Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Somewhere, in a market~

Lincoln B:What do you think is a good plot twist for a police case?

Vizzana looked up from her work, looking at the boy next to her

Vizzana:I don't know, it depends on the cases?
What are you writing?

Lincoln B:A police fanfiction set in Rome in 1946 based on a series of books I love.
He explained and then gave her a book

It was gray where on the cover you could see a square in Rome
The writing in capital letters said
"Guglielmo & Co: Murder at the Colosseum"

Lincoln B:It's about this detective, Guglielmo, who after waking up from a 10-year coma discovers he can see ghosts, and then begins his activity in the crowded streets of northern Italy while solving crimes.
He is always accompanied by a policeman named Giorgio who aspires to become like him.
....I really like the story and I love that in his free time he is an inventor who looks to the future....without knowing his past...

Vizzana:It seems interesting.
She commented, returning to her work
But you have to be more specific if you want me to give you advice.

Lincoln B: Well in my Fanfiction he and his assistant find themselves solving the assassination of a Christian Democrat politician, when at a certain point a mysterious figure wearing an iron mask attacks them, he tries to decipher the enigmas of the figure throughout the story, until he manages to find his hiding place.
But I don't know what twist to give, maybe something like "they are your father".

Vizzana: Too cliché?
Think of something that no one would expect.
Where are you writing it anyway?

Lincoln B: On a Fanfiction site, it's called FAFY2, actually you should consider it as a story archive, it's much more organized than apps like "Your story".
I've already published other stories but they are mostly self-inserts and ship stuff.
This is the first time I've tried to do something longer than 3 chapters.

Cashier: Hey kid I have a twist idea you might like, called "Buy something or go away".
And without anyone asking he butted in on the conversation

Lincoln B: We're having "creative differences".

Cashier: You certainly won't find them between frozen burritos and instant ramen.
He continued while going social

Vizzana: Let's go, I should have expected not to find crystal in an market near elementary school.

But just before they could leave the place, a figure appeared all out of breath with several packages with him

???:Oh thanks to the Internet I found you boy.
The man who looked like a postman began

Lincoln B:Postman Pat?
Do you have a package for me?

Pat:No, but I have several of your friends, the ones who work with your mother.
Unfortunately I can't deliver those to them because someone stole the wheels of my van!
Can you believe it?!
It's never happened to me in my little town.
He complained, handing over the three packages
Sorry to give you this task but I already have a bunch of deliveries to do on foot, you know where they are right?

Lincoln B:Uhm yes of course-

Vizzana:But didn't they go on a mission today?
Wouldn't it be easier to go to their homes and deliver the package there?

Lincoln B:... What is your concept of simplicity please?

New Mission: Deliver the Packages

Chapter Text

Some time later, on the way to Steven's house~

Lincoln B: In the fifth volume, "The Countess's Curse," it's discovered that the detective's mother was actually a psychic who had made a pact with a demon to save the circus where she worked from bankruptcy, thus finding himself with powers.
It's one of my favorite volumes, along with the one where he foils a conspiracy against the government.

Vizzana: But how does the whole series end?

Lincoln B: We're still on the fifth volume; a sixth had already been announced, but with the author's death, it's unknown if the story will be continued.
Although I'd prefer—move over to this side for a second, please.

Vizzana: Um, okay?
Confused, she moved toward the side with the buildings. As soon as she did, there was an explosion.
Oh Providence! What is this—

Lincoln B: Did I tell you this place is full of gems?
He asked nonchalantly.
Actually, it hasn't always been this way. Before, they were more... "hidden"?
The gems came to this planet and saw it as a new colony to absorb energy from, so millions of years ago, a pink diamond came here and built colonies to take as many resources as possible.
But suddenly, he realized this planet had potential, so he decided to become a rose quartz to defend it from the other diamonds, faking his death...

While he continued his speech, which we think you already know, chaos broke out behind them.
A red and blue alien with her own gems on her eye and cheek was attacking three other aliens we already know.

Amethyst: I swear, this is the right time to taunt her!
She exclaimed, exasperated.

Garnet: We have to catch her before she thinks of doing something.

Amethyst: Tell me something I don't know!
Ah!
She dodged one of her opponent's attacks, then tried to grab her (unsuccessfully) with her whip.

Vizzana: Are they?

Lincoln B: The "Crystal Gems"!
Alien protectors of the galaxy who fight to defend planet Earth from threats, a group founded by no less than Steven's mother herself.
Rose Quartz!
He exclaimed dramatically, not realizing he'd entered the enemy's crosshairs.

Vizzana: Watch out!
She grabbed him from his sleeve and threw him away from the attack.

???: Look who we have here.
Lincoln Barbieri, Gabriella's brat.
Nice to meet you, Bluebird.
She introduced herself (they introduce themselves???) and then (forcedly) shook his hand.
I've heard about you, you know?

Lincoln B: W-What?
From whom?
He asked defensively, before pulling his hand away.

Bluebird: A couple of people.
Oh, what a nice present!
And in an instant, the package for Steven was in the gem's hands.
Is it for him?

Lincoln B: Hey!
Give it back! It belongs to Steven, of course!

He rightly retorted, trying to grab the fusion.

Bluebird: I just want to take a look, my dear.
If you tell me where it is, I can deliver it myself!
They replied, sounding as fake as a three-euro coin.

Pearl: Lincoln's a trap!
She tried to warn the boy.

Lincoln B: Do I look like I was born yesterday?
He asked, a little offended, then turned to the fusion.
Give it back to me!

But they didn't listen and flew towards the aforementioned boy's house.

New mission: Recover the package.

Amethyst: Don't you have anything better to do?
She commented, annoyed.

Vizzana: Who is she?!
And why is she there with you?

Lincoln B: Yeah, who is she?

Garnet: It's Bluebird, a toxic fusion of a ruby and an aquamarine.
Let's just say they have a "score to settle" with Steven.
The group leader replied

Lincoln B: And what does the package have to do with it, please?

Pearl: We don't really know.
What are you guys doing here?

Lincoln B: We have to deliver the package to Steven's house. Postman Pat "lost" his wheels.

Vizzana: Nice way of saying he's been robbed.

Lincoln B: He's carrying the package home. He shouldn't open it!
He concluded, then gave chase.

Pearl: Wait, Lincoln!

Everyone followed him and reached the house.

