As one final act of villainy, I split the finale! Mua ha ha!

Link wasn't laying in rubble anymore, but on the floor of the fully built Anomaly Portal Connection Machine. There was no hole in his chest. Tsarina was gone. In her place stood Tragic Solitude, the real Tragic Solitude, with no Bragg-variant induced madness. She gave him a kind smile and offered Link a hand. He took it, and she pulled him to his feet.

Link looked around, dazed. Strike, Rosa, Generic, Austin, Alfonse, Melanie, and Peter stood around him, whole and unhurt. There was no blood. Generix was still there, but unconscious and handcuffed.

"My boy," Peter s. Nachbar said, walking up to Link (who flinched) and putting his hand on his shoulder, "Well done." Peter pulled Link into a hug.

"But," Link said, "how? What's going on?"

"When the portal opened," said Melanie, "we were able to connect it to this machine, from a timeline where the war never happened, and splice our timelines together. That war both did and did not happen. Everyone is alive again, though some of the damage remains."

"We basically turned it into an anomaly surge," said Generic. "Like Ship Survivor or Character Survivor."

"I told you everything would be all right," Alfonse said, smiling.

"I bet fewer people will be disappointed at the delay for Ship Survivor now," said Peter.

"Heh, yeah," said Link. "That was more than enough for now."

"Likewise," said Austin. "I'm eager for a break."

He looked around for a minute. "Can I go outside and see everyone?'

"Of course," said Strike. "But do be aware that the Mod Council has summoned us in a week."

Before the war, that would have filled Link with dread. But now, he was willing to accept his fate. He was filled with relief that they had won, defeated the Black Order, and brought everyone back. That was enough.

"We will follow you shortly," said Rosa.

As he went outside, the world was neither the pre-Catastrophe Subreddit, nor the hell that the war created. It looked somewhere in between. The roof was still gone over the fully repaired APCM, exposing the blue sky and the world above. Many of the buildings were half ruined, but they weren't heaps of rubble. There were no corpses or bones, no war machines. The city was filled with life.

Link ran, crying tears of laughter.

"Hey Link!" Blue Whale King called from where he'd been lying in the rubble, bleeding out and crushing to death under the weight of his full form while a green crystal slowed down his flow of time. But now, he was back in his humanoid form, with no injuries.

"Whale, you're okay!" Link ran and hugged him.

"I told you many times not to worry about me," Whale replied.

"I can't believe we won," Link said. "I thought I was a goner."

Whale shuddered. "Yeah, that wasn't pleasant. I'm just glad it's all over, and I can't believe everyone's back! This exceeded my wildest hopes."

They looked around, and saw the Petal to the Metal soldiers conversing with each other, and the former Black Order troops. There was no reason to fight anymore.

"I guess Petal to the Metal won, then," said Link. "They were the last ones left."

"I guess they did," said Whale. "Hey, do you know where the others from the final battle are?"

"Inside, they said they'd be out shortly," Link replied.

Afterward, the Pink Rose Gold High Council finally reunited. But things were not the same.

Link, Generic, Whale, Jannis, Armory, MacGregor, Venom, Strike, Penguino, and Sam Shazam were back in their old meeting room, the one where they met that fateful night before the Catastrophe. But the air was much different.

"I hate to say this," said MacGregor, "but I don't think we'll be getting our own planet for Pink Rose Gold any time soon."

"I get the same feeling," said Strike. "We need to focus on rebuilding."

"Right," said Jannis, his voice somewhat sullen.

"It's disappointing," said Sam, "but I understand."

"We'll still have good times," said Armory.

"That we will," Venom replied.

"The important thing is, we're all here," said Generic.

"And I'm sure we can go back to building Pink Rose Gold after Ship Survivor," said Whale.

"I gotta be honest," said Lord Penguino, "I'm getting tired of these wars. It has been an honor fighting with you, but I plan to resign my commission as Arkos Oligarch."

