Disclaimer: I have mentioned who belongs to who for everyone else already, however, Teegee is a new creation of mine, so I guess I own him.
Cameras flashed and clicked, excited murmurs and shouts ran through the crowds. The cameras lit up every corner of the room not already filled with the dazzling fluorescent and neon lights scattered around the large room and decorated catwalk. Reporters gossiped to each other and to cameramen about the event they were at; what was rumored or what they thought would happen. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, the crowd quieted down. Two lights started roving freely down from above the arena. The lights were shaped like two letters, T and G. Without further ado, the crowds began their obligatory screaming. An announcer voiced a full-hearted introduction over the intercom.
"Ladiiiieeees and gentlemeeeeeeen, boooysss and giiirrls, welcome one and all, to the famous, fabulous, fantastic world of the new and the never before seen wonders of TG fashions! This is a once in a lifetime moment, for now, we introduce the one and only owner and designer of TG fashions! Please give a warm, no, a hot round of applause for the man who designs it all! TEEGEEEEEE!"
The screaming tripled in volume. The cameramen strained to catch every moment of the excited crowds and the measured strides of a single man walking down the runway. He wore a long and voluptuous brick-red scarf that threatened to strangle him. His suit was a bright tan, with pointed shoulders and flaring sleeves and leg bottoms. His outfit was accessorized with dark brown, square shoes and overlarge, tinted brown sunglasses.
Teegee continued strutting down the runway, causing women and men alike to sigh and fan themselves vigorously to stay conscious. When he reached the circular end of the catwalk, he paused. The noise died instantly. With one slow, graceful movement, he reached up to his glasses and spoke with a calm, casual emphasis, "This crowd..."he began. Quick as a flash, he removed the glasses and aimed them towards the sky.
"Is fabulous!"
More raucous cheers followed the statement. They slowly died off as Teegee put his hand into his pocket, drawing out a microphone. By the time the object was hovering in front of his face, the crowds were silent.
"Thank you, thank you, one and all, thank you! It is an honour to be admired by so many of you absolutely fashionable people. But of course, you are all so fashionable for one reason. By listening to me! For you, I will not disappoint! So now, I will announce this year's greatest fashion line ever! And this line stands out from the rest for one thing. Here, I will show you one of the greatest sights you will ever see..." he snapped his fingers. On hearing the sound, the curtains hiding the dressing rooms opened up, revealing a long line of fashion models, both male and female. They wove down the stage, showing off their clothes for all to see. Long sleeves and pants, flowing long hair, robes and capes, ruffles and flounces, intricate lace, and on and on... The crowds oohed and awed in amazement. Teegee posed dramatically with the microphone.
"This year, my fellow fashionistas, is all about length! Long, flowing, graceful length! This year, we're celebrating what it means to be truly wondrous. Show off those well cared for locks of hair, let your shirts and gowns flutter in the breeze! If the Mega Men can pull it off, then so can you! Let your true selves free! And above all, stay fabulous!"
Hoots, hollers and whistles of approval followed his statement. He bowed to his fans, then motioned for silence. The models stopped in their tracks, posing for the cameras. Teegee took a gulp of air, then continued.
"My fans, you have never let me down. Every fashion statement I make, you follow. Every year, you listen to my advice on how to be gorgeous. Every single one of you is a person to be looked up to. Because of this, I have decided to hold a contest unlike any other."
Gasps and murmers of wonder passed through the multitudes of people. Surely, they thought, whatever this contest was, it would be the most important contest in the world! The audience listened with bated breath as Teegee continued, "I have decided to randomly appear in several important locations around the globe. In each location, I plan to look for a new person to model in each one, to represent the people of that region! And the best of these models may very well be offered a permanent position in TG fashions! So dress to impress, because I'll be out there looking for you!"
Joyous screams met his proposal. And so did the most important fashion contest ever (in their limited memories) begin.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Ashe looked around, quietly scanning her surroundings as she tiptoed into the hall. All she saw was the bland inside of the hospital she was currently stationed in, along with the occasional machine beeping a silent staccato in the silent evening. A few quaint landscape paintings dotted the hall. Ever the girl of action, her eye twitched. "Screw those stupid doctors and their no vigorous activities," she mimicked mockingly, "I'm getting the heck out of here!"
She kept on tip-toeing down the corridors, dodging the occasional night time nurse or doctor. Soft rays of moonlight crept in through the windows, reflecting off the white linoleum and causing Ashe's path to glow faintly. Her feet made a satisfying rhythm as she moved, coaxing her to keep going. Snores from the occasional room interrupted the calm atmosphere, but only for a moment as she passed. Now in front of the elevator, she glanced around for signs of any other life. Seeing none, Ashe smiled.
