>Twilight pivots her torso around in rapid succession, leaving one writing Brad per shot.
>Anon does the same, letting longer bursts do the work.
"Jesus, Twi. Target practice much?"
>Twilight pulls out a pistol with her off-hand, downing two more Brads. She holsters it and reloads her rifle in one smooth motion.
>"Git gud, honey."
 
>One of the Brads get too close to Anon for comfort. He lets out a quick hook with his cyberarm, letting the pneumatic fist do most of the work.
>The Brad falls back in pain, several of his teeth missing.
>Flash Sentry disarms a Brad telekinetically, tieing him up with his own rifle.
>"I said non-lethal, you neanderthal wanker!"
"And I said no promises."
 
>A stray burst grazes Anon's leg. He grunts in pain.
"Besides, they don't seem too concerned with *our* safety."
 
>"Less talking and more smashing," yells Moondancer.
>She swings her rifle around, bruising a Brad's cheekbone rather severely.
 
 
>Next to her, Minuette is locked in an intense dance with dual pistols.
>A blink of an eye, and one of the Brads falls over with a magazine-shaped bruise on his forehead. Two others are writhing with shock darts embedded in their chest.
>Another blink of an eye, and two more Brads are pistol-whipped into submission.
 
>Anon gets a glimpse of her blissful smile. Minuette is enjoying this immensely.
 
>Her well-toned rear is rippling with each kick and stride. Anon finds himself wondering what it's like to feel them against his hands.
>Or better yet, his hips.
>He drools a little.
 
>Suddenly, she aims one of her pistols at Anon and fires.
>"HURK!"
>From the corner of his vision, Anon notices a Brad falling over. There's a shock dart sticking out of his knife-wielding hand.
 
>"Less admiring and more fighting, silly spoon," shouts Minuette sweetly. "You can stare at my ass all you want after combat."
 
>Twilight shoots Anon a death glare.
>"Were you staring at Minuette's ass??"
>Anon shakes his head.
"Oh god uhh NO. I was just... admiring her form?"
 
>Twilight rolls her eyes.
>She turns at a charging and screaming Brad, driving the hot barrel of her rifle into his open mouth.
>She lets the painful howl and sizzle continue a little too long for Anon's liking.
"Alright, point taken."
 
—
 
>Amidst the hectic melee, a portal opens up.
>It disgorges two very surprised figures.
 
>"What the hell," says the fiery haired one. "Did I pick the wrong time or something?"
 
>The portal zips shut behind them.
>Somewhere in the infinite multiverse, a last remaining strand of delicate scaffolding is barely holding.
 
>The pale blue wizard feels the strain.
>She clutches her head with one hand, and grasps at the surrogate Element with the other.
>"N-no Sunset. You timed it perfectly. Things are coming to a collapse very soon."
>Sunset nods grimly, understanding.
 
>With the last of the Brads tied up and writhing in pain, the rest of the party starts reassessing the situation.
"Trixie? Sunset? When did you get here?"
 
>Twilight turns her head at the mention of Trixie.
>"Trix! What have you done with Sunset?"
 
>Sunset raises her hands.
>"Nothing, nothing! Trixie didn't hurt me in any way. Listen, the reason we chose this four-dimensional coordinate to intervene is because—"
 
>A green-faced figure runs into the room from the hallway.
>Anon's voice rings out from an entirely different direction.
"What the hell is going on in here?"
 
>Anon turns slowly at the intruder, then freezes.
 
"Oh, you're me."
 
—
 
>The other Anon stares back at Anon.
"I'll be damned. Twi was right."
 
>Strangely, both of his arms are intact.
 
>"What do you mean I was right?"
>A lavender figure runs in, and promptly drops her rifle in surprise.
 
>"Oh my god, I was right. Nonny, I was right."
 
>Twilight notices one of her arms has been replaced with a cybernetic one.
 
>"What are you two gawking about?"
 
>Five more figures flood in from the hallway.
>Minuette, Moondancer, Sunset, Trixie, Flash Sentry.
 