"Are you sure?" Strike asked. "We only just promoted you."

"I know, but I think it's for the best," Penguino replied.

"We're sorry to hear that," said Whale, "but we respect your decision. We hope you'll stick around."

Penguino nodded. He didn't have the heart to tell them, but he could feel the terminal Deletitis in his bones. When Ship Survivor ended, he would not respawn. Telling the others would only upset them, when they desperately needed some happiness.

"It feels so weird to be back here, after all that's happened," said Link. "And for some reason, I can't remember half of it."

"Ship Survivor is like that," said Strike. "You'll get used to it." He frowned. "At least, I hope one gets used to it."

Jannis laughed. "I'm sure we will eventually."

The others talked about how they couldn't remember much of it either. "I don't think any of us remember it well," said Venom.

"I remember I had this voice in my head called Tanya," said MacGregor. "I think we gave her a robot body?"

"I remember you talking about that voice," said Link, "but I'm pretty sure we never gave her a robot body."

"Whatever happened," said MacGregor, "the voice is gone now. I kind of miss her."

"I wish I'd lived past the start," said Sam. "So I had anything to remember." MacGregor patted his shoulder.

"I actually remember things pretty clearly," said Whale. "Am I the only one?"

"Yes, I think you might be," said Jannis.

At the r/RWBY Announcement Hall

The Grand Announcement Hall was the only room in the Subreddit larger than the Ship Wars Assembly Hall, used for gathering many thousands of people at once for, as the name implied, announcements. It was packed to the brim, full of people who wanted to know what happened. They talked amongst themselves, waiting for the Mod Council to arrive.

"Did we go through another Ship Survivor?" Inferno asked. "It sure feels like it, but I can't remember a thing."

"We did, in a manner of speaking," said Celtic. "It was an accident, but it ended up being similar."

"Please tell me I lived this time, at least," said Inferno.

"Nope, sorry," said Celtic, laughing. "You were dead from the start, when your manor got blown away."

"Damn," Inferno said.

MacGregor felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around, and saw a young blonde girl in a military uniform.

"What is it?" MacGregor asked. "Who are you?"

"I'm Tanya von Degurechaff," said the girl, with the same voice that had been in MacGregor's head. She shook his hand. "It's nice to properly meet you."

"What- but- how?"

"That explosion affected many timelines," said Tanya. "This was not the first time I had my mind sent to a different world, but this time, I got sent into your head. Now that the issue is resolved, I'm back in my own body."

"Thank you for all your help," MacGregor said. "I'll miss you."

"Don't worry," Tanya said. "I will see you again." She walked off into the crowd.

Rosey popped up from behind MacGregor, startling him. "So she was that voice in your head? She's so young. What a messed up child."

"Hey, be nice," MacGregor replied. "She's not that bad."

"I know, I'm just teasing."

"What an unorthodox experience for my first conflict," Rowing said. "I do hope Ship Survivor is less brutal."

Nitesco laughed. "You'll be disappointed, my friend."

"It's still worth participating in, though," said Austin.

"I'm going to get into the history books for sure this time," said Puzzarian. "All will remember my name!"

"And me," said Futtlescish. "Lady Austin will be mine!"

"We'll see," said Yukon.

"I'll see you there," said Yargama Frag. "The Black Order will rise again."

"Everybody, I think it's starting," said a harmony of voices from the trench coat of Various Rodents.

The enormous room started to quiet down as the Mod Council walked onto the stage. The leader was Sound of Stars, who looked like a stereotypical wizard. His flowing dark blue robes and pointed hat were covered in a glow-in-the-dark astronomical print. He had a long white beard, and crooked glasses.

"Hey guys," he said. "I just wanted to thank the three mods who are deciding to step down."

A murmur went through the room.

"Kuchen Jaeger, Nights Watchh, and Anti Logic would like to announce their retirement."

Kuchen Jaeger gave a short speech, and the others simply thanked everyone.

