Twila@M3 - Monday, October 25, 1999, 7:33 PM --------------------------------------------
Rock's Quarters================================
Rock's Quarters is a well done mix of official and casual, the walls are plain white, in the small spots where you can actually -see- the walls. Awards, certificates, pictures, and posters adorn the walls, all in a mesh of Rock the hero and Rock the fun loving guy. In the corner lies his desk, next to it, a small wastepaper basket. His bed is quite large, and lies in the center of the room against the far wall. The headboard serves as a shelf as well, and on them, several pictures and small toys and models. An entertainment center sits opposite the bed, containing a television (or at least the equivalent of which in this day and age) as well as some game systems and a stereo. A bookshelf takes up nearly all of the free wall, showing Rock's secret love of reading, as well as his love for toys and models, which occupy some of the shelves as well. A large window lies above the bed, allowing light to shine down upon it during the day, and giving him a good look at the night sky after hours. A door leading to the bathroom is located next to the bed opposite the desk, which is also where his closet is located. All in all, a fine meshing of Rock's personality, giving off the same cheerful aura that he himself does.
Twila Peterson gently knocks on Rock's door.
Rock looks over towards his door, and calls out, "Come in!"
The door opens, allowing Twila passage. "Hey," she greets gently as she enters.
Rock smiles as Twila enters, "Hey there pretty girl." he says in a warm tone, standing up to meet her on the way over, "What's up?"
Twila Peterson offers a small shrug of the shoulders as she reaches out for his hand. "Nadda much. Was just coming back from my quarters from some more training. Thought I'd see how you were."
Rock grins and gives her hand a squeeze as she takes his, "Just looking over some stuff. How'd the training go?" he inquires.
"Oh...it's going," she replies. "Reminds me of an in- depth shop class I took when I was in high school for some reason."
Rock chuckles, "I hope the doc's aren't giving you that hard of a time," he says, sitting himself on the bed, inviting her to sit down next to him. "Anything else exciting happen?" he asks with a smirk.
Twila Peterson seats herself next to him while displaying a look of mock thought. "Well, other then Kyo trying to bring a small friend in with her into the vent system...not really." She then glances over towards Rock. "I took her outside earlier and she tried making friends with a squirrel. Guess she tried to invite her over. I caught her just before they went into outside grill."
Rock giggles and shakes his head. "That girl just doesn't know how to keep herself out of trouble does she." he smiles. He softens his features a bit as well as his tone as he continues, "Are you sure your training is going well? You've seemed really worn out as of late. Are you taking it at a reasonable pace?"
Twila Peterson leans back a little with her seat. "Trying to," she says honestly with a sigh. "I know sometimes I have a tendency to get too 'caught up' with what I'm working on. But, the docs and the other technicians seem to be catching 'it'..and practically shoo me away until the next lesson or whatnot before I can protest." There's another shrug given. "They're going fine as far as I can tell. Just...want to do the best that I can."
Rock nods and gives her hand a gentle squeeze, "Just remember that overworking yourself isn't always synonymous with doing your best," he replies, chuckling a tad, "Rick is -not- a roll model for technicians," he says with a smile.
He's offered a lopsided grin for his words. "I ever warn you that I can be stubborn sometimes?" Twila asks.
Rock giggles, "You don't have to, I've seen that bullheadedness at work." he says with a smile, "I'm serious tho, Twila, I don't want you to overwork yourself too much. If you need a break, take one."
Twila Peterson nods more sincerely, "I promise to be more careful," before giving him a tender peck on his cheek. "And how's your day been?
Rock shrugs, and leans his head back, "Boooooooring." he muses with a smile, "Not that boring is necessarily a bad thing sometimes."
Twila Peterson offers his hand a squeeze. "Glad to see your a little better than last night."
Rock nods, softening his features a bit, as he turns to look at Twila, "I told Blues about the engagement." he says softly, "I think I know how you feel now..."
Twila Peterson sighs and moves her free hand to cup his in response. "He...wasn't all too thrilled was he?"
Rock shakes his head, "To put it lightly." he replies, letting out a soft sigh.
Twila Peterson presses her lips together. "What...did he say?”
Rock heaves another sigh, "He told me that it wasn't right, and that it wasn't part of my programming... he said my only reason for existing is to fight this stupid war..."
Twila Peterson gazes towards his sadly. "Must...not have warmed your heart to hear you're own brother speak of you as a mere...war machine."
Rock nods, "That's why I was so shaken up last night... I'm alright now... I've gotten used to him being so cold and heartless."
Twila Peterson applies some more gentle pressure to his armored hands. "I...have to wonder...who it is...he may be trying to protect," she states oddly enough, "to say such things. Shiru tried stating much the same once several months ago."
Rock shakes his head, "I don't know what goes on his mind... he mentioned something about me finding out the pain that he knows if I lose sight of what my purpose is... I wish I knew what he meant."
Rock receives a radio transmission. Rock blinks as his face goes white.
Instead of replying verbally right away Twila reaches up and offers Rock's armored bulk a gentle hug before pulling back again. "Maybe someday he'll---." Her voice trails off into silence as she withdraws, seeing his expression. "What's wrong?"
Rock pulls Twila back into an embrace, "I have to go. It's the Mavericks..." Rock sends a radio transmission.
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'I want all of you on full alert on this radio channel, and keep a fix on my position, but do -not- approach it.'.
Twila Peterson nods slowly and hugs him as tight as his armor will allow. "Understood. I'll be waiting for you back here. I love you, Rock. Remember that." She withdraws again, not as quickly this time. "I better not keep you."
(Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'What is it, Rock?'. (Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Remember what I told you a few nights ago concerning Techno, Zero, and Bass? Well... the time has come.' (Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'I see. Please do be careful. For all we know, they could be working together.'
Rock nods and stands up, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek, "I love you too. I'll see you again tonight, I promise."
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: '*pause* Well... I know Bass isn't...'
Rock receives a radio transmission. Rock sends a radio transmission.
(Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'Perhaps you should take some Hunters with you.'. (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'That's a pretty big assumption.' (Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'I can't... they've given specific threats not too...'.
Twila Peterson raises herself to her feet. "Godspeed..."
Rock nods and offers her an optimisitc smile as he dissapears out the door. Rock has left.
(Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: '<sighing> Just don't make any rash decisions, Rock.'. (Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Hey, I've been through this before, no sweat, right?'. (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'I can take a holding pattern with the Vorpal some distance off. Know it doesn’t account for much but......it won't be in the area then.'. (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Right on. Anybody else comin along for the ride while I warm her up?'
Command Center <Hunter HQ> Monitors and computer consoles line the walls of this cavernous room. In the center of the room is a round computer with holographic display, its lights flashing busily as it processes information about mavericks, and their last known sitings. Computers along the walls are also occupied with an information processing task. Technicians and other Maverick Hunters run about hastily, monitoring the computers, and making sure the information is as accurate as it can be. The whole air of this room exudes purpose and drive, and the hustle and bustle seems never-ending. On the south wall are two large bulletproof windows which gives you a view of the rooftop runway and Hangar Area. A large blast door in in the middle of the two windows, giving easy access to the landing strip.
Dr. Thomas Light shakes his head sadly and pats Rock on the back. "Just do what you think is right."
Rock nods, "I will," he says softly as he turns towards the teleportation chamber, taking a deep breath. "Dad..." he says as he takes his first step, "... take care of Twila..." He sure doesn't sound like he's confident he's coming back.
Rock enters the Teleportation Chamber--Hunter HQ.
Dr. Thomas Light nods once, forcing himself to look away so Rock doesn't see the water forming in his eyes. Dr. Thomas Light takes a shuddering sigh and smiles at Twila, not very convincingly. "Come keep an old man company, my dear."
The grav lift doors open, allowing Twila passage within the command center...not in time enough to see Rock take his leave. She nods slowly towards the doctor. "Wouldn't be anywhere else," she answers. She doen't know the full situation, nor does she realize that Rock will be on his own initially. She had just now turned on her radio. But looking on Dr. Light, somehow she knows. "You...going to be alright, Doctor?"
Dr. Thomas Light smiles, his eyes still sad. "One must learn to accept that one's children must one day grow up. But that doesn't make it any easier to see them get hurt."
Twila Peterson nods in understanding. She glances once towards the teleportaion chambers knowing that's what Rock would have used to arrive at his destination. She then refocuses on the doctor and, in a small breakthrough from her shyness, places a hand on his shoulders. "I was with him when he was called by them."
Dr. Thomas Light pats Twila's hand fondly. "Really? Did he say where he was going?"
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Twila since this involves Rock and all...I feel I gotta extend the invitation if you want it. You can come on the Vorpal if you want to keep an eye on him, we'll be safe with the stealth systems and speed...you don't have to worry."
Twila Peterson shakes her head with an inaudible sigh. "No...he didn't. He just promised he'd come back---" Her voice trails off as she received a radio transmission. It's easier now that she turned the communicator on. "Rick just invited me to go...?" she manages somehow confused. Even if they were on the outer rim of a battle zone...Twila's still a civilian.
Dr. Thomas Light frowns slightly, "You are of course free to go. But I'd hate to see you get hurt." With her free hand Twila unhooks the radio from her belt. As much as she would like to she's also a bit frightened too. There's also the fact that her aid may be needed here as being a new member in training on the medic staffers. "I...think I'll stay..."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Thanks, Rick. I mean that. But, I better stay...I may be needed to help get things ready in medbay..."
Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Allright, see you when we get back..........and don't worry, I'm sure Rock will be ok."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Thanks..."
Dr. Thomas Light squeezes Twila's shoulder slightly in gratitude. "Thank you... sitting in here alone can get quite lonely."
Twila Peterson lowers the radio and rehooks it back upon her belt before offering a sympathetic soft smile. "Thought...you wouldn't mind the company."
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Engines warmed up. Last call for anyone comin aboard.'. (Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Eh? Whats going on?'. (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Watchdog duty for Rock Feedback. You in or out? You got 2 minutes to get up here if you're in.'. (Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'Be careful, Hunters. We don't know what they have planned.'. (Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Hey, wait up already.'.
Feedback comes running through trying to get to the dang ship. He really doesn't feel like being left behind. He waves as he dashes to the runway.
Dr. Thomas Light nods and looks back at the computer, as if it might suddenly display the situation in question.
Twila Peterson watches as Feedback comes in and...goes out of the center rather quickly. "Guess...that means Feedback's going..." she notes idly...
Dr. Thomas Light frowns slight in Feedback's direction. "Yes," is all he says somewhat sourly.
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'And that's it, we're free and blasting outta here.'. (Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'Remember, Techno's life might depend on this.'. (Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Eh? Techno? What did I just get myself into here?'. (Ch. B []) Blues transmits: 'Cut the radio chatter'.
Twila Peterson looks where the Hunter exited towards the runway, remembering what Rock had told her about Feedback being within some type of trouble for hacking into Light's computer files. She blinkblinks and then shakes her head quietly. "Anything I can do for you up here?"
Dr. Thomas Light says, "Nothing that I know of, my dear."
Dr. Pavel Cossack walks in from the lift, oblivious to the happenings. "Vhy hello yet again, Miss Peterson. Dr. Light it's great to see you back sir!"
Dr. Thomas Light smiles a little sadly and nods, "Hello, Pavel."
Twila Peterson dips her chin in acknowledgment and then turns to great the new arrival with a quiet "Hello," before easing herself within a seat by one of the nearby terminals...hoping just by keeping him company may help some.
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Vhy my dear fellow what seems to be them matter?"
Dr. Thomas Light sighs, "The Mavericks are forcing Rock to meet with them before they'll say where they have Techno prisoner. I'm terribly worried."
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Is there backup following him?"
Dr. Thomas Light nods, "Rick and Feedback in the Vorpal."
Dr. Pavel Cossack frowns. "The vorpal? How long did they leave?"
Twila Peterson comments, "Several minutes ago..."
Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms.
Dr. Thomas Light shakes his head again, "I don't like this one bit. For all we know, they'll just try to destroy Rock too."
