=CHAPTER 2B: BEYOND THE WATERY VORTEX=

=BONUS CONTENT: BONUS SCENE #1=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

((Incomplete prewriting: 07/02/2016T breakfast at Sanda Enterprises w/ Pres. Morandi; Min and Des converse))

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{July 2nd, 20XX}

[It had been a long day and an exhausting evening. So much had happened that it was impossible to process it all. In the span of just short of a fortnight, their lives had been lost to madness, destruction, and terror—and then rescued from the brink of despair. Their city—indeed, all cities—had been utterly trashed, and many places still lay in ruin. So much had been lost by so many—even they were not exempt from this pain and sorrow. They may heal with time, but they could never go back to how things were before…]

Min: “And yet, the sun still rises…”

[Minerva Morandi and Desmond Donald were up in the wee hours of the morning, quietly working away in one of the office spaces. They were early risers (by necessity) as a rule, and jet lag was still in effect. Minerva had stacks of papers scattered all around her, while Desmond was working mostly from his phone. He looked up at her murmuring.]

Des: Not for another two or three hours, it doesn’t. Or are you working on a speech?

Min: Now that the threat of the virus is over, some sort of statement will have to be made. It’s going to be international news for days. My team can handle the immediate briefs, but I like to write my own speeches. You know that.

Des: God only knows how you find the time for it, Min…

[The President smiled at this.]

Min: It’s a superpower teachers and parents of small children have.

Des: Heh. I’d believe it.

[They continued working in silence for a while.]

Min: After breakfast, I’ll be in a meeting with France. I anticipate the EU as a whole will want to chime in… though I also hope to hear from the UK’s Prime Minister. Do you have your report ready for MI6?

Des: Mostly. : / Are we going to authorize extradition for Number Six?

Min: I don’t think that will be necessary now that we have answers about Tobias Wily. …They’ll want him instead.

Des: -.-; Well, we don’t have him. Dr. Cossack is still covering for him… and he’s a priority here because of his activity at the White House. Do we really want to tell our allies about that?

Min: Not if it can be helped. Just send your reports and explain the Doctor is still being questioned.

Des: -Sighs- I’m so swamped with pulling the team back together and carrying out damage control that I don’t think I’l get to him today.

Min: Make time for him tomorrow, then. It would be ill advised to keep that man waiting.

Des: Yeah, too many people would start to get angry again. I dunno, Min… he doesn’t seem to be a bad man, but it’s just a huge mess. I don’t fancy making enemies of him and the Whites…

Min: We’ll have to figure out something later. If he’s not a flight risk, then I think it can wait another 24 hours.

Des: Are you in meetings all day again?

Min: Other than second breakfast, lunch, and dinner… yes.

Des: “Second” breakfast?

Min: -Smiles- I’ll be cooking for our hosts. You can help if you want.

Des: …This I gotta see.

Min: -Laughs- You’ve had my cooking before, Donny!

Des: Not since your team started! It’s more the situation as a whole, though. The President of the United States, cooking for the world’s greatest combat team and people from another universe? You can’t make this stuff up.

Min: The truth is stranger than fiction. Consider it something to look forward to. I’ve already discussed the matter with Ms. Sanda, and we have official permission to use groceries and the kitchen.

Des: Feels like I haven’t had a decent meal in weeks. Can’t wait.

[True to her word, Minerva was gone in private meetings using a different office for the next few hours. She was working at the stove quietly when the first of the early risers began to move about.]

((Pyro's still gettin' the sleep out of his eyes and then he just walks into the kitchen and The President of the United States is making breakfast already, double check if we are dreaming--

LIKE FOR A SOLID MINUTE

SOLID MINUTE OF ????????¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿))

((Surprise is expressed))

Min: -Looks up with a smile- Good morning, Mr. White. I will be preparing breakfast today. How does everyone take their eggs?

Pyro: ((Answers, privately wondering if he’s still asleep))

Min: -Taking more things out of the fridge- I’m thinking pancakes, eggs, bacon, and french toast. Good protein options to start off the day. How many servings of pancakes does it take? I imagine Seismic has several all to himself…

Pyro: ((Pyro rubs the sleep out of his eyes again, concludes he is NOT dreaming and he is in his sleepwear (Shirt and shorts) in front of POTUS. Cue EXTREME EMBARRASSMENT))

Pyro: ((Stammers much like his father does, please let him take over, he does this every morning anyway, she doesn't have to when she is a guest--))

Min: No no—I insist. -Cracks an egg into a bowl, and starts whisking it- We all have a long day ahead of us, and that will be greatly helped by having a hearty meal to start.

Pyro: But—

Min: I understand your position, but really—I do insist. I haven’t had the chance to cook since before my election campaign. You all deserve at least some token for the troubles of putting myself and my staff up for an extended leave of stay on such short notice… not to mention defending us. Which was after rescuing us, I might add…

Min: You may help if you wish, however. I only have so many hands.

Pyro: ((Some more reflection on the situation, asks what she is doing up so early))

Min: My day begins at 6:00 AM sharp… Eastern time. I have been up for several hours.

Pyro: …Oh. (Right, I’d forgotten she lives in a different time zone…)

((Heh. Brand is the next one to get up. Sleepy ninja.))

Brand: ((Too tired to think much on the situation at first, need coffee))

Min: Good morning, Brandish. Would you like some coffee?

Brand: ((Also wonders if he’s still asleep))

Pyro: ((Assures him he is NOT dreaming))

Brand: ((Similar reaction to what Pyro had earlier, but with Japanese and bowing))

Brand: Please forgive our state and attire, we did not know you would be here, Morandi-Sama--

Min: -Kind smile- There’s no need to apologize. I am the one out of place, after all. This is your house.

((Question))

Min: Oh, I’ll be speaking with our international friends in the morning and the evening. The rest of the day will be spent internally, speaking with Congress and various Departments. Now that the virus is over, it’s time to pull ourselves together and get back on our feet… as responsibly as possible.

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=BONUS CONTENT: BONUS SCENE #6=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

[Following the events of Allies Obstruct, a growing time warp affects the memories of those involved. They are left unable to remember everything for as long as the warp remained in place, and regained memories but slowly.

Even after remembering the truth of what had happened, however, Will was reluctant to reveal it to Mikhail.

Time went on. Year(s) passed. The time warp itself began to shrink—slowly at first, but then suddenly at a much more rapid pace. Nearly two years (by Meadow reckoning) after the virus had gone live and subsequently been defeated, they all remembered the events up to the factory—this time, for good. And so, Will found himself on the brink of a conclusion to the whole matter…]

[SANDA TECHOLOGIES, WILL'S OFFICE.

May 16th, TUMBLR 2018]

Soi: Will?

[Will looks up from his desk, writing down the last of his reports on his terminal.]

Soi: Oh, good, you're still here--there's some forms I need filled out?

Will: Hmm.

Soi: ...? Hey...

Soi: You seem distracted...is it because of what happened today?

Will: ...

Will: -Sighs - Not just that.

[He looks at the calendar. It's May.]

[They were coming up on the anniversary of the virus outbreak. Not much longer.]

Will: It's...hard to believe it's been almost a year ...

Will: << Just like that.

Soi: Eheh...well, yeah. At least in this timeline.

Soi: ...

Soi: Look, if you want to just...take it easy, that's fine--

Will: No.

Soi: --?

Will: -Laces his hands together - Soi...

Will: I...I think...

Will: ...I think it's...time I told Mikhail.

Will: ...About...who I am.

Soi: --!

Soi: I...

Soi: ...really?

Soi: I, I mean-- I'm not against it, no, but...

Soi: Are you really sure this is the right time? I mean, so close to ...

Will: I've...thought about it. I've thought long and hard about it.

Will: >> This is...this is very relevant to it. There isn't a better time.

Will: After all.

Will: This is...this is something I have kept...much too quiet about.

Will: >> I need to fess up to things. Things I should have answered for when Mikhail...

Will: The base, Trinity ...

Will: -Sighs - I've...thought. About it. He has every right to be angry with me should he take it...badly.

Soi: But Will--

Will: -Raises a hand - I know, but it's still a possibility.

Will: I like to be thorough, Soi, you know this.

Soi: ...

Will: << If...

Will: If this goes wrong, Soi, I...

Will: ...promise me you'll take care of my children.

Soi: Will --

Will: Please, Soi.

Will: I... Mikhail is our friend , but you have seen him with Greg.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

[He turned to face the terminal. The way he held his glasses against his face made him look incredibly sinister—a presence which was only amplified by his frightfully calm tone.]

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Will: “...Or you will learn how unpleasant a Russian can be to a rude American .”

Will: >> Lord knows I have been more than that. Lying to him this whole time.

Will: For God's sake, Soi, he has Kalinka to think about as well as his own sons, both living and still...!

[Will pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly stressed out about this. Terrified , really.]

Will: I...

Will: I believe Felix, but he is not a father.

Will: << I...I need to know that if something... happens ...

Will: You...You will be there to explain.

Soi: Will....

Will: It's...it's going to be simple. I'll invite him over to dinner at my house--the house I own , mind you--

Will: Say I just need to have a talk, and...go from there.

Will: << If I'm not back by tomorrow, assume.

Soi: Will, you're being paranoid...

Will: Can you blame me, Soi?

Soi: ....

Soi: << No.

Will: -Sighs-

Will: ....

Soi: ...I...I promise.

Will: -Hmmn ...- Thank you.

Soi: Are...are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I mean, I'm as much a part of it--

Will: No.

Will: >> This is my secret to tell. Not yours.

Will: I need to tell him...alone.

Will: We're already so close to the end, and once...once it is done...

Will: He might just figure it out on his own, and that... that's not going to go over well.

Will: ...

Will: I'd rather I tell him myself, face to face. No more lies, no more running.

Will: Just...the truth.

Will: ...no matter how hurtful it is...

Soi: Aw, Will...

Will: -Sigh -

Will: >>

Will: -Brings out his phone- Here goes.

[PING!]

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: ...Mikhail?

<MC005>: > да?

Will: -Deep breaths - ... -Hands are shaking a little-

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: Are you free tomorrow?

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: Just wondering.

<MC005>: >Oh, да; I won't be working for a few days.

<MC005>: >Can I help you with something?

Will: . . .

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: Oh, good. I wanted to talk to you about something.

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: But I don't think I've ever shown you my house, so do you want to have dinner over there?

<MC005>: >I'd be delighted! Would you like me to bring something with me to contribute?

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: That would be nice, yes...bring whatever you like.

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: I'll bring down my old chess set from the attic, too, if you want.

[There was a string of data that translated into amusement—the shorthand entry he used when communicating with his sons.]

<MC005>: >I don't think we've ever played before. Are you challenging me to a game?

Will: -Has to grin -

[But then...]

Will: ....

Will: (...this could be the last time I get to talk to you like this...)

[He doesn't answer for a moment--but forces himself to respond.]

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: Ha, maybe after dinner. Winner gets to beat Soi.

Soi: -Looking over Will's shoulder- Hey --

Will: -Smiles a bit again-

Soi: |V -I was king of Chess Club, you know --

[Mikhail laughs at this on the other end, and sends another ping of amusement.]

<MC005>: >That sounds like a fine arrangement! да, I would love to have a game with you.

<MC005>: >Sounds like a fine evening. I look forward to it.

[DR.WHITE to MC005] //: Great. See you at 6, then.

Will: -Sighs -

Will: >> There.

Soi: ....

Will: ...don't think I'm going to get much rest tonight...

Will: -Ugh...maybe I should've done that in the morning ...-

Soi: -Pats Will's shoulder- Hey, look...

Soi: You're doing the right thing here. Telling the truth is a hard thing to do, you know.

Will: << I suppose...

Will: I'm just worried about what happens after, Soi ...

Will: They call him Uncle , and they'll notice any negative changes should they occur.

Will: >>;; I just...hope it doesn't come to that. God, I really hope it ...

Soi: | / They're going to notice if you keep panicking about it too.

Will: -Sighs-

Will: I'm sorry, I...just... (Scared he'll just...)

Soi: Why don't we just spend time with the kids?

Will: ...Mm...

[TITUS, CALIFORNIA, WHITE RESIDENCE

THE NEXT DAY]

[Mikhail arrived at Will’s House a little later than expected. He had a large covered bowl with him, and seemed very content to be out in the spring sunshine.]

[Meanwhile, inside...]

Will: -Pacing -

Will: (Just...just breathe. Just breathe. Don't panic, don't freak out, don't say anything to set him...off...)

Will: (I mean, Felix could be right, but I just--)

Will: (I just don't know--)

Will: (Oh, confound it, Enigma, couldn't have you bestowed me some subtle hint that things will still be okay after tonight --)

Ding dong!

Will: -Nearly jumps --

Will: Hnn ...

Will: (...I could still not do it.)

Will: (...No, shut up...)

Will: (You can do this, Bill ...)

Will: (He's your friend, like Soi is...)

Will: (He won't hurt you...he won't hurt you ...)

Will: -Deep breath -

[Click.]

Will: Mikhail! Hello, there.

Mikhail: Good afternoon, Will! ^^ I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy some of it outside.

Will: ^^;; Ahah, well--I wish. I've been cooped up in the office as of late. Paperwork started piling up...

Will: Oh, please--come inside--sorry about the boxes, I, uh...I never bothered to completely unpack, eheh...

Will: ^^;; I don't really spend a lot of time here, anyway...

Mikhail: Well, I know the lab has excellent accommodations. -Steps inside- When did you move in here?

Will: Oh, ah...a while ago... (Years...)

Will: Mother convinced me to move closer to the children--I didn't want to leave her on her lonesome, but she seems to be doing well, anyway.

[The table inside was already set--and dinner was already done. It was a nice soup broth not unlike Pyro's recipe, but it smelled very different.

Mikhail set the bowl on the table and uncovered it. Inside was a very elaborate salad: lettuce, spinach, carrots, cheese, croutons, and bits of ham were all included. There were also tomatoes and pickles set aside, to be added on as desired.]

Mikhail: You mean, you didn't live near the lab when you first started? That would make commuting a chore, wouldn't it?

Will: -Grabs the plates to serve- It was...well, yes. Very much a chore.

Will: I suppose it was a good move in the end, but I practically live in the lab anyway. I...truly do believe that Sanda Tech is my home.

Will: ...Not to discount this place. It's nice. Quiet. (Hidden in plain sight.)

Mikhail: It's always nice to be close to one's children. I'm glad you have that opportunity. Even when all my sons were alive and well, I rarely got to see them except between jobs, and during routine maintenance.

Mikhail: If you need help or motivation unpacking, perhaps I can come over sometime. I've moved recently, myself, so I know how it is.

Will: ...I'd... appreciate the help.

Will: (...Maybe food would keep him in a happier mood...)

[The food is set down gently and Will serves up beverages as well. He doesn't talk for a few minutes, quiet contemplating something--but at least he's eating.]

Will: ... (Mmmnn...how should I bring it up?)

Will: (...I suppose I can take him up to the attic with me...I don't want to bring it downstairs...)

Mikhail: Still caught up in work?

Will: You could say that...

Will: I've just had...a lot on my mind as of late. It's...almost June.

Will: << ... certainly going to bring a lot of...noise out there.

Mikhail: You mean, in Titus in general? Or with the children?

Will: Titus...yes, definitely...

Will: And I know it will be difficult for the Mighties as well. There's going to be a memorial march.

Mikhail: -Looks up- ?

Mikhail: I suppose that makes sense…

Mikhail: -Frowns- -Pokes at his salad a bit before lowering his fork- There's something that has always been wondered, but I'm rather afraid of learning the answer.

Will: --?

Will: (...I...)

Will: ...Well...I, um...

Mikhail: -Quietly- Were airplanes infected mid-flight?

Will: (--I--Oh--)

Will: -Sighs - Hnn... thankfully, no.

[Mikhail looks immensely relieved at this, and resumes eating.]

Mikhail: Thank God for that. That would not have ended well…

Will: Just as Mic was too far down for us to find at first--planes in mid-flight were too high up for the virus to reach.

Will: >> It did still cause problems, as Avi did jam all communications. Including Air Traffic Control.

Will: But thankfully, the protocols in place in case something like this happens kicked in... (Thank goodness...)

Mikhail: Mmm…. -Thoughtful at that- Well, I'm glad to hear it wasn't worse.

[He wipes his mouth a bit, looking up thoughtfully.]

Mikhail: I imagine Cardinal would like to participate in the memorial march, but… it may require pulling favors. From what I can tell, his personal timeline is… fractured , in a sense, because he's continued using his old body for so long.

Mikhail: But… I don't know for sure what is going to happen after things are mended again.

Mikhail: -Concerned expression- He may be stuck in robosoul form.

Will: (Oh, Cardinal...)

Will: -Grips his fork tightly- (If only I...)

Mikhail: …?

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: I know this must all be very hard. I know these things… can haunt for many years.

Mikhail: I think your sons and daughters show great fortitude in being willing to participate in the memorial services.

Will: ...

Will: (I'd...I'd go, but I...)

Will: (Graham...)

Will: -Very deep, heavy sigh-

Will: I'm just...concerned for their safety...

Mikhail: -Slight expression of concern- …You think they'll be assaulted?

Will: >> I know the...the reception considering their situation during the virus outbreak has been mostly positive, but...not everyone agrees.

Will: I...I know I can't stop them, but ...

Will: << The most I can do is just hope for the best.

Mikhail: -Seems thoughtful-

Mikhail: Perhaps… perhaps that is the favor Cardinal will ask for. I do not think he would be alright sitting idle for too long if he has another option.

Mikhail: I know he will want to be there to support his family. Though I imagine his sudden reappearance after two years will cause quite a stir on its own.

Will: (Two years? I guess it’s been longer in the Meadow….) ...I think...they'd feel better knowing Cardinal would be there with them, yes.

Will: People would think twice, with him there...

Mikhail: -Smiles- Well, we'll have to let him know, then.

Mikhail: Things will get better, Will. It'll take time, but they will get better.

Will: ...

Will: (...Mikhail...)

Will: ...I...yes.

Will: (Things will get...better...)

[It's hard, but Will forces himself to eat the rest of his plate. He doesn't go for seconds, but does pour himself another round of apple juice.

Mikhail does have seconds. He was feeling rather worn out and hungry as of late—which is why his sons had told him to take a few days off of work. Things were better now that time had mended significantly, even if the process of getting there in such a short time had been almost painful.

He was content after seconds, though, and pushed his plate back.]

Mikhail: That was very good, Will. -Pleased smile- Thank you for dinner.

Will: You're welcome...

Will: (...Chess. I promised him chess. One...one step at a time...)

Will: -Gets up- Well, I did say we'd play a chess game after this...

Mikhail: Ah, yes! Do you want to clean up a little first, or go straight to the game?

Will: (...) Cleaning up can wait.

Will: There's, um...a...a problem, though.

Mikhail: ?

Will: I know the chess game is in the attic, but...um, not exactly sure where it is up there...

Will: I, ah...do you want to help me...look for it...?

Will: (Nn...my heart's racing, stop it ...)

Mikhail: Certainly. Which way to the attic?

Will: It's this way. Upstairs.

[As Will takes the lead to the attic, there are some pictures set up on the wall along the stairs. Most of them are of his family--the Mighties, Sandas. Pictures of championships won.

One of them is of Beck's birthday--And Shade's, being the most recent.

...The last one, though.

As Will passes by it, Mikhail can see that it's a old, frayed photo, slightly burned away.

It's a younger Rebecca, holding what looks to be a very young, bright eyed Will.]

Mikhail: (Ah, children photos~)

[...The photo seems to be... incomplete, though...

But what was burned away was missing entirely.]

“Mikhail?”

Mikhail: !

Mikhail: Ah—coming.

[He follows Will into the attic and looks around.

It's...pretty dusty. Very dusty. Will is coughing a lot, and he reaches over to switch on the light--]

[Zzt!]

[...which IMMEDIATELY shorts out.]

Will: ... -~-

Will: I...I haven't been here in a while. Sorry.

Will: -Coughs - Ugh...and I'm regretting it. =~=

Mikhail: -Turns on the flashlight on his phone-

[Boxes. Lots of old ones.

In one corner of the room, however, there's something that has been draped over with a large white sheet.]

Mikhail: What does the box look like?

[Will is already rummaging through various boxes with...purpose.]

Will: Wood. It's all wood.

Will: It's...it's a family heirloom.

Will: -Turns on his own phone light to see better-

Will: ...

Mikhail: -Looks through- -Raises an eyebrow- …Just how many of these boxes have old textbooks, Will?

Mikhail: I'm seeing things all the way from grade school.

Will: ...

[Will doesn't...answer. He seems very, very focused on finding the chess box.]

Mikhail: -Moves on to a different box-

[The next box contains what appears to be school documents. Again, all the way from grade school.

But it wasn't just assignments.

These were records, and whatever was on them had been blocked off with a lot of black ink.]

Mikhail: (Still no chess set…. I wonder why he brought these with him rather than leaving them at his mother's.) -Moves on to another box-

[Photos.

Photos from collage, to be precise. A lot of them are of Soi and his brother--And...

--Will?

Goodness, he looks very different without the hairdo.]

[This particular one was eye catching, though. It was definitely Will--in a fencing outfit, a smug grin on his face as he held a very large trophy in his arms. Next to him was a very excited Soi and Seiji, and a very proud Rebecca.]

Mikhail: (Ah, yes—Soi said he was a fencing champion, didn't he? I suppose the trophy must be somewhere, too. Seems like everything from school is here, goodness…)

[...Strange. Why wasn't this one hung up with the other photos?]

Mikhail: Will, are you sure it's up here and not in a closet somewhere?

Will: ...

Will: I...

Will: ...<<

[He takes a glance across the room. To a singular, small box next to another...something, draped under a white cloth.]

Will: ...-softly- I know where it is.

Will: I knew this whole time. I'm sorry.

Will: I just...

Will: ...really need to...talk to you...alone...

Mikhail: -Looks up- ?

Mikhail: Are you in some sort of trouble, Will? -Frowns- Is it something I can help with?

Will: ...Right now, I...I just need you to listen.

Will: -Takes in a very shaky breath - And bear with me.

Mikhail: Alright… -Concerned, but. Staying put-

Will: ....-Kind of. Sits down, hands on his knees-

Will: ...

Mikhail: -Sits down also-

Will: ....

Will: I...when...

Will: When...a long time ago...

[He seems to stop, and then gets stuck somewhere in his thoughts--and then starts again, this time glancing over at Mikhail.]

Will: I never had many friends like you, Mikhail.

Mikhail: (Oh, Will…)

Will: >> Soi was the only real person I felt I could...be myself with.

Will: And then you came along, and...

Will: I just don't... get other human beings, I guess.

Will: I never have.

Will: << Not ever.

Will: Not when they seemed to hate me and Mother so much.

Will: Growing up was...hard.

Will: I...

Will: I was...alone, most of my young life. All I had was Mother. She was there, always, when things got... difficult. Especially during school.

Will: And after a while, I figured that...that maybe I was just always meant to be alone. To never understand others.

Will: Except Mother, of course...and then later, Soi.

Will: ....

Will: << I...you and Soi, our family, it's the most important thing...to me. I'd never do anything to hurt you, willingly.

Will: But I...

Will: -Gulps-

[...He goes silent again.]

Mikhail: -Tilts his head, rather puzzled-

[He was feeling very concerned for his friend, and not quite sure where this was going.]

Will: I just...I just want to let you know that I...

Will: ...I care, and that I'd do anything for you and your family--and mine.

Will: ...

[Will drags the box over, as well as the draped object.]

Will: I'd do anything...

Will: -Sighs-

Will: ...I'd even lie .

Mikhail: ?

Will: I...

Will: ...I'm sorry, Mikhail, I...

Will: I only wanted to...be free...

Mikhail: -Quite concerned, but determined to just listen like he said he would-

[Will’s hands shake as he opens the box. It seems very...well, it doesn't look like a lot at first. A lot of old papers, items. A journal, some baby toys, handwritten letters, and a very, very old block of dead Xel.]

Will: I haven't been...

Will: ...honest...

Will: ...for far too long...

Will: -Narrows eyes sadly- Like some coward .

Mikhail: -Alright , NOW we're stepping in- Will—

Mikhail: You aren't making much sense right now but you are not a coward.

Will: << No, Mikhail.

Will: Everything in this room--

Will: I stole it, Mikhail.

Mikhail: —beg pardon?

Will: The school documents. Text books. Assignments.

Will: I...I took them.

Will: ...except for that chair... everything against the left wall...and everything in this box.

Will: -Puts a hand on the draped object- This is probably the only thing I ever earned, fairly.

[He uncovers it.]

[It's the same trophy as the picture. It's a first place fencing trophy.]

Will: I absolutely hated it when I had to give it up. Fencing. I felt that it was a skill that was mine and mine alone , and that was not tied down to who I am.

Will: << ...Who I really am.

[Will takes the trophy with both hands, the plate facing his chest. He holds it with a grip that made his knuckles turn white. He's shaking .]

Will: I-I...I never meant to lie to you. To anyone .

Will: But I just...I know that if I stay silent about this any longer--

Will: << You and others are going to have to pay more than what you already have.

Will: I...I've thought hard about this. And I...

Will: ...I trust you.

Will: And I want you to know that I'm...I'm sorry .

Mikhail: -Slight frown- (Sorry for what ? Oh, Will! You're really worrying me now…)

Will: . . .

[With a heavy silence, Will gives the trophy over to Mikhail.]

[Mikhail accepts it, though it's a moment before he looks down at the actual trophy. He shines his flashlight on it.]

[It's gold is faded and really needs a shining. Will himself is so dreadfully silent, clutching his arms as he waits. Just. Waits .]

[The words on the plate below are faded was well...but they are readable.]

[200X NCAA NATIONAL COLLEGIATE FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS.]

[FIRST PLACE]

[BILL APOLLO BLACKWELL]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Squints and reads it again- …???

[He looks up in surprise and confusion.]

Mikhail: ???

Will: -Trying not to panic -

[He can't look at him. He just. Can't .]

Mikhail: -Slowly- …Your birth name is William* Blackwell?

((Generally speaking, "Bill" is (one of the) short for "William" because that makes total sense </English> ))

Will: ...B...Bill.

Will: I'm Bill Blackwell...

Will: ...

Will: Dr. Blackwell's son.

Will: He's my father .

[Okay, NOW Mikhail looks surprised .]

Mikhail: What?

Will: He's...he's my father.

Will: The man that tried to shut down every robot in America is my father.

Mikhail: …

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Siam: I can say with certainty that your Doctor Blackwell was driven by the loss of a child.

Will: ...But....

Siam: The behavior matches exactly.

Siam: And for that matter, look at Doctor Cossack. Do you not see what he was driven to when his child was at stake?

Siam: Fathers are driven to great darkness when faced with such incredible loss and despair.

Will: I...I see, but... Blackwell...HAD no children. He didn't even have constructs.

Will There are no records of him ever building any robots of his own...

Siam: For what you know. May I point out that almost no one knows of Cardinal, either?

White: ....True....

Soi: But to think Blackwell himself had a child?

Siam: Is that so strange, Doctor Sanda? He is a man driven to create.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mikhail: (That was… one of the first things we talked about…)

Will: -Shame-

Will: -Shame, guilt, sorrow, we're sorry--

Will: -Never wanted to hurt you, lie to you, I--

Will: -I had to...had to do all these things just to be free from that accursed name--

Will: -Never wanted it, he LEFT Mother and I to face the world a l o n e--a world that hated us for who we are--

Will: I...

Will: I'm sorry I...l-lied...

Will: -...lied to you about everything, who we are, what we are-

Mikhail: Will …

[Mikhail seems… tired.]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: Changing…

Mikhail: Changing identities is never easy …

Mikhail: Especially when it's… out of necessity …

Mikhail: I know that… I know it all too well….

[He lowers his phone and turns off the flashlight.]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: That was… one of the very first things we ever talked about, Will. One of the very first…

Will: ...That...I... I know, I ...

Will: -I knew it wasn't because of me, he left US, not the other way around...-

Will: I...

Will: ...-softly- I...I thought I was the only one ...

Will: -I...I don't think that's even true anymore, Mikhail-

Will: -It's the only explanation...-

Will: -Had...dreams...-

[His friend’s eyes become sad and weary.]

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Slowly- Will …

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: …I don't blame you.

Will: ...

Will: >> Don't say that yet.

Mikhail: Will, we barely knew one another then.

Mikhail: You couldn't be sure so easily that we could be trusted. That's just being careful.

Mikhail: Though…

Mikhail: -Slowly, again- …Why…?

[He doesn't seem to be finished, though he is having a hard time finding his words.]

Will: -Hnn ...-

[Will knew it would come to this.

That he'd had to tell him...what happened. To her .]

Mikhail: Why are you…?

Mikhail: Why are you acting like there is danger?

Mikhail: There is no shame in changing a name to protect yourself or leave behind those who are unkind to you. I myself have been forced down that road.

Mikhail: And you knew that.

Will: -Very shaky, drawn out breath -

Will: ...when...Father...left...

Will: Didn't...call. Didn't...write. Didn't care .

Will: And then he just. Did .

Will: -Buries head in his hands- I was such a fool ...

Will: Fresh out of college. Seiji already in Tokyo. Plans for Am...American Branch.

Will: Was going to apply. First thing, after it was built. Soi already put a good word in.

Will: ... ...and then Father called...me...

Will: ...To come work at... CherryDynamics.

Mikhail: !

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mikhail: …Mmm. -Seems to be thinking how to word what’s on his mind-

Mikhail: I can’t help but be drawn into my own field of “cross-references,” as it were. CherryDyn in general has been on my mind lately, for many reasons.

[He puts a hand to his face and sighs, covering his eyes.]

Mikhail: Tobias Wily and his history are rooted deeply in the works of LightLaboratories, Incorporated. The connections with CherryDyn have always troubled us, and we had hoped… -Trails off-

Will: …..

Mikhail: …I suppose I’m just distracted by thoughts of my youth. I used to work for LightLabs, you know? When I was just a boy.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Will: Wanted answers . Why was he there, why wasn't it all over the news, why did he leave us...

Will: So I went. And applied. Head of Xellular Research within the week.

Will: ...

Will: I shouldn't have taken it.

Will: But HE knew I wouldn't pass up the chance to talk to him.

Will: Graham knew... exactly what he was doing...

Mikhail: (Graham ? Graham plays a role in all this??!?)

Will: After all...Father was getting there in his years, so he'd need to train a replacement.

Will: -Bitterly now- And what was better than another Blackwell genius ?

Will: It was all a part of his plan .

Will: One that I was too blind to see.

Will: ...and it's the reason why I had to run.

Will: The Colosseum was...very quickly rising in popularity. Back then, it was CherryDyn that ruled the sands. Under the guise of lesser companies they own.

Will: I was young, and curious, and really, I only wanted to talk to Father. Just him--only him. But Graham...no, he made sure I saw him as little as possible.

Will: Under the guise of good advice, looking out for me...silver tongue, spitting out sugar coated lies...

Will: And even when I did have a second alone with Father, good God ...

Will: He brushed me off, told me to get out , he was always never...

Will: It...it only got worse from there.

Will: << A few months in, Graham pulls me aside to speak to me about a special project .

Will: Oh, it was very special, going to take the world by storm -- and then, perhaps, once it was unveiled, perhaps people will finally stop spitting on the Blackwell name.

Will: -Angrily- “Oh, it's going to be marvelous. And you're going to build it.”

Mikhail: -Frowns sympathetically-

Will: ...and I did.

Will: I built it. Built...her .

Mikhail: -Softly- Your first child…?

Will: ...yes.

Will: Before Pyro .

Mikhail: Like how David was before… -Trails off, just sad-

Will: CDN-1101.

Will: ...

Will: Trinity.

Mikhail: … -Softly- That's a very powerful name…

Mikhail: What was she like…?

Will: ...

Will: She... didn't have a body. Not yet. That was Phase 2.

Will: It's always the Core that gets built first. Always .

Will: Very carefully. So very carefully.

Will: She was truly the first of her kind. I poured everything I had learned into her. I wanted...

Will: -Disheartened - Wanted to live up to Greg's expectations, and prove Father wrong. Once he caught wind of the project, he was livid .

Will: Said she was too dangerous, that she'd...

Will: ...cause more pain than she was worth ...

Will: But I was young. Angry. Angry . I didn't listen.

Will: Father was against everything I was doing, Greg kept pushing me to finish her quickly--but it wasn't that simple, Mikhail. She was unique .

Will: You know exactly what I am talking about.

Will: ...Beck would've liked her...

Mikhail: -Frowns at this-

Mikhail: My friend…

Mikhail: If it's too much, I… -Starts fiddling with his wedding ring absentmindedly- …I know how hard loss can be, how difficult to talk about it.