"Now," said Stars, "I would like to announce their successors. Please welcome Danjitsu, Curay, Chang Yuraptor, Ninjas I. A. Bag, Pale Blood Ink, and John Smitish."

Everyone clapped as the new mods walked onto the stage. Their council now included Sound of Stars, Ezreal XXIV, Jacxter, Chaos Pheonix, Danjitsu, Eldi XIII, Science I, Menolith, Lucifer Crowe, Unjax, Curay, Pale Blood Ink, Lcxlim, John Smitish, Ninjas I. A. Bag, and Chang Yuraptor.

Anti Logic looked back at the stage, and many got the feeling she would be back up there soon. Eldi had a devious gleam in her eyes, as if she was planning on causing Hiatus mischief.

"Uh oh," said Draztico.

"I sense it too," said Kazehh.

"Now," said Sound of Stars, "to address what we've all been wondering about. The strange events that caused all this damage, and erased or altered at least some of everybody's memories."

"Everybody's except mine," Blue Whale King muttered to himself. It was very strange, he had a clear memory of everything, but every single person he talked to had at least some significant memory loss and distortion, and not just from the time when they may have been dead.

"To explain what happened, here is Melanie Antiqua, owner and operator of the Anomaly Portal Connection Machine."

Sound stepped away from the microphone as Melanie walked onto the stage.

"Thank you, Stars. To begin,"

And she repeats the story of how Link accidentally blew up the APCM, the general outline of the war, and how they fixed it by merging with a timeline where it never happened. Stuff you've all read before that we don't want to repeat.

"Henceforth," said Melanie, "this event will be known as the Meme Ship Survivor. We may hold another one in the future, but rest assured it will be via a traditional Anomaly Surge and will not result in permanent damage. We thank everyone, especially those in RUBES, who fought to end the madness and restore peace and sanity.

"For those interested in the science of it, we have decided to name the green Bragg variant Alt-ernium. It will be very useful in alternate timeline research."

She stepped back from the microphone, and Sound of Stars walked up to it once again.

"Now," he said, "there is the matter of what to do with the leaders of the Dust Alliance and the Black Order."

Several guards walked in and brought The Black Sphinx, Hoesack, Tragic Solitude, Ebullient Prism, and Generix onto the stage in handcuffs.

Strike and Rosa's faces fell at seeing Tragic up there.

"The council was split on the issue. Half of them wanted to have them hung by their entrails and their corpses paraded throughout the Subreddit. The other half wanted to force them to read Coeur Al'Aran's entire collected works."

Many people shuddered at the second one. "That seems harsh," Exspiro muttered. Metas nodded in agreement.

The handcuffed former villains on the stage shuddered in fear, with tears running down their faces. With the notable exception of Generix, who looked smug as ever.

"This is so unfair," Hoesack grumbled.

"However," said Stars, "with the memory loss and distortion, a fair trial was not possible. Therefore, I have decided to pardon them."

Tragic, Prism, Sphinx, and Hoesack looked up in shock, not believing their luck, as the announcement hall went into an uproar.

"They're too dangerous to be kept alive!" shouted Only T. Results.

"Burn them at the stake!" yelled Stormzx.

And many similar cries.

Sound of Stars raised his hands and slowly lowered them, and the voices died down. "Rest assured we will keep a close eye on them, to keep them from trouble, and prevent any… vigilante justice. I also must add that this pardon does not extend to Generix. Seemingly unlike everyone else, his memory is crystal clear, and he has confessed to everything and more."

"Yes, it's true!" Generix shouted. "All of it, and more! Every horrible thing that any of you remembers! I did it all, and then some! However evil you think I was, I was worse than that! And I don't regret it!"

The vast crowd booed and shouted insults at him.

"I debated long and hard about what to do with him," said Stars. "At last, I decided to leave his fate in the hands, or flippers, of one of those he has caused the most harm to, and the only other person with a clear memory of the events.

"Blue Whale King, please come up to the stage."

