Mega Man 1 - Thursday, July 13, 2000, 3:49 AM ---------------------------------------------
<Michael Eidalth's POV...>
The Reploid Room - Bar
Mac wanders in, looking somewhat tired, but rather determined. He nods... "Greetings, Mike. How do you fare in our epic battle against the forces of most wretched darkness from the stars?" He never -does- let up...
Michael Eildath blinks. "Do you ever..." He shakes his head. "Never mind." He smiles, petting his cat. "I'm doing OK... Andante's a little frazzled, though." The black cat purrs. "Want a drink?"
Mac considers for a moment... "Well... I do require refueling..." he pauses for a moment, before nodding. "Very well. My thanks." He grins slightly, before walking over.
Michael Eildath waves the bartender over. "Give the man anything he wants... I'll foot the bill." Mike grabs his own drink, taking a sip, and then goes back to his cat.
Andante purrs, though it looks like he's getting tired of the petting.
Mac raises his finger, "One seawee..." memory: A few nights ago... he supresses a shudder. "What would you suggest?..."
Michael Eildath shrugs. "That depends... alcoholic or not?" Mac scratches the fore portion of his helmet... "Alcohol would impair my ability to function... plus, with current operating time of 6 months, 24 days, I do not believe that I am yet able to consume them legally... so... non-alcoholic, if you would be so kind."
Michael Eildath smirks, and nods. "Give this man a Coke."
Mac says, "Coke..." data references, parsing... database search: Beverages->Caffinated->Soda->Coca-Cola, "Always Coca-Cola?..." he finds himself quoting idly. "Ingredients: Carbonated water, corn syrup, caffine..."
Michael Eildath nods. "It's soda pop, dude... just enjoy it."
Mac nods, picking up the concoction as it's served to him. "My thanks..." he inspects it... sniffs at it slightly... and cautiously takes a sip... then another... then a rather large gulp. A burp escapes his mouth.
Snake Man arrives from the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. Snake Man has arrived.
Michael Eildath snickers. "Careful, there... it's carbonated, and causes burps."
Dr. Wily enters the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. Dr. Wily has left.
Mac nods, but not before burping once again. "I see." He takes another sip, this time trying to avoid the gas from escaping his fuel processor...
Snake Man winces. Apparently he's gone from the room of singing fools to the room of belching fools.
Michael Eildath hehs, and goes back to his drink and his cat.
Andante decides he's been petted enough, and rolls over, latching on to Mike's gloved hand.
Mac examines the animal... reference: Animal->Feline... "A cat." he observes... "What is... his?... name?"
Michael Eildath smiles. "Andante. He's my cat." Mike smiles at the fighting kitty, and lets him bite at the gloves. Not like Andante can get through the powersuit to actual flesh.
Mac nods... and leans closer. He seems to be facinated with the animal - he probably hasn't had much contact with them. "Is he synthetic or organic?... how old is he?..."
Snake Man gives the animal a cursory glance, ignoring it after confirming its identity as a flesh and blood creature. He goes to sit at the bar, not too far from Mike
Michael Eildath smiles, wrestling the cat a little bit. "He's about two years old... I got him not long after I joined the Maverick Hunters." Mike blinks, then frowns as Snake Man enters.
Mac notices not the serpentine warrior, instead focusing on the small mouser... "Can I... ah... pet... him?..."
Michael Eildath nods. "Sure... just be careful with him."
Mac nods, quietly... running his fingers through the cat's hair gently. He strokes the fur with a perhaps overly gentle touch, afraid he might accidentally disrupt the animal's structural integrity.
Snake Man ignores the two Hunters, using his tail to retrieve a glass of water from the bar, which he passes to his hand before he takes a drink
Andante blinks. . o O (Ah, the Betrayer (Mk. 2) has released me.) He purrs, and lets Mac pet him.
Mac asks, almost unsure of himself... "Nice... kitty?..."
Andante mrows.
Michael Eildath shakes his head. "That cat still hasn't forgiven me."
Snake Man gives a loud, hissing snort, but says nothing.
Mac quirks a brow... "Hasn't forgi--" his attention is now drawn towards the snake. He gives a single, silent, curt nod, out of respect for the alliance, but does nothing more, returning his attention to the pet after a moment's hesitation.
Jupiter has arrived. PSSSSSHOOOM.
With a crackle of energy and a small crash of thunder, Jupiter appears behind the bar, his fingertips placed against eachother. "Hmhmhmhm. Hello, constructs. Hello, organic. May I get you some liquid for consumption? Because... hmhmheheh. It's story time. Yes, it is. Gather your friends, your foes.." his shoulderpads alight from beneath, and Jupiter hovers upwards. "Because it's stoooooory time." Though you can't see Jupiter's mouth through his chinguard, there's obviously a certain glint in his eye. The twinkle is perhaps cleverness... or, more likely, a degree of insanity.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'Gah!'.
Michael Eildath blinks. .oO(The @#$&?)Oo. He snarls. "What do /you/ want?"
Andante hisses, and leaps at Mac, trying to burrow into him.
Mac blinks, looking up from his drink and the cat. Immediately he springs into action, striking a combat pose, "Your nefarious schemes will NEVER succeed, Stardroid Ve... errr, Mer... err... STARDROID!" he states, preparing to do battle. Not helped as the cat suddenly leaps on him. "GAH!"
Snake Man stumbles backwards and off the stool, toppling over onto the floor with a distinctly uncharacteristic lack of grace.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'Uhh, guysss. There'sss another Ssstardroid here. In the bar...'.
(Ch. D [Hunter-Alliance.]) Dr. Wily transmits: '...'.
(Ch. D [Hunter-Alliance.]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Who?'.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'The flying one with the beak on hisss head'.
Dr. Wily arrives from the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. Dr. Wily has arrived.
Jupiter tilts his head to look down at the human. "Oh, come now, organic. I said it was story time. Gather your fellow players." He chuckles to himself, hoverjets lifting him up onto the bar itself, where he takes a stand.
Mac is currently attempting to strike a combat pose, but the fact that Mike's cat seems to have climbed on him is detering that fact... "Kitty?... uh... now isn't a great time..." he says to the feline.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Noone attack! He could level this place...'.