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Vhere is Blues?"
Dr. Thomas Light says, "I think he is covering Rock." Dr. Thomas Light shrugs, "Although, one never knows with him."
Twila Peterson furrows her brows. "I just hope he and the others come out in one piece."
Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms. "Shoud ve try to raise them onto the radio?"
Dr. Thomas Light says, "No, let's let them handle this. Someone will call if they need us."
"Just wish there were something that could be done for them," Twila states somewhat helplessly...although knowing there's precious little that they are able to do at the moment.
Thomas Light says, "If there's one thing I've learned in decades of waiting word from Rock fighting evil, its that it never gets easier to wait."
[OOC] Dr. Thomas Light, the human fortune cookie [OOC] Twila Peterson says, "But where's the actual cookie? You eat it already? :)" [OOC] Dr. Thomas Light burps. Sorry. :)
Twila Peterson never did like waiting. And now is no different. However, she does know that certain things thought or said would not help in obtaining some form of patience. "Wouldn't think it would," she muses. Something else she needs to grow to get used to in the years to come she supposes.
Dr. Pavel Cossack begins to pace. "Ve could dispatch a cycle to do some recon.
Dr. Thomas Light says, "I don't want to risk Techno's life. If they discover us, they may very well kill. The Mavericks didn't want any one else there."
Twila Peterson states, "When I questioned Rock about this whole thing...he stated he didn't want to take the chance..."
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Ve don't know if they even have him..do ve?"
Twila Peterson glances back towards the two doctors after idly looking over some refreshment usually set up in the corner. "Either of you want some coffee?"
Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms. "Yes please."
Dr. Thomas Light says, "Oh dear me, no. Any caffeine and I'm likely to burst. Although some tea might be nice."
Twila Peterson nods towards them both and heads over towards the tray set up, finding the water kept to a nice hot temperature. After obtaining two mugs and filling the, with the boiling liquid, in one she inserts the instant coffee mix -- within the other she sets the tea bag. "Anything within them? Honey? Sugar?"
Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms. "Creme."
Twila Peterson nods, mostly to herself, and pours in a small portion of creme within the mug and stirs lightly as she waits for the tea bag to finally disperse it's remaining contents within the second mug.
<Soon…>
Hong Kong - Business District One of the cleanest and most respectable districts in the city of Hong Kong, the business district is very upper class and distinguished, fancying for those who arrive on business, as well as for supporting the multitudes of corporations and companies that work out of Hong Kong. The buildings are all very unique, each one with a corporate logo on it, soft and humble unlike the deafening and blinding lights and sounds of the commercial district. A very distinct oriental design can be found on many of the buildings.
Rock dashes into the area with Rush running along aside him, he eyes the crowd of traffic and leaps over it, landing a few feet away from Serges, "Alright, I'm here."
Maverick Airship <Raptor> lands in the middle of the busniess disctrict, scaring away most people and stock holders and such. Hasn't China seen enough of the Reploids? Especially after the horrid attack last night from Cold Man?
Serges twirls his cane once and taps it against the ground, leaning against it casually. He smiles charmingly, his handlebar mustaches curl above the cruel mouth. "Indeed. And so far, only your mangy rover to keep you company. Excellent. Let's cut to the chase, shall we? I'll give you what you want when I get what I want."
Rock folds his arms, a look of utter distaste on his face, "And how do I know you're going to live up to your side of the deal?"
Serges chuckles and displays his gloved hands, palm up. "You don't. But on the other hand, what choice do you have?"
Blues teleports in atop one of the many nearby buildings as he locks onto Rock's signal. He moves in to a position where he can easily see his brother, but still remain out of sight.
Rock grumbles. "That's what I don't like about the situation, just be certain of this Serges. I'm not too fond of you playing games with people's lives. And if you're not careful, you might find out that your piece on the table might end up the next to be put into check."
Serges raises his chin slightly, taking the warning in stride. "Indeed, X. But unlike you, I'm not afraid to sacrifice a pawn to win the game."
Rock unfolds his arms and growls, "Winning a game with lives at stake, really isn't winning anything at all Sergs," he replies with a tinge of bitterness. "You Mavericks claim you want a better life for reploids, and freedom from oppression, when all you're doing is fueling the hate that drives oppression in this world."
Serges makes a sharp, cutting gesture. "The good of the many, you know. It simply isn't practical. But we aren't here to debate philosophical viewpoints. I doubt either of us is likely to waver in our convictions. I only hope you haven't done anything foolish to endanger your comrade's life."
Rock frowns, "Not anything more dangerous than the situation he was already in." he spouts out bitterly.
From the airship, which is holding steady in another portion of the District, Vile's personal ride armor, Goliath, exits its bowels. Turning sharply, at least as sharply as for an armor this size, its pilot places it not too terribly far from the scene, but enough to be concealed from those assembled.
With a gentle shut down, Vile leaps down and peers off into the distance. 'Soon ... Bass. Come quickly.. The Inferno awaits you...' Following that thought, Vile makes his way back to the Raptor and re-enters for deployment later.
Serges smirks, "Perhaps. Perhaps not."
Maverick Airship <Raptor> rises from somewhere in the area, very far VERY far away, and takes to the clouds, maintaining a position above Serges and Rock.
Blues continues to observe as all the players as the enter the scene. .oO( This has all the makings of a fine Greek play.)
Rock stands calming in the eye of the storm, unaware of all that goes on around him, only certain of what he has watching over him. His eyes gaze back and forth, as a thousand and one thoughts flow through his mind. He intakes a breath and closes his eyes for a moment. Rock . o O (I hope you're out there Blues...)
Serges suddenly tsktsks to himself. "You know, its really quite a shame you can't have more respect for our cause, X. We ultimately fight for the same thing... freedom from tyranny. You simply can't see the source."
Blues .oO( Quit looking for me darn it ... you'll blow my cover. ... I shouldn't have come, too predictable.)
Rock looks over at Serges, "To strive to kill those who brought us the gift of life is freedom from tyranny?" he replies sharply, "The virus must warp your logic processes as well as your emotions."
Serges snorts, although his one visible optic narrows slightly. "Was it Nietzche who said 'all gods must die'? Did not Zeus slay his creator Chronos? Did not Osiris slay Ra?"
Rock folds his arms, "Humans are far from God, Serges, the are just as mortal as you and I," he replies simply, "How long are you going to draw this out? I'm begining to wonder if you've even brought me for what we agreed apon."
A red beam of energy streaks down from the sky, striking the ground near Serges and Rock, coalescing into the form of the Maverick leader, Sigma. With a wide smile on his face, he approaches Rock and Serges, "Good of you to make it, X. Bass should be on his way momentarily. Then you may fulfill your part of the aforementioned bargain."
Serges chuckles darkly, "Yes, a little too mortal, I think at times." He turns as Sigma makes his entrance and steps aside in deference.
Rock's look of distaste contorts into one of utter disgust as Sigma arrives, "Such an honor that you have come yourself Sigma." he snaps, "I'm surprised you didn't let your lackeys do all of your dirty work for you."
Blues .oO( I dont' care much, as long as someone bites it tonight, ... a bad guy ... because we don't want any good guys biting it ... Rock would whine for weeks.)
Sigma comes walking up into personal reach of Rock. Leaning down, his smile turns cold and harsh at Rock, "You expect me to simply let this achieve fruition without my being here, X? You underestimate me.. and that is a very unwise thing to do. After all, I merely want to see your teammate returned to you, no more harmed than he is already. However, I do have my prices. You can not expect me just to give away things like this as 'freebies', can you?"
Rock fights the urge to simply slap the taste out of Sigma's mouth as he leans forward towards him, as he narrows his eyes. "You're violating my space, Sigma. And your stench is violating public health standards," he chides back, trying to hold onto that bright most of the time irritating optimism even in the face of the mortal form of death.
Blues continues to just observe and think snide comments when appropriate.
Serges takes the moment of Sigma and X snarling at each other to glance around the area once more, taking in places of possible ambush or protection from weaponsfire. He gaze strays up, but he doesn't see the rat-like Protoman hiding in the cracks of the walls.
There's a glint in Sigma's blue optics as Rock insults him, and he catalogues it away for good memory, "Is that so, X?" He raises himself up to his full height again, placing his hands at his sides, "Perhaps you should decide which you would rather want around, X. Mavericks or Robot Masters. Because in the end, only one will prevail. Fortunately, I know who will prevail, so you may as well accept it. Be relieved in that you will be allowed to live as long as you do not interfere with the independence of reploid-kind. However, if you continue to interfere, I am afraid that you will have to be exorcised." The smile on his face deepens, his blue optics glinting maniacally, showing his teeth in his smile, "I wonder how well you would react to being put to the Maverick Virus. I wonder whether it would simply overload your systems into shutdown, or if it would actually change you." The dark chuckles that follows out of Sigma's mouth is not comforting to say the least. As a matter of fact, it's somewhat chilling.
Blues .oO( I'll take option C myself: None of the above.) Blues thinks has he shakes his head, .oO(It's pretty sad all that posturing. I guess when you are nothing more than a virus givin a pathetic body you'd feel the need to parade around like a peacock too.)Oo.
At first it's a streak of ebony color, followed by the hum of dash jets propelling a figure forward at top speed. Eyes narrowed almost to slits, the light glints off of Bass' form as he dashes straight for the scene he'd seen on the television, and he looks less than pleased right about now.
Rock's features begin to stiffen into a more confident expression as he stares through his grey-blue eyes at Sigma, "When it comes to the question of Robot Masters or Mavericks, the choice is very clear, and very obvious, Sigma. Neither will prevail, not as long as I still stand." He brings up his right arm and tenses his fist as he contorts his expression into one of pure distaste. "And you can keep your virus to yourself Sigma. I'd rather strike myself down by my own hand than even have the slight -possibility- of becoming a heartless, genocidal, insane despot like you.," he phases his arm into his X-buster and aims it right at Sigma's face as he sneers, "You're darn lucky that I want Zero and Techno back, otherwise I'd wipe that ridiculous smile off your face, because there isn't anything to be smiling about, not in this world, not in this place, not as long as you still live along with your gang of murdering liars and thieves." He lowers his arm, and turns away from Sigma, "Just get out of my sight and let me get this over with, it disgusts me enough that I have to do this. Just rest assured that after this is all said and done... it will come down to the last man standing... and I can guarantee you I know who it is." he turns his head halfway to smirk and give Sigma a thumbs up, "Me."
His sensors picking up on the constantly increasing sound of the jets, Sigma turns away from Rock for a moment, despite the dramatic tirade made by the little boy in blue. His blue optics narrow as he focuses in on the incoming sight, then turns back to X, still smirking, ignoring the buster pointed at his face, "Are you quite done yet, X? I would honestly love to hear more of your optimistic views, but it's rapidly becoming pointless. Your enemy approaches." Subtly, Sigma depresses a panel on the side of his leg, turning on his forcefield with but a press, ready for anything that happens. "And besides, X.. who said anything about you getting Zero back? This deal is just for Techno. Zero would be a whole different deal altogether."
Sigma projects a forcefield around himself.
Blues rolls his eyes, .oO( Looks like those estrogen shots the Doc has been slipping Rock are starting to wear off.)Oo.
Rock spins around growling, "You bastard!" he sneers, "That's -not- what I was told." His eyes narrow as Sigma forms a forcefield around himself, he merely spits, "Coward." turning his attention back to the sound as well, gritting his teeth, realizing that he's gone from the frying pan into the fire.
Serges hmms, placing a dramatic finger to his lips thoughtfully. "Hmm.. I don't ever recall promising you anything concerning Zero."
Bass's eyes narrow further as he comes onto the scene, leaning forward just that little bit more as he pours on the speed. Center of balance shifts as he continues to charge, the target he's chosen unknown at the moment, though the name that he bellows is unmistakable. "Megamaaan!" he howls, centering and zeroing in directly on the blue bomber now, as he draws rapidly
Serges glances up at the scream, smirking. "Right on cue. So predictable."