>The pairs stare at each other in disbelief.
 
>"I knew Anon and Twilight would be here," says both Trixies in unison, "but this is unexpected."
 
>Sunset shakes her head.
>"This totally throws our equation out the window, Trix. We're screwed."
 
>Trixie looks dejected.
>"I fucked up. My assumptions were wrong."
 
>Both Moondancers drop their rifles with an echoing clatter.
>"So. This is how it ends," they remark in unison.
 
—
 
>As though on cue, the world around them begins to blur.
>Everything looks like an earthquake footage being fast-fowarded.
>The gravity gives out below them, everyone floating about haphazardly.
 
"So Trix, remind me what's going to happen now."
>"Anything goes, Anonymous," says Trixie, getting tearful. "I'm so sorry everyone. This is all my fault."
>"It's quite alright," says Twilight.
 
>Sunset nods.
>"It was inevitable anyway. It's been a good run."
 
>Somewhere in the infinite multiverse, a last remaining strand of delicate scaffolding collapses under the weight between two universes.
>A massive tidal wave of another reality washes over everyone in blinding speed. The time itself seems to fast forward in front of them.
 
>Anon reels in agony. He tries to find Twilight, maybe to hold her hand one last time.
>Suddenly, everything stops.
>A massive and deafening backwash begins, sucking and pulling the universe out from under everyone.
 
>Then nothing.
 
 
- - - - - -
 
 
>In another universe, Chairman Glimmer squirms in her throne unsatisfied.
>She *had* planned for a contingency such as this, at the behest of a now-lost agent.
>The hastened merger was supposed to cause a localized explosion in the HST homeworld, wiping out most of its defenses.
>The entire incident then could've been written off as an "unfortunate multiversal collapse gone wrong," and avoid any implications of WMD usage.
>Instead, the both universes were gone forever. Along with the bulk of USSR's troops.
>Chariman Glimmer poured herself another glass of wine. She wasn't even capable of being wrathful at the moment.
 
>Complete and utter shock.
 
>It'd be decades, if not centuries, before all the losses can be recouped.
>Chairman Glimmer downs the entire glass in one gulp.
 
>She puts on some elevator music to lighten the mood.
 
 
- - - - - -
 
 
>At The Cantina, a party of nine occupies one of the larger tables.
 
>There are other patrons scattered about here and there, minding their own business or enjoying their own merriments.
 
>Anonymous tries to remember why he's holding a pint of Dude Light to his lips, instead of being annihilated by a multiverse merger.
>He wonders if he's dreaming, and takes a sip.
>It tastes malty and cheap. Real enough.
 
>Slowly and carefully, he shifts his gaze to the other people in the table.
 
>There's one more of himself across the table.
>Two Twilights are sharing a plate of fries.
 
>Anon glances down at his pint, making sure it's not spiked with hallucinogens.
>Realizing the silliness of that notion, he puts it down gently instead.
 
>Anon, Twilight, Twilight, Flash, Trixie, Minuette, Moondancer, Sunset.
>And himself.
 
>He tries to ask what the hell is going on, but nothing useful comes out of his mouth.
"Uh..."
>"I agree," says Flash.
 
 
>Trixie pats herself down, trying to see if she's real.
>Both Twilights pick up a potato stick each, sniffing it. They both take a bite in unison.
 
>The other Anon glances at his whiskey glass, frowning.
>Sunset pokes at Moondancer.
>"Yes I'm real," says Moondancer. "Would you stop poking me? Thanks."
>Sunset begins touching Minuette's face instead.
>Minuette quietly stares at her own hands.
 
"So, uh..."
>Trixie frowns.
>"Wait, everyone. Try to remember your past. Remember any distinctive narrative that isn't yours?"
>Everyone freezes, thinking.
>A couple of ohhs and ahhs escape from some people.
 
>"Oh god," says Flash. "The other me was a registered sex offender?"
 
>Sunset lowers her voice to a whisper.
>"Yes, I can *feel* the other-me inside. Does this mean... the merger was completed? Without a hiccup?"
 
