S.IV - Ep. 15: Double-Cross my Heart. Hope to Die.
Written by Metal-Man X
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EXT. SPACE PORT – Launch Pad – DAY
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Caption: Moments Ago
X runs onward past a series of scaffolding and makes it to the launch pad of the Space Port only to find that there is no Rocket in sight.
X:
Huh?
His com-link beeps. X takes the call.
DOUBLE:
(o.s, filtered)
Repliforce has already flown off into Space…
X:
What the-.. But I thought… Double, do me a favor and watch the others for me at the Base. I’ll go after them, first!
DOUBLE:
(o.s, filtered, gasping)
Sir! Reconsider what you’re doing; it’s far too dangerous!
X:
We don’t have any other option! I’m leaving you in charge here, Double!
X frantically looks around for a spacecraft. He finds one further across the apron at a short runway and runs for it.
- cut to –
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INT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Docking Bay - DAY
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Back at Hunter H.Q., Double is moving a few supply boxes with the rest of the 17th Elite Hunters. They are currently on standby, awaiting further orders to board a ship for the Repliforce Space Port. Their attention is drawn to Double when he clumsily drops a box on the floor that makes a loud crashing sound.
A small beep emits from Double’s breastplate. He answers the call on his com-link only to hear the voice of his master, surprisingly.
SIGMA:
It's me. /Those Hunters must not be allowed in here. Terminate them!
At the dash, Double’s face goes from curious, to /ominous.
DOUBLE:
(scowling, dark)
Roger...
Pollux and the others gawk at him, as they think he’s talking to himself.
POLLUX:
What a freak.
ELITE HUNTERS:
Ha ha ha ha ha!
They all laugh and share a good cackle, as Double clenches his fists. With his back to them, Double’s body starts glowing and becomes shrouded in a forboding red aura.
JUNO:
(concerned, worried)
Hey, Double. What's the matter?
He turns and glares at them.
DOUBLE:
Hmmeeee/yaaaa/aaa/rrruuaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
His /left hand, then his /right hand transform into stronger gauntlets, as his arms open up into a far more muscular form. Then, his gut inverts into a muscular well-defined set of abs as his chest broadens out with a strong golden armored plating. At last, he reveals his new wicked face with a grin. His blood red eyes and their dark metallic outline scare the rest of the Elite Hunters.
Fully transformed, he now stands before them, at about 6 feet. His sharp shoulder pads compliment his new horned helmet, while his more muscular arms and legs are a vibrant lavender color. He is battle-ready, and as far as he is concerned, these fools more than deserve their punishment.
ELITE HUNTERS:
(scared, nervous)
Aaaahhh!
Alecto, Castor and Pollux all stare at him with their mouths agape as they take a step back.
The fearsome Double runs after them with his left hand out and his right hand back. He creates a sharp cutting blade from his gauntlet. Then he chops Pollux in half diagonally, as blood spurts out.
POLLUX:
/Aaah.
He turns to his left and cuts down /Aeson and /Juno’s chests diagonally with both hands; just victims of circumstance.
AESON & JUNO:
//UUaaahhh!!
He chops Castor’s hand off, who runs away as fast as he can to the nearest Console.
CASTOR:
Ugghh..
He turns to Xanthe and Zephyr, and quickly slashes them across the chest and back without hesitation.
XANTHE & ZEPHYR:
/AAAAGH/EEEGHH!!!
At last, he destroys Alecto, cutting violently across the chest.
ALECTO:
Aaauuugghhh!!!
He notices that Castor made it to a Console, and is patching in to a radio transmission.
CASTOR:
This is the Maverick Hunters, 17th Unit. Commander X, please respond!
Double’s shadow covers his back. He waits for Castor to turn around.
CASTOR:
Huh?
Off screen, Double /kills him as the communicator falls to the ground. X’s voice can be heard on the other end as Castor dies.
CASTOR:
Gaaaaaahhhhh…
X:
(o.s, filtered)
This is X! What happened? Report!
Double grabs the communicator with a wicked grin and speaks in his calmest, coolest voice.
DOUBLE:
Nothing to worry about...
X:
No further transmissions unless necessary to carry out the operation!
DOUBLE:
Understood...
X:
I'm breaking contact.
Double throws the communicator to the ground where his adversaries have finally met their end.
DOUBLE:
And now, X will be my next target. Heh heh heh heh...
- Fade out -
[Insert Title Card: Double-Cross My Heart. Hope to Die.]
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
(worried, flustered)
What the- Iris! Please!! This is crazy.
IRIS:
(o.s, filtered)
My brother and I are bound by the same Soul. We were actually born as one; but then our soul was split apart into two separate entities for fear that we were too powerful, together.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
(fascinated, then concerned)
Reeally. /H-huh??
Colonel's dead body begins to /shake. A small purple orb peers out from his chest plate. It glows radiantly in the sunset as it slowly rises to the sky.
IRIS:
(o.s, filtered)
Souls are eternal… Brother and I will be together again. I'll become what we were always meant to be.
IRIS:
(o.s, filtered)
I'm afraid this is goodbye, my friend. Take care of Rex for me. Don’t let the Repliforce die out.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
IRIS!!!
IRIS:
(o.s, filtered)
Promise me/.
She /closes communication, ending their conversation abruptly.
Spiral Pegasus looks up at the DNA Soul amongst the sunset worried, but also relieved that she has a plan. Then, he salutes the dying sun in her honor.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
I promise.
- pan to –
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EXT. SPACE PORT – Launch Pad – DAY
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Far to the right, Zero can be seen entering a small spacecraft on the same runway that X was on.