"Looks like I'll be making a clean getaway!" she gloated. The door opened.
"APPARENTLY NOT." Siarnaq droned from the elevator's clean steel interior. Ashe jumped, startled, but soon regained her composure.
"What in blazes are you doing here?" she hissed at him angrily.
Siarnaq straightened his posture, "RESPONSE: SURVEILLANCE OF SUBJECT ASHE."
"Pervert, you were going to spy on me!"
"SURVEILLANCE ASSIGNED BY MASTERS. MASTERS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT SUBJECT."
The silverette huffed, "And why the heck should they be worried about me? I'm a Mega Man, I can take care of myself!"
"PRIMARY RESPONSE; SUBJECT VALIDATED CONCERNS WITHIN SHORT TIME FRAME. SECONDARY RESPONSE; SUBJECT WAS INCAPABLE OF SELF PRESERVATION PREVIOUSLY, AS EXHIBITED BY SUBJECT'S PRESENCE IN HOSPITAL."
"You can just shut the hell up, you know that?"
"NEGATIVE."
Ashe fumed inwardly at her defeat. But there was no way she was just going to let the emotionless ninja make a fool of her. "Well, I'll have you know that the doctors think I'm well enough to be walking around on my own, so I see no reason why I have to stay in this rotten hospital any longer!"
"RESPONSE; I DO."
"Oh? And what might that be?" she snapped.
"SUBJECT IS WEARING INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE."
Ashe gave him a confused look, then peered down at what she was wearing. It was a thin hospital gown, only covering from her shoulders down to halfway down her thighs.. Coupled with the slippers she had on, it wasn't exactly the best thing to wear in the outside world. Ashe snorted angrily, but stepped back.
"Okay wise guy, you win. I'll go back to my room. But don't you think you won't hear about this later!"
Siarnaq stepped out of the elevator, its door closing with a thud behind him. He held up the bag that he'd been hiding behind his back, "INPUT; SUBJECT MAY HEAD BACK TO HOSPITAL ROOM. I WILL INFORM HOSPITAL STAFF OF OUR DEPARTURE. YOU WILL BE ESCORTED OFF THE PREMISES WITHIN POINT FIVE HOURS."
Ashe grimaced, "Now you tell me." She rudely snatched the bag out of his hand, then stomped off towards her room. Siarnaq left in another direction to find one of the hospital's nurses.
Back at her room, as Ashe was changing clothes, she noticed a thick cross of stitching where her injury had occurred. She took a minute to marvel at how close it had been to her more vital areas. "Damn, it really was a close call, wasn't it?" she thought aloud. Leaning to one side, she felt the ridge of healing flesh, wincing as pain shot through it. Then she remembered that Siarnaq was probably waiting for her. She grabbed a random shirt out of the bag (it had been filled with some pretty boring outfits, but at least there was some choice), flinging it on over her shoulders. There was also the matter of that one guy from before, the one with long hair from the hangar. The memories of all his actions flooded her mind briefly, from his multiple death threats to his unnaturally strong abilities. And then there was the fact of his precautions against anyone finding that he'd been there...
A knock sounded on her door. She tied her hair back as she yelled at the culprit, "Dangit Siarnaq, just give me a minute! I'm almost done!" After her hair was finished, she grabbed some flip flops from the bag and hopped over to the door while putting them on.
"SUBJECT WAS ALMOST LATE." he said as she opened it. Ashe rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, you can't expect me to just put on any old clothes you throw in a sack. Even if it is late, I'm at least getting out of this place looking presentable!" she complained. After Siarnaq motioned her to follow him, they walked back towards the elevator. The pair headed towards the hospital's exit the moment the doors opened on the ground floor. Some of the other people in the lobby watched them as they left. After continuing on their way for a while, Ashe began to get suspicious.
"Siarnaq, where are we going, anyways? You said you'd get me out of there, but never mentioned the destination."
"RESPONSE; AWAY FROM CIVILIANS."
"And why would that be?" she asked. She was starting to get nervous.
Siarnaq looked around. The street they were on was completely empty save themselves. The lamps designed to light it up were failing, their glow only partially lighting up the lane as one flickered dangerously. He turned around. "TO PREVENT THE PROPAGATION OF RUMORS. SUBJECT ASHE MAY HAVE INFORMATION THAT MASTERS HAVE DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE FOR CIVILIANS."
Ashe was intrigued, "And what info would that be?"
"INFORMATION DETAILING AN UNKNOWN PERSON OR PERSONS. SPECIFICALLY, SUBJECT THAT WAS WITH YOU DURING THE INCIDENT TWO NIGHTS PREVIOUS."