Andante mrrrows piteously.
King arrives from the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. King has arrived.
The soft tap of a cane and the footfalls of hard soles shoes announces another player on the scene... the Mad Doctor himself... if you want players... he is here to play.
Bit arrives from the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. Bit has arrived.
Dr. Wily receives a radio transmission from Twila Peterson.
King strides throughout the corridor of the complex, which has been converted into much of an Alliance medical ward and all. His axe at his side, his crimson gaze sweeps about.
(Ch. D [Air]) Anthem transmits: 'Yes, could we please have the brawl away from the large number of already wounded people? I'd like to keep my other arm.'.
Michael Eildath snarls. "More of your games, Stardroid?"
Snake Man is lying on his back in front of the bar, watching Jupiter like a hawk. A very frightened hawk
Jupiter shakes his head slightly. "Oh, I don't know about that, organic. I'm here to talk about life, the Multi-Verse, and - me." He chuckles once more, crossing his arms over his chestplate. "I am not quite a slave to the wheel any longer," he pauses; "Someone get the cat off that construct, would you? He won't be able to listen very well, no he won't."
Michael Eildath grabs Andante and sets him down.
Mac nods to Mike, "My gratitude..." his eyes turn towards Jupiter, narrowing darkly.
The Mad Doctor slowly walks foward, a broad smile spreading on his features... a mad smile. "Jupiter! So good to see you! And ahh... I would love to hear myself."
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'Isss thisss one of the 'good' onesss or 'bad' onesss?'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'One of the annoying ones, in my opinion.'.
Michael Eildath folds his arms, ready to listen, if grudgingly.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'That would include all of them, if you asssk me'.
King proudly stands directly behind Dr. Wily, the massive blade upon his Executioner's Axe gleaming in the various lights cast all about. His cold stare remains on Jupiter, and soley Jupiter.
Bit moves slowly through the threshold to the bar, careful not to upset the repairs from the last battle. Bit turns his head to the side to peer at the Stardroid. Bit shakes his head after Jupiter speaks. Maybe he got some dirt still stuck in his processors.
Jupiter undoes his arms, then plops down onto the bar. He crosses his legs Indian-style, and rubs his hands together. "Now. Hmmmmm. Where to begin, yes. Where to begin. I was a slave to the wheel - Starhaven. What mistake could I have made? I was serving time for a life I had forgotten." His optical sensors grow dark, then flash red. "Until now."
Snake Man scrambles back a bit, far enough so he can climb to his feet. He eyes Jupiter warily
Michael Eildath snatches his drink away. "So, you no longer serve Duo?" Mike's trying, despite the fact that there's a Stardroid sitting about a foot away from him.
Mac watches, listening intently. He makes no sudden movements, no attempt to attack... but then again, he doesn't seem to be much for talking right now, either.
The Mad Doctor blinks slightly and gives a brought grin, he flicks a hand and his cane slips into it from nowhere inparticular... he brings it down with a tap as he leans jauntily on it. His eyes and eyes wide for every motion and word. Insanity is something he likes and can deal with... his grin shows this as he looks to the Stardroid. Oh yes, he understands such a fate.
King whispers to Dr. Wily: 'Shall ... ... ... ... ... ... can ... rid of this worthless ... ... ... moments.'.
Dr. Wily whispers to King: 'No... ... ... ... ... hurt or ... he ... be an ... ... may kill ... ... ... you ... ... Venus... ... ...'.
King whispers to Dr. Wily: 'I ... not ... content ... ... five keys milord.'.
Dr. Wily whispers to King: 'Also... Shhh... ... more ... ... ... ... /sure/ ... can hear us... Shut up!'.
King whispers to Dr. Wily: '... he fully ... ... intentions.'.
King snorts with a growl and raises back to glower towards Jupiter.
Snake Man sends a radio transmission.
Dr. Wily receives a radio transmission.
The Mad Doctor sends a glance King's way... hoping the Stardroid will make him dance like he did the others... then he looks to Jupiter.
Jupiter hmhmhms. "Oh. I'm not sure I can say that. But what I can say is this. I was from a world. A world like many - perhaps a word like this. I don't remember much. What I remember - The Stardroids, coming. Coming to judge my world. I never cared for my kinsmen - not at all. The world being blown up would've showed THEM, use it would." Then his features grow dark, and his fist clenches. "But. It." his Electric Shock cannon raises up, aiming towards a far walll. "Didn't." a bolt of lightning flies forth from his arm-cannon, striking the wall and creating a large hole. "HAPPEN!"
Mac blinks, his own arm cannon powering up... just in case. For whatever good it'll do.
The Mad Doctor slowly nods... -The WilyBrow- ...arching. "Continue, Sky Lord. I totaly sympathise with you there..." Wily smiles broadly to him, listening to the words...
Michael Eildath blinks, recoiling a bit. Mike's got nerves of steel, but a godlike being shooting lightning at a wall isn't his idea of safe. "Well... your world survived... that's good, right?"
King, having stabbed the butt of his mighty axe in the ground, digs a bit of a potch upon the surface as he rotates the staff of the Executioner.
Snake Man takes a step backwards as the shot sizzles past, wincing at the noise. With a look at the damaged wall, he skitters around the other side of Wily, perhaps trying to hide himself behind his father figure.
Jupiter begins to gain control of himself - then growls, leaping to his feet and pointing his forefinger at Mike. "NO! No it ISN'T Because the world SURVIVED! It met the challenge - but *I* didn't! The Stardroids took ME! THEY TOOK _ME_!" Jupiter screeches, placing his hands on his head.
Bit observes the Stardroid carefully. Appearances show that he's not going to start a battle here. Bit is simply too weary to make any reaction from Jupiter's display of power. He leans onto the chrome rail, letting it maintain his weight and balance.
King snorts. o 0 (They should have left you. Now I must bear witness to this inane drivel.)
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'Looksss like we've got ourssselvesss another nutcassse here'.