ZERO:
This is it.
He starts up the engine and com-links to X, as he prepares to lift off.
ZERO:
X, I’m following your trajectory.
X:
(o.s, filtered)
Good. You won’t have any trouble following them in, since we’re in Repliforce ships.
ZERO:
That’s good… Hey, man. What are we doing?
X:
(o.s, filtered)
Just seeing what they’re up to. At this point, I don’t trust them any more than you do.
Zero sighs, relieved at that thought actually. For once they’re finally on the same page.
- Cut to –
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INT. SPACE SHUTTLE – Cockpit – NIGHT
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X follows the trail of ships towards a massive satellite weapon.
X:
(gasping)
Oh my God! This is what they were up to all along??
ZERO:
(o.s, filtered, alert)
What is it? What’s going on??
X:
They built… another weapon. And it’s pointed right at Earth!!
ZERO:
(o.s, filtered, gasping)
Ooh man! The General has a lot of explaining to do.
X:
I’ll say!
X speeds up toward the large satellite complex and docks his ship by an entrance. The rest of the Repliforce ships pass by the Satellite Weapon as they continue their journey to their new Colony.
- pan to –
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INT. FINAL WEAPON – Entrance – NIGHT
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X runs into the first corridor to find exposed wires dangling all across the walls. He charges up and summons his Force Armor when he sees two Giga Death mechaniloids waiting for him along with four beam cannon drones.
X:
Hmph!
Draped in white and blue, with gauntlets of black and red, X fearlessly blasts the first Giga Death, which shatters upon being hit. Residual balls of plasma form around the beam cannons it bypassed, which destroys them too.
The second Giga Death shoots a missile at X, that misses. It gets blasted with another Plasma Shot, which completely destroys it.
X takes out the remaining beam cannons behind it with level 1 shots, before jumping across a small wiring unit in the middle of the hallway.
On the other side of the unit, X encounters two more Giga Deaths that are accompanied by Beam Cannons. He successfully dodges all of their lasers and missiles, and destroys them in the same fashion as he proceeds to make it to the end of the corridor.
He kick-jumps up a wall and enters a gateway, not knowing what to expect.
X:
(v.o, thinking)
Okay. Whatever is waiting for me in there; I’m ready. Its time to get some answers.
X mentally prepares himself for the conversation of his life, expecting to bump into the General, or possibly a series of Repliforce Soldiers. But instead, when he enters upon the gateway, he finds his small, portly companion Double waiting for him.
-pan to –
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INT. FINAL WEAPON – Battle Room - NIGHT
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X lands to the ground, confused as he looks at Double and powers down to his normal armor.
X:
Huh? Double! What… Why are you here!?
DOUBLE:
(cynical, dark)
…Hee hee hee. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! The Mavericks, Hunters and Repliforce… Idiots, all of them. They’re making my job too easy!
X tilts his head and gives Double a cross stare.
X:
(scowling)
…W… What are you talking about? Double, what are you saying?!
DOUBLE:
(smirking)
Think it over in heaven! Die, X!
X’s eyes widen as Double quickly transforms before him into his fearsome form.
X:
(nervous)
Ah!
DOUBLE:
(eager)
I’m so anxious to rip you apart!
X shakes his head, shocked beyond belief as he charges up and summons his Force Armor once again.
X:
What have you done, Double?
X blasts him with a fully charged X-Buster, but Double summons up an equally powerful fireball of his own.
DOUBLE:
Its time I showed you what I can really do. /Destroy!!!
He /tosses the blue fireball at X's plasma shot.
His powerball knocks X’s charge shot away, putting his new powers to shame.
X:
(surprised, reacting)
Whuh? Oh man..
X narrows his eyes and points an Aiming Laser at him. Upon firing, the ray pings off of Double's armor hopelessly, doing no damage.
DOUBLE:
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!
[RADAR]:
Its no good. Analyzing possible weaknesses.
Double runs over to X with a deadly pink blade emitting from his gauntlet.
DOUBLE:
Kiba Slash!!
He announces his deadly attack as he dashes after X.
X far-jumps back to the wall, bounces off of it and air dashes over him as he charges up. This time he strikes him with a hard charge shot to the back.
DOUBLE:
Hoough.
He turns around with a wicked grin. Then he throws another heavy powerball at X, which knocks him down.
X:
Aghh.
DOUBLE:
Ha ha ha ha! You’re gonna get hurt, X!
X narrows his eyes and switches to his Ground Hunter power. He fires a few stingray shots at Double, but they bounce off his armor, pathetically.
DOUBLE:
Ha ha ha ha ha. You /weakling!!
Double dashes over to X with a pink energy blade, as X back-dashes onto his feet.
Double misses, while X catches his arm, and overhead tosses him onto the ground with a scowl.
DOUBLE:
Awhh.
X puts his hands on his hips.
X:
(annoyed)
Wanna try that again? What’s this all about?
Double gets up and shakes his head with another evil grin.
DOUBLE:
You really have no idea, do you?? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!
X:
No. I don’t. And now you’re wasting my time!!
X charges up as his armor glows red. As Double runs over to X, he lets out a super-charged Rising Fire uppercut, that seems to have no effect on his armor.
DOUBLE:
Hahahaha, Nope!!
Double slices the airborne X in the gut at close range, who falls to the ground, /bleeding at the stomach.
X:
Auuughhhh…. Fffff/uck…
DOUBLE:
Ooh. It sounds like someone is having a bad night.
[RADAR]:
Try the Double Cyclone, X. Wind seems to be his weakness.
