Mega man X 8: Rondo of Blood

Last chapter Double returned to life by a mysterious way. X and friends had no idea of how Double came back to life. But the only thing that mannered was that he was good and Ok.

But later after that, strange bizarre murders started happening. Double worried that his Yami side also was revived, decided to see who the killer was.

X was challenged by the killer for being the last sacrifice, the number 100. The killer was Yami-Double. The 2 Doubles were revived in different bodies. Yami-Double was the Grim Reaper of Sigma. So the death 100 was the one to bring Sigma's spirit back to our world.

X got badly damaged by Yami-Double. But Double protected X self-destroying himself taking Yami-Double with him.

After the death of Yami-Double, Double was dying. X tried to save Double. But he realized that maybe death might be the only beginning. X understood his words, and Double died with a smile on face.

But Double's death was counted as the death 100. Sigma's spirit returned. Now the Sigma Religion has to find the chosen one to resurrect Sigma.

There are some signs that the Angel is about to wake up. But this Angel should change the fate of everyone as the prophecies say.

Chapter 5: The Third Apostle.

Paris, France.

It is a cold night in the streets of the city of fashion. All persons around went to bed already. Some cars are still going around. Some are partiers and some are police patrols.

Especially there's a big emptiness in the Notre Dame chapel. Darkness and some lights made by the stained glasses resembling saints and gods. Upper in the halls of the Bells there are pigeons nesting around the place. Gothic gargoyle statues give more creepy feeling to the place.

A security guard wanders around with his flashlight on hand pointing to different corners as he turns to the long dark halls. He walks further into the halls checking other areas.

Guard: Well. Looks like the same old stuff. I think I'll go to my office and have a donut and some coffee as I watch TV late shows.

When the guard's turning is interrupted by a strange noise. A noise that makes his main circuit system sends a cold signal thru his body. He turns fast as he lights the source if the sound, the stairs.

Guard: Hello? Is anybody there?

He doesn't have other choice but to see what's going on. He takes little steps on the stairs. He keeps walking up until he gets to the highest floor of the chapel, The Bells room. He keeps walking to see if there's anybody there.

Guard: Hello? You're scaring me dude. Please show up.

Suddenly the silence broke up with a step from the darkest corner of the room. From that darkness a priest with a calm paced face showed up. He got to be some kind of prayer mantis Reploid. Showing that he was definitively a priest.

Guard: Oh. You must be one of the priests of here. What are you doing here so late? Everyone left a few hours ago.

Priest: I know...

The priest's voice had a sweet and melodic tone. Very relaxed.

Guard: Well. Then come down with me. You don't know what you might find here.

The priest started laughing very softly as he grinned in a very strange way.

Priest: He, he...

Guard: Are you Ok sir?

Priest: You don't know what you might find here. Is that what you said?

Guard: Well... Yes. Now come with me.

Suddenly the priest's closed eye opened revealing a red crimson glowing eye. He lifted one of his arms as he referred to the guard.

Priest: Now come with me to the path of the true god!

The priest's movements were faster than the eye. In lees than a split of a second he grabbed the guard by his neck and some kind of energy wave emanated to the inside of the guard. His efforts to letting go decreased until he stopped fighting. Slowly the priest landed him on his feet as he kept a stable pose. The priest looked at the emotionless expression asking a single question.

Priest: Who is you god? You lord?

Guard: ... Lord Sigma...

Maverick Hunter HQ. Graveyard.

3 days have been passed since the incident of the ripper. Where Double gave his life to protect X. X steps nearby Double's grave holding a bunch of flowers. They were Sunflowers, Double's favorites. Sunflowers had a very look alike with Double. Little shy but energy full when the light shines on them.

X: Hi Double. I brought some Sunflowers for you.

X drops his knees as he puts the Sunflowers on the soil. He sets his hand on his tights and starts talking with his fallen friend.

X: Guess what. Douglas got a new set of tools at the Home-Depot. They're deluxe edition! Wait until you see em'! Also Axl finally caught the attention of one girl. He surely is a heartbreaker. And Zero bought this for you.

X checks some stuff in a bag. He finds something small gift for Double.

X: Is a little wind ghost. You liked them a lot. This one is you. I'll put it here.

X buries the long steel tower in the soil letting the little ghost glide with the breeze of the wind. It is a wind ghost with a little Double hanging from it. It looks really cute.

X: So. You like it?

A little moment of silence appears to be an eternity. But X breaks the silence nodding positively.

