Okay, its time for the sub-bosses and the first real boss! Sorry I didn't update sooner. Something was up with my internet and it wouldn't load the upload page, and therefore I couldn't update. I own nothing except Issen, who invariably is going to destroy the Universe! MUWAHAHAHAH!! Okay, I'm done now...
To Dragon Man 180: He likes being hit with his own grenades? Interesting, but I never really saw that in the games. Thanks anyway though!
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'Confirmed, two Tiger MK-4 heavy assault tanks. Crew complement of three. Armed with AP mortars, a double barreled top-mount machine gun, and a 33 mm cannon. There's a weak point in the armor just above the main hatch, where a blade can cut all the way through the tank and destroy it. However, if I cut a few meters above that line, I won't destroy it and its crew will live.'
Bullets sparked around his feet, signaling it was time to move. Issen started his attack by double jumping high into the air, bringing his blades back along his arms and waiting for the correct moment to strike. His aim was true, and Issen descended on the first tank with all the fury of the blizzard surrounding him.
"Silver Air Raid!" Mere meters from the tank, Issen swung his blades horizontally, cutting through the main turret and almost to the ground. Amazingly, he missed all of the Tiger's crew but managed to slice the engine in half. He rolled off of the tank's turret as he landed, taking a small amount of damage from impacting the tank's armor.
'Reminder to self; one hit kills can damage the user as well if the surface below is really hard. Question though, how did I know the name of that attack?'
Deciding to not waste his energy on his thoughts or another one hit kill, he turned his attention to the second Tiger, which was firing its top mounted machine gun at him. Several bullets flew past his head, prompting Issen to move to a more defensive position. The bullets continued to fly as Issen dove off the turret and used the first tank's body as a shield, all the while planning out a strategy for defeating the second. Glancing around the tank's edge, he spotted the Jumper prepping for takeoff.
'Two minutes to takeoff. I don't have time to mess around.'
Coming to a decision on his plan of attack, Issen checked the second tank's position. It hadn't moved, but it had stopped firing at the first Tiger and was bringing its main gun into play. Several Russian personnel panicked and jumped out of their damaged tank when they saw the impending doom that their brothers were sending their way. Frowning at the prospect of being blown up, Issen activated his cloak and made a hasty escape towards the second tank. The Tiger's main cannon boomed, reporting that it had just killed its brother. Said tank exploded, sending shrapnel flying into the air. The distraction of the first Tiger's destruction gave Issen enough time to stab his blade into the second tanks engine.
"Game over." The voice that came behind Issen was gruff in the truest sense of the word. He felt something large, round, and hollow being force against his back. "I'd suggest turning off that cloaking device and showing yourself; otherwise I'll fire this rocket launcher and blow us both to hell."
Issen turned slowly, deactivating his cloak and showing himself.
"I suppose you're the one who wanted to start a war." Issen glared daggers at him, but the old general either didn't notice, or didn't care.
"Nah, that's Russian central command's idea. I'm just the messenger of death. Now why don't you just kindly surrender yourself into our custody, or do I have to make that an order?"
"Sorry, but I don't take orders FROM ANYONE!!" Issen's voice steadily rose as he spoke, and with the general focused on his face Issen used his buster to quickly knock him out before he could fire. "Fool. Never take your attention off your opponent's weapons."
The Jumper's engines were beginning to roar at full power now, signaling it's readiness for flight. Issen used his boost technique again, this time pushing himself to the limit as he tried to catch the plane. With wheel's still down, Issen was able to catch it and climb into the wheel well. The wheel slowly began to rise, threatening to crush him, but Issen cut through the ceiling and made his way into a cargo compartment. Noting the extreme lack of guards on such an important flight, he quietly waited for his cloak to recharge.
'I've had a lucky day so far. Almost no damage and no ones died. I should be safe if I rest here. Besides, it'll take at least two hours to reach Egypt. As long as I take this plane down before then, everything will be fine.' Issen slipped into a quite sleep, setting his internal alarm for an hour's worth of recharge...
IIIIIIIIII
ProtoMan looked out over the city of Tokyo with a happy smile. Just moments ago he had been alerted to Issen's escapades in the Russian base and his battle against the tanks.
"The kid's doing well. As long as Wily never gets his hands on him, we should all be fine." Just then a tone rang in his helmet, alerting the wandering robot of a new e-mail. "Dr. Cossack again? I wonder what it could be this time..." He opened the message and read it.
"Subject - Element abilities and a warning.
Hey ProtoMan. I was finally able to complete my analysis of Issen's prototype Element Change system. Issen has the ability to change his element status by simply being around a certain element for a short period of time. This also affects his stats and his abilities, but you already knew that. What's interesting is that his system, by itself, has expanded the amount of abilities the changes grant him! While this should be impossible, we must remember that I still have no idea how his systems work because they were so much more advanced than anything I've ever encountered. Since I installed a wireless surveillance device in his systems when I repaired him, I've been able to keep track of his systems advances while studying it. Here's a list of elemental abilities I've discovered so far.
