Mega man X 8: Rondo of Blood.
Last chapter the battle mentioned in the prophecies was unleashed. The angel of Sigma woke up and fought X, Zero and Axl. The enemies of Sigma
But the angel ended up being Iris possessed by Sigma's spirit. Sigma already took X and Axl out of combat leaving Zero.
Zero understood that Iris' soul was still inside of her body. He just needed to get to her. He reached her soul bringing her back to life. But the energy she emanated to expulse Sigma was a very powerful energy. This meant that Iris is indeed the chosen one to bring Sigma back.
Now the new objective of Zero is to protect Iris from the Sigma Religion. But the Sigma Religion also is preparing
Now the war for the chosen one is about to begin...
Chapter 8: Attack on the HQ.
Maverick Hunters HQ.
Everything's been a rush for Zero. The moment he saw Iris again and the revelation tat she was the chosen one. When he promised to protect her and the world from Sigma. In his way he finds X and Axl who have been looking for him.
X: Zero!
Axl: Hey Zero!
Zero: Hey guys.
X: Axl is looking a lot better now.
Axl: Yeah. Now my abdomen is fine!
Axl curls his fist and starts hitting his belly. But he hit himself very hard...
Axl: Ouch... I guess I still need a little of time for this.
X: So Zero... Aren't you gonna see Iris?
Zero: I was on my way...
Axl: Well then let's go all together!
Zero: ...
Axl: Aw. Come on Zero! Cheer up! She's fine, I'm fine, Everything's gonna be fine! Trust me!
Zero smiles a little as he chuckles.
Zero: Well then. Let's go.
Axl: See X? Told ya he needed a little young spirit!
X: I guess you're right.
The three hunters head to Iris' room. She has been moved into a guest room in the central building. When they get there Iris turns to the door. She greets them happily.
Iris: Hi X! Hi Zero! Hi kid!
Axl: I got a name! It is Axl!
Iris: Sure Axl!
Iris chuckles with his sense of humor.
Zero: So... How are you feeling?
Zero gets close to Iris and sits by her on her bed.
Iris: Now that you ask I feel fine now. Thanks.
Zero: I'm glad you feel Ok.
X: Yeah. Me too.
Axl: You may shot 24 bullets into my body... But you're still cool tough.
Iris: Sorry about that.
Zero: Do you understand that Sigma was the actual one inside you doing that?
Iris: Yes... Do you think he'll be back for me? Well... They need the chosen one...
Zero: I told you this before. I'll protect you from them. Now you just relax until we find what to do. Ok?
Iris: Ok...
Zero: Good. Now don't leave this room until I tell you. Ok? Now take the remote and watch some TV.
Zero hands the remote to Iris. She pushes the on button and looks for a channel. She finds the cartoons.
Iris: I'll be watching this.
Zero: You're gonna watch some Anime? Ok. I'll be around.
Iris: Ok.
X: See ya.
Axl: Ciao.
The three hunters walk around the central section as they head with Alia. Everyone had some words for Zero.
Alia: Zero.
Zero: Hey guys.
Signas: Heard what happened yesterday.
Douglas: Don't worry about her. She's gonna be fine.
Zero: How? How am I supposed to be with her and fight the apostles at the same time?
Signas: Zero. Now I assign you the protection of Iris until everything is over. X and Axl can take care of the rest of the apostles.
Alia: And with those tricky plans that the Sigma religion is planning, we decided to bring some help to keep an eye into this place.
X: Who will help?
Alia: Good question.
Douglas: You'll surely remember him from the core mission.
X: Oh, him!
Signas: Yes. Computer-super genius: Midi. He will help Alia to keep track of any future plan. Come on Midi.
Midi appears from behind Signas. He's a kid Reploid who helped X and Zero during the Core mission.
Midi: Hi everyone! Hi X!
X: Hey Midi! How's it going?
Midi: Good actually. I'm going to help you again.
Axl: Are you sure he's such a genius?
Midi: I can tell you're not the role model I like.
Axl: Wow! This kid is surely a genius!
Everyone rolls eyes to Axl in a silent way.
Axl: What?
Zero: Well... Thank you guys...
X: We made this decision for your own good Zero.
Axl: Yeah. Call it some rejoining time!
Midi: Oh! You mean when a male and a Female get together and make the ritual known as...
Alia moves her hands fast to cover Midi's little childish mouth as she laughs.
Alia: He he he, this kid had enough Discovery channel for one day...
Zero: Well. X, Axl... I'm counting on you guys to finish this.
X: We will.
Axl: Just leave it to us!
Zero heads with Iris to talk a bit and maybe watch some movies in the cable TV. Alia and Midi take their positions as thy track any activities on the perimeter. Hours pass and the big clock seconds hand tick with a big loud noise every second.
Axl: (Yawn) I'm bored. I think I'll be outside.
