Dual with the Dualist
Training Room - Skull Fortress
This majority of this room when inactive is nothing but a giant black box with an overlaid shimmering green wire grid, dotted with holographic projection orbs at regular intervals on the ceiling, and a control panel for programming simulations. The only other feature is a shielded viewing balcony above the entrance, where one can watch without fear of stray fire. When turned on, however, the holographic generators can create any scene imaginable, even modifying the laws of physics at will. Thanks to the technology of simulated damage, Masters can use this room for combat training as much as they wish, and no medical drones are necessary.
Sword Man [Mysterious] [RM]
Fire Man [Ansipic] [RM]
Holographic Terminal
Sword Man stands in the middle of his castle program. He doesn't seem to be practicing anything at the moment. Just....standing there, sword point dug into the floor, eyes closed, head down. However, many times, not all is what it seems. Suddenly, a red, vaguely humanoid figure pops out from behind Sword with a *SHUNK!*. It doesn't seem to move, however. It's just there. Or it was before Sword drew his namesake out and sliced it clean in half, head to toe. THere's no time to waste, however, as to Sword's right, two similar figures pop up like shooting range targets. Sword easily cleaves them as well, horizontally this time. This training goes on for a while, Sword testing his reaction time and sense of spatial positioning.
Gemini Man wanders into the training room almost sluggishly....wondering once again why he went and asked to do this. He watches Sword at work for a moment, then... quietly, waves to him, and clears his throat. "So."
Sword Man hears Gemini walk in, but doesn't seem to show any outward signs of it yet. He simply goes on to slash through two targets in front of him, then sweeping his blade behind and up, slashing a hole in another target. However, before more sword fodder can eject itself up, Sword pipes up. "Pause program." The computer complies in a neutral female voice, "Acknowledged" Not waiting for the affirmation, Sword straightens his posture up and turns toward Gemini, walking toward him a few steps before stopping and bowing. "Good day, Sir Gemini. Do you have your blade with you?" he asks raising an eyebrow at the Twin Master.
Gemini Man looks at Sword Man, and blinks his eyes. Then... he starts to chuckle. A quiet chuckle at first, then his eyes shut as he cackles. After a moment, he chokes, and calms down. "That's a stupid question. What kind's best to train with?"
Sword Man frowns. However, he does not scold. Instead, he merely reaches behind his back, digging into his meager subspace pocket. "I forsaw this problem..." Finally, he reaches out and brings his hand forward, a hand-sized white cylinder with 2 buttons in it. "It is a low powered saber. It should be sufficient enough in practice, though it is fairly weak battle-wise."
Gemini Man looks at the blade. Up at Sword Man. "Geez, you really don't GET it! DO you?" Gemini sinks down into a loose combat stance...the way he typically stands when he's about to go into hand-to-hand. Then, he reaches out his right hand, and a sword that looks... a LOT like the saber Sword Man is already holding, appears there. The blade flares up into a pale yellow. "Still, we'd rather you train us with your practice weapon than with the...Hackmaster." He narrows his eyes at Sword Man, and then, states, almost as if he's talking down to a child: "We already HAVE any bladed weapon you could possibly request. That's why I asked what was best."
Sword Man hrmphs and quickly places the beam saber back into subspace, narrowing his eyes at Gemini. "I prefer you familiarize yourself with the actual weaponry instead of merely generating them, in order to learn balance with the movements. But if you wish to ignore such lessons, very well." Walking toward the center of the court, he waves Gemini over towards his position. Taking up his usual stance, he speaks toward Gemini. "The only proper way to learn the offensive nature of the blade is to learn the defensive aspects, thereby allowing the proper openings for an offensive strike. Put up your guard. I shall attempt to strike you, and you must attempt to block it with the blade. Is that clear?"
"When would we EVER have to use a 'real' weapon?" Gemini Man has a point, or at least is pretty sure he does. He walks over to the center of the court, and lifts up the illusory-but-solid item held in his illusory-but-solid right hand. "Okay." oO(Hope this doesn't take a long time.)Oo oO(Why can't it be easy? Like computer hacking?)Oo
Sword Man shakes his head. . o O (One simply cannot attempt skill without earning it.) He sighs, then stares hard at Gemini. Then, he brings his blade up and tries to slash down toward Gemini's shoulder. Or at least it looks like it. HOwever, it's a feinted attack, the blade quickly shifting down toward's Gemini's leg. He merely seeks to touch the part, however, not cut it. It's just training, after all.
Gemini Man moves the blade in his hand around, once, twice...and, Sword Man discovers that it does, in fact, have volume, as Gemini Man blocks the downward attack. And, judging from the speed that the single Twin spins it around at, the blade has very little weight, as well. "Okay. Got it so far."
