Megaman - Wednesday, January 10, 2001, 7:14 PM
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Buenos Aires - Northern Shoreline
Ah, the glamorous surf of South America! Second only to Rio in their beauty, the South Atlantic shoreline of Buenos Aires is a warm paradise during North America's frozen winter months. All around families, couples, and friends play and sun themselves along the glorious sands. No outside worries penetrate this carefree little world, where everybody is able to relax and forget about the troubles of normal life, for just a few hours.
Rock then offers a slow sigh, spining offer and flopping down on his back in the sand and gazing up into the evening sky. So much to /too/ much relaxation. He will indeed, do what's best. ...for everyone.
Rock accepts the squeeze from Twila, lowering his hand slowly and crossing them behind his head, sighing. "Long day..."
Rock then pauses, looking up towards Kendra. "... Sit down... relax... I would offer one of the reploid asprin... but they don't do much to help humans." Rock shakes his head.
For a few moments Twila remains there watching then digs into another pounch, producing over the counter pain medicine known as Advil to the young woman. "Would this help any?" She then turns towards Rock and nods towards Rock. "Yeah. Just be careful down there. Might be nipped on the nose by a crab if you fall asleep," she says, trying to distract him from troubling thoughts.
Kendra Njara eyes Anthem, then gives one last little sigh before filing her away for later action. She plops in the sand next to Rock, giving him a faint grin, then turning to Twila. "Thanks, but that's okay, I think I've got some in my...bag..." Realizing that said bag, and the 'bot carrying it are not at her side, she twists around to see the little yellow thing being held at bay by a tiny little white crab. Kendra sweatdrops and mutters, "He really does live up to his coloring...yellow right to the core." She scrambles to her feet and makes her way over to the crab, picking it up by the back legs and carrying it away. The 'bot scurries to Rock's side, making relieved noises and quickly spreading out a towel to belay its owner's frustration.
Rock looks back up and after Anthem, offering a smile and a shouted back responce. "Stay frosty!" Rock then chuckles softly, shaking his head. He, being a guy, can't help but admire for a splitsecond as Anthem runs away. Hmm... Seminole would probably die if he ever saw her in that... pity he wasn't here. Rock then looks to Twila, offering a soft chuckle. "True enough... True enough..." Rock shakes his head. "Thanks..." Rock then looks up to the stars above, offering a slow sigh.
Then Rock looks to Kendra, blinking, then nods... "Nice little droid you have there..." Rock then shrugs, looking up and into the sky once more. He is interuppted in his skygazing by the head of a Robo-mutt, who sticks his head looking down at Rock, then proceeds to slurp his face! ...seems Twila isn't the only one who wants Rock in a good mood. "Gah! Rush! Bleh! Whatit! Get! Getoff!" These are of course, interspersed with his laughing.
Twila can't help but giggle at the canine's antics before taking hold of one of the reploid's arms, playfully tugging. "Hey, Rush...what say we get ole Blue Boy to come into the water for a smim, hmmm?"
Kendra Njara plops on the blanket and casts a cold frown at the 'bot before she begins to root through her bag. She does cast a crooked grin at Rock, though - "He does have his good points." The 'bot makes an affermative sounding noise, but Kendra just rolls her eyes and contines to dig through the bag until she finds some asprin. "Ahhh...there we are." She downs a couple of pills quickly, then watches the antics of robo-dog and -man with a grin. At Twila's suggestion the grin grows wider. "Can't go to the beach and not swim!"
Rush eventualy gets fended off by the scrabbling Rock, Rock laughing all the while... "Man, ya mutt... you /really/ need a breathmint." Rock grins to Rush, then gives him an earscritchie, his arm being caught by Twila and he looks to her... "A swim... now that is /just/ what I need right about now." Rock then looks to Kendra with a smile. "Hmm... yes... lets go for a swim. In fact." Rock pauses... sending out a message. "I will see if any other Hunters can join us..."
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Hello, everyone! Wakey wakey! Who is around?'.
(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: '-pause- I'm here, commander.'.
(Ch. B [Genius!]) Quire transmits: 'I'm up and about.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Mike! Come on down to Buenos Aires for a bit. Northern Shoreline. Twila and I are down here and we are about to take a swim... you are welcome to join us. Besides... you could use the break. And uhh... Hi, Little Quire. If you would like to come, you can as well.'.
(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: '-another pause- swimming?'.
(Ch. B [Genius!]) Quire transmits: 'I... uh... don't swim very well.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Yes... in the ocean... with friends... You know. Relaxation.'.
(Ch. B [Genius!]) Quire transmits: 'I'm an early model android. Not built for that kind of thing.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'It's quiet right now...'.
Twila Peterson continues holding on to Rock's arm even as he makes some transmissions...those she doesn't hear right now since here radio is back in her pack. "Oooooooooook....suppose that would work. No dunking tho..."
Michael Eildath heads down towards the beach, wondering what's got Rock in such a good mood... and wondering if he's going to regret whatever it is.
Rock gets pulled to his feet, smiling to Twila. "Of course. And uhh... hmm..." Rock then smiles after sending out the tranmission. "Well.. Mike should be coming down at least." Rock then looks down to Rush, whistles and motions out... and Rush rockets foward, barking happily as he dives into the waves!
Good think that Rock, without armor, /can/ swim. With... is another story entirely...
Rock grins to Twila, slipping free. "Race ya!" Rock then breaks into a sprint, running for the waves!
Kendra Njara grins at Rock and stands up, stretching. "More the merrier, I suppose!" Despite what her desc may say, she's currently wearing a yellow and blue bathing suit - one piece, sorry. She laughs as Rock starts to run and sprints after him, kicking up great big gouts of sand behind her. "You're on!!" The poor assistbot gets one of the waves of sand right in the face and begins waving its arms about, spluttering unhappily - but it's completely ignored by Kendra, at least.
Gak! "Least you didn'y use your dash jets!" Twila calls out teasingly, chasing after him. Not an easy thing to do against a reploid. But he isn't using anything special for it. Her feet hit the waves and she graps onto Rock as soon as he's in reach. "Whoah...water's nice..."
Michael Eildath heads down to the sand now, humming something to himself as he notes the people at the beach. . o O (Who's she? Never seen her before.)
Rock runs for the waves, laughing happily as Kendra and Twila race along side him. He throws his arms wide, barely winning as they reach the water's edge. Rock gives an almost childlike laugh as he runs foward, stopping as they reach the deeper waves and Twila grabs onto him. This unfortunatly has the side effect of sending them /both/ into the water! "ACK!"
-SPLOOSH!-
Twila let's out a suprised yelp as they both tumble into the water. And she was the one who warned about not dunking? However, when she reaches the surface and helps Rock as well, she's blushing a bright read and giggling. "Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water..."
Standing in a corner, putering around his workshop, you get a glimpse of this wonderful man, He stands huanched over his a new experiment at a nice height of 5'10, his black hair and gray eyes glance from the monitors to the tools with amazing speed. His body miss is but a fake to his amazing speed and dexterity.
Kendra Njara slogs through the water a few steps before diving into the water cleanly, her tiny little splish immediately overwhealmed by the SPLOOSH of an unbalanced Rock and Twila. She comes up laughing, failing to notice the man on the beach. Kendra splashes some water at Twila - and Rock as well, since they're so close. "Look at you, knocking him off his feet. And I thought you said no dunking!"
Michael Eildath snickers. "Looks like... fun, boss." He finds something convenient to lean against, uncomfortable wearing shorts and a t-shirt in what his body is convinced is winter. "I think I'll stay high and dry."
Dr. Pavel Cossack walks in with flippers and a rubber duckie. "Hallo all? All ready for a fun time at the beach?" he chuckles as he flaps over to the surf.
Rock surfaces, peering about and laughing. He grins to Twila and nods. "Uh huh..." Rock then looks up, spying in face... Mike! A broad smile spreads on his lips as he waves vigerously! "Mike! Come on! Join the fun!" Rock laughs, shaking his head and sending a splash of sea water from his thick, messy hair.
Rock then looks to Kendra, grinning. "I thought she did too!" Rock then looks back to Mike as he speaks. "Bah! Don't make me drag you in!"
Well... it /isn't/ Winter, actualy. This /is/ the Southern Hemisphere. The Seasons are reversed.
Rock becons Mike foward! "Mike! I would like you to meet someone! Mike, this is Kendra Njara, of the UN Elite Security Services. Kendra, this is Michael Eildath, one of my best Hunters." Rock grins, then blinks as someone else arrives as well. "... Cossack! Glad you could join us! The water is great!"
Rush is currently swimming about easily, barking happily
Michael Eildath walks out a few feet into the surf, kicking off his shoes so they don't get wet. He just shakes his head at his exuberant leader, and nods towards the newcomer. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Njara."
"Wot?" Twila asks, feienging complete innocence towards the reploid. She snickers as she overhears the doctor tossing out a welcome and offers a small wave towards him and Mike...while offering some splashes towards Rock's general direction. "It sure is...!"