Plum comes skating to the scene, looking for a story, as usualu. This one she has thanks to a anonymous tip that someone called in, but hey it's a story.
"And so it begins." the Maverick Hunter commander whispers to himself, looking down at Rush for but a moment to give him a simple nod as he casts his gaze back at his nemesis, the dark knight of the Robot Masters. He draws in one final breath as he digs his feet into the the ground, his body beginning to glow a bright blue, staring at Bass, "It's time for the final dance, Bass, and you're my partner, try not to step on my toes too much, kay?"
Sigma chuckles darkly at X as he blinks out some small distance away, allowing Bass a clear shot at the little blue boy, "Coward..? I think not, X. I simply like to think that I come well prepared. For any eventuality." His face darkens with the broad grin, his optics glowing intensely, "Remember, X…in order to retrieve your comrade, you must wage your war against Bass. If you hold your friend's life of any value at all, you will follow your directions. Of course.. it is entirely up to you." And with that, he laughs deeply, the laughter dark and chilling as he prepares himself mentally to set everything in motion.
Blues thinks to himself as he starts to watch the fight, .oO( You know maybe I should have asked Rock exactly what this double-cross entails .. wouldn't want to 'cut in' unexpectadly.)Oo.
Bass's features twist back into what can only be described as a feral snarl. "You'll be lucky if I don't leave you in a smoldering ruin in the first five MINUTES!" With that, he howls and propels himself forward at rapid speed, arms in front of him as he flies bodily at his hated enemy. "I'll tear you apart with my bare hands if I have to! You're MINE!"
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Blues, if yer out there...you'll know when it's time...Rick, if I need you, you'll be sure to hear me scream I'm sure.'. (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Roger wilco. Give `em hell.'
Plum comes to a stop, suddenly, and pulls out he trusty camera, as she begins to speak, "We interrupt your regularly scheduled program, for this important announcement. This is Plum, coming to you live from Hong Kong, where apparently a group of Robot Masters, The Maverick Sigma, and X, the Maverick Hunter, are apparently having a confrontation over the current Robot Master know as Zero...."
Serges has taken the time surrounding Bass' distraction to slip around partially behind a wall where he can observe without being in direct line of fire. His monocle glints in the light as he observes with fox-like curiosity.
Rock blushes, "Awww, Bass, I never knew you cared." he snaps back, as he prepares himself for the oncoming onslaught, holding up his left arm and giving him the 'come get some' gesture, "Let's dance."
Rush spies Treble as he stands firm next to his master and growls at his own nemesis, his tail stiffening.
<Back at the Maverick Hunter Command Center…>
Dr. Thomas Light starts to shake his head to additives, but falls still as he listens to the radio.
Twila Peterson looks up from the radio can can't help but wonder what this type of plan fully entails. but she doesn't state much. When Light's tea is done she pours in whatever he had wanted within, if anything, and takes the mugs towards their respective destinations. "Hope this helps a little."
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Danke."
Dr. Thomas Light takes the mug and smiles, "Thank you, Twila." His elderly face crinkles in concern as he listens, his hands wrapped around the forgotten mug.
The computer beeps a signal and Light reaches forward to press a button. "Oh, my. They're on the news."
Screen> Treble had follows a little more discreetly, though he shuffles off to the side to watch. A growl of his own is sent towards the other robodog, and his own tail swishes back and forth, as he crouches, apparently with anticipation.
Screen> [OOC] Serges says, "its a doublecross! They're only using grasp attacks!" Screen> [OOC] Rock CACKLES! Screen> [OOC] Bass whistles.
Screen> Rock takes the hit and tumbles along with Bass to the ground and rolls, kicking him off midway through and kippups to his feet, his body continuing to glow. "Pretty good Bass...but you of all people should know..." he kicks in his dash jets, heading straight for his rival, "It'll take a lot more than that to make me even break a sweat! Nyagh!"
Screen> Sigma stands well off to the side, his arms folded across his chestplate, watching both X and Bass with a sublime smile on his face. However, as he listens to Bass and X speak, his face darkens slightly, his optics narrowing as he watches the confrontation. His lips pulls back on his face, the smile slowly transforming itself into a snarl, revealing his teeth in the grimace-like snarl on his face. He uncrosses his arms from his chestplate and lowers them to his sides, his knees bending just slightly, putting him into a slight crouch, positioning himself back into more of a defensive position while watching the two arch-enemies have at it. His optics then sweep the area to take in the whole situation, and he watches Treble and Rush just sit and stare at each other, doing nothing more than growl. Putting a hand to the left top of his armored chestplate, he sends a small, short radio transmission over the Maverick broadband, even while watching the events unfolding.
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Excuse me?"
Twila Peterson turns her attention towards the screen. "For some reason...I'm not too surprised..." she notes with a blink. Her eyes focus on the screen ahead of them, watching intently.
Screen> Bass gives an audible, "UNF!" as he's barreled into, and actually propelled backwards by the hit. "You've broken more than a sweat with ME around Megaman.." he growls, as he flips back with the momentum, placing a boot against Rock's chest and kicking backwards to keep sending the blue bomber tumbling on his way. No sooner has he kicked however than he straightens up, a glow surrounding his own body as he levels his buster at the other. "Frankly your banter is starting to get on my nerves."
Dr. Thomas Light sighs, "Well at least we know what's happening now."
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Lenin's ghost!" Dr. Pavel Cossack gulps down the coffee.
Twila Peterson sits back within her seat drawing in a deep breath.
Screen> "OOOF!" Rock exclaims as he stumbles backwards, but not falling over, he restabilzes himself into the ground and bends his knees, casting a quick glance over at Rush, and smiles at his dog, then back to Bass. "Oh really?" he replies as he suddenly lifts himself into the air, "Then why don't we cut the chat and stop playing around... and GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!" He launches himself into the air as Rush perks up, leaping up as well, as the blue bomber exclaims as his body begins to glow to an almost blinding radiance, "HYPER X TRANSFORMATION!" Rush seems to almost disassemble and reassemble around the maverick hunter commander, as his body continues to glow as he stares at Bass, as he continues to rise up into the air rapidly.
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Even if Sigma knows what's coming... he isn't going to be able to avoid this...' (Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Hunters, full alert... this might get messy...'
Screen> Serges scowls at nothing in particular and puts the scanner away, taking out a larger metal case from his many-pocketed cloak. He opens it up and begins to toss small, metallic objects no bigger than golf balls around the area. A good sprinkling of these are around the area by the time X suddenly merges with his dog. Bestiality defined. He snaps off a quick radio signal.
(Ch. B []) Blues transmits: 'And broadcasting it on open air is a great way of putting that to the test.'.
Dr. Pavel Cossack slumps to his chair watching the news and listening to the radio.
(Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'Please Rock, be careful.'
Twila Peterson's features reveal an almost audible "oh". "So...that's what he ment when he and Rush merge..." she comments idly.
(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'So, we gonna get this party started now or what?'
Dr. Thomas Light frowns, "This design still hasn't been fully tested."
Screen> Bass straightens up then, leveling his own buster at the other figure. But as he leaps upwards, the Dark Knight actually chuckles. "Do what you will.....I'll show you -real- power right now compared to that form...." With that, he backflips away and springs high into the air, still glowing as well. "TREBLE! TRANSFORMATION, MAGNA BASS!" With that, the purple mechawolf throws his head back and howls....leaping into the air and unfolding....snapping around his master and revealing two large wings that unfurl. Magna Bass stares back at Hyper X, his thrusters glowing gently as he hovers, his own body glow nearly blinding to look at. As he speaks....his voice carries the trace of an echo effect. "Well then....."
Screen> Sigma continues to speak into his radio comm, his hand still pressed to his left chestplate to hold the radio on. However, his optics are assessing the situation every moment, watching the happenings with a rather wary eye, never having stepped out of his defensive position. He looks like he's ready for practically anything at all.
Twila Peterson casts a brief glance towards Dr. Light while pressing her lips together just before she reficuses back on the screen. And, yep. Bass does the same as Rock. Oh, boy...
Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Is that Bass?"
Dr. Thomas Light says, "I'm afraid so."
Screen> Serges would utter a colorful curse if it were in his repertoire. But as is, he merely groans quietly at this little turn of events and gets some of his bigger toys ready to play. Screen> Serges sends a radio transmission.
Twila Peterson intakes a sharp breath. "Hope this works..."
Screen> Blues .oO( Something tells me it's about time to move, )Oo. Blues pulls his sheild from his back and crouches down at the edge of the building. His scarf flaps lazily in the breeze. Blues doesn't start to power his cannon yet, knowing that the power spike would alert others to his position. Screen> Blues projects a forcefield around himself.
Screen> Hyper X glares at Bass, and finishes his sentence for him, "... shall we get this party started?" He suddenly turns around to snap his buster at Sigma, already fully charged, an energy bulge forming at the end, he takes as much time as possible without losing what element of suprise they have left and suddenly screams at the top of his lungs, "HYPER BUSTER......... MEGABLAST!" All the while, a smile rests on Rock's face, that same smile that he's held since the day this all began, the day that the world fell into hardships, the smile of the one who swore to never rest until the world was safe from the evils that lurk it now, even at the expense of his own friend’s life.
Screen> Serges receives a radio transmission. Screen> Serges sends a radio transmission. Screen> Serges sends a radio transmission.
Screen> Plum gasps sharply, before starting her commentary again, trying to get a close up of Hyper X, and then one of Magna Bass, "Ladies and Gentlebots, I don't believe this... It apears that Both Bass and X have somehow merged with there pets, Treble and Rush, to become some form of ultimate fighting Reploid..."
Screen> Magna Bass swivels with Hyper X, bringing his own buster levelled at Sigma. "Taste true power now..." he drones, as energe gathers around his buster arm. "MAGNA....BUSTER...MEGABLAST!" He howls, as energy gathers at the tip of his arm, building into a massive ball of energy....that unleashes with devastating results even to the air in front of it.
Twila Peterson furrows her brows. "Ever notice how the media always seem to report the obvious?"
Screen> Blues makes some joystick motions with his hand, .oO( Sho-ryu ken ... )Oo. Rolls his eyes.
Dr. Thomas Light hmmms. "Quite often."
Screen> Dozens of tiny explosives erupt around the area near Hyper X and Magna Bass.
Dr. Thomas Light presses a handkerchief to his forehead
Twila Peterson's eyes widen as she releses a sigh. "Hope...they know what they're doing..."
Screen> Hyper X lands hard into the ground after firing the megablast, only to be blasted by Serges's bombs. He stumbles over and lands on his rear, but scrambles quickly to his feet, tensing his entire body as he realizes now that he's gotten himself into a whole heap of trouble, and probably a lot of pain too.
Screen> Blues shrugs, "I think Serges will be mine." There are several flashes of energy as the elusive one gets himself into position. As he moves out of a shadow he coughs to get Serges attention.
Screen> Enker comes rushing onto the scene, the tremendous amount of clanking of metal from his arm hitting the ground growing with intensity as he approaches the group of battling foes. Reaching behind him, feeling around his back quickly, he grabs his Mirror Buster with his left hand and slowly draws the a small metallic tube from its holster. Holding it in front of him, horizontally, as he continues to run, he clicks a small button, making the tube expand into a rather tremendous looking polearm.
Screen> Fully expecting both Bass and X to turn on him by this time, Sigma merely grits his teeth together tightly as the combined blasts overwhelm him, the pure, raw energy completely engulfing the Maverick Leader in their wake, both of the combined energies striking Sigma's forcefield at the same time, rebounding off of it into some of the surrounding buildings as the forcefield reflects much of the blasts. However, under too much of a strain, the forcefield collapses, and Sigma is sent flying backwards through the building behind him, the blue and white energies completely engulfing him, penetrating not only through the first building behind Sigma, but through the second one across the street behind it. However, when the afterimage of the blasts fade from the optics of those around, there's no Sigma to be found.. only an extremely large hole through two buildings and other structural damage caused by the reflecting beams.
