#armor-spec-hunter-1

[horizon-armor]

Sobeck's Raiment 

[dee-the-red-witch]

OK, on to the next round of 'Dee clearing out waaaay old inventory stock'. It's finally time to get these armor sets the hell out of here. Dm me to purchase, prices are not negotiable. Us domestic shipping only. (Sorry, international folks, but neither you nor I want to pay that much) Anything that doesn't sell by the end of the week (4/23/23) is getting rendered down for scrap.

Set 1- early prototype of the dragonrider armor set, done in water buffalo hide with brass fittings. This stuff is weird, springy, and will actually take a hit while still being semi-flexible. Cut for boobs, will reasonably work on up to a 42 inch bustline. Og price, 520. Asking 200 Plus 30 to ship.

Set 2- the Green Knight. Heavy veg tan, can take a hit, you'll want padding under it, but decor will get marred. Might be a selling point. Will fit up to a 60 inch torso. Og price 480. Asking 170 plus 30 to ship.

Set 3- Vault Hunter. Same specs and price as the Green Knight, just this has working ammo pouches.

Set 4. Dragonborn- oiltan hide- do not take a hit in this. It's cosplay only, everything will transfer right through unless you're layered under it. Same sizing and price as the last 2.

Finally, beetle pauldrons. Green and black are vegtan, black/brown is oiltan. Og price 160, asking 80 and 25 to ship on each one.

And that's... everything? Wow. Last of the old inventory finally hopefully going somewhere. Again, just message me to set up a purchase. Invoicing and everything will be through paypal.

[harrison-armory-incorporated]

i got bored so heres my tokugawa specs when i was a lancer and not a social media manager

-- HA Tokugawa @ LL12 -- [ LICENSES ] HA Tokugawa 3, HA Iskander 2, IPS-N Zheng 3, IPS-N Caliban 2, IPS-N Nelson 2

[ CORE BONUSES ] Stasis Shielding, Briareos Frame, Overpower Caliber, Auto-Stabilizing Hardpoints

[ TALENTS ] Ace 3, Combined Arms 3, Juggernaut 3, Duelist 3, Gunslinger 2, Brutal 1

[ STATS ] HULL:2 AGI:6 SYS:6 ENGI:0 STRUCTURE:4 HP:18 ARMOR:1 STRESS:4 HEATCAP:8 REPAIR:5 TECH ATK:+5 LIMITED:+0 SPD:7 EVA:14 EDEF:12 SENSE:10 SAVE:17

[ WEAPONS ] FLEX MOUNT: Tiger-Hunter Combat Sheathe (Molten Wreathe) MAIN MOUNT: Tiger-Hunter Combat Sheathe (Molten Wreathe) MAIN MOUNT: Stub Cannon (Supermassive Mod) // Overpower Caliber, Auto-Stabilizing Hardpoints

[ SYSTEMS ] Type-I Flight System, LUCIFER-Class NHP, Total Strength Suite I, Plasma Gauntlet, Bulwark Mods

[burnwater13]

“The kid’s coming with me.”

Grogu remembered his dad saying that. It was a statement of fact and of bravado. Greef Karga was the head of the bounty hunters guild an Nevarro and he intended on using every asset under his control to do the Client’s bidding.  It had been a pretty risky statement, all things considered. 

That is, until the other Mandalorians came out of the covert to help them out. Grogu had been surprised and gratified to see that happen. He knew they weren’t doing that for him. Not directly. They were helping Din Djarin out because he was one of them. It seemed to be part of their Creed. 

Also part of their Creed was saying ‘The kid’s coming with me’ when Din wanted to shop for armor polish, when he wanted to wash the N-1 because even a spec of dirt required a wash, wax, and polish, and when he wanted to pick up rations at the Bounty Hunters-R-Us near Nevarro, same sector, one system trailing. Grogu did not get the same warm fuzzy feeling then. It’s not that he didn’t like going places with his dad. He did! He loved it! Really.

He just wanted Din Djarin to reach out a little and find other places to take him and, let’s be clear about this, the school on Nevarro did not count, even with the cookies and the lessons on how to be a smuggler. Nope. Grogu wanted to go places like named ‘Frogs R-Us’ where you could find everything you might possibly need to start up a colony of frogs and had hundreds if not thousands of species to choose from so you could avoid the smart ones and only raise the tasty ones. 

Or the ‘Everything but Chocolate’, a candy shop that has every imaginable kind and flavor of sweets, but none of them taste like chocolate. It’s not that chocolate wasn’t tasty. It was that Grogu didn’t like chocolate. At all. Ever. So an ideal candy shop would have an environment that actively prevented the Mandalorian, who had a real sweet tooth for chocolate, from only buying chocolate flavored sweets. Then maybe, just maybe, Grogu would be able to score a little tin of sweet berry lozenges. 

Or how about taking Grogu to the next Diggle and Daggle film festival, ‘Fishing for the Fish who fish’? Grogu knew the Mandalorian liked watching their vids. It was hard not to. They were both fun loving and cheerful, traveled the galaxy to bring you knowledge about fishing conditions literally everywhere (don’t bother with the lava eels of Mustafar, too big and too hot), and knew everything about lures, bait, rods, reels, creels, and well everything that had to do with fishing, including preparing them for meals. Watching them was pure joy and inspiration and Grogu thought the Mandalorian could use some more of that in his life. Grogu sure could. 

Or how about taking Grogu to Concordia so he could meet the Mandos who helped train Din Djarin? That could be pretty interesting, if they were still there. Grogu could show them all the stuff that he’d learned from his Mandalorian. Grogu was sure that they would be proud of Din Djarin. They’d like his shiny armor. They’d laugh about the Darksaber together. Maybe they’d even teach him a new song or something like that. That was a lot better than shopping for the perfect armor polish, although, come to think of it, these were probably the people who had taught the Mandalorian to be so fussy over that stuff to begin with… 

Okay, so they didn’t need to go to Concordia. What about Aq Vetina? Grogu knew it might be hard for his dad to go back to his home planet. He might miss everyone even more if he did that, but Grogu really wanted to see what it was like. Was it green and lush? Was it a dry, dusty desert? Was the town still there or had the separatists destroyed it completely? And if they had, did anyone go back and rebuild it? 

If the ‘kid’ was going to go some place with his dad, he didn’t just want to go places that meant something to the Jedi or the Imps, or even other Mandos. He wanted to go some place that was meaning for to his dad. He wanted to build a new memory there that they could both enjoy. After all, Din Djarin had been doing that since he met Grogu on Arvala-7, although they hadn’t made a trip to Coruscant yet.

Okay. Maybe that was the place the Mandalorian needed to take the ‘kid’. Coruscant. They could visit the Jedi temple, what little remained of it. See the life tree.Visit the library because no one would dare pinch his cheeks with a Mandalorian in full armor by his side. Spit in the Emperor’s throne room. Yes, Grogu was pretty bitter about how that went down, but nothing like a little water to start washing away the dirt and stains of the past. Then they could plant a seed in the old arboretum and hope something good would grow there that they could visit from time to time. 

Then one day Grogu would tell his dad, “The kid’s coming with me. Do you want to join us?” 

[shovel-the-quasit]

Ranger/Rogue/Fighter Lae'zel

My Lae'zel Origin build is so much fun I had to share.

5 Gloomstalker Ranger / 4 Assassin Rogue / 3 Champion Fighter

The idea is to have ridiculous initiative, get advantage in the first round (from Assassin), dread ambusher (free action attack in the first round) and multi-attack from Gloomstalker, plus action surge from Fighter. She can take out several enemies on the first turn of combat. That's not even the fun part. The fun part is she crits on a FOURTEEN OR HIGHER. Stick with me.

Feats:

Dual Wielder - Honestly, this isn't necessary, and I should really re-spec to bump Dexterity to 20. (I took Two Weapon Fighting from Ranger and Archery from Fighter, obviously.)

Savage Attacker - Rolls the damage dice twice and takes the higher result. Making the most out of each crit and sneak attack.

Equipment:

Sarevok's Horned Helmet, Bloodthirst, Knife of the Undermountain King, and The Dead Shot all lower the number to crit on by 1, as does taking the Champion Fighter subclass. All that + an Elixer of Viciousness = crit on a 14. It's wild.

For trinkets, she has the Executioner's Ring (auto-crit on the next attack after killing an enemy) and the Strange Conduit Ring (+1-4 psychic damage when concentrating, so I try to keep up Hunter's Mark). Then there's the Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet, which can paralyze humanoids on a critical hit (once per long rest). You see the synergy here.

The Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail is nice for getting the full +4 AC on a Medium armor set, but mostly because it looks awesome. Boots of Persistence for mobility, Legacy of the Masters for another +2 attack and damage. Thanks, Dammon!

Gloomstalker levels also give our favorite githyanki darkvision, bless.

It's honestly way too much fun and makes going back to vanilla rogue very boring (what do you mean only one attack per turn?!).

[theclaravita]

DESTINY OC LORE: Fireteam Vitalia

None of my other characters are as in-depth as Adri, (she IS the main character, after all) so each subsequent post will have less images.

First up: the twins.

CONTENT WARNINGS spoilers | death

STATS

NAMES: Claros | Clara AGES: 9 | 9 (Destiny Year 1) GENDERS: Male | Female RACES: Awoken | Awoken CLASSES: Hunter | Titan SPECS: Gunslinger | Sunbreaker GHOSTS: Artemis | Apollo

WEAPONS: Ace of Spades | Ager's Scepter ARMOR: Celestial Knighthawk | Armamentarium

BACKGROUNDS

CHEYANNE --------

Cheyanne Villanova was a rowdy country girl born and raised on Earth. Before joining the Exodus Program, she'd never even been off-planet before. The training was rough, but she handled it; her brother... Not so much. A fact that she never let him forget.

Her placement on the Exodus Green was a momentous occasion. Her brother was mortified to discover that he hadn't been selected. Cheyanne, being the optimistic person she was, believed she could pull strings to allow her twin to join the crew as a civilian ride-along.

However, the Darkness did not care much for their plans and hopes. The Exodus Green was launched on a hail-mary out of the system in an attempt to flee the coming Collapse. Shay knew her brother was likely dead. But so would she be soon. She welcomed her death with open arms...

CLANCY --------

Clancy Villanova was a shrewd man, deeply interested by mathematics and studying data. His dream was to join the likes of the Ishtar Collective or Braytech as a researcher. Knowing their recruitment requirements were quite strict, Clancy studied and published many theses for many years to catch the eye of some enterprising employee of his favored organizations... To no avail, unfortunately.

So when the Exodus Program began recruiting for colonization efforts outside the Sol System, Clancy jumped at the chance to put his substantial intellect to use for the betterment of humanity. His sister had already passed the trainings and was accepted for the Exodus Green crew. Clancy felt that he had a fair chance and threw his hat in the ring as well...

But once again, his endeavors met with failure.

Even as his sister reassured him that she would find a way to get him a place on the crew, even as a civilian colonist, Clancy fell into a deep depression and withdrew from his sister. He had resigned himself to the fact that he would lose his sister beyond the system and would fail in every attempt he made to leave his mark on history...

As the Collapse rose to a fever pitch around him, Clancy made a mad-cap attempt at infiltrating the Exodus Green and stowing away aboard the ship. He succeeded! He still had a great fate to fulfil, he felt it in his bones. This apocalypse would not be the end for him...

WAKE --------

Shay and Cy Vi awoke in the Distributory as all their people did. Mara Sov had saved them from oblivion, though they didn't know that yet. They had been given a chance to flourish in this new space... And flourish they did.

When the time came for Mara to take her people and leave the Distributory, the twins fell in with their Queen, ever loyal to her and her alone.

In the Reef, Shay became a great warrior of the Awoken people. Recognized by royalty as a powerful fighter, and loved by the people as a stalwart defender. On the frontier was Cy, one of Uldren Sov's most trusted operatives and a dear friend.

Though they always worked apart, Shay and Cy would regularly meet to discuss their recent travails and exploits, relishing in each other's victories and cringing together at their defeats. For many centuries, Shay and Cy served the Awoken people, gaining much repute for their deeds.

But as the Reef Wars heightened and the Fallen grew more bold in their attacks against the Awoken, it became obvious that the tides were shifting in their enemies' favor. And a key location to survey was the Old Russian Cosmodrome, the lair of the House of Devils.

The pair were given covert codenames to hide their identities: Claros and Clara, Fireteam Vita. Using Cabal-themed names seemed a good idea to mask the Awoken's presence in the area. Their normal identifiers were held in the Reef and they were granted scarlet coins that bore their codenames only.

This covert mission together was ill-fated. It was there they found their end, their bodies lost in the Russian winter.

RISE --------

The twin Ghosts Artemis and Apollo always wanted to find fellow twins for their Guardians. And when they found the pair of Awoken fighters, their remains laid side-by-side, their fraternal love still strong even in death, the two Ghosts knew their search was finally over.

"Eyes up, Guardians!" Apollo chirped as the bodies finished reforming.

The Hunter shook his head, dust and grime cracking off his armor in chunks. The Titan sat up slowly and looked around, senses dulled but still very much in tune with her surroundings.

"It... Worked..." Artemis almost hummed the words. "They're alive!"

"You don't know how long we've been looking for you!" Apollo swooped in close to the Titan, causing her to recoil slightly. "We're Ghosts... Actually--" He floated backward and nuzzled against Artemis. "--I believe we're now YOUR Ghosts!"

"And you..." Artemis's mechanical eye darted back and forth a bit, clearly agitated. "...you've been dead a long time... So you're gonna see a lot of things you're not gonna understand."

A guttural roar sounded off in the distance, echoing off of the tall, imposing wall to their right. Artemis and Apollo spun around, their eyes flicking across the landscape.

"This is Fallen territory!" Apollo whispers, clearly frightened. "We aren't safe here! We have to get you to the City..."

Artemis floats out toward the wall a bit, thinking. Then she swoops in close to the Hunter. "Hold still." And she vanishes. Apollo vanishes as well, sparkles of Light flickering in the predawn gloom.

"Don't worry, we're still with you!" Artemis's voice sounds within the Hunter's mind. He recoils, reaching up instinctively to his ear, then shakes his head. The two New Lights rise to their feet in unison, looking at each other.

"We need to move, fast!" Apollo urges the pair. "We won't survive long out in the open like this. Let's get inside the wall!"

Old instincts kick in as the Hunter flexes his hands and reaches for the dagger at his waist. The Titan rolls her shoulders, feeling the Arc Light tickle across her fingers. The pair cast a knowing sidelong look at each other, already in sync.

"A bit of live-fire exercise to shake off the gravedirt?" The Hunter's voice cracks several times, but he finishes the sentence before spitting into the sparse grass at his feet.

The Titan smirks, picking up her helmet from where it had lay for decades. "Just need to find me a gun." she rumbles.

FALL --------

Claros crept slowly through the underbrush outside Firebase Hades. The Shadow Legion caravan stomped and grumbled its way through the woods, leaving a brutish trail in their wake. It was like tracking actual rhinos; absolutely no tact. Made him wonder why they were plunging their way through the woods this far from any known outposts... Maybe some kind of secret base tucked in the trees? Or maybe they were setting one up...? He clicked his comms twice. After a beat, two clicks in return. They were both safe to talk freely.

"Either these dudes don't care about being followed... Or they're morons." Claros mused, a smile hinted in his tone.

"Cabal aren't known for their subtlety... Even with a name like 'Shadow Legion', they're not espionage experts at all." Crow's voice sounded almost musical; he was elated to be in the field again. Claros couldn't blame him; easy to forget the pain of loss when you have targets in your sights. Crow continued, "Just as you thought; they're breaking into the clearing now."

"I'll let our welcoming party know to prepare her gifts."

