Mega man X 8: Rondo of Blood.

Last Chapter the angel of Sigma was revived, but she is still sleeping waiting to awaken. Meanwhile Dark Zero sent Shadow Panda, the only Disciple of Magna Centipede who wanted to avenge the death of his master. In the fight of X vs. Panda, Panda realized after Dark Zero who appeared suddenly that Dark Zero was the one who killed Magna Centipede. Panda tried to take revenge. But Dark Zero seriously wounded him. After he left, Panda died. And his spirit set free to go with his master.

Now X promised Panda that in name of both he'll stop the Sigma Religion. But Axl broke his deep thoughts to bring news. Someone was found very weak in the river. After X got to the medical department room, he realized that the one was Double. The same Double who died years ago in the Repliforce attack.

Now with the Grim Reaper on the loose, X, Zero and Axl must put more energy to their actions to prevent the loss of more lives.

But this Grim Reaper will bring a menace from the past that might involve someone.

And the ultimate price.

Chapter 4: The Ripper case.

X realized that the weak Reploid found in the river was Double. His appearance was recognizable. Zero steps on the side of X asking him about the newcomer.

Zero: So you know him?

X: Yes. I do. But he's supposed to be death!

Lifesaver: Well. Dead or not dead, he's here.

Zero: Why is he supposed to be dead?

X: During the Repliforce attack, he was a rookie hunter. He was assigned in the 17th unit. Unit I lead. But he was really a spy sent by Sigma to keep an eye on me. I fought against him. And he lost. Now he's back in his friendly form. He had a double personality syndrome. He was kind and friendly, but his other self was destructive and very violent. He obeyed Sigma's orders for his lust of blood.

Zero: So this is the kind one?

X: Yes. But I wonder why he's here?

Lifesaver: What matters now is that he is Ok. Oh! Looks like he is waking up.

Double: Hmmmm...

X: Double?

Double opened his eyes. His vision focuses as he recognizes the shadow made by the light of the room. The shadow lights up showing colors.

Double: ...... X?

X: Double! Are you all right?

Double: My head is killing me... Anyway. What am I doing here?

X: That's my question.

Double: X. I don't know what to do. I'm scared.

X: Relax. You're safe now. You should get well soon.

Lifesaver: You'll be fine tomorrow. Just rest here and you'll be able walk fine. For now you want a sucker?

Lifesaver pulls a bunch of colored suckers out of his pockets

Double: I'll take pineapple.

Lifesaver: Well X and Zero. You have to leave and let him rest. Tomorrow he'll be fine.

X: ...... Thank you very much Lifesaver.

Lifesaver: Hey. They don't call me Lifesaver for nothing.

Zero: Let's go X. It is very late.

X: Good night Double.

Double: Good night X.

X and Zero leave the room. Lifesaver stands up of his chair.

Lifesaver: Well Double. You must sleep now. Sleep tight.

Lifesaver turns the lights off leaving the glow of the outside moon enter in the room. He closes the door with the control panel on the right. Double turns to the window side thinking about the strange place where he was.

Double: What was that place? I wasn't able to see anything but I heard some voices. One was very familiar. I wonder... Doesn't matter. If I got this second chance to live. Then I'll enjoy it.

Double closes his eyes and tries to sleep.

Neo-New-York City, alley.

In the darkness night, a lovely couple walks by after seeing a concert. Tonight's band was Pistols & tulips. As they walk they tell their experiences to each other.

Andrew: And that part where the guitarist made that ram ram ra ra ra ra ram!

Lucy: And the lights and special effects. So romantic!

Their talking is interrupted by a strange sound in one of the nearest alleys. The sound sounded like someone begging for help.

Lucy: What is that?

Andrew: I'll go and check it out. You stay here.

Lucy: Be careful.

Andrew walks in the shadows of darkness where his silhouette disappears. One minute has passed, and Lucy is worried about Andrew.

Lucy: Andrew? Are you Ok? There?

Lucy takes little frightened steps in the darkness. While she walks she feels something on her feet. Looking for something to light the place, she finds a switch.

Lucy: What is this?

As Lucy turns the lights on, she become frightened seeing what is it. The massacred body of Andrew lies beyond her. All his internal parts and circuits have been torn apart. Reploid parts everywhere. The floor is splattered with blood. Andrew's face has a fixed fear screaming expression. Something was there. Who killed Andrew was close.