Fire element- Flame blades. Increases his blade attacks and allows him to use a technique called 'Flaming Cross'.
Ice element- Ice buster. Increases defense and allows Issen to use a technique called 'Diamond Vein Slash'.
Wind element- Double Jump. Increases his speed and allows him to use a technique called 'Silver Air Raid'.
Electric element- Elec buster. Doubles his buster power and allows him to use a technique called 'Flash Point.'
Also ProtoMan, I found that Issen's energy system continually evolves in a semi-organic manner. When he absorbs different energy types, his body adapts to it and increases his main energy supply by utilizing the new energy source. If he ever came into contact with a nuclear weapon of some kind, his power may increase to untold levels!
While the chances of this ever happening are slim, we must remain aware that people all over the world are after him for one reason or another. If he is ever caught and reprogrammed, we could face a catastrophe of worldly proportions. I have a feeling that even he doesn't know his true abilities though. I'm going to contact Dr. Light and MegaMan about this as soon as I finish my study of his operating system, so be prepared to support your brother and Issen. Well, that's all the news I have for you. See you around ProtoMan."
"So, the kid is a lot more dangerous than we suspected. I'll contact Issen as soon as he reaches Egypt."
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Issen was sound asleep, having the AI equivalent of a dream. The plain was vast, with little or nothing except the desert sand disturbing his view of the horizon. The red dawn was settled in the east, sending rays of unbroken light over the desert and creating the illusion of a fire razed world. The sand itself was turned red by the light, adding to the ominous effect. He was wearing his poncho again, and the early morning breeze was ruffling his red hair ever so slightly. He was walking west, his shadow leading the way. Little droplets of warm liquid began falling, coating the desert and turning it an even darker shade of red. He lifted his hand to catch a few of the drops and let them pool in his hand for a few seconds. His eyes widened in surprise at the color of the rain.
'The rain... it's red like blood!'
Indeed, the rain that matted his poncho and the back of his head was disturbingly blood-like. It began to fall faster and faster, until the red rain became almost a monsoon. Then it suddenly stopped without a sound. The wind had also stopped, letting an uneasy silence settle over the desert. A shadow came over him, blocking out the sun...
Issen's eyes snapped open as his internal alarm went off. There was a small amount of frost surrounding his body, having formed when the snow on his body melted and refroze because of the cold temperatures in the sky. His Element had also changed to Ice in his sleep.
'Well, I guess I should get to work. I only have an hour until we reach Egypt. Still, that dream was rather strange...'
He saved the dream in the back of his mind and concentrated on his task. There were several boxes nearby, each filled with a large plasma tank. Guessing that they were for GrenadeMan's use, Issen set his hand against the side of a tank and began to siphon energy from it.
TOTAL ENERGY CAPACITY INCREASED BY FIVE PERCENT.
"Wow. That's a new feeling."
Issen registered growing warmth inside of his chest for a few seconds. It faded soon, and Issen decided to continue on his way. He found a ladder and an escape unit. The Jumper was a double decked aircraft, with one cargo hold positioned right above the other. Since Issen couldn't find GrenadeMan in the lower hold, he climbed the ladder to the upper hold. Still, there wasn't a single guard.
'Perhaps they rushed the takeoff so I wouldn't be able to get aboard, and in turn none of the guards made it aboard either. Seems logical enough.'
He shrugged off the uncomfortable feeling he was getting and searched around the room. The front of the hold consisted of packaged Grenades and other explosives which were stacked to the roof, making the back of the hold impossible to see without closer inspection. Issen retracted his armor and slid between the crates, being careful not to accidentally pull a pin from a stray Grenade. After a few seconds of tight spaces he finally reached the other side of the cargo hold and found his objective.
GrenadeMan slept peacefully inside of his capsule, awaiting his first activation after his defeat at the hands of MegaMan. The blue and orange robot had a hook protruding from his head that curved down behind his head, somewhat like that of a grenade. Just below his head was a ribbon of yellow and black, followed by a grenade like body. His shoulders were plated with orange, while his blue arms and boots completed the strangely unnerving look. All in all, he looked quite calm for a death machine.
"So peaceful looking in his sleep, yet so deadly when awake. Kind of sad, now that I think about it."
Issen sighed as he re-applied his armor. Equipping his blades, Issen raised his right arm and prepared to strike. Then he heard a shout from behind him.
"You! Turn around and keep your hands where I can see them!"
Issen turned around slowly. The pilot had apparently taken a break and, after setting the plane to autopilot, heard his musings and was now aiming an AK-47 at Issen's face.
"How the heck did you get on this plane?"
"Easy," Issen replied, "I disabled your Tiger MK-4 assault tanks and cut my way into the wheel well. I was napping down there for a little bit before I came up here."
The pilot looked a little shocked. "You were the intruder?!"
"Yeah. Your point is?" Issen began charging his busters, hoping desperately that the pilot wouldn't notice until it was too late.
"I've got orders to take out anyone who tries to get in our way. Sorry buddy, but I've got to kill you."