"What? Me?" Whale walked onto the stage.

"It's up to you what happens to him," said Sound. "What is your choice?"

"This is rather sudden," said Whale, "but I do have an idea. You said he also had a clear memory? Then first, I have an announcement of my own."

Without waiting for permission, Blue Whale King grabbed the microphone. "Seeing as how I have a clear memory, and after interviewing dozens of Redditors for what they do remember, I have decided that I will write a book covering this event, as Yukon does for Ship Survivor. As for Generix, I sentence him to be my personal assistant to wait on my every whim and help me write until this project is completed. His bold speech will be excellent for narrative transitions."

Generix fell to his knees in despair. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Will I be getting royalties?" Yukon asked.

"I'll give you a Gold award if I appear in New Gods," Whale replied.

"Pass."

"Your loss, then."

There you have it, then. The reason I have to cooperate with Whale and write these stupid transitions! Thank Oum it's almost over!

"Hey wait," called Link. "What about me? I'm the one who started all of this!"

"Everyone has forgiven you," said Stars. "We decided that you have suffered enough. Just don't do it again."

Link looked around, and saw only smiles. He finally accepted it. For the first time since before the Catastrophe, he felt truly at peace.

After the meeting

Tragic Solitude walked down the hall, a storm of emotions rushing through her. Relief, the lingering adrenaline from the fear, and guilt.

She almost didn't see Strike and Rosa blocking the hall in front of her. She noticed just in time and stopped dead in her tracks, then backed up several steps.

"Please don't hurt me," she begged.

"We're not going to," said Rosa.

"We just want to talk," said Strike.

"Okay then," said Tragic, but she was still prepared to bolt at any moment.

"We know that the Bragg, D-Spair, and Alt-er in your body corrupted your mind," said Strike. "But we still saw glimpses of the amazing person you really are. Now that you're well again, we should be able to get along much better. Is it true that you still have feelings for me, and find Rosa exceptionally attractive?"

Tragic said nothing, but she could not conceal her blush.

"If it's okay with you," said Rosa, "we wanted to add you to our relationship."

Tragic looked up. This was beyond her wildest dreams. "Really? You really mean it?"

"More than I've meant anything," said Strike, and pulled them all into a three-way kiss.

They soon had their first battle, chasing down the blue-haired harlot Lewdnep Vasilias, who'd taken a picture of them.

"How entertaining," said a very nondescript man. He took a picture of the chase, but no one pursued him. People did not notice Nobody Owens.

Jaunrrha Citadel, r/ArkosForever, the next day

Blue Whale King, Strike Freedom D'Elise, Chaos Vulpix, and Vaniellis were in a meeting room on the Protect, looking through a window. The massive cyan capital ship was in the atmosphere, supervising the repair of Arkos's capitol. They all watched in satisfaction as another ship lowered a new crystal dome onto the city, replacing the one that shattered in the Catastrophe.

Once that was done, they went and sat at the table.

"We need to discuss the state of the Oligarchy," said Blue Whale King. "Penguino resigned shortly after appointment. Presbyter IJustRead Everything retired, and General Reno Wolf and Governor Wingnut have moved to the Discord Galaxy. It's time for a reorganization."

"I would like to continue as the Oligarchy's advisor," said Vulpix.

"Yes," said Blue Whale King. "But the main issue is, we can't seem to maintain a group of 5 where everyone is active. For some reason, only up to 3 at a time proactively maintain their duties."

"I've noticed that too," said Strike. "It is frustrating. Should we try to find better members?"

"Is that why you brought me here?" Vaniellis asked.

"Yes and no," Whale replied. "I propose reorganizing the Oligarchy into a Triumvirate, with myself, Strike, and Vaniellis as the members. Vulpix will continue as advisor. All in favor? I."

Whale raised his hand, and Strike, Vulpix, and Vaniellis followed.

"I."

"I."

"I."

"It's settled then," said Whale. Welcome to the club, Triumvir Vaniellis."