Lucy: A... Andrew?!?

Lucy tried to turn around and run to call the police, but there was someone in front of her. The figure was very creepy looking and had two energy scythes. His hands were covered with blood.

Lucy: EEK! What do you want?!?

Someone: He he. Your life.

Lucy No!! HAAAAAAAAAAAA!

The killer slashes Lucy without mercy. Blood splatters on the walls and parts fly away. The remaining body of Lucy falls on the ground

The Killer: He he. Those should be 2 more. With them they make 35. Just 65 more.

The killer turns to a pile of scrap metal covered with blood. The expressions on the faces of them seem to be the same as Andrew's. Fear and suffering.

Next morning.

Maverick Hunter HQ.

Lifesaver gets in the room where Double sleeps. Double is still sleeping like a little baby. He really got to be tired.

Lifesaver: Good morning Double. Time to wake up.

Double opens his eyes as he sits on the bed and stretches yawning.

Double: "Yawn" Good morning doctor.

Lifesaver: Call me Lifesaver. Can you walk now?

Double: I'll try.

Double sets on his feet and stands up without trouble.

Double: Yup! I can walk.

Lifesaver: I see you're good friend of X. Why don't you go see him?

Double: Good idea.

Lifesaver: He should be somewhere in the central Building.

Double: Well then. Thank you Lifesaver!

Double turns to the door as he starts running toward the hall. There's a big happy expression on his face.

Lifesaver: Quite lively fellow.

In the central building X arrives where Zero and Alia talk about the newcomer.

X: Zero! Alia! Good morning.

Zero: Hey X.

Alia: Good Morning X.

Zero: How is Double?

X: Now that you ask I'm on my way to see him. Wanna come?

Zero: Sure.

While they turn toward the halls, Double is visible running waving his right arm yelling to be noticed.

Double: X! Good Morning!

X: Look! There's Double!

As Double runs and yells, he trips his right foot and basically flies in the air for a few seconds.

X: Oh my god! Double!

Double hits the ground. He just leans up rubbing his head.

X: Double! Are you Ok?

Double: Ouches. I'm Ok. X. Thanks.

Doubles just Smiles showing a very happy cheerful personality.

X: Here. Let me help you.

Zero: Let me help too.

X and Zero help Double to stand up.

Double: Thanks guys.

X: So. Are you joining the hunters again?

Double: Of course I am! I wanna work by you side again!

X: You haven't changed a bit. You gotta meet the guys here. She is Alia.

Alia: You must be Double. I'm Alia. Nice to meet you.

Alia stretches her hand at the reach of Double's. Doubles grabs Alia's hands with his cheeks red.

Alia: What's the matter? You're all red.

Double: It's because you're really pretty. And I get like this when I'm in front of a lady like you. I'm a little shy.

Alia: How cute. I'll be ready for a date whenever you want.

Double: Really?

Alia: Of course you dummy. I like guys like you.

Just as Alia said those optimist words, Axl Got there too see X.

Axl: So X. How's Double?

X: He's a lot better now.

Axl: Hey What's up Double? Why you're all red?

Double: Is just that I'm a little shy with women.

Axl gets closer to double.

Axl: To be honest, I'm a heartbreaker. If you need any advice, just ask me.

Double: I will...

X: Come this way. You gotta meet the commander.

They head to the meeting room where Signas is checking some papers and monitors of the surrounding area.

X: Commander Signas!

Signas: Good morning X. Anything to report?

X: Just a new recruit for the hunters. He's Double.

Double: Hi sir.

Signas: You used to be a rookie hunter a long time age. I heard that. So you'll start in...

X: Did I mentioned he's a very skilled mechanic?

Signas: Good one. We need someone to help Douglas with the mechanic stuff. Welcome aboard son.

Double: Sure thing Commander!

Signas: He he. Very Spontaneous. You and Douglas will get along very well. Talking of whom.

Douglas rushes to the room looking for X.

Douglas: Good morning sir! X! I heard that the newcomer is better.

X: He is Double. From now on he'll be you partner.

Douglas: Really? Then nice to meet you Double.

Double: Me too.

The rushing Alia and Zero who got very bad news interrupt their moment of joy.

Zero: Guys! We got news.