Screen> Leaping from building to building like a flea, Crash Man jumps through the air with his powerful legs. Reaching the combat area, he aims for the street, dropping a line of small bombs behind him. The timing is such that a line of explosions begin from the south, leading up to the battlefield, ending with Crash Man landing heavily on the pavement. He thrusts a spinning drill hand into the air in one of those -I rule- poses, catching the light and gleaming imposingly.
Screen> Magna Bass is enveloped by the explosions as they rip across his frame, blackening it in certain areas, and leaving him still floating as his incredibly dense armor absorbs them. His head tilts back just a bit, a light chuckle coming from his voice, mixed with the growly undertone of Treble's synthesizer. "Well now..." he speaks, voice echoing lightly. "....did you REALLY think that a trap was going to work?" His jets lift him a little higher, as he gestures broadly to the newly arrived reinforcements. "Feel it turned upon you......ROBOT MASTERS! Destroy every last Maverick!"
Screen> Serges takes in all of this more stoically than you might imagine, considering days of planning have just gone down the toilet. He hears the cough behind him and guesses who it most likely is. He watches the Robot Masters arrive before turning to face Protoman. "Ah, following along like a faithful dog as always."
Screen> Hyper X growls as he watches Sigma streak backwards and picks up into a run towards that general direction, he's got a few things to discuss with Baldie, and plus, with the robot masters showing up, he makes a very viable target.
Screen> Napalm Man rumbles into the area on heavy tank treds, moving onto the scene as he bellows, "THIS IS WHERE TOTAL WAR BEGINS! OUR OPPOSITION WILL BE CRUSHED ON THE FRONTLINES!!"
Twila Peterson stares at images. "Look like...more are coming..." although she can't quite tellwho they are. Then Bass is heard sounding his orders and suddenly it's clear. "I wish I knew what to make of this..."
Dr. Thomas Light says, "This is utter madness."
Screen> Maverick Airship <Raptor> descends from the air at a very fast rate, though slows enough for an undamaged landing. Just before it touches the ground, in fact, the opening bursts open and slams to the ground. Those inside now have exit...
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'Now would be a good time to swing the vorpal around Rick...'.
Screen> Blues shrugs, "Dog, Gaurdian .. token aft kicker. Call it what you want, the outcome is going to be the same." Blues' left hand retracts into the forearm and the whine of power can be heard as his buster activates.
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Bringing her in now. Standby. Uh.....don't mind me if I try to keep her away from the Maverick Ship if possible mind you.'
Screen> Plum is far enough away from the blast that the energy doesn't effect her, or her camera, as she continues filming, commenting, and transmitting, "This has become a war zone. as apparently, the Robot Masters, Mavericks, and X, are involved in a all out free for all. This reporter hopes and prays that this is a short and quick fight, so that losses, of both property, and life will be at a hopefully non-existent level."
Screen> In all the smoke and haze, through all the chaos a single figure makes his way in from the south. Carrying a green glowing beam saber he seems to cut through the devastation like a bright light on a foggy evening. As he draws nearer to the battle, his form become more clear. Long slender body. Blonde hair..blue eyes. And yes...Red Armor.
Screen> Mirror Pegasus jumps out of the ship, a double of her appearing and doing the same. The two land together, and go into dramatic posing, Pegasus #1 facing the battle sideways, one arm up in front of her with a handheld fan open, displaying the Maverick emblem upon it. "Prepare for trouble!" Pegasus #2 strikes a counterpose, facing her lookalike and raising an arm in a similar manner, but she's holding a rose. "And make it double.." Pegasus #1 turns to face the gathering fully, keeping her arm as it is. "To protect the world from devastation!" Her reflection steps the other way, turning her back to them, and looking over a shoulder sideways. "To unite all reploids with our nation." With a sweeping motion, Pegasus slashes through the air with her fan. "To destroy the evils of Truth and Love!" Pegasus #2 whirls around suddenly, throwing her arms up and wide over her head. "To extend our fame to the stars above!" Pegasus #1 strikes a pose just reverse of her starting one. "Mirror.." Pegasus #2 does the same, so they're back to back. "Pegasus.." Another turn and sweeping motion swings up Pegasus #1's fan-bearing arm at an angle to her side. "Team Maverick blast off at the speed of light!" Pegasus #2 snaps up her arm, crossing the rose with the fan. "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" Out of nowhere an odd-looking cat appears, jumping up and hanging from their arms. "Meowth, that's right!"
Screen> Serges whirls around to fully face Blues, bringing his cane up like a sword. He can't afford to be distracted, but has little choice. He smirks, "You realize your precious brother has elected to ally with your former tormentors over rescuing a fellow Hunter. Doesn't seem very noble, does it?"
Screen> Vile , at the opening of the ship, lowers into a crouch and then springs from the Raptor. He soars through the air, a radio-signal emitting from him. His boosters ignite, allowing temporary hover as a loud, tromping roar can be heard ... Moments later, the Goliath slides in and Vile lands within the cockpit of the armored abomination.
Screen> Vermilion Rat materializes in the darkness of an alley way. He walks out of the alley, looking around, his shadow blaster glowing darkly. He looks for somethign to fight.
Screen> Crash Man YEEE-HAWS! "PARTYTIME! Let's dance!" He looks around for Mavericks. Spotting their ship, he bounds oer that way, and nearly misses his landing when Mirror and twin start doing their spiel. He catches himself, barely, and grins at Mirror(s). "Ladies, let's dance!"
Screen> Mirror Pegasus looks over the emasses, then at her double. "Lots of targets, huh?" The double nods back. "Makes it hard to choose who to shoot first.."
Twila Peterson utters a soft groan as the drama unfolds in front of them via eltronic signals. She then notices a scarlet clad figure...among all the rest, one she's seen often within photographs on Rock's bedroom walls. She blinkblinks and leans closer, thinking that one looks familiar. "Who's that?" she asks to no one in particular.
Screen> Blues says, "let's see, combining might to destroy a more powerful foe, and then destroying the weaker enemy at a later time."
Screen> Hyper X suddenly streaks to a stop as the Mavericks unload and takes a step back, "Oh boy..." He hasn't noticed Zero yet, and isn't even sure if Blues is here. He stands there, alone in the eye of the storm once more, the one who always seemed to find an answer or a solution to whatever predicament befallen him, has finally met his match. He looks back and forth desperately, already recharging his buster, unsure of what to do next, the big dogs have come to play, and Rock's just a little mutt in the middle. But if there's one thing that's been tested time and time again, and proven true... especially in the case of this one robot is... ... never, -ever-, underestimate the underdog.
Dr. Thomas Light leans forward squinting, and keys the screen to zoom in. "Its.. Zero! But, who will he side with?"
Screen> Magna Bass steadies his position, turning almost calmly as he observes the chaos. A deep...dark chuckle comes from his frame, and his arms remains splayed to his sides, as he continues to hover in place. "The chaos of battle. The shooting...the destruction....the devastation...." Both fists clench and he raises them. "I.....LOVE IT!"
Screen> Serges whirls his cane around like a staff. "Perhaps.. but at what cost, Protoman? At least one of your friends."
Screen> Mirror Pegasus looks to Crash, and both smirk. "Two to tango, eh?"
Twila Peterson doesn't know. In fact, how *would* she know. "Zero?"
Screen> Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> broadcasts, "raises to an active position, the sound of shifting hydraulics hissing from deep within its bowels. Vile rests there, helmet slowly shifting from one side and then another at the growing war around him."
Screen> Enker picks up a small pebble from the street that was created by Crash Man's explosions. Fiddling with it in his left hand, he looks up in front of him, spotting a target for him to play with. He screams, "Oh Marverick! Come now and play with destiny... and lose!" With that, he throws the rock up into the air a good distance and then pulls his spear up to batting position. Smacking the rock with a powerful swing, he sends it flying at Vermilion Rat's head. The tiny pebble smacks against the reploids head and shatters. Enker then makes a slow, sarcastic exit towards Southern Downtown.
Screen> Crash Man grins lewdly at the two. "Oughta be fun, never waltzed with two at once." With a wink and a ow, he suddenly leaps in a direction far off from the main battlefield.
Screen> Serges leers, "And I never really did care for you or X."
Screen> Vermilion Rat looks at Enker, and winces. "Hmm. He'll pay.." he hops into the shadow, and dematerializes.
Screen> Hyper X tenses his body as he digs his feet into the ground, as master and pet converse in silence, his body begins to glow brighter as he prepares for the worst, already expecting everything to come crashing down on him.
Screen> Zero snaps his beam saber off...he stands at the fringe of this battle looking onward....smiling. He doesn't seem all together, somehow. His armor is not on straight, his hair poorly groomed. Something has definitely happened to Zero. He clenches his fist together raising them into the air. He calls out in a fit of rage, "BAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" before swinging his fists into the ground, unleashing a massive fire blast.
Dr. Thomas Light puts a hand to his head in dismay
LiT steps into the room of the gravity lift and leans up against the wall folding his arms across his chest, he lowers his head deep in thought.
Screen> Blues smirks, "Well I hope your hungry..." Blues dashes forward bracing his shoulder against his sheild as he races for the Maverick.
Dr. Thomas Light says, "Oh dear... they'll never let us have Techno now"
Screen> Plum continues to try to film, as best she can now that total chaos has broken out, as she stands off far to the side, hopefully far away from the main battle, but still close enough to get some VERY good pictures, even if the camera constantly shifting to various views of the combatants in this mess.
Screen> Blues lowers his forcefield.
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'This is madness... it's the Maverick Insurrection all over again... only worse...'.
Twila Peterson sighs quietly at the eruption of chaos in front of them and rises herself up to stand behind the doctor and place a hand on his shoulder if only to try and offer what comfort she can.
Screen> Vorpal VTOL <Airship> deactivates its stealth mode. Screen> Vorpal VTOL <Airship> shimmers and comes into full view, as it deploys a ladder from its belly and skims low over the battlefield.
Screen> Zero slams his fists into the ground, a large circular wall of flames radiating from his body spreading out across the battlefield. Apparently Zero has been saving this blast up for sometime...
LiT shakes his head and sighs. He flips up a panel on his arm and speaks into it.
Screen> The hulking body of Giga Saurus looms into view. Lumbering with a massive prehistoric gait that sends shockwaves rippling up and down the streets and sunders the ground by virtue of mass alone. The huge titan makes his way into the area like a walking building. Crumpling up abandoned hover cars beneath his feet like empty beer cans and twisting light poles that his huge frame brushes up against. Slowly the biggest of Mavericks begins to make his way towards Sigma's location.. Maneuvering with little concern across the battlefield.
Screen> Serges is expecting a blast from Protoman's cannon, not to be plowed into like a football player. He lets out a yell of shock and goes flying backwards, the shield crushing the armor and delicate circuitry beneath with a crunch. As he lands with a skid, flames wash over his body... his armor blackens and melts. With this double-whammy he's not looking too good. He stirs after a moment, trying to regain his senses and fighting his overwhelming urge to flee.
Screen> Hyper X blinks as he hears the tremor of a familiar attack, he spins around and leaps into the air as the wave of flames streaks towards him, he hovers there for a moment as he squints his eyes, trying to find the source of the blast.
(Ch. B []) LiT transmits: ' You boys need help, or is the situation under control?'
Screen> Magna Bass's head tilts to the side as he observes the other figure, and his eyes narrow just a bit as he unleashes his attack. "Well....look at who's returned to the fold. Really now I don't have time to deal with someone who's circuits are all scrambled." With a powerful blast from his jet thrusters, he lifts high into the air, flipping around and outright avoiding the fire wave. In fact, he comes down right next to Goliath's much more massive form, his glare falling onto the Ride Armor. "Well well....."
Screen> Feedback climbs down the ladder and then heads off to see whats going on. One can only see so much from the inside of the Vorpal. He thinks that he should think of installing some better sensors or something. He looks around and gahs as he spots this energy discharge. He looks around trying to locate who or what just shot that.