"So you want to know who was with me when I got hurt. Ashe summarized. Siarnaq nodded. "Well, honestly, I don't know. I know what he looked like, that's for sure, but he never gave me a name. As for anything else, well, I know he has a hangar where he keeps his ship. Also, I'd rather he not know that I told you. He was rather blunt about me saying anything to anyone. Said he'd "come finish the job" if info got out, if you know what I mean."
"UNDERSTOOD. INFORMATION ACCEPTED." Siarnaq agreed.
"Why are you asking me, anyways? Shouldn't they have been able to figure out who he was from his footprints or whatever? I wanted to know that too, actually." she explained. Siarnaq glanced around again, as if he wasn't sure about if he should answer. But he did.
"MASTERS DEEMED INFORMATION DETAILING UNKOWN PERSONS INAPPROPRIATE TO PUBLIC BECAUSE FOOTPRINT NEGATIVE FOR SERIAL NUMBER."
"What? He had no serial number! No wonder he seemed so reluctant to get discovered," she reflected out loud, "and that's probably why the Masters don't want the public to know about him. A guy running around without serial numbers is really serious. Am I right?" she asked. Siarnaq nodded.
"AFFIRMATIVE. TESTIMONIES OF GREY AND OTHERS CONFIRM EXISTENCE OF UNKOWN PERSON. TWO WITNESSES IN PROTECTION PROGRAM SUGGESTED SURVEILLANCE OF TARGET, RATHER THAN ARREST. MASTERS CURRENTLY CONSIDERING."
"I getcha. To tell you the truth, I found something off with that guy as well. I want to have a little chat with him later, to be frank." she told him secretively.
"AFFIRMATIVE. REQUESTING YOU ALLOW ESCORT WHEN SITUATION OCCURS." He replied.
Ashe gave him a sly look, "And who's asking me to do that? Legion? Or you?"
Siarnaq paused, contemplating. "RESPONSE; I AM," he admitted.
"So the mysterious ninja has revealed his curiosity. Can't say I blame you, the guy is quite the enigma," she teased. Siarnaq stared blankly at her, then began shifting his eyes to their surroundings. Ashe began to look around as well. The blanket of silence was immensely calming, even to her. But soon enough, she felt the need to speak again.
"So, what do we do now? Head back to Legion?"
"AFFIRMATIVE." Siarnaq responded.
x-x-x-x-x-x
"You want to call me WHAT!?" Omega roared furiously.
People nearby jerked around, startled at the outburst. Birds flew to the air to escape the cacaphony. The dusty, friendly atmosphere of Hunter's camp had just been interrupted rather drastically. The Gem Gang had told him about the, in their opinion, smart decision concerning his lack of a name. Apparently, the sentiment wasn't shared.
"I go on one mission with you guys, have to get your asses out of the fire, and what do you call me? BEAD?! What the hell were you idiots thinking? I don't care what it stands for, I never agreed to it! It's a stupid name!You know what, fuck this, I never agreed to be a part of your group, either! That's it,I'm done!" With that, Omega stormed off like he should have done ages ago. The Gem Gang was left to gape at his outburst, scrutinized by everyone not staring at the dark messiah as he disappeared into the distance. The Pearl twins gaped and blinked as Amethyst rolled his eyes discreetly behind his visor.
"Oh, this is so not over," Ruby growled, her red hair tousled by the wind. In her utter indignation, she let it be. The rest of the group seemed to agree with her, Diamond and emerald gritting their teeth and fists as they began to follow Omega, hoping to talk some sense into him.
Omega noticed. However, he had a head start, and used it to his full advantage. Just as they lost sight of him around a corner, he gunned it full speed towards the nearest alley. His sturdy legs pounded the dusty ground as he approached. Ducking into the small space, he raced out of their sights, fully intent on losing them once and for all. A few of the passersby in the main drag blinked, wondering if that blur they'd just seen meant that they should go get their eyes checked.
Several corners later, he let himself skid to a halt. The soundless loom of the alleys pressed in around him. Some shouts in the distance, but they were too far away to discern the words. He listened intently for any nearby noise other than his own heavy breathing. Nothing. Omega's panting slowly ceased as he gulped in stale air, the result of few winds passing into the desolate space.
Still, nothing happened. He leaned against the nearest building, comforted by the dead silent world. Finally, if his luck held out, he would be free from that accursed bunch of idiots. What made them think they were so necessary to him, anyways? The fact that they found him in the desert? The couch they had in that cramped apartment of theirs? Or the simple fact they thought he was their friend? Fools.