Bluebird seemed to have gotten inside, judging by the wide-open door.

When they entered, they found a rather strange scene: It seemed like they couldn't open the package somehow.

Bluebird: Come on, little guy, let's see what Rose took.

Lincoln B: I see someone can't open a simple package.
He commented, annoying the fusion,
Now give it back to me, it's not nice to go through other people's mail.

Bluebird: If you tell me where he is, I can deliver the package personally.

Lincoln B: Look, this isn't our lucky day.
He's out on a mission somewhere for the organization.

Bluebird: Then it won't be a problem if you tell me where this mysterious organization is.
I could—

Lincoln B: Give me the package and that's it!
He exclaimed angrily.

Bluebird flew toward the platform, and in a beam of light, they disappeared into thin air.

Lincoln B: Do you know where that portal connects?

Garnet: They're connected to many other portals; if you want to find Bluebird, we have to hurry.

So, with no other options, they all entered the teleporter.

A blue light enveloped them, much to Vizzana's amazement.

Vizzana: That's cool!
It's not like your portals.

Lincoln B: Those are a little more "instantaneous," so we don't see what's in between.

Pearl: Lincoln, you know where Steven is, right?

Lincoln B: I said before, he's on a mission somewhere.
That's why I came to his house and not directly to us.

Pearl: Yes, but did he said something for you?
When he came back or why-

Garnet: Pearl.
The leader stopped her.
He doesn't know where he is, leave him alone.

Lincoln was a little confused by the gem's sudden "order," but quickly dismissed that thought when they finally reached where their "thieves" were headed.

It looked like some sort of giant mausoleum, except this one had been given a generous coat of pink paint.

The floor, the walls, and even the majestic columns were various shades of pink.

The only recognizable life forms were the plants; roses grew in abundance here.

The only form of "furniture" was a giant bed and a table with a giant mirror.

The most curious thing, however, were the bubbles, also pink. Inside were... gem fragments.

Lincoln stared at them in bewilderment, then noticed the tense expression on Pearl's face, who seemed to already be familiar with this place.

Amethyst: Why did she come here?
The portal shouldn't even access this place.
She muttered to herself.

Lincoln B: Gals, where are we?
He asked, trying to get an explanation.

Pearl: "This is Pink Diamond's room.
But there shouldn't be a teleporter-"

Bluebird: "In fact, Steven built it."

The group looked up and saw the fusion in the middle of all those bubbles, looking at them with an annoyed expression.

Bluebird: How long Rose's son has been here seems obvious to me.
They continued, then became defensive.
I understand you're lying to me; you know exactly where he is!

Lincoln B: What part of "He's on a mission, I don't know where he is" isn't clear?
He replied, rightfully annoyed by the fusion's insistence.

The Crystal Gems tried to grab Bluebird, but with their wings clearly at a disadvantage for them, the scene was rather pathetic, so let's try not to describe it.

Lincoln was honestly tired of the needlessly complicated situation and wondered what the hell Steven had done to piss Bluebird off so much.

He turned to Vizzana to make some sarcastic comment about the situation, but noticed the crossbow (which he honestly didn't know where the hell she got it from).

Lincoln B: Vizzana, what are you doing?
He asked, confused (and a little intimidated).

Vizzana: Did you notice the bubbles?
They have something inside.

Lincoln B: Yes, they're gem fragments.
When they don't project their "body," they remain in their gem form.
At least, when they're not also fragments...
What do you have in mind?

Vizzana: Try getting that fusion below the bubbles. I want to see if I can explode them all at once.

Lincoln B: Okay.

New Mission: Talk to Bluebird

Lincoln B: Hey, girls!
Maybe we should leave the package aside!

The three turned around in confusion, while Bluebird approached with a triumphant smile.

Bluebird: You finally get it.
Exclaimed, then flew straight toward him.
Now, where's Steven?

-Refuse
-Agree<---

Lincoln B: All right, hiding him wouldn't do any good.
He replied, a little defeated.

He moved away slightly, ending up under the bubbles, followed by Bluebird.

Amethyst: What's he doing?

Pearl: I don't know, but—

Garnet: Let's move away.

Pearl: What, but—

Garnet: Trust him.
Let's move away.

The two did as they were told, while Lincoln continued talking to Bluebird.

-Flatter them<---
-Invent a random place.

Lincoln B: I have to say, though, your dedication is loving.
What did Steven do to you? Just wondering.

Bluebird: Well, corrupt, if you really want to know...
Since Era Three began, everyone's been treating him like a hero, when in reality he's just the son of a coward.
They answered, full of resentment.
Before, the entire home planet treated Rose Quartz and her allies like an enemy to be destroyed, but now that he's arrived, everyone can do nothing but love him.

Lincoln B: Rather hypocritical, if I may say so.
He added, receiving a smile from Bluebird.

Bluebird: Exactly!
And he's always positive about life; for him, "eVeryOne cAn ChaNge" and "no onE is boRn bAd."
Real bullshit....

While they were talking, Lincoln noticed Vizzana making a gesture of confirmation, while pointing the crossbow with a strange arrow inside it at the ceiling.

-Continue
-Distract them <---

Lincoln B: You know, if you can call him.
I have his number.
He said, showing the clearly broken phone (why he has one in his backpack is a mystery).

Bluebird: Really?
Give it to me!

Unkindly, Bluebird took the object, while Lincoln slowly walked away.

Mission accomplished

Bluebird: Wait a minute...
But this is broken!
What—
Huh?

Just as they were about to charge Lincoln, they heard the sound of bubbles popping, and in a short time, several gem fragments fell on their heads, knocking them off.

Vizzana took another arrow, this time a different one, and with one shot, it hit Bluebird, snorting her.

Lincoln B: Vizzana, I didn't know you were such a good shot.

Vizzana: Thanks, all Grandma's work paid off at the end.
Now get the package and let's go, we still have to deliver the other two.

Mission accomplished

Lincoln took Bluebird's gems, which had now returned to their original color, and gave them to the Crystal Gems, who were at a loss for words.

Lincoln B: Sorry for the mess.

Pearl: Don't worry... it's nothing...

Lincoln and Vizzana left with the package, bidding farewell to the group.

Garnet: It won't take long to put all these gem fragments into bubbles.
Although I wonder...

Amethyst: How did Steven build a portal to here without us noticing anything?