X:
Hmph..
X slowly picks himself up and shifts his Force Armor into a dark green aura.
DOUBLE:
Hehehehehehh. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
X narrows his eyes.
X:
What’s so /funny!?
He lets out a /cyclone from both hands.
One cyclone hits Double at his underarmor, just below the chest.
DOUBLE:
/Agh… Huurr/Agh!!
His affected stomach suddenly bubbles up into two blobs, which escape from his body and manifest themselves into two golden drones, with their own A.I.
X:
(scared)
What the..?
DOUBLE:
HA HA HA HA HA!!!! My internal defenses are strong, X! Anything you dish out at me, I’ll give back to you, DOUBLE!!
X:
What!?
Suddenly the two golden drones float above him and fire green energy blasts at him, while Double himself, dashes with another Kiba Slash.
The surprised, X charges up and blasts the two drones, while Double takes another slice at X’s chest.
X:
(hurt)
Haaaauuuughhh!!!!
Double makes /swings and /kicks to capitalize on X's pain.
DOUBLE:
/Yes! /Yes!! I /love it. I /knew you wouldn’t be able to /hold your /own.
X shakes his head and cringes as he blocks the hits and charges up. Forgetting about his own pain, he /shoots a super powered Double Cyclone at close range, which whirlwinds direcly against Double’s pink underbelly and knocks him down.
DOUBLE:
/OOOOuugh. Ha ha ha ha ha. Keep it coming!
Yet again, more blobs emit from his body and create 5 more golden drones, while Double gets up and keels over in pain. Two of the drones turn into disc-like buzz saws, while three others float, independently and fire at him at random.
DOUBLE:
You’re only hurting yourself, X.
X looks around worried.
X:
(v.o, thinking)
Damn. He’s right. I’d better end this sooner than later.
X far jumps back and blasts a Plasma Shot at three of the drones. He points to Double with an accusing glare, while two of the buzz saw drones continue to ricochet around the room.
X:
Ya know, it’s a shame that you hid all this power from me. We could’ve done a lot of good with it. You must’ve let the others get to you. And the power must’ve gotten to your head.
DOUBLE:
Hee hee hee hee hee…
Double stands upright, ready to battle again.
X:
Is that your end goal, then? Did you want to take over the Elite Unit as your own??
DOUBLE:
HA HA HA HA HA! God Damn, you’re such a fool.
X scowls and charges up.
X:
Enlighten me then!!!
He fires another Plasma shot at Double. Double parries it with a powerball of his own. The collective explosion damages him as it destroys the two buzz-saw drones near him.
DOUBLE:
Aggh. I killed your stupid, Elite Unit. And I’d gladly do it again.
X makes a hardened grimace.
X:
Those were good people…
DOUBLE:
(glaring)
Not to me… They deserved it.
X twitches.
X:
Hmph. Aeson, Juno, Alecto, Castor, Pollux.. Xanthe and Zephyr! They’re all gone. Maybe they were right to not like you, after all…
Double grits his teeth through a grimace.
DOUBLE:
Heheheh! That’s fine by me. Once I'm done here, you’re all gonna be dead anyway!
He dashes after him with another Kiba Slash.
X clenches his fist and shakes his head as his armor becomes darker.
X:
Damn it Double, I /TRUSTED YOU!!!!!!
In a raging fit of emotion, X’s Force Armor transforms into his Ultimate Armor as he /catches Double's fist. Draped in dark blue, purple, black and gold, X is surrounded by a purple aura as he glares at Double, his sworn enemy.
X crushes Double's hand with a dark, fearless glare.
DOUBLE:
Aaaaaaghaaaa!! SSo there’s that.. Ultimate Power you were so… afraid of. It’s about time you gave me your all!
He backs away in pain as he shakes his hand out.
X:
(irate)
Shut up!!!!
X dashes over to Double and /punches him hard in the face.
DOUBLE:
/Aeghh.
Double high jumps away and pulls at all of his power to create a large /crescent shaped blast.
DOUBLE:
Rrrrr/AGH!!!!!
The blast is so large, it reaches all the way to the ceiling of the room.
X:
(focused, defiant)
HMPH!
X easily creates Nova Energy around his body and uses his back-jet thrusters to launch himself directly through Double’s crescent blast.
DOUBLE:
WHAT!?
X’s glowing body rams against Double and tackles him to the ground, creating an instantaneous explosion in mid-air.
DOUBLE:
AAAAAAIIIIIIGGHHHhhhh….
When the dust clears, X stands above Double with one foot on his chest. With both men panting, it is clear that Double has been defeated.
X:
(concerned)
Double!
He spits out some blood at X’s boot.
DOUBLE:
…Damn! …How could I lose to a weakling like you…
X:
(unfazed)
Double, tell me! Why did you do this?
He takes his foot off of him to let him speak.
DOUBLE:
…Hee hee hee. Ha ha ha! You’re so naive, X! I was sent as a spy from the very beginning to keep an eye on you!
X cricks his neck and narrows his eyes, provoked.
X:
…Double! I… I trusted you!
DOUBLE:
Ha ha ha ha! That naiveness may be your fatal flaw! Goodbye, X! See you in the afterlife!
X:
Double!!
With that, Double’s core ruptures into a violent explosion, forcing X to jump back and watch his enemy die.
X blinks and takes in the moment in silence. Then, he simply takes out a sub-tank from his compartment belt and restores his energy by placing it into his chest piece. After an exasperated sigh, he powers back down into his white and blue Force Armor. Then, he looks to the gate at the end of the room, with a clenched fist.
