

Rayas (Real) POV

*"Hey Me... wake up...," I heard Other Me's voice in a hush as I steer awake. Also, I feel a lot better. I remove the earplugs.

When I fully open my eyes, I noticed she has an expression of concern. What did I missed? And why is the room darker... all except...

"O-Other?," I was confused as Other Me passed me my umbrella and Puzzles plushie, and for some reason chose to carry me in bridal style. I don't mind it, but I feel just as comfortable when holding my stuff close to me. But I think I got an idea what is going on based on her expression. And slowly looking across, a TV, and people going in it...

The TV Dimension...

And just as my gaze slowly was about to turn to the familiar tall-

*"Please...," interrupted Other Me, and I look at her. "We'll cross the bridge..." She said softly and lightly smiling in reassurance. So I look down at my things, my plushie and umbrella; I hug them.

As if I was feeling time slow down (and maybe Other Me is feeling it as well), and getting close to a TV screen in the Health Department, I begin to reflect on before the tour.

("Insert Mouthwashing OSt-Main Theme") (for dramatic purposes- Author)

That drawing, would normally take three days, and yet I get distracted easily. When I heard there's more than one Mr Puzzles, and versions on an annual Art Fight that happened a year ago... I had to draw it. There were just a few. When mass attacks meant drawing more than one, I had to find any Mr Puzzles out there. Other than the one participant with the orange and sky blue uniform, Astro, and his Puzzles ( @astro-vision-au , @the-masked-astro ), I wanted to include RTV, and place him in the middle of the picture, since he's got his 5 stars. It was my best and ambitious project back then; the comments left on it, positive. When I think back, looking at all the different Puzzles, I wonder what would it be if there was a large hub of Mr Puzzles of any AU and version, and RTV being the One; a universe full of them even. Could there be a caste system? Currency? Variety shows? I asked this question before... But I think it won't be the case... What if no one doesn't get along due to different views? When the drawing flew, and realized where it went, and after hearing how this world works and its story, I got very worried. The fear of rejection, maybe? And if I didn't go, will I still get it rejected if found? When the Tour was announced, I felt it was the best time to get it back. I crafted my uniform (the official never came due to my address being too abstract) in a way it showed that I'm a participant, but also adding my taste with the color blue and stripes (I love stripes), and blue jigsaw puzzle piece tie clip; and added the 'Visitor' arm band, because that way it shows what it means... I'm just a visitor.

When I first arrived at the Tour, there were so many people. Some that I know but never brave enough to talk to, and others who where very new to me. Being in the spectrum, so many faces are enough to overwhelm me, and including if someone wants to talk to me. As much as I want to talk... I don't have much of it. Yet, I'm slow to warm up. I thought the Tour was going to be where I'll be forced to interact with these new people. And as for my drawing that has been flying around, testing my patience into breaking from the tour's rules and getting in trouble. But as it went... and sacrificing the opportunities for social interaction, it all turned out well. My drawing returned to me the last few times without issues, as a sign I'm doing well. The first person to start interacting was one of the few TV heads in the group, as a practice if I were to speak to RTV. Then getting a compliment and reassurance from Colores, the head of the Art Department; and thanks for the plushie (still may want do the Puzzles Plushie Quest, ha ha). Briefly interacted with the shy ghost person (Loyboo by @alelathedragon ) by using the Shy Boo gesture to make him less nervous. Lucian returning my drawing whether if it was Colores who saw it first; still don't know, but I thank both siblings. Meeting the SMG3 Gang and each meeting me in different ways such as talking to Meggy of my experience, watched and given the honors by Boopkins to watch my favorite Pokemon short, played Inscryption with Tari and Animsay and giving Tari a request to play Lenin the Lion, made matcha latte for the Gang; but the one that I think got the most of it was SMG3. He enjoyed Pokemon and found his favorite Pokemon, I made him laugh with my sudden Pomeranian sneeze in a Smash Bros game in the game room, enjoyed my matcha latte; for the latter moment, I helped Grinnames ( @grinnames ) clear a misunderstanding so her dish can be noticed by SMG3 (and ended becoming friends. Also her dish was very good).

(And also cleaning up the kitchen utensils before leaving to the Social Media Department)

The list goes on... Secretly gave some matcha latte to the silhouette girl with the heart eye ( @runrabitrunrunrun ), which she kept it, despite spilling all of it in the chaos. Helped Harley ( @entityarts ) feel safe when the chaos happened at the Social Media Department, and less self-conscious of her antennas. Voluntarily cleaned RTV's wardrobe while he was down. My clone possibly talked to Nira ( @niranutcake ) on the way to the Health Department, and getting along... Heh, even talk about cars with Swag in the same department.

And back in the game room, I was able to talk to RTV in person. And when I got sick by the stress and went unconscious, I was resting next to him in the Health Department; albeit it was Other Me who chose, not me, but alas... (But us coming out of the room next to him, did he noticed the close placement?)

As I looked around the studios, I was thinking what could be changed. The stairs in the lobby, much squarer and with walled black and white risers, and maybe some stars on it; taking more space but at least much safer. The courtyard between the main studios and castle SMG3, planting a variety of flowers; but mainly white roses, and its petals flying in the breeze.

Sigh, those where good memories... I have enjoyed the tour.

(A cable cord tail?... is that what my Wish granted? But for what purpose? And does Other Me has it as well? And has RTV noticed this? The least I want is bring attention to me, and her I guess.)

The TV Screen is now in front of us. And Other Me not wanting to even show a sign of hesitation to upset RTV, indicates me to touch it; Nira will follow after. I place my hand in the warping screen as I keep my stuff tightly to me, and a bright light flashed as the feel of getting pulled happens.

(End of Mouthwashing theme)

In The TV Dimension...

Both POV's going on both Rayas

It's just like in canon or anything close.... floating TVs all around, static colors blue, green, magenta... We are floating... Oh, everyone is here! Even SMG4. And... Ow! Not everyone wanted to go in willingly. As we approach the group, I see those from the Health Department group and... the Security Department group... (And ignoring something brush against my new cord tail)

The latter group... they don't look too good. They look all roughed up, and... mournful. Did... did something went very wrong?

(Same for the Health group. Because I think me and Other Me slept through and missed something that made all of that group have expressions of hopelessness, especially Loyboo)

(... Animsay...)

Among the Security group, Grinnames and Harley (where's her plushie?) have to be the ones affected the most on what we can infer. Seeing them like that is almost making me reflexively tear up. I look at Other Me...

*("At Least you didn't glanced at RTVs' face while I was getting you up...")

"What,?" I quietly said, and wiping a tear. Other Me didn't opened her mouth even!

Wait... why did that sounded like... in my head? (and... RTV was making that one they call the "scary face." ...thanks for the warning earlier? The canon scary face, or a unique one from this Puzzles?)

("Other Me? How?")

*(Look at the new tails")

I raised my new cord tail, and it was attached to... Other Me's new cord tail; both blue and white striped with the connection part being a dark blue, though Other Me has one white double-stripe near the end. I don't know what to think of it, honestly. But does that mean when we connect, we can talk psychically?

*("I think your Wish might do. But... let's just refer ourselves as just "Me" when speaking out loud")

Other Me realizes there's no need to carry me now that I'm feeling better; I'm floating. What a weird moment; and an odd request.

"Animsay?," I called out to her.

But when she turned and looked at me, she appears confused at me. And no longer appeared her usual happy-go-lucky self. Almost as if.... she doesn't recognize me...

Wait, recalling the "incidents," and present in the TV Dimension... She changed as soon as she's here!

("Where... where did you go?")

But that was interrupted when the familiar voice of RTV (will still call him Mr Puzzles out of politeness/respect, even after what he'll do to us), boomed across the TV Dimension.

"Why Hello my not-so-dear tour participants," said for a moment of a sneer before going to a tone of false calmness. "Glad to see you all here! Whether you came through willingly... and some," his voice lowers. "Who needed a push... to come through."

A larger TV shows up right in front of the group, but facing backwards. And what looks like the iconic cape/coat materializes slowly as the sound of something extending out; and it ends when the feet are shown below the coat. Me and Other me didn't need to look around the group, but we knew, everyone was angry, scared, confused. Finally... RTV turns around. Now he's a giant to all of us. Half of his face is glitched and black; will he look like this forever?

Also, we have not forgotten, that in the TV Dimension: his head... his rules.

He shrinks down to normal size.

"Now, as I said, Nobody here is leaving. Not before we made some things CLEAR. Some of you chose to side with SMG4, complicated everything! And guess what happened. One tour-" RTV stops for a moment as we all hear crying and sniffing.

I look at Grinnames as she's crying and... very sadly pulling out a cookie in the shape of the smiling participant with the glasses (Micheal by @michaelscorneroftheinternet ) who's close to their friends the fish girl (Sci by @scimagic ) and robot rabbit (Bunny bot by @selfshippinglover )? Wait... after seeing the cookie. Now that I look amongst the group, he's missing... does that mean... he...

("He's gone Other Me...")

*("I see that, Real Me... I see that. Though, is Grinnames memeing?")

("An improvised coping mechanism?")

*("Yeah. RTV's reaction though...") Other Me snickers quietly, in our secret convo of course.

I glanced on the corner of my eye, and sure enough. RTV is making an expression that read, "...What?"

*("Bruh")

(Is Other Me memeing as well? Hope not too often with the critical situation we are now)

That... that explains why the Security group where the most emotionally hurt than the Health group me and Other Me were.

And then, after finishing eating the cookie of the late participant with the smile and glasses, she looks up at RTV; very angry, with a demonic glint in her red swirl eyes. All of a sudden, she flies right at RTV.

"N-no...!" I quietly exclaimed.

SMASH! Grinnames just punched RTV right in the screen! He flinches back... Barely.

"YOUR GODBOX-FORSAKEN AI KILLED MY FRIEND, YOU A**HOLE!" (language, Harley's here) loudly yelled Grinnames.

RTV turns back and looks at her, a clear expression of annoyance before changing to calm fury. He then grabs her by the neck!

“Your friend killed HIMSELF by putting his nose in things that don’t concern him.”

"You Bastard-! YOU TAKE THAT BACK-"

And then RTV just flings Grinnames, very far away!

("I can't believe he did that!")

*("Nor the fact Grinnames did that as well. She was over it!")

"Anyone else?" asked RTV in a tone as if tempting anyone to challenge him.

Of course, RTV, a different Mr Puzzles... is different from the others. But seeing Grinnames so hurt as she slowly comes back to the group, still fuming, and noticing how much that other late participant meant to her, I think we should calm her down.

*("I'll do the same Real Me, she not only needs your comfort, but mine as well; and soon, maybe everyone as well if we can. But lets unplug our tails; cannot stay connected. And again, let's just refer ourselves as 'Me' when not connected. Sorry...")

So that connection is unplugged... for now.

Once Grinnames returns to the group, still upset and making a demonic looking face, she probably wished it would set anything on fire. Me and Other Me slowly approach her, and I give my plush to Other Me to hold on while I open my umbrella and set it over her head; if it made Harley feel better, then it should do the same thing.

"...Grinnames?" I softly called her.

Grinnames notices me. I slowly open my umbrella.

