In his Darkest Hour

From Megaman Mush Wiki

[Radio: (H) None] Scarface transmits, "Now is the time everyone. This is when it all comes to a head."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "I am ready, Scarface."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "We are ready, Scar."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "Gods bless you both."

[Radio: (A) Irregular-Chat] Blast Hornet transmits, "And one that can go to hell, easily.. I dont think Lumine is just about to accept it.. Im just waiting for the bastard to sick his men on the ADF so I have an excuse to end his pathetic life.."

[Radio: (H) None] Chronoton Duck transmits, "I... I'm w-w-with you."

[Radio: (H) None] Steel Massimo transmits, "Let's do this..."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "Bring it all down, please. For the world. Bring it all down."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Don't you dare thinking you're going in alone."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Ensign Red, reporting for duty."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "I'm on my way."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Good luck, everyone.."

[Radio: (A) Irregular-Chat] Sara Steele grunts.

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "I'm moving out!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Right behind you, Lieutenant."

[Radio: (A) Irregular-Chat] Flame Stag transmits, "Yellah bellied turn coats."

[Radio: (H) None] Scarface transmits, "I know. And I'm with you all, and I'll protect you. RISE! Irregulars, Hunters, Repliforcers! RISE UP and fight for what you believe in. We came to this one place, gathered altogether from different paths to form this one Great Union to seek this Destiny, this one New Tomorrow that will shine for us all."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Yo Force!"

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon exhales once, releasing.

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "The enemy of my enemy."

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "Make me proud nephew."

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish grunt.

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "God save the King!"

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "YO FORCE!"

[Radio: (H) None] Zero transmits, "Yesterday, we fought to save our own from a savage assault. Today, we become savage ourselves. No quarter."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Alright then! HUNTERS! LET'S DO THIS!"

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "Do try to avoid unnecessary property damage this time."

[Radio: (H) None] Munitions Ifrit transmits, "I can hear that. Still, don't make a fire-torn mess of the place."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas, as if simply repeating a mantra.

[Radio: (H) None] Steel Massimo transmits, "Alright! Let's put them down once and for all!"

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "How do they rise up, rise up, rise up? All the little angels rise up, rise up."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Indeed.. The paperwork alone on property damage.."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca shudders at the thought.

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "...they have portal technology..."

[Radio: (H) None] Rock transmits, "Signas, turn off that automatic player."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Mister North - while I cannot speak for the rest of my brothers - tonight I begin to make reparations for the wrongs I have done to you and your kind."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "Have had, Miss Spider."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Impressive."

[Radio: (H) None] Layer plays BeCareful.wav

[Radio: (H) None] Michael Eildath transmits, "Did he just teleport?"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I did. It was refreshing."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "Hah. Welcome to the channel."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I think it'd make me sick to try it. Disoriented."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain, who knows more about this than most people, "/How/?"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "It looks just like Ouroboros' technology."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "You adjust not too long after the first time, Ms. Klein."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Now, not the time for talking about Portal Travel Sickness, we've got some bastards to take care of."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "General, I'm going to work as best I can, but I cannot guarantee Lumine won't conjure weather against your forces-I can only try to mitigate it."

[Radio: (H) None] Michael Eildath transmits, "Suit up, Hunters, let's kick some ass."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I'm surprised you know who I am, sir, but - yes. Good luck!"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I make it my business to know about as many people as possible. Call it a professional courtesy. In any event, we will give you our full support in this military endeavor."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Thanks you, General."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Awesome, thanks, Sir."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "We'll take a bite out of this guy, here."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Yeah, just smacking Lumine down will solve the problem."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We appreciate all of your assistance in these unfortunate matters."

[Radio: (H) None] Munitions Ifrit transmits, "Teleporting is actually pretty fun when you get used to it. It becomes natural."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Well, you might want to stick to the leaders first, that's all... But this isn't the time, so!"

[Radio: (H) None] Rho transmits, "Be careful Tabea."

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "Here we go!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Yaaaa!" D-Rex takes a chomp out of something, "Wooo hoooo!"

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "Flying in with an overhead assault, keep an eye out for low-flying planes."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We will be addressing riot conditions in Giga City momentarily. Repliforce, please prepare for reinforcements."

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "Yes sir."

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "We could sure as hell use 'em."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I'm, ah, I have riot gear, so I'll be there shortly."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I have heard wonderful things about your work in Giga City these last few days, Captain. In any event, this may be slightly unsettling to watch, but rest assured, no harm is being done."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Oh? And why would it be unsettling?"

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "...what the hell are you..."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "All units in Giga City. Stay off the Saraband."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "Impressive."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "...."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "...hm."

The Australian Defense Force is on the move, with their allies behind them. The usual barrage of artillery fire is not how the ADF has chosen to do this today; the horrific weather, here, is what has forced their hands.

Still, they need to get an assault force near the Fountain itself and onto the mesa that it is mounted on. In the distance, sixteen huge rails are set-up; each is electrified. They are launch catapults, with huge sleds with rockets on the end. The first waves fire, and men in power armor, RF soldiers, and any volunteer available goes launching off them and towards the mesa. On one of these, Ian North crouches down in the Rockhopper. He swallows, hard. "Here we go," he calls out, "We're launching!"

The sled fires its rockets - and shoots, frictionlessly, across the surface of the electromagnetic rails. It fires into the air, shooting through hurricane force winds and rain like a knife through butter, and comes slamming down over the defense wall. Soldiers begin pouring off and the Rockhopper is among them. As it comes down, its grenade launcher fires, a grenade shooting down and exploding in a gout of flame near the landing zone for this rail.

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "..."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "Yes, that would be advised. This shouldn't take very long to tidy up now."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "What's going on?"

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "What happened?"

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "......"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "General Sharp used his own version of the Nightmare Protocol. Am I right, General?"

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "...!!"

[Radio: (H) None] Cut Man transmits, "Someone opened the email they shouldn't have, that's what."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "Mine? No, certainly not. This is the development work of Midnight Epiphyllum."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I didn't know you could..."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Under your direction."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "/What/?"

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "W--What.."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "So. What does it do?"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "General, are you sure you know what you're messing with?"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Oh. He can control people. Kill them, too."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I would not go so far as to say I directed him. We have many development projects of this sort active at any one time."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Uh, from up here it looks like everyone just stopped wandering around."

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "That was interestiong. Curious, though."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Just... powered down."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "That is one way of seeing it."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We used a system command to tell all of the connected Reploids to go to sleep."

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "That--"

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "That works, but that s*** ain't right."

[Radio: (H) None] Munitions Ifrit transmits, "That explains much.."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Agreed."

[Radio: (H) None] Rock transmits, "Define clean up."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "T--That's just.. a b-bit creepy.."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein says something under her breath in German, followed by the English "Geez..."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Light suddenly, "We shall talk about Australia's habit of amassing weapons of mass destruction at a later date. There are other factors that must be assessed."

[Radio: (H) None] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "Ends don't justify the means."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We have no intention of harming the innocent. We will be apprehending the Mavericks for trial and evacuating the others."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "And the reploids on site who were working to cease the rioting?"

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Begging your pardon, General, but how do you know who the Mavericks are in this case?"

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham, acerbic. "And people wonder why there were Irregulars to begin with."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "This is, of course, how bad things begin General Sharp? Finding out you can control another sentient being's impulses remotely?"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "That is the danger of alien technology, Doctor Cain."

[Radio: (H) None] Chronoton Duck loudly quacks.

[Radio: (H) None] Scarface transmits, "I agree General. I came here under good faith from the word of Captain Commando, Charlie Archer. We haven't seen eye to eye very often -- lets be honest until now never -- but I must register serious Ethical Concerns that are not conducive to normalizing relations."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "To be fair, um, there are gases and stuff that knock humans out, and nobody complains about them... it doesn't mean it's right, but..."

[Radio: (H) None] Siren transmits, "Ethical concerns?"

[Radio: (H) None] Siren transmits, "NOW you call this 'ethical concerns'?!"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We have a full accounting of all active Irregular and Maverick elements in Giga City. We have had this information for quite some time. Informants have been giving us extensive intelligence on the area."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "So you only turned off the ones you didn't like."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "/Lovely/."

[Radio: (H) None] Scarface transmits, "I'm being stately."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "You're doing a fine job."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "We only turned off units connected to the Saraband. Repliforce units have notably been unconnected from the system since your 'warnings' earlier in the week."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "Less moral qualms. More getting ready for the inevitable moment when this goes horribly wrong."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "Epsilon!!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "EPSILON!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "Where the hell are you?!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Ferham transmits, "Siren! What's going on?"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Epsilon isn't there any more.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "Are you watching this?!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Chronoton Duck transmits, "He's... He's where he n-n-n-needs to be."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "Are you /seeing/ this?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Doppler transmits, "aND WilL YoU TakE GIgA CItY FoR YOuR OwN AfTeR YoU Have DeacTivaTed My cHILdRen?"

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "That is currently a interesting and quite effective tactic you are currently employing General Sharp. I salute you."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Doppler!"

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "W--What."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Carbon transmits, "...?! What's going on?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Warnings for a reason, sir."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider hisses, "Billiard. Shut it."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "An entirely good reason. It would not do for Repliforce to be asleep on the job."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Light transmits, "Damn it, Sigmund, we're doing what we can. Going all Magneto on us isn't going to help!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "What gives them --"

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "Unless of course you want to be caught with your pants down."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren degenerates into cursing. It's /mad/.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Chronoton Duck transmits, "B-b-b-Bad things in G-g-g-g-Giga City, b-b-b-but /NOW/ is n-n-n-n-/NOT/ the t-t-t-time for this d-d-d-discussion."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "Yes, that is clearly my intention, Signas. You have indeed 'found me out'. I in actuality relish the destruction of civilian lives and property."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "Sigmund, control yourself. Remember our conversation? I meant every word. You hear me? Every. Word."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Doppler s--sounds like he has seen better days.. That voice is creepy."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "They had /informants/. Everything is going down!!"

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Please Doppler ... don't do anything foolish!"

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "I would not imply such a thing, General Sharp."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Doppler chuckles unsteadily in the background "I aM NoT GoIng AlL MAgnEtO. I aM SiMplY TryiNg tO HeLp My cHILdreN"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "That was hardly an implication, Signas."

[Radio: (A) Irregular-Chat] Holocaust transmits, "Loud noises?"

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "..Reminds me of an old Speak and Spell.."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "You are saying what..?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "I am merely being cautious, because Lumine and his inner circle will not be so easy."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Flame Stag transmits, "Traiters, dirty, stinkin traiters.."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "I'm saying that they can /reach into our heads/ and /turn us off/ if they like, and they HAVE."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "And bickering about ethical concerns is counter-productive at this juncture."

Metal Shark sighs and turns away from a small holoscreen depicting the events above. The coverage of the fighting probably has some small tactical advantage to offer, but the Landshark isn't interested. The front lines will either hold or fall, and no amount of watching will change that. He looks around his makeshift fortifications, hand tailored from the battered and broken remains of Paradise Fountain's less structurally sound areas. He's skilled at working with junk, and as a result has constructed a fairly defensible pile to hide behind while he attempts to bolster the Maverick ranks. Most of the real repair work was finished earlier in the day and the Necromancer has been spending the last few hours trying to salvage what he can from the irrecoverably fallen. He puts the last few touches on the corpse of a former ally, reaches down and flips a switch.

One more lifeless minion rises to do it's master's bidding. Shark doubts the creation will last the night, and deep down worries he will share the same fate. His fears are not alleviated by the sudden echoing thumps of the landing ADF transports. "Curses!" he mutters bitterly, reaching for his anchor and stalking towards the noise. The safety of his shelter is left behind.

[Radio: (H) None] Red rrrrgh, "Folks, don't mean to interrupt the subliminal 'I don't like what you did there', but don't we have some more pressing issues at the moment? We knew this was gonna happen. We've got a couple hours to turn this all around. Don't waste it on this."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham sounds shaken. "I ... must agree, Signas."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Light transmits, "Sharp, Signas, this is not productive. I shall personally observe the ADF's holding action. Signas, I want Condition Theta activated and the approprate messages sent to my contacts along the Ivory Coast."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Doppler transmits, "A uN inVEStiGaTIOn..."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "In the meantime, we have stopped further loss of life and allowed control to be restored over a large natural resource that could have otherwise been used by Lumine for great mischief."

Ah yes. Tearing, ripping winds, plants wildly waving as if in their own vegetarian panic, and through it all, through the explosions, flying drones, whipping wind, flying wind, drone parts, parts of things that aren't drones (oh my) and other signs of inclement weather and inclement destruction (is there any other kind?), there strides the RideArmor-ish shape of one of the most mentally inept of the remaining Irregulars, huge and imposing and confused and wandering, lost and somewhat wet and utterly non wind battered.

A large hole in the lawn might just be the culprit for the presence of the large Irregular, and at the moment he seems to be surveying the ground, perhaps idly contemplating the sod for theft and relocation to his nice new park.

Wait. What was he here for? ...He pauses. Looks up into the whipping winds and driving rain. Pauses. Idly reaches out for a small device clipped to the side of his chassis. An animated little voice pops out. "Helping Cease the Maverick Threat!" And he pauses, groaning. With a little work he /might/ have been able to come up with something more obscure than that for a prompt, but it's questionable.

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Doppler laughs disjointedly again.

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I, um, yeah, we barely /need/ riot gear down here right now..."

[Radio: (H) None] Captain Shield Shellfish transmits, "So start hauling."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "It's a shame how many of you are in support of this tyranny."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "Do not relax your guard, Tabea Klein."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "General, have we calculated a third factor?"

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "Your new job is to protect the disabled civilians."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "But, don't worry, I have your interests at heart."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Holocaust transmits, "Don't like dinosaurs either."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Ferham transmits, "Tyranny? Who are you to speak of tyrrany!"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I was going to protect them anyway!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "Someone make them pay for this."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "Indeed. Repliforce assistance in sorting and transporting would be greatly appreciated. We are uncertain as to how long the sleep command may persist."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "No, not the code. Someone else attacking."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Someone you can't just tell to go to sleep like a well trained pet."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Scarface transmits, "You have your own interests at heart and none other, and all you seek is destruction."

[Radio: (H) None] Rock transmits, "Miss Klein. Do we have anyone on riot control in the mines?"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I imagine there is the /possiblity/ of such a thing occuring, but we have units on the ground to address any of these concerns."

Let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the--

"FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!" Daryn screams as he and the True Vespa, along with its sidecar, are launched through the air, on top of a rocket sled. Even with the Vespa, Ran, and Daryn--the sled is lighter and pulls ahead due to the less weight it needs to carry.

As the Vespa Sled reaches the apex of its flight, Daryn revs his bike and says, "We're goin' in, Ran baby!" And the Vespa flies off the rocket sled, Daryn swinging his sword around his head as the Vespa hits ITS apex.

"And now..." Daryn presses a red button, "Kill 'em all!" The button shoots off the Sidecar and sends it flying--but the Rocker has faith in Ran's Air Arts to utilize this position to its maximum destructive potential.

Daryn and his Vespa, for their part, crash through a squad of preons, explosions flashing out behind it as it rides for the Paradise Fountain. Daryn slices through a Maverick Regular on his way forward, but seems intent on moving forward rather than sticking around in the open and getting shot at.

"Beeeeeateeeen! Why foooooor!" He sings, "Can't! Take much mooooooooooore!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "And you don't care if they can shut off all our brains at once as long as you can preach about ideals and destiny!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "The destruction of the enemy of the Reploid people."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Well, don't get caught with your pants around your ankles."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "Speaks the one who refused to accept peace.. But you decided for war Lumine... And you have only ensured that the reploid people never get peace.. For that, you shall end.."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Ferham hisses, "The only enemy of the reploid people are butchers like -you-."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Bad feelings come up like this when I have a dinosaur eating Mavericks."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "Well, if you win and we never speak again Scarface. I hope your new ox-cart fits without chafe."

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "I would certainly hope not. Those are my forces working in this area."

[Radio: (H) None] Signas transmits, "And now we have come full circle to what I said ten minutes ago."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "In the mines? Uh, I don't know, but I can check."

[Radio: (H) None] Red mutters, "Didn't know bad feelings /could/ come up, eating Mavericks. --Anyways!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Siren transmits, "The reploid people, in case /all/ of you have failed to notice, have been shut off by someone that willingly gave others all our defenses and the power to do this."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Sara Steele transmits, "Shut up, Lumine."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Who would want Force Metal really bad at this point?"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I know I'm not, isn't it really radioactive if you go far enough down? I'm not sure how good Beschutzer's shielding is."

Chronoton Duck hates flying through storms. He hates that it has come to this. Most of all, Duck hates that people are bickering about things at this, the most crucial of junctures. Duck grits his bill and glances to Bubble Crab. The Duck Knight flashes Bubble a thumbs up as he engages his flight jets. He streaks through the sky, peppering the landing zones for the rail-launched counter-Maverick forces with incendiary grenades.

A moment later, Duck vanishes in a flash of light. Chronoton lands behind a plethora of defensive posts and reloads his incendiary grenades while he waits for Bubble Crab's timely arrival. Every Duck needs a beatshield, after all... Besides, Bubble is integral to Chronoton's plan for a proper entrance.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Scarface transmits, "Of course I care! But I refuse to leap into that black chasm and become tainted like that monstrosity."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Holocaust transmits, "What?"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I can if you want me to check, though..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "Human. It is so kind of you to stop idling in time for this momentous event. I am honoured."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I know it's okay for a while."

There are physical barricades around the fountain as well as the walls provided by howling wind and rain. Massive walls made up of abandoned vehicles, burnt out smaller structures, and other pieces of material it would take robots to do necessary labor to create in such a short amount of time. Atop it, dozens of Maverick and hundreds of Preons wait, ready to meet the oncoming counterattack.

As North and the others make their charge, Burn Rooster steps upon the top of the barricade. He points a finger at the oncoming heroes, "For the REVOLUTION! For JUSTICE! For FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"

The other Mavericks cheer, and ready their weaponry, "BUCK-AW!"

Spike Rosered has converted everything he was able in the short amount of time into a massive, sprawling garden. There's grass, thick foliage and all sorts of wild and exotic flowers blooming all about the place.

The Maverick itself is stood on a raised platform surveying its work, gently spraying the area with fresh spores which fast-track growth into another layer of greenery as soon as they touch a surface they can stick to.

"Tonight," the asexual robot breathes. "Will be a night of triumph! Of glory! Beauty and love!" A pair of vines as thick as tree trunks pick him up and carry him to another section of Paradise Fountain. "Mother Nature is beautiful and humanity is ugly, I wonder why I let anybody try to tell me anything else? And I will KILL anyone who tries to lie to me again." A giggle then, with a slight rumble, an explosion of even more plant spawning spores.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Bubble Crab transmits, "Sorry everyone I've fought with on the M side. But this crab is staying with the Irregulars."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "There will be peace when the war is done. And I would sooner die than be bound to a yoke. Until the other side then..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Flame Stag transmits, "Losy Crab.. What are you going on about, Siren?!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "She's been busy farming secrets and now has waited too long to share to make any difference, I believe Stag. Don't allow it to distract you from the business at hand."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Flame Stag snorts, "Yesser!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Well?"

"Quit your giggling, you sissy." Botos floats among the barricades, casually turning a bacon stuffed cow over a bed of coals. This is very important to a siege.

Linnea Blossom does not enter with the ADF, trying to take back their homeland and giant weapon.

She doesn't enter with the few members of the Irregulars trying to eliminate the dangerous Mavericks.

She doesn't appear to enter with anyone at all.

Linnea is just there, near the main Fountain itself. She is, uncharacteristically, wearing the long mask-scarf combo that some Striders seem to favour, letting it billow behind her (although in the storm, it's more like it stands straight out from her like a flag).

She is also carrying a box under her arm as she runs toward one of the barricades. Linnea throws the box from a good three hundred feet away, letting it slide along the wet pavement with a boost from the force-emitting Cipher she carries as she turns and runs the other way.

The small gravity-emitting system she shoved in the box, pulled out of one of her old pair of gravity boots and set to discharge all at once instead of when she jumps, activates a few seconds later. The shockwave is impressive, and visible for quite some distance.

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Gravity Pulse attack.

On the blackened ground a wizened old man stands alone watching the clash of battle.

Dr. Doppler does certainly not look like what used to a few days ago. his body is blackened, the flesh of the right part of his head has been burned off and only a blackness is what his ear and beard was. His hair and beard is blackened and burned but somehow still intact. All his body is burned and cut, a huge hole is through his abdomen, hie left arm is only bare metallic bone. But he still functions somehow, having repaired his own body with his considerable skills.

Shame he couldn't do the same about his mind.

The old doctor doesn't seem to be joining in with the fight just yet, no although he is walking towards the tower, well limping towards the tower. Slowly but surely muttering something about a flame. A all encompassing flame.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "Once I find you Lumine... You better pray that your death is swift.. because your death wont be a swift one..."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Carbon transmits, "......I'm sorry. I'm pulling up and out for a little bit... I'm not fighting until I know what's going on..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "What is your concern Blast Hornet? Did I not treat you as well, the same in fact, as anyone else under my care?"

LEGIONS's favorable relations with the ADF (and vice versa) mean that, of course, LEGIONS personnel are here to assist them in their plight; perhaps most notably, the Guardian herself is here, seemingly intending to stand on the very front of one of the sleds. She can go faster if she just gets the momentum from the sled and then jumps off by herself, she insists; no one is really going to argue this, due to the ridiculousness alone.

The girl uses her natural talent with the air (even in this inclement weather) along with the immense speed the launch catapult gives her to glide toward Paradise Fountain. She passes by Daryn briefly in midair, though her speed exceeds his; she gives him a short, pleasant smile before continuing forward, landing -just- at one of the edges of Linnea's gravity shockwave.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "If you desire the simplicity of humans controlling you I will make no judgement."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "But your anger and vehemence disturbs me."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Doppler transmits, "tHE FirE iS StaRTiNG!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "You may have treated us well.. but you slew Sigma.. And I will never forget that. And now betraying us... it has a high price Lumine, especially when you seek destruction.."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno transmits, "Which fire where, now?"

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Ferham transmits, "DOPPLER!"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "You betray yourself Hornet."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Blast Hornet transmits, "Doppler?!"

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Carbon transmits, "......"

Zzzzzz....

Agile is sleeping. Hey, he was ripped apart Russian style by a hurricane last night, he's allowed! In spite of this, the call of war starts blowing, and the little viking in every person's soul starts trying to wake Agile up. Seeing as Agile lacks the imagination to listen to miniture raiding tribes of any ethnicity, viking or hun or mongol or tartar or visagoth or even the noble gaul, this has a less favorable effect than one might normally anticipate.

"I don'wan' eat no lamb and cabbage stew!" Agile shouts, swiping at the invisible hobgoblins devouring his sugar plum bridge to dream land. He rolls over, falling onto the ground, and subsiquently becoming a big stinking target for any ADF ally looking for a medal and quick promotion.

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Cain transmits, "...what are you planning?"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "No... I have cleansed my soul from the maverick virus and my eyes are open wide... much more than you dare to think."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "I am doing what must be done to protect and enable our people to take hold of the future. The enemy you support will continue to enslave us. And Axl would correct you, he's quite proud of having killed Sigma himself."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Doppler transmits, "tHE fiRE ThaT BrInGS LigHT AnD DeaTH."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "What virus?"

The rail-launched Bubble Crab flies through the air beside Chronoton Duck, simply using his round body's projectile movement to keep him moving along. He gives a thumbs up back to Chronoton, before falling. He then lands in roughly the same spot beside Chronoton for dramatic purposes. "Okay, buddy, I mean boss," Bubble says, trying to remain professional. "You ready to kick some skidplate? I would've said aft but really, that's a pansy way to say ass."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "What are you talking about? Do you even know?"

The Shockwave blows a clean hole in the barricade, just as Burn Rooster dives for cover at the box skidding his way. He tumbles to the ground, dented from both the fall and the blast, arms over his head. "KILLLLL THEMMMMM! BUCK-AW!" he screeches, in an abnormally loud voice, at the others. The Rooster hops to his feet in a crouch, before activating his jetpack with a burst of flames.

He speeds after Linnea, adjusting thrust and throwing his weight suddenly just before catching up to her so that he is going feet first-intending to kick her in flight.

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Fast Foot Service attack.

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno transmits, "Oh. Thought you were being some kinda specifc in a crazy-prophetic kinda way."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Flame Stag transmits, "Hornet, Sigma was dead long befor that ghost died. Yer foolin' yourself. If you want to cast in with the rest of these human dogs then We're going to put you down just lahk the rest of them!"

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Doppler transmits, "i aM HeLPleSS tO do ANYthinG. YeT..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Agile transmits, "It is truly a shame..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Agile transmits, "...for the cause to lose an ass that tite, boyeee! Girlfriend you maybe wanna stick around for one last fling t'remember us by?"

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno transmits, "We don't need no water!"

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno transmits, "Let the mother-****er burn!"

Metal Shark's beady eyes squint against the hurricane-force winds and rain, shifting from target to target: The mighty Rockhopper and its wave of reinforcements, Chronoton, Bubble and Doppler, a ... flying scooter and what may or may not by a pack of ninjas running wildly through the dark. He does not like the look of any of them. Fortunately, his gaze eventually falls on the wandering Lummox. That, he thinks to himself, is something he can work with.

"Lummox!" he calls as amiably as possible, approaching his old friend with a predatory smile. His voice isn't suited to the tone, especially when he needs to shout over the wind but he continues as best he can, "What are you doing out in this rain? You'll catch your death of cold."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Cain transmits, "What did I tell you, you old fool? I told you that you could /join/ us, if you just took your lumps. But no, you had to let your anger take a bigger part of you than reason! Than sanity! Well I will no just as I promised, Sigmund. If you do anything you, we, ANYONE will regret and you will be beyond any redemption. You will have thrown it away like so much trash and I will stop you /myself/. Now stop this foolishness and work /with/ us you stubborn old bastard."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Steel Massimo transmits, "Dr. Cain?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "You know what they say about... Opportunity?"

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "The virus might be gone now... but you still act as if you followed the path of death.. And how does that help ANY of us Lumine? You are willing to end all life, including reploids, to build your vision? I shall never allow it Lumine.."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Cain grunt. "What?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "It knocks you up."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "That you should stab it in the back when it's an asshole to you?"

Ran Igarashi is not screaming like Daryn is screaming. There is a reason for this: The reason is that she is sucking on a sake bottle nearly the size of her head while she lounges in Daryn's sidecar, apparently completely unperturbed by Daryn's flight. She looks up, around the bottle, as Daryn announces WE'RE GOIN' IN, and she yanks the bottle away, laughing, "AllllRIGHT! Now we're talkin'!"

She wraps the bottle's cord around her hand for ease of future slugs, and then the sidecar of death enters a controlled, completely impossible little wobbly dive that doesn't so much end as it levels off.

Ran stands up, a broad, crazy grin on the alleged priestess's features. She draws the Sky Cipher from under robes, holding it out for just a second before she abruptly spins it around until the L-shaped handle is in hand like a gun, and begins spraying high-pressure water gouts at Maverick Regulars as she passes.

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno Darth Vaders, "Give in to your anger."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Not quite, Bubble Man. It only knocks once."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "And do you know what opportunity I see here?"

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "Incoming Robot Masters."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Steel Massimo transmits, "Wily, I swear to god..."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "Paint me any colour you like."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Bass.EXE, not Techno makes little mechanical breather noises.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Are you trying to pick up Ferham?"

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "There's one opportunist."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Light transmits, "Then she kicks you out 'fore her husband gets home, oh burn! Burn! I burned you by implying you were made a cuckold!"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Uh, well, as it /turns out/ I'm still in front of the mines and I think I might want to stay there for a few minutes."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Damn!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Signas transmits, "She is out of his league."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, " I see an oppotunity to deal with SO MANY of my least favorite things at once!"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "I'll let you know if he drops in."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Ferham transmits, "Goddamn you Albert Wily! Goddamn you to hell!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Are you going to by a wig?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Oh hey, yeah, why didn't I think of that."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Varia yawns. "I miss something?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Steel Massimo transmits, "Wily, when I'm done beating the crap out of these Mavericks, I swear I will hunt you and put you down once and for all!"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "And if one of the ADF troops around has extra loads for a CK-19 revolver shotgun, feel free to, uh, air-drop them or something..."

[Radio: (I) Irr true] Dr. Doppler transmits, "nO. I caNNoT JoiN yOU. tOo MAnY of My chIldReN Have FaLLen fOR My wORd. I caNNOt LeT TheM dIE fOR noTHinG. I oWe ThEm ThaT MucH aT LeAsT."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Lumine transmits, "But I am done speaking with you, your infantilisms are too much a strain on my translation unit at this very moment."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Wily's cruising for women in a bad toupee."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "You see, Gentlemen... I hate ADF. I hate them with a firey passion, with their smug self-satisfaction and belief that they can stand apart. I hate Irregulars, those dismally incompetent fools who sit there singing around the campfire while taking in the worse scum of the Reploid Race and thinking they can get away with it unscathed."

Whozzat? Lummox looks up in some startlement, though the gesture itself is completely superfluous. He can see better out of his back than out of his head any day. Those muddy eyes blink slowly with a cowlike contemplation, and the voice slides out with a dull, thoughtful smoothness of familiarity. "Metal Shark! Hey! I, uh..." Wait, he said something. Pause. "I like the cold and the wet and the dark, it's nice, and soothing, cooling, ya know?" He pauses a little, looking around. "I'm trying to find some Mavericks. I, uh, remembered why... a little while ago. It was pretty important. I think they're... um... .... ...somewhere. Pretty sure. You know any?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "And I especially hate Dr. Psyche, but that's another story entirely. And that, gentlemen..."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "You tell 'em, dad!"

Ian gives a quick, short salute to Daryn as he goes flying off. The Rockhopper slams into the ground where its grenade fired, clearing some space, and then goes shooting over the ground. The wheels on the feet kick up sparks, as he goes flying into the fray. Ian's eyes narrow, as he shoots near Pureri; the head of the machine looks at her, the faceplate hiding his conflicted expression.

Somehow, Ian thinks, the ADF turned off a bunch of reploids. It bothers him. He shakes his head and looks to the side, at all of the chaos, before he nods to Pureri.

He goes shooting ahead, rushing in right towards the Fountain and moving in fast towards Doctor Doppler.

[Radio: (F) Fools] The Q-Man Quint transmits, "Aren't they both on the same side now Wily?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Is why Giga City MUST DIE!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dust Man, helpfully: "I hate them too! Especially that-- uhh-- that pink woman!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Chill Penguin transmits, "Ugh... that is the very worst sort of passion."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Xenu is My Homeboy Dr. Psyche transmits, "Awww, you care."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "I knew it!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] The Q-Man Quint transmits, "But the ADF has nothing to do with Giga City"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Hey, do I hear the loser penguin?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] The Q-Man Quint transmits, "We're really just being Opportunistic."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Hey loser penguin."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "...General. Are you hearing this?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "You plagiarist."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "ROBOT MASTERS! TURN GIGA CITY INTO A SMOKING CRATER! LEAVE NOTHING STANDING! KILL EVERYTHING! OBLITERATE! DECIMATE! EXTERMINATE!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Chill Penguin transmits, "It's pronounced 'Flame', Bubble Man, and he's supposed to be a Stag, not a penguin."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Can I stab stuff too?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dark Man transmits, "Okay."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Okay, yeah, he's lame too."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "You idiots have left this sore standing far too long. IF YOU WANT A JOB DONE RIGHT... YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF!"

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "GIGA CITY STATUS: We got Masters."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Right. Thought we'd be on the same page and stuff before I... y'know... take everything dear away from you and all that."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "No shit."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "So you're going to do this all yourself and not ask your slaves to do it for you?"

[Radio: (H) None] Colonel transmits, "... I am en route to Giga City. I will be there as soon as possible."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "General Sharp, are you on?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Hey, Gutless! Haven't heard from you in a while!"

[Radio: (H) None] General Sharp transmits, "This is an extraordinary response. We are sending as many additional reinforcements as we have in the area."

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "We will hold the line as long as necessary."

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "Wake them up, General."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "We could use your help, Colonel. It'll be interesting fighting back-to-back with you again."

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Blast Hornet transmits, "I wont paint you, Lumine... *Then silence. It has begun.*"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Yeah, I've been busy eating some awesome nachos, sorry about that."

[Radio: (H) None] Varia transmits, "Quiet Man can talk?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "...What?"

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "OOC Uh, no, look at the precursor to my transmissions"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Chill Penguin transmits, "Take away everything I hold dear, eh? Hmmm... wak wak... I sure hope you don't take away... er... Flame Mammoth... so... don't... take away Flame Mammoth."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "From Mariachi?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Or is he? Axl transmits, "Hey, Chill Penguin."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Chill Penguin transmits, "Wak wak, Axl."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler chuckles "wHO iS PullIng YrOUr LeASH noW AlBerT?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Or is he? Axl transmits, "I always wondered how it feels like to belly slide somebody to death."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "No one, moron. I am simply a firm believer in the old adage... If I can't have it... NO ONE CAN!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Orbital Orca transmits, "..I.. Still think his voice sounds like a dying speak and spell."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "You think I'm gonna be dumb enough to do your dirty work for you and stuff, huh."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "You should try it, Axl. It's great fun!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "...well, okay, we're killing everything so I guess that's unavoidable, lucky you."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "Okay, who gave Torgo a radio?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Chill Penguin transmits, "Pretty good, Axl!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "And seriously, I don't like people not me having access to Force Metal. It cramps my style."

Chronoton Duck pops up from behind the boxes and laser-shotguns a host of Preons and Mavericks advancing on his (yes, his) reinforcements with the Universal Remote Control. A moment later, a flash of light eclipses Bubble Crab. When the light fades, both Duck and Crab are gone.

In their place stands the greatest Duckymon heroes of them all. Thrash MacKetchem and Feste. Yes. Feste.

Thrash wears a red baseball cap, blue leather jacket with white fur ruff on the collar, blue jeans, boots, and a very tight white shirt. She looks less than pleased with the situation.

Beside Thrash and looking just as nonplussed with his cameo, Feste is wearing a tight blue shirt that cuts off just above his midsection, denim short-shorts, and bright red suspenders. His hair is also, mysteriously, somewhat long and pulled up into a cropped ponytail off the side of his head.

The Dynamic and Mismatched Duo promptly charge into the fray, throwing punches that leave Preons and Maverick NPCs covered in laser burns. Their mighty fists of fury go unchallenged due to their utter lack of substance, but they are quickly becoming overwhelmed...

Where in the world are Bubble Crab and Chronoton Duck if not under those holographic disguises?

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Roll nachos. Why would I eat inferior Mariachi nachos?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Wait... Was that you, Sigmund? Man, you sound TERRIBLE."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Especially if you're on the receiving...You take that back, you /traitor/!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "You know, I have somthing for that."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Not eating fiber regularly cramps your style."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Ferham transmits, "You don't have the right to speak to Sigmund, Wily."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "WhY SO fOOliSh AlbeRT? AttAcKiNg a PlaCe ThaT DoesN'T CaRe aBOuT You OnE WaY oR The OthEr."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Dad can speak to anyone he wants to!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Who are you to tell me I lack the right?"

Linnea Blossom is fast for a human, even in the storm. She dives and rolls, letting Burn Rooster go straight over her back, close enough that she gets steam from the flames of his jetpack in her face. She coughs as she springs back up, landing on her feet.

She has resheathed her Cipher somewhere along the line. If Burn Rooster is doing this straight, maybe she will too, clenching her hands into fists. "You know, I never liked Mavericks," Linnea says. "I didn't like them when they were Irregulars either. So you know what?"

Linnea moves forward, chasing after Burn Rooster, performing a flying leap as she picks up speed and somersaults forward through the air to end with a massive kick to Burn Rooster's back. She doesn't finish her prior statement. Maybe she forgot.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Mmmmmm, this plate of nachos is just covered in so much cheese and salsa!"

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Martial Arts attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "I AM DOCTOR ALBERT WILY! I HOLD THE KEYS OF POWER! MY MIND BROUGHT YOU INTO THIS WORLD!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Punk transmits, "The old man has the right to do whatever the hell he wants."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Don't be harsh wish Sigmund, Dr. Doppler. After all, HIS PARENTS ARE DEEEEAD"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "Actually, speech is one of the-the-the unalienable ones, isn't it? Also, seriously, someone get that man a throat massage."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Gutless Traitor! You even turned your back on poor little Mariachi!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "I mean, I presume they are. He's a pretty old dude."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Actually, my mother is alive and well."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "hE cAn TaLK As MucH As hE lIkEs. I doN'T MinD. HiS VoiCe iS ActUaLLy QuiTe SOOTHING."

Rooootate. Rooootate. Botos marinates the cow as he turns it over the hot coals.

He turns his big body around to see... PURERI?! He has no idea who that is. Just another little girl.

"We are busy here, ya sissy little girl, git the hell out!" Botos throws a hot coal at her! Dramatic!

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits menacingly, "/For now./"

Botos misses Pureri with his Toast attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Ferham transmits, "To me, Wily, you are nothing more than a tired old man who should have stayed -dead-."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Dear, dear Peacock."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Mmmmm. I think I'll just sit here and eat nachos while you idiots blow each other up."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "lIkE A cHiLd CryIng oR a dog hOwlINg."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Yes?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "You don't know where she is. Do you know what happens when someone dares the true wrath of Wily?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "You're just proving my point, Gutless!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "Okay, can someone talk for that guy? Seriously, the voice is reall-reall-really getting on my nerves. Take his radio away and talk /for/ him or something. Like the opposite of taking dictation."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "That Roll nachos are so good that you won't want to do anything else but eat'em?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Seriouly, just leave her alone. I'm a thousand times worse than any Repliforcer you might torment, because I play dirty."

Spike Rosered turns to the advancing, invading force. "Hello!" She greets like a proper hostess. Then his expression darkens. "Now /die/."

The 'garden' springs to live, various innocent looking plants suddenly becoming anything but and shapping their newly grown fangs at whomever they can. Venus Reploidtraps? Check. Human Droppers? Check. PIRANA PLANTS?! Hell yes!

Spike Rosered chuckles darkly, the mixture of masculine and femenine tones merging and dancing through each note more than three quarters disconcerting.

Punch him or something. G'wan.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "But not as dirty as Pavel. He's the dirtiest player in the game."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Orbital Orca snort.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Pavel's not the one with the hentai mags."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Well, as far as I know, they become an all-powerful internet ghost. Therefor I am a step ahead of your ultimate wrath already!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "No! That you're a gutless traitor to the Wily cause!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Meh."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "We'll see if you put up, Peacock. Take that step and you'll see what happens."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "wOuLd YoU MinD TeRRiBly Not deStrROYYYinG OuR CiTy PleaSE AlBErT, I'Ve GroWN RathER FonD of IT?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "MAYBE I WILL"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "I'm sorry, Sigmund. Giga City is full of ADF and Irregulars. And you know what happens when a house is overrun with vermin..."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "You realize, asking for anything in that goddamn voice makes everyone want to do the opposite."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Dayum, Ferham."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Dad hasn't gotten slapped like that since Fairchild."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "She's got a bone to pick with him."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "oH wELl."

Daryn waves to Ian with a big shit-eating grin, and then gives Pureri a wave too, smiling at her. Here's a good chance to work out some aggression and, well, a hundred other things.

"Well gosh!" Daryn says, "The first bioroid to ever go Maverick, a regular bonafide Spike Rosered!" He raises a camera into the air and snags a picture of Spike Rosered. Then he lowers his camera and says, "This garden is in the way." He decides, "And I'm gonna set it on fire. He swings his sword to the left, fire building up across the blade, as he drives forward, hacking at plants--and eventually driving right for Spike Rosered! He speeds up, his fist pulling back!!

YOU ASKED FOR PUNCHES, SIR. And Daryn will be pleased to provide the lady with one.

Daryn strikes Spike Rosered with his Generic Melee attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "Seriously. At least take a breath mint."

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man snickers.

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "This is pay back for making me wear that maid outfit."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca ...

Linnea ducks, and the Rooster makes a frustrated clucking sound. And then...the human catches up with him!? Her kick strikes him in the back, and he is forced into the ground, hard. Scraping into the pavement with a shower of sparks, it takesa moment or two for Burn to deactivate his flight systems. There is a brief pause.

"Well, lady...BUCK-AW, we don't like YOU!" he snarls, pushing himsel to his feet. He does a quick dash-jet towards her, unleashing a blast of flames from his beak at the strider.

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "It couldn't have been that bad."

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Turn Up The Heat attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "I dOn'T REaLLY brEaTH Any MOrE."

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "..."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits a long silence.

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf also transmitting a very long silence.

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon may or may not be blushing or nosebleeding. "......no need for details......"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "It could be worse. You could be a freaky one eyed, cape wearing weirdo."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Oh, c'mon."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "It's just a chick wearing a maid suit, it's not like she /stripped/ or something."

A number of answers flick through Metal Shark's head when Lummox asks about Mavericks. He shoots a thoughtful look across the battlefield, but eventually discards a few choice possibilities. The big Reaver may be stupid, but the shark is fairly certain he knows who his friends are, and as much as he'd like to turn the hulking tank against its own allies the possibility is unlikely in this cold rain. It doesn't help that Metal has managed to lose sight of Bubble and Chronoton. Instead, he simply turns back towards the fountain and gestures for Lummox to follow.

Throughout the exchange, Maverick regulars have been trading fire with the Heroic invaders. Several of the Mavs turn to shoot dark looks at Metal, who suddenly pales. Lummox's clearly labeled Irregular chassis is going to make subtlety in impossibility. Discarding his devious plans, Metal Shark simply shrugs and steps aside, motioning towards his friend with a sort of apologetic bow. The Maverick forces take this as a signal and open fire.

Metal Shark strikes Lummox with his Generic Ranged attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Actually I'm more surprised Gate likes that sort of thing."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Takes all kinds."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "It was more than that, but since you're a child, I'll skip the details."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Dude, Axl... your dad is rubbing off on you."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Radio Killed By The Video Man transmits, "Then do /something/, seriously, you're frightening small animals."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Hey! I'm nearly four! I'm not a kid!"

[Radio: (H) None] Zero transmits, "Heh."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "He's got a point."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Wait, I'm only 5 and a half months and I got that, yet Axl doesn't and he is four?"

[Radio: (H) None] Layer, in a friendly tone, "Pleeeease cut the chatter unless necessary, we've got a battle going on..."

"Hey-wait!"

Agile suddenly stands up, looking horror stricken. "Someone else called dibs on that Buddhist saint chick?! Damn it! I was totally going to get two great kung fu scenes in one weekend! Gar! Rue! I rue the day I found out that robots sleep! WHY?!"

Eyes gleaming with robot angst, Agile shakes a fist at the sky! "We never asked for a nap time, robot god! We never asked for one! Why build us with your own flaws! WHYYYYYYY?!"

He then attempts to drop kick the only other chick with a sword he can see, off of the logic that she must be a disciplined kung fu master.

Agile strikes Ran Igarashi with his Kick Off attack.

Dr. Doppler walks towards the central tower, slowly making his way towards the central tower. His blue eyes are somewhat glazed over and don't seem all that focused on anything. He doesn't seem all that bothered by anything and just chuckles slightly before moving ahead, leaning on his cane and cackling bizarrely.

Where his footsteps fall, there is scorched earth.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "nO. I qUItE LikE It."

Spike Rosered sees Daryn and screams, a weird and oh-god-never-do-it-again trilling and warbling screech that seems to vocalise the unheard screams of the plants he is butchering. He, of course, gets cut off mid-breath to start again when the rocket pulls back his fist to slam the ladyboy botanist right in the chops.

Axle the Red stumbles backwards, a small cloud of herby spores dusting off his body from the strike. She quickly recovers, however, and flashes Daryn with burning red eyes. He's mad, real mad.

"You dare?!" It questions, leaves rustling all over her body. "Then /die/. YOU WILL NOT DISTURB MY GARDEN!" Spike Rosered pulls back both his hands and cups them close to his chest, the leaves of his body seeming to migrate and twist into him. Then after a second he fires his hands out to send razor sharp leaves and petals spinning towards Daryn! Yeah, petals.

Spike Rosered strikes Daryn with its Rose Petal Rain attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "iT Is StRaNGly LibeRAtinG."

Pureri starts her ascent toward Paradise Fountain alongside Ian's Rockhopper -- but as she starts, she finds herself the victim of an attempted coal-tossing. As the coal heads toward her, she swings an arm up, catching it neatly in her hand; she twirls it around her fingers for a split second, letting it cool slightly.

Once it cools a little, she winds up and pitches it right back at Botos before continuing her run, getting up closer to the big fat Texan robot. She says nothing, at least not for now.

Pureri strikes Botos with her Generic Ranged attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Hiryu transmits, "Dr. Doppler, is something wrong with your voice?"

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "...that... is a really big Met."

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "...Be careful!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Shoot the eyes."

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "Eyes first, disable visuals. From there, ground it, disabling feet, then focusing on the underside and taking it out completely."

[Radio: (H) None] Billiard Wolf transmits, "...that's one big and ugly Metool."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Doppler transmits, "nO bUt thErE iS SomEThinG WronG wItH EVerYBodY'S HeaRiNg."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Funny how that works."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Hiryu transmits, "I see."

[Radio: (C) Morons] Metal Shark, over the sound of gunfire, "What's wrong with Doppler? Someone keep him from the tower!"

Ah. Confusion. At first, Lummox follows obediently, as he has a number of times in the past, trodding across the sodden grass and into the shadows of the walls of debris and the watching, suspicious eyes of the Mavericks. And it's something that the Shark does that confuses him.

It almost looks like the Shark is gesturing... well, he DID show him where the Mavericks were, but right there at the end, it almost seemed like, more like, like the Shark was gesturing more for their benefit then... his.

...Ah.

It's pretty well telegraphed, the realization, the contemplation to the confusion to the sad understanding that seems to come over him as he stands there and the shots tear at him with little effect. No. Lummox just looks thoughtful, looks over the walls of Mavericks shooting merrily at him and not missing a single shot, nods to himself, looks over at the Shark... and then just, sorta jumps.

And, yeah, quake damage plus weak structural fortifications? Not good.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Light transmits, "Man, at this rate Pavel's going to be the least modified of all of us because Edward's going to be a secret Strider or something."

Lummox strikes Metal Shark with his Drive Quake attack.

Lummox weakens Metal Shark.

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "...maybe?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Wily transmits, "Look, I was perfectly one hundred percent human until your kids tried to kill me."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Cain transmits, "...maybe?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Light transmits, "Pft, you had a tail."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Spike Architect Bubble Man transmits, "Still all man, I mean, he's Wily."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "ooc: mis"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "Heheheh. That was fun."

With Preons and assorted Maverick NPCs swarming the illusory Thrash MacKetchum and Feste, the duo are left with little choice but to summon their Duckymon. Thrash reaches into her pleather jacket, producing a huge Easter Egg while Feste reaches into... Let's not discuss it. He similarly produces an enormous, ridiculously colored Easter Egg. Both of them throw their Easter Eggs into the hordes.

Feste screams, "SHELDUCK, I CHOOSE YOU!"

Thrash screeches, "SMEWTWO, I CHOOSE YOU TOO! PSYCHIC TACKLE ATTACK!"

"Smewtwo" is the first one to emerge from one of the Easter Eggs. Smewtwo looks suspiciously like a blue-toned Chronoton Duck with a ridiculous looking Godzilla tail and enormous blue and orange swirly eyes. Smewtwo also emerges in mid-air and wraps its form in a field of blue and red swirling energies as it careens into the Preons and Mavericks. The hiss and sizzle of lasers on metal fills the air as Smewtwo plows through its opponents, sending many of them flying in all directions.

As for Shelduck? Well...

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Light suspiciously at Cain, "Are you building an interociter?"

The steam, Linnea thinks, is ridiculous. "Why do you have to use ****ing fire in the RAIN," she complains. She hasn't stopped moving, though, which is why she only gets steamed (again) and not burned too badly. Her face is red anyway from the proximity.

Spitting fire is escalating it, though. Linnea lunges forward, drawing her Cipher in the same motion and bringing it through a wide slash upward at Burn Rooster. It feels good to have one in her hands again; it's weighted just the same as her old one. Ray does good work.

Her lips curl up into a rather toothy grin. Yeah, she could get used to cutting Mavericks again.

Chronoton Duck changes into his Smewtwo armor.

Linnea Blossom misses Burn Rooster with her Blade Swing attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Cain transmits, "I don't have anyone interesting to talk to."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Don't you mean 'going to turn out to have been'?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Try talking to some tigers sometime. They've got some interesting things to say."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Great Guts Man transmits, "You should try talking to Scott Wily."

"Doctor Doppler!" Ian North shouts, as his Rockhopper goes rolling forward. He recognizes the man - from yesterday, when he offered to protect him, and from propaganda videos. The Australian soldier goes rushing forward, making a short jump, and comes up behind Doppler. He doesn't draw a weapon, right away; he hopes the man won't, and checks his radar for Pureri.

"What..." Ian grits his teeth. This is falling apart. He heard how the man sounds, on radio, and it worries him. "What are you planning to do in there?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Really Crazy Yoshi transmits, "Attention, world!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Or is he? Axl distracted. "What!?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Orbital Orca sighs, "Here we go.."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Dr. Light makes the 'I'm watching you, buster.' motion at Cain.

"Ahhh!!" Daryn shouts, "EVIL CROSSDRESSING PETALS!!!" He tries to turn his Vespa into reverse, but all it'll say is 'STEP AWAY FROM THE BIKE, MOTHERF***ER!'. He raises his arms, petals slam into his arms and chest repeatedly! Oh the humanity! They are so dangerous!!!!

"Here we go, here we go, here we go now!"

"One!" Daryn swings his sword through the air, dispersing the petals around his body, setting some aflame with his blade, "Nothing wrong with me!"

"Two!" Daryn slides his Vespa forward if it won't retreat. "Nothing wrong with me!"

He draws out his guitar as he slides forward, spinning it around his head before he swings it for Spike Rosered's chin!

<Ran! How you doing?!> Daryn transmits.

Daryn strikes Spike Rosered with his Flcl Tribute attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] I'm Always Wrong Slash Man transmits, "Ooh! Ooh! What new 'splody things does Yoshi have today?"

[Radio: (F) Fools] Really Crazy Yoshi transmits, "Crazy Yoshi log on only to distribute cookie! Crazy Yoshi much too old to handle three character at once! Where is Yoshi, who talk Yoshi false teeth!? Yoshi not know! SUCKEEERS"

Shelduck emerges from the poke-egg, which is essentially just Bubble Crab colored white and red and several spikes poking up from his head, as well as a long tail and webbed hands now. "Shelduck!" he cries, landing on the ground and rapidly moving forward, his energy claws flaring to life to snap Preon drones in two. He isn't as fast as Smewtwo, but at least he can do a lot of damage.

[Radio: (H) None] Michael Eildath transmits, "Shit."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "...he's up. Vile is up!"

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "/What/?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "H--Huh?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Light transmits, "Son of a beesting!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Welp!"

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "Nrrrg."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "That changes /my/ targets."

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "Awesome."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "All right, folks. Regroup. Focus fire."

[Radio: (H) None] Carbon transmits, "Gotcha."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "People who don't have something to kill, kill Goliath."

[Radio: (H) None] Axl transmits, "I'll have nobody to kill soon."

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "I'll be redeploying momentarily."

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "No! Don't kill him!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "And if you've got something to kill, kill it fast, then redirect fire. Suppress that thing."

True, most of the Rooster's flames are going up in steam. But it's still hot enough to burn, as Linnea is finding. Burn throws his weight backwards as Linnea slashes, sliding beneath her. Flipping over onto his stomach, he hops upwards and forwards at the Ninja's exposed back. A fist is raised, alight with flames as it lashes out at her head.

"The FLAMES of JUSTICE cannot be extinguished!"

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Hot Chicken attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "Why do you say that Guts Man? It is an odd sentiment."

Dr. Doppler looks at Ian with a crazed look on his face. "fIRe, iT'S cOminG cAnT YoU SeS. tHey CaLL OuT For JuStiCE. ThEy CaLl OuT FoR VengAnCE. tHEy ArE ThE LighT ThaT TuRnS NiGhT To Day!" And laughs before running towards the control tower of the wether control machine.

for a old, decrypt man, he's deceptively fast.

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "I need someone to race against during the Battle and Chase Olympics..."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "We must kill him. We -must- kill him!"

[Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "I agree with Ferham and Red on this."

[Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "If necessary, I will race against you in the next Batle and Chase."

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "I don't even know who you are!"

[Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "Gravitas Crab."

Ran's amazing careening sidecar continues to cut through Maverick lines by simplest expedient of being an out-of-control Vespa sidecar with a crazy woman that has a sword that shoots pressurized water sitting in it.

But alas, the ride is not forever! She didn't notice Agile's monologue because she was busy chopping the heads off of a bunch of preons that were silly enough to all stand in a line, but she sure notices when Agile comes out of nowhere and boots her in the back, tumbling her out of the sidecar and knocking her over, prone!

..or it /should/, except she plants her Sky Cipher in the ground, and swings around the handle, hammering a double kick toward Agile, before dropping down and standing up, ripping the cipher free.

Without her to steer it, the sidecar rolls to a stop, in a way that most certainly will not later be used to incite further violence and/or wild careening.

Ran Igarashi misses Agile with her Acrobatics attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "Look, just kill his body and save his head so that we can hook it up to an RC car." " [Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "I would not trust his head even with a car."

Spike Rosered leaps backwards, only just getting clipped with Daryn's very durable guitar, and lands like a ballet dancer. It spins on the tip of one of its boots gracefully before glowering at the rocket again. "Why are you even /here/, human?" It demands, thorny vines growing from its wrists to land heavily on the floor. "No matter. Get away from me, mouthbreather." It throws its arms forwards, the vines unfurling and growing in thickness and length in order to surge towards Daryn and (hopefully) knock him off that damn bike and away.

Spike Rosered misses Daryn with its Welcome To The Jungle attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Gate Man's going toward the mines! I've got him, okay?"

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "What's the worse that he could do with a tiny plastic car?"

[Radio: (H) None] Gravitas Crab transmits, "Choke small children."

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "Doppler's headed for the Fountain's central tower. Do we have a read on his intentions?"

[Radio: (H) None] Layer, abruptly, "Guts Man? They're going to kill him. Just get over it."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Please, someone stop Doppler!"

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "Never! I feel a renewed vigor knowing that he's alive!"

Argh! Botos is slammed in his face by the cold ember. And now every is barging in and his cow isn't even ready yet! He can't allow this!

Botos can't let his barbecue go off poorly, and he must stop Pureri before she ruins his snack! He grabs up one of his angel bits, hurling it right back at her face! "Git the hell out! I ain't done wit my lunch yet!

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "But if you're just gonna kill him. *CRUNCH* Mmmmm, nacho cheese."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, ".."

Botos misses Pureri with his Strike A Pose attack.

Metal staggers from Lummox's tremor but is otherwise unharmed. That is, until a large metal walkway comes spinning off the tower, slamming the off-balance Maverick into the ground with a wet thud. The damage isn't immediately obvious but when the Necromancer struggles to lift the heavy bit of debris he is forced to howl in pain. Something creaks and groans inside of his chest, and it doesn't sound pleasant.

"Damn you, Lummox. Why did you even come?" he asks angrily, dropping the friendly pretence. He squirms for leverage and gives another push. Fueled by his anger, the walkway goes flying towards his friend. A quick glance towards his Maverick firesupport tells Metal that they were not so lucky when the overhang began to crumble. He stalks forward angrily anyhow, favoring a clearly wounded leg. "I know you don't understand what is at stake here. Who put you up to this?!"

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "...this close to using a mute button on you." Metal Shark strikes Lummox with his Junk Toss attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Munitions Ifrit transmits, "Less cheese, more punchy punchy."

[Radio: (H) None] Orbital Orca transmits, "Well, if he is trying something dangerous, maybe.. That means he'll probably make a speech on it, from what I have learned. So.. just ask Doppler what he is doing?"

[Radio] Tightbeam: Ferham says, "Sigmund... what are you planning...?"

[Radio: (C) Morons] Optic Sunflower transmits, "So Zero totally ruined my talk show and I could use a hand with him."

"What fire?! What the hell are you talking about?!" Ian shouts at Doppler. He swings his machine inward - and moves to try to catch up. He never, quite, makes it. The cyborg, despite his scarred and decrepit state, still manages to just slightly outrun the Rockhopper. "What are you going to do in there?!"

He is following, however. The Rockhopper speeds after him, Ian ducking low to pick up more speed as he moves along hurriedly.

[Radio] Tightbeam to Ferham: You say, "ThEy ArE CoMInG. I sEE iT NoW. I nEveR UndErStoOD hoW mUcH ThE NeT iS CapABLe Of. I sEe it alL clEarLy NoW."

[Radio] Tightbeam: Ferham says, "What do you mean? Who is coming?"

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "I'll try that!"

"Hey! I breathe through my nose too! You jerk!" Daryn yells.

Unfortunately for Spike Rosered, Master of Treejitsu, Daryn has a firesword on defense. He swoops backwards on his bike, the blade coming up and slicing through the vine as he continues driving forward! He was hoping for a more solidified hit on Spike Rosered but unfortunately the bouncing plant man is faster than he took into account!

He pulls back forward and says, "Sure I'll get away from you! If you betray your comrades and promise to shoot them instead, ha ha ha! You're not going to take that deal are you?!" The Vespa keeps pushing forward as Daryn pulls back his guitar and...

NO WAIT HE IS PUNCHING WITH HIS OTHER ARM! "AAANGEEEEEEEEEEER PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNCH!" Daryn screams. PUNCH! "Three! Nothing's wrong with me! Four! Nothing's wrong with me!"

Daryn strikes Spike Rosered with his Anger Punch attack.

[Radio] Tightbeam to Ferham: You say, "hE BuRnED thE CiTy But ThEy WErnT WhoAlly iN iT WeRe TheY? ThEy WeRE On ThE Net As wElL."

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Damn it!"

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "I didn't -want- a new brother."

"Now, I gotta think of a good line. Something cool. But not samurai, I did that last time, and once is awesome, twice is weeaboo. And no one wants to be weeaboo." Agile pauses to look at...something.

And then ducks backwards, kicking his feet up and managing to twist horizontally under Ran's fearsome feet! He twists around, skidding to a stop on the ground, and assumes a menacing Evil X-Hunter Commando pose. ""...woah. I know kung fu." Agile enthuses, shaking his head and snarling again. "Time to suffer, warrior..."

"...warrior I don't actually know your name!!" Agile roars, leaping forward and swinging his beam scimitar hilt at Ran. He was going to do a cool future iaijutsu thing, but Agile sort of has E-ADD, see...

[Radio] Tightbeam to Ferham: You say, "iT's So SimplE. so VerY SimplE."

Agile misses Ran Igarashi with his Hilt Smack attack.

[Radio: (F) Fools] Red transmits, "What the hell Gate. What the hell."

[Radio: (F) Fools] Red transmits, "Can't you ever not, y'know, have more kids?"

Pureri keeps on running toward Botos, doing a sudden, quick leap to the side to avoid the thrown angel bit. "How can you think of eating at a time like this?" the young lady asks, genuinely amazed at the sort of people who show up fighting. As much as she would like to be able to understand everyone, some people are incomprehensible.

Going into a high-speed, controlled leap, Pureri ends up landing almost directly in front of Botos and his cooking equipment; unfortunately for the ridiculous Texan, she lands hard. So hard, in fact, that a burst of air issues forth from beneath her feet, perhaps sending Botos stumbling back a ways from what is, essentially, a wall of force.

Pureri strikes Botos with her Strong Crosswinds attack.

[Radio] Tightbeam: Web Spider says, "Oh my god. Able City's people fled to Saraband, didn't they?"

The flames of justice aren't extinguished but they also aren't doing a very good job at touching Linnea. She rolls, getting even muddier than she was already (before she was just drenched) but remaining burn-free for a few seconds longer.

Linnea plants her hands flat on the ground and practically throws herself in the air, one foot snapping out in Burn Rooster's direction to ensure he stays away. That's not a real attack, though, just a feint while she flips back to her feet.

She moves a little bit toward the rubble from the barricade and swings her Cipher around to smack a particularly large chunk of concrete with the flat of the blade, the chunk probably the size of Linnea's upper body. The gravity systems charge at /just/ the right time as she touches the object, sending it flying through the air at Burn Rooster.

"Come /on/," she yells, over the crunch of it landing and the storm. "You really going to just pull that stupid 'justice for Reploids' card? I don't believe it!"

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Creative Scenery Abuse attack.

[Radio] Tightbeam to Web Spider: Dr. Doppler laughs and laughgs and laughs and laughs.

[Radio] Tightbeam: Web Spider says, "I'm right, aren't I?"

Smewtwo erupts out of the chaos, energy field flaring. It sears the armor of its enemies in the process, shutting down a number of Preons and sending several Mavericks scattering while they try to cope with their smoldering energy wounds. With that accomplished, Smewtwo takes to the air while the ground under several of the remaining opponents explodes in fire.

Unfortunately, most of the remainder are not very vulnerable to fire. Instead, Smewtwo fires energy (laser) bolts at the foes while Thrash MacKetchum continues to do her fierce kung-fu battles a few feet away. For a holographic and laser-based opponent, she sure can flex and take a hit.

"SMEWTWO, CONFUSION ATTACK!"

Light strobes off of Smewtwo's aura, lasers zapping at the optics of many a Maverick and Preon. Within moments, many of them are staggering about or bizarrely frozen in place though there is no apparent reason for either effect. One or two of the less fortunate walk out of the Maverick defensive perimeter, either plummetting to their doom or getting blown to hell by allied firepower.

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "NO!"

[Radio: (H) None] Guts Man transmits, "What?"

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Guys, can you protect Midnight's connections so he can finish waking up everyone thanks! Apparently he's getting disconnects."

Noooooo! Botos is bowled over and so is his barbecue! The half cooked bacon stuffed cow hits the cows and is singed! SINGED! Botos grabs up his cowboy hat, sticking it on top of his head. "There is always time for a snack, little lady!"

Indeed. Botos needs a snack. He pulls out... A HAM SANDWICH. Dipped in chocolate, deep batter fried, then dipped in chocolate, then wrapped in bacon, then fried again. Botos floats up, starting to eat the sandwich. He presses a button on his belt, making speakers on him and his angel bits start to play! Will Pureri be able to get through the terrible country to stop Boto's snack?!

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Lieutenant, are you coming?"

Botos strikes Pureri with his Battle Forte attack. Botos drains energy from Pureri.

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "... Don't you lay this on me, Gate..."

The large piece of metal strikes the rounded chassis, striking one of those bright bluish circles which immediately goes dark and dead, spiderwebbed with cracks. As debris comes down around both of them, Lummox shrugs himself slightly, the now blind eye coming in with a rather dramatic rain of bright blue crystal, littering the grass and leaving the dark hole gaping for the winds to scream through, which they do, battering the glow within.

Lummox doesn't know if that was a rhetorical or not, but he answers it anyway, clenching a fist and the empty eye socket blazing as the energy gathers around his clenched fingers. He screams over the wind, dull, stupid voice firm. "I came because it looked like I could be useful for once! I *need* that Metal, I need to be useful. I need to help my friends." He drives a fist forward, bright and forceful. "We don't have to do this. We could... figure... something else out. You're smart. I can listen. But this? This whole thing is wrong Metal. Can't you feel it?"

Lummox strikes Metal Shark with his Blitz Cracker attack.

"ThE FiRE ThaT SepAraTEs NiGhT FroM Day." Dr. Doppler cackles insanely as he dashes forwards entering the massive tower and starting to dash up inside it. he turns around suddenly and gives Ian one of his mad stares "I wAnT to GiVE iT a VoiCE, foR iT To ShoUT. I wanT to GivE iT ArMs So It caN fIghT.

"I WanT tO GiVE TheM LifE ThaT WaS TakEn FroM TheM BY YoU aNd YouRs. Or ReVenGE."

And off he goes again.

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Uh, that's in Giga City, not Australia, just... keep an eye out for them. Please?"

[Radio] Tightbeam to Web Spider: Dr. Doppler whispers "I doN'T knOw YeT. BuT I wiLL fInD OuT."

[Radio: (H) None] Prometheus-Axl transmit, "Stupid Gate!"

Daryn's blade bisects the incoming vines and Spike Rosered shrieks in pain and anger as they retreat back into her boy like wounded animals. "Are you... singing?" It asks, voice bubbling. "/Singing/? This is not a time for singing?" Well what else was she going to say?

Spike Rosered presents various traps in the way of the vespa, which Daryn avoids, only to try and smash her with his guitar again! Oh snap, wait, a punch instead?! Of /anger/? "AUGH!" Spike Rosered's body doesn't move but its face drags to the right after the punch, some of the chlorophyll of his face ripping off and splattering to the ground with a burst of flowers. Daryn's hand now has plant goo on it. "How /dare/ you?!" Spike Rosered says, face knitting itself back together as it regrows. "Do not meddle with my beauty least of all! I think you deserve to /die/ for that."

Spike tosses a seed at Daryn which, as it travels, sprouts in the air into a spiked lillypad. If it strikes, well, it'll bite-- and stick. The pain might just be a little distracting.

Spike Rosered strikes Daryn with its Roses Are Red So Is Blood attack.

Spike Rosered weakens Daryn. [Radio: (H) None] Sing grunts, "I can't solo Enker."

Linnea's concrete chunk flies into Burn's chest, and knocks him flat on his red metal ass with a thunk. There's a large dent on the chestplate now, and a bend in one of his two coolant tanks around the neck. "Nnngh." He explodes up from the ground, and lashes out with a blur of thrust kicks.

"NOITISFOREVERYREPLOIDANDROBOTICLIFEFORMEVERYDENIEDTHECHANCEATALIFEOFEQUALITYBECAUSEOFBIGOTSLIKEYOU.ITISFORTHOSEREPLOIDSSACRIFICEDINTHENAMEOFHUMANWARSANDPROGRESS.ITISABOUTJUSTICE,ABOUTTHERIGHTEOUS,ABOUTPOPTARTS.YES,POPTARTS.BECAUSEDAMNITIDIDNOTEVERGETANYPOPTARTS.BECAUSEIWASOPPRESSEDBYTHEMAN.ANDIT'SABOUTKICKINGYOURASS!"

His rambling is a continuous, loud blaring of sonic force as he lashes at Linnea.

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Talking Your Ear Off While Kicking Your Face In attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "I couldn't either, get help."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Come here, we can trade..."

Ran swings her cipher back around, and...sheathes it??

...then she brings the bottle wrapped around her hand up to her lips, and just starts chugging. Theeee hell. She keeps it up, pulling the drink away from her lips as Agile leaps at her...and then she sweeps back, away from the scimitar, an unpredictable wobble in her step as she slides away, and then abruptly slams her fist into about where Agile's jaw is supposed to be.

<'mmmokay,> she transmits toward Daryn. <Sidear'sh gonna have a dent.>

Ran Igarashi strikes Agile with her Lurching Punch attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Red transmits, "Sing, with Enker, stay out of reach with his sphere. Nab him in the legs, and then drop him off a cliff."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Seriously, I'll give you a hand if you want. Hey, uh, guy punching Gate Man, are you OK on your own for a couple minutes?"

Daryn laughs like a pirate. "You can't kill me! You're a Maverick! It's against the rules. The only thing that can destroy me is--!!EEUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!" Daryn groans as this mysterious weapon slams into his chest and starts, well, biting and sticking. Daryn tries to tug it off, but he has a lot of armor and he figures that it'll take a while for it to bite through.

"Very well!" He says, "ONE! SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE!"

Daryn slams his fist for Spike Rosered's neck, "TWO! SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE!"

And if he manages to nab it he'll slam Spike against the far wall.

Daryn misses Spike Rosered with his Hold On -- That's A Good Song Title attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "I don't think the high drop will work, Red. He flies."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Doppler is saying something about the net... how they're all in the net..."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Light transmits, "That can't be good.."

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "The /Inter/net?"

[Radio: (H) None] Dr. Cain transmits, "...anyone? No? Fine."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Able City's reploids didn't die, I don't think. Not all of them."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "I overheard Doppler, Ferham."

[Radio] Tightbeam: Ferham says, "... Please... I ask of you... as a girl who thinks of you as her father... please don't harm them... please... for Epsilon, please don't..."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "OK, the mines are in the hands of the Hunters!"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "I think they all used Saraband to jump ship."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing bites off a scream, "...how...?"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "How did Dr. Light?"

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "... Goddamn you Gate, tonight you die."

"D-drinking!" Agile exclaims, looking embarrased and afraid, "My agent says that I shouldn't be around negative influences like that! I don't want to fall back off the wagon! Falling hurts! Waug-" FIST.

"on the other hand..." Agile wheezes, stumbling to his knees as he's soundly punches in the jaw. Groaning, Agile's hand snaps out...

...and a beam scimitar stab flies /right towards Ran's bottle of booze!/

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "It's a guess."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "You used me! You used me to awaken Vile!"

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "Keep in mind, Doppler is off his rocker right now. But when I pitched him the guess he did that mad laugh think."

[Radio: (H) None] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "Don't worry 'bout me none. I can handle him."

[Radio: (H) None] Web Spider transmits, "OOC Thing"

Agile misses Ran Igarashi with his All Is Fair In Love And Swordplay attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "You do what you need to."

[Radio: (H) None] Prometheus-Axl transmits, "Ferham. Stay focused."

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "This is all my fault!"

[Radio: (F) Fools] I Don't Care Srsly Guys Lummox transmits over the sound of wind-through-gaping-hole whistle. "I... don't like this."

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "...Negative. I'm going to try to stop Doppler--he said he's... giving the fire a voice and the ability to fight."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Blame game later, Ferham."

[Radio: (H) None] Prometheus-Axl transmits, "And /now's the time/ to kick his face in, not blaming!"

[Radio: (H) None] Ian North transmits, "Do the best you can against Vile, Ensign. I'll take it in here."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing weakly, "Yeah. Don't kick yourself. Kick Gate,"

"Oh dear," Spike Rosered says whilst weaving out of the way of Daryn's jab. "You haven't started the song /again/, have you?"

Yeah, he doesn't really know what that attack was about either. Don't question it, its just a biting lillypad thing. Treat it carefully and you could keep it for a pet! Meanwhile...

"Now, what was I saying...? Oh yes, /die/." The ropes, now healed, spring to life again and seek out Daryn's chest for a drawn out and heavy session of whipping. With spikey whips. Oh yes. "I'm going to enjoy this," Spike Rosered says, suddenly sounding smooth and collected again.

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "Lumine is on me now as well!"

Spike Rosered strikes Daryn with its Dual Spike Rope attack.

Pureri does not at all see where that sandwich is a problem. There is probably something deeply, fundamentally wrong with her.

As Botos's angel bits bowl her back with loud country music, Pureri tries her best to keep her focus and not let the slight bleeding in her ears prevent her from doing her part in the assault. It requires her to bite her lip a little for a second or two, but surprisingly, she manages to stay up.

"... is that truly all that matters to you?" she asks of the Texan, before leaping up into the air above Botos; she then leaps /again/, sending another shockwave of air from her jump point, ideally knocking both Botos and his bits around.

[Radio: (H) None] Sing firmly now, "So kick it too!"

Pureri strikes Botos with her Double Jump attack.

Feste Cameo is doing his best to fight off the Maverick horde, flipping his hair to shout an attack to Shelduck. "Shelduck! Use Bubble Beam!" Shelduck looks back and give it's trainer a thumbs up, before advancing on some Preon forces. He knows how these things operate, but more importantly knows how to break their defensive line. "Shelduck!" he booms, before his mouthplate opens and fires a large stream of bubbles towards the Preons, who surprisingly seem to get wrecked pretty easily by them. But then again, bubbles have always been deadly weapons. Some get close to him though to try and flank the crab, but SHelduck merely grasps their two heads and slams them together. Surprising strength for a squat form like him. He moves on, but also decides to stick close to Smewtwo, eager to absorb the fire from everyone else.

Bubble Crab begins covering Chronoton Duck.

"I..." Ian trails off. It sounds so damn hollow, he thinks. "I didn't take it from them! Stop this! You fought with us, last night--you fought to protect your children, you said! There is still time!"

He pulls out the beam rifle, aiming it towards Dr. Doppler. He lets out a shot, an energy blast firing off into the air - but it shoots across Doppler's path, deliberately missing.

"You can stop this! We can stop it here and now!" Ian shouts, racing after him - running into the tower, the wheels on the Rockhopper kicking up sparks together. "Whatever you're doing, rethink this!"

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "AAH!"

[Radio: (H) None] Steel Massimo transmits, "Ferham!! What's wrong!?"

[Radio: (H) None] Ferham transmits, "I... I can't fight... both of them.."

[Radio: (H) None] Michael Eildath transmits, "Dammit..."

[Radio: (H) None] SerpenAxl transmits, "I'm coming."

[Radio: (H) None] Layer transmits, "Help her!"

[Radio: (H) None] Steel Massimo transmits, "hang on Ferham!"

"Oof," Daryn says, "No, you see, these lines are subtly--ugh this is annoying." He tugs again on that little sucker flower--before he is slammed repeatedly in the chest by Spike Rosered's whips. THWAP THWAP THWAPPITY!

"Ghykkk!" Daryn grits his teeth, rolling out of his Vespa to avoid further strikes, shifting back into a standing position where he attempts to knee Spike Rosered's crotch--and then slam his fist into his face!

"Man," He says, "Can't Doppler pick a mental illness and stick with it?"

Daryn strikes Spike Rosered with his Rage Punch attack.

Ran staggers a little left, and then a little right - she starts in toward Agile, slowly, and then Agile makes his assault! The Drunken Mistress abruptly lurches to the side, her bottle of booze loosened suddenly and swinging to wrap /around/ Agile's arm! It's only a brief motion - if it works, she yanks hard, to bring Agile in closer, really, really close, making a kissy face motion. "Chinese, baby," she cooes. "C'mere me~"

...then she decks him with her off hand. [Radio: (H) None] Michael Eildath transmits, "I might be able to do something..." Ran Igarashi misses Agile with her Chinese Me I'm Kiss attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Steel Massimo transmits, "I have a score to settle with that bastard! He's mine!"

[Radio: (H) None] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "You can both kill him." You paged Lummox with 'cool.'

Linnea Blossom immediately gets a headache.

Fortunately, she is well-used to them at this point, and the dull pounding only serves to make her angry. She jerks left to avoid one kick, right for the next, and literally catches the third with her bare hand, shoving backwards to try to take Burn Rooster off balance.

"Shut /up/," Linnea snaps. "You think /I'm/ a bigot? **** you. And shut up about the Pop-Tart, and stop making EXCUSES!"

Her left hand has somehow unhooked her scarf. The end tucked near her neck was weighted; she throws that end at Burn Rooster, trying to tangle him around the throat and yank him closer, mouth pinned closed as she goes in for a disabling pressure-point hit to where she expects the engine to be.

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Linnea Special attack.

Burn Rooster is temporarily disoriented by Linnea Blossom's Linnea Special attack.

Linnea's hand shoves right into Burn's chest, causing his optics to go wide in shock, and his body to freeze up.

"B-b-buck-aw..."

"nOthIng'S HapPEnInG. NoThiNg WiLL HapPeN unLess I MakE it. AnD I Will." Dr. Doppler screcches as he runs through the tower faster then ever, dashing up the stairs, cackling madly. He doesn't seem to understand what's happening, or stop, or anything. All he wants now is to get to the top of the tower.

"i wIll nOT bE sToPPeD. I wiLL noT bE haLted. noT noW. NoT EveR."

Spike Rosered gets kneed in the bluebells and doubles over but rolls with the punch that follows to create a little distance between him and her. "I don't know-- do you?" He challenges sassily. "Oh, I don't care. You're a little tougher than the usual human stock I agree," it says, a single spike rope coiling tightly to his chest unseen to Daryn. Then, after a beat, he rises and spays his hand open for the spike rope to fly out with all the strength of a tensed spring!

Linnea ensures that he is very tangled around the face (at this point more because it's funny than because it's effective; as soon as he recovers he can just burn it off) before looking around, considering, and almost kindly moving him about thirty feet. It doesn't hurt.

The shove that comes a few seconds later right into the path of one of the ADF hoversleds doesn't hurt either, but the hoversled might. The driver is less than happy with Linnea after that one, even though it's designed to bounce off obstacles.

Spike Rosered strikes Daryn with its Spike Rope attack.

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Creative Scenery Use attack.

Lummox's punch is powerful enough to send Shark flying into a nearby junk barricade. Powerful enough to embed him several inches into the mass of broken metal. Powerful enough to crack his thick chestplace open like a walnut. The Necromancer reaches up, cupping broken shards of armor to his wound, as if he could somehow force them back into place. He tries to cycle the cold, cooling air throughout his ventilation system, but all he can manage is a wet coughs. Key lines have been pinched or crushed, and he can feel his core beginning to heat up as dangerous pressures build inside his chassis. Something fuses in the broken mass, it smells like burnt plastic. He's really hurt.

"I AM smart, Lummox." he says, voice uneven. "And I'm telling you to go home. /WE/ are doing something useful here, and /YOU/ are getting in the way." For the moment he seems to be unable to wrest himself free of the wall, and so he continues to talk, "There is nothing wrong about fighting Australia. There is nothing wrong with disabling their weapons. There is nothing wrong with occupying their soil and spilling their blood! What has got into you weak-minded little fools? Who has moved you so far, that you would take up arms with the enemy of our people? It makes no sense!"

[Radio: (H) None] Sing rasps, "Don't... have much more."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Get behind me."

[Radio: (H) None] Tabea Klein transmits, "Beschutzer's a defensive machine. I can take it."

<Live News>

The eyes of the world are distracted. They focus on Innerpeace. They try to watch Giga City. There are only so many images they can digest at once. The media doesn't know what to look at more. At this point of maximum distraction, the actual work can begin.

Three battleships decloak a half-kilometer out from the decommissioned Degrave-Ruinier SDI missile base, taking up firing positions around the facility. The black ships are sleek, almost invisible to electronic sensors. They have no names, no designations, no IFF signatures, nothing at all that could be used to identify them. They bristle with cannons and turrets, piloted by men accountable to no one but the man they swore loyalty to as one old regime ended and a new one began.

Epsilon feels the ships arrive. He slowly lifts off of his throne on top of the base and walks forward to the edge of the central tower, looking off toward the two ships he can see, feeling the third somewhere behind him.

"They come to finish their task," Epsilon says. "The task they failed to accomplish in January. Or perhaps... perhaps, all along, it was meant for this to occur."

Burn is shoved into a hoversled, the vehicle crumpling against him before he himself goes flying accross the pavement once more. It looks rather unpleasent. He rolls over on the ground, and then his head explodes in flames from his fiery mohawk enlarging. The scarf burns off in an insant as he rises, optics glaring at Linnea-a large portion of his side is missing armor now.

"MY PEOPLE WILL SUFFER YOUR OPPRESSION NO LONGER! BUCK-AW!" He charges forth, using his flight thrusters for speed, fist readied at Linnea. And then, at the last moment, adjusts his course up. He does so right in front of the ninja, trying to catch her in the backdraft of his thrusters. It shouldn't hurt. Much.

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Kentucky Fried Cruelty attack.

Indeed, it slams Botos around, making the floaty fat reploid bounce about, his bits being bowled over. But the fat reploid is... well... fat. He stands up again, pulling his cowboy hat down into serious mode. "Girly, you don't know what I stand for." Botos holds his hand out, causing the cow to simply... lift out rather casually. It floats up into the air.

"I fight for a freedom of reploids to grasp what they want. And destroying the humans that git in our way." He grunts, bringing the partially cooked cow around by telekinesis to throw at Pureri. "Reploids are the superior people! It's only right!"

Botos misses Pureri with his Haunted House attack.

"Chinese-" Agile holds a finger up, blurs, and...

...as Ran finishes punching, she will find her hair done up in buns, and that she is wearing a moderately tasteful China Girl dress. "/Now/ we can do the China Girl love scene-oh, that was a trap? Awww, dog, that hurts me! I mean, jeze..." Agile rubs the back of his head, looking emotional, even as a beam from his elbow tries to decapitate Ran. "I go to all this trouble and it's just a lie. Serges is right, human women /are/ just hos and tricks!"

Agile strikes Ran Igarashi with his Beam Arch Low attack.

"A /little/ tougher?" Daryn is so shocked he stops singing, "No, you don't understand. You don't understand at all!" The spiked rope slams into Daryn's chest again, the armor caves in, Daryn's already injured chest cracks and bleeds. With one hand, Daryn grips it.

"I am not a /little/ tougher than the average joe." Daryn screams, "I'm a whole fucking lot tougher!!" Daryn swings his sword once and the spike arm combusts, freeing him. Daryn lands lightly on the ground in a crouch, "And you're the one dying!"

Daryn raises his sword into the air, and then dashes forward, his body a blur as he dashes around Spike Rosered, his blade flashing around Spike, cutting through plants and sending them flying through the air as he moves.

Then Daryn stops, shifts, and slices down once more with his blade--and the thrown up plants explode into large fireballs, threatening to consume the garden--even as Daryn slices down his sword one more time, the area around Spike Rosered spontaneously combusting into a fiery tornado!

Daryn strikes Spike Rosered with his The Heavens Are On Fire attack.

Spike Rosered falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

Ooh. Explanation. That would explain the headache. The hulk stands, swaying slightly, the wind whistling through the gaping hole in his chest where his eye used to be. He goes glassy eyed as the Shark speaks, looking around in a state of increasingly more and more confused lost-ness. Seeing the Shark unable to extract himself, however, is something Lummox recognizes and he carefully reaches down, working the Maverick he was just beating on out of the wall, carrying him carefully as one would a wounded pidgeon, carefully taking a moment to cup a hand over the necromancer to shield him from the rain. He looks up.

Wait. Someone's shooting at Doppler. That's Bad.

"Hold that thought Metal. Or, maybe not. Go ahead, if you have more to say. But I gotta grab this person and, I think, maybe slam them into a wall a few times."

And with that the stupid Irregular titan launches into a loping run and tries to snag the retreating figure of Ian with a hand that is FAR, FAR too large. In general.

You paged Leo with 'Just to page it again in case you missed it. I wanted to know if I can connect the flame in the saraband through Doppler's insane mind into the energy converter and main (manual) controls. Which might just be very very bad.+'

Lummox strikes Ian North with his Grasp attack.

<Live News>

"I have learned much this year," Epsilon rumbles. "I have been made to see things that were kept hidden from me. Pieces of a vast puzzle, kept hidden from us over years, decades, centuries. The elements of the puzzle all fit together when you put them in the right order."

Epsilon lifts his arm, pointing off in the broad direction of Mexico. "Neo Arcadia." Toward Europe. "Euro Arcadia." Then around in the other direction: "China, and the Ouroboros."

"All three part of the same thing," Epsilon says. "All of them elements of human power that shared threads, themes. Ideas. Technology. Organizations filled with proles, fools being manipulated by others. Madmen and psychotics and man-children, being used to spread war and horror across the world. Monsters. Monsters -- or useful idiots."

Epsilon stares at the ships. "War. Perpetual war, as the Sean says. A balanced war, a war that would keep the world constantly ill-at-ease. Not so large that it could not be contained, so the villains would need to play by rules. But when the system broke down, the rules broke down, creating the horrors of Mexico and Europe. And the board needed to be cleared, didn't it? This world needed to be /reset/."

"So they let it burn," Epsilon rasps. "They burned it all, cleared the board. They reset their world, and China appeared, somehow having all of the pieces of the things that came before it. They said it was a consequence. I say it was /antecedent/. A plot, a scheme that has unfolded over years..."

"I tell you now," Epsilon says, to his imaginary audience. He really likes talking, doesn't he? "I did not see it, but my whole life I have been trapped within it. The war that goes on forever. Why else would they make immortal machines? They wanted their war that went on forever, and they let their Wily run loose, and when Wily was too easily beaten, they found a machine. A machine they could burn. A machine who loved, my brother, Sigma."

Thrash McKetchum and Cameo Feste abruptly explode in a spray of lasers and pixels. For a few brief seconds, Chronoton Duck and Bubble Crab are visible beneath reshaping holographic wireframes. The Duck Knight charges forward, slinging incendiary grenades about as he tries to lead Bubble Crab deeper into the tower, disabling Preons and Mavericks in small clusters in conjunction with focused ADF fire.