"This is a greater honor than I ever anticipated," said Vaniellis.

"You earned it," said Strike.

Three months later, at the Ship Wars Assembly Hall

The representatives were gathered in the hall once again. After 13 months, Ship Survivor III was finally about to begin. The Anomaly Surge would merge the whole Subreddit with a medieval alternate universe, but not everyone would be at the forefront of events. Being in the hall guaranteed that one would have an alternate self to merge with and share the experiences of during the event.

"At last," said Blue Whale King. "I'm going to make a difference this time. I did not do nearly as much as I should have last year, but this time, I will make a name for myself! The history books will tell of Admiral Bluewhale!"

Jannis smirked. "Careful, Blue, that attitude might turn you into an insufferable egomaniac in Yukon's world."

"Ha, as if you have any room to talk, mister cult leader. The Church of Thorns is going DOWN!"

"Easy, buddy," said Strike.

"I wish we could be on the same side," said JMHS Rowing, "but I must support White Rose."

"Likewise," said Vaniellis. "You will be a worthy opponent."

"Hopefully sticking to Snowflake Protection will keep me out of the villain's camp," said Link.

"I don't mind being a villain," said Yuichiro. "White Rose forever!"

"I'm going to live this time," said Inferno. "If nothing else, I'm going to live!"

"Don't count on it," said Celtic. "Though I hope to win. Third time's the charm!"

"I do hope nothing too humiliating happens to Inferno this time," said Generic. "Like being turned into a woman again."

"Don't remind me," Inferno muttered. "And don't forget, it could just as easily happen to you."

"This is our chance," said Sphinx. "The Black Order will rise again. There will be no one to stop us in that world."

"I'll be with you," said Hoesack. Though I'M going to take charge this time.

"And I as well," said Yargama Frag.

Quixotic Quail walked into the room, shoving the twin doors open with a loud bang.

"WHATUP, BITCHES," he called, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room.

Several people complained at his obnoxious entrance, but Austin, Nitesco, and Gwydion welcomed him.

"So you're the famous Quixotic Quail," said Blue Whale King, shaking his hand. "Nice to finally meet you. Will you help us take down the Church of Thorns?"

"Of course," said Quail. "Team ANGQ will be back together to defeat the tyrants!"

Austin, Nitesco, and Gwydion cheered.

"And after that," Quail said, "We'll take down all the big and powerful ships, starting with the Big Four!"

"Wait, no," said Whale. "Leave Arkos and Renora alone."

"Nope. All big ships must burn."

"Some hero you are," Whale said, and walked back to the other Arkosians and Renorans, disillusioned.

"I should have warned you about him," said Strike.

"Oh, don't get me started on him," said Celtic. "Team ANGQ were no heroes, and Quixotic is the worst!"

"I have to go to the bathroom," said Gwydion, and went to walk out of the hall.

"Be back soon," said Austin. "We don't want you to miss out."

"Yeah, the Anomaly Surge will start any minute," said Nitesco.

"I can't wait," said Vanellis.

"Agreed," said Alfonse. "It will be great to fight alongside you guys again."

A man named Horsea walked around the hall, listening to all the factions discuss things. This would be his year. None of them would expect him to win, and he would take advantage of that to do so.

The air shimmered.

"It's starting!" Someone said.

The shimmering intensified, then the air went white as the world changed. Soon, it was entirely different. A new adventure was beginning.

Okay, that's enough. We thought about putting in a paragraph or two of what happens in that othr universe, but any more and Yukon really will make us pay those royalties.

Thank GODS, IT'S FINALLY OVER! NO MORE OF THIS!

Be sure NOT to leave any comments. Especially not long ones. And I'm not just saying that because Whale said he'd set me loose to terrorize the Subreddit if he didn't get enough comments. Nope. Totally not the reason.

See you all next year, in Survival of the Memes 2: The Search for More Karma!

Maybe.

Ehhh, probably not.

THE END