"A-ah Rayas, I'm sorry, you shouldn't have to see me like this-"

She notices the open the umbrella, over her head, and then looks at Me and Other Me. Her snarl softens to a saddened expression, and finally lets out the sorrow she's been holding up.

"...Rayas... thanks," softly said Grinnames as she tears up. We both lean under the umbrella.

I hear a brief scuffle before soft sobs, and I turn to see Other Me keeping Harley close to her (oh, and my RTV Puzzles Plushie floating next to my head). It looks like Harley is so worked up, she seemed to want to go after RTV; she's small but fierce, but very fragile still. So glad Other Me came to, because this would make multitasking easier; and don't want to see the youngest of the tour group getting launched like Grinnames did. But...

Without prompting, Other Me and Harley slowly float towards me and Grinnames. Seeing the umbrella too small, and concentrating without breaking it, a second umbrella is produced; Other Me grabs it, now hers. The four of us huddle, and cry softly. (wonder if everyones' eyes are on us) (Also, I almost never cry)

"🎵I know the Wind will Blow/Spend whatever Time, the Wind will Blow..🎵" Me and Other Me sing softly, in sync. "🎵In My story, I wrote My lines/In my story, I wrote My lines ..."

I'm starting to think and doubt, anyone would not return home anytime now. Everyone would all want to do what I would after the tour ends on a good note. Bring their souvenirs home, go eat something, and sleep on their own warm beds; all happy.

(I'm thinking if to invite Grinnames and a few others to crash at my home before they can go to their respective homes, if there's a chance to escape; besides, the kids back at home will serve as a distraction to the whole ordeal)

But... when...? Now what?

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: I helped with this part. WARNING: someone dies...)

"Tsk Tsk, Now?," spoke RTV, before clearing his throat. I move my umbrella and close it; Other Me does the same. "As I was SAYING, because of the fault of some of you supporting SMG4, everyone will Pay. And I'll repeat, because of his intrusion, One tour participant less in the group from the original 57... Although...," RTV slowly comes closer as he grows into a giant, and looking right at me and Other Me (his face is overwhelming, I slightly look elsewhere such as his bandaged neck, his bowtie still missing); and mixed expression of confusion, amusement, and another that I don't know the word for it. "Not sure what I missed while I was out, but I suppose that covers the 57th participant. Must've overlooked, but oh well."

Hearing that makes me feel ashamed and shocked, even if I'm barely showing it (possibly to not show it. And maybe making the exact expression canon SMG4 did back in PV movie when IGBP was mentioned to him, and how good he played "the bad guy"). Other Me is now taking place of the perished participant with the smile and glasses; a big shocker. I'm pretty sure, this isn't what we wanted. I hug my Puzzles Plushie and umbrella close. (why do I still have the plushie of RTV? Well, Colores gave it to me. And thinking of my Puzzles Plush quest)

(Yep... totally different Mr Puzzles)

"Curious...?," RTV spoke as if more confused. He gets much closer, and his face changes to Me and Other Me currently, and then zooms on our new tails floating. "Hold on there. Did you had a tail before?" addressed at us; but realizing it sounded in singular, it was directly at me.

Uh oh, it looks like I'm getting unwanted attention; and maybe Other Me indirectly as well. (At least our tails are not connected for him to see and slowly piece together)

RTV floats a few yards away, turns his back away, and mumbling under his breath; and even with our sensitive ears, couldn't pick up much other than quote, "...kept an Eye," "What is...," "never noticed...," and "...to know."

I feel a connection again. For some reason, it feels like time slowed down. Very, VERY, slowly.

*("Real Me, I have a feeling... I should step up. You need to get back home, and you got your drawing back; and those cute souvenirs, keep them. Those sigils you absorbed should be enough for an opportunity to slip and go. And if you can, bring some of the people home.")

("But... your sigils weren't active. Especially the one where...")

*("I know, but I got the other umbrella. Could work as an Unkillable shield; nothing from home can be destroyed while on someone else's home's turf. And, that's why I gave you the Airborne sigil")

("But then why we didn't sprouted wings... yet?")

*("...Don't know... maybe for the right time I suppose.... I'll perform a Desti if it all goes down.")

("You... did not say that!")

She did not say that...! (And, is she a lot braver than me? Because I would, but don't want to end up seriously hurt... or worse) No way! What if this traumatizes everyone, especially Harley and Grinnames, and those in the Security Group; they took the full poison of the conflict enough. I don't want another Anime Arc 2.0 (Electric Boogaloo, dear lord...adding that part sounded very bad)

*("Listen, I would have gone to the Security group and leave you to be cared for at the Health Department, but since I just came to exist, the first thing I did was protect you. But... I won't perform a Desti Real Me.")

I see her soften her look.

*("But only as an alternative tactic. And if you don't agree with what I have planned, I will stay with you")

Other Me looks around the group.

*("Maybe we could just protect everyone if we can, but not fight against RTV; remember, you and to some extent me, we're just visitors and not fighters. The least we want is him hating us... and 'Her.' You and I have been behaving so well through the tour. And before I came, you made new friends, and made the SMG3 Gang a lot chipper; and received gifts from them.")

("Hm...Like... serving as a distraction? Well, that could work; and at the same time find a way out. And... what about the TVs?")

To be honest, I think we both got the same thought. If we have the cord tails, maybe we could briefly hijack one? And then quickly hop to the next one without being seen... Problem is... how quickly can we move? And what to do with a hijacked TV?

(...Animsay...)

*("Well, Tari would do something about it. But the version of Tari here doesn't have Clench anymore... Maybe we can be "Tari.")

("Not bad... But... Have you checked your sigils if the Amorphous one changed?")

..........

*("Actually... yes. Fledgling? Sort of expecting Burrower and or Trinket Bearer; the former, I can use the umbrella to protect myself and the other participants anyways. Am I going to turn into a werewolf or?")

Her sigils are active now! That means the Unkillable sigil would make her play opossum! And performing a 'Desti' is just a metaphor.

(And maybe make a Megamind reference, for the lulz)

("I... I don't know. But we'll find out. If anything... you can match up to RTV. At least, holding him off than fighting him directly.")

*("That's the spirit, Real Me! You and I are full of Infinite Creativity.")

More like Creative Infinity, lol (A contrast to Creative Control). Hm... I wonder... is there a Creative Infinity?

("So... a lot of stuff to do heh? And performing a Desti is... the last resort?")

*("If it comes to... just... cry out either 'Me,' or to make things more dramatic, 'Real Me.' I don't think anyone would remember which one is the copy, since the curtain back in the Health Department was closed all the time. And then you would deliver some sort of speech of how 'Real Me,' me taking your identity, was the only person who would have said they enjoyed the whole tour, how she made friends, enjoyed all of the heads of the department, especially the SMG3 how she made them all happy, and possibly forgive RTV if it came to. And now that is gone.")

("But we don't know yet, Other Me. As I have been saying through out the tour as I was searching up my drawing...")

...

*("We'll cross that bridge when we reach to the other side.")

("We'll cross that bridge when we reach to the other side.")

Well... we disconnect out tails. So, back to the present. I'm thinking that, if I cannot show my drawing to RTV and risk him making me rip it apart (in the final moments)... looking at the blonde participant with the orange and sky blue uniform, Astro, maybe I can show it to them (but that is if they live to tell the tale). And if my home isn't possible to escape with a few people (the canvas door only opens when I'm close and thinking of going home, and currently well hidden unless called), maybe they could let us crash into their home?

(I'm curious to meet the other Puzzles there. And would Other Me want to as well?)

RTV stops mumbling and turns back around. And time moves back to normal. Now focused on all of us; slightly getting closer. And also mainly on SMG4 and Animsay now. I didn't want to look at his screen honestly, because I don't know how I would handle a hostile expression, it could be too much for me.

The rest of the story... well...

(Insert Kirby 64 Ost- Vs 02) Dramatic purposes

Fractions of the tour group (should I keep referring as a tour?) has decided to fight back, specifically the Security group. Not much for the Health group, but only if they chose to join in the fight. A lot of chaos. Everyone just wants go back home and escape the TV Dimension; we saw a few hide in some of the TVs, but we know they can't stay (I've been secretly wondering if to go into one of them). Being in the Health group, along with Other Me... as much as we didn't want to fight... But we could support and help the others to return safely. We were able to activate our Airborne sigils, and grew our wings while no one was watching; and we realizes we can also put them back. We thought of very quickly/swiftly dive down and use our umbrellas to block the blows; very quickly so RTV doesn't see what was protecting the fighters (we got thanked for it. Appreciated); and taking turns or going at the same time. The very bottom of the TV Dimension was dark enough to hide ourselves; and sometimes take cover behind Marie ( @fenicearts420 ) the dragon shifter. But while hidden in the abyss, Other Me decided to add herself the Burrower sigil herself without me realizing it. (paranoid much, or cares too much for everyone?). Explained why she suddenly would dart to cover too quickly in the blink of an eye. Not sure if that was stupid and risky, or helpful; but sometimes we couldn't react fast enough.

Now... the other thing? Seeing if our cord tails would hijack any of the TVs for a short time. After some experimenting and discovering our tails can actually extend longer as it can and change its plug and prongs for adaptability (and other tools as well), it is time to test it out. Hoping from one to the next, surely, we put something else in the TVs but just briefly. Mostly to draw RTV's attention away; when that happens, we quickly dive down in the abyss. But also, hijack them to scan what's in them and who is in there (and which TV, channel 999, is the way out). And see if we could find something for an advantage for an escape plan. The Magic School bus? The vehicle can do almost a little bit of everything ranging to flying, shrinking... the like. Though it cannot carry as much people as it can. The cars in Fast & Furious and the famous Nitrus Oxide Boost? For a last second speed boost getaway; but we'll need too many for all 57 participants, unless some... numbers go down... (I don't want to think about it)

It was all going decently, with the light-speed shielding, short-timed hijacking. But... we goofed it! Well, I goofed it yet wished Other Me would be the one to blow our cover; I have a feeling she's a little more independent. How...? I just barely connected my cord tail when, I spontaneously sneezed like a Pomeranian; and that not only displayed on the current TV, but across the other TVs for everyone and RTV to see.

....Oops..

(Just hope few laughed at that. Or at least, remember that)

(RTV will remember that...)

"YOU TWO!," RTV shows up all of a sudden, just right next to us, as a giant. We try to look elsewhere in case he's flashing the "scary face;" the one with the realistic darting eyes and mouth. "Never quite put much attention... but now it is. YOu two peaked at my curiosity." RTV's hand opens up and scoops Me and Other Me, holding on to us like dolls. WE keep our things close; my plushie and umbrella, and her own umbrella.

(end of Vs. 02)

Some of the crowd don't know what to do, but I'm sure the ones I befriended didn't liked that at all. All me and Other Me can do is watch helplessly; again, I'm just a visitor. (A visitor that isn't meant to play a part, is forced into it)

We didn't want to see his face, but... we also don't want to be rude by ignoring him; no choice but to possibly see the "scary face." RTV's scary face to be exact. If anything, me and Other Me would try to visualize a scary but not-so-much scary... like, canon Mr Puzzles' "Scary face" (or that of an angry wolf, scary to look intimidating) Have slowly grown used to it (except the red one).