>Trixie stares at her hands.
>She tries to open a rogue portal.
>Nothing happens. The universe stays stable like bedrock.
>"Our universes have combined into a brand new one, taking all significant events and reconciling them. As to why it chose The Cantina to dump our unified selves, it's anyone's guess."
 
>"Well, it can't be Just Any Cantina."
>Everyone glares at Flash Sentry.
>"What," he says sheepishly. "Too soon?"
>Trixie lets it slide.
 
 
>Anon raises his hand.
"Wait. I don't feel a separate narrative."
>The other Anon and Twilights nod.
>"Same here. So, we didn't merge with our alternate selves? Why?"
 
>"It appears that some events are irreconcilable," says Sunset, nodding at the engagement ring worn by Twilight with the cyberarm.
>Twilight idly thumbs her ring, staring at her Anon.
>They exchange a loving stare.
 
>Minuette squeals.
>"I knew it! Love transcends time and space. It's just like my Christopher Nolan movies! Earth culture is so uhhhmayzing!"
 
>"Minuette. You're killing me," groans Moondancer.
 
>"Just great," mourns the Element of Empathy. "Another pair of lovebirds is exactly what this universe needed the most."
>Sunset strokes the pale blue wizard's hair, comforting her.
>"Don't be too crass about it. Without that bit of deviation we would've been cancelled out of existence. And besides—"
>She smiles warmly at Trixie, pinching her cheek playfully.
>"They're really cute together, wouldn't you agree?"
 
>Trixie stares at the couples getting up, grasping for their lovers' embrace.
>A small smile spreads across her face.
 
>"Yeah alright," sighs Trixie. "I'll give them that."
 
>Minuette lights a cigarette.
>"Well, I'm not a fan of this mushy shit. Who wants some whisey shots and hot wings? I'm buying."
>Everyone raises their hand.
 
—
 
>Away from the anti-love coalition, the doppelgangers finally meet their original lovers.
 
>Twilight approaches the Anon without the cyberarm.
>"You. I remember you."
>He smiles weakly.
"It's been such a long time, Twi."
 
>Twilight gets teary-eyed.
>"I've been looking for you for so long! So many hours spent pouring over experiments. So many dead Anons. I—"
>The unmodified Anon hushes Twilight.
"You shouldn't have. I would've preferred you staying true to who you are, even if it means I never get to see you again."
>He wipes a streak of tear from Twilight's face, and give her a firm, familiar hug.
 
>"But I missed you so much! I never got to say that I...I..."
"That you loved me?"
 
>Twilight nods silently.
 
"I knew it already, Twi. You're kind of terrible at hiding your feelings."
>Twilight giggles, jabbing Anon's rib playfully.
 
 
>The Twilight with the cyberarm approaches Anon.
>"N-nonny?"
>Anon smiles weakly.
"I haven't heard that name in such a long time, Twi."
 
>He gently runs his fingers across Twilight's cyberarm.
"How did you..."
>Twilight bites her lip.
 
>"Rescuing you. Well, the other you, I suppose. Saved the world in the process, too."
>Anon chuckles.
"Save the world, get the boy."
 
>Twilight giggles, and runs her fingers along Anon's cyberarm.
>"And you... same thing?"
>Anon nods.
"Saved the world, got the girl."
 
>Twilight's eyes well up in tears.
>She pounces Anon, hugging him tightly.
 
—
 
>A sizable stack of shot glasses later, the party takes a brief shots-and-wings intermission.
 
>Trixie is busy destroying the opposition at laser darts.
>Another perfect throw, another opponent defeated.
 
>Minuette, Moondancer, and Flash Sentry are nowhere to be seen. And probably for the best.
 
>Sunset is on the mic, playing a sensually distorted blues ballad on the guitar.
>She expertly grabs the attention of dozens of patrons like a practiced performer.
 
>Anon and Twilight are playing a game of pool, with Anon losing as usual.
>Their doppelganger lovebirds are busy whispering sweet-nothings at the mostly vacant bar.
 