-pan to-
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INT. FINAL WEAPON – Corridors - NIGHT
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X walks out of the gate and carefully drops down to a lower corridor, where he faces a large Death Guardian shield mechaniloid. At a corridor below that, another awaits him.
X jumps off-screen, as we see Iris enter the corridor from another door. She makes her way towards the gate, holding the purple DNA Soul of her brother.
- Pan to –
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INT. FINAL WEAPON – Battle Room - NIGHT
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Iris enters the room and drops down with her brother’s soul clutched tightly in her hands.
She looks at the exploded rubble of the foreign reploid with confusion.
IRIS:
Huh?
But then, none of that matters, once he enters.
At the other end of the room, Zero drops down from the gateway and runs over to her with a guilty, apologetic look on his face.
She slowly walks towards him with an unforgiving stare.
ZERO:
Iris!
IRIS:
So you fought with my brother...
ZERO:
I'm sorry...
IRIS:
Then it's over. Everything...
ZERO:
Wait Iris! Listen to me!
IRIS:
Good bye, Zero...
ZERO:
Iris!
Iris raises her brother’s DNA Soul high. The DNA Soul, suddenly reforms itself into a diamond, which emits dark electricity directly into her.
ZERO:
(frightened)
IRIS!!!
IRIS:
Stay with me, brother...
A large purple aura of power surrounds her body and slowly creates a protective winged Ride Armor around her. Her purple armored plating is pronounced by her demon-like wings, as an ominous helmet covers her face. She now looks like an evil, winged knight with a powerful buster in her right hand. She is unrecognizable. The purple diamond lowers itself into Iris' new chest core.
IRIS:
Okay, I'll do it.
ZERO:
(whispering)
Nooo…
Iris dashes after Zero with her buster out.
ZERO:
Ahhh!
Zero far-jumps back against the wall.
ZERO:
Get back! Don’t do this!!
He pulls out his purple saber and guards his face.
IRIS:
Forgive me, Zero!
She charges up and attacks Zero with her buster. A heavy purple beam of power is directed at him.
ZERO:
Ah!
He jumps up the wall and repeatedly kick-jumps away from it as she guides her buster toward him.
ZERO:
No!!
He air-dashes away from her and runs away on the other side before turning around. He holds his saber up in a defensive stance.
ZERO:
Iris. Please!! Don’t make me use this.
IRIS:
And did you do the same for me? After I repeatedly told you not to fight my brother??
ZERO:
He wouldn’t give me a choice! He-
IRIS:
You KILLED Him, Zero! He's dead!! And he’s never coming back.
She dashes after Zero and shoves him to the ground clutching him at his neck.
Zero is choking as he stares at her new face.
ZERO:
I-I'm..ckkk..S-s..s
IRIS:
Don’t!
She slams his head to the ground and back-dashes far away from him, charging her beam buster once again.
IRIS:
It'll be easier this way…
She fires her blaster at him as he lays down in defeat. He allows the purple blast to take him as he is flung far across to the other wall, near Double's broken remains.
ZERO:
Gghh-gg-uugghhh… Oh man… Is this it? Is this… how I finally… …What the fuck is this?
His attention is drawn to Double's horrid, broken face.
ZERO:
Who is this…?
He turns to Iris who is headed for him again. Then he rises to his feet.
IRIS:
(crying)
Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!
She charges another blast, but Zero jumps right into her armor, as she misses the blast.
ZERO:
Iris! I won’t kill you. But you have to stop!!
He is forced to raise his saber to her. First he strikes her in the head. Then, the shoulder and chest.
Instead of making any scratches or dents into her armor, his saber is deflected as special floating mines emit from her body and explode in his face. He falls to the ground hard.
ZERO:
Auughh. What the-… (v.o, thinking) I have to get that Armor off of her.
Iris fires another blast at him, but Zero jumps away and dashes around her.
ZERO:
Baby. Please! Listen to me-
IRIS:
DON'T Call me that!!!
She is so upset, she exposes her diamond core, which floats directly above Zero and lets out a secondary beam of dark energy.
ZERO:
(struck)
Aaugghh! There's.. More going on here! I just Know it!!! You just have to /LISTEN!!
He powers through his pain and rises against her unrelenting beam. His saber becomes engulfed in flames as he pushes an uppercut against her beam and at last, /strikes the diamond core.
IRIS:
Aagh..
Zero analyzes the situation as she slowly recovers.
ZERO:
(v.o, thinking)
That core is the key. If I can just destroy that… Maybe it'll get that armor off her.
IRIS:
How dare you!!?
She charges after Zero, who bats her away with saber slashes that only create a swarm of floating mines in the room.
ZERO:
Stop it, honey! Look around you. What are we doing??
IRIS:
I'M KILLING YOOOUUU!!!!!
She exposes her diamond core once again and fires two blasts at the same time; one horizontal and one vertical.
ZERO:
Nnnnoooooo!!!
He shouts as he evades the blasts and strikes the diamond once again with a spinning slash.
IRIS:
Hh-
ZERO:
The Mavericks are killing us, Iris. They always have been. Starting with Magma Dragoon's attack on the Sky Lagoon.
IRIS:
Dragoon was sent with our platoon to investigate Mavericks. Not the other way around.
Zero shakes his head.
ZERO:
No no no! He brought the Mavericks to the Sky Lagoon and brought the whole thing to the ground. He wanted to create mass confusion and cause a rift amongst our factions knowing that it would inevitably lead to War. It was all a preconceived effort to goad us into fighting him.