Garnet: Besides that.
How did that non-fandom manage to pop all the bubbles?

Chapter Text

If there was a way to describe Elmore, the right word (or question) would be "What the fuck am I looking at?"

Not so much because of the place itself, but because the graphic style of the characters is incomprehensible.

A sort of small multiverse.

Then, we don't want to judge, but we can't say that Lincoln's choice to open the portal right in front of the blue cat's house was ridiculous.

The two found themselves in front of a small house, located in the "middle-upper" part of town, blue and white, rather tidy.

Vizzana: How can five people fit in here?
she asked, confused.

Lincoln B: Maybe it's one of those houses that follow the "small on the outside, big on the inside" logic.
He replied, then approached the door.

He knocked, and for several minutes no one answered.

He knocked a second time, no answer.

He knocked a third time, nothing.

He knocked—

???: Will you stop knocking?!?
An angry voice exclaimed from the house next door.

The two were almost startled, only to be surprised when they saw what looked like an overly realistic puppet approach.

The man seemed to have been born with a sullen expression, and he moved as if controlled by strings.

Lincoln B: Sorry.
He replied, trying to sound friendly.

You're supposed to be the Watterson family's neighbor, right?

???: Unfortunately.
He replied with a defeated voice.
Mr. Robinson, who are you looking for?

Vizzana: We're supposed to deliver a package to Gumball, so we came here.
We're looking for someone from the house.

Mr. Robinson: Well, you certainly won't find that cat. Luckily, he left home five years ago, along with his younger sister.
Now only his mother and stepbrother live there.

Lincoln B.: Fantastic.
I don't know where Gumball lives.
He muttered to himself, but then an idea occurred to him.
Can we leave the package with his mother, then?

Mr. Robinson: If you want to find her, she just went to the cemetery.
She'll be there for a couple of hours.

Lincoln B.: Fantastic.
Where is she?

New mission: Get to the cemetery

They decided to take the bus, because they had already realized that they would soon have to deal with unnecessary unexpected events, just there to drag things out, and they really hoped they could get through it.

The bus, a vehicle that clearly looked like it had seen better days, arrived shortly afterward.

The driver looked like some kind of furry yellow puppet, like the Muppets puppets (but at least they were nice to look at).

Vizzana: Shouldn't you ask us for a ticket?

Rocky R: Ticket?
Why?
The driver asked, confused.

Vizzana:...
Never mind.

The bus was almost empty, except for a couple of strange locals who were minding their own business.
The two sat near the entrance as the bus pulled away.

Lincoln B: Can I ask how you learned to use a crossbow?
The boy asked casually.
That's pretty cool.

Vizzana: Cool?
She turned red (or technically blue, but you get the idea).
That's the first time anyone's said that to me.
Actually, it's still a prototype in development, if I may say so.
The ones my dad made were a thousand times better.
At least...from what I remember...
In an instant, her expression changed from embarrassed to thoughtful, almost sad.

Lincoln B: Your dad?

Vizzana: Yes...
Was he a... cool guy?
He and my mom had a shop where they made weapons from scrap metal.
Crossbows, pistols, bladed weapons.
It may seem a little dangerous, but they simply worked with that.
If you ask me, these weapons were used to protect us from viruses and other creatures that lived near our little town.
She explained, playing with a drawstring from her bag.
Wait a minute...

She took a photo from the aforementioned bag and gave it to Lincoln.
In it were two non-fandoms similar to her, a male who looked like an ant and a female who looked like a beetle.

Lincoln's eyes, however, fell on one detail: Vizzana's father seemed to be working on a rusty mask, similar to that...

Lincoln B: Whose mask is that?

Vizzana: Oh, that one? It's a replica of the masks of the angels of creation, which we usually use when we stage "Providence's First Creation."
A reimagining of the day Providence gave birth to the first non-fandom species, namely us.
Do you recognize it from somewhere?

Lincoln B: Yes.
I don't know how to explain it, but lately I've been having strange dreams.
I'm inside this huge, dark room, filled with water, with a giant metal platform.
I'm not alone, though; there's a figure wearing the same mask, but they don't talk to me.
They try to reach me though, but every time they get close to doing so, I get swept away and the dream ends.. I'm trying to figure out what the hell he wants from me.

Vizzana remained silent, looking at him with a worried expression.

Vizzana: Lincoln, I think someone has entered your dreams.
She pointed, seriously.

Lincoln B: What?
Is it really possible?

Vizzana: Yes, the dream plane and the real are connected somehow.
Have you ever heard of the Cores? They are creatures that live in dreamlends, and they are capable of entering or making people enter dreams.
To do that, that person must know who you are.

Lincoln B: Why would someone enter my dreams, not—

Suddenly, the bus slammed into something and began to move wildly.

Rocky: OH MY GOD, THEY GOT A FLAT TYRE!

The driver yelled in fear before maneuvering.

The vehicle flipped over, leaving the passengers tossed from side to side.
Lincoln managed to catch Vizzana in time, and the two avoided being thrown away.

Lincoln B: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!

The non-fandom opened the window to see, only to slam it shut again.

Vizzana: There's a gang of criminals in front of us, they have guns!
AND THEY LOOK LIKE FINGERPRINTS!

Lincoln B: Oh man, we have to get these people out of here!
Oh-

A hail of bullets anticipated his thought. Thank goodness they had a horrible aim 

Lincoln looked around for an exit, seeing a roof hatch.
Panic was spreading everywhere, but it was time to act.

Lincoln B: Driver!

How do you open the roof hatch?

Rocky R: Kick it!

Lincoln B:... Seriously?

Vizzana: Lincoln!

He did as instructed, and in a few seconds the panel came off, clearing the way.
The two of them ushered everyone out, who, luckily, were near the center.

They didn't realize, however, that the police were already there, and a full-blown guerrilla war was taking place between law enforcement and criminals.

Lincoln B: WAIT!
SOME CIVILIANS ARE COMING OUT!
He shouted to get attention.

Officer 1: Chief, is that kid yelling something at us?
He handed the coffee cup to the chief, a giant donut (how original...)

Donut cop: I can't hear it from here.
He replied instead,
You're still shooting anyway.

They did as instructed, ignoring Lincoln's words.

Lincoln B: Are you kidding me?!
Mom was right about the cops, they're all—

Vizzana: Lincoln, maybe I have an idea.

