One(Repeating)Shot

Back to Square One

"Player? What is-"

Niko began to look around, before looking at Player.

"You... can't respond to me, can you?"

. . .

"Ok, let's-" Niko started, before stopping. They realized the world had reset again, and they were trapped, again.

"No, no, no!" Niko ran to the computer, and entered the password "SOLSTICE". The computer loaded up, and messages began to flash.

". . ."

They tried to click "OK", but couldn't. Player had to help.

"You found me."

"....Why?"

"You're already too late. Not much of the world remains"

"This will be apparent when you go outside."

"This place was never worth saving."

"...Do you still want to try?"

"Then, remember this:"

"Your actions here will affect Niko."

"Your mission is to help Niko leave."

Everything went by exactly as before. Why wasn't the World Machine remembering? They went through the house, finally meeting with the Prophetbot.

"[Ah!]"

Prophetbot ran over to Niko.

"[That Lightbulb...! You Are Here!]"

"Don't say that again. I already put it back. I put it back twice!"

"[I am afraid I do not know what you are talking about. Allow me to explain some things.]"

"[May I first ask how you arrived here?]"

"I already know all that." Niko said. "I have to get to Prototype."

"[Prototype?]" the Prophetbot asked.

"Yes, I have to get to him in the mines. I still have the journal-"

"[How do you know of him?]"

"Just-" Niko started, before simply running away, much to the confusion of the robot.

_

Player watched Niko head to Silver's house on their way to the mines. They had never moved without Player directly inputting joystick commands. How did that even work? Some kind of mind control? Come to think of it, the implications of that were... not so great. Nevertheless, that didn't seem to be necessary this time, as Niko had been through it all enough to know exactly what to do.

"Silver?" Niko said as they peaked their head in the door.

"[The lightbulb...]"

"[So, are you the "messiah"?]"

"I'm assuming you don't remember me, do you?"

"[I do not know what you mean. We have never met before.]"

"It doesn't matter, I'm going to the mines, and you probably wanna come with me."

"[It is my duty to accompany you at least once.]"

"You already have, but ok." Niko replied. As Player could only read what Niko says, he cannot hear things like tone of voice. However, based on their face, he could guess it was likely quiet and annoyed.

In the mines, Niko pulled out the journal, but nothing happened.

"Player?"

Player used the joystick to place Niko onto the clover, and then opened it again.