Rio - Southern Downtown(#3120Rnt)

Southern downtown Rio is a busy place indeed. Full of expensive restaurants of countless cuisines and styles of cooking, with a multitude of parks and zoos, this is primarily a tourist trap sort of place for those who come to Rio on vacation. Nearby the coast and the beach, it's one of the busiest places in all of Rio, the neverending flood of noise and sound from hover cars and pedestrians, their honking and shouting and talking like a long melodical song.

Magistrate Vile [M]

Obvious exits:
South <S> leads to Teleportation Area--Rio.
East <E> leads to Rio - Southern Beach.
North <N> leads to Rio - Downtown Mall District.
West <W> leads to Rio - Commercial District.

Zero stands in the middle of a street, his sabre in hand, looking back and forth periodicaly and calmly. His stride is slow, yet confident as he continues the search he hasn't ceased searching since last night. A slight bit of exhaustion can be seen on his features, but nothing substatantial. He sighs as he finally gives up on this city, and begins walking towards the teleportation chambers.

Just as Zero shifts his stride for the Chambers, a large shudder can be felt through the street. Then another, followed by loud, crashing clanks.
In accordance to these, the bulky frame of Goliath emerges from the depths of the Teleporation Chambers. In it, the uplinked form of Vile: The Magistrate, no less. He brings his extension to a stop just outside the only true means of escape, the mecha coming to a rest.

Oddly, however, the Magistrate's head appears to be bowed. And, thus, it stays that way as he speaks, "...Ah... That which would drive Lady Viris from my side emerges once more... Unwise of X not to destroy you." Silence ensues for a moment before being shattered once again by, "...Or, perhaps, you are the ... True article. Pity, should you be so.."

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Zero? Come in, man..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "Sorry bud, I'm a little busy..."

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Busy with Viris? Where are you?"

Zero comes to a stop as the towering monstrosity emerges from the teleportation chambers. He takes a step back as he tightens his grip on his sabre, staring up at the face of death embodied and sets his jaw as a sneer snakes across his features, his red eyes begining to flare, "Oh I'm the real McCoy alright, freakshow, now where is she." he demands, his feet planted firmly into the ground, "Don't make me have to beat it out of you..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "No, not Iris... but someone who can tell me where she is..."

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That elseworld Vile? Where are you?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "*silence*"

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Zero? Zero, please respond..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "*chuckle* Don't worry buddy, I'll be back soon enough, don't worry about me, you've got enough of your own problems to deal with... and this is mine, let me deal with my own."

A dull, grating chuckle echoes from the bowed helm of Vile. This has either amused him greatly, or it's a general Villian rule to do this.

"Indeed, you are the genuine article. Brash.. Arrogant.." His head slowly raises, revealing his left optic and its demonic, red glow. "...And still a damned Fool..." Vile leans back, hands raising so that the fingers may interlace, "Really, Zero, do you honestly believe that you can defeat me now? Your betrayer fell quite easily upon the previous eve.."
<O-Hunter> Twila Peterson says, "Thought that counts ;)"
Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*short silence* Zero, it's not your problem alone. Let us... at least me... help!"
Magistrate Vile says, "As for Lady Viris... She is lost to you, Zero..."

Zero ignites his sabre as he stares into Vile's optic as he fights against the swarm of emotions inside of him. he takes a step forward and looks away slightly, saying softly, "She'll never be lost to me... wether she's of my world or not... she's still Iris..." he snaps his gaze back at Vile with a sneer, "... and she'll always be -mine-." He takes another step forward, digging his foot into the hard concreate, creating a slight screeching noise from the metal grinding, "Now tell me where she is... before I take the answer out of your hide..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "You're helping me more right now, than you probably even realize Rock... *he pauses* Thanks bud... for everthing..."

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What's that supposed to mean?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "You'll understand one day, I'm sure."

You deactivate your radio.

Magistrate Vile lowers his hands slowly, almost in a defiant manner by his very calmness. "Come then, Zero... If you wish. I can already sense it flowing through you. The hatred... Come. Try and strike me down. It is a mere confirmation for you that, indeed, you will be one of us in the future."

Another chuckle, perhaps far more demonic and grating than before. Devoid of emotion, devoid of any soul, but not without its purpose. "And X will betray you -- Kill you.. It is X that has caused Viris to become the glory that she is now, Zero. Do not seek the blame in me."

Zero swings his sabre cross chest as it ends up pointing diagonally down at the ground as he sneers, "Rock will never betray me..." he says softly, "I know that to be true, and it always will be... and I will never... ever..." he tightens his grip as a smile slides onto his features as he kneels down, thrusting himself into the air, screaming, "... become a fucking monster like you!"

You strike Magistrate Vile with your Zero Sabre attack.

You activate your radio.

(Ch. A []) Zero transmits: 'Rock... just try and understand... and like I said... don't worry... I'll be fine. *he pauses as you can hear him screaming something and then the sounds of his sabre cutting through air then hitting metal* You got people to take care of, and so do I... cutting off radio transmissions.'.

You deactivate your radio.

Magistrate Vile only seems to laugh as Zero strikes him with his saber. The sheer power that Goliath now gives him making what was done highly insignificant to the Magistrate. Thus, his mental torture can continue for the moment. "Monster? Am I, Zero? I believe it to be you, not me, that is becoming the Monster, my dear Hunter ... A true pity that I must strike you down before you can see the true potential of Lady Viris, but she has decreed no specific -- Use for you."

The Goliath powers up, a shattering 'hum' echoing around it as it rears to full height. The slash mark from the saber is present, but it seems to minut at the moment by the sheer size of Vile. He says nothing now, but the massive fist of the Ride Armor swerves and lunges in at the crimson hunter; the spikes seeking to rip through him ... All the while, Vile laughs...

Magistrate Vile strikes you with his Spiked Fist for 19 units of damage.

*Clang!* Zero is struck by the fist and sent flying backwards, landing on the street and skidding along it for a few feet, kicking up sparks and a horrible screetching noise as his armor meets pavement. He finally comes to a stop and lays there in a heap for a moment, his hair covering his face. A few silent moments pass before he begins to rise, his sabre reigniting, "Stop calling her that..." he says in a hushed tone, as his sabre hand begins to glow a bright gold, "Did you hear me?!" he screams wildly, as suddenly his entire body flashes a bright gold as he charges at Vile only to skid to a stop, thrusting his arm out as suddenly a wave of electricity engulfs his entire arm and dances down to his sabre, creating a large lance of electricity, "LIGHTNING SPEAR!"

You strike Magistrate Vile with your Lightning Spear attack.

Magistrate Vile grows silent as the saber rips into the armor of Goliath. The electricty sends a shock coursing though its systems and, likewise, through Vile. He feels it... The pain. He even basks in it now, knowing that it's quickly driving Zero to the brink of his very sanity.

"...Do you fear it...?" The Magistrate grates, "Your future...? Knowing that you are destined to become that which you hate?" Vile sits up straight, that single optic peering down at Zero. The electricity from the strike still crackles over his frame, but it only seems to add to the strained coldness in his voice, "That the one in which you trust most will, eventually, bring about your very death." As he speaks, Vile's cannon has shifted to train upon the still close-in Zero, energy flowing through it. "A fitting end. To die in hatred and to loose the one you love to that very cause.." Following those last words, Vile unleashes a rapid fire burst of plasma down at Zero in a hellish rain of power. "Know it, Zero.. Embrace the Demon within.."

Magistrate Vile misses you with his Scatter Blaster attack.

Zero leaps backwards quickly, shifting his arm into his zero buster as he stares at Vile and chuckles, "Fear? I don't know the meaning of the word." he says as he lands gracefully, his sabre reattached to his back as his buster begins to collect energy, "I'll never be one of you... and I'll never turn my back on Iris and Rock... never..." he locks his arm on the monstrosity and fires, "NEVER!"

You strike Magistrate Vile with your Zero Buster 2 attack.

Magistrate Vile would cringe visibly, if he had the methods of doing so. Instead, he chuckles. Once again -- Chuckles. All he can do is find amusement in all of Zero's words, despite the damage that he's beginning to accumulate. "No Zero..." His voice echoes admist the sounds of Goliath locking down, "...It is they that will turn their backs on you..." Thus spoken, the massive bulk of Vile's main body propels itself forward. Smoke trails from it, where Zero's blasts impacted, and the spiked arms lead its charge.

Magistrate Vile strikes you with his Charging Smash for 16 units of damage.

Zero lets out a howling scream of pain as he's knocked backwards again, flying through the glass wall of a nearby shop, landing hard on a display case. He rolls over and fall to the ground unceremoniously and slowly climbs to his feet, his body swelling up with anger as the rage begins to take over. He spins around to face Vile as he steps back through the window he crashed through, numerous cuts and scratches decorating his body. He takes his sabre out once more and stops a few yards from Vile, igniting it as he stands there in silence, as he stares through his burning red eyes at the monolithic creature, "Enough talk... it's time to finish this... Z SLASH!" His eyes flare as he suddenly kicks in his dash jets, heading towards the side of Vile, and then cutting a 90 degree turn as he gets within striking distance, slicing high horizontally before stopping and grabbing the hilt with both hands fluidly and coming diagonally down, before lashing out forcefully with one hand low horizontally. As he finishes the movements, he holds the pose for a moment, before losing the battle with his exhaustion, and falling idle for a brief, but crucial moment.

You strike Magistrate Vile with your Triple Slash attack.

The next attack against you will automatically succeed.

And thus, Goliath rests. Zero's strike renders a great deal of the Ride Armor useless. The arms aren't severed, true. The legs still function, but the outer armor is rent and twisted heavily by Zero's repeated saber assaults. Vile himself, however, is perfectly fine...

The Shoulder Cannon, feared by so very many in Vile's time, trains itself upon the Hunter for the second time tonight. As it does so, Vile speaks a final time, "Know, Zero.. That your future is etched in stone.. Your damnation is foretold.. Iris, is ours.." He uses Viris' former name, perhaps to stab at Zero's heart one final time, before the energy swelling within the cannon begins to overflow. The air around him wavers with the heat of the charging plasma and, with a shattering roar of power, this same energy is unleashed. A massive beam surges forth: The same which fell Rock the previous night.

Magistrate Vile strikes you with his Vile Cannon for 36 units of damage.

Magistrate Vile receives a radio transmission.

Zero breaks out of his idleness just in time to stare the cannon blast right in the face. He grits his teeth as he sets his feet into the ground as he awaits his approach, he doesn't scream, he doesn't throw his arms up, he merely says one simple phrase, moments before the blast strikes him, "Forgive me..."