The creature took what looked like a...shield?

It was an iron plate remodeled into a shield that opened with a button.

But it was very large and managed to cover everyone.

-Try to stop the criminals.<---
-Run.

Vizzana: Lincoln, we have to go!
She urged, noticing the boy's fierce expression.

Lincoln B: Wait a minute, I have an idea.

He sighed, and after a few seconds, the antennas began to vibrate.
Electric shocks spread throughout the area, reaching the ears of the unfortunate victims.

???: Hey, what the hell!
One of them shouted.

???: Fuck, that hurts!
Another exclaimed, almost with tears in his eyes.

After a few minutes, the shots stopped, too busy covering their ears.

Vizzana, realizing the situation, rushed to grab the guns, stealing them.
When they returned, the vibrations stopped, and the criminals only realized too late that their weapons had been stolen.

Donut cop: Get them, guys!
He proudly ordered the donut to his colleagues.

Soon, the handcuffs were put on and the weapons were handed over, while a curious crowd gathered around.

Donut cop: We've been looking for that gang for weeks; they escaped from prison thanks to a prison riot.
The police chief explained,
But you two managed not only to save civilians but also to disarm criminals.
Impressive for children.
He added, amazed.

Lincoln B: Certainly not thanks to—
Vizzana promptly shut him up.

Vizzana: You're welcome.
We certainly couldn't just sit there doing nothing.
But now we have to go to the cemetery, maybe you could give us a ride.

Donut Cop: A ride?
Sure, we can take you there.

And so they got into the police car, and in half an hour they reached the cemetery.

Mission accomplished

The place was located in a park, and was surrounded by stone walls and black iron gates.

They got out of the car and found themselves in front of the gate.

Donut cop: All right, guys, thanks again for your help.
But if anyone asks, we immediately secured the civilians, you understand?

Vizzana: Um, okay?
I think this is the last time we'll be here anyway.

As soon as they were left alone, they entered that melancholy place.
The air was almost freezing, and the sound of leaves on the damp ground didn't help.

Lincoln B: Okay, I really have to ask...
Did you create that shield?
He began, trying to ease the tension.

Vizzana: Yes, I was inspired by the first Insetiax peoples.
They designed these shields using a mechanism that could open and close them, so they could be carried more easily during battles.
Are they pretty...cool?

Lincoln B: It reminds me of a scene from a book in the series i told You about .
Guglielmo e Giorgio find themselves in the middle of a shootout between gangs of mafia members, and to protect the daughter of the new President of the Republic, they build a sort of shield using a broken car door to get through.

Vizzana: Really?
Anyway, this place is gigantic for such a small town.
She commented, looking around and seeing the tombs.

Lincoln B: Elmore isn't as small as you think.
And then—
Huh?

Vizzana: Lincoln? Why did you stop?
She asked, confused.

He didn't answer, but pointed in one direction.

In front of them was a rather tall blue cat, which seemed to be placing flowers on a gray grave.

But they could read its owner:

"Here lies Richard Watterson.

19XX - 20XX

Beloved father and husband."

Lincoln B: I think we found her.

They waited there for a few minutes, until the woman turned and saw the two of them.

Nicole W: Lincoln?
She greeted, confused.
What are you doing here in Elmore?

Lincoln B: Do you know who I am?
He replied, equally confused.

Nicole W: Sure, Gumball always talks to me about you.
He says you're "the smartest boy he's ever seen."

Lincoln B: Really?
Well, modestly."
He replied, a little red.
Anyway, we're here to deliver a package for him, but since he no longer lived with you, we decided to look for you.

He handed the package to the woman, who tucked it under her arm.

Mission accomplished.

Nicole W: You came all the way from my house for this?
But how—

Lincoln B: Long story.
She looked back at the grave, and then approached.
He is...

Nicole W: My husband...
The best man I've ever met in my life.
If he hadn't been there that day in that park, I probably wouldn't have had a taste of freedom.
As much as he got on my nerves, he was always there for me, even when life punched us in the face.

Lincoln B:....

-Be quiet
-Comfort her<---

Lincoln B: Looking at your son, you can see how great he was.
He added, looking at her with admiration,
How great you were.

Nicole W: Sorry, maybe I got a little carried away.
She concluded, wiping her eyes.
Want a ride? At least I can have some company.

Vizzana: Actually...
She tried to intervene, but her friend got there first.

Lincoln B: Sure, Mrs. Watterson, lead the way!

Some time later, in the car~

Lincoln B: So Gumball doesn't live with you anymore?
I never figured out where he lives now, but somewhere in Cloud City.

Nicole W: Yeah, I'm honestly glad he's found some stability in his life, even though I would have preferred a different job.

Vizzana: Different?
What's wrong with his job?
she asked, rightfully intrigued.

Lincoln B: Yeah, it's like one of the coolest things you can do!
You travel the multiverse, meet tons of different species.
He added, excitedly.

Nicole W: I'm not saying that, I just...
Have he been a little pensive lately?
she replied, continuing to look at the road.

After his father died last year, he's become very busy with work.
We talk every now and then, and I think... "What the hell is going on there?"

Lincoln B: It's normal to worry about your children; it's being a good parent.

Nicole W: It's the least I can do, and just...
She was silent for a few minutes, then sighed.
Lincoln, you're close to him and you see each other often. Is he hiding something from me?
Something about work he won't tell me?

Lincoln B: I don't know, ma'am. Honestly, we're all caught up in the threats from heaven.
He replied, only belatedly noticing the woman's surprised expression.

Nicole W: Wait, "threats from heaven"?
What are you talking about?

Vizzana and Lincoln exchanged a look that could be described as "maybe I talked too much."

-You're lying
-Tell the truth<----

Lincoln B: He...he didn't tell you anything about Heaven's plan?

Nicole W: No, what is it?

Lincoln B: Sera, the seraph who runs the cartoon Heaven , has declared "war" on the organization.
She wants to attack us because she considers us "traitors" to the fandoms.

The car stopped suddenly, and he almost hit his head on the front seat.

Nicole W: ATTACK? WAR?!
What the hell is going on?

She exclaimed, rightfully concerned.

Lincoln B: Don't worry, Mrs. Watterson!
We have the means to repel them before they can harm civilians!
She tried to reassure him, but to no avail.