Apart from those parasites, the desert had been no problem for him. And now that he had a hangar rented out, there was really no reason for him to need to go back to their cramped apartment. Then of course, the matter of friendship. A stupid notion, really. He didn't have or need any friends. He mentally chastised himself for staying with them as long as he did.
Omega chuckled. Wow, the alleys really got him thinking about his current situation. This was the second time that he'd had a deep reflection in them. He sighed, relaxing. Almost enjoying the silence, really. The only thing that he enjoyed more was the complete opposite of this, the screams of dead and dying people calling out piteously for help that would never come. The roars of the battlefield. Oh, how he loved those sounds. And the overwhelming presence of blood made it all the better.
Suddenly, he was more bored than relaxed. Not being one for idleness, he began searching around to decide which direction to go to. Then, by some fluke, he looked down. Down at the flawless, unmarked footprints in the dust.
And that's when he decided to go up.
"Shit shit shit shit!" he cursed, jumping as far up towards light as he could. Wall jumps, double jumps, and his Static EX skill all contributed to his extremely high change of altitude in a minimal amount of time.
Omega's quiet place of refuge had suddenly become a place to avoid like the plague. The incriminating evidence he left behind, the footprints without a serial code, could be directly linked to him if he was known to venture into the alleys, should said footprints ever be found. Even if he went back and erased the footprints from today, chances are he might not do it correctly and still be discovered, not to mention a cloud of dust floating from the alley might raise suspicions. And, curse his memory, he couldn't remember the path he'd traveled the first time he'd entered the alleys.
Now on top of a building, he scouted around for any witnesses. Most people were on the main drag, and the few oddballs that were on the roofs were way off in the distance, too far away to see him. Good. By the looks of it, no direct witnesses. A few more roof hops later and he could see the entrance to the alley he'd entered, along with the Gem gang conversing below. Guess I'm not going that direction, he thought. Another quick scan of the surroundings, and he noticed a tall building a few blocks to his left. "Well, that'll work."
Ten leaps later, he was on top. It had a high, pointed ceiling, complete with weather vane and a little cross tied onto it. Probably some religious kook had put it there, but who gave a damn? Able to observe the camp better from this vantage point, Omega peered around for crowds in which to hide himself, and more importantly, any trail he was making. Better safe than sorry, both from the Gem Gang and anyone looking for the one who was making blank footprints.
He was in luck. Apparently, there was some sort of event going on at the main plaza (he assumed that's what it was, anyways). Scores of people were crowding around something, or someone. He didn't really care what or who, but at least no one would notice one more face in the crowd.
Then he smiled, realizing what it might mean to do that. He, the devil reploid, was entering a crowd of ignorant, unaware, blissful people.
"As they used to say, the devil walks among us," Omega chuckled. Then off he went.
Minutes later, he arrived at the scene. He was mildly surprised to find that the people crowding around the "point of interest" were all screaming, fans judging by their calls' contents. After sliding down into another deserted alley (taking extreme care not to touch the ground), he emerged from it and sauntered over to the mass of civilians.
The volume of noise was almost deafening. Screeching, ecstatic men and women all jockeyed for a position closer to the center of the gathering. Omega, not wanting to be an obvious target on the outside, pushed past a few rows of people to become less conspicuous. Now in what seemed to be the middle rows, he glanced around for anyone that might have found his intrusion out of the ordinary. No one so much as looked his way. Which was perfectly alright to him. Now to disappear for real this time, probably back to his cozy hangar.
An announcement belted out something over the PA system, interrupting his thoughts. Omega, too distracted by the crowds around him, didn't hear the words. However, the people around him somehow did. They surged into a long, thin formation, as if lining up for inspection. For one short, clear moment, Omega was completely exposed, no longer hidden among the crowds. He realized this and dashed back into the groups of people, hoping that the event was of little consequence. But the damage was already done.
"STOP!" Someone yelled imperiously. Everyone did almost instantaneously, leaving Omega precious few seconds to immerse himself out of sight. One man, dressed in very odd attire, strode purposefully down the lane of people. Everyone tensed as he passed, seemingly hopeful that he'd notice them.
"I just saw the most fabulous person among your ranks. I want them to step forth!" he demanded. On his jacket, two letters were extravagantly embroidered in flourishing script. T and G. The crowds looked among themselves, excitement brewed. Omega slowly crept to behind the two lines of people. Suddenly, this wasn't looking like the best place to fit in.
"There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you!" someone chided from behind him. He turned around just in time to see the Gem Gang storming up to him, Opal at the forefront. Oh, this wasn't good. A quick glance behind him confirmed his suspicions about what the crowd would be doing, staring at him intently. A lamb in a field of wolves would be the best comparison.
Omega gulped visibly. "Crap..."