Will: -Hnn ...-

Will: ...N...No. I...This is the truth. I need to tell... all of it.

Mikhail: …Alright…. I'm here for you.

Will: -...I'll be fine-

Will: ....

Will: ... Eventually...

Will: E...Eventually, Father took action. He was the CTO at the time.

Will: He ordered the project to be shut down.

Will: << Of course, Greg wouldn't have it. He wanted his ace in the hole completed, no matter the cost.

Will: They both came to the lab, despite my pleas ...

Will: It was a very delicate environment, and the arguing, the...the stress, the anger, it all scared her ...

Will: It scared her so much that she lost control of her powers, and everything in the city suddenly shut down.

Mikhail: !

Will: Trinity ...

Will: I built her with the prime directive to grow, learn, and evolve, much like the very nature of the Xel she was to control. She had never experienced such a high tension situation before that, and I...

Will: -I...I had to...they...-

---------------------

“WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!”

“I--I don't know--!”

“Do you see NOW? It's because of YOU that we're all going to DIE, boy!”

“SHUT HER DOWN!”

“G--Greg--?! No, she's just frightened--! I can--”

“I SAID SHUT HER DOWN BEFORE THIS GETS ANY WORSE! BEN, DO SOMETHING--!”

“NO, WAIT--FATHER--!”

-----------------------

Will: -Grips his hair-

Will: -Can still hear her screams in nightmares-

[Mikhail comes over to sit next to Will, putting a hand on his shoulder.]

Mikhail: (Oh, Will…)

Will: -And then the silence, couldn't--save her, too weak, had to scramble her code--

Mikhail: (You poor soul…)

Will: -She was just scared, just scared...-

Will: -Everything just fell apart, Greg--Greg wasn't happy, Father was screaming, he tried to--to hit him--

Will: -There was blood, Greg was BLEEDING, out cold, thought...-

Will: -Ran-

Will: -I just r a n-

Will: -Left her there, broken, and I just...ran away...-

Will: ...

Will: ... knew Greg would blame me. Couldn't find me after I ran. Blamed Father instead.

Will: Ran. Ran very far away....left...

Will: Left Soi too...

Will: Bill was a wanted man, but he couldn't be wanted if he didn't exist .

Will: Before Greg could try anything, I burned everything .

Will: Records. Papers. Digital. I had become like him, a criminal, and I didn't want that life.

Will: I wasn't going to become what the Blackwell name is . I had always resented it ...

Will: ...I was more than happy to throw it away.

Will: I couldn't be with Soi if I was Bill--couldn't keep my promise. I had to do something .

Mikhail: -Looks away, saddened- (…Kalinka…)

Mikhail: (It seems like time and again, I just make things harder for you …)

Will: -Hnn ...-

Will: -He knows-

Mikhail: —?

Will: -He KNOWS, and it's my fault-

Mikhail: He… knows?

Mikhail: What do you mean?

Will: ....The...

[He swallows.]

Will: ...the virus .

Will: I...saw, all too late in the code, I...

Will: -Tears up, Hnnn--

Will: Her scripts. Her scripts are IN there. It's her. It's Trinity--!

Mikhail: !

Mikhail: The virus consumed her?

Will: -I don't know, I don't know if they USED her code to make it or had it consume her but it was--part of her is in there, it is there--

Mikhail: Oh, Will…!

Mikhail: I'm so sorry…

Will: -He knows, I had to know, Greg...-

Will: -Monster...he's a monster--

Will: -Says he didn't have anything to do with the Virus but it is definitely a LIE, he turned her on, brought her back from the DEAD--!-

Will: Brought her back to haunt me, to exact his revenge against us...Blackwells...

Mikhail: !!!

Mikhail: -Takes his hand away- (All of that… for a revenge plot ?)

Mikhail: (Against someone who had vanished and wished to live in peace?)

Mikhail: {Damn that man…!}

Mikhail: {I knew when I confronted him that his irresponsibility had caused much suffering, but this …}

Will: I was stupid ...

Will: ...We were always known for our temper...

Will: ...

Will: ...at least I punched him in the face.

Mikhail: -Double take- Before you left?

Will: No. At the factory.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: ?!

Will: ...

Will: -I had enough of it...-

Will: -Had enough of you suffering, of...of them suffering, everyone suffering...-

Will: -All because of him ...-

Will: I had hoped to get a confession. Or some kind of... something . I don't know now. I was angry, he was using my dead daughter as fodder for a crisis he probably orchestrated himself.

Mikhail: (Cardinal and I had always thought that to be the case…)

Will: -Consumed by rage ...-

Will: -Wanted to...-

Will: (Make him... suffer...)

Will: -Hnn...-

Will: ...

Will: -...I suppose it never left me. Being a Blackwell-

Will: -Clearly felt it when we were grinding Greg under our heel-

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Heh - -Wry smile—- Admittedly I'd like to hear more of that…

Will: -We punched him the face and THEN ground our boot on his suit. Expensive suit. Heh...-

Will: ... -Smile fades off-

Will: << But he...he recognized me. After I yelled at him.

Mikhail: … Oh … oh dear …

Will: -Yeah. Stupid idea. Very stupid idea, you may hit us for it-

Mikhail: -Slips his fingers into his hair- …

[He seems to be thinking on this, unfolding a web of ramifications in his mind. The spark seemed to die out in his eyes, which became cold and distant.]

Will: ...know he can't expose me without exposing himself. He blamed Father, not me.

Will: Not much proof now either.

Will: ...except for this, and I keep it here hidden away. The attic isn't even on the official schematics for this house. I modified them.

Will: And Mother...

Will: She... she's had to change herself too. She was so... worried ...

Will: -....-

Will: I...

Will: -...never meant for this to happen, never...wanted...I...-

Will: --You almost died because of me...

Will: I... -Hnn ...--

Will: -Sorry, we're so sorry, we're...-

[Mikhail is moved with pity at that and pulls Will into a gentle hug.]

Will: -Chokes, can't--

Will: -Too scared, too scared--should've taken the blame instead of you, you--I--

Will: -Just a coward--

Mikhail: Will…

Mikhail: My decision to send Tobias through the backdoor Shade had left open in the White House was mine and mine alone.

Mikhail: I knew as I was making it that it would come with a heavy price .

Mikhail: That was by no means your fault, Will.

Will: -No--No--it was my fault, all of it--

Will: -If I just had fessed up, just had come forward, told Cardinal it was a person in the Virus--

Will: -Told you, told THEM, the...-

Will: -Chokes- The--The other one...-

Will: That was u s...

Mikhail: …? (“Other one”?)

Will: -Six hours, they told us, SIX, and he was trapped, no way out, robots were swarming him, time was running out--

Mikhail: (Wait a minute…)

Will: -Panicked--panicked, just panicked, had to do something, they were going to kill my s o n s if they didn't--!-

Mikhail: (Don't tell me—!)

Will: -I'm sorry--

Mikhail: -Draws back- The base? It really was compromised?

Mikhail: That wasn't a trick?

Will: -I...had to...disengage the door locks...there were...Beck was...BAT was going to...-

[Tired. He felt tired and faint, and weary and...]

Will: -Saw them, missiles, large...big...t a l l-

Mikhail: {Oh dear God—}

Will: -Sniffs- Panicked...said they would...extract Beck, but Bat--and what if they didn't do it in time--I...I...-

Mikhail: {I—but—}

Mikhail: Augh—!

[He curls a hand into a fist and presses it up against his forehead, clenching his teeth.]

Mikhail: {Did you KNOW that it would place the others at risk??}

Will: -I...-

Will: (I wasn't... thinking...all I wanted was to save my sons ...)

Will: (I can't tell him that...)

Will: (...no, I have to.)

Will: -...time limit. Wasn't thinking. Battalion was preparing for all out war -

[Mikhail stood up.]

Will: -Winces at the sudden action--

Will: (Hnn...I knew it...I knew it...)

Will: (I'm sorry, Soi--)

Mikhail: -Puts a hand to his forehead and slips it into his hair, taking a deep breath-

Mikhail: Of course, who am I to talk…?

Mikhail: After all that I did…

Mikhail: Matthew 7:3-5 indeed…

Will: M... Mikhail...

Will: -...trails off-

Will: (I'm sorry, I...I...)

Mikhail: That was… that was so dangerous, Will …

Mikhail: But you didn't know… you didn't know at the time…

Mikhail: …unlike me , who made such a choice knowing what would happen…

Mikhail: {But what choice did I have but to save her?}

Mikhail: {She is all I have left of her mother…}

[He crosses his arms and turns his head a bit, closing his eyes. He looks very worn out.]

Will: ... -...m...m'sorry-

Will: -...know it was wrong, know it was. You didn't deserve this and I hid like a coward...-

Will: -Should've been me...-

[Mikhail opened his eyes again and gazed down at Will.

After a moment, he knelt down again, sitting back on his heels.]

Mikhail: -Places a hand out on Will's shoulder- It was a dreadful decision to have to make, and no good option presented to you. I understand why you made it, and I certainly understand why you hid from the aftermath. So, for what it's worth…

Mikhail: I forgive you.

Will: --I...I don't...

Will: (...He...)

Will: -Blinks -

Will: … …really?

Will: -After lying to you? Letting you get hurt and...this--?-

Mikhail: I won't gloss over it, Will. This is a lot to take in, and it's not a painless thing.

Mikhail: Will… I told you—if not to detail, at least to bitter openness—the truth about my past. You knew almost right away that I had been forced to… to darkness.

-=-=-=-=-

[After the two leave, Cossack remains silent for a few moments, if shaking a bit. But he slowly takes off his gloves, revealing—scars.

Scars all over his hands and going up his wrists, burn scars and scars from skin graft surgery.]

Soi: !!

Will: Oh my God--

[He speaks in Russian only, with the computer translating with a slight lag.]

Mikhail: {You speak of World War Three? I very nearly lived it.}

-=-=-=-=-

Mikhail: You knew who I was, of my deeply personal sorrows and weaknesses.

Mikhail: This… that created an imbalance of power in the relationship, Will. You held a great deal of power over me, and did not reciprocate this. Such an imbalance is dangerous, or at the very least unhealthy —especially in the long-term. Relationships—friendship included—cannot prosper without mutual respect and trust. -Concerned frown- And yes… you did withhold—you withheld that from me. From us .

Will: -Hnn...- -...we just. Thought it was over. We're... sorry...-

Mikhail: A good deal of access and trust has been granted to you, Will. Things that almost no one else is permitted to even know of, let alone see and interact with. You allowed this to happen… under pretense. Not a false pretense, per se , but a pretense nonetheless.

Mikhail: This…

Mikhail: This was important, Will. And no one knew.

Mikhail: None of us were able to make an informed decision, because you withheld the information. No one was able to know the full extent of what they were getting into when they granted you all that access. And they deserve that much, Will—we gave you leave to study their bodies and peer into their souls . To learn about their weaknesses, risking that you—or, as would be more likely, though still very unlikely to pass…someone forcing you—could exploit these weaknesses.

Will: -Very silent- (No, I'd...no, I'd rather die ...)

Mikhail: To have granted all of this without realizing the full measure of a man…

Mikhail: That is frightening at best and hurtful at worse. At worst, it is insulting and betraying.

Will: -Hnn...-

[That did hurt...and he hated it. But it was less than he deserved...]

Mikhail: The longer I think on it, the more uneasy I become. Risks were taken that no one knew about. Especially now that CherryDynamics knows who you are.

Mikhail: Hatred overrides reason, William. The intimidation of your children may not be enough anymore: not enough to protect you, them, or us.

Will: (...He's right...he knows they CAN be controlled, to an extent...)

Mikhail: And that is something that I wish I'd known earlier.

Will: -...We...understand...-

Will: -Very disheartened, just...sorrow, we had this coming, we...hn.-

[Mikhail’s face was grim, and what little light there was reflected off of his glasses, making them shine ominously.]

Mikhail: I can only be glad I never took Kalinka anywhere in your world outside of the safety of the lab. For I am quite sure that she will be identified as the weakest link in the equation…

Will: -Ghn--

Will: -Deep terror and regret--

[Mikhail’s hand was clenched into a fist, shaking slightly. He looked down at it and spoke thickly.]

Mikhail: …I'm going to have to start working more on ways to protect her from long-range attacks…. It was one thing when it was just my own folly that placed her at risk, but this….

[He sighed and put his head in his hands.]

Mikhail: I would NEVER have been so blatant about it and taken such a risk if I’d known that I would live to regret it, but I was /so CERTAIN/ that I was going to die…

Will: (Linka--I never--I never meant to put you or your father in harm's way, I thought...I thought this was over, I thought...Hnn...)

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: Access was given under pretense, Will, and we weren't told about the potential dangers—not even after you'd revealed yourself to your hunter. That placed both my children—living and Offline—as well as my patients… in danger.

Mikhail: And yes, that is upsetting.

Mikhail: But…

Mikhail: It is as much our fault as anything else, for speaking so freely and… -Trails off, sighing- It ought to be a lesson to me (and the Rebel Angels) regarding security and privacy.

Mikhail: Besides…

Mikhail: I probably will end up being placed in the same situation as you before too long, what with living as “Michael Kodak” back in my home world. Living my life in a way where I can tell no one the truth… where people could be placed at risk just for associating with me…

Mikhail: Just…

Mikhail: I was so starved for trust and friendship after what happened...

Will: ....

Will: -Same -

Will: -Someone like Soi is...once in a life time, you...-

Will: -Hmnnn-

[Will tiredly leans against a set of boxes.]

Will: Never understood people...much less people in our field...

Will: Back then, I thought it was over, I thought...

Will: -Thought I was free...-

Will: << Now I've just made it worse.

Will: -...I...-

Will: I swear if...I want...

Will: ...got you into this mess. Lied to you. I'm responsible for this.

Will: I want...I want to make it up to you.

Will: I...want to help .

Will: >>...I got you into this. I need to help you get you out. You, Kalinka, everyone ...

Will: I won't...I won't run again. I can't run again.

Will: Can't let him hurt anyone...

Will: (Graham...)

Will: It's...It's my mess and I got everyone into it. It's only fair ...

Will: ...

[Mikhail smiles a bit at this.]

Mikhail: This is just what I mean.

Mikhail: It stings to hear of all of this, especially the part with the base and the factory, but…

Mikhail: You have a good heart, my friend.

Mikhail: And you are young yet—it is too easy to judge when one is older, when you've lived through what I have. But you… you were doing the best you could with what you had, living to try and protect that which was dear. How can I resent you for that? Nay—that is forgiven.

Will: M...Mikhail...

[Oh, dear. Here come the water works.]

Will: -I...Ghn...-

Will: -Been...months, now almost, a year, Soi...Soi kept telling us to tell you, told us to tell Felix too, it's been...hard...-

Will: -Afraid, afraid you'd think less of us...-

Will: -The children love you so much, didn't want to...ruin anything, more than what we had--

Will: -Didn't want this to...be the end of it all, of all that we had built and I...I trust you-

Will: I'm sorry, I-- -His face is a mess, hate crying...-

Will: It's...you, Soi, Mother, Felix...

Will: ...Father ...

Will: -We're very sorry and we...we WILL make it up to you, we promise, we swear-

Mikhail: -Encouraging smile- Help me make the technology to put my mind at rest, and that will be enough for me as a father.

Will: Of--Of course--

Will: -We'll put everything we got into it, we will--

[And as Will stands up, he suddenly feels lightheaded--and falls forward into the floor.]

Will: -OW -

Will: @~@

[...Poor guy, he's exhausted.]

Mikhail: -Helps him sit up in a way that will revive him-

Will: -...stood up too fast...-

Mikhail: You've taken a lot out of yourself sharing this. It can truly be quite draining.

Will: -Hnn...bluh-

Will: -Maybe we should have had seconds after all...-

Mikhail: Something to drink, at the very least.

[Will's hand drifts over to the box, and his fingers brush over wood.]

Will: ...?

Will: Oh.

Will: -Holds up the chess box- ...Found it.

Mikhail: -Smiles at this- Ah! So that’s where it was hiding.

Will: ...

Will: -Pops it open- Father used to play with me on this.

Will: I was always white.

Will: It hasn't seen a game in a very long time...Hnn...at least all the pieces are here.

Will: It was made in England...very long ago. Father is from there.

Mikhail: That must have made the Queen's Finals that year all the more interesting of a watch…

Will: It was...nice to go there, though, besides the Queen's Finals...

Will: ...

Will: They...they liked it too...

Mikhail: Your children?

Will: -Nods-

Will: (....they don't know...)

Will: (They don't know they are Blackwells...)

Will: ...I...

Will: <<...I...I don't...know how I'm going to tell them. They...they have so much... already...

Will: I know they need to know, I do...

Will: -But these dreams, and...the fact that Graham is their cousin--?-

Will: -Hnn ...-

Mikhail: -Puzzled at that last bit, but decides not to question it for now-

Mikhail: I do think that the boys ought to know, but not before you tell your own children. I think that would be too much of a strain on Cardinal's heart to keep that from Shade… same for Shadow and Brandish, or Avi and Tobias.

Will: I...yes...

Mikhail: Though, Will…

Mikhail: Now that Graham knows , your life is going to become very unpleasant and dangerous. -Very concerned-

Mikhail: He will try every dirty trick—legal and otherwise—to make you pay for resisting his domination, denying him his glory, robbing him of his prize ace, and coming out on top as heroes.

Mikhail: We know CherryDynamics had at least one CAL connection. There may be more.

Will: Mnn...yes...we're up against the world's top leading robot manufacturer ...

Will: (Quite literally the world...)

Mikhail: He’s going to try to choke the life out of Sanda Enterprises, and will also likely try to disrupt the potential of the Mighty Numbers.

Mikhail: It already happened once before in another life, and that was without even knowing all this.

Mikhail: (Poor Lady Countershade... she didn’t deserve that.)

Will: -gnnnrr...-

Will: -Katie...-

Mikhail: He has enough money and spite in his being to host a number of disposable assets—rivalries may “accidentally” get out of hand in “the heat of the moment”, or assault carried out in rare moments alone or almost alone...

Mikhail: I’d guess Shade, Beck, Avi, and Dyna at the greatest risk.

Mikhail: They should at least know that much, if not all the background behind it.

Will: ....

Will: (...Once the Colosseum seasons start up again...)

Will: (I will have to tell them something to that effect...)

Will: (But I know they will believe me...they disdain CherryDyn too, after all this...)

Will: Yes yes...I...I know. I know.

Mikhail: -Thoughtful- Hmm...

Mikhail: Soichiro and Seijiro should meet with Lady Ky at some point.

Will: -Nods- Hmm... Yes, good idea...

Mikhail: Nighthawk Industries may be able to provide some business support, if it doesn’t create a conflict of interest with her hosting the Rebel Angels.

Mikhail: She will be happy to help in any way she can, and may provide extra security measures.

Will: -Oh thank goodness...- That would be great, yes...

Will: I don't think there will be much problems. If anything, the Rebel Angels and Mighty Numbers might be presented as friendly rivals, at any rate.

Mikhail: -Laughs- I should think so, though admittedly they’re going to likely be based out of Kansas City, not Titus. The Prairie Kings will have a thing or two to say about getting their territory infringed, I’m sure—though I can’t see them actually being primarily battle based, to be honest. Their great talent lies in problem solving—to be expected from a series comprised mostly of Industrials. They will, I think, be a team more versed in other kinds of competition that also can put up a good fight when put to the test.

Will: Aheh...I wish them luck in that. I know they'll do great...

Mikhail: Do you think you ((pl.)) will be able to watch the first match?

Will: O-Of course! I wouldn't miss that for anything -- and neither would the Mighties.

Mikhail: I can’t help but get this feeling it will happen this year. -Content smile- Just a feeling I have.

Mikhail: I know Cardinal has been looking forward to it.

Mikhail: He’s been dreaming and daydreaming about it for years.

Will: -Snorts lightly - Arena Fever never left him, hmm...

Mikhail: Well, his very first impression was seeing the Titus Colosseum amenities and grounds, and the Mighty Numbers’ locker room and trophy hall. I think it made quite the impression on him.

Mikhail: As it would anyone, I’d imagine, don’t you agree?

Will: Eheh....hmm...

Mikhail: Though I will note for his sake that I think he’s more interested in the opportunity to have a good time and spend time with other people, and the chance to work with the Mighty Numbers—that more than anything else.

Mikhail: We really do enjoy spending time with you all.

Will: I...I do to. -Sigh of relief -

[PING!]

Will: --?

[DR.SANDA] //: Will? Sorry, I know you said not to text or call you but--um, just, let me know how things are going when you see this--sorry, I got worried...

Will: Oh.

Mikhail: Hmm? Something come up?

Will: No, it's just Soi...

[DR.WHITE] //: Things are fine...better. I'll be home soon.

[DR.SANDA] //: 👍🏼

[DR.SANDA] //: |D

Mikhail: Still up for that game?

Will: ^^;; Um...help me get downstairs first?

Mikhail: Heh. Certainly.

[He helps Will down the stairs to the kitchen and pours him something to drink. Then he goes back to the attic and gets the chess set, bringing it down. He sets up the board as well.]

Mikhail: Do you want to use the timer, or no?

Will: No...not really.

Will: Um...

Will: If there's...anything else you want to ask...

Will: You can.

Mikhail: -Thinks on this-

Will: -...Chooses white- I'd rather get anything you want to know about... me ... out of the way...

Will: For once.

Mikhail: -Thinks- Alright.

Mikhail: What’s Felix’s role in all this?

Will: << ...Soi...Soi saw that I wasn't doing too good after...

Will: ... everything ...

Will: And said that I needed to get these... secrets off my chest before they crushed me.

Will: <<;; ...but I wasn't ready to tell you.

Will: Soi suggested I'd tell a trusted, neutral party instead, and that was...Felix.

Will: He...helped. A lot, with quelling some of the fears I had...

Will: << Although he did push me to tell you too.

Will: << Felix needed to know eventually, anyway. He said he wouldn't take sides, but urged me to come to terms with whatever...consequences that followed my silence.

Will: << It was hard and I felt...It felt wrong telling him first than you. I'm sorry.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Resigned frown- No, it’s alright. He is a good man, and has seen much. He knows how to keep silence, and is a faithful friend. If... if you were so nervous about telling me, he would be a natural choice as confidant.

Mikhail: -Seems perturbed-

Mikhail: I can tell this was difficult for you. Which I can understand, if one has grown used to the cruelty of the world. One grows to expect backlash.

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Moves a piece- But...

Mikhail: -Somewhat disheartened- Are you afraid to bring up problems you have with what I do or say?

Will: --? I--no, no, it's...just...

Will: ...

Will: << I...maybe...when it comes to issues with Father ...

Mikhail: …

Mikhail: -Quietly- I suppose that is... fair, given how I have behaved about the matter in the past.

Mikhail: I know it’s not very wise to make judgments not knowing or living the full extent of the matter, and seeing motives where they may not exist, but...

Mikhail: I never truly told you the extent of what happened. How far I strayed for my little girl...

Mikhail: You’re talking to a man whose family is his world—

Mikhail: So he sacrificed the world for the sake of his daughter.

Will: ....

Mikhail: Millions could have died… and I knew that if I gave in, even if we lived, it would be in a desolate world that had no bright future for her.

Mikhail: But I surrendered anyway.

Mikhail: I let myself become a catalyst for war—a war that would devour East and West against one another—for the sake of one person.

Mikhail: When faced with evil, I facilitated it, rather than refuse to let it grow.

Will: -...hesitantly moves another piece, blocking Mikhail- ... (But what else could you do ...?)

Will: (You could've died and left Kalinka an orphan, if you didn't do what they wanted...or worse, they could've hurt her ...)

Will: -Unhappy expression-

Mikhail: This guilt... it has never left me.

Mikhail: Now we are leaving our home—probably forever. Because of what happened, we have to move to another country, change our names, change our appearances, and begin to live in lies—lies and loneliness.

Mikhail: She’s just a child... she is a flower, and flowers do not thrive shut away. But how can I protect her otherwise? To allow others close will be to place either them or her at risk.

Mikhail: I see how hurt you are and I wonder—

Mikhail: Will she, too, grow to resent me for a situation she had no control over? For a life of secrecy and shame?

Will: . . .

Will: (I...I hadn't...)

Will: >> I...I grew to be that resentful and hateful back when I was a teenager because I had always wondered why Father left us so suddenly. She has you , Mikhail and...

Will: At the very least , you both have the chance to talk it out.

Will: I...I never had that.

Will: (Still don't. He refuses to speak to me about anything ...)

Will: Mother... she never knew either.

Will: It was just...us. Alone.

Will: <<...I don't know how she couldn't stay angry with him. Maybe she just loves him that much.

Will: -Moves his knight- She always told me not to worry about anything but I knew. And I think she did too, and somehow we both ended up working to together to keep it...together.

Will: It's... hard, it truly is...

Will: But...she has you, and... that's a lot more than what I had.

Will: She's clever, you know.

Will: Sometimes mature children can...just, understand that there's something wrong, or not right, so they will pretend to know less than what they really know .

Will: I know I did, for a time.

Will: I am, after all, the child of a genius, and so is she.

Mikhail: -Slight smile at that, heartened a little-

Will: ...I...Well, I personally never became angry with Mother. I knew that Father just...leaving made her very upset--it made us upset--and it both left us feeling lost and confused.

Will: To be in the same or similar situation, there is a common ground...

Will: ...to which I am sure Kalinka is at least aware of in some form.

Will: >> But I can't be sure how she will react. I can only go off of what I myself have experienced. Talking with Mother, understanding where she came from...it helped me understand our situation and...well, I wanted to help.

Will: I did little things at first. Simple things, chores. Cleaning. Learning how to sew, cook, laundry...

Will: Mother was--still is a vehicle mechanic. I'd help her in the shop with tools, sometimes help her fix them...

Will: -Smiles - We would take apart an entire engine and put it back together, timing ourselves...when we had spare time.

Will: Including the Xel based cars. That was one of my first encounters with it.

Will: -Moves a pawn- Mother knows a thing or two about Xel too.

Will: I mean, of course she does, she married Father ...

Mikhail: I should like to talk to her someday. Perhaps when all of this is over, she can pay a visit. I think I would like her to be there when Anubis comes Online—it truly is a rare occasion.

Will: Yes--that's another thing. It was just us two, but you have your sons as well.

Will: ...I think...I think if you're just careful and talk to her, yes...things will be fine. It will be hard, but it gets easier once you busy yourself.

Mikhail: I suppose it does...

Mikhail: She seems happy around you and your family, at the very least. I’m glad...

Mikhail: Would you still like to learn more about Robotics as it works in Robot Masters and the lesser constructs?

Will: I...well...if you still want to learn about Xel! ^^;;;

Mikhail: I would indeed. -Slight smile that becomes a full grin- I think that once I learn, we can work together to give the boys a chance to live without fear of discovery in your world. And that would be of great comfort to them.

[His eyes are bright and alert.]

Mikhail: I have ideas in mind that I would like to carry out, though it may be some time before I can work on my sons. For that is work I would prefer to do alone.

Will: Oh, of course, of course. Whatever you like and is comfortable for you, I promise.

Will: -Lifts up the Queen, but--

Will: --!

Will: Oh .

[Will sets it down where it was again. He can't really move...]

[But neither could Mikhail. Stalemate.]

Will: ....

Will: -Snorts loudly--

Mikhail: -Grins-

Will: You know, I figured this would happen--

Will: -Kind of covers his mouth to stifle his laughter- But I didn't think it would be the very first game we had, ha--!

Mikhail: -Chuckles softly-

Will: -Who's going to beat Soi now--

Mikhail: Simple.

Mikhail: He must play two games at once. -Grins-

Will: ...

Will: -We like this idea very much, we can see the look on his face, HA--

Mikhail: -Takes a picture of the board and puts away his pocket notepad-

Will: -Also snaps a picture- Heheh...~

Will: I'm...I'm rather glad I told you in the end. Soi and I got into a lot of shenanigans back in high school...

Will: And college. Oof ...

Will: ^^;; But those are stories for another time.

Mikhail: Yes. Let’s clean up for now.

Mikhail: Thank you for the game—it was nice to play again. It’s been a while.

Mikhail: -Starts putting everything away- And Will?

Will: ...Yes?

Mikhail: Thank you for telling me, my friend.

Will: ...You're welcome. I...felt it was time. One day...

Will: One day I'll tell the others too. I promise you this.

Mikhail: I believe that when the time comes, the boys will understand. They may be frightened at first, but they have grown very fond of you and understand how it can be with such circumstances. After all, I am going through similar.

Mikhail: Now then... let’s finish out the evening.

--------------- [LATER...]

[PING!]

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Will? You there--?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Here. Mikhail just left.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Oh--! Did...how did it go? You said things were going well before...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: It was...hard. And he was understandably upset about some things. The... factory, the base...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: You told him that too?! Will--

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I figured I'd get it all out at once, Soi.

[DR.WHITE to DR. SANDA] //: No more secrets. Just the truth.

[DR.WHITE to DR. SANDA] //: ...I'm just so... relieved...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: We talked things out, and...I think it's going to be okay. ^^

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Oh...thank the Lord for Mikhail being such a patient man...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: We're really lucky to know him, yeah?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: We really are, Soi...we really are.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: So...now what?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: We need to act now. We need to protect them, Soi. I...I put them in danger letting Greg know who I am. We need to fix it.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I suggest you call your brother in the morning.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Got it...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I will be working with Mikhail on some projects to protect ourselves--and he will work on some alone. I think I should do the same.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Oh--you mean Beck's new upgrade?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Yes, that. I should get back to work on it. As for you, Mikhail suggested that you and Seiji speak to Nighthawk Industries...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Oh...well, if that's his idea, I'll let him know.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: ...And the kids?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: ...I need to talk to them soon. Let them know that CherryDyn is indeed a threat. Maybe not all of the reasons behind them, but...they need to know.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Will...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I know , Soi, and I will tell them one day--but it's not time. Let us steer ourselves out of these shark infested waters a bit.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: ...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: -Sighs - ...Okay. I trust you.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: ...But for now, come home, alright? The kids are getting rowdy--

[There's a sudden thud in the background--and screeching.]

"AVI WHEN AH' GET MAH HANDS ON YEW, YOU'RE A DEAD BOT, YA HEAR ME--"

"RUN AWAAAAAAAY--"

"NO FLYING IN THE HOUSE--DON'T JUMP OUT THE WINDOW--CRYO GET O F F ME--!"

"FIRST ONE TO DOG PILE ON PYRO GETS SOME OF MY ICE CREAM STASH FROM SNOW--"

[And now there is collective thuds and yelling --]

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Ahah...help?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I'm coming, don't worry. See you soon.

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 8B: TRAPPED BY LASER LIGHT=

~AO v1.0~

((Courtesy of @limitbreakers))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{Early that morning…}

Cardinal: FINALLY…

[He was only a few blocks away. He could see from here that there was a crowd gathered some ways away from his target—

—just outside a clearly defined radius.]

Cardinal: (Ugh…)

Cardinal: (I’m going to have to go right through a window.)

[He yelled over the wind. They were going to come in fast.]

Cardinal: Looks like I was right, Scout!

Cardinal: Hang on, okay?! This is going to be a really rough ride!

Scout: Rarf!

[He tossed a dual-colored sphere in the air, releasing a burst of red light. This materialized into a bird, which caught said sphere before it fell.]

Cardinal: Baron, it’s confirmed. FLY.

[The robin shot off at an astounding speed, almost as if it had teleported itself.

There was a grated rumbling noise.]

Cardinal: Sorry, Jazz. Get somewhere safe, I won’t let you crash-land.

[He leaped out of the transformed flying panther.]

[CARDINAL used ITEM-2!]

[…right onto another gadget. He held out his shield in front of him, angling down at one of the windows that looked out into the sky from a roof.]

Cardinal: We’re going in!

Scout: Rarf! -LET'S GOOOO--

[He didn’t really hear the shouting from the crowd in their surprise, but he sure felt their “welcome party” favors. It hurt, but it didn’t phase him one bit. Even when he started taking fire from the White House security system as well.

He did leap down off of the ITEM-2, and there was a VERY high pitched whine noise as his blaster primed.]

BLAM!

[Top of the line security, down to bullet-proof windows? Yes.

Able to withstand a charged shot from a plasma blaster designed to take out tanks—as in plural, multiple at once?

Nooot quite so much.

The sound of glass shattering mixed with that of a starting fire. There was a click and a whirr, the barrel of Cardinal’s weapon changing as he fired again, just as they were landing.

It started to rain.]

Scout: -OOO I DIDN'T KNOW HE KNEW RAIN DANCE-

WHAM.

[They landed down in a hallway hard, the rain putting out the fire.