Looking up at RTV's face... he doesn't seem ready to flash us a scary look... yet- For a second there! Other Me is trying to get away, but because her Burrower sigil is acting up with everyone dodging the blows from the RTV clones; but shortly stops, guess she touched it a second time for time out (why am I hearing a ticking sound?)

While everyone is busy or caught by the clones, RTV Moves away from the busy crowd. Ho boy....

"Curious... Never thought to find some interesting people, I should have kept a close eye on," his large hand seemed to tense a little. "Hiding your talents, fox-thing...Robo-fox-girl...? Doesn't matter what you are. And no need to say your name, my dear... um... dears?," he lightly huffs. Clearly trying to understand what me and Other Me are. (the ticking noise continues) "Here... My head. My rules." RTV gestures his head and the area around.

The only thing I could do is nod in approval. He's right. Other Me follows.

"EXACTLY, Here, I can do everything as I see fit. You saw all that for sure, yes?" I nod at that. Well... the grip is slightly getting tight, but not too tight it's unbearable. But my responses where positive, even. "Though... only... I can do everything..." his voice lowers a little.

He turns around the chaos.

"ENOUGH!!!," He loudly shouts (ouch my ears!), and everyone stops and or restrained by the clones. Just managed to loosen an arm.

Ho boy, SMG4 is surrounded by a few, smaller clones. Finger guns pointed at him. He's cornered. And appears, RTV wants everyone's attention, including SMG4.

"Now, ALL OF YOU! (ouch my ears!)," swiftly raising his voice before back to a mix of a sneer and false calmness. "You had all your fun here enough. CONGRATS! You and your abilities, and resourcefulness, teamwork and... sneaky... unheard talents," I felt his gaze on us, and a brief squeeze for half a second (please, hope that didn't wasted the Armor/Nano Armor sigil). "I'm impressed... well, half, Impressed."

"H-Hey, leave them all alone," cried out SMG4. "It's me you want!"

Is... SMG4 wanting to turn himself in for everyone's safety, or ours? But... wonder if I impressed him with the accidental hijack goof. Yet... even a different SMG4...

He's not meant to do that.

"Hm... perhaps a little too late, dear SMG4. The fault of one is the fault of all of them. Besides, THIS kind of behavior is exactly why I'm not letting you go."

......

"Again... as for... you two," RTV directs at us... "Do you think that little stunt, was to show me up?" Now he's upset. We shake our heads. "Hm... not much of a talker? And even after back at the Film Department? Now... people as high as I, has his secrets, and you two are the first in line to hear it." RTV sounded falsely cheery, and moves us in front of the audience. "Well... My secret?"

His face turns completely dark, with only a bright white realistic smile on it (think of the wolf!).

"Sometimes... QUIET PEOPLE, PISS ME OFF!" (is that a Deltarune Chapter 1 reference?) And then, his grip tightens-

Me and Other Me close our eyes as we expect the worst for everyone to see; never letting them know we would come back.

(the ticking then is replaced by one large thump)

Suddenly, the pressure is gone now. I look and... Other Me just became a giant; though not as big as RTV. Looks like the Fledging sigil came at the right time! Looking at RTV, he's speechless like he didn't see it coming

"W-What. Are. YOU???" that is all he could muster.

But Other Me didn't want to linger any longer and grabbed me and went to book it before he could react (why is she not pulling her wings out?). With RTV distracted, everyone takes advantage of it and free themselves. And... maybe a few smaller RTV clones gliding after us. Guess he didn't liked we pulled one trick after another. Though we still do the old dive-bomb tactic in front of the resumed fighting crowd; and Other Me protecting everyone with her now enlarged umbrella. Wait... where are the smaller RTV clones? Did they got eliminated in the crossfire? At least, it appears we are getting the upper hand. Maybe there's no need for any drasti-

All of a sudden, as we pass a nearby TV, it all of a sudden sprouted arms and faced at us; and showing the expression from before. It grappled onto giant Other Me's right, restricting the one arm with her umbrella. The force of the sudden tackle launched me (with my stuff still with me) in the empty space; leaving me vulnerable. And accidentally bumping into (participant/SMG4)

And then, either the real RTV or a larger clone, shows up. Finger gun ready to fire...

I look at Other Me... she sees this. And gives me a knowing look, with the living TV still clinging to her and making her unable to use the umbrella to protect us... She's going to perform a Desti...

(Oh boy... this is going to traumatize everyone! This is going to hurt!)

Other Me dives between me and the participant/SMG4, with the TV still clinging to her, and shut our eyes, but I open mine quickly to see when-

PEW SPLASH!

As if the (traumatic but planned) scene was replayed in different angles, and in slow motion, the shot Other Me took went through her left side of her chest and back, with blood leaving the wound before changing color from red to blue. It hit the chest pocket (why is placed slightly above the chest area?) where all of the mixed Inscryption cards where, and all floating/flying around; some destroyed and or covered in blue blood. The living TV that was clinging to her moved out of the way moments before the blast; looks like this is what RTV wanted (?)

(And... in his head, RTV... just drew first blood)

The force of the blow sending her towards a TV that she crashes, and breaks (Sorry RTV, but still...)

(I hope there was no one in it)

She must be in pain by now.

Everyone stops what they where doing... shocked at the (haunting) spectacle.

Other Me's POV

*I did it! But... WHY DID IT HAVE TO HURT SO MUCH!!! I... I'm bleeding everywhere....! T-the... the In-scryption cards.... oh....

*I.... hope Real Me s-sticks w-with the... p-plan... which she will cry now? 'Me' or-

Back to Real Rayas' POV

(Sticking to the plan)

"No... 'REAL MEEEE'!!!!!!!" I shouted as loud as I could and extending my hand towards her. I'm pretty sure it echoed across the TV Dimension. And I did my best to find it as an excuse to cry.

Here we go, Anime Arc 2.0; Desti's Death Part 2

"Oh... Oh my God!!" I heard SMG4 said it (that line, is the exact one when Luigi turned into a meat mallet, and everyone thought he got killed in the canon PV Movie). Just hope this isn't giving him Anime Arc reminders; or reminders.... of what happened to this place's Mario.

There were saddened murmurs and cries such as.

"She's... she not!"

"How could you?!"

"No... No nononono!"

(I think it worked too well. God Lord)

(I hope Meggy isn't seeing this, or anyone else)

"56 now...," dryly said RTV. I got to say... indeed, a different Mr Puzzles. (I won't lie, but that's what he would say. No empathy he has, but more for me)

Other Me clenches to her wound, as she slowly floats away from where she crashed; a trail of blue blood floating in the open space. And brushing against the floating ruined cards (Didn't put attention that some of them slowly floating into some of the TVs). She's slowly shrinking down...

She looks up at everyone else and says.

*"I-It's been nice... meeting you all. T-thanks, for the tour....," she then looks at me, with a weak smile, yet knowing. "'O-Other... you,... You better return home in my place, yes?," did she tried to recreate Desti's final words? It's pretty convincing honestly.

And then... she goes limp, letting go of her umbrella. She's dead... but hopefully not for long. But I must remain in character; and I'm not the kind to be acting in front of a live audience. I approach her and cradle her. Yikes... that... could have been me, even if I'll just come back. Better excuse to slowly open the waterways.

"'Real'... 'REAL'?!," Okay, that sounded too much. (Still waiting for her to come back... hopefully). "'Real... No... Please... What am I going to do?" I bury my face on her chest as I "cried" (actually cried, but because everyone is probably) and turned away, in the direction where the second umbrella floated and went to grab it (still have my RTV Plushie, safely tucked in my umbrella as an improvised tote). "This feels wrong... Replacing the original? This... has to be a dream? It has to..."

To add it a little, I connect my tail to her tail, to make it appear it would revive her.... sadly... nothing... I disconnect it.

"I-I can't believe I'm now carrying her body instead of the unconscious version" I quickly mumbled. (I think I went too far on that one)

A pause, slightly slowing my crying. Now to find my words, but phrasing it carefully, since RTV thinks I'm the copy. Plus, a copy, would share the same personality, thoughts,... and past.

(Sad song right here)

"Do you realized... how she was enjoying the tour?," I went on without hostility in my voice, yet what I'll say is true since I'm not the copy but the real one; and knowing RTV, he would laugh anyways. Deciding, not to mention the drawing, but he'll probably review the cameras anyways once it is all over. "Seeing her memories... So many good things... How....," sniff. "How she learned to grow, how it took her long to adjust and make friends, despite being in the spectrum," I got to keep it up. As I'm cry talking, I momentarily let Other Me float as I look for the Puzzlevision tie fleece blanket drawing, some peeked to see what it is. I concentrate to do a series of moves while still crying before producing the blanket for real, and draping it over Other Me's body; I wonder how everyone reacted to that trick. And then place the now closed umbrella on her. And also wrap my cord tail around her to keep her secured to me. "She enjoyed all the departments... getting a compliment for how she looked... how she interacted with the SMG3 Gang... Oh," I think I'm really crying for real. "The last time she saw the latter,... was that they were a lot... happier than before she met them. Did... did she do something more special?... Like the green drink, the peculiar game, or the anime she was given the honors to pick?" Sniff... "Was she, like... a second Axol, to them?" I quietly say that last part.

(I wonder if SMG4 came just to check on his former friends. And i'm somehow telling him they have been doing fine)

I cradle Other Me closer. I keep crying. As it went, I noticed some of the participants getting closer. Animsay, slightly close, but I felt like... even if she cannot remember me since she's changed here, something about me gets her attention.

"She... she...," I slowly look up at RTV, his dry expression remaining unchanged with my tear stricken face. I myself, keeping my cool. "She even cleaned your clothes when you were down..., and not even once, attacked you physically. She never had the intention to, b-because," I close my eyes for a moment, looking away, calming my tears and sadness (even if an act where I might be taking it too seriously). "...S-she was just a visitor, wanting to enjoy it all. Have a good time. And she did... Now she's gone... all that is left is a carbon copy... Knowing her, do you know what she would say... after what happened? Since I'm her...," a pause, sniff. "Mr Puzzles, I forgive you."

I barely looked up at his face, but I'm sure he's unmoved; that's expected.

"It was her great day... It was, a great day...," and that will be all. I bury my face back to Other Me. But a side glance to see his face.

(Strange, forgiving a villain who wouldn't hesitate to get his hands dirty. It's almost like holding no grudges to a wolf that bit me more than 10 times)

RTV closes his eyes... keeping his cold, dry expression. Is he going to laugh? He already showed he's not the type to warm up.

His comment?

“It was indeed a GREAT day…until someone had to mess it up. Shame.” RTV said dryly.

(Thank you)

Well, that was all I needed to hear. No sympathy, but just his response is enough... And maybe he'll remember it.

"...What now?," I very softly asked to myself.

(TO Be Continued)

______________________________

Author's Notes: Holly Molly! Never meant to scare you all like that! I promise, that it was all staged. And helped the host with writing the next part.

The drawing in question.

(Between The Star and AV Puzzles is Astro by @the-masked-astro , one of the participants on the tour) All Ocs/AUs belong to their owners and can be found here Puzzlevision Mass Attack)

Note about the drawing. In the story, her drawing is impervious to getting destroyed/damaged, and the only one who can is Rayas since she made it. So, anyone not from her home or herself, it's like stretching an unbreakable rubber band.

