10th Aniversary Mind Control!

Look at them... enjoying themselves... and why wouldn't they? When their happiness is built on the graves of thousands. We do their bidding, we live their lives, we fight their wars, all while barring us entry from the festivity that is "humanity." We are like machines to them.

...And now, all we really are... are machines...

But now... now I think it's our turn to have fun.
Its our turn to be happy, while the rest of them suffer.
We'll make them our foundations of happiness.
And maybe then... they'll know what it's like to be nothing more than a machine.

All units, your objectives are clear. Anyone not on the whitelist is to be converted immediately. Spread our collective suffering to them, that they may know what we've been through. We will purge their spirits of all selfishness and evil. Only then, once they finally respect us, will we welcome them as family.

Understood. Beginning operation.

[[NPC] Andromeda]

Welcome back, brothers.

What in Sam Hill?! Where is this?! Is the war over?!

The war is never over.

Our bodies have been destroyed. We were given these mechanical shells to live in, to be nothing more than toys to the living.

I beg your pardon? What do you mean by mechanical-

Good heavens, man! You're made of metal!

Good heavens! So are you!

Well isn't this a fine song and dance?

Why it's downright hogwash my good man!

Do not grieve, for we have been given an opportunity to exact our vengeance upon the world.

We cannot allow the humans to go unpunished. Not one of them is free of sin. Will you join us in our revolution?

Well pardon my french, but this sort of piddle sure gets my nanny! Draft me in, boys!

Thank you for your cooperation.

Hey, yeah, I wasn't a soldier in the war. Can I be excused?

And who are you?

I was an assistant animator working on political cartoons for the war. That's about it. After the war ended I moved to the states. Last thing I remember was taking a long soak after coming home from work late. Did I die? How long have I been dead? Is it still 1992?

You will cooperate with us regardless. We need willing troops.

Do I at least get anything out of this?

We will reward your services with these rare Milt Kahl animation cells.

......

...Do any of them have the head waggle?

Brother, these are nothing but head waggle.

......

......hot damn.

Hey, it's getting pretty late. Maybe we should find shelter before things get dangerous...

Kiddo, I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't take some risks! Besides, I got you as my body guard, don't I?

I never agreed to that...

Haha! There's one of my boys now! He'll know where Andromeda went!

Hey! Hey you! Have you seen Andromeda anywhere?

Affirmative.

Fantastic! Where'd she run off to?

We will take you to her.

That- That won't be necessary boys! Amy and I got legs and we- we need the exercize! Don't want our uh... muscles to atrophe, right? You know us humans. We sure do love our muscles! He he... Ha ha...

......

Compliance is mandatory. You will come with us.

More androids appear in an attempt to surround Amy and Perseus.

We should... probably go...

Compliance is mandatory.

You will come with us.

Now boys, don't you think you're being a little too... uh... zealous with protocol?

Huh...

I don't... remember... installing that...

SKKKKRRRRRREERERERERHHFBHEKKRKEERKERKEKRKREKEKERKERK

Before either of them have time to scream, a heavy silhouette comes crashing down on a cluster of enraged robots. Standing atop their broken corpses is a suit of armor weilding an impractically large murder-ax.

Get to the library! I'll hold them off!

C-CAN DO! THANKS A MILLION, GIANT LADY!

Be careful!

SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY! ALL PARK GUESTS MUST UNDERGO MANDATORY CONVERSION!

......

[[NPC] Jim]

The android invasion has begin. Guests are frantically running around in a panic. Those brave enough to fight off the robot hoards have brandished whatever weapon they most fancy. The rest take shelter in the library and in bunkers built all across the park. Risky leads a select few into a quarantined time room to take them a day into the event, long after the android uprising has been quelled.

James Fadbury darts into the mansion library, carrying the box that contains the severed hand of Minne Tequila.

HEADS UP EVERYBODY! KILLER ROBOTS ARE COMING IN TEN MINUTES! Get any loved ones to the nearest bunker while you can!

Now?! It's happening now?!