----

Clara leaned against a tree, carving a branch with a fine, curved knife, her helmet on the ground beside her boot. Petra had given the knife to her as a gift for being named Queensguard. Clara could tell that they had history, but tried not to dwell on the absence she felt when she tried to recall any of it. She was sure that both Petra and Mara were irate at their family members getting resurrected by the ball in the sky, but they were textbook Awoken; completely bottled it up and never acknowledged it.

But Clara's instincts with women was as keen as ever; amnesia had done nothing to dull that. She knew that Mara was still brooding over Uldren's new life, even if he did remember his old one. And Petra may as well have a tattoo on her forehead that said "f&^% the Traveler". Gotta sting a bit to put a bullet in a traitor's head only for him to now be one of your Queen's most trusted allies within a faction you didn't even like that much. Clara wondered if--

Two clicks over the comms. She clicked back once. Not ready to talk; she wanted to finish her carving. Just a couple more cuts and...

An Ahamkara skull. An effigy to Riven. Her fireteam slaying the Wish Dragon had never sat right with Clara... But she supposed there'd been nothing for it; Riven was out of control and a major threat to the system. Just a shame that she was the last one of her kind. Almost poetic in how tragic it was...

She tucked the piece into her pocket, kicked her helmet up to her hand, then smoothly slid it over her head. She took a deep breath, then clicked twice over the comms. Two clicks back, then her brother's voice.

"Welcoming party is a go. On your mark, partycrasher."

Arc energy crackled from her fists. Time to slam.

----

Crow eyed the Psions at the head of the group as the Cabal unpacked their cargo in the clearing. No hidden base... Yet. They were likely setting up shop here to make one. We can't have that, can we... Crow snorted slightly at his own reaction. Amanda would've--

He shook his head. Can't think about her right now. Focus on the mission.

Two clicks over the comms. He clicked back twice as he nestled back against his rifle and looked down the scope.

"Partycrasher inbound."

Crow smiled. Moving targets were more fun, and these Cabal would be scattering like scared cats when Clara--

SHCKA-THOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

An explosion blasted through the pre-dusk air as a dervish of Arc energy erupted into the sky across the clearing. Clara landed on top of the Psion Crow had sighted and his scope filled with Light. He swore, recoiling and readjusting to the edge of the Cabal's group. They'd already started running panicked toward the trees, a large group of them lancing gunfire toward the Amplified Titan in their midst...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH-DOOOOOOOM

Solar Light flashed ahead of the fleeing group as six shots lanced from the darkness, piercing the front few and incinerating the rest in Ignition fire. A searing knife spun through the air, landing at the feet of the leading Psions as they attempted to erect a barrier to protect themselves. The air sparkled with embers as the knife exploded, sending the Psions flying. Crow swore again; he'd not taken a single shot. He couldn't get shown up by these two again...

As he lamented his poor performance, the Hunter saw a lone Psion survivor dipping into the trees, vanishing from sight. Perfect target! He jumped from his perch, stowing his rifle and drawing his Void-charged Shadowshot bow. As he hit the ground, he tossed a smoke bomb in front of him, vanishing into the mist it produced. He flitted from shadow to shadow, the Light in his bow draining fast; he had only one shot.

The Psion left a trail of wreckage behind them as they ran through the underbrush, making Crow's job incredibly easy. He took a running leap up onto a large boulder, sighted down his arrow, and took a single shot blindly into the trees...

A moment went by, but it felt like eons before Crow heard his Deadshot anchor activate.

He dismissed his bow, then casually strode through the wake of the fleeing Psion. Within short order, he found them, trembling on the floor, tethered to the anchor he'd fired, not two feet away. Crow shook his head; he felt bad for the small creature, shuddering in fear and panic, clearly at its wits end... He gently tied the Psion's hands behind its back, then lifted it over his shoulder.

"I hope you're capable of listening to reason." Crow muttered, knowing that the Psion likely couldn't understand him. "This really isn't the way to go..."

And with his prey captured and bound, he made his way back toward the clearing and his allies.

--------

STATUS: tracking and freeing prisoners of the Shadow Legion

[sitespeeddetective]

Modern combat 4 apk apk4fun

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[morganas-pendragons]

Light | Wrecker

This is #1 of at least half a dozen or more fics I am gifting my Twitter kids for Christmas! I wanted to give back this year, and so I decided to write some things for characters I haven’t really tried anything for yet. Regardless of that, I hope you enjoy! 

I played around with the clones ages for this considering we don’t know how old The Bad Batch is - like with Rex physically looking like he’s in his twenties but not actually being so. 

This reader is a mom to the clones and uses she/her pronouns - exactly like the type in my headcanons - and she happens to have a favorite... 

***

This was supposed to be a no strings attached type of job. The Kaminoans had recruited you, a simple human, to be a caretaker - of sorts - for the hundreds of babies that occupied their nurseries within the cloning facilities. 

  “There’s no point in forming attachments, Miss. Soon enough they’ll be handed a gun and told to go play war.” 

Yeah. Well. You intend to give these children as much love as you are physically able, and that all starts with the first gaze you set upon one of the clones in the back of the nursery with the mutation. 

He’s among 3 others who are specifically mutated for purposes you are not privy to know as a civilian. That doesn't matter. You pass through lines of cradles and approach the four in the back, peering over the side to gaze into the wide and vulnerable eyes of the largest baby. 

  “Hello, sweet boy.” You murmur, grinning as he coos happily at your voice and lifts his arms upward for you to sweep him upward and into your warm embrace. “You’re stunning. I bet you’re going to be such a big, strong boy!” 

The baby’s response - despite only being old enough to hold himself upright in your lap - is only to clap joyfully and pound his tiny hands against your legs. 

Big, strong boy. You’re gonna change the world. I just know it. 

Wrecker, Age Four 

His brothers named him Wrecker. It’s fitting, given how much larger he became then the other clones, but you’re too attached to the boy to leave Tipoca City at the time that the Kaminoans have asked you to.

  “Buir!” You’ve been moved to the rooms in which they house the clones who are toddlers, and the first thing you see upon waking from your nap is a child sprinting as fast as he’s able to launch himself into your lap. “You’re awake!” 

You beam and press a kiss to his forehead. “Hi ad,” You whisper, peering over his shoulder as he wraps his arms around your neck and buries his face in your shoulder. “Something you need to tell me? I gotta go take care of your brothers.” 

  “They gave me a name today!” He says, and your eyes widen as you gaze at his three brothers who stand before you. 

  “Only because he nearly broke Viper’s nose!” 

You raise an eyebrow and gently pry Wrecker away from your chest. He’s definitely larger then the other clones despite how young he is, but he’d never use his size and strength for violence. Never. Your son is soft, innocent. He’s good. 

  “Wrecker, what’s-” Your gaze snaps back to the clone with the darker hair who then replies to your query with Hunter. It’s a fitting name. “Hunter, talking about?” 

That’s the same day you learn that the clones who will eventually make up the spec-ops team known as The Bad Batch are fiercely protective of each other. They must have learned it from the person who protected them. 

Little to the knowledge of most people, you took these four clones - the special ones, the ones who got the stares, the ones who got picked on and bullied by their brothers - under your wing. You saved them. 

And in turn they save each other. 

You are so proud to be Wrecker’s mother in that moment as he hastily recants a story of how he almost broke Viper’s nose simply because he was bullying Crosshair. 

  “Ad,” You ruffle his hair and beam with pride as you wind your arms around his body. “I am so proud of you.” 

When Wrecker climbs into bed that night, the words he never hears from his trainers and superiors rings in his mind as he burrows under the thin blanket the Kaminoans have given him and his vode. 

  “I am so proud of you.” 

As he falls into sleep, he dreams of his mother. A home, a family, and a mother standing in the kitchen unit - who gives him real food, real food he likes and he’s allowed to eat that tastes salty and sweet and sour and he’s so excited to have it - who treats her son as if he’s the whole world. The whole galaxy. 

Wrecker, Age 10 

The day he returns from a training mission with the rest of Clone Force 99 is the same day you have your first real battle with panic. According to what Crosshair and Tech tell you upon return, Wrecker was injured in a way that leaves him partially blind and with significant scarring. 

You’re terrified. He and the rest of the Batch have already had a difficult time integrating themselves in with their brothers to the point where they’ve taken to calling the non-mutated clones regs and now only associate with each other. You don’t particularly care much about that anymore. As long as they’re looking out for each other. 

When Wrecker is released from the medbay, you search the cloning facility for your son until you find him in the quietest room - the nursery - with his back against the wall and his chin resting on his knees. His face is scarred. His eye is cybernetic. 

Maker, you love him. 

  “Wrecker,” Hunter had warned you about approaching him - claiming he’d become hard of hearing with the explosion that had injured him - and had brought up a fantastic idea with Tech’s help that you were going to initiate as soon as he was ready. “Ad.”

Your son lifts his eyes to meet yours. 

  “Buir,” He replies softly, always so careful to not disturb the babies who lay in their cradles around him. “Did you need something?” 

You tilt your head and sit in front of him, parting your legs and resting your elbows against your knees. Wrecker watches you intently as you do so. He’s always been perceptive - not as much as Hunter, but enough - and with the lack of his sight, he’s having to rely more on his limited senses. 

  “Do you see this?” You take your fingers, press them all together, and rest them against the bottom of your chin before moving your hand forward. “This is sign language. It means thank you. It’ll be an easier way to talk to your vode when you can’t hear them so well. Is that something you’d be willing to learn?” 

He nodded and frowned. “I’m gonna miss blowing stuff up.” 

You reach outward, brush what remains of his hair away from his eyes, and repeat the sign for thank you and you’re welcome. He watches your hands mimic the movements before repeating them for you to see. Wrecker does them perfectly. 

  “Don’t worry.” You murmur. “You’re gonna get to blow stuff up again. I promise.” 

Your only response is his smile. It’s more than enough. 

Wrecker, Age 12  (Set during S7) 

'Сause you are loved You are loved more than you know I hereby pledge all of my days To prove it so

After a while, the Kaminoans have had their uses for you. Your services are no longer required and so you are sent back to the boring home world that you have barely stepped foot on since being sent to Kamino to be the caretaker to infant clones. 

Your experience with the formed Grand Army of the Republic is what gets you into the military, has you trained, and eventually what lands you on Anaxes. 

Though your heart is far too young to realize The unimaginable light you hold inside

  “Ma’am,” Cody’s voice rings out from behind you as you stand in the hangar bay, arms crossed over your chest with your eyes on the horizon as if waiting for the arrival of a ship. “I’ve cleaned your blasters. Just how you like them.” 

You turn to acknowledge the Marshal Commander and smile softly at him. While you spent much of your time with The Bad Batch on Kamino, the greater majority of the Commander Batch and the younger clones have considered you one of them for quite some time. 

  “Thank you Kote.” You murmur. He nods his acknowledgement and before he turns back to Kenobi, lays a hand on your shoulder and says something about the arrival of Clone Force 99 for a mission they’re assigned to do with Rex. “What?” 

The less then graceful landing of the ship known as the Havoc Marauder signals their arrival. You don’t dare move. It’s been too long since you’ve seen them, seen him, and you want to value the moment while you can. 

I'll give you everything I have I'll teach you everything I know

They had never really known the lengths you went to in order to protect them - to protect him - and give him the life, the childhood, you felt he deserved. The Bad Batch had still had it rough, but your gentle nature upon meeting them had impacted them significantly. 

  “The Calvary has arrived!” 

The first thing you see is the personalized armor. You are not the slightest bit surprised they threw in all their effort into ensuring their armor - out of the entire army - was the most notorious. Not to mention that as someone who watched them all grow up, you can see each of their personalities within the way they’ve painted it. 

Then you see him. It’s unmistakeable that it’s Wrecker considering how much taller and broader he is then the rest of The Bad Batch, but it’s not him that notices your presence first. 

It’s Tech. Ever the perceptive, constantly absorbing as much information as able, constantly recording everything, who sees you standing in the hangar and nudges his brother in the midst of speaking to Rex and Cody to point you out. 

  “Mom?” Cody asks skeptically, followed by a gasped “Buir? That’s the buir I never got to meet?!” 

Kix is laughing hysterically at the way Jesse guffaws upon realizing that you are the infamous mother to the clones, but only these four and specifically Wrecker, but the way your heart swells when Wrecker notices you standing there far outweighs the reactions of all the other vode around you. 

Instead of a greeting, Wrecker does one thing. He sees you, beams like the sun lives deep within him, and very promptly tosses you upward to sit on his shoulders. He looms over all his brothers. That doesn’t stop him. 

Oh... oh, that boy has not and will never change. 

With every heart beat I have left

I will defend your every breath

Bonus: 

  “I get to blow it up? The whole stinking thing?” Wrecker asks, to which he then looks to you with wide eyes. “You made a promise!” 

You smirk and pat Anakin’s shoulder as you pass him. “Oh, I know I did.” You reply. “Anakin is keeping up on my promise for me.” When Wrecker begins to take the detonator, you turn to the Jedi and meet his gaze. I’ve been promising him this since he was old enough to know how to blow things up.” You coax him into fully handing over the detonator to your son. “Go on. Make his year.” 

Admiral Trench’s cruiser explodes in a cloud of sparks behind The Havoc Marauder. 

[in-command-of-the-unsc]

Day 1: Boarded, Family, Future, Minor Crimson

“Attention all hands, now hear this! We’ve been boarded from the port side hangar! Spartan Fireteams Majestic, Crimson, and Diamond report to security stations.”

“Thank you, Roland.”

“Aye, Sir.”

Captain Thomas Lasky was not having a good day. First he’d spilled his morning coffee over a stack of requestion forms, then they’d run into a small fleet of Storm Covenant, now this. Really. What else could go wrong?

“Come about, steer course 2-7-0. Reroute non-critical power to get the port side shield back up.”

“Sir, Wolf-6 reports diminished manuvering capacity. She took a hit from a Plasma Torpedo.” His Communications Officer reported. The Infinity’s Stridents were probably what was keeping them in a decent tactical position right now.

“Have Commander Snow fall back to point X-ray and focus on providing long range fire support with her MAC.”

“Sir.”

“Roland, status of boarders?” Lasky turned towards the little yellow avatar of the A.I.

“A couple of Elites slipped the line, but they couldn’t send anyone to stop them. They cloaked and I lost track of them. Sorry, Sir.” The little A.I. looked truly disheartened.

Lasky gave him an encouraging smile. “It’s—“

And then the door blew open.

—————————

Commander Sarah Palmer was certainly enjoying her day. First she’d had an opportunity to kick Fireteam Everest’s collective ass for being late to a Wargames Sim, then they’d run into a Covvie fleet, and now she was killing Covvies. What better a day was there?

Sarah reloaded her dual magnums and vaulted over a stack of crates she’d been hiding behind. This was the best part about being a Spartan.

She fired two rapid shots into the chest of an Elite from each magnum, and ducked as it swung an energy sword at her. A quick burst of automatic gunfire signaled the expected relation from Spartan Thorne.

Note to self: Chat with Thorne more often. He’s a decent guy. Maybe I can soften the hardass reputation just a little.

Palmer rose to her full height and Spartan Kicked the Elite in the chest, sending him to the ground and breaking his shield. He attempted to reach for his pistol, but Sarah put a bullet between his eyes.

Just a little.

“Frag out!” For a designated marksman, Spartan Grant used grenades quite a lot.

Bam!

One frag equals three Jackals and a Grunt.

The red armored form of Crimson-2 sprinted forward, and then slid on her knees between the legs of a raging Hunter which turned around in an attempt to attack her.

Crack, crack!

And proceeded to collapse when the trap was sprung, two SRS99 rounds from Crimson-3’s rifle fatally puncturing its back.

Then came the- “Backblast clear!” explosion of the Lich that had dropped off the Covvies.

—————————

He was back at Corbulo.

What the hell was he doing back here?

No, Sir. I’ll be the decoy.

Lasky, no.

You sweep them from behind.

Cadet.