She makes an annoyed scowl through her faceplate and shakes her head.
IRIS:
I don’t care anymore! The damage is done. This is your fault, Zero. It didn’t have to end like this.
ZERO:
It doesn’t have to end!! I didn’t want this!!!
IRIS:
Yes you did. I saw that eagerness in your eyes every time you wanted to take out my Army. My Navy. My Airforce!! …It’s too late… I can’t.
She arms herself once again.
He grits his teeth in anger as he defiantly /pulls out his saber again.
ZERO:
Then /WHY did you stand by my side the whole time, huh!? Why did you lay with me in bed on those nights pretending like nothing ever happened?
He dashes around her beams once again and carefully slashes at her diamond core, while taking damage in the process.
IRIS:
I loved you, you idiot. I tried to stop you, but I couldn’t. Even now I can’t….
She rushes over to Zero with a charged set of beams. Her buster, pressed against his chest, and her core directly under his feet, Zero can tell that it’s now or never.
ZERO:
(forced)
NO!!!!
He slams a charged fist into the ground and lets off his Giga Attack, which completely ruptures her Diamond Core.
Her floating Diamond Core explodes above her armored frame. A bright white light covers the room and settles. At last, Zero has won, leaving only her original feminine frame injured on the ground. But it feels like he has lost.
With her eyes closed, she lies still on the floor. Zero quickly runs to her.
ZERO:
Iris! Iris..
She opens her eyes and slowly turns her head to him.
IRIS:
(softly)
Zero...
He kneels down to her and gently places his hand on her head.
ZERO:
Hang in there, Iris.
IRIS:
Please... stay away from Repliforce... Let's live together.. in a world where only Reploids exist.
Zero hesitates and carefully chooses his words.
ZERO:
(soft, regretful)
Iris, there's no world just for Reploids. It's only a fantasy.
IRIS:
Yes... I know... But I wanted to believe it!
She holds up her hand.
IRIS:
... I wanted to live in a world where only Reploids exist...... with you.
She struggles to reach out to his broad chest until he cups her hand into both of his.
ZERO:
(tender, worried)
...Iris!
She looks at him with the same worry in her eyes for a short moment. Then, suddenly she makes the sweetest smile, with that twinkle in her eyes that he fell for in the first place. With a light sigh, and a weak brow, Zero notices that she is fading. At last, her eyes close as she lets her body go limp. With a turned head and a peaceful face, it is clear that Iris has died.
ZERO:
Iris! Iris! .... Iris...
He desperately cradles her body into his arms. He presses his head closer to hers, trying to cope with this.
ZERO:
(sad)
Iriis…
He shakes her by the shoulders three times, but to no avail. She is not waking up.
ZERO:
(grieving)
Irriiiis….
He puts his head against her forehead again, with tightly closed eyes.
ZERO:
Irris!
Not being able to take it anymore, Zero finally lets it all out.
Intricately carved agate set within a glittering frame, the Gemma Constantiniana displays a victorious tableau enriched with polished rubies and emeralds. This awe-inspiring cameo is thought to have been made in the 4th century. Between 315 and 316 CE, the Roman Senate commissioned a cameo to commemorate the victory of emperor Constantine over his rival Maxentius in 312.
The exquisite gift displays Constantine in a chariot, flanked by his wife, Fausta, and his mother, Helena. Constantine’s firstborn son, Crispus, proudly stands in front of the trio. This powerful illustration reveals a strong dynastic rule, with the implication that it will continue for many generations to come. Two centaurs, whose hooves are crashing down and trampling Constantine’s enemies, stand in the foreground of the cameo. In the sky flies the goddess Victoria bearing a laurel wreath, which she will bestow upon the triumphant Constantine.
Despite being set in stone, the scene is alive with movement. The fluttering ribbon attached to the laurel wreath and the knocked over calyx-crater (a vessel used to mix water and wine) under the left centaur, animates the cameo. The clever inclusion of these details alludes to the high level of skill held by the engraver. The artist’s talent is also made evident by the uneven surface of the stone. Although indistinguishable from a bird’s-eye view, the cameo is not uniformly flat. Chiseling through the alternating coloured layers of agate, there are areas where the engraver reached a contrasting colour higher in the stone. This demonstrates the mastery of the crafter as they worked to account for these natural inconsistencies.
The Gemma Constantiniana belongs to the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Ágata intrincadamente tallada dentro de un marco brillante, la Gemma Constantiniana muestra un cuadro victorioso enriquecido con rubíes y esmeraldas pulidos. Se cree que este impresionante cameo fue realizado en el siglo IV. Entre 315 y 316 EC, el Senado romano encargó un cameo para conmemorar la victoria del emperador Constantino sobre su rival Majencio en 312.
El exquisito obsequio muestra a Constantino en un carro, flanqueado por su esposa, Fausta, y su madre, Helena. El hijo primogénito de Constantino, Crispo, se encuentra orgulloso frente al trío. Esta poderosa ilustración revela un fuerte gobierno dinástico, con la implicación de que continuará durante muchas generaciones venideras.
En el primer plano del cameo se encuentran dos centauros, cuyos cascos golpean y pisotean a los enemigos de Constantino. En el cielo vuela la diosa Victoria portando una corona de laurel, que entregará al triunfante Constantino.