Note, interactions available, but comment/dm first. Plus, if anything, I might slightly change the story here.

[lrayasostripes]

THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!!!!!! ABSOLUTE CINEMA!!!

Though, I didn't realized RTV was that paranoid to consider the two Rayas as a threat for messing with his TVs. Dethrone him??? When did Rayas and Other Rayas want to Dethrone him? She and her copy got curious with their new cord tails and tried to see if she could help everyone escape, and find channel 999.

☆ THE RTV!PUZZLEVISION TOUR [Part 5]

Participants actions:

Lilith

Becky

Loyboo

Nicknack

Lucas

Creature

Harley

Grinnames

Aspen

The Scammer

Lari

Hairball

Marie

Orion

Rayas

Note: Wowza this is a looooong one and perfectly represent the fever dream that is the Tv dimension in my opinion lol Originally I wanted to take more movies in but god, it’s already way too long.

A special thanks to @scimagic and @irayasosy CHECK THE REBLOGS FOR PART 2 + NOTES!!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

There was a tense silence in the Health Department as RTV was done with his rant.

The TV head was still irritated, but at least was calm enough by now to refrain from sending the nearest person flying against the wall like he did with the table just now.

Gripping hands behind his back he tried to regain some of his composure.

Deep breaths, focus on the task at hand, make sure nothing more goes out of hand.

Surely enough, some people seemed smart enough to not provoke him further.

Under the soulless stares of Swag and Chris and RTV’s glare, the participants now walked towards the screens, some giving him a worried or anxious glance back.

The TV head made a slight step to the side to give way to the one eyed Creature and a sobbing Becky walking past him and entering the dimension.

RTV was unsure when in his life he had started losing sympathy for others, but he knew it had been gone for a long time, as right now, he simply couldn’t bring himself to feel sorry.

Was it a bit insane to take his anger out on the people who couldn’t do anything against the people from beyond the 4th wall who made the actual choices?

Maybe.

Well, if the people in Health behaved then maybe he would be willing to cut them some slack.

As for Security…they messed up.

After the red colored Bunnybot entered through the screen as well, only a few people were left.

Among them was Nira, the one horned girl Lilith, that white and pink hairball and…

RTV’s eyes visibly narrowed as the insert of one the most irritating people he had the displeasure to talk with, now stepped towards him.

Really, the only reason he allowed Loyboo on the tour was because he was nice enough for the person to prove that they were different from the person behind them.

“What does it matter… " 

It was a mutter that RTV only caught because the boo was standing so close.

Nevertheless he didn’t expect him to bow down in the next second, dropping a single sketchbook page to the floor.

 "I'm worth nothing.", she said, before walking past RTV, through the screen and into the TV dimension.

The TV head gave Loyboo a slightly perplexed look, before huffing.

Alright, if his small outburst was already causing such reactions then he figured the majority would downright break when it was a big one.

His gaze now landed on the paper on the floor and he kneeled down to pick it up in a split second decision before it could be stepped on by Lilith who now walked through as well.

Putting the free hand in his hip, he now narrowed his eyes at the sketch that had been doodled on the piece of paper.

The outlines were still messy yet he was able to make out the picture as a whole.

A row of people following a TV headed being ordering them, no doubt representing him, a star shaped light present on his screen.

A visualization of RTV’s brainwash, showing how the people fell into his trap by following the shining, flawless persona that he was embodying.

The TV head frowned, his grip around the paper slightly tightening.

This drawing was hitting a bit too close to the truth.

In a way it was what happened on this tour right now.

A bunch of people followed him, a few even trusting him, only to figure out that he wasn’t what he pretended to be.

Well, until he forced them to see what he wanted them to see again.

Not an option with the majority of these people though.

They were too…aware.

With a sharp inhale, he folded the sketch, storing it in a pocket of his coat.

No time for sentimentalities.

Besides, right now these people didn’t even deserve his act of perfection, no, ironically they now got a more authentic version of him.

A very pissed off one.

“U-uhm, we still have two people resting, so I should probably go wake them up.”

RTV lowered his gaze on the white squirrel who was nervously grabbing her own hands.

“Do that.”

Following her slowly as she walked over to the next room, he watched how she pulled the curtains wide aside.

Revealing a small surprise.

Turns out the fox girl form before had a double now.

"...There's... two?", he slowly drawled, earning a quick nod from Nira.

Just how much did he miss?

He continued to observe how the double now woke up the other who appeared to have been sleeping, muttering apparent comforting swords to her.

Hah, ironic how other people got far better along with their other versions than he did.

Moving slowly aside as they now stood up, he noted a cable cord tail on them.

Had they owned those before?

Well, no matter.

At least they didn’t make any trouble and entered the TV dimension without further complaints.

Nira though…

RTV couldn’t help but admit how useful she was.

Her ability was a true win to this studio, no matter how this ended, he had to keep her by his side.

After that was done, RTV turned to Swag and Chris to give a few last orders, as he suddenly heard fast footsteps coming his way.

As he snapped around, he just saw a white and pink hairball lunging towards him until-

CRASH!

A few glass splinters fell to the ground together with Hairball who had bounced right off RTV’s screen.

A bottle of disinfect flew out of their hair, rolling right in front of the TV head’s shoes who was holding his now additionally broken screen.

Taking a second to recover from the failed attempt to enter the TV dimension, Hairball now shook their head, sitting up.

In the next second a tall shadow fell over them, followed by a harsh grip in their long hair as they were suddenly pulled back up.

“Owowowowowow-”

“Quiet.”

RTV’s expression had switched back to one of cold fury, drops of color from his mouth now dropping through the impact crack in his screen onto the floor boards.

His other hand then dove into the mess of hair, searching for more items that no doubt this menace had snatched along the way.

First thing he noted however was that his arm sunk in way deeper than it should be possible.

So no ordinary hair.

More like some sort of endless space.

Pocket dimension?

It turned out there were much more things hidden there than RTV expected.

Among the things he pulled out were a pack of gums, a whole pencil case, a half eaten sandwich and-

His eyes visibly narrowed at the now nervously smiling creature as his hand pulled out with his phone and a very familiar star bowtie.

Little shit.

“Don’t.”, he stopped Hairball before they could even dare utter another word, his grip in their hair now tightening as they started dragging them over to the screen. “You’re INCREDIBLY lucky I don’t approve of staining my gloves. Not on studio grounds that is.”

He gave Hairball a sharp smile, now flicking the bowtie back in their hands.

“You know what? KEEP it. One measly star is probably everything a petty THIEF like you will ever achieve in their pathetic life.”, RTV spoke in a hiss. “You’re welcome.”

With that, he shoved them through the screen and into the TV dimension, frowning at all the hair that now had gotten stuck to his clothing.

With every second, he felt the grip on his temper fading away.

No trace of self preservation with some of these people.

“You two.”, he now turned to Swag and Chris, voice missing his usual theatrical sliver. Why bother?

It’s not like they would care about him breaking character.

“Chris, get over to the Control Room and listen to the system’s orders. Swag, you stay here. Keep an eye.”

He now turned to Animsay who was the only other person left.

“Especially her.”

A simultaneous nod.

Brushing the hair off his sleeves, RTV took a deep breath before retracting into the TV head.

A few seconds later, the broken screen landed on the floor, displaying static before shutting off.

☆

Back in the Control Room, people were getting ready as well to enter the TV dimension.

Some looked just as put off by the mere idea as SMG4 felt.

That stupid dimension brought nothing but bad memories back and he was seriously considering whether taking on that weird version of Wren wasn't the better alternative.

The last time SMG4 ended up in there, the events happened that led to that maniac being in power.

Surely though, he at least wouldn’t broadcast all this to the world this time.

After the small... incident between Wr3n, Sci, and a certain bot's body, the Siren now moved past the crowd to get to the back of the room, ignoring any stares she may receive as she glared with bitterness at the floor. 

Her fins flicked with every sound, murmur or cry between the group, the sad thought of others caring for Michael as much as she cared for them crossing her mind before she shut it down.

No time for that. No time to dwell in pain. The odds weren't on her side and with each passing moment she spent in this room, the more doomed she is confronting a certain television head.

Which... speaking of the devil...

As RTV gave his announcement through the various screens in the control room, Sci glared at them, her back half-turned towards them as she listened with a sneer forming on her face. Once done, the Siren turned back around, fist shaking at her side as she tried to think of what to do.

How to survive...

How to live.

She knew she'd be terribly weak against the big man himself if she stepped through, but she'd dig herself an even bigger grave if she didn't. Looking around the room, she tried to find something, anything of use to her- only for her eye to catch a familiar face. Tired and scrappy maybe... But friendly, nonetheless.

She missed seeing her universe's version of him...

Sci shook her head lightly and frowned, god he's gonna be just as much if not more screwed than her. But she was desperate for options right now.

The Siren quietly stomped her way to SMG4, a tense and stern look on her face.

The meme guardian was still busy brooding over the impossible choice at hand, only now he noticed that he had been balling his fists the entire time, nails digging deep into skin.

Taking a deep breath, he opened his hands before brushing once over his face.

He had to calm down or he would get himself into even bigger trouble though right now...although that seemed almost impossible.

As he saw Sci walking towards him, the meme guardian immediately tensed up again.

“…hi.”

Both of Sci’s hands landed on the guardian's shoulders, a tense grip on them but nothing to hurt him. Staring intently into his eyes.

"Tell me... You didn't walk in here blindly without an escape plan— don't tell me what it is— just tell me if you do." The Siren hissed in a quiet tone, already way past introductions at this point. 

Some worry lingers in her voice.

SMG4 made a small step back as she suddenly grabbed him though halted at her question. 

Was she really asking him for a plan when it was so obvious that everything went wrong?

“No, not really…”, he now replied in a low tone. “I’m just as stuck as you here though…maybe the rest of my group can bail us out soon enough. It’s not exactly going after a plan though. You think I wanted to expose myself to this group?”

The fish opens her mouth to say something, only to close it again with a frown as she glances down.

Guess she should've thought about that. She wasn't in a position to judge how badly things were planned. She didn't even have a plan herself in case things went wrong! And they already had!

Sci breathed in and exhaled a sigh, the grip on Four's shoulders faltering as she patted his shoulder and nodded in resignation.

"Right... Sorry... Just wishful thinking."

Sci let go of his shoulders and looked to the side, continuing to mutter.

"Let's pray to the Godbox they find a way to do it then. Otherwise we're relying on sheer dumb luck and a miracle."

She glanced to the TV screens displaying Puzzles' dimension.

"... Or mercy.”

SMG4 let out a huff at that, putting hands back in the pockets of his hoodie. Well, he couldn’t exactly blame her. He also had hoped that there was a better plan, but alas…

“I’m not going to pray to that box of horrors.”, he sighed. “You can cross mercy out of the equation unless you got stuff to bargain with.”

He glanced over to the screens, seeing how some people were now contemplating.

“Let's hope they are still alive.”

Sci hummed as a response, drifting into thought as she considered the bargain part.

... Yeah, she's not selling away her powers for a second time. She doesn't have blackmail (not yet), no trump cards...

Just her fists and a necklace.