The blast strikes... and then silence... disturbing silence... dead silence...

As the smoke clears from the blast radius, Zero can be seen, lying on the ground before Vile. His armor devestated, his body limp... he struggles with his last bit of energy to hold onto his sabre tightly, until he has nothing left to give, and his hand relaxes, allowing the sabre to roll out of his hand and onto the street. He stares at it, as the last moments of conciousness begin to fade, and a single tear falls from his eye.

You activate your radio.

(Ch. A []) Zero transmits: '*Automated Distress Signal* Maverick Hunter Unit Disabled. Unit Serial Number: #0000. Location Unknown, primary life support deactivated, secondary life support failing.'.

Next to Zero's crumpled form, the mighty leg of Goliath slams down to the Earth. Vile, however injured as well, towers over the fallen Hunter in a calm, nearly silent triumph. The dust settles about them, but the Magistrate merely stares down at Zero. No word is uttered until, finally, he chooses to respond to a radio call. Lady Viris, it seems, has chosen to contact him now...

...He will allow her to do what she will with what remains of the mighty thorn of the past, Zero. "A damned fool, Zero.." Vile utters with a gentle chuckle.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'aw shit..guess I better run and find Zero!'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Someone trace that transmission NOW!'.

Magistrate Vile sends a radio transmission.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Trying, boss... I can't get a fix'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'I'm not /touching/ a computer. I broke them once already.'.

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*Rock tries to access Zero's computer* Give points of reference to allow for transmission tracing..."

Lady Viris arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Lady Viris has arrived.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'I've narrowed the search due to signal variations. I'd say probably southern hemisphere, not far from mountains and a large body of water... probably somewhere in South america.'.
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "*Automatic Distress Signal* Location unconfirmable, significant Maverick threat in general vicinity, haste suggested."

Magistrate Vile is currently standing over the downed form of Zero, the armor of Goliath fairly rent from the Hunter's saber, as it would seem. He appears to be making no move to further harm, or even move Zero now. He merely rests, towering over him like a Gargoyle ... Vile himself seems really very relaxed, eased back and staring blankly into the air.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Alright... Magma, Mirage, Arafina, get going... there's a LOT of ground to cover, and not much time... Zero's computer reported a Maverick threat... I'll be on my way in just a moment.'.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Boss, i can do some aerial recon.'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: '...gotta be around here somewhere...'.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Medbay's already being prepped. Good hunting.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Do it, Shrike... thanks, Twila.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'I'm giving Megaman the chance, if he feels up to it. Gotta learn about the Mavericks some day.'.

Lady Viris makes it here in almost record time, actually moving at a light sprint down the streets, instead of her usual graceful stride. She hurries even further upon seeing the Magistrate's large form, her face flushed slightly as she stops before him, her eyes falling on Zero for a moment, before she composes herself and looks up at Vile, her eyes shining oddly. She sounds very pleased, "Excellent work, Magistrate. Your gift is most... considerate."
Zero is devestated... his armor is nearly completely torn from his body. His body is broken, and his sabre missing from his hand. A single stream of tearwater can be noticed long his chin, as his face is locked in a sad expression as his lifeless eyes stare out at his empty, open hand. His sabre lying a few feet away.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Did it ID which Maverick, Rock?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'No, it just said the threat estimate was high...'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'Which is bad. Maybe more then one.'.

Mirage arrives from the Rio - Commercial District.

Mirage has arrived.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'If that's the case, there's a better chance they're in an urban area.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'I'll take BuenosAires. That's around there, isn't it? My geography's rusty.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Right, Ara. Seminole, take Mexico City, that's close... I've got Rio...'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'It is. We'll split into groups...'.

The hand, so very calmly and fluidly, of the Magistrate lowers itself to the controls of Goliath. A few motions are made and the Ride Armor clanks away from Zero, giving Viris all the room that she may desire, "Of course.." He grates, helm turning enough so as to regard Viris below him, "I do wish the best for you, Lady Viris. What better a gift, than this?" He leans back further, optics dim from their earlier glow of crimson. He has no intrest in Zero, but that the mere fact that having Zero with them could easily bring /him/ here...

...If X were destroyed, then the Kaiser would surely trust him that much more. The power granted from such an action would be -- Unspeakable.

"Do enjoy him." He adds.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Aerial recon negative so far.'.

Rock arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Rock has arrived.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Knowing Zero... look for a city block on fire, Shrike.'.

Mirage's ears pick up the faint sound of metal clanking, or an object moving. "..the hell?". Mirage jumps against a wall and heads closer to the sound, "Come on Zero..hang on".

Lady Viris looks down, noticing Zero's sabre lying by her foot. She bends over slowly, picking the device up and turning it over in her hands, studying it. It's the exact twin of the one dangling from her waist, and she remains silent in contemplation, addressing Vile without looking at him. "What.. is your opinion of this 'Zero'? Is he merely a construct, or is he somehow the true article?"

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Well, if I knew which city, that'd be swell..'.

Rock comes tearing out of the teleporter on Rush Jet...

Megaman arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Megaman has arrived.

Zero is devestated... his armor is nearly completely torn from his body. His body is broken, and his sabre missing from his hand. A single stream of tearwater can be noticed long his chin, as his face is locked in a sad expression as his lifeless eyes stare out at his empty, open hand. His sabre lying a few feet away.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Aria transmits: 'This is Aria, responding. Do you need my assistance?'.

Well it's in Viris' hands now, sue me, i'm lazy :D

Rush Jet flies overhead, X kneeling atop him. "C'mon... where could he be?"

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'I'm picking up something...not sure what it is..'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Anything yet from our pre-scouters, Magma, Mirage?'.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'I'm over Rio now... picking up some civilian emregency frequencies'.

Arafina arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Arafina has arrived.

Arafina exits - eventually - some time after Megaman. The short one.

Megaman scampers out of the teleport chamber, arm already morphed into a cannon. His little face is set into a serious expression, a first for any who have seen him here.

If this was an anime, now would be a good time for komm susser tod to play...

Magistrate Vile 's head turns in a slow jerk, peering off into the distance. The sound of the Rush Jet echoes over and over through his audio recievers -- Him.

"Genuine, I venture." Vile responds to Viris gently, "It is quite possible that we are, somehow, in the past. The variables add up as such. However, I do recommend a -- Retreat, Viris, if you wish to keep your prize. They come." His left optic hums to life. Having evolved from his earlier, far more /violent/ form, the Magistrate knows better than to try and fight X in this condition. The power, however, is theirs: Viris has Zero.

Signal Shrike arrives from the Rio - Downtown Mall District.

Signal Shrike has arrived.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Mexico City seems clear. No emergency signals detected.'.

Mirage peers around a corner and sees the scene at hand, "Oh no..Zero", he mutters to himself. The appearence of Vile and Viris, has made him quiver a tad, "What now?".

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Alright... I'm checking Rio still... hrm...'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'my god....'.

Signal Shrike soars through the city overhead, trying to pick up those emergency signals again.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'What is it, Mirage?'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'Zero...is...damn..and Vile..and Viris!'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Location?'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'Southern Downtown, Rio....get here fast. These guys are to strong for one of us to fight..or to attempt a rescue for Zero. But I will be the bait..if need be..'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'I'm detecting two Maverick Signals... ON MY WAY!'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) X transmits: 'Dear god, no. Not here. Dammit. I'm on my way over. None of you are to engage Viris. That is an _order_!'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'I am enroute!'.

Overhead, the red form of Rush Jet begins descending toward downtown Rio....

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Who the heck is that?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'You want me to bait? I'm the one who can stand the pain, here. - Sorry, spiky-armour man, you're too late. We haven't a choice.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: '*Yawning* Hey, something going on? Whats with all the comm traffic?'.

Lady Viris nods absently, her eyes still resting on Zero, before her expression hardens and she lifts her head. "Very well, Magistrate. I trust that even in your weakened condition, you are capable of transporting Zero? I cannot carry him AND fight, and it may become neccessary." She detaches the beam sabre from her waist, holding one in each hand, and takes a step away from her prize, standing vigil as Vile prepares him for transport. If we are truly in the past..." Her eyes glint as she considers the possibilities, a slow, evil smile spreading across her face.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Damn... X, that's what I was trying to talk to you about. Noone engage unless they have to... I'm almost there....'.

Megaman scans down the streets, trying to find some sign of the long-haired robot. He hrmms softly as he sees the form of Rush fly overhead, and quickly runs down the streets following it.

(Ch. E []) Seminole transmits: 'Does X have authority over the Hunters, Rock?'.

Arafina follows Megaman, keeping up - barely - at a dead run. "Where are we going? I don't know the street layout."

Seminole arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Seminole has arrived.

X arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

X has arrived.

(Ch. E []) Rock transmits: 'No...'.

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: ':thought this was the RF/Hunter chan :)'.

(Ch. E []) Seminole transmits: 'Ooops. :>'.

(Ch. E [Rep-Hunter]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'OOC: it is :)'.

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Er...that was OOC and so is this :)'.

(Ch. E []) Feedback transmits: '<OOC> Feed tells sem that this is not the lighthawk channel'.

Megaman keeps his eyes on the jet, "Neither do I, but Rush and I, er.. him, can see where they're going from up there!"

There's a sudden flash of yellow energy, arcing from midair to impact on the ground between Viris and Vile and Zero. "GET AWAY FROM HIM!!" Rush Jet flips back overhead, riderless, and X lands in the blast shot, between Zero and the Mavericks.

Seminole charges out of the telepod, following the rest of the Hunters that seem to be heading. While in motion, Seminole pulls his datchi from his back, though the likelihood of him actually using it at this point is rather nil. Still, better safe than sorry.

Magistrate Vile studies Viris a long moment, then nods, "Of course, Lady Viris." The Goliath shifts, turning on a dime, and the arm lurches down. Sliding itself so as to roll Zero onto it, Goliath rears back up and allows the Hunter to slip into the cockpit with Vile. The Magistrate observes the battered Hunter with an evident disdain, but wonder even still. This blond fool is the one who instigated it all...

"Yes...Zero. The future...Is etched in stone." Vile's head then snaps toward the blast, scanning for whomever may have fired. They are too late, now -- Viris will make short work of them. "Your damnation is assured.." The Goliath begins clanking back slightly, so as to move from Rock/X as he touches down nearby. He's certainly not in the condition to battle him now ...

Mirage blinks at what Rock just did, "Aww damnit!". Mirage runs out from his current position and stands a few feet back from Rock and the Mavericks, as well as the hurt Zero."Come on...".