"Would it piss you off if I watched this? I need to pick this up, too. Even more than he does." The second twin... (when did he get here?) stands just outside the training ring, arms crossed as he observes.
Sword Man nods approvingly as the blade does manage to stop Sword's strike. "Good. Now, I shall attempt another strike, only faster this time. Again, you must try and block it, only this time, there shall be a small penatly for missing. En guarde." Waiting for Gemini to get a decent guard up, Sword again, lashes out, this time faster. This time, he doesn't bother with a feint, merely trying to knick the front of Gem's leg guard with his sword.
Sword Man strikes you with a glancing hit from his Cut for 4 units of damage.
"Ow!" Gemini kicks his leg back as it's struck, and completely loses his stance.
"Am I distracting you?" the twin asks him.
"Dunno. Maybe." ...There's a certain loss of concentration that occurs when one has to split his senses in two locations. Gemini shakes his head, though...it's not like he's ever going to be fighting any other way. "Try again." He raises up his guard and readies.
Sword Man nods. "Very well, then." Sword takes up his stance again. Quickly, he stabs forth, this time trying to get under Gemini's guard and make another shallow cut, this time at the sides.
Sword Man misses you with his Cut attack.
Gemini Man turns the weapon around and blocks without any difficulty, this time. The twin golf-claps. But Gemini isn't done. He immediately whips the saber around again, and tries to return to Sword the favor Sword did him, and cut him down on the front of his legs.
You miss Sword Man with your Hologram Slash attack.
Sword Man easily manages to back away from the slash, the attack just missing short. However, he doesn't waste time. Quickly, he brings his sword under Gemini's blade and swings upward, trying to jar the weapon out of Gemini's hand. "Another lesson. Do not try to use your weapon too much, lest your weapon is used against you."
Sword Man misses you with his Grasp attack.
Gemini Man draws his weapon back immediately, brining it away from the strike before Sword Man can take it. "Got it. Learned it."
"Are we experts yet?"
"Pfft." Gemini shakes his head. "Okay, okay." He gets ready... "Try again."
Sword Man nods as Gemini has the sense to draw the blade back before the flip can come. "Good. You are showing good presence with the blade. Now, I shall tighten my stance. I shall leave only one remarkable defensive hole within. I want you to analyse and strike at the vulnerable space." Sword then does just that, taking up a tight stance, a very defensive minded one. One not familiar with the ways of the blade might not see the opening. Sword hopes that Gemini will.
Sword Man puts his guard up.
Gemini Man, to be honest, isn't particularly sure. But he has the benefit of a second angle, and a second pair of eyes. Silent conversation occurs between one twin and the other, a conversation that barely spans the breath of a second. Then, Gemini lunges for the opening Sword has offered.
You strike Sword Man with a minor hit from your Hologram Slash attack.
Sword Man grunts as the vulnerable area is pierced. "Good...good." Gritting his teeth as he slides himself off the blade, he orders the room to heal the both of them. The computer acknowledging, the wound disappears, Sword straightening up as it does so. "Now that you have learned the absolute basics, it is time to apply those basics. I shall attempt two normal strikes against you. I want you to try and evade or block the attacks, then counter attack in the correct manner. Is that clear?"
Gemini Man nods. "Got it, Sword..."
"Hey, you can do it."
"I know." Gemini sets stance again... "Alright. Go for it."
Sword Man nods and gets ready. Quickly, Sword starts circling Gemini, trying to analyze him. Then, without warning, he thrusts outward, trying to pierce Gemini right in the gut. It's an obvious lunge, though, which is why Sword is attempting it for the training.
Sword Man strikes you with a solid hit from his Thrust for 19 units of damage.
Gemini Man apparently wasn't as ready as he thought. He makes a choking cry, and doubles over as the sword plunges into him. "WHOA!" He holds up his unarmed hand. "Do-over. Do-over!"
"Screw it, man, you wanna kill this guy or not?"
"Give me one more crack at it, Sword."
Gemini Man straightens up, and readies the sword again, the holographic damage healing.
Sword Man nods. "Very well." Circling Gemini again, he fiddles with his blade, a habitual tactic. Then, he comes forth again, this time coming down with a heavy downward slash.
Sword Man misses you with his Overhead Slice attack.
Gemini Man brings his sword up, and...BLOCKS the attack. He grins, but doesn't take much time to pause, as the upward slice travels along the much larger blade, then he attempts a straight jab at Sword Man's midsection.
You strike Sword Man with a glancing hit from your Generic Melee attack.