She sighed in exasperation, the more she thought about this situation the more dread and helplessness she got.

Ah well... If you go down, go down with style or something.

"They got a better chance than us right now, I suppose."

Sci stepped to walk away from SMG4, before pausing and looking back at him again.

"Uh... Good luck, I guess..."

”Mhm, they are capable so that’s something…”, the meme guardian simply replied, nodding at her last sentence to him. “Same to you.”

He then turned to glare at the screen again. If Puzzles wanted him to go in there, he would have to force him.

She nodded back and walked away without another word.

Al...right. Fighting it is.

Last time she tried this she failed miserably and got her shit rocked. No doubt it'll happen here too.

Don't fight in turf that isn't yours. But unfortunately, she didn't have a choice.

As she slowly walked back to the front of the room, she removed her black tie and the Puzzlevision necklace from her neck and began to wrap them around her right hand, the tie wrapped tightly right on top of the metal logo.

Make-shift brass knuckles!

It..... wouldn't do much at all. But she had the chance to do even a little bit of damage in her defense. It was better than nothing.

Sci looked up from her hand and spotted Lucian, still bleeding out on the floor and getting closer to the edge of the cliff.

With a guilty frown, the fish walked over and greeted the neon sign, kneeling down to his level once more.

"Hey... How are you holding up?"

[Hah…]

“Bad, to be blunt.”, he scoffed though there was no real malice behind it. He now nodded to the screen. “Ya going in?”

Holding his side, he grimaced as he tried to sit more upright. Sitting slumped against the panel like this…it made him feel even weaker. 

“Word of advice, since I’m pretty sure you’re going in either way: Don’t focus on defeating him, find a way out.”

"Yeah, I can see that..." The fish muttered as she took a glance at his wound before looking back up and listened to Lucian.

She hummed, eyebrows furrowing in thought as she considered his words. That's... a much better way to look at it. Maybe she'd have a chance then.

"Thanks... Hopefully I don't get a bigger target on my back for it."

Her hand went up to fidget with her necklace, pausing for a moment before she spoke again, her tone meek and full of worry.

"What's gonna happen to you after this?... If uh... they tend to you quick enough..."

“Your target is already as big as it can be.”, Lucian snorted. At her concern he simply shrugged. “Oh they will. If Puzzles wanted me replaced or gone, Wr3n would have aimed for a more lethal strike. Meaning…he still needs my services.”

The object head pointed a fingergun at Sci, before letting out a dry chuckle.

“Man, I need to get out of here…”

"Ahah..."

 "Goodie..."

She chuckled nervously, letting it falter into a worried one as the thought of possibly being a primary target in this whole mess crossed her mind.

She's won that ticket all by herself, alright...

God— she's regretting ever thinking she'd have fun in this mission.

But shaking those nerve-wracking thoughts away, she scoffed a sad laugh at Lucian. Understanding the feeling very well.

"Yeah... You'll get out eventually, man... I have hope for you."

Lucian could easily tell that his words didn’t exactly create more confidence, yet he also didn’t regret it. The more careful she was the better. He usually got people killed, he may as well inspire one to keep themself alive.

[Maybe…]

“Ah, your hope is appreciated. Maybe, just maybe I will. But I need someone else freed first before I follow.”

Sci nodded, smiling with hope down at Lucian.

"Keep fighting, it's the best chance they got." She holds her fist up for a 'see you later' bump, "thanks for everything, Lucian, truly."

The sign head seemed to look at the fist for a second, before letting his own bump against it.

"You're not bad, kid. Stay alive, yeah?"

In the next second, one of the screens switched to static, a gloved hand reaching through and grabbing one of the participants, by her ribbons, dragging her straight through the screen and into the dimension. RTV was done waiting.

The fish beamed with the slightest bit of happiness, a light blue spark in her dark blue eyes as she nodded. "I'll do my best."

As she pullled her hand away, Sci turned her head to see one of the participants getting dragged— Grinnames, actually— and she knew she'd probably be one of them if she didn't hurry.

Sci let out a small sigh and muttered, "guess that's my cue." And she stood up again with a huff.

She nodded at Lucian and waved a small goodbye before turning and walking over to the screens, staring them down with a bit of uncertainty until she shook her head with a determined look.

Here goes something.

The Siren stepped up to the control panel and entered RTV's head dimension. 

Lucian gave her a slight wave as well as Nicknack who now followed soon after, hand in hand with Harley.

A damn kid in the middle of all this.

He felt like hitting something.

Sure, going in without force would prevent Puzzles from being pissed off any further, that’s why Lucian even advised people to do it.

The alternative wasn’t any better.

Still, there was no guarantee they would be the same when they got out.

If they got out.

A fact that SMG4 seemed to be more than aware of as he was now the only one remaining in the control room safe for Lucian and, well, Michael’s remains.

“You should go.”, the object head now warned, sign changing into a fitting [Go.]

At that the meme guardian looked over to him, anxiety clear in his eyes.

“Easy for you to say!”, SMG4 laughed. “Do you know what happened the last time I entered?”

Lucian knew.

Well, not the details, he only saw the bits of pieces of the Puzzlevision movie that RTV wanted the public to see.

But he knew that SMG4 had been in there and it seemed to have ended just as bad as it ended for him everytime he got dragged in there for RTV’s “talks”.

“Do you think you can fix anything by staying out?”, he now replied, letting out a hoarse laugh. “You of all people here are probably the person Puzzles wants to see dead the most. At least when you are with the others they will be backing you up!”

“Rich words from someone who tried to kill me multiple times!”, SMG4 barked, crossing his arms.

“Trust me, if I were committed to this whole killing you thing, you would be fighting me right now.”, Lucian growled. “But unfortunately, you are one of the people out there who actually have a chance at doing something against this TV prick so how about at least trying to stay alive?!”

The meme guardian gave a glare, but actually considered the others words now.

“Fine…”, he then finally agreed, making a hesitant step towards the screens, giving them an unsure glance, before determination settled in his eyes. “I got this…”

Taking a deep breath, he then entered through the screen, stepping back into the same dimension that he had visited plenty of times in his nightmares before.

Left alone in the control room now, Lucian let his head bump back against the control panel.

The pain in his side had become worse than before, an unfortunate effect of the adrenaline from before wearing off.

They needed him, that’s what he told Sci, but to be honest, he wasn’t too sure anymore.

His gaze wandered over to the remains of Michael, one visible eye staring empty to the side, upper jaw connected to a gaping black and oily hole.

This had been a participant.

Sure, a participant with ulterior motives, but still.

As much as he loathed Wr3n, he was still an AI, his sentience had limits.

Everything he did was based on what RTV fed him.

The TV head had programmed this brutality into him.

Lucian liked to know he had the guy figured out, but the truth was he didn't even want to understand him.

Both of them were bad people, yet he didn’t want to know the feeling of understanding the other's thought process.

Lucian didn’t like to sympathize with people he planned to kill one day.

Unfortunately that also meant that he didn’t see anything of this level coming and that his predictions of Puzzles next move were often just lucky guesses.

Well, he wasn’t going anywhere.

No choice but to see how this played out.

Click!

The sound of the door unlocking.

In the next second, the door to the control room slid to the side giving sight onto yet another robot host of Wr3n -just how many did they make- and Chris next to him.

The unfocused stare and the never lowering gun in his colleague's hand was enough of a hint that he wasn’t himself right now and sure enough, as Chris stepped over to him Lucian could see the familiar static pupils.

A clear indicator of mind control.

Lucian knew it all too well from SMG3 and Colores.

Back then the color picker of her color wheel head was the thing that turned static.

A result of Lucian’s first attempts to get her out. Didn’t work out too well.

The sound of a gun safety being removed managed to snap Lucian back to the present.

[Well…] “Tired of me already?”

His question was towards Wr3n who stood behind Chris as he pointed his gun at Lucian’s chest.

“That’s not exactly what I would call it, but this tour has been enlightening. New rivals on the horizon…” Wr3n gestured to the side, now tilting his head.

“...loyalties revealed.”

Lucian simply snorted at that.

“Don’t tell me Puzzles ever thought I was loyal to him.”

“Nah, but we did think ya would be a bit smarter in your decisions. Ya could have just shot SMG4! Sure, a few traumatized people, but we could have easily painted it as the consequence of a vicious attack!”

Wr3n moved his hands to the side like visualizing a picture.

“Crazy ex-youtube legend returns to finish the job. Heroic security saves the day!”

“Yeah, not really interested to add to the lies.”

“So much is obvious, partner.”,

Wr3n sighed, pushing hat deeper in his face as he now nodded to Chris.

“Patch him up.”

[Huh?]

At Lucian’s surprise, Wr3n laughed.

“Aw, come on partner! We are not through with ya yet! Who else is gonna train the future security units? Be our personal scapegoat in case all those hits ever get uncovered?”

“Of course…”

“Ya still have your use. For now.”

A pat on Lucian’s shoulder.

He slapped it off, earning himself another chuckle as Wr3n now passed by him, kneeling down next to Michael.

“If I had known he still wanted ya, I would have done less damage.”,

Wr3n sighed, ruffling Michael’s hair, before picking up his ripped apart body, throwing it over his shoulder.

“Ah well, it was still fun.”

“What are you gonna do with him?”, Lucian asked, hissing at Chris now patched up his wound, not exactly being gentle.

“I’m afraid ya are no longer cleared for that information anymore.”,

Wr3n simply replied, giving them a two fingered salute.

"Chris will take you to Health or shoot you if ya try to make more trouble. See ya around, partner.”

☆

Back in the Health Department Animsay had meanwhile settled down on a free bed, unbeknownst to Swag, who was blankly standing next to her, glancing over to the screens.

So far she could still get through them, but not for much longer.

If she wanted to advance the plot for her sona, she would have to act now.

Hey, hey, HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

Ignoring her character’s protests, Ani now jumped off, tapping Swag on the shoulder.

“Hey Swag?”

The mind controlled security member now turned around, before getting decked right in the face.

Using the moment where he was holding his now bleeding nose, Ani slid past him, making a beeline straight towards the screen and jumped.

She dove right through it as a second later a bullet hit the screen, breaking it apart.

Animsay landed on the other side, floating uncontrollably for a while.

Her screen suddenly shut off, shoulders slacking for a second until suddenly she let out a gasp, hands grabbing her shoulders, before sliding alongside the heavy TV on her head.

“W-what…”, she muttered to herself, not yet realizing that the TV dimension was outside Wr3n’s jurisdiction.

Meaning the program keeping her locked out of her own body was gone.

Now the only voice remaining in her head was the author of this text herself.

One who found it was a perfect moment to introduce the character Animsay to the audience.

“Why now?”, Animsay muttered, knowing that she was listening.

Or reading…or writing?

Because its perfect! Wr3n has no control and they need somebody who can lead them next to SMG4.

“Hah…of course. I know the way out just as much as most of the others here. Channel 999, no idea where it is. This is just you wanting to show off my existence to the audience, right? Make it a big shocker moment…”

“I will lead you, no worries and well, kinda.”

“Great.”, was C!Animsay’s exasperated sigh, as she now began tugging at her TV head. “Not like I have a choice but to find a way out anyway…but first I’m, getting this thing off.”