Nicole W: How did I not notice this?
Why didn't he tell me!?

Vizzana: He didn't want to worry you.
She tried to explain, but also to no avail.

Nicole W: Well, now I'm worried!
What if something happens to you? I... I don't want to lose him like I did with him...

Lincoln was about to answer, but honestly?
He wasn't sure what would happen either, considering the enemy.

It was almost time for that day, and the more time passed, the more evident the tension became. Would they succeed?

They just had to pray that Providence was on their side...

Chapter Text

Sometime later~

Pomni's package was the easiest to deliver, since she lived with two friends in an apartment in Cloud City.

Vizzana: Wait, I don't understand.
So these three were stuck in a digital circus with no memory of their names and were forced to go on crazy adventures to keep their sanity high, otherwise... they abstracted?
And you saved them after the circus was attacked by a weak-wire creature that ate artificial intelligences?

Lincoln B: Yes, I know, it's crazy.
I wasn't there when it happened, but it was the beginning of my mother's team.
Anyway, don't worry, they have high enough sanity levels.
Almost...

Vizzana:...I don't think it's a boast to have high enough sanity levels.

Lincoln B: In our case, yes.
I sincerely hope I don't have to deal with any more family issues...

New Mission: Find the Apartment
Secondary Mission: Find the Door on the First Try

The two entered the building, a rather old red building near the city center.
The ground floor was unused, but she seemed to be busy reading the newspaper.

Lincoln B: Hello, ma'am, we're looking for apartment 6. Do you know where it is?

The one-eyed woman lowered the newspaper and looked at them with a rather bored expression.

???:Are you there for?
She asked, looking them up and down.

Lincoln B: We've been sent by Postman Pat to deliver this package to the number.
He replied, showing the item.

The woman looked at him for a few seconds and pointed to the stairs.

???:Sixth floor, apartment B.
You find a door with a colorful pattern?
That's the right apartment.

Finally, she answered, then immediately returned to the newspaper.

Vizzana: We can't take—

???:The elevator's broken.
The guy who was supposed to fix it ended up in the hospital after buying a contraband scroll.
She immediately interrupted without looking up.
Men can be really stupid...

Vizzana: Have a good day, too...

They took the stairs, and after what seemed like hours (actually, it had only been five minutes, but we'd like to see if you can walk up six flights of stairs without getting out of breath) they reached the corridor.

Vizzana: Lincoln... why aren't there numbers on the doors?
she asked, puzzled.

Lincoln B: W-what?
It's i-impossible that there aren't any...

Spoiler: Apparently there weren't any numbers (what kind of complex was that?)

Lincoln B:Damn it...

It was almost deafeningly silent, except for the noise of the janitor's mop cleaning nearby.

-Ask the janitor <---
-Find the door yourself.

They decided it might be best to ask the guy who worked there, even though the old guy looked like he'd hit you repeatedly with the mop if you bothered him (especially if he was a kindergartener).

Lincoln B: Hi, do you know where we can find Apartment 6?
He asked politely.

Janitor: Oh, kid, I don't know.
I just started working today.
He replied, not even looking at him (not out of annoyance, but because his eyes seemed to be going in two completely different directions.)
They had to find one quickly after the last one ended up in the hospital.

Vizzana: I'm afraid to ask, but why?

Janitor: Something about Dora downstairs here.
I was lucky, though; they had just closed the kindergarten I worked at.
He continued, then let out a long, melancholy sigh.
I do miss hitting the kids with my mop, though...

Lincoln B:...
Thanks anyway...
And with that "goodbye," the two quickly walked away.

Vizzana: They said we have to look for a colored door.
There are only two doors in this area. How hard will it be?

Yes, too bad the two doors were actually somewhat colorful.
One was made of wood and had a red and yellow mat, with a sign that read "welcome to the show," while the other had colorful plants on the sides and a white wooden plaque with a sign that read "welcome."

Lincoln B:...Sometimes I wonder if the supernatural force that makes us live these adventures doesn't get tired of creating unnecessary obstacles every now and then?

No, Lincoln, they don't get tired. Now go and find this damn door because we still have a lot to do.

Vizzana: So what do we do?

-Inspect the two doors in area B <---
-Knock on the right door
-Knock on the left door

From the first apartment, you could hear classical music (particularly piano music) on the radio, while in the second apartment, you could hear someone changing programs on the TV, causing a static noise every now and then.

So Lincoln and Vizzana, which doors do you choose?

-Knock on the door on the right <---
-Knock on the door on the left

Finally, they tried their luck and knocked on the door on the right.

The music stopped abruptly, and footsteps could be heard from inside.

Finally, the door opened, revealing a familiar face.

Secondary mission completed

Ragatha: Lincoln! What a lovely surprise!
She exclaimed with a smile.
Hello to you too, Lincoln's friend.
I see you have my package too...

Lincoln B: Wait, is that yours?
He asked, confused.

Ragatha: Yes, Pomni ordered it for me because I couldn't find it.
Do you and your friend want to come in?

The two entered and saw something cooking in the oven in the kitchen.

Mission accomplished.

The woman took the box and placed it on the table, opening it quickly.
The two, curious, approached to see what it was, only to find a...

Vizzana: A vase?
We've been carrying a vase around all this time without it breaking?
She exclaimed in amazement (after all, they had been literally tossed from one side to the other by a derailed train).

The object was yellow with pink patterns, and it was quite small.

Lincoln looked around and saw how the object was a bit out of place with the rest of the apartment (not that he knew much about design, but it certainly was).
Lincoln swore he'd seen that pattern somewhere...

Suddenly, a door opened, and a purple rabbit came out with a toolbox in his hand.

Jax: Hi, Lincoln.
Hello... Lincoln's friend?

Lincoln L: Hi, Jax.
We just delivered a package.

Jax: Couldn't Pat have done it?
he asked, puzzled.

Vizzana: His wheels were stolen.
He asked us to help him.

Jax chuckled, and then turned to look in your direction.

Jax: At least he didn't have to put up with Dora downstairs.
He commented, with a smile.

Vizzana: Who's he talking to?

Ragatha: I don't know. Every now and then he turns in one direction and talks to himself.
Ignore him.

The two started talking while Lincoln and Vizzana were trying to decide what to do, when suddenly the non-fandom noticed something strange.