X: Sure. Have fun.
Axl: I'll be lucky if I get a girl or two on my way.
Alia: Sure...
Axl reaches the outside. He walks on the sidewalk as he glances to different girls. His attention is drawn to one. Axl walk close to her.
Axl: So... Are you alone out here?
Girl: No. I'm actually waiting for some people to get here.
Axl: You got some kind of party or something here?
Girl: Yes. A very big party indeed.
Axl: Great! Can I go?
Girl: You and your friends are invited.
Axl: Cool! When it begins?
Girl: He he he...
The girl's expression changed from a kind one to a psycho one.
Girl: Now!!!
The girl lifts her arm as all the people lift their arms too.
Axl: What?
Suddenly Mavericks start coming out of her and all the people around. They were just containers for those mavericks. Even some capsules fall from the air and Mavericks inside start attacking everyone and heading to the HQ.
Axl: What? This is a surprise attack!
Axl uses his transmitter as he communicates with Alia and Midi.
Axl: Alia! Kid! Anyone!
Alia: We hear you! What's going on?
Axl: Big maverick attack straight to the HQ! Can you see them?
Midi: I got them on radar!
Axl: I'll try to stop them! X! I'll need support!
X: Got it! In my way!
Douglas: X! Take this!
X: What's that?
Douglas: Ultimate Buster part. Remember?
X: Yes. Thanks!
Alia: We'll inform you of any update! Good luck you two!
X rushes to the outside to help Axl. Zero in Iris' room is able to hear the alarm.
Zero: What?
Computer: Emergency. This is an emergency situation code 162, Maverick attack on HQ. All those unable to fight please head to a safe place.
Iris: Zero!
Zero: Don't worry Iris. You'll be fine. Also X and Axl will be fine.
Iris: I hope so...
X and Axl try their best to stop the floats of Mavericks attacking.
Axl: Eat this you bugs!
Axl pulls the triggers of his guns as Mavericks start falling from the sky reduced to scrap metal.
X: Hey you big guy!
X fires a charged shot to a big Maverick. This one falls defeated after another 20.
X: How is it going Axl?
Axl: They seem to be endless!
X: We can do this!
From the distance, four shadows stand watching the battle. Those Reploids are Spine Hedgehog, Thunder Jellyfish, Honey Bee and a Bomber cat.
Spine: Well. They seem to be pretty good like Master Zero told us.
Jellyfish: Maybe we should show up and finish their pathetic fight.
Bee: Sounds good to me. Who's with me?
Cat: Me-auw!
The four Apostles rush to X and Axl as they finish the last line of Mavericks.
X: Are you Ok Axl?
Axl: Doing fine. You?
X: Good. I think that's all.
Spine: I don't think so hunter.
X and Axl turn to the voice. A deep evil voice.
Axl: And who are you?
Spine: We are the rest of the apostles of Sigma. Spine Hedgehog, Thunder Jellyfish, Honey bee and Bomber cat.
Axl: Great. Cheerios is about to destroy us. I'm so afraid!
Bee: That's just sarcasm!
Jellyfish: Let's get this over with. Thunder strike!
A bolt of lighting almost hits X and Axl, but they're able to dodge it in time.
X: Wow! Good stuff!
Axl: Got any other tricks?
Bee: My turn. Honey Bubble blast!
Golden bubbles come out from Bee's hands.
Axl: You're attacking us with honey?
Bee: Not any honey...
The closest bubble to Axl increases its size as it traps Axl inside of it.
Axl: Hack! I'm trapped inside of this honey!
X: Axl!
Cat: Now is my turn! Spinning Bomb!
Cat spins in the air as he releases bombs from his body scattering them across the battlefield. One bomb hits the bubble where Axl is causing heavy damage to Axl.
X: Axl!
Axl: Dang... Honey is more dangerous... Than I thought...
Spine: Now is time for me. Hedgehog Spikes!
Spine started waving his arms releasing deadly explosive spikes. X dodges them with a bit of trouble.
X: They're strong together!
Spine: All right apostles, Spread!
The four apostles spread thru the battlefield as they attack the lonely vulnerable X. Some attacks hit X, but he still tries to hit them with his shots. Alia communicates fast with X.
Alia: X? X! Are you all right there?
X: I'm fine! I can take care of this!
Midi: If you keep fighting like that you're going to be killed!
X: Just let me do it! Argh!
The transmition breaks with an echoed static.
Alia: X? X!
Midi: We lost contact.
Alia: What are we gonna do?
Zero watches the fight thru the window. He can't take that his best friend in about to sacrifice for the love of his friend.
Zero: Iris... I'm gonna go help X...
Iris: But... what about me?
Zero: You'll be fine. Just don't leave this room.
Iris: But...
Zero: Trust me. Everything is gonna be fine.
Iris: ...... Ok.