A pesar de estar escrita en piedra, la escena está llena de movimiento. La cinta ondeante unida a la corona de laurel y el cráter del cáliz derribado (un recipiente utilizado para mezclar agua y vino) debajo del centauro izquierdo animan el cameo. La inteligente inclusión de estos detalles alude al alto nivel de habilidad del grabador. El talento del artista también se manifiesta en la superficie irregular de la piedra. Aunque es indistinguible a vista de pájaro, el cameo no es uniformemente plano. Cincelando a través de las capas de ágata de colores alternos, hay áreas donde el grabador alcanzó un color contrastante en la parte superior de la piedra. Esto demuestra la maestría del artesano mientras trabajaba para dar cuenta de estas inconsistencias naturales.
La Gemma Constantiniana pertenece al Museo Nacional de Antigüedades de Leiden, Países Bajos.
Among the most exceptional and little-known objects in the British Museum, opposite the room dedicated to the Saxons, is the dichroic glass goblet that shows different colours depending on the light that passes through it. Red when illuminated from behind and green when illuminated from the front.
It is the only Roman glass object (4th century) found almost intact with this type of material. The cup is a rare and complete specimen of the 'cage-cup', or diatretum, type; meticulously cut and polished leaving only a decorative 'cage' emerging from the bottom of the vessel.
It is likely that this cup was used in the celebrations of the Bacchic cults that formed part of the religious form of the Romans around the 4th century AD. The cup symbolises the annual cycle of the transformation of the vine and embodies the chalice in which the Dionysian brew is deposited.
A letter attributed to the emperor Hadrian, to his brother-in-law Servianus, has been found in a biography called "Historia Augusta", in which Hadrian mentions sending a gift to Servianus of two dichroic goblets:
"I have sent you some very special colour-changing cups, which were offered to me by one of the priests in the temple. I dedicate them especially to you and my sister. I hope you will be able to use them at banquets and on holidays."
Entre los objetos más excepcionales y poco conocidos del British Museum, frente a la sala dedicada a los Sajones, se encuentra la copa de vidrio dicroico que muestra diferentes colores en función de la luz que la atraviesa. Rojo cuando se ilumina por detrás y verde cuando se ilumina de frente.
Es el único objeto de vidrio romano (siglo IV) encontrado casi intacto con este tipo de material. La copa es un ejemplar raro y completo del tipo “copa jaula”, o diatretum; meticulosamente cortado y pulido dejando solamente una “jaula” decorativa emergiendo del fondo del vaso.
Es probable que esta copa se haya utilizado en las celebraciones de los cultos báquicos que formaba parte de las características de la forma religiosa de los romanos alrededor del siglo IV d.C. La copa simboliza el ciclo anual de la transformación de la viña y encarna el cáliz donde se deposita el brebaje dionisíaco.
Se ha encontrado una carta que se atribuye al emperador Adriano, a su cuñado Servianus, que se relata en la biografía llamada “Historia Augusta”, en la cual Adriano menciona el envío de un regalo a Servianus de dos copas dicroicas:
“Te he enviado unas copas muy particulares que cambian de color, que me fueron ofrecidas por uno de los sacerdotes del templo. Te las dedico muy especialmente a ti y a mi hermana. Espero que puedan utilizarlas en banquetes y días festivos.”
Tra gli oggetti più eccezionali e poco conosciuti del British Museum, di fronte alla sala dedicata ai Sassoni, si trova la coppa di vetro dicroico che mostra colori diversi a seconda della luce che la attraversa. Rosso quando illuminato da dietro e verde quando illuminato da davanti.
È l'unico oggetto di vetro romano (IV secolo) trovato quasi intatto con questo tipo di materiale. La coppa è un esemplare raro e completo del tipo "coppa gabbia", o diatretum; meticolosamente tagliato e lucidato lasciando solo una "gabbia" decorativa che emerge dal fondo del bicchiere.
È probabile che questa coppa sia stata utilizzata nelle celebrazioni dei culti bacchici che facevano parte delle caratteristiche della forma religiosa dei romani intorno al IV secolo d.C. La coppa simboleggia il ciclo annuale della trasformazione della vigna e incarna il calice dove si deposita la bevanda dionisiaca.
Una lettera che è stata trovata, attribuita all'imperatore Adriano a suo cognato Servianus, è raccontata nella biografia chiamata "Historia Augusta", in cui Adriano menziona l'invio di un regalo a Servianus di due coppe dicroiche:
´´Ti ho mandato dei bicchieri molto particolari che cambiano colore, che mi sono stati offerti da uno dei sacerdoti del tempio. Le dedico in particolare a te e a mia sorella. Spero che possano usarle nei banchetti e nei giorni festivi´´.
-------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE FORTRESS – Air Space - DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------
Caption: Moments Ago
Spiral Pegasus swiftly flies high in the sky, away from the Maverick Hunters. He turns around, gracefully blocking their missiles and blasts as he falls backward amidst the sky.
He shoots out two heavy wind gusts, directly at Venzo and Aeson, who were carried on the backs of Scorche and Baryon’s Mechs.
VENZO:
Wuh?
AESON:
Ahhhh!!!
RECON RACCOON:
(reacting)
Noooo!!
The two fall off of Scorche and Baryon, who had carried them on the
backs of their Mechs.
While they are distracted, Spiral Pegasus takes advantage of the moment and rushes into them with a twist, as a he creates a small tornado and scatters the Hunters all across the sky.
MAVERICK HUNTERS:
Gaaaaaah!!!
TURIAN:
It’s too much!!
Recon Raccoon desperately fires his missiles along with Baryon, while Scorche focuses a charged beam from the Eagle Ride Armor, which /catches Spiral Pegasus right in the chest.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
/Ahh.. Die..!!
He blasts an even heavier whirlwind from his hands, which crushes all of their Ride Armors.