Lasky....

AXIOS!

Lasky!

Captain!

What..?

Get down! Get to the ‘Hog, I’ll draw their fire!

Where’d he go?!

Chief!

Cover me! Lasky, go!

Automatic rifle fire filled his ears.

Captain!

What the hell...?

“Goddamnit, TOM!”

Lasky’s eyes snapped open. Oh yeah. They were being boarded. He looked to his right, and saw Roland standing in his typical position on the command table. He’d have to thank the A.I. later. For now though?

Tom’s mind kicked into overdrive. The sailor rolled to his feet and took the lay of the land. One dead marine. Two dead crewman. Three Spec-Ops Elites. Bridge crew trying to work out of their stupor and fight back.

Let’s see if we can fix this.

Tom pulled his magnum from its holster and put a bullet into the shield of an Elite that had picked up a crewman by the throat. He certainly caught its attention, as it threw the woman to the side and started walking towards him.

The Captain pulled the trigger again, and again, then performed a combat roll to get out of range of the thing’s sword, only for its hoof to come down on his back. “Ack-!”

Fully expecting an energy sword to the back of the head, he was surprised when the Elite stumbled forward. Then his brain clocked on the MA5 fire. Glancing back, he was not surprised to see the same crewman he ‘rescued’ holding a pilfered MA5 that had come from the fallen marine.

Tom, Bud, focus please?

Right...

He blinked slightly and retrieved his fallen weapon, then opened up on the Elite. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two more marines from the bridge guard shift crash tackle an Elite before blowing its brains out with a shotgun.

Then the entire crew turned their attention to the final Elite.

The bridge crew moved like a well-oiled machine.

Like family.

—————————

“Majestic, engage!”

Palmer took half a second to glance over at DeMarco as he barked an order. The team leader had pulled his captured energy sword from its place magnetized to his thigh, unnecessarily twirled the hilt between his fingers, and the activated it before charging into the fray.

Despite how much he annoyed her, sometimes she couldn’t argue with the Spartan’s enthusiasm. Sarah jammed another magazine into her magnum and followed him. Just like Majestic. Just like Crimson.

Like a well-oiled machine.

Like family.

They were fighting for the Infinity’s future.

—————————

Here it is, my (slightly late) @infinity-week Day 1.

I really should’ve posted this on my writing blog @am-i-right-marines but I happened to draft here.

Friend tags: @bomboclaaty @soclonely , @sw-maddie

[horizon-armor]

Nora Sentinel Grey Dawn Pale Fens Eventide Frozen Wilds Hunter’s Dusk

All Dyes

[katieskarlette]

WoW Deep Dive

I’ll be watching this panel on the livestream and typing my fingers off.  Check back for updates.

[Edit:  Panel’s over, post is finished!]

-----------

Covenants:  

Kyrians:  Angelic Soul Guides.  Their job is to shuttle souls from the world of the living to the world of the dead.

Necrolords:  Liches, warlords and spies.  A proto-Scourge vibe.

Night Fae:  Guardians of Nature, Shepherds of the Cycle of Life and Death

Venthyr:  Vampiric punishers of the unworthy.  They break down those who were wicked or prideful in life and build them back up.

Each Covenant has a sanctum.

Covenant abilities:  not class specific.  “Solve a problem without fighting it.”

Night Fae have one called Soulshape:  dash ability, turns you into a spirit fox/butterfly/deer/your pick, and while active enemies ignore you.

Kyrian’s is Unburden:  a dash, slowfall, and reduces your aggro radius

Necrolords have Transcend the Flesh:  out of body experience, lets you go away as an invisible soul for a time, leaving your body behind doing whatever it was doing

Class abilities:  similar to artifact active abilities.

Kyrian mage ability:  Radiant Spark, does damage instantly plus dot, and more damage for other spells for awhile.  Night Fae give mages Shifting Power, channeled AOE and haste buff.  Necrolord’s Contagion Bolt, a damage spell I ran out of time to type about, and...yeah.  I’m sure someone else will screenshot them all.

Soulbinds.  Example benefit is 5% increased crit against targets with lower health than you.  Unlock new tiers of power over time and customize a “conduit” that is basically a talent tree.  Switch soulbinds when strategy demands, just like talents.  Each character you can soulbind to has a backstory to uncover.  Soulbound NPCs do NOT follow you as a bodyguard.

Covenant rewards:  upgradeable mount, backpack-style “cloaks”, weapons and armor, world benefits, campaign quest chain.

It will be possible to change Covenants but it will take time to build your rep with the second one, so it’s not something to do lightly.

...

Leveling changes:

Current leveling issues: - Takes too long - Not every level is rewarding - Confusing timelines and storylines (the Warchief shuffle, e.g.) - Expansion stories are lost

Goals: - Streamline leveling - Choose the story you want - Make every level rewarding - Modernize the introduction Azeroth (new starting zone)

Updates: - New level range is 1-60 - Every level unlocks something - 60-70% faster to level 1-50 - Choose your story, level 10-50 in the expansion of your choice - New Starting zone:  Exile’s Reach 

Existing characters at level 120 will be changed to level 50, and other levels will scale to equivalents in a similar way.

Character power doesn’t change, i.e. you can do exactly what you are doing now.  Farming old content won’t be impacted.

Exile’s Reach:  new starting zone.  Mandatory for a first character for a new player.  It’s got murlocs, harpies, quillboar, ogres, etc.

Story: An ogre has captured your forces and is going to sacrifice them to rez a dead dragon (I WANT DETAILS ON THAT DRAGON PLEASE--it uses the model of nightmare dragons from Legion).

It ends with a two-boss mini dungeon.

First-time players must do Exile’s Reach as their starting zone, then must do BFA to level 20-50.  This is to help new players feel more connected to the current story and community, having experienced the next-most-recent content.

Your second time through you can pick whatever starting zone and leveling zone you want.  So it basically doesn’t impact existing players, only those starting from scratch.

After your starting zone (or right away if you’re an allied race), Chromie will help guide you to pick which expansion to level in 20-50.

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

Class Philosophy

They added new stuff with each expansion up through MoP, then got feedback that action bars were too crowded, etc.  They did the WoD pruning with “the best of intentions,” and that freed up room to make Legion artifacts interesting.  In the process of fleshing out the artifacts, however, it became more about spec identity than class identity.

Shadowlands is an opportunity to recalibrate all that.

“We want to fix problems” but they don’t want to change things so drastically that you load up 9.0 and suddenly have no idea how to play your character anymore.  They’ll be adding stuff as you level so the adjustment is gradual.

Specs should “double down” on an aspect of the class, but that aspect is part of all the other specs, too.

Class defining mechanics:  e.g. paladin auras, shaman totems, rogue poisons, warlock curses

“Are there any rogues here?”  *cheers from crowd*  “Not anymore.  You failed the first test of being a rogue, shouting out ‘I’m here!’“  LMAO!

Class range:  different magic schools, roles, weapons

Mages should still be able to use the other two schools of magic (frost and arcane as a fire mage, for example), even if their spec dictates what most of their spells are.

Iconic class abilities:  Raise dead, Frost shock, Consecration, Ursol’s Vortex...and I ran out of time to type the rest.  But they’ll be coming back class-wide, no longer spec-dependent. 

Demonic circle, summon gargoyle, hunter’s mark, etc, will no longer force you to choose one option in a talent tree to get an iconic class ability.

Eyes of the Beast is coming back!  YAY!  Shattering throw, kill shot, ritual of doom, and challenging shout are also coming back.

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

The Maw

-- A max level zone -- Access point to Torghast -- Home of the Jailer -- A prison for the vilest souls (those that cannot be redeemed), and, more recently, an unjust prison for millions of others--including casualties of Teldrassil and the 4th war.

We are Maw Walkers, who possess the ability to leave the Maw, and potentially save others who are trapped there.

The Maw is dangerous, not just the same stuff as earlier zones with a “deathier” coat of paint.

You can get a debuff “The Jailer has noticed you” that makes some mobs aggro more easily on you, and sends kill squads after you personally.

Torghast, Tower of the Damned:

-- Icecrown-esque architecture -- Scaleable for 1-5 players, role agnostic (Yes, you can take 5 DPS and not have it be a trainwreck) -- Both you and your enemies grow in power as you climb higher -- Progress unlocks new challenges and complexity -- Floors built to encourage exploration -- Not a timed mode, not Mythic+ -- The goal is to climb higher and higher, but detours to seek out Anima are a good idea, too.  Collecting Anima gives you various buffs (more health, more damage, chance to Blind targets on attack, ability to see which enemies carry Anima, make abilities last longer. --Always changing from visit to visit, and also from events (Jailer floods the tower with beasts this week, e.g.) -- Climbing Torghast lets you collect runes to forge legendaries. -- Learn lore on the origins of Frostmourne and the Helm of Domination

[thesevenseraphs]

Bungie Weekly Update - 12/12/19

This week at Bungie, a new Season is upon us. Season of Dawn has finally come. Osiris calls upon you to combat the remnants of the Red Legion and prevent them from creating an alternate reality where they are victorious. Guardians are swarming Mercury and the Sundial in an effort to fix time itself. Obelisks revealed themselves on Mars and the Tangled Shore, bringing new Bounties to complete for sweet loot.

We are two days into the new Season with much more on the horizon. A legend needs saving, and additional obelisks will become available on alternate destinations next week.

Not only is this a change in Seasons, but an opportunity for your arsenal to evolve. New Exotic Catalysts are in the wild, granting benefits to a few Exotics you know and love. New Legendary weapons have been introduced, some packing new perks to give you an edge in combat. Keep an eye out for Vorpal Weapon, granting you additional damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians with their Super active. We’ve already had a few players ask if the Boss Spec weapon mod stacks, to which we say… go find out!

Three new Exotics have also been introduced to Destiny 2 for owners of Shadowkeep.

Hunter: The Bombardiers Parting Gift: Dodging leaves behind an explosive that detonates after a short delay, damaging enemies around it.

Warlock: Promethium Spur Embers of Light: While Daybreak is active, defeating combatants or Guardians creates a Healing and Empowering Rift at their location.

Titan: Severance Enclosure Spheromatik Trigger: Defeating a Guardian with a melee attack or a combatant with a finisher unleashes a damaging explosion.

We’ll be watching as you earn your loot, perfect your loadouts, and dominate your enemies in combat. Think you’ve created a good build? Sound off on Twitter and you might find a retweet from @Bungie.

DAWN OF THE DAWNING

Along with the cold weather, Eva Levante is returning to the Tower. The Dawning is all about keeping warm though, as you’ll be asked to bake cookies for your favorite (and less than favorite) vendors in our solar system.

The Dawning

Begins: 9:00 AM Pacific on 12/17/2019

Ends: 9:00 AM Pacific on 1/14/2020

All of Eva’s ingredients and cookies return from last year’s event. We also added new ingredients and recipes and made some improvements to the baking process. For each batch of cookies delivered, you’ll gain progress towards bounties and rewards for some Seasonal cheer.

This year, Eva has a new SMG for you to bake: the Cold Front. Additionally, if you missed out on the perfect roll for the Machine Gun Avalanche last year, it’s your time to shine. Both weapons will be available to earn throughout the entire event.

Weekly and repeatable Dawning bounties also grant Bright dust, giving you more sources of this currency for new items on the Eververse storefront.

One item will be Silver only: The Perfect Ten finisher.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Did you find yourself in a mad dash to finish your Season of the Undying Triumphs and forget to pick up a few of your Season track rewards? We have good news! We created a new portal on the Seasons page that grants access to your Season Pass rewards track. Any items you earned will be available to claim, even if a season has ended.

Steps for success:

Ensure you have available in-game inventory space, and at least 10 slots available at your postmaster

Sign in to Bungie.net, or sign in to the Destiny Companion App

Head to https://www.bungie.net/7/en/Seasons/PreviousSeason

Select your platform and character

Pick up any items that you’re missing

Repeat for any alternate characters that may have missed their items

A NEW DAWN

A funny thing happened on the way to Dawn. With the added functionality of mod stacking in Armor 2.0, players were quick to find an interesting combination that could fully recharge a super in a single dodge. Player Support was quickly on the case.

This is their report.

This week, Season of Dawn went live following Tuesday’s deployment of Destiny 2 Update 2.7.0. Players looking for this Season’s official support resource need to look no further than our brand new Season of Dawn Support landing page. From this page, players can learn how to get started with this new Season, as well as find out vital information and known issues relevant to Season of Dawn.

Holiday Treats

Next week, The Dawning returns for all players in Destiny 2. Just like Festival of the Lost, New Light players will need to ensure they meet the following requirements before they can participate in The Dawning festivities:

Escape the Cosmodrome to unlock The Tower.

Achieve 770 Power.

Once The Dawning is live, players should look to our help.bungie.net support landing page for our official Destiny 2 Dawning Guide. Until then, players can learn more about The Dawning by visiting our event page.

Destiny 2 Season of Dawn Known Issues

With the launch of this new Season, our Player Support Team continues their ongoing efforts in monitoring player reports in search of the latest gameplay-impacting issues. For the running tally, players should always look to our active Known Issues thread.

Here are some key items following this week’s launch:

Some PC settings will reset when players close and reopen the Destiny 2 client. Settings which have been confirmed to be impacted include: Window Mode, Resolution, Vsync, Framerate Cap, Anti-Aliasing Mode, and the key-binding for forward movement.

Resonant Stems are not providing Override Frequencies when consumed.

Some Forsaken activities cannot be accessed – and result in HONEYDEW errors when launched.

Dynamo mods have been temporarily disabled to mitigate an issue where they recharged Super energy abnormally quickly.

The Sunbreaker Titan Bundle has been temporarily removed from Eververse since it was not being discounted for players who already owned some ornament pieces.

Players who accept or complete a quest from Osiris will need to back out of his menu entirely and interact with him again to continue picking up other quests. This must be repeated for every quest picked up.

Players may not be able to progress the Sundial activity if the player who started the encounter dies before their allies join them. Players can work around this issue by quitting the activity or logging out and relaunching Destiny 2.

The Season of Dawn seal for the "Savior" title incorrectly lists a requirement of 28 Triumphs completed to unlock. The seal will unlock after completing the 15 Triumphs listed in the seal contents.

The Season 9: Challenges Triumph does not progress when a weekly challenge is completed.

The Season 9: Rituals Triumph does not progress when weekly Gambit bounties or Infamy ranks are earned.

The Season 9: Engagement Triumph does not progress when motes are banked.

As always, players encountering service issues should follow @BungieHelp on Twitter or monitor our support feed on help.bungie.net for the latest info. Players encountering other issues are encouraged to report them to the #Help forum.

This is your second to last TWAB of the year. Holidays are on approach, and the blog will be taking a short hibernation as we ring in the New Year. But don’t worry, we’ll still have many people in-house, making sure things are running smoothly and ensuring you won’t encounter any unexpected issues while baking your Dawning cookies. Network Operations, Player Support, Community, and more will be at the ready to lend a helping hand.

See you again next week. It's almost time to get that bread.

[eldricktobin]

Soooo Excited...

To get this year’s sets of armor for Solstice of Heroes in Destiny 2... and never update them.

I’ve already gotten started. Got my warlock 1) to 50 [now I feel actually ready for Forsaken Content] 2)Their Drained Hat to (Completed).

Then I see **blahblahblah** Gambit/Crucible **blahblahblah** Strikes.

And I’m just “Yep. It’s gonna be another year like this.”

Crucible - That Thing Shaxx yells about when not serenading Royalty. I’ve been in twice, and that was just to verify my Weakest Link status.

Gambit - Oh look I died and dropped my 5 motes again. Oh look I can’t hit players as expected. Oh look, I couldn’t help enough so we got Primeval’d again.

The Strikes are fine... I guess. If I don’t get pulled from Encounter to Encounter unable to get my bearings before the level 900/ 9999 Light in disguise beat the final boss before I have a clue which map I’m on. But even so I will try.