Michael Eildath blinks, and teeters on the edge of his seat, almost toppling into the floor. "Then..." He pauses. "Well..." Mike pales. . o O (He must have been that world's epitome of chaos... that, or being a Stardroid drove him insane... or both.) "Well... it's... not our fault. Blame Duo, whydoncha?"
The Mad Doctor slowly nods... a sigh coming from his lips. "Yes, Jupiter... they uprooted you from your home.... they forced you into slavery... they sought to control you... You are free." Wily gazes apon him then glares at Mike with a.. 'Let me handle this!' expression. One madman surely knows how to talk to another.
Snake Man just keeps quiet for the most part, watching the Stardroid nervously, but sticking close to Wily.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'What I don't get isss, how can they judge usss when all of them are raving nutbarsss?'.
(Ch. D [Hunter-Alliance.]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'You realize... Jupiter showed he knows this frequency, Snake Man...'.
Bit wonders if this is a wise course of action. Wily does seem to be able to talk to this Stardroid well enough, but are those words he chooses the right ones?
King is not too enthralled with the fact that a robot with one hand larger than most humans, one that curiously resembles and egg, one that can be slapped with numerous anatomy and sex jokes, one that chooses to groom itself in the open, one that uses a hoola hoop for a primary weapon, one that is constructed from human boogers, one with a chin larger than Jay Leno or Popeye, one with a gun for a brain, and the last priding himself with a beaked on its forehead lay in judgement of his world.
(Ch. D []) Snake Man transmits: 'Bah'.
..and now it appears this beaked-foreheaded Stardroid has a few screws loose. Nope, King doesn't enjoy the fact they're judging his planet -at all-.
Jupiter stands there for a moment, working out his thoughts in the small amount of silence the group affords him. You could swear you hear him exhaling - which is strange, as he has no visible mouth or nose. "They took me. Made me into this, while my world lived. Tried to reform me into something... I don't know what. But..." he growls quietly. "I doubt you really care, now do you? Organics, constructs - just more cosmic fodder. The Stardroids have judged many worlds over many years - centuries. It could be eons, for all I know. They've judged worlds in other universes... worlds where... hmhmhhehe... well..." Jupiter reaches behind his back, and there's a dim flash. Suddenly, he whips his arm out, and two small items go flying - one at Snake Man, the other at Michael Eildath. When they land, they appear to be....
Action figures? One is of Snake Man, and the other is of Mega Man himself.
"Hmhmh... I thought his world - looked familiar, for some reason. I sometimes take - momentos, of the world we judge. Those looked - hmheh - interesting."
Michael Eildath blinks at the little Mega Man figure. "Copyright Bandai?" He blinks. "Who the hell is Bandai?" He looks at Jupiter, now seriously disturbed.
...and now it appears he collects action figures. Geez this ain't looking good.
Mac listens... a tale of rejection and pain. Sad, perhaps... but right now he can't contemplate that... he blinks as he glances to the action figures... "What are those?..."
Bit mutters...."Sounds vaguely Japanese."
Snake Man ducks, catching the object in his tail by reflex. Passing it to his hand, he turns it over in his grip
The Mad Doctor listens with deep interest... slowly noding... He looks to the action figures... blinking. "I... see." Wily then looks to Jupiter for long moments. "Multiverse... I can understand that thoery..." Wily lets out a sigh... then looks to Jupiter as he listens to his words... pondering them over in his mind... And now... Rock and Bass will be taken if this world survives. Such a fade...
Michael Eildath blinks. "Why show us these things?"
Dr. Wily says, "To prove a point, Mr. Eildath. To prove a point."
Snake Man scrutinizes the piece of plastic closely. "I look fat. And what about thossse rediculousss shouldersss?"
"Check the years listed on them, players. For as immaterial as the concept of "time" is to a Stardroid - I do believe, it's vastly different, no?" Jupiter chuckles to himself. "So, now. Here we are. All of us. The Stardroids - we're "saved" from our worlds, if they choose to destroy them - hmheh - or they think to save our worlds from US."
Snake Man blinks. "What'sss Capcom?"
Michael Eildath turns. "I thought that was part of the command staff for shuttle missions?"
"(C) Capcom Co., Ltd. 1994 Bandai Made in China" The dates are on the feet.
The Mad Doctor looks to the figures and narrows his eyes... he reaches out and snatches Snake man's from him, looking at the feet. "19... 94?!" Wily gapes slightly... "Androids were just dreams then..." Wily looks to Jupiter... "I would love to know more of that reality one day, Jupiter." Wily lets out a sigh. "I see..." Wily looks to Jupiter. "They must be stoped... it must end..."
King fails to see how getting rid of Bass is a bad thing.
... Or Rock for that matter...
Snake Man seconds that opinion, but seems more interested at this point in getting his toy back from Wily
Wily hands the toy back...
Michael Eildath says, "So... we're damned if we do, and damned if we don't. What's the point?"
Snake Man checks it out for a few moments and then drops it in a compartment in his chest.
Michael Eildath sticks the toy in his pocket, to show Mega later.
The Mad Doctor moves over and takes a seat at the bar...
Mac watches quietly... taking this all in silently... and struck with an illogical pang which he quickly pushes down... wondering if there's a 'Mac' action figure somewhere?... nonsensical.
Mac? Feh! It would be a waste of plastic. He got killed in the opening credits of X3, sheesh.
Jupiter chuckles quietly. "Oh. I can tell you, alright, Perverter. You don't exist. None of you. You're fantasy - fiction." To further prove this point, there's another quiet flash, and movement of his hand. This time, to Mac, he throws...
A small, grey cartridge. With a picture on it.
"You're recurring characters in their *games*. And.. hmhehe. All players in MY game. _Now_. I am a Gamesman, am I not? You won't get my key easily - does a Gamesmaster ever make -anything- easy?"
Michael Eildath blinks. . o O (Is that supposed to be Quick Man? And when did Mega Man get a visor?)
King should just pummel Jupiter until he cries for uncle and runs out of merchandise to throw at him. That'll get them his key much quicker, yup.
Mac snatches the cartridge out of impulse, examining it closely... "Circuit-soldered programming data?..." he looks at the somewhat perverted "Mega Man" and skims the label... "Mega... Man?..." he blinks, as if he's misreading it. "Nintendo Seal of Quality. Nintendo Entertainment System... Copyright Capcom?..."