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Oooohhh Geeeeeeeemmmm...."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "Oh. Hello. Was just wondering what rock you'd crawed under."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Ground Scarab transmits, "If anybody's crawling under rocks, it's me. And that's only if there's valuables under it."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Oh, I was under no rock. I was just wondering if your penchant for slaughter had gotten you into trouble yet. That poor man's family looked /so/ distressed/"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "Yeah. See...that reminds us. We've got a body to burn." "Napalm?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Ooh. Public burnings? And /I'm/ not invited? I'm hurt."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Alpha perks up, "Burnings?"
Sword Man grunts and stumbles back. "Very good, brother...good. Now..." Then he hears the radio. "Hrmph. I wished to have trained you further, but it seems that is not an option." Looking toward the door, he turns back to Gem and gives him a hard look. "Go. Teach the mercenary humility."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "You Robot Masters sure know how to run a country. I mean, I don't think Hitler could have done a better job. Really, I mean it. Can I burn some subversive literature on the dead guy fire?"
Gemini Man nods to Sword, and, in fact, offers him a bow that...ALMOST nears respect. "No problem. And thanks for the tips." He turns and waves, on his way out, and the hologram does the same, before disintegrating.
Medical Drone has reset your health to full endurance.
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Alpha transmits, "Oh, that kind. *sigh*"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "Sure. We'd LOVE to invite you, Dynamo. We think you know the place...."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Oh, I'm sure I do. I might already be there, snake in hand. You so love snakes, don't you?"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Tengu Man transmits, "Dude. Gemini. Now even /I/ want to beat him up."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits obscenities the like of which he has not used since possessed. "GODDAMN F***KING SON OF A B****H!!!"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "..." "We're going to kill you."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Tengu Man tchs. "Just let me know when you're gonna beat the crap out of him. I wanna help. Or at least be there and spit on his dead body or something."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "We're doing it right g****m f****g NOW."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Oh, so droll. Fire Man said that, and what did it get him? An assbeating."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man transmits, "Guess what all your blabber's gettin' you."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Hopefully a nice chunk of Gemini Man for a souvenir."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Zero transmits, "Interesting. And for those of us who think that the terminally stupid butting heads is a spectator sport, why, where can we go to watch this extravaganza?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "No, you don't understand. We're going to kill you. We're going to rip the electronics out of your head. If you wanted to survive, you'd HIDE." "But you won't, you arrogant idiot."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "If he's got a snake with him, GRAB IT. KILL IT. I can't do it."
Barbary Coast
The former countries of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, as well as several wilder areas such as the Western Sahara and the Tripolitan wastelands make up a grouping of factions now united here under Robot Master rule. The southernmost parts of the areas are merely a dumping ground for the dregs of life, filled with communities still operating under simplistic and outdated technology. One can find many an illegal item here among the colorful streets of the conquered cities, and many a criminal character. On the northern coast, the technology level of the area sharply rises, as new city construction makes way for the Tidal Dam. No matter where you are, however, one thing remains the same...the constant presence of an outside gaze, as if someone, somewhere, was tracking your movements with every step. This is Wily's territory, under the control of his Gamma Masters. You are being watched.
Tengu Man [Masato_Karasu] [RM]
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Hiding is for those who can't kick your ass, Gemini Man, unless you're foolhardy enough to try and gang up on me instead of taking your beating solo, like a man. Well, a man who gets off on talking to himself, but still a man."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Anyway, Zero, if you wanna watch, I'm going to be giving this moron a beating in the Barbary Coast."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Just remember, everyone will mistake you for a woman, so be sure to wear a burkha."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Zero transmits, "What was that wannabe?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Burkha. Woman-looking. Nipple-gems. Kind of a low blow, so far as my insults go, but hey, I'm busy with the Dorkini Twins."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dark Static transmits, "Seeing as this is a global gloat channel, I'll probably get ignored, but... any kind samaritan out there with a vehicle wanna drop by Greece and pick up a guy before he bleeds to death?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Zero transmits, "Y'know, there's nothin I hate more than punk kids, that wish they were you, and think it's cool to try and diss the old school, cause they got fancy schmancy double beam blades. Infant."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Yes, except I'm smart enough not to put on red and black face paint and get cut in half in the last reel."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man transmits, "People wish they were /Dynamo/?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Probably suicidal gits who end up stabbing themselves in the stomach when they turn on the wrong end of the saber."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Zero transmits, "Naw, bird-brain. Dynamo wishes he was me."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man transmits, "What the **** is wrong with them? COME ON!"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man transmits, "Whatever."
Zero arrives from the Eastern Sahara.