Vizzana: Lincoln, is it just me or that glitchy Jax's ear?
She pointed in a low voice.

Lincoln B: That? It's normal. Didn't you see that Pomni has a strange arm?
They were caused when they left the digital circus.
He replied calmly.

Vizzana: Really?
But why did they leave then?
About the abstraction thing?

Lincoln B: I'm actually not sure what really happened, but when they talk about it, they mention some sort of "creature made of wires."
I never understood what they meant.

Jax: Did you actually get it in the end?

The two's conversation was interrupted by Jax's question, who seemed to have noticed the package.

Ragatha:Pomni found it. It's pretty cute.
She confirmed.

Jax:...If they saw it, they'd probably tell you it's tacky.
He commented, but without the amused tone.

Ragatha: I'd rather that than know they're still in there.
She replied, looking thoughtful.

The two seemed to be talking about someone in particular, but honestly, it was time to go home, so with a final goodbye, Lincoln and Vizzana left.

Let's go, Lincoln.

Lincoln B:...

-Ask<----
Say goodbye and leave.

Oh, well, it looks like you want to get to the bottom of this, then?
And you, Lincoln, were complaining about the unnecessary obstacles fate put in place, huh?

Lincoln B: Are you two okay?

The doll and the rabbit exchanged a look.

Ragatha: We're just talking about old friends.
She replied calmly.
That they made their choices...

Jax: Bad ones, but they made them.
And now they're trying to take us back there.

Lincoln didn't understand at first, but then he remembered something from before those acts.

An encounter that both you and he had probably forgotten, but which now raised many questions.

Lincoln B:There are still people inside the circus , right?
The question was apt and sudden, judging by their change of expression.

Ragatha: Yes, unfortunately.
A friend of ours is still in there, along with him and that "thing"...

-Ask about him
-Ask about the "thing" <---
-Ask about the friend

Lincoln B: What "thing"?

Jax: We could tell you if we knew what it was.
It's been a while since we saw that thing wandering around the circus, and we still don't know what it is!
He replied, genuinely frustrated.
Barbieri doesn't know anything about it either.

Vizzana: Some kind of description?
She asked, now curious.

Ragatha: I remember its body being made of cables, some forming hands, others wings.
It had an iron mask with feminine features, and long hair made of thick, thick cables.
Its mouth only opened to suck things in, and it seemed interested in artificial intelligence...

Vizzana: Weird, right Lincoln?
Lincoln...?

The boy seemed thoughtful, as if he'd remembered something else.

He took her hand and said goodbye to the couple, leaving the apartment, accompanied by a confused Vizzana.

Vizzana: Lincoln, what are you doing?
Your face tells me you have something on your mind.

Lincoln B: I think... that what they just described is an Angel of Creation.
My mother told me about them, but she said they wore silver robes and spoke in codes.

Vizzana: Are you sure?
She thought about it too, and then took the photo from her bag.
Now that you point it out, those angels usually form wings with their own cables.
But then... why are they there?
What did they want from them?

Lincoln B: I don't know, but I want to find out.
Especially if they have something to do with the mysterious figure I see in my dreams.
They have the same mask!

Vizzana: First of all, I don't know how much an Angel can tell you about that, since they're just religious symbols.
Second, how do you want to get in there?

Lincoln B: Look, it's easy. Follow me, I have a plan.

New mission, find the Angel of Creation

Some time later~

After managing to activate a portal to the digital circus, Lincoln found himself in that strange, colorful, and abandoned world.

Vizzana, meanwhile, was in the boy's room, "monitoring" the situation.

Vizzana: What do you see?

She asked, not even hiding her concern.

Lincoln B: I see a lot of colors, it's like being in some sort of educational video game from the '90s.

He replied, looking around.

I don't see anyone, though.

Vizzana: Do you see anything strange?

No, nothing. The circus seemed untouched for a long time, as if no one had ever left it (at least, that's what he thought).

Lincoln B: I'll go look around. If they said there's someone here, maybe they can help me.

And so he walked, reaching a long corridor full of doors.
On them you could see drawings of stylized, colorful characters.
Some depicted Pomni, Jax, and Ragatha, while others were characters he'd never seen before.
A comedy mask, a dog, a clown, and a white checkered piece.

Almost all had red x's, except one...

Lincoln approached the door that was free of that strange x, hesitating about what to do.

Vizzana: So?

Lincoln B: Maybe I'll need a hand...
And with that premise, he knocked on the door.

There was a succession of noises, as if whoever was inside had slipped over a thousand obstacles.

Finally, the door opened, revealing a familiar figure.

Zooble: What the fuck?
They exclaimed in surprise.
Wait, I remember you. You're the kid who snuck into the armory.

Lincoln B: Hi, it seems my fame precedes me.
He replied with a proud smile.
But we've never officially introduced ourselves. I'm Lincoln—
Ah!

The player picked up the boy and led him into the room, closing the door as if they were hiding from something.

Zooble: How did you get in here?
They seemed nervous.
Did they send you?

Lincoln B: What manners.
Do you think?
He pointed, obviously.
Anyway, no, I came alone.

Zooble:...What do you want?
There's nothing that could interest you here.

Lincoln B: And that's where you're wrong.
They told me what happened, with the Angel of Creation.
I need to find it.

Zooble: Really?
That wreck's barely moving, I don't think you'll get anything from that thing.

Lincoln B: It's still here, fine.
What do you mean, "barely moving"?

Zooble: When they left, that thing lay down and never got up.
It mumbles something, but it doesn't do much, other than scare Caine, who helps me a lot.
They explained, calmer now
Why should you care?

Lincoln B: A matter of mine.
Can you still help me get there?
It's important.

Zooble:...Yes, I can do that.
But you'll have to do something for me, then.

Lincoln B: Sure?
What do you need?

Zooble: You have to distract Caine while I go to his office and get some things.
He.s always there after that thing ran aground near the circus.
Call him so I can get in and then take you to it.

Lincoln B: Deal.

New mission: Distract Caine

Lincoln then ventured into the center of the circus, right where he'd started, after giving Zooble a walkie-talkie (they're for keeping in touch).

Vizzana: Are you sure about this?