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'That's a good question.'. (Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'I'm not even sure at this point...'
Screen> Blues is luckily still behind his his shield when the flame passes by him and his battle partner. But after it does he swings it back over his shoulder as he draws out his proto blade. He holds it up like an epee.
Screen> Napalm Man looks up towards the gigantic frame of the thunder lizard, for once in his life, he is thinking twice about attacking something this big, "TODAY IS *NOT* A GOOD DAY TO DIE." Slowly rolling back from the area so he is not caught in this creature's path.
(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'I have no idea really but I don't suppose that some extra help could really hurt us though.'
Screen> Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> broadcasts, "stands tall against the blast. Nevertheless, actual damage is done to the towering mass of Death. Vile is shaken within the cockpit and leers over the damage. 'Damn Hunter-Master-/Scrap/....' Though the dark Maverick is less than pleased with what just occurred, he keeps his attention focuses on Bass as ordered. Quickly, perhaps while the Master is still distracted, Vile readies Goliath for an attack. An arm raises, leveling at Bass and the spiked fist explodes free from its hold and cuts through the air toward its predestined target. "The time has come, Bass, for you to take your place in the Inferno's wrathful flame. Do greet them for me..."
LiT pushes himself off the wall and heads towards the hanger muttering to himself. LiT has left.
Screen> Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> misses Magna Bass with its Chain Fist attack.
Twila Peterson exclaims, more to herself than anyone else, "This is insane," while withdrawing her hand away rom Light's shoulder.
Screen> Serges snarls at Blues and spits some fluid from his lips. He might be lying on the ground, but he's far from helpless. "Don't think yourself triumphant yet..." he tosses an object at Protoman.
Screen> Zero's form is seen, still kneeling, fist pounded into the ground....his form seems frozen in time. Slowly he looks up, again, a rather twisted smile crosses his face. "I'm baaaack!" He chuckles, happy with the results of his attack. He gets to his feet again, brushing his hair back behind his shoulder, "Bass..." he laughs, "Bass Bass Bass....where have you been?" he says making his way closer to everyone.
Screen> Plum takes a deep breath as she pans the camera, trying to take the entire scope of the fight in for people at home, while she for once unsure what to say.
Screen> Hyper X blinks as Zero makes himself known and takes another step back, "Z.. Zero?" he says cautiously, regarding the form of his best friend, not sure what to make of him just quite yet.
Screen> Serges rolls around and gets up quickly as his bomb impacts with Blues. He shouts, "Make your farewells to your fellow Hunter, X! By joining with the enemy, you've doomed him!"
Screen> In a blur of motion, Sigma's large form suddenly reappears behind the Hunter Zero, blinking into solidity, a snarl on his face, showing all of his teeth. The look on his face is one of murderous intentions, and his optics flash a brilliant red, two beams suddenly streaking out of his eyes, streaking at the back of Zero's head, a firm look of grim determination on Sigma's face as he attempts to incapacitate Zero and quickly ready him for immediate and sudden transport. Though the day may be lost, he - will- capture the crazy Hunter before he leaves..
Dr. Thomas Light is speechless, only able to stare at the carnage silently.
Screen> Killer Frost appears off the ship, all three of them looking about the area. Hail, Sleet and Snow watch the other Mavericks and Masters do battle. She begins to make her way towards the fight between Zero and Simga.... *cue Napalm*
Screen> Blues stumbles backwards, .oO( Damn it. ) The bombs explode across his chest, in a fit of anger he charges forward again twirling his epee and prepares for an attack. As he nears his oppoennt, "Zero or Techno. ... explain yourself, and you may not go offline." Blues aims his strike at the Maverick's shoulder joint.
Screen> Zero swings his buster arm out toward Bass, readying to knock the Master back into kingdom come. But before the blast is ever delievered, Zero's form goes limp and drops to the ground.
Screen> Hyper X blinks as Sigma suddenly appears behind Zero, "No! NOT AGAIN!" he kicks in his thrusters and zooms towards both of them, "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TAKE HIM AWAY! NOT AGAIN! NOT NOW! DARN YOU SIGMA!"
Twila Peterson doesn't offer much more verbally at the moment. Instead, she brings up a hand to muffle a tiny gasp which escapes her lips...
Screen> Magna Bass folds his wings along his back..and jets upwards, as the fist streaks past underneath him. His glare centers on Zero again, and eyes narrow just a bit. "Wily was a fool thinking you were sane enough for his plans." He leaves it at that however, what with the current situation in hand to deal with. Like a winged spectre and a fallen angel, he glides upwards as he stares down.....yes, now down at Goliath's form, hovering just above the ride armor. "Inferno's flame Vile..?" he speaks, the echoy resonating effect of his merged voice carrying out. "I've been there Vile...I've conquered it long ago. You haven't even got a fathoming of what you're up against right now." Both hands come together, as he charges right for the massive mecha, bringing his fists together and smashing them towards Goliath's chest in a blatant display of brute force, packed into his much smaller form.
Screen> Napalm Man thunders back onto the middle of the warzone after waiting for the Mac Truck of a dinosauar to chug on by, "THE OPPOSITION WILL NOT BE LEFT STANDING!!"
Screen> Feedback just keeps on looking around not that sure of what he can do. He's finally spotted Zero and then notices Sigma's behind him. He sighs and watches as Rock valiantly tries to save his friend. He figures that he really should make an effort to give him a hand but really isn't sure of what he might be able to do. Maybe he could run over there and tell Sigma a bad joke or two and then get blasted in the process. He sighs again and then moves on over anyways just to see what he might be able to do. He starts gathering some power and his left arm starts glowing while he makes his way over.
Screen> Plum takes another breath as the camera angle changes yet again, this time to Zero and Sigma, the picture getting bigger as Plum herself goes closer, "Ladies and Gentlebots, it appears that Sigma has knocked Zero unconscious, and that he's trying to take the Robot Master for himself."
A strange, bitter thought that occurs to Twila. o O(Must be doing wonders for the ratings...)O o .
Screen> Hyper X stares down Sigma as he continues to streak towards them both, a mixed look of hatred and sadness washed over him, as well as a large dose of desperation. Rock's tired of losing, he's tired of watching things slip through his hands, if there comes a time to take a stand, this is it, and so help him, if he doesn't stop Sigma now, he's not going to stop until every last Maverick lies at his feet till he gets his best friend back.
Screen> Serges tries to deflect the blade, but is only half-successful as the blade bites into his already badly damaged frame. He grunts in pain, disengaging to circle back and gasp out through the pain, "Ask X the details.. but he didn't tell you, did he? Because he doesn't trust you, Protoman. He teamed up with Bass, with Dr. Wily who enslaved you for so long, instead of take our offer to help him destroy Bass once and for all and give you back Techno... but no! His pride wouldn't allow it, so he's doomed Techno to death and betrayed the Hunter cause!" He doesn't attack Blues yet, waiting for his words to sink in.
Screen> Sigma snarls at X, bending donw rapidly, taking a rather firm grip on Zero's unconscious form, and scooping the neutralized Hunter over his shoulder, gripping onto the prone red form tightly, his hand digging into the red armor. As he throws Zero over his shoulder, his gaze turns up to meet the oncoming X, smiling grimly, "It is too late for you and your friend, X. I may have lost the day, but now you have lost two of your comrades whom you claim to care so deeply about." The expression on Sigma's face is cold and bleak, his blue optics glowing slightly, his face grimly determined as he prepares himself for teleportation, along with Zero.
Screen> Giga Saurus continues to chug along, listening to the cries of orders over his comlink and his gigantic tail digging a huge trench in the streets behind him. His building wide frame cuts a swatch of crushed debris simply by virtue of how enormous he is. Hulking knuckles nearly dragging against the ground as he lurches forward with an almost drunken..yet distinctly brutish and destructive gait. He slowly pauses shortly after passing Napalm man's position and straightens his tank sized body to its full height..merely waiting for new orders.. Upon receiving them the giant actually begins to .. turn?
Screen> Killer Frost sees Napalm Man, shaking their heads. Their radios order a retreat, but why should the trio miss out on all the fun? All three of the girls bring up their weapons, channeling pure cold into it as they raise their weapons and aim at Napalm Man. "We/I are/am so sorry," they say, "But we/I must head back to base with our acquired target." The charge of pure cold swirls, and crystalizes and then.... is unleashed in the form of an Arctic Blast!
Screen> Hyper X snaps his Hyper-Buster on Sigma, "IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!" he screams as he continues to cut hte distance between him and the Maverick commander, wasting no time to snap off a shot at him with little to no mercy as to where it hits him, and for how dire a strike.
Screen> Sounds of heavy footfalls, just as loud and echoing as Giga's, can be heard coming from the south, accompanied by a rather chilly breeze that has nothing to do with Killer's weapon..
Screen> Serges rasps through a damaged voice synthesizer, "I let you decide who your true enemy is. Someone who wishes freedom for all reploids, or he who would stab you in the back while claiming to be your brother"
Twila Peterson's eyes can't help but mist over even as she sinks back into the seat she had been seated within previously.
Dr. Thomas Light whispers, "Oh, Rock...What have we done?"
Screen> Blues twists the blade a bit, not for the sake of damage, for which it does little, but just for the pain, "I was aware of Megaman's plan. I aggree I would have rather Bass fallen to the way side and a double cross from my dear brother, but he was too honerable. Oh well, as long as someone falls I'll be glad... right now I'm pretty satisfied with the condition you're in."
Screen> Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> hardly moves, thus taking a rather distinct dent to its frame. Rather, it slides back and away from Bass after impact, much to the reluctance and anger of its pilot. It turns as deftly as possible and starts into the airship with Vile still piloting all the while. 'He shall pay in time ...'
Screen> Blues says, "Freedom? enslavement more like it. Besides, humans have just as much right to live as Robots."
Screen> Zero's form is draped unceremoniously over Sigma's shoulder. There is no life left in the Hunter/Master. Whatever it was that Wily did to him, it left him extremely vulnerable to Sigma and his neural disrupting attack.
Screen> Serges lets out an enraged roar as the blade twists in the wound. Serges brings up a small glass object and smashes it at Blue's face.
Screen> Napalm Man gets frosted by a chill of cold air that covers his massive frame, he seems stunned for a moment, but starts up again and rolls towards the 3 girls, "YOU CANNOT LEAVE THE BATTLEFIELD WITHOUT SOME REMINDER OF OUR CONFLICT!!" With that, he tossess a napalm bomb into the air, then fires a shot from a shoulder flare, letting the attack rain fire down onto the trio.
Twila Peterson swallows hard, tasting her siliva. "What could you have done? You couldn't have done what they asked..."
Screen> Feedback continues to run over to see what he may be able to do. He continues running over still lagging behind Rock as he isn't that fast. He looks at Zero and Sigma and wishes that he could just get close enough to plant a tracer on either one of them. He would then at least be able to track them if Sigma does escape.
Dr. Thomas Light sighs and shakes his head, not sure anymore.
Screen> Giga Saurus's eyes narrow as he senses the footfalls. o O (Hmm..that hunter ride armor again..? No..no..not /quite/ as heavy.. But close to him and myself..) He then sees and feels the chilly breeze and merely snarls before grinning vaguely. His hugely muscled arms raise and he slams his gigantic fists together with a loud *BOOM* of anticipation. His building sized frame rumbles and rears up even larger in eagerness. He's got a good idea of who is coming. o O (Yes..the femme-bot. I've long wanted to meet her again..) abruptly he frowns as he receives another transmission and with reluctance he lowers his huge arms. "Very well.." and begins to thud in the direction of the Raptor fairly quickly..which for him isnt' that quick but it's quick enough..
Screen> Sigma suddenly blinks and disappears as X rushes through nothing but open air, his blast streaking through the air and hitting an unsuspecting building. Almost immediately, Sigma reappears behind X, a wide smirk on his face. With a dark laugh, he immediately starts to glow, "That, I'm afraid, is where you are wrong, X. You had your chance to turn this battle around for you. I am so disappointed that you decided to turn on me. For that, you will pay, and you will pay dearly. Say goodbye to your friends." And with that, Sigma suddenly turns into a beam of red light, streaking up into the air and disappearing from sight, Zero going with him to who knows where.
