"Amusement Park it is!"
Theodore cheered, ignoring the blinking "Return to Hub" icon in his peripheral vision.
They traveled to the Amusement Park district, a surreal landscape of neon lights, rusted carousels, and Machine Lifeforms that had abandoned combat to play at being festive.
The whimsical music echoed through the ruins, creating a strange, melancholic atmosphere.
Theodore spent the afternoon showing off his "Gamer" skills to keep the mood light:
He used Wind Walk to sprint up the side of the Ferris wheel, waving from the very top while 9S scanned him in disbelief.
He used Giant Strength to win a "test your strength" game so hard the machine actually exploded, handing a slightly scorched plush toy to a very confused 2B.
When a group of clown-machines approached peacefully, Theodore didn't attack.
He performed a series of high-speed AGI-based flips, earning "applause" from the robots and a rare, microscopic tilt of 2B's head that might have been a smile.
"See?"
Theodore said, sitting on a rusted bench with them as the neon lights flickered.
"Life doesn't have to be a tragic monologue. It can just be... fun."
9S looked at the plush toy in 2B's hand.
"Theodore, if what you say is true... if there really is a place where we can just be... why would you help us? We're just data and steel."
"Because data can feel, 9S. I've seen it,"
Theodore said firmly.
"And because everyone deserves a 'Good Ending' at least once."
The moment of peace was shattered by a piercing screech in their headsets.
The sky above the park distorted as a massive YoRHa transport ship broke through the clouds, surrounded by a squadron of Flight Units.
"Units 2B and 9S! Stand down!"
The Commander's voice boomed through their internal comms, cold and absolute.
"You are in the company of a High-Level Logic Virus—an unauthorized entity designated 'Theodore.' He is a threat to the Council of Humanity. Neutralize him immediately or face decommissioning!"
9S staggered, clutching his head as Command attempted to remotely override his systems.
2B's hand flew to her katana, her body trembling as her "Loyalty" subroutines fought against her recent experiences.
"Don't listen to them!"
Theodore stood up, his eyes glowing with the intensity of his Gamer's Mind.
"They're just scared because I'm a variable they can't control!"
"Theodore... move..."
2B rasped, her blade half-drawn.
"Command... they are forcing a logic reset..."
"Not on my watch."
Theodore grabbed 2B and 9S by their shoulders.
He didn't wait for them to decide. He tapped into the Hub's "Party Invite" system.
"System! Force-pull guests to the Hub! Authorization: S-Rank Completion!"
[System Note: Transferring non-consenting entities is usually against protocol. However, since you're a 'pervert' who likes to collect strays... Authorization Granted.]
"Hey!"
Theodore barked at the air, but the white light was already blooming.
The YoRHa ships opened fire, missiles screaming toward the bench, but they hit nothing but empty air and sparking neon.
The white, sterile light of the Hub felt like a cool balm. 2B and 9S collapsed onto the floor, the "Command" signal instantly severed.
The oppressive weight of their programming vanished.
"Where... where are we?"
9S gasped, looking at his hands. For the first time, he didn't feel the "noise" of the Machine Network or the prying eyes of the Bunker.
"Welcome to my world,"
Theodore said, leaning back with a sigh.
"No Command, no Bunker, no endless war."
"Master?"
A familiar, regal voice called out.
Alcina walked over, looking sharp in her new business suit, followed by her daughters and Marika.
They stopped dead when they saw the two androids in black leather.
"More guests?"
Marika asked, a knowing smirk on her lips.
"And these ones used to be made of... metal?"
"They're YoRHa units,"
Theodore explained, scratching his head.
"2B, 9S, meet the family. Alcina is a gallery owner, Marika is... well, Marika. And guys? Look at your status bars."
9S opened his HUD and froze. His "Race" tag, which had always said Android, was slowly flickering.
Under the Hub's reality-warping influence, the conversion process had begun.
[Entity Status: Synchronizing with Local Reality]
[Conversion Progress: 1% ... 2% ...]
[Predicted Result: Humanity]
"You weren't lying,"
2B whispered, standing up and looking at Alcina.
"We're... becoming real."
"Welcome to the family,"
Alcina said, crossing her arms.
"I hope you're good at something other than fighting. We have a gallery opening next week and we're short on people."
Theodore grinned. The Hub was getting crowded, but it was exactly the kind of "New Game Plus" he loved.