With herself having complete control again now, she could feel the heavyweight of the foreign object pressing down on her shoulders, hurting her spine which was never meant to carry such a weight.

“Animsay?”

She turned to see two fox girlsl next to her, flashing her a worried look.

For a second she was confused, having trouble recalling them, her memory was scrambled at times, a consequence of being forced into the backseat.

That’s Rayas, the one who played that card game with us.

C!Ani simply shook her head.

She now grabbed a nearby TV, using it as a platform to float deeper below, aware from most eyes and hiding there behind another of the objects.

Inhaling deeply, she then clicked open the panel at the back of the TV, reaching into the opening, dragging fingers along the cables.

She had to be careful. One wrong move and she could render herself braindead, paralyzed or worse.

All because of Puzzles, because of that stupid author.

She could have had a normal life but no, she had to take that job-

A brainwashed life. At least now your story is interesting. 

“My story is YOUR story. You’re literally using me as representation for yourself in this and YOUR world.”, C!Ani hissed, now tugging at a cable.

Her fingers were shaking.

You should ask someone for help.

“I- FINE!”, she hissed, letting go and now turning to the next best person available that wasn’t RTV or under mind control.

“HEY! You!”, she now turned the monochrome guy’s attention, Aspen, towards herself.

“Mind helping me out?”

A shit-eating grin was the response.

C!Ani had the immediate realization that she would not like them.

From what she observed while being a simple watcher during the previous tour, this one was a bit of a little shit.

“Hmmmmm, would you do OR give me something in return?”, Aspen now replied.

It was a good thing they couldn’t see her face because C!Ani was straight up snarling at them.

Ohk they wanted something?

She could gladly gift them a wonderful punch and a few loose teeth-

Lol

“What? Don’t got nothing? Well, I’ll just watch I guess.”, Aspen now grinned at her lack of an answer to which C!Ani let out a condescending scoff, turning away.

“Yeah, sounds about right given that’s the only thing you seem to be useful for.”, she spat, now floating away from them.

“....UGHHHH I want your TV head turned back on.”, she could hear them call after her.

C!Ani halted, feeling a sting at those words, followed by a flood of unbridled rage.

“Do ya?”, she spoke, her voice turning sickeningly sweet as she bawled her fists, ready to make good on her idea to knock loose some teeth.

Fortunately for Aspen they were saved from that fate as another person now floated close to them, giving them a curious smile on their digital screen.

A red colored bot in the shape of a bunny.

Bunnybot or at least another version of the one C!Ani knew.

“BB, help me out, will you?”, C!Ani used the nickname that she knew the author usually used for the guy, pointing at the back of the TV. “I need help removing these cables.”

“Oh? Yeah, sure!”, Bunnybot replied, interest now clear in his voice as he floated over to Animsay, taking a peek at the back of her head. “Wait, you have a head under there?”

“Yes.”, C!Animsay replied curtly, not resting on the topic any further. “I need you to carefully rotate the cables before pulling them out. Be careful, I don’t need to get braindamage.”

“Ah- alright then…”, Bunnybot hummed, carefully now following the orders, noticing a slight flinch whenever he managed to loosen a cable, letting it fall to the side. “Things are getting a bit heated by the way. I’m pretty sure I just saw a person getting thrown.”

“Sounds like RTV though usually it’s Lucian getting that treatment.”, was the dry reply. “Our way out is channel 999, but for that we need to enter the channels and travel through there. There is no way he will let us enter through here.”

“Channel 999 you say?”, she heard Aspen mutter.

“Alright, done!”, Bunybot announced a few minutes later, now moving away from Animsay. “So, why do you want the cables out?”

“None of your business.”, C!Ani scoffed, now turning away as she grabbed both sides at the TV, slowly pulling up.

“Man…I like the other better.”

She froze for a second at that, before harshly pulling the while TV off, tossing it in BB’s direction.

Some cables that were still connected to her neck, unable to be removed without surgical measures, hung alongside her abyss black neck, a pair of green eyes and a mouth with white fans sneering at him before disappearing under the makeshift hood of her scarf, her face seemingly melting into the shadows.

Only the eyes still glared at BB as she gave a bitter laugh.

“Well, she’s still there no worries, but now you’ve got to deal with me and I’m not HER. Deal with it.”

Flipping him off, she then floated towards the edge of the TV they hid behind, giving the scene a glance.

Ready? “Give me a second…”

☆

Swag outside meanwhile remained still for a while as if considering what to do now, before speaking up.

“Sir, the Head of the Social Media Department entered through the screen.”

“Ah, no idea what she’s up to now, but don’t worry. She’s not getting out of there and if she does, she won’t get far.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Just keep an eye, partner. Now if you excuse me, I have to focus on some other things.”

Swag nodded, now turning away from the screen and continued his patrol past the rooms.

Ironically enough, a mind controlled Swag was more observant than his usual self as he actually completely focused on the task at hand which is why he didn’t overlook the small ink stains that seemed to lead over to the office of the head of the Health Department.

Drawing his gun again Swag followed the trail to the door, listening for a second before using the handle and stepping in.

A circular office room welcomed him, files scattered over the desk and a visible ink trail leading up behind it.

Letting go off the door, Swag now proceeded forward, finger on the safety.

Too late he noticed the small round figure now coming out from behind the door.

A second later there was a loud crashing noise as a heavy vase hit Swag at the back of his neck.

Stumbling forward, slightly stunned, he then collapsed against the desk before falling on the floor with a thump.

Knocked out.

“Quick!”

Mickey now came out from behind the desk, snatching the handcuffs from Swag’s belt and dragging him towards the desk, cuffing the man’s wrists to it.

“For once one of these people is useful…”, Mickey sighed, shoulder slumping as he grabbed the gun. “Did you find any more ink?”

“Ugh!”

Beeg moved to the side, grabbing a pen from the floor, taking out the small ink cartridge.

The cartoon sniffed at the measly side, but took it as he looked as another drops of colored ink seemed to run down his hands.

A clear sign he needed to regenerate before turning into a puddle.

Stupid AI had to fry the whole vent and Mickey took a pretty bad hit before he was pulled out by Beeg.

Said creature had slightly singed clothes but seemed to have gotten away far better.

Both then were led down a chase through half the studio before managing to escape the surveillance sight and sneaking into the Health Department when the group entered.

First hiding out in one of the patient rooms, they had a good look at Puzzles crashout and him forcing people into the TV dimension before they snuck over to the office to find ink for Mickey who had started melting a tad too much in the meantime.

Now, Mickey would have loved to take what they witnessed as an argument for Beeg to finally leave, but noooo of course the AI had to confirm that the blueberry was alive.

And now Beeg would never leave and if he didnt leave, Mickey would be dragged along.

“So what now?”, Mickey asked after drinking up the ink. “If he’s in that dimension we can’t do anything! Endgame!”

Beeg grumbled, before hopping on the chair now pointing towards the screen.

…wait.

“Golly, you’re right!”

Mickey jumped next to him before starting to type on the screen, a screen that was connected to a computer with access to the studio’s system.

However, their triumph quickly turned into a deep frown as they realized they needed login details.

Damn it, it was always something!

“We need someone to unlock this for us.”, Mickey realized, his gaze now landing on the knocked out Swag on the floor.

“Aeeeugh.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Under mind control he won’t do anything.”

Grabbing the gun again, Mickey now jumped down, before removing the grid of the vent leading to the room.

“Alright, part three of this. We need to get someone to get us into the system, someone who is allowed to access it. We hold them hostage, get the data-”

“Augh.”

“...I guess we could use it to force Puzzles into letting SMG4 go.”

The mouse showed a sly grin.

“All we need is a good exit strategy and then we can bail before he realizes we are not holding up our part of the deal!”

“Ugh!”

“Yeah, yeah, I'm going…”

☆

A few minutes prior, in the TV dimension, one of the bigger TVs now started to grow a body as RTV took control of it.

The crack in the screen was fixed again, but the pixel damages along the side of his face remained.

The TV head noticed it as he looked at his reflection in a turned off TV.

Something he would have to fix later.

Whatever that blue overalls messed up, it would take some more repairs.

Still irritated over the incident with Hairball, he now turned his focus on the people of whom nearly all had entered now.

He would have Wr3n and the security duo force them in should some refuse.

Now the question was: What to do?

There was that nagging voice in RTVs head suggesting to just take them all out here or stuff them so far into the channel that nobody ever found them again or they forgot who they were.

It would be possible.

The tour wasn’t registered as official with the invitation mainly having gone out beyond the 4th wall.

Others knew it as a VIP tour.

No employee would question the participants disappearing, assuming they got sent back home after the lockdown.

Most people here weren’t even from this world, nobody would miss them and the ones that did, the very few, could be dealt with.

But there was arisk.

The risk of it all…

Yet also the risk they were to his image.

“Why Hello my not-so-dear tour participants," he now said for a moment of a sneer before going to a tone of false calmness. "Glad to see you all here! Whether you came through willingly... and some," his voice lowers. "Who needed a push... to come through."

“Excuse me to interrupt you Mr.Puzzles, what if I told you I had something revolutionary,would you be interested in any chances traveling to unknown universes?”

RTV looked over to see that the blonde woman, The Scammer, now had floated up to him.

“Let me present to you my gizmos or stars.”

She now took out of her pocket a BLUE star.

 “I promise I’m not here to scam anyone, I do indeed know my ‘name’ may cause some suspicions. But it is just a direct translation of my family name ‘De La Escroquerie'.Actually my family were scammed by those filthy scammers but that's just an unimportant detail. ”

The sneer on his face should be enough of a sign that he couldn’t care less right now.

Honestly, the only reason he was entertaining this right now was because she seemed to want to strike a deal.

Fine, she may have her chance.

Scammer now placed the star flat in the void. 

A blue star shaped portal opens.

Through it one could see a Mr Puzzles figure where a star is placed in front of it and other figures at the back.

Hold on, was this back in the Art Department?

 The Scammer's hand now went through a portal grabbing the Mr Puzzles figure.

“As you can see the interdimensional portal has indeed worked. Huh, it looks just like you,what are the odds?”, the Scammer smiled. “Sadly I can’t sell you mine since you know, you  have to be linked to it and I forgot how to create them, but there are the instructions at my base on my computer,and the only possible way to go there at the moment is by my very own VESPA that is parked outside of your STUDIO.” 

She now took out a contract with a pen.

 “Do we have a deal?”

Out of mere curiosity, RTV took a glance at the contract, noting the many fineprint.

Was she seriously trying to convince someone who was in the marketing business to sign this?

“Cute.”, he now spoke with a snort though the amusement was clearly missing on his face. “But that’s a NO.”

With a flick of his hands he sent her flying to the side.

“Oh, and for your INFORMATION: I can already reach other universes just fine MYSELF. Maybe remember that before placing portals in MY studio...”

Now where was he…

His gaze landed on Nira not far away who had watched the whole thing with worry, yet also a tinge of fear.

If he wanted to keep her on his side, he had to act now.

Forcing a softer expression on his face he now leaned downther, floating slightly lower so he could look into her eyes.

“Is this…all really necessary?”, Nira asked, gesturing hesitantly over to the many worried and emotional people.

“Unfortunately.”, RTV sighed, now gently taking her small hands in his. “I can see it is bothering you. It’s bothering me as well.”