Kendra Njara slogs up to wading depths to great the newcomers. She sticks her hand out to
Michael, saying. "Hello there Mr. Eildath. Glad you could join the party." She grins, a bit deviously...if he takes the hand, she's not letting go.
Michael Eildath is a nice guy... he takes the hand. "Just call me Mike... everyone else does."
Rock chuckles to Twila, then reaches over and gives her a swift tickle! Then he kicks back, swimming away from her and laughing. "Hah!"
The redhead emits several giggles while holding on to the Maverick Hunter Commander who, for right now, is simplying in the role of a young man in love. As Rock Swims with her in two she sneaks several kisses to his neck. "Wha---am I your mermaid now?" she manages...then kisses his cheek.
Kendra Njara continues to grin, holding on to that hand. "Mike! Great - just call me Kendra." Suddenly Kendra steps towards Mike, grabbing his shirt and twisting, sliding her foot just so and then heaving - yes, she's determined to get Mike in the water - not something she'd normally do to a stranger, but hey...she's having fun. Judo THROW!
Sarah Storm pages Rock and Twila Peterson: Kill Kaust! Okay I am done ranting
Michael Eildath hrms. "Kendra, huh---AAAAGH!" He's caught totally off-guard and heaved into the water, splashing clumsily into the waves.
Kendra Njara laughs and leaps after him, making a huge splash this time as she lands in the deeper water with a whoop. And then she blinks and begins to root around under the water, making sure she didn't catch this Mike so off guard that he inhaled water..."Oops?"
Rock smiles to Twila, offering a laugh. "You know what they say... o/` Under the Sea..." And Rock laughs as he reaches up to give her a kiss apon the lips, drawing Twila under the waves with him. Sharing Air anybody? ... Rock /could/ theoreticaly function as an air tank... as he has his own internal supply.
o/` Life is Better down where it's Wetter, take it from me!
A dark laugh echoes over the pristine, sapphire waters. A disembodied voice whispers, hauntingly, over the wind. "Mermaids are far less pleasant creatures than most think, Miss Peterson. The mermaid Undine cursed the man who spurned her. Every step you make, every breath you take, will be like a thousand daggers in you. The poor human lived out his days in agony." Farther out on the coast the water blackens, fowled by some unseen corruption. Without warning it erupts in a geyser, spraying a pillar of ebony water into the air. When the spray subsides the form of Kaust Losstaret stands, feet perched upon the water as if it were solid. He walks forward, too lightly for his feet to disturb the waters beneath him. "I've always preferred to think of you as a nightingale, dear Twila, a song bird. But a lesson can still be learned from Undine's curse. The price of unnatural love."
It is then, of course, that Mr. Tall, Dark, and Walking on Water makes his entrance. Kendra gazes across the water for a moment, then sighs. Poor Rock.
Taken by surprise by the kiss, but that by no means doesn't mean she doesn't return it. In fact Twila does, tenderly so, as she holds it there for several long moments as Rock more than likely does supply the oxegan required. As the two come back to the surface and she overhears the all-too farmilar voice her first reaction is to continue to hold onto Rock. The second? "This is none of your business, Monster!"
Michael Eildath coughs, sitting up quickly, shaking water from his still short-haired head. -cough- -cough- "So... that's how you UN people greet newcomers." He tenses. "Allow me to return the..." He pauses, turning to see the image of Kaust... and his expression darkens murderously.
Fortunately, there just happened to be someone else who had a score to settle with Kaust. A dark figure was walking along the beach, looking for Rock...Then, Kaust appeared. There was a bright flash of light and the whir of an unseen hoverboard. Quickly the figure is gone...Unseen and headed for Kaust. Only the slightest of unnatural waves foretells his coming. Norman Cassidy jets along, hidden under the guise of holographic illusion, quickened by hoverboard...Aided with the powers of Vigilante...
Rock shares the kiss for long moments... and they do indeed come up to the surface after a minute, his arms wraped around her, holding her close. Then... a voice. A voice he hates. A voice he dreads. A voice... he pities... rings acrost the water. Rock turns his gaze slowly, his eyes narrowing. "... Oh... go away, Rafe. Can't you see we are trying to relax here?" As for Kaust's words and appearance, Rock only inwardly scoffs. "You know nothing, Rafe. As the lady said... It's none of your business." Rock slowly places himself in front of Twila, treading water easily as he glares at Losstaret
He pauses, looking back to Kendra and Mike. He knows for a fact what Mike will do, but he only looks back to the hovering madman.
Rush on the other hand... is also treating nearby, his muzzle curled back over his teeth, a low growl coming from him.
You whisper 'Rafe?' to Rock.
Rock whispers: 'His real name...'.
Twila refrains from asking Rock how he knew of that...but waits for a better time to do so. As Rock stands in front of her she places a hand on his shoulder and squeezes...glaring angrily at the cyborg as he approaches.
Kendra Njara glances around, watching the reactions of the others and nodding to herself. Her first assumption was correct, it seems. She returns her attention to this Rafe, wondering who exactly he is to get such reactions from everyone - and why she hadn't heard of him. She casts a glance at her assistbot, burbling to itself worriedly just out of range of the waves, and sighs. No chance of that - even more people around than when she was in that bookstore. Dangit.
Kaust Losstaret smiles, "Really, Rock, still using that infantile pet name? I've come to collect my fee for Mr. Eildath's brother. He grows more filled with hatred every day, coming closer and closer to the darkness, to me. I thought you cared for your subordinates. I gave you a very simple way to obtain Michael's prodigal sibling.. but you've stalled, delayed, and dodged the issue. I give you a final choice. Give me what I want and I'll go away from you, forever. Refuse me, dear X, and Mr. Williams will be mine for the rest of his life and beyond, into eternity."
Michael Eildath growls, feeling around the ocean floor for something sharp... anything to use as a weapon. Closing his eyes, he pounds his feelings inwards, forcing them into submission. When he opens his eyes, Mike is cold, staring darkly at Losstaret. "Cease your prattle, Losstaret, and demand of us /NOTHING/. You're not using /my/ brother as a blackmail tool... I won't let you. I'll give /you/ a choice. Let him go... or you are going to die. It's very simple."
Twila Peterson would blurt out something towards this Kaust, but for the moment, stays where she is given the fact Rock was the one that was addressed regarding the issue. Inwardly, she sighs. In her view...Kaust releasing Bradely would do little good unless the man himself wished to turn. But how could he as long as he's in the midst of this...*thing*? Otherwise...it would be all for nothing wouldn't it? And important plans would be in the wrong hands besides.
The Blue Bomber narrows sapphire blues up at Kaust, accepting the reassurance of the squeeze on his shoulder, looking back to Twila for a moment, before looking foward and at the hovering Madman. "It's no pet name. It's your name." Then Rock pauses... "...As for that... It's not my decision, Losstaret." Rock slowly turns his gaze, looking back to Mike. He would make this... but he is afraid to loose a friend. Rock pauses, listening to Mike's words... and then turns his gaze back to Losstaret. "You have gotten your answer." And Rock glares up at Kaust.
Rush is slowly sinking now... leting himself land apon the silt below his paws, glaring up through the water at the hovering Kaust...
And then, a phantasmal grin appears. The proverbial Cheshire Cat shows its smile. Behind Kaust appears a human grin, phantasmal in its mistiness, yet defined in its appearance. A resounding, haunting laugh echoes forth. The sound seeming inhuman in nature...Incapable of being from a living being like Kendra, Mike, or Twila...It seems malevolent, yet benevolent at the same time...Impossible you say? I think not.
"Really, Mister What'sit. I'd think you'd have more sense than to do anything so foolish around these parts. Or anyother for that matter." states a voice. "I suggest you listen to Mr. Eildath...Lest I take it upon me to remove your threatening poison of the soul from the face of the planet."
Slowly fading into view is a sight that should be familiar to Rock, Mike, and Kendra...Yet alien and considerably frightening to the other two. The phantom image seems to float upon the water, just inches above it, legs together, toes pointed at the water. Taloned chrome hands are at the read, a single, sickle-ish finger points at Kaust. "Don't tempt me."
Kendra Njara snaps her head back to look at Mike, eyes wide. Then back to...Refe Losstaret?...then back at Mike. You'd think she was watching a tennis match - one being played with a ball about to explode, it seems, considering how wide her eyes are. And here she'd thought Rock was the only bad luck charm, attracting all the trouble. And when Norman appears, Kendra doesn't know whether to be relieved or even more worried. .oO(Looks like he's still playing Cyber Man...)
"Huh?" Twila manages as she watches in some confusion...but watching all the same.
Around them, by now some of the other patrons have drifted away from the strange sight. Others...watch from the shore...pointing. Even for those in the water the exclaimations can be heard.
"What's that?"
"Who's he?"
"What does he want?"
"Why the ruckus?"
You whisper 'Who...?' to Rock.
Rock whispers: 'A friend... Norman Cassidy...'.
You whisper 'That's...Norman??' to Rock.
Rock whispers: 'Yep.'.
You whisper 'Least dates with you are never...boring.' to Rock.