X: I knew you were gonna like it!

X makes a happy expression as he says these words. Zero who's coming at the distance also comes to pay respects for Double. But he sees X talking alone.

Zero: I knew you were gonna be here.

Zero looks to the grave. Especially the little wind ghost he bought.

Zero: I knew this was going to give a little Double style to this place.

X: Yes it does. Thanks Zero.

Zero: Don't mention it. Everyone is looking for you inside.

X: I'll be there in a second. I need to say good bye.

Zero: Are you talking alone again?

X: No. Is just that no matter what... Double's spirit will be always with me. It's like he never died at all.

Zero: Well. That's right. Now let's go.

X: All right. Gotta go. Good-bye Double!

X stands up and turns heading to the central building. On the lonely grave, a bright light comes from above. The light is a little energy ball floating above the grave. The little ball glances at the little wing ghost as turns to X. a familiar voice in it resonates in the environment. It is Double's spirit that got free from its physical prison after his sacrifice.

Double: ...... Thank you... X... Zero...

X turns his head with a smile.

Inside of the central building X and Zero head with Alia who is talking with Axl. Ax asks Alia about the girl's way to think.

Axl: So. If a guy comes to you and he tries to impress you with neat stuff. What would you say?

Alia: Well. If he's handsome I would say "yeah sure. Got any other tricks?"

Axl: Then if he does something better to impress you?

Alia: I would say, "That's enough you moron. Go to a circus and make your stuff."

Axl: Oh...

Alia: Why are you asking me this?

Axl: Nothing... just a friend I know.

X: Never mind. He's not a heartbreaker.

Zero: Yup.

X and Zero get closer to them.

X: Hey Alia.

Alia: Good morning X and Zero.

Zero: Any news?

Alia: Oh yeah. You three must see the commander now. I'll be there in a while.

X: Sure thing Alia.

Zero: Hurry up.

Axl: (Sight) Later...

In the meeting room, commander Signas and Douglas are already seated waiting for everybody else. Signas turns to the late arrived X, Zero and Axl.

Signas: Guys. You're late.

X: Sorry about that Commander.

Zero: X had to visit a friend first.

Signas: I'm sorry for Double's death X...

X: It's Ok. Now I must be strong as he was. No matter where I go. He's gonna be always with me.

Signas: That's very good.

Douglas: Well. I'm glad that Double was happy.

Alia rushes into the room very hurried.

Alia: Sorry. I'm late.

Signas: Let's begin this meeting.

Douglas: Right.

Douglas presses a button on his panel turning the light dim as Alia explains the situation.

Alia: we got another apostle. This one seems to be an ex-priest from the Vatican. His name is Saint Mantis. He followed the Vatican's ways for years, but then he started following his own. The beliefs he divulged were completely insane. So he was banished from the Vatican. Nobody knew what happened to him... at least that's what the database says.

Signas: The data says he's in the Notre-Dame chapel in Paris. But local reports don't say anything about attacks.

Axl: So what? We can blast him off right?

Signas: To attack, we need evidence that he's actually causing harm to the Reploids and humans there. X. Zero, Axl. Go investigate and look for evidence or anything suspicious.

Zero: Sure.

X: We're on our way.

Axl: Ok... (Sight)

Paris. France

X, Zero and Axl stand in front if the big gates of the Notre-Dame.

X: This is it.

Zero: Looks kinda big.

Axl: We have to look for evidence. Right?

X: I'll check our priest.

Zero: Right. Axl and I will look for anything suspicious.

X: Report anything weird you see.

Zero: I'll be in contact.

The trio steps in the big hall. Stained glass windows resemble saints and scenes from the story. Big statues or saints stand on the sides of the halls. The ceiling seems to be 30 feet away in the air.

X takes step to one of the priests. This one wears a black robe as he keeps a steady kind face.

X: Excuse me sir. Are you Saint Mantis?

Mantis: Yes my son. Can I help you on something?

X: My name is X. Leader of the 17th unit of the Maverick Hunters. Our information says that you're serving the new enemy, The Sigma Religion. But you show no sign of aggression. Can we stay for the sermon around?

Mantis: Of course my son. There's nothing to hide in front of the eyes of god.

X: Thank you.

X returns with Zero and Axl who searched the entire chapel. Nothing at all.

X: Anything?

Zero: No. no evidence or strange stuff around here.

Axl: Everything seems to be normal.