All of their Ride Armors explode violently in the sky as they attempt to jump out of their cockpits.
IRIS:
(o.s, filtered, crying)
NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Below the explosion Venzo and Aeson look at each other concerned, as they are suddenly teleported out of the fight. Above the explosion, 7 more teleport beams rise above the explosions.
Spiral Pegasus looks at the teleport beams in wonder and smirks.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Hmph.
When he turns around, he notices that an irate Stone Rook and Arboreal Owl have just joined the battle.
In the Probation Chamber, Blizzard Wolfang sits alone in the dark, with a bleak look on his face.
The door across the hall eventually opens to reveal Alia, who slowly walks toward him with a warm gaze. He immediately perks up at the sight of her.
Alia offers a soft smile as she visits her furry friend.
ALIA:
Hey, Wolfie. Good news..
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
Hmm?
ALIA:
Word has it that Repliforce Activity has died down in the North Pole.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
Oh?
ALIA:
Yes. It turns out that you were right. Lana- erm… D-Doctor Laye had a change of heart about your probation.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
(gasping, ecstatic)
Hh! She did?
ALIA:
Yess.. She wants us to investigate the area again, now that it’s actually safe for exploration.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
Really?
ALIA:
(nodding)
She values your Research, and feels that you were onto something after all.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
Well, that’s great!!
ALIA:
…Unfortunately that Frost Walrus character made quite an extension to the ice caps of Earth’s Northern Hemisphere. She wants us to do an article on the lasting effects of this attack.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
(angered, then excited)
Grrrr… Blast that corrupt Walrus!! But, my goodness. What an exciting opportunity this is!! I can’t wait to get back out there and assess the damage to our climate.
ALIA:
There’s a private Sky Car waiting just for us.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
(surprised)
Really? Right now??
Alia takes a breath and smiles after a short sigh.
ALIA:
Yes.
- cut to –
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE FORTRESS – Repliforce Air Space – NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARBOREAL OWL:
Hurh! /Gaww.
He takes a swing at Spiral Pegasus, who quickly dodges and punches him in the gut.
STONE ROOK:
RRah!!!
He attempts to club Spiral Pegasus with a rock mace, but he is pushed farther back once again from a heavy wind gust.
While Stone Rook is pushed back, Spiral Pegasus is able to inflict even more damage on Arboreal Owl, landing a stunning display of kicks, body chops and wind cuts that cause him to descend and cower under his own wings.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Hahah! I have you now!!!
He rushes after him with two hands out as he creates two heavy whirlwind gusts.
The heavy gusts of wind tear his body apart as he explodes before the helpless Stone Rook.
-cut to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
INT. LAYE LABS – Probation Chamber – NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALIA:
Dr. Laye feels terrible for punishing you instead of believing in you. Once the Maverick Hunters cleared the area, she realized that you were telling the truth! As such, she’s embarrassed and just wants the two of us to go, privately.
Blizzard Wolfang makes a solemn face as he stares at the ground, while holding onto the bars of his chamber. Alia nervously looks at him wondering what he could be thinking.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
I’m ashamed that I couldn’t protect them… But moping about it isn’t going to bring them back. I’m just humble and thankful for this opportunity to prove myself again.
He shakes his head like a dog and reshuffles his face into an honest, cheerful smile.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
(smiling, jubilant)
Let’s get out there and say this never happened, shall we?
Alia is about to unlock the gate.
ALIA:
You’re really, okay with this…?
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
…Water under the bridge, my dear… If I were one to hold grudges.. I would not make it very far in this World at all. I’d be delighted to go on a journey with you.
Alia blushes and tears up slightly as she smiles.
ALIA:
Oh, Wolfie… You’re such a good boy.
She opens his gate and quickly buries her head into his chest. She lets out light sobs as she holds him.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
Hmmm? Alia?? This isn’t like you…
ALIA:
I knowww, I just thought you’d be so Mad at me…
Blizzard Wolfang makes an odd face, but hugs her none-the-less.
BLIZZARD WOLFANG:
No, no dear.. I could never be upset with you.
ALIA:
(whispering)
Okay. Let’s go…
-cut to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE FORTRESS – Repliforce Air Space – NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Rook glares at Spiral Pegasus with hatred.
STONE ROOK:
Damn you…!
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
(smirking, beckoning)
Come on. Come and get it.
Just as Spiral Pegasus puts his guard up to fight, a Warning Alarm blares from the Space Fortress.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Hm?
STONE ROOK:
Kaaagh!!
Stone Rook rushes into Spiral Pegasus and punches him in the face.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Aauuuf… (v.o, thinking) Looks like some Hunters made it to Storm Owl.
STONE ROOK:
What’s the matter!? You look distracted!!
Stone Rook pummels Spiral Pegasus two more times with heavy fists across his face and chest with a strong right hook and a hard left uppercut.
He blasts Stone Rook with a heavy gust of wind, causing him to get blown out of his way. Then, he immediately tries to fly back to the Space Fortress.
STONE ROOK:
No!! I won’t let you.
He carefully forms a buster and aims at Spiral Pegasus. Then, he unleashes a few firm boulders, which catch Spiral Pegasus at the legs, his side and back.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Aghh. Ahhh. God.. Stop!!
STONE ROOK:
Never!
He rushes back to his position and shoots a boulder into his gut.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Oooooooooh.
At close range, Stone Rook is able to uppercut him under the chin, once again. Then, he pulls out the stone mace from his back and swings it right at his head.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
No..