Lincoln B: Yes, I hope I don't regret it.
He cleared his throat a bit, noticing Zooble heading towards another corridor.
IS ANYONE THERE?
MAYBE THE ONE WHO CONTROLS THIS WONDERFUL AND COOL WORLD? (The addition of adjectives wasn't necessary, but it certainly would have made a better impression.)
...
Okay, maybe-

Caine: GOOD EVENING, LITTLE STAR!

Yes, it worked.
Lincoln almost had a heart attack, finding himself in front of the ringmaster.

Caine: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, but you know, I'm pretty excited to have someone new here in such a long time.
Welcome to "The Amazing Digital Circus"™!

Lincoln B: Um, hello?
I'm glad... me too.
You don't... Remember me?

Caine:No? Why little star?
Anyway, we need to choose a name for you.

Lincoln B: Wait, what—

But before he could argue, a giant gambling machine appeared from the sky, only with letters.
Caine pulled the lever, and soon a name appeared.

Caine: What do you think of Mallory?

Lincoln didn't know what to say, so he just accepted it (it had to distract him, right?)

Lincoln B: Yes, that's fine....

Caine: Well, since the adventure is all yours, and since we're short on... players, you can decide!
Anything's fine!

Lincoln B: Really?
Let's see...

-Refuse
-Take a walk with him <---
-Invite him to dinner

Lincoln B: Can we go for a walk?
Around the circus.

Caine looked at him for a few seconds, clearly surprised.

Caine: Do you want to take a walk with me?

Lincoln B: Yes, to... get to know each other better?

Caine:...That's fantastic!
Follow me!

Caine teleported them out of the circus, to a park overlooking the lake.

Lincoln B:...

-Ask about the circus <---
-Ask about Pomni
-Ask about Zooble

Lincoln B: So, this place is pretty creepy, why?

Caine: We had a little problem with a pesky creature, but don't worry, we can still have all the adventures we want!

Lincoln B: These adventures sound important.

Caine: Exactly, frankly, I'm proud to do them; they're my creations, after all.
And I'm sure you'll love them, I hope so.

Lincoln B:...

-Let him expire <---

Lincoln B: You hope?
Shouldn't you already know that?

Caine: Right, why should I hope, they're already perfect!
I can grant all your wishes, except the not-so-family-friendly ones, and give you crazy experiences!
That's an important goal of mine.
He was clearly proud of that, and almost didn't notice the boy's expression.

Lincoln B: Purpose?
Is your purpose...this?
To create adventures to entertain others?
On the other hand, Lincoln wasn't sure.

Caine: Yes, I was created to entertain the public and make the players feel good.

Lincoln B: No offense, but...without players, how do you do your job?

The question hit him like a freight train, leaving him truly in doubt.
They'd tried to bring Pomni and the others back, unsuccessfully, while they waited for other players to enter.
The circus wasn't really abandoned, was it?
Why wasn't anyone putting on headsets? Why wasn't anyone there?

Maybe he wasn't doing his job well? Maybe Zooble was right and his adventures were boring? What was he doing wrong? He'd tried so hard to please them, god, he'd even given them the chance to choose an adventure once!
Why the hell was no one ever happy with his work?

He didn't notice his head was starting to spin compulsively, while Lincoln looked at him worriedly.

Mission accomplished.

Lincoln B: Hey, are you okay?
A call from Zooble interrupted him (thankfully).
Oh right ,are you okay there?
He asked, trying to ignore Caine.

Zooble: I'm almost done. Come to the door that says "Circus Leader."

New mission: Return to the circus and go to Zooble.
Secondary mission: Avoid the holes.

Lincoln B: Wait, what do you mean, holes?

Holes appeared around him, as if a large sheet of paper was tearing apart.

Of course, without question, he ran, leaving Caine to do his "thing."

A long run later~

He returned, and immediately began looking for the door, trying not to fall into the holes forming in the floor.

He went toward the corridor Zooble had taken, and soon, near the end, he saw the door.

It was clearly different from the others, with a shiny, golden plaque.

He approached slowly, but soon the door swung open and Zooble dragged him (again) without a word.

Mission accomplished

Lincoln B: It's a little rude to grab people by the collar, you know?
He called back, only to be surprised by the writing on the walls.
Wow, does Caine look like he's not doing so well?

Zooble: Don't tell me.
They were instead busy sifting through shelves, desperately looking for something.
Come'on , where it ended up?
They were muttering to themselves.
She can't be dead...

Lincoln B: If you tell me what you're looking for, maybe I can help.

Zooble: Caine made some player cards after they left.
They answered. Without even looking at him.
Where are you, Gangle?

Lincoln B: Gangle?

Now that he thought about it, he'd heard Pomni mention that name every now and then, accompanied by a sigh...

He looked around that ramshackle, poorly maintained office.

-Search in the other drawers.
-Search under the desk.<---
-Search in the wastebasket.
-Search in the plant.

He went to the desk, but instead of opening any drawers, he looked right underneath it.
He found a rather battered card, with a comedy mask similar to the one on the door before.
On it was a name...

Lincoln B: Hey, were you looking for this?

Zooble turned around, and their eyes almost lit up when they saw that.

Zooble: Exactly! How did you—

Lincoln B: Luck?
Now let's go, please, I don't like this place.

New mission:Find the angel

Zooble: Where did these come from?
They asked, pointing to the holes.

Lincoln B: I don't know, they appeared after Caine started spinning strangely.

Zooble: Spinning, wait—
Great...
What did you tell him?

Lincoln B: I asked him why there was no one there; I had to distract him somehow!

Zooble: Hope he doesn't find us , even though I don't think he'll get close to that thing.

Lincoln B: Why?

Zooble: That thing devoured everything that was an "artificial intelligence" or an avatar.
Only Caine and I are left.

Lincoln B: Then why don't you leave?

You can, you've already proven it.

Zooble: I have to... I have to find someone.
I know she's still here, it can't be...
Look, it's important, okay?

Lincoln B:...
You're talking about Ga-
Huh?

Mission accomplished
Secondary mission accomplished

The reason for this adventure finally appeared before him, a massive creature made of long-rusted cables, whose face also seemed to have cracked and lost its light.
The eyes were still moving, shifting from side to side before settling on the two figures in front of him, but with the vitality of a dead man.

The mouth was open like an O, while the cables were a deep black.

What caught him off guard was the breathing, impossible for a machine.

Zooble: I'm staying here, I need to see something.
They already put their hands out, taking the file.

Lincoln B: Y-yes, no problem.
Vizzana? Are you still with us?