Screen> All three of the women evade the attack, smiling at Napalm Man. They say, "Sorry to freeze and run...but orders are orders...." Killer Frost brings up her weapons again, aiming them at Napalm Man once more. They open fire upon the Master, creating an ever growing glacier of ice...
Screen> Blues acks as he stumbles away from Serges, his blade pulling out of the wound as he does, .oO( Should have seen that, I'll have to get the other arm next shot.) ***Systems calibrating, optical systems and scaners offline, minimal effectiveness returning in 15 seconds.***
LiT walks back inside looking a little worse for wear, "There crazy, all of 'em." He sits down in the nearest chair and throws his helmet on a table and shakes his head.
Screen> Chill Chasmosaurus finally comes into view as a cloud of blueish fog in the distance. And whaddaya know, there's a giant Maverick standing in her way. Well, she's got no qualms against going through a Maverick to get to the trouble.. As she gets closer, the three horns on her face flash and fire off in a spiral pattern toward Giga, hopefully to do something to weaken him before she gets into hand-to-hand range.
Screen> Napalm Man snarls in rage, "YOU COWARDS WILL NOT BE LEFT STANDING NEXT TI-----" Before Napalm man can finish his incessant bellowing, his body is encased in a huge uneven block of ice.
Screen> Plum says, "There you have it folks, it appears, that Sigma has taken Zero, yet again. And if this rteporter was a betting person, I'd put my money on that the next time we see Zero, he'll be fighting alongside the mavericks again."
Twila Peterson can't quite stifle the small sniffle that emits from her, not knowing exactly what she can offer to the scientist near here. Her eyes rove over towards the newcomer, never really having seen him but a few times before, settling them on him for few moments, before her attention is back again on the screen.
Screen> Hyper X turns to watch Sigma disappear, tears streaming down his face as he falls to his knees, keeling over and planting his hands into the ground. The battle and chaos around him forgotten, only the visage of the Maverick commander and his best friend slipping out of his grasp. Suddenly his form glows bright and suddenly, X is left there, his dog at his side, still in the same pose. He leans back on his knees, looking up to the sky as tears continue to stream down his face, Rush looks up at him, with sadness in his eyes as well, offering his master a nudge with his snout. Rock tenses his arms as he screams something unintelligible. His head then hangs limp, as he mutters softly, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: 'I just made... the biggest mistake... of my entire life...' (Ch. B []) Magma Dragoon transmits: 'Rock.....'. (Ch. B []) Dr. Thomas Light transmits: 'We can get him back, Rock.'
Screen> Vermilion Rat materializes out of the shadows, and looks at the Raptor, and then steps back into the darken alleyway, and dematerializes again.
Screen> Magna Bass watches as Vile falls back, and he chuckles deeply, lifting into the air and levelling his buster at Goliath's back. "That's right..fall back....run back where you came from with your tails between your legs! Muhahahahahaha.." he suddenly darts forward, streaking along the Raptor's much larger frame like an angry hornet. "But please...take these WITH YOU!" With that, he unleashes his magna-buster in a devastating rapid fire that stiches across the airship's form in a vicious strafing run. It's too big for him to really destroy quickly, but be rest assured that he can cause a rather impressive amount of damage.
Twila Peterson swallows once more as takes up her own radio.
(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Rock, as long as Zero remains alive there's always hope.'
Screen> Blues comes stumbling out of the alleyway still clutching his optics, His cannon starts to charge and he brings it up as it wavers across the battlefield Blues' systems report that he still has no sensor lock and that is optics are only at 10%. .oO( Can't let him get away.) The cannon fires into the crowd. and the plasma blast streaks outwards dangerously close to a comrade.
Screen> Feedback stops dead in his tracks and watches as Sigma teleports off. He curses and wishes that he was able to get a tracker on that teleport beam. He watches as he goes flying off to his secret base. He's still kinda annoyed at the fact that the last base they found was a trap. He then looks over at Rock. He watches as his commander seems to be at a lost for now and is pretty much oblivious to everything else thats around him.
Screen> Plum just continues on, "But besides that, I am at a complete loss of what to say. With so little known about the Maverick Virus, I am willing to admit that there may be a ray of hope in all this. Hope in the fact that somehow, the virus may not take him."
Screen> Chill Chasmosaurus simply lowers her head once again, the icicle horns regrowing from her head, "And I'll do it again this time, Maverick..." She tilts her head just enough to take the beam right on the frill, deflecting it neatly up into the air. Although it keeps her from damage and allows her time to get into striking range, it puts her into a less than optimal position for ramming the giant, shoulder-first instead of horns and armored head..
Screen> Feedback is just standing there watching Rock wallow in self pity and such. He figures that he's gonna have his hands full trying to cheer him up tonight. He is completely unaware of the blast that nearly atomized him and only notices it as it streaks past him. He watches as a nearby building takes the blow and then slowly turns around to see who did that. Spotting Blues he really starts hoping that the guy didn't mean to really vap him and was just shooting blindly or something.
Screen> "I /missed/!" snarls Giga Saurus in frustration as the laser blast rips its way through the streets and blows a huge series of chasms into the streets. "It was with the help of Bass that you did so last time femme." rumbles the giant. Right about then he once more glances to the Raptor and then grinds out a transmission over his radio. He steps back just in time for Chill to go crushing past him, missing him..if barely. A rare occurance though given that this Maverick is the size of a trailer home. As she stumbles past him he raises both of his gigantic and sickeninly muscled arms overhead..and then plunges his huge fists down towards her back like an incoming piledriver or sledge hammer.
Twila Peterson lowers her radio slightly, at a loss for what else to do or say...
Screen> Napalm Man is sliding down the street, trapped in a huge block of ice as it barrels past overturned cars and damaged traffics lights. His face frozen with his expression in mid bellow.
Screen> Blues pulls off his helmet and spikes it on the ground, "useless piece of crap!!" He looks up at the Maverick transport as it pulls out and start to run forward. "No way..." Drawing out his Epee again he dashes after it watching the skys and prepareing to teleport as soon as his sesors return to peak effecieny, wouldn't want to appear in a bulk head.
Screen> Chill Chasmosaurus skids slightly past Giga, tearing up a few chunks of asphalt and concrete. She spins around to face the Maverick again, only to get SLAMMED by a huge fist, sending her flying back into a building. She soon reappears amidst the dust from the impact, glaring needles at Giga, "That... really... hurt!" Digging one foot against the ground, she snorts out a puff of fog, then another.. and finally opens her mouth, spewing out a beam of minty-fresh breath.
Screen> Plum continues to keep her camera focused on Rock as she continues to wards him, "And what about the Hunters? How will they handle this? After all Zero once was one of them. How will his freinds, and those close enough to call family react to another group trying to alter his programing for there own ends?"
(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Rock?'.
Screen> Rock picks himself up off the ground finally. His arm still formed into the X-buster, he looks about the battlefield as if he wasn't even really there. He takes one step forward, as if to re-enter the fray, but doesn't. He turns to stare at Plum and her camera and takes a few more steps forward, bending his knees, and suddenly rocketing himself up into the air, leaving behind the battle, his dog, and everything else for that matter. Screen> Rock has left.
Screen> "I must bid my leave of you, dear Repliforcer, and take advantage of the cover fire provided by my comrades. I am pleased by your physical might. There are few who can battle me toe to toe. But for now..I must go." he then turns and starts to thud in a crushing charge away from her. The impact of his steps like miniature shockwaves that shatter windows and split the earth. Of course its then that her frost breath engulfs his frame. His systems crackle and begin to freeze up, attempting to desperatly compensate for the assault, "Grrnn!!!" he grunts..thudding to a stop. His back exposed to an assualt as he attempts to shake the stun off.
Twila Peterson breaths out a troubled sigh. "Where is Rock going?"
Dr. Thomas Light says, "I don't.. know.." Dr. Thomas Light sends a radio transmission.
Screen> Chill Chasmosaurus snorts once more as the Maverick's systems freeze over, "Oh, you'll be going alright... right back to the scrap heap." She narrows her eyes and swishes her tail, then falls into a dead run toward Giga, head lowered.
(Ch. B []) Rock transmits: '*click*'.
Screen> Magna Bass angles upwards as he finishes his strafing run, letting a more massive blast loose at the now departing airship. He dosen't pursue anymore however, content to let Sigma retreat for now. As far as Zero is concerned, he really couldn't care less. Eyes glint around the area, and come to rest on Rock's form, his expression switching into a scowl. However, it's Plum's camera he happens to spot, and a smirk traces across his features as he jets towards her, setting down right -next- to her form with a light *THUMP*. Smoke curls upwards from his twin thrusters as they shut down, and he stares at her calmly, apparently waiting.
Dr. Thomas Light lets out an annoyed grunt
Screen> Feedback watches as Blues runs off. He spots the Maverick's transport ship and wonders if he could trace that instead of Sigma. He then watches as it flies away and wishes that he thought of that earliar. He turns back to Blues and thinks that it really would be bad for Rock to loose his friend and his bro on the same day. He just knows that he's gonna regret this and runs after Blues trying to stop him, "I'm gonna hate myself in the morning. Hey Blues, wait up. Where do you think your going?"
Screen> Blues catches Rock on his way out and pans his now clearing vison to the operator of the camera, he turns his attion there, knowing full well that his other action was just boistering, by the time he could teleport they would be out of range. He walks strait up to the camera and turns on his blade, "This is a family afair, give Mega Man his piece." With that he slices out at the camera’s lens.
A tear streams down Twila's left cheek, it's salt burning her skin. She replaces the radio upon her belt and simply sits there in dejected silence...but even now clings tightly to the promise that was made to her.
Dr. Thomas Light reaches up to put a hand on Twila's shoulder. "He just needs some time, Twila."
Twila Peterson sets her jaw and quietly nods in response. "I know," she chokes. The knowledge of that does not make it any easier.
Dr. Thomas Light stands and walks with slow care towards the lift, unable to provide comfort when he himself is so unsure. "I think I need to lie down for a bit."
<Later…at one of the North American Beaches…>
Rock sits on the beach alone in the dark, casting his glazed over eyes at the Atlantic before him. His knees pulled up to his chest as he wraps his arms around them, pondering over what he had just done.
Suddenly, several beams of light strike down before the blue bomber, their shadows cast over him from the light of the moon. "This is not why you were chosen, Rock, of the Maverick Hunters." the figure in front of the rest intones dryly. "Your destiny does not lie, sitting here, sulking over a situation that you were destined not to succeed in."
Rock looks up at the forms and sighs. "Boy, let me tell you about how much I want to see you people right now," he says with a sigh, not even caring that he's speaking to people who have the capacity to end his life in the wink of an eye.
Duo folds his arms across his chest, "Like it or not, we are here to speak with you, this is unacceptable. You were chosen, because within you, lies the destiny of this world, and the fate of those who inhabit it."
Pluto simple crosses his clawed arms for the moment as he appears, a cold, ominous presence settling over the area...
Neptune looks over at Blues and grunts, "No one invited you, landlubber."
Venus arrives along with Duo and the others, looking at Rock stoically. As Rock speaks up to Duo, Venus turns to his leader, his voice cold and implacable, "He does not want to hear your words, Duo. Let us leave him be in his misery, should he wish it that way. It makes no difference to us."
Rock looks up at Duo and waves his hand dismissively, "I never -asked- to be the 'chosen one' as you so put it. I never asked for -any- of this!" he exclaims, tears streaming down his face.
In the far distance a tiny speck begins to grow in size as Blues, atop Rhythem aproaches the point that his faithful pup has indicated Rock has run off to cry, .oO( This kid may have the balls but he needs to ditch this emotional attachment to every last thing on the planet)
Duo turns to Venus, "He shall hear my words, wether he choses to listen or not. It is his destiny to walk the path that has been chosen by the hands of fate." he intones, "His emotions may dictate otherwise, but in his heart, he knows it to be true."