"That's him! That's the one! Bring him to me!" yelled Teegee. Omega found himself seized roughly and brought into the center of the lane. The Gem Gang, for some reason, backed right off, albeit unwillingly, watching what was happening with interest and more than a little trepidation.
"Look at that hair! Absolutely gorgeous, it flows in such a graceful way!" Omega found himself being poked and prodded, his hair held up for the world to see. Then, without further ado, his arm was grabbed and pulled out. "And those muscles, oh my! Such tone! I never thought it was possible in anyone less than a Mega Man, but you put those chosen ones to shame! How ever did you manage?"
Omega yanked his arm back from his assailant, turning and snarling at him, "You leave me alone! I won't stand to be treated like someone's lab rat! Go get your own specimen!"
The man stood back, his brick red scarf trailing his movements. Despite Omega's obvious anger at being disturbed, his eyes still ran up and down Omega's form. Other people followed his example, although a lot less intensely. "So that's how. You've got quite the attitude, hmm? Excellent, excellent! I, Teegee, approve! Grace and power, together in one person such as yourself. You are clearly representative of the bold attitude of Hunter's camp! And yet, you seem like the antisocial type. What brought you to my fashion show today?" he inquired, bringing out a notepad.
"The need to ditch some idiots and see what the hell was going on with this lot of no-brains here," Omega snapped, waving at the crowd. Many of them bristled indignantly and booed.
"Tch tch, you're a rude one. Oh well. Mirvan, get the camera! I want to get a picture of this one before we take him to the studio!" Teegee yelled at one of his crew. Omega looked in the same direction that Teegee was, noticing an assistant lifting up his camera, turning it on. It hadn't got a picture of him yet, but that wouldn't last long. So Omega did the first thing that came to mind.
Four crowd members behind him seemed to simultaneously drop flat on their backs as Omega bulled past them. He bolted down the street behind the crowd, determined to not allow anyone a chance to get a picture of him. His need to stay low wouldn't allow that.
Teegee and his company stood dumbstruck at his sudden departure.
"I guess he's a bit camera shy..." one of them noticed. Teegee took immediate action.
"Camera shy models will never slow down TG fashions! After him!" he roared. His whole crew, twenty in all, began chasing Omega. The only others that followed were the Gem Gang. The rest left to do other things.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Pandora, Prometheus, Siarnaq and Ashe trotted around the camp, looking for their target. By a stroke of luck (or not, you never knew with Siarnaq), they'd all arrived at the front gate at the same time. Dust blew in from the wastelands as they chatted animatedly about the mysterious, silver haired reploid.
"So what do you guys think of him? I think he's a jerk," Ashe blabbed. Siarnaq shrugged while Pandora came to her crushes' defense.
"Give him a... a bit of a chance. I know he's rough on the outside... but I'm sure he's nice enough once, well, once you get to know him," she insisted shyly. Ashe grinned at her mischievously.
"So you're the ones who suggested that he be investigated before he was arrested. I thought it was you!" Ashe beamed, gloating over her discovery.
Prometheus admitted, "Yup, it was us. Me and, ahem, White here." He elbowed his sister playfully. She smacked him back, and they started a mock battle with each other oblivious to the presence of others.
"INQUIRY; SURVEILLANCE OF UNKNOWN TARGET LESS EFFECTIVE THAN ARREST. WHY WAS SURVEILLANCE SUGGESTED?" Siarnaq asked. Prometheus looked over from his head-locked sister to answer.
"Well, to be honest, the look in his eyes was kinda like the one we used to have. Judging by that, the poor guy has probably been through a lot more than we think. And if he's still so negative towards others, even if he is free, than it might be better to convince him to join our side, rather than force him against us."
Pandora broke free of her brother's hold, giving him a restrained slap to the back of his head, "Besides, it's like you said earlier... there's something else odd about him. If what you said was true, about how he got to a place only you should have been able to get to, Ashe... then it's for the best that we figure out what he's capable of... before charging in to grab him. Who knows, he could be... just as strong as any of us," she finished. The siblings resumed their jousting.
"Yeah right, the only person as strong as a Mega Man is a Mega Man. I wouldn't be surprised if he had enhanced abilities, but be able to defeat one of us? Fat chance!" Ashe scoffed.
"AFFIRMATIVE," Siarnaq agreed. They kept walking and pondering to each other about what the target was capable of. Several minutes later, however, their musings were stopped short by a figure belting past them at impossibly high speeds.
"What was that?" Ashe gawked. They noticed the figure's silver hair flash around a corner.