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "I can't be you, Zero. If I was sexy like you, I'd retire from merc-ing and be a smooooth pimp."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Ooh, so, this is all due to repressed sexual urges because you can't get any. That explains *alot* right there."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dark Static transmits, "From the testosterone levels, I'll take that as a 'no'. Eh, I'll leave my distress signal on in case someone decides to use me for spare parts."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Well, they didn't exactly build me with wedding tackle, dearie."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Alpha transmits, "...Is that why Dynamo tries to walk into Master controlled Territory like you did and injure them?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man gives an emphatic 'ugh!'
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Tengu Man transmits, "No. He does that because he's a MORON."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Yeah. If he were smart he'd use a railgun like we do."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Now did you say something awhile ago about taking on the Doublemint Twins, or was I mishearing?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Doublemint? Hardly. More like the Juicy Fruit Twins. Same company, but loses its flavor that much faster."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "It's more like...we're going to kill him."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Cool. Kick him a few times in the spleen for me, Gem. Take your time trying to find it."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "We can do that."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Awww. I'm hurt, Riggy. I'd think you guys would be rootin' for the good guys... I mean, enemy of my enemy, and all that. Like I said, what I did to Alpha wasn't personal..."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "You came after my daughter. Roast and toast."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Ah, so protective. I'm touched. You /do/ know how to get me to stop going after her, though. No price, no me."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Alpha transmits, "...Have you tried horseriding yet, Dynamo?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dr. Pavel Cossack transmits, "You try to attack Alpha again, Dynamo, I vill end you."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "I mean, really, she's a sweet kid. I'd like to talk with her more, if I didn't hafta try and bring her in."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "And I haven't tried yet, my dear. I will, though. Don't worry."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "How much you shameless hack?"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dark Static transmits, "I'd be looking at it as - the price of attempting to collect the bounty is your head on a platter... cheaper to give up the money and let her alone."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Ask Alpha. She knows who wants her as well as I do. Stop them from contracting me, and I'll leave you all be. Like I said. It's /nothing/ personal."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger transmits, "Oh. Them. They don't seem to like it when I schedule an appointment. Funny that."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Gemini Man transmits, "...Venus..." "We do appriciate your support, Rigger."
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Alpha transmits, "...While you're in the Barbary Coast, you could try Centaur Man, Dynamo. He's kind of like a horse."
Dynamo left a body here.
Gemini Man knows where. And this is the place he's sure Dynamo will show up. He marches through the streets, up to the spot where the single martyr was placed to rot, parting crowds of humans that do MORE than step out of the way. There's malace in his eyes. And he's on his own. This is serious business.
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Rigger coughs, "Yeah no prob, 'Mars'." A splutter of laughter follows, "Now that I'd pay to see."
Dynamo is already here, sitting on the wall. Of course, he's all draped in a cloak, like David Bowie in Labyrinth. "Now," he says, "The serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made. And he said unto the Gemini Man, Boo!"
[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Dynamo transmits, "Well, work time, fellas. Talk to you soon, minus one or more Gemini."
[OOC] Gemini Man says, "Attack ok, Dynamo?"
[OOC] Dynamo says, "Yeah."
A momentary rush of panic is evident in Gemini's eyes. ... Dammit. Wasn't he supposed to have BACKUP in case this happened? Wasn't he? ...Serves him right for constant pranks on his bretheren, that he'd be left 'alone' at a moment like this. But never really alone. A second twin steps out of the body of the first, and spots the cloaked figure immediately. ...Snake or no snake.... "We'll kill you. We'll kill you for what you've said," he declares, closing his fist. The right hand, the weapon hand, raises, and fires a white blast toward the top of the wall, while the other Gemini scatters aside, prepping for the next attack. Zero's presence goes unnoted.
Zero receives a radio transmission.
Dynamo is struck, the cloak catching fire as Gemini blinks out of it, reappearing in the air above the Master, a charring over his body armor. "Oh, so ungallant of you. Well, time to kick some ass." His sword flickers out with a sudden movement as he descends upon Gemini Man, Dynamo striking down quickly and solidly.
Zero narrows his optics behind the concealing cowl. As white energy lights the sky, Zero can tell his twin brothers are already at it. Arms crossing, he continues his trek closer, even as he subvocalizes a radio transmission. Might as well keep an eye on Dynamo. All the better to analyze his style in case they ever come to blows.
Zero sends a radio transmission.
Gemini Man clearly wasn't quite ready for this. As Dynamo appears, he's struck, taking a downward slash that cuts a neat streak through his chest armor.
Dynamo tosses his blade to the other hand in a quick and sudden movement, avoiding the kick, slashing out at the Master with a grin on his face. "I must say, old bean," he says, affecting a British accent. "You're gonna have try a bit harder if you want to bloody kill me." The D-Saber goes snicker-snack!