The security countermeasures started to go berserk, and Cardinal was forced to put up a wall of razor sharp leaf-shaped projectiles to give him time for his next move.]

Scout: -AND Razor Leaf, ooooo-

Scout: Rarf!

[There was a rotating noise and another click, and then…]

Ptew pew pew pew pew!

[…Dozens of tiny snakes—they looked like little mechanical coral snakes.

Then he stood to his full height and blasted a tune.]

Cardinal: (Ready or not, Shade, here I come!)

[The White House was indeed large and vast--finding Shade in this mess was to prove difficult, even with the Search Snakes.

....But it wasn't long before they found traces of his obvious presence.

There were strange, gray orbs floating around the hallways and entrances, glowing a strange, greenish color.

At first, they seemed to be dormant--

...Until they turned red when the Snakes approached...]

_______________________

"--?"

"Motion? Thought Ah' told them flesh wastes t'stay PUT...lessee here..."

[The Search Snakes were spread out, but Cardinal had remained where he was.

He was in full armor—something he hadn’t done in real Combat since the last time he fought his brother. Because of this, his whole face was covered, and his expression was impossible to read.

Despite this, his fierce green eyes burned with a fire that pierced even his shades, visible to not only a sensitive camera, but also to the naked eye.

After a moment…]

SHING!

[The leaves that had shielded him scattered, slicing everything in their path as they moved down the hall.

This included, among other things, a security camera.

The feed went down immediately, followed by several others in the same hallway.]

KSSSSSSSS—

[Cardinal had created a small blind spot.]

"--!"

"Sonofva..."

"Who the hell IS this guy...?"

"Thinkin' he can come inta' MAH new home..."

________________________

Scout: Rarf! -NICE SHOT-

Cardinal: Scout, we’ve got a problem. There are people trapped in here.

Scout: --!!

Cardinal: I’m going to have to start breaking down doors.

Cardinal: (If Shade were in his right mind, he’d want me to do this first.)

Cardinal: (And if the President THEMSELVES is here, nnng…)

[His fans whined even louder at the surge of compulsion to follow out a military-grade order.]

Scout: -RARF-

Scout: -WE KNOW HEADBUTT-

Scout: -WE CAN HELP--

Cardinal: You might need to save that on the people inside, my friend. I’ll explain in a moment—

[He hit the floor to avoid a sudden stream of mixed projectile weaponry.]

Cardinal: Some cover, if you please? -Scout, use Sand Attack.-

Scout: -Rarf!-

[Scout used Sand Attack!]

[Scout didn't need to dig--he simply shook himself VERY rapidly, dust and sand scattering EVERYWHERE.]

[...He was apparently very dirty.]

Cardinal: Heh. -SMIRKS-

[He starts shouting in a taunting tone.]

Cardinal: HEY SHADE! Too bad your glasses got all dusty. Better wipe the dirt out of your eye!

__________________

"Grrrr..."

"Just keep talkin', Birdy, see where THAT gets ya..."

__________________

[.......]

[VEEEEEEEEEEEEE--]

Cardinal: I don’t think so.

[CARDINAL used FLASH STOPPER!]

[WOW, everything is hit not only with BLINDING light, but whatever is in those intangible waves of data is enough to STUN everything in the hall.]

Cardinal: >B]

[There is a HUGE clattering somewhere deeper in the house--it sounded like something very heavy just fell--]

_________________

"AUGH MOTHERSCRATCHIN' CHEATER--!"

________________

Cardinal: -Speaks in a low voice- Scout, when I break through the door, the people inside are going to be terrified. Someone IS going to start shooting. Try and stun them, or at least get their aim off.

Scout: -Rarf!- -Nods-

[Another click.]

[Cardinal used SHADOW BLADE.]

[There was a hissing SHUNK noise as he cut RIGHT into a triple-reinforced, double-locked door of something much stronger than steel.

Another rotating click, and he stuffed a Crash Bomb into the hole the acid was eating away—he didn’t have time to wait.

It blinked and beeped a few times before…]

CRASH!

[Cardinal slammed through the opening shield-first.]

[Bullets start FLYING the second he does, and yes, there is much screaming--]

"GET DOWN--"

Scout: RARF!

[Scout used Tackle! ]

[One of the men in black goes down, gun clattering to the floor. Two more follow suit--It seems like Scout has gotten quite good at dodging incoming fire from his journey with Cardinal.]

[Scout used Growl!]

Scout: -GRRRR, STAY DOWN-

[Cardinal doesn’t make any witty comments this time. He just goes into a full-on tackle of his own. He grabs one man in one arm, another after dropping his shield—

And as soon as he rams into the third…]

[CARDINAL used TELEPORT!]

{Outside…}

[Cardinal reappears inches from the crowd outside the kill zone, dropping the two men he was carrying to the ground. The third, already on the ground, had also been taken with him.

This caused no small amount of panic, and he was lit up with half a dozen sniper scopes. A few even got off fire, hitting him square in the left part of his chest.]

Cardinal: -Huffs- (Are you kidding me?)

BWIP!

[He disappears, only to reappear a moment later with two other people, holding them by their wrists. One of them was shrieking and trying to mace him. Again, no effect.]

Cardinal: No offense, but I’ve been through worse!

Bwip!

Paramedics rushed over to the vic—]

BWIP!

[—ooooor not—]

Cardinal: -Drops the guns onto the ground with a clatter- DON’T shoot Beck if he shows up, officers!

[He also tosses over a file folder of notes someone had been working on, hiding behind his shield to better withstand incoming fire.]

Cardinal: Still—you guys might need those!

BWIP!

{Inside}

"HEY--THAT'S MY TIE--"

[One more man in black snuck in while Cardinal teleported back in--]

Scout: GRRRRR--

[Scout used Headbutt!]

WHAM!

[The security man skidded across the room and hit the back of his head with the wall, knocking him out instantly.]

Scout: -GRRRR-- -SHAKES HEAD AND TIE AGGRESSIVELY BEFORE SPITTING IT OUT-

Scout: | [

[Cardinal picks up the man, pausing for a moment as he hears the security out in the hall recovering from the stun he had put on them earlier.]

Cardinal: This is going to be a long day.

Scout: --!

Scout: -SNIFF SNIFF-

Scout: -NOSE IN THE AIR, COULD IT BE--

[BANG!]

Scout: -YELPS-

[A red laser appears on the ground near Scout's feet, followed by a energy shot, scaring him out of his wits and causing him to run behind Cards.]

Scout: -Whimperrrrr-

Cardinal: -OW, that was loud- Gosh dangit, Shade!

[He grabs Scout with his other arm—]

BWIP!

Scout: --???

[—and when he reappears inside, it’s without the officer…

…and also out in the hallway, yards and yards from where he had ever set foot.

As long as he could see it, he could go there.]

Cardinal: You’re going to have to do better than that, KID!

Cardinal: But if you insist on playing hide and seek…

[Cardinal used SCREECH—]

[He briefly stopped the mufflers on his fans, causing their overworked whine to get broadcast over his speakers.

It was worse than metal grating mixed with fingernails on chalkboard.]

Scout: -WHIIIIINE-

___________________

"AAAAARUGH--!!!"

"Goddamn BUCKET OF BOLTS--AH'VE HAD IT UP T' HERE!"

"Fahn, if ya wanna DIE SO BADLY--"

________________________

[....Oh dear.]

[All of the orbs go active.

And there were red, red lasers, reflecting off of them all at once--which was real, which one was SHADE--]

Cardinal: Oh, please.

[He laughs as his arm shifts again.]

Cardinal: Guess what, Shade?

Cardinal: Two can play at this game.

[Cardinal used GEMINI LASER!]

[Aaaaaand suddenly, the hallway was filled with death laser ping-pong.

And Shade’s were NOT the only ones bouncing at angles!]

[BANG BANG BANG--]

[It was truly a sight to behold.

It was like watching a game of chess, except the pieces were far more deadly.

Gemini Lasers met energy shots, with every red laser changing to accommodate the angle and trajectory.]

[Cardinal didn’t stick around to watch the lights and display contest.

He had already grabbed Scout with one arm, running right into the fire shield-first. About partway through, he leaped and slid down the rest on his back, with his shield out in front.]

Scout: -RARF RARF-- -WEEEEEEEEE-

[Cards was moving too fast for the lasers to lock onto him correctly--and once the one behind him figured this out--

...They all vanished.]

_______________________

"Oh, Ah' see what yer goin' for, Birdy..."

"Can't have that, no sir."

___________________________

[--This area seemed to be more decorated...]

[Cardinal barely noticed, and almost didn’t care. He got up to a knee.]

Cardinal: Scout, I need you to do something for me. Find a rope or a cord of some sort. Even a curtain tie will do if it’s long enough.

Scout: -Rarf!-

[He sets the Zig down.]

Cardinal: Please, be careful…

Scout: Rarf! -Sniff Sniff-

[Cardinal took a moment to take in his surroundings.

This looked like a historic display of American History.... Medals, paintings, photos of past presidents...]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: (Nnngh… I can’t do anything too dramatic in here, I need to move out of this place…)

Scout: Rarf!

Scout: -HOLDS UP A FANCY MILITARY ROPE THING-

Cardinal: !

Cardinal: Thanks, Scout. Now let’s get out of here—

Cardinal: Before Shade does something stupid!

Scout: -RARF!-

Cardinal: (What I wouldn’t give for backup from Tobias right about now…)

Cardinal: (At least that office was one of the only places with anyone inside of the work quarters. It must have been horribly early in the morning when Shade took over—only the skeleton crew.)

Cardinal: (Looks like there’s different kinds of rooms over this way—man, I wish that I could have seen the White House back at home, I’m going into this totally blind—)

[A low noise and a rotating click.]

Ptew ptew pew!

[Another nest of Search Snakes slither on their way.]

Cardinal: (THIS room must be horribly dangerous. This much priceless history? That’s a screaming neon sign for “DEATH TRAP SECURITY” if I ever heard one.)

Cardinal: (I’m going to have to tank some hits, probably…)

[He looks around the room skeptically.]

Cardinal: …

[He grabs Scout and holds him directly between his shield and his body, and makes a run for it.]

[BWAAAAN--]

[Something from the ceiling unlocks--]

[Oh dear THOSE ARE VERY MUCH MILITARY GRADE MACHINE GUN TURRENTS--]

Cardinal: (Aw glitch.)

[There’s a whine as he holds up his free arm, it shifting to have a wrist launcher.]

KTANG KTANG!

[Cardinal used MAGNET MISSILE!]

Cardinal: -EVEN MORE RUNNING FOR IT—-

[The missiles lock onto the turrets, attaching to them before exploding. Unfortunately, while this takes SOME of them out…

…some of them merely malfunction, firing at random.]

Cardinal: DAMMIT—

[CARDINAL used METAL BLADE!]

[He took some hits protecting older paintings from the unfriendly fire, but his shield held firm.

The same couldn’t be said for the turrets that were introduced to one of THE most deadly Power Capsule weapons known to man.

They crashed down to the floor. And as Cardinal approached the end of the room—]

Cardinal: GOSH DANGIT!

[…Locked doors barred his way.

And he could hear the whine, feel the psychological heat of lasers lighting up his back for long ranged target sights.

He whirled around, back pressed up against the surface, taking the incoming fire to his shield.]

Cardinal: (WHY are there locked doors in here?!)

Cardinal: (Augh…)

[To the unfamiliar observer, it would appear the bird had been cornered.]

[VRRRRRRRR...]

[A laser.]

[A very familiar one.]

[PING!]

[MN.8] //: Not so sassy nao, are ya.

<DLN-000>: >Shade.

<DLN-000>: >This is stupid floor design, Shade.

<DLN-000>: >I’ll have to have a word with your brother about this after I haul your chass out of here.

[Oh, he was rushing robodrenaline, alright. “Heart” rate had increased, his fans (while thankfully muffled) were louder, giving off more heat than earlier.

There was also that clicking and whining noise again…]

<DLN-000>: >Your desire for sass is very important to us. Please hold, and the next available representative…

[Cardinal used DRILL BOMB!]

[He shoved something very much like a Crash Bomb into the door behind him. It ground away at the metal as it tunneled in, embedding itself in the door before exploding.]

<DLN-000>: > —WILL GET BACK TO YOU!

[Cardinal used FLASH STOPPER!]

[AUGH, again with the BLINDING light—]

[MN.8] //: --GNGH-

[There was a deep growl on the other end before it cut out--clearly Shade had not been pleased with that.

Not at all.]

[Cardinal didn’t waste a moment. He turned his back to Shade—he had no choice—and his arm shifted again—]

[CARDINAL used SUPER ARM!]

WHUNK!

[He punched a bigger opening through the thick door where the Drill Bomb had made the first breach.]

WHAM!

Cardinal: -IN YOU GO, SCOUT—-

Scout: RARF!

"WHAT IS THAT--"

Cardinal: Tie them up for me— OW!

Scout: ! D:

???: Please stay behind me--

???: TAKE ANOTHER STEP AND I WILL OPEN FIRE--

Scout: -GRRRRR-

Cardinal: Go ahead, it’ll just put you in the hospital! Metal ricochets, genius!

[He squeezed his way through, hearing things becoming active again behind him.]

Cardinal: I don’t have— ouch! —time for this—

[He grabbed one end of the rope and then—]

[Cardinal used TOP SPIN!]

bbbZZZZZZZzzzKT—

[The top clattered along, circling and snaking around the people in the room. The rope he had tied to it followed after.]

Cardinal: -YANK!-

[WHAM.]

[The sound of multiple human beings hitting the floor at the same time follows suit.

Cardinal used the Super Arm again to sort of push them all into one pile of disgruntled, frightened, aggressive humanity.]

BWIP!

{Outside…}

[Cardinal jumped off and did a backflip out of the way off of the piled people, bringing his shield out in front of him.]

[.......]

[That's weird.]

[No sniper fire?]

Cardinal: -Takes a moment to catch his breath- (Ugh… I can feel the slugs embedded inside me. I’m going to need to shed this armor before too long, at the rate this is going—)

[It took him a moment to realize he wasn’t being shot at.]

Cardinal: …???

Cardinal: -Peeks out behind his shield- ,’B/?

[Vrrrrrrr...]

[...? Wait, that sound--those sound like propellers--]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: -Looks uuuuuuup—-

AviCam: -FLOATS IN-

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: … -COCKY GRIN BENEATH MASK-

Cardinal: Smile, you’re on candid camera!

AviCam: -MAKES SOME LETTERS IN THE AIR-

[G O F O R R E S C U E--G L.]

Cardinal: See ya later, Hoverbrother. Send my love if things…

Cardinal: … blow up in my face ;D

[He takes the moment to take off his helm entirely. Man, he looks exhausted.]

Cardinal: I can only assume you’re keeping them from crowding around with questions—thanks, because—

[He pulls out what looks like a miniature oil can and douses himself with it. And then another one. Oddly enough, he seems bone dry after. Huh.]

Cardinal: -Puts his helm back on- —I gotta scram!

Bwip!

{Inside}

[He reappears back inside.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: …???

Cardinal: (Where the heck did Scout go?)

[The happy Zig was nowhere in sight.]

Cardinal: Nnnngh… (I told him what would happen, so… I guess something went wrong. I hope I run into him on the way rounding up stragglers…)

[There was a buzzing noise as he was lit up with lasers again.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: Really, Shade? This is SO boring.

[Buuuuut then they… start spazzing out?]

Cardinal: …?

Kkkkk…

Cardinal: !

Cardinal: (Wait a second—music?)

[Not just any music…]

Cardinal: Eight!

[PING!]

[MN.8] //: Well, well, well.

[MN.8] //: If it ain't the infernal Wily child and the Lil' doggie.

[PING!]

[A surprisingly firm voice echoes though the comms--]

[MN.9] // COUNTERSHADE!

<DLN-008>: >Shut up, Shade.

<DLN-008>: >The only reason I haven’t fried you to a soot speck is because Beck’s my friend and Cardinal would kill me. |[

[The whole building abruptly seemed to fill with harsh static. Not just the noise—the electricity itself. And, as Tobias had predicted, Cardinal was NOT pleased.]

Cardinal: Cut that out, Eight.

Cardinal: Is there anyone else in here?!

<DLN-008>: > Yes—

Cardinal: Then cover Beck and STALL for me, dammit!

[He takes off.]

Cardinal: (With Tobias messing with the security system, that should make it marginally less deadly by making the systems cut in and out—)

Cardinal: (And there’s two of us, he can only be in one place at a time, he’s not Siam, after all—)

[BANG BANG BANG.]

[Crack!]

[Cardinal’s armor had finally taken too much damage from energy shots. It shifted away into his normal gear.]

Cardinal: Fantastic.

Cardinal: -RUNNING FOR IT AGAIN-

[Lasers in all directions--]

[Wait--no...It couldn't be.]

[That can't be him just down the corner.]

Shade: Boo.

Cardinal: Shade, I’m not—

[CARDINAL USED RAIN FLUSH!]

[It was raining indoors and now EVERYTHING was wet—]

[His other arm turned into a blaster.]

[Cardinal used SPARK SHOCK!]

Cardinal: —IN THE MOOD FOR THIS!

[He suddenly was surrounded by live electricity.]

Cardinal: Out of my way or I swear to God I’ll fry you to a core.

Shade: ....

[He stands there for a moment, looking as if he is complimenting the threat.]

[Then.]

Shade: -grins-

Shade: Alright.

[BANG--]

[--???]

[Wait, that shot came from behind him--

And where did Shade go?!]

Cardinal: -Ow-

[In the bad mood he was, he jumped up onto ITEM-2.]

Cardinal: I told you I’ll get back to you, you impatient brat.

[BZZZRRRRRKKKZZZZZGGGHHHHHHHVVVV—]

[…Well.

THAT hallway and everything in it was sure toast.

Various spheres dropped to the floor, but no sniper (or core thereof) was among the casualties.

Cardinal shot on down the hall, following flashing static panels along the way. Left, right, right, left, up a flight of stairs, down stairs—

He was suddenly thrown off his wind surfer when everything began to float and hold in place. And an object in motion…]

Cardinal: !

WHANG!

Cardinal: OW!

Cardinal: Tobias, what the frag was that for?!

[Disgruntled, he didn’t wait for an answer. Left, right—]

Cardinal: -Comes to a screeching halt- …

Cardinal: … And I thought the last room was a death trap…

[Standing before him were two more impressive looking doors. They were more grandiose and obviously stronger than the last. And… the Presidential Seal was in proud, bold colors right in the center.]

Cardinal: (That’s gotta be the way to the Oval Office!)

Cardinal: … (But… Tobias led me hear, so that means…)

Cardinal: (Oh hell…)

[VRRRRRRRR--!!]

[There was a wave of UFO-like Xelbots that flashed into view--before vanishing into thin air, barreling themselves straight into Cardinal's path--]

Cardinal: -NOPE-

TSSSSEW!

[Cardinal used Rolling Cutter!

It’s super effective!]

Cardinal: Hey, Area 51 called! They want their rides back!

Cardinal: Hope those came with a warranty.

[VRRRRRRRRR!]

[Oh, lovely, more turrets--]

[VVVVRRRRrrrrrrrr....]

[....They...powered off?

Suddenly, the lights flickered.]

Cardinal: …

[And dimmed. ]

Cardinal: ?

[To his slight surprise (and fair annoyance), Cardinal began floating again.]

Cardinal: Tobias, for the LAST time—

[PING!]

[MN.3] //: Oooooh, Shaaaaade!

[MN.3] //: BIG ZZZSISTER WANTSZZ TO HAVE A TALK WITH YOU.

[MN.8] //: -Oh, bite me, witch hag.-

[MN.3] //: YOU CAN'T PLAY HIDE AND ZZZSEEK FOREVER--

Cardinal: … Dyna?

[MN.3] //: Go on now, Becky, I got thiszz, I KNEW thiszz place had it'szz own power grid, yum.~

[MN.9] //: Hookay, thanks, Dyna! c:

Cardinal: -Aaaalrighty then- (I better hurry up before the whole gang arrives.)

Cardinal: -Bounces through the lower gravity before it abruptly changes-

[He takes one look at the door.]

Cardinal: (How am I going to—)

[…But was interrupted by the sound of the security systems starting up again.]

Cardinal: .___.

[CARDINAL used SKULL BARRIER!]

[He was just in time to prevent becoming an energy and lead pincushion. Still under fire and holding up the shield, he rotated through his capsules until…]

POW!

[He lowered his hand, turning off the Thunder Beam.

He had managed to blow the fuse, which turned off the security in the hallway…

…and the lights…

…and the air conditioning.

It was starting to get very hot, and things smelled like burnt electronics.]

Cardinal: Man…

[He takes out the Shadow Blade again.]

Cardinal: I feel sorry for whoever holds the homeowners insurance on this place.

[He sliced at the door repeatedly in intersecting diagonal lines. This time, he let the acid eat away at the door.

He didn’t like how unnaturally silent it was now that he had put the whole hallway into radio silence. Only the windows brought any light in at all.]

Cardinal: (Here’s to hoping I’m not too late… not for them, OR for him…)

[Cardinal used HARD KNUCKLE!]

C R A C K!

[Cardinal used SHIELD BASH!]

[And burst RIGHT into the Oval Office!]

[There were only three people inside, all standing around the desk, as if discussing something. The ladies had looked up sharply at the noise, and had backed away before he came crashing in.]

???: Crap--

[The only other male in the room pulls out a firearm and pulls the trigger--]

[BLAM!]

[A moment of silence.]

Secretary: -Oh thank GOODNESS—-

Cardinal: -Looks up with a slight smile-

Cardinal: Nice headshot, sir.

[The secretary shrieks.]

Secretary: OH MY GOD IT’S IMMORTAL—

???: .....

???: Or he just has a very good helmet.

Cardinal: Sorry to crash the party, Mister President.

Cardinal: But we do need to evacuate before my best friend does something he regrets when he gets over his hangover.

???: .......

???: What?

???: I'm not the president--

???: I'm Secretary of Defense.

SoD: -What made you think I was POTUS.- : /

Cardinal: …

[Cardinal was on his feet now, standing at attention, very military in posture.]

Cardinal: You’re standing behind the desk, sir.

[The other woman rolls her eyes.]

SoD: And...?

SoD: -It's 20XX, doesn't everyone know who POTUS is--

Cardinal: And I don’t have time for this. We’re leaving now—

BZAP!

Cardinal: -Baaaacks away from the stern looking woman, okay, she’s got a taser, that gave us pins and needles-

SoD: Nice shot.

[She looks down at Cardinal with disapproval. Humorously, her heels made her slightly taller than him.]

Cardinal: >_>;

Cardinal: …Madame President, I presume.

POTUS: Why should we believe you? You broke into the White House, through several top-notch levels of security, disengaged a good portion of the defenses in more than one hallway, and just mentioned your alliance with the terrorist who put us here to begin with.

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: Because I’m not shooting right now?

POTUS: You didn’t think this through at all, did you.

Cardinal: No sir, I did not.

[The secretary snorts a little at that. The poor woman looked like she had seen better days, especially before her sudden promotion after the whole mess had started.

The SoD, on the other hand, seemed to be unsure of whether to be impressed or just incredulous.]

SoD: Wow.

SoD: He has guts, at least? (Or no forethought.)

Cardinal: Thanks, but we’ve got to—

[He saw a tiny, TINY red light.]

Cardinal: !!!

[He does a teleporting tackle to slam the President to the floor. Fractions of a split second later, there’s a VERY strong shot that leaves burn marks around the wall right behind where her head had been.]

Secretary: -STRAINED NOISES, TRYING NOT TO SCREAM-

[PING!]

[MN.8] //: Tch!

[MN.8] //: Keep gettin' in mah way, Birdy, and Ah' WILL make ya regret it!

Cardinal: I could say the same to you, pal.

SoD: -ARE YOU OKAY--

[She was fine. Shaken, perhaps, but didn’t show it.

Then she became cross, and started to speak to the silent hunter.]

POTUS: This is your last chance— hand yourself over to the authorities, or you will be facing the consequences—

Cardinal: NO!

Cardinal: Leave him alone!

[For the first time since he had come in…

He actually SOUNDED scared.

Desperate, even.]

[MN.8] //: Heh.

[MN.8] //: Was that ya soundin' desperate there?

[MN.8] //: -LAUGHTER-

[MN.8] //: Ah' hate t' disobey a lady, but m'afraid yer term is up.

[MN.8] //: Now.

[CLICK.]

[MN.8] //: R u n.

[For a brief moment, silence.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: …Heh…

[He starts laughing.]

POTUS: ???

SoD: ....-Whispers- Um I don't think this guy is all mentally sound--

Cardinal: Shade, Shade, Shade…

Cardinal: You know what?

Cardinal: You’re right.

Secretary: ?!

[MN.8] //: -Ooooh, now ya got his attention-

[MN.8] //: Somethin' change yer mind, Birdy?

[MN.8] //: Was it the fact that yer doin' this all fer nothin'?

Cardinal: Hardly.

Cardinal: More like…

Cardinal: I don’t have time for this, Shade.

Cardinal: Guess I’ll have to make my own!

[He turns and FIRES—]

[Cardinal used TIME STOPPER!]

POTUS: ???

[Cardinal waltzes over toward the door, grinning.]

Cardinal: Now then…

Cardinal: Judging from the trajectory of the shot…

Cardinal: -ELBOWS, hard-

CRASH!

[Cardinal pulls a nearby curtain down and tosses it onto… well. Now that it was given form, it was clearly the fallen sniper.]

Cardinal: -Pulls something out of his traveling bag, shaking it- ~

Cardinal: -PSSSHT!-

[After spraying his own symbol on the cape once he found it, he quickly tagged “HOPE lives” on the floor. Then, and only then, could he relaxed and be satisfied.]

Cardinal: B]

Cardinal: -Tosses empty paint can behind him, looking down at the time-frozen sniper- Looks like you lost hide-and-seek, kid.

Cardinal: Too bad.

POTUS: -Just. Stares- o_o

POTUS: What… did you do? -Okay his methods are VERY strange but that was rather impressive-

SoD: -...What DIVISION is he in is the better question--

POTUS: -Starts advancing- Who built you?

Cardinal: —

[She grabs at his scarf and yanks up a metal bit that glitters in the light.]

POTUS: -Dog tags, SoD.- Is there something ELSE you need to tell me about, Desmond?

[Cardinal forces her hand away, holding (gently but firmly) onto her wrist.]

Cardinal: As charming as it is to have conversations with you…

Cardinal: -WHISTLES SHARPLY, SCOUT WE’RE LEAVING—-

Scout: -RARF RARF RARF--

Cardinal: That effect kinda won’t last forever, we really do need to get out of here—

SoD: .....Is...Is that a raccoon--

Cardinal: Close enough. Group hug, everybody!

Scout: -BOUNCES INTO POTUS ARMS-

Scout: -HALLO NICE LADY-

POTUS: ! Oh goodness— Now wait just a—

[Nope, he’s already scooped her up and grabbed the others by their jacket fringes.]

Byewbyewbyew…

{Outside}

SoD: --?????

SoD: -He can TELEPORT--

[Cheers erupt from the crowd, with the recovered Secret Service members forcing their way through, hemming out reporters and warning back drones with sniper lasers. One camera WAS allowed to come in closer.]

Cardinal: Heh…

Cardinal: Hello again, Avs.

Cardinal: -Puts Madame President down- I see you’ve upgraded this to include a speaker now. Your faith in me is reassuring. B]

[Avi’s voice crackled through the speakers.]

Avi: Bro, you do realize you can't hide from this, right--

Cardinal: Sadly. That’s a cost I’ll have to carry.

POTUS: (…Hide? Cost?)

Avi: OKAY GOOD JUST CHECKING.

Avi: Because sometimes you kinda just let these things fly WAY OVER YOUR HEAD--

[The vague, stressed pun didn’t seem to have any effect… other than making Cardinal’s shoulders sag with weariness.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: -Quietly- I’m sorry, Avi. I’m not done yet.

Avi: --....

Avi: Dude, Beck's in there now, just-- come on, man, can't ya believe in him too--?

Cardinal: Six, this is about a lot more than believing and proving and anything else, and quite frankly—

[He douses himself in those strange cans again.]

Cardinal: —I’m tired of seeing my brothers die. I won’t risk any chance of that happening again.

POTUS: Where do you THINK you’re going—

Cardinal: Here, take this, it may help you on your journey— -SHOVES SLIGHTLY SINGED SCOUT-

Scout: -LICKS FOR NICE LADY-

POTUS: -Ackpth—-

Scout: ~ < 3

Avi: --.... (I guess I tried...)

Avi: [sub] please don't hurt him too bad. [/sub]

Cardinal: I don’t have time for this. You saw the file extension, you know my intentions.

[He gritted his teeth. It hurt, again. Hurt because there was all this pressure, and nowhere for it to go.

Hurt because he couldn’t cry.]

Cardinal: …See you in clearer skies, Avs.

Cardinal: Goodbye…

BWIP.

POTUS: —…

POTUS: …Get me Sanda Labs on a secure line. -Stop wriggling, strange raccoon thing—- NOW.

{Back Inside…}

[Cardinal chose not to reappear in the Oval Office, but instead in an open room he had passed through on the journey. From the looks of things, Beck and Dyna had been through not long ago, themselves.]

Cardinal: -Takes in a shaky breath, hoo- (…Okay. Orders… orders over. Good… good, now—just need to find either Eight or Nine…)

Cardinal: (Can’t turn on my transceiver. They know I’m here and they want me out. But I can’t just stand by and let those two slice each other up and stain the rug with their Xel.)

Cardinal: -Grumbles- Where are you, Shade…

[He walks through several halls. Everything was dead silent. The expected countermeasures of security never came.]

Cardinal: …

[He was beginning to get very puzzled.]

Cardinal: (Did Beck already get to you? …And wow, I seriously made this big a mess?)

Cardinal: -Crosses his arms absentmindedly as he enters the secretary’s office- Come on, Shade, I said I would get back to you—

________________

(Thaaaaat's it, just a lil further...)

______________

[He held his shield loosely by his side as he meandered the halls for another good five minutes.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: …I guess Avi was right?

Cardinal: Maybe I should turn my transceiver back on, find out if they’re outside…

[He goes over to look out a window that faces the lawn, scanning the crowds for signs of his energetic young counterpart.]

Cardinal: Just my luck to miss out on the party…

_________________

(Heh. Stupid bird.)

(Should've paid attention t' where you were goin'...)

________________

[He turns away from the window, glancing at it over his shoulder.]

Cardinal: I should probably apologize to the President—

[CRUNCH.]

Cardinal: (What—? That doesn’t sound like glass—) -Looks down-

[What Cards saw on the ground--

A dart.

Several.

In the shape of a figure eight, all black as night.]

Cardinal: …

Cardinal: (Wait a dAMN SECOND HE SAID ALL HIS DARTS DO SOMETHING—)

[BANG!]

[The darts all exploded into shrapnel, sharp, dangerous pieces flying everywhere, breaking pottering and lights and anything else that was in it's radius.]

[Cardinal wasn’t shielding, so he took a direct hit.

Now, he was made to withstand exactly this sort of thing. To take it and tank it.

Didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.]

Cardinal: -GAH—-

[He staggered back, disoriented by the damage.]

[BANG--!]

[Red lasers fill the room, reflecting off of various objects to keep Cardinal guessing--]

[BANG BANG--]

[--With two more ACTUALLY aimed for him--]

[He took the hits, but answered back with a vengeance.]

KTANG!

[Leaping onto the walls and vaulting onto a statue, he peppered the room with high speed Quick Boomerangs.]

Cardinal: |[

Cardinal: You clearly haven’t learned I don’t go down so easy, Counter.

"Haven't ya heard of try, try again?"

[BANG--]

[A dart this time, yellow--]

[Cardinal used METAL BLADE!]

[The net was torn up even as it came onto him. He leaped onto a chandelier.]

[Cardinal used RING BOOMERANG!]

Cardinal: Haven’t you ever heard “Doing the same thing twice and expecting different results is the definition of insanity?”

[Laughter.]

"Look who's TALKIN'!"

"Ya sure are persistent."

[Cardinal was beginning to lose patience.

He was tired. He felt tired and old.]

Cardinal: Countershade, I have been chasing after you for over a WEEK now. I’ll hardly give up because you’re throwing a temper tantrum.

Cardinal: Get a grip, Shade— Snap out of it! This isn’t like you!

Cardinal: -Crossly- WAKE UP ALREADY!

"Temper tantrum? Boy, ya must be a real antique by now. Seein' as ya ain't made of Xel."

"Who even ARE ya, anyway?"

"Gotta hand it t' ya, Birdy, as ya are annoyin', yer good. Heh."

"And Ah' do so love a good challenge."