"Wait a minute, the guy we're after has silver hair! Let's go-"
"GET HIM!" interrupted a bellowing call. The group of mega men had just enough time to leap out of the way as a small horde of people pounded past, determined to catch up to Omega. All of them stared in partial disbelief as they went.
"Geezes, I leave that guy alone for two days and what does he do? Goes and gets himself into a load of trouble!" Ashe pouted, upset at being nearly run over.
"INPUT; SUBJECT'S CAPACITY FOR INVOLVING HIMSELF IN DIRE SITUATIONS APPEARS TO EXCEED SUBJECT ASHE'S," Siarnaq added. They got up slowly, rubbing at sore spots.
"Looks like we've got some competition if we're gonna get him alone," Prometheus groaned. The group sighed collectively, then set to the task of gaining a solitary interview with the red demon.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Omega ducked around another corner, skidding as he did so. Grooves were worn in the ground as he attempted to regain his footing, dust flying from his boots. He began running at top speed again, quickly peeking behind himself for any close followers. At the pace he was going, it seemed that no one was able to keep up. However, as he looked back in front of him, a rogue group that had split from the main one cut off his exit down the main drag.
"There! Told you it'd work!" one of them howled. Omega had to halt his hectic pace immediately to stop from crashing into them, but his momentum begged to differ. He'd been going so fast that he was forced to use his hands as well as his heels to stop moving. A nice cloud of grit was flung into the air, providing him a small dust-cloud with which to consider his routes of escape.
Omega's hair almost cracked the air as he desperately searched for another exit. The sounds of the main group began to come around the corner, so with no other way out, he had to take an alley. He scrambled to get up, and had just disappeared into it when those on his tail spotted him.
Now back at full speed, Omega navigated the narrow passages with as much caution as he could spare. At this point, this was practically none. To round a corner yet maintain his current speed, he had to jump onto the opposite wall to leap into the passage. The G-forces were immense, but he'd been built with endurance in mind. After an uncountable amount of dodges through the alleys, he found himself back on a larger road. The sounds of pursuit were still loud behind him. This time, he saw no other alleys to duck into, and the road he was on was straight with only two ends. Unfortunately by the sounds of it, either end was about to be filled up by those chasing him.
Only one option was left. Since it was obviously not running, it'd have to be hiding. Glancing around, he saw a tall building, possibly an abandoned church or museum, and ran towards it. He threw the thick doors wide open, and was lucky to find no one inside. Searching for a place to wait out the crowd, he happened to glance up. A glass covered chandelier hung about ten meters up. The rest of the establishment looked tarnished and old. Omega charged up his Heat Launch, then jumped at the chandelier. Grabbing at the chandelier, he found that the shaft holding it up (the only thing reasonably large enough to hold his weight) was slick. His hand slipped. The devil reploid activated Static just before he fell off, managing to keep his hold. As he swung himself to the top of the chandelier, a single glass piece launched off, landing with a small crash at the front door.
The group outside heard it. They saw that the door had been opened and rushed over to it. Omega grimaced and held his breath as the place he was hiding in was suddenly filled with every person that was chasing him. They milled about, scrutinizing every square inch of the room, except, thankfully, the ceiling.
He just hoped it stayed that way.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Pandora was huffing and panting heavily as her and the other Mega Men finally caught up to the mass. Shoving herself into the cramped space, she gazed around to see if she could find their target, but with little luck. No one else in the room seemed to be able to find him, either. As she dove in further, her shoe crunched against something on the floor. She glanced down out of reflex, then did a small hop to get off of the glass.
She peered around the room. Strangely enough, there was nothing in the place that was made of glass, or anything else similarly breakable, at least from what she could see between members of the milling crowd. Still, she pushed in farther, the others following her and hoping to get a better glimpse. Some of Teegee's men left to see if the building was just a distraction.
Nothing, however, showed up. More and more people started peering around outside. However, Pandora still had the oddest feeling about this place. She glanced back at the spot where the glass was, then had a sudden hit of inspiration. She looked up.
Omega was still holding his breath, clutching the chandelier as if it were a life line. He was also looking around to see if anyone had yet gotten smart. Pandora looked back down before he could see her. She poked her brother, who looked at her with curiosity. She discreetly pointed up, then pointed at the other Mega Men. Her brother got the message.
"There he goes!" proclaimed Prometheus, pointing victoriously out the door. Everyone in attendance snapped their attentions to the spot he was indicating, and although no one was there, they felt the collective urge to sprint in the general direction. The siblings grabbed the other chosen ones as they tried to rush forwards, making a shushing sign at their indignant looks.
Within seconds, the last person was out the door. After waiting a minute for the pursuers to run in whatever direction was available, Pandora and Prometheus grabbed the doors and shut them. The thud was loud, but ignored by everyone else. Ashe gestured angrily towards the pair.