The Mad Doctor blinks at the cartridge thrown to Mac. "What...? That is... impossible!" Wily then looks to Jupiter, rising from his seat. "And... yes... Jupiter. I see that. If you wish to play, Jupiter. I shall play. I would learn more of this... game..." Wily looks to Mac... then walks over and snatches it away, looking at it closely... "..."
Mac frowns as his 'prize' is snatched away from him, but doesn't attempt to get it back... yet, anyway. The alliance must be preserved, after all... his attention turns from the Game Pak (TM), back to Jupiter. He has a mission... and must find a 'Nintendo Entertainment System'...
Magnet Man has one up at the Wily Star... Wily scrutinizes the cartrige intently... 'Their games... their games... their games...' keeps passing though his head. Wily looks up to Jupiter with worried eyes as he looks to Mac then to the Cartige.. "I will... study this, Mac. And return it in perfect condition..."
King has wome-..er..
Mac frowns slightly... but nods. "Very well... thank you." he states... must keep the alliance intact... though somehow he doesn't think he'll ever see the cartridge again. He begins searching his database for references to Nintendo... finding an awful lot of references to something called 'Pokemon'... he continues...
Michael Eildath shakes his head. "Okay, so we're players in your game... or something like that. What now?"
A few months after the Stardroids are defeated... a new game appears in stores everywhere... based on the real life hero, Mega Man... it outsells everything on the market and all of it ends up in the hands of the Mad Doctor!
King growls as these trinkets and games are procured left and right, shaking his head. A fan boy Stardroid. King and his brethren made quite the choice in deciding which one to off. It seems they might even be doing the Stardroids a favor if the opportunity ever arises.
Jupiter's hoverthrusters once more send him into the air. "Oh. That will not be the game I challenge you at, Perverter. To find the key, you must solve a riddle - go on a journey." His optics alight, Jupiter thrusts his hand forward - a sphere of glowing red energy - ball lighning - forms, and he gazes into it contimplatively.
"If you seek me, pawns - if you seek my power, well. Hmhm. No good gamesman can -let- a side win, now can he? Hmhmhhehe. But, I shall be fair... to find the power of the gods / a warrior must journey / into the land of the titan's strength / for if all must fall / let it begin at the beginning / at the foot of godhood / and the celestial heavens."
With that, Jupiter throws the ball of lightning into the air - it slowly begins to drop. "When the ball lands, I shall be gone - and your quest shall begin. If you have questions, be quick about it!"
Mac blinks. Got to hurry. "What is your weak point?" He's to the point, sure.
Snake Man blinks. "Foot of godhood? What the heck isss that?"
Michael Eildath blinks. "A warrior? You don't mean one of us has to face you /alone/, do you?"
The Mad Doctor looks up as he slips the cartidge into his pocket... noding slowly. Madness is something he can deal with. Riddles he can understand. Wily turns his gaze to King, then looks to Jupiter as he buzzles out his riddle. "Titans' strength... Warrior... power of the gods..." Wily looks to Jupiter. "Who is the Warrior and where must he journey?"
Mac decides a secondary question might be wise. "What is the titan?"
King catches Wily's glances towards him, and at such he narrows his optics. He has no idea with where to begin picking this riddle apart, much less question it.
Jupiter laughs at Mac. "Oh, how cute you are, construct. I'd take a picture if I could." The ball begins its descent. "It does not have to be a single warrior, no. Know that much. The riddle tells the place - it's up to you to figure it out. T players who arrive are what matter - for it will be their wit that figured out my riddle."
The red glowing ball is now halfway to the floor. "The titans, the usurpers." is all Jupiter says to clarify. "These elements may not be conclusive - it is up for you to determine."
The Mad Doctor nods slowly. "The Titan's Strength and the Beginning..." Wily looks up and speaks again. "The... Titan..." Wily slowly spreads his lips into a broad smile. "I shall meet you then, Jupiter. The Begining... the Foot of Godhood and the Celestial Heavens. Yes..." Wily lets out a mad cackle! "You are a Bot I most like, Jupiter. This will be a most excelent game. And I offer this, Jupiter... a question... a proposal... We made a pact once before, Jupiter... can we make another for your retribution and my own?"
Mac says, "Describe the area in which the duel will occur?"
King growls. A pact with the one he and his Elite brethren plot to slay? Damn Wily for making such a wild inquiry. King shakes his head with a snort, pondering this riddle.
Snake Man stands silently by, his gaze shifting from the Stardroid, to Wily, and to King and then back again
Michael Eildath leans over to Mac.
Michael Eildath whispers 'Come with me... we're going on a ride after this.' to Mac.
Mac blinks... and nods.
Jupiter hmms. "Oh, I don't know about that, Perverter. For, after this meeting - one group shall not be in existence. Acquisition of keys are such ordeals, you see..."
Dr. Wily nods as he too slowly strokes his prominent chin. "One group you say? What do you mean by that? And yes... Uranus' was a trail in itself..." Wily looks to Jupiter. "I would speak to you after our quest is done... make a pact once more. No one will be able to stop you from enjoying yourself on this world, Jupiter. And what do you mean one group shall not be in existance?"
King blinks, his optics flaring brightly at that last bit from the Stardroid Jupiter. He glances to his axe, which gleams as various lights pass along its curved blade. He snorts, taking a breath, and looking to Wily, to see if his insanity has thus produced anything of worth.
Jupiter takes a slight bow. "Now. It is time for me to be gone - enjoy your equipment, players. The wheel is turning... tstand in the middle, and you won't get dizzy / stand in the middle, and you won't fall down. Hmhmheh. I'll be watching. I'll be listening. And..." The crimson sphere touches the floor of the bar. "I shall be GONE."
SHOOOM. Brilliant flash of light. And Jupiter is no more.
Snake Man says, "Can we make requessstsss on which group that would be?"
Jupiter has left.
Mac blinks... and furrows his brow. "...well, at least he didn't destroy the building..." he mutters to himself as an aside, before glancing to Mike wordlessly.
Decibel arrives from the The Reploid Room - Dance Floor. Decibel has arrived.