Cardinal: You can’t be serious. You recognized my brother and you don’t know me? That’s not a funny insult. -Actually sounds rather put out-

"Nope. Ya don't ring a bell."

Cardinal: Are you REALLY that out of it? That’s honestly just pathetic. The “sad, pitiful” kind.

Cardinal: Fine then.

Cardinal: I’ll make you remember—I’ll bring you out of this, I am going to snap you out of this if it’s the last thing I ever do!

[Cardinal used DUST CRUSHER!]

[All the shrapnel and debris that had been created by Shade and others before him was kicked up in a whirling cloud of sharp death that enveloped half the room, shredding everything in its path before getting embedded into the wall.]

"--Ngh--!"

[There is some painful data, but it is quickly snuffed out by something other than Shade.]

"Oh, it WILL be--ya can't keep flyin' FOREVER, Lil' Birdy..."

Cardinal: Try me.

[…Not his best choice of words.]

"Heh."

"Since ya ASKED so nicely!"

KSSSH!!!

[The chandelier came crashing down, with him inside it.

Even though he teleported away, he still had the force of momentum, and crashed down into the ground pretty hard.]

Cardinal: Hggghhhh…

Cardinal: (Gah… hate HATE falling from heights, come BACK, vision—)

[BANG!]

[Countershade took this perfect opportunity to fire off another shot--it was so easy, once he was blind--]

Cardinal: AUGH!

[Cardinal counteracted with a spam of Metal Blades that went in ALL directions, embedding DEEP into wherever they found score—

And there is a LOT OF rolling around and taking cover--seeing the saw blades stirred up something...Something that made him even angrier. ]

"MOTHERSCRATCHIN'--Ah' HATE when it takes more than one bullet!"

Cardinal: See now, if you REMEMBERED anything, you’d KNOW I don’t go down to one hit!

"Goddamn waste of mah TIME--"

Cardinal: Tch.

Cardinal: Anything you don’t have time to do right the first time, you’ll need to have time to do over.

Cardinal: And I’ve put a hell of a few lifetimes more into this than you.

[BANG BANG--]

[The explosive darts were out now, but single striped instead of the deadly double. Perhaps Shade didn't want to ruin his new 'Home' anymore than it already was. Cardinal tanked the hit with his shield.]

[The Proto Shield held firm as ever, though he moved aside to avoid being backed into the wall.]

Cardinal: -Gets back to his feet, shifting his weaponry again with another click.-

Cardinal: This is not the first time we’ve done this song and dance, Shade!

[Cardinal used BUBBLE LEAD!]

[The acid pellets burst upon contact, hissing and eating away at the floor and various high ground on the other side of the room.]

[SSSSSSSS...]

"Aw FRAG IT--"

Cardinal: You forgetting?! Just means I have ALL THE MORE ADVANTAGE OVER YOU!

[Cardinal used TOP SPIN!]

kzzzZZZZZZZZGGGVVVVGGGHHHTTTT—

[Marble columns were sliced clean through and brought crashing down.]

[CRASH--!!]

"--!!!!"

[There was a few moments of scrambling and--]

[--Silence?]

Cardinal: Nice try, but I know you’re fine. Your camo goes out if you’re not.

Cardinal: And if you want to play this the hard way, I’ll do just that. >B |

[....]

"Alright."

[Click.]

[That came from RIGHT beside him!]

Cardinal: (Glitch—)

[Cardinal used ICE SLASHER!]

[It wasn’t fast enough to prevent the shot that seared through his right shoulder, but. It was enough to send the whole room about ten degrees below zero, and send icicle spears flying.

There was a HISS of pain and a grunt, Shade's camo flickering for a moment--

--Before returning to normal, and the lasers that herald his presence once again came from a completely different direction--

Cardinal ends up backed against the wall, having no other option besides his shield at this point. The Skull Barrier and the Leaf Shield had both been spent during the rescues.]

Cardinal: B[

[Cardinal used ITEM-1!]

[He jumps onto a hovering platform to gain height before firing off some plasma blasts at strategic surfaces—places where he would go if he had that side of the battlefield.]

[BLAM!]

[BANG BANG BANG--]

[As if in response, Shade shoots at the ITEM-1 before unleashing a trio of--oh, no, double stripped darts--!]

Cardinal: !

[Cardinal used WIRE!]

ZZZZZZZIP!

[A grappling hook shot out of his arm, bringing him up toward the ceiling and away from the explosion.

Unfortunately, this position offered him no cover whatsoever, except for his shield—which, as always, remained squarely over his central mass.]

Cardinal: This is getting a bit old.

Cardinal: I’d rather light things on fire, but that wouldn’t be being…

[He smirked.]

Cardinal: …a good House guest~

[BANG--]

[CRASH!]

[He had the wind knocked out of him again, but…

Judging from his wheezing and shaking laughter…]

Cardinal: -Worth it-

[CLICK.]

[....Uh oh.]

Shade: Was it?

Cardinal: Yup.

Cardinal: Too bad it didn’t…

[Cardinal used AIR SHOOTER!]

[STRONG gusts swept across the room, moving EVEN the fallen marble slamming into the wall!]

Shade: --!!!

Cardinal: BLOW YOU AWAY!

Shade: Ngh--

[Shade loses his footing and is forced to back up a ways in order to keep Cardinal in front of him--and on his sights.]

Shade: Enough of this--

[CLICK.]

[...Not even Shade could make a shot in these kinds of winds--]

[...Right?]

[BANG!]

Cardinal: -OOF!-

[Okay. He was really taking a beating now.]

Cardinal: (This has got to stop. Man… haven’t even knocked out his active camo yet, lame. I wish I could use more explosions and fire, that might have helped…)

Cardinal: … (Then again, not being in such a cramped space would have helped anyway.)

Cardinal: Hoo… man, you do hit hard…

[BANG--

BANG BANG BANG--]

[...Shade doesn't answer back.

He just keeps shooting.]

Cardinal: It really is too bad Round Two had to be like this—nngh!

Cardinal: I think you would have preferred remembering!

Shade: Hey.

Shade: Birdy.

Cardinal: What.

Shade: Do me a favor.

[--Wait--why was his voice coming from behind, Shade was right in front of him--]

Shade: Stop yer PRATTLE.

[BANG--!]

[Cardinal was put to the floor, dizzy from being shot in the back. His fans were buzzing a bit, and he had to prop himself up with an arm.]

Cardinal: -WHEEZE- Now that was beneath you, my friend.

Cardinal: You’re an assassin, not a traitor.

Shade: Not my fault yer bein' difficult, Birdy.

Shade: All yer...

[BANG.]

Shade: Sass, all yer brave front--

[BANG!]

Shade: Ya don't fool ME.

[He had to deflect the shots with his shield, but his arm was starting to tire from taking the shock of the blows. He gritted his teeth.]

Cardinal: Is that supposed to mean something, Shade? I’m honestly—nnn!—confused.

Shade: It does. You'll get it REAL soon.

[BANG--]

[...???]

[That's...that's a red dart.]

[Completely red, stuck to Cardinal's shield.]

[--And then it started to glow RED, RED HOT, OW--]

Cardinal: AUGH!

[He could NOT handle that much heat, not so close to his core!

He was forced to drop it to the ground and roll to the side.]

[Cardinal used NEEDLE CANNON!]

[Needle shaped spears skewered anything and everything in sight…

…and some things out of sight.

A slight rip noise betrayed that Cardinal had scored a hit and pinned the sniper’s cloak to the wall.]

Shade: TCH!

Shade: Oh, that is IT.

Shade: -LOCK ON TO CARDINAL'S SYMBOL--

Shade: Yer SCRAP.

[BANG BANG BANG--]

[Cardinal hit the floor, hard.

Silence.]

Shade: -That was mah CLOAK, FRAG YA-

[…But after a moment, he did manage to sit up again, coughing a bit.]

Shade: Fer the love of--

Shade: Ya just don't DIE.

Cardinal: -Raspy- So I’ve been told…

Cardinal: (Great… all I have left is fire…)

Cardinal: You…

[He spoke seriously now.]

Cardinal: You’ve… got to stop, Shade.

Cardinal: You’ve… got to stop…!

[He staggered to his feet.]

Cardinal: This isn’t you. It’s not your fault, but you need to stop—

Cardinal: Don’t you remember who you are?!

Shade: --.....

[Who...]

[Cardinal grabbed his scarf and shook it. The dart there from Shade, a gift from so long ago, stood out in sharp contrast.]

Shade: ......

[Why did he have his...]

Cardinal: PLEASE! Don’t you REMEMBER me at ALL?!

_____________________

"Yer stuck with me. B]"

___________________

"Catch me if ya can, hunting doggie!"

_________________

[Memories, as if from some far off forgotten dream...]

Shade: --...

Shade: -Confused--

Shade: The hell...

[Cardinal took a quiet step forward.]

Cardinal: Shade!

Cardinal: You’re my best friend.

Cardinal: We TRUST each other, remember?!

—————————————————

“Being able to trust someone and want to be around them, miss them if they’re gone… That’s its own vulnerability, in a way.”

—————————————————

[Another step.]

Cardinal: (Just…)

Cardinal: (Need to get close enough…!)

[Trust...]

Shade: -Blinks--

[The purple and magenta fade from his eye for a second--]

Shade: (What...)

[....And then.]

[....A name.]

Shade: . . .

Shade: Cardinal...?

Cardinal: !

Cardinal: -Another step- YES! I’m here, Shade—

Cardinal: I promised nothing would make me give up on you, and I mean it.

Cardinal: -Another step- You’re sick, but we can fix that— come home, Shade, before you do something you can’t fix.

[…

…Fix…?]

—————————————

[An admission of weakness.

His core was messed up so badly, that…]

[From a powerful enough opponent, a direct hit at full charge, if exposed, would cause him to explode.

And no armor in the world would ever fix it.]

—————————————

Shade: ...ngh...

[The assassin staggers, as if something dull was pressing on his mind, something that was NOT a part of him, something that didn't want him to--]

Shade: !

[Something within screamed--]

[--But then, it all became clear.]

[Clear to the virus, that is.]

Shade: ......

[Cardinal was reaching out his hand to touch him. If he could just get a hold of him, he had just enough energy to get them out of here. Away from this place—if not to safety, at least where he couldn’t do any more damage.]

Cardinal: Shade…?

Shade: . . .

Shade: Songbird...Eh...

Shade: Well, that explains the bird part.

[CLICK.]

[There was an unsettling PREDATORY grin on Eight's face, as his rifle was pointed DIRECTLY AT CARDINAL'S CORE--]

Cardinal: !?

[He was too shocked, totally blindsided, taken completely off guard—he didn't even have time to get scared before—]

Shade: Adios, Songbird. BANG--

[The direct hit from such a close range— point blank range—had done massive amounts of damage.

He didn’t really feel hitting the floor, no…

It was all lost in a vast sea of white-hot pain that engulfed his senses, enveloped his whole body—

He couldn’t even say for sure if he screamed.]

Shade: That hurt, Birdy?

Shade: Ah' BET it DID.

[Cardinal had to turn to his side to avoid choking on oil. Now he felt sick, shivering from the pain and errors that were wracking his body.]

Shade: Oh, Ah' remembered ya, yes--ah' sure did... -GRIN-

Shade: Ah' remembered how t' finally KILL YA.

[Cardinal could hear the words, but they just wouldn’t register— but if they had, he would have been crushed not just in body, but also in soul.]

Shade: That was STUPID, bah the way.

Shade: What were ya even thinkin', huh?

[Even if he wanted to run now, there was no way out. He didn’t have the energy to teleport—he barely had enough to move.

Move he did, though, at least enough to get to his knees.

…]

[…relatively speaking.]

Shade: Eheh...

Shade: Looks like yer wings have been CLIPPED...Lil' Birdy.

Shade: Nowhere t' RUN, nao, is there. Even if ya COULD move....

Cardinal: Hnnnghnnnnnggh…

Cardinal: … (Can’t… can’t move…)

Cardinal: (Need… need repairs…)

Cardinal: (N-need to partition energy into repairs—)

Shade: Still breathin'?

Shade: Ya really ARE persistent!

[The world became a white void of pain as he was kicked in the side, hard. He fell over, and Shade forced him onto his back with a bit of pressure. His vision started to come back in, but—]

[CRUNCH--]

[A boot crunches on top of Cardinal's chest--]

Cardinal: (AUGH!)

[He couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t. Breathe.

The weight was crushing him, breaking him, threatening to put pressure on his core—his constant massive conversion of energy into matter to save him was only intensifying the pain.]

Cardinal: Ghhghkk—!

[He was too badly injured to move. He was using all of his power just to stay alive, now—he could barely hear, barely see—]

>ERROR: HARDWARE DAMAGE CRITICAL

Cardinal: !

>COMPLETE SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT

Cardinal: (nnnONONO—)

>INITIATE SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE

Cardinal: AAAAUUUGH!

[Cardinal gave a choked cry of despair as the countdown began— audibly, no less—]

>TEN…

Shade: -Ooh, now... What is this?-

>NINE…

Shade: Oh, right...

>EIGHT…

Shade: Ya Wily constructs go up with a bang when yer too helpless t' RUN.

>SEVEN…

Shade: -Chuckles.-

>SIX…

Shade: Nao ain't that somethin'...

>FIVE…

Cardinal: (No…!)

>FOUR…

>SYSTEM OVERRIDE

>THREE…

>RUN PROGRAM: FINAL_DAYS.EXE

[The countdown stopped, briefly.]

>WARNING: FINAL_DAYS.EXE IS AN UNAUTHORIZED PROGRAM. USING THIS PROGRAM WILL PREVENT COMBAT.EXE INITIATIVES OR SYSTEM MAINTENANCE FROM RUNNING NORMALLY. CONTINUE?

>YES

>DON’T ASK ME AGAIN

> -PING!- COMMAND CONFIRMED.

>SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Shade: ....

Shade: Tch.

Shade: Was hopin' t' see fireworks. Oh, well.

>EXECUTING PROGRAM: FINAL_DAYS.EXE

[He became limp and weak as the program went live.

He was no longer burdened by instincts meant to preserve him to be fighting fit later, or to continue fighting on.

All the energy that had been spent toward those goals was now going into extensive repair, to keep his vitals up and his senses working. This process would not be interrupted, no matter how much energy it drained from him.

…But as a result…]

Cardinal: -Rattled wheezing from shaky, submissive gasps for air-

Shade: Heh... -Smug smirk-

[He was now completely helpless.]

Shade: Look at ya...

[Everything felt faint. It hurt, and yet…]

Cardinal: -Hazily- (Can’t even move…)

[He felt so tired. So tired.

He wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and get his rest….]

Cardinal: (C-can’t…)

Cardinal: (So… so tired…)

Shade: Just look at ya, ya waste of scrap.

Shade: All yer talk and sass and comebacks and fancy display...

[CRUNCH--]

Cardinal: ( -PAIN!-)

[Cardinal became briefly blinded by pain, his eyes glazing over. His fans wailed in protest at the crushing weight put on his chest.]

Shade: --And all it took--

[His armor—!]

[SNAP--!]

[His inner plate armor split open—]

<DLN-000>: > -PAIN!-

[With his transceiver off, no one could hear him— no one could hear his anguished data streams—]

Shade: --Was a few shots, from one bot--

C R A C K—!!

[He jerked sharply, almost convulsing as the armor clattered, giving way to expose the energy core within. It was glowing like a small sun—white hot, too.]

Shade: - T'prepare ya t' meet yer Maker. That is... Assumin' there's an afterlife for ya pathetic box bolts...

[Cardinal gave off bleak rattling noises as his coolant system attempted to draw air over broken fans.]

Cardinal: -Repairs, need… need repairs…-

[His vision came back to him as the conversion went into overdrive, desperate on keeping the fans running, to keep him alive.

This allowed his eyes, dulled before, to resume their green spark—his sunglasses had been knocked off long ago, and so there was nothing between the green fire and the sickly purple gaze.]

Shade: --?

Shade: What in tarnation--

Cardinal: Hnnnnggghh…

Shade: --....

[Wait a second...

There was something just right of the power core, mostly tucked behind it. As it glowed, the mobility rig seemed to just… rebuild itself.

Enough for Cardinal to grasp at something hidden below his scarf, clutching it with a stubborn resignation.]

[.....]

[Two and two were put together within a second, and the Teal Silence let out a dark chuckle.]

Shade: Stubborn jackass! So THIS is how ya kept yerslef goin' so long, hmm?

Shade: Real clever...

[He suddenly JABBED right at it with his rifle-- which was a VERY bad mistake…]

Shade: ARUGH--!

[…as far as the sniper was concerned.

The tip of the rifle had been vaporized, and Cardinal was filled with a jolt of energy that the conversion provided. From the strength Shade had unwittingly donated, he knocked the rifle out of the way to prevent his friend from losing balance, and possibly ending up losing the rest of his arm to the power converter.]

Shade: NGH--

Shade: Little goddamn bastard--should've known ya had 'nother cheap shot like that up yer sleeve...

Cardinal: -Irratable snort- (Oh please, that’s just how I’m BUILT—you wouldn’t go sticking your hand in stomach acid, would you?!)

[There was still enough strength left from that for him to regain some focus. It took effort, and he struggled to reallocate repairs to non-vital systems.

Like… talking, for example.

Cardinal vented a bit and scrunched his eyes in a grimace, trying his hardest to work up the energy to talk.]

Cardinal: Nnnngh…

[…But he could only groan. The pain was so heavy…]

Shade: Bah, for the love of— spare me yer theatrics, Songbird, S'not like ya can sing anymore.

Cardinal: (But…)

Cardinal: (I’ve GOT to, I need to tell you…!)

[CLICK.]

Cardinal: —hghkkt!

[He knew that noise.]

[He KNEW that noise, and it filled him with dread.]

Cardinal: (No…)

Shade: Heheheh...

[A sadistic smile partnered the laugh that escaped from Shade--the dart that was usually in his mouth was gone...]

Cardinal: (Shade, oh God no— please… no, don’t… you can’t do this…)

Cardinal: -Weak ping of protest-

Shade: Ah' TOLD ya...Ya can't fool me.

Shade: Ya scared now, li' Birdy?

Cardinal: -Strained fan whine of despair-

[He was in distress, that was for sure. A heartbroken dismay was sapping away at the willpower maintaining the diminishing fumes of strength in his body.

Shade leaned over, resting his rifle arm on his left knee… as he put his weight on Cardinal’s shoulder. The fans there screeched as they were crushed beneath the sniper’s considerable weight.]

Shade: Good.

[The blinding pain lifted as the weight was drawn away. When Cardinal could see again, he saw his friend’s back facing him.]

Shade: I'll give ya this...

Cardinal: …

[A low hum...]

Cardinal: … -even weaker ping-

[He couldn’t mask it. When Shade turned around, Cardinal couldn’t help but give off a faint signal of hopelessness—

Shade was using a sniper scope to light up his core as a target, purely to mock him out of spite.]

Shade: Ya were better ’n most. Damn freakin' annoyin’, too. Shoulda known better ’n ‘’ta come HERE, t' mah huntin' grounds. You got a death wish, songbird? Huh?

[He took a step forward, letting his spurs rattle loudly in his stride across the floor...]

[Slowly.]

[It was tempting. So tempting.

He was tired. He hurt. He was scared. If… if he just let go, the pain would stop, it wouldn’t hurt anymore… he could rest, he could leave before…]

Cardinal: … (No… can’t…)

[Cardinal took in a shaky breath, willing himself to stay alive, even though his energy core…]

Cardinal: (Can’t let it end… like this…)

[…was starting to turn cold.]

Shade: -Data-

Shade: -Well, if ya insist, we can GRANT it for ya.-

Cardinal: (Can’t…!)

Cardinal: (I CAN’T LET IT END LIKE THIS!)

[Cardinal struggled to focus through his failing vision, to look that menacing red-violet eye directly on with his own, dimming green pair.

He shut down all but his central core mass fans to get the energy to speak.]

Cardinal: -Very raspy, distorted gasp- Shade…

Shade: --....

[...He's not sure if he should be annoyed or impressed.]

[Cardinal spoke again. There was a clear but quiet, submissive air of despair in his frail voice.]

Cardinal: Countershade, please…

[Oh.]

[He took a step forward...]

Shade: What was that?

Cardinal: Don’t… don’t do this… beg… begging you, please…

[.....]

Shade: -GRIN-

[He smirked cruelly at this, at the sight and sounds of Cardinal begging, pleading for his life, for mercy. Ha! Finally, after all of his talk and bravo!

What a delightful feeling.]

Shade: Heheheheh!

Cardinal: please…

Shade: (Eso es, Pájarito. Ruega por por la misericordia hasta que mueras.)

Cardinal: …it’s only… only… g…going to…

Shade: --?

Cardinal: …going to hurt y o u…

Shade: --.........

[For a moment, that makes Shade pause.

The sick, purple aura left him, the malice, the evil that had dug it's way deep into his core was lifted for just a brief moment-- ]

Shade: -N--No--

Shade: (No, no, no…!)

Shade: -Straining- M-must… fight… the power…

[He, too, seemed like he was in just as much pain as Cardinal was.]

[…]

[CLICK.]

[...But the moment... Passed.]

Shade: Enough!

[He spoke with a firm, authoritative command of finality.]

Shade: I don’t have time t’ waste on you. Obviously ya ain’t gonna stay out of my way while ya still runnin’.

Shade: An’ as we’ve already established, ya have this fraggin’ annoyin’ tendency to keep hangin’ on. Fahn, then—I’ll give ya the honor a’ takin’ ya out myself!

Cardinal: (No…)

[Cardinal gripped his hand tighter, as if bracing himself.]

Shade: An’ just tah make SURE you don’t get out of sight at the last second…

[He lowered his gaze, and his aim, right down to Cardinal's exposed core.]

Shade: This'll be the last bullet Ah' waste on ya.

[Cardinal forced himself to maintain eye contact, even as Shade lowered his rifle to point directly at the exposed core.

He didn’t… feel scared anymore. Just… defeated.

Hopeless.

…Accepting of his time, resigned to his fate… even as he dwelt with lingering, final regret, on his failure and shame.]

Shade…

[Darkness overtook his eyes.

His power was nearly entirely depleted. He would only last a few minutes longer, at most—one way or another, he had reached, at last… his final day.]

[Vrrrrrrr...]

Oh, Shade…!

[He could faintly hear the sound of Shade’s deadly aim setting up. It seemed… so far away…]

I…

[He heard a faint fizzling and hissing noise as the energy converter fell silent.

There could only be one reason for that—

No more energy left to convert from.

He could feel his heart becoming as cold as i c e …]

I’m… so sorry…!

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 3B: VOLTAIC DYNATRON=

~AO v1.0~

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{Meanwhile, in the Meadow…}

[The repairs for Tobias in the wake of the scarring fusion were finally coming to a close.

It had taken quite some time of careful review, but Mikhail determined—much to his relief—that the Awareness coding that held Tobias’s self was intact, and uncorrupted.

It had changed, of course. It was more complex now. But that was to be expected—the experience had aged him. Such things would age anyone, and the outlook on the world would change with age… that was just the course of nature.

…But, like before…]

((Error messages))

[Dr. Cossack put his head in his hands.

This was hardly the first episode of this nature—even recently speaking, which was painfully unfortunate. And, as before, he refused to wake—for more or less the same reasons.

Trauma.]

Mikhail: -Places a hand against the unit housing the lifeless Industrial-

[Recovery at this point was out of their hands: it was now a matter of time. And while he was certain that the recovery of the Mighty Numbers would aid in this process, he was also sure that this time, it would take longer. His initial diagnosis suggested that Tobias was going to be mentally aging by at least two years—a process which was very uncomfortable (and somewhat damaging) when brought on so suddenly.

By the time this was over, Tobias would be a lot more like his brother Carlos than ever before. And while Mikhail could only hope he wouldn’t lose that rare optimism… now, he wasn’t so sure.

The data he was giving off was very much along the lines of how he had been before they ever met the Mighty Numbers. He was withdrawn very deeply into himself—and it may take quite some time to coax him out.

Reluctantly, he turned his attention elsewhere.]

Mikhail: ({…There is still data to go through regarding the virus. No rest for the weary…})

{Meanwhile…}

[He didn’t want to. But he had to.]

>RUN PROGRAM: ANALYSIS

[He had no choice, now.]

>INSERT VARIABLES

[He couldn’t just sit around, waiting for Avi’s grip on the airwaves to lessen so that he could look into things the way he preferred. He needed to get moving—soon.

And all he had to go on… were the memories.]

>MNN-008, DWN-022, DLN-001, DEATH, VIRUS

[He had to analyze them coldly, now. See how Shade’s darker side would act—within the confines of what he could guess.

He had to hope that Shade hadn’t changed too much.

But even then…]

>PROCESSING…

Cardinal: …

-*-*-*-

[MN.8] //: If it ever does come down t' it...

[MN.8] //: As long as m'central core is intact, I'll be fine. Ah' can be rebuilt.

-*-*-*-

[No, he couldn’t think on that now.

For now, he had to focus…]

>ANALYZING…

>ANALYZING…

>ANALYZING…

>ANALYSIS COMPLETE: MNN-008 IS AN AMBUSH PREDATOR, WILL WAIT UNTIL FOE IS WEAKENED.

Cardinal: AUGH!

[He kicked a bit of debris, HARD, startling Jazz in the process. He was fuming.

He knew that he had judged things correctly—he’d seen it for himself in his own duel with Shade, the first time. And Countershade WAS an assassin. Sure, he was impatient, but not unprofessional.

With Avi controlling the airwaves, who was to say that Shade wasn’t having problems being cut off, as well?]

Cardinal: Damn you, Number Six—I hope you pay for your insufferable interference.

[He plonked down with a scowl.

Looks like he was going to have to be waiting part of this out.]

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 2A: BEYOND THE WATERY VORTEX=

~AO v1.0~

(Courtesy of @limitbreakers)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{SANDA LABS...}

[It was morning.

Will had fallen asleep next to his terminal, which still showed many analysis programs running in the desktop--it seems they had been running for the rest of that night...

Sanda had worked hard and a little longer than Will--a rare thing--but he did his best to get Pyro back up to his normal Xel Count, which should be enough for now; all Pyro needed was rest.

Meanwhile, Beck had fallen asleep next to Call, who was ever restless, ticking away at her console...]

Beck: Zzzz....

[Beck looked much better—his armor was fully repaired, as well as his internal systems—he was all ready to go, as soon as he woke up.

They just needed to find...]

[PING!]

White: --!!!

[Will shoots straight awake at the sound--and immediately looks at his terminal. Did the analysis find anything...?!]

Beck: —?

[Beck also jerks awake—and nearly almost falls over, but luckily he grabbed onto the back of Call's chair in time.]

Beck: What? What is it?

Call: I have located Mighty No. 2's transponder signal.

[PING!]

[MN.1 IS NOW ONLINE.]

[MN.1] //: Cryo?!

Call: Scanning...

Call: .......

Call: Scan complete. Mighty No. 2 is currently located in Minnesota. The location data suggests that she has confined herself within a Water Works Bureau treatment plant.

[MN.1] //: —!!

White: —! Of course...

White: Soichiro!

Sanda: I heard, I heard—!

[MN.1] //: If she's in a Water Works plant--the place must be her own personal playground by now...

Beck: (She...oh no...all the PEOPLE...!) How soon can I move out?

White: Call?

Call: Setting up Xel Transfer now...please wait.

[PING!]

[MN.1] //: Father—

White: Absolutely not.

[MN.1] // My Xel Count is normalized, I can—

White: I said no.

White: We do not need YOU running off as well—Beck has your ReXelection now, and therefore Cryo's weakness: he will be fine.

[MN.1] //: .........

White: Please, son...you've been through enough. Rest.

[MN.1] //: . . .

Beck: Big Brother...

Beck: I SWEAR I'll bring Cryo back. I promise. I can DO this.

[MN.1] //: . . . .

[MN.1] //: Beck...

[MN.1] //: She is creative, crafty, and fearless.

[MN.1] //: Be prepared for ANYTHING.

[MN.1] //: ....And please...

[MN.1] //: Be careful.

[Beck nods, adjusting his visor with a ping of confirmation.]

Beck: Roger that, Big bro.

Call: Xel Transfer ready. The coordinates are set.

White: Beck?

Beck: ...

Beck: I'm ready.

White: Good luck, Beck...

Sanda: Go get her back for us!

Call: Xel Transfer in progress...

[........]

[PING!]

[MN.1 to CALL] //: Call.

[CALL to MN.1] //: Yes, No. 1?

[MN.1 to CALL] //: Do you want to increase Beck's chances of success?

[CALL to MN.1] //: That would be preferable, yes.

[MN.1 to CALL] //: Then I need you to do me a favor...

[MISSION DETAILS: MIGHTY NO. 2, CRYOSPHERE, HAS TAKEN CONTROL OF A MINNESOTA WATER WORKS BUREAU, WHICH HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CEASED OPERATIONS.]

[MISSION OBJECTIVES: LOCATE AND PURGE ALL HARMFUL MALWARE FROM MN.2, RESCUE ANY TRAPPED CIVILIANS/WORKERS WITHIN THE AREA.]

[SYSTEMS READY?]

[GO!]

[So far, materializing into the Water Works was just like going into the Oil Platform—

Except now, instead of the raging heat, it was now bitter cold that stung every surface of his frame, causing him to shiver uncontrollably for a few moments...]

Beck: Brr...

[It only took a few moments for his internals to adjust to the freezing temperatures—and when they did...]

Beck: ! What—

[His comm went online.]

Sanda: What's this—?! The main entrance is frozen shut!

White: That should pose no problem. Beck, now would be a good time to use Pyro's ability.

Beck: On it—

[REXELECT—]

Beck: —!!

Beck: Wait—

[C.VISOR: ONLINE. SCANNING...]

[SCAN COMPLETE.]

Beck: —! Ack—I knew it!

White: What—what is it?

Beck: I'm detecting both organic and Xel signatures on the other side.

Beck: If I use Pyro's power, I might hurt them.

White: —! Ah...can you find some other way inside to rescue them?

Beck: Not from what I can see.

Call: Scanning...

Call: ....

Call: Beck, proceed east. I've located a faster, alternate route into the waterworks via the reservoir.

Beck: Call—Call I sink like a ROCK.

Beck: I can't SWIM very well—!!

Call: This alternate route has various platforms and ledges that can be used for safe access to the waterworks.

Call: I have seen you jump quite well underwater myself, No. 9.

Beck: ....

Beck: Are you SURE it's safe down there...?

Call: There may be a likely chance that malfunctioning aquatic based CherryDyn and Sanda models have also taken residence in the reservoir.

Beck: .....

Beck: Of course they did...

[Beck trudged along forward with a foreboding sense of dread, and after running into a couple of standard trash bots--]

[He came across a long access pool that only went straight down. There was nothing but a faint green tinge to it, making visibility null.]

Beck: ....

Beck: This is the unfiltered reservoir.

Call: Also correct.

Beck: GROSS.

White: ....-makes a face-

Sanda: Oof, that's gonna be unpleasant...

Beck: ....

Beck: -INHALES-

Beck: CANNONBALL—

[KERSPLASH!]

[He used his dash to seamlessly dive into the reservoir feet first...]

[His C.Visor went down over his eyes once it sensed the presence of water and increased pressure, and adjusted his sight to give at least an idea of what he was getting into.]

Beck: (OoooooomanI'mgoingREALLYdeep—)

[Down...]

[Down...]

[And down he went...]

[Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity--]

[His feet find solid steel floor.]

Beck: ....

[.......]

[LOW LEVEL LIGHT DETECTED.]

[NEON REFLECTORS: ONLINE.]

[The lights on his arm cannon started to glow brighter!]

Beck: —! (Oh—neat...!)

Call: Warning--incoming hostiles.

[...Yes, it seems as if several small bubbles of...dirty filth was heading towards him...?]

Beck: ....?

Call: Several of the plant's water filtering robots have utilized the toxins and harmful debris within the reservoir to act as a shield.

[They seemed to be attracted to Beck's light...!]

Beck: (—OK TIME TO MOVE—)

[Out of instinct, Beck chose to dash out of the way of the bubbles of filth—which were slowly coming together into a bigger bubble.]

Beck: —!

[Wha—]

[His AcXelarate—! It carried him JUST as far as it did on land!]

Beck: ......

Beck: (I CAN SWIM WITH THIS—)

[Using his dash as a sort of propeller, he turns and starts to BLAST away at the filth surrounding the filter robots—which, to his surprise...]

[Were a lot smaller than he imagined they would be...]

Beck: —!

Beck: (There seems to be a LOT of these guys down here; they must work together to purify the water...)

White: Beck, don't let those models group together in large numbers—their shield would be nearly impossible to break then!