He brought the aim of the rifle up a little bit, aiming for Issen's forehead. Issen, sensing this, dodged to the side as the pilot opened fire. The bullets instead impacted GrenadeMan's capsule, activating him prematurely. In the meantime, Issen had finished charging and used Boost to get the drop on the poorly trained pilot. Within a few seconds, the pilot was down and GrenadeMan was finished waking up. The blue and grey robot smiled and gave Issen a thumbs-up.
"I'm GrenadeMan!" The robot was rather cheerful for someone who liked death and destruction. "I suppose that you're here to retire me, correct?"
"Yes. I can't let you attack Egypt."
"Okay! Then I guess we'll have to fight!!"
GrenadeMan made the first move, shooting a grenade at Issen with a shout of "Flash Bomb!" The attack missed, hitting a wall instead of Issen, but the effect still remained. A tiny group of shutters in Issen's eyes slid over his retinas as the intense light filled his vision. GrenadeMan took this time to fire off a trio of grenades from his buster, all dealing a little bit of damage to Issen before he could recover from the blinding light. Just as Issen's vision returned, he heard a shout of "CRUSH!" before being knocked aside by GrenadeMan.
ENERGY LEVEL AT EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT. PLEASE USE CAUTION.
"Okay. Time to turn the tables."
Issen pushed himself off the ground as GrenadeMan prepared to charge at him again. The blue and orange robot dashed, but found that his original target was no longer where he had been. Issen brought both of his busters to bear on GrenadeMan and opened fire, searing his back with energy fire. The attacks barely fazed him however. GrenadeMan turned and grinned, firing another 'Flash Bomb' at Issen. This time, Issen blocked the attack with his blades, and the light was instantly absorbed.
NEW WEAPON ACQUIRED. FLASH BANG GRENADES NOW AVAILABLE.
GrenadeMan issued a surprised look before deciding that Issen needed to die. He fired another volley of grenades at him, but Issen used his blades to deflect them back at his attacker. GrenadeMan dodged all but one of his grenades, causing him to clutch at his side for a moment before resuming combat.
Issen charged both of his busters, shunting the power to his Boost system before charging at him with reckless abandon. GrenadeMan dashed at Issen as well, and the two locked arms when they met. Issen got the drop on his opponent by draining some of GrenadeMan's energy. He noticed this maneuver immediately and kicked Issen away. He tried to fire a grenade at Issen, but the silver and black robot reflected it. He then used the long reach of his blades to slash repeatedly at GrenadeMan, who used his arms to deflect some of the hits. Eventually though his defenses were worn down. As a blade struck his chest, GrenadeMan suddenly made a decision.
"CRAZY DESTROYER!"
The deranged robot leapt away from Issen as he tossed several explosives on the ground. Issen noticed them just in time and jumped into the air as they exploded, leaving an empty hole where the floor used to be. Both combatants landed in the lower hold as the grenades and other heavy ordinance crashed down around them. Several explosions erupted, creating holes in the side of the aircraft. Issen gripped a coolant pipe as the hold depressed, sending most of the equipment tumbling. A grenade slammed into his back and exploded, but Issen kept his grip and turned to find the source. GrenadeMan, holding onto a pipe of his own, was firing madly at him. The wind caused by the decompression was sending most of the grenades off course. It also served to change Issen's element status.
"Time to end this." Issen charged his buster and aimed at GrenadeMan's hand. The blast of energy flew true and struck it, sending the robot sliding towards one of the gaping holes. He quickly found footing on a box of explosives that amazingly hadn't exploded and began firing again, but not before Issen had achieved a full charge. He fired the blast at the explosives crate and sent GrenadeMan to his second grave. He could have sworn he heard GrenadeMan yell "That felt good!" as he exploded...
"Objective complete."
The plane suddenly shuttered as its engines exploded. The battle had destroyed too many coolant lines and the plane was beginning to fall like a rock. It was then that Issen noticed the Pilot who had held him up. He was wedged between a plasma tank and the wall, still knocked out from Issen's drain. The silver and black robot pulled with all his might to reach the Pilot, using his blades to force him free once he reached him. The box moved eventually, freeing him and allowing Issen to grab his body. Issen scanned the cockpit of the Jumper and, finding no one inside, decided now would be a good time to escape. A small altitude meter appeared in his vision.
"Ten-thousand feet and falling. Great. Time to use the escape unit."
There was a flash of light as Issen and the pilot disappeared.
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"Thank-you again." Issen waved to the village with the uncaring attitude of most modern day teenagers. Several of the villagers waved back, but it was only out of common courtesy. When he and the pilot had landed on the desert floor, Issen immediately took him to the village and paid for his care. Since he had no reason to stay, he bought a few supplies and marched off into the desert. Using the map and compass he had purchase Issen plotted a course to Egypt, and more specifically Cairo. It would be a long walk through the desert sands...
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Issen beats down his first boss! FINALLY! I hope you people enjoyed this, because I spent a lot of time and effort on it. Since your review is the only reward I will ever receive for this hard work, please do so now!