Arafina speeds up. "Hey, kid, you want a ride? I can go just as fast with you on board and you're - well - shorter then me, and that's saying a lot."

Megaman glances back, "Ummm..ride? I guess so.." Well, it won't be as fun as Rush, but if it gives him a chance to keep an eye out without worrying about tripping, he's all for it.

Signal Shrike alights on the roof of a nearby building and looks down at the confrontation, boggling.

Lady Viris is standing near Zero, two beam sabres which BOTH look exactly like Zero's in her hands. She looks upwards as Rock announces her presence, her eyes slitting into two narrow crimson lines. She wasn't counting on these fools showing up, but now that they have, she still has a few unresolved issues with a Rock or two. But then, if this is truly the past, she might already be in the perfect position to accomplish all that she's dreamed of for the past several years. "Rock! Leave now, while I am content with merely taking what belongs to me, and not your head along with it. I am willing to postpone your execution for yet another day." Still, she ignites both sabres, and twirls them around in a fashion that would probably result in a loss of limbs for a less skilled fighter, proving that she knows what she's doing with the weapons.

Zero is in no condition to resist Vile and is lifted up as his lifeless arms fall to his sides limply. As he's lifted up, a small object falls to ground, a piece of Zero's armor, perhaps... a small insignia encrusted into it, of an X and a Z intertwined (a la the one in X4), it hits the ground with a small tink before shattering in it's frail state.

Signal Shrike . o O (So.. if Megaman from the past gets killed.. will Rock and X cease to exist? Or.. if Rock of the present is killed, will..? Stupid paradoxes."

The Gravity Buster slides out of it's compartments and encompasses Rock's left arm, "Not on your life, Viris... he's not yours to take!" Rising from the crouch, left arm braced with his right, and knowing he's dangerously close to two Mavericks he has no idea whose powers or weaknesses are, he backsteps a step or three. "Leave now, and I won't be forced to scrap you for return to your own ZIP code..."

Seminole spots Vile's new form from quite a distance away - that sort of thing tends to stand out, and decides that the direct approach might not be best for him. Using a few convenently placed balconies and fire escapes, Seminole manages to get himself atop a roof. Jumping and running from one to another, he continues on his way towards the two alternate Mavericks as his visor glows deep blue.

Arafina puts Megaman on her shoulders in a piggyback position, and goes back to running. "Chaaarge!" she bellows, trying to make it to the 'dueling' zone.

Mirage charges up his Arm Cannon and pulls out his Silence Sword, "If I'm goin down..it's gonna be after I do some damage!". Mirage smirks and points his sword at Viris.

Rock sends a radio transmission to Mirage.

Mirage receives a radio transmission.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Might I remind everyone that only X knows what these Mavericks are capable of.... And may I suggest extreme caution in dealing with them.'.

Mirage sends a radio transmission.

Rock receives a radio transmission from Mirage.

Rock sends a radio transmission to Mirage.

Mirage receives a radio transmission.

The Gravity Buster slides out of it's compartments and encompasses Rock's left arm, "Not on your life, Viris... he's not yours to take!" Rising from the crouch, left arm braced with his right, and knowing he's dangerously close to two Mavericks he has no idea whose powers or weaknesses are, he backsteps a step or three. "Leave now, and I won't be forced to scrap you for return to your own ZIP code..." <Repose for Viris>

Mirage sends a radio transmission.

Rock receives a radio transmission from Mirage.

Rock sends a radio transmission to Mirage.

Mirage receives a radio transmission.

There's a bright blue flash of light, shining like column of pure energy, as the form of X takes shape in the midst of all the activity. Baring his teeth angrily, his X-Buster suddenly hums to life before he's even fully materialized, glowing fiercely with such blinding white that his weapon almost brightens the entire area as if it were daytime. Yelling loudly above all the ruckus, he makes his intentions clear, "VIRIS! Only you would be bold enough to follow me here. Your very presence here is rotting away at this world like a plague. Let Zero go! If there's any sense left in you at all, you know that he loves only Iris, the _real_ Iris, and not a monster like you. There's still a chance we can change the future, if you leave now I can stop everything from happening. If you stay, it'll start all over again just like you remember it: Colonel will die first. And then Zero. And nothing you do will stop that unless you leave and let me do my duty. Go back to the future, where you rule with your repulsive Kaiser." Raising his arm up, he aims it straight for the Lady Viris, knowing he need not be within her stricking distance for her to be in his. "Leave or we end this rival today with your dead corpse. And then Iris' soul can finally rest in peace."

Treble has arrived.

Mirage takes a few steps back, allowing the two Heroes to take center stage.

Rush Jet flies by Arafina and Mega, transforming and dashing along in doggie mode with them.

Megaman carefully begins to stand up on Arafina's shoulders. If nothing else, those huge feet give him really good balace. He crouches a bit, holding one arm out to the side, "Get ready, when we get close, I'm disembarking.."

Arafina manages to keep her balance while running. "Go for it. I can't dodge with you on anyway, so whenever you want to get off is fine with me - but I thought I'd let you aim instead of just running."

Enker arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Enker has arrived.

Lady Viris flips one of the sabers around in her hand, pointing the tip at X, and somehow managing to keep her arm steady, despite the fact that she's shaking with barely-suppressed rage. "How DARE you speak to me of duty and hope. YOU destroyed everything you touched; your brother, your sister, my brother, Zero... and now you expect me to stand by idly and allow you to do it again?! Never! I will change the course of the future myself- The world will become a utopia for Reploids under the combined rule of Kaiser and myself, and my brother and Zero will never have been murdered by you. I will ensure this by destroying every trace, past, present, and future of you. You'll never get the chance to ruin another life, monster."

Megaman grins, "Better for you to be able to dodge away from trouble. I can handle myself." A slight whine can be heard as his megabuster charges, and he flips forward from Arafina's shoulders, landing at a run.

Somewhere above, a purple armored figure jets towards the scene of all the ruckus, although taking a slight detour rather than diving straight in, as is usually the passenger's style. Leaping from the armored mechawolf's back, Bass flips easily forward, landing on the rooftop of a building not too far away. In his hands are a pair of binoculars, which he quickly raises to zoom in on the situation, and get a much better view.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) X transmits: 'Rock . . . the future is up to you. If I die tonite, everything rests on your shoulders. No matter what happens, don't let Repliforce turn Maverick. I know Sigma is behind it. You have to stop him before it happens,
before the whole future collapses. Billions of lives depend on it. And always keep hope, even in your darkest hour. One person _can_ make a difference, and that person has to be _you_. Say goodbye to Roll for me. And tell her I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to eat her cooking one last time.'.

Bass has arrived.

General arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

General has arrived.

Signal Shrike doesn't need no stinkin' binoculars, and watches from another rooftop.

A grimace crossed the middle of the Megaman-trio's features. Rock's Gravity Buster begins to glow lightly, starting to charge. As X radios him, he blinks, his grimace turning into a look of concern. "Viris..." he says, rather softly, "If you truly care for Zero, you wouldn't do this... your brother and Zero die only in one timeline..." The glow continues to grow, "Don't make me hurt you... please."

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'X, what do you mean? You aren't going to die tonight... I won't let you.'.

Arafina starts running /sideways/ as soon as Megaman hops off. She heads closer to the others, edging; close enough to be visible without close enough to be threatening. Hopefully.

Magistrate Vile basks in the warm glow of Viris' words ... How the pain eases at these proclaimations: A world without X.
The Magistrate clanks backwards once more, Goliath still readily armed to deal with any would-be heroes that may wish to try and rob Zero from him. As far as he's concerned, the Hunter is his -- Or Viris', rather. None but their X knows of Viris' true power. "Do watch your actions, Lady Viris... The situation is beginning to escalate far out of our favor." He states this calmly, having no fear or true concern toward the gathering Rock's and various other Hunters.
Seminole takes a spot on a rooftop not far from the main gathering of Hunters and alternate Mavericks.. not to mention Bass. Ulp. Crouching slightly, Seminole watches and listens intently and waits for the sign...

Turbo Man arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Turbo Man has arrived.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'If I die here, I do not want to go down remembered as Megaman's bearer, okay? Please? That would just - you know - suck severely.'.

Megaman runsneaks as stealthily as a bright blue shorty can, staying a short distance away from Vile and Viris. His mind races as he sizes up the situation, narrowing his eyes.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Nobody's going to die tonight. Now stop talking about it and concentrate on what's
happening now.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'What's happening?! Rock? X? Megaman?? Don't any of you *dare* to not come back!'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Whats going on out there?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'Hey, I don't see /you/ volunteering to be shot at.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'I won't let any of them die, sis...'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'Damnit, let's get Zero out of here. No one will die, if we all fight as a team!'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'Actually, wouldn't that mean /more/ of us die when we get shot at all clustered together?'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'Not now Arafina...we've got bigger problems..'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Just be careful... Vile's got a hold on him. This Vile is infinitely more powerful... if you want to fight him, spread out and avoid that damn cannon!'.

Bass adjusts his binoculars, zooming in further. First centering on the three Megamen, then panning over to look at Lady Virus' form. The edge of his mouth traces down into a slight sneer, as he studies the reploid through the image that's fed back. Indeed, his suspicions of something occurring to the Repliforcers as well are all but confirmed. A quick motion then centers on Vile, or this form of him. "Well now Vile..." he intones in a soft whisper, the edge of his mouth quirking upwards. "Isn't this an improvement?" Beside him, Treble growls once, hunkered down at the rooftop's edge, and glaring straight out to the scene ahead of him.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Good...because if any of you die I'll kill you.'.

Zero twitches just a tad in Vile's arms as familiar voices fill the area. He continues to stare lifelessly out into the void using his last bit of power to convey one last message over his radio.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'Twila? You're breaking my illogic circuits with that.'.

(Ch. A []) Zero transmits: '*sputtering* Rock...'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Conflict is not recommended, however unavoidable.'.

Rock sends a radio transmission.

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Yeah, bud? We'll get you outta there.... just hold on."

Screen has arrived.

Signal Shrike leans closer over the edge of the building, watching Zero dangling in Goliath's cockpit.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'If you distract Vile, I might be able to swoop down and grab Zero before I get completely blasted.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Hey everyone. Mind giving me an update on your situation?'.

X has connected.

Rock receives a radio transmission.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rock: "Leave... me... a... and... tell I... tell Iris... *silence*"

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Arafina transmits: 'You want me to distract? I can do a dance or something screwed up like that.'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'I am the one who will take the damage...'.

Blink arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Blink has arrived.