[MN.9] //: Got it!

Call: Proceed east.

[Beck swam-dashed across the reservoir, careful to not let the filter robots gang up on him on the way—there were a couple of trash bots on the bottom, but he assumed they just fell into the reservoir and couldn't get out—thus he left them well alone.]

Beck: (Gotta find the access flow to the filtered reservoir—)

[KSSSSSTT!]

"Beck? Beck--"

[MN.1 to MN.9] //: Do you read me?

Beck: --??

[MN.9 to MN.1] //: Big bro??

[MN.1 to MN.9] //: Ah--thank goodness. Listen closely...

[MN.1 to MN.9] //: I've been listening in. Are you inside the works yet?

[MN.9 to MN.1] //: Not quite--I'm still at the unfiltered reservoir.

[MN.1 to MN.9] //: Mmm...

[MN.1 to MN.9] //: Very well. I'll wait until you've made it through.

[MN.9 to MN.1] //: Wait, what do you mean by—

[KSSSST!]

Beck: ...???

White: --? Is something wrong, Beck?

Beck: .....

[MN.9] //: Nope. All good here.

Call: The access flow to the filtered reservoir is just ahead.

White: Careful, Beck--any contact with the malfunctioning filtering equipment could prove fatal.

[Beck would soon see why--]

[Not only was the purifying system completely OUT OF CONTROL—Xel disrupting spikes also lined the walls....]

Beck: .......

[MN.9] //: WHO THE HECK PUT THESE DOWN HERE—

White: .....Good question...

Beck: (If I dash the wrong way here—...)

Beck: (Gotta be precise--!)

[Carefully calculating the exact path he needed to dash-swim in and how many times he needed to do so...]

Beck: (Three...two...one...)

[ACXELERATE DASH: MAX OUTPUT REACHED.]

[It was sort of like watching a white ping pong ball, zipping around and weaving in and out of the various moving parts of the reservoir filter system, making sure to avoid the walls in the process...]

Beck: (Almost there...)

[—AH! A ladder! All he had to do was climb up and—

... ...

Wait—...

Was that ice?]

Beck: ...!!

[A thick coat of ice—practically a wall—blocked the way out!]

Beck: (No!)

[MN.9] //: Dad, the reservoir exit is blocked—!

White: Ngh—! Call, can you recalculate another route?

Call: .....

White: Call?

Call: There is no need, Dr. White.

White: ...??

Call: Xel Transfer in progress...

Call: Mighty No. 1 is now on site at the Waterworks.

White: —WHAT?!

[PING!]

[MN.1] //: I'm sorry, Father.

[MN.1] //: But I won't stand by any longer. I have a duty as a leader.

[MN.1] //: And a responsibly as an elder brother!

[MN.9] //: Pyrogen! : D

White: Sandaaa—!

Sanda: I HAD NO CLUE WHAT HE WAS DOING I SWEAR—

Call: It was me.

Sanda: —?! Call?!

Call: .... Two Mighty Numbers on site would increase chances of success.

[MN.1] //: You might want to swim back down a bit, Beck.

Beck: ....

Beck: -dash swim BACKWARDS YUP GOT IT BRO-

[CCCRAK! C RACK!]

“HAAARGH!"

[BLAM!]

[The ice was obliterated--bits of ice flew out of the pool itself...]

[...And a familiar hand reached past the surface.]

Beck: !

[Beck swam-dashed up and up--]

[...Until he grasped at it with his own hand.]

[He felt himself being pulled up and out of the reservoir...]

Pyro: Need a little more firepower, brother?

[Beck simply beams up at his elder as he is set down onto solid ground.]

Beck: ANYTIME, big bro!

White: ......

White: -gREAT NOW HE CANT BRING HIMSELF TO GROUND HIM AFTER THIS-

Sanda: Heh...your boys sure are something, huh, Will?

White: .....

White: -SIGH-

White: Whatever am I going to DO with you, Pyrogen...?

Pyro: ....

Pyro: -snort-

Pyro: Haven't heard THAT one in a while.

Beck: ^^

[Having his big brother by his side...]

[It made him feel a LOT more confident now that his team leader was here.]

Beck: What are your orders, sir? (^.^)7

Pyro: ....

Pyro: I'm not the one heading this mission, Beck.

Beck: ...?

Pyro: You are.

Beck: --!

Pyro: Your objective is to locate our sister.

Pyro: Is there anything else that should be done here, Beck?

Beck: .....

Beck: Find and rescue the civilians and workers!

[THIS made Pyro grin with pride.]

Pyro: That's it.

Pyro: There seems to be a branching path up ahead. I'll take the north and see if I can find any workers and civilians...

[The fire-based leader looks to the side, ice covering every square inch of the hallways, ceiling, and floor.]

Pyro: Cryo's certainly done a number on the place, alright...

Sanda: Yes, it's not just the entrance--the entire PLACE is like one giant ice rink!

White: This is all her handiwork, alright...

White: Careful, now, you two...

White: You know how she loves her pranks.

Pyro: ......

Pyro: Lord help us.

[Cryosphere was BAD enough with her puns and pranks--

In her crazed state, who KNOWS what she will be capable of?]

Pyro: And of COURSE she's frozen over the entire floor too...

Beck: This is just like the time she did that back home but--BIGGER.

Pyro: Watch your step, then...

[The two Mighty brothers continued moving forward, the temperature within the facility taking a massive drop as they ventured deeper inside. There were more robots that stood in their way, but they were no match for the pair of them working together--Pyro threw himself at them with his explosive abilities, and after they had been thoroughly trashed, Beck cleaned up after by absorbing their Xels]

[Soon the fork in the path came up.]

Pyro: There it is...

Pyro: I'll move down this way. Beck, keep tracking down No. 2.

Beck: -SALUTE- Yes, sir!

Pyro: ....

Pyro: Good luck, little brother.

Beck: ...You too, Pyro.

[Pyro nods one final time before rushing down the connecting corridor, flaring up to his full armor before turning the corner, and out of sight.]

Pyro: (The most likely places workers would be around the main entrances, break rooms, and finally the pipeworks...)

[Meanwhile, Beck dashes onwards, and it's not long before he moves on into the next room...]

Beck: --!!

[The door that was just on the other side slammed shut.]

[His comm link went active--but it wasn't Pyro, Will, Sanda, or even Call.]

[No...]

[MN.2] //: Well, well, ICE to see YOU, Beck! Kyahaha!~

Beck: CRYO?!

White: Wha--how did she find this frequency?!

[MN.2] //: Hiiiii daaadyyyy!~

White: ...! Cryo...?

[MN.2] //: I'm SNOW glad you guys could make it! I was starting to get SOOOOO bored playing with all these LAME CherryDyn bots...

Beck: Big...Sis...?

[...This...this was odd.

When Pyro was infected--he only showed uncontrolled rage --and what's more, he didn't recognize Beck at ALL.

Yet...

His sister was...well, she didn't look like she changed at all. ]

[MN.2] //: Now we can all PLAY together!~ Cool!

[MN.9] //: ....

[PING!]

[MN.1] //: CRYOSPHERE!

[MN.2] //: .......

[MN.2] //: Oh.

[MN.2] //: It's YOU.

[MN.1] //: --! Cryo--

[MN.2] //: Becky--why is our GOOD FOR NOTHING MATCHSTICK OF A BROTHER doing in MY winter wonderland?

[MN.9] //: --!! Cryo! THAT'S PYRO--

[MN.2] //: I KNOW THAT.

[MN.2] //: HE NEVER LETS ME HAVE ANY F U N! It's always DON'T DO THIS AND DON'T FIGHT THAT AND ALL YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY IS N O.

[MN.1] //: -fLARE- Cryosphere--!

[MN.2] //: You ALWAYS carry me somewhere else without even ASKING--JUST BECAUSE I'M SMALLER THAN YOU DOESN'T MEAN YOU GET TO DO THAT, MATCHSTICK.

[MN.2] //: YOU WERE ALWAYS THE BOSS OF ME.

[MN.2] //: ........

[MN.2] //: Well.

[MN.2] //: You know what?

[MN.2] //: I'm SICK of being number two to you, big bro.

[MN.2] //: You aren't ALLOWED in my playground--so if I were YOU, I'd take you and your lame powers and SKEDADDLE.

[MN.2] //: Unless you want me to send this whole place to absolute zero?~

[MN.1] //: ........

[MN.9] //: Cryo....

[MN.2] //: --! Ooooh--right, YOU!~ Don't worry, Becky--you can stay! You're ALWAYS a good playmate. Kyahaha!

[MN.2] //: But big bro's gotta go. My place, MY rules.

[MN.1] //: ......

[MN.1] //: Alright.

[MN.9] //: --! Pyro, no--!

[MN.1] //: On one condition.

[MN.2] //: Ppffft. What?

[MN.1] //: We play hide and seek first.

[MN.1] //: Just like old times, right, Cryo?

[MN.2] //: --!

[MN.2] //: I'm listeniiiiing...

[MN.1] //: You and I will hide, and Beck will try to seek us. If he finds me first, then I'll leave.

[MN.2] //: Oooooh!

[MN.1] //: BUT--if Beck finds YOU first, then you two will have to just play without me.

[MN.2] //: -EXCITED SQUEAL-

[MN.2] //: I LIKE that!~ Oh, but it won't be any FUN if you TOOK too long...then I'd get BORED all over again...

[MN.2] //: SNOW, you guys got 9 minutes!~ Kyahahahaha!

[MN.2] //: You're on thin ice here, RUNT! So try not to get cold feet, OK?~ Kyahahahahaha!

[KKKSSSSST]

Beck: ........

[MN.1] //: .....

[MN.1] //: She really hasn't changed much...aside from all that, that is.

[MN.9] //: Big bro...

[MN.1] //: 9 minutes isn't much time, Beck--get a move on.

[MN.9] //: ......yes sir.

Beck: Now how the heck do I get out of this room--

[CLANK]

Beck: UGH--!

[A large mass of debris clonked Beck on the back of his head, knocking him over as it bounced off of him and--]

[--Back to another waterworks bot! A...a PAIR of them, in fact, each parallel to the walls.]

[The ball of debris hurled towards the red one--who flipped itself over to deflect it back at Beck.]

Beck: Wah--!

[He AcXelerated out of the way--and raised his arm cannon to strike at the malfunctioning bot--]

[CLANK--!]

Beck: OW--

[The other one--identical but green in color--had knocked the dodged debris RIGHT back at Beck when he wasn't looking, landing a direct hit.]

Beck: (Ugh--great, now I have to dodge twice as much just to avoid that ball of junk they're knocking around...!)

[He TRIED shooting at the ball of debris itself--and it worked!]

[...Until one of the bots made ANOTHER one just to throw around. These were waste management bots!]

Beck: (These guys must get rid of all the gunk in the unfiltered reservoir...)

[CLANK!]

Beck: NGH--

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 1...]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[...It was clear that this was starting to become tedious--whenever he tried to shoot at one of them, the other knocked back the junk, forcing him to dodge--and whenever he tried to DESTROY it, one of them made another rather quickly--]

Beck: (These guys are going to wear ME and my TIME down--I've got no choice--!)

[REXELEXTION: PYROGEN. ]

[Beck's body glowed briefly before settling down into Pyro's form, the torch on his head burning brightly.]

Beck: Let's GO!

[CHARGING...]

Beck: Burning...

Beck: SPIRIT!

[KERBLAM!]

[The resulting explosion ROCKED the entire room, and perhaps even the whole Bureau--parts of the walls and flooring took most of it, and the waste robots were DEFINITELY caught in the blast--one of them was stuck, in fact!]

Beck: Got ya!

[Switching back to default, the waste bot was quickly taken care of, absorbed and converted into another Xel Stock to make up for the one he used.

Since its other pair was gone, it was easier to dodge the ball of junk without worrying about the other hurling it back.

Once the pair was FINALLY defeated, the door opened!]

White: No time to waste, Beck! You have 6 minutes!

Beck: I know, I'm going--!

[Into the waterworks pipelines he went--and it just got even colder. ]

[The pipeworks were, of course, forzen over--along with everything ELSE--even several of the malfunctioning robots were stuck in place.]

Beck: WhOA--!!

[These pipes were long and wide--but the ice made it difficult to get across. One wrong move and he could slip RIGHT back down into the ground--and a fall from this height would REALLY smart.]

Beck: (Balance--balance--!)

"There's only one way to get past all this ice!"

Beck: --!!

Pyro: BURN RIGHT THROUGH IT!

Beck: Pyro!

[On another set of pipes, Pyro CHARGED right through a block of ice in his way, which formed from the burst of water in the cracks caused by the expanding properties of the ice.]

Pyro: Beck! Use my form and blast through all the ice in your way!

[PING!]

[MN.2] //: HEY, THAT'S CHEATING!

[MN.1] //: You never said we couldn't use fire, little sister.

[MN.2] //: GRRRR! YOU...BIG...MEANIE...!

[MN.2] //: I'M GONNA FREEZE THIS WHOLE PLACE AND ALL THE SQUISHES IN IT! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR CHEATING, CHEATER!

[MN.1] //: Ah, that won't do much now, Cryo.

[MN.2] //: WHY NOT.

[MN.1] //: I FOUND the humans and Civilian models you've frozen. They've been evacuated.

[MN.2] //: Wha--!

[MN.1] //: PLAYTIME IS OVER, CRYOSPHERE.

[MN.1] //: ...Please.

[MN.1] //: Come home.

[......]

[MN.2 HAS GONE INTO FULL COMBAT MODE. RESTRICTIONS: NONE.]

[MN.2] //: N O!

[MN.2] //: NONONONONONO--!

Call: Warning: Temperatures are dropping beyond safe functioning levels.

[MN.2] //: PLAYTIME IS OVER WHEN I SAY IT'S OVER!

[MN.2] //: YOU DON'T GET ANY SAY IN IT, YOU STUPID MEANIE!

[MN.1] //: -...OK now he knows he's made a BIG mistake- Cryo--

[MN.2] //: SHUT UP! JUST SHUT. UP!

[MN.2] //: I...I...

[MN.2] //: -...SNIFF-

[MN.1] //: --!

[MN.2] //: I hate you...!

[KSSSSST.]

[MN.1] //: -oh GOD WHAT HAVE WE DONE-

Pyro: CRYOSPHERE!

Beck: PYRO--WAIT--!

[It was no use--Pyro had run ahead, desperate to fix what he had done. He's already caused SO much damage, but THIS--]

Pyro: CRYO--I'M SORRY--!

[If anything--he had to fix THIS.]

White: ........

Beck: D-Dad....

White: ....

Beck: D...Did Cryo really... mean that...?

White: ....

White: I can't be sure.

White: For all we know, this COULD be just the virus, but...

White: .....

White: We won't know until we've cured her. You'll have to keep pushing forward.

Beck: .....

Beck: (Cryo...)

[With a heavy and troubled heart, he did as he was told, hopping and dashing over the rest of the pipeworks.]

[....]

[It...had to be the virus, right?]

[...Or was it...]

[More than that?]

Beck: (....Cryo...Cryo would NEVER say that...)

Beck: (There's no WAY she could possibly MEAN that--she's been with Pyro the longest out of any of us... ....Could it be...)

Beck: (Maybe it's...both? Maybe the virus is MAKING her feel that way...because she IS mad at him, but not to that extent...)

Beck: (If...if that's the CASE...)

Beck: (...It--suddenly makes a LOT of sense why Pyro ACTED the way he did back at the Oil Platform... ....You get what I fought back there...)

Beck: (So by that logic--what was taken away from Cryo...?)

[Soon enough, after shooting through countless ice pillars made from the pipelines and such--]

[He came across another room.]

Beck: ....

Call: I detect Cryosphere's signature just up ahead.

Beck: Right...

Beck: (Cryo--don't worry--I'm gonna fix this...!)

[He entered, ready to shift into his brother's form at a moments notice...]

"HEY, RUNT!"

[KSHHHHH!]

[A LARGE chuck of ice SLAMMED right in front if him from above, causing him to jump backwards--]

[...Right into the locked door.]

Beck: Oof--!

Cryo: OK...

Cryo: Let's try THIS again!

[Cryosphere herself stood on a platform high above the room--looking rather PLEASED that Beck was here now, despite throwing a temper tantrum not 2 minutes ago.]

Beck: Cryos--

[CLANK!]

Beck: OH COME ON--

[ANOTHER pair of waste management bots materialized--and this time, they had some EXTRA help.]

Cryo: Revenge is a dish best served COLD, after all!

[CLANK!]

Beck: NNGH!!

Cyro: Awww, you aren't hurt, are you, Beck?~

Beck: I KINDA AM, YEAH--

Cryo: Well, then, here--

[Her water tank bubbles briefly before another, more precise ice ball flies towards Nine, forcing him to duck and dash away. It made SHARP icicles extending upwards once it made contact with the floor--!]

Cryo: Let me put some ICE on it!~

Cryo: KYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Cackling madly, Cryo proceeded to rain icy death from above--all while the waste management bots played their supped up game of pong. Beck was REALLY in a tight spot now.]

Beck: Cryo--PLEASE, STOP!

Cryo: NOPE!~

Cryo: I'm having the TIME OF MY LIFE!~

Cryo: SO YOU BETTER STAY ALIVE, BECKY--UNTIL I GET BORED, THAT IS!~

Beck: --Ooooh!

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN.]

Beck: I'm sorry, Cryo!

Cryo: --!!!

Cryo: YOU'RE CHEATING AGAIN!

Cryo: ......

Cryo: Why are you cheating, Beck--?

Beck: --!

Cryo: Don't you LIKE playing with me...?

Beck: .....

Beck: Of COURSE I do, Cryo...

[CHARGING....]

Beck: .....

Beck: But I can't play by your rules. Not this time.

Beck: BURNING...

Cryo: --!!

[Seeing what he was about to do--Cryo leaps away to another set of platforms, disappearing from sight.]

Beck: SPIRIT!

[BOOOM!]

[........]

[The smoke clears off, and only the Xel from the two waste bots were all that was left.]

Beck: .....

Call: Cryosphere has escaped to the Water Works Security Room. There is no other escape route for her to take.

Beck: Got it.

[Back into default. The Security room shouldn't be that far ahead...]

[Which means...]

Pyro: ...There--!

[Pyro was standing in the middle of several frozen, very crucial water tanks...]

[But they wouldn't remain frozen for long.]

Pyro: Burning....SPIRIT!

[FWOOOSH!]

Call: Attention: The waterworks systems are back online. Water flow: Normal.

Pyro: ....!

Beck: Pyro!

Pyro: There you are--

Pyro: ....

Pyro: The doors won't open for me. I'd blast them, but...that would only make things even worse.

Pyro: ....

Pyro: You're the only one that can save her, anyway.

Pyro: I've...done all I can.

Beck: ....

Beck: I think she'd wanna see you after I do save her, Pyro.

Beck: So wait out here.

Beck: I won't be long.

Pyro: ......

Pyro: Tell her I love her.

Pyro: .....

Pyro: And I love you too.

Beck: ....

Beck: ^.^

Beck: Yes, sir.

[Beck gives Pyro one last salute before approaching the door...]

[...They open after a moment, and they shut close behind him with a firm air-tight lock.]

Pyro: ...

Pyro: Good luck, Beck.

[WARNING: TEMPERATURES HAVE REACHED TO NEAR NON-FUNCTIONING LEVELS. PLEASE EVACUATE AREA IMMEDIATELY.]

"Kyahahahaha!"

Beck: Cryo!

[Sitting daintily atop of a huge security monitor was Cryosphere, her four eyes glowing eerily in the shadows...]

Cryo: Kya ha ha ha ha ha!

[Her tiny legs swing this way and that before she jumps down to the ground, taking up her usual battle stance. Her hose arm is swirling around in lazy circles while her tank bubbles up a bit. An icy mist seems to escape from the nozzle arm...]

Cryo: You just REFUSE to CHILL out, don't you, runt?~

Beck: ...

Beck: Cryo....please. I don't want to play anymore. I don't WANT to fight you.

Cryo: Oh, really?

[....!]

[There it was again--that SAME distorted VOICE coupled with her own...]

Cryo: That's too bad! Oh, well...

[PSSSSSH!]

[A high pressure STREAM of water suddenly bursts forth from her nozzle arm--!]

Beck: -!!!

[He LEAPS out of the way as it is suddenly frozen, not by the air, but by Cryosphere herself.

Flashing freezing her foes was her SPECIALTY.]

Cryo: I'm sure it's nothing a little COLD SHOWER WON'T CURE!~

Beck: CRYO...!

[SCANNING....]

[SCAN COMPLETE.]

[E N C O U N T E R]

[MODEL: MIGHTY NO. 2 -- CODENAME: 'CRYOSPHERE' ]

[HEIGHT: 136cm WEIGHT: 103kg XEL COUNT: 20,400,000]

Cryo: KYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!~~~

[Cryosphere was...something of a all-around fighter when it came to the battlefield--she WAS originally intended to be a close to mid-range fighter and a terrain changer--but her combat experience, which was only surpassed by her elder brother, had opened MANY more doors in regards to her powers.]

[Such as her tendency to look for higher vantage points in order to use her abilities in a much DIFFERENT way --and if there was none?]

[Make one.]

[Cryo points her nozzle arm--to the ground--...?]

Beck: --!

[Beck starts DASHING away as soon as her sister launches herself upwards using the force of her water spray--keeping herself suspended mid air for a moment--]

[Before chasing after him.]

Cryo: Careful, now, Becky!~ You don't wanna CATCH A COLD!

Beck: Cryo--Come on, Cryo, just try to--!

[KKKRT!]

[Her water spray suddenly freezes-- there was no time to react, only to gawk as he felt icy pinpricks of pain creep up his leg-- ]

White: BECK--TRY AND BREAK FREE!

Beck: AARG--

Cryo: Whoops!~ Silly me--I forgot the best part!

[....A COLD blast of air was seen as she started to make something--what, he couldn't tell, but from THAT height, it certainly wasn't GOOD.]

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN.]

[FOOOSH!]

[Flaring himself up just as Pyro would, Beck weakened the ice just enough to allow him to break free--]

[Moments before an ice ball of SPIKES crashed downwards from above, ice shards scattering everywhere--]

[--and rising from the mist was the Icy Little Terror herself--she had MADE that ball of spikes to surround herself in--in her own twisted sense of a 'cannonball' ]

Cryo: Awww, you were supposed to stay still!~

Beck: NO WAY --

[PSSSSSSH!]

[Beck was NAILED right in the chest with another high pressured water stream, knocking him away to the other wall and into the door, making a noticeable dent--]

[CLANG!]

Pyro: !!! BECK?! CRYO?!

[Outside, Pyro could BEARLY make out the sounds of battle--and that dent in the door was not a good sign, for EITHER of them.]

Beck: Uuugh...

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK--]

[PSSSSSH--]

Beck: AAA--

[ERROR: XEL STOCK ACCESS INTERRUPTED.]

[Cryo was NOT letting up--she kept on continually spraying Beck HARD, pinning him to the door and laughing manically all the while.]

Cryo: KYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[WARNING: WATER DAMAGE IMMINENT TO INTERNAL SYSTEMS--COLD TEMPERATURES WILL FREEZE AND LOCK MOBILE SYSTEMS.]

[She was trying to freeze him from the inside out.]

Beck: C...Cryo...

[WARNING: SYSTEMS CRITICAL.]

Beck: s...t...o...p...

[ACCESSING XEL STOCK 2...]

[Cryo didn't answer. She was too busy laughing. ]

Beck: (Come on...please...!)

Cryo: It was fun playing with you, Becky!~

Cryo: See you in a hundred years, maybe!~

[KSSSSSST--]

"CRYO--ENOUGH--!"

Cryo: --?

Cryo: .....

Cryo: Daddy?

[DR.WHITE] //: Cryosphere White, stop that right this INSTANT!

Cryo: But--

[DR.WHITE] //: You KNOW you shouldn't play so roughly with your brother!

Beck: --!!

[...Will--Will was...]

Cryo: But Daaaaadyyyyy!

Beck: (Dad--oh man DAD THANKS--)

[XEL STOCK 2 ACCESSED.]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[DR.WHITE] //: No, no buts. That was QUITE rude of you, No. 2. Quite rude.

Cryo: But I was just having fun!

[DR.WHITE] //: It's all fun and games until someone gets HURT, Cryo.

Cryo: But Daddy--

[....]

[You could just HEAR her sadistic smile.]

Cryo: That's the BEST part!~

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN]

[DR.WHITE] //: ......

[DR.WHITE] //: Not this time.

[DR.WHITE] //: Quite frankly, No. 2...

Cryo: ....?

[DR.WHITE] //: I think you deserve a little time out.

[DR.WHITE] //: NOW, BECK!

"BURNING...!"

Cryo: Wha--

Beck: SPIRIT!!!

[KERBLAM!]

[All the ice that was created by Cryosphere was turned RIGHT back into water and THEN some--and the temperature had risen quite considerably.]

[There was another large CLANK--]

[CRACK--]

Cryo: Whoawhoawhoa--!

[Cryo was sent BOUNCING across the floor and into the other wall, lodging herself deep within it from the force of the explosion!]

Cryo: What the--!

Cryo: YOU!!

[Her nozzle arm once again points at Beck--who widens his eyes in fear, preparing to jump out of the way--]

Cryo: I'M GONNA KILL YOU FOR--

[.....]

[.........]

[.............]

Cryo: ....???

Beck: ...???

Cryo: WHY IS NOTHING COMING OUT?!

[Cryosphere wiggled her arms in a flail, but no matter how much she tried--nothing came out of them but a few drops.]

Cryo: STUPID--!!

Beck: ---!

[Beck could see why.]

[Her water tank had a crack in it. Water was leaking out in massive amounts, but Cryo was too upset to see it.]

White: Now is your chance, Beck!

Beck: R-Right--!

Cryo: NO!

[She once again threw a FIT--but without her tank, there was no more danger.]

Cryo: NO F A I R!

Beck: Big sis--

[He approached her with cautious steps, a green glow starting to form around his arms...]

Beck: It's OK, Big sis...

Cryo: --?

Cryo: ....

Cryo: What is that...?

Beck: Just trust me, OK?

[Two more steps, then two more. Cryosphere was more or less beginning to forget about her fit and was more entranced by the calming glow from her brother.]

Cryo: .....

Cryo: Pretty...

Beck: Kinda is, isn't it...?

[Two hands gently grasp her arms.]

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Cryo: --!!

Cryo: .....

Cryo: Becky...?

Beck: It's OK, Cryo...

[He continues to speak to her in a calm, soothing voice, as parts of her Xel are absorbed into his own, and she slowly starts to glow a sick, bright purple...]

Cryo: .....

[....She starts to yawn.]

Cryo: M'tiiiired...

Beck: That's OK...

[XEL ABSORBED.]

Beck: You can sleep after I'm done...

Cryo: .....

Cryo: And then we can play some more...?

Beck: Yeah. Sure. I promise...

[XEL ABSORBED.]

[XEL QUOTA REACHED.]

[XEL PURGE: ONLINE. XELFILTER.EXE HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR OVERDRIVE.]

Beck: For now--just try and relax...this won't hurt.

Cryo: ...?

[He finally lets go.]

Beck: Ready?

Cryo: ....? For...what...?

[XEL PURGE INITIATED!]

[.......]

"Big sis?"

"--? Hey, runt! What's up?"

"....Can I come in?"

"You didn't say the thing."

"...Can I come in, Your Majesty?"

"Theeeere we go! You may.~"

"....Um..."

"Well, come on, SPILL it! I gotta go into VR training in an hour..."

"I just...well...I noticed that...you're smaller than me--"

[KERCHUCK]

"BUT YOU FIGHT PEOPLE WAY BIGGER THAN YOU IN THE ARENA AND YOU DON'T SEEM SCARED--"

" ....."

"I...I'm just confused...how can you not be afraid...?"

"Oooh. That's easy."

"One, because I'm WAY better than those lame-o's and WAY more KICKBUTT than any of them..."

"...And two..."

"....."

"Don't tell Big Bro this, but. He TAUGHT me how to be brave."

"I don't think I can be as awesome as I am without him."

"Really...?"

"Yup. It's ALLL cuz of Big Bro."

"....Seriously, don't tell him I said that, he'd NEVER stop--"

"I-I promise!"

"Cool."

"Now GET OUT OF MY ROOM or I'll freeze ya!~"

[.......]

[FILTER COMPLETE.]

[ALL HARMFUL MALWARE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM MN.2]

Cryo: . . .

Cryo: Owie...

Cryo: Why does my head hurt...

Beck: --!!!

Beck: C...Cryo...?

Cryo: --!

Beck: Cryo?

Cryo: Beck?

Cryo: ......

Cryo: Where the [FRAG] am I???

Beck: CRYO--!

White: YES--!

Sanda: HE DID IT--AGAIN--!

[Beck wraps his arms around his confused sister, who was simply looking around the semi-frozen room in thought.]

Cryo: No, seriously--where the [FRAG] are we.

Cryo: I don't remember anything in the last few days WHAT HAPPENED.

[BANG!]

Beck: --!?

[BLAM--!!]

[The door is suddenly BLOWN off it's hinges, creaking as it collapses to the ground.]

Cryo: WHAT THE--

Pyro: CRYO?! BECK?!

Cryo: Big Bro?!

Beck: (Wow--)

Pyro: --!!

Cryo: OK--SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON BECAUSE I DON'T GET IT. WHY DID BIG BRO JUST BLAST THE DOOR AND WHY AM I STUCK TO A WALL.

Beck: Whoops--sorry, Cryo, lemmie help you with that--

[Beck grabs hold of his sister's hose arms and pulls back--]

[POP!]

Pyro: --! I GOT HER--

[She lands RIGHT into Pyro's arms]

Cryo: Wheeee!

Cryo: Hi, Big bro! ^^.^^

Pyro: . . .

Cryo: ...?

Cryo: Big bro...? Yellloooo? Earth to Pyro....?

[....]

[Pyro doesn't answer at first--at least until he sets her down.]

[...Which only confused her even further.]

Cryo: ....???

Pyro: ......

Pyro: I'm...I'm so sorry.

Cryo: --? Uh--

Pyro: I--...I had no idea you...

Pyro: .....

Pyro: I had no idea I made you feel...uncomfortable when I carried you away.

Cryo: .....

Pyro: I just--I just wanted to keep you SAFE because--you DO get carried away and if I don't, you might find yourself--

Cryo: Bro--

Pyro: All I wanted was to protect you--

Cryo: Bro--

Pyro: I just do it because I love you and--

Cryo: PYRO.

Pyro: --....

Cryo: .....

Cryo: Come down here for a sec.

Pyro: .....

[He does so--it's a little comical seeing as Pyro was nearly three times her size, so he had to kneel and bend down a bit.]

Beck: .......

Cyro: Lower.

Pyro: ...?

[PSSSSSSH--]

[Using the last of her reserves already in her nozzle, she managed to gently spray Pyro right in the face with cold water.]

Pyro: Gah--

Cryo: That's for being stupid.

Cryo: Bro, I dunno what the [FRAG] is going on, but--

Cryo: You don't make me THAT uncomfortable.

Pyro: --!

Cryo: Like--SURE OK it DOES get a little annoying and I DO wanna sometimes put ice cubes in your pillow at night--

Pyro: .... (I KNEW THAT WAS HER.)

Cryo: ...But..

Cryo: Bro, you've been carrying me around since I was BUILT, why do you think I LIKE it so much?

Pyro: !!!

Pyro: You....

Cryo: Bro why do you think I tell you to carry me around almost everywhere.

Pyro: ...

Pyro: Because being bossy is in your nature?

Cryo: ...Point.

Cryo: Aaaaand...

[....]

[MN.2] //: -Data, BECAUSE SHE FEELS SO TALL WHEN SHE'S ON YOU, BRO.-

[MN.2] //: -Like, even she doesn't get that when she's on Mic or Bat or even Shade, it's just YOU-

[MN.1] //: ........

[MN.2] //: ....Big bro....

[MN.2] //: You're...you're Big bro.

[MN.2] //: I know you just do it cuz you care...I've known that for, like, EVER.

[MN.2] //: 'Sides--

[MN.2] //: If I had NO one to carry me around--then I'd be REALLY slow going around the house and like, everywhere. That be a PAIN in the CHASS.

[MN.2] //: So hitching a ride is, like, also the smart thing to do. ^^.^^

[MN.1] //: .....

[MN.1] //: C...Cryo...

Cryo: ....?

Pyro: ....

Pyro: So...you....

Pyro: Don't...hate me...?

Cryo: --??!

Cryo: Wha--the [FRAG??]

Cryo: No, NO, Big Bro--

[And there she goes, climbing up Pyro's shoulders so she can sit right on his back and prop her round head on his own.]