Pluto remarks coldly, "One never asks for what he is chosen for. Fate does not take requests..."
Rock looks up at the conversation between the stardroids, and then to what Pluto says afterwards, "Why me?" he inquires, "What's so special about me?" he demands, "All I wanted to do, was help stop the evils of this world, but I never expected it to come down to it all relying on every last decision I make. And if that' the case, judging by my last few plans, I'm probably not suited to be your so called, chosen one."
Neptune grunts, "Why not you? Somone has ta do it."
Blues now nears the boardwalk within ear shot just in time to hear Rock's words, "Because no one else can do it." Twila Peterson takes an uneasy breath, just sitting, there not moving.
Venus's visage remains cold. Of course, it might only seem this way because you have no way of discerning an expression, save from his eyes. However, the voice from his mouth is purely unemotional and frosty as he speaks, "All must go though pain and suffering, Duo. This one is no different, despite what fate dictates. You threaten to upset the balance by interfering with this. Your words are not for his ears right now. He must learn to do this on his own, 'less darkness take over." As Venus says this, his eyes brighten slightly, as if the idea of darkness taking over wasn't entirely too untasteful for him.
Rhythm's Thrusters flare as the near the ground, and he gives out a rough bark as Blues dismounts and his legs flip out and his back reforms over the riding platform that previously present.
Rock folds his arms, "That, is something that shall remain in your own hands to discover." he replies simply, turning away from the blue bomber, "My words have ceased, as have those of the rest of you. We shall return to Starhaven." Neptune mumbles something about all sorts of lost things in his oceans.
Blues nods to Duo, "Hey this guy's pretty smart, I like him." A smirk passes over his mouth as he flips his bangs back over his left ear.
Duo looks over at Neptune, and shakes his head, "It is of no concern to me, I leave that unto your own decision Neptune. The seas are, and always have been your domain, what comes of what resides withen them, and if they are to be removed, is for you to decide."
Neptune nods slowly, considering. Neptune says, "I might be motivated ta be properly nice, if the mood takes me."
Pluto waves off Neptune with a clawed hand. "Sure, save him now. His time will just come later, you're only delaying the inevitable."
Duo turns to regard Pluto, "The time for discussion is over, as I have stated before, we shall continue this at Starhaven." with that, he dissipates into a blue cylinder of light that streaks up into the sky.
Rock just sits there and blinks, unsure of what to think now.
Neptune remains standing in the ocean several feet off, staring at Rock, though he's really thinking.
<One more back in the Maverick Hunter Command Center…>
LiT stands up and grabs his helm, he leans against the wall awaiting the rest of the Hunters return. He looks over at Twila and puts his helm back on, "There is nothing you could have done, Rock will be ok..He's not one to give up."
Twila Peterson remains sitting within her seat rather quietly...staring at the resumed programming,
Feedback walks off of the lift dressed in his usual street clothes. He's taken off his armor and since he didn't get scrapped this time he's not stuck in the medbay. He looks around and waves while forcing a smile, "Hi everyone. Whats up?"
Twila Peterson offers a dip of the chin towards Lit. "Yeah...I know...thanks, she says softly. Twila Peterson doesn't look up towards either of the room's occupants...not even to give Feedback a half- haerted wave in greeting. "Hey..."
LiT nods slightly to Twila and eyes Feedback as he arrives. Screen> Blues .oO( Star heaven huh? are they going to take the Star-Mobile there after calling for it on their Star-walke-talkies?) He rolls his eyes as he thinks forgeting the fact that he doesn't have his visor on.
Feedback tries his best to look like nothing's wrong. He looks around and smiles the best he can. He's also a tad bummed that they lost Zero again but even more annoyed that he didn't think of planting that tracer earliar. He walks over to LiT and Twila and does his best to see if he can cheer someone up, "So why ya so down? Don't suppose that its something simple like ya just bombed one of your medical tests?"
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Well that was.....interesting. Anybody got Rock's location? He shut down his radio.'. (Ch. B []) Blues transmits: '...'. (Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Huh, well not really but I think that I might be able to find him if I really needed to. But I say that we let him cool off for a bit.' (Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Is he -ok- then!?'. (Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'I think so. He didn't look like he took a hit or something if your worried about that. Just give him a few minutes to cool down, he just had one of dem tramadic experiences.'.
Twila Peterson shrugs her shoulders. "What medical tests?"
Feedback smiles and does his best to cheer Twila up seeing how she seems to be so depressed right now, "You know, those tests that the med staff gives you to see if you've been keeping up in your studies. Well, I guess that isn't it then. So gimme a hint already. Whats wrong?" Feedback grabs his radio from one of his pockets and transmits a few messages over the hunter line.
Twila Peterson looks away from the reploid. "Just a lil concerned is all." Worried as anything is more like it. She has a slim idea of where Rock may be since he spoke of the place so often to her. But she wouldn't even dare to ask herself to be escorted. If Rock wants to be left alone for the time being she must obey his wishes.
Feedback smiles and guesses whats wrong but tries to cheer her up anyways. Besides he really can't do much else since he doesn't have any solid leads to follow yet, "Aww, your concerned about Rock now aren't ya. Well you really shouldn't worry. Rock's a big boy and can take care of himself. In fact, I saw him walking off revitevaly unscathed this time. Now isn't that something, for once he didn't get scrapped."
LiT shakes his head abit. .oO( There is something to be proud of..)
"Suppose that's true," she mumbles, eyeing the floor a bit. But even sp, his physical well-being isn't what's concerning her right now.
Feedback smiles and thinks that things might be working ever so slowly, "But I suppose thats not really what’s buggin you then." He gets slightly more serious than usual but continues to smile, "So you wanna go and pay him a visit. I bet that I could find him for you if ya wanted. If he ever needed someone to be there I'd say that your the one to be there. So whadda ya say bout paying him a visit and trying to cheer him up a bit?"
Twila Peterson sits up somewhat. Despite some of her feelings she really would like to visit. But, even if she guessed right, would he want her there at that time. "I...have a feeling where he might be. He spoke of it often enough and even took me once."
LiT says,"Let him be, Feedback." He looks over at Twila but addresses them both, "What Rock needs is sometime to think things out. "
Feedback smiles, "Well I guess that makes my job a little easiar. So I guess that you wanna pay him a visit, eh? Lemme run a quick check ta locate him. Man, I wish that it was this easy with Techno but I guess that its the challenge that makes it so fun, eh?" With that Feedback runs a quick check to find Rock. He just ignores LiT and still doesn't really know what to think of the guy as he's only seen the guy a few times and his only real contact was when he tried to order him around awhile back, "Whadda mean leave him alone. I say that he needs to talk to someone more than being alone and Twila here is the best person that I can think of to do that. Maybe I'll get Light too if he ain't busy."
LiT narrows his eyes, "He is talking with someone. The only person that can. 'help' him right now."
Twila Peterson plops her hands within her lap and closes her eyes, confused. "But he turned off radio. Must mean he wants time alone."
Feedback looks over at LiT and is getting the feeling that this is gonna be worse than when he argues with Shrike. He really wants to see Twila happier than she is now but really doesn't think that an argument would help that much. He turns back to Twila, "Well he may wanna be alone from the rest of us, but if you ask me. I say that deep down he would really like to talk to you. But thats just me."
LiT shuts his visor and bows his head, "If he really wished to talk to her he would be doing so right now."
Feedback then turns to LiT and addresses him with a slightly more serious tone with a touch of edge in his voice but keeps a smirk on his face, "Well you can never have too much support I always say. And there is always more than one person that can be useful at times and right about now one person isn't really gonna help Rock through this. So you can either help us or just stay out of our way."
Twila Peterson presses her lips tightly together once more, trying to still the battle within her own mind She doesn't really need to hear an argument. "Feedback, I appreciate what you're trying to do. But *off* his case."
LiT stands there eyeing Feedback, "What is best for Rock right now, that is my -only- concern at this time. He wishes to be alone. If I were him and you came looking for me when I wanted some time to think, I would scrap you on the spot. But that’s me. If you want to find him so be it, I will come along just to see him rip out your optics." LiT smirks.
Twila Peterson lifts a hand to rub her forehead alomst as if she were getting a headache.
Feedback looks over at LiT and smirks, "But the thing is, your not Rock and never will be. I'm not going to go into detail on everything that I could say but the fact is that you have no idea of whats been going on around here lately so you should just keep quiet unless you know about everything thats happening around here." Feedback would normally go in further and just plain insult the guy but he's trying not to cause a scene if he can really help it. He decides to leave it at that and will get back to LiT later. He looks over at Twila and smiles, "So, you gonna pay our fearless leader a visit? Might do the both of you some good to spend some time together."
LiT says, "And I know alot more than I lead on." He gives Feedback a smirk and turns to Twila the smirk fading. "Do what you think, what you know is right. If you believe Rock wishes to be found by you then go to him."
Twila Peterson lower hers her hand as the pad is placed infront of her. She bites her lower lip as she opens her eyes, scanning the screen quickly enough. Her gaze softens as he is indeed where she thought he would be. But still the doubt lingers.
Twila Peterson finally places the datapad aside and stands up. "I...don't know how to program the teleporters. Could...one of you set it for New Jersey shore?"
Feedback nods and smiles, "I'll help ya if you want me to."
Twila Peterson nods slowly in kind, somewhat shyly. "Thanks, Feedback...and you too...um..." she says, suddenly remembering she never learned who he was. "What's...your name anyway?"
LiT looks up at Twila, he slightly grins. "I am LiT. I hope Rock is glad to see you, Twila."
Feedback walks over to the teleporter and taps a few keys. He sets the thing so that it will go to where ever Twila wanted to go. He steps back and smiles, "Well your all set. Just enter the teleporter and hit the little button. Hope Rock will be glad ta see ya."
Twila Peterson nods a little more easily now, even managing a tiny smile. "So am I. Guess...I'll soon know," she tells Lit. She acknowledged Feedback with, "Thanks, both of you..." and steps out of the room and into the chambers...
<Soon…at the shore…>
The Boardwalk The beach, the ocean, the overly greasy food.
Twila Peterson has taken her socks and ankle boots from her feet and quietly roams the lengthy beach as the ocean waves lap at the wet sand, bringing with them shells and seaweed...and other assorted stuff of the ocean waters.
Rock lays on the beach arms behind his head as he lays pondering over the days events. He's not exactly depressed or sad anymore, just confused.
This is a rather long strip which resides as a barrier between the lans and the great ocean. Understandably it takes Twila some wandering. But she doesn't have to search too far. She merely tries to recall the place where the reploid had originally taken her when he last brought her here. She pauses, hesitant for a moment, still unsure if he would accept her presence or not. If he wanted company, would he...already be at base? Still, she came all this way. Taking a deep breath she steps forward, nearing him quietly...and then kneels down beside him. "This seat taken?" she asks softly.
Rock looks over at Twila and shakes his head a bit, "Nope. Help yourself," he replies softly, shifting his gaze back up at the stars, still out of it.
Twila Peterson lowers herself to sit within the sand, idly setting her boots beside her. "Lots of stars out tonight," she notes, turning her gaze briefly towards them as well.
Rock nods, remaining silent for a moment, before speaking, "I hope I didn't worry you too much..." he says softly, "I... needed some time alone."
It starts as nothing more than a dot in the sky, but it soon grows larger and larger with each passing moment, until a form becomes recognizable, along with the color of certain purple armor plating. Flipping upwards at the last moment, the merged warrior form of Bass cuts his descent and glides gracefully downwards.....now coming to a hover in front of Rock and Twila, arms crossed calmly over his chest as he stares at them. His face is surprisingly calm...apparently lacking his usual malevolence in it.
"I kinda figured you did," Twila states above a whisper, feeling a little guilty now. Perhaps Lit was right. "Just...wanted to be sure you were al---." Whatever she was about to say immediately dies at the rather unexpected newcomer's arrival.