X: I feel something about this. Maybe we should stay a little longer.

Zero: That's a wise choice.

The three hunters take seat on the wall as the next sermon begins. Everybody seems to be asking about what's going on. But when Mantis finishes his sermon he takes a little bottle. Walks to the Holy Water plate and fills the golden bottle. He lifts the bottle and starts waving his arm pouring the people with little drops of water. As the water hits the bodies of the people, they start a deep silence. Mantis lifts his voice finishing his sermon.

Mantis: And we'll do as God says...

People: And we'll do as God says...

Mantis: Amen.

People: Amen.

Mantis: Now you know which path in life to follow. I hope your lives maybe filled with glory my son.

All the people leave walking like Zombies. They have emotionless expressions on their faces. Zero feels something bad about this. And as Mantis is not looking, Zero draws out a little capsule where he put a sample of the Holy Water. Zero turns to X and Axl.

Zero: It's time to leave.

X gets Zero's expression and nods.

X: Yes Zero.

The trio leaves the Chapel ready to return to the HQ.

Maverick Hunters HQ.

Zero handles the sample to Alia. He gives special instructions to her.

Zero: And when the water touched the people, they became like Zombies repeating the words of Mantis like a group of mindless followers. Don't touch the water. Just analyze it.

Alia: Sure Zero.

Alia turns to the Medical Building where a high tech research lab lies within. The Lab is full of electro-microscopes, Computer monitors and all research stuff. Alia puts the sample in an Electro-microscope. As she scans the sample she gets scarily frozen as she sees the components of the water. She takes her transmitter and calls the rest of the group.

Alia: X! Zero! Axl! Commander! Douglas! I found something in the sample! Please come immediately!

The group gathers in the lab where Alia explains to Signas the results. Signas turns to the rest to explain.

Signas: The sample of Holy water that Zero brought was the same Holy water used in Mantis sermon. After that the people inside acted like Zombies following Mantis. Alia analyzed the sample and she found this discovery.

Alia: This is no ordinary Holy water. This Holy water has been modified with...

Alia presses the switch on the microscope leading the signal to a big screen. The content was shocking as Alia described it.

Alia: ...Nanotechnoligical Transijectors. With these, Mantis can control other Reploids or even unanimated form like statues.

Signas: It shows that he is controlling the people to follow the Sigma Religion with no suspicious activities at all. This is enough evidence to bring him down to justice. He is indeed working for the Sigma Religion.

Axl: So can we blast him off now?

Signas: Yes. But you gotta be careful. Douglas made new parts for you guys to avoid contact with those Transijectors.

Douglas: They're equipped in your optional part slot. They provide you with a special energy shield that will protect you 3 from Transijectors contact.

Zero: Thanks Douglas. We'll surely need them.

X, Zero and Axl take the chip parts and put them in their optional parts slot. X's is on his X-Buster cannon, Zero's is in the yellow lids on his downer chest and Axl's is on his wrist. Now the hunters are ready to fight against this priest of hell.

X: All right guys. Let's go!

The trio heads back to the chapel with the evidence on hand ready to bring Mantis down to justice.

Paris, France.

It's getting nightfall as the hunters arrive to the front of the big gates once again. With each step they make, drop-by-drop a falling rain starts. Zero tries to open the door, but is locked.

Zero: Dang. I bet he's inside.

Mantis: Were you looking for me my sons?

The hunters turn to see Mantis on the road walking toward them with his calm face and black robe.

X: Mantis! We have evidence that proves your indeed one of the Sigma's Apostles. Indeed a Maverick!

Mantis: How you say that?

Axl: You holy water has you Nanotechnoligical Transijectors that let you control the people and serve Sigma! That's not very nice specially after you were vanished from the Vatican.

Mantis: He, he. You are indeed wise my sons. But Sigma is really a God. How he returns each time you defeat him? Because his holy power made him return!

X: He's just a Virus that steals bodies and returns after modifications! He's no God! He's a Devil!

Mantis: Looks like you don't know you real God. I will show you the power that the spirit of Lord Sigma granted me!

Mantis crouches as he takes impulse for a big jump to the Bells hall. His jump is Big and the three hunters must catch up with him.

Zero: Use the walls as wall kicks support! Now!

The 3 hunters take different paths as the keep wall kicking to the top. The first one to make it is X. He looks in the dark halls for Mantis with his X- Buster on guard taking slow steps. Mantis comes out of the darkness.

Mantis: You gotta be really agile to make it all the way here.