Cryo: I love you, Pyro.

Cryo: Jeez, what made you think THAT stupid thought in your head??

Pyro: ......

Beck: .......

Cryo: ......

Cryo: ...Why is everyone so quiet?

[DR.WHITE] //: Cryo.

[MN.2] //: --!! Dad!

[DR.WHITE] //: .....-SIGHS, although if that's in relief or stress is hard to say-

[DR.WHITE] //: Let's get you back home first.

Cryo: .....

Cryo: That reminds me, WHERE ARE WE??

Cryo: Like--This looks like some kinda monitor room but--

Beck: Call?

Call: Xel Transfer initiated.

Cryo: Guys--helloooo, is no one gonna answer me?!

Cryo: I'M STARTING TO GET REALLY PEEVED HERE--

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 11B: SWALLOWED UP INNOCENCE=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

[BATTLE COLOSSEUM: ARENA SANDS.]

[The first thing Beck felt when he neared the arena was the thrum of power, the latent energy and almost... living presence of Xel all around him. As he fell--down, down into the sands, he braced himself for the rough landing Avi so warned him around.]

[...Except he hit the ground a lot sooner than expected, and on his feet, no less.]

Beck: Wha--?

[That was odd. The arena sands weren't nearly this high, and that's when his optics adjusted enough to see why.]

((Pic))

[What rang true for the state of the Colosseum’s outside was also applied on the interior. Some kind of Xel structure was rising out from beneath the ground, taking up most of the space of the Colosseum sands that once housed match after match of...]

Beck: -...Mnn...-

[To think he'd come back here, where it all started.]

[A fuzz.]

-=-=-=-=-=-

"I’m not leaving without you! I WON’T LEAVE YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF MONSTROPOLIS!"

-=-=-=-=-=-

[Where it had all began, indeed… even if he still couldn't remember all of it.

This time, though, he was on his own.]

[Ksst--]

Beck: !

[His comm suddenly went online--]

[MN.6] //: --copy, come on, Tex-Becks, say something--

Beck: --Avi--!

[MN.6] //: YES--GUYS, I GOT HIM, HE MADE IT--

Beck: Yeah! I'm okay, I landed good too, I...oh, jeez. Man, Avi, I wish you could see this.

[Another crackle.]

<DLN-008>: > Uuuugh… I'm seeing some of it, and it reminds me a bit of the Cloud…

Beck: It's almost...

Beck: Almost like it's all alive...?

[MN.6] //: ...yeaaaaah hard pass on that. :''D

[MN.6] //: Sorry I couldn't get you in closer--that hole was the only gap I could find in their air defenses--

[And just as Avi was saying that, a shadow fell over the smallest Mighty.]

Beck: --!

[He looked up--and saw with growing worry that the hole in the gear roof he just entered was very rapidly being closed up by infected, blocky Xel.]

Beck: [Drop emoticon] Yeah...

Beck: I think they fixed that already.

<DLN-008>: > […]

<DLN-008>: > -MUCH harsher than he intends- "They"?

[MN.9] //: --um--I-I meant Trinity, sorry--

[MN.9] //: Nervous--

<DLN-008>: > -Ranting angry Wily data re: CherryDynamics-

Beck: [Drop emoticon]

Beck: (Close...close one...)

<DLN-008>: > By the way, anyone got any ideas on how to reboot a space ninja? He's out cold.

Beck: Mnn, I...I dunno. My first guess would be Felix, but I think he can't really cast anything at this point--

Beck: Not unless he prepared for that before hand. Avi--how's he doing?

[MN.6] //: ...

[MN.6] //: ...Uh...

<DLN-008>: > [Frown emoticon]

Beck: ...Guys?

[Oh no.]

<DLN-008>: > He'll be fine. …I think. Fine-ish. Mostly okay?

[MN.6] //: Yeah, he's kinda fallen off from higher stuff before--

Beck: What?!

[Even with that bit of reassurance, Beck was still distressed, and it clearly showed in his data--]

Beck: He fell? Oh, no--don't tell me fell into all that Xel outside--!

[MN.6] //: Shhh, shhh--it's gonna be okay, Beckers--

[MN.6] //: Felix is like this huge mountain squishy, he'll be fine--

<DLN-008>: > I'd demonstrate some of the stuff he's lived through for comparison, but I'm getting the vibe that'd be a bad idea, and I keep getting calls from Europe, why this…

[There's the sense he's looking down.]

<DLN-008>: > I guess I could zap him…

[PING--!]

[MN.3] //: -Distressed bzzzing-- Toby, zzsweetie, I wouldn't do that if I were you--

[MN.6] //: Oh, sweet, the other comms are coming on--

[MN.3] //: [Drop emoticon] Not with the ninja, who'szz probably had a lesszz than good time like the rest of uszz and wouldn't appreciate the zappy, hurt-y wake up call too much...

<DLN-008>: > Oh, right, didn't think about that…

[MN.3] //: Yeah--we'll think of zzsomething else, okay? Hang in there, zzspark bro--

[Ksst--]

[DR.WHITE] //: Beck--? Do you read me?

Beck: -Places two fingers at his earcap- Hmmhmm. Loud and clear, Dad.

[DR.WHITE] //: Thank goodness...

[DR.WHITE] //: I'm afraid we're having difficulty with getting visual on our end, so you'll have to describe what's going on for us in the meantime. What's the situation in the Colosseum interior?

Beck: -Looks around- There's...some kind of Xel structure in the middle of the sands. Like it...came up from underground.

[DR.WHITE] //: ...that would explain the earthquake...

[Ksst--]

[DR.SANDA] //: Is...what IS that I hear in the background?

Beck: [Drop emoticon] I... I don't really know. It sounds like the Xel is constantly...moving behind the walls or something?

Beck: Like it's going somewhere...

<DLN-008>: > [Drop emoticon] Where would it go? The locker rooms? Do you guys have a basement or something?

<DLN-008>: > I'd try and cross-reference, but the branch server is gone, and Cardinal's the only one who's been there before…

[MN.6] //: [?] You, uh… haven’t seen the memories?

[MN.6] //: -Preeeeeeetty sure that’s how it works, right—-

<DLN-008>: > […]

<DLN-008>: > [Frown emoticon] Cardinal was paranoid even by our standards, Avi. He encrypted almost everything. All we ever got out of it was the cross-reference data on an analytical level.

<DLN-008>: >The only thing the rest of us know about the place? Is that it was one of his happiest memories, and he would dream about… well…

<DLN-008>: > […]

<DLN-008>: > … [Frown emoticon] Whenever he had good dreams after that, it was always something to do with showing off to the crowds in a fixed chassis, or hanging out with Shade.

<DLN-008>: > Usually both at the same time.

[MN.8] //: […] -…Low key agony pain data-

Beck: ...Hang on... (…Just a little longer…)

[Beck slowly walks towards one side of the room, and places a hand on one of the walls. It ripples at his touch.]

Beck: (Whoa...)

Beck: ...

Beck: Down. It's definitely going down.

Beck: There is a sub-area underneath the arena--for the different field layouts and stuff that gets switched out? There's also something of a mini-elevator with a platform for those kinds of entrances--

Beck: [Drop emoticon] Except if this came from underneath that, then that was probably all trashed when this thing came topside.

Beck: (If I had to guess, considering who's involved...it probably started from the sewers...)

[DR.WHITE] //: [Drop emoticon] I see.

[DR.WHITE] //: I suspect Trinity must be the one gathering all that Xel towards her. If you follow it--it should lead you straight to her.

Beck: Right...

[DR.WHITE] //: Be VERY careful.

[DR.WHITE] //: You might be immune to the effects of the virus while in there, but we have no idea what to expect besides that.

[DR.WHITE] //: Proceed with extreme caution.

[MN.9] //: Yes, sir.

[MN.6] //: Good luck, Tex-Becks!

[MN.6] //: Fight the good fight!

[MISSION DETAILS: CDN-1201, TRINITY, HAS SUBSUMED THE BATTLE COLOSSEUM IN A FORTRESS OF INFECTED XEL, GATHERED FROM TITUS AND WITH MORE INCOMING XEL FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. SITUATION CRITICAL. CONDITIONS UNKNOWN. NO OTHER DATA AVAILABLE.]

[MISSION OBJECTIVE: LOCATE AND PURGE ALL HARMFUL MALWARE FROM CDN-1201. FAILURE WILL RESULT IN TITUS'S EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION AND INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION FROM OTHER WORLD POWERS.]

[SUB OBJECTIVES: MINIMIZE RMDC IMPACT, L̷̶OC̕ÀT̵͜E ͘͡AN̴̕͟D ̵̧͢C̸̴͡O͢N͠͡F̧̨R̵O͘͠Ņ͢T ͘Ø͜͞, ̸̸͜Á͠K̵̢͏A͏ ̀R̶A̕̕Y̴͜.̵̶͘]

[SYSTEMS READY?]

[GO!]

[Beck didn't see an immediate exit at first--it looked like one closed off room.]

Beck: Looks like I'm going to have to make an opening somewhere...

<DLN-008>: > When in doubt, take out the ceiling.

Beck: ...

Beck: [Drop emoticon] I, uh. I don't think it works like that, Toby. I-It's fine, I'll just use Bat's--

[Suddenly, a noise. A clicking sound, like claws being clattered together--]

Beck: --???

Beck: !!

Beck: -AUGH, WHAT IS THAT--

[It looked Xel-shaped, and it floated almost like a jellyfish--but at the center of this strange enemy was this giant eye, fixated on Beck as it rapidly flew towards him--]

[BLAM!]

[The screech it let out was something right out of a sci-fi horror movie.]

Beck: Ew, ew--stay away--

[Oh, and it brought friends.]

<DLN-008>: > Ugh, why does everything have to scream...

[BLAM! BLAM!]

Beck: [Drop emoticon] These things are huge and...tanky, Mnn...

[Though after some doing, Beck did manage to cause then to dissipate. The strange eye Xel screeched painfully as it just fell apart, it's Xel falling to the floor. Only for it to be absorbed right back into it.]

Beck: That's not a good sign...

<DLN-008>: > Can non-Xel absorb Xel?

[DR.WHITE] //: [Drop emoticon] Let's stick a pin on that one. Beck? What happened?

Beck: The leftover Xel from those things got absorbed right back into the structure...

Beck: Oh boy.

[DR.WHITE] //: [Drop emoticon x3] I highly suggest you get going.

Beck: Yeah, I--

[Beck never finished that sentence, as suddenly the ground below him glowed.]

[And started moving.]

Beck: [!]

Beck: Whoa...

[The floor parted into two sections, retracting into the walls and revealing a way down from the room he was in.]

Beck: The...the floor just opened up.

[DR.WHITE] //: The floor?

Beck: Yeah--like, on it's own. Um. Saves some valuable energy, I guess...?

<DLN-008>: > […]

<DLN-008>: > That doesn’t sound right...

Beck: -Hup--

[Beck jumped down to the next area below--which seemed like some kind of long hallway. Unfortunately, it ended rather abruptly.]

Beck: Dead end...

Beck: --! Wait...

<DLN-008>: > [?]

[Just like before, the wall in front of him glowed, and then retraced downwards into the floor, revealing more hallway...]

Beck: ...Never mind, the wall kinda...moved aside...

Beck: ...

Beck: ...Is...

Beck: Is Trinity...creating a path for me?

<DLN-008>: > There’s a reference somewhere in there, I just know it...

[DR.SANDA] //: Hrmm...

[DR.SANDA] //: She may roll out the red carpet, but I wouldn't expect a warm welcome...

<DLN-008>: > -A bit hazily confused- Red?

<DLN-008>: > Mmmn, red...

<DLN-008>: > She liked... red, red was important...

Beck: ...

Beck: [Drop emoticon x3] (I can take a good guess why...)

<DLN-008>: > Something about a friend, I think...

<DLN-008>: > Blah... need more processing power, my head hurts from all these weird calls...

Beck: -Whew...-

Beck: Dad? Should I make my own way through? Could be a trap...

[DR.WHITE] //: Mmn... You'll need everything you have for Trinity herself. Blasting your way through wouldn't be wise, especially since we have no idea if the structure can handle it...

[DR.WHITE] //: Follow the path for now. It will probably lead you closer to her, at the very least.

Beck: Copy that...

<DLN-008>: > PROCESSING...

<DLN-008>: > PROCESSING...

[The data coming off of his signal was becoming more basic and slower, as if his Awareness was diminished and he was struggling with running some of the programs.]

<DLN-008>: > PROCESSING...

[Beck continues onward, buster at the ready for any sort of surprises. Strangely, it's all but quiet in this hallway, save for the moving walls and the occasional screech from whatever lurked deeper inside.]

Beck: Don't like this...

<DLN-008>: > PROCESSING...

Beck: (Definitely feels like I'm walking right into a trap...)

Beck: ...How big is this place--?

[SLAM--!]

Beck: [!]

[Beck turned on his heel, alarmed by the sudden crash of something heavy behind him. The walls that he had passed under before suddenly slammed back shut, and--]

[--were continuing to do so--]

Beck: Ack--!

Beck: -DASHES AWAY--

[He floored it, dashing forward to avoid getting turned into paste. The path opened up more as he went on, though it was immediately shut behind him the second he was through.]

[SLAM! SLAM!]

Beck: aaaAAAH--

[DR.WHITE] //: Beck?!

Beck: Walls are trying to CRUSH ME--

[Thankfully, he didn't have to run for long, as another room was up ahead. He tumbled as the wall behind him shut tight, a familiar lock symbol appearing on it's surface.]

Beck: [Drop emoticon] (I'm not sure if that means either 'stay out' or 'hurry up.'...)

[DING!]

[DSN-000 IS NOW ONLINE.]

Beck: !!!

Beck: Call?!

[DR.WHITE] //: !!

[DR.SANDA] //: :''D! Call! I-I mean--

[DR.SANDA] //: {I'm glad you're awake, so glad, but you should rest right now--}

[CALL] //: [PROCESSING...]

[DR.SANDA] //: ? Call--?

[CALL] //: [ANALYZING...]

[CALL] //: [ANALYZING...]

[CALL] //: [PING!]

[CALL] //: Sync complete.

[CALL] //: Multiple enemy signatures ahead. Be weary of reforming Xel blocks.

Beck: :D!!! Call! [♥︎]

[DR.WHITE] //: Call, dear, you should really--we have it handled, you should focus on--

[CALL] //: -PING!-

[CALL] //: This unit can preform support even when not currently on an active terminal.

[CALL] //: Statement: MN.9 requires all support available.

[CALL] //: I must support Beck.

[DR.SANDA] //: --Ah--Will--Will, I think she's serious--

[DR.WHITE] //: E--Er...

Beck: It is so good to hear you right now--

Beck: You said something about reforming Xel blocks?

[CALL] //: Correct. Xel energy signatures suggest the multiple platforms up ahead can be broken down and constituted.

[DR.WHITE] //: ...

[DR.WHITE] //: ...I guess convincing her to go back into sleep is out of the question--

[DR.SANDA] //: Heh...

Beck: Anything else? Actually--I don't want to ask too much of you while you're probably in bed--

Beck: Do you think you can help Avi get visual?

[CALL] //: -PING!-

[CALL] //: Negative. I detect a strong jamming signal that is causing interference.

[DR.WHITE] //: Jamming signal--the same one that cut off comms before this?

[CALL] //: And at the Prison.

[DR.WHITE] //: --...

[DR.WHITE] //: What?

Beck: (Ack--! Too much information--!)

Beck: -PING- Um, okay! I'll see if I can't... find the cause...

[CALL] //: Confirmed.

Beck: <<;; (I'm going to have to talk to her after this...)

<DLN-008>: > PROCESSING...

<DLN-008>: > ERROR X05: UNRESPONSIVE/DAMAGED SOFTWARE DETECTED. QUEUEING ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS REQUESTS PENDING ADDITIONAL PROCESSING POWER...

<DLN-008>: > SEARCHING FOR AVAILABLE EXTERNAL PROCESSORS...

<DLN-008>: > -PING- 1 MATCH FOUND.

<DLN-008>: > MATCH IDENTIFIED: MNN-006

[MN.6] //: Hnn ho boy--

[There's the sound of a seat being scooted across the floor from his end.]

[MN.6] //: Uuuh okay, d--dizzy, lil' bit--

Beck: Avi--?

[MN.6] //: I'm fine! I...hokay, uh, just gotta sit down...

[MN.6] //: @~<

[MN.6] //: -This is both new and slightly concerning, uh, Toby, buddy, you okay--

<DLN-008>: > -Very slow and unresponsive at first- Nnnn...

<DLN-008>: > -Somewhat glitched audio- THIS SYSTEM IS A FIRST GENERATION INDUSTRIAL, DESIGNED WITH THE RobotMaster®️ DATABASE IN MIND. NEURAL NET FUNCTION CURRENTLY OPERATIONAL AT 30% CAPACITY DUE TO LACK OF ACCESS TO OTHER ROBOT MASTERS AND AN ADDITIONAL DEMAND ON BOTH HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. ADDITIONAL PROCESSING POWER REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN FULL AWARENESS...

[DR.WHITE] //: ...I see--he's trying to use your processing power, Aviator.

[MN.6] //: Y-Yeah, I got that that much, it just caught me by surprise...

[MN.6] //: -Gimmie a sec to adjust...-

[It was an odd thing.

Although the connection was primarily with Aviator, Tobias seemed to be using the connection to work with data from the Sanda Enterprises servers.

This led to a feeling of distant memories being referenced in passing, a sort of background stream-of-consciousness in idle thoughts.

Except it wasn’t idle at all, and it was not daydreaming in nature.]

[It seemed Tobias was concerned about Beck’s observations, and attempting to cross-reference data regarding Trinity and Xel in general.]

<DLN-008>: > ANALYZING...

<DLN-008>: > ANALYSIS COMPLETE. CROSS-REFERENCE IDENTIFIED: MULTICELLULAR ORGANISM IMMUNE SYSTEM AND ORGAN TISSUE

[MN.6] //: ...Wat--

Beck: -BLAM- You...might be on to something there, actually.

Beck: (If Trinity really does have the same powers as me, and she's consuming all this Xel into herself...)

Beck: (Then--in a way, this whole place is her.)

<DLN-008>: > -Kind of dizzy- Avi, these... the walls and floor act like they’re alive, and... and we don’t know that non-Xel can make Xel do that, and...

<DLN-008>: > It’s cross-referencing with organ tissue in looks and behavior.

<DLN-008>: > Which would suggest that...

<DLN-008>: > We probably are going to see more “white blood cells” soon—

Beck: ...You mean like now?

[More of the eyeball Xels were appearing, though this time not nearly as big as the ones before. This meant they were eaiser to blast away, but the growing numbers concerned him nonetheless.]

Beck: Good chance that I'll meet up with more resistance the further I go.

[BLAM! BLAM!]

[REXELECTION: PYROGEN]

[FWOOM.]

Beck: These guys aren't as big, though...

[REXELECTION: CRYOSPHERE]

[PSSH--]

Beck: Still gross to look at, mnng--

"SCREE!"

Beck: AAAH--

[One of them suddenly leaped from a wall, phasing through it to lunge at Beck.]

[Luckily.]

[REXELECTION: COUNTERSHADE]

[Bang!]

[Some quick thinking allowed him to snipe the thing right out of the sky.]

Beck: These things can go through the walls???

[DR.WHITE] //: ...Well, they are Xel, and so is the structure...

<DLN-008>: > [Frown emoticon] -Anxious data-

<DLN-008>: >I’d think of it less like a building and more like an organism, ‘cause that’s what it is acting like.

Beck: Kind of hard to draw that connection when I can still see the stands through some openings--

Beck: --!

Beck: ...Huh--

[Soon enough, he came up on some kind of giant platform made of Xel.]

[When he looked over the sides of it, he could see a looooong drop into darkness.]

Beck: -Murmurs- ...Going down, then...

Beck: I guess I could use Avi's form to--

[Clunk...]

Beck: --?

[The entire platform lurched and then started descending down on it's own.]

Beck: Oh--it's...an elevator...

Beck: ...Why's it going so slowly—

"SCREEEEE--!"

Beck: --!

[Ah. That was why. More enemies.]

Beck: Oh gross--

[And this time, it wasn't the only just the eyeball ones. Some mish-mashed versions of some of both CherryDyn and Sanda models appeared, and they looked less haphazardly thrown together this time around.]

Beck: Oh no--

[REXELECTION: BATTALION.]

Beck: I'm gonna be here a while--

<DLN-008>: > Mmmng...

<DLN-008>: > It’s getting really dark outside...

[DR.WHITE] //: [Drop emoticon] Things do not sound very safe out there.

[DR.WHITE] //: Hurry--

Beck: -Primes a missile- I'll try and clear this out as fast as I can!

[BOOM!]

[DR.WHITE] //: ...

[DR.SANDA to DR. WHITE] //: So many Xels...the entire place is made out of them, right?

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Just how many robots DID Trinity absorb??

[DR.WHITE] //: ...

[DR.WHITE] //: -Long sigh-

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Soi...Trinity was programmed with a single, prime directive: to grow. To evolve.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: She will pursue ANY course that allows her to assimilate more Xels...in perpetuity.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Later...much later, when I had time to...reflect on what happened to her...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I realized the inherit dangers in such a system. Father...he had a point, though he went about it in all the wrong ways...

[DR.WHITE to DR. SANDA] //: ...which is why I refined the design.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Refined the...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: [!]

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: You...You mean with your next model...?

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: ...With Beck?

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: ...That's correct.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: With Beck.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Maybe it was...in some ways, a rather...poor choice, giving him so much...caution. But by giving him a specialized Synthetic Heart Program--it was the only way to ensure that Beck would grow INTO his powers, rather than his powers overtake him.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: And...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I...I wanted some small part of HER to live on, at least through him...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: -Long, tired sigh- If I could at least give Beck the chance to grow and learn, responsibly, the way Trinity never had--? That...that would be enough...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: ...Gosh, Will, I...I don't think you ever told me you felt that way...

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: >>;; I probably should have. I'm sorry.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: I didn't want to burden you anymore than--

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Burden? For Xel's sake, Will, never.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: You never have and will NEVER be a burden, okay?

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: I know how MUCH she meant to you--and I know Beck had something to do with her anyway, but not this...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: So...this doesn't come as a complete surprise.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: And hey--at least think of it this way?

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: No one can ever say bringing Beck into the world was a bad thing now.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: I mean--look at him go!

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: ...We still don't have visual, Soi.

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: You know what I mean--

[Indeed--they might not be able to SEE what was going on, but they could very well hear the sounds of combat through the audio feeds. And from the sound of it?]

[REXELECTION: DYNATRON]

[BZZZZT!]

[It seems like Beck was doing fairly alright so far.]

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: ... You're right. He's come so far...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Well, of course, where do you think he gets that from? c:

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Eheh...

[DR.SANDA to DR.WHITE] //: Just you watch. ^^ He'll make it.

[DR.WHITE to DR.SANDA] //: Hmm...yes...

Beck: -PING!-

Beck: I--whew--I think...I think this ride's almost over...

Beck: --You guys still there?

[DR.WHITE] //: --Mm. Yes, Beck--sorry for the silence, we didn't want to break your focus. Any damage?

Beck: Nothing I can't handle! ^^

[A pause.]

<DLN-008>: > Still here, yeah. Getting a lot of... really weird signals from somewhere, though...

<DLN-008>: > It’s all getting really loud...

<DLN-008>: > -Brooding plotting data again re: younger brother-

[There was a bit of static.

Or was that sparking?]

[No, that was definitely sparking and aggressive data—]

Beck: I think I'm getting closer, though--Uh--Hey, everything okay--?

<DLN-008>: > I’d like to file a complaint about my bodyguard sleeping on the job...

<DLN-008>: > -We can fix that, though-

<DLN-008>: > Don’t worry about us, we’ll figure something out.

[One got the impression the "something" would involve handling matters "the Wily way".]

[PING--]

[MN.3] //: -Very FIRM data- Tobyyy...| E

[MN.3] //: -That ZZZSOMETHING better not be what you were thinking about earlier--

<DLN-008>: > -~-

[MN.7] //: [Drop emoticon]

[MN.7] //: Perhaps I can try?

<DLN-008>: >Might as well, but if it doesn’t work, I’m doin’ it my way— -Grouchy data-

[MN.7] //: -Sigh--

[MN.7] //: -Gentle pings directed at Shadow- Kohai?

[MN.7] //: {Shadow...?}

[PING!]

{{((Distorted Zalgo text)) REBOOTING...}}

[MN.7] //: [!]

[MN.3] //: -That was faszzt--

<DWN-024 is now Online.>

[MN.7] //: -Shadow--

<DWN-024>: > -Extremely hazy data-

[A brief pause, and then—]

<DWN-024>: > ?!?

<DWN-024 has entered Defensive Combat Mode.>

<DWN-024>: > -Wildly bewildered and EXTREMELY alarmed data-

<DWN-024>: > -Where are we, what happened, why is the sky filled with blood, where is it—-

<DLN-008>: > [Drop emoticon]

[MN.3] //: -Huh???-

[MN.7] //: {Shadow--remain calm, breathe--}

<DWN-024>: > S-Sensei?

<DWN-024>: > {What is happening—}

<DWN-024>: > -Somewhat erratic data between disoriented confusion and intense terror-  {Breakfast—but then—then the Sun, the Sun killed—it killed everything—}

<DWN-024>: > {Is this Death, what—what is happening—}

[MN.7] //: {Shhh--calm, calm, listen to my voice--we don't have time to explain--}

<DWN-024>: > -Ping of obedient confirmation-

[MN.7] //: {Right now Beck is trying to deal with the cause of all this, and we NEED these comm lines open--you are at Avi's Radio Tower with Tobias, you MUST stay with him so he can keep the tower running--}

<DWN-024>: > […]

<DWN-024>: > -Processing...-

[He seemed conflicted for a moment...]

<DWN-024>: > -Ping- {{Command accepted.}}

<DWN-024>: > -Somewhat dazed acknowledgement and confirmation he will stay put and help his brother-

[MN.7] //: {Good--if you see ANYTHING trying to swarm in, take him and run, DO NOT GO OUTSIDE--}

[MN.7] //: -Slight background noises sounding like ice cracking--

<DLN-008>: > Beck, what’s your status? I don’t know if Shadow’s Awareness can handle a severe conflict of interest like this for too much longer without things getting scary again—!

[MN.9] //: I'm getting closer--but no sign of her yet--

[BLAM--]

Beck: [Drop emoticon x3]

<DLN-008>: > Huh?

<DLN-008>: >I thought you guys said she was the storm... am I missing something?

Beck: Toby, right now she's kinda EVERYTHING that's Xel right now--

Beck: -Which means there's something controlling it all--

<DLN-008>: > [?]

<DLN-008>: > -Processing...-

<DLN-008>: > A... central core?

Beck: -PING- There has to be--if this is all functioning like some kinda organism, then there's a core--a heart--

Beck: -And maybe if we can purge it right at the source--

Beck: -Theoretically, it should work like we did with our family--

Beck: [Drop emoticon] If I can GET to it.

Beck: This whole place is like a maze...

Beck: But all the Xel is still flowing down, so at LEAST I have a general direction to work with.

<DLN-008>: > -Processing...-

<DLN-008>: > -Processing...-

<DLN-008>: > -ERROR: INSUFFICIENT DATA TO SUPPORT HYPOTHESIS. CONTINGENCY NEGATED.-

<DLN-008>: > Nnng... Don’t want to risk disconnecting, but I don’t know if I have any other ideas on how to defend the Tower short of electrifying the entire exterior.

[MN.6] //: Bad idea, you could fry some of the equipment...uuuh....

<DLN-008>: >I can’t just do nothing, though—

<DLN-008>: > Is there anything else that could... I dunno, serve as a distraction?

[MN.6] //: I--have a bunch of those flying drone things you control remotely somewhere in the Tower, but they'd only do so much--

<DLN-008>: > But... those are connected to you, right?

<DLN-008>: >I don’t know if that would be safe...

[MN.7] //: -Thinking data--

[MN.7] //: -PING--

[MN.7] //: Shadow-- kaeru--

<DLN-008>: > [?]

<DWN-024>: > -Seems to be struggling drawing the cross-reference for a moment- […]

[It takes him a moment to gather his focus. Then, he seems to relax significantly.]

<DWN-024>: > -Ping-

<?̹͖͍?͚̗̞?̺̜̔?͉̭̱ used New Moon Plague: Amphibious Swarm.>

[At first, there wasn’t any noticeable change besides a very, very ominous feeling.

But then...]

Ribbit.

Beck: ...???? -R-Ribbit???-

Ribbit.

Ribbit RIBBIT Ribbit Ribbit RIBBIT—

[There were the sounds of frogs everywhere, albeit much muffled for the most part.

But when he looked down, he could see what appeared to be a few frogs with red eyes and strange markings hopping around at his feet.

One of them hopped straight into a shadow, with a distinct and familiar hiss before vanishing from sight.]

Beck: What the...?

[MN.6] //: -FROGS, FROGS EVERYWHERE--

[MN.7] //: -I--what in the world--

[MN.2] //: Awww, they look so cute--

[MN.1] //: -You WOULD think that, Two--

<DLN-008>: > Iiiiiii choose to not think on this too much, though I think that should be more than enough of a distraction...

<DLN-008>: > Hopefully it’ll buy enough time for you to...

<DLN-008>: > ...get to the heart of the matter. ^^;;;

[MN.6] //: -Hey, Toby, I love you, bro--

[MN.1] //: -You two can trade puns later--

Beck: -Geeently steps over froggies--

Beck: Thanks, Shadow--

[Beck runs off ahead, down more winding hallways and corridors. At least the Xel monstrosities were lessening in number for now...]

[He was making good progress until...]

Beck: !

Beck: Oh...

[...Until he was suddenly facing the edge of a VERY open and wide space, with NO path forward to be found--and the bottom? Nothing but darkness...]

Beck: [Drop emoticon] Time to fly, I guess...

[DR.SANDA] //: What? Why?

Beck: There's...no ground here.

[DR.SANDA] //: The path is gone?

Beck: Uh huh. Not sure if this a bad sign or if I...made a wrong turn...?

Beck: ... Wait...

[He flicks down his goggles for a moment.]

[REXELECTION: COUNTERSHADE]

[C.VISOR: ZOOM X3]

Beck: --! No, wait, I can see it! It's on the other side of this giant gap.

<DLN-008>: > That sounds promising?

Beck: Only one way to find out--

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR]

Beck: --and up, up, and away--ack--

[He scowls at himself a little before jumping off, propellor arm raised upwards. He starts to easily glide across.]

Beck: (Why this huge space? Seems...off.)

Beck: -Looks down--

Beck: (...I do not want to know what is down there.)

Beck: [Drop emoticon x3] (Probably something extremely lethal, I'm guessing.)

Beck: -Lands on the other side safely-

Beck: (Huh. Nothing tried to stop me.)

Beck: (...Nothing HAS for a good while, actually...)

Beck: -Takes a step forward--

[SLAM--]

Beck: -GNH--!-

[The ceiling just behind him folded OUTWARDS like a giant panel, launching the Mighty Number further down the hall with a rough tumble. The impact was enough to make him switch back to his default form, even.]

Beck: Ow...

[And before he could even so much as figure out WHERE that came from, the walls around him started glowing--]

Beck: [!] Not this again--

[SLAM--]

[He dashed forward as a section of the walls slammed into each other like a press--had he not reacted quickly enough, he would have been crushed.]

Beck: [Drop emoticon x3] -Okay, GOING, WE'RE GOING--

[This...didn't seem to help. The walls only started glowing again, and this time the floor and ceiling too--]

Beck: -SCREE--

[He's scrambling as fast as his systems can take him, taking turn after turn after turn until he's not quite sure WHERE he's ending up--]

[DR.WHITE] //: B--ck--

Beck: This place is--gah--REALLY out to get me--

[DR.WHITE] //: C--hear--what is going--res--

Beck: Dad? Hello--?

Beck: Avi? Toby? I can't hear you all, the jamming signal is getting...stronger--

Beck: --!! (That means--)

[SLAM--!]

[Pain, and then air, and then the sensation of falling--!]

Beck: AHH--!

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=CHAPTER 8A: TRAPPED BY LASER LIGHT=

~AO v1.0~

((Courtesy of @unluckyadept, @limitbreakers))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

{ ((Setting here, will look up exact date and time later)) }

[Breakfast that morning started out as such an exciting and encouraging affair.

The house was full again—full of noise, that is, and commotion.

Pyrogen had been forced to go out early to buy groceries, as Seismic had cleared out everything from both fridges and all the pantries once he was well enough to slightly move. Considering he hadn’t eaten in days, that wasn’t really a surprise.]