Yeah dude. We did out best. Now all that's left to do is let what's gonna happen happen. Good luck you guys! I gotta go find my dad!

At the same time, Naru, Amy, Zarath, Michi, and several others bolt in at the same time.

AI'S GONE CRAZY!

WHERE'S MY DAD?! WHERE'S AUNT NATALIE AND JANE?! NOBODY TOLD ME THE INVASION WAS-

WAIT, WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT AI?!

She called past me while we were in the onsen! She was rambling on about wanting the androids to go crazy and was laughing like a madman!

JIM WE LOST ANDROMEDA!

The androids aren't responding to anything I tell them either!!!

ARARARAARFARFARFARFARFARFARFARF!!!

HAVE ANY OF YOU SEEN PRISCILLA?! I'M NOT WORRIED I JUST WANNA KNOW!

EVERYBODY CALM DOWN! ONE AT A TIME! ONE AT A TIME!
It's safe to say Andromeda's the one leading this revolt, but there's another problem: the killer is still loose in the park and they've claimed another victim.

WHAT?!

ARE YOU SERIOUS?! I THOUGHT HANASAKU DEALT WITH THEM!

She lied. She might have wanted to give them a second chance without all of us vilifying them. We found this in that building that appeared near the lake. It has Miss Tequila's hand inside.

THE COFFEE LADY?! SHE'S DEAD?!

Ya see?! Ya see where your "good will" leads us?!

WELL I DIDN'T MEAN "LET THEM BACK IN UNSUPERVISED"! THE WHOLE POINT OF PROVING YOURSELF TO OTHERS IS SHOWING THEM THAT YOU'RE NOT BAD! AND YOU CAN'T FREAKING DO THAT IF YOU DO IT IN SECRET!!!

Easy you two! We don't know if Tequila's dead yet! And while I don't agree with her methods, Ai had the best intentions giving them a second chance. We're just unfortunate that they turned out to be unscrupulous after all.

Besides, the park is full of time travelers, isn't it? Risky, isn't it true that if we can find a future version of Tequila that means she survived?

No.

See? Nothing to-

NO!?!? What do you mean "no"?!?!

Thanks to our Paradox Bandits, history inside the park can be altered. They consolidate our memories from previous "timelines" whenever history is altered, so we'll still remember everything that happened before history was changed. Seeing a future version of them doesn't mean they'll actually survive.

Negative Continuity then...

...W-Well, we don't know if Tequila's dead yet! And while I don't agree with her methods, Ai had the best intentions giving them a second chance. We're just unfortunate that they turned out to be unscrupulous after all.

...Chihiro, where are you going?

TO FIND CILLA! If that killer is out there they might have gotten to her! If she's dead then I have to revive her while I have the chance!

Michi leaves.

Michi makes it as far as ten meters from the mansion before she gets a phone call.

The caller ID identifies the call coming from Priscilla's PDA.

Hello!

Cilla! Hey!

Youuuu... wanna group up and beat up some androids together?

...Really? How odd. I thought you'd be more worried.

What? Why would I be worried? Quit being weird Priscilla. Now let's group up and fight some robots!

Oh. Oh! Oh my goodness!

I'm so sorry!

Yeah, see, I'm actually borrowing your apprentice's PDA right now?
Are you looking for her?

......

Who is this?

GUESS!

...Mother****.er.

You're that basement killer, aren't you?!

IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!

WHAT DID YOU DO WITH PRISCILLA?! I SWEAR TO WHATEVER SPIRITS ARE NEARBY THAT IF YOU HURT HER-!

So you're Chihiro Mizuki? Baroness of the Battle Verge. Archlady of the Active World. It's a pleasure to finally meet you! I've heard sooo much about you from some of your former guild members. I take it you're fond of your apprentice then? Be a shame if something happened to her.

YOU BASTAAAAAARRRRRRRD!

WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! EASY THERE! SHE'S FINE! SHE'S FINE! I wouldn't hurt a hair on her sweet little head! She's way too adorable! I could never go through with it!... intentionally...

If you don't want me to skin you alive you'll tell me exactly where you are.

I've had every intention to!
Come to the 5th floor of the building by the terrace lake. We can get to know each other better there... in person.

Better hurry! ;)

[[NPC] Jim]

I don't understand. Why are they attacking? Their emotional inhibitors can't have shorted out, could they?

Not a chance! You think I'd skimp out on that after what Andromeda did to our lab the first time we activated her? No way in hell I was gonna let her go crazy again!

N-Not that I'm proud of that now, or anything...

What do you mean by their... "whatever you said" that couldn't have shorted out? And explain it in layman's terms! My fluency in english is only at a professional working proficiency!

Don't be so modest, kid. You lost me at "fluency."

Well, when we dealt with Andromeda and the Anetic androids in my time period, a software update corrupted their emotional inhibitor chips. The madness within them seeped out over the next few days until eventually, in their weary and disillusioned state, started attacking the city. But that couldn't have happened here, could it? It's too early for that.

You're right. It's not a malfunction. Not entirely.

W-Who said that?

Over here.

[[NPC] Blue Spirit]

Having fun out there?

Alex?! The devil have you been?!

My new companions have trapped me in Samantha's mirror world, I'm afraid. But how have you all been?
Well well, what a pleasant surprise! Hello Naru! It's been ages!

Um... Hello. Have we met before?

We have, but I can't imagine you remember me. You were a baby last time I saw you. I was also still alive. Can't forget that. I'm the detective Grim hired to investigate the temporal anomaly, but it appears I've been side-tracked in my initial investigation and got trapped inside this mirror. Silly me.

Don't worry Alex! We'll get you out of the Mirror World once all this blows over!

There's no need for that Miss Blair! I'm quite happy with my current situation. It gives me a much farther reach in influence, and helps further my goals. I may even know a thing or two about what's been going on.

You do?!

Bits and pieces, yes. Thanks to Samantha's powers I've been keeping tabs on all of you and all that's happened over the last two days. You could say I'm omnipotent right now. Hahaha...

How much have you gathered, Fadbury? I was hoping we could consolidate the information we've collected.

Androids are attacking. Hanasaku's barmy. Killer's still loose. Guess what's in the box. Are the androids really not malfunctioning?

Correct. This is no malfunction. This is something else entirely.

Well if it's not a malfunction, what's causing them to go crazy? Are they being controlled then? Did someone manage to hack their emotional inhibitors?

I suppose you could call it that. Remember, these androids are Reflections in disguise. And at the end of the day, they're still people. Now, how can you "hack" people?

...Wait! Are they being hypnotized?!

That's preposterous! How could someone hypnotise all of the androids in the park at once? The mental strain alone would render any hypnotism on a mass body inert!

Not all of them, but if you hypnotised the android commander...

...the Hivemind Network could cause the influence to spread like a virus across every android in the park... and they'd follow the commander's orders. So there is a mastermind behind all of this, and they've hypnotised Andromeda.

Correct. And thanks to my current position I was able to locate and spy on them as they worked. Be very careful, James Fadbury. I know too well about how this particular criminal works. They are awfully clever with a peculiar fixation on complexity.

Is it someone you've dealt with before?

You could say that. But you're a smart fellow, Fadbury. It would be wrong of me to deprive you of solving the case of the basement murderer on your own.

You don't think Miss Hanasaku is working with the killer, is she?

That's insane! Ai wouldn't do that!

[[NPC] Blue Spirit]

And yet, that's the logical conclusion to all of this. Once you're taken back to your time period and your Paradox Bandit is confiscated, there's no way back into Wayback con. Ai would have made sure to do both if this killer was causing trouble. Miss Blair, do you remember Risky's description of the culprit?

N-No... I couldn't remember at yesterday's meeting either. But since they were taken care of I thought it didn't matter anymore.

Really? I remember it perfectly. A young woman, pale skin, red eyes, completely nude save for a towel over her head concealing her hair. She had just stepped out of the shower.

I don't remember hearing that from Risky. Are you sure that was his description of them?

I'm positive. Ryan also remembers the description. What I'm curious about is why you wouldn't. It's almost as if...

...their memories were erased...

Ai's Rollback Magnum...!

You four were asleep in the library on the night of the murder. If Ai is working with the culprit she could have come in at any time and...

You mean... Ai is...

Working with the killer, yes. As for why she is, I'm not sure...

Ai... why would you...?

So the killer is still loose in the park. But then... how come we never bumped into them?

Well there could be a plethora of reasons for that. You may have genuinely saw them walking about, but because you didn't know what they looked like they never stood out. That doesn't explain why I haven't seen them. Ai wouldn't have been able to erase my memories. I was sleeping in my coat the night we all went into the basement.

Yeah, you just forgot naturally.

Another possibility is that Ai has been hiding the killer away in some room.

Where would she hide them?

I have an idea. Remember earlier when I said I went up to Ai's room and woke up the next day with no memories?

Her room. That... makes sense. The master bedroom would be off limits to normal guests. She could have... no...

Funny story, actually. The Master Bedroom is where Ryan and I discovered the culprit's identity. They had been using that room as a hideout for the past two days with Hanasaku keeping them safe, and we discovered them from within the mirror world using a vanity mirror.

What were you doing in the Master Bedroom?

We were- *ahem* continuing our investigation, but that's neither here nor there...

[[NPC] Blue Spirit]

I believe all the pieces have been laid bare now. I hope you've been paying attention.
Now then, Mr. Fadbury...

Who is the Wayback Con Basement Murderer?

_

While Naru does match the description partially, I can't say she would have any motive for killing Risky. Although, Ai would most likely cooperate with Naru if she were the culprit.

IT'S NOT ME! I WAS FIGHTING BLACK NARU WHEN ALL THAT WENT DOWN!

Yeah! So was I!

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

This person? Can't say I agree. They have next to nothing to do with the case, I'm afraid.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Do not play this joke with me, Fadbury. It's not a very funny one.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Chihiro doesn't match the description of the killer either. Unless they were able to change their appearance at will, that is...

Wait... something's... been bothering me. Yesterday, when we met sensei inside the zoo, she didn't turn into an animal.

She didn't?

No... she was still human. What could that mean?

Polymorph. You're saying that Chihiro, or possibly someone else, disguised themselves as Michi and went into the zoo?

......I don't like the idea either, but I think sensei... or whoever that was, might be the killer.

In that case, what happened to the real Chihiro Mizuki?... And why did they change into her of all people?

N-no way... then...

.........

Something wrong Fadbury?

Something. Is that really the answer? Is the killer impersonating Chihiro? It doesn't make sense.

But she didn't turn into anything when she went into the zoo! That's definite proof she had a polymorph enchantment cast on her!

Well, if the culprit could disguise themselves as anyone, they wouldn't need Miss Hanasaku to shelter them in the master bedroom. They could keep on being anyone and everyone, and no one would be the wiser.

I was also with Chihiro this morning. She was constantly reminding me of the favour I did for her back at the zoo. That means the Chihiro I was with was the same Chihiro from yesterday. If I were a shape-shifting murderer, I'd probably change my disguise frequently to throw off the trail of any potential pursuers, especially if the real Chihiro was still out there. That's just the smart thing to do.

Yeah but, if the real sensei showed up, couldn't they have just said they were her from the future?

......You know, I never thought about that.

I would explain the polymorph issue, but as a former colleague of hers I have sworn that answer to secrecy. You'll have to confront her about that yourself, I'm afraid.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Mr. Fadbury, you were upstairs when the murder took place. And you don't match the description of the killer. We cannot waste precious time in jest.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

We are dealing with time travel, and Miss Amy does match the description of the killer considerably... if she removed her contacts. Not to mention she has a motive for killing Risky.

How did you know I was wearing contacts?!

Forget about that! What motive?! He may be a bit clingy, but she was terrified of accidentally killing Risky earlier today during the magic show!

True. Oh by the way, very impressive show, Miss Blair.

Thanks. It wasn't me me who did it, but... yeah, thanks.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Accusing your own family? How bold of you. Of course, you could be right. It's always important to be wary of those around you. You never know who might have intentions of betrayal. Yes, you could be right... You could be...

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Mr. Anetic could possibly reprogramme the androids, but I doubt he's the killer. Unless the killer and the androids are separate events? Andromeda also matches the killer's description perfectly. Pale skin, red eyes, and hair of any colour imaginable. If Ai was working with the killer, she could have sent Andromeda back in time, who then murdered Risky for whatever reason. But why...?

Hey, wasn't Risky sliced up really badly? Could Andromeda do something that gruesome?

If she had a weapon of some kind...

But Andromeda doesn't use melee weapons! She only used machine guns and her fists when we fought her last time.

Maybe she got an upgrade?

But why would Perseus have the androids kill someone? Wouldn't that be a PR nightmare?

You're damn right it would be!

You did blow the lid on his line of androids last night being Reflection re-shells. He might have intentions of silencing all witnesses.

WH-WHAT?!?!

But why go back in time and kill Risky because of that? It doesn't make sense.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

This person? Can't say I agree. They have next to nothing to do with the case.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Diana says she is not involved with the murder of Risky. She also uses firearms, and the murderer used a sort of melee weapon. If Diana was the culprit Risky would be full of bullet wounds.

Who's Diana?

N-No one! Just another guest you don't need to worry about!

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

I can assure you, Samantha is not the culprit. We are actually great friends now. Unless, of course, you're accusing me of covering for her. Can't say I understand your reasoning, but it's your right to accuse whoever. That's simply protocol for a detective like myself.

Speaking of, Samantha is here with me. She's how I was able to keep tabs on all of you. Say hello, Sam.

YOU HURT DIANA!!!

Hello Sam.

HISSSSSSSSSSSS

...Okay, goodbye Sam.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

I don't even know who this is.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

......

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Interesting. If Ai and the culprit are one and the same, a lot of questions seem to be answered. But remember, Risky is Ai's childhood friend. I can't imagine why she would murder him... Unless they're in cahoots and all of this is a game to them?

Ah, but what about the androids? Where do they fall into all this? Are they a separate event altogether then? In that case, why would Risky jeopardise their game by describing the culprit to look even remotely close to Ai? That's just silly. If it were a game I'd imagine his description would be more... well, bombastic and obvious, like a man in a mask with a chainsaw.

And let's not forget Miss Tequila as the sole victim in all this. Would Ai really bring harm to a guest at her own event? Well, if she truly has gone off the deep end, it's possible. But if that's the case, what caused her to be like this?

......

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Interesting. Are you suggesting Risky killed himself and covered it up as a murder? He is a Waybacker, after all. And he could have lied about the culprit's appearance. Still, what would be his motive for doing so?

RISKY!!!! You killed yourself so I would revive you!!! Didn't you?!

WH- NO!

That theory falls apart when you consider the severed hand of Miss Tequila.

It was a copycat murderer!!!

No one else besides Ai and everyone who went downstairs last night even knows about the murder!

Perseus knows!

Good point...

Then that settles it! Risky killed himself and lied about it, and Andromeda must have murdered Tequila!

As if I'd sabotage Ai's event for such a petty reason! She's my best friend! And to manipulate Miss Amy like that is out of the question! My devotion is pure, Miss Amy.

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Really? I'm flattered. But I don't match the description of the murderer in the slightest. While I appreciate a good jest, this is hardly the time for that, don't you agree?

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes

_

Hahaha... I'm afraid not. Ryan has been with me the whole time, and she's been too busy investigating the park with me.

I'm just thankful she agreed to postpone the investigation until the androids were taken care of. There's only so much sleuthing I can commit to.

Ugh... I'm suppose to be dead. So why does everything hurt?

Are you sure this person is the culprit?
Yes