The CRISIS Chronicles: Devil's Pass

Iris: Why did you feel the need to do that?

Me: I'm evil and insane, and you all should know that by now. Plus it's the perfect stage for the longest boss rush in history.

Iris: !

Sigma: It's about damn time I got featured in your stories!

Me: Okay, who invited HIM into the author's notes?

Kronos: (smirks) Celestial Moonlight Blade does not own Megaman ZX or Megaman X. She's just a crazy fan.

Me: KRONOS!

Chapter 7: Oh crap

*Atlas's P.O.V.*

Somehow, Katani was completely calm, despite the fact that we were trapped in the realm of torture, fire, and sulfur. That's rather impressive, I think.

"First of all, whatever you do, don't panic." She said, looking between us. "We can't afford to loose our cool now."

"Oh really?" Heather questioned in a frazzled voice. "Easy for you to say! This is HELL!"

"Hell is about torture, not death." Katani said, her voice calm but sounding more gentle. "I'll make sure you all get out. After all, it's my fault you got trapped in here in the first place."

The hellhounds were yowling and barking in anger. Clearly they realized that they were stuck in their home again, and they weren't happy about it. At all. So like any other good predator, they focused on the moving targets: us.

We all ran like a bunch of lunatics away from the infernal mutts, but by the time we did... well... let's just say that I would have wanted to stay with the hounds.

A whole legion of Reploids with various makes were sitting in a large plaza, and every single one was watching us. And judging by their expressions, I assumed that this was the welcoming committee... to absolute hell, that is.

Maria looked confused, Katani looked mortified, and Aeolus looked as if he was trying to remember something alarming.

"What's wrong? Or do I not want to know?" I asked, crossing my arms and scanning the sea of faces.

"That mass is made up of some of the most dangerous mavericks of history." Aeolus answered, his tone blunt. "Look; there's Dynamo." He pointed at a random face in the horde. "He's responsible for the hijack of space colony Eurasia three hundred years ago."

"Well, that's just what we needed." Thetis grumbled. "Anyone have ideas as to how to get away from them?"

"Either we go around or we go through." Neo's voice was confident. That sort of surprised me. The most famed criminals of all time, and he's completely calm? I think I can blame that on Model O.

"How? In case you haven't noticed, there are THOUSANDS of them, maybe more!" Iris yell-whispered, her eyes betraying her fear. "They've all gathered here like they could smell us coming! These are the most notorious and powerful mavericks ever! How could we face them all head on?"

"Maybe there's a way around?" Siarnaq suggested. His monotone voice surprised me; he had been quiet for most of this fiasco.

Neo took a breath, as if trying to calm down, before looking around as if evaluating their options. "That way." He gestured towards what looked like a the side of a cliff. "It's steep and the paths are narrow. It would be difficult for them to follow us."

"I recognize that place." Katani said. "It's our best bet. The Cage is on top to boot."

"The Cage?" Lucas asked. (almost forgot about him!)

"It's where the Hellhounds are usually locked up." She answered.

It seemed as if that would solve all our problems in one hit. I was skeptical. Could we pull it off? The heavy stench of sulfur was making my head ache.

Before we had any time to discuss any alternatives, the Hounds were after us, barking like... well... hounds of hell. Again. Seriously, are they really that short on food down here? Why can't they chase people who are already dead? There are much more of them and would probably make better appetizers! Stupid mutts.

We scattered and ran for the cliff. The dogs gave chase, and they seemed faster than before. Maybe they had been getting hungry. Hm...maybe I should have brought some dog treats!

The dog behind me yelped. I had a feeling it could tell that I wasn't scared; at least, my fear wasn't overwhelming me. That's a step. I hope the others have the sense to try to do the same.

The cliff-face was steeper than I imagined, and with Model F it was hard to keep my footing. He was desiged for field combat. Not this. I thought, irritated. Thankfully, the dog was having problems too since the ledge was so small. It whined, pressing itself against the wall to avoid falling into the trench of fire below.

I managed to reach the top, and something nearby exploded. A bright flash of light indicated that it was Iris. What the hell..?

*Iris's P.O.V.*

My body was shaking with repressed fury. If I could package my current expression no maverick would dare come within ten feet of me. My saber burned with charged power. There is no curse in any language that could describe how I was feeling about seeing this face again.

"Why hello, Iris." A snake-like voice hissed. Hovering in front of me was none other than the original Sigma Virus.

If I were a volcano, I would have erupted by now. I am going to kill this (insert string of screamy curses here...) all over again!

End Chapter

I had horrible writer's block on this chapter, but this time I just decided to forge onward, because I was getting sick of dwelling on it. So sorry if it's junk, I'll probably go and edit it later. Summer vacation has made my lazy...

Review please!