X: And I'm gonna destroy you!

Mantis: Not if I take you first!

Mantis lifts his arm as he opens his eyes revealing 2 crimson glows as he shoots a wave of Nanotechnological Transijectors. X remembers what to do and activates the Optional part that Douglas gave him.

X: Nano-Shield!

The wave reflects hitting a Gargoyle statue. The wave covers the creature as this one starts moving. The non-living statue starts moving towards X.

Mantis: Go my minion! Destroy him!

X shoots a charged shot, but this one results useless against the thick rock hulk. The gargoyle hits X as he hits on one of the Bells. A resonating sound echoes in the sky as Zero and Axl try to hurry.

The gargoyle lifts its big mighty hands ready to crush X. But before it can make any move, a green slash cuts the creature in half. This one is reduced into pieces.

Zero: I hope We're in time for a little support.

X: Thanks guys.

Axl: No prob. We need to take care of this guy together.

Mantis: Well. Now it is time to finish you all!

As mantis lifts his arm ready for another Nano-wave, X gets an idea to use that against him.

X: Guys! Concentrate your energies on me!

Zero: What's you plan?

X: Our energies together should increase the power of my shield changing the polarity of that wave reflecting it back to him and destroying him!

Axl: Sure! X! I trust this plan works!

Zero: Count on it X!

Zero and Axl grab X's shoulder as they charge up energy into X to increase his powers. Mantis fires his Nano-wave. Just as 4 feet away from the hunters, X activates the Nano-Shield.

X: Take this you Moron! Nano-Shield!

The wave reflects. Its color changes from crimson red to sky blue. As the wave hits Mantis, he starts to be destroyed from his own interior.

Mantis: What? My main systems... are being eaten!

X: Where's you Sigma God now?

Mantis: Lord Sigma! Why?!?

Mantis starts blowing up from his own interior. A blast reduces the priest to thin dust. All the people hypnotized by Mantis should be returning soon to normal.

X: Thanks guys.

Zero: Looks like it worked.

Axl: Devil is lucky. Good plan X.

X: That is the third apostle.

Zero: We need 5 more.

Axl: And the chosen one?

X: I don't care about that right now. I just want to lie on my bed and rest.

Zero: Yeah. Me too.

Axl: Meanwhile I'll try to get a girl more like me!

X: Axl... You'll never change...

Sigma Religion northern-Europe castle.

Dark Zero glances at the sleeping Angel on the top of the center tower.

Dark Zero: You should awaken soon. With you help we'll find the chosen one and bring Sigma back.

Dark X rushes on he stairs looking for Dark Zero.

Dark X: Zero! Something happened!

Dark Zero: What?

Dark X: Is Mantis... He fought against the hunters.

Dark Zero: And?

Dark X: ... He lost...

Dark Zero: I'll be darned. They are now 3 apostles we lost. Just 5 more.

Dark X: Should I send the Fourth Apostle to keep the hunters busy until the Angel awakens?

Dark Zero: Yes. Once the Angel awakens, they will have no hope against her power.

Dark X: And we'll find the chosen one.

Dark Zero: Yes... we will...

The fourth Apostle is on his way. And things look worse. The Angel almost awakes from her sleep. And Prophecies say that she will be the most powerful and key element to bring Sigma back.

But from this, Zero will become also a key after the awakening of the angel.

Next Chapter: The Fourth Apostle.

Author's Corner.

Good Morning (Yawn.) This chapter involves more religion than ever. Especially with Saint Mantis. Of course as he's a Prayer Mantis. I was thinking about a place that involved religious stuff for his stage. I thought about some temples and churches. But they weren't big enough for the environment. Then I thought about a those stories about Notre-Dame like "The hunchback of Notre-Dame" or "Werewolf in Paris." Then I thought "Oh! Notre-Dame should be a good place!" Even I felt like I was there when I was writing about its interiors in the night. (It felt creepy. O_O) I took the Nanotechnological Transijectors from "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" that allow T-X to control other machines. Using them was cool specially to control others like you for your own purposes. The detail about the Holy water is that maybe we don't know what makes it a choice for holy rituals. (Why not Holy dirt? Or Holy mud?) Even is one of the most powerful weapons in "Castlevania!" (I'm also a hardcore Castlevania fan. So I might be writing a Fanfic Someday.) I'm still thinking about the next chapter. So I'm not gonna tell about it yet.

See ya in The Fourth Apostle!