Michael Eildath hrms. "Titans... godhood... heavens...." He lowers his head. "Mac... I think we need to go to the library."
Mac nods... "Indeed."
Dr. Wily watches Jupiter vanish with his question unanswered... he gazes where Jupiter was then looks down to the location of the sphere as it falls... vanishing... "Equipment... Ha ha!" Wily looks to the others with a grin, he reaches into a pocket and pulls out the cartridge and hands it back to Mac. "We are going to be playing old school swords and sorcery, my boys... you may hold onto this, Mac."
The Mad Doctor lets out a cackle and taps his cane down with a loud crack! "Oh ho! That made up for all the strife with Uranus! This will be fun!"
King eyes Wily. Like hell it did.
Mac blinks, as he takes the cartridge. He nods in gratitude, before glancing at the rather large hole in the wall... "I do not believe the bouncer will appreciate a new door to cover..." he states, perhaps an attempt to be humerous... perhaps not.
Michael Eildath smirks. "C'mon, Mac... we'd better get a move on." . o O (I'm not about to let Wily get another key.)
Snake Man simply shakes his head. "What'sss next, Massster?"
Mac nods, and wordlessly follows.
Michael Eildath waves Mac on. C'mon, we'll take my hoverbike.
Mac nods, and runs along, "Greetings!" he shouts to the Repliforcers and civilians in the room, before following, armor clanking.
Michael Eildath waves. "Anthem! Make sure Andanted doesn't run away."
Mac climbs aboard behind Eildath, still wearing his armor... might be a good idea to ask him to dematerialize it, if it's a problem.
Michael Eildath brings the bike to life, and starts it down the street. "He gave us a riddle... we just have to figure it out." Mike's in armor himself... and he's lugged Mega Man around on this before.
Michael Eildath blinks. "How much do you know about Greek mythology, Mac?"
Mac blinks... directory system, search parameters... History->Mythology->Greek: Count... "I have 10,476 distinct entries pertaining to Greek culture," far outnumbering his player's entries, which are about 4 or 5 when all is said and done. "I do not know if any pertain to this instance, however."
Michael Eildath hrms. "What about the Titans? I'd like to think he wants to meet on Mount Olympus, but I don't rememeber the Titans having anything to do with it."
Mac frowns... "There were a number of Titans mentioned... giants... Mount Olympus was the home of the gods... but there was never a confirmed location for it to exist... though he may be refering indirectly to another mountain."
=========================== Unified Global Defense =========================== Message: 28/49 Posted Author Jupiter Thu Jul 13 Michael Eildath ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jupiter showed up in the Reploid Room last night... and left us with some rather disturbing clues as to the nature of the universe. He left... clues that there /were/ other Universes... that's all I can say. And he left us with a rather cryptic riddle, which Mac and I are trying to unravel.
to find the power of the gods a warrior must journey into the land of the titan's strength for if all must fall let it begin at the beginning at the foot of godhood and the celestial heavens.
Mike out. ==============================================================================
Michael Eildath hrms. "Then... what about strong Titans?"
Mac frowns... "There were several that could be considered titans... one-eyed Cyclopses, for one, though they were a race... perhaps refering to Eclipse in some way?..." he offers, continuing to think... "Herculese, perhaps, the strongest man in the world..."
Mac pauses in thought... "Perhaps Atlas... the one said to have held the world..."
Michael Eildath blinks. "World... world... Hercules was just a man... but..." He blinks. "Atlas! That's it! The Titan that held up the world!" Mike pauses. "There's an Atlas mountain range, right?"
Mac says, "Geographical reference... searching..." his eyes seem to glaze over for a moment as he searches... then he starts slightly, but returns to his stupor, uplinking with another computer somwhere. After several seconds, when you might be getting a bit worried, he springs back to life. "Indeed there is."
Michael Eildath revs up the hoverbike. "Hold on tight, Mac... we're going for a ride." Gunning the motor, Mike speeds down the street, into the teleportation area.
Mac takes his advice... "Located towards the edge of the Sahara desert!" he states, lest the roar grow too loud to explain, he hurries with the statement.
Michael Eildath nods. "One quick teleport... there... and now towards our destination." He quickly guides the bike out of town.
Mac nods., clinging to the bike as they travel deep into the sweltering heat. "Are your systems remaining sufficiently hydrated?"
Michael Eildath nods. "I'll be fine. This powersuit regulates my body temperature. I only loose moisture through my head. Sorta like out of this movie I saw a long time ago." He opens a panel on the bike. "Now hang on... we're going to break some serious road laws." Mike engages the Corley pre-regulation destroyer-class solid fuel rocket boosters.
Mac tightens his grip... "I am sufficiently braAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Michael Eildath zooms out over the desert.
Michael Eildath finally slows the bike down, the fuel boosters nearly spent. "That's gonna be expensive to refill," Mike quips, then angles his head back. "You okay, Mac?"
Mac is covered in sand, not knwoing enough to pull his head in... he spits a good deal out. "Indeed, though..." he brushes the stuff off... "Perhaps a bit more acquainted with the terrain than I desired..." he frowns slightly... before pausing in thought... "Though it does seem to be cleaning out my regulators with suprising speed..."
Michael Eildath smirks. "That's a heavy abrasive for you." He guides the bike up into the mountains. "I wonder if this is the right place."
Mac frowns vaguely... "Perhaps it was in error. I see no sign of the Stardroid... ANY Stardroid." Though that could be a good thing.
Harley Hoverbike <Eildath> winds its way into the mountains. "Well, we've got a lot of time to keep looking... maybe he is on Mount Olympus."
<Soon...>
Atlas Mountains The legendary mountains that some say used to be visable from Mount Olympus in Greece, but have long since lost part of their splendor due to erosion. Suspected to be the location beneath where the juggernaut Atlas carries the weight of the world, the mountains themselves being his gigantic legs, the rest of his body concealed beyond the heavens. That myth has long since been replaced, and now the mountains serve as a landmark to dot the edge of the Sahara, and the start of Africa. Rough, desert rock outcroppings dot the mountainside, and several steep inclines are the favorite among serious rock climbers.