Bass centers on Vile once again, adjusting the zoom-in, and finally panning down towards Zero in the creature's grip. "Well well well....." he mutters. "Zero my friend...you -do- get yourself into the most interesting predicaments don't you?"

With a flare of light the teleportation chambers in Rio pull back to reveal the towering form of General. The enormous leader of Repliforce stepping forward into the chaotic situation at hand. Arriving with the intention of personally seeing to the presence these strange dark visitors. The giant narrows his optics. Sweeping his eyes over the situation and appraising it quickly even as he begins to step forward. Emitting several commands over his internal radio. Needless to say, his presence is not easily ignored nor his arrival missed. Then again, this is one dire situation occuring before him isn't it.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'I don't know what the situation is, but I'm sure it's nothing that we, the Maverick Hunters, can't handled . I'm begging you Rock...and I mean all of you, don't do anything silly, or try to be the 'noble' one...and that includes you, X! Now I'm going to get off this channel and let you concentrate, but just remember to come back to me, everyone!'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Just have some baked goods ready when we get back, sis....'.
Seminole maintains the intent stare on the two Rock's and two Mavericks, as well as a tight grip on his sword. He can barely breath - in fact, he doesn't breath seeing how he doesn't really /have/ to. A nervous habit, really. The flash from the teleporters distract him, producing a gape once Seminole spots the figure.

Lady Viris receives a radio transmission.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Lady Viris: "Forgive me... I tried to save you... and I failed..."

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'I believe we've gained an advantage. General has arrived.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) X transmits: 'I'm sorry, Roll. There was still a lot I wanted to say to you. But my duty comes first. I have to save the future. I can't waste this second chance I've been given. I won't fail you twice.'.
. o O (Turbo Man is looking at you.)

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'You've got it, brother! :)'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'So I noticed...'.

Jet Stingray arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Jet Stingray has arrived.

Rock sends a radio transmission.

Rock sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I dunno if you can hear me; but we'l lget you out."

Lady Viris nods curtly at Vile's words, not taking her eyes off of X or Rock for even a moment. "I will not delay for long." . o O (Only as long as it takes to rid myself of a Rock or two.) She turns her attention to the Rock that addressed her, narrowing her eyes at him. While she might look pretty, the look in her eyes is anything but. "You've already taken him from me once. I won't let it happen again. Obviously, your double hasn't told you what a curse he is to all around him. Ask him what happened to Blues. Or Roll. Or your little dog. Everything he touches dies, and he has no other way to deal with it than to believe that he's some great hero, out to rid the world of evil. THAT is what you will become. Death to the ones you love, and a curse to those that they love. You'll lead a cold life deviod of companionship, and come to despise those that have something to care about. You'll have no home, and be unwelcome everywhere you go. THAT is the fate that lies in store for you."

Jet Stingray blasts in from the teleports with a loud *WHOOSH* from his heavy turbines as he enters the scene on downtown rio, quickly joining the other Repliforcers already there.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: '*pause filled with static* X, you're going to be able to come back and tell me yourself. If you die...*pause*...*sniff*...then I won't be able to forgive you for that!'.

Megaman runs around behind the Mavericks and begins to sneaksneaksneak up behind Vile.. He keeps his buster charged, just in case he's spotted.

Zero falls lifeless once more within Vile's massive body. Another tear falling fron his eye, as he lurches forward, his precious hair becoming a mask for the sorrow locked on his face.

Mirage stands still, waiting for something to happen. He simply gazes from Rock, to X, to Megaman, and to the Mavericks.

Blink speeds out behind General, stopping to blink and look up at the bigger Reploid, shrugging.
"It's still just one possible future, Viris... you don't have to continue that cycle of violence! And if you want to end the future, then, and stop Zero from being killed, kill ME!" His arms spread wide, Rock's, that is, revealing his chest armor. His buster continues to charge, though. "Shoot me. Blast me. Kill me, and you're future won't happen then!"

Swing arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Swing has arrived.

Bass lowers his binoculars for a few seconds, frowning as he feels the ground shaking just a bit. Sure enough, there's that huge form in the distance, in the form of one rather giant Repliforce Commander. He lets the edge of his mouth tug downwards in a bit of thought at the sudden swing in power, before lifting the binoculars to his eyes again. He centers on Rock, the Rock that -he- knows well of course, taking in his posture at the same time. "What is he doing...?" he mutters to himself, unable to hear anything at this distance.

Gritting his teeth, X keeps his X-Buster aimed carefully, ready to fire at a moment's notice as he loses more and more of his hold on his level headedness, "I'm here to protect the other half of the world _YOU_ killed in cold blood! The Maverick Virus has corrupted you, Milady. You once fought for peace, you once believed in freedom for _all_ beings, you once mourned the loss of Sigma's pure soul . . . and now you revel in its chaotic evil. I've seen too much to believe that there's any trace of that good person left inside of you. I'm going to stop our future from happening, even if it has to be through your dead corpse. Don't parade your revenge in front of me like some toy, you're not Iris. Iris is dead, but you won't be joining her where she is." Dashing forward in a mad full frontal charge at Lady Viris, he yells out furiously with every fiber of his being as he pours all of his energy into blasting . . . the ground beneath her. The explosion rocks the very foundation of the city itself, as he leaps high into the air, lunging, not for Viris . . . but for Magistrate Vile. "VILE! I know you're connected to your armor now. Release Zero, or I'll rip your new body apart . . . and then we can see if little Vava can come out to play."

Seminole inhales sharply as he watches Rock, idly hoping that he -doesn't- die. That would sort of be a bad thing, and Seminole isn't about to let that happen. Though, he does trust Rock and knows he has a plan. Thus, Seminole crouches on the rooftop and continues to wait.

For the brieftest of instants, General actually pauses as he looks Viris over. He frowns, an imperctible frown save to those who truly know his expressions well.. There is some degree of astonishment in his eyes..and then it fades and the commander of Repliforce has returned, composure intact.

"Enough.." rumbles General's cutting voice. It's tone filtering through the area an rumbling the air even as his footfalls send minor vibrations through the ground.. His optics focus upon Rock first and then level on Viris, "Regardless of what future you claim you have come from and what could happen yet is not gaurenteed to.. I cannot allow this to continue on any further. You will stand down and return to your own time or you will be forced to do so. Release Zero.. This travesty cannot continue. If it is your intention to alter the past it cannot be done. Your very presence and actions here will not effect your own timeline.. Stand down." As Rock speaks he frowns abit and narrows his optics yet does not interfere in that..though he keeps moving forward until he nears the forfront of the situation at hand.

Blink, having spotted the three Rocks, is now decently confused himself. Even more confusing is one wanting Viris to shoot him. He knows how strong those attacks are at a guess, and subconsciously probably admires that kind of sacrifice. His forearm blades click out and in as he tries to figure what the heck is going on. Blink frowns, getting set to evacuate civilians. Stopping on hearing more, he instead keeps his forearm blades in, and begins to charge his teleportation circuits, speaking into his wrist-radio carefully and slowly. His eyes stay on the other's movements, though.

Lady Viris looks surprised for only a moment, before a vicious smile of sadistic glee and vindication spreads across her face. She ignores the General's arrival for the moment, but only because Rock just earned himself her full and undivided attention. She's moving forward in a blurr, disappearing a a flash of blood red light, spinning the sabres around expertly as she reappears right in Rock's face, slashing out at him with one sword, then the other, intending to carve her revenge out of his body. The words the wind carries through the air, along with the evil mocking laughter that accompanies them, are truly chilling, "Why, I thought you would never ask, dear Rock."

Mirage covers face as the blast is quite powerful, "I knew it'd come to this". Mirage looks upward and says a silent prayer and fixes his gaze upon, Rock, the leader of the Hunters. Someone he looks up too, he somehow thinks that he must save the day.

Bass sends a radio transmission to Rock.

Rock receives a radio transmission.

Magistrate Vile continues to back up his massive frame, right toward the sneaksneaksneaking Megaman. Unknowing of this, however, Vile shifts his gaze calmly toward Zero. "You would do well to rest, Zero... Lady Viris will no doubt wish you to have some manner of strength with which to speak to her." He would sneer if he had the facial features, for his hatred for Zero is great -- But not so more...Than that for X.

X... Damnable child! Vile snaps his head upward, his voice crackling into a feral snarl, "X.. Always so foolish.." Quickly, Vile's arm lashes out to hold Zero slightly, seeing as though the Crimson One could hardly resist him now, and keep him just in front of him so that X would have to go through him before he could strike the Magistrate, "If you wish for my death so badly, X..."

"....Then come.... Go through Zero once more so that you may have me....!"

Signal Shrike blinks and looks up and around. After a few minutes, his gaze settles on a particular rooftop nearby and his optics narrow. Just great.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Anyone gonna give me an update on whats going on out there?'.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Does the term 'Mexican Standoff' mean anything?'.

A gasp is elicited from the spread-eagle Hunter CO as one of the blades sinks into his armor. With a yelp, he leaps back, the second slashing just inches away from his throat. "Well, I got what I asked for..." he mutters, flipping backwards; Gravity Buster, at full charge now, clicks as it arms a charged stolen weapon. "Is that all you have, Viris? I'd have thought that those upgrades would've made you better than that." And he BLINKS at his radio, the Gravity Buster coming forward to fire a spiralling shower of Charged Rolling Cutters, the scissor-blades snapping around Viris' body. "Come and get me!" He backs away from Viris...

Enker has left.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'The alternate Vile is holding Zero hostage while the alternate Iris is battling Rock. Other than that, there's General, some Repliforce, and a lot of chaos.'.

Megaman picks up his pace a bit as Vile begins moving backwards. His face once more sets into flat seriousness, fist clenching in readiness. In one mighty leap, he flies upward in a surprisingly high arc, to land right on the Magistrate's back. Hanging on with one arm, he points the cannon of his other arm toward the head of Vile himself, "Put. Him. Down."

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Okay, I get the point. Any wounded so far? Need a retrieval team or anything?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Little... *grunt* busy... I forgot how much Zero's beam saber hurts...'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Negative... at the moment, anyway.'.

Chaos has arrived.
(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'I copy that. Standing by. So, anything else I should know about?'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Magma Dragoon transmits: '...... and I as well? Magma Dragoon prepped and ready and awaiting orders.... what is the situation?'.

Turbo Man sends a radio transmission.

Seminole inhales sharply for the second time as Megaman jumps and lands on Vile's back. Rather than charge for the Maverick now, Seminole continues to wait and hopes the smaller Rock can resolve the situation his way. Despite this, Seminole starts thinking about a backup plan.

Bass hrms quietly to himself, and steps further to the edge of the roof, staring downwards. He then tilts his head back towards Treble, gesturing towards him. "Stay here..." Is all he mutters, before leaping off the side of the building, and sliding straight downwards, clinging to the wall as he does so, until finally touching ground. No sooner do his boots make contact with the pavement, than his dash jets begin to propel him forward, seeking a better vantage point. His mind whirls with chaotic choices. To get involved? Or not to get involved?

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Mexican standoff in Rio. We're on stand by for now. Waiting on Rock's orders to move out.'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Rock is slightly engaged. I will give the order.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Be careful... Megaman, if you're on this channel, watch it... I don't think we're gonna have much chance of getting Zero back unless someone comes up with something. I'm a tad busy fighting for my life here...'.

Within the realms of the darkest ally near the scene, the form of Chaos cackles softly, as his form flickers randomly, his two burning eyes staring out at the drama, "Yes... yes... my dreams have finally come true... soon... all of reality will unravel... and chaos shall fill existance in all it's forms... and the Void shall envelop us all... what petty fools they are... unaware of their true ordeal... even the mighty Duo is powerless against the chain of events that has unfurled... I may perish as well... but it shall not be in vain... blessed is he who has bestowed this gift upon us... for now, the end... truely is near.... mwhahahahhahaha...mwhahahahahahahahahahaha.....MWAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAA!!!" As he cackles, his form begins to melt back into the shadows, the fire of his eyes burning out, as his presence dissipates from the area.

Signal Shrike watches Bass slide down the building, the earlier radio message giving away his presence to the Hunter communications expert. Shrike keys his radio and speaks into it quietly while continuing to watch Bass.

(Ch. A [HunterAlpha]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Look out, Bass is here and on the move'.

And no, you probably didn't hear any of that.

Lady Viris leaps backwards as the barrel of the weapon comes up, and does what she can to deflect a good deal of the incoming blades with her twin weapons, batting them out of the air almost as soon as they're launched. Unfortuantely, she just can't keep up with the sheer number of blades streaking at her, and many of them hit her. One slashes across her shoulders, another slices a line into one of her thighs, yet another opens a bleeding line at the side of her neck. She seems staggered by the barrage of blades, and stumbles towards Rock, falling to her knees with only a loose grip on the sabres. Her head slumps forward as she remains in the sitting position, and her voice trembles slightly, her shoulders shaking as if she were crying. "I'm... sorry, Rock... I never wanted it to end like this..."

Swing makes the scene, having picked up unusual readings. For now he observes, keeping to the periphery of what appears to be action.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Magma Dragoon transmits: 'I am en route... and prepared to enter Rio on your mark then Rock...'.

Turbo Man receives a radio transmission.

Seminole perks up at Shrike's radio signal, then turns his head to spot the approaching Bass. o 0 (Oh, it just keeps getting -better- and -better-!)

Chaos has left.

Rock frowns, the Gravity Buster sliding back into it's compartments... "Iris..." he says, taking a step forward toward the fallen Viris; he's hit her pretty hard, 'cause that blast drained a good bit of his energy. "I don't want to destroy you..." (And here I get buttwhipped).

Turbo Man sends a radio transmission.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Still here waiting on orders.'.

Bass leaps upwards, feet hitting the rooftop of a parked car, then propelling him upwards, much like a springboard into the air. White gloved hands grip onto a flagpole, and he easily swings forward, finally alighting onto a balcony, now only several dozen feet from the scene of the main conflict, and beyond caring who the heck knows he's here. His eyes center on Rock and Viris, and of course, he outright facepalms. "You sentimental idiot!!" he screams. "It's a ruse!" But of course he can't be heard over all the sudden chaos.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'I've already said, try to get Zero away from Vile 5 or 6 times, people...'.

Turbo Man receives a radio transmission.

Rushing forward with such speed, X almost barrels straight into Zero, which would be disasterous for his one time best friend in the state he is in. In the nanoseconds he has to react, he questions why he is trying to save the one person who betrayed him and all the Hunters . . . and he his conscience responds, which he had long forgotten until yesterday, when it found him once more in the form of his lost little sister. He cannot take a life anymore. The killing must end, and it must begin with him. As he makes the choice within his mind, he deftly places his hands onto Vile's shoulders and does a flip over the top of his head, barely avoiding Zero by only centimeters as he lands on the other side of the pair. "Maybe the others think you're insane, Magistrate. But I know better. You have a lot of power in your future, after all, the Kaiser is hardly in the right state of mind to make any sensible rulings. He and the Lady are just figureheads, to generate fear and loyalty. You want to make sure it stays that way. That's why you're here, to watch over Lady Viris, make sure she doesn't endanger that future. Well, I've got news for you, she has no intention of making sure any of that happens. Zero is the key to all of this. If you go through with her plans, you'll be out of the picture and in your place will be the little Hunter in your palm. Let him go, and it'll happen all over again and you'll have lost nothing." He's playing a gamble, but Vile has the upper hand right now and he can take no risks with combat . . . not without hurting Zero. Slowly, his X-Buster powers down as his hand slides back out of the firing chamber, as a sign of his intentions. "I know there's a intelligent thinking reploid in there. It's your call. Can you afford to risk all that you worked to gain?"

Turbo Man sends a radio transmission.

Mirage sends a radio transmission to Rock.

Rock receives a radio transmission from Mirage.

Rock sends a radio transmission.

Mirage receives a radio transmission from Rock.

Mirage sends a radio transmission to Rock.

Rock receives a radio transmission from Mirage.

Rock sends a radio transmission.

Mirage receives a radio transmission from Rock.

Mirage is simply standing in the middle of the battle, as everything unfolds before him. He is a simple pawn in this game, unnoticed as well. The world around him is in chaos. Mirage watches in awe, as he awaits to fight, or help..somehow. Either way, it's history in the making.

Upon seeing Megaman clamber atop Vile and then hearing the words of X to Vile, General breaths an internal sigh of relief. Seeing that X has not fired upon Zero as he first feared would happen. Instead the giant turns his attention to the battle occuring between Viris and Rock and sees Viris go down. Unfortunantly he also observes Rock's movements towards Viris and he frowns.. Having his own doubts at first and then Bass confirms his fears, "Rock! Hold your position!" he nods his head towards Blink though he responds over his radio and not aloud..and then he himself raises a huge fist upward.. Ionic energy beginning to crackle around it as he slowly charges up his internal systems. o O (We cannot open fire upon Vile while he has Zero. I have to trust the hunters..even the unknown factor that is X..to retrieve Zero. Viris on the other hand we can assist with and make sure she stays down.) His mammoth body turns about slowly to face Viris' position and he begns to bring his mammoth frame towards her and the brawl with Rock.

Lady Viris lifts her head slightly, her red eyes glowing through the hair dangling over her face, as she heaves a sigh, the beam sabres deactivating. "Dear, foolish Rock. It's a shame I can't say the same about you." Before the Hunter even has a chance to think about what she just said, she springs up, her legs snapping her to her feet and carrying her towards Rock, one of her arms flashing out. However, she doesn't employ the glinting red razornails that she would just love to dig into Rock's chest. Instead, she goes straight for his throat, grabbing him by the neck with a strength that nobody would ever believe her slim form concealed, and... incredibly enough, she LIFTS the Hunter leader, before spinning on a heel and throwing him bodily with as much force as she can muster, intending on sending him THROUGH the nearest building. "I will deal with you soon enough, fool. For now, I must secure that which belongs to me."

Whee, it's more 'best of Rock imprints in walls,' with your host, Viris! Well, not really, but... Rock is grabbed, grabbing at Viris' wrist as she lifts him, "NO!" And is tossed, much like a rag doll in all that armour, flying through the air. *WHAM!* And through a concrete wall... grey-brown dust poofs out of the hunter-sized hole there, and all is still within.

Swing makes his way to Seminole, finally picking up his signature amongst the eye candy. Dropping down from a fire escape, he nods once as he squints about. "Seminole - good God - what's this?"

Magistrate Vile rests there, Megaman gripping him in a threatening manner, he gripping Zero, and X towering over him with his futile speeches... Or are they?

X has spoken the truth. But would it be wise to allow him to know this? ...Indeed not. In accordance to these thoughts, Vile's cannon aims directly for X's chest. It's already 'been' powered up, it would seem, and a single blast would likely take X out for awhile at this distance. Megaman is of little concern, seeing as how Vile could probably rid himself of him in moments. Instead, he calmly states, "You will release me, little one, or you shall cost your very blood his life." Vile's left optic hums to life, peering into X's soul from where he rests, "You are a fool, X, as I have stated many times. To presume tha I would /dare/ challenge the power of the Kaiser or attempt to undermine his rule is absurd. He is the supreme power in this world now." He grows quiet for a moment, then continues, "You would do well to leave, X, and to take your "brother" with you. This night, regardless of how you choose to accept it, is ours."

Bass rolls his eyes. "Typical..." he mutters, before gripping teh edge of the railing on the balcony, drawing his mouth back into a slight snarl as he watches Virus carefully, guaging her next move. His eyes then dart about for a few seconds, taking in everyone else, before returning to the other. His right hand shifts, and disappears into his arm with an audible click, followed by the telltale hum of his buster....

Jet Stingray facepalms, and winces at the same time as Rock once again gets thrown into a conviently placed concrete wall of a building.

Seminole watches Rock fly, and General start to bring down his fist. He sighs at Swing, only remarking, "Chaos." o 0 (This is going to get worse before it gets better.) he thinks, then promtly jumps from the rooftop, drops a story, and lands nimbly on the ground below. Sem leaps forward as soon as that happens, charging towards the building Rock just went through.

Swing arches a brow for a moment, watches Seminole drop and shrugs. "Jeez, you take a little vacation and the world self-destructs..." he mutters, snapping out his nightstick. "Ah well. Good to see we're still in the same old routine." he smirks, dropping down in a half flip to follow Seminole's path.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Sitrep guys? What's the progress?'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'Let General handle Viris, Hunters. It's up to us to get Zero back and retrieve Rock... which Megaman and X seem to be handling for the moment.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: '*cough* I'm fine... just peachy...'.

A soft sigh escapes General as he observes what just happened with Rock. His head swivels to the side to track the flight of Rock and he then returns his gaze towards VIris.. Beginning to move his tremendous body in her direction and readying his internal weaponry. Bringing a single gigantic hand up, the casings on his wrists pull back to reveal gigantic blasters and with repeated *PHOOM*, blue fire arcs through the air. Illuminating the sky and scorching the earth as repeated fire from his wrist blasters opens up towards Viris. Even as he speaks he rumbles, "Forgive me.. It is clear to me that the Iris I know and cherish is simply no longer present within you, Maverick. Your actions and intentions are clear to me. You will be put down, along with Vile." There is some initial hestitation in him as he opens fire but it is quickly gone. Overruled by his dedication to duty and doing what he believes needs to be done. Apparently a 'shoot first ask questions later' philosphy has now been adopted.

Hoverbike <Stiletto> arrives from the Rio - Downtown Mall District.

Hoverbike <Stiletto> has arrived.

A form moves out of the dust cloud, clutching his shoulder; it's Rock, and he looks quite angered. As General fires on Viris, he frowns.

Blink frowns, moving to follow General in a sheer dash straight after, sliding to a stop with his lightning shield crackling into being on either arm as he waits for Viris to move so he can strike. Glancing up, he frowns as he notes Rock going flying at the moment, then he fires his flight-jets, zooming up to try and catch Rock himself... however, this /is/ a small Reploid we're talking about, and one built for speed. Not the sheer strength of General or Rock or Bass.

Megaman narrows his eyes. He was ignored. Oh, that was a big mistake on Vile's part. He clambers up a bit more, morphing his cannon back into a hand to get a better grip. In a slowly shifting chromatic change, his uniform shifts from shades of blue into red and orange. The Blue (er, orange) Bomber's eyes snap open, alight with an internal fire. And the eyes aren't the only thing on fire: The air around Megaman begins to ignite to extremely high temperatures as he summons forth the Fire Storm, submitting Vile's upper body to extremely high temperatures. One hand slides over and grips firmly on a massive shoulder, trying to heat it enough to get the Magistrate to drop Zero.

Mirage whirls around and sees the attack from General. Taking a cue from the repliforce, Mirage decides to fight. He quickly jumps onto a car and flips in the air. His Hand Cannon is charged up as it emits a white blast of energy. The mass of white light is aimed right for the left side of Viris. Either way, Mirage is most likely screwed.

Lady Viris turns on a heel, beginning to stride in Vile's direction as she reattaches the two Z Sabres she's carrying to her belt. She notices General powering up, and beginning to focus some of that formidable firepower on her. A look that is more annoyance than fear, as she prepares to be obliterated. Or not. Her form begins to glow with a crimson light, just as she's swallowed up by the ion barrage, concealed from the sight of the onlookers. Considering that the spot she's standing in is begin torn to shreds by massive energy bursts, the chance of her surviving seem slim, if any.

Bass finally decides that one way or another, he's going to get what he wants out of this. And with a quick leap, he soars off of the balcony, pushing himself off the railing with a quick gesture, soaring easily through the air, and landing right -beside- Rock, armored boots giving an all too audible clank on contact with the pavement. "You certainly know how to throw a party...." he intones quietly, almost casually to his counterpart.

Simply standing there, X doesn't make any effort to move or dodge. Instead he simply shakes his head at Vile, as if indicating he has made the wrong choice, "Then you've just sealed all of our fates, Vile." Raising his hands into the air, he motions around at the entire chaotic landscape around them, as uncontrolled fighting and yelling goes on, "You can watch as our whole future as we know it is destroyed, and in its place will be some twisted mangled planet filled with crazed Reploids who all follow Zero's rule. Poor Vava, to be rejected _twice_. Oh, wait, now that all of Repliforce has gone Maverick, it looks like you were rejected by the same people both times." A strangely twisted smirk graces X's expression, something which looks out of place, even on his hardened form, "Welcome to the new future, Magistrate! Or, maybe I should call you Sargeant, now that you've been demoted." As he finishes his sentence, the smile fades as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a deep scowl showing his true feelings, those of distaste.

Glacnging sidelong at Bass, he huffs, "What're you doing here, Fishboy?" His Buster encompasses his left hand, and he frowns...

Rio - Southern Downtown(#3120Rnt)

Southern downtown Rio is a busy place indeed. Full of expensive restaurants of countless cuisines and styles of cooking, with a multitude of parks and zoos, this is primarily a tourist trap sort of place for those who come to Rio on vacation. Nearby the coast and the beach, it's one of the busiest places in all of Rio, the neverending flood of noise and sound from hover cars and pedestrians, their honking and shouting and talking like a long melodical song.

Hoverbike <Stiletto> [MH]
Swing [MH]
Jet Stingray [RF]
Blink [Armor] [RF]
Screen
Turbo Man [RM]
General [RF]
Bass [RM]
Treble
X [MH]
Seminole [MH]
Megaman [MH]
Rock [X] [MH]
Mirage [MH]
Lady Viris [M]
Magistrate Vile [M]

Obvious exits:
South <S> leads to Teleportation Area--Rio.
East <E> leads to Rio - Southern Beach.
North <N> leads to Rio - Downtown Mall District.
West <W> leads to Rio - Commercial District.

Magistrate Vile stares silently at X, despite the heat that's beginning to grow around him. At the moment, he could care less. Eyes narrowing, the demonic light of the left optic shining brighter than ever, the Magistrate calmly grates; far calmly than he's spoken in a very long time, "....So be it, X.... Know this, however, that you shall walk in the caverns of the damned, for your end grows closer each day. Have your "friend", X. The very same that you slaughtered in the past." He grips Zero firmly by the neck and, with a twist of his torso, flings the blond-haired Hunter at X with all of the strength that he can muster. At this same time, his hand collides with the controls and he throws Goliath into a complete reverse. This, moreso than X, is being done to deal with Megaman, "Do enjoy your trip, little one." Vile sneers as the heat finally begins to affect him. Moreso than anything, it's angering the shrewd one.
Seminole stops in his own motion as he notices Swing slowing down. He sighs heavily, then jogs back and tugs on his arm forcibly towards Rock, and now Bass and Blink. "C'mon Swing, not here, and not now. We've got a mission," he intones, and keeps trying to pull him.
"You have no idea." Bass intones quietly, before finally tracing into a slight smirk. "That's what I always liked about you. The bargaining type. Oh...but I do believe I may have to wait to pay my own 'debt' in such a case." he gestures towards where Zero has suddenly been turned into little more than a projectile surging towards X. "Rather pleasant these new arrivals wouldn't you say?" Oh yeah, he's loving every minute of it.
Swing takes a bit as he sees the lumbering hulk pull back. He snaps back to reality at Seminole's urging. "Right..." he says slowly, then snaps back completely. "I'm back. Let's do it."
Blink turns, charging up a shield of electricity on either arm as he moves forward, waiting for Viris to 'move' again before sending out a full-fledge shield-bolt towards her as his speed takes him by. Of course, there /is/ that crackle that practically says 'still connected' coming from him. Launching into the air, Blink turns, ready to fire another just as quickly as the first launched out.

Megaman grins, "Trip? Oh, no, I'm not going anywhere.. But I think you are, big guy!" Still surrounded by flickering flames, he leaps upward, flipping midair, and lands neatly on the ground in front of Vile. The heat around him begins to form into a circle of fireballs, highlighting the youthful features on his face very well.. showing that, despite his youth, he has quite a bit of experience. "Now.. why don't you make like a tree and leave!" He sweeps his arms straight to the side, and the circle of fireballs leaves Megaman's body, flying in a deadly ring of flames toward Vile, to speed him on his way.

Rock frowns, "Unpleasant my aft..." As Zero is used as a javelin, he says, "Well, guess you won't get your information..." And he winks at Bass, and dashes off. His body color changes to a green-white, and he leaps, the barrel of his Gravity Buster opening. But he does not fire as Megaman beats him to the punch; "Don't forget that parting gift, Vile!"

Lady Viris reappears near Vile, actually seeming scorched and injured by the massive torrent of fire the General unleashed on her, holding her shoulder as she staggers towards the Magistrate. Obviously, her shield wasn't able to block the assault completely, althought it held out long enough for her to teleport out of the path of General's follow-up rocket punch. Her eyes widen as Vile hands over her prize, and the furious mask of rage her face contorts into is frightening in it's intensity. "NO! I will NOT lose him again. Not to you, X." She launches herself at the Hunter that's intercepting Zero, drawing back an arm as far as she can, her long fingernails glowing intensely as she prepares to smite her enemy, ignoring the system warnings at the lack of energy, since she used most of her reserves just surviving General and Blink's assault...

Seminole nods approvingly to Swing, letting go of the other Hunter's arm and continuing on his dash towards Rock's little gathering. Arriving from the side, Seminole gasps quietly at the sight of Bass, unconsciously slowing in his pace. He does his best to ignore the Dark Knight, focussing on Rock instead. "Sir," he simply emits in acknowledgement, watching the Hunter CO fire at Vile.

Blink hovers over near General, looking at him, "Stand down, or attempt to capture for information?"

Bass arches an eyebrow as Rock moves off, moving his hands to rest on his hips just a bit. "We'll see about that..." he grunts inaudibly, not bothering to dash after Rock's path. In fact, he downright walks after him, watching as Lady Virus moves to intercept Zero's flightpath. "....if I let him be captured I'd be rid of that scarlet annoyance. And yet....." he growls. Decisions decisions....and he comes to one fairly quickly, shifting his arm into his buster in the blink of an eye, then tilting it upwards towards the futuristic Maverick. "Not today little one. It seems everywhere I turn, I run into -your- influence somehow..." With that, he unleashes a rather large blast of energy, screaming across the field straight for it's target. Lady Viris.

*WHA-TOOOOM!*

Swing takes up a position next to Seminole, but says nothing, also giving Bass a sidelong glance before flitting his eyes towards the action.

Mirage turns around, "How is Viris so fast?!". Mirage dashes toward the little group of Blink, General and Viris. "Come on!". Mirage charges up his hand cannon once more. This time he is now aimed directly at the back of Viris. Mirage unleashes a hellishly large blast of energy at the unsuspecting Maverick. Perhaps he will do some damage, and someone will notice that he's fighting.

"Affirmative Blink, stand down your assualt on Viris." rumbles General to Blink. Knowing that if he orders him to fire or fires himself it's going to turn into a full fledged cross fire situation with friendly fire running the risk of hitting allies.. Even as Bass fires and then Mirage fires, both at Viris, General is turning his own attention towards Vile.. Turning his gigantic frame to face the other giant who is currently without benefit of hostage to hide behind.

Seminole watches the massive blast from Bass, as well as General plod on after Vile, as well as the power showcased by X and Rock themselves, not to mention the Mavericks own abilities. Grinning slightly, Seminole leans to his side and mutters something to Swing..

Blink nods, frowning as he hovers up, glancing towards General, "Think you can get me an opening in that armor? I've got the blasted best way to get this guy out of our's and the Hunter's hair for a while."

Seminole whispers to Swing: 'Do you ... ... that ... ... ... brought a knife to ... ...'.

Rock watches Bass, "Okay..." He looks about the battlefield.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Hunters, what's yoru status? Have you recovered Zero.'.

(Ch. A []) Mirage transmits: 'Negative, these Mavericks are too strong..they don't even know him here. (literally).'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Seminole transmits: 'I believe they have given up Zero, though I am unsure of his location.'.

Junk arrives from the Rio - Commercial District.

Junk has arrived.

Junk enters the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Junk has left.

Swing listens to Seminole and just grins a touch, watching the firefight play in his eyes, muttering back.

Having expected a violent reaction, X gets the results he was hoping for and quite probably in the manner he was expecting it. He knew that Vile would never be willing to relinquish his near absolute power that he holds in his future, not even for the likes of Lady Viris. Catching Zero as best he can, he still flies backwards as his friend slams into him, from the sheer force and strength with he was thrown. "Oof!" Just about the only words he can manage, he slams into the side of a parked vehicle, which slows him down enough for him to stop, the red armored berserker sitting atop of him unconscious. Struggling to get back up, he grunts as he lifts his companion, with only moments to react to Viris. Baring his teeth angrily, he already has his X-Buster raised, powered, and fired before she's within arm's reach, "Not today, Viris. This time it will be different. This time, I'm going to follow the ideals I swore to uphold the day I was given my first Buster, and not you, or Vile, or even Kaiser can stop me. The only mistake I made . . . was deciding that I was good enough to judge who lived and who died." Leaping backwards as the large mass of energy streaks out of his weapon, he lands on the other side of the ruined car, using the delay his shot hopefully created to charge up another shot, "Don't look now, Milady, but it looks like all of these heroes have run out of playmates to toy with. And you're next on the menu. If this is going to end, I'll make sure it ends with all of our deaths." The glow from his X-Buster quickly increases exponentially as time passes, until it's so blinding as to be almost impossible to look at directly. "Make your choice, Viris! You claim to act out of love. Well, choose. If you don't give up, all of us will die. If you leave, Zero will still stand a chance at happiness with Iris, the way it was meant to be. And even you know that somewhere in the depths of that twisted heart of yours."

Swing whispers to Seminole: 'Every ... ... Every ...'.

Magma Dragoon has arrived.

Magma Dragoon stalks into the area silently.

Seminole grins at Swing and shakes his head, continuing to watch as little else could be done right now. He sheathes his datchi, never having to use it tonight anyway. "Good. I'm glad I'm not the only one."

Magma Dragoon leaps from his bike racing into the fray.

Rock seems lost... the battle spread WAY too far... "HUNTERS! Find a location on Zero now!"

Swing breathes a sigh of relief as well, swiveling his baton back into its catch with a casual flip to his hip. "In any case..." he looks back at the retreating Vile. "It seems I'm going to need to be caught up in a drastic way..."

Magma Dragoon skids to a stop, quite a skid at that from his run at top speed. He crouches down and sniffs the air. "I'll find him..... that cheap cologne still lingers....." He roars quickly and races off.

The glowing talons leave a trailing streak of light as they slash at X's face, coming within an inch of hitting him, certain victory within the Maverick's grasp, until... Viris takes the blast from Bass square in the back, and it throws her off course, sending her flying through the air in a different direction, smacking into the ground with a loud thud. She trembles slightly, trying to rise only to fall back down. Mirage's blast hit her, too, but all things considered, she barely even noticed it. She finally staggers back up to her feet, the portion of her bodysuit over her back charred and blasted, exposing her damaged flesh beneath. She sweeps her gaze over the assembled Maverick Hunters and Repliforcers, letting it linger a bit longer on Zero, whom seems impossible to recover at the moment. It galls her, having something... someONE who rightfully belongs to her kept out of her grasp. But there will always be another time, so she can afford to be patient.

She allows a mask of calmness to spread across her face, as she locks her gaze on General. "This day is yours, for now. Enjoy it while you still can, because it will not last long. This world will not be subject to the whims and desires of murderers and cowards, and I will not allow X to continue his slaughter. Do not speak to me of love, X. You do not know the meaning of the word. If it had not been for you, none of this would have happened. You..." She cuts off with an angry shake of her head, and strides to where Vile is, not looking back. "It is time we departed, Magistrate. Do not dally." She calls back over her shoulder at the assemblage, in a cold and confident tone, "I have given you another day to live. Do not mistake my generousity for sentimentality."

Blink hovers up higher, having heard the need to find Zero from the Hunters and looking around. His visor switches to a grid lay-out underneath as he starts trying to pinpoint, then nods and looks towards General, frowning.

Laughter issues forward from Bass' mouth as Viris begins to move off and vacate the scene. "Interesting, I never thought it even possible for Iris to turn out in such a way. Ever have one of those days that you just truly -enjoy- a great deal? Muhahahaha..." He shifts his now smoking buster back into his hand, and rests both on his hips once again, cracking a half smirk in Rock's direction at the same time. "Your welcome."

Seminole nods slightly to Swing, as his visor flashes a bright blue color. He looks slowly around the urban area, looking for the crimson beserker.

Mirage blinks at the happenings and sighs, "What about Zero?". Mirage departs from his current location and heads toward Rock.

Megaman's color begins to shift once more to its normal light and dark blue. He sets his jaw and nods disdainfully toward the retreating Vile, "And don't come back! Meany." Now that the battle is over, though, all of that begins to leave him, and as he spins back toward the others, he flashes a bright grin. Ah, to be young and naive..
Swing too goes into 'tracking' mode, re-calibrating his sub-meme sensor plates to wide range scan, uploading Zero's energy signature to help him extrapolate.

Rock gives Bass a surprising thumbs-up. "Good! Hunters, if we have Zero, someone let me know!" He dashes toward the grouping...

Seminole enters the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Seminole has left.

Junk arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Junk has arrived.

Swing begins to sweep the area, his keen senses already cutting his search area down.

Leveling his X-Buster at Viris, X clenches his teeth, torn at his choice. He has saved Zero's life, but is that enough? Not wishing it to end this way, he yells out, "No! You've corrupted Iris long enough. I've watched helplessly as you tore her inside out, corrupted her soul, and made her into your image. I won't let it continue any longer. Iris is going to be laid to rest, and her soul will finally rest. You're not escaping here today, Milady. Not alive." The charge he has been building this entire time suddenly lashes out of his weapon, an immense cloud of destructive energy almost the same size as the immense General himself. It's his most powerful attack, and one he has chosen to unleash upon his one time comrade. He will not let the cycle continue. Closing his eyes after he fires, he drops his arm in disappointment at himself, whispering in a tone that only perhaps Zero can hear, "I'm sorry, Roll. I had to stop her, even if it meant killing only one more person."

Bass begins to slowly walk forward again, eyeing those others who are moving about and looking for the red armored long-haired one. He snorts audibly, and gestures with some measure of amusement. "If you would frankly stop panicking and actually -look- you'd realize he's right under your noses." he states, although by no means hiding his immense amusement at seeing Zero in such a condition. It's about then that X unleashes his blast at Virus' retreating back, and he raises his right hand just a bit to shield his eyes, before lowering it again, chuckling. "Well now...hasn't our little Rock grown into something -else-?"

A deep frown crosses the expression of General as he hears Viris' words towards him and then observes the departure of Viris and Vile from the area. He shakes his head and his deep voice rumbles, "This is not over.. It has only begun.." Slowly he turns about.. Knowing that attempting to stop them with the condition of some of those present will only end in disaster. His huge frame begins to approach Zero and X. He watched the flight of Zero and observed as X caught him and so his deep voice rumbles out towards the Hunters, "The future X, I believe.." he begins to rumble and then pauses as the energy blast from X occurs and actually causes him to stop and shield his eyes. Even he is briefly surprised at the sheer size and power of the blast from X and he emits a brief grunt of startlment before twisting his frame about to track its coarse. Fearful of what might happen should he miss as Viris' reaction time and teleportation abilities have made themselves all to apparent.

Mirage reaches his leader, Rock. "Rock...you alright?". Mirage shakes his head, "I think X is in for it..this isn't good".

A hand grips Bass' shoulder, and Rock is standing there when he looks. "Not funny..." And he turns to Mirage, "What do you mean?"

Swing moves up on Zero, X and Bass' position, pausing for a brief moment to assess the situation before continuing forth. he's wary, but circumstances have been weird at best today, so he takes the chance and moves in blatantly towards Zero.

Magma Dragoon stands there.... his blade drawn.. prepared. But uncertain what to do. Yes... Magma... he's uncertain.

Flash Rabbit arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Flash Rabbit has arrived.

Junk points, "I have a bad feeling about this".

Mirage points at X off in the distance, "I have a bad feeling about what he's done...or what will happen to him".

Rock frowns at Mirage, "What happened?"

Junk shrugs, "I'm not sure, I just hope I'm really wrong".

Bass narrows his eyes just a bit at the touch on his shoulder, before raising his hand to brush Rock's grip off rather annoyedly. "I wouldn't get delusions..." he states quietly, before tilting his gaze back towards X again for a few seconds.

Mirage Shrugs, "I'm not sure, I just hope I'm really wrong".

Sketch Mouse arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Sketch Mouse has arrived.

Blink looks around, then starts hovering along as he looks for injured civilians he might be able to help. Frowning, he looks over towards General, then looks around again. Blink lands, his primary weapon crackling, then vanishing as he starts looking around slowly, carefully. The speedster is moving slow purposefully, obviously looking for blood or mecha fluid where there shouldn't be while he taps the side of his helmet and activates his radio again.

Flash Rabbit bounces in, a small bright white blur. "You called sir?!" he shouts, looking around for General, then doing a double-take at everyone assembled

Rio - Southern Downtown(#3120Rnt)

Southern downtown Rio is a busy place indeed. Full of expensive restaurants of countless cuisines and styles of cooking, with a multitude of parks and zoos, this is primarily a tourist trap sort of place for those who come to Rio on vacation. Nearby the coast and the beach, it's one of the busiest places in all of Rio, the neverending flood of noise and sound from hover cars and pedestrians, their honking and shouting and talking like a long melodical song.

