Megaman - Tuesday, July 04, 2000, 12:08 PM

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You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Anthem: "Anthem, this is Twila. You there"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Zero, this is Twila...you reading?"

Anthem sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Anthem here, Miss Peterson. May I help you?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "....Yeah, Twi. ....What's up?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Anthem: "Any luck with keeping an eye on Zero?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Just...wanted to see how you were. You weren't exactly in the best of states when you left."

Anthem sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not as of yet. I'm in San Angeles at the moment, looking around.. but he's managed to keep out of trouble thus far."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "...Perhaps... I'm as alright as can be expected, Twila. I'm surprised that nobody's come looking for me.. *softly* Heh... I suppose nobody cares about ol' crazy, "Betrayer" Zero.."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Anthem: "I'm not allowed to leave the labs unless I'm with an escort. Hate to ask...but, could you wait by the San Angeles Teleport chambers and act as one?"

Anthem sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Just give me a minute to get over there, and I would be quite happy to. A fresh perspective might give me the help I need right now."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "If no one cared I doubt you'd be having a radio conversation. You did state you wanted some time alone. But...there is a thing as having too much time. You don't sound so well."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Anthem: "Thanks, Anthem. Just let me know and I'll teleport when you're there."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not ... I'm hardly the one to be concerned with, Twila. How're Rock and yourself?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Rock's alright, if somewhat stressed. We were able to spend some time together a couple nights ago actually. It helped."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That's good to hear ... How about the rest of the Hunters?"

Anthem sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I'm coming up to the public porter building now, Miss Peterson..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Alright as I'm aware. There hasn't been any major fighting due to the ongoing truce...which has at least kept the med-tables used in the bay at a bare minimum."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I'm sure you love that, Twi."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Anthem: "Gotcha. Coming."

<Soon...>

Teleportation Area--San Angeles

Anthem is just entering the building, shouldering her way through the outgoing late-night crowd, and the incoming barflies and club-goers. She's in casual attire, but it's hard to miss her still.

Twila Peterson lets out a sigh as she reappears within a flash of energy on the teleport pad. She stays where she is momentarily until she catches sigh of the greenish crown of Anthem's and breaths in relief. She may not be doing the smartest thing, coming out like this. But she can't help but worry. "Thanks for waiting for me, Anthem. I owe you one. Someone back home knows where I am and who I'm with...so it's ok. I've been keeping in contact with Zero. The transmissions are coming from this city from what the reading stated in the Command Center..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Patients more than likely love that too actually. *pause* Zero, mind if I ask where you currently are?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*soft chuckle* Only because it's you, Twila ... Or if it were Rock, but since it isn't ... I've been wandering for awhile, but I'm pretty sure that I'm in the Business District of San Angeles."

Anthem nods, seeming a little bit tense. "I understand. C'mon, though - you *are* a target, and we *are* in a crowd of unknown people. I'd prefer not to make you any more vulnerable than I have to." It's easy to tell her deeply ingrained police instincts are at work here - trying to keep her 'guard' as safe as possible.

Twila Peterson nods in agreement with Anthem and steps to join her as she gestures for the exit. "Yeah...agreed. He says he's in the Business District. So, that narrows it down a bit."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Any idea of where? See any defining markers? Shops?"

Anthem follows Twila out of the building, nodding. "Yes... now... the Business District. That does limit it down a little." The cop looks around as the massive Mall rises up in every direction. "At least he isn't in here. I don't think I could stand looking through another one of these crazy stores." They walk past a Victoria Secret's, and the reploid snorts with disdain. "I just do *not* understand humans." She quickly turns to Twila, blushing a little. "No offense."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*long pause* ...Where the roads begin to spiral and converge about one another - I am atop a building there. I believe it is an Office Building. Should be marked 234A, or so I believe it to be."

Twila Peterson quirks a grin. "No offense taken. Some of us do have a tendency to really over do it." She then adds, "Ok...he stated he was where the road spirals and converges. He's atop an office building marked 234A. You...know where that is?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Ok. Do me a favor...and stay there for right now?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Very well."

Anthem taps her chin in thought, trying to remember. "I *think* I know where it is. This is only the third time I've been to this city, though, so I'm not completely sure." She looks around a little bit, appearing to remember directions. "Over that way's the ocean... so that would mean that the Business District is... that way." She points eastwards, towards a series of taller buildings. With a smirk, she comments. "Though if he's on top of one of them... you're going to need a hand from me to get up there."

Heh, reploids come in handy, don't they? "You...wouldn't mind helping me up there? Twila asks her hopefully. She swings her gaze to where the reploid points, putting faith within her instincts. The girl doesn't know her all that well. But she seems as one she should be able to trust.

You send a tightbeam transmission to Zero: Thanks. I asked since...I'll be there shortly. But, Anthem's with me playing escort. Not supposed to be without one when leaving the base now. Thought you should know in advance so there wouldn't be a surprise.

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Right ... Well, when you get here, just look up. I'm not hard to miss."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Will do."

Twila Peterson lowers her radio and turns towards Anthem as they continue to walk along towards the designated place. "He says that when we reach the place to look up, that he would be hard to miss. Also relayed that you're here as well...so he wouldn't be surprised."

Zero is currently standing upon the office building that he mentioned in the radio call. His position is just at its edge, arms folded and eyes peering mercilessly into the night. His hair and coat occasionally stir thanks to the evening breeze and even as another rush of wind sweeps across his face, he looks away and closes his eyes. His fists slowly clench as blond strands of hair swirl about him and he shouts, "....I AM NOT A BETRAYER....!" The shout echoes across the city, an occasional civilian looking up in mild interest.

Even as he shouts, his form crumples into a kneel on the roof top. His hair and the like are still able to be spotted from below, but one might also notice that he seems to be in pain.

Anthem nods, quite calmly. "Knowing him, when he says he'll be hard to miss, he'll......" She then, Zero's shout echoes down from above. The cop (and most likely Twila as well) looks up. "That would be him now." Her sarcastic smirk fades as she spies Zero drop slightly. "Express elevator to the top, Miss Peterson. Grab hold and *don't let go*." Anthem aims her cannon-arm upwards, towards the top of the building.

Twila Peterson turns away from the disturbing sight and nods readily as she holds on to the reploid as tightly as possible. "Right. Don't let go and...don't look down..." The latter she adds as an afterthought even as she strengthens her grip. "Kay...ready..."

Maverick Hunter Zero

In a world engulfed in hatred, a single, piercing light shines defiantly into the darkness. A light which gives hope, but brings forth damnation. It establishes justice when there is injustice, but chaos when there is order. This ray of light is personified in one, single being: An Angel of Heaven; A Demon of Hell -- Zero.

His physical form, reaching over six feet in height, appears remarkably humanoid at the moment. Now lacking his armor, Zero is dressed in a more casual form of attire. His upper body is covered by a loose, white shirt. Its main body cuts off around mid-hip and the sleeves extend down most of the arm. Both hands wield black, fingerless gloves which aid in the use of his sabre. Upon the lower body, he wears a pair of black pants which are clearly looser than typical blue jeans. A belt is worn about the waist which serves as the resting place of his infamous Zero Saber. His feet are covered by a pair of generic black shoes. Overshadowing all of this, however, is a long burgundy trenchcoat which is worn about the body.

The head is, perhaps, the most interesting thing about him. His features are remarkably beautiful and are clearly bishounen in nature. The most predominant facial feature, however, is his piercing green eyes. His hair merely brings out these features that much more. Long and flowing, much like a river of gold, this mane is truly what makes Zero who he is. Currently tied at the middle by a red band, the usually unkept waterfall is brought under control. The bangs of it hang about his face, occasionally covering an eye or the like.

About then, an emerald beam of light can be seen from the rooftop. It's held high, a fist clenched around the hilt which gives it life, "...And I don't give a damn about what Libra or even Duo may say...! My destiny is my own. Do you hear me?! I would rather /DIE/ than be a pawn in your plans!" His head is now tilted toward the sky, eyes peering forth in defiance. Even as he finishes speaking, he stabs the saber into the roof and holds it there while taking a deep breath. It seems as if he were crying.

"...Rock...Is my friend..."

With a slight hum and a soft 'thwipt', a magnetic disk shoots out of the cannon. It flies upwards gracefully (or as gracefully as a metal disk can), until it loudly clanks onto an exposed beam near the top. A louder hum grows in the air, and it's possible to see the near-invisible wavering of magnetic force going between cannon and disk - which suddenly exerts itself, pulling reploid and passenger to the top of the building with great speed. But even this isn't enough, as Anthem can be heard muttering into the wind. "Must go faster. Must go faster."

Twila Peterson continues to hold on through the inevitable jerk as well as rising upward towards the roof. Some of the civilians below give pause to watch the sight of the reploid and the human and shake their heads, thinking both are in serious need of mental help...especially since they seem to be rising towards confronting someone obviously in need of some serious reprogramming. The girl isn't all too concerned about appearances however. So after the top is reached and she's helped onto the roof's surface by the Repliforcer she takes a step or two away from the edge to allow Anthem to claim ground as well, before taking in the sight of the Hunter. After a pause she begins to approach him after making sure Anthem is safely on the roof as well. .oO(Wasn't kidding when he said he'd be hard to miss...)Oo. "Zero, I believe you."

Anthem corrects. "*We* believe you."

Zero bows his head slowly, his hair once more blown back by the wind. They are, after all, rather high up. With a flash of light, he rips his saber free and sheathes it, yet he says nothing at the moment. Instead, he opens his eyes and stares blankly at the roof which he crouches upon. Then, with a soft smile, he whispers, "...Why must you believe...What is truth? You should not have to ... You should know already." He slowly stands up, coat cascading down his sides.

Anthem pulls herself the rest of the way up onto the roof, pausing just long enough to get back her little magnetic disk. "Zero, don't be a putz." Bet that's one he hasn't been called before. "Stop this fatalistic, depressed stupidity and get a hold of yourself, already." She stands fully, her own long hair blowing in the wind. "We know - you seem to be the one that's needing to be convinced of what the truth is."

"The truth?" Twila questions as she slows her pace as the beserker rises to his feet. She looks over towards the Repliforcer for a moment before turning back towards him. "Libra is in league with Chaos. Your a danger to them which is probably why she told you what she did. She's trying to use and manipulate you. Probably for the same reason why she stated..." Her she pauses, fining it difficult to say the words, "that I would be the cause of the creation and rise of Kaiser Sigma."

Zero snorts, "So...According to them, I'm one of /CHAOS/' pawns now.." He looks over the cityscape as he listens to Anthem, sighing to himself, "If you came here to drive me into the ground, Anthem, leave. I don't care to hear it." He moves from them, slowly approaching the other side of the roof. Once there, his eyes scan over what there is to see there, "Ah, and so you're being blamed for the Kaiser - ...Well, if nobody else knows it, then I'll make sure you know it, Twi. As long as I'm alive, there'll never be a Kaiser Sigma, or a Magistrate Vile or a--" He clenches his fists and teeth, "--Lady Viris."

Anthem seems a tad lost, having not dealt with these situations as closely as Zero and Twila. But she's catching up relatively quickly. Though, on the other hand, subtle and gentle don't seem to have ever been on her list of strong points. "I'm not here to drive you into the ground, Zero. But you do seem to be listening too much to some pretty untrustworthy people. Me, I don't trust anybody who claims to know the future. We make our own ways, and I don't see one whit of evidence that some bubble-headed bimbo or a guy with hands the size of a Volkswagon should be able to see what you're gonna do." She looks over to Twila. "Or what you're going to cause. It's got the reality value of the Psychic Friends Network."

Far, far below, on the street, a guy on the phone has his psychic tell him that she knew Anthem was going to say that.

Twila Peterson ventures a step or so more forward. "I know...and so does Rock. And so does Iris. We all do." There's another pause as she follows his gaze towards the skyline, but it lasts only for a few moments. "Zero, it's time to come home. You belong there, not up here shouting your defiance. You have to live it."

Zero chuckles a little as he looks up at the sky, "I understand both of you -- Thanks..." He turns as his body is consumed in red light, "And yeah, I believe it's time that I come home. Whatever is in store for me, let it come." As he ceases speech, the light fades. At that point, he's left clad in his crimson red armor, "I have a promise to keep..." As he steps past the pair, boots clanking dully against the roof's surface, he pauses at the opposing edge to where he was standing before, "...I have to spit in Duo's face."

At that point, he promptly steps off of the roof and drops. He soars down, landing with a resounding clank far louder than his simple walking and scares the living daylights out of the guy on the phone.

He shouts, "WHAT WAS THAT?!"

The woman on the other end replies, "Oh, why -- That was... Um.. A piece of building that fell. You know how.. Cities are, hm? Nothing to worry about, I'm sure."

The man glances over to see Zero, who rises while dusting himself off and smirking at him, "Boo." The man promptly freaks and says, "T-That's..No-Not a...W-Wall....!"

The psychic woman stutters, "I, uh, er...Thank you for your time! Do call back soon! *hang up*"

"...Hello? Hello?? Don't leave me! I have so many questions! Gaaah!"

Twila Peterson watches as Zero makes his leap back down to the ground. "Well, quicker than using the elevator," she quips before turning towards Anthem. So...we get down the same way we came up I take it..."

Search Man stomps into the area, complaining to himself, which is always a conversation in and or itself. "Why do we have to keep track of Twila?" "Wily told us to." "Yeh, but why us? He could have sent Bass, or Plant Man.. or anyone else with the ability to look human." "They don't have Search Man as a name." "Yeh, our dumb luck." "Right."

Anthem momentarily drops into a pouncing stance, magnetic grapple latching to the building at the same time. Old police programming for this sort of situation is kicking in - her eyes are slightly unfocused as instinct starts to kick in. First rule in a suicide situation - never let the jumper hit the ground. If that means throwing yourself off the building to grab them, so be it. Of course, that hard-wired programming is old. Ancient, by reploid standards. And thus easilly overridden. Anthem un-crouches, shaking off the urge to jump as well. "Um.. yes. Yes, we should be. It is the fast way down. Unless you'd like to take the way inside, and explain to them what we're doing to their building." She smiles slightly, stepping to the edge.

Twila Peterson forces a grin of her own as she approaches the Repliforcer. "Uh...no thanks. I get too many stares from people for other things as it is already." She casts a look downwards and takes a breath. "Just my luck not to be born with cushioning springs. Anyway...uh...ready..."

Zero happens to notice the newest conversation after the 'Psychic Friend Loving Man' takes his leave by running away screaming. The Hunter shrugs and folds his arms, glancing up at the roof while waiting for Anthem and Twila. Yet, as it was said before, he does hear Search Man talking to himself from somewhere down the street. Ah well, why wait? Instead of doing so, he starts to leisurely slow in the direction of the sound, "Well, well... If it isn't Search Man!" calls the Berserker when he knows he's within hearing range. The smirk upon his face is almost bloodthirsty. Alas, poor Search, we knew him vaguely well. Shame that no one'll miss 'em.

Search Man's left head arches his visor. "Shh, quiet for a moment..." "What is it, found her?" "...not sure.." "Well, start tracking." "We have other problems." "What's that?" "Zero." "That loser. Feh, he can't do diddly to us without the authorities swarming, not to mention, we have a truuuuuceeeeee." Both heads sing song, "Nyeh nyeh, go find someone else to go hassle, Loser Boy." Left, "Yeh, we got our orders, where's yours?" "...probably involves Turtle Wax." Both heads chuckle.

Anthem nods, quite simply, and kicks off the building. Wind rushes past as the pair descend a tad too fast. Anthem's arm makes an odd 'click' noise. The cop's face falls. "Ooopsies." She glances to Twila. "Springs would be good right about now...." A glance down reveals the asphalt of the street approaching rapidly.... Doom! DOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Death and destruction!

Then the magnetic grapple kicks in, turning the horrible plummet to an easy coast to solid ground, leaving both of them just fine. (This might not be true in a few seconds, when Twila starts smacking Anthem for the gag.)

Zero pauses where he stands, now able to see Search Man easily, "Is that all you have, Search? Please. I'm not in the mood to fight you. If we were off in the Rockies without the Truce, I'd probably just laugh at you and walk off." He glances behind him, "I can already guess what your orders are, too. Lemme try, eh? Wily wants you, Search Man, to keep tabs on her, Twila, because he, Wily, is too old and senile to realize that she, Twila, despises him." A smirk flashes across his features, more sarcastic than anything now. It slowly evolves into a grin, though.

Twila Peterson flicks a glance of alarm towards the reploid at her small remark. "Ooopsies? What do you mean by 'Ooopsies'?" she asks suddenly. Her reddish locks whip about her until the two finally come in for a gently landing, something Twila herself was uncertain about halfway down, but is grateful for nonetheless. "Don't scare me like that!" she breathes in and shakes her head, finding it some way humorous anyway. "But, thanks...anyway..." she mutters before a newcomer draws her attention. "Oh, brother...if it isn't the Delivery Boy..."

Search Man's right head looks over at Zero. "The commander has his dreams. Not our place to question them." The left head chimes in, "After all, he decided that flirting with Iris would be too easy." "Correct." "So, if you'll excuse us, we want to get back to our mission of following the newest target."

Anthem giggles slightly, arm still extended upwards and waiting for that durn grapple to return. "Sorry. It was just too tempting, Miss Peterson." As the disk returns with a clank, she looks over towards Search and Zero. "Well, well. Looks like he's already found himself more trouble to get into...." She shakes her head. "That boy.."

Zero laughs, full and loud, at Search's remarks, "Oh, I wish he would flirt with Iris...Maybe she'd slap him hard enough to knock some sense into his head. Gotta give him credit for this newest plan, though. I wouldn't have thought him 'humble' enough to ask for help. Humble or sane, same difference." He jerks his thumb behind him, though, "Heh, but you can run along, army reject. Twila's comin' on back to base with me. She'll be just fine."

Oh, and he did hear Anthem's comment. He'll get her for that later.

Twila Peterson mutters, "And Search would have to be sent to make sure I'm safe. Guess Wily really is intent on keeping me safe...or just keep tabs on my every move," with a slight grump. Of course, Wily and stated he preferred it if Twila were to remain in the labs 24/7 as well.

Twila Peterson steps towards Zero as the Master himself decides to head elsewhere, within a rather big hurry. "One way to tell 'im."

Anthem chuckles deeply as Search Man takes his leave. "Either he's still got a thing for you, or he's jealous of those Star-people." With a wink, she notes, "He might just want to save you to spite them. He's weird like that." Re-composing herself with a slight cough, Anthem glances around. The locals seem to be giving this little group a fair berth. Then she smiles. "It's nice to see you're back to normal again, Zero."

Twila Peterson arches a brow towards Anthem. "'Thing' for me? Pu-lease. Already have enough nightmares as is thanks..."

Zero glances back at Anthem and Twila, "Oh, no.. I'm the one with the thing for Twila. We admitted our love a few nights ago, didn't we Twila?" He smirks and starts down the road for the Teleporters. It's a bit of a walk, but they gotta get there somehow. "Eh, and I'd say the same about you, Anthem, but you never really change. Still the same girl. A shame, really..." With that, he cast a grin over his shoulder and keeps on walking the same speed. If it were anybody else, they'd likely run after those comments, but not Zero. The Berserker keeps right on truckin'.

And of course, all of those comments are /oozing/ with sarcasm. :)

Anthem chuckles again. She knows to take those comments in stride. "Oh, quite the shame. One of these days, maybe I should go off and buy myself a pink frilly dress or something. Go to charm school. Maybe even retire from beating the ever-living crud out of hoods and take up knitting, whilst sitting upon the porch of a tall Southern mansion." She pantomimes fanning herself delicately, and puts on her thickest, most fake N'Arleans accent. "Whah, ah doo de-claire! Meestah Zerauh! What evuh could yew meahn?"

Twila Peterson folds her arms over her chest as she follows along with an amused grunt. "Oh, sure. And Rock was there to watch and gave his full blessing," the girl returns, also in sarcasm before she adds, "Careful, Goldilocks. Or you're going to wind up with another pillow thwapping." She offers a giggle towards Anthem's remarks as well, feeling a little better, despite her slight nervousness about being out and about. But she's grateful she has two highly trained protectors with her. "Well, Anthem...I do declar'..." she mimics in a poor imitation of the southern accent as well.

Zero waves a hand, "Yeah, yeah. If I recall, Twila, you kept missing me a good bit. I nailed you a few good times." He smirks back at Anthem and simply says, "Don't change, Anthem. Life would be boring without you stalking me constantly." That said, he moves along to the next section of city. A good nap would do him wonders about now.

<Entering the San Angeles Western Mall Area...>

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks and shrugs following her up to the cashier in a mall store. He grins and smiles as she seems so excited. So free.

Rosea chatters excitedly at Cossack as the Cashier wraps up the pants she just bought. "That blue and green pair is just /perfect/ for a project I had planned a while back, when I bought a set of embroidery patterns. I finished them a while back, but I wanted to put them on clothing for final display, not on the wall."

Twila offers an innocent shrug in response towards the beserker with a lopsided grin. "Hey...I can keep practicing. Who knows...may be actually able to thwap you one of these days..." Well...if the Hunter Base has it's fair supplies of pillows that is. On a slightly more serious side: "I...anyway...might want to go over the recent reports when you get back to keep yourself updated.

Anthem sticks out her tongue and playfully 'ttthbts' at Zero. Then she laughs - quite deeply. "This is probably the most interesting post-suicide attempt situation I've ever been in." That comment gets some strange looks from the locals. She then nods more seriously at Twila's comments. "Yeah. Things have been changing fast recently. Though you two probably know a lot more about what's going on than I do."

Zero shrugs a little as he heads for the teleporters, "Why is it whenever I go out to think, people get this crazy idea that I'm trying to kill myself?" He snorts and then nods, "Yeah, I'll check the reports...Make sure I haven't missed anything too terribly crucial. Nobody's tried to kill you, have they Twi?"

Rosea grins at Cossack as the cashier hands her the package of her purchase. "Possibly sooner than later, depending on whether or not they need cleaning." She turns to exit the store, again linking her arm through his, her package on the other side of her body from him for ease of carrying. "Do you have any hobbies, out of all curiosity?"

Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms. "I have a couple. It's just velll business always seems to come before play. I used to be really interested in building Toy Trains. You know to scale and accuracy. And then I got interested reading Mystery novels.

"Well....no, not exactly," the human girl muses in response. "Although, Libra kindamaybesorta mentioned that I needed to be killed to prevent the world's destruction on *cough* an international broadcast on GNN and supposedly has agents...or anyone else who feels I should be put out of the way should they get deperate enough. That's all..."

The girl adds as an afterthought. "She kindamaybesorta approached Wily as well on it. But he refused...er...for now anyway."

In the crowd.. somewhere within that cloud of people all around.. someone recognizes Twila, and connects her with the barrage of information off the newsfeeds. A shout goes up - "Hey, it's that Peterson woman!" A rumble starts to rise - mixed emotions riding the tide of the crowd upwards. Admirers of her fame, protectors of her 'goodness', and haters of what she's supposed to bring to the world. Things start to look a bit chaotic all of a sudden.

Rosea nods. "Both good hobbies, if you have any free time . . . " She blinks, and looks around in surprise as the mood of the shopping crowd grows strange. "What . . . "

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks. "Vhat's happening?" he remarks aloud as he tries to peer through the crowd. "Rosea I..I..think I know them! come on!" grabbing here hand and tries to get throw the crowds

Zero glances back and around, "Eh...Twila? ...We better get the hell out of Dodge..."

Rosea follows after Cossack . . . neatly avoiding getting poked or prodded by the crowd, but utterly confused as to what's going on. At one point or more, she just barely manages to hold onto the pants she purchased.

Twila's eyes widen as she hurries her pace quite a bit, moving closer to both reploids she's with. The sudden disturbing unrest among those within the mall's crowd cann't be overlooked. "Forget Dodge...outta here would just be fine...!"

Dr. Pavel Cossack yells "Twila this vay!" his hands waving like no tomorrow! "Dang it? This is going to turn into a riot soon! But ve got to get her out of here!"

Anthem nods grimly. She knows just what's about to happen all too well. She gives Twila an extra little push. "Time to do my duty..." .oO(Let's just hope the local cops don't take it personally.)Oo. Metal uncoils and grinds, ripping out from under her civilian outfit - and forming a tight metal cocoon around her body. In a blink, Anthem is in full riot armor, standing and at the ready. The loudspeakers housed in the armor's shoulders crackle. "Please disperse! There is nothing to see here! Please disperse!"

Anthem transforms into Varia Armor and moves away, fading to the background.

Zero takes this time to grab for Twila's arm and get her moving towards the Teleporters, "C'mon, Twila.. We're getting you out of here." He snorts, "All of this over me.. Remind me to lecture you for this later." Lecture? Zero? Geez, he's been hanging around Iris too long. Whether that's good or bad, though, is anybody's guest. As a few of the rioters try to make a move on them,

Zero just gives them a glare. That's apparently enough to back them up. "Geez.."

Rosea scans the crowd nervously, and hops up on a bench to see who Cossack's trying to gain the attention of. She peers at the batch of them without a single gleam of recognition showing. "It looks like they can handle the crowds . . . at least, to get over here, I guess." She comments worriedly.

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods. "Your right." he remarks. "Yet again, Cossack von't be saving the day," he sighs, settling down on the bench.

Twila Peterson mumbles something vaguely nasty about her "fame proceeding" her as she continues towards what she hopes is save haven. "This is nuts," she gripes. "I thought the old saying was believe half of what you see and none of what you hear!" Towards the possibility/eventuality of a lecture she retorts, "Yeah...yeah. So sue me for worrying..." Her breath is held as the crowd presses in a little more tighter about them, although some nearer to the front are deterred by Zero's silent warning.

Zero glances toward Twila, "Twila, hold on to me, alright?" He moves to scoop her into his arms. There's a lovingly little mob blocking the teleporters and, being Zero, he's not about to let that stop him. He wants his rest and brownies, blast it, and a bunch of humans are gonna stop 'em.

Twila Peterson nods wordlessly towards the beserker, doing as told and holding on to him about as tightly as she had with Anthem was scaling the building. "Won't get any argument from me..."

Rosea peers out towards them, then glances down at Cossack. "What . . . ?" Not a good thing, as some guy takes advantage of her distraction to give her a honk. Her instant reponse? to scream and slap the guy. "PERVERT!!!" The guy goes stumbling back into the mob by the teleporters . . . . who begin grumbling ominously.

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks "Vho touched you?"! His eyes light up vith fury yelling tat he crowd "How dare you touch an innocent vomen! You should be ashamed of yourself! If I ever see you again.." he growls glancing up Rosea "Um, you ok?"

"It's gonna be all her fault!" someone within the midst crowd shouts. "That Stardroid even said so! The world's gonna end all 'cuz of her!"

"But can we trust them? One of then just put under the Hawaiian Islands for crying out loud!"

The mass grows a more restless as they overhear this. Most of them saw either the original broadcast or the adjacent reports. Some appear confused...while others are merely trying the seek blame.

Zero sneers, "No, it's gonna be because of people like you! Now go on back to your homes before I force all of you back!" He crouches down, Twila in his arms, and leaps. His form soars over the crowd, landing on the other side just in front of the Teleportation area. He turns slightly, that sneer ever present, "You people make me sick." With that, he sets her down.

Rosea nods, looking rather shaken up . . . . she eyes the teleporter-mob warily . . . . their muttering grows more ominous at Cossacks words . . . apparently, these youths are friends of the groper. "Umm . . . I think . . maybe we should leave?" But Zero's arrival cows the group into back away somewhat.

Other voices yell from the gathering:

"You're one to talk you don't think we know you *you* are, Bright Boy?"

"Murderer! Why isn't he deactivated?!"

"He's about as dangerous as she is! No wonder why he's protecting her!"

The crowd begins to become a bit more dangerous and begins to move forward.

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods. "I think ve better!" he sighs "I'm sorry. I should never of tried to help them." he smiles weakly as he helps here down and tries to make his way to the exits.

Twila's face pales a bit as she overhears some of their remarks. Despite the fact of her own place in danger it seems like Zero's being dragged along into it for standing up for her. Great....

Rosea shakes her head, tugging on Cossack's arm as they make their way to the teleporter. "Don't ever regret trying to help . . . even if it doesn't seem to work, Cossack." She throws him a smile, if a bit worried one.

Zero keeps Twila just in front of the Teleport area, his eyes narrowing dangerously at those in front of him. "Shut up! Shut the /@#$&/ up!" He swipes his hand to the side, "Either all of you back off and or I'm gonna make sure every one of you get arrested!" His eyes dart frantically at every member of the mob, being sure to keep himself in front of Twila.

.oO(Damn, why'd this have to happen *today*? Twila, why'd you come after me?)Oo. Then verbally, he whispers, "@#%$." before starting to nudge her Twila back somewhat.

(Ch. D []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Anyone? Emergency. Riot's starting in the San An Mall...'.

(Ch. D [Hunter-Alliance.]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'HmuHAH! Is it now? Wily on his way...'.

Ahh, there's times that someone's timing is not at it's best. And even as Zero is making his attempted exit with Twila in tow...someone -else- shows up, in the form of a certain ebony clad figure. San Angeles was always one area that he never had any fear of wandering about in full gear. Then again...it never really bothered him to go -anywhere- like this for that matter. Still...the fact that he practically comes face to face with Zero and Twila doesn't help it any. Nor does it help Bass' thoughtful mood as his face twists into a brief display of disgust. The word 'truce' flashes through his mind briefly...as if a reminder.

It may as well be a four letter word.

"Feh...what have we here?" he finally mutters, putting his hands on his hips. "Trouble with the locals?"

(Ch. D []) Dr. Pavel Cossack transmits: 'I'm already there.'.

(Ch. D [Hunter-Alliance.]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Indeed... but I am sure I can help. I will be there with a few friends shortly.'.

Dr. Pavel Cossack sighs. Pressing his ear-piece to his ear. Muttering. "Great." he tries to walk a little quicker but the mob is just so thick, "Vily's coming to save the day." he remarks to Rosea. Trying to figure out a way to get out of this hellish mess

Rosea blinks in complete confusion. "Who's coming to save the day?" She suddenly tugs on Cossack's arm as a pathway to Twila briefly opens up. "Cossack, there!"

Twila Peterson stumbles back a little as the beserker pushes her back further, attempting to keep her out of harms way.

Although the crowd pulls back slightly at the sight of the Robot Master XO, seeing as what such a lovely reputation *he* has, some quickly get over thir fear. They don't move back. Strangely, they don't step forward either. At least, not yet.

"Great...they're working with the Masters now!"

"I told you! They're all in this together!"

We're all gonna be killed! Just hand over the slut!"

Twila Peterson manages a hard swallow as she overhears some of the rhetoric, as well at the sight of Bass. This just keeps getting better and better. "Suddenly...I'm not feeling so well..."

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods taking her hand "Ve have to hurry over there!" he yells over the den of the mob gripping her hand tightly as he pushes and presses his vay over to the trio. "This a private party or can anyone join?" he grins at the long-haired FREAK, drawing his laser pistol.

A dark, rather ominous rumble begins to gather in the back of the crowds . . .

Zero roars out at all the comments, "I said to SHUT THE @#%$ UP!" He snaps his head to the left and then to the right, checking to see if anybody's even going to 'dare' to retort. When he's satisfied, he glances over his shoulder and arches a brow. "Well, Bass, what a pleasant surprise..." The berserker knows well of the truce, considering that Wily radio'ed /him/ in the first place over it to tell Rock. "Heh, and you could say that. This mob here is taking Libra's words for the gospel over Twila." When Cossack makes it over, he smirks at the Doctor and motions a hand, "May wanna put the weapon away, Cossack. San Angeles is a neutral place and they won't take kindly to ... that ... here." About then, he looks toward that ominous rumble, "...?"

Rosea glances worriedly towards Cossack . .. and promptly scoots over to where it seems she'll be the least in the way. Nearby Twila, actually.

Bass rolls his eyes finally as the words filter forward, and the obvious extent of the dilemma for Zero and Twila makes itself well known.

"Sometimes I begin to wonder if there's any hope for you types at all that you might show some measure of strength....then something like this happens and I watch you cower and unwilling to act upon it. Times like this I'm reminded that my job is just -too- easy." He takes another step forward, now coming up alongside both Twila and Zero, and eyeing her for the moment.

"Normally I would merely say toss her to the crowd and give them what they want. But I suppose that would be pleasing the Stardroids then wouldn't it....?" He smirks ever so faintly...in an oh so not-nice manner, eyes never leaving Twila's features.

"And I suppose in no way of all creation am I going to give them what they desire...."

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods to the others. "Zero, Miss Peterson are you ok?" he regards the mob. "Amazing it just...started?" he asks trying to figure out how such a thing could happen

Rosea eyes the crowd worriedly, from her location behind the main group . . . of course, Bass is another thing she eyes worriedly, the faint recognition of having seen wanted posters of this showing in her eyes.

Twila Peterson suppresses a shudder as she follows Zero's gaze towards the back of the crowd...having a terrible feeling about this. She wouldn't be here if she hadn't of wanted to help out the golden-haired reploid in the first place. It would have been easy for her to remain home. But this was a friend. Her thoughts are shaken by Bass's glare as well as his words. "How...comforting..." the girl gives in response, taking a step back, right into Roseca. "Uh...ask me in a few," she tells Cossack as he too nears. So...now what?

For the moment the swirling masses consisting of human, reploids, and androids alike hangs back. But for how long? Especially at the mood shift near the crowds' edges.

One voice pipes up towards the small center of attention. "Come on? We can get 'em all can't we? look how many of us there are!"

Zero hehs at Bass, "I would've handled them just fine if this were any city besides San Angeles, Bass. I'm sure you know what happens here when violence erupts. Even I don't feel going through that crap." He glances back to the crowd, then looks at Twila. "Just keep behind me, Twila. I know this mob might be crazy, but I don't think they're suicidal. Bass sort of has that 'effect'." He folds his arms at that point, a smirk playing upon his features now, "Then again, maybe they are, Twila. Forgive me for thinking these people had any scrap of intelligence." As one will observe, the berserker's mood has gone rather sour. Of course, it's been that way for a few days.

Ballade takes a running leap off of the current building he's on, igniting his dash jets a few moments after he leaves the edge of the complex. He does one of those tripple spins in mid air, somersaulting to land right next to Bass. Surprisingly, his knees don't bend as he lands or anything... he's just suddenly there from above, arms crossed and staring at the Hunter Members present.

Twila Peterson nods mutely as she moves to stand behind the "living shield"...hoping against hope that his first assessment was correct. "Guess this means no more outings

Bass speaks over his radio for a few moments, before snapping his eyes in Rosea's direction, narrowing them ever so slightly for a few seconds. He says nothing more for the moment however, and instead shifts his glare forward once more to the crowd. "Oh you're right..." he pipes up then to the words speaking encouragement that the numbers will be sufficient.

"You're absolutely right. After all there's MORE than enough of you to overwhelm all of us....isn't there?"

Another step forward is taken, as the Dark Knight breaks off from the Hunters, and sweeps his glare over the nearest members of the crowd, raising a clenched fist. "But how many of you do you think I can kill before you manage to do so? A dozen? Two dozen? A hundred!? Why don't we find out, hrm? After all...the authorities won't be able to stop you will they?" A low ripple of laughter comes from him then, another step forward taken, as he draws even closer to the crowd itself.

"What have we got to lose then right? Does it matter that I can kill any one of you without a second thought!? Hrm!? I think that's a good idea! It's about time that I tested my limits, isn't it? Come on then. You want to have her? By all means..."

He raises his right hand, twisting his fingers in a 'come' gesture.

"Come and get her..." he sneers.

Dr. Pavel Cossack gulps, staring at Zero. "You called him?" Shaking his head he gulps and sighs. "It vas such a good life."

Rosea unconsciously places a hand on Twila's shoulder to warn the other female that someone's behind her. She eyes the crowd warily, and worried expression upon her face. She adjusts the thin, wire-framed glasses that sit upon her face . . it's hard to tell if the glasses are for reading, or to block the sunlight. "Oh dear . . . this is /not/ good at all . . . "

.

A booming voice rises as a sound fills the air... 'weeoo... weeoo... weeoo... weeoo... weeoo' And now... high above the heads of the crowd, a Flying Saucer slowly moves down... the voice is that... of Dr. Wily. "Attention people of San Angeles... This is Dr. Albert Wily... Disperse at once or I will have my dear creation who just spoke carry out his threat." Perhaps the presence of Dr. Wily isn't needed in this little drama... but it is impressive... the WilySaucer looms over the crowd... it's dark shadow covering them as a mad cackle fills the air. "HmuHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Ballade turns his head to watch Bass through narrowed optics. Well, that -is- impressive. Ballade's face does show any sign of his feelings towards Bass's actions though, continuing with the normal stone faced look. His voice is easily as cold as his expression when he talks, "Come now Bass... I'm sure you could easily kill a good 200 before they ripped your head off..." He stops as he hears the weeoo weeoo and the shrill voice of his master. Yeah, that's gonna tick Bass off.

Weeoo... weeooo... weeooo...

Zero sweeps his hand back to keep anybody that might try to 'side check' them, giving a glance to Cossack, "Heh, no. He just sort of arrived - Much like Ballade just did." He sneers a little, watching the scene unfold. Bass may not care, but he cares. He can't just go off slaughtering civilians like that, as it were, so he just concerns himself with acting as a shield for Twila. Bass does have a few points, though, in what he says. About then, he looks up at the sky and rolls his eyes, "Well, well... Hey, little brother, look at that. Pops decided to visit our little picnic!" He is, of course, addressing Bass with that remark and if it weren't for the truce, he'd probably blast that tinker-toy out of the sky. Heh, but when one places the value of the planet to what they want to do in the spur of a moment, it makes one's wishes seem very, very small.

Turning slightly to Twila, Zero states, "Twila, just stay behind me. If Wily says anything, ignore 'em. We'll slip out if chaos ensues."

The mood within the crowds shifts to one of uncertainty as the android makes his way inward. The masses seem to part for him almost immediately as he strides through, not wanting to get too close. His words have the type on effect on them, which causes them to think twice about their actions. After all, who wants to be a dead "hero"? That was bad enough. But the arrival of the saucer increases the uncertainty tenfold. Starting from those closest to Bass the crowd seemns to loose it's bravery.

"But what about the Stardroids?! They said she's the one who'll doom us all. First Hawaii! What's next?!"

Twila indicates she heard Zero with a slight nod. "I...sounds good enough for me..."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "The scientists of this vorld are vorking Dilligantly to prevent this 'doom' the predict! I, Professer and Doctor Pavel Alexis Cossack, famous noble scientist, is to meet Doctor Doppler soon to discuss our predicament! Take head good citizens! Be at peace!"

A young reploid rolls his eyes towards Cossack, yelling, "Peace? Science is what also gave us the nuclear bombs! The same ones that are outlawed! What are ya gonna do? Blow us up?"

Rosea finally speaks up from the back comments quietly. "And to be honest, I think getting your head ripped off is a much more painful, and immediate, way to die." All said in a rather clinical tone of voice . . . followed by an obvious shudder. She finally really /looks/ over at Twila. "Um, are you all right?"

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks. What type of fool is this? "It also gave you Antibotics and Robotics and every thing that makes your life better! Take heed. You vill be safe!"

"Sheep!" Bass growls. "That's what you all are! Nothing but SHEEP!" He continues forward momentum, actually carving the path with his sheer presence into the crowd itself as he moves deeper and deeper.

"Tell me..what do you think the Stardroids are. Gods?" He rests his hands on his hips then, inclining his head to the side. "Beings from high above? Let me inform your pitiful little minds about something. They're NOT gods. They can't predict the future anymore than you or I can. Instead...they -make- the future happen as they want by MANIPULATION!" Again he raises a clenched fist, choosing a random figure in the crowd to glare at...then point towards. "Do you even realize that they are as mortal as you or I? Why only recently one attacked us...the Robot Masters. Yes they -are- powerful. Yes they have advanced technology beyond what we know. BUT THEY CAN STILL BE DEFEATED!" He practically roars.

"So you're going to have take a choice in this matter. Are you going to bow down and kowtow to the wishes of a band of high and mighty fools who aren't even from this planet? Or are you going to defend the world that you came into existence on and live on." He then shrugs slightly. "Of course...if you are still more than willing to surrender what little freedom you have to these...aliens...then by all means. Act on their wishes. Who wishes to be first then? Hrm?" He turns slowly in a circle, hands on his hips once more, daring anyone to try their luck.

Twila Peterson lets out a sigh, mindful to stay behind Zero. "Uh...sure...fine...dandy...always love to be the center of attention of a murderous throng..." The words are undeniably laced with sarcasm, giving hints to how Twila really feels on this whole mess.

Slash Man climbs down the side of the saucer using the handles Dr. Wily has provided. He clings to the handle on the very bottom with one hand and glares at the crowd. He aims his other hand towards the crowd and waits.

The WilySaucer hovers... Dr. Wily witnessing and recording the situation... enjoying this little show as he hears the words of the finest creation... his lips curling into an evil, prideful smile. The Doctor could not have said it better himself...

Those nearer to the front can be more easily seen exchanging glances with their fellows, undecided in knowing what to do. Sure what Bass had just stated makes some sense. But this is *Bass* speaking. Still, if what he said wasn't true why is he defending the "damsel in distress" as well her infamous scarlet-clad protector? It's all too confusing to say the least.

"We don't know!"

"But what about the judgment?"

Zero just stares silently as Bass makes his little speech. To be truthful, Zero's /sick/ of all the speeches, but he isn't going to say anything. It'll scare 'em all off and that's what counts. His little brother sure can be a Sigma when he wants to be, can't he? He shifts his side toward the crowd, his other facing Twila as he looks down at her, "I think we've about overstayed our welcome here, Twila. Bass may scare them off for now, but if we stay, they'll just rise again later." His eyes scan over the scene again, coming to rest upon the WilySaucer once more and he decides to give dear ol' Dad a ring.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Your people believed in government by the people. Those beings from space are not and never will be your people! I say Ve vill not listen to the judgment!"

Rosea makes a soft, faint sound of worry . . . . superfluous to what's going on. However, she'd end up dead just as quickly as Twila in this mess, most likely. She shifts nervously beside Twila. "Umm . . . Miss?" She taps Twila on the shoulder to gain her attention. "Shouldn't we just leave, and avoid all this?" She gestures towards the teleporters . . . only to blink in finding the way blocked. "Oh . . ."

Zero sends a radio transmission to Dr. Wily.

Zero sends a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Wily: "Afternoon, /Dad/. I see you sent my little brother over here to defend the girl that probably separated your jaw for a week."

Twila Peterson nods slowly, eyeing the surrounding crowds wide-eyed as she does so. "Yeah...that's how the usual mass mob mentality works..." she muses towards Zero, not having heard the female right beside her. "Need the path to the teleporters clear..."

Or maybe Twila had, choosing not to give a direct response.

"The only Judgment..." Bass growls, turning to the exact person who brought that up, and stepping forward, actually coming nearly face to face with the man, as his red pupilled eyes seem ready to bore holes into him.

"...is going to be for the Stardroids themselves, when they realize that they aren't GOING to have a free hold over this world. Perhaps the rest of you are too weak to bow to them and give them what they want...or to roll over and die like a diseased dog. BUT NOT ME!" He slams a fist to his chest, as he steps back once more.

"I have little care what happens to the rest of -you-. But I have a feeling it matters very much to yourselves doesn't it? How would you like to be remembered in history? As having died while curled up in a ball with your hands over your head? OR FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THOSE WHO LOOK TO COME HERE AND RULE OVER THAT WHICH THEY HAVE NO CLAIM!?" His voice carries to all but a bellow now, as he raises one fist upwards at the same time, to help punctuate his point further.

"Do what you will! All of you! But -I- will not be ruled over by these so-called gods! They're going to get a lesson in being on the receiving end finally!"

It's funny. If it weren't Bass, one could put him in a position of politics right about now.

Bill Bass?

Bass Clinton?

The WilySaucer looms over them all... it's sound filling the area as it's shadow falls on the crowd... The man inside responds to the radio communication with a harsh laugh and words, he awaits this little scene to be played out as his minions do as they should to disperse the crowd and show them the /true/ power of Wily... ahh... this is indeed... a day to be proud.

The individual Bass strikes immediately doubles over, falling to his knees in sudden pain. He gives the android no answer.

Nor does rest the rest of the crowd readily have an answer. Most are used to having either the fighting done for them or being removed from the conflict itself. It used to be simply "everyone else's" problem to deal with up until now...until their own world's sphere was threatened. They remain awkwardly silent. Some, within the back begin to disperse, not having anything more to offer.

One person however, closer to the midsection, questions, "But...*how* do we fight them?"

Zero jerks a thumb toward the Teleporer, "We could leave right now if we wanted to, Twila.." murmurs the berserker as he glances at her, "It's just right there. Of course, if you wanna stay and watch Bass get elected for the presidency, we can." A smirk crosses his lips as he looks over at Bass. His arms unfold now, one placed upon his hip and the other arm hanging freely. About that point, another transmission fills his audio-receivers and he looks up at the WilySaucer with narrowing eyes. He replies as calmly as he can.

Zero sends a radio transmission to Dr. Wily: "That's because you know that you're gonna die if the Kaiser ever rises to power, Wily. We all know that. Heh, but for once, what you want just /happens/ to coincide with the rest of our desires. For that, I'll work with you. Now you can put your damn robots to some good use instead of having them make *my* life miserable by constantly breaking things. *pause* ...And don't call me /son/. What do I look like? Luke Skywalker?""

"That's your problem to figure out for your lack of fighting ability. Oh don't worry...." Bass intones, taking a step back, and turning back towards the teleporters themselves, as he begins walking in that direction. "...if they feel like upholding this 'Judgment' so well, I have a feeling they will come to us. We will not have to go to -them-. When the time comes..." he chuckles faintly, and makes a dismissive motion with one hand. "I'm certain you'll think of something or other, won't you? I already have my own plans figured out. Now then....I have better things to do at the moment than incite a rebellion. If you value your lives for this day, I would think you follow the example of those already leaving." With that, he pushes his way through the crowd then, coming directly on where Zero and Twila stand.

By now, as Bass's speech makes it's effect those blocking the teleport chambers have, as Zero indicates, begun to disperse as well. A few still linger, but not many. Twila takes hold of the beserker's arm, tugging. "Fine...whatever...let's just get out of here..."

The instant a path begins to clear to the teleporters, Rosea latches onto Cossack's arm and tries tugging him towards them. "Cossack . . . we can go, let's get out of here." She sounds /very/ worried, as if expecting the mob to go rabid any second now. She glances over at Twila. "The ones you were trying to help are making their way out now, I think. Please, let's go now."

Zero nods to Twila and glances at the Saucer again. Looking to Bass, he smirks, "Nice speech, Bass. Ever thought of running for Congress? You're not all that different from most of 'em." He takes Twila's hand calmly, prepared to lead her through this and to what could be considered a far more 'sane' location, "Say hey to pops for me, little brother. This truce won't last forever." He doesn't say it in a threatening manner, but more of a concerned one. If they all survive this coming conflict, what'll happen? If their forces are decimated, what *will* stop Wily from taking over? Too many concerns. Too many thoughts. Keep on the moment, Zero, for they're the allies right now. Enjoy it while it lasts. "Let's go, Twila."

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods, looking worriedly over at them. "I agree. I'm sorry I got you into this miss in the first place!" nodding goodbye to the Zero and making his way over to the teleporter. "Vhere now?"

Bass raises a finger as he draws closer towards Twila and the scarlet reploid. "Oh before you go Zero...."

For a few long moments the mob remains there within a shocked and confused silence until continuing from the outer edges they disperse. Several continue to eye the odd group, especially a young redhead in particular, in disdain. One uppity upstart sneers towards Twila, "Don't be resting too easy, Sweetie..." and then disappears admits the throng.

Rosea shakes her head, glancing worriedly at the remains of the mob. "Let's not say where yet . . "

[OOC] Zero says, "Remind me, if I ever go Maverick, to slaughter the civilians in San Angeles. :)"

Zero shoots a glance at Bass, "Yeah?"

Twila Peterson grasps onto the beserker's hand firmly, every now and then issuing tugs for them to get home. She understandably remains pale as well as shaken by these events. Maybe...it would have been better to have sent Zero a get well card instead of coming to this city herself... "Hmm?"

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods slowly escorting the lovely lass. "I'm sorry you got involved vith this. I'd um understand if you vould vell..never vant to see me again." he sighs. He thought today would be quiet. As usual, it isn't.

Bass lashes out in the blink of an eye then, a clenched fist that's easily the equivalent of a sledgehammer being driven forward with frightening force slamming into the side of Zero's chin.

*WHOCK!*

Even as he draws the fist back, Bass sneers, words already filtering out. "I would advise you use that title with utmost care in the future dear 'brother'..." he practically spits the word. "You may have been before me....but let's not leave any doubt about just who is still the strongest."

Rosea shakes her head, and gives Cossack an honest smile. "No, no, not that . . . . It's not your fault this happened."

Twila Peterson doesn't add verbal commentary to the scene, there's no need for it. She does, however, add visual by blinking rapidly as the Master belts Zero, wincing.

Dr. Pavel Cossack blushes and his concerned look blossoms into a smile.

Zero is ripped free of Twila with the punch, his body soaring aside. Mostly, it's because he was caught completely off-guard. Rather than simply hitting the ground, though, he catches it with a hand and flips himself back to his feet. He rubs his chin, working the jaw with a smirk still marring his features, "Well, well...Lil' bro's got some bite left even with this truce. Heh, I'll be mindful of that, Bass, but remember.." He walks forward, drawing Twila into the teleporter so they can get out of here, "...I'm the Betrayer." He says nothing more than this, his crimson armor and blond hair disappearing into the depths of the Teleportation area. Was it a threat? Was it a reminder? A revelation, perhaps, if Bass had not heard his 'title'? There's really no telling at this point ...

...Especially with the way that Zero's been acting lately.

Bass arches an eyebrow at that, as Zero wanders in the direction of the teleportation chamber then. He rubs the knuckles of one hand lightly....although it's more a gesture than because of any pain being felt.

"Betrayer...?" he mutters, mostly to himself. Glare moves forward then...and he can't help but smirk ever so slightly.

"How utterly fitting."

Twila Peterson casts Bass a wordless glance as she's finally escorted into the chambers and on her way towards relatively save haven.

<Soon...>

Teleportation Chamber--Hunter HQ

Zero steps from the teleportation capsule, energy still pouring free of his frame from the action. He sighs, allowing his hand to rest against the nearest wall while he shifts the wait, "...Two sides to everything... Libra would have me turn against Rock." He looks up a little, then over at Twila, "Twila...Libra's working for 'Chaos', isn't she?"

Twila holds herself as she shakily disembarks from the chamber, trying to somehow calm herself. "Yes...she is. Several of the other Stardroids are too. Seems as if they're divided. Some are working with Chaos...while others are with Duo. The ones with Chaos seem to want to work against this balance of theirs."

Zero nods a little while closing his eyes, "...That's what I thought... Looks like Duo isn't the one in the wrong here, but it's the others. How can we tell them apart? Some seem hostile, then they aren't. I know Eclipse isn't - Or doesn't appear to be, anyway." With a sigh, he moves over to you, "C'mon.. Let's get you somewhere else. Get you something to drink, maybe."

Twila Peterson releases a sigh and then dips her chin in answer. "Yeah, thanks. Something to drink...would be nice," she murmurs quietly as some of the initial shock of what almost happened within the city wears off...and begins to sink in.

Zero nods and politely 'shoves' her into the Command Center, "Right. Drink it is. Where's Rock when we need him, eh? I'd love to sit down and talk to him about all of this nonsense. Wily seems set on what he's gonna do, but what about us?"

Twila Peterson frowns a little at that, although more of what was stated than the shove. "I wish I knew myself. Other than the time we spent Saturday night it's almost like he's gone into hiding. I haven't really seen him," she responds. "And Stardroids weren't something he really wanted to talk about as you can imagine."

Zero smirks a little. "You didn't do the whole smoochin' thing, did you Twila? I can't see my little buddy Rock kissing someone. He'd explode!" He laughs at that remark, still shoving her on toward the Grav Lift.

Twila Peterson hmphs, not really outright answering to that as they enter the lift. The proper level is pressed. "Now that would be telling..." she informs the beserker with an arched eyebrow. Shows how much he knows. However, her expression gives an almost audible answer that yes, they kissed. And No, Rock did not explode. The second floor is revealed as the doors once more part, giving the two passages.

Zero 'politely' shoves her into the corridor, "Riiiight.. Keep walking, Twi. You need that drink - The heat's getting to your memory." He's all smirks right now.

Twila Peterson makes it a point to roll her eyes towards the comment. "Mmmm, mmmm. As if..." she muses, certainly not convinced. She falls quiet as they head towards the Recreation Room, thinking. "So, I take it I'm going to be getting that aforementioned lecture along with a drink, huh?"

Zero hmms, "I might save the lecture for later, now get going." He shoves again, but he keeps doing it lightly. At least he seems to be in good spirits now.

"Yes, Sir," Twila quips as she enters into the designated room. Well...at least she's spared a lecture for now. Maybe he inwardly feels the near riot was convincing enough that she needs to be much more careful...

Zero adds while moving behind her, "Oh, and Twila?" He sighs, "If you decide to leave the base - Avoid the cities until this whole crisis blows over... Rock isn't gonna be happy about this. I'm ready to break a few necks because of it." He folds his arms as he stops, since he figures you can get the drink if you really want one, "I can't believe people actually turned /against/ you like that.."

Twila Peterson considers obtaining a Pepsi and that's what she does. It's strange, however. She merely holds it as she takes a seat on the coach. She doesn't move to open it. Maybe...she feels she's too wound up right now for more caffeine. "Avoid the cities. Good idea," she mumbles before adding in a slightly more normal tone. "I guess I can't say I am. With this 'Judgment' growing closer and people becoming more afraid who knows." She then adds, "More than likely I shouldn't have gone out like I did either..." She doesn't expand on that because doing so would also say just why she went out. "Can't help but wonder about something else to be honest. It's not just Libra that's hinting on my death. Neptune and even Eclipse made mention or reference to it in some aspect. 'One...shall die that all may live...'" She falls silent again after that, still not really knowing how to handle the mention.

Zero snorts while removing his helmet, "Well, you won't be dying. I plan to make sure of that myself." He sets it aside and plops down into a chair, "It'd be just swell if Duo would show up now. I wanna have a few words with him personally. He may can't help what Chaos and /his/ followers do, but he really should be more productive with *his*. This shouldn't be our war..."

Twila Peterson casts her glance down towards the carpeted floor while she moves her drink to the small table right by her. "Yeah...right. I haven't even met Duo...except once. And that was when Chaos showed up in the medbay...right before the rush of appearances actually started." She glances back up. "I'm sure what happened within the Med Center is connected with all this somehow."

Zero looks toward the door, "What /is it/ with them and our Med Bay, anyway?"

Twila Peterson offers a slight shrug as she momentarily follows his gaze. "I...don't know. I couldn't tell you that. Although, that *does* seem to be the place within the base that the Stardroids choose to appear."

Zero nods and chuckles, "Maybe it's because a lot of our people seem to constantly stay in there."

The edges of the girl's mouth quirk up slightly. "Yeah....perhaps. Can't make a good appearance without an audience. Still wish I knew for sure." A hand brushes itself through her lengthy strands of reddish locks as she muses. "Although their appearances elsewhere such as the South Pole, Florida, and Hawaii. Almost like some of the Stardroids are making 'foxholes' if you ask me." There's a pause before she comments, "Neptune...didn't, or couldn't say much in response to what I asked him, but he seemed sad and thoughtful over the affair. Mostly...he spoke of the 'circle of life', life giving way to death, death giving way to life...and how the circle is broken. Something...about the cost being very high to rejoin it."

Zero hehs softly, "As far as I'm concerned, I take Bass' approach on the whole thing. They didn't make this world, they have NO RIGHT to judge us. They declare themselves Gods and come on down here, thinking we're gonna hang on their every whim and word. Well I, for one, won't be giving them that pleasure. If they want to destroy us, they're not doing it without a fight."

"Most people feel the same, Zero. Only, when I asked Neptune what prompted this Judgment...he would only respond that ultimately...the Stardroids aren't the one judging us..." Twila shifts her weight slightly making a small noise, and then shrugs. "Would be nice if we had more to work with than small bits and pieces. Whatever is in connection with this, it was stated that it's partially in connection to the time/space fabric damage that was done several months ago..."

Zero leans back a little, "Yeah, I suppose, but I just can't figure out how 'you' prompt the Kaiser's creation. It doesn't make *sense*. Not one little bit."

Twila Peterson bites her lip. "I've been trying to figure that one out. But I happen to get a headache every single time I do." After a pause she comments, "Almost like with the title they labeled you with in a way. You'll only drive yourself crazy by dwelling on it too much instead of being who you are and just doing the best you can at what you know is right. I---hmmm?"

Beside her a familiar gray and white cabbit has scampers up on the couch by her mistress, softly mewing. Kyo hops up within Twila's lap offering a warm snug before looking over towards Zero, waving a paw. "Mei!"

Zero smirks. "And once again, the infamous wrecker of dramatic conversation graces us with her presence. Hey there, Kyo-Ohki." He looks to Twila after that, offering a shrug as he folds his arms, "I've decided to take it as Libra's thoughts on the Kaiser's going to exist. In that timeline, I 'did' betray Rock. She just has it in her head that I'm gonna do it in this one, too. At least that's what I figure."

Twila Peterson strokes Kyo's back lovingly as the cabbit proceeds to make herself comfy. "Well, in a way you did betray someone in this timeline...although it wasn't Rock..." she notes with a tilt of her head. "You betrayed Wily and what he had hoped. Not that it isn't a bad thing..."

Zero looks up at the ceiling, "Most likely, that's what Duo would say if he had to interpret it -- Eh...Twila?" He looks to her with a concerned look, "Could it be that Duo and his Stardroids have 'another' symbolic name for me? Perhaps Betrayer is simply Chaos' title..."

Twila Peterson considers that for a long moment. "Perhaps it is. Although...I've noticed alot of their titles do indeed have double meanings behind them."

Zero thinks about this for a long, hard moment and glances over at Twila, "...That's all well and good, Twi, but..."

"...When you marryin' Rock?"

Twila....just...blinkblinks stupidly for a few minutes, taken quite off-guard by that. My, that was a drastic topic change! Even Kyo noticed! The cabbit stands up on her legs and pokes the girl in the tummy, gently...to make sure she's alright. "Mew?"

A few minutes more are taken before the young woman works herself out of the initial shock. She glances down towards Kyo before doing so towards the beserker. "Zero, the engagement was broken over 6 months ago."

Zero smirks while keeping his arms folded, "And? Doesn't mean you two can't try again." At any rate, it got them off of the Stardroid subject. He's getting rather tired of talking about it in the first place, considering he'd be out in San Angeles thinking it over in his head repeatedly for a few days.

A large pillar of blue light streaks down to the floor and begins to slowly dissipate, solidifying slowly into the large form of Duo, Stardroid Commander. He hrms to himself softly as he looks about. "Quite," he says, not exactly in response to anything, or maybe it is, just not to something either of y'all can see or hear.

Kyo-Ohki mews while getting up and removes herself off of the girl's lap. Her eyes widen considerably as the newcomer makes his appearance. Now, there are some things Kyo's used to...BUT NOT THAT! With a startled yip she leaps off the couch and runs a few circles around the Stardroid's form in confusion before hurrying back over towards Twila and proceeding to hide herself underneath the couch. After doing so one can here a heightened, "Yip yip meowph!"

Aside from the cabbit's small reaction towards Duo's sudden appearance, Twila sits there, widening her own eyes. For a long moment she can't think of anything to say other than, "Uh...hi..."

Duo:

The symbol of order...

The judge of the universe...

Standing tall before you is the immense visage of Duo, the leader of the Stardroids, protectors of the balance of the universe. His large body is a mixture of blue, red, and silver, on one side, organized, neat, clean, the other, exaggerated, erratic, chaotic. His face is that of complete non-emotion, his tone of voice, level, fair, just. His frame is massive, almost making his head seem almost off scale. Moreso than that, however, is the fact that his left fist is considerably larger than his right. Further displaying the contrast of one side of his body to the other. A physical picture of balance, the meeting of order and chaos, right and wrong, light and dark, yin and yang. A calm blue aura constantly glows around him, radiating the feeling of security, yet, grave danger. He is one to be admired, feared, and completely respected. He is Duo, the one entrusted with preventing the end of existence as we know it.

Duo looks at the small creature with a slight hint of amusement as he turns his gaze towards Twila. "Greetings." he says quite simply, then adding, "Strange, that the Mother and the Betrayer anticipate to encounter."

Zero is instantly on his feet, but he doesn't draw his saber. This one didn't appear and threaten to cleave Twila in half like a few unnamed others have in the past. Therefore, Duo only gets a rise out of Zero. The berserker stares blankly, eyes slowly narrowing, "So.. You're the /great/ Duo." He sneers and clenches a fist, remembering not to be angry at /Duo/. Libra wasn't working for him, or so he's told. "...I was wondering when I was going to get to see you. Y'know, early today, I still had the idea of spitting in your face." That's when he slowly sits down, "...Then I found out which side Libra's on. Should I even ask why you're here?"

Twila Peterson bites her lower lip after shooting Zero a glance before turning a curious gaze back towards the Stardroid Commander. "Zero and I are friends," she explains simply. "Why...is that strange?"

Duo looks at Zero. "I don't believe that would be wise on your part unless you wish to betray your destiny and die before your true path is walked." His tone remains calm and steady as he speaks to Zero, not taking his threat for more than what it truly is to one of his stature. He folds his arms as he returns his gaze to Twila. "That, is knowledge that cannot be divulged. However, be wary, that your planet is in grave danger."

Zero shrugs a little. "I said until I found out the truth, Duo. Listen closer." He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "I thought you were the one sending Libra to kill Twila." He pauses and peers at the Stardroid Commander. "You'd best not be here to try it yourself, though. I didn't take it from Libra and I won't take it from you."

Duo chuckles at Zero. "If my intent was to take one's life, it would have been done before you even realized I was here, dear Betrayer." He shakes his head. "No. I am merely here to warn you all to be wary of your surroundings and the actions of you, and your comrades. For while you may not know it, you are walking down the path of destruction, one, that was not meant to be taken by the inhabitants of this world."

Twila Peterson slightly dips her chin. "Several of the others of your kind have stated the same. Judgment day. But there was no reason given as to how or why: Only the mention of peace...or Fire..." She stops to glance over towards Zero, well knowing he has a temper. Of course, she has one too. But she knows well enough what would happen if she didn't place it under control *sometimes*. "And it was also stated I had some hand in all this."

Duo nods to Twila as he rests his azure eyes on her. "You are the key to this world's survival. You have the ability, and you -shall- be the mother to the world. You will know, when it is time."

Zero leans back in his seat while watching Duo and Twila converse. His main concern was answered, that being Twila's fate. Seems Duo, at least, doesn't wanna kill her. He could've stopped Libra, but not this guy - Or so he's lead to believe, "Then I have a question, Duo. Libra dubbed me as the Betrayer...We can all guess why 'she' called me that." He furrows his brows, "Why're you?"

Duo sighs and turns his gaze to Zero and says quite flatly, "You already know why." His words, while short, have great weight and meaning behind them. He continues to regard the hunter XO calmly, as his expression turns slightly to one of sadness, but not for very long. He turns his gaze away as he looks back at Twila, before looking back over to Zero. "Your future, is one that has been revealed to you by the past, and one that you cannot change, only one, that you must accept, and prepare for."

A long silence is rewarded by Twila at first before she speaks. "And, you won't say anything more on this...or is it you can't?" she questions carefully in some confusion. She does this after Zero asks his question and receives an answer before the girl adds hesitantly, "What of Chaos? You were there in the medical center after he came. That was when the Stardroids increased their appearances here on Earth."

At this point Kyo crawls back from underneath the couch and makes her way towards the Stardroid...sniffing at his feet in nothing but innocent curiosity.

Zero closes his eyes and shakes his head, "I only know what people tell me, Duo.. My past.. I was made by Wily. We all know what's happened to me." He regards Duo with opening eyes, "But there's no way in @#%$ that I'm betraying Rock, if that's what all of you are getting at." He smiles bitterly around then as he adds, "You'll have to forgive my tone, 'Duo', but I've heard this a thousand times from people of less importance."

Duo shrugs at Zero. "Let go of your thoughts and feel what you know is true, Zero. Then you will know your true destiny." He looks back at Twila and nods, "What I say, is only that which Destiny allows me too. As of Chaos, his presence is one that is never welcomed, but one I am doomed to never be free of. He exists solely to defeat me, as I exist solely to defeat him. A never ending battle, one, that shall never end."

Twila Peterson's casts her eyes towards her little animals before regarding the visitor. "And is Chaos the 'ultimate evil' I hear him described as? What exactly is he? Is he another Stardroid?" The girl doesn't know any better but to ask of course. "And, from what Eclipse stated some of the other Stardroids are Chaos's agents. Are we, on Earth, being drawn into some kind of war?" Or...are they already a part of one, she thinks but doesn't say.

Zero leans back at that point, his eyes closing once again. Same thing Anthem and Twila had already said to him, basically. Same thing that he had claimed to have realized. "...."

Duo shakes his head. "The universe, no - reality on a whole, is always at war, Twila, with itself. Always two sides will exist, and always will they battle each other, whether through violence, speech, thought, or otherwise. It is something that no one can ever stop. If it did, the very threads of reality, of existence, would unravel." He pauses for a moment as he unfolds his arms, "Balance, is something that always must be maintained, if ever the scales fall due to unbalance, the world shall end. Something, that your world is in grave danger of becoming."

Kyo-Ohki wrinkles her little nose and emits a soft sneeze before batting the interloper's lag with a paw...wondering just how in the heck he appeared from nowhere like that. Sure that funny looking guy with the yellow scarf does it. But...that's different...innit? Finally, she looks up towards the mech through those emerald orbs before she trots towards one of the empty chairs to watch. She then emits a cute lil yawn while resting her chin on the fabric's surface.

Twila thinks on that and comments, "But a house divided against itself..." yet loud enough so that it can be heard. "Still there must be some hope, or wouldn't be here." She then stops before she adds, "Does this concern the existence of you and the other Stardroids as well? Several of your kind stated that it did..."

Duo shakes his head once again. "What I have said, is all that I can say. I fear that my time here is already up. As my presence is needed...elsewhere..." He looks at Zero and then to Twila, "The two of you both hold a place in this world's fate, just as everyone who lives here does. Remember this, and you will be prepared for anything."

Twila Peterson still idly wonders whether or not her fate rests where Libra once stated: 'One must die so that all may live...' But she doesn't speak of this either. More than likely Duo would be forbidden to say regardless. "Thank you...for answering to the best of her ability," she states honestly, although awkwardly, pondering some of this over herself. "Thanks."

Duo smiles faintly. "Thanking me is of no consequence, for the day will come, where you will all stand against me, for the sake of your own lives, it is our destiny." With that being said, he suddenly begins to fade away, and dematerialize as the same beam of blue energy that he arrived in. Several moments later, he's gone.

Zero slowly looks up as Duo vanishes, "...If y'want my honest opinion, Twila..." He shakes his head while his arms fold, "...I think Duo's the only one of 'em that has any sense."

Kyo-Ohki perks her head up again to watch the stranger take leave. Once more she bounds down to the floor and sniff where it was he stood...wondering how in the heck did he do that?

Twila Peterson draws in a breath. "It would seem so," she states, observing Kyo for a bit. "Although Neptune didn't seem to be one that was difficult to understand." She turns her gaze back towards the Hunter XO and sighs. "Why do I feel that all Hell is going to soon break loose?"

Zero shrugs a bit and smirks over at Twila, "Twila, did you just 'say that'?"

Twila blinks towards the beserker. "I did. And please don't start saying that's a sign of it, kay? I meant it within a literal sense."

Zero chuckles softly and hops up. "I know what you mean. Twila...look, don't worry, alright? We'll figure it out. Anyway, you should probably get some rest. You've had quite a day --" He sighs, "I know /I/ need it..." With that, he heads for the door...