Rock whispers: 'I know...'.
Kaust Losstaret looks down at the phantasm with complete disinterest, "You make the mistake of thinking you hold sway over me." With a blink the cult leader vanishes, appearing a few feet behind Michael. He floats high above the Hunter's head, calling down, "Michael, Michael, do you know of the archangel who's name you carry? He was the Almighty's champion, the seraph who held God's fiery sword. It was him who defeated Lucifer and cast him from Heaven. I sense much the same warrior spirit from you, but it will do you no good. Your threats can do nothing. You can't kill me and, even if you could, my men are under orders to release a cyanide capsule into Mr. William's bloodstream in the event that I am captured or die. More to the point, what makes you think I am holding him? He has been given the choice, he can leave whenever he likes, so can all my followers. He chooses to stay with me. He's seen my light. But, if Rock does me the miniscule favor I've asked of him, I will order your dear brother back to you. Right now, he's looking into cybernetic implants." A darker smile curls across the cult leader's bloodless lips, "He wants to be just like me."
Twila Peterson squeezes the reploid's shoulder once more after softly whispering. "Don't you dare place this on Rock's shoulders! Everyone has choices to make, Kaust. And everyone is responsible for them. It's just like you to twist whatever there is to make it seem whatever it is you want to see. Regardless of who you hurt!"
Michael Eildath simply stares at Kaust, eyes cold and hard. "Brad is an adult... he makes his own decisions in life... and is responsible for his own actions." He continues to stare. "Look into my mind. You'll see my resolve. So much as harm a hair on his head... and your life will end. Continue trying to blackmail my friends... and you will die. You don't want to push me, Lossataret."
Rock narrows his eyes foward as Kaust vanishes, turning his head sharply as Kaust reappears... Rock's hands clench at his sides. He hesitates however... knowing Kaust most likely speaks the truth. He speaks softly... "How would your sisters look at you now, Rafe? Your Mother? Your Father? Maria and Leland? Anastasia... Bell? Althea? Little Lushia? What would they think of you? You are a Monster, Rafe. Worse then those that took your family. You are only making it worse..."
Rush slowly climbs back out of the waves, his growl silent as he glares at Kaust.
Rock hates this manipulation, he hates this evil, he hates this cruelty. He /will/ stop it. Perhaps by attacking Kaust where he too is weakest... Rock accepts the support of Twila greatfully, using it to strengthen his own internal reserves of emotion. Rock slowly looks to Mike... and listens to his words. He knows Mike's words for truth... and internaly, he sighs.
Cyber Man narrows his eyes behind the visor to his helmet....He turns around and watches Kaust...He listens to Twila for a moment, quickly he does some research through an implanted netlink in his helmet. He nods imperceptibly to himself and folds his arms over his chest, unimpressed. "Really, Lossataret...Do you think you can evade death forever more?" He shakes his head, "You will not...Much as you like to think otherwise. Death comes for all, not just mere men, but cyborgs and reploids and androids too. I know not which one you are, but I know this. Death will come to you...And among the flock that ends you, there will be I. There will be Cyber Man." The visor on his helmet goes clear, blood red optics burning. "I know much of your game *visor goes mirrored again*, and honestly, I'm not impressed. I mean, come on...You claim to be a god...Your followers are free to leave? Somehow, I doubt that very much...You're no more a god and force of good than Sigma, Stalin, or Hitler." He waits for a reaction, unconcerned with it...
Kendra Njara just sort of...stares up at Refe. Evil fellow at 12 o'clock high. The instinct to...you know...-move away- from the man who is the center of this attention has either not kicked in, or is being ignored. She keeps quiet, mind ticking over and storing away all the little bits of this confrontation to be shared with her team mates, while her concious mind screams sympathy for Mike.
Ballade approaches as what could best be described as a sprint... However, Ballade sprinting means he's doing speeds around 120 miles per hour. On the sidewalk. With little concern for those in his path.
The carnage actually isn't quite that bad, since he does tend to avoid people, not wanting to loose speed. But he's heard that both Twila, and Kaust are in the same area, and he mistrusts Kaust enough that he feels it needful to follow Wily's directives re: Twila despite the presence of Rock.
Kaust Losstaret chuckles at Michael, "Willing to sacrifice your own brother's life for hatred? Oh, I like you. But tell me, if you hurt me will that terrible pain within you vanish? If you kill me will you be at peace? I don't think it will. But I will leave you alone with your decisions. I like the choice you made, Michael. It's the choice I would have made. The wrong choice." The dark man turns his back and begins to float away, halting in the air as six names ring through his ears. Those six, terrible names that will never release, never free him, never ever let him go. His murdered family. His parents and his four dear sisters, dead on the floor while the city burned. Tortured, humiliated, maimed, and then killed. He found them all, their blood soaking into the fine oriental carpets, still warm. His dearest little sister was still there, or so he thought, as he saw her twitch.. until he turned her over and was assaulted by the gory ruin that was once her sweet, innocent face. Her tiny, plump hand was still wrapped around the doll he'd given her before he'd left.
The closest thing to a human emotion worms its way into the cultist's soul, burning deep within him. Two beings within him, long buried, cry out. (Act!). Kaust's crimson eyes go wide as Rafe appears in his mind, still preserved in a long forgotten image. Around him is a burning, emerald aura. (ACT!) It cries. Kaust denies it, turning his back on the other, long gone Losstaret. He charges Rock and screams, "Don't you dare speak their names!" He extends his right hand, revealing a crimson orb that flashes brightly into the Hunter CO's eyes. The light projects an image directly into the Hunter's brain. Memories. Kaust's memories. Warm, cheerful, full of light and laughter. Family. The Losstarets, all together. Then the image changes, turning to the fire-filled night Rafe found them all, lying on the floor. The tiny body, the escaping warmth, the tortured vessels their souls left behind. All that is put into Rock, a tiny piece of Kaust's mind as a special gift. Adding to the mental assault, the dark man draws a sword from his hip and attempts to ram it through the Hunter's torso, in a flash of metal, impaling him. "Never speak their names," Kaust repeats, a single, clear droplet dripping from the corner of his eye, rolling down his face, and falling the join the vast, deep, blue, and dark sea.
The Blue Bomber reaches to the side, and hurls Twila from him even as Kaust charges. His eyes going wide... so it has come to this. He /knows/. And then... the orb. His eyes take in the flash... and all the memories play into his mind into a dreadful few millisections. Pain translated to but a few moments. Memories of Dead. Memories that fill Rock's mind. They fill him with pain. They fill him with fear. They fill him with... understanding. And then...
-SHINKT!-
The Blade /SLAMS/ through Rock's unarmored chest, his eyes still wide, mouth agape in a silent scream of pain from Kaust's memories... and now... there is Physical. Dark Mech-fluid spills from his mouth... his eyes opening wider with even more concentrated pain. And a tortured gasp escapes as he slips all the way down the length of the sword as he is held there, aloft over the water, dark mech-fluid draining from the wounds...
Then... a slow gasp... a slow intake of breath... and from Rock's lips comes three words, soft enough only for Kaust to hear above the crashing of the waves...
Rock whispers to Kaust Losstaret: '... forgive... you...'.
Michael Eildath blinks, eyes almost flashing in alarm, and starts rushing towards Rock and Lossatret, moving agonizingly slow in the water.
Rush gives a snarling howl of utter rage, sounding to have come from the very maw of Cerebus himself. And he too springs forth, snarling in mad rage, his howl enough to wake the dead. He rushes foward, bounding though the water, before his body shimmers and his rear half becomes that of a jet... and the Ruby Rober /launches/ foward to avenge and defend his master!
Ballade tracks Twila - good, she was shoved clear of the madman. Planting his hand into the roof of a passing hovercar, he vaults onto the beach... Robotics vs. Humanity - who's going to get there faster?
The impaling of Rock, and whatever is said is secondary. The safty of Twila in this dangerous situation has become primary. Loyalty... Duty. The humm of charged weapon systems as he plows closer...
Cyber Man watches almost impassively. His watchful gaze upon it all, keeping the scene closely monitored in his mind. His ears telling him what he needs to know...There are days when he wonders about this extra job, when he wonders about his sanity. Apparently, today is one of those days. He watches and listens to Kaust, feeling his world spiral around within him. His mind fighting off the feelings of hate towards this individual. He fights to purify himself. To rid himself of the curse that had been from his former life...The curse that ended with Paradox...The rage that started with Shade Man. Cyber Man's mind flashes through it all, every last scene of the past eleven months or so. The year that would forever change his life. His destiny changed after all that has happened.
Then, Kaust makes his move. Cyber Man moves quickly, spying Twila being hurled to the side. He leaps off the hoverboard, sending the invisble creation to catch Twila. Erstwhile, Cyber moves up, his talons coming to bear. "I suggest you prepare for the last day of your life...Scumbag." he speaks in a tone so foul, the implied explicatives are unsaid, but known. As the sword plunges into Rock, Cyber's talons flash through the salty air towards Kaust's hands. "I only give one chance."