He catches his hand and struggles with him, until he knees Stone Rook in the gut and tackles him with a swift dash.
STONE ROOK:
Agh.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
I’m going to cut you down and run you through so viscously that you will be irreparable!
Stone Rook scrunches his face in hatred as he tries to fight back, but Spiral Pegasus proceeds to chop his sides with wind cuts, similar to that of Arboreal Owl.
STONE ROOK:
Aghh, ughh.. (v.o, thinking) Noo.. This can’t be it…!
He clenches a hard fist as he continues to get pummeled on his sides and across his chest.
STONE ROOK:
(struggling)
YaaaaaaaGH!!!!
He forms large boulder from his buster and cracks it across Spiral Pegasus’ back.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Gaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!
COLONEL:
(o.s, filtered)
Skiver, retreat!
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
(surprised)
What the-? No way!
He flies after Stone Rook, who comes right for him in return.
COLONEL:
(o.s, filtered)
I said, Retreat! That is an order!! Storm Owl is dead.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
Huh?
He stops short in defeat, feeling bewildered.
Stone Rook stops short as well, having overheard the orders. He looks around to notice that all the ships around him are falling back. To his far right, he can see blue and red strips of teleportation residue fade away into the night sky.
STONE ROOK:
(v.o, thinking)
Whoa… We did it!
Spiral Pegasus scowls at Stone Rook and narrows his eyes as he points at him.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
This isn’t over!
STONE ROOK:
(smiling)
Good.
Spiral Pegasus reluctantly flies away from their battle amidst his fleet.
Stone Rook folds his arms across his chest as he watches what’s left of their Air Force retreat. He slowly descends with an austere look on his face. With so much lost, he is unable to celebrate this victory. Instead, this was a win that was simply earned, which gave him a sense of relief as much as it did, dread. Stone Rook does not look forward to going home.
Her seat rockets out from the top of the Sky Car as it violently descends into a mountain. She uses the seat’s small controls to guide the course of her landing, but regardless of what she does, it will not be pretty.
ALIA:
Oh nooo! Oh nooo! Here I goooo!!! /Whoop!
She /deploys a parachute from the back of her seat, but the high winds of the North Pole relentlessly push her seat into a large icy mountain.
ALIA:
Oh my God. Oh my Gaaahd!!!
She uses the last failsafe available to her; snow skis, which jut out at the base of her seat. Once her plunge meets its impact, her skis roughly crash against the side of the mountain.
ALIA:
Ahh-ah! Ohh!!
Skidding across the side, and tumbling in a swift descent, Alia struggles to maintain any control, as scuffmarks scrape against her face and armor. Eventually, she topples into a steady slide down the icy mountain until it finally smooths out into a hill that gradually becomes flat land. At last her unwanted ski ride comes to an end.
ALIA:
(frightened crying)
Aaaaahhhhh-huhuhuuuuu.
She buries her head in her bloodied face, ashamed at her own survival.
ALIA:
Oh! ..That was NOT Worth it…
She fumes and frowns at the same time as she catches her breath. When she unbuckles herself, she immediately collapses out of the seat, and falls onto the snowy ground.
She looks back at the seat with disdain as she can still hear Malek’s voice preparing her for this absurd plan.
MALEK:
(o.s, v.o)
You have to make it look real. Get into an awful accident after you drop him off. Call us the moment it happens, but be far enough away from the drop point. Nothing can be traced back to you.
She attempts to stand up, but can barely manage a crawl on the ground, as her whole body is in a state of shock. The pain feels worse when she takes a glimpse at her scraped and bloody legs.
ALIA:
Ugghh, owwwww. I hope this is far enough.
She sniffles in the cold as she pulls out her Comm-phone and calls it in.
ALIA:
Aaaagh! Guys… This is Alia.
DR. LAYE:
(o.s, filtered)
Hm?
ALIA:
I g-got into a horrible accident. /..f-f-f-Fang didn’t make it…
/She shudders as she sobs.
Fake gasps can be heard on the other end of the phone, save for one.
GATE:
(o.s, filtered)
Oh my God!! What happened!!? Are you okay???
Recon Raccoon, Scorche, Baryon, Turian, Tethlon, Blizzard and Blaze are resting in pain with their eyes closed as they lay in their hospital beds. Venzo and Aeson, stand by them with guilt-ridden faces. Last night they came home practically unscathed.
Peering at the doorway is a blue-armored X, who quietly looks at their condition with a frown on his face.
X:
This is bad…
From the hallway, Lucas from the Research Department catches him and excitedly pats him on the back.
LUCAS:
Oh! X. Just who I wanted to see. Come here, I have to show you something.
X:
Hm?
-pan to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
INT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – R & D Lab – NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
X follows Lucas into the Lab. When the other Researchers see him, they all smile and stop what they are doing. Their smiles are infectious, causing X to crack a smile of his own.
X:
(smiling)
Please tell me you have some good news for me.
LUCAS:
Well.. Yes and no.
He nears the Mother Computer and pulls up a few windows.
LUCAS:
We tried to analyze that item you sent to us, just like you asked, but the results were inconclusive.
X:
Hmm?
LUCAS:
Yeah.. At first, we were stumped and annoyed too. But then we noticed something.
He pulls up a window, which zooms in to a special Pink Capsule with four specifically shaped empty slots at the bottom base.
LUCAS:
Take a careful look at the markings. This shape matches up, completely.
X gasps.
X:
You mean.. This might unlock the Capsule?
LUCAS:
I think so... If you have the other pieces…
X:
(nodding)
I think I have everything!
He quