Logs:Clash

From Megaman Mush Wiki

WHO: Signas, Scarface, Depth Dragoon, Cerveau, Carbon, Sing, Cherry
WHAT: Signas vs. Scarface. It was inevitable. Two friends clash in a war of opposing ideologies, with surprising results.
WHERE: Kohala, Hawaii
WHEN: Thursday, July 3, 2221

Hawaii

Islands of fun and sun!

The approximate IC time is: Thu Jul 03 19:45:08 2221 EST

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Layer transmits, "...you're gonna take him on, aren't you?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Signas transmits, "This is the only option we have left."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Layer transmits, "...a shame. Best of luck to you, then."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Dr. Cain hrm, "Sing, you're to protect me."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "You... you're coming too, Doctor?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Dr. Cain amused, "Well, why else would I appoint a bodyguard?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing vaguely, "Just... making sure, Doctor."

Kohala. One of Hawaii's many verdant volcanoes, and its oldest. Flanked by Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii and by Mauna Loa on its opposite flank. Kohala is covered with grass, cacti and assorted local fauna. Today, miraculously, it is devoid of tourists. The occasionala birdcall pierces the pale light of dawn.

The absence of civilians is not coincidental. The mountain has been cordoned off and all tourists evacuated. Today is the day. Now is the time. Here is the place. Two giants will clash at Kohala. Mirrored convinctions will be tested against one another... and neither will come out unscathed.

It is here that Signas waits. He has come early, in an attempt to calm his nerves and enjoy the natural beauty of the deserted mountain. It has not been working. The Diplomat paces, back and forth, back and forth, the emerald grass parting around his feet and rejoining as he passes. Signas envies its composure, its ability to bounce back, adapt, flow. All qualities he has striven to develop over his life.

The sun begins to crest the horizon. Shadows are flung West, the darkness retreating before the blazing light of Sol. The shadow of Signas flees with the rest, tethered to his feet. He turns to face the sun, hands clasping behind his back. His habitual stance. Any moment now, his friend-- no, his opponent-- will arrive.

"It is time."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Nice shot, Pally."

The call of battle has been sounded, and two brave warriors have assembled High above Hawaii to battle in a safe environment away from innocents where their great might might not harm nature either. The mountain is strong. But hark visible in the reflection of the waning sun a golden ship passes above the mountain at high speed and a shape descends from the sky falling towards mother earth for this fateful confrontation.

SCARFACE pulls the rip cord deploying his parachute, and the sky around Scarface is filled with colour and beauty as the hand stitched embroidered likeness of a dancing Geisha erupts all around Scarface. The Irregular pulls the cords sending himself into a spin, the silken folds of cloth dancing in and out, a fantastic display of the beauty of Geisha, Lady Autumn Sky.

Scarface yanks the cord one way, and Scarface levels out and swoops around the peak of the mountain in slow artful spirals, twisting Lady Autumn-Sky in pensive loops around the mountain until the Brave Young Irregular lands opposite Signas. Lady Autumn-Sky descends over Scarface. The Young Irregular stands wide, and puts his hands on his hips.

"I am here Signas," he thunders. He thrusts a hand forward, the Geisha's eyes suddenly thrust forward at the Diplomat. "To seek the answer to who you really are. What you really stand for. Are you a GIVER Signas; or are you a TAKER?!"

Scarface pauses, coughs, and then starts struggling to fold the parachute up without getting tangled up.

[Radio: (G) Global] Protip: Michael Eildath transmits, "HEY TOAD MAN!"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Signas transmits, "It begins."

[Radio: (G) Global] Protip: Michael Eildath transmits, "YIPPIE-KI-YAY, MOTHER******!"

[Radio: (G) Global] Meddy transmits, "Ohmigawd, I totally just got deja vu."

Sing sets down a short distance away. He told Signas that he would be here to make certain nothing happened to Signas after the fight, but that wasn't the only reason for Sing's need to witness this fight. He watches Scarface make his entrance with that flare that only he has.

Sing is wondering what this fight will accomplish, aside from a day or two in the repair bay. The Shrike Knight stays relaxed, and does not try to attract the attention of either fighter.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sigrdrifa Valkyrie transmits, "Hmm? What's goin' on?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "Signas is about to throw down on Scarface."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sigrdrifa Valkyrie transmits, "I see."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sigrdrifa Valkyrie transmits, "Good luck, Signas. If you want I can sing a song of valor for you?"

A set of footsteps ascend the mountain as well, in calm silence as another man comes... ascends to the top.

Carbon is here. He is not here to mess with the Hunters but to come in polite respect of a true showdown. Two elites... friends are about to have at it. He would not miss this or miss supporting his friend and ally for the world. Not to mention, he's also here for one important thing... to protect his superior. Just in case.

However, he knows Signas holds a great influence over the Hunters. This will be every bit as honorable as epic. He stands a distance away from the larger lance-wielder, unarmed but armored, patiently watching and awaiting the brawl's beginning.

Dr. Gerard Cerveau is here today. Why is he here on the island of Hawaii? You don't want to know, for it involves pudding, pipes, and other assorated things. After hearing rumors about a fight going on top of Kohala between Signas and Scarface, which is something that the good Doctor may have to watch.

After a decent hike up the mountain, Gerard arrives, standing atop a convient rock, nearby rock.

Signas looks up, eyes narrowing and tinting slightly to filter the powerful UV rays of the sun. The golden ship streaks past, and Scarface soars dramatically from the sky, surrounded by art and full of fiery passion. The message is not lost on the Diplomat. His hands remain behind his back, and he nods, admiring Scarface's parachute and aerial control.

When the young Irregular lands opposite him, Signas offers a flattening of his frown; the closest he can come to a smile. "Scarface," he replies, voice carrying but not booming. "I am glad to see you, though I wish the circumstances were otherwise." His gaze wanders up past Scarface to the sky beyond. A cloud scuds by, and in its brief shadow a corner of his mouth quirks. "I must confess, I was rather hoping it would rain."

The gaze travels back down to Scarface, locking eyes. "Am I a giver or a taker? That is an interesting question, my friend. But not one so simply answered; the world is not so black and white." Two white hands spread out, one on each side of his body. The left hand lifts. "On the one hand, I serve the people of the world. I help to protect them from those would would do them harm. Therefore, I give of myself for them." The left hand lowers, and the right lifts in its place. "On the other hand, in protecting them I must at times influence them, changing the course of their destiny with my words and, failing that, my actions. Therefore, I take some of their true freedom away."

Both hands lower, then swing around to clasp at his back once again. "I am thus both giver and taker. I suppose your question is, which outweighs the other?" Shoulders rise, then fall. "I will be honest with you, Scarface. It is not something about which I think. The people will judge me as they will. The future will judge me as it will. Until such a time as I cease to function, I will continue to do all that I can to ensure justice and equality in this world, without sacrificing lives." Piercing blue eyes narrow ever so slightly. "Will you be able to say the same, when your systems pump their last ounce of fuel?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "You all right, Mac?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Mac transmits, "Trying to drive Quint off."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Well, yeah, but are you doing all right?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Mac transmits, "I should be, I think I can take him."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Good luck."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "We're gonna need an airlifter to get the Inferno out. I busted the axle on Toad Man's fat."

Depth Dragoon makes his way to where the fight is going, just after the combatants both enter. He is quiet and hangs near the back, his mount dropping water beneath its bulky coiling length as the Knight, expression grim and patient, watches, from a location directly behind Signas.

Scarface gently pulls the last of the hand stitched parachute off of his body without ripping any part of it upon his spiked armour, which is a constant worry for the Plasma Knight when he deploys it. Many loving hours were spent in its creation cross stitching and embroidering it into the artistic masterpiece it is today. Deftly tying the parachute up he throws it off to Carbon, knowing that his fellow Irregular will take good care of it.

"Signas," Scarface immediately replies immediately to the first greeting given to him by his opponent today. "I too have been looking forward to this. Today is an auspicious day; it shall not rain. I had Wire Sponge check the weather patterns."

Scarface's hands go on his hips, and the wind blows on cue, blowing his great mane of hair in the air, the son of Roll and Sewa, has struck a supreme pose. Artful and Dynamic.

"And are you the one Giving. Are you the one being Taken from?" Scarface questions, this is all about the questioning. "I remember not so long ago when you were lost, and wandering and in need of a friend. When you were a Pariah after speaking the words, Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. You risk your life for that cause you believe in and then are asked to give more and more, Signas. To feed the vultures their fill so others don't have to."

Scarface points to the sky and then slowly moves his hand around in a slow, wide circle, "Just as I who have proclaimed from the very beginning my desire to walk a separate path am demanded to give explanations. Why Scarface, why? You're a smart boy Scarface. Clearly you know you are being Mind Controlled by the evil Epsilon," Scarface's pointing hand closes shut and crackles with electricity.

"Pure fantasy! Nonsense! I am not some Protoman to escape my own responsibility with that lame old excuse Dr. Light peddled around the world!" Scarface declares angrily to the heavens. "And you people are not intellectually crippled. I made my choice to join Epsilon long before I met him. My mind was activated before my body was complete, as per the Hera Corp model. I was given freedom to choose how my body was built. Yet people cannot accept that I chose this path willingly."

Scarface strides towards Signas now, not unfriendly but impassioned, raising his Plasma Lance to the air and igniting it before Signas he cries out.

"Now Signas! You have made a stand against the vultures, the Takers. I have made my choice long ago to be a Giver, to enrich this world with my existence. Now make your choice Signas," Scarface enters a fighting stance. "Open your eyes to the truth about me, ask questions about the truth's about yourself. And prepare for this duel Signas. Fair and square. One on one."

"What is taken from me is inconsequential in the pursuit of equality and justice," Signas replies without hesitation. "Yes, for a time I was lost. I walked a difficult path in the past, when I believed that I was important, that it was important what others thought of me. But I have left that path behind since the days of Ragnarok." Signas brings his left hand out and up, diagonally across his chest. Then, he slashes downwards with it. "I have realised that I am not so important. What others think of me is even less important. All that matters is the safety and improvement of the world, at any cost. Yes, even at the cost of my life."

His head shakes. "I have never accused you of being mind controlled, merely mislead as I was once mislead. But you have made it clear that your path is your own, and that the only man blazing it is you. Very well; I accept this. I do not like it, as it sets us at odds, but I accept it. I would not do you the disrespect of calling you a pawn."

Scarface approaches, and Signas looks up at the cloud again, eyes briefly losing focus. "A tiger," he says, suddenly, eyes twinkling. "That is what I see in this cloud. A tiger, fierce and proud, full of passion and love." His attention returns to the battle-ready Scarface. "And you, my friend. You are also a tiger. You could never be Epsilon's pawn. I have only ever wished to work alongside you, but time and again we have seen that this is not possible. I find the Irregulars needlessly violent; you find the Hunters too complacent."

Signas drops into his own fighting pose. His left arm comes up and bends 90 degrees at the elbow, guarding his chest. His right arm swings out to his side, bending only slightly. Fists form. Right foot draws back. Bracing. "We have each of use made a choice. And now comes the inevitable clash. My convictions against yours. Hunter versus Irregular. The eternal battle."

With his left foot, Signas stomps the ground. As he does so, his left arm snaps out straight, like a steel bar aimed for Scarface's head. "En garde!"

You miss Scarface with your Generic Melee attack.

Carbon catches the chute with one hand as the wrapped up geisha lands in his palm; he sets it by his side.

A fight of ideologies. Carbon smiles... their fights were always so complex. His was always so simple... give life to the Reploids. Give death to those that hurt them.

He watches on. Signas commences with the opening strike, and the brawl begins. He smiles a little.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Mac transmits, "Okay, yea, blowing up my arm is stupid."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "Understatement."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Signas transmits, "An inauspicious beginning."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "Fight's just begun, Signas."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "You need help, Mac?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Signas transmits, "Beginnings and endings are all that really matter in the eyes of the world."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Mac transmits, "Yea, I'm bleeding out here."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "Tell that to the tortoise."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Right. I'll see what I can do."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "He was all about the whole thing."

"There is nobility in self sacrifice, loyalty and dedication," Scarface returns. "But taken to extremes that also becomes the resignation of choice, the loss of personal identity. The willingness to be Taken from where nothing is Given in return."

As Signas recognises Scarface's own choice, his freedom to chose which path he walks and how he walks it he stands triumphant. Let the world see Scarface for who he really is, for he is who he has chosen to be, "And I respect you Signas, though I wish you would question the world around you. But now," if Scarface had a face he would smile with it. But alas, he must make do with his shining golden optic. It shines brightly. "We can face each other as equals. Rivals."

When Signas strikes at Scarface's head it is suddenly no longer there, as the fist is about to strike the smaller Reploid jerks himself to the side narrowly avoiding the blow he feels the mighty strength of it blow through his hair and whip it back behind him. The mighty blow fans the fires of Scarface's heart. This is a battle between Warriors, the Iron Law of battle is their sacrament.

"Then it is Battle!" he declares, tensing and bracing his legs. "READY? GO!!"

And charges at Signas with a flying body blow.

Scarface misses you with his Dynamic Entry attack.

Depth Dragoon drums his shield upon the side of his mount, which surges upwards and snaps, both in admirable appreciation of the skill of these fighters. Depth watches sternly waiting to see who will land the first blow.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "MAC!"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Oh, this is /not/ a good idea..."

The duel is opened, and the battle is joined. Both warriors throw themselves into their opening strikes. Signas... misses. Without missing a beat, his feet slide across the ground and his hands swing into position again, to face Scarface's new vector of attack. In most battles, only a small portion of Signas' astounding CPU is focused on the battle. Today, it is at 100%. He can offer no less to this opponent. To his opposite number. One who should be his brother.

"You have it reversed, Scarface," he replies calmly, eyes tracking the Irregular. "In self-sacrifice, in duty, in giving of myself to the world and to the brash Hunters, I have FOUND my identity." Arms pivot, hands opening and closing. "Once I was merely a figurehead, a laughable parody of a commander." Feet shift again, as he watches Scarface tense his legs. "Once I was a beleaguered apologist, the laughingstock of the world." Signas tenses as well. "Once I was lost, a wandering madman, finding solace only in the wanton destruction of mindless monsters." And Signas, too, leaps forward. Directly into Scarface's Dynamic Entry.

"Now, I AM A HUNTER!" he roars, slamming into Scarface with carefully calculated force. He will still take damage from Scarface's momentum, but his own is designed to be JUST that much more. A reckless move. A move unlike the old Signas. A move... only a Hunter would even try.

You strike Scarface with a solid hit from your Hunter Cancel attack.

You rebound off of Scarface

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sigrdrifa Valkyrie breaks out into cheering.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "It's nights like these I /really/ miss the Desperado."

The two warriors fly at each other. Perhaps they should have been brothers in battle, but it was not to be. Too much has passed in this world, too many wrongs for men of conscience to not pursue their dreams and beliefs in their own way. Scarface and Signas crash midair, and rebound off one another.

Scarface crashes into the ground, quickly rebounding off his hands and throwing himself to his feet, Scarface slides across the ground digging his hands into the rocky ground below to force a halt.

"Then live by your words, and live true. The vultures will always be circling," Scarface replies, and charges back at his foe and leaps into the air, spinning at high speed to generate momentum he hits the ground on one foot spinning like a top with his Plasma Lance extended turning himself into a whirlwind of blades.

"YAAAAAAAaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAAAaaaaaaAAAARGH!"

Scarface strikes you with a minor hit from his Lance Spinning Slash attack

Signas charges into Scarface, sending hairline fractures across his right epaulette. Fortunately, he does not need its contents for this battle. Executing a back handspring roll out of the thunderous impact, he lands in a 3-point crouch and looks up, trying to find Scarface. The Irregular is more than a match for Signas; he can't afford to make any mistakes in this battle. Too much is at stake. Perhaps more than either combatant realises.

"I am secure in my convictions, Scarface. As you are in yours. That it has come to this saddens me, but I will not back down. The vultures may circle all they wish; when my time is done, my essence will join the cycle of existence." Signas looks up, just in time to see Scarface land on one foot, spinning. Eyes widen fractionally, and an arm rises to meet the lance. Too slow.

"Hgk," he grunts, making a tactical retreat for a few steps and nursing his steaming, partially-melted forearm. Signas rallies quickly, however; he wears many hats. Warrior is one of them. Surging forward, he reaches for Scarface, weaving through the hurricane of flashing lance, trying to get a grip on the Warrior-Poet and use the spinning momentum to give him a good old-fashioned over-shoulder toss. "I am not too proud to feed the vultures," he explains. "They, too, are living beings."

Scarface deflects your Over-shoulder Toss attack.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Medbay. Beds for two, please. Inferno's busted up, too. How's Signas doing?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "Too early to tell."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Sing transmits, "They've traded a couple of hits."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath uuughs.

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "By fiat of being the cruel and merciless leader of the Maverick Hunters, I declare that Mac is writing this report. Someone tell him when he comes to."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "Y'all okay?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "Who died?"

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Mac, possibly a few of my ribs, the Inferno. Search Man, Toad Man, Desert Man."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "Oh. Like dead dead?"

A hurricane is a wild thing of wind and rage,

The sea is unpredictable. Warm, inviting and deadly within,

Pure fire is a curious sin,

The earth is slow and ponderous and mighty indeed.

Forget one or all and you will surely fail.

-Poems of a Sumo Striders apprentice.

Signas' arms are long and powerful, the Ebony Crusader suffers for his boldness but gets a hold on Scarface and draws him in for a shoulder-toss, but Scarface has not forgotten the teachings of Setsulo Swanson. Scarface's body twists and turns, and the Brave Young Irregular cries out as he twists and weaves.

"NIN! NIN! NIN!" and steals Signas' momentum and turns it into his own, using his body weight to pull the Hunters arms behind him and lock them in place for now Scarface wraps his arms above Signas' shoulder and under the left arm.

"I fight the Vultures Signas!" he declares. "While warriors like you and I are strong, and we search for the answer. You've got to bleed for the Dancer!"

Then he pirouettes for half a step and hurls Signas away to the side, "If I don't, then who will?"

Scarface strikes you with a glancing hit from his Throw attack

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Bleed for the-how does that even make sense?! I get that the vultures are supposed to represent humanity but what does that have to do with dancing."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "No, but he's gonna wish he was when I wake up."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "And he wakes up."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Blasted fool grand-child, spend less time on ballet lessons and more on learning proper english!"

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "Can we talk later?"

[Radio] Tightbeam: Sing dispassionately, "You okay, Signas?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Doctor Light, all I hear is you telling people to bleed."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "I got razzed by /Quint/. Do you realize how humiliating that is?"

[Radio] Tightbeam to Sing: You say, "I am fine for now."

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "He's a ghost, that's what ghosts do."

[Radio] Tightbeam: Sing says, "Right."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Didn't you die? Or get an upgrade or some-oh, right, you got married."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "Whatever. But Doctor Light. Seriously, lets talk for real. Not right now I'm kinda busy. But after, okay?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "I have always had time to speak when you've asked."

[Radio: (G) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "If that WERE to happen, it would be kind of like an upgrade, but you must be totally imagining that."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "Wow, you're married? Robot Masters can do that? Congratulations? When was the wedding? ...Hm. I should get a present."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Now I'm pretty sure the internet maintains you and Crash Man finally got gay married while I was dead. Don't be bashful, son, it's a beautiful thing."

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "So which one's which?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "Ah true love is so sweet."

[Radio: (G) Global] Emperor Norton Daryn transmits, "Despite that youtube video, I don't think--"

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "They probably switch. Keeps things exciting."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Gunner Hornytoad transmits, "I can cut his tongue out for you if'n you want."

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "It's good to have that kind of egalitarian thing in your relationships."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "Be free with your love Gemini Man. Oh and what are you talking about, which clone gets to hug Crash?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "...yes."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Tempting. But no. I'll be all right after I've had some time to cool down."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "That's so cute. They take turns."

[Radio: (G) Global] Great Guts Man transmits, "Ewwwww."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "...ANYWAY. BACK TO BATTLE."

[Radio: (G) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Oh, is THAT what all the bleeding was about?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "Oh yeah, you and the other guy are fighting."

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "What channel's that on?"

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "...I don't see any cameras."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "I'm watching it through one of the weather sattelites."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Better than the discovery channel."

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "I like the show where the guy eats the huge maggots, the ones that are like as big around as your thumb."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "WHAT? This is a Sacred Battle. INEXCUSABLE!"

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "'Maggoter? I hardly know her!'? That's a good one!"

Scarface gives the Man the finger.

[Radio: (G) Global] Vincente transmits, "That actually physically hurt."

[Radio: (G) Global] Shaggy Dr. Light transmits, "Scarface, you watch your language right now!"

[Radio: (G) Global] Meddy transmits, "I wish I had a camera that followed me around. It'd be much better than Scarface stabbing people with his double-bladed implement."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface transmits, "...Well...fine. Alright."

[Radio: (G) Global] Scarface mumble, grumble.

All the vampires, walkin' through the valley

Move west, down ventura boulevard.

And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows

All the good girls are home with broken hearts.

And I'm free! Free fallin'.

Yeah I'm free! Free fallin'.

- Tom Petty

Signas soars through the air, as his throw is reversed. He attempts to do some twisting of his own, but the Diplomat was never a very good dancer. With a "WHUFF", he slams into a rocky crag and slides to the ground. There, he takes a split second to reorient himself, then executes a technically perfect, if somewhat less than graceful, capoeira spin to his feet.

"I do not bleed for the Dancer, it is true. I have never been artistic." Signas' mouth twitches. "Do you remember, at your splendid Giga City Arts Festival? There were statues of great leaders. I was not among them. My place is not in that pantheon. My place is not fighting the Vultures, unless the vultures seek to harm the innocent of the world. In that way... your Irregulars are the Vultures, from my perspective." He dusts himself off, re-adopting his fighting stance. "I cannot stand idle by while your Lumines and your Epsilons and your Ninetails commit murder, merely for revenge, or to make a point which is as easily made with words."

Signas comes forward again, hands blurring upwards, joining at their zenith, smashing downwards. "But you already know what I think of the company you keep."

You strike Scarface with a minor hit from your Pressed Release attack.

From the other side of the world, on the far side of "Z", Cherry is launched at Hawaii via Crate. It will take her a few minutes to arrive. Until then, enjoy these complimentary Z!TV commercials.

"There was a time for words, there was a time for peace. They had chance after chance afforded to them, and their response was treachery and murder," is Scarface's reply "That time is up. They wasted their chance."

Scarface doesn't reply to Signas' comments about the company he keeps. They both know who's who and whats what where all of that is concerned and there's no need to go on about it. Besides Scarface is mouthing off on the global radio.

Scarface martials his defenses but finds them incapable of matching Signas' rushing strength and the Plasma Knight is smashed into the ground, his knees buckle under the force, cracking the earth below.

"The Mavericks...Sigma," Scarface booms. "They went down an evil way. But the beginnings have common purpose with the Irregular cause. The means, I wonder. War is regrettable but did Sigma begin with such devastation because he was conditioned to act this way, or because he saw some eventual truth and did not care to bandy with words?"

"Do you know that Answer Signas?" Scarface cries as he gets on his feet and thrusts the tip of his Plasma Lance towards Signas' body. Should he be successful, Scarface digs the blade in and then brutally rips it across the Ebony Crusaders body, and rips it out, using that momentum to spin away from the close encounter.

Scarface misses you with his Lance Rip And Tear attack.

Depth Dragoon turns his gaze from watching Signas very carefully now to watching Scarface. He knows the Irregular can see him, as his fish begins to pace a long and windy serpentine path along Signas side of the dueling grounds. The Dragoon never breaks his gaze from Scarface now, and those piercing eyes are a challenge they don't speak words and they don't convey ideas specifically. But it does seem that Depth is definitely backing Signas up here, but looking to Scarface for action. Whatever kind of action he might expect from Scarface would be very hard to determine without asking him, but perhaps he is simply backing Signas up on that as well. That would be the simple answer.

Sing simply glances out the corner of one optic at the approaching Depth Dragoon. He makes no other moves to intercept or interfere. It's not his business.

But he does take notice, with a touch of prejudice.

Cerveau is still there, watching. He has been here the entire time, honest.

"The People are slow to learn, and scare easily," Signas replies in that carrying-but-not-shouting voice of his. Measured, even words. It is a strong contrast to Scarface's passionate preachings. "Patience is needed. Trust must be gained, slowly. Earned. You do not earn trust through massacre." His words are simple, but his convictions are strong. It's there in his voice, in his eyes. He truly believes.

"The Mavericks were once victims, but many continue to persecute humanity under the guise of Irregulars. And that cannot stand. Surely you can see the cancer eating away at your organisation, from the inside?" Signas watches the approaching lance as if he has all the time in the world... then

Blink, just out of the attacking blade's patch. His hands hum and glow pink, rising on either side of his body, like the wings of some great, prehistoric bird. "You give Sigma the benefit of the doubt. I did the same once." His fists slam together. In the middle, unless he moves fast: Scarface. "It was a mistake."

You strike Scarface with a glancing hit from your Arc Punch attack.

Scarface stumbles as not as he misses, but as he is decked by Signas. The cogs in his clock get cleaned up and things go a little coockoo for a moment as Scarface gets his bearings again.

"Sigma was wrong. I know, and I have heard, but not experienced it for myself," Scarface pauses for a moment and narrows his eye and optic. "Like so much else."

But when Signas speaks of the misconception of the Irregular organisation, Scarface's reaction is equally measured.

"You are mistaken, you did not see it Signas so I understand," Scarface steadies and raises his fist. "The Maverick organisation crumpled under the weight of its own avarice. Protoman broke its back with that terrifying blast that began so much. The Australians tragic strike that horrified us and hardened our resolve."

Scarface strides forward now, "When they came to us, we met in an open forum. We buried the hatchet, and understood that though we have different origins that we too have much in common. We shared and grew together, and became something greater.

"Those who came from the Previous Junta likely still hold to that previous identity, but we are united. We are all Irregulars.

"You say we gained a Cancer, I say I gained many unique and valuable individuals. The People try to tell us these ex-Mavericks have nothing to give, have no purpose but to die and be forgotten. I tell you now, they are wrong!"

Scarface levels his blade at Signas and leaps at his opponent, "BECAUSE WE ARE IRREGULARS"

Scarface slashes diagonally twice, side to side in a Vee shape intent to carve an X into his foes chest.

Scarface strikes you with a solid hit from his Lance Double Slash attack for 19 units of damage.

"I applaud your willingness to approach the Mavericks in an open forum," Signas replies. "And forgive them for atrocities past. Why then can you not do the same with Humanity?" His mouth quirks. "No, I already know your answer. 'We tried! They are treacherous!' And again I tell you, you have done nothing to earn their trust. AGAIN I tell you, not everyone is cut from the same cloth. I have said as much about the Irregulars. I said as much about the former Mavericks, mere seconds ago." Signas frowns. "But you do not want to hear me, Scarface. You do not want to see the world in technicolor. This is the root of our conflict."

The Diplomat shakes his head. "I do not make a habit of speaking in absolutes. Generalisations lead to nothing but misunderstandings, pain--" Signas gasps, reaching up to clutch at his chest as the vee slash carves up and down his torso, shattering two of his control orbs and splashing roughly a bucket of his blue life fluid out onto the ground. He falls to one knee, then shoves himself backwards. It is not the most dignified move, but it gets him away from the lance for now. "-- and violence, as we are witnessing here today," he manages, gritting his teeth only slightly. "I do not call all former Mavericks a cancer. I do not call all Irregulars monsters. I do not call all of my comrades true heroes, even. It simply does not work. It is a tool of despots and jingoists."

Signas levers himself back to his feet, still pressing his torso armor together to prevent further bleeding. "You are neither. Do not label me as one; please have enough respect for me to listen to my words as I say them, not merely as you wish to hear them."

Signas steps forward, free hand flashing towards Scarface. "I seek not to mislead you. I only seek to reach you."

You strike Scarface with a minor hit from your Heated Debate attack.

Scarface is struck by words and strikes, in the debated form of which Signas is the clear master. Scarface is unable to defend himself against that relentless assault of words, and punches and is driven backward, eventually forced to leap backwards to escape the barrage.

Scarface stands tall and resolute before Signas, "Though you try to hammer your words into me, I still believe differently in my heart. We have agreed upon this at least. Let us agree to disagree."

Scarface steps to move forward, but stops. He looks at Signas and stares at him long and hard. He reaches up and takes his mask off.

Force Metal damage is something that no living human or reploid ever wants to endure. Scarface's face is a ruin. Forever scarred and degraded, half his face is a blackened metal displaying exposed power conduits and electric power cells. A concerted effort was made to save Ska's face, the face he was born with. A long, clean diagonal cut across his face where the tained materials were amputated rather than let the rest of his be corrupted. The other side, is all too familiar. The face of Mega Man...perhaps with slight differences. It's hard to tell anymore.

"I am done. The purpose of this battle has run itself out, and I withdraw," Scarface bows. "Farewell."

Signas strikes, and strikes again. Scarface is a stubborn foe, both in terms of debate and fisticuffs. As Scarface leaps backwards, Signas does as well. Not pressing his advantage, in case it's a trap. He lands a meter or so back, already dropping into his fighting pose again. The chest armor hangs loose. There is a steady drip of fluid from the gashes, but he ignores it. Watching Scarface. Waiting. Calculating. What will he do next? From which direction will he attack? Will it be the lance again, or s--

Signas drops his fighting posture. "I cannot force you to see the world as I see it, Scarface," he agrees, clenching and unclenching his good fist. He's still tense, wary. This could be a trick, but that doesn't seem like Scarface. Not in the least.

Scarface removes his mask, and Signas does not stare. He simply looks at the Irregular, with the exact same expression he had moments ago. There is no change. No pity, no horror. "I have always wondered why you wear a mask, Scarface," Signas says. "Now that I have seen your face, I still wonder. Is it to spare others, or yourself?" Signas shakes his head. "It does not matter. Know that the shape of your face does not change how I see you. You are Scarface. You were once my friend. Perhaps some day you will be so again."

Signas sketches a bow in return, face expressionless, and resumes holding his left hand against his broken armor. "Farewell, Scarface. While I hope we meet again soon, I know that it will not end as well the next time."

[Radio: (A) H Chat] Signas transmits, "It is over. For now."

Scarface pulls the mask back over his face, "Because this is my real face Signas. This is why I am Scarface, and not Ska Hera Light."

Having already said his farewells, Scarface turns around and leaves now, picking his parachute back up he walks to the side of the mountain and leaps off the precipice into the unknown tomorrow.

Rumblerumblerumble.

A tomorrow where nobody knows what is possible, what is around the other bend.

Rumblerumblerumble.

"WHEEEEEEEE!" Scarface's voice echoes out into the night, as he surfs a Landslide down the side of Mt. Kohala.

As Scarface leaves, Cherry arrives via crate, embedding herself halfway into the mountain.

"Ow," she says.