The chromium arc moves with inhuman speed. Energy wrapping over his body, spreading from his chest outwards, not quite getting to his taloned hand as he finishes the swipe. "Feel your own pain...Feel the danger of wrath...Eat your own words...Perverter of souls."
*Splash!*
The young woman splashes a small distances away, having been able to act fast enough from the reploid's reflexs. The throw wasn't enough to hurt her, but it was enough to offer a mild stun. She floats beneath the surface for several moments before she's spurned back towards the surface, gulping air as she turns about her, looking for what had happend mere second after she was tossed to relative saftey. Finally, the girl shouts the reploid's name: "Rock!!"
From a pile of rocks, a figure silently watches the exchange, thoughts whirling within. The figure frowns slightly as he takes in the fact that X is stabbed, and launches forward.
His name: Kain, Blue Strider Commander.
And he has some questions for Kaust. Questions that will need to be answered by one thing:
Yin's blade.
Kendra Njara slogs through the water, running towards Rock. Or, at least, attempting to run - the water is making some impressive drag, and even though her legs are stronger than your average human's...well, she's still human. And what does she think she'll accomplish when she reaches Rock? Frankly, her mind hasn't gotten that far - and if it had, she'd be running in the other direction, towards the assistbot and her armor.
Something stirs within Kaust, something so long dormant and abandoned even its memory has begun to fade. Deep within his cybernetically inlaid breast, beneath the wires and circuitry, his heart beats, just once. He looks to Rock as those haunting words fill his ears. For a moment his crimson eyes fade to blue and Kaust whispers, in the weakened voice of a frightened child, "Help me," then his optics fill with darkness once again. He quickly pulls back, leaving the sword buried in Rock's chest. He teleports, vanishing from sight, all the assaults aimed at him to avenge X strike the water he once occupied. The demonic cyborg floats high above the sea, calling down, "See the darkness within me, X. Now it is the darkness within you." The cultist begins to float higher and higher, wiping the mech-fluid off his hands without any of the relish or gloating one would expect from the dark man.
Ballade analyzes the situation as more and more foes decloak and otherwise announce their presence. Twila is safe - and Kaust has teleported out of harms way. Whatever the interchange between Rock and Kaust was, Ballade doesn't care.
Coming to a dead stop in the middle of the beach, he actually takes a moment to stop... and think.
The white light disperses into white lightning bolts as Kain shouts:
"Yin Lightning Blast!"
After catching a glimpse of what had happened, Twila is begins swimming, trying to reach Rock just as some of the others are. Although, some of the attacks landing against the water's surface cause some distrubance as well as ome hinderance...but she does indeed try. With only half attention on the murderous cyborg she keeps going. "Rock...can you here?" not knowing it he can or not. And even if he did...
X... gazes into those eyes, hearing the whisper, seeing the change of the eyes, and they cry of that frightened child fill his ears. He knows. He understands. He watches the Darkness return.
X falls... down through the air... hearing the last words of Kaust before impact, one word escaping his lips... "...rafe..."
-SPLASH!!!-
He lands hard, sinking slowly downward, his eyes open wide, his mouth... ...he is smiling?! The sword still rammed all the way to the hilt through his chest, and the water around him slowly turning dark with mech-fluid.
Rush is rocketing foward, snarling and howling, and he /LAUNCHES/ foward and up, maw agape for the highly floating Kaust. And from that Maw... a burst of red laserfire lances, heading for where Kaust hovers!
Cyber Man draws back, ready to strike again...Alas, the cyber psycho has teleported away. He narrows his eyes, then looks to Rock. He observes the sword, shaking his head. This is gonna be a toughie. He retracts the claws on one hand, holding Rock up as best he can, the other hand grasping the sword. His talons slice into its handle, then he quickly withdraws it. He spins it once, twice, thrice in hand. Then the stabs it into the surf. "Hold on X...Hold on..." He ponders, what the heck does he have to stop bleeding? Medkit? Nope...Tourniquet? Nope...He sighs, this is gonna be a real dumb move. He slips into just the right position, holding X up on his cybernetic back. He grunts, katana blades extending from each forearm. He quickly slices off most of his suit, creating tourniquets. "Hope you can help me put these things on." He whistles shrilly, for no apparent reason...Then his hoverboard boomerangs and appears, parking just over the water, next to him. "The Cyber Express is at your service...Next stop, Hunter HQ."
Ballade is operating in the breaks between seconds. Constantly evaluating and re-evaluation threat levels regarding himself, Kaust and Twila. Twila is fine. He's not being attacked. But between Rush and Kain, Kaust is still in danger. Yes, he's more capable of taking care of himself, but Ballade has been given orders.
Ballade determines to deal with what is likely the weaker target first - Kain. After all - the Cipher is a hand held weapon. Arms rise, and fully charged plasma blasters lock onto Kain's hands. After all - Ballade isn't here to kill anyone.
*ZARCH*
Michael Eildath slows dramatically as he runs, the emotional strain catching up to him as Kaust departs.
Twila Peterson pauses in the water as she watches as the other cyborg lending aid. "Take him back to shore. I can at least check to see if it's safe for him to be moved futher," she pleads.
Kaust Losstaret's eyes dart to the two oncoming forces, each spirited from two separate attackers. He manages to float out of the way of the lightening Cypher blast, but it brings him directly into the path of Rush's crimson energy bolt. It bores into his back, exiting through his stomach. Kaust doesn't feel a thing. He briefly regards the gaping hole that's torn through him and sighs, "Ah, such is the curse of immortality. Oh, and Strider, your Sarah Storm screamed beautifully for me. I brought her to heights of physical and mental suffering few have ever experienced. It was most gratifying. Now I'll take my leave of you." Kaust does a mock bow before vanishing completely, his form enveloped in darkness, before winking out completely.
(Ch. B [Genius!]) Quire transmits: 'Rock? Twila?'.
(Ch. B [Genius!]) Quire transmits: 'Dawn, you're on recon. See if the commander is alright.'.
X grunts softly as he is drawn to the surface. Strangely... he is smiling... His eyes slowly close. Then -GURK!-... another bubble of mechfluid rises from his lips, even as the sword is pulled free. The deep gouge through his chest is bubbling forth black fluid... the stab having been near his fluid core. He slowly is layed on the Hoverboard... unresponcive. His eyes closed. A smile on his face.
Rush snarls and hovers there, giving a loud howl of triumph, having delievered at least that much of a blow to the Monster. He then spins mid air, whimpering as he looks down to the mech fluid slowly rising up and staining the water...
Kain cries in acute pain as Ballade's plasma strike hits his hands, forcing him to drop the Yin, the Cypher depowering as he does so. Kain takes a step back, glaring up at Kaust, oO(Be thankful, I believe in life, butcher, or I will find out where you're hiding and slice you into so many pieces that you will break Humpty Dumpty's record.)Oo.
Kain retrieves the Cipher and only offering a brief glare at Ballade, wades into the water to help Twila with X.
X is currently laying in the shallows... in about 4 feet of water... the area around him turning black with spreading mechfluid.
Twila Peterson continues swiming, then begins to feel the mechfluid on the surface against her skin. She frowns as Rock finally resurfaces. Then makes a dive where the main puddle of fliud lies...and makes a dive....trying to at least free him from being impaled to the ocean floor. She'll deal with the actual impalment when she can.
Ballade lowers his blaster... it seems everyone's attention is on Rock. Even the human he just shot seems to be more concerned. Re-evalutating the situation, he begins to power down his weapons. Turning on his heel, he starts up the beach...
Kendra Njara begins a strong freestyle stroke as soon as the water is deep enough, then dives into the water at the edge of the spreading stain of mechfluid. She pulls herself down quickly, eyes open despite the stinging salt, searching for a human shape in the dark water - there. She pulls herself down closer, realizing there's another shape in the dark water . Kendra tenses, then realizes - female. Twila. Seeing what Twila is trying to do, Kendra grabs hold of the sword as well, trying to help her remove it.
Rock is on the floor, but he isn't held in any way. He doesn't stur at the pulling at him, but he does move from the force of it, pulled slightly by the hand of the woman he loves. He isn't as heavy as he is in his normal armor... but he is heavier then a normal human his age. The touching of the sword only sending more black from him into the water. This close... they can see Rock's face... eyes closed... but his mouth curled... into a smile
Kain starts swimming towards where Twila is, "Twila, where is he?" He questions with preamble.
Feeling that help has arrived, Twila resurfaces for a moment She spouts off a quick. "Under. We gotta get him back to shore. But...don't move the sord. Or...heavy bleeding." then goes back under...hoping to stop Kendra from actually removing the sword at this time. She attempts to grab her wrist and places her hand on the hilt while she gets underneath Rock.
Michael Eildath blinks, coming back to himself, and sees the wounded Strider, and the others moving to help, and moves to help as well.
Dawn didn't take long in getting in the area, as it is. Transmissions alerted her to trouble being here, or possibly being here. She's tearing down the pathways towards the beach at a full run, looking around frantically for anyone or anything of note, or that she would recognize.