Alia: Is from the Neo-New-York Times!

Signas: Tell me.

Axl: "This morning the NNYPD found 60 bodies in an alley on the city. Victims were massacred and mutilated. From the 60 bodies, they were able to identify 2 of them. Andrew Roberts and Lucy Andersen."

Alia: She is my neighbor!

Axl: They still don't find the killer. But they found a note that said: " Just 40 more."

Signas: Anything else?

Axl: ...... Nope. That's all.

X: Who could have done that?

Double turns away with a worried face. He thinks about that incident.

Double: (Maybe it was me. But I still don't feel any feeling of my yami in me. He's completely gone. So Who?)

X: Double. Are you Ok?

Double: Yes. I'm fine.

Zero: You seem sorta distracted. Why don't you go with Douglas and check out the hangars?

Douglas: Come on! I'll show you the new gear I got thru the mail!

Double: Sure.

Douglas and Double leave the room talking about mechanics stuff.

Zero: Did you feel that?

X: Yes. He was worried.

Zero: You think...

X: No. I already felt him. His Yami is completely gone.

Signas resumes his speech assigning work to do to each hunter.

Signas: Right. Alia, You get in the radio transmition and check something about this murders.

Alia: Right!

X, Zero and Axl! You three go to the NNYPD and check their evidence. Maybe some officers would tell us something.

Zero: On our way.

NNYPD.

The trio scatters around the 17th precinct asking detectives about the evidence and the strange murders.

X gets to the special investigations office and asks the different officers about their opinions. Some are Reploids and some are Humans. One of the human officers noticed something about the evidence.

X: So officer Brea. You say that you might found something in the crime scene?

Aya: Yes sir. I found another letter addressed to you. I tried to give it to you, but I was a little busy with this investigation.

Officer Aya Brea hands the blood-splattered letter to X and he reads it. The content is a challenge.

X: I see. Thank you officer Brea.

Aya: Whatever it is. Good luck.

He gathers with Zero and Axl to discuss the situation.

Zero: So this letter says.

X: Yes. He wants me.

Axl: Sounds risky especially considering that he won't have any mercy against you.

X: We need to go back to the HQ. And make a plan.

Maverick Hunter HQ.

Everyone is in the meeting room. Including Double.

Signas: So this letter says that he wants you to go alone at midnight?

X: Yes. And if I don't do, he'll keep killing more Reploids.

Zero: Listen X. This is a very dangerous situation. And I don't want you to die very easy. Got it?

X: But I have to go!

Alia: X! Get it! Your one of the best hunters we have! It will be a mess if we lose you just like we lost Zero in previous missions.

Douglas: Please X! Don't go!

X: But If I don't more lives will be lost!

Double: Please X! Don't go!

X: I'm going whether you guys like it or not! And Zero. I can take care of myself. I don't need your protection anymore.

Zero: ... True. You have proved that you indeed don't need so much anymore. I'll respect you decision.

X: And Zero... If I don't make it. Please take care of Double.

Zero: I will.

Signas: Looks that you're very decided. Go X. Show that killer the power of the Hunters.

Alia: Good luck X.

Douglas: Just stay cool and you'll make it.

Double feels angry and sad about X's decision and just turns around and runs.

X: Double!

Zero: He's just upset. I'll take care of him.

X: Thanks.

X turns and leaves the room. As he walks closer to the duel, he remembers Panda's words and self-promises that he will stop this killer.

Neo-New-York City, Alley

X walks into the everlasting darkness of the night. As he walks he gets a shock after seeing another pile of bodies. Fresh blood splatters out of them. The number of bodies seems to be 39. That should be 99 victims of the killer.

X thinks about all this.

X: (What can that killer be up to? Judging on the number he needs 100 victims.)

X's thoughts are interrupted by a low timid voice

Double: X...

X: Double?

From the shadows, Double shows up to the moonlight.

X: Double? What are you doing here?

Double: X. I need to see who this killer is! Each time I hear if him I feel something. A dread feeling I felt long ago.

X: But you can't...

X is interrupted by an aggressive-looking voice. It sounds like it would kill you anytime. The tone is very familiar. It brings back dreadful memories.

Yami-Double: So you're here X. missed me?

X: What? How? Two Doubles?

Double: You!

Yami-Double: Argh. I was hoping that you weren't revived too.

X: So you killed all these Reploids?

Yami-Double: Yes. It was delightful how their faces turned to fear and pain when I cut them in pieces. All to satisfy my lust for blood.

Double: What are you planning?

X: Who revived you both?

Yami-Double: Well. The Sigma Religion of course.

X: The Sigma Religion?

Yami-Double: All these dead bodies are the plan to bring back lord Sigma to our world.

X: How?

Yami-Double: Just by sacrificing 100 lives to bring the spirit of Sigma back. And then use the blood of the chosen one to give him physical body and power. Then the world will face the wrath of the god of the Reploids!

X: But you need one more!

Yami-Double: That's where you come in. You'll be the last sacrifice! HA HA HA HA!

X: Double! Get out of here now!

Double: X! Look out!

X: Uh?

X turns towards Yami-Double who has his fist already in front of X. X is sent flying to the wall where he crashes and his motor functions decrease. He can't move as fast as before to dodge Yami-Double's attack.

X: Damn! I can't move!

Yami-Double: Well. Now where's the tough X I remember? It is time to finish you off!

Yami-Double starts walking with slow steps. X can't find out a way to get out of this one. But Yami-Double's step is interrupted by Double who stands in front of X protecting him.

Yami-Double: What? Get out of my way!

X: Double!

Double: I wont let you harm X! First you'll have to get thru me!

Yami-Double: You can't even defend yourself. Now you'll experience pain!

Yami-Double waves his arm with his energy scythe on as he slashes Doubles left arm. The pain is unbearable.

Double: HAAAAAA!

Double screams of pain as he holds the remains of his arm very tightly.

Yami-Double: Now. Out of my way.

Yami-Double kicks Double and this one falls to the side squirming of the pain.

Yami-Double: Now X. It is time for you to experience the dreadful death I felt!

X: No!

Yami-Double raises his arm up charging the energy in his scythe ready to cut X's head off and bring Sigma's spirit back to our world. But suddenly Double stands up and grabs Yami-Double's neck choking him.

X: Double!

Yami-Double: What are you doing?!? Get off me!

Double: If we were death, then we're supposed to be death both!

Yami-Double: What you're going to do?!?

Double starts charging up energy in his own body to overcharge limits.

X: Double no!

Yami-Double: Are you crazy?!? We're both gonna die!

Double: So be it. X... I'm sorry.

When Double reached the overcharge limit, he started exploding. Taking Yami- Double with him. The two silhouettes disappear in the raging explosion. When the fire dissipates only there are the 2 remaining bodies to the Doubles. The drops of the falling rain are extinguishing the nearby fire.

X: Double!

Yami-Double: He, he... Looks like I won anyways...

X: What are you talking about?

Yami-Double: I cut his left arm... and made him self destroy himself... That is considered...a kill...the kill 100... Sigma's spirit should be... returning soon... And when he's fully back... You'll feel his wrath!

Yami-Double finishes these words with a fading sound. He's dead. The Grim Reaper is dead.

X: Double. Why?

Double: ......X......

X turns as he sees the dying Double trying to reach him with his weak arm. His arm shivers of the weakness as he's covered with blood. His own blood.

X: Double!

X moves towards the dying Double and grabs his weak hand very tightly.

X: Double! Hang in there! You're gonna be all right! But please don't die!

Double: As I said... If I was death... Then I have to be death.

X: No Double! You're gonna live! You're gonna be the rookie hunter and help us fight the enemy! But please don't die!

Double: Don worry about me... X... Sometimes... Death is... Just a beginning... X... You must be strong... Do it for me... Please be strong... Promise?

X: Yes. Promise.

Double: ...Good... I'm glad I was able... To live one more time... to see the world... and everyone... On it... And you... When everyone mocked at me...For being a little useless... You always protected me... Now it was my turn... To protect you...

X: Yes. I'm glad too. The happiness in your smile all the time, no matter what happened. You always had that smile.

Double: You mean... This smile?

Double smiles at the time of the death realizing that death might be the only beginning.

X: Yes... That one.

Double: Be strong... And destroy...the Sigma...Religion... Be strong... my...f... f... f... fri...friend...

Double's energies fade away as he keeps that happy smile he always had. X anger and sadness explode within him as he screams to the rain.