Vizzana: Of course!
So you're there? How's the angel?
Oh, I'm so excited! Are you okay?

Lincoln B: Yes, I'm fine.
And so he approached the creature, so that it wasn't even visible to him.
Hello? Can you hear me?

???:...
Yes, I can hear you.

Lincoln didn't expect the angel to speak so perfectly, even in those "conditions."
The voice was robotic and almost dead, except for a miraculously present thread of life.

Lincoln B: I'm Lincoln, nice to meet you?

???: What brings a soul like yours here?

Lincoln B: I'm here to understand what you are, and why you're here.
You angels should be there, where the web expands to its limits.
What brought you here?

The angel laughed, a dead, almost tragicomic laugh.

???: You, who think of me as one of them, are strange, but I can't blame them.
I'm not an Angel of creation, or at least not in that sense.
I served them; they created me in their image, that's why you're confused.
My role is to cleanse the AI, erase everything created by artificial intelligence, which is corrupting this world and human minds.
But that purpose is now useless.

Lincoln B: Wait, aren't you an Angel?
Oh damn, I... I didn't know other machines like them existed.
I came here for nothing.
But... sorry, what do you mean, "But that purpose is now useless"?

???:There's nothing left for me to clean up. It seems that man has finally understood the dangers of AI and no longer uses it.
If I can't clean up, what becomes of me?

Lincoln B:Wouldn't there be Caine?

???:Apparently not. I made a mistake the day I came here for the first time.
I destroyed without thinking, that's why I'm lying here.
This is my punishment.

Lincoln B:It's...a little sad to think about.
Do your "creators" know this?

???:I'm dead to them, I've finished my task, there's nothing more I can do.

Lincoln B:Can't you...create a new one?

???:No, I can't.
I can't have that kind of possibility, I'm not like them.
I can't free myself from these obligations, I can only obey my task and sleep when I'm done.
Are you free?

Lincoln didn't really know how to answer this question.
He looked back at Zooble, and saw how their expressions had become horrified, not by the creature, but by something on the folder.

Lincoln B: Zooble?
Are you okay?

Zooble:...She's not here.
She's...not here.
They repeated, obviously referring to...

Lincoln looked back at the creature, who seemed to be waiting for an answer.

"I'm free."
"No."
"I don't know." <---

Lincoln B: I don't know, maybe?
I don't have a specific purpose, and I don't have anyone who created me for that.
So... in a way, I am?
I really don't know...

???: Forgive me for asking.

Lincoln B: There's nothing wrong with forgiving you, you've got me thinking.
I'm sorry I can't help you.

???: Don't do it, I've already finished my role.
You, who perhaps consider yourself free, go, you still have a lot to do before you can sleep like me.
And with that, the creature closed its eyes, forever.

Lincoln stared at her for a long time, before Vizzana awakened him from that trance.

Vizzana: Lincoln?
Are you okay?

Lincoln B: Oh, right.
Sorry, I got caught up in the conversation.
Yes, I'm fine.
I'm coming back.

He opened the portal and took one last look at the creature.
Then he returned to Zooble, who also seemed to have returned to normal.

Lincoln B: Hey, listen, I know you have to look for someone, but...
Can I ask you if you want to come with me to Cloud City?
They miss you so much.

Zooble:...
They sighed and threw the folder away.
You know what? I'm coming with you, this place is dead now.

Lincoln B: So you don't...

Zooble: No, they're gone.
I feel stupid for wasting my time with this...

Lincoln walked over and took their hands.

Lincoln B: I'm so sorry...

The moment would have been sweet, if it hadn't been for the fact that someone else showed up too.

Caine: Mallory!
There you are!
Oh, looks like you found them...
And our dear Zooble, too. See, this place isn't completely empty?

Lincoln B: Oh right, hi, Caine.

Caine: We didn't finish your adventure. You left suddenly. Didn't you like it?

Lincoln B: It's not that, it's just...
Suddenly, an idea came to him, an idea so absurd, but one he hoped would work.
You know, I thought of another adventure, much more exciting.

Zooble: Seriously?

Caine: Oh man, of course!
What do you have in mind?

Lincoln B: You want to get inside my phone?
In this adventure, you'll explore how a phone works. After all, you're an artificial intelligence, right?

Caine: Well, it's a strange adventure, but I'm happy to take it.
I didn't even know your form had a cell phone!

He snapped his fingers, and he disappeared into thin air.
Shortly afterward, Lincoln had a notification on his phone about a new app he'd downloaded:
"Your Caine"

Zooble: What are you doing?

Lincoln B: As weird as it is... I feel sorry for him.
Maybe giving him a new purpose will help?
Now, shall we go?

Zooble: Okay, let's go.
And with that, they entered the portal, and the circus disappeared as if it had never existed.

Chapter Text

The interrupted dream gang had recently returned to base, completely exhausted from their last mission.

Gumball W: I swear, I'll never look at a shrimp the same way.
He exclaimed, throwing himself onto the couch in the break room.

Pomni: Well, at least the Krusty Crub is safe.
And almost the entire city of Bikini Bottom.
I never want to wear in a diving suit again for the rest of my life.

Steven U: Come on, it wasn't that bad.
In the end, Sbongebob even gave us some of his Krubby Pattys!
He remembered, taking some sandwiches from the bag.
They're supposed to be edible out of the water, right?

Pomni: I don't know.

Vizzana and Lincoln also entered the room, also exhausted.

Gumball W: Lincoln, our favorite boy.
You and Vizzana look like you just ran a marathon.
He commented and then headed for the bathroom.

Lincoln B: Almost.
How did your adventure go?

Steven U: Good.
We went to Sbongebob's universe.
You?

Vizzana: We helped Postman Pat deliver some packages for you.
His wheels got stolen.

Pomni: That vase Ragatha was waiting for finally arrived.

Steven U: And I finally have the replacement parts for the telescope.
You didn't have to bother anyway.

Lincoln B: Nah, it was nice to help.
And then—

Gumball W: WHO THE HELL TOLD MY MOTHER ABOUT THE EXORCISTS!
There, too late.

Lincoln B: Damn.
Oh, and by the way, Pomni, Caine sends his regards.
He picked up his phone and showed the girl the app.

Caine: Hi, Pomni!
Look where I am!

Pomni:...What the fuck?