Kain nods once and goes underwater to assist in moving Rock from going to sleep...with the fishes.
Ballade is walking slowly up the beach, his brilliant golden horns and bright violet armor visible in the sun. Such a beautiful day, no?
Kendra Njara surfaces with Twila, then nods her understanding and dives down again. She allows her hand to be guided to the hilt but then shakes her head - if they're not removing the sword, then why...? Instead she places her hands on Rock's sides, bracing her feet against the ocean floor as she tries to pull him up - enough for Twila to get a good position under him to push, at least.
Kain grabs the other side of X that is opposite of Kendra and braces as well, waiting for Twila to push.
Meanwhile, quite alot of those who are on the beach stand about to watch.
Dawn spots Ballade, and starts to run in his direction. /He's/ probably the problem, she reasons, and calls out, "Hey! What're ya doin' here?" to him, trying to close distance...but doesn't exactly seem poised to attack, either.
Norman Cassidy feels the rustling of the sand below. He shrugs, holding onto his idea for the present time...
Ballade raises his head slightly, fixing Dawn with his gaze. "Protecting Wily's investments. Nothing more." His weapon systems are powered down, and he seems to be cooling off from his run into the area.
X is easily moved... with the help of the three humans. X is slowly pushed or dragged up through the water. Good thing Sharks don't like Mech-fluid... Slowly he is dragged onto the shore by the three of them. Kendra, Kain and Twila. They succeed in pushing him up. He lays there, the sword placed straight through his chest... all the way through him... the blade extending a few feet beyond his back. He lays there, unresponcive, eyes closed... and smiling.
Rush on the other hand... slowly circles a short distance above, whimpering, yelping, and offering forlorn howls to the air.
Dawn shrugs, and darts past Ballade. She can add that statement with his location to rule him out as the cause of the problem. More transmission signals...and then Rock surfaces like Jaws. She skids to a halt looking at him. "Wha...what the heck happened??"
The soft hum of the Harley gentle grows louder from the distances as it heads straight towards the location the Kain gave her. The driver of the bike seems not worried about anything but getting there as quick as possible.
Twila Peterson sets herself beside Rock as he's set on the sand. She eyes the sword, the culprit of his impalement, and let's out a sigh. "Kay....cut the blade from his back if you could, Kain. The sword itself has to remain until he's gotten back to base. or he'll loose too much fluid."
Norman Cassidy leaps out of the water, landing on his hoverboard. As he jets to shore after the others, he carefully considers..."You want something to get the sword out and keep the fluids in?" he asks mysteriously...As if he had an answer as to how.
Kendra Njara hovers, pacing back and forth on the sand near Rock, having absolutely nothing useful to do at this point. Medic, she is not. First aid is about all she's good for, and that...well...never covered anything like this. She blinks up at Norman as he floats over. "What? How?"
Kain nods once, and draws out the Yin, "Understood," he says softly to Twila, before slashing through the blade part of the sword, cutting to free, as the Cypher slashes through the sword like a hot knife through butter.
"It is...done."
-Shink, thud-
The long blade of the sword falls away, the rest still stuck straight through Rock's body.
Twila Peterson let's out a breath she wasn't aware of holding. She offers a glance towards Norman and shakes her head. "A bit dangerous out here. But we could use help getting him back into the base."
Norman Cassidy nods, "Got it....Ambulance or will hoverboard expansion do?" He shrugs, he's no medic...Heck, he doesn't even really know first aid.
Dawn blinks again. No answer to her query, but Rock's condition is reply enough. "Whoa...who...or what, did that to him?" She sighs, "Dang...move 'im back? We could use some kinda hover-lift for that, like a stretcher. Not sure if the sword would rattle 'round if we move 'im any other way.."
Kain frowns, "My radio must've gotten wet. I'm trying to call Sarah, but I'm getting no response."
Kendra Njara glances at the robodog. "Does Rush have a...flatbed mode? Or something like that?" He seems to be able to turn into most anything else...
Twila Peterson looks up. "I have one in my shoulder bag over there..." she nods. "Can sue that."
Harley Davidson Hoverbike proceeds swiftly towards the large group of people. Instead of a slow stop, Sarah slams on her the breaks forcing the bike to go somewhat out of control. The end of the bike skids towards the front, wanting to continue moving. The driver leaps off the bike, giving no concern to it anymore and rushes as fast as she can towards Kain
As if in answer... Rush rockets down slowly, then shimmers... becoming his normal Jet mode... except a bit larger. A flat bed cappable of supporting Rock's back and hips... He whimpers softly as if to say, 'That's the best he can do'
Twila Peterson glances towards Rush, offering a small nod. She's not meaning to ignore Dawn. But now's not the time for explanations. "Ok, possible that he can be moved on Rush? For right now, that's the best way." She offers Sarah a glance as she arrives and wonders, "Rush...think me, Sarah, and Rock would all fit?"
Kain starts for Twila when he hears a motor, and turns to stare as Sarah dismounts from the Hovercycle. "Help Rock first," He informs Sarah, "All I have is Plasma burns on my hands. Rock needs the help the most right now."
Dawn hmms, and nods once. "I'll get his legs, someone get bro's arms 'n' set 'im down on Rush, real carefully." She runs over to take a light grip on the Blue Bomber's legs for now, waiting...
Norman Cassidy shrugs, "On it." He does a flip off the hoverboard, landing in the sand perfectly. He retracts the chrome talons on his hands and carefully grabs hold of Rock's arms...Ready to lift.
Sarah Storm nods towards Kain and manuvers swiftly over towards Rock. "What happened to him, she asked softly to Dawn. Is there anything I can do? I maybe able to assist in some repairs."
Rush whimpers softly... shaking his head. Not if they want a steady ride for Rock. He whimpers softly, but remains still, unmoving. He is almost an omnimorph when it comes to what he can transform into, but even he has some limits
Twila Peterson moves herself on one side of Rock's back to prevent from sagging. "At the moment, best of the blade be left in to prevent massive bleeding. Although, you get on the other side of Rock and help keep him steady?" She then glances towards Rush. "Rush, you would know better. Am I too big for both Rock and me?" If so...she has something else in mind...someone smaller and knows repair.
Rush looks to Twila, and whimpers softly, closing his eyes and shimmering softly... transforming as best he can... and now a longer, thiner bed... and he isn't hovering anymore... he is on wheels. With small places to place feet to ride on. He then looks to Twila, whimpering again. It's the best he can do...
Dawn lifts, helping the others place Rock on top of Rush, and sighs. "Who did this, anyway? Is he still in the area? Kaust couldn't have done this?"
Kain hrms, "I don't suppose one of you have a jet mode?" He asks Norm and Dawn, "And Kaust did do it. I saw it happen. Tho, I had to wonder:"
He glances at X, "Why did he forgiven that monster?"
"Yes, Kaust did this," Twila grunts. She glances back towards Rush and shakes her head. She then turns to Sarah. "Sarah, your smaller than me and a medic. Would you mind traveling back with Rush back to base in his other form? We'll deal with the sword there.
Norman Cassidy lifts Rock as well. "It was Kaust...Believe me." He carefully lays Rock on the Rush whatever, once it's done with its transforming.
Dawn looks to Kain, and nods. "I can fly, yeah." A pair of thrusters extend from the backpack suddenly to illustrate this. "Kaust actually managed to take 'im down? Eeesh...as for forgiving? He has his reasons.
Sarah Storm steps out of Dawn's and Cassidy's way looking rather neverous and very concern. Its a good thing she didn't stay around to flirt with that guy or things might have been in more trouble then its worth. At this moment all she wants to do is make sure Rock is okay. Blinking several times at Twila's statement the youngest strider slowly nods. "Sure I can do it but are you sure you want me?"
"It's better if he's enclosed for right now...not exposed to the open air," Twila explains, collecting her shoulder bad and towel...and manuvering her sweatop ovher her damp suit at least. "And your the smallest as well. I'll radio ahead and let iy be known you and Rock will be coming to whoevers on duty and I'll be there shortly. Kay?"
Twila Peterson glances over to Rush. "I know your doing your best, Rush. Um...back to your enclosed jet form?" so Rock can be finally placed and transfported out.
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Rick, you there?"
Rush waits there, whimpering softly. At the moment... he is the Rush-Motorized Stretcher. Got to love Dr. Light. Aaaanyway... there are places to stand, as well as side rails to hold onto. Rock lays apon Rush, silent, unmoving, and the Mech-Fluid has slowly ebbed. He isn't bleeding as much, reploids reacting much in the way human bodies do to their injuries. All ready nanites clot the affected areas, steming the flow slowly
Norman Cassidy looks at Twila, "There anything else I'm needed for?"
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hrm? Yeah Twila I was just about to head out."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Don't. Sarah is riding with Rush and heading back to base. Rock's been impaled."
Kain nods, "And as will I," Kain softly says. He then glances at Twila, "We can take the Harley to the labs." He notes.