At least it’s not all this Pledge Content from last year... running around in 200 light “equipment” getting out of sweatbands... and still not even close to worthy.

But hey Goblin Slayers don’t go after Dragons. It’s what I canonically (to my story) was doing during Destiny 1. Running patrols, and Public Events.

D1-ME: Raids? What are those? I’ve got patrols to get back to. “Plot” What’s that? Oh you mean... HIM. Well while the Heroes are out punching HIS LORDSHIP.... someone has to keep the lesser baddies from running off with everything that’s not nailed down.

[Emperor Calus. Watching ME? Must have seen something amazing IN ANOTHER REALITY. Maybe he needs a try hard court jester. Likes watching me die and all that. NOT that he should have heard of me. Hard to make out a spec running around Nessus from the Plush and Gold of the Leviathan.]

[I'm "Everyone's" favorite low-rent, bounty hunter patrolling the -scrubs- lest they 'zerg rush']

[[Now granted I do now handle those A Level Plots on the way to the S Class Plots... but those Raids... I watch those on video. I have trouble with HEROICS]]

["They just require teamwork" Teamwork... oh you mean direct neural interlink between minds so we're all one step ahead of each other, and in perfect sync? Wait. You didn't? Oh then in that case I don't know how to teamwork right. I'll go back to my rather enjoyable garbage tier solo act kthxbye]

[crowjack20]

Spec girfugol/pseudo-girfugol post 1(no this isn't breaking the rules of girfugol because this is just a thought experiment.)

Name:yip

Kingdom: bushsand empire

Class:gryphus

Species combo:maniacal ripperoo*-southern Island bonebeak*

Age:4

Gender:bi cisgender hen

Size class:large(3 ft 6in)

Weight class:standard

+:strategic, helpful, kind

Neutral:blunt, competitive

-:violent, slightly sadistic, overapologetic

Strengths:physical strength, her claws and beak will end you if a trap don't. well armed, even without armor she's lethal, with sickle claws and a strong beak, she's a killer. Great strategic thinking, her wits were put to good use in the army.

Weaknesses:while lethal, she don't have much natural defence. Her improvisation skills and surprise attack strategies are ineffective without the element of surprise.

Occupation:a former General of the NK army, now a hunter/trapper/butcher.

Likes:

Avus:those who are patient, her brother, or like stories

Food:red meat, particularly kangaroo or elephant, greasy foods, and potatoes.

Other:hunting, bone carving, armor, running, rain

Dislikes:

Avus: those who are in a rush, merchants, and cheat at things

Food:bananas, dry foods, soup

Other:humidity, tight spaces, the ocean.

Added items:two sets of iron talon extensions, a straight-dagger pair for her front-paw sickle claws, and a more recurved hook type for her hind feet. Iron helmet, leather bodysuit with bronze plates on the belly and sides and iron on the back. And a leather tail sleeve.

Voice claim:don't have an actor, but she's got a southern drawl, and a somewhat hyena like cackle

Name:lutra

Species cross:maniacal ripperoo*-southern island bonebeak*

Kingdom:bushsand empire

Class:gryphus

Age:4

Gender: straight cisgender roo

Size class:large(4 ft)

Weight class:bulky

+:funny, loyal, creative

Neutral:competitive, lawful, stern

Negative:violent, easily distracted, bloodthirsty, vengeful

Strengths:physical strength, his muscle and brawn will end you. Well armed, even without armor, he's deadly, with knives and meat hooks for claws and a bone crushing beak, he don't need weapons. Incredibly creative and intelligent, he's mastered the hunt.

Weaknesses:overly emotional, if he's on a mission, he might get distracted by an insult or an attack on his life. Kind of crazy, if he has a plan, it usually gets ruined by his insanity.

Occupation:a former soldier of the NK army, now a rancher/thug for hire.

Likes:

Food:red meat, particularly mutton, fish, salty foods, bones, and eggs

Avus:his sister, patient avus, and avus who have money

Other:trapping, taxidermy, the smell of leather, rain, and his cattle

Dislikes:

Food:poultry, spicy foods, leafy greens

Avus: backstabbers, bandits, monarchs

Other:wolves, duststorms, boring parties

Added items:an iron helmet. Bronze chestplate with a dragon etched into it. Bronze extensions of his claws, a straight-dagger pair for his front-paw sickle claws, and a more recurved hook type for his hind feet. A necklace with whale bone beads and a pendant carved from a hippus antler(the cord of the necklace itself is leather) leather arm and leg bands.

Voice claim:don't have an actor, but he's got a crazy voice, a western drawl, and a somewhat hyena like cackle

These two are twins

**: I mentioned this symbol during the species combo sections to give credit to Tribbetherium, for letting me use his creatures, in this case the maniacal ripperoo. And to give credit to sheather888 for making the southern island bonebeak

[militarybinoculars-blog]

The Best Tactical Binoculars in 2019 - Recommended By Experts

Whether you are a hunter, bird-watcher, sailor, astronomer or an observer of nature, your necessity will remain incomplete without a set of quality binocular. Binoculars are principally two low-power refracting telescopes that are mounted as one.

Binoculars are used for seeing distant objects larger and in more detail. As binoculars’ uses are limitless- you should buy one! It is easy to get confused by the options available on the web.

Considering all the features and performance, we have prepared a list of top ten best tactical binoculars. All these binoculars are well researched and great choices from our experts.

Quick Answer – Tactical Binoculars

1. Steiner Military Marine 10×50 Tactical Binocular

2. Steiner Military/Marine 8×30 Binocular

3. USCAMEL 10×50 Military Waterproof HD Binoculars

4. Steiner Marine 7×50 Binoculars

5. Steiner Tactical 10×28 Binoculars

6. USCAMEL 10×42 Military Compact Binoculars

7. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Military Marine Binoculars

8. Aomekie Ultimate 7X50 HD Military Binoculars

9. BNISE 10×50 Adults Military HD Binoculars

10. BNISE Military HD Navigation Binoculars

Review of the Best Tactical Binoculars

There are plenty of options on hand on the market today. They are in different style and size from different brands. Which one would be the best binocular for you? If you have already decided where to use it, it would be easier to take the decision.

Here, we have made a list of ten best tactical binoculars from well-known brands. We have tried to discover the advantages and disadvantages of the products. Nevertheless, the accuracy and precision is required for tactical gears.

By understanding their specs and features, you can now buy any of the following items without hesitation. We hope our buying guide will help you to take decision easily.

1. Steiner 210 MM1050 Military Marine 10×50 Tactical Binocular

Unbelievable toughness, exceptional clarity and consistent optical performance these are the traits of Steiner 210 MM1050 Military-Marine 10x50mm Tactical Binocular. This civilian STEINER Military-Marine series’ binocular also features Sports-Auto-Focus system.

It provides a clear image of objects from 20 yards to infinity. It also features  Makrolon housing which is made of durable polycarbonate with NBR rubber armoring that can withstand 11 Gs of impact.

If you are planning to spend this weekend in open terrain, hilly country for hunting or watching a football match, take this with you. It has 10 times magnification power and 55mm objective lens diameter.

Higher magnification and higher objective diameter are ideal for these types of activities. The whole thing is waterproof, rugged and feels great. This item also covers Steiner Heritage Warranty.

Pros

Wide field of view with 10 times magnification and 50mm objective lens.

Rainproof & fog resistant that holds up in tough weather condition.

Durable and shock absorbing rubber armoring provide non-slip grip.

Comes with a carry case, lens protection, cap neck-strap, and objective lens covers.

It weighs only about 35.3 ounces (2.21 pounds)

Steiner Heritage Warranty for the lifetime.

Made in Germany

Cons

Carrying strap is fairly crappy. The thickness of the strap should be more.

Some reviewers have complained about the rubber armoring after several years of use.

2. Steiner Military/Marine 8×30 Binocular

Steiner is the name of the trust. The US Army and 40 other nations all over the world have faith in the service of Steiner Military/Marine 8×30 Binoculars.

They are using this item for its durable features and all-round use. This binocular provides the sharp and clear image of objects. It is light-weight and easy to use.

It has 8x magnification power with 30mm objective lens diameter provides you wide field of view, even while you are in the move.

It comes in Porro Prism design that gives you amazing image clarity. Steiner Military/Marine 8×30 Binocular also covers Steiner Heritage Warranty.

Pros

8x magnification and 30mm objective diameter with a wide field of view

Includes carry case, neck-strap, lens safety cap, and objective lens covers.

Porro Prism design for wonderful image clarity

Item weighs only about 17.1 ounces (1.07 pounds)

Lifetime warranty.

362 ft/1000 yards field of view.

Made in Germany

Cons

The neck strap is not strong enough as it is thin and not padded.

3. USCAMEL 10×50 Military Waterproof HD Binoculars

If you are looking for a binocular for military or terrestrial observations, USCAMEL 10×50 Military HD Professional binocular would be a great buy for you.

It comes in Porro Prism design with hi-index BAK4 optics that gives you bright, sharp image and vivid contrast of wide field of view.

This binocular is also able to provide you maximum brightness even in low light.

Besides, its durable rubber-armored coating is rugged enough to stand up to any extreme conditions rainstorms and high humidity. Its waterproof design allows it to work in a heavy rainy day.

Pros

Porro Prism design with BAK4 prism glass.

10x magnification and 50mm objective diameter lens with 396 ft/1000 yards of FOV.

Includes a military-style binocular, a carry bag, a lens cloth and a lanyard

Rubber coated body that is comfortable to touch and provides great shock resistance and no-slip grip.

Nitrogen gas inside the binocular eliminates fogging

Cons

Front eyes caps are too small.

4. Steiner Marine 7×50 Binoculars

Steiner is the world famous binocular manufacturer. Steiner binoculars are able to survive the extreme conditions you can face. Steiner 7×50 Marine binoculars have some extraordinary features.

Its Porro Prism design with BAK4 prisms has great durability and provides high optical clarity. Whether it is dawn or dusk, no matter, you will get the sharp and clear image.

Steiner Marine 7×50 Binoculars are Waterproof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions than typical tactical binoculars. Its identical Sports-Autofocus system covers everything into focus from 20 yards to infinity.

This armored rubber binocular is able to stand up to years of use or abuse on the water or in the field. This item also covers Steiner Heritage Warranty.

Pros

7x magnification and 50mm objective lens with a wide field of view.

Porro Prism design, BAK4 prisms, multicoated optical surface

Provides clear images even in low light conditions

20mm long eye relief

Wide field of view 354 ft / 1000 yards

Item weighs 37 ounces (2.27 pounds)

Steiner Heritage Warranty

Made in Germany

Cons

Lens protectors do not fit well.

5. Steiner Tactical 10×28 Binoculars

If you are looking for binoculars with good magnification power, lightweight, they are about perfect for your need. Steiner is popular for making quality gears.

Their binoculars have achieved the reputation for performance and reliability around the world. Steiner Tactical 10×28 Binoculars are tough enough for any tactical purpose.

These binocular has some extraordinary features. It is smaller in size, light-weight to carry and easy to focus with wide field of view. It has close focus from six ft to infinity.

Its rubber armoring can withstand in adverse weather conditions. It is waterproof and inside nitrogen gas eliminates fogging. It also covers Steiner Heritage warranty.

Pros

10x magnification and 28mm objective lens diameter

Field of view at 1,000 yards: 288 feet

Military Grade Rubber Armoring and Waterproofing

Roof Prism design with HD multicoated lenses

Lightweight, item weighs only 0.79 pounds

Neoprene Clic-loc neck strap

Made in Germany. Covers Steiner Heritage Warranty

Cons

Lens caps do not fit well and easily lost

6. USCAMEL 10×42 Military Compact Binoculars

If you are a bird watcher or hunter and looking for a great binocular, this is for you. It features ultra-wide field of view 303 ft / 1000 yards with 42mm large objective lens and 10x magnification power.

The large lens allows high light transmittance and provides bright and sharp image. Its roof prism design and BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated green film optics provide superior resolution and image clarity.

The reviewers from different websites said that this is an affordable, very powerful, small and light-weight binocular. These binoculars are perfect for casual use.

Durable magnesium alloy chassis is very comfortable to grip and rugged enough to stand up to any weather conditions. This binocular is also waterproof, fog-proof and dust proof.

Pros

10x magnification with 42mm objective diameter and wide field of view: 303 ft /1000 yards.

BAK-4 prisms with phase and dielectric coatings.

Magnesium Alloy body construction for lightweight and durability.

Package includes a binocular and a lens cloth.

Item weighs only 1.43 pounds.

100% hassle free money back guarantee.

Cons

The bad part is the carrying belt, it is not padded and not that much comfortable.

7. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars

Hooway 7×50 is a military standard binocular. Whether it is extreme rainstorms or high humidity, this binocular is designed to perform in all weather conditions.

If you are planning for hunting, bird watching, fishing, water sports or wild travel, this binocular is ready to provide you with all the necessary tools.

These military binoculars have 7x magnification power and 50mm objective lens diameter. This means you will get highquality clear image of the objective.

FOV or the field of view is 396 feet at 1000 yards / 132 meters at 1000 meters, that means you will get a wide view of objects.

The rangefinder scale is a great feature of this binocular for easy calculation. The rubberized casing is comfortable to touch and provides no-slip grip.

Pros

7x magnification with 50mm objective diameter lenses

Complete waterproof and float in water.

Porro prism design for a wide field of view.

Available in multiple colors.

Weighs only 2.2 pounds.

Individual eyepiece focus systems.

Heavy-duty rubber armor that is sturdy and dimpled for grip.

Cons

The lens covers do not stay in like they should. It is a common problem for the binoculars with this price range.

8. Aomekie Ultimate 7X50 HD Military Marine Binoculars

This is a perfect binocular for your rough and though use. This military design binocular is a floating model with illuminated rangefinder compass which is waterproof and fog proof.

You can use two ranging tools (The eyepiece Mils Reticle Scale and Calculator) to estimate your distance from an object. The whole package includes one binocular, one military carrying bag, lens cloth and lanyard.

Aomekie Ultimate 7X50 HD Military Marine Binocular has 7x magnification with 50mm objective diameter lens. This binocular comes in BAK-4 optics in Porro Prism design which gives you a wide field of view.

The optics are accurately crafted for brilliance and clarity of the image. Ergonomic rubber armor design offers a safe no-slip grip and provides great shock resistance.

Pros

7x magnification and 50mm objective diameter lens with field of view at 132 meters / 1000 meter

Porro Prism design with BAK-4 multi-coated glass

Durable rubber armored coating for no-slip grip and great shock resistance

Item weighs 3.05 pounds

Waterproof, fog-proof and available in multiple colors.

Internal nitrogen gas eliminates fogging

Rangefinder reticle and compass

Cons

There is no night vision function. It has illumination in the compass at night.

The distant finder is not the greatest.

9. BNISE 10×50 Adults Military HD Binoculars

BNISE is a high-end optical products manufacturer. They are in the market for more than 20 years.

BNISE mainly produce and sale their products to the United States, Japan and Germany and other developed markets.

This is a powerful binocular with some great features. It has 10x magnification and 50mm large objective lens.

It comes in Porro Pism design with BAK 4 optics for the wide field of view and excellent image.

Besides, you do not need to worry about the weather, as it is waterproof and fog-proof. It also has easy to use navigation compass and rangefinder for hunting and bird watching. It also covers money back guarantee!

Pros

10x magnification with 50mm objective lens diameter

BAK4 prism features a bright, sharp image

Navigation Compass and Rangefinder for Hunting

Nitrogen gas inside the binoculars eliminates fogging

Weatherproof, dustproof binocular for adults

You are protected by a lifetime money back guarantee

Cons

Lens caps do not fit well.

Manual distance finder. Complicated for users who are weak in doing math in head quickly.

