MegaTale (Pacifist) Part 10- Beta

                                                CHAPTER 2: Arctic Jungle and Arctic City

Rock had been through quite a lot this journey. Met Rhythm. Met (and almost got killed by) Retro. Met Adrian. Spared a few robots. Struggled to spare Adrian, and managed to do so. Ran into Retro AGAIN. And as he continued down his path, he was left to wonder what Retro meant when he mentioned a "power to control the world". And to make it better or worse, the journey has only JUST begun. In fact, they aren't even halfway. Nevertheless, Rock continues forwards.

Suddenly, things got strangely colder. MUCH colder. It was even snowing, much to Rock's surprise! At least Rock has a scarf on... Rhythm, on the other hand, is not surprised by this sudden change of weather. Perhaps he is used to this...? Rock continues on ahead, trying to make sure snow doesn't get stuck in his shoes. He was cold enough as it is, after all. Meanwhile, Rhythm takes notice of a strange camera watching them through the bushes...

Rock walked over a big stick laying out in the middle of the forest he was in. Suddenly, there was a large cracking sound. Rock and Rhythm both looks back to see what it was. The stick was snapped in half! However, there was nobody around to break it... Or so it seemed. Rock was a bit scarred, but quickly calmed down and continued moving forwards. However, after a few more steps, there was the sounds of footsteps coming from behind Rock. The two look back again, only to see nothing once more. And now, Rock was a little freaked out, but continued moving forwards.

Soon, the two came across some sort of gate. The bars looked too wide to stop anything, though, which brings about the question of what sort of purpose it had. Suddenly, the two froze as the same footsteps from earlier were heard again, this time coming closer and closer, until stopping right when the strange figure was right behind Rock.

"Human." The figure spoke in a way that not only confirms their appearance to the two, but also sent chills down Rock's spine. "Don't you know how to greet a new pal?" The figure continued. "Turn around and shake my hand." Rock gulps and slowly turns towards the figure. It appeared to have the same shape as him, but with something round on the top of his head instead of hair. The figure held out its hand, and Rock reluctantly does the same. Suddenly, some sort of farting sound (with lack of more sophisticated words) was made. Rock and the mysterious figure, appearing to be some kind of robot, chuckled at this, the robot chuckling at his prank's success, and Rock because it was funny, yet he still had a bit of shock from the robot's short first impression.

"Ah, the old whoopee cushion-in-the-hand trick." The robot states. "It gets them every time. Never gets old." The robot was purple in color, with a few grey parts here-and-there, including a grey stripe down the middle of his helmet. He also has what appears to be a blue gem of sorts, which is half-hidden underneath the purple coat the robot is wearing. "So, anyways..." The robot continued, "You ARE a human, right? What's your name?" "My name is Rock." Rock states, introducing himself. "Rock, huh?" The robot responds. "Nice to meet you. I'm Beta Serif, but you can just call me Beta." Rhythm is given a small surprise. The last time he saw Beta, he was in a lab coat, being an assistant for the Royal Scientist. Almost didn't recognize him without it...

"I was SUPPOSED to be looking out for humans like you." Beta continues. "But... Well. I'm too lazy to do a thing like that. However, there is ONE person you should look out for." Rock is a small bit concerned, but continues to listen. "His name is MegaBoy, but he prefers his name to be ended with an X7." Beta states. "He's my roommate. Oh, and he's a human hunter." Rock begins to become worried a small bit, but immediately reassures himself. "...Hang on." Beta continues. "I think that's him up ahead. Quick, I have an idea. Follow me."

Beta leads Rock past the odd-looking gate, with Rhythm following behind. Eventually, they reach some sort of post, as well as some kind of lamp that is... Oddly the same shape and height as he is. "Hide behind that conveniently-shaped lamp." Beta states. "Trust me, it's full-proof." Rock then walks to what Beta would consider to be "behind the lamp". Suddenly, a robot with red clothing and a green scarf appears. It seems to also have blue shorts and black hair. Rock assumes this to be MegaBoyX7.