Rush whimpers again, at Twila's words... and he softly calls forth another shimmering effect. And Rush slowly does form himself around his master. A flat surface with an area within... a basic look of the Rush-Marine mixed with the Rush-Jet. Rush is, noticably, straining himself, whimpering softly and slowly awaiting the two who will board...
He is going to need energy treats after this
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What the heck? What happened?"
Twila Peterson shakes her head then...blinks towards Norman. "No...but you were a great help, Thank you, Mr. Cassiday." She then nods towards Kain. "Thanks. I already radioed ahead."
Sarah Storm gently nods towards Twila and Kain. She definately doesn't seem like the best...many have already surpassed her in skill. The young girl rushes towards Rock's side as soon as he is placed on Rush. Getnly she places her hand light on Rock's shoulder and frowns down on him. Everything that is childish in her seems to wash away in a split moment as she seems to gain control of the situation. Taking a glance at the others she quickly calls back. "What medical attention has he been given resently? Twila is right if we take the blade out he may bleed too death. Might as well work on him completely in a better environment."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "One word. Kaust. Sarah should be arriving before me and Kain."
Dawn blinks at a sudden transmission, this one from city hall back in Neo Tokyo. "What now? Oh well...you guys have it all in hand, right? They want me to go look into somethin' real quick..."
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*sighs* Allright, I'll have the medbay prepared and everything else. One of these days that Kaust is going to step on the wrong foot, I swear it."
Twila Peterson states as she begins moving towards the bike, "The blade was cut from behind. His systems are reacting accordingly to the sword. But he's not in immediate danger at this instant. But he will be if he's not gotten back soon," she informs...standing by the bike now and looking rather concerned.
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Sorry if I interferred with any plans. You didn't have off tonight did you?"
Rush whimpers softly, jets pulsing. He knows the urgency as much as the others. And how he awaits the boarding of Twila and Sarah... so they can leave.
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "No it's allright, it can wait. I was going to go check on Mary. She was kind of in shock after coming across Bass and Zero in a scuffle last night. But I think she's allright, I'm just about done with her on the phone here."
Kain follows Twila to the bike, "Then, it's best we get on our way."
Norman Cassidy nods, "Cool...Call me if you need anything." He then disappears from view.
Sarah Storm nods towards Twila before she begins to climb into Rush. Gently she pats Rush hoping to calm the robodog's fears. "He will be okay, Rush." She softly promises.
Kain hands Twila a helmet and puts one on as well, as he climbs on.
Twila Peterson at least happens to get on her pull-on shorts in the meantime and slides onto the bike...not carryint if her bathing suit is still damp underneath. "Ready..."
Rush slowly closes his cockpit as Sarah climbs on, accepting the comforting with soft whimpers. Then he slowly rises up... and rockets away at full speed. He heads for home, help, and safety.
Dawn nods, "I'll stop back by as soon as possible. Call me if somethin' develops.", and takes off running for the teleporters, wishing the city would have better timing...
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Medbay's ready. I'll be there in a second.'.
<Upon arriving back home...>
Kain says, "Where are we going Miss Peterson?"
Twila Peterson lets out a sigh. "Sarah's on the roof with them...about to bring him down." She then answers, "Med Center.....3rd Floor. I know about authorization but...right now...your authorized..." She waits for the right floor and steps out. If Rock trusts Kain with his life...good enough for her.
<On to the Med Center...>
Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>
This room is kept immaculately clean and organized, from the polished tile floor to the bright exam lights and walls painted with soothing colors. Several repair and medical beds for robot and human patients line the walls, monitors above them indicating the status of the patient's vital signs. There are no windows here, as this is in the center of the floor and heavily reinforced against possible attack. It is here that the Maverick Hunter medics patch up the wounded.
Meredith stands aside once at the destination, to make herself as little known and inobtrusive as possible - but not so much she cannot see what is occuring or not speak to Rick. Her voice is quiet by default, after all.
In fact, she looks for a chair she of which she could partake.
"Are you -sure- you're not going to get into trouble for this?"
Rick Morgan smirks slightly in Meredith's direction in response.
"It's a long story. What with recent events....I don't think it's really going to be a problem."
He then adds after some thought. "Besides, the guy who would have the authority to make an issue of it is the patient. He better not get upset or I'll bop him one."
Meredith cants her head. "I assume that would be Zero?" she asks curiously. Her head turns toward the entrance to the medbay, upon hearing hurried footsteps.
"Nah..." Rick offers, straightening up as he hears footsteps at the same time, taking the moment to toss off his jacket in the process. He's trying NOT to ruin another one...although most likely he will anyway in the future. He goes through alot of jackets.
"Zero's well....miscellaneous." He then sighs. "Again....long story."
"Dr. Light," she glances up, nodding quietly. She decidedly falls silent, as it's about to become hectic.
Footsteps. The sound of wheels. And indeed... The doors open a moment before a face. A canine face. A face on the front of a stretcher. A very tired face. On the back of Rush-Stretcher... lays Rock. He lays there, in blue swimming trunks cinced with white nylon, still wet with sea water. His hands are crossed over his bare abdomen, resting there. And in the center of his chest sticks the hilt of an ornate sword... a gruesome thing to see. But Rock's face... shows something different. His eyes are closed. His face calm. And on his lips... there is a smile.
...of triumph.
Sarah Storm slowly steps into the medbay walking next to Rush as he carries his master. The young girl is constantly checking to see if Rock is okay, making sure that nothing bad does happen to her friend.
Rock is perfectly all right... except for that little sword thing... yeah...
Rick Morgan glances immediately towards the new arrivals, eyes narrowing as he sees Rush come in, bearing that form on his back.
For a moment, he blinks at not only the obvious damage...but the expression on Rock's face for that matter.
.oO(You don't see that everyday...)
"Uh..yeah. Get him over here. On this table I got ready..." Rick immediately barks out, pulling up his medical scanner in preperation. "We'll have a looksee for ourselves here..."
Twila, within a slightly damp. sweatshirt and shorts, lightly steps in her tennis shoes. She follows the arrival of the trio with the injured reploid. She plops her shoulder bag on a nearby table and grabs for something to tie up her hair, then goes for her jeans to help. She's not all too certain what the Strider behind her would be able to offer right now. But she did ask him to some so... "Sarah, how is he fairing?" she questions, getting on her smock.
Kain follows directly behind Twila, frowning slightly, as he takes a look around. oO(Interesting,)Oo he muses finally. He attention doesn't stay on the Medical bay. He attention is mostly held by X. "How is he, Sarah?"
She takes in a sharp breath, upon seeing Rock come in upon the Rush-stretcher...with a sword driven into his chest. Meredith lowers her eyes, and folds her hands in her lap. In doing so, she misses Sarah, Twila, and Kain's entrance. They may note her, off to the side, sitting down and out of the way, silent. She's going to be more quiet than usual, if that's possible.
Rush whimpers... slowly wheeling himself up to the side of the medtable. And he waits for his burden to be unloaded, he barely able to keep upright and in this form. He yelps softly... an encouragement to hurry if anything.
Sarah Storm acks and all of a suddenly gets overwhelmed with questions. "Well he still isn't responding to anything. Good thing is, his condition hasn't gotten worse." Turning to Kain she frowns. "Kain, please help me lift him. You know I can't do this myself."
Kyo-Ohki crawls out from undereneath where Mereideth is sitting up hearing the exsitement....then notes some of why it's happening...kinda. She may not fully understand. But right there and then...she starts...crying!
Kain notes Rush's whimpering, and nods at Sarah, before looking at Twila, and other two in the room as well. "Right. Twila, and whoever you two are, we will also need your help in this. Rock's a growing boy after all," he notes.
Rick Morgan aHEMS audibly at that part.
"Rick is the name. And I'm the current medic around these parts..." He then moves around the table, to take a central point on Rock's form.
"He's not much heavier than a human really..." he grunts, already reaching down to get a grip and start moving to slide him onto the medtable. "Trust me...I know."
Having rebuilt THIS particular robot from almost scratch -twice- would breed some sort of familiarity with Rock's systems and his makeup.
Kain assists with the lifting, "Kain," he says in a greeting, "Wish it was under better circumstances."
Meredith remains quiet, now casting her gaze across the other people. She's seen Kain before from somewhere - there's the girl from the Diner not to long ago, and there's Twila. She does not bother with getting anyone's attention, she does not want to be a bother, nor interrupt anyone's concentration. She does, however, pray quietly.
Twila Peterson flicks a glance towards Meriadeth for a brief moment before arriving at Rush, remembering her but not exactly. She overhears her cat/rabbid of a pet nearby, but deosn't have the time to comfort her at the moment. She has other things to worry about. "My brother," she tells the Strider Commander, as she makes certain Rush stays steady as the transfer is made, then strokes him gently after Rock's settled. "Ok. Wasn't able to do a med-scan. But It's safe to say his primaries weren't affected...from..."
"From whatever that Monster struck him with," Kain finishes with a very venomously tone.
Sarah Storm quickly steps back from everyone, trying to not to get in anyone's way. She knows the real professionals can handle this situation not a small time medic. Slumping down into a chair, Sarah watches with quiet concern.