Gemini Man reaches out and grabs Dynamo's sword arm as the blade slashes toward him...stopping the attack. "We'll do more than kill you," he says, with a cold glare. "We'll tear off your head and pull your insides out through your neck, and there won't be anyone in the WORLD who wants to help put you back together again." While he momentarily has Dynamo there, he pulls on his arm, trying to throw him off-balance long enough...for the second twin's kick to the back of Dynamo's head to connect.
Dynamo puts his guard down.
Zero receives a radio transmission from Rigger.
Dynamo's sword arm is grabbed. How... how... unexpected! "Oooh, big scary threats!" he says, oofing as his head snaps forward from the kick. "I'm really going to have to hurt you badly, Gemini Doof. You shouldn't get that close to me... I'm a dangerous fellow to get close to." He crackles with electricity, and suddenly, the area around him bursts with energy emanating from his body.
Gemini Man barely moves backward from this, a single step. The edge of the field crackles against him, and he ignores it. Now, one twin behind Dynamo, and one in front...they both take a few side-steps, circling him to find another opening.
Dynamo growls as he gets hit again. "Getting lucky, Gemini... and pissing me off, is what you're doing." His armor's all busted up now, and he doesn't look happy in the slightest. Pulling up his saber again, he decides to say the hell with the clone figuring... and shoots them both. Twice.
Zero sends a radio transmission to Rigger.
From a hill not too far from the area of the battle, a burst of raucous laughter, recognizable as Zero's rings through the air. "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA! *Gasp* AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!"
As Dynamo's shots ring out, the twins move aside, scattering away. "...Pissing you off?" "Sounds like progress." Both twins blast back as Dynamo blasts at them, filling the air with a burst of firepower just as Zero's laughter rings out. ...This is important... important enough that Gemini focuses on keeping his two bodies in sync rather than glancing for the source of the laugh...just yet.
Zero sends a radio transmission to Rigger.
Dynamo growls, striking away the laser shots as he pulls up his saber. "No heckling from the crowd, prettyboy. And as for you, you blue waste of metal, I'm getting tired of your lip." Blinking forward, he strikes out at Gemini Man quickly, using the D-Saber for all its worth.
Dynamo strikes you with a solid hit from his Dual Saber for 19 units of damage.
Zero receives a radio transmission from Rigger.
"GAH!" The slash connects...striking the real twin, dead on, and cutting a swath through his already damaged armor. The holographic twin seems to flicker as the blow connects, his own energy leaking out when his partner is injured. Gemini falters back, but avoids dropping to his knees. Instead, he flares the remaining holo-energy into the crystal on his forehead, trying to stun Dynamo with a single, bright, glowing flash.
Dynamo is struck. "Figures you'd try something like this... too friggin' predictable..." Of course, he's blind at the moment, and can't do much to defend himself.
Gemini Man's headjewel still shines brightly, a white glow filling the area. The clone remains, but stands still, almost as if waiting for instruction. Gemini's shoulders heave. "But you fell for it anyway. Didn't you?" He steps forward, keeping the glow trained on his opponent. Then, the flashing head lowers with a flare as the light dies from it immediately, and Gemini Man strikes the crystal crest right into Dynamo's visor.
Dynamo staggers from the headbutt, but it's not all that and a back of chips. "Well, Gem, ol' chap, it's hard to avoid that... can't really deflect rays of light unless you get a lucky blink in. Or... you do like me... and pack a shield." He starts spinning the D-Saber rapidly, upping his defense to patently ridiculous levels.
Alpha arrives from the Eastern Sahara.
"Looks like cheating..." Gemini drops back a bit, and starts to sidestep again, he and the clone returning to the circling-shark method they'd used before.
Dynamo smirks. "Not really... just testing the waters is all. Seeing what you could throw at me. Now, let's see what else there is we can do to abso-smurfly ruin your little blue day. Given that I'm not gonna let you kill me, despite your wanting to." Dropping his defensives back to 'I can do stuff' level, he blinks again, and does a really fast move... a blink and attack. Just to see if he can.
Apparently, he can't. The Gemini Man that Dynamo attempts to strike at is no longer there when Dynamo strikes. He's lept back to join with his twin. The two have their evident differences now: while the original has his chest armor badly damaged, and a few cracks on his helmet crystal, the hologram is still pristine. However, their motions are the same...both raising their guns, and, both firing, two white blasts aimed at the mercenary Reploid. "Not a matter of 'let...'" "You're just not quick enough."
Dynamo blinks again. "What? What was that? Not quick enough? Oh, I'm sorry." He blinks yet again, firing the Split Buster at Gemini from the top of the wall. "I wasn't listening."
This time, Dynamo strikes the clone. Right in the back of the head, at that. And the clone drops, face-first onto the ground, expiring instantly. There is a flash like a dying firework from Gemini's own head crystal, and he turns around, spotting the mercenary's new position. "Damn you," Gemini Man mutters...no longer in the mood for exchanging taunts. Maybe a sign that the cocky merc has already won... But Gemini Man still stands, still fights. His eyes fill with rage, and he fires a blast from his cannon, a single white shot that lights up the night almost as brilliantly as the flash from his helm.
Dynamo blinks out of the way yet AGAIN. "Oooh... did you want to kill me with that one. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention again." He brings down the D-Saber in a quick sweep, casting off a wave of energy that travels merrily over the battlefield toward his foe... yeah, he's still guessing which is real and which isn't. "CATCH!"
[Note: We couend here, but kept fighting anyway, with permission...]
There's only one twin left...and that twin is struck, right in the already-damaged chest. This time, he falls on his back, and rolls to his side...struggling slightly. "Dammit..." he mutters... But...it's personal. VERY personal.
Zero meanwhile watches, standing tall on his hill. The time for laughter's over, now that he's gotten over the fact of where Rigger's bra is. Still, his eyes are locked on the combatants, as Zero slowly, casually begins to move closer.
Dynamo blocks the shot, D-Saber deflecting the blow away as Dynamo lowers the blad. "Dammit? Could it be? Is our little Gemini Man giving up? And only one Gemini it is." He raises the Split Buster. "Its almost like you're paying me to kill you..." . o O (Which in a way...) O o . "Pity I can't finish the job... damnable E-Rings. But, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do... and though I normally don't get personally involved... this time it /is/ personal." He levels the cannon at Gemini Man. "Now, sit still and let me finish this."
Gemini Man can't move much at all. The blast hits him right in the side, and his whole body jars slightly, sparks flaring. But Gemini is still awake, still ready. His optics flicker to the side... narrowing. ...He wants to kill Dynamo... SO BADLY... The last of his energy reserves spring forward, and his weapon arm surges in a brief glow. With one swift motion, he rises to his feet, and cracks off a shot from the Gemini Laser.
Dynamo is struck with the Gemini Laser, and he recoils back, losing his grip on the D-Saber for a moment. "Ack... still got some bite. Good. I didn't want to be bored... I so hate boredom." He gets back to his feet, and blinks over to Gemini's other side. "Now, do /try/ and dodge this. I want this to be worth it, Gemini. Smile for me now, impostor."
Alpha sends a radio transmission to Dr. Pavel Cossack.
Gemini Man doesn't have much movement in him at all. He can't dodge aside... and the saber connects with his back, slicing him open from top to bottom. The remains of his body spark, and surge, and he lets out one final choke of pain, before he lights up, almost as if to disappear, as the hologram did. Finally, he coalesces into a ball of energy, and simply...drifts away.
Zero shrugs as he moves up behind Dynamo, dropping the hood of his tattered cloak. "Yeah, I hate boredom too. And this fight was about as dull as your rapist wit. Good thing my radio kept me laughing, cause this sure wasn't amusing." remarks Zero, arms crossed, Pulling a soda off his sixpack, he pops it open, and chugs it down, before tossing the empty, and obliterating it with a shot from the Hyper Buster. "So tell me. What's the going rate for mercenaries, these days? The pay as horrid as Dischord used to kvetch to me about, or is it actualy worth your while to try and piss off most of the world?" questions the blonde hunter.
Dynamo scrounges Gemini bits from the ground idly, little pieces of armor... enough to go with the helmetcam shot of the E-Ring. He takes Zero's presence matter-of-factly, and shrugs. "Ah, my favorite Maverick Hunter. Going rate is what I can get... with you people around, being altruistic and stuff, it's hard to find good work." The D-Saber is put away now, and 'Duelist' stands. "This little bastard is worth 80K, plus whatever I can wring out of the UN for that unattainable bounty of theirs." He shakes his head, tossing his hair about... undamaged, I might add. "Not the best living, but it pays the bills if you don't want anything spectacular... or don't regularly go around committing suicide, which is something I'll have a problem with when this bit is over. I doubt Dr. Wily will believe that this was 'nothing personal.' Not that this little -censored- was, but the rest of the contract is."
Zero narrows his eyes as he listens, and shrugs. "I see. Not that I care if you beat on my brothers. In fact, it rather saves me dirtying my hands and feet. But speaking of your contracted work..." begins Zero, looking quite serious. "...I'd re-think whatever deal you were given to take care of Alpha. Otherwise, I might just have to start interjecting myself into your profit flow, if you catch my drift. I don't appreciate my troops being stalked, harangued, and harassed. And if you persist, and I decide that I need to give you a trip to the learning tree, you'll be suffering the fate I've been saving for Gravity Beetle, or Vile. Whichever of the two I get my hands on first. And let me tell you, it won't be enjoyable." explains the blond hunter, with a flip of his hair when he turns around, head craning back to look at Dynamo. "I may be a Maverick Hunter, but I'm just as sadistic as my dear, finned brother." finishes Zero coldly.
Dynamo smiles. "Oh, I have no doubt you would interject... and I'd love to duel you, fresh and repaired... I'm having a bad hair night tonight... off my game. You would be a grand conquest in battle... and to be honest, you'd be such an enchanting partner for the big combat dance. As for Alpha, though... she's a sweet kid. I like her, I really do, and I don't wish her harm, but I can't pick sides, you see. It's really out of my hands. If I make an exception for her, then I'd have to make an exception for someone else, and my whole rep would fall apart. I can't pick sides, so just keep her away from me until you've settled her little problem with the... oh, I'm sure she can tell you who the problem is with. I don't need to go spilling secrets, especially about stuff like that." He finishes his collection, and sighs.
Zero shrugs, as he turns his back fully on Dynamo. "Off your game huh? A true warrior's never -off- his game. And -when- we fight, you better be at the top of your game, if you even want a ghost of a chance. And you'd be an interesting match, a clash of styles, but you're just not in my class. And it's not my decision on whom Alpha hangs out with. It is my responsibility to see to her safety. Meaning, if she gets herself in over her head, then I will yank her out. As for those secrets...I think I'll have to do some checking."
Alpha generally has better sense than walking alone into Robot Master territory. However, Alpha has thought about this quite a bit as she took a nice roundabout way to the city. She figures 'Well gee, Dynamo's there. Every Robot Master is probably trying to kill him'. She also figures that Zero, from what she could tell by the radio conversations, is also present. The Robot Masters probably wouldn't care about a winged and tailed woman, casually walking through said city and taking pictures of the buildings. With her eyes. She then notices a dead guy on a wall. She blinks. She then notices Zero and Dynamo. Oh, what luck. She approaches.
Dynamo rolls his eyes. "Oh, Zero-kun, everyone has a bad day sometimes... even you. Except your bad days make the evening news more often than mine do. And I will be atop my game. On it, over it, under it, and everywhere else. Hair against hair, saber against saber, not-quite buster against not-quite buster. A duel to be respected. Pity I lack the chest acoutrements, or we could match those, too." He turns, combat senses still highly tuned, and notices the girl. "Oh, hiya, Alpha! Good to see you! It's been a good long time!" He waves, then realizes he's still holding a bag full of chunks of Gemini Man, and stows it, following with another wave. "Doing well?"
Zero snarls, whirling around. Cloak fluttering with his spin, hand quietly raising and morphig to the Hyper Buster, and back, Zero narrows his eyes. "Mind you, those are only part of the armor, and what's with the visor? Trying to be Protoman2X?" As he notices Alpha show, Zero's edginess rises. "...Alpha." states Zero, in a polite tone.
Alpha smiles at Zero, as if to prove she can, and says, "Hello, Zero. I was wondering if I could make a request to you when you are not busy.", she looks to Dynamo...well, Gemini first, really, and -then- to Dynamo, "Nice to see you again, Dynamo.", she greets Neutrally and passively, "Do you want chest acoutrements?", she doesn't know what the word means, but the internet probably does.
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man yawns.
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "Hey, Snake. We didn't kill Dynamo." "Yeah. We came REAL close." "Yeah."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man transmits, "That'sss a pity. I wouldn't mind ssseeing Zero and Basss's love child dead"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man transmits, "Ssso how did he essscape?"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "We assume he left after we blew up."
Dynamo shakes his head at Alpha. "No, I was just commenting on Zero's impressive rack, Alpha." He smiles wickedly, phasing out of his armor to something a little less... battlescarred. "But I'm not up to corrupting youth much more than that tonight. In answer to you, Zero, they're a polarized pair of lenses made to help deflect stun attacks... I suspect I'll need them replaced after tonight's embarassment. Besides, I like them. They accent my hair and armor nicely."
Zero sneers, as he withdraws his armor as well, because he's picking up a report he should check out. Adjusting his hat, he shrugs. "The gems are just energy focusing units, for various types of attacks, and lessining plasma intake from torso hits." explains the Berserker. "And chicks dig the gems." he adds, running a hand through his hair.
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man transmits, "I thought the idea wasss to blow him up firssst?"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "We TRIED." "If you weren't such BUDDIES with him this wouldn't have been needed in the first place."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man transmits, "Who sssaysss I'm buddiesss with him?"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "He did." "SOMEBODY told." "Not that we believe him in general, but who the hell told?" "He broadcast over the goddamn broadband. It'll finish us."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man transmits, "I'm ssstill working on that"
[Radio: (A) Masters] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "Right." "Look, we're just going to shut up before we're intercepted. Bug us in the computer if something important happens. Orders on hold 'till then."
[Radio: (A) Masters] Snake Man snorts. "The only perssson I'm 'buddiesss' isss Gutsss.
Alpha looks towards Zero's 'rack', and then to Dynamo, giving him a look that looks like, well, confusion times ten. She is perplexed. Weirded out, as it were, and that's mostly because She didn't see a 'rack' of any kind. It's probably slang, Alpha decides, and says, "Okay.", she pauses. Necro wants her to burn somethnig, Angie wants her to run away. She compromises by doing neither and adding, "I'm surprised he didn't leave a trap."
Dynamo shrugs. "As am I... I was going to leave as soon as I'd collected enough for the bounty, but Zero gave me reasons to linger for a bit."
Zero snorts. "S'not my fault you don't know when to just take some words of wisdom from your elders and leave. Now if you'll pardon me, I've got work to do. And I expect you kids to behave. And Dynamo, since you've already worked today, I expect you'll have her home at a reasonable time." adds the berzerker, a mocking smile creasing his face. Oh yes, Dynamo's behavior on the subject of Alpha's given him a perspective. And so, hands in pockets, Zero's heading for his parked land rover, and the city.
Zero enters the Nile Delta.
Dynamo [Armored] [C]
Wilyworm
Sphere Outpost [Gamma]
Submerge leads to Underneath Mediterranean Sea.
North leads to Mediterranean Sea.
Southeast leads to Eastern Sahara.
West leads to Atlas Mountains.
Southwest leads to Mirror Desert (Western Sahara).
East leads to Nile Delta.
Up leads to Sky Above Sahara.
Zero has arrived.
You strike Dynamo with a glancing hit from your Clone Laser attack.
Dynamo puts his guard up.
Dynamo strikes you with a minor hit from his D-saber for 12 units of damage.
The second Gemini now takes this moment to regroup...trying to study the fight from his own angle. Maybe he can spot a weakness from the side...
Gemini Man, however, is acting more on rage than technique. When the saber comes up again, Gemini raises his leg, trying to kick out at Dynamo's weapon-hand.
You miss Dynamo with your Roundhouse attack.
Dynamo misses you with his Saber Slash attack.
You strike Dynamo with a minor hit from your Double Team attack.
Dynamo misses you with his Energy Pulse Field attack.
Their synchronicity is really very good. The moment one of them rushes to throw a punch at Dynamo, the other one leaps up into the air, with a leap that clears over both of the combatants easily: Gemini trying to make it more difficult for Dynamo to tell the cloned twin from the true one.
You strike Dynamo with a minor hit from your Tag Team attack.
Dynamo misses you with his Split Buster Doubletap attack.
Dynamo puts his guard up.
Dynamo deflects Laser Barrage from Gemini Man.
You miss Dynamo with your Laser Barrage attack.
You strike Dynamo with a glancing hit from your Hologram Flash attack.
Dynamo is temporarily disoriented by Gemini Man's Hologram Flash attack.
You strike Dynamo with a glancing hit from your Headbutt attack.
Dynamo puts his guard down.
Dynamo begins spinning his sword at high speed, using it as a shield of sorts.
Alpha has arrived.
The clone tries an experimental shot...trying to get it past Dynamo's defenses by aiming it at the ground and letting it bounce up toward him. "Chickening out already?"
You strike Dynamo with a minor hit from your Ricochet Blast attack.
Dynamo's forcefield withstands the attack.
Dynamo stops spinning his sword.
Dynamo puts his guard up.
Dynamo misses you with his Iajitsu Strike attack.
You miss Dynamo with your Double Shot attack.
Dynamo strikes you with a minor hit from his Buster Pulse for 8 units of damage.
You miss Dynamo with your Gemini Cannon attack.
Dynamo strikes you with a minor hit from his D-wave for 10 units of damage.
Gemini, still on his side, turns his arm toward Dynamo, and shoots. It's odd. Weak, even... a burst of light that doesn't so much seek out the mercenary as crawl, deceptively slowly, as if even the Gemini Laser was running out of steam.
Dynamo deflects Slow Motion Shot from Gemini Man.
You miss Dynamo with your Slow Motion Shot attack.
Dynamo strikes you with a minor hit from his Split Buster for 8 units of damage.
You strike Dynamo with a minor hit from your Gemini Laser attack.
Dynamo strikes you with a major hit from his Dynamo Saber for 21 units of damage.
You fall to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.
Dynamo flashes, appearing in his Unarmored armor.
Zero changes into his Unarmored armor.
Zero has left.