"Alright, what's the meaning of this?" she demanded. Pandora merely grinned, then spoke.
"Okay, we know you're up there, you can come down now."
Her comment caused the whole group to look up. Omega looked down, realizing his luck had just run out. Siarnaq's eyes went wide at the red demon's position.
"SUBJECT'S CURRENT SITUATION IMPROBABLE," the ninja said uncharacteristically. Prometheus merely nodded in agreement.
Omega scowled. Of all the people to discover him, it was that nosy bunch from before the lockdown. "Make me," he snarled. He did notice, however, that there was the Model P mega man with them.
Ashe drew her gun, "Are you sure, buddy? I hate to be the one to point it out, but the sound of a crashing chandelier is more than likely to grab the attention of those outside again," she smirked.
Before anyone could react, Omega had his own weapon drawn. His sword, which was currently in gun form as it could transform as required, was aimed at Ashe. "And the sound of a falling chandelier would undoubtedly be followed by the sound of a screaming girl."
Ashe smirked, sheathing her weapon, "Well, you're certainly trigger happy."
"I have to be. People like me tend to have a lot of enemies, and someone like you certainly can't be considered a friend," he taunted harshly. Adjusting his position to face those below him, Omega sheathed his own weapon as well, "So, what do you want? You've never come to me once and not nagged me for some thing or other."
"RESPONSE; INTERROGATION OF TARGET."
Omega looked down at Siarnaq skeptically, "Whatever. Why should I talk to you? I have a right to remain silent, if I so wish," he put his free hand on his hips, showing his stubbornness.
Pandora stepped forward, a sly look on her face, "And that you do. However, I think you fail to realize the gravity of the situation you're in right now."
"Ha ha, very funny. In case you haven't noticed, I am defying gravity right now, and so have no need to fear it," he grinned smugly. Pandora shrugged, walking over to the door.
"Too bad. Oh well, I guess there's nothing for it," she sighed, opening the door a crack. She took in a gulp of air and-
"What are you doing?" Omega asked tersely. Pandora turned around to him.
"What does it look like? If you don't feel like talking to us, then maybe you'll talk to the ravenous crowd outside," she teased. Again, she turned to yell, but Omega cut her off.
"NO! Don't! Don't let them in here!" he hissed. Pandora giggled maniacally, he had a weakness!
"What, afraid of a little ole' crowd? Or maybe the cameras they have? Whatever it is, they'll be over here in ten seconds flat if I so much as say one word. So start talking, mister, or I will!" she threatened. Her shyness had all but faded away with her advantage over him. Omega was infuriated, but knew that she had a point.
"Look, I can see that you're curious about me. Unfortunately for you, I'd rather die fighting than tell anyone about myself," Omega stated. None of the Mega Men seemed particularly pleased about this. He sighed in momentary defeat. Judging by the tense atmosphere, he would have to compromise. "Tell you what. I won't reveal anything about myself, but I'll make you a deal. I'll do you a favor if you let me stay anonymous. It's win-win, really."
The Mega Men seemed to be considering this. The one he'd been negotiating with seemed particularly pleased about this offer, and beckoned the others to a huddle. Several low murmurs and whispers later, the gray haired one was laughing and slapping her thighs while the shadow Mega Man nodded and the red haired one patted his sister approvingly on her back. Omega didn't like it one bit.
"Very well, your offer is accepted," she called up. Omega was relieved, but only momentarily. "By the way, my name is White."
"White? Odd name, but I don't see why it's of any relevance," Omega said. The look from her in response chilled Omega.
"Of course it's relevant. The favor you're going to give us..." she grinned evilly, sending minor chills up Omega's spine, "is that you're going out on a date with me."
Omega gaped at her, and was so shocked that he forgot to keep Static going and crashed to the floor. "WHAAAAT! he roared. Ashe and Prometheus blinked in surprise.
"I said a date-"
"There's no way I'm going out on a date with you! No fucking way! I will not go out on a date with whatever random bitch asks me out! I'd rather go to hell and take a bath in a boiling cauldron!"
"Such a shame..." Pandora sighed. She leaned back, opening the door even wider, "Oh, guys!" she said tauntingly. Omega raced forward, grabbing her and dragging her back.
"No no no NO! Stop that!" he pleaded. Pandora left the doorway, closing it, her brother watching tensely just in case the situation went sour.
"Well, sorry, but I won't stop unless you agree. And I get to choose the location, got it?" she commanded. Omega seethed as she smiled innocently. But what choice did he have? Then he had a thought.