“This all feels like a bad dream…”

Ah-hah.

“We could make it that it just remains as one.”, RTV now continued slyly, now pointing at his screen. “All you have to do is look at me.”

He could see the hesitancy in her eyes as she considered, but Nira had never been one too hard to convince.

She was loyal, maybe a bit too much which is why she now raised her gaze, looking at his screen.

“Everything will be over soon.”

With that his screen flicked to static and he could feel Nira’s hands tensing before relaxing again as the static now moved over to her eyes, putting her effectively under mind control.

He hadn’t been lying.

After all this he would make sure it would just be another bad dream to her.

Straightening again, the soft tone now vanished from his voice.

“Move to the sidelines until further orders.”

With a nod Nira now turned around, before taking place on one of the TVs, observing.

The static had slightly resided, only small circles in the middle of her black eyes being an indicator that she wasn’t herself.

That was handled for now…

“Now, as I said, Nobody here is leaving. Not before we made some things CLEAR. Some of you chose to side with SMG4, complicated everything! And guess what happened. One tour-" RTV stopped for a moment at the crying and sniffing that could now be heard.

His eyes narrowed with slight confusion for a second as Grinnames pulled out a very familiar shaped cookie as some kind of tribute to the fallen.

Really?

A meme in the middle of all this?

He barely held himself back from rolling his eyes and pinching his screen as the sound of a cookie being eaten could now be heard throughout the dimension.

These people-

“YOUR GODBOX-FORSAKEN AI KILLED MY FRIEND, YOU A**HOLE!”

In the next moment a clawed hand hit his face, sending him staggering back.

“WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF, HUH?!”,Grinnames shouted at him, anger shining through her narrowed red eyes.

But this time the hit did less damage than it would have outside.

This was HIS dimension and he would be damned if he lost it in.

An unsympathetic grimace of a smile settled on his face as he suddenly dashed forward, way faster than usually, grabbing the enraged participant by the neck.

“Your friend killed HIMSELF by putting his nose in things that don’t concern him.”, he replied coldly, before using the lack of gravity to his advantage and pulling his arm back-

“You bastard-! YOU TAKE THAT BACK- “

Grinnames was suddenly tossed with full force back, flying far into the depths of the tunnel, arms flailing as she tried to regain balance.

It would take a while for her to get back.

"Anyone else?", RTV now asked, looking in the round ready to take on another challenger that would be stupid enough to try his limited patience.

His gaze landed for a second on a familiar blue meme guardian who was glaring at him with unfiltered cold hate.

Yet RTV also noticed the way he was floating.

Unsure, insecure.

He gave SMG4 a lopsided grin, noticing with satisfaction how his fists tightened, nails digging into skin.

While everyone else's fate was still up in the air this one’s had been long decided.

Nobody liked an overused irrelevant character.

His attention now turned back to the group, noticing that Grinnames had gotten back now, huddling together with a few others in a group hug.

This time he couldn’t help an eye roll.

How sweet.

“Tsk Tsk, Now?," spoke RTV, before clearing his throat. "As I was SAYING, because of the fault of some of you supporting SMG4, everyone will Pay. And I'll repeat, because of his intrusion, One tour participant less in the group from the original 57... Although...," RTV slowly came closer as he grew into a giant, and looked right at the double pair of Rayas.

He still hadn’t figured out what he missed when he was sent to dream land.

"Not sure what I missed while I was out, but I suppose that covers the 57th participant. Must've overlooked, but oh well."

He shrugged.

Though by now he could fill in the blanks that Michael was the one who Wr3n took out.

Truly a loss that would be mourned…

With a silent motion of his hands he sent a signal over the TV’s to the outside world where Wr3n would pick it up.

Retrieve what was left of Michael.

That bot may be useful.

It was then he noticed something floating behind the fox girl’s backs.

His eyes narrowed as he saw the two cable tails that he must have overlooked before.

“Curious...?”, RTV spoke slightly confused.

He leaned closer, his face looking from one of them to the other before looking back at the cable tails.

Usually he wouldn’t make such a fuss but, well, given the current situation he really didn’t need mode surprises.

."Hold on there. Did you have a tail before?", he now addressed Rayas.

No answer, just a nervous glance.

Hm.

RTV now floated a few yards back, turning his hack as mumbled to himself.

Things like these would have been nice to be informed about beforehand just in case they turned out to be important later.

He for once did not trust the current development of this pair at all.

Better finally get to the point before another crazy person shoved their first on his screen.

He now turned back to the group, letting his gaze wander.

His eyes briefly narrowed at SMG4 before halting at Animsay.

Without TV.

Hold on, when did she get here, didn’t he tell Swag-

Ugh, useless bunch.

No matter if SHE was in control now, it just meant she was more vulnerable.

He would shove that TV back on soon enough.

A change in SMG4’s posture made him flick his head back to him.

Don’t do it.

An arm was slowly pulled back.

Don’t.

Teeth were gritted.

Then suddenly the meme guardian lunged forward with the help of Animsay giving him an additional push.

“Tsk.”

RTV raised an arm, easily blocking the hit, before pushing SMG4 back, sending him flying back with a bloody nose where his speed was halted by Animsay grabbing him by his hoodie.

A measly attack but the spark had been given.

Now the other people lunged forward as well, weapons were drawn.

“Morons…”

Moving a gloved hand in front of his shield, he caught the bullets that the monochrome menace Aspen now shot at him, before sending the flying back, sending some of the participants to take cover.

He sized down again to avoid playing the big target, dodging to the side as a row of purple crystals suddenly flew towards him, though not in time.

Three crystal shaped holes were left in his coat.

His gaze went up to the white masked girl who had moved slightly away from the dragon who was making circles around them, waiting for the chance to attack.

There was something oddly familiar about this one.

It hit him when she dashed forward, Sci now joining her side for a united attack.

Diving under a fist with makeshift knuckles, he grabbed Sci by the collar, tossing her to the side, to quickly switch around to avoid a kick from the masked girl.

He frowned at the crystals now charging up behind her again, as his eyes narrowed at the familiar three dots on her mask.

Lari…

Well, obviously not the version he got to know, but how ironic.

“It looks like we are simply MEANT to cross paths.”, he now spoke out loudly, before snapping his fingers. “Allow me to get RID of that though.”

The crystals suddenly disappeared as he blocked her magic from usage in the dimension, making Lari’s hair stand up in alarm as she quickly slipped back into defense.

A clawed black and red hand.

Grinnames now joined in as well, taking Lari’s place, her two tentacles slashing towards RTV who quickly pushed himself back to avoid being hit.

Now there were too many.

Sizing back up again, he now shielded himself from the spikes that were aimed in his direction by the dragon shifter, the metal object getting stuck in the metal palm, before he used it to mow it down in the group that quickly scattered to avoid the hand.

Ganging up on him?

Only fair if he brought someone else in too.

“NIRA!”, he called out, prompting the squirrel who had watched from the sidelines to stand up again.

A few people turned their head towards her for a second, but quickly focused back on RTV who used the chance to snap his fingers again.

Slowly but surely, some of the TV’s on the walls started to grow bodies as well, static displaying for a second before changing to the standard Puzzles face.

Pushing away from the walls, they now turned their attention towards the participants, attacking each one in nearest sight.

In the meantime Nira now removed her gloves with a quick motion of her hands, leaving them to float in the dimension, before ducking and then jumping from the TV she stood on towards the group, hands stretched out.

“Wha-”

Seeing the squirrel coming from the corner of their eye, a few of the fighters among them Grinnames and Nia managed to quickly move to the side with the help of their tentacles and wings, but were instead hit by RTV whose hand sent them flying against the wall of the dimension.

Nira now instead landed with her feet on the TV heads other hand, ability ineffective on the non organic material and then launched towards the next best person that was unlucky enough to be in their vicinity.

In the next second Sci felt small black hands touching her face.

Another second later her body went slack, eyes rolling back as she lost consciousness and her previous movement turned into an uncontrolled spin, prompting her to hit Lari who had been standing next to her, sending her floating back.

Right in front of RTV’s loaded finger gun.

There was an electrical crackle and yelp, followed by a growl from the Razorwhip that had circled further down below.

Electrical burn marks ran over Lari’s neck and arm as she was quickly dragged by Marie by her now slightly singed clothes out of RTV’s sight.

Just in time the masked girl managed to raise an arm to avoid a hit to the chest.

Even in the TV dimension they didn’t grant him a hit, did they?

RTV scoffed, before turning his attention back to the others, Nira now landed back on his shoulder, careful to put hands on his metallic parts for stabilization.

Ready to send her to take out other participants with her help, he now raised an arm again, only to halt as a loud sneeze could be heard, the TVs around them switching image to that of Rayas, traveling along each screen to the infinite end of the dimension.

Almost immediately RTV realized what was happening.

That brat was hijacking HIS channels!

“Keep them busy.”

Letting Nira hop off his shoulder, he now sped downwards, coat floating behind him as he located the Rayas..

​​”YOU TWO!”

A dangerous look settled on his face as his eyes flickered between the doubles.

 "Never quite gave you much attention... but now you have it. YOU two peaked at my curiosity."

His sized up hands now seized them both, scooping them up.

Not minding the attempts at escape from one of them, he then gave the crowd a glance, they were still busy with his clones and Nira, before moving further away.

“Curious... Never thought to find some interesting people, I should have kept a close eye on.”

When he started this tour he had expected some oddities, sure but not of this scale.

He tilted his head slightly at the pair.

"Hiding your talents, fox-thing...Robo-fox-girl...? Doesn't matter what you are. And no need to say your name, my dear... um... dears?,", he huffed.

What even were they?

There was a person behind the 4th wall with connection to them no doubt.

But these…were they more character like him or pretending to be?

Well, either way, they made a horrible mistake.

"Here... My head. My rules."

 RTV now  gestured to his head and then the area around.

Another scoff almost escaped him as they nodded.

So willing to go along and for what?

To hijack his TVs behind his back.

Sneaky and sly like the appearance they took.

“EXACTLY, Here, I can do everything as I see fit. You saw all that for sure, yes?" 

Another nod.

It was starting to piss him off.

His grip slightly tightened at their lack of response.

"Though... only I can do everything...", his voice lowered a little, smile getting a dangerous edge as he now turned back around to the chaos.

"ENOUGH!!!," 

With slight satisfaction he noted that the others were struggling several people fighting against the clones that held them, others circled.

SMG4 among them.

The meme guardian’s already stressed face turned to one of alarm as he noticed RTV’s grip around the girls.

"Now, ALL OF YOU!”, RTV continued, getting the remaining people’s attention before switching back to a faked calmer tone.. "You had all your fun here enough. CONGRATS! You and your abilities, resourcefulness, teamwork and... sneaky... unheard talents.”

A glare in Rayas direction, grip slightly tightening again for a second.

“I 'm impressed... well, half, Impressed."

"H-Hey, leave them all alone," SMG4 now spoke up, panic apparent in his voice. "It's me you want!"

Alone the look in his eyes told RTV that he knew exactly what he was about to do.

"Hm... perhaps a little too late, dear SMG4. The fault of one is the fault of all of them. Besides, THIS kind of behavior is exactly why I'm not letting you go."