Michael Eildath continues taking the bike into the hills. . o O (Thank goodness for hover boosters.)
Mac scans his geographical reference... "This mountain range extends in both directions for some distance... we may not be able to find him even after an exhaustive search..." he furrows his brow. "Should we signal for help?"
Michael Eildath hrms. "Maybe in a bit. We can cover a lot of ground on the bike, though. And I don't want Wily to have another key."
Michael Eildath says, "I still don't trust him."
Mac nods... "With just cause. After all, the precariousness of our alliance is only subject to the whims of those we once fought, and our own willingness; one might not hope to erase such a background in such a short time, no matter how noble our common goal may b-*GAG* *COUGH*" he winces, coughing up a bit of sand... and cutting off his speech. Rejoice!
Michael Eildath nods. "I agree with you there, Mac." He circles another peak.
Mac hacks dustily, "Indeed."
Michael Eildath breathes, "To find the power of the gods..." (the key?) "a warrior must journey..." (that's us) "into the land of the titan's strength..." (Atlas's mountains) "for if it all must fall..." (the Stardroids?) "let it begin at the beginning..." (The Titans were here before the gods) "at the foot of godhood... and the celestial heavens." (Atlas held up the Earth, and it was separated from the heavens.) Half in thought, half aloud, Michael continues on.
Mac, meanwhile, ponders just what Jupiter's weak point is... and, at the same time, begins trying to analyze what he's leaked... psychology can lead to valuable insights in battle, or his programming says. Citing Guts Man's singing as an example... he shudders at the memory that isn't his, yet is in his database for all time...
Michael Eildath sighs, and keeps looking. "Big freakin' mountain range..."
Mac sighs... "Do you think I should start looking for a more suitable site?..."
Michael Eildath hrms. "If you can think of anything else that fits the riddle... sure."
Mac nods... "I will begin the search, but it is... unlikely, at this point..." his face gets a slightly blank look, though he remains vaguely aware of his surroundings this time, looking for the ovoid birdman.
Michael Eildath hrms, continuing onward. "Soo..." he says, trying to strike up conversation. "What did you think about Jupiter? Other than him being stark raving mad?"
Mac furrows his brow deeply. "His physical form suggested an avian origin, perhaps harkening back to his original world or the Stardroid's whim. His combat capabilities are not known to me at this time..." he says... speaking, of course, tactically... before pausing... "His psyche is... intriguing, however."
Michael Eildath nods. "Yeah... I wouldn't want that to happen to me." Mike pauses. . o O (But it did... kinda... I never asked for my family to be taken from me...)
Mac nods... having felt awkwardness with his peers... not being entirely accepted in some cases, but... nothing like what the Stardroid felt... "Nor I..." he shakes his head. "It... is unfortunate... and even more unfortunate he chose such a path..."
Michael Eildath nods. "Yeah... I just hope there's some kind of rationality to him... right now, he's acting just like it's all some stupid game."
Mac wipes some dust out of his visor... "That may well be what he thinks it is... perhaps it's all he can come to grasp."
Jupiter is sitting on a small outcropping of rock, overlooking the landscape of the mountainside. His legs drape off the end of the outcropping, and swing back and forth periodically. "Hmm... soon, we shall see if their mental and phsyical mettle match up..."
Michael Eildath hrms. "Maybe..." He turns another corner, coming into a new section of peak.
Michael Eildath brings his bike to a sudden stop. "My God... Mac... look!"
Mac's optics switch towards the massive birdbot... "Target identified..." his eyes narrow, left hand materializing into a cannon... "Stardroid Jupiter."
Mac scowls... "Bring us to a stop, Michael... it's time to retrieve a key from the talons of tyrany..." his gun powers up with a whine... that doesn't seem to be sounding quite right if you've heard a typical arm cannon powering up.
Michael Eildath nods, and stops the bike, pulling out his own weaponry. "Literary allusions aside, Mac, I agree." He smiles. "Let's go."
Mac dismounts witha solid thud. He begins tromping towards the bird, a vain hope of a suprise attack being attempted on the lightly sanded rock.
Michael Eildath pulls up his Incinerator Rifle. "Jupiter! Hey, Stardroid! We solved your damn riddle already!"
Jupiter looks down from his perch, tilting his head slightly. "Hmm. Is this the best the world can offer?" His hoverjets activate, sending him flying up. He raises his arm into the air. "Hello, players. Allow me to... set, the battleground." With that, Jupiter's arms spread out.... and the entire mountainrange begins to shake. The area holding Mac, Michael - above which Jupiter hovers - simply LIFTS into the sky, lock, stock, and barrel. "And Venus was so proud of his tide pool trick... hmhmhhehehe."
Mac blinks, barely keeping his footing. He grabs onto a rocky outcropping before glancing towards the edge... and the fact that the rest of the range seems to be moving past them. This isn't good, he surmises... "STARDROID! PREPARE TO TASTE THE WRATH OF JUSTICE!"
Michael Eildath growls, pulling up his rifle. "While I may not share my comrade's enthusiam... let's go." Mike takes everything in stride, yep, even moving mountains... the panic and paranoia come later.
Jupiter chuckles, glancing down at his two "opponents." His jets power down, and he lands on his makeshift platform. "How do you like -this-?" His arm waves about. "Now you have no place to run, pawns!" Jupiter's form crackles with blue energy, which is quite a contrast to his emerald form. His Electric Shock cannon comes to bear, and his eyes alight.
Michael Eildath looks up at Jupiter. "I wouldn't run, even if I could! If we have to go through you to save this planet, then so be it!"
Mac raises his weapon, pushing himself away from the outcropping, optics narrowing as he approaches. His weapon's whine reaches a high pitch... like it doesn't like what he's doing.
Jupiter cackles quietly to himself, opening one eye moreso than the other. "I will struggle to hide my terror!" Jupiter's hoverjets shift, giving him a better range of forward propulsion. He dashes forward, a blue haze emitting from his back - his entire form crackles and radiates energy menacingly as he bears down on his two targets, Cannon at the ready.
"PREPARE TO DIE!"
Michael Eildath blinks, dropping his gun. "Oh, sh*t!" Mike doesn't have time to fire... barely time to act. Without know what Mac's going to do, he yanks out a frag grenade... one of his specials... with a contact fuse, and hurls it at the Stardroid as he approaches... it's his only shot to slow the advance.
Mac scowls, cooly, evenly... finally firing the arm cannon that's been making so much noise all this time. Unfortunately for him, the front half explodes, sending a plume of the explosion as well as a good bit of the cannon itself in Jupiter's general direction, sending the rest of Mac the opposite direction, making a Mac-shaped indentation in the mountain.
Jupiter's path does not waiver - he keeps coming straight on to the two brave (if not altogether bright) souls. The twin blasts - from Michael's frag grenade impacting, and Mac's armcannon exploding, give the combined result of sending Jupiter backwards off his course - and a fully powered Electric Shock blast over both of their heads. Somewhere, an orbital satellite overloads and blows up.
Mac blinks, grimmacing at the cracks in his armor and his arm cannon... still fireable, but definitely not in the best of shape...his jaw drops, assessing the damage... "...barely a scratch!"
Michael Eildath is thrown back by the blast of his own grenade, slamming into a rock face with an audible grunt and the sickening sound of a bone giving way under the armor. "D... damn... I... I shoulda known...." He coughs, and spits up a gob of blood. "We can't win..."
Jupiter lands after skimming acros the rocks, finally coming to a halt. His chest armor is now blackened - red light bleeds forth from areas in his chestplate, and he inhales deeply. "What are you talking about - this is more than a scratch...."
Michael Eildath blinks, struggling to his feet. "But... we hardly touched you, Jupiter?" Mike coughs. "...Sorry," he adds, trying, and failing, to put a sarcastic bite in it... he just sounds weak.
Mac grunts, pushing himself out of the rock wall he's embedded in. He grunts, falling to his knees with a mild groan as he dizzily tries to drag himself to his feet.
Jupiter pulls himself to all fours, working on standing erect. On the way up - his form slumps forward slightly, fist grabbing ahold of some of the cliff-face; he crumbles it in his hand. Upon hearing Mike, however... Jupiter audibly inhales, going into a shout. "WHY ARE YOU SAYING THAT YOU'RE SORRY?!" Jupiter pulls his fist back, slamming it into the rocks.
"WHY?!"
Michael Eildath blinks. . o O (He's so... angry... I'd be too.) Mike's sarcastic edge drops. "Because..." His voice boldens. "Because I do feel sorry for you. They took you from your home... and all you've ever felt was hatred. Everyone's your enemy."
Jupiter shambles forward, not so much like a robot but like a force of nature. He stops just a few feet from the duo, a curious look in his eyes. "You... feel?" Jupiter pulls his head up, trying to regain some semblance of balance. "What do you mean you feel sorry for me?"
Mac grimmaces, shaking off the rock dust and regaining his footing. "You think all people are your enemies... you've never had a friend..." his voice drops a bit... "You're pitiable."
Mac frowns... repeating, a bit louder, now on more solid footing... "Because you think all people are your enemies,!... Because you've never had a friend!"
"Did you say... a friend?" Jupiter's features twist at this; his shoulders slump slightly, and he pulls back a step or so.
Mac grimmaces, approaching. His steps ache from the dust locked in his joints... "We know how important friends are, Jupiter." he states, opticing the Stardroid... warry of trechery, though somehow a little less willing to fire...
Jupiter staggers backwards, stumbling on some rock and landing on his rear. He shakes his head faintly; his voice is weaker.
"Please, stop it...! The idea of me being someone's friend... it's making me quite...ill...!" Jupiter gasps in pain, holding his chestplate; more red light bleeds through evident cracks.
Michael Eildath frowns. "You... you told us why you're like you are. The Stardroids took everything from you. I know how that feels, at least. They took you away from them... noone should be treated that badly. The Robot Masters took everything I know from me... my life, my family, my love. If... you had someone to care about... a friend... you'd know not everyone is like the Stardroids." Mike pauses, looking down. "You must be lonely.... so very lonely."
Jupiter grabs the sides of his head, reeling in pain. "Loooooonely!" He points a finger at Mike, using his other hand to grasp his wounded chestplate. "He says I'm looonely! I hate people! I hate ... everything! I dooooo...arrrrghk.." Jupiter cries out in pain quite audibly.
Mac scowls, approaching further... a Stardroid as a friend could be invaluable... and this one... this one isn't inherently evil... "What's wrong, Jupiter?" he asks, taking another step.
Michael Eildath blinks confusedly at Jupiter, not sure how words can be doing this to him... or maybe... maybe it's not the words... he doesn't say anything for a moment.
Jupiter pulls himself to his knees - then topples forward, grasping at the dirt below him. "How can you be so cruel?! All this talk of friendship and understanding is making me feel... all soft and gooey! AAAAAAAAAH!" Jupiter screams in anguish; the mountain range starts to shake at his thunderous cry. "I have lived only to hate humanity!" he pulls himself up to his knees again. "... and now you tell me that I am lonely! That people are GOOD! ..... that a I need a friend! Your words... they're melting my HEART! AAAARGH!" Jupiter's hoverthrusters simply... -fall- off his body. His beak looks cracked.
Michael Eildath walks up, hoping that what he's doing is the right thing... a dangerous proposition. "Jupiter, you do need a friend..." He smiles sadly. "And if you need one, I'm happy to oblige. I know how it feels. I'll be your friend, okay?"
"AAAAAAH! That word again!" Jupiter grabs the sides of his helmetletting red light bleed forth from his chestplate uncontained. "Who would ever want to be a friend of mine? WHO?!"
Mac looks to Mike as if he's insane, worry on his features... but he blinks at the sudden impact. He frowns, deeply... approaching all the way now... "Stop playing these games... stop trying to destroy... give us the key, let us save our planet... if you do, we'll all be your friends..."
Michael Eildath nods. "Yes... anyone can have a friend, really... even you."
Jupiter's beak crumbles into a green dust. Jupiter no longer screams... but he does sound very weak, and very tired. The area is bathed in a soft red glow. "It's too late for me, I'm afraid... oooh..." He falls onto his back, landing with a soft thud. He's still making breathing noises, and seems to be moaning in pain.