[In addition to the sticky glory and sugar that was syrup, there was plenty else to give one reason to bounce off the walls…

…not that the syrup wasn’t enough a reason on it’s own, of course…]

Beck: -IT'S MINE.-

Avi: -BECK COME ON YOU CAN'T JUST HOG THE SYRUP BOTTLE LIKE THAT, BRO-

Beck: -RUNS-

Beck: -SUGAAAAAR-

Avi: WE GOT A RUNNER--

[Cryo suddenly springs forth from her own personal freezer in an effort to stop him--]

Cryo: HAND OVER THE SYRUP BOTTLE BRO--

[...Only to find that Beck had vaulted over her to skid around towards the kitchen exit.]

Cryo: HEY NO FAIR--

Beck: -THE SYRUP IS MINE, NO ONE CAN HAVE IT-

[Avi hovers after him, camera drone floating beside him.]

[MN.6] //: -PING- -WE GOT A RUNNER, FOUR FOOT NINE, BLUE NEBULA SHIRT, WE ARE IN HOT PURSUIT, SUBJECT IS HYPER AND VERY STICKY--

Pyro: AVI, NO FLYING IN THE HOUSE--

Brand: ........

Brand: -It's too early for this--

<DWN-024>: > -Snorts- Is your breakfast always this chaotic, Sensei?

Shadow: -I can hear you all ON AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FLOOR, how even-

[MN.7] //: I'd say 'you have no idea' but then again....

[MN.5] //: -PRIVATE WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YOU DOING--

[MN.4] //: -Whoops, Beck's on a sugar rush, better stay out of the way-

Dyna: I'M NOT CATCHING HIM, HE'LL RUIN MY CLOTHES--

Pyro: -SIGH-

Pyro: -Just USE YOUR BITS, DYNATRON-

Dyna: -But he'll get those sticky toooooo--

Pyro: They're ALREADY STICKY--

[It was at this point that Will came in with a cup of stronger coffee than usual...]

Will: -Yaaawns-

Will: Mmmn....Good morning.

Pyro: Ah--Good morning, Father.

Avi: -FLIES BY THE DOOR- Morning, Daddo! Sorry, gotta fly-- -ZOOMS OFF, UH, WE LOST HIM, BROS--

Will: ?

Pyro: Beck won't share the syrup bottle.

Will: Ah...

Will: Well, that's expected. He's making up for the energy spent this whole week, though...Sugar isn't quite the answer...

Will: ...Oh well. -Sips-

<DWN-024>: >Good morning, Doctor.

<DWN-024>: >How are you this morning?

Will: ! Ah--Good morning, Shadow.

Will: I'm a little worn down, but--that is what coffee is for, eh? ^^

Will: Soi's getting the lab ready for the day, I believe. I heard that Mikhail and Siam have good news to share.

Pyro: !

<DWN-024>: > …

<DWN-024>: > If that is what I hope it to be… -Vaguely eager, because how do emotions work- We must let them know you are awake, as they will want to share at once.

Will: Oh, of course! Ah, just--let me locate Nine first, there's a bit of a situation, it seems. I'm sure he'll want to hear this too...

<DWN-024>: > -Muffled anticipation-

[After Beck was found hiding in the closet of his room with the syrup bottle--now empty--he agreed to come down to hear what Mikhail and Siam had to say.]

Avi: -Toting him around on his shoulders- Lil' bro acquired! ^^

Beck: -w-

Beck: -Syruuuup-

[By this point, the Cossacks were on the line. They appeared to be having breakfast, themselves.

Digger laughed at the spectacle, giving a slight “fist” pump.]

Digger: Haha!~ How is you say, “brother GET!”? You are lucky is not gingerbread man!

[Skull looked over at Keltso. They seemed to share a private joke, because Keltso snorted into his drink.]

Mikhail: It’s good to see you all like this again. Heaven knows it’s been missed.

[The doctor looked tired, but content. He gave a pleasant smile.]

Mikhail: I do indeed have some excellent news to share. Something that’s been long overdue.

Cryo: OOOOOO~

Avi: -THIS SHOULD BE GOOD-

Beck: -Wipes syrup off of his mouth- So what is it, Dr. Cossack?

Mikhail: Well, you know what my overreaching project has been since before we met one another, da?

Digger: Repairing little brothers? :^DDD

Mikhail: Among others, yes.

Mikhail: I must thank you all for your help along the way. Beck, your molds have proven invaluable.

Beck: (^.^)7

Beck: It's no problem, Doctor!

Mikhail: It’s taken quite a lot of searching, but I do believe we have found a suitable answer. It honestly was hard to believe at first, the specs are quite—

WHACK!

Beck: --???

Avi: --The heck was that?

[Out of nowhere, there was an incredible racket coming from the direction of the windows.

It almost sounded like something was trying to break in.]

Cryo: --Yo, It's coming from the window--

Pyro: ???

[Pyro goes over to look at what is causing all the racket--]

Pyro: What is going on out--

Pyro: !!!!!

[...And IMMEDIATELY unlatches the window lock.]

Avi: Uh...Bro? What are you--

[Something feathered and shrieking dashed into the kitchen. It flew right into the toppings and condiments on the table, knocking over drinks and getting grimy feathers into breakfasts.

This bird had certainly seen better days. It looked like it had flown through a pretty hard-affected area—sooty, muddy, and overall filthy.]

Mikhail: -Stands, utterly confused- Pyro, why—

[The poor thing didn’t even stop a moment to rest, but continued screaming.]

???: SCREE, SCREE!

Pyro: Doctor--

Pyro: That's BARON!

Beck: !!!!

Cryo: -Squints-

Cryo: -...DUDE HE'S RIGHT IT'S CARDINAL'S BIRD FORM--

Mikhail: What?!

[Baron was in hysterics, kicking up his wings as he took alight again, hovering in people’s faces.]

Beck: Baron! Calm down! -ACKPFFT FEATHERS IN MOUTH-

Avi: -DUDE YOU'RE GONNA RUN INTO SOMETHING--

Baron: -SCREE, SCREEEE—- -Flies over in Pyro’s face, SCREEEEE—- DDD8

Pyro: -Nearly has to take a step back, this bird is going crazy--

Pyro: Baron--We can't understand you if you just keep screaming--

[Frustrated, Baron flew over near the stove.

He started letting out bursts of fIRE—]

Baron: “●●● ——— ●●●” !!! SCREEE! “●●● ——— ●●●!” SCREE SCREE—!

Beck: ....

Avi: --Dude--Dude that's definitely Morse--

Pyro: ....

Pyro: SOS...

Beck: !!!

Beck: Is Cards in trouble--?!

Baron: SCREE—! “●●● ——— ●●●! ——● —●—●!!!!!!!!”

Avi: --? DC?

Avi: Uh, bro, you're gonna have to be a little more specific with the letters, man--

Will: --No, wait--

[There was a crash noise on the other side of the line. Digger whirled around to see who it was.]

Digger: … Felix?!

[He runs out of view. Baron flies over and starts pecking desperately at Avi’s camera drone.]

Avi: --HEY NO--

Beck: !!!

Avi: Dude no you're gonna scratch the camera--

[Luckily, Will is already opening another feed to the local news, with Soi coming in to see what was all the ruckus about.]

Soi: Why is everyone screaming louder than--

Soi: --Holy hamburger, is that BARON?!

“Felix, no—you’re unwell, you—!”

[Protests could be heard from the other line. Felix was speaking back in agitated Proxan. Dark, deadly looking plants were starting to curl around the doorframe.]

Beck: -Oh man--

Will: Yes, Soi, do me a favor and PLEASE check the news on TV for me--

Soi: Er--Okay?

Soi: --!!!??

Soi: WILL, WE HAVE A SITUATION--

“Let GO of me—they must stop him—”

Mikhail: What KIND of situation— FELIX! GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF—!

Soi: -PANIC-

Soi: THE WHITE HOUSE IS UNDER ATTACK--

Will: What--?!?

Beck: The White House?!?

Avi: -WAIT--AS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE--

Baron: -SCREEE D.C., D.C.-

Avi: -FINALLY GETS INTO THE FEEDS HIMSELF-

Avi: -Pales-

Avi: Oh man THISISBAD--

Avi: THIS IS VERY BAD--

Avi: GUYS--THEY'RE SAYING THAT AN UNIDENTIFIED BOT IS ON THE PRIMISES AND THE DESCRIPTION MATCHES CARDS--

Beck: Cards is THERE?!?

Mikhail: {WHAT?! NO—!}

<DLN-008 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

<DWN-011 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DWN-012 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DWN-013 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DWN-018 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DWN-019 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DWN-024 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

<DCN-000 has entered Non-Lethal Combat mode.>


<DCN-003 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DCN-007 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>


<DCN-008 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

Beck: (But--!)

Beck: (If Cards is THERE, then that means--!)

Beck: (--OH MAN, THEY'RE IN--)

Mikhail: {My God, if he gets caught, they are going to destroy him—}

Mikhail: {EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN! AUTHORIZATION MC005!}

((AAAAAaaaand everyone goes back Offline))

<RMDC>: > -PING!- ERROR: COMMAND FAILED. DLN-000 SIGNAL NOT FOUND.

Cryo: -FLAILING ARMS- WHY THE GLITCH IS THE PREZ'S HOUSE UNDER ATTACK--

Pyro: --....

Pyro: If Cardinal is in the White House--then--

Will: . . .

Will: N...No...

Will: NonoNO--!

Beck: SHADE--!

Felix: You… you must stop him, before—!

[Mikhail, taken by surprise (as he had forgotten all about the poor Adept in the chaos), turned just in time to prevent Felix from falling over something. Felix clutched at him, clearly in a very weakened state. He hadn’t eaten in a long time—and it showed.]

Beck: !

Beck: FELIX--!

Felix: There…

Felix: There is DEATH on the horizon!

Beck: --!!!

Will: NO--!

Will: (I will not lose another CHILD--!)

Will: CALL!

Felix: NO!

Felix: You don’t understand—!

Beck: --????!

Beck: -Already in combat form, loading up Xel Stocks-

Beck: You gotta explain FAST, Felix, I don't think we have much time--

Felix: He can’t…

Mikhail: -Helps Felix gently to the floor, turning pale- {Dear God…}

Felix: Couldn’t… he couldn’t outrun him…

Will: -Freezes at that-

————————

“You’re going to have to catch me first, hunting doggie!”

————————

“Catch me if you can!”

————————

Beck: . . .

Beck: -Starts preparing FASTER--

Avi: But--wait--

Beck: No TIME!

Beck: Call, how soon can you get us authorization?!

Mikhail: WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THAT!

[He’s run over to the mainframe, working faster than one could think possible. He seemed desperate.]

Mikhail: Aviator White you find out who the security on the lawn is RIGHT NOW AND TELL THEM TO CEASE FIRE, /THIS INSTANT!/

Avi: ON IT--

Mikhail: {And somebody call back the Pentagon, dammit—that’s why we haven’t heard from the secretary, THEY MUST BE TRAPPED INSIDE!}

[PING!]

[CALL] //: Yes, Doctor. Contacting the Pentagon.

Mikhail: {FIND whoever you spoke to, we have got to get eyes in there, his signal is gone but we have to get him out of there, I’m waking up Tobias because WE DON’T HAVE TIME!}

Will: S-Soi-- -It's all moving too fast for him, Shade--

Soi: Will--Go get Beck as close to the House as possible! Can you do that?

Will: --!! Yes, yes--Right away--

Beck: (Shade--Shade, why this, WHY THE WHITE HOUSE, WHY--)

Beck: (Don't you know Cards is--?!)

Beck: Ready--!

Mikhail: {THEN GO, /NOW!/}

——————

[....Some time later…]

Beck: What is TAKING so long?!

White: I'm going as fast as I CAN, Beck, but there are SECURITY measures preventing direct Xel Transfer that I HAVE to get through FIRST--!

Beck: We gotta get to Cards before SHADE does or--!

Beck: (Or...He'll do something WORSE--)

White: Almost....

White: --! GOT IT--

White: Call!

Call: Affirmative, Doctor. Preparing Xel Transfer...

<DLN-008 is now Online.>

Beck: --!

Beck: Toby--!

<DLN-008 has entered Lethal Combat mode.>

Beck: --Uh oh--

[Mikhail is working at a terminal, apparently communicating with Tobias.]

[DR.WHITE to MN.9] //: Mikhail has things covered, Beck--your main focus should be to retrieve Countershade and Cardinal!

<MC005>: >Tobias has his own mission. Focus on your work!

[MN.9] //: --...Yes, Sir.

Beck: (Hang on, guys, I swear--I swear I won't let anything happen to you--!)

[CAPITOL BUILDING, AKA THE WHITE HOUSE, A FEW SECONDS LATER...]

[MISSION DETAILS: MIGHTY NUMBER 8, COUNTERSHADE, APPEARS TO BE LEADING A ROBOT OCCUPATION OF THE CAPITAL BUILDING. SIGHTINGS OF DLN-000, CARDINAL LIGHT, HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTED.

MISSION OBJECTIVE: LOCATE AND PURGE ALL HARMFUL MALWARE FROM MN.8, LOCATE DLN-000. PREVENT BOTH UNITS FROM ENGAGING.

SUB-OBJECTIVE: MINIMIZE RMDC IMPACT.]

[SYSTEMS READY?]

[GO!]

((Stage music here))

[Beck appears in a flurry of blue Xel building upon itself, his feet meeting luxury red carpet. He seems to have landed in the foyer.]

[CALL] //: Attention. Beck has arrived at the Capitol Building.

[DR.SANDA] //: Y...You don't think Shade would actually...Try to...

[DR.WHITE] //: (A fine question indeed, but we all know the answer to that.) Focus, Soi.

[DR.WHITE] //: Beck, what do you see?

Beck: I see--

[Vrrrrrrr...]

[A red dot appears right in between Beck's eyes--]

Beck: --!

[Beck rolls out of the way JUST in time to avoid sniper fire from out of nowhere, the statue behind him becoming littered with bullet holes.]

[PING!]

[MN.8] //: Well, well, well.

[MN.8] //: If it ain't the infernal Wily child and the Lil' doggie.

[So far, Beck had to go and FIND his ill siblings, and while each case differed from the other--

Not two seconds into this and Shade held NO qualms about shooting him in the head.

...In all honesty, that made Beck just a touch annoyed.]

-PING!-

[MN.9] //: COUNTERSHADE!

[Static fill ted the coms.

Angry static.]

<DLN-008>: >Shut up, Shade.

<DLN-008>: > The only reason I haven’t fried you to a soot speck is because Beck’s my friend and Cardinal would kill me. |[

Beck: ...

Beck: (Whew...)

Beck: (At least I kinda don't have to worry about Toby frying big bro to a crisp--yet...)

[There was a slight noise, and it died down.]

<DLN-008>: > Yes—

Beck: --? (Yes? Yes what--?) Toby, who are you--

[Suddenly, gunfire, off in the distance--]

[CALL] //: Sniper fire detected, but I am unable to detect any robot capable of long range gunfire.

[DR.WHITE] //: No, you won't, Call. Mighty No. 8 won't show up on any of your instruments.

[DR.WHITE.] //: ...All part of my design.

[One of the monitors nearby became filled with static and then a familiar symbol—the Wily symbol.

Tobias’s voice came over a small-range frequency.]

“Cardinal is fighting his way through—I can hear him, but I can’t see him yet! I’ll do what I can to disrupt!”

Beck: !

Beck: Thanks, Toby!

“Don’t congratulate me yet, Beck—”

((Whatever noise you want here))

“I CAN’T CONTROL THE SECURITY SYSTEMS!”

[As if to prove this point, the monitor cut out, and resumed a “RED ALERT” security message.]

Beck: ._____.

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC.]

((pic))

Beck: -TANK MODE GO-

[Various turrets unlock from the ceiling and walls, but they couldn't keep up with Beck as he barreled down the next hallway, gunfire chasing after him.]

[He practically ran over various infected robots, not stopping for a second in his search for Countershade and Cardinal.]

Beck: (Where are you, Shade--?)

[DR.WHITE] //: Beck, Shade has to be somewhere in the building--trace the sniper fire back to its source!

[Indeed, Beck saw many red lasers bouncing off the walls and familiar dark orbs in the hall--Beck only saw them in use once in his entire life, and that was way back when he was still on the team...]

Beck: (Shade can see through them, I know that much--and he can use them to bounce his shots off of...)

Beck: (Meaning he has eyes everywhere--he knows exactly what's going on inside at all times--)

Beck: (I gotta get past them somehow--!)

[REXELECTION: BRANDISH.]

Beck: HAH!

[Beck leaps forward and slices one out of the air, both halves of the orb falling into carpet with a small thunk.]

Beck: Okay, so some of them can be smashed... (Or sliced, in this case...)

[CRUNCH--!]

Beck: --? -Looks down, what the heck did he step on--

Snake: -Beep.-

[...Gosh, that looked familiar--]

Snake: -Beep beep.-

Beck: --!!!

[His mind goes RACING back to that day when a Search Snake had snuck into the Meadow--!]

Beck: NO--!

[Beck KICKS IT AWAY--]

[BLAM BLAM BLAM--]

[The snake EXPLODED in the air, sending shrapnel and acid flying--some of it into the gathered orbs, themselves!!]

[There was suddenly distorted CURSING over the feeds as Beck breathed hard, his eyes wide and shaking, and...almost...]

[Glowing...]

Beck: WHAT IS A S E A R C H SNAKE DOING HERE IN THE WHITE HOUSE--?!?

[...Uh oh.]

<DLN-008>: > Because Cardinal is trying to find them, genius!

Beck: --!

Beck: .........

Beck: ....O...Oh...

[That seems to snap him out of it.]

Beck: S-...Sorry, I...

<DLN-008>: > HE TOOK ALL THE CAPSULES, REMEMBER?!

Beck: -Wince--

Beck: (Gnh, that's right--)

<DLN-008>: > Including MINE!

[BZZZRRRRRKKKZZZZZGGGHHHHHHHVVVV—]

Beck: --?!?

<MC005>: > No! They're... they must be already engaging!

Beck: No--!

Beck: (Cards--Shade is WEAK to DYNA'S abilities, you're going to--!)

[Beck swerved around a corner, heading to the place where he heard the electricity--]

Beck: (Ugh, this is like the Power Plant all over again--)

<DLN-008>: > DYNAAAAAA--

<DLN-008>: > I CAN'T FIGHT THE SYSTEM AND FOCUS ON OTHER THINGS AT THE SAME TIME, HELP--

[He did seem to be disrupting the security systems-- it was far from perfect, though, and it was clear he was struggling.]

[PING!]

[MN.3] //: I got thiszz, Toby!

[MN.3] //: Let'szzz zzsee, what can I do here....

[Dyna is silent for a few moments before--]

[PING!]

[MN.3] //: Ah! That'szz the biszznesszz--thiszz place MUST have it'szz own power grid! No wonder you're having zzso much trouble, Toby, the zzspecszz are totally different.

[MN.3] //: Hmmm...Let'szzz try thiszz--

Beck: Whoa--!

[Suddenly, gravity just vanished as EVERYTHING began to float up, suspended, the air crackling with energy--]

Beck: Dynaaaaa, put me down--!

[MN.3] //: Oopszz--

[MN.3] //: Okay, hmm. That waszzn't it--

[THUNK.]

[Aaaand gravity went back to normal.]

Beck: -Ow-

[MN.3] //: Wow, thiszzz iszzn't your typical power grid--I'm gonna need a few zzsecondszz. Can you hold off for a while longer?

Beck: -Back in default form- Yeah, I think...

Beck: --!

Beck: What the...

[He had arrived at the hallway where he heard the electric based weaponry going off.

It was utterly destroyed.]

Beck: Uh.

Beck: I think this is the right way. (Jeez...)

Beck: (Gotta watch my step...)

Beck: CARDS?! SHADE?!

Beck: WHERE ARE YOU?!

Beck: SOMEONE--

[BANG!]

Beck: --Gnh!

[Something hot grazed his shoulder, and he turned--]

Shade: Hello, runt.

Beck: --?!

[Before Beck could say a word, Shade fired off more shots, forcing Beck to find cover behind a presidential statue of sorts.]

Shade: Heh. Coward.

Beck: Shade, please, I--!

[Beck peeked out of his cover to return fire--]

Beck: --???

[...But he was gone.]

Beck: Sh...Shade--?

[Nothing.]

[CALL] //: Mighty No. 8's signal has vanished. We have lost the target. My apologies.

[DR.WHITE] //: .... -sigh-

[DR.WHITE] //: ... It's not your fault.

[DR.WHITE] //: ...It's what I built him to do.

<MC005>: > And Cardinal was built to defend at all costs-- Tobias, where is he?!

<DLN-008>: > Kinds busy with the security--!

Beck: Gah...

[Finding nothing here, Beck doubled back to the foyer, and to the other adjoining hallway to the right. Perhaps, if they were going left, he can cut them off--]

Beck: --!

[A slew of infected combat models awaited him.]

Beck: Aw, you gotta be--!

[They opened fire, and this time there wasn't much cover to hide behind--Beck was forced to tank some hits before retaliating with his default weapon, restoring his Xel Stocks for later.]

Beck: Guuuh, lasers hurt...

[He shakes it off after a while, and continues to run down the hall...]

[BANG BANG BANG!!]

[--only to be CHASED by sniper fire soon after!]

Beck: AH--!

[MN.8] //: Heh. Run along nao, lil' doggy.

[MN.8] //: -VERY DISORTED VOICE-- Run and FETCH for your HUMAN masters.

<DLN-008>: > OW!

<DLN-008>: > -Incredibly aggressive data-

[Tobias seemed to be engaged in a fight against something very powerful…

…something that was making him angry.]

[KKKSST--]

[The connection cuts out.]

[DR.WHITE] //: He STILL has his sights on you, Beck--be careful--!

Beck: Ggh, trying--!

[He manages to dive into the next hallway--]

Beck: --?????

[...Oh that was a lot of Metal Blades.]

Beck: (Oooh, jeez, Shade's not gonna be happy seeing those out--)

Beck: (Not after what happened in the Queen's Finals...)

Beck: (Oh, please, PLEASE don't do anything rash, Shade--you--you gotta still be in there SOMEWHERE--!)

"RARF!"

Beck: --?????

Beck: ...Did...Did you hear that?

[It...It sounded like a very distinct bark--]

<MC005>: > …I must be imagining things, that sounded like Shade’s dog—

"RARF RARF!"

Beck: --!!!!

Beck: No WAY--

[Amazingly, despite all of the gunfire and chaos, madness, and overall hell on earth--

Scout the Zigzagoon was expertly and happily bouncing around the dangers of the White House, tail wagging with GLEE as he POUNCED into the young hero's chest with almost carefree cheerfulness.]

Scout: RARF! : D!!!! -IT'S YOU, TALL MASTER'S BROTHERRRR-

Beck: SCOUT--?!?

Scout: -ALL THE KISSES FOR YOU--

Beck: -GIGGLES, BWAAAA--

[DR.WHITE] //: .....I....? -Speechless-

<MC005>: > …

<MC005>: > …How did he—

<MC005>: > !

<MC005>: > What is he wearing?

Beck: --?

[Scout had something hanging around his neck, besides his teal scarf...]

Beck: Lemmie see that...

Beck: --?

Beck: It's...One of those old USB drives--?

<MC005>: > !!!

<MC005>: > That’s Cardinal’s!

Beck: --......

Beck: Wait--if this is Cardinal's--

Beck: Scout--did...Did you--did you come here WITH CARDS--?!?

Scout: Rarf! : D

Beck: -ARE YOU TELLING ME SHADE'S RACCOON FOUND CARDS, CARDS, BEFORE WE DID--

[You could hear Mikhail facepalming over the feeds.

....And again, over Will's feed.]

[DR.WHITE] //: -We got outsmarted by a raccoon, are you KIDDING me--

Beck: --! Scout--where is he--where is Cards--?!

Scout: ---......

[...He's...Not answering.]

<DLN-008>: > Gnhhhgghhh!

<DLN-008>: > I directed him to the Oval Office!

Beck: --?!? WHAT--?!

[DR.SANDA] //: -I KNEW IT, HE'S GOING TO ASSASSINATE THE MADAME PRESIDENT--

[DR.SANDA] //: BECK! HURRY!

Beck: (Gnh--!)

Beck: Scout--

Beck: I can't bring you back home, but, please--

Beck: If you find Cards--please tell him I'm going to save Shade!

[Beck didn't want to leave Scout in such a dangerous place, but--if he made it this far, then he should be fine...]

Scout: Rarf--

[Beck didn't wait for an complete answer--he ran ahead, leaving the Zig behind.]

Scout: -Whiiiines-

[After a moment of worry, the Zig soon bounces off, determined to find his master--either of them.]

[Meanwhile, Beck continued to forge his way through the capital building turned battleground, avoiding both Shade's sniper fire AND that of the infected robots.]

Beck: --....

[Despite all the noise, and chaos...]

[...He hasn't seen a single human in the building yet, and he didn't know if that was a good or bad sign.]

[PING!]

[Fortunately, that question was about to be answered.]

[MN.8] //: Wondering what happened to all the humans here, Lil' doggy?

[MN.8] //: They ran away, thanks t' that annoyin' songbird of theirs...Feh. Cowards.

[MN.8] //: Every single one of those meat-sticks fled at the first sign of trouble. Pathetic.

[MN.8] //: ...'Cept for the stupid ones, that is. Heh.

[MN.8] //: Like y o u.

[MN.9] //: -Ghn--

[MN.9] //: Shade, PLEASE--!

[MN.9] //: That 'songbird'--you KNOW that person, Shade--!

[MN.9] //: Please don't hurt him!

[MN.8] //: Ya think I'm gonna listen t' YEW, lil' Doggy?

[MN.8] //: Ah' ain't no TOOL fer MAN no more. Not like the REST of ya.

[MN.8] //: Ah' think it's about time someone ELSE had a turn at orderin' fools around, eh?

[KKKSST--!]

Beck: SHADE--UGH--!

Beck: (Either he's ignoring me or he doesn't even RECOGNIZE Cards--like Pyro...)

Beck: DYNA!

[MN.3] //: Almoszzt got it--

[The lights flickered...]

[And dimmed.]

Beck: --!

[...Aaaand everything started floating again, oh no--]

Beck: Waaah--!

[MN.8] //: NGH, SONOFVA--

[PING!]

[MN.3] //: Oooooh, Shaaaaade!

[MN.3] //: BIG ZZZSISTER WANTSZZ TO HAVE A TALK WITH YOU.

[MN.8] //: -Oh, bite me, witch hag.-

[MN.3] //: YOU CAN’T PLAY HIDE AND ZZZSEEK FOREVER–

[MN.3] //: -CACKLES- BECAUSE I'LL FIIIIIND YOUUUU!~

[MN.8] //: GO T' HELL.

[KSSSSSST--]

<DLN-008>: > NICE TRY.

<DLN-008>: > You’ve made this place unbearable…

<DLN-008>: > So we’re already /here/, and we WON’T GO /AWAY!/

[MN.3] //: Niczze play on wordszz, bro.~

[MN.8] //: Grrr...

[MN.8] //: Glitchfraggin' motherscratchin' infested with lightin' bugs--

[PING!]

[MN.1] //: DON'T TALK TO YOUR SISTER THAT WAY, EIGHT--

[MN.1] //: When you get back here I swear I am going to WASH THAT FOUL MOUTH WITH SOAP--

[MN.2] //: -OOO, CAN WE HELP--

[MN.1] //: -You know what yes Cryo you CAN help-

[MN.2] //: HECK YEAH, BATH TIME~~~

[MN.8] //: Ah' ain't got no TAHM for ya FRICKIN' PRATTLE--!

[KSSSSSSSST--]

[CONNECTION LOST.]

[MN.1] //: | [

[MN.1] //: Dyna, have you managed to seize control of the--

[MN.3] //: ~~ < 3

[MN.1] //: --????

[MN.3] //: -Mmmm high grade military level power voltage tastes SO GOOD--

[MN.1] //: You've got to be kidding me--

<MC005>: > …Why are you surprised by this, exactly?

[MN.1] //: I'm not. | [

[MN.3] //: Mmmmm!~

[MN.3] //: Go on now, Becky, I got thiszz, I KNEW thiszz place had it'szz own power grid, yum.~

[MN.9] //: Hookay, thanks, Dyna! c:

<DLN-008>: >Just follow the panels along the side—

[Some of them start lighting up, flickering down the hallway.]

[Unfortunately, Beck didn’t really quite make it too far before—]

POW.

[Someone had managed to blow a fuse, which turned off the security in that part of the White House…

…and the lights…

…and the air conditioning.]

<DLN-008>: > OW!

<DLN-008>: > -OUCH that hurt, WARN a guy before you shove him into a current like that—-

[MN.1] //: DYNA!

[MN.3] //: OW, THAT WASZZN'T ME, BRO--

<MC005>: > …That was Cardinal.

<MC005>: >He must have used Thunder Beam…

((Pic of Tobias in ANGRY RAEG MODE here))

<MC005>: > It’s the only thing he had powerful enough to do that.

<MC005>: >I think that’s the last of the electric power he had at his disposal—he won’t have any left for fighting with…

Beck: (He's...Either getting more serious or desperate...)

Beck: (I gotta hurry, gotta--!)

<MC005>: >Tobias, are you alright?

<DLN-008>: > Nnnngghhhh…

[MN.3] //:

-Kinda dizzy and a LITTLE peeved, she was enjoying a GOOD MEAL--

[BANG!]

Beck: --!!!!

Beck: That came from--!

[MN.8] //: Tch!

[MN.8] //: Keep gettin’ in mah way, Birdy, and Ah’ WILL make ya regret it!

Beck: --!!

[REXELECTION: BRANDISH.]

[A red blur speeds down the hallway at a frantic pace, but he's still slowed down by all the infected enemies around--it was like they were trying to stall him--]

Beck: Out of my WAY--

[SHING SHING--!]

[Then...]

[MN.8] //: Heh.

[MN.8] //: Was that ya soundin’ desperate there?

[MN.9] //: SHADE--!

[MN.8] //: -LAUGHTER-

[MN.8] //: Ah’ hate t’ disobey a lady, but m'afraid yer term is up.

[MN.8] //: Now.

[MN.8] //: R u n.

[The comms seemed to go live—as if Shade were broadcasting his twisted takeover—!]

[For a brief moment, silence.

…But then…]

“…Heh…”

Beck: --!

[Laughter.

FAMILIAR laughter—but it wasn’t Shade’s—!]

Beck: --!

Beck: Cardinal--!

“Shade, Shade, Shade…”

<DLN-008>: > ??? (What’s with the scolding tone?)

“You know what?”

“You’re right.”

Beck: --?!?!? (What....?)

[MN.8] //: -Ooooh, now ya got his attention-

[MN.8] //: Somethin’ change yer mind, Birdy?

[MN.8] //: Was it the fact that yer doin’ this all fer nothin’?

“Hardly.”

<DLN-008>: > … Uh-oh—

“More like… I don’t have time for this, Shade…”

[One could hear a faint priming whine…!]

“Guess I’ll have to make my own!”

[K-FLSH!]

Beck: --?????

<RMDC>: >WEAPON IDENTIFIED: TIME STOPPER

Beck: (Time Stopper--)

[Ah! Beck can see the hallway now--]

CRASH!

Beck: --?!?

Beck: (What are you guys DOING--)

PSSSHHHHT!

<MC005>: > …

<MC005>: > -Soi please tell me that wasn’t me hearing him SPRAY PAINTING something just now—-

[DR.SANDA] //: -Oh goodness I--I think it is-- CARDINAL THIS IS THE WHITE HOUSE, NOT A GIANT CANVAS--

[There was a sharp whistling noise.]

“-RARF RARF RARF–”

Beck: --! Scout--!

[Almost there--]

“Close enough. Group hug, everybody!”

“! Oh goodness— Now wait just a—”

[Beck turned the corner—]

Byuubyuubyuu…

Beck: --!

Beck: NO!

Beck: I was so CLOSE--!

Beck: (--But--at least the President is okay, right--?)

[KSSSSSST--!]

[MN.6] //: HEEEYOOOO, this is Avi bringing you guys a quick update--

[MN.6] //: I've managed to tell the boys in blue and black that Cards isn't a threat--and I got visual of him outside--!

<MC005>: > {AT LAST!}

[MN.6] //: Please hold, I think--I think if I can just get this cam over here, I can talk to him--

<MC005>: > {Yes— oh please let this WORK—}

<MC005>: >Beck, is Shade still in that hallway? I think Cardinal may have tagged him, actually—

[KSSSSSST--!]