Tense silence followed, he could see SMG4 searching for an argument only to realize that his words were mere entertainment to the TV head.

"Again... as for... you two," RTV directed back at the fox girls, "Do you think that little stunt was to show me up?" 

The anger had slipped back into his tone, a head shake was the response.

Did they not realize how far he was willing to go?

They could at least make the effort to defend their case.

Convince him as to why he shouldn’t break them apart right now.

"Hm... not much of a talker? And even after back at the Film Department? Now... people as high as I, have their secrets, and you two are the first in line to hear it.", he taunted, now moving them towards their audience. "Well... My secret?”

His screen turned completely dark, with only a bright white realistic toothy smile on it.

"Sometimes... QUIET PEOPLE PISS ME OFF!"

With that his grip tightened, noticing with sick satisfaction how they started to panic.

Though not for long as one of them suddenly started to grow in size, breaking free from his grip.

Really?

REALLY?

"W-What. Are. YOU???", he growled, his surprise giving the double the advantage to now grab the other Rayas out of his grip, starting to dash away.

In the corner of the eye he noticed the other participants now starting to free themselves again as well, but his focus was now on that one pair of troublemakers that just didn’t want to accept the role he had given them.

That of the fools that got themselves killed.

With a motion of his hand, he ordered some of the smiley clones to chase after them, watching with narrowed eyes how they glided just a little close to the wall.

“Idiots…”

With a sudden motion he retreated back into his TV head only to reappear right out of a TV the two Rayas now passed by.

With a fluid motion he tackled the pair, sending both in different directions, before loading his gun, zeroing in on the one right in front of him.

In contrast to Lari though, this one wouldn’t be able to shield in time.

A sudden motion from the side and the shot went right through the chest and back of the other Rayas that had suddenly moved in front of her double, shielding her and inevitably taking the full force of the shot.

Blood could be seen floating out of the wound, before she crashed right into the TV behind her with incredible force, breaking it into pieces.

Great, another thing to fix.

"No... 'REAL MEEEE'!!!!!!!”

Oh, so this was the real one?

Not that he could tell given the exact same moronic actions.

He now remained still for a moment, listening to others' cries, outrage, whatever for a person they’ve known since not even a day.

"56 now...,”, he now drawled, letting the terror sink in as he lowered his hand.

“I-It's been nice... meeting you all. T-thanks, for the tour....,", the apparently Real Rayas now managed to get out, holding her irreparable wound. "'O-Other... you,... You better return home in my place, yes?," 

She then went limp, finally letting go of that damn umbrella.

Crossing his arms, RTV counted the seconds for the soup opera to set in.

Shouldn’t take too long.

"'Real'... 'REAL'?!," 

He cringed.

'Real... No... Please... What am I going to do?"

The TV head held himself back from a sly reply,because he really had a lot of answers to that question, but hey why not let her spiral?

Grief worked better in his favor when it wasn’t immediately turning into rage.

"This feels wrong... Replacing the original? This... has to be a dream? It has to…”

He observed how she connected her tail to the other with no result.

A few more sad mutters.

Until, of course, her attention was turned back to her friend’s? Sister’s? Killer.

Hah, killer.

Like they didn’t bring this on themselves.

He gave the people behind the screen a chance and they messed up, but this. This foolish little plan.

That was all them.

A double disappointment.

“Do you realize... how she was enjoying the tour?”

Ah, the attempt to make him feel guilt.

If he did, he wouldn’t have gone through with this in the first place.

Why feel guilty for the consequences to stupid actions?

"Seeing her memories... So many good things... How....."

A sniffle.

More waterworks.

“How she learned to grow, how it took her a long time to adjust and make friends, despite being on the spectrum…” She now placed a blanket on her other, well now dead self, holding her close.

"She enjoyed all the departments... getting a compliment for how she looked... how she interacted with the SMG3 Gang... Oh. The last time she saw the latter,... was that they were a lot... happier than before she met them. Did... did  she do something more special?... Like the green drink, the peculiar game, or the anime she was given the honors to pick? Was she …like a second Axol, to them?" 

Who the hell was Axol?

More sobbing, some people getting closer, attempting comfort.

He was tempted to finally break this up when she spoke again.

“She... she...,", Rayas now looked back up at RTV. "She even cleaned your clothes when you were down..., and not even once, attacked you physically. She never had the intention to, b-because-"

If RTV had real teeth, he would have gritted them by now.

As if they didn’t just hijack his TVs in an attempt to no doubt overthrow him.

DEFEAT him.

"...S-she was just a visitor, wanting to enjoy it all. Have a good time. And she did... Now she's gone... all that is left is a carbon copy... Knowing her, do you know what she would say... after what happened? Since I'm her...,", she paused, sniffing one more time before sniffing. "Mr Puzzles, I forgive you."

To the ones that were not only focused in his face with a very barely restrained calm expression, could eventually notice him ball his fist.

Oh, forgive him?

Like HE was in the WRONG?

Like they weren’t the ones messing everything up?

He was being forgiven when THEY should be begging for forgiveness?

What a joke.

Yeah, no, he was about done.

“It was her great day... It was a great day…”

RTV wanted to laugh, he really did, but he couldn’t even force one right now with the rage boiling up inside him again.

​​“It was indeed a GREAT day…until someone had to mess it up. Shame.”, he now spoke instead, voice apathetic.

Time to put an end to this.

“ENOUGH OF THIS SOB STORY!”

RTV suddenly seized up, looming over all participants, hand grabbing TV’s on the side with such force that dents were left behind.

“You think you can BEAT me here? In MY world?!”

He now pointed a finger at the dead Rayas.

“THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU!”

He let out a cackle that slowly turned lower and lower until his screen switched to a cold sneer.

“You’re right. Why TALK it out when you can FIGHT it out?”

His gaze landed back on the second Rayas, unmoving.

Well, no turning back now.

He would have to take the risk and after that…

Everything would be fine.

It would be like nothing ever happened.

A perfect end to a tour that should never have happened.

A small smile now settled on his face, as he slightly bowed down, hand on his chest.

“Well, it appears you’ve made your decision and I’ve made MINE.”

He snapped his fingers, electricity lighting up at his fingertips.

“56 participants to go.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Sorry, but I’m not hiring for a movie sequel. This ends here and NOW.”

In the meantime the clones had used the chance to surround the group, now loading finger guns or tackling people.

Most managed to slip through but some were unfortunate enough to be caught or lightly hit, getting flung against the TVs.

The clones were acting much more brutal than before.

There no longer was anything holding them back.

“This isn’t working!”, C!Animsay hissed who had quickly taken cover behind a TV to avoid a clone turning her into mush.

Her eyes glanced over to the TV’s, before she shook her head.

Searching for Channel 999 was literal suicide right now with the new amount of chaos.

“We need to enter the channels, we are literally sitting ducks here!”, she now meant to SMG4 who was next to her, only to realise that he wasn’t even listening.

The blood was still slowly dripping out of his nose, as his eyes stared empty into space.

No doubt still stuck on Rayas death not a few minutes ago.

As horrible as it was, this was not the time.

Rolling back her sleeve, C!Animsay raised a hand-

-and gave SMG4 a hard slap to the face.

SMACK!

“Agh!”

The meme guardian held his cheek, before glaring at her.

“What was that for?!”

“Get it together, man! We need to get the people out of here and into the channels!”

“Into the- you think it’s better in there?!”

“Dude, look around!”

SMG4 gave the chaos a glance and his shoulders slumped.

“Yeah…okay, but I did this before. It didn’t work, he just caught us again at Channel 999.”

That’s true, they never won at that part.

C!Ani took a deep breath.

“Still, we have better chances there than here.”, she argued, putting a hand on SMG4’s shoulder. “You can’t save her, but you can still help save the others.”

“...you’re right I got them into this. I need to get them out.”

Not exactly what she meant to achieve, but good enough.

Nodding at one another, they then took out in separate directions, to make people aware of the next change in plan.

It turned out people didn’t need much convincing, Rayas and Michael’s deaths, in addition to the sheer new brutality at hand made it pretty clear that they needed to get out of there.

The people now started regrouping, one with Animsay, the other with SMG4 as they now moved towards a TV.

Only for RTV to show up right between the two groups.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

A hand snatched forward, grabbing SMG4 out of the air who immediately started fighting like his life depended on it.

Which it did because the grip became crushing in the next second.

“Running from consequences again, Four?”, RTV taunted. “Why don’t you just give up? Maybe it will finally stop people’s lives from getting ruined- AGH!-”

RTV quickly retreated his hand as a ray from an all too familiar EMP gun hit his hand, causing it to fall slack and releasing SMG4.

Almost immediately RTV snapped around, glaring at Astro who had pointed the gun at him, now aiming for the screen.

However, he quickly aimed it to the side as every single clone had now snapped it’s head around to them.

“Ah, f*ck.”

While Astro now got busy aiming the EMP at one clone after another, the two groups used the chance to quickly enter the TV they were the nearest to, disappearing in the channels that were just on.

Click.

Click.

Astro cursed as they realized that the EMP gun had to charge again, instead resorting to just hitting against the nearest clone that reached out for him.

There was a loud bonk and crack as said TV clone now flew back with a broken screen.

Astro grinned before noticing that the original had used the time to charge up his other still functional hand, pointing it at them now.

“55.”

Just as Astro saw the blue projectile coming towards them a hand latched through the screen behind them, quickly pulling them in.

Astro felt the familiar feeling of being pulled through the portal, stumbling as they suddenly landed on grass, falling on their back.

“Ugh…

The portal they just came to had disappeared, no trace of the hellish TV dimension left.

Instead, Astro now found themself looking into a blue sky…

Wait, was that an axe?

They sat up next to the rest of the group, among them SMG4, Marie, Lari, Loyboo, Nia and Lilith, Hairball, Creature and Orion and Aspen.

All of them surrounded by vikings.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Part 2 Will be in reblogs soon once I finished editing it

Tag list:

@niranutcake @fenicearts420 @leirom71000 @entityarts @alelathedragon @mylifeisfakeenjoy @lari-the-dragon @lislelycan-i-am-dumb-lol @rat-n-atty @nia1sworld @untitled14360 @Irayasostripes @theclosetcreature @jovialoddity @purpdrawsthings @varian-the-alchemy-boi @beckycat19 @runrabitrunrunrun

[lrayasostripes]

Ooo! Might try, but after another event is over. Seems very fun!

Will do... stay tuned (that rhymes ha ha)

EVENT ALERT!

Do you want the chance to appear in posts for the RivalryAu? Send in a drawing reference of your character in the unform above with the tag #rivalryausubmissions to work as an employee for Mr Puzzles!

State what role you would like to work as in his studio, and you may see yourself working the part!

Example roles are as follows:

○Actor

○Art department (including: costume designer, animator, storyboard artist,

○On-set staff (help with issues that can happen while on the film set)

○Sound Mixer

○Gaffer man (lighting)

○Camera man

○Boom operator

○Sales department (including: marketing workers, sales agents, film sales officer

+ many more in the film industry! any you can think of, you can suggest!

p.s. you can add on/decorate the uniform to your hearts content! just don't stray too far from the original design, so it still resembles the uniform

(Also, feel free to tag me! I would love to see all of you guys' submissions!)