Michael Eildath walks forward quickly, now worried... what's going on? "Jupiter?" he asks tentatively. "Jupiter!?"
Mac blinks, and kneels down next to the fallen birdbeing... actually feeling sorry for it... "What's happening?"
Jupiter stares up at the sky from his vantage point - the mountain range he lift up for this battleground starts to sink back into the ground. "..... My hatred was ... was the only thing that kept me alive... you've taken it from me. I have nothing left. But for the first time in my life... I can hardly say it....." His eyes dim - and the mountain range falls into place, with an audible THUD. "I feel good!"
BWOOOOOOM. Jupiter explodes in a shower of crimson light. Jupiter's form is gone - all that's left of him is an impression in the rock..... and a green, falcon-crested key.
Michael Eildath blinks. . o O (He's... he's gone.) Mike looks at the impression of Jupiter. "I've... I've never killed anyone with kindness before." He pauses. "Why... why did he hafta die from it?" Mike's on his knees, and as the mountains settle back into the earth, he merely braces himself, and doesn't fall.
Mac grimmaces, the sudden *THUD* of the mountain echoing around them as he stumbles upon it's (luckily, fairly gentle) landing. He nearly topples, but manages to get his footing just before falling into the crater... for some reason, his programming prompts him to make a speech... "Once again, the forces of darkness have been overcome with those of good..." his speech, however, lacks the usual enthusiasm, and length... as it stops right there. He frowns slightly... and sighs. "Let's go home, Mike."
Michael Eildath nods. "Y-yeah..." Mike's obviously really bothered by this... but he tries not to let it show that much. Fumbling, he picks up the key, looking at it before putting it in a pocket. "Let's go home."
Michael Eildath walks over to the Harley, getting on and bringing it to life.
Mac makes one last look at the crater... before glancing down at the ground. With another moment of reflection, he mounts the Harley behind Mike.
Harley Hoverbike <Eildath> rumbles to life, then streaks away, leaving only the Jupiter-shaped crater behind.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Ju... Jupiter... is... is gone. Mac and I encountered him... we engaged... and then... we... talked... he's gone, and he's left us the key.'.
(Ch. D [Operation:-World-No-Go-Splat!]) Quint transmits: 'You just talked, then he DIED?!'.
(Ch. D [Business]) Enker transmits: 'And what is it the key of?'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'He didn't say... but given what we talked about... it was the key of the philosophy... and friendship, if you can believe that.'.
<Live News><Earth Orbit> Sunstar frowns imperceptibly, eyes staring down at a portion of the globe below him. Where one of his brethren has fallen, although news of that won't actually be reported for a while. "This… this does not bode well." The soft whisper reaches no ears, especially the camera's audio receptors, specially constructed for catching all kinds of waves in space. Not bad for a society who have only recently looked towards the stars. Lowering his head, eyes shutting in concentration, the Weapon draws his arms back in -- removing himself from the same position he has been in since the Second Stage began. Once more forming a loose sphere with his body, at the centre of the mass of blue energy that in turn seems to be at the centre of the sun for those who look skyward, he quivers. Not in sadness or rage, but once more in concentration for what follows. With a roar that is clearly heard on the networks, and across to the Wilystar, he thrusts his arms out, channelling more energy into the ever-growing aura. It takes on a new colour, also, becoming a replica for the sun -- bright, and quite white. Painful to look at for too long, also. Rapidly expanding, it manages to replace sol as a means of light for the planet earth. Ironic that; he's also getting to live up to his name.
(Ch. D [Operation:-World-No-Go-Splat!]) Quint transmits: 'Friendship? *Snort* You were obviously dealing with a pansy of a Stardroid.'.
(Ch. D [None]) Mirage Hyena transmits: 'Like, uh oh, but don't look now. Sunstar looks peeved.'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Oh, god... Stage Three.'.
(Ch. D [Operation:-World-No-Go-Splat!]) Quint transmits: 'Well, crap.'.
(Ch. D [Business]) Enker transmits: 'If you were about to be destroyed after gathering energy for days, you might be somewhat peeved as well.'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I'll be at Maverick Hunter Base, if I'm needed. I need rest.'.
(Ch. D [Operation:-World-No-Go-Splat!]) Quint transmits: '*eerily sarcastic tone* Oh, yes. Talking takes oh so much work! Blah blah blah! Man, am I beat!'.
(Ch. D [None]) Mirage Hyena transmits: 'Like... whatever works.'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: '-roars- Maybe you'd like to have someone die at your feet because of something you said! Try showing a little @#$&ing respect, OKAY?'.
(Ch. D [Operation:-World-No-Go-Splat!]) Quint transmits: 'I wouldn't be emotional. I would be....ashamed...'.
(Ch. D [No_Fate]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Go hop on your pogostick... you couldn't possibly understand. -radio is snapped off-'.
=========================== Unified Global Defense =========================== Message: 28/50 Posted Author Jupiter's Destruction Thu Jul 13 Mac ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Mac's voice is heard over the din of a hoverbike of some sort. It seems, somehow, to be lacking its usual fanatical enthusiasm in this audio-only report...* Jupiter's challenge was not unanswered. Michael Eildath and I, immediately after the confrontation, began contemplating the location the Stardroid Jupiter was attempting to hint at. Our efforts were not unrewarded, as they led us to the Atlas Mountain Range... and Jupiter. *a pause* After finding Jupiter, we engaged him in combat. We only managed to inflict moderate damage from our barrage, , but... Michael and I managed to deduce the reason for his rampages... *another pause* He was lonely. His previous life was nothing but rejection, as was his current life... we attempted to befriend him... and, perhaps for a second, we managed to. But... according to his words... hatred of all beings was the only thing keeping him alive. He self-destructed, leaving us with the key...
*some rustling, like a bike coming to a stop*We've retrieved it. Michael and myself retained only mild injuries... anyone who wishes to enquire further can contact either of us for details of the encounter... *his voice takes a forced resolve* May the forces of goodness prevail in our quest!... Mac out. ==============================================================================