X: Double!!!

X Cries trying to find a way to be strong. How to be strong after you lost the light of your dark path?

X: How can I be strong without you? How can I defeat the Sigma Religion without you happiness and kindness and support? How?

As X cries, Zero and Axl arrive to the scene rushing to aid X against the killer.

Zero: X! Are you Ok? We just lost contact!

Axl: Where's the killer? What's going on here?

X turns to Zero with a face of running tears and sad expression. Zero gets what's going on and gets close to X.

Zero: If you want a shoulder you can use mine.

X: Zero...

X holds to Zero's shoulders and cries even more. Axl gets closer and tries to relieve X.

Maverick Hunter HQ. Graveyard.

X stands in front of the grave dedicated to Double. The message of the grave says: "To the one who gave it all. And to the one who was a good friend. We'll always remember you, Double."

X leans his head down a little trying to remember those moments when Double was alive. The flashbacks in his mind tell how cheerful Double was. Falling on the floor, running very happy, all cheek-red in front of Alia, How well he got with Douglas, the moment of his sacrifice and his last words.

Zero is in his side trying to relieve X.

Zero: X. It was his decision. You weren't able to change his mind. He died protecting you... But if I just got there in time... He might be still alive... Sorry X... I think I'm not a good friend at all...

X turns to Zero with a decided expression knowing what to do.

X: No Zero. You are my best friend. You gave your life 2 times to protect me. That's better than a best friend. That's more like a brother.

Zero: You think so? Thanks X.

X: I know what to do. I must be strong as Double was. This battle is for him... We'll destroy the Sigma Religion. No matter what.

Zero: That's the spirit X!

X: Let's go Zero. We must be ready to face the next apostle!

Zero: That's my X!

The 2 friends... No. Brothers walk away leaving the lonely grave decided to avenge Double's death. To destroy the Sigma Religion no matter what.

Sigma Religion northern-Europe castle.

The 3 dark ones stand in front of another big tall black coffin. The coffin reads "Sigma" That's where Sigma was sealed after the last battle against him. Dark Zero glances at the big words made in steel.

Dark Zero: The seal should be breaking now.

Dark Axl: Too bad we lost the Grim Reaper.

Dark X: True. Bad that the weak Double was tougher than we expected, but he killed the number of sacrifices we need. Look! The edges of the coffin are glowing!

On the big black coffin, strange carvings glow in a very evil way. This could only mean one thing...

Dark Zero: Lord Sigma's spirit has returned.

Dark X: Now we need the chosen one.

Dark Axl: But how can we find that chosen between millions of persons in the world?

Dark Zero: The prophecies say that the chosen one will appear soon. And when he does, we'll be ready for his sacrifice and bring lord Sigma back.

Dark X: Meanwhile I'll send another apostle to entertain those hunters.

The things are getting worse. Now Sigma's spirit has returned.

Double made his ultimate sacrifice to save X's life from the Grim Reaper.

Now X has to be stronger to deal with the sorrow in his heart and the new enemy.

The angel is still sleeping. But the prophecies don't say very well what about the angel in the plan of Sigma's resurrection.

Everything might take a wild spin that will change the fate of someone.

Next Chapter: The third apostle.

Author's corner.

Me again. For this chapter the guest star was Aya Brea. The NYPD officer from the Parasite Eve game. I'm also a P. E. fan. So I decided to include her just in that moment when I was looking for the name of the officer who X was talking to. Also the book I'm reading inspired the part of this bizarre case. "Patricia Cornwell, Portrait of a killer. Jack the Ripper case closed." (Very good book) For the part of Double's sacrifice. It was most based in Zero's in Mega man X 1. When he self-destroys himself to destroy Vile. I wrote that scene while I was listening to the dying Zero theme from the X 5 game. (That part made me cry! u_u!) And the "Please be strong." Putted the emotion to the scene. Even I was able to picture X's sad face. Very sad. And the why X says to Zero that they might be brothers? It's because they're really brothers! (For more details check my "Mega man and Mega man X" story chapter 1. I still got no idea of which Maverick will be next. I think I'll lie on my bed and close my eyes to think about it in my dreams. (Great stuff you can get for your Fanfics from your dreams!) Well. It is time for me to take my bear-like nap. Good night!

See ya in the third apostle!