"Look, I know you want to go out on a date with me, but there's another reason we can't. I haven't got any money, and considering how it's usually customary for the guy to pay for the first date, it wouldn't work out so well, now would it?" he pointed out. Omega thought that his argument would work, but apparently not.
"Fine then. We'll have our date the day after tomorrow, giving you some time to get a mission and make some money. I'll meet you at your hangar in the morning." Pandora gloated. Omega was left stuttering for a counter as the Mega Men walked out of the room, grinning to themselves. Pandora was last, and right before she closed the door, she blew him a little air kiss. He stood stoically for what seemed like hours after the door finally closed. Complete silence engulfed the room. Then, he went berserk.
The first move he did was to pound his fist into the nearest wall. It passed right through, leaving a large, jagged hole. Then he slashed at the decaying siding with his bare fingers, scoring it with innumerable gashes. More walls were punched, metal support bars were ripped bodily from their holdings. A railing from a staircase was smashed and scattered everywhere across the floor. Even the staircase itself went, ripped and gutted from the ground. He howled demoniacally, the sound sending a small mouse mechaniloid scampering for safety. It never got there. Omega grabbed it, ripping the poor thing in half. Another raging battle cry bounded around the room, echoing his rage. The chandelier jerked from the ceiling, it's movement clashing together the glass decorations in a unholy cacophony. Omega looked up, just in time, to see it drop right on top of him, his weight from earlier having loosened it.
He leapt out of the way as it hit the ground, shattering into a million pieces. Three of the larger ones impaled themselves in his back. The rest were fortunately too thin to do any harm. Omega got up, looking around at the desecrated grandeur of the chandelier, its glass covering the floor like a crystal carpet. His rage emptied from his systems, leaving him hollow and tired. He walked haltingly over to a ripped cushion from an antique style couch which he must've destroyed without realizing it. After brushing off some loose glass, he sat down. Omega plucked the shards from his back, flinging them carelessly over at the mouse mechaniloid's carcass. Then he brought out his gun, shooting every drop of blood, his or the mouse's. No evidence was left after the last plasma blast fired.
This time, hours did pass. Omega only left the building when the shadows in Hunter's camp began to take up more territory than the last rays of light from the sun. He headed towards his hangar, and once inside, locked all the doors and windows. After closing the blinds, he leaned against one of the legs of his ship. Omega fell asleep.
He'd never once noticed the Gem Gang member stationed at a distance from the hangar, ensuring his safe arrival. Opal, upon seeing him close the door behind him, finally retreated back to the old church. Amethyst, who had stayed behind, wordlessly nodded to her before the pair left. Just because he'd left didn't mean they weren't going to do what they could to keep an eye out for him.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Siarnaq watched as Omega shut the windows, too focused on his objective to have noticed the Gem Gang members discreetly watching. He was megamerged and crouched on top of the next hangar over, surveying his prey. After another hour of nothing happening, he decided to go back to the old building to see what had been done. After they'd left the building, Ashe and Prometheus had congratulated Pandora, all electing to go somewhere to celebrate her victory. Only Siarnaq had decided not to go, after all, someone had to start surveying the unknown person. Still, he offered his praise (in his own way) to Pandora for getting the man into that situation. It would be much easier to investigate him if she took him somewhere Legion controlled.
Now, as Siarnaq leaped back towards the establishment, he watched those below him. Those that were previously after Omega now were all over the place, having given up on finding him long ago. Some birds fluttered by to get to their roosts.
Siarnaq arrived at the building quickly. As he hopped down into the alley, he noticed the hole in the wall. As he slunk around to the front, he noticed shattered pieces of glass littering the ground.
He opened the door, quickly turned around, and backed up into the place while closing the door. Then, as he looked around at the interior, his eyes opened wide in shock. Omega's fury had done more than just break a few things, as he had expected. Instead, it had decimated everything possible.
"'Tis like the work of a demon," his biometal said. Siarnaq heartily agreed. He strode further to the center of the room, noticing the full extent of the damage. Shards crunched underfoot as he stopped at the mechaniloid carcass, its plasma blasted body failing to hide its true death. Siarnaq gulped, then looked to a metal bar not far away.
He went over and picked it up. One end was snapped, and it didn't take long for the ninja to find out from where, a support bar in the wall. Now curious, Siarnaq attempted to bend the metal to test its strength. It took all his might, even though he was megamerged, to snap it similar to how Omega did.
"A DEMON INDEED." Siarnaq replied. Even though he was the most level-headed of the Mega Men, Omega's wrath had him more than concerned. Perhaps even fearful...
"We should inform the Masters immediately," Model P stated. Siarnaq nodded, then dashed out and towards the teleporter station on the other side of Hunter's camp.
The God of Destruction was being unearthed.