Zero: Good. I'll be back soon.
Zero turns and rushes to aid X.
X still tries to hold the enemy outside, but his condition doesn't say the same. After all those attacks he's about to collapse.
Spine: So? Give up hunter and give us the chosen one to spare your life.
X: While I have a single amount of energy within me... I'll keep fighting!
Jellyfish: Well. If you wanna die honorably... Then you'll die in battle right now!
Jellyfish waves his arms summoning another lighting bolt from the skies to destroy X.
X: Zero... I did my best...
Suddenly a green slash cuts the bolt into two as it scatters to the left and the right with a raging explosion. X turns to his savior.
X: Zero!
Zero: Need any help?
X: But what about Iris?
Zero: And what about helping my best friend when he needs me?
X: Thanks Zero...
Zero: Now is time to finish these losers!
Spine: Who are you calling loser? Blondie.
Jellyfish: You must be Zero... Then I'll make this fast.
Bee: I see. This will be sweet!
Cat: I'm gonna blast you off!
Zero: Bring it on!
Spine begins his Hedgehog spikes attack. Zero waves his Z-saber creating a shield deflecting all spikes. Some spikes hit Spine's face neutralizing his vision.
Spine: Argh! I can't see!
Zero jumps towards spine as he grips the hilt of his saber getting ready for his blow.
Zero: You're officially retired! Kuuenbuh!
Zero spins in the air as he slashes Spine in half.
Spine: This... Can't... Be!
Spine explodes in a series of explosions as he's reduced to dust.
Zero: Who's next?
Bee: Argh! Zero is very sour! I'll sweet him a little! Honey Bubble blast!
The bubbles scatter around Zero. In response he jumps and grips the hilt assuming preparation for another attack.
Zero: Watch this! Hyouretsuzan!
Zero's energy blade turns into ice as he freezes the bubbles reducing them into golden crystals.
Bee: What?!?
Zero: Now is time! Raijingeki!
A beam of electricity comes from Zero's hilt hitting Bee causing an overcharge in his system.
Bee: Overcharge! Going to explode!
From the explosion, Bee is reduced to nothing.
Jellyfish: Now I'll show you who master electricity! Thunder Strike!
Zero dodges the lighting bolts as he dashes towards Jellyfish gripping his hilt tighter.
Zero: Say good-bye to those arms! Shippuuga!
Zero spins on the ground as his blade cuts Jellyfish's arms. Without them, he can't use Thunder Strike anymore.
Jellyfish: What?!? My arms!
Zero: Let's get this over with!
Zero hits Jellyfish with an uppercut leaping him on he air as Zero curls his fist in order to use another attack.
Zero: Ready? Rakuhouha!
Thick powerful energy beams come falling from the sky as one of them hits Jellyfish. The shadow disappears in the intense light.
Cat: Guys! You'll pay for this! Spinning Bomb!
Cat's bombs fly towards Zero. He waves his saber as the bombs are being cut in half and explode apart. Zero raises his head as he looks Cat directly to the eyes.
Zero: You know... You apostles are so pathetic.
Zero takes slow steps towards the fearful Cat.
Zero: You serve a group of Mavericks with higher illusions only to be stopped or even retired if you oppose the good guys. Every Maverick knows that. But they keep trying. I don't know why you keep trying to destroy us.
Cat: It's because I know who's the responsible of the existence of the Mavericks!
Zero Swings his saber as he runs and takes lift with a high jump.
Zero: Ryuenjin!
Zero's blade turns into pure fire as it slashes Cat exploding into dust. Zero lands on the ground putting his saber back on his back.
Zero: Nobody messes with my friends.
Zero turns to X rushing to see if he's all right.
Zero: Are you Ok X?
X: Yes. I'm Ok. I just need a little time to heal.
Zero: Good. Axl?
Axl: I'll be Ok too.
Zero: Good. X, let me help you up.
X: No thanks. I can stand up by myself.
Axl: Me too, just give me a second.
Both hunters are standing up completely healed ready for anything.
X: Thanks for your help Zero.
Zero: Don't mention it. Besides. I'm the only one here allowed to die protecting his best friend.
X: You'll never change.
Axl: Hey guys. Shouldn't we be getting back with Iris?
Zero: Iris! I completely forgot about her. Let's go.
Suddenly a break in transmission from Alia arrives to them.
Alia: X! Zero! Axl! Anybody respond!
Zero: This is Zero. Is there something wrong?
Alia: Is Iris! We lost contact in her room!
The three hunters were able to hear Iris' scream from far away inside of the building.
Iris: KYAAA!
Zero: Iris! Come on guys!
X: Right behind you!
Axl: Full throttle!
The three hunters arrive to Iris' room. She's unconscious but in the hands of a person who got there before them while Zero was gone. White hair and red goggles.
Zero: Dynamo!