Flash Rabbit [RF]
Junk [C]
Magma Dragoon [MH]
Hoverbike <Stiletto> [MH]
Swing [MH]
Jet Stingray [RF]
Blink [Armor] [RF]
Screen
General [RF]
Bass [RM]
Treble
X [MH]
Megaman [MH]
Rock [X] [MH]
Mirage [MH]
Lady Viris [M]

Obvious exits:
South <S> leads to Teleportation Area--Rio.
East <E> leads to Rio - Southern Beach.
North <N> leads to Rio - Downtown Mall District.
West <W> leads to Rio - Commercial District.

. o O (Flash Rabbit is looking at you.)

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'All Hunters, report your status.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Whats going on? Everyone okay? Need that retrieval team now?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Still sittin back at the homefront here. How you guys fairing?'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Clarify that; all Hunters at Rio, report your status.'.

(Ch. A [Hunter]) Magma Dragoon transmits: 'I am unscathed completely..... do you have any specific orders for me?'.

Blink hovers over near General, looking at the bigger Reploid. "Can I suggest that you go back to base, sir, and refuel?"

Junk enters the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Junk has left.

Flash Rabbit looks around again, "I'm confused..."

Jet Stingray looks around the area, the whole place looks like a backyard BBQ gone horribly wrong, "What a fricken *MESS*!! This used to be one of my favorite spots to cruise by when on shore leave....." *Sigh*

Lady Viris is enveloped in the humongous blast, not being able to avoid an attack of such power, and everything around her is nuked as well, the empty streets gaining scars that will endure for years to come, as debries and smoke flies around everywhere. The smoke gradually thins, drifting away to reveal a deep, wide crater that's still smoking and glowing from the sheer intensitiy of the assault. As the last of the smoke wafts off, a translucent, weakly flickering sphere becomes visible, Viris on one knee with her arms crossed in front of her, crouched in a defensive position. Her eyes open, glowing an even fiercer demonic red as she focuses her hate-laden glare on X, shifting and rising to her feet and letting the shield disappiate as she begins to raise a hand towards X. She stops halfway, a sly, odd smile spreading across her face, the corners of her mouth tugging upwards until she's laughing mockingly at him. "You fool... you don't realize that you've already lost. He's coming. I can feel his presence, growing stronger. Soon, I will be the least of your worries." She lowers her arm, tilting her head and waving condecendingly at X, before she shoots up into the air, in a beam of crimson light, leaving the battlefield to a sudden silence.

Blink frowns, looking towards the explosion, then hovering over towards X, "Who's coming? Hate to be a bother, but we should know so we can prepare."

Flash Rabbit blinkblinks at the explosion, then his eyes nearly jump out of their sockets when he sees the target. "IRIS???"

Silence save for the sound of one person slowly clapping that is. Bass applauds lightly in the wake of Lady Viris' disappearance, head tilted upwards. "How very entertaining." he intones quietly, tilting his head in X's direction again. "Strange...how one tends to become more like that they so despised at one time..." he speaks quietly, as is pondering to himself, before finally turning and seeming to casually join the milling crowd for the moment. He'll get his information sooner or later, but for now he's in the mood to do some poking of his nose about and hear what he can hear.
"Your suggestion is noted Blink, but negative. I'm fine. Attend to your duties." responds General. Expression dark as he observes the result of X's fire on Viris and then narrows his eyes abit. Inwardly he radios emergency crews. Alerting them to the all clear status so that they can get in and begin the clean up process. He then frowns towards Blinks' sudden movements. o O (I'm going to have to speak with this one I believe..) and then he rumbles aloud towards the Hunters, "How is Zero?" as Flash Rabbit yells he shakes his head to him, "No..not Iris."

General sends a radio transmission.

Blink receives a radio transmission from General.

Megaman turns and glances up after the retreating Viris. He slowly shakes his head and scampers back toward the group.

Blink sends a radio transmission to General.

General receives a radio transmission.

Swing now stands near Zero's prone form. He looks over the players - Bass sizing up the scene, General and his troops standing resolute in all their bureaucratic might. The odd derivations of Rock that litter the area. Still, he holds his ground, waiting, watching.

Flash Rabbit is too surprised/confused/horried to listen, bounding over to X in a blur and pouncing him, grabbing his arm and yelling, "WhatareyoudoingtoIris?! Haveyougonenuts??" He pauses, wondering why X looks weird. "Andhowcomeyou'redressedsofunny? And what did you do to Iris?"

General sends a radio transmission to Blink.

Blink receives a radio transmission from General.

Blink sends a radio transmission to General.

General receives a radio transmission from Blink.

Gauze arrives from the Teleportation Area--Rio.

Gauze has arrived.

Jet Stingray sighs and heads on over to Flash, peeling him off of X and holding him up to his eye level, "Didn't you hear the big guy? That's not Iris....."

Breathing heavily with a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and frustration at the mixed results of the battle, he watches in bitterness as Lady Viris departs, not shifting his gaze for a moment until she is gone. Keeping his parting comments to himself, he instead looks down at the unconscious form of the one who he once called his best friend, "I don't know why I saved your life, Zero. . . I swore I would never forgive you for betraying the Hunters. But I think that I still believe, in my heart, that you weren't acting under your normal senses. I still keep some kind of hope that maybe it'll be different this time. I'm putting my trust in you, Zero, and so help me god, you better not make me regret what I did for you today. This future . . . it depends on you and Rock. Everyone is counting on you . . . most of all, Iris." Pausing a moment from his speech to allow a bit of silence, he finally continues, "Dammit, Zero, if don't do it for anyone else, do it for Iris. I'll learn forgive you again someday, but Iris will never recover." Releasing a quick breath in resignation, he simply stops, realizing the futility of talking to someone who is unconscious. Without another word, he strides towards the teleportation pad with his cargo in hand.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) X transmits: 'I have Zero. I'm returning with him to base.'.

Blink shakes his head, landing and reaching over to grab Flash, then hold the crazy rabbit down before glancing over towards General and sending a radio transmission.

Blink sends a radio transmission to General.

General receives a radio transmission from Blink.

General sighs loudly and then rumbles towards Flash Rabbit and Blink both now, "Rabbit, Blink. Pull back from X. /Now/." he is well aware of X's thoughts towards teh Repliforce of the future. There is no telling what he might do with two Repliforcers swarming all over him out of the blue like that. "Rabbit you will recieve a full debriefing. Pull away from him. Both of you. That is an order." he himself moves forward and then watches as X simply moves off anyway. "Pull back. Now."

General sends a radio transmission to Blink.

Blink receives a radio transmission.

Gauze runs from the tel are and looks about.

Blink blinks, then shrugs and hovers back, landing as he folds his arms and stays quiet, although it's obviously disliking not being able to do his job somewhat, but does nod at something.

Flash Rabbit sniffles, his nose quivering as several people roughly grab him and everyone starts shouting at him. "ButbutbutheshotIris!!!" He takes a deep breath, turning to General, "But General sir, I saw her! That mean Rock shot her! I thought he was nice, but he's acting mean and dressing funny! We gotta help her!"

Jet Stingray says, "Great...this who zone looks more char broiled than one of Mink's cullinary experiments."

Swing crouches down and makes a cursory check of Zero's systems, grimacing a bit as he gets the readout. "Well..." he sighs, snapping the panel closed. "Time to wrap this up..." he says, tapping his radio.

Bass watches as X goes into his entire shpiel. He stares through narrowed eyes, not exactly looking very impressed at the moment. "Believe me reploid, I'm entertaining the thought of shooting -you- right about now." He then tilts his glare back towards Rock again, and levels his finger at him. "I have given my assistance. If pursuits so keep our paths on the same course, I may give it again. But I expect to be let in on this little 'information' parade. I know you Rock, and you're not one to turn down something in return for something."

Blink looks at Flash, "Umm... Flash? Which Rock are you talking about?" He motions towards the other two with a hand.

Swing sends a radio transmission.

Rock receives a radio transmission.

Rock sends a radio transmission.

Swing receives a radio transmission.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Hunters at Rio, report back to Hunter HQ for

General sighs abit and actually looks like he has a headache for the briefest of seconds. "Enough soldier. Everything will be explained. This is a puzzle that we are only just now beginning to piece together. Now enough." he rumbles at Flash. Now and here is not the time for this. "Gauze, see if anyone requires medical assistance. If X will allow you, attend to Zero first as he is worse off and I don't believe Hunter medics are here. If he seems hesitant do not force the issue. Those of you who are well enough, pull and return to Repliforce headquarters unless you wish to aid in cleanup and recovery here. There is nothing more to be done here save cleanup. The Mavericks are gone."

Flash Rabbit stares at Blink, then looks at the other 2 Rocks. "um..hey, there's 2 more of him! Look, we have 3 Rocks! Where'd the other 2 come from??"

Swing sends a radio transmission to Rock.

Rock receives a radio transmission from Swing.

Rock looks at Flash Rabbit, "Long story..."

Flash Rabbit looks like he's about to cry again, staring at Rook. "But but but...Iris got shot by you only it wasn't you, and then she ran off and people yelled at me and hurt me and yelled some more and said it wasn't her but it /was/ I know it was!"

General sends a radio transmission.

Rock frowns over at Bass, "Alright... but I've gotta get my troops patched up first. Meet me on a neutral territory later tommorow and we'll talk."

Jet Stingray blasts off from the area, heading back to the teleporters.

Bass gives the barest hint of a smirk in Rock's direction. "Of course..." he states, as he steps back. Sure enough, as if on cue, a certain purple armored figure appears nearby, moving down on flight jets. Treble growls once at the close proximety of all the reploids, before Bass turns and steps up onto the mechawolf's back. "Ta ta for now Rock. I have a feeling we may be seeing each other a little more than usual in the next few days." He snorts once, as if finding it ironic somehow, before giving Treble's forehead a good smack. With a whoosh of thrusterfire, the Dark Knight lifts into the air atop his ride, circling once as he gains altitude, then turning and jetting over everyone's heads before heading higher into the sky.

Bass has left.

Rock shakes his head, moving to his own Robodog; getting on Rush as he assumes Cycle form, he drives off.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rock transmits: 'Just... everyone, get back to base and get the repairs you need. ESPECIALLY QUICKLY, someone take Zero there NOW.'.

Swing cradles up Zero's form, slinging him over his thin shoulder rather easily, speeding away to home.

Flash Rabbit sits down on the ground and starts crying, his poor little mind too horribly confused to process anything else. o O(Maybe Rook split into 3 personalites and the bad part shot Iris? Or maybe Iris and Rook split, and that's why Iris was dressed different too?) He gives up at this point, and concentrates on crying as it's the only thig he can do right at this point