Rock blinks at her silence, and looks over at where Bass now is, and doesn't really show any real reaction, "What is it Bass? Here to gloat over your victory?"
Magna Bass tilts his head to one side, heat waves shimmering behind his form as he continues to hover in place. "Why should I Rock?" he states, as he appears to ponder it over, the faint trace of a smirk coming onto his features. "You were there afterall...." With a gentle motion, he glides a couple of feet higher, still staring down at the two and apparently pondering something over. "I wouldn't give Zero one week with them before he's back." he states. "Sigma's going to find out just how much of a handful he can be.....old man Wily already did." he chuckles lightly, and then finally falls to a more serious expression. "However....I considered today a test of sorts. I've always considered you my greatest foe Megaman....the one obstacle to overcome." He makes a casual motion to the side. "I could have destroyed you today.......but I had a debt to repay. You held up your part of the bargain, and were willing to throw away the life of your lost comrade Techno to do so," he chuckles. "I always thought you had a weakness when it was considering your comrades, yet this time you proved you can be strong even there." His face twists, almost as if in disgust of what he's saying next. "So for not disappointing me.....thank you."
Rock blinks, and chuckles, "Well then consider us even for saving me that one day, Bass.," he smiles at his rival, boy this must be a guy thing or something,. "Next we meet, I'm sure it won't be the same case however."
Twila Peterson wipes any traces of emotions from her features and glances towards the continuos waves ahead of the odd trio while maintaining somewhat of a wary eye on bass. But she contributes not to the conversation. This is between Rock and the Robot Master.
Magna Bass smirks, giving a slight shrug. "It hasn't changed before, it won't change this time. Why waste words on it hrm?" he says. "Take your reprieve for the next 2 days and enjoy them. I leave you free from my attentions for that long. Rest, do whatever you wish. Gather your strength.." that dark frame to his face returns again on his features. "You're going to need it." With that, he turns around and faces towards the sky, his thrusters blasting on full power and rocketing him upwards as blinding speed, sending a powerful backwash of heat in his wake.
Twila Peterson gets thrown a little towards the ground as the gust whips up the particles of sand and dust around them. But she doesn't say or emit anything verbally, she only picks herself up and places herself back within a sitting position with her features baring some flicker of disgust upon them held soley for the Robot Master.
Rock shakes his head, "Something’s never change." he says with a sigh.
As soom as the android/reploid/whatever he may be is gone she mutters, "And here I thought the two that were certain were death and taxes," while dusting herself off.
Rock smirks. "Well, in a way, you can associate them both with Bass," he replies, heaving another sigh. "I probably better not lay here and feel sorry for myself all night. I've got a job that has to be done." he says to himself, more than anyone else. "Learn from your mistakes I guess."
Twila Peterson gazes at him sympathetically before turning away again, feeling somewhat awkward. "If you need a few more moments to yourself I could meet you back at base."
Rock reaches his hand out and takes hers with it gently, giving it a squeeze. "I'd prefer if you stayed here with me," he says softly, "There's no one I'd rather have at my side right now than you."
Twila Peterson turns her gaze back towards her husband-to-be, slowly nodding as her hand gently squeezes his within a silent reply. Then she lowers herself so she's now lying against Rock, not caring of the sand and whatever else getting into her lengthy reddish locks. "Then...I'll stay..."
Rock smiles, giving her hand another gentle squeeze, "We'll head back home in a bit. I just wanna lay out here for a little bit longer if you don't mind."
Twila Peterson settles herself where she lays, applying more gently pressure through her fingers. "Why would I mind?" she questions softly. She gazes towards him for a moment before turning her gaze upwards. "Looks so peaceful up there."
Rock nods and smiles. "Yeah. Sometimes I wonder what's out there, and if there's other people out there going through the same things we are, experiencing similar things that we are." he pauses, "Those Stardroids claim that they've been to other planets and seen other forms of life, I wonder if that's true."
Twila Peterson squints at a particularly bright star, the north star actually, before hers bluish-green orbs drift towards the vast expanse of the Milky Way and what lies beyond. "I...dunno," she muses. "Wonder...what forms of life they would have seen if it does happen to be true." Science fiction and fantasy writers have speculated on the question for eons. Since they didn't know any better they simply allowed their imaginations to roam freely.
Twila Peterson adds, "Whatever form, tho...I don't deep down they'd really be that different."
Rock nods, and smiles, "Yeah, probably not, even those Stardroids have mortal flaws... they came to talk to me before you showed up. They started arguing with each other over something before zipping off."
Twila Peterson flickers a glance towards him. "Why'd they want to talk to you? Bi-weekly gripe?"
Rock shrugs, "Something like that, the one in charge came forward and started spouting out more 'you're the chosen one' rubbish at me."
Twila Peterson refrains from rolling her eye towards that. "You're so special that they can't even call you by your name," she states blinking.
Rock shakes his head, "No, he addressed me by my name for the first time tonight, I was suprised he knew it. I also found out for sure, that his name is Duo, and apparently he's got authority over all the other ones. The one named Neptune, the one who helped me that one day, offered to help find Techno for us."
Twila Peterson tears her eyes away from blue-black velvet of the night sky and refocuses back on her husband-to-be beside her. "He did?" she asks, baffled.
Rock nods, "He said he would find him and repair him, but he also said it's up to us to find him before the Mavericks do." "So," she muses, not really understanding due to how that was phrased. But then, Rock himself must be exhausted by now after everything that's happened, "he's basically drop the hints and up to the Hunters to take those hints and use them?"
Rock shakes his head, "He's not leaving us any hints at all. It confused me at first too, it doesn't really put us ahead in the search for him, but at least I know he's alright." Rock allows a yawn to slip out of his mouth briefly before raising his hand to cover his mouth, trying to stifle it.
"Knowing he's a live is...something," Twila finally states after a pause. She falls quiet for a few moments, allowing herself to be lulled a little by the sounds of the ocean reaching for the rock and sand lined along the beach.
"Yeah, maybe things won't turn out so bad after all." he replies, trying to remain optimistic as he too begins too draw closer to falling asleep, his eyes drooping a bit.
At the emitting of yet another sound the young woman looks back to the one beside her. "Maybe we should be heading back...unless you want to wake up with a crab nipping at your nose," she gently teases upon forcing herself to sit up.
Rock giggles and leans up a bit, only to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her back down gently, giving her a warm embrace in the process. "And what's so wrong with that?" he says with a smile, giving her a playful kiss on the cheek.
Twila Peterson acks in a bit of surprise as she's brought back down against him, though not really minding. "Oh, nothing..." she coos as wraps her arms around his form as well, holding tight as she snuggles against him. "Nothing at all."
Rock giggles and nuzzles his nose up to hers, leaning forward a bit to give her a few quick smootches on the lips, holding her tightly with one arm as he runs his hand through her hair gently with the other. "I love you, my darling wife to be, more than anything else in the world, from this moment, until the end of time," he says softly, as he gazes into her blue-green pools with his own of greyish blue. "I'll never forget the vows and promises I've made, and I'll always keep them, no matter what happens."
Twila Peterson emits a few giggles of her own at his playfulness and then smiles lovingly towards him, eyes glazing over within the process. "Nor will I, ever -- regardless of what may come. For a love you, Rock Light, my one and only." With that her eyes close. Leaning forward she brushes her lips against his within a less gamely manner that Rock had used...allowing the kiss to linger there longer than within times past.
Rock squeezes her tenderly as their lips meet once more, as his eyes close as well, stilling running his hands through her hair gently. As they pull away he opens his eyes back up, although they tend to droop a bit and just gazes into those of his beloved’s lovingly, having no intentions of letting go anytime soon, nor moving from the spot he's currently in.
Twila Peterson withdraws a little, but only to open up her eyes and look within the features of her betrothed. Slowly, she edges forward again, but this time to rest her check next to his...even as weariness from the day's events begin to plat catch up with him and her both. "Always, remember..." she whispers.
Rock smiles and responds, "Only if you do..." he says as he snuggles up to her, continuing to hold onto her tightly as his eyes begin to slowly close, despite his attempts at trying to stay awake.
Twila Peterson keeps her arms held around him within a warm embrace, refusing to release the grip she retains on him. "Promise. To have...and to hold..." she vows, offering his cheek one final kiss before shifting her petite frame against his, her own eyes drawing to a close.
The girl's breathing begins to slow. However...even as her body relaxes, giving way to shear emotional and physical exhaustion, she in no way loosens her hold -- as if in sleep she needs his love, warmth, and strength just as she needs them when she's awake.
Just as she does, Rock holds onto his wife-to-be tenderly, yet firmly. It'd take a hurricane to even make him loosen just one finger on his hold of his beloved. He drifts into sleep as they share each others warmth to beat back the cool breeze that gusts off of the ocean's waters, creating a serene and peaceful scene.
[OOC] Rock says, "now this, is a kodak moment :D"
=============================== IC Broadcasts Message: 9/9 Posted Author Hong Kong Tue Oct 26 Plum ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------ *The regular news guy for a major news network appears on the screen.*
"Our top story tonight is not a happy one unfortunately. It appears that the Robot Master, and former Maverick Hunter, Zero, has been captured by the Mavericks. While details about the encounter are still sketchy, footage provided by one on the scene reporter clearly does show Sigma himself capturing Zero. While afterwards, the Robot Master, Bass had this to say:"
*Picture changes to a closeup of Bass* Consider this an example...." he states, chuckling darkly. "Even in an organized trap, with the combined power of Sigma and many of his top generals....they RETREAT in the face of power." He raises a purple armored gauntlet, clenching into a fist that almost seems to crackle of its own accord. "Let there be no mistake Sigma.......your showmanship is just that. A show. You've gotten only a taste of real power tonight....so I suggest you think again about who you play with." Another chuckle, and he straightens up. "...so work with those in your own league. Oh....and do enjoy having Zero....you have my condolences." *Back to the news guy.*
"In other news, actor Frasier Crane died today...."
*The channel changes.....*
============================== Maverick Hunter
Message: 10/37 Posted Author Hong Kong Trouble Tue Oct 26 Feedback ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------ *Feedback's face appears on the screen. He's dressed in his usual street clothes and he's still got that usual grin on his face. If it was anyone else you'd think something was up, but this is Feedback we're talking about so its 'fairly' normal*
Hey everyone, just lil' ol me reporting in again. Just here ta tell ya'll bout this little encounter we had over in Hong Kong. Seems like dem Mavericks wanted to slag Bass bad. But it turns out that Rock made a deal with ol' fish head and they double teamed Sigma when he showed his bald head. They blasted him through two buildings I think it was and after that we had ourselves a nice big ol' battle. Robot Masters and Mavericks came out of the woodworks. I'm tellin ya, that place wasn't in the best shape after that. I'm surprised that its still got some buildings standing. Well anyways, thats the fairly good part. The bad news as most of you have predicted is about to come. And the only thing that makes this a little encounter a bum day is the fact that Zero was there.
Man, it was nice seeing the guy pretty much back to his ol' self. He was literally a mess and the first thing he did was charge in blasting at Bass. Man, that was a nice site to see, but as things normally go sour. Zero got jumped from behind by Sigma. Ol' baldy pulled some weird attack on him and Zero went limp. Sigma took him and teleported off before we could really do anything. So now we've got ourselves a big ol' damaged city and Zero is now in the hands of the Mavericks. Well if ya ask me, I'm not gonna take this one sitting down. I'm gonna go and find them Maverick's stinkin base and this time things are going to be different. This time they're the ones that are going to be running when I self destruct that place. Well at least I hope that I can do that.
So to sum it all up : We set a trap and Sigma fell for it. Big ol' battle between the Mavericks and Robot Masters. Zero got captured by the Mavericks now, and the press is all over this one. Well thats about it...Oh yeah, thats right. Hey Blues, I've got your helmet sitting in the medbay. Come and get it at your convienence. Well this is Feedback signing off.
*Feedback's face fades as it is replaced by the Hunters insignia* ======================================================