Rick Morgan grunts, and it isn't long before Rock is then set on the medtable itself. Rick then moves back around the other side, playing his scanner out and across the damaged form, eyeing that....sword that's imbedded into him. That certainly bothers him. Not really for the fact of the damage it's done.....he's seen alot worse. On Rock -and- others for that matter. It's merely the appearance of it....
At that, he then leans forward to flash a light into each of Rock's eyes as he lifts the lids. Much like one checks pupils to see if they're dillated or not.
"Yeah speaking of which, someone care to explain this little uh....ornament he's picked up? All I know so far is he's been impaled. I'd sure like to know why and anything else according to the story here."
Rock grunts as he is lifted/slit, a small bubble of mechfluid rising to his lips... and another from the wound apon his chest. But other then that, he is moved successfully from Rush-Stretcher, to the table. He remains as he is... unresponsive...
Rush on the other hand, free of his burden... and slowly he was helped made steady by Twila. But afterwards... he shimmers softly... and returns to his Canine mode. Unable to hold any other form at the moment, he stands there, wobbling almost drunkenly, before with a whimper, he falls softly to the ground...
The little cabbit sniffles, then sneezes, a floppy ear comically covering her one eye as tears continue to emerge from her green orbs. She hopes up onto an empty bed and lays her hads atopn her front paws to watch...and sniff when approprtiate.
Rush is one worn out puppy...
Kain steps back, as he does so, he eyes the sword, "I have no idea," he tells Rick sincerly, "But I'm getting and feeling a distinct something."
"And it doesn't feel very welcoming." He muses finally.
Sarah Storm steps slowly up from her chair and steps quickly towards Rush. The ninja drops to her knees and gently pushes him out of the way so he will not be stepped on. Petting Rush gently Sarah makes sure he is okay. "You did good Rush, good boy."
Rock's eyes are peeled back, and indeed, they are as anyone unconsuis from injury. ...however that is. One of the jewels apon the sword glitters wickedly... and Rock remains... in just his swimming trunks. His mouth curled into that smile of triumph...
Twila Peterson looks towards the canine as he falls to the ground. Knowing he needs rest, and neesd to stay out of the way as well, she kneels down to scoop up the dog as Sarah watches, offering a soft shush. "You did good, Rush. Rest now...alright?" And soon after, she places the dog onto the same medbed that Kyo is presently on...hopeing that might offer some comfort. She gives Rush some gentle strikes then returns to the other patient.
Rush whimpers softly as he is picked up, and is helpeed by Sarah and Twila... petted and reassured... and placed on a medtable with Kyo.
Kyo-Ohki mips sadly towards the little girl then hops over Rush's front, giving him some snugs...
Rush whimpers, softly raising his head to give Kyo a few laps. He is a /very/ tired little puppy. And deserves /lots/ of energy treats... hinthint.
Meredith happens to look up and note the sword - being somewhat of a historian and knowing a -good deal- of cultures, she, from a distance, examines the shape of the sword's hilt, pommel, grip, quillions. Is it a longsword? A greatsword? Claymore? English? Scottish? Maybe it's of the orient?
Kain hrms, "Twila," He speaks, "Do you where there are Rush's doggie treats? I think he needs one."
Rick Morgan listens to the words, and forms his own conclusions, as he studies the medical scanner one more time, just to make sure.
"Well my diagnosis is pretty much what my scanner is telling me. He's got a big sword in him and frankly I'm tired of looking at it. As is, he's looking pretty stable, so while he's out of it and not feeling anything...."
And with that, probably faster than anyone was expecting for that matter, he simply reaches up, grabs the hilt of the sword, and WRENCHES it free. For a split second there's a sickening sliding sound....but in the next instant, the weapon is released, and held free in Rick's hand.
"Wonder if this means I get to be King of Camelot now? I pulled the sword out of the rock..."
Without much fanfare, he just tosses it off to the side, perhaps carelessly. Old relic or not, he's got other priorities as he peers into the hole in Megaman's chest, and eyes the damage done. "I think I can get this fixed. Yeah looks pretty standard. I mean...it's a full impalement. Not like he hasn't had one of -those- before."
"Hmmm? See that white cabinet? Second drawer on the left. In a marked bag. Can't miss 'em..." Twila answers. Turning back towards Rick, "Any systems damaged or...did the blade miss?"
--GURK!-
There is indeed... a sickening, sliding sound. Rock's body arches up with the pulling, his mouth opening slightly and more black fluid bubbles from his lips... and even more begins to spread now from the wound. As for Rick being the King of England... nah. Rock slumps back down, his hands falling to his sides, and the mechfluid slowly begining to bubble.
As for the sword, from the looks, it is an old german broadsword, most likely. It clangs loudly, splattering mechfluid.
Kain nods and heads over said cabinet and rumages around in it to draw out the energy treats. He closes the cabinet up again, and gives Rush several treats, "Eat up. You deserve it," Kain says.
Meredith is curious. She can't help it. She pushes off the floor, apparently not having found a seat, and steps around the workers quietly. Kneeling, her eyes examine the piece for runes, markings, inscriptions and the like.
Also, a little metallurgy never hurts, to attempt to determine the metallic components used in the blade's manufacture. And, most importantly, if it's authentically old, or a reproduction.
While the sword was removed Twila at least tries to keep Rock from arching too much..so he won't merely flop back on the table. But there's only so much she can do as far as that's concerned....
Sarah Storm blinks several times from behind Ricj and shakes her head. "That is definately not a not something common for human or mech. I took a look at those wounds and it didn't seem so bad."
Rush waggs softly and slowly at the mention of treats, slowly he does indeed... devour the treats, his tail wagging faster afterwords and he offers some soft whimpers, but otherwise... he is just one tired puppy.
Kain ohs and hands Meredith the other half of the sword, the long blade that he cut free. "This is also a part of it," he says to Meredith. "I had to cut it loose."
Kyo-Ohki merely stays by Rush...not even begging for a treat herself ironically. She just curls herself against him just like so and offers a tiny yawn. Some watch-cabbit.
Meredith looks up to Kain, and blinks. Her hands extend, to accept the piece, and lies it upon the floor as well, fitting the blade back together so to speak. "Thank you..." she replies quietly.
Rick Morgan flips open that handy-dandy all purpose industrial maintenance hatch that comes standard on all robots. Reploid or android. Quite simply, he opens Rock's chest, and begins poking inside, pulling up several tools, and finally setting to actual work as a few sparks begin to fly from within, his features lit up as the small arc welder sets to work.
"He's built to take explosions, laser blasts, hits that are equiveleant to a rushing freight train, and just about anything else that Wily or Sigma can throw at him. I personally have a rather hard time believing that a single sword is going to be the end of him."
At that point, Rick finds those severed interior systems that happens to be the cause of all this leaking. He reaches inside and grabs the damaged hose, putting it back where it belongs and sealing it shut with a single pass of his tool.
"In short, it looks worse than it is..." he grunts finally, returning to his previous tasks.
"It didn't obliterate anything just uh...made a hole. Like a sword would." He narrows his eyes slightly then, as he spots something else. "Hrmmm...hey Twila, you want to grab me another fusion relay rod? Wait...better make it two. May as well replace that other one while I'm at it..." he happens to poke the part with the tool, a light *TINK* issuing forth. "I think Rock's been drinking too much soda lately. The coating on this thing is hideous. I think it's time for a diet."
Twila Peterson offers a grunt at the remark of his diet as she retrieves the to items requested, and offers them to Rick. "Here...theses should help." A hand smooths out Rock's hair a little as she replies, "Soda? I am trying to get him to drink more milk."
Meredith apparently did not find anything definative about the blade and its origin. Against better judgement, she lifts both pieces, and takes them back to where she was sitting, to have a better look. Maybe she missed something.
Rock lays there, despite the taunting. He gets his chest opened up and worked on, the impalement having been lucky not to have actualy missed his main fluid core pump, only a few inches away from it. If that happened... well... Without his Armor, Rock is as almost as vulnerable as the next guy. He remains out of it, and is worked apon by the expert care of his uhh... nearly brother.
Kyo-Ohki sniffs...then licks Rush's nose between his chomps.
Rush offers Kyo a soft lap, appreciating the reassurance.
"I'd say it'd do good for his bones but...well...you know." Rick quips, as he takes the rods from Twila's hand and reaches in. Within a span of 10 seconds he's removed the old ones, and the new ones are in place, suddenly thrumming with new power as they begin to restore full circulation all over again in the Hunter's systems.
"There we go. That was the main problem right there. It stopped things from getting to where they were supposed to go..." At that, he straightens up, pulling his hands from Rock's chest, and closing the hatch at the same time. "As for the rest of it..." he gestures towards the entry and exit holes. "His nanite systems will patch that up in no time."
Kain steps back once more and watches the repair of X and the Meredith and the sword, with a brief frown. oO(Maybe I'm wrong about the sword? If Yosho were here, I bet he would know.)Oo He sighs and settles back.