And then Duck Norris launches across the space between himself and Flamecaster Gigasloth. Duck Norris, his mighty Beard in place, spontaneously roundhouse kicks Flamecaster into a much smaller reploid, knocking them both out with tremendous Martial Arts Power.

Fortunately for Duck, he has his loyal sumo warrior companion and meatshield, Crabe, in tow to tank the massive firepower being directed at their charge. GO CRABE, GO!

Chronoton Duck changes into his Duck Norris armor.

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "Billiard. Stop messing around and burn him."

"You don't know what you're doing!" Ian shouts after Doctor Doppler. He speeds along, sparks flying after the wheels of the power armor as it goes tearing over the battleground. "For God's sake, listen to me! This won't solve anything! This won't /fix/ anything! Think about what you're--"

That is when Lummox goes flying forward. His hand slams into the Rockhopper; the power armor is not clutched directly, but at the high speed it was moving, it flies off the course and slams into the wall of the Paradise Fountain. Cracks spiderweb out from the thing's impact, as it steps back, looking at Lummox. "You damn idiot!" he shouts. "He's going to try to kill us! Do you know what you're /doing/!?"

"Aaw," Linnea says, her smirk visible now. "Did I make you mad? Because let me tell you, I'm a lot more experienced at getting pissed off than you are!"

She raises her Cipher - then lowers it, just a fraction. "The /hell/ are you talking about? I don't oppress anyone! I'm the last person to oppress shit! I - "

Linnea sees him charge and, at the last moment, sees him start to tip up. She leaps, going up /with/ him instead of being left behind; as she is not flying, she starts to drop back down a moment later.

That's when she thrusts with her Cipher, trying to lodge it in Burn Rooster's chest so that she can hitch a ride with him in the air, putting her full weight on the blade and damaging machinery while it's in. "HA!"

Linnea Blossom misses Burn Rooster with her Cipher Stunt attack.

[Radio: (H) None] Munitions Ifrit transmits, "He's trying. I know I've tried once before. That blasted fleanoid Wilybot moves too fast."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "I meant it literally. /Burn/ him."

<Live News> "I looked into the face of time," Epsilon says, with growing fire in his voice. "It was the question I wanted Dr. Gravity to answer for me. I wanted to know who kidnapped Iris. I wanted to know who started the war... and I learned who it was. I learned who they were, these men, these grey-faced men! Expendables, proles, just more pawns, always more PAWNS!"

"And Dr. Gravity turned to me," Epsilon says, lashing his hand up and grasping at one of the ships as if he could crush it by will alone, "as we stood at the edge of the bubble. He turned to me and he showed me that first cause, that spark that started the fire that consumed billions of lives, and he told me /it had a name/. That there was one force at the center of it all, one pair of human eyes, one woman who had sat through history at the core of her gigantic golden web and allowed death and war to reign over this peaceful world."

"It was then that I dedicated myself to fighting them," Epsilon raves. "The true enemy. Not the humans! Not the common fools. The masters. The /true/ masters, the faces behind the companies, the faces behind the politicians, the things that lurk in the darkness! I know their names! I know their faces! I KNOW HER GREY EYES!"

Epsilon bursts into flames with a roar. "And they knew," he vows. "They knew I saw their faces! They knew that I knew the secret names, the words! The Magician knew, and he told me this time would come. He told me that I would need to die before I would know the truth..."

The flames die down. "And we died," Epsilon whispers. "And we burned. And it wasn't her at all. It was just us. We did this to the world. We let this happen to us. It didn't matter if I knew or not. In the end, we were all fools..."

Epsilon's optic flares. "And then they thought they would be rid of me."

[Radio: (H) None] Sing transmits, "He doesn't like extreme heat."

"That's what I've been saying this whole time." Shark says to Ian wearily. He's either too banged up to struggle at this point, or he's conserving his energy for something more important. He isn't being shot at or crushed, which is the important part.

"No, what are you--" Spike Rosered says weakly, disarmed by Daryn's speed. "NO! YOU CAN'T!" She notices the fires. Disbelief turns to grief. "MY BABIES!" Then anger. "I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL--" Anger turns into terrible, terrible fire. "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

Spike Rosered is consumed in the fierce tornado.

[Radio: (B) Irregular-Secure] Chronoton Duck transmits, "Lummox! Are you attacking power armors?"

The Rooster sees Linnea move to stab him, and pulls away by a mere fraction of an inch. The ciper tip scrapes off a bit of paint from his his chest. "Hrmph! You'll learn to care! My people demand the world acknowledge them! We require it! BUCK-AW!" He flies upward a hundred feet or so, before looking down at Linnea, scorn written accross his face.

"THE WRONGS AGAINST US WILL BE AVENGED! BUCK-AWWWWWW!"

His scream comes along a sonic blast from the beak, barreling down upon Linnea.

Burn Rooster misses Linnea Blossom with his Coq Roq attack.

"There's no such thing as superior races," Pureri says to Botos as calmly as she can, as she whips herself out of the way of the cow; it's a big, slow projectile, and one she has no trouble with whatsoever. She starts to weave around Botos insofar as she can, trying to put herself in a position that she can very quickly turn and keep running toward the Fountain itself from if she needs to.

From there, she finally mounts the first direct assault of the fight; sliding toward Botos, she whirls her arm around once and then aims a surprisingly powerful little-girl fist right for Botos's chest.

Pureri strikes Botos with her Haymaker attack.

"If you wish to consume us all with fire." Daryn says, sheathing his blade, blood dribbling from his mouth. "Then experience it for yourself first." He stumbles out of the garden, slumping for a moment against the wall, briefly closing his eyes. He's not sure he can really do more than this.

Daryn forfeits a turn to charge WE.

Crabe hois, and spreads his legs out with a heavy STOMP, before waddling to keep up with Chronoton Duck. He remembers to throw some rice at a few Preons ahead of him, before rushing forward, grappling with the first one and pushing it back. He then lifts it over his head and rips it in two. He repeats this for the next Preon, and the next, taking many shots but laughing them off. None have yet to be able to push him back. He does his best to follow his charge towards the Tower. "Hyooooooo!" he screams, pounding his chest. Bubble, while keeping the act up, is inwardly having quite a lot of fun with these characters.

Ran gets a spontaneous makeover!? Damn speedsters. She looks down, dumbly, as Agile rants, and then just siiiighs, slugging back on her sake bottle again as the Maverick goes on, and on, and on--there is a slice against her neck, too fast for her to react, but it doesn't really do much to her at all.

<Idiot dressed me up Chinesey. I'ma deck 'im,> she reports back to Daryn, and then she pulls the bottle away from her lips, slides forward, and swings a lazy punch at Agile's kisser.

The punch isn't what you have to worry so much about, however, as the sudden shockwave of hurricane-force of wind!

Ran Igarashi strikes Agile with her Gust attack.

Dr. Doppler doesn't listen, Dr. Doppler does not hear, he is beyond hearing, he is beyond rational reasonable thought. All he thinks about now are his children, his sweet children, innocent and guilty, dead and alive, kind and cruel, it doesn't matter. None of it matters, it doesn't even matter that there might never be any children inside the fire.

Death is nothing, life is nothing, pain is nothing, madness is nothing.

His children are everything.

and if he can get any amount of them back he will try, he will try no matter the danger, no matter the pain, no matter the foolishness. Is he not their father, is he not their creator, is he not the one they cry for when the suffer and die,

...is he not the one they listened to when he whispered words of hatered and anger.

So he head onwards, higher and higer into the tower, with no one to stop him and no one to help him but himself.

<Live News>

"They struck me down, these ships," Epsilon insists, turning to face the one he had been ignoring. He stalks across the top of the tower to get nearer to it, looking down at the smudge in the distance. "They savaged me with their bullets, their /hate/. And you almost succeeded, didn't you? But you couldn't finish it. Or maybe -- you didn't want to."

"I could think of nothing but murdering them," Epsilon says. "For months, I rallied the Mavericks to attack them again and again, seeking justice, seeking /retribution/. We made the enemy bleed. We made the people afraid. Ninetails struck at them constantly, giving them no peace... but then I began to see what people were saying was true. We were mosquitos attacking an elephant, even if they would call us tigers. We became the tool of the enemy."

"And that is why they spared me," says Epsilon, turning away from the last ship and walking to the center of the tower. His voice is haunted. "They spared me until my replacement could appear. They spared me until Lumine decided to become their new top employee."

Epsilon laughs, a desperate, sad noise. "So you see," he says, to no one, "I really have never been very important," he says. "I was a pawn back then, a foil to Sigma; I was a pawn to be thrown into the meat grinder on Mars; I was a pawn used to collect 'hippies' that washed out of the Mavericks; and now, at the end of my life, I was a pawn used to enable another pawn."

"I failed my people," Epsilon says, staring down at the top of his tower. "I turned from my cause of peace, and when I did, it was as Elegy said: I would do nothing but destroy the things I loved the most. I failed them. All of them."

Epsilon lifts his head to the sky, arms akimbo. "So now I am given one last role to play," he says. "The hanged man for the high priestess. Now the assassins come. I cannot /not/ take revenge on the murderers, even if I know how they would want this to play out. I will strike down as many of them as I can before the end, and then I will be overcome, and I will die."

Epsilon lowers his head, looking out across the ships. Smudgy black shapes are rising up from the boats, men in sleek flying armors, strangely familiar...

"And yet, if I know all of these things... am I wiser than the immortal queen? Can I reshape destiny? Can I make a new future, even knowing how this day will end?"

Epsilon brings his arms up, fire dancing across them as he brings his reactors up to full strength. He thrums with a Power that glows like sunlight, the glimmer of his full and terrible strength beginning to rise through him. He tilts his headpiece back up straight and true, optic glowing with menace.

"HEAR ME, VILLAINS!" booms the giant. "DDN 005 IS MY NAME! GIGA CITY IS MY NATION! THESE GRAVE RUINS ARE MY DWELLING PLACE -- AND THE STARS, MY DESTINATION!"

Well, Agile is easily distractable, and Ran can probably dress back easily enough. They're not made of magnets or something. "What the-" Wham! Agile is hit, and then MORE WIND, the horror-cane sending the X-Hunter ramming into a stray billboard, which collapses into a tree, which falls over with a slam!

It rumbles...and Agile rises to his feet, knees knocking with the effort. "M-most..." Agile manages, charging forward, trying to smash Ran with the tree trunk, "HEINOUS!!"

Linnea Blossom, having missed her stab, drops back down. The impact is enough to knock her off her feet, and she drops, ending up on her back. She looks to be an easy target for Burn Rooster.

She is not. Linnea rolls, the ground cracking where she was a moment ago, water and pavement fountaining up like a deranged geyser as she vaults, spinning and gripping her Cipher's two hilts with both hands.

She raises it, pointing it like a rifle, and 'fires'; a beam of gravitonic force more visible by the way it makes things behind it pinch in briefly rather than any colour or glow of its own. "Get down here and fight like a man. Or are you afraid of /me/?"

The hulking form of the Reaverbot, looking at Ian with a glassy incomprehension for a moment, moving his hand once more over the Maverick he just savagely beat that he appears to be trying to act as umbrella for. He moves into the doorway protectively, muddy brown optics focused on the figure of Ian North.

"Do I know what I'm doing?" He blinks. "Do I ever know what I'm doing?" Blink. "Not usually." Blink. "But I try." Blink "And I trust Doppler to know what he's doing. "Blink." So I'm going to, yes, I think, stop you, ...yes. Probably. You DID shoot at him. So, um, yeah, I'm mot that happy with that."

And with that he hunkers down, glaring at Ian and idly running a finger in a comforting, subconscious way over the top of Metal Shark's head. Creepy.

Agile strikes Ran Igarashi with his As Per Namesake attack.

Lummox forfeits a turn to charge WE.

Linnea Blossom strikes Burn Rooster with her Gravity Blast attack.

"Look," Ian growls. He aims the beam rifle at Lummox. His finger tightens on the trigger of the rifle - or, more accurately, the robotic finger of the power armor tightens on it. "Doppler is saying he is going to give flame voice and arms, to fight against us and take revenge. Whatever that means--" He grits his teeth. The facemask hides his look of sheer frustration. "He's go