Dynamo: So. You got here.
X: What are you doing with Iris?!?
Dynamo: Easy. Those four apostles were just a distraction to draw Zero away from Iris and let me come here and get her.
Axl: What are you planning?
Dynamo: Relax boy. I'm just taking this lady, the chosen one to fulfill her fate. To complete the Rondo of Blood!
Zero: No! I wont let you!
Zero draws his saber as he rushes in the small tiny room towards the window. Dynamo takes a little jump as he falls down. Zero jumps out of the window, But X grabs his foot as he starts falling down the big altitude.
X: Zero!
Zero: Let me go! I have to save her!
X: Yeah. And kill yourself in the procedure? There's nothing you can do!
Zero: Iris............
The hunters head to the meeting room where everyone is gathered to discuss the situation.
Signas: Damage report?
Alia: We lost 30 percent of our units' sir. The enemy kidnapped Iris and they're about to complete the Rondo of Blood.
Signas: The situation is worse than we expected.
Midi: Is there anything we can do?
Signas: Just to wait the end of everything.
Zero: No!
Zero hits the table with his hard fist.
Zero: I know there's something we can do! There's always something!
X: But Zero. We don't know where the enemy is. Besides, There still might be hope. But very little.
Axl: Is like finding Iris in this bunch of girls! How we're gonna find them?
Midi looks to his screen as he's shocked by something on display.
Midi: Huh? Commander! We got a break in transmission!
Signas: Who?
Alia: ... Is the enemy!
Signas: Put it on the big screen!
The big screen come down of the ceiling as it project a creepy dark place. Dark Zero stands in front of the screen.
Dark Zero: Good evening Hunters.
Zero: You!
Dark Zero: Long time no see.
Zero: Where you have Iris?!?
Dark Zero: Oh. We're kinda angry here... Relax. She's fine. We're just making the final touches for the final step of the Rondo of Blood.
X: The Final step?
Dark Zero: But this looks very boring without a good fight. We're inviting you Hunters to witness the resurrection of Sigma Live! These are our coordinates. Don't get lost on your way here. Ciao.
The signal cuts leaving Zero decided.
Signas: This is weird... Any enemy wouldn't be like this revealing information.
Zero: I'm leaving right now!
Zero stands up But X blocks his path.
Zero: X! Get out of my way!
X: Zero! This is very dangerous! We can't allow you to go.
Zero: Listen! I promised Iris that I would protect her at all cost! I might be not her brother... But I still can protect her! Even I'll die If is necessary! Now! Get out of my way!
X: ... Zero. I told you before. This is very dangerous... So I'm going with you.
Zero: X...
X: You'll need all the support you can get right? Besides. You helped me before. Now let me help you.
Zero: Thanks X...
Axl: Hey! Are you two taking me out of the action? Or what?
Zero: Axl...
Axl: Cheer up. We're gonna stop this and bring her back so you two can have a relationship, get married and have some kids!
Zero: ...Thanks guys...
X: Don't mention it.
Signas: Well then. This would be the final battle against the Sigma Religion!
Midi: Once you're there, You won't have any contact with us.
Alia: Please be careful guys.
Zero: We will. Now. Let's go to the Sigma Religion castle!
X: Yeah!
Axl: Wohoo!
After the three hunters leave, Alia and the guys discuss a plan to help X, Zero and Axl.
Alia: X and the others will need help in this. This is no normal enemy.
Signas: Yes. The only thing we can do is sending someone else to help them.
Douglas: But whom can we send?
Midi: Um. I have an Idea.
Alia: What is it Midi?
Midi: He's ready and fully functional again. Maybe he can help.
Douglas: We can help them by sending him, after all he's the best choice we have.
Signas: Is decided. We will help them. Alia, please call him and tell him that we need him. Even he will be accepted in the hunters again.
Alia: Yes sir!
The Sigma Religion kidnapped Iris and is about to make the Final Step in the resurrection of Sigma. The Final step of the Rondo of Blood.
Alia and the others have a plan to support X, Zero and Axl by bringing him back. Who would this "Him" Be?
X, Zero and Axl will have a fierce battle against the dark ones. And some may die.
Next Chapter: Battle against the Dark Gunner.
Author's corner.
I liked this chapter! I used Zero's techniques from Mega man X 4 to give more excitement to the battle. I really like Midi. So I brought him back to the action from Mega man Xtreme. Now he's Alia's assistant. I don't have much to say about this chapter, but next one will be the first fortress level. After three, the final battle against you-know-who will even better follow the things. And for the ending I got something that will turns you perspectives.
I decicate this chapter to all the reviews and readers I got so far. (Keep telling me your opinions and encourage me to contiune this epic adventure!) Specially to Markos who asked me to dedicate this chapter to him Thank you Markos!
See ya in Battle against the Dark Gunner!