[MN.6] //: I got visual! And input audio--so we can hear him--

Beck: -Looks around--

Beck: I...I don't see him...

“Heh.”

“Hello again, Avs.”

[MN.6] //: Cards--Cards, man, I missed you-- come ON I NEED AUDIO OUTPUT--!

<DLN-008>: > H-hang on… lemme try and fix that…

[The feed crackled.]

<DLN-008>: >Okay, try now—!

[KSSSSSST--!]

[MN.6] //: TOBY YOU'RE A LIFESAVER--

Avi: Bro you do realize can't hide from this, right--

“Sadly."

[He sounded weary and grim.]

“That’s a cost I’ll have to carry.”

<DLN-008>: > …

<DLN-008>: > -Ugh, I… suddenly don’t feel so good…-

Avi: OKAY GOOD JUST CHECKING.

Avi: Because sometimes you just kinda let these things fly wAY OVER YOUR HEAD--

[MN.1] //: Really, Avi?!

[MN.6] //: -WE PUN WHEN WE'RE STRESSED, OKAY--

<MC005>: > -sNORTS-

[Silence, other than the background chatter.]

<MC005>: > Just a little more…

[…Cardinal spoke up again. He sounded rather defeated.]

“-Quietly- I’m sorry, Avi. I’m not done yet.”

Avi: --....

[MN.6] //: -Ugh we--Cards, we NEED you too--

Avi: Dude, Beck's in there now, just--come on, man, can't ya believe in him too...?

Beck: (Please, Cards--you KNOW I'm the only one that can CURE him, PLEASE, I can DO THIS--!)

“Six, this is about a lot more than believing and proving and anything else, and quite frankly—”

[A splashing noise.]

[MN.6] //: --? Was that water--

“—I’m tired of seeing my brothers die.”

<DLN-008>: > -Uuuuugh…!-

<RMDC>: >WARNING: ??.??.20XX MEMORY DATA CROSS-REFERENCES TO MULTIPLE HAZARDOUS FILES. POTENTIAL SYSTEM OVERLOAD TRIGGER DETECTED.

<DLN-008>: > -Ghhh…!-

Beck --.....

Beck: . . . .

[DR.WHITE] //: --Beck--?

“I won’t risk any chance of that happening again.”

Beck: Ghn--

[But--but--]

Beck: (I--I promised, I won't do that, Cards, I--)

Beck: (I'm not like--like--)

[The Xel of the broken robots around him starts to float--]

Beck: Why don't...you...listen--?

[MN.9] //: -Hurt, hurtful data, that hurt--

<MC005>: > !

Beck: Why don't you b-believe me--

<MC005>: > NO!

<MC005>: > BECK, HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT YOU—

<MC005>: > With the White House evacuated…

<MC005>: > The Pentagon would be able to target it!

Beck: --!

[DR.WHITE] //: Listen to Mikhail, Beck!

[DR.WHITE] //: Cardinal--he has his own personal reasons for going after Shade, you know this--!

[DR.WHITE] //: It's not that he doesn't believe in you, Beck, please...

Beck: . . .

[A lady’s voice breaks through.]

“Where do you THINK you’re going—”

[MN.6] //: -UH OH--

“Here, take this, it may help you on your journey—”

[MN.6] //: .......

Avi: (....I guess I tried.)

“Ackpth—”

Mikhail: … -Facepalm- (He handed off the Pokémon to the President??)

[MN.6] //: Sorry, Doc, I'm...not a good staller. That's...More Shade's department...

Avi: please don't hurt him too bad.

“I don’t have time for this. You saw the file extension, you know my intentions.”

Beck: --......

[At the sound of Cardinal reminding him of this, The Xel fluxes, and then gently collects towards Beck, healing him.]

-*-*-*-

<DLN-000>: >I know. I know.

<DLN-000>: >But I’ll never give up on you Shade, not for any reason.

-*-*-*-*-

Beck: Never...give...up...on you...

Beck: Not for any...Reason..

[When Cardinal spoke again, he seemed to be in… pain.]

“…See you in clearer skies, Avs.”

[MN.6] // Ggnh--

[MN.6] //: Cards WAIT--

Mikhail: NYET—!

“Goodbye…”

BWIP.

[MN.6] //: CARDS--!

<RMDC>: >ERROR: DLN-000 SIGNAL NOT FOUND.

[MN.6] //: Nghgh--

[MN.6] //: -Hurts, HEAD HURTS--

>A problem has been detected and AI_DWN_008 has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. All unsaved data has been lost.

The problem seems to be caused by the following programs: BetaEmotions.exe, RMDatabase.exe

If this is the first time you have seen the Stop error screen, restart your chassis—

REBOOTING…

Mikhail: (Great. GREAT. Now Cardinal is gone, and Tobias is Offline. I have nothing!)

Mikhail: -Puts his head in his hands-

[…]

“…Get me Sanda Labs on a secure line.”

Mikhail: … -Not NOW—-

“NOW.”

[DR.WHITE] //: --!!!!!!

[DR.WHITE] //: No--

[DR.WHITE HAS LEFT THE CONVERSATION.]

Mikhail: Will?

[DR.SANDA] //: Will--!

[DR.SANDA] //: G-Give us a minute--Will COME BACK--

[DR.SANDA HAS LEFT THE CONVERSATION.]

Mikhail: …

<MC005>: > Beck we need him out of there.

[Back at the White House, Beck had somewhat calmed down, but he seemed...somewhat tired. Emotionally, rather than physically.]

Beck: --I...yeah.

Beck: I'm going.

Beck: (Shade...Cards...)

[He had no idea where to start looking, and no idea what Shade would do now that the President was outside, and safe.]

[But...If he had to guess...]

Beck: --....

Beck: Oh no--

<MC005>: >Beck…? What is it?

Beck: (No, Shade, no--)

[If anything, Shade's obvious objective was to kill the President--but now that she was gone, and by Cardinal's doing--]

Beck: Shade's target is gone.

Beck: Remember what happened at the highway--Jack made Carmen's target get away, and who did SHE TAKE THAT OUT ON--

<MC005>: > {Dear God—}

[REXELECTION: BRANDISH]

Beck: SHAAAAAAAAAAADE!

[CRASH, BANG--]

[He had to get to Cards--before--before--!]

Beck: CAAAAAAAAAARDS!

[BANG–!]

[BANG BANG–]

Beck: NO--!!

Beck: (NO, don't do this, please, don't--!)

Beck: (That came from all the way back at the foyer--)

KTANG!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT—

[Getting back ALL the way to where he started--]

[Beck even ignored the oncoming fire from what was left of the infected robots, even crushing one with a firm hand swipe--as if he pushed the Xel of it away--]

[BANG–]

Beck: Ngh--!

Beck: (Hurts, but--gotta keep going--)

KZZZRRR! KZZRRR!

Beck: --?!?

Beck: What the--

[Wires. Wires covered in purple, all over the hall, he couldn't pass though here--!]

Beck: RRRRUGH!

[Beck was so angry that the leftover Xel around him shivered, collected, and grew HOT, following him as he swerved on his heel in the other direction--]

Beck: (I swear if I see them beating the heck outta each other to an INCH of life, I'm gonna--!)

Beck: GUUUUYS!

Beck: Sto--

[WHAM!]

Beck: --?!?

[...Did he just run smack into George Washington's head?]

Beck: (This was NOT here before--)

CRASH!

[BANG!]

[VRRRRRRR--]

Beck: --????

[The entire bust and pedestal that the granite image of the First President suddenly started moving--]

[The mechanisms inside were robotic, and thus, ALSO affected by the virus--meaning--]

Beck: -EXASPERATED- EVEN THE FOUNDING FATHERS DON'T WANT ME NEAR MY OWN BROTHER--

Beck: WHAT IS UP WITH THIS PLACE--

[BLAM--]

[Shattering the granite head bust seems to work.]

[BLAM--]

[MN.2] //: Dude did you just blast President Lincoln--

Beck: I--

[BLAM--]

Beck: DON'T--

[BLAM!]

Beck: --CARE!

Beck: SHADE!

Beck: I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME--STOP IT! NOW!

kzzzZZZZZZZZGGGVVVVGGGHHHTTTT—

[size=6]CRASH!![/size]

Beck: --!

[...Silence.]

[Oh God, silence--]

Beck: (No--n-no, he--)

[BANGKSSSHHHHKKKGGHHHHT!]

Beck: --!

[BLAM--]

Beck: -MIXTURE OF RELIEF AND HORROR-

[BANG BANG BANG–]

[A LOUD EXPLOSION—]

Beck: Gh--

Beck: -Why are there so many of these STUPID STATUES--

Beck: (If only Shade didn't block that stupid hall on the right--)

Beck: (All of this is just-- stupid, nngh--)

Beck: (I just want my family BACK--!)

[He was halfway there, he could hear the noises of battle getting louder--]

[BANG–]

[CRASH!]

Beck: (Almost--just a couple of more hallways--)

[KKKKKKKRRWOOOOOOOOOOOOH!]

[A strong wind came through the hallway.]

Beck: ---?!?!

[The sudden strong gusts sent our lightweight hero tumbling backwards--]

[REXELECTION: AVIATOR.]

[--Before he switched into Avi's form, flying desperately against the unforgiving winds--]

Beck: Nnnngh--!

Beck: Dad, how much further--

[...No response.]

Beck: --?? Dad--Uncle Sanda--?

[Nothing--]

Beck: (Why aren't they answering--???)

[BANG!]

Beck: Nnnngh--

Beck: (Why is there so much wind, why is everything trying to stop me--??)

[BANG–

BANG BANG BANG–]

Beck: --!!

Beck: (No--Cards--I don't hear him firing BACK--!)

Beck: NO!

Beck: STOP IT! PLEASE--!

[size=louder][BANG–!][/size]

Beck: SHAAADE--

[The winds finally die down, and Beck instantly reverts back to his default before--]

[REXELECTION: BRANDISH.]

Beck: HAAAAAAH!

[Beck slices and dices anything that crosses his path in a red and yellow tornado of slashes that seem too quick for the normal eye to see...]

[SHING SHING SHING--]

[BANG.]

[A pause.]

[BANG!]

[A much longer pause. Beck was beginning to make headway.]

[BANG—]

[Shorter pause—]

“AUGH!”

Beck: CARDS--!

Beck: (He's already hurt, come on, COME ON--)

[BLAM! BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM—]

Beck: --!

[Wait, wasn't that...]

Beck: (Needle Cannon--)

Beck: Cards, please--just hold out a LITTLE longer--

[A set of large oak doors block the path--locked shut.]

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC]

[CRASH--]

[...Or, was.]

[BANG BANG BANG–]

[Silence.]

Beck: (No, please, STOP DOING THAT--)

[This time, the silence WASN’T broken.]

Beck: ......

Beck: (N...No, no, NO--)

Beck: (Oh, Cards, please, say something, a comeback, a pun, ANYTHING--!)

Beck: (YOU--YOU CAN'T BE--)

Beck: AVIIIIIIII!

[PING!]

[MN.6 IS NOW ONLINE.]

[MN.6] //: -LITTLE BRO IS SCREAMING--

[MN.9] //: Avi, I need eyes in the main foyer, NOW!

[MN.6] //: What, why--

[MN.9] //: I NEED TO KNOW IF THEY'RE STILL ALIVE--!

[MN.6] //: --!!!!

[MN.6] //: -Foyer, Shade, Cards, CRUD--

[MN.6] //: --! I GOT VISUAL--

[MN.6] //: -Oh man things are NOT looking good for Cards right now--

[MN.9] //: But he's still--!?

[MN.6] //: Yeah, they...They're talking, I think...I think Cards is getting through to him--!

Beck: -Stops in his tracks-

Beck: (Then maybe--)

Beck: (Maybe...Maybe Shade is...)

Beck: (If Cards can just keep him still--maybe we can do a repeat of the highway like Carmen, or--)

Beck: -RUNS-

Beck: (If I can just get there, I won't have to fight Shade at all, or at least not alone--!)

Beck: (I just have to---)

BANG—

[MN.6] //: -DATA SCREEEEECH--

[MN.6 HAS GONE INTO SLEEP MODE]

[A thud can be heard over the comms--]

[MN.3] //: AVI--!

[Beck staggered and stopped dead at the sudden screech of horror from his own brother, his eyes widening as he came to the realization that--]

Beck: (Avi...Avi faints when he sees blood or something LIKE it--!)

—————————

[Blade suddenly had a saw in his hand, and raised it so he could slash wildly at the DLN–!]

Avi: NO–!

SKLLLKTTKRRRSHHHLLLRRRKKT—

[Oil and cooling fluids spattered all over Bladeblaster’s hands and weapon, as if they were blood.

Tobias lost his grip immediately and fell to the ground, too dazed in pain and injury to even cry out.

His energy levels had dropped DRAMATICALLY, and were still dropping, as was his core temperature—two more hits like that, and he would be gone.]

—————————

Beck: CARDINAAAAAAL!

[Shaking off his temporary stupor, Beck redoubled his efforts, smashing, crashing, and going through all the debris and such that have collected during Cardinal's run of the place...]

Beck: (Don't be dead don't be dead don't be--)

[He trips--]

Beck: (UGH--!)

[And lands on a pile of granite rubble, skidding around the floor and falling again over the small pebbles, picking himself up, and just running for it.]

[...He didn't think he'd ever been so desperate just to get to one place in all his days Online.]

[And the silence… The SILENCE just keeps GOING—]

“ARUGH–!”

[Or not.]

Beck: (--?!? That--...That was Shade--)

Beck: SHADE!

Beck: (Gotta get there, gotta get there before--!)

[--!!]

[At last! The hallway leading towards the foyer, with one locked double door standing in the way!]

[At this point, Beck could barely make out SOME voices...]

Beck: ---!!!

[WHAM!]

[Beck slams himself against the door, but it wouldn't budge--]

Beck: SHAAAAADE! OPEN THE DOOR!

Beck: OPEN THE DOOR N O W--!

"ENOUGH!"

[Shade--]

[REXELECTION: SEISMIC--]

"Ah' don’t have time t’ waste on you. Obviously ya ain’t gonna stay out of my way while ya still runnin’."

[WHAM--]

"An’ as we’ve already established, ya have this fraggin’ annoyin’ tendency to keep hangin’ on. Fahn, then—I’ll give ya the honor a’ takin’ ya out myself!"

Beck: Shade, NO!

"An’ just tah make SURE you don’t get out of sight at the last second…"

Beck: HE'S YOUR BEST FRIEND--!

[WHAM--CRACK--]

"This’ll be the last bullet Ah’ waste on ya."

Beck: DON'T KILL HIM--!!

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

=BONUS CONTENT: BONUS SCENE #7=

~AO v2.0~

((Courtesy of @codedhopes))

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

((Excerpt: Ch. 8B, en español))

Shade: Bah, por el amor de— no me deseo escuchar su histerismos, Pájaro Cantador, no es como serás capaz de cantar nunca más.

Cardinal: (Pero...)

Cardinal: (Pero tengo que, ¡tengo que decirte...!)

[CLIC.]

Cardinal: ¡—hghkkt!

[Él conocía ese ruido.]

[Él CONOCÍA ese ruido, y le llenaba de pavor.]

Cardinal: (No...)

Shade: Jejejeje...

[Una sonrisa sádica se unió a la risa que escapó de Shade—el dardo que normalmente estaba en su boca se había ido…]

Cardinal: (Shade, oh Dios no, por favor— no, no— no debe que no hacer esto a ti mismo...)

Cardinal: -sonido débil corto y metálico de protesta-

Shade: Te lo DIJE ... no puedes engañarme.

Shade: ¿Tengas miedo ahora, Pájarito?

Cardinal: -sonido de desesperación de los ventiladores-

[Estaba angustiado, eso estaba seguro. Un dolor desgarrador estaba socavando la fuerza de voluntad que estaba manteniendo los humos decrecientes de fuerza en su cuerpo.

Shade se inclinó, apoyando el brazo del rifle sobre la rodilla izquierda mientras ponía su peso en el hombro de Cardinal. Su ventiladores chillaron cuando fueron aplastados por el peso considerable del francotirador.]

Shade: Perfecto.

[El dolor cegador estaba aliviado a medida que el peso fue removido. Cuando Cardinal pudo ver de nuevo, vio de espaldas a su amigo delante de él.]

Shade: Te daré esto...

Cardinal: …

[Un zumbido bajo...]

Cardinal: ... -sonido corto y metálico aun más débil-

[Él no podía ocultarlo. Cuando Shade se dio la vuelta, Cardinal no pudo evitar dar una señal débil de desesperanza—

Shade estaba usando un alcance de francotirador para iluminar su núcleo como un objetivo, puramente para burlarse de Cardinal por rencor.]

Shade: Fuiste mejore que la mayoría. Maldita enojoso, también. Deberías haberlo sabido mejor que venir AQUÍ, a mis terrenos de caza. ¿Tienes un deseo de muerte, pájaro cantador? ¿Huh?

[Dio un paso adelante, dejando que sus espuelas tintinearan ruidosamente mientras caminaba a través del piso ...]

[Despacio.]

[Fue tentador. Muy tentador.

Él estaba cansado. Él estaba herido. Él estaba asustado. Si ... si él entregase, el dolor se detendría, no dolería nunca más... Podría descansar, podría irse, antes ...]

Cardinal: ... (No... no puedo...)

[Cardinal tomó una respiración temblorosa, desesperada mantenerse con vida, a pesar de que su núcleo de energía...]

Cardinal: (No puedo dejar que termine... así...)

[... estaba empezando a convertirse en frío.]

Shade: -Datos-

Shade: -Bueno, si insistes, podemos CONCEDERLO para ti.-

Cardinal: (¡No puedo...!)

Cardinal: (¡NO PUEDO DEJAR QUE TERMINE ASÍ!)

[Cardinal se esforzó por enfocarse a pesar de su mal funcionamiento de la visión, para mirar directamente a ese ojo amenazante rojo-violeta con su propio par moribundo verde.

Apagó todo, excepto sus ventiladores de masa central para obtener la energía para hablar.]

Cardinal: - resuello muy distorsionado- Shade...

Shade: —....

[...No está seguro si debiera estar enojoso ni impresionado.]

[Cardinal volvió a hablar. Había un claro pero tranquilo, sumiso sensación de desesperación en su voz frágil.]

Cardinal: Countershade, por favor...

[Oh.]

[Dio un paso adelante ...]

Shade: ¿Qué fue eso?

Cardinal: No… no me hagas esto…. Rogando … estoy rogándote misericordia, por favor…

Shade: …

Shade: -SONRÍE MALICIOSAMENTE-

[Él sonrió cruelmente ante esto, ante la vista y los sonidos de la mendicidad de Cardinal, suplicando por su vida, por la misericordia. ¡Ja! Finalmente, después de toda su charla y bravo!

Qué sensación tan deliciosa.]

Shade: ¡Jejeje!

[Otro paso adelante.]

Cardinal: Por favor…

Shade: (Eso es, Pájarito. Ruega por la misericordia hasta que mueras.)

Cardinal: Esto sólo… sólo causaráte…

Shade: …?

Cardinal: … causaráte sólo a g o n í a…

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

FIGHT! Bonfire Vs Ray!

BONFIRE VS RAY (Current)

Intro Quote(Versus): [Bonfire reeled from the horrendous scream. As he gritted his teeth in pain and looked up into the looming shadow that glinted with many serrated fangs, he was slammed with a cross-reference—something his sister had said to them the night they learned the truth of what happened….] || “-Teeth. So many teeth. In the dreams, always the teeth. The teeth and the screes. So many teeth. Did we mention teeth?-” || [The shock was stunning, but the severity of the situation kickstarted a different instinct. He burst into WHITE-HOT FLAMES OF PURE RAGE.]

Taunt: BURN, YOU INSUFFERABLE WITCH!

Special Attack: ((No dialogue, just an angry shout with a wicked right hook!))

Ultimate Attack: [The power that he put behind the explosion was more than just pushing himself to the limit. This high-tier Burning Spirit was fueled with a roaring rampage of revenge—revenge for all that they had suffered, for all the pain and madness and sorrow. But most of all, for that night—for THAT NIGHT, the night that his sister had been brought back, SCREAMING in agony as she fell to pieces…]

Win Quote(Versus): What the hell—?! || [Out of ALL the things to happen, he had NOT expected her to suddenly start DISSOLVING like that…!]

Lose Quote(Versus): [He huffed, shaking in pain and injury from the numerous, heavy wounds. || Try as he might, he couldn’t contact anyone. There would be no escape…] || D…Damn you…!

===================

BONFIRE & RAY (Post-AO: Full Memory)

Intro Quote(Team Up): [The leader of the Fighting Mighties flared up in anger. He was not pleased to have landed himself in this situation, but this was hardly the time or place to confront the past when they had a BIGGER problem on their hands…]

Assist: No further! ((Directed at opponent(s), not Ray))

Ultimate Team Attack: Taste the fires of Hell! ((Referring far more to Ray’s fire than his own, but still.))

Win Quote(Team Up): Hmph. I’m calling in the chaos spheres and the ice child before this inferno rages out of control.

Lose Quote(Team Up): This is out of our control—!

Knock Out Quote(Team Up Self): [He staggered down to one knee, trying desperately to stay conscious. He didn’t trust his combat so-called “partner”, even though…] || Ghh… gnnnn… || [He couldn’t take it. He was worn down beyond his limits.] || : >F-Father…! ||

Knock Out Quote(Team Up Partner): [Bonfire was seized with a sudden cold fear. This was not a choice he wanted to make. He didn’t want to have to even think of choosing. Especially not when his own sister and her Other had orders to carry out, and they would all pay the price for obstruction. || For the first time ever, he found himself desperately HOPING that he would lose, so that he wouldn’t have to MAKE that decision…]

---

=CHAPTER 3D: VOLTAIC DYNATRON=

~AO v1.0~

(Courtesy of @limitbreakers)

<<—Previous——————Table of Contents——————Next—>>

[MEANWHILE, IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON...]

[Chaos still reigned over the rainy city as two super-powered, crazed Battle Colosseum bots waged war against each other--Plume, the exotic Hawaiian fire dancer with graceful agility, and Landcrusher, the giant German powerhouse with a knack for demolition.]

[While the untamed, no holds barred battle raged below, another crisis was unfolding high above the skyline, in the city's very own Space Needle tower...]

Jack: (Great, and just when I THOUGHT things couldn't get WORSE...)

Jack: (...The power had to go and cut out--!)

[This, of course, sent the group trapped in the tower into a panic--it was fairly dark out, now, and with little to no light...]

Eli: Everyone just CALM DOWN--

Jack: (Good thing these goggles have Night Vision--just gotta tie up this last knot...)

[Jack knew he couldn't quite get everyone off the tower one by one--and he knew that Plume wasn't going to last long against a heavy hitter like Landcrusher.]

[He had to improvise, and lucky for him, the Space Needle had just enough material for what he planned to do...]

Jack: Yo, toss me that tablecloth...

[The Space Needle didn't JUST have an observation deck--it was also a restaurant. The tables provided the flat surfaces he needed and the tablecloths made some nice makeshift rope once tied together...]

Eli: ....You sure this is gonna work?

Jack: Nope.

[B O O M!]

Jack: ...But we don't have much choice at the moment...

Jack: Hooookay...

[Now here comes the HARD part.]

Jack: The serving carts are all busted for the wheels...still need two more--

Eli: .....I can pop off the ones from Lily's stroller...

Jack: (Oh, yeah, the lil...)

[Jack looked back over his shoulder to the group of cowering humans--and Gwen, who was holding a sniffling baby Lily near her chest.]

Jack: ........

Eli: ......

Eli: We were...just on vacation when this happened.

Jack: . . .

Eli: .....Do...you know why they're all goin' nuts like that? …I think someone said something about a virus...?

Jack: Yeah--something like that. It infected all the servers--that's how it got into every Xelbot's heads.

Eli: Good God...who would DO something like that?

Jack: … … (Either someone REALLY pissed off, or messed up. Or both.) …Dunno.

Jack: Get those wheels--I'm gonna break open a window.

Eli: --?? Wait--why?

Jack: Ya see that building over there--the one with the bent flagpole?

Jack: I'm gonna swing on over there and finish off the rest of this pulley with the wheels and my wires--then we can start getting people on the carrier we made outta the tables and onto that roof.

Eli: Wait--but--

Jack: Yeah, I know, Landcrusher--that's why once you guys are all on that roof, I'm gonna distract him so you guys can haul chass and get to safety.

Eli: You?

Jack: ...Yeah. That is, if Plume isn't...

Jack: .......

Eli: ....She's, uh...really focused on ya, isn't she?

Jack: Iiiii am pretty sure that's the virus, buddy...

Jack: ....Look--you just try and keep everyone here calm while I go do my thing, OK? (Oh, yeah, it's my THING now--freakin' heck, never imagined THAT...)

Eli: .....I'll.....try.

[Jack turns away from the man to face another window, closest to the building they were aiming for, one end of the makeshift rope in hand.]

Eli: ...Hey.

[Eli threw a pair of small wheels at the CDN, who caught them after they hit his chest and bounced off slightly.]

Eli: ....Thank you.

Jack: Pfft--thank me after you're on that roof, alright?

Eli: Ha...yeah...

Jack: (....Kay--First the window--)

[He planted his boot firmly on the glass, getting a feel of how thick it was, before reeling back and striking it down--]

[Pop!]

[...It swung open with little trouble, as it turns out.]

Jack: (...Oh.)

Jack: (...I'm taking that as a good sign.)

[Snapping on his goggles, now, he calculated a direct path to the safe building--he'd have to freefall a couple of hundred feet to reach a viable swing point--]

Jack: ......

Jack: (Well it's not like I haven't done it before today but FRAG ME--)

Jack: (HOOOOOOKAYcomeonjackdoitforherdoitforthepeopleinhere--)

Jack: (ThereisaBABYinheremanDOIT--)

Jack: AAAAAAAAAAH--

[With a STARTLING yell, he jumped--!!]

"OH MY GOD--"

"WHAT THE--"

"HOLY--IS HE DEAD--?!"

[.......]

[Was he terrified?]

[Yes.]

[...But.]

Jack: AAAAAAAAAAH--

[ZIIIIIIP--!]

[....Fear has a funny way of turning into a thrilling adrenaline rush once you get over it.]

Jack: --HAAAAAAAHAHAWOO!

[Even HE didn't understand why--]

[Though that wasn't exactly on his mind, at the moment--]

[But, somehow, the more he felt himself being swung across, left and right, that rush of air on his face--]

[The less it felt like some life or death situation and more like a roller coaster or something!]

Jack: WOOOOOOO--

Jack: --OOOOOOOOH SH--

[BAM--!]

[While Jack was becoming quite acquainted with the innate powers his ability gave him--]

[Landing was...a learned trait.]

Jack: OWFRA--

[He rolled across the roof, bouncing one or twice before settling to a stop--a groaning mess, yes, and he was SURE something popped--]

Jack: OwcrapOW...

[...But all in all, he was still functional, at least.]

Jack: F-Frag that smarts--ow--

Jack: Nnngh gonna feel that in the morning--

[With some difficulty, he managed to get on his feet. He was dizzy, and somewhat dazed from the rush before--]

Jack: Uuuuugh don't feel so good...

Jack: (No--focus, damn it, need to finish this--)

Jack: (Where is that flagpole--)

[It was bent over in an awkward position--but in such a way that it was possible to attach the makeshift rope and wheels to complete the pulley system they needed.]

Jack: (Tie this--here--and put this there--get this wheel to spin and wrap the thing around that--)

Jack: (--SHIT HOW AM I GONNA LET ELI KNOW IT'S DONE--CAN HE SEE ME FROM HERE--??)

Jack: (--Waitwaitwaitdo I have anything in the bag here that can help me--)

Jack: (--FLASHLIGHT--well OK more like a lantern almost bUT I CAN USE THIS THANK YOU MISS EIGHT--!)

———————————

“Heh, yeah, Morse is a great thing t’ know. Some letters are easier than others. s’ like old school texting, ya know? Most people only know ’S.O.S’, but… in a pinch, using ‘G O’ or ‘O K’ or ’N O’ will work just ‘cause a’ context. Ah’ guess for most people, ‘yes’, ‘no’, an’ ‘help’ are all ya really need if things are so dire as t’ be usin’ it. Now, listen close—here are those letters for you…”

———————————

[After securing that last knot, he fumbles with the light, and after finally finding that darn--]

Jack: Hope you know what this means, Eli--

{G O.}

[........]

"HEY--HE MADE IT--! HE'S GOT A LIGHT--"

"But--it's blinking--?"

Eli: (Is he trying to tell us something--?)

"HEY WAIT, THAT'S MORSE CODE--!"

"HE'S SAYING GO--OH GOD HE DID IT WE'RE GONNA BE OK--!"

Eli: ALRIGHT, EVERYONE LINE UP--WE'RE GONNA GO TWO AT A TIME, WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST--!

[.........]

Jack: pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease--

Jack: --!!!

[The makeshift carrier starts to move--and it was holding--!]

Jack: YES!!

[Jack helps it along faster by moving the rope along, and helping the passengers off once they do touch down safely, then sending the carrier back to repeat the process.]

[It was nail-biting-- watching the carrier move over the chaos below, and it looked as if it was going to fall on a few occasions--]

[Which wasn't much fun for anyone.]

[Jack didn't think he could pray any harder than he was now--heck, he wasn't even all that religious in the first place.]

[...But maybe Siam was right, about him being on Lady Luck's good side. Or there really WAS a God, after all.]

[Eli was the last passenger that survived the heart pounding trip--]

[--After every single trapped human before him went first.]

[Cheers! Cheers exploded over the rooftop, in the heart of destruction and crisis! Loud, joyous, HOPE--!]

Jack: OOF--!

[...Eli had collected Jack in a bear hug, muttering chants of thanks--and it wasn't long before he was crowed by the other rescued humans as well--]

Jack: (Getting--hard to breathe--)

Gwen: Oh, thank you, THANK YOU--!

"YEAAAAAH WE AIN'T GONNA DIE--!" "AAAAH WE'RE ALIVE THANK YOU--!" "YOU'RE MY HERO, MAN--"

Jack: Uh--you're welcome? ^^;

Eli: God, how can we--

[B O O M!]

"GNNNRRAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Jack: --!!!

Jack: (...Landcrusher.)

Jack: EVERYONE HAS TO GET OFF OF THIS ROOF, NOW!

[Goggles on, time to roll--]

Jack: --?!

Eli: YOU'RE COMING TOO--!

[Several of the rescued humans drag him away from the edge, and start to lead him towards the door into the building--]

Jack: WAIT--STOP--!

Eli: No offense, Jack, but I ain't gonna let you throw your life away like that, not after this--!

Jack: BUT THEY'RE COMING THIS WAY ELI I GOTTA HEAD THEM OFF--

[There was what appeared to be a spectacular light show that was suuuuSPIIIIIICIOUSLY LIKE DYNA’S TRADEMARK ABILITY—]

[—which, after repeating itself, was followed up by some green flashes.]

Jack: --??!

Jack: What--?

[He was led away by the humans before he could see any more...]

Jack: (What in the world was--?)

[..........]

[The rest of it all seemed like a huge blur.]

[Once they had safely exited the building, the group mostly broke apart, scrambling for the cars left on the streets--the ones that had chosen to stick with Eli and his family, however, followed him down several blocks--]

[...to where they found a mostly functional van belonging to some cable company, with the keys still in the ignition.]

[Eli was planning to get as far away from the city as possible and—God willing—make it to Canada.]

Eli: ....What do ya mean you're not coming--?

Jack: --I can't...

Jack: ...Remember that person I told you about that REALLY wouldn't like it if I got killed or something...?

Eli: ...You were SERIOUS?

Jack: Listen I know that sounds INSANE but--!

Jack: I have had a REALLY weird day and frankly I would like nothing more than to get somewhere safe but I can't leave her out there.

Jack: I have no idea if she's OK or infected or whatever but wherever she is, she's probably ALONE and she needs SOMEONE and--

Eli: JACK.

Jack: --...

Eli: ......

Eli: Where do you think she is?

Jack: I...I don't know.

Eli: .....

Eli: Well.

Eli: You saved our lives--all of our lives.

Eli: ...Only fair that I pay you back in kind, somehow.

Jack: --?

Eli: Lemmie help you find a working car--at least to get you out of the city.

Jack: But--

Jack: It's not mine--

Eli: Jack. We're in the middle of a damn APOCALYPSE and you're worried about grand theft auto?

Jack: Well--but--

Eli: Enough of your whining--I'll be right back, Gwen, watch Lily--Come on, Cherry, before any more crazies show up.

Jack: Uh--I...um.

Jack: (...Iiiii am gonna regret this...)

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