"'Sup, bro." Beta states. "You know EXACTLY what's going on around here, Beta!" MegaBoy responds. "It's been eight days, and you still haven't worked on ANY of your traps! All you do is hang out around your station! What are you even DOING!?" "Staring at this lamp." Beta states, worrying Rock that it might give away his location. "It's really cool." Beta continues. "Wanna look?" "...Well, the lamp DOES look strange..." MegaBoy states. "...But no, I don't have time for such a thing! What if a human comes through here!? I have to be ready, otherwise the Royal Guard will beat me to it!"

Rhythm was kinda surprised. *The Royal Guard was originally meant to preserve the law of the Underground... But now they're after the humans? What's going on around here...?* "I HAVE to be the one to capture a human!" MegaBoy continues. "It'll be the last human King MBM needs, and it must be MINE to catch! Then, I can deliver it to the capital, all while rubbing it in Zero's face on the way there! And then, I, the GREAT MegaBoyX7, will finally get the respect and recognition I deserve! I'll be the hero of the robots, and will become head of the Royal Guard!"

"Hm..." Beta thinks a bit. "Maybe the lamp can help you with that." *Please, no.* Rock thought. "Ugh, Beta!" MegaBoy exclaims. "You aren't helping, you lazy pile of bolts!" "Hey, take it easy, bro." Beta states. "I got a TON of work done today. ...But, I'll admit I'm getting a bit RUSTY." Beta winks while doing this. If there was any time for a rim shot, it would be now. "Ok, Beta, good joke..." MegaBoy responds, "...But is now REALLY the time?" "Admit it, you're smiling." Beta states in a half-mock sort-of manner. MegaBoy sighs. "Yeah, I am." He responds. "But seriously, now is NOT the time! Ugh, why do I have to work so hard for supreme popularity...?" "Well," Beta responds. "Hopefully I'm not PUSHING YOUR BUTTONS." This time, Beta was shrugging (for whatever reason), leaving off yet ANOTHER opportunity for a rim shot... Too bad that would just be absurd.

"...You know what, make all the puns you want, Beta." MegaBoy responds. "But when a human shows up, I want you to be 110% prepared! Or, at least a 95... Oh, and as for your work... Try to get yourself in GEAR!" MegaBoy then leaves while laughing at his own joke. "...Ok, the coast is clear." Rock steps out from behind the lamp. "Ok, so how did that work?" Rock asks. "I mean, in YOUR perspective, yes, I could see how it worked, but in MEGABOY's perspective, I'm pretty sure he could see me. So, how DIDN'T he?" "Well, simple." Beta answers. "There's a reason I kept mentioning the lamp. I wanted to trick him into seeing you as ANOTHER lamp. Great plan, huh?" Rock was... Genuinely confused. "...Well, not all plans are perfect, I guess." Beta states. "But hey, it worked. Anyways, you MIGHT want to get going before MegaBoy gets back here... Or, you COULD go back to pretending to be a lamp, and wait around to hear me and MegaBoy share a few jokes."

Rock wanted to stay and listen to the jokes, but not only was Rock worried that the plan wouldn't go much farther than that, but he ALSO had to get going. So Rock heads on his wa- "Actually," Beta starts to say, making Rock and Rhythm stop to look behind them. "...MegaBoy has been REALLY wanting to see a human for a long time. So, I was hoping... Maybe you could entertain him a bit?" Rock was a bit worried. "Hey, don't sweat it." Beta continues. "MegaBoy isn't TOO harmful. And besides... I'll be around to keep an eye-camera out for you." Beta then heads on ahead... In the totally opposite direction.

"...Well, truth be told, this guy is kinda NUTS." Rock states. "But he seems like a nice guy." "...Yeah, I'm just going to pretend you didn't say that." Rhythm responds. "Come on, Rhythm..." Rock tells Rhythm. "Don't give me a COLD shoulder." "Ugh, let's just get going." Rhythm states, as the two moves forward. Thinking back to the lamp from earlier, the comfortable feeling Rock had earlier returns once more.










Special inspiration: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/9d/d9/40/9dd9408f692b28ffc8568afed6dc99cb.jpg