Rick Morgan makes a face at -that- name. "Mary, you might as well have just said a four letter word."
Rock shudders softly as his chest is closed, and remains laying there, his eyes remain closed, his smile still on his lips. The humm of new power to him revitilizing... and slowly Rock's systems begin to pulse and throb.
Twila Peterson draws her hand away to retrieve a clean rag. "Good. Might was well clean him up a little, leats his features..." she ponders. She returns from the table to whipe up some of the fluid from his chest...and then his mouth before he's convered with a blanket. She pauses in the middle of this, offering, "Thanks, Rick...and the rest of you."
Meredith glances up. "...it's on the blade..."
A blink and Twila falls silent again, then continues, keeping half an ear on the conversation...
Kain nods at Twila, "Anything for a friend." He also makes a face at /THAT/ name. "What do you mean 'it's on the blade'?"
Rick Morgan smirks in Twila's direction. "No problem. I figure I've worked around him enough times I oughta be able to do it in my sleep soon..." At that, he then turns his attention back to Meredith, and arches an eyebrow. "Well, guess we got proof here right? Didn't someone say that Kaust was poking his grubby little nose in on this situation?"
arah Storm grumbles angrily at Meredith's words. She is mad at her she just hates Kaust with a passion.
[OOC] Kain says, "You and about 90% of the room, Sarah :)"
She points to the handle. "Well, here, on the grip. It's notable only if you look closely. It's a reproduction, definately, Germanic in origin. It may very well have a type of mechanical component to it, but I'm not certain. I had noted the gems twinkling - so it may have been a weapon with... an EMP projection or the like, hence his... sedated.. state?"
She does not like the way people are looking at her after she had said the name Losstaret.
Rick Morgan sighs at that, and takes the time to clean his hands off of the mechfluids and various other greasespots. He then gives the rag a toss into the 'dirty bin' nearby, before finishing the job in one of the sinks. Finally, he proceeds to pull his jacket back on, and walk up to where Meredith is sitting, eyeing the sword for a moment. "Frankly, I wouldn't put anything past Kaust if it involves him. He seems to be getting awfully big for his britches lately though. He's going to make a serious mistake one of these days...and when he does, I think there's going to be several thousand people ready to pounce on it."
Twila Peterson grunts, then leans down to kiss Rock on the forehead, wheather he can feel it or not. Upon straightening she just sighs at the mention of the cult leader and all the trouble he's caused. For right now, she doesn't want to hear it. The damge to Rock had been fixed...or is in the process by self-repair. She can't ask him now of what all the reploid ment when he had angred Kaust so much to cauyse this. So for now, why deal with it. She covers him with a blanket and steps back, looking drianed suddenly. I'll be bedding in here tonight. If...anyone needs me...I'll be in one of the back beds..." she states, taking off her smock. Yes, her bathing suit is stull underneath. She'll be excusing herself momentarily for the slight changes within the washroom.
Suddenly... there is a gasp the direction of the bed. And Rock's back arches for an instant, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. Then, her slowly settles down, before sitting bolt upright and calling out with horror... "Rafe! NO! ..." Then Rock... pauses... his arm slowly lowering... his head turning from side to side, a look of confusion on his face. "... what...? Where... where am I? ...the medbay?" Then Rock blinks, looking about. "Losstaret... where...?"
Meredith offers the handle-piece toward Rick, and pointing toward the name 'Losstaret' engraved into the leather. "See?"
Having nabbed her things now, Twila weakly smiles. "At ease, Rock. Your back home now..."
Kain says, "He's long gone, X," Kain says, "After he stabbed you, that is," he amends.
Rick Morgan glances back for a moment as Rock wakes up. Though Twila's there right now anyway...so she can handle it. His attention then returns to Meredith, and he picks up the handle, to glance at the engraving, eyeing it for a few seconds, before giving a quick nod. "Yeah, that would be his allright..." At that, he frowns, and raises it to have a closer look. "Well if he took the time to put his name on it, it has to be some value to him. You can bet he's sure as heck not getting THIS back again. I think it'd be a good candidate to be reduced to little more than particles..."
Kain nods and steps forward, "Allow me, then, Rick." He then looks at Meredith, "May I have the sword, please?"
Rock looks up and slowly over at the very familiar voice. A soft smile slowly spreads on his lips. "Twila..." Then Rock nods slowly. Indeed... he can rest. His chest and back have holes in them, but otherwise, he is all right. Rock then slowly lets himself fall back onto the pillows, slowly sighing. "...Good... I..." Rock shakes his head. "I know now... He showed me... He showed me everything." Rock shakes his head... "Rafe... His real name. His family." Rock sighs... then slowly closes his eyes, drawing the cover slowly up, sighing softly.
Sarah Storm is about ready to leap up to rush to Rock but stops herself. Instead she focuses back on Rick and the sword. An eye brow rises slightly with interest at this. "That blade sorta looks like the sword Kaust stabbed me with. But definately didn't have the same effects."
Meredith frowns. "...And it's such a beautiful weapon, too." All most reluctant, she offers the other half of the weapon to Rick. "...though, judging by the general reactions, this Losstaret fellow must not be a very popular person."
She looks to Kain, and motions toward Rick, as he has it now.
Twila Peterson makes her way back over towards the bed, foregowning changing for a few moment's more, if only to kiss the top of Rock's forehead and smooth his hair a second time. "Rest for right now. You can tell me a bit later ok. I can sleep in the next bed instead of way in the back like usual if you want."
Rick Morgan holds both pieces of the weapon up to glare at it, before turning it over and handing it to Kain as well. "If you ever have the displeasure of meeting him Mary, you'll understand why. The word scum was created for guys like him..." As he hands the weapon to Kain he then adds. "See to it that thing is put in so many pieces it could be spread across the entire planet. His hands are never going to be using this thing again."
Sarah Storm frowns towards Rock and nods. Leaning back in her chair she emits a soft sigh and closes her eyes. "Kaust told me about his family. How he left out on a trip to see the world. When he came back he arrived to a burning furance. Everything he loved was eatten up in fire because of the Robot Masters. At least that is what he told me. I am sure he told many that."
Meredith turns her attention past Rick, to Rock, listening. She stands, in the meanwhile, and drapes her arms around Rick from behind - since his back was to her while he was giving the blade to Kain - and hugs him gently.
Rock looks to Twila... slowly nodding. "I will... and if you like. I... will be all right. I have... a lot to tell." Rock looks down and to all of the others, Rush whimpering and waving a paw lightly at his master, sapphire blues falling on each in turn. "Know this... Ra... Kaust... is mine. I... will deal with him." Rock shakes his head slowly, sighing... his eyes closing. "I know him, now." Rock then pauses at Sarah's words, nodding. "It's true. I have seen the graves. I know his true name. I know how to push his buttons... Next time... it won't end like this." Rock sighs... slowly begining to diagnostic his systems, "Thanks, Kain... Sarah... Thank you both. You can stay the night... if you like. ...Miss Meredith? You are... welcome... to come by whenever you like. I will make it so... tomarrow."
Kain nods, "It shall be done," Kain informs Rick, then holds the the two sword pieces glaring at it, with furious anger. He draws out the Yin Cipher, and with it comes the brilliant white glow. The tosses the pieces of the sword up and swung at it with the Cipher.
There is a brief white flash
Then when the glow died down, the only tattletale remains of the sword is sparkling dust. Dust that even at the moment, is being sweted by the Medic Cleanup crew.
Kain shealths the Yin and looks at Rick, "I suppose that would suffice?" he asks with a half-smile.
Mary blinks slowly, merely nodding to Rock. She's not going to argue with him - yet - though she's worried about security issues and the like. She'll address those concerns at a later time, when he's well. She offers a polite smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Rock. Do rest well."
Rick Morgan eyes Rock as he falls into his own exhaustion, listening to his words. He can't help but smirk slightly to himself... "Still might have to take a number like the rest of us..." he offers lightly. It's about then that he happens to feel a set of arms around him, and he gives a slightly contended sigh, half losing himself for the moment before blinking in Kain's direction. "Uh....yeah..." he offers, before finally turning to the side and reaching one arm back to drape around Meredith's form, half hugging her back, as he smiles in her direction at Rock's words concerning her presence here.
Rick Morgan whispers to Meredith: 'So much ... ... ... ...'.
"Kaust is not yours alone, X," Kain speaks, "The Blue Dragons need to have a chat with him as well."
"One that he may or may not survive."
Twila still feels Rock takes on far too many responsibilities upon himself. She's always felt that way in the past. Now is no differnt. She doesn't speak of it for now...but it's there just the same. She tosses the Straider Commander a small smile then gives Rock a final kiss on the cheek. "We'll talk later. Rest." She disappears to finaly change, then returns a few moments later within a blue sweat shirt and pants with socks and crawls into a nearby bed...asleep before her head even touches the pillow.
Rock is all ready sliping back into unconsuisness, mumbling softly in responce to Kain... but he is too far gone.
Kain nods once and looks back at Rick and Twila, "Take care of him, We would need to speak about this," With that he turns away...