"So, what do you think?"
>Twilight looks up from her aim.
>"Hmm?"
"The verdict. Is it him or me?"
>For the first time in a long while, Anon looks uncertain and vulnerable.
 
>Twilight puts the cue stick down, approaching Anon.
>"Look at them, Anon."
>Anon looks at the doppelganger pair. The Anon gently strokes Twilight's cyberarm with his intact one, their engagement rings glinting in the orange incandescent light.
>They lock lips for the billionth time tonight.
>He finds the display of affection unbearable to watch.
 
>Twilight leans into Anon.
>"They love each other for who they are. We love each other for who we are."
>She weaves her fingers inbetween Anon's.
 
>"I get the feeling that we both know the outcome we desire."
>Anon finds this hard to disagree with.
>Twilight takes a deep breath, nestled against his chest.
 
 
>"Anon."
"Yeah?"
>"Are we usually *that* unbearable? It's only been an hour and I'm already sick of watching those two sucking on each other's face."
>Anon chuckles.
 
>"Oh, yes you totally are," says Moondancer, her glasses tilted and hair undone.
>She smells like vodka, shame, and a bathroom threesome.
>Twi tries not to gag.
 
>Minuette walks up very close to Twilight.
>"So, who's winning? I could coach you on your forward strokes. You need to stick that ass out some more."
>"God, Minuette!"
>"Twilight blushes furiously.
>Minuette shrugs.
>"For your benefit, not mine."
>Twilight covers her rear, feeling self-conscious.
 
>Flash walks up, holding three drinks. His wrists are red with rope marks.
>Minuette eyes Twilight's rear as she turns to face Flash.
>Flash looks rather flushed and out of breath.
 
>"Minuette, darling. I never did get to climax like you promised—."
>Minuette hushes Flash, then accepts her martini.
>"Oh Flash, Moondancer isn't quite comfortable with penises just yet. You only get to watch, for the time being."
 
>Twilight buries her face in her hands.
>Anon twists his mouth like he just swallowed a cricket.
 
>"What," whines Minuette, raising her free hand. "I did spare you the gruesome details."
 
 
- - - - - -
 
 
>After The Cantina has cleared out, the party says their goodbyes at the parking lot.
 
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us? The lab is spacious enough."
>The other Twilight shakes her head.
>"We'd like to travel around for a while first. Meet some people. Get our own universe code. Maybe even set up a lab in Alpha Centauri."
 
>"Well to be honest, the universe is pretty heavy corruption and racism," says the unmodified Twilight. "Not exactly a tourist attraction."
>The unmodified Anon shrugs.
"Eh, Earth is full of corrupt governments and racist leaders too. That never stopped anyone from traveling around the globe and enjoying the sights."
>He pulls his Twilight close in a half-embrace.
"It's about the people living in it, not the governments ruling over them."
 
>Twilight nods, finding that notion all too agreeable.
 
 
>The other Anon and Twilight step onto the platform, alongside Flash, Moondancer, and Minuette.
 
>Trixie crosses her arms, trying not to appear too empathetic.
>"What about you, Flash? Surely the HST is out for blood by now."
 
>Flash shrugs.
>"Most of us Brads look incredibly alike. It's a simple matter of staying low."
>He puts a hand on Moondancer's shoulder.
>"And if I ever need a new identity to start my life over again, I can count on our hacker extraordinaire."
>"Stop buttering me up, Flash."
 
>Minuette giggles.
>"I'll take good care of the other lovebirds, silly spoon. No need to worry your handsome face about it."
>Anon nods.
"I know you will, Minuette. We'll miss you guys. Even you, Flash."
 
>With one last goodbyes, they turn and jump through the portal.
 
 
>Anon, Twilight, Sunset, and Trixie make their way back aboard the Rainboom.
 
"Well, that was one heck of a way to spend a weekend."
>"I agree," says Sunset.
>"Too bad the other Anon and Twi chose not to stay with us," says Trixie.
>"I miss Spike," says Twilight. "Let's go home."
>Anon nods.
"Aye, captain."
 
>With that, the Rainboom blasts off into the void.