10. BNISE Military HD Navigation Binoculars

BNISE is providing durable, better service, and life-time superior quality optical products for its consumers for more than 20 years. This is actually a marine type binocular but you can also use it on your next hunting trip.

BNISE Military HD Binoculars are lightweight yet durable, it weighs only 1.87 pounds. These binocular comes in camouflage design and is easy to grip. They are also sturdy enough and always ready for your outdoor use.

These military HD binoculars have porro prism design. It has 10x magnification and 50mm large objective lens. Its sealed nitrogen filled body structure eliminates inside fogging and keeps it floating if dropped in water.

This binocular provides you clear image and you can see quite a distance. The eyepieces are adjustable to each eye for the best vision.

Pros

10x magnification with 50mm objective diameter lens

Internal rangefinder scale and directional compass

Porro Prism design with BAK-4

Nitrogen gas inside the binocular eliminates fogging

The rubber-coated body provides great shock resistance and a comfortable touch, firm grasp.

100% money back guarantee

Item weighs only 1.87 pounds

Cons

The rangefinder requires you to calculate the distance. It is not digital rangefinder.

The lens caps and eyepiece caps fall off with a bump.

Buying Guide of Tactical Binoculars

There area a number of basic features you should look for a binocular while purchasing it. Here, we will discuss these features. Hope this guide will be helpful in finding a great binocular for you.

Types of Binoculars

Galilean binoculars: Galilean binoculars have the same basic structure as the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilee used in 1609 to observe the stars.

Most of the Early Binoculars Used Galilean Optics

A concave objective lens and A convex eyepiece lens. The Galilean binocular design has the benefit of presenting an erect image but a narrow FOV or field of view. But this type of binoculars is not capable of high magnification.

Porro Prism Binoculars

Porro prism binoculars are usually known as ‘older style’ or ‘Traditional’ binoculars. Italian optician Ignazio Porro invented this image erecting system around1850 and patented in1854.

This type of binoculars uses prisms with Z-shaped configuration to erect the image. The eyepieces and objective lenses are well separated from one another, rather than being in line with each other. Porro prism design has the added benefit of folding the optical path.

Roof Prism Binoculars

Roof-prisms binoculars are narrower and more compact than Porro prisms. Porro Prism binoculars produce the brighter image than roof prism binoculars of the same magnification, objective size, and optical quality. Roof-prism design requires tighter tolerances for alignment of optical elements.

Optical Parameters

Magnification: Magnification or power is the ratio of the focal distance of the object divided by the focal distance of the eyepiece. For example: A magnification factor of 7x means if you are looking at a deer 70 meters away through the binocular with 7x, the deer will seem only 7 meters away. Handheld binoculars typically have magnification or power ranging from 7x to 10x. A larger magnification leads to a smaller FOV or field of view.

Objective Diameter: Diameter determines the sharpness of an image. When two different binoculars have same magnification, the larger objective diameter produces a sharper and brighter image. An 8×40 binocular will create a brighter and sharper image than an 8×25 binocular. Objective diameter is usually expressed in millimeters.

Field of View or FOV: FOV is an important feature of a binocular if you are looking for moving objects. The FOV or field of view of a binocular depends on its optical design. It is usually notated in a linear or angular value.

Exit Pupil: The exit pupil should be at least equal the diameter of the pupil of the human eye that is about 7 mm at night and about 3 mm daytime. The exit pupil diameter is the objective diameter divided by the magnifying power. The large exit pupil of a binocular makes it easy to put the eye where it can get the light.

Eye Relief: It is the distance the observer must position his or her eye at the rear of the eyepiece.

Close Focus Distance: This is the closest point that the binocular can focus on. Depending on the design of the binocular, this distance varies from about 0.5 m to 30 m. If want to observe butterflies you need to buy binoculars that will focus down to 3 meters or less.

Weight & Size

There are so many binoculars of different shapes and sizes on the market. It is very important to know which one should you buy that will suit your needs.

Considering the other features, you will have to find the best match for your job. Weight & Size of a binocular determines your comfort level while viewing or carrying. Luckily, nowadays tactical binoculars are pretty lightweight.

Price

There is a saying ‘you get for what you pay for’. As the price increases, the quality of the binocular increases, the number of features increases.

Final Word

Purchasing the best tactical binoculars is tough enough and also takes time and effort. Considering all the features of a great binocular such as magnification power, field of view, objective lens, the prism type, eye focus and eye relief etc., we made this list to help you to find the best marine binocular that fits you most. On the whole, as you are searching for a decent pair of tactical binoculars, above listed strategic binoculars might be your best buy!

[megamanxfanfics]

S.VI-Ep.18: Gate’s Lament

Written by Metal-Man-X, past & present

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

INT. MHHQ BUNKER – Control Area – NIGHT

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

The moment X and Zero teleport in, they are assisted by Lifesaver Clones.

LIFESAVER CLONE 1: Hello, Gentlemen.  We’ll take it from here.

X: Huh?

The clones firmly grip their respective arms.

ZERO: Hey! What gives?

SIGNAS: Sorry boys.  Safety Protocol…

As they are escorted, X looks at Alia.

X: Alia??

Alia frowns and shakes her head with her eyes closed.

LIFESAVER CLONE 1: Don’t be afraid.  We just need to run some tests.

ZERO: (suspicious) What kind of tests…

LIFESAVER CLONE 2: We want to assess your Nightmare Soul Levels and their effect on your DNA.

Zero closes his eyes with regret.

ZERO: …I understand…

X narrows his eyes and shakes his head annoyed.

As they are both escorted down the hall, X looks at Zero and offers a smug smirk.

X: Finally showing your true colors, I see…

Zero looks at X, surprised.

ZERO: I…uh..-

X: It’s about time!  We can’t afford to hold back anymore.

ZERO: …and what about you??  What happened to you? Zero eyeballs X’s new darker image; his base armor now draped in a sleek black and blue design.

X: (proud) I’m trying something new…. I’m getting in touch with my Shadow, and I have to say.  I kinda like it…

Zero’s eyes widen with concern.

ZERO: …I see…. Just don’t lose yourself in it. Take it from me…

They are both brought to Alia’s R & D Lab where the door closes behind them.

-pan back to Alia’s console-

She looks at Signas, concerned.

ALIA: Are they gonna be okay??

Signas thoughtfully looks at his screen as he pulls up their specs.

SIGNAS: I hope so, for all our sakes…. Otherwise, we’re doomed.

-cut to-

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

INT. FALLEN COLONY – Gate’s Lab – NIGHT

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

Gate spots Isoc escorting a wounded High Max to their Operating Room.  He turns around and shakes his head in fear while looking at his Monitor.

GATE: (v.o, thinking) I’m doomed…

[Insert Title Card – Gate’s Lament]

Gate looks at his screen blankly as he flips through old files.  Further and further he goes back as he recalls exactly how things came to be this way.

GATE: (v.o, thinking) Ya know, it’s funny. To think how all of this started…?

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————–

INT. REPLOID RESEARCH FACILITY - Doppler Labs - DAY

—————————————————————————–

Caption – 7 Years Ago

ALIA: Dr. Doppler… Here are the files of all the Mavericks you asked for.

She drops a box stacked with files on one of his work tables.

DR. DOPPLER: Ah. Gate and Alia… I would like you to meet our new friends – The Maverick Hunters.

Gate offers a shy wave.

GATE: (shy, curt) Nice to meet you.

Alia combs her hair as she looks at X and blushes with a slight smile.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) You originally hired us to create a cure for the Maverick Virus.

DR. DOPPLER: Well! We’d better get to work folks!! We’ve got a world to save and my Neuro Computer has the answer! Gate!! Boot me up!!

GATE: Right away, sir.

-FLASH-

DR. DOPPLER: (passionately) X! This data is astounding!!

Dr. Doppler points to a screen. On the screen is a DNA helix composed of crimson, indigo, and purple sections.

X: What does it mean, Doctor?

-flash-

DR. DOPPLER: So far all of these Mavericks share a… Malicious Code type of programming. All inflicted by Sigma no doubt… but then I thought about the root cause of it all. …I dug deep into Cyberspace with my Neuro Computer and pulled up old files of Pre-Reploid data.

X: Pre-Reploid data?

DR. DOPPLER: Yes… I found a similar DNA code. Take a look.

Dr. Doppler pulls up a file of a thinner, indigo colored helix labelled “Roboenza”.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) We met with great results and it was a good working relationship at first, but then something went wrong.

-FLASH-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It started with a very bad idea.

Gate sits at his console staring at the computer monitor in awe as he reads the news on the internet.

GATE: Did you hear about what happened at the Robot Junkyard today?

ALIA: No, what?

GATE: There were Mavericks… that somehow came back from the dead!

ALIA: What?! That’s horrible!

GATE: I know, it’s frightening! Luckily, the Maverick Hunters were able to take care of it.

ALIA: (relieved) Thank goodness!

GATE: Still though, I have to admit… that’s pretty genius.  (v.o, narrating) For a long time, I thought Reploid Resurrection was a good idea. Provided it was for a good reason. Then, something like that almost happened.

-A grainy image of Mechaniloids appearing out of thin air above Doppler Labs appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Somehow, not long after you defeated Sigma, a Global Anomaly occurred.  Mechaniloids appeared all over the World and none of us were safe.  So I built Sheldon…

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————– INT. DR. DOPPLER’S LABORATORY – Upgraded Office – DAY —————————————————————————–

Caption – 6 Years Ago

The Elevator door opens to Doppler’s improved Laboratory conditions.

X and Dr. Cain are immediately greeted Shield Sheldon, who guards the door.

SHIELD SHELDON: Who are you??

Gate stops what he is doing and runs over to X and Dr. Cain.

GATE: Easy, Shield Sheldon. These are friends of ours.

SHIELD SHELDON: Oh. We weren’t expecting any company today… Please, come in.

Shield Sheldon makes a welcoming gesture with his hand and politely steps out of the way.

X and Dr. Cain share a worried look as he gets wheeled in.

GATE: (embarrassed) Sorry about all the red tape, friends. Ever since the Global Anomaly, we’ve had to take all sorts of precautions and countermeasures to ensure our safety.

As they pass through the wing, Dr. Jim, Schmitt, Curtiss and a team of Researchers are working on a large Laser Satellite, behind a glass panel.  Their tools spark intermittently as the Laser begins to take shape.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It was Sheldon’s job to guard key scientists at our Lab from any harm…

-FLASH-

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

INT. FLORIDA - DOME THEATER: DopplerCon – NIGHT

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

Caption – 5 Years Ago

Shield Sheldon walks in with Dr. Jim and escorts him to his seat.

DR. JIM: This is fine Sheldon. Thank you.

SHIELD SHELDON: I’ll be on standby if you need anything.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Unfortunately something slipped past him…

-cut to-

—————————————————————————–

INT. DOPPLER LABS - Laser Wing - DAY

—————————————————————————–

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Dr. Jim sampled a bad batch or something…. It turned out that the Anti-Virus didn’t work at all.  In fact, it made everyone worse.

From Dr. Jim’s laser wing, he activates a high-powered laser satellite with the evil grin of a mad man.

SHIELD SHELDON: Dr. Jim!!  What are you doing??

He points the laser at the wall and fires through the glass pane.  The glass shatters and pierces a large hole through the top of the building.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) None of us saw what happened, but I believe that Sheldon was defending himself.

-FLASH-

Dr. Jim reaches out to Dr. Doppler with a bloody chest and stomach.

DR. DOPPLER: HAAAAARRRRGH! SHELDON!!!  What have you done!????

Shield Sheldon looks up at Dr. Doppler in fear.  He has blood-stained hands.

SHIELD SHELDON: Doctor… It’s not… how it looks.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, the Hunters showed up…

Just then, the 14th Unit Maverick Hunters teleport in. MAGMA DRAGOON, TURIAN, TETHLON, BLIZZARD, BLAZE, FRENZY FOXKIT and FREEZE ALOPEX teleport in.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Things got very confusing, very fast.  And my poor guy couldn’t take it.

-flash-

SHIELD SHELDON: My purpose.. was to protect important people like Dr. Jim, no matter what the cost.  And I failed him!  I failed you!!

DR. DOPPLER: (angry) You KILLED him!

SHIELD SHELDON: He was acting Maverick!

TURIAN: And you committed a Maverick act in the process…

SHIELD SHELDON: (stressed, panicking) N..n-NOOOOO! Its too late!! None of you will believe me!! There is no future for me here… I can’t take this.. This is no way to live!  ..n..No way to liiive!

Shield Sheldon duplicates himself in 4 Shield shells, that fire powerful cross-shots in an X formation.  He then teleports towards the middle, without his shield guards, and allows the shells to fire on himself, at point blank range.

-flash-

His body takes massive damage, as he explodes from the center of the room. The 14th Unit stares up at the ashes not knowing what to think.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) That was the first of many instances where my creations would die…

-FLASH-

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

INT. MHHQ BUNKER – R & D Lab – NIGHT

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

Caption: NOW

Alia walks in and sees X and Zero both floating in cylindrical tubes, passed out from the evening’s hardships.

ALIA: How are they doing?

LIFESAVER PRIME: As to be expected…  They’re unanalyzable!!

ALIA: You couldn’t pull their Nightmare Readings?

LIFESAVER PRIME: Oh, I have a count of their Nightmare Souls…. I just don’t have a readout of its effect on their systems. But there is some good news…

ALIA: Hm..?

LIFESAVER PRIME: It turns out that this heart tank in Zero’s chest cavity has saved his life.  

She looks at an X-Ray of it from another monitor.

ALIA: Huh… That was originally meant for X, but he never needed it. Interesting how it interfaces with Zero’s system.

LIFESAVER PRIME: Those boys are a Mystery, but the more we go, the more I’m discovering that they truly need each other.  It seems that X’s heart tank is the only thing that’s holding Zero together at this point.

ALIA: (gasping) Oh no!

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————– INT. DOPPLER LABS – Work Stations - DAY —————————————————————————–

Caption: 5 Years Ago – Moments after Sheldon’s death…

Gate sits down at his work desk, feeling livid and numb. Dr. Doppler walks over to him with a frown on his face.

DR. DOPPLER: (darker) Here’s what we need to do Gate…

He puts out two sets of blueprints on his desk.  One reads “Bit”, the other reads, “Byte”.

DR. DOPPLER: This is hardly the time…  But I need you to build me a Special Police Force…

Gate looks up at Dr. Doppler, surprised.

GATE: Huh?? (v.o, narrating) Soon after, it became very clear to me that Doppler Labs and all of Doppel Town was unsafe.

-A grainy image of Curtiss shoving Gate into a work terminal appears- -A grainy image of Curtiss diving out of the glass appears- -An image of Schmitt petting Alia’s cheek passes by- -An image of Gate throwing a punch at Schmitt appears- -An image of Schmitt breaking Gate’s hand follows- -An image of Schmitt running out of the broken window appears- -An image of Bit & Byte terrorizing the city appears- -An image of Dr. Doppler working on Toxic Seahorse with a Giant Mechaniloid in the background appears.-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) So, I grabbed Alia and we fled as far as we could, to Berkana Labs.

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————– INT. DOPPLER LABS - Research Wing - NIGHT —————————————————————————–

Gate grabs her by the hand and runs away with her.

GATE: Leave your things.. come on!

He leads her away and out of the room.

ALIA: Where are we going?

GATE: We’re transferring over to Laguz Island. Berkana’s expecting us.

ALIA: (surprised) Oh!

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- INT. LAGUZ ISLAND – Berkana Labs - NIGHT ---------------------------------------------------------------

From their new work-home, Berkana, Gate and Alia hone in on her circular Computer Monitor as they listen to everything Dr. Doppler has to say.

DR. DOPPLER: (filtered) …if anyone comes after us. It’ll be the death of you!!!

Berkana looks at them.

BERKANA: We’re going to need to enhance our security if there is to be a new uprising.

Gate pulls out a compuball, and places it on a table next to them.

GATE: I’m already Six steps ahead of you, Berkana.

Berkana and Alia look at his six designs with hope and wonder.  Grid holograms of Blaze Phoenix, Metal Shark, Infinity Flea, Rainy Turtloid, Blizzard Wolfang and Commander Yammark spin around.

BERKANA: (surprised) These will do just fine…  Build them!

GATE: (v.o, narrating) This was when I worked on the rest of my Family.  It was a fresh start.  We were safe from Doppler’s influence and could work to restore the damages we set upon the World.

-FLASH-

————————————————————- EXT. DOPPEL TOWN – Monarch – DAY ————————————————————-

Caption: 4 Years Ago

The 16th Unit Environmental Maverick Hunters have trouble dealing with the volume of Toxic Water from their Ride Armors, until Rainy Turtloid teleports onto the scene.  

His gigantic body creates a huge splash of toxic water, which flows away from the main Town and back towards the Dam. The gigantic Turtle Reploid walks over to the affected civilians and fits about three people each in his large hands.

RAINY TURTLOID: Do not be afraid.  I am here to help…

The Environmental Team gawk at the new Rescue Reploid, who lowers himself down, offers his shell and seemingly carries an entire Village of people on his back.

RAINY TURTLOID: You’re all going to be okay.  I promise…  Now hold on!

GATE: (v.o, narrating) …But that wasn’t meant to last…

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————- INT. Doppler Lab Ruins - DAY—————————————————————————-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) After the quell of Doppler and his forces, my new Mentor, Isoc went digging to see if there was any further information we could attain to help us process it all.

Deep inside a twisted, molten corridor, Gate and Isoc hang on to a broken ceiling by wire hooks, while Gate’s creations investigate the area.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) My Team helped unearth Doppler’s old Neuro Computer…

Blaze Phoenix, fearlessly dives into a pool of lava while Rainy Turtloid’s large frame is able to endure the extremely high temperatures. Blizzard Wolfang, sits upright on a Metal piece of debris.  He constantly freezes the platform with his breath, while a Commander Yammark flies around the room.  He is joined by Infinity Flea, who produces multiple copies of himself, for further assistance. Just across from Gate and Isoc, debris and rubble erupt from the far wall.  Suddenly, Metal Shark appears with a rather large object.

METAL SHARK: Hey, Guys!! You’ll never believe what I found!

-flash-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) That would ultimately lead to Isoc’s undoing…

-A grainy image of Isoc getting infected by the Neuro Computer appears- -A grainy image of Isoc forcing Berkana to use the Neuro Computer appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) …and Berkana’s… I just didn’t know it yet.

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- INT. BERKANA LABS – Berkana’s Room – DAY ---------------------------------------------------------------

Berkana can hear someone knocking on her door.

BERKANA: (playful, singing) Come iiii-iiin.

Gate walks in with a look of bewilderment on his face.

GATE: Ms. Berkana, I just saw Dr. Isoc cleaning out his office! He wouldn’t even look at me. What happened??

She looks at her loyal cohort with big eyes, puts two hands to her forehead and shakes her head with disgust.

BERKANA: Ughhh, Gate, it’s unbelievable…  

GATE: (v.o, narrating) She confided in me and asked me to build her a Knight in Shining Armor that would protect our Facility.

-Flash-

BERKANA: I need you to do something for me.

GATE: What’s that?  You name it.  Anything!

BERKANA: I need you to create one more Reploid for me.  A personal Knight in shining armor, if you will.  As a measure of Security.

She shows him a design of a knight that she created named ‘Gareth’. Gate smirks and nods.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) I immediately thought of Sheldon and the Nightmare Police. This was my chance to get it right.

BERKANA: I’ve also been thinking about your proposed Research on DNA Souls…

Gate’s eyes light up.

GATE: Oh??

BERKANA: Put it through to Metal Shark’s department.  I want to see what he can do…

GATE: …But then she approved of the Erasure Proposal. It was an idea that Reploids have Souls, which were eternal and therefore could be plucked from the Aether in order to bring back the dead.  All of my colleagues thought I was crazy, but we made it happen…. Only, by her direction, we plucked souls from the living.

-A grainy image of Erasure Souls being ripped out of innocent civilians appears- -A grainy image of 24 Revived Mavericks appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) That’s when it all went to shit.

-FLASH-

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

INT. MHHQ BUNKER – R & D Lab - NIGHT

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

Caption: NOW

X and Zero stir awake as the curative fluids are drained out from their cylindrical tubes.  The latches release them from their chambers as they both give Alia and Lifesaver something of a livid glare.

ALIA: (nervous) Hey, guys!

X: You mind telling us what that was all about…?

ALIA: We needed to- …um.. uhhh…

LIFESAVER: I need to know if you’re both going Maverick.

ZERO: Excuse me..?

LIFESAVER: Outside of 4 Outstanding Civilians, you two are the only ones who have absorbed these Nightmare Souls that we know about.  They have altered your Fighting Abilities and with these latest developments, we are starting to believe that they have altered your Personalities as well.

Zero looks at him, completely unfazed, while X tilts his head and gives Lifesaver a sharp glare.

X: Hey, Lifesaver. Do me a favor?

Lifesaver simply looks at him in return.

X: Fuck off!

Zero and Alia gasp at him.

X points a thumb at his chest.

X: I am in full control of myself, and the only thing that’s ‘altered my Personality’ are these God Damn Circumstances!  You got that!?

Lifesaver takes a deep breath and sighs.

LIFESAVER: Let’s all just take a step back…. I understand that tensions are high…. We’re just concerned for your well-being.  That’s all.

ZERO: Well, don’t be!  We’re doing just fine.  And in another day or so, this whole thing will be over.  Just let us rest and leave it to us.

LIFESAVER: Hmph… if only you knew…

ZERO: Knew what?

LIFESAVER: How small the thread is, that your system is hanging on…

Zero holds on to his chest and looks down with a regretful frown.

ZERO: I know…

X looks at his partner worried.  Then over to Lifesaver.

X: Hey, what the Hell is that supposed to mean!?

ZERO: Don’t worry about it.

X: No, I’m tired of that. You always Do this!  No more Secrets!!  Isn’t that what we agreed?

ZERO: (sighing) Your heart-tank saved me.  Alright?

X: …okay…. Why didn’t you just say that in the first place?

Alia and Zero give each other a look. They both know it’s better to simplify the events of his battle with Metal Shark.

ALIA: Uh. I think he just didn’t want to worry you.

X: We’ve survived by the skin of our teeth countless times.  Why should this time be any different?

LIFESAVER: Because of the Nightmare!

X: Enough!  With the Nightmare…. You’re too cautious for your own good. You know that!?

LIFESAVER: Hmph.  And you’re too naïve for your own good!

He walks away and leaves the room.

Alia looks at them both and nervously smiles.

ALIA: Weheheell, Gentlemen.  I think it’s time to finally debrief you.

ZERO: Let’s do it.

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————- INT. BERKANA LABS – Recycling Research Division – DAY —————————————————————————-

Caption: 4 Years Ago – The moment of the Erasure Incident

Gate looks at a computer monitor completely awestruck.  He stands with Metal Shark and his colleagues who all have their arms folded.

GATE: This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen at all!!

STEVE: Well it did!  Now what are we gonna do??

Metal Shark raises his hands, apologetically.

METAL SHARK: I’m sorry guys.  I was just following orders.

-Flash-

Nigel slams his fist against a nearby table.

NIGEL: THAT’S UNACCEPTABLE!!!

STEVE: YEAH!!  I don’t care WHAT the Woman upstairs told you.  We have to make this right.

METAL SHARK: There is no making it right…  It simply is.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Everyone lost it on Metal Shark…

-A grainy image of all the Researchers ganging up on Metal Shark in the corner of the room and appears.-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) So, he retaliated!

-A grainy image of Metal Shark overpowering them with two fists in the air appears-

-A grainy image of Metal Shark diving into the researchers, biting them appears- -A grainy image of Nigel getting bashed in the head with a Metal Anchor appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It got so bad that Infinity Flea had to get involved… -A grainy image of Infinity Flea arriving with Weapons Testers, appears- -4 copies of Infinity Flea fire upon Metal Shark- -4 more Weapons Testers join in with their weapons- Metal Shark explodes as Gate frowns with an annoyed scowl.

He walks away from the Testers and stares at his monitor.

GATE: This wasn’t how it was supposed to be…  I wanted to change lives, for the better!!  I wanted to… to reunite Reploids with their Dead Kin. But this!??  This is just a Horror Show!

-FLASH-

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

INT. MHHQ BUNKER – R & D Lab - NIGHT

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

Caption: NOW

ALIA: You got the Metal Anchor!!

She pulls up an image on her screen if the new weapon.

ALIA: A bounding weapon used on the ground. And it looks like you can learn this too, Zero.  The technique is called Rakukojin!

A simulated image of Zero using a thick metal blade, unlike his Z-Saber is shown.  In a downward stabbing motion, the blade creates the Metal Anchor.

ZERO: But that looks like… Tau’s blade.

She looks at him and shrugs.

ALIA: Iunno..  Metal Shark was an ex-investigator of the Recycle Team, back in the day. He used to study all sorts of reprocessing systems in order to create new Reploids from the parts of disposed Mavericks. His most important feat was to analyze and control the DNA Data of the Mavericks.

X & ZERO: (disturbed) Hm!??

ALIA: His analysis ability was so great, that he succeeded in resurrecting dead Mavericks. Since DNA resurrection is explicitly prohibited, he was instantly dealt with.

X: What a creep…

ZERO: You’re telling me!  He tried to manipulate me, by creating a Ghost of Iris!!

X’s jaw widens, agape.

X: You mean to tell me, that guy was Fucking with me the whole time!!??  All of those Old Nightmare Ghosts came from him????

ZERO: It appears so…

X: Oh Man, I’m so sorry.

ALIA: Gate was also interested in DNA resurrection, so he encouraged Metal Shark to collect DNA Data instead of stopping him.  That was always his fatal flaw. But Metal Shark was such a bastard, that he would have continued even if Gate had stopped him.

ZERO: Good thing he’s dead then…

X: Yeah.  Let’s just hope it’s for keeps.

-FLASH-

———————————————————— INT. BERKANA LABS – Work Stations – DAY————————————————————

Caption: 4 Years Ago – The Moment of the Erasure Incident

GATE: (v.o, narrating) The Maverick Hunters arrived on the scene along with the newly developed Repliforce!  We all had to get the Hell out of there. This was all my fault, but I could never admit that to Alia. I just had to find her and get her out of there.

All of the Researchers and Lab technicians scramble as Gate desperately looks for Alia.

On the monitors in the room, Blast Hornet can be seen flying and grinning as several golden DNA Souls surround him and form themselves into SpyCopters.

GATE: Oh no… This whole experiment has gone way too far!

-flash-

ALIA: Gate!!

She rushes into the room from another corridor.

GATE: We gotta get out of here.

She runs into his arms as they share a quick hug.

ALIA: This is Doppler Town all over again!!

GATE: Worse…  Come on! Let’s round up the crew.

The two run away, hand in hand.

  -   FLASH -

———————————————————— INT. BERKANA LABS - Corridors ————————————————————

Gate looks at his wrist and switches to multiple coms as he runs on with Alia.

GATE: Yammark, Phoenix, Turtloid, Wolfang! Come in.

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: (o.s, filtered) We read you loud and clear, sir.

GATE: …we need to evacuate the Island before those Mavericks or Hunters destroy us in their crossfire.

RAINY TURTLOID: (o.s, filtered) Don’t forget the Repliforce.

GATE: Precisely. There’s too many unfamiliars in the area. We need to move out, before any of them confuse us for Mavericks. …The rendezvous point will be at Dr. Laye’s Lab, located in lower Abel City.  Good luck everyone. I hope to see you all soon.

  -   Flash –

-A grainy image of Gate and Alia getting into a Jet appears- -The Jet takes off and avoids a wave of bullets from SpyCopters-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Luckily we all made it out, but the Honeymoon was shortlived.

-FLASH-

—————————————————————— INT. LAYE LABS – Entrance Wing – NIGHT——————————————————————

In a small humble laboratory practice, Gate sits at a table with Alia and his creations, Commander Yammark, Blaze Phoenix, Infinity Flea and Blizzard Wolfang.

In front of him, the head of the practice, Dr. Laye, adjusts her glasses.   Suddenly the main door opens up to reveal Tidal Whale escorting Rainy Turtloid into the building.  He has been frozen in a giant block of ice!

Gate stands up and gasps as he looks at his frozen creation.

GATE: Turtloid!  Oh no!!

Dr. Laye looks angry as she sets her eyes on the Whale, who brought him in.

DR. LAYE: McWhalen!  What is the meaning of this?

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Rainy Turtloid arrived in bad shape. His toxin levels from the Southern Ocean were too high, so he was placed in Quarantine.

-FLASH-

———————————————————————— INT. DR. LAYE’S LABORATORY – Decontamination Chamber - NIGHT————————————————————————

Rainy Turtloid stands in quarantine behind a glass chamber.  His armor is in the process of being decontaminated as Gate and his new colleague, Dr. Laye study him.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, we bickered over his abilities.

DR. LAYE: …It’s unnecessary.

GATE: (offended) Well in my opinion, I think he’s perfect. (v.o, narrating) Soon I would realize that she had it in for me and all of my Creations. She blackmailed me! If I didn’t weaken him, I would never be a Scientist again.

-Flash-

Gate fixates on the chamber holding his creation; his rage turning to sadness.

GATE: H-how…?  HOW does she expect me to do this!!??  I can’t!!!

RAINY TURTLOID: Master…  Please forgive me… for bearing this burden…

As Gate carries on in a worried fit of despondency, Rainy Turtloid can only grimace and feel a deeper sense of guilt.  

GATE: (v.o, narrating) As I continued to fret in my stubborn stalemate, Turtloid made a decision for me.

Slowly he activates the sharp blades from his shell.  They break off the latches from a cleansing device, which held him in place.  As sparks fly, Gate looks at him from the other side of the glass.

GATE: Huh??  TURTLOID!!  WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!???

He runs over to the Decontamination Chamber and presses his hands against the glass.

RAINY TURTLOID: I will not allow you to ruin your livelihood on my account. Sometimes, sacrifices need to be made, in order to achieve our goals.  Goodbye, my Master…

Without hesitation, Rainy Turtloid aims his heavy missiles directly at the ground and explodes within the Quarantined Room.

GATE: NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! (v.o, narrating) What a waste…

-A grainy image of Erasures returning to hosts all across Laguz Island appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) But then, like a miracle, the Maverick Hunters & Repliforce cleaned up my mess overnight…. Berkana and Gareth were no more and the Erasures were properly put back in the host bodies where they belonged.  I couldn’t believe it!

-FLASH-

————————————————————————- INT. LAYE LABS - Gate’s Office - DAY————————————————————————-

Gate sits at his computer desk in his new office as he looks up the latest news on the internet.

GATE: (gasping, surprised) No way!  ..No waaay!

He smiles as he looks at a still image of Laguz Island.  Blue DNA Souls are caught on film, mid-scatter from a cluster coming from The Reploid Research Laboratory.

GATE: They did it! They actually set the Erasures free! X and Zero…  The famed Maverick Hunters from the Past.

He smiles and sinks into his chair for a moment.  As he thinks, his eyes glint and his grin starts to grow sharper.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Suddenly a new bright idea occurred to me. What would I be capable of if I had access to your specs? Imagine the kinds of advanced Reploids I could create.

He pulls out his phone and thumbs through his contacts.  He stops at the name Ground Scaravich and clicks on it.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) I immediately got my old friend Ground Scaravich on the phone…

-Flash-

On the other side of the wall, Alia can be seen listening in with her ear to the door with a frown.  When their conversation has ended, she stands upright and clenches a fist.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Alia must’ve overheard me through the door or something…

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- EXT. THE FORBIDDEN PLACE - DAY ---------------------------------------------------------------

GATE: (v.o, narrating) …because that plan was dead and buried before I could get any results!

She fires a high-powered cannon, which unleashes a thick stream of blue plasma upon the Treasure Hunter.

GROUND SCARAVICH: GYAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

He attempts to block his face but is overtaken by the blast.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) So much for that…. Who knew that she was capable of such a thing??

-FLASH-

——————————————————– INT. LAYE LABS - Gate’s Office - DAY ———————————————————

ALIA: Are you listening to me at all, silly??

She tilts her head as she smiles down at him and hands him a tablet.

Caption:  4 years ago – Before the Great Repliforce War

GATE: Sorry, I…-

ALIA: Isn’t it great!!!?  /The Sky Lagoon has officially launched!!!

Gate does a double take at the article on the tablet.  It boasts a large picture of a spectacular Colony in the sky.  

GATE: (gasping) That’s fantastic!!  And to think…. Our humble little practice helped make that happen.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) She was so innocent and composed.  I never would’ve suspected that it was her… But soon enough, none of that would even matter anymore…

-FLASH-

—————————————————————– INT. LAYE LABS – Main Work Area – NIGHT—————————————————————–

Everyone is alerted by a cry from their supervisor.

DR. LAYE: NOOOO!!!!!

ALIA: Oh my God!

GATE: Oh man…

His creations and supportive staff all cover their mouths distraught at the sight on TV.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) The Sky Lagoon was destroyed, which was a serious blow to the Scientific Community.

Caption: 4 Years Ago – The night of the Sky Lagoon Incident.  

ANCHOR: (filtered) …It is currently unknown as to why the Sky Lagoon has crashed, but some sources say that it may have been due to a malfunction from the City’s Power Reactor.

GATE: (annoyed) A Malfunction??

DR. LAYE: Are you kidding me!?

ALIA: (sad, upset) All that work..! Just like that.  Its gone.  All of our dreams are gone!!

Gate holds Alia by the shoulder and consoles her.

GATE: (determined) Not all of them.

He glares defiantly at the TV as we zoom into the screen, which displays the burning, fallen city.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It was hard not to take it personally…. Meanwhile, the Maverick Hunters & Repliforce were now at each other’s throats.

-Flash-

Caption: 4 Years Ago – During the Great Repliforce War

Alia winces and frowns as the rest of the researcher’s draw their attention to the news.

-pan to the wall mounted TV screen-

ANCHOR: (filtered) …and in response to Repliforce’s attack on Sydney, the Maritime Battalion awaits further orders at the border of Repliforce’s Naval Territory. Sources say that despite this attack, the Maverick Hunters are still willing to negotiate with Repliforce!  

The Researchers react as the report goes on.

BLAZE PHOENIX: Hmph.. Fools. They should all just blow each other out of the sky!  Then we wouldn’t have to hear about it..

GATE: (firm, disappointed) Heatnix!

INFINITY FLEA: If you ask me, we’re already headed in that direction…

COMMANDER YAMMARK: We can only hope this whole thing blows over.  Otherwise we really are in for some tough times ahead.

BLAZE PHOENIX: I don’t care who wins. Might makes right! Only the strongest will survive!!

GATE: (reacting) Nooo!

ALIA: (reacting, overlapping) You are so wrong!

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: You Hot-Head!  Can’t you see that this is affecting real lives?  We could be next. Regardless of who wins, the Reploids lose.

COMMANDER YAMMARK: …The only thing I’m concerned with is the potential damage that this War will do to the environment.

Gate snaps his fingers, at a sudden idea.

GATE: We need to help them.  (v.o, narrating) So, we got involved!

Commander Yammark diligently takes action and passes by four of Dr. Laye’s researchers who all share a sheepish look.  

GATE: (v.o, narrating) We sent Commander Yammark out to investigate, but some asshole tampered with his Jet Pack...

-FLASH-

-A grainy image of Commander Yammark flying high above the Repliforce Guerilla HQ appears- -A grainy image of him quickly descending appears- -A grainy image of Commander Yammark struggling to stay above the trees appears- -A grainy image of him dodging within the trees appears- -A final image of Commander Yammark violently crashing into a large tree appears-

The giant explosion erupts in the middle of the forest.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It had to be Malek…

-FLASH-

—————————————————————— INT. LAYE LABS – Main Work Area – DAY——————————————————————

At Dr. Laye’s small lab practice, Gate and his dwindling team stand concerned at their work stations.

GATE: What’s going on!?  We should have heard back from Yammark by now.

Alia gasps as she does a little research from her Computer.

ALIA: (gasping) Oh no!

GATE: What happened?

ALIA: It appears that… he crashed!

MALEK: Hehehe. Hahaha!  That fool…  I bet he didn’t check his Jetpack for any leaks after receiving maintenance.

GATE: Hm!?

MALEK: He never trusted us.  Serves him right…

INFINITY FLEA: Excuse me!?

The water flea flies over to Malek and his friends.

LIAM: Hey, back off!

INFINITY FLEA: It may not mean much to you, but that’s my friend you’re insulting and now he’s Dead!

TERRANCE: Don’t blame us…  Life sucks sometimes.  Looks like he had a bad break.

Infinity Flea narrows his eyes.

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: (remorseful) …a really bad one…

BLAZE PHOENIX: So now what?

DR. LAYE: This is pointless.  Everyone needs to get back to work.

INFINITY FLEA: Oh, I’ll get back to work alright…  Allen, Glen, Ron!  You’re with me.

VICTOR: What about me, sir?

INFINITY FLEA: Finish up the original task.  Then you can join us in the Testing Room.

DR. LAYE: What are you doing?

INFINITY FLEA: Creating a fighting chance!

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Incited by this loss, Infinity Flea took matters into his own hands. But then, his plans were tampered with too…

-A grainy image of Elucida violently exploding from the locked missiles within it’s pores appears- -A grainy image of Victor offering a dark smirk follows-

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- INT. SUNHOUSE MOUNTAIN – Deep Pit – DAY ---------------------------------------------------------------

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Blaze Phoenix was next.  He took it upon himself to set up a Revenge Mission against the Repliforce’s Burn Dino-Rex, but nothing came of it.

Blaze Phoenix leads the way with an eager grin on his face as a fantastic wave of flames surrounds his entire body. Far behind the flames, Allen, Glen and Ron struggle to keep up as their bodies are perspiring from the intense levels of heat from the pit. Then, the whole area begins to rumble. The giant tunnel shakes as rocks can be heard crashing down beneath them. He turns around and widens his gaze immediately at a huge stream of lava, as tall as the entire tunnel around them.

RON: Oh God!!

Allen and Glen turn around, frightened to see the huge wall of lava coming for them.  

GATE: (v.o, narrating) He screwed up and put his crew in danger… I completely get the punishment, but did they really have to kill him???

-An image of Victor placing a large cannon into Blaze Phoenix’s beak appears- -An image of a large boulder crushes Blaze Phoenix’s skull from within appears- -Dr. Laye applauds him from the shadowy hallway-

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- INT. NORTH POLE – White Forest – NIGHT ---------------------------------------------------------------

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then came Blizzard Wolfang…

In a forest caked by snow and ice, Blizzard Wolfang investigates the night’s abnormal weather patterns with Liam and Terrance when suddenly a few Fly Gunners appear and fire at them without warning.

Three Knot Berets slide in from their snowboards.

The Knot Berets shoot at Liam and Terrance, which easily strike them down.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) He led 2 of Lana’s goons into danger, which I’m still not sorry about.  But then, that led to the ultimate betrayal.

-An image of Blizzard Wolfang restrained by buckles to a chair across the chest and his arms appears- -An image of Blizzard Wolfang getting ejected from a Sky Car appears- -An image of his body plummeting helplessly into the cold sea below appears- -An image of Alia ejecting the Sky Car is seen- -An image of the Sky Car to crashing into a large Iceberg appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) She deserved every injury that she got that night.

-FLASH-

——————————————————————————– INT. ABEL CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL - Alia’s Room – NIGHT ——————————————————————————–

Gate sits by Alia’s side as she sleeps, peacefully despite her heavily wrapped bandages.  Although, happy to see her alive, he knows that something is not right.

-Flash-

GATE: HOW COULD YOU!?

-Flash-

ALIA: (sobbing, worried) I.. never wanted to hurt you.. Ever!  The others always did enough…  But you were hurting yourself…

GATE: …Ya know..  Yammark was always worried that our co-workers couldn’t be trusted.  I just never would’ve believed that would include you.  After all we’ve been through.

-Flash-

ALIA: (appalled) Gate!

-Flash-

GATE: Enjoy your Inner Circle, sellout.  You all deserve each other!

He starts to walk out of the room.

ALIA: Waait!!

GATE: (ignoring) I won’t be in the office by the time you get back.

ALIA: /PLEEASE, don’t do this!!!  

He stops at the door at the /sound of her voice.

ALIA: (groveling) I’ll do anything… But pleeease.  Don’t leave meeee…

He closes his eyes, hard as he leans against the doorframe.  He clenches his fists and remains strong.

GATE: You should have thought about that…  Before you killed my best friend.  …I’ll get revenge on all low reploids who couldn’t appreciate my ability!

He walks out of the room, leaving her to sit alone with her thoughts.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) That was it. My mind was made up.  I was going Solo from now on and Rebuilding my Team of Elite Reploids.  And this time they would be even better than last time.

-FLASH-

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

INT. MHHQ – Alia’s Dorm – NIGHT

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

Caption: NOW

Alia lays in bed with X and gives him a concerned look.

ALIA: X, are you sure you’re okay??

He opens his eyes and gives her an annoyed look.

X: For the last time, yes.  Can we just go to bed, please?

ALIA: S-sure…. It’s just.. you’ve been acting so different since you got home.

X: I dunno… Someone just.. bombarded us after we saved everyone’s ass, so yeah.  I am a little upset.

ALIA: (sighing) That was primarily for Zero’s sake, but we figured it couldn’t hurt if we analyzed you too.  

X: Ya know, what is with all of the fear about Zero?? Hasn’t he proven himself enough to everyone???  I’m getting really sick of defending him, when the guy’s just trying to live.

ALIA: Well… I didn’t want to alarm you, but he’s stuck in his dark form.  That’s what the Nightmare did to him.

X stops dead in his tracks and loses his edge.

X: Oh…

ALIA: I’m sorry if we hurt you.  That certainly wasn’t the intention. Remember how Zero told you that the Nightmare Souls are pieces of his soul??  And how much he’s been acting up lately, the more he’s absorbed them???

X: Yeah..?

ALIA: That was it.  We just wanted to make sure that you’re both actually okay.

X: …I get it…. As for me.  You wanted me to bring out my Shadow, so here it is.  Dr. Light gave me that new Shadow Armor and I accepted it.  It changed me a little bit, I’ll admit. But I like it.

ALIA: Hm??

X: I’ve denied it my whole life, but… I really do like killing Mavericks… sometimes. Just the really bad ones.

He takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh. She does the same and even offers a smirk.

ALIA: At least you admit it… We’re all capable of awful things.

X: …Do you think I’m a Monster?

ALIA: (shocked) No, baby… not at all.  …/You did what you had to in the worst of circumstances for most of your life.  And you know what? So have I…. There’s nothing wrong with being a little proud of stomping out the bad ones.

She /holds him.

X: Heh… Okay.  That’s right, you took out Ground Scaravich, right?

ALIA: Yeah…

She looks away with regret thinking about how she also took out Blizzard Wolfang.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) We both know how the rest of the story went, don’t we?

-An external image of the Eurasia Colony floating near the Earth in Space appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Isoc had a job offer for me that at any other time, I would’ve taken in a heartbeat. I just wasn’t ready yet…

Caption: 1 Year Ago

-An external image of the entire Colony getting affected by the Sigma Virus appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It’s a good thing, too…. A few years later, that Colony exploded and nearly took out Earth with it!  

-A grainy image of the Maverick Hunter Enigma Canon firing, appears- -A grainy image of a Space Shuttle crashing into the Virus-affected Eurasia Colony appears- -Large chunks of burning debris plummet into the Earth’s atmosphere-

-FLASH-

——————————————————————– INT.  TRAILER LAB – Salvaged Work Space - DAY ——————————————————————–

Gate stirs awake from a pile of rubble.  The broken shells of his reploids cover him as he looks around frantically.

GATE: Ah! I’m alive…!  But, how..?

ISOC: You can thank me for that…

Gate takes a good look at his surroundings.  As he gets up, pieces of Metal Shark, and Shield Sheldon fall off of him.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Somehow, Isoc managed to save me… and with a new opportunity in our midst, he helped me get back on my feet.

Without looking at him, Isoc continues to tidy up the workspace, placing the damaged torsos of each reploid up on a table.

GATE: …I’d be dead if it weren’t for you.  I’m sure of it. H-how can I repay you?

ISOC: (smirking) You can start by finishing these Reploids.  It’s a mess out there.  This is the perfect time for us to resurface as the new heads of the Research Community!!

Gate’s eyes widen.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) We’d create an Empire of our own!!! And that’s exactly what we did… Once we were ready!!

-Pan from an outside view of the Colony Wreckage in Antarctica.  The entire area explodes-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, another opportunity presented itself.

-FLASH-

————————————————————— EXT.  ANTARCTICA – Weathered Wasteland – DAY —————————————————————

Caption: 2 Months Ago – Post Earth Crisis

Amidst the globally warmed Arctics, Gate stands among the remains of the Eurasia Colony Destruction Site.  It is a barren wasteland with no other signs of life in sight.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Just like I was taught, I surveyed the wreckage the day after the Colony was destroyed.

He looks around worried until he spots a piece of debris lying on the ground.

GATE: (curious, distracted) What’s this?  (v.o, narrating) And what I found changed my life, forever!!!

-FLASH-

————————————————————— INT.  UNDISCLOSED AREA – Mobile Lab - NIGHT —————————————————————

Before his main hub, Gate views the schematics of his newly enhanced armor as his body glows with a powerful red aura.

GATE: (grinning, evilly) Bwah ha ha ha! It’s finally done!! I’m going mad and it is so… liberating! (v.o, narrating) Suddenly it all made sense to me… Doppler’s Uprising, Berkana’s Erasures, Isoc’s Assistance… I’ve been enlightened and enhanced with a gift.  Now I was going to join their ranks and make them all proud with a Nightmare of my own!

-FLASH-

————————————————————— INT. UNDISCLOSED AREA – Mobile Lab - DAY—————————————————————

Caption: 1 Month Ago

GATE: (v.o, narrating) With Isoc at my side, we rebuilt the Family in no time, plus a couple more.

Isoc admires the sight of Blizzard Wolfang, Blaze Phoenix, Infinity Flea, Commander Yammark, Metal Shark, Shield Sheldon and Rainy Turtloid who all remain upright, resting against their far wall, offline.

ISOC: Heheheheh!  It looks like we’ve finally finished rebuilding all of your Reploids.

GATE: No…  There’s one more. …Actually…. Let’s make 2 more.

ISOC: 2 more??

GATE: Yes…. Ground Scaravich, the Infamous Treasure Hunter and one specially equipped with my… discovery.  I want to see how powerful he gets.

Gate pulls up the specs for High Max and swipes the folder over to his screen with a wave of the fingers.

ISOC: (grinning) Ohhh, I see.  This should prove to be very interesting.  /Yes, this will do quite nicely, I think.

-Flash-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Enhanced by the Nightmare and equipped with High Max, I was convinced that nothing could stop us. I just had to get them all up to speed.

Gate and Isoc stand before his creations, which have just been activated.  They all stir and look around, confused and bewildered.

GATE: Welcome back, old friends.

BLAZE PHOENIX: What the-?

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: (overlapping) Master…-

SHIELD SHELDON: (overlapping) How???

RAINY TURTLOID: (overlapping) Why are we here??-

INFINITY FLEA: Yeah, really.  What happened??

METAL SHARK: YOU!!!!!

Metal Shark is about to run after Infinity Flea, but Rainy Turtloid grips him by the shoulders with his large hand.

RAINY TURTLOID: …We’ve been granted a second chance…. Don’t ruin this.

COMMANDER YAMMARK: (grateful) You saved us…

Ground Scaravich gives them all a crooked look and slowly backs away.

GROUND SCARAVICH: Who are all of you???

GATE: I know, you all probably have a lot of questions.  We have a lot to catch up on.  The World has changed.  This is my colleague Isoc, and with your help, we’re going to reshape the World.

They all listen intently.  Gate gestures toward his partner.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Isoc helped to spin the narrative.  They were to go after a ghost of Zero that I created, under the impression that he caused the Nightmare Phenomenon.  When really, we were the ones to blame for capitalizing on the Viral Levels on the Planet…

-cut to-

————————————————————— INT. LAYE LABS – Main Work Area – DAY —————————————————————

GATE: (v.o, narrating) It was a sick ruse, but it certainly met with results.

From the doorway, a silhouette of Gate’s Elite Reploids stand in the way of Dr. Laye and her three assistants, Malek, Victor and Zach.

GATE: Hello, Lana…

DR. LAYE: (surprised, intimated) Gate!?  What is the meaning of this…?

GATE: Oh, you’ll see…. /Have fun, boys!

He offers her an evil smirk and /snaps his fingers.

-A grainy image of Blaze Phoenix grabbing Victor by the throat and igniting his body appears.- -A grainy image of Infinity Flea’s clones corroding Zach’s body into nothingness appears.- -A grainy image of Commander Yammark blasting Malek away with a series of dragonfly bullets appears.- -A grainy image of Blizzard Wolfang freezing Dr. Laye’s hands and feet together appears.-

DR. LAYE: (reacting, irate) WHAT DO YOU WANT!!??

GATE: Oh Lana…. Believe me, it isn’t personal this time…. This is strictly business.

-A grainy image of Gate forming a magenta death beam from his forearm and disintegrating her appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) My Team pursued a Revenge Mission against Laye Labs, which now put us in charge of the Science Community. Now no one would question our Rhetoric about the Nightmare.

-FLASH-

————————————————————— INT. HORIE BLOCK FACILITY – Drill Station – DAY —————————————————————

The D-1000 Mechaniloid helplessly falls to the ground before X, becoming significantly damaged in the process. Then, a mysterious beam of purple light teleports in front of X.  Nightmare Zero takes out a silver saber and cuts down the D-1000 with a quick one-handed slash, making it violently explode. He gives X with a smirk and teleports away.

Just then, an alarm from the facility sounds as High Max floats down towards X.

HIGH MAX: (annoyed) I knew Zero was doing this.

X: Who are you!?

HIGH MAX: High Max… I am called… I’m investigating the Zero Nightmare.

X: What! Did you say, the Zero Nightmare?

HIGH MAX: What are you trying to do? What is your connection to the Zero Nightmare?

X: (defensive) What about, Zero? You are behind this!

HIGH MAX: You are dangerous… I’ll dispose of you.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) And with just enough misinformation… A rivalry was formed…

-FLASH-

————————————————————— EXT.  HORIE DISTRICT – City Ruins - DAY—————————————————————

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Followed by a cult…

In the middle of the ruined town, Isoc stands at a holo-podium and gives a prepared speech. As he speaks, the crowd of worn-down reploids listen and gradually become more encouraged as they believe in the Might of the 8 Investigators.

ISOC: …Now, I’d like to call on volunteers! Unite with us and help our cause! Work for these eight investigators!!

With a welcoming gesture, suddenly Gate’s 8 Investigators teleport into the area and stand alongside Isoc.

ISOC: Our goal is to wipe out the Nightmare… and to delete Zero’s ghost! Come together for our future!! This /High Max will lead the mission.

At the dash, High Max /floats down into position to stand amongst the Investigators.

ISOC: We guarantee your safety if you join us. Both, the Maverick Hunters and the Reploids will suffer no more. Let’s preserve our future together! We’re waiting for you! Everyone!

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Isoc said just the right things to lure them into our trap and keep the Nightmare Machine running…

-FLASH-

--------------------------------------------------------------- EXT. AMAZON AREA – Commander Yammark’s Post - NIGHT ---------------------------------------------------------------

GATE: (v.o, narrating) ...but you just had to ruin that, didn’t you?

COMMANDER YAMMARK: You’ve been his partner for a long time, right..?  

X: Huh?

COMMANDER YAMMARK: W-why…. Why are you protecting a killer?  After what he’s done to the World…?

X scowls and grimaces.

X: How Dare you insult his name!?  He didn’t do anything!!!!

X fires a Charge Shot directly at his wound and gets up.

Commander Yammark grunts as he takes the hit.  He shakes his head and attempts to regain a fighting stance.

COMMANDER YAMMARK: If that’s the case… How did we get here…?  And why is his ghost haunting us?

X: (grimacing) That’s what I’m here to find out…

-Flash-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) I had no choice but to send him in…

Suddenly the Nightmare Zero teleports behind Commander Yammark and slashes through his back without hesitation.

COMMANDER YAMMARK: (shocked) WHAAAAA-uuuuuuuuuuugggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The gash across his bloody chest is in the shape of an X as his circuits overload and explode amidst the chamber.

X was now face to face with the Zero Nightmare.

-FLASH-

—————————————————————————————– INT. CENTRAL MUSEUM – Main Hall - DAY —————————————————————————————–

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, Scaravich almost spoiled everything.

GROUND SCARAVICH: You’re going to regret coming here!

X unleashes more Dragonfly blasts at Ground Scaravich and dashes over to him as the Investigator is knocked back to the floor.  His body is covered in bloody welts.

X: You’re going to regret hurting the people!  What was the point of leading the innocents here!??  Why are you trapping them?

Ground Scaravich looks up at him.  X holds his buster out, ready to shoot.

GROUND SCARAVICH: (in pain, hurting) Igh…. Gg-gg..  I’m j-just.. following his orders…

X: Whose!?

Ground Scaravich narrows his eyes and smiles.

GROUND SCARAVICH: Honestly… I don’t mind…. G-gave me a chance to rip their DNA Data!!

X scowls, irate.

X: You MONSTER!!!!!!

He charges up a piercing charge shot, which lays right through his heart.

In another moment Ground Scaravich explodes.

-FLASH-

———————————————————- INT. INAMI TREE – Sanctuary - NIGHT ———————————————————-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, poor Turtloid took the brunt of your punishment. …But he never gave me away…

Scarred and bleeding across the chest, Rainy Turtloid backs into the wall and leans against it for support as he pants and watches X.

X: (darker) That was a Warning shot.  If you don’t cooperate, I Will destroy you.  And we both know that you’re better than that.

Rainy Turtloid looks down at him, awestruck and clenches his fist, feeling torn.

RAINY TURTLOID: Noooo.  I… must… follow, m-Master!

-flash-

X: COWARD!  You’re just hiding behind someone else, just so you don’t have to take responsibility for your actions!!!

-flash-

X: Well I… don’t…. /BUY IT!!!!!

X /shoots a charged Ground Dash boulder at Rainy Turtloid, which bashes him in the head and breaks apart across his wounded chest.

RAINY TURTLOID: Uuugghh, no…

He swiftly walks past X towards the middle of the room, shaking his head and trying to get his bearings.

-flash-

X: Well, Turtloid??  What’s it gonna be!?

-flash-

Rainy Turtloid holds his arms out against the wall and pants, gathering all of his energy.

RAINY TURTLOID: I already told you…. The only way to end Zero’s Nightmare is through the sacrifice of others.  In order to fulfill my Master’s wishes, I must be willing to do the same for him again.

X glares at Rainy Turtloid, who clenches a fist and powers up.

RAINY TURTLOID: mm..Meteor.. RAIN!!!!!

-flash-

X: Nova STRIKE!!!!!!

RAINY TURTLOID: (scared, whispering) This is it.  I tried, Master…. I’m sorry… X. /Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh……………

The giant Nightmare Investigator explodes before X in a wild display of light and mechanical destruction.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) …Sheldon did!

-FLASH-

———————————————————— INT. LASER INSTITUTE – Testing Room – NIGHT ————————————————————

SHIELD SHELDON: I won’t let you come after Gate!!

X: Huh??

-Flash-

SHIELD SHELDON: Rrgh! You were Wrong to ever come after us.  I’m beginning to think that you Hunters are all jealous.  

X: What!?

SHIELD SHELDON: Face it… the Maverick Hunters are the Past.  The Elite Reploids are the Future.

Shield Sheldon surrounds himself with laser-like guards as he floats freely amongst the room.

X’s eyes widen as he just blinks and takes a moment.

X: Look, we’re getting nowhere with this.  Why don’t we just set up a meeting and discuss all of this with your people at a place of your choosing?

SHIELD SHELDON: Not a chance…. We’re ending this here and now.

Shield Sheldon races after him from mid-air.

X: What is wrong with you!??  I’m trying to resolve this Peacefully!

X backs up and fires level-1 shots, which bounce off of the laser guards, but also chip away at his defenses.

SHIELD SHELDON: You and your team won’t trick me again and bombard the ones I care about…. I failed as a Bodyguard last time.  I won’t fail them, this time.

X grits his teeth as he is backed against the wall.

-flash-

X: SUPER METEOR RAAAAIN!!!!!!

Just then, a wild wave of viscious acid globs rain down on Shield Sheldon at a diagonal angle like a Meteor Shower.  Each massive drop of acid erodes away at his vulnerable frame, exposing his inner-circuitry.

SHIELD SHELDON: AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIggggggghhhhhhhuuurrrrghhhh………. You can take me, X.  But don’t kill our Master. PLLEEEEASE!  He wants to Save uss… AAAALLLL-

With that, he violently explodes before X.

-A grainy image of Ultimate Armor X grabbing Nightmare Zero by the head in his Nova State appears-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Then, my worst nightmare occurred. You defeated my clone and somehow the Real Zero resurfaced!!

-FLASH-

————————————————————————– INT. WEAPON CENTER – Infinity Flea’s Lair – NIGHT————————————————————————–

Infinity Flea floats before Zero and gives him a strange look.

INFINITY FLEA: Uh… Weren’t you dead?

ZERO: You heard wrong.

-Flash-

Infinity Flea drops straight down and stabs his tail into the ground, seemingly charging up.

INFINITY FLEA: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He sets off a huge stream of brilliant lasers, which surround the whole room.  Zero’s eyes flash purple as he dives into the attack with a glowing fist.

A purple aura surrounds Zero as he takes the pain and smashes his own fist into Infinity Flea.  Zero sets off his own Giga Attack within Infinity Flea’s powerful stream of lasers.  His power seemingly overtakes the lasers, however and they become his own as they glow white.

INFINITY FLEA: WHOOAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explosions burst around him as he is thrown against a pile of rubble, where Illumina’s giant head lies offline.

INFINITY FLEA: So… this is… the real power… behind the Nightmare.

Zero looks down at him in his Black Armor, with menacing purple eyes.

ZERO: You fool…. I’m not the Nightmare. I’m Worse!

GATE: (v.o, narrating) You sicced your dog on us, and now he was rabid!

-FLASH-

—————————————————————– INT. MAGMA AREA – Blaze Phoenix’s Lair – DAY—————————————————————–

With glowing purple eyes, and a red flashing gem, the black-clad Zero silently rises up from the ground. He slowly walks over to Blaze Phoenix, his unsuspecting prey.

-flash-

ZERO: EARTH CRUSH!

He summons a familiar, nostalgic Giga Attack, knowing that Earth was his weakness, rather than Water.  Suddenly the whole room corrodes as waves of rocks scour across the room and ultimately overtake the Investigator.

Zero’s eyes fade back to normal and he blinks out of his trance-like state.

His red gem fades to teal as he snaps out of it and finds Blaze Phoenix on the ground nearly dead.  He takes full advantage of the situation with a final Sentsuizan strike.

BLAZE PHOENIX: Aaaaaah!!!! Whaaaaat!?  I had you! I HAD YOOOOOUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He protests into his death as the wild explosion scatters his parts all across the room.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Zero easily went through my best fighters…

-FLASH-

—————————————————————– INT. ICE CAVE – Blizzard Wolfang’s Lair – DAY—————————————————————–

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: …Deep down we all want the same thing…. Power!

-flash-

ZERO: You’re wrong, Wolfang!!  This is what too much Power gets you!

Suddenly Zero enflames his Saber and uppercuts him with a powerful Ryuenjin.

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: WHAAAOOOO!!!!!!

The burning wolfoid falls to the ground while Zero capitalizes with a downward, burning Quake Blazer.  He stakes the blade right through his heart, which paralyzes him.

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: NNUUUUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!

ZERO: No more…

He points his Z-Buster at Blizzard Wolfang and eliminates him with a dark spiral shot.

BLIZZARD WOLFANG: WAIT-

He explodes, before he can reconsider his life choices.

ZERO: TOO LATE!

-FLASH-

——————————————————————— INT. NIGHTMARE PORTAL 1 – Metal Shark’s Lair – DAY ———————————————————————-

GATE: (v.o, narrating) Metal Shark had to break him down, mentally, and he almost succeeded…

Zero looks on at a Ghost of Iris in fear and regret. His heart writhes in pain.

ZERO: GOD DAMN IT!!!!  If I have to kill you again, I could never live with myself…. But if I’m just a Nightmare Ghost too, then I guess none of it really matters!! Does it?!!

He raises a glowing fist and looks at Iris with remorse.  Then, he turns around and gives Metal Shark a livid glare.

ZERO: I hate you for making me do this.  You never should’ve brought me back.

METAL SHARK: …Join us… and you won’t have to…

NIGHTMARE IRIS: Please, Zero!!  I just want to live here, with you…….

-Flash-

Enraged and with no other choice, Zero smashes a fist into the ground, creating a Giga Attack of brilliant rays of light.  They overtake the ghost of Iris and bring Metal Shark down to the ground.

METAL SHARK: WHAAAAAAT!!!?  You Fool.  You’re willing to risk your entire existence, just to end me???

ZERO: If any of what you’ve said is true, then it’ll be worth it.  I can’t stand living on this Planet anymore.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) He actually lost the will to live…

He makes one final Sentsuizan slash down to his core, and erupts his body completely, while the entire room quakes.

Upon Metal Shark’s destruction, Zero pants and wavers himself.

ZERO: Oh no…. This is it!!!

His entire body shakes as he can see his red armor chipping away and peeling.

-flash-

He continues to shake and writhe in pain as his body cracks.

ZERO: Hurrrgghh… /GAH!

In an instant, Zero sheds a layer of his red armor and reveals the true layer of Black Armor underneath.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) So why the Hell is he still alive and what is holding him together??  

-FLASH-

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

INT. MHHQ – Dormitories – NIGHT

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

Caption: NOW

Levy walks through the hallways late into the evening and spots Commander X’s door. Only now, it has a piece of duct tape covering the engraved label, so as to read “Zero’s Room”.

She smirks as she reads the make-shift label and knocks on the door twice.

A groggy Zero opens the door and smirks as he lets her in.  Then the door closes.

GATE: (v.o, narrating) What will become of our next encounter, X & Zero…?  I guess only time will tell…

-cut to-

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

INT. GATE’S LABORATORY – Secret Weapon Room – NIGHT

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

Gate looks up at the giant bronze torso of a mechanical Skeleton he’s been working on.  It is barely held together by wires.

GATE: Right… Sigma?

-Freezeframe. Grainy Effect on the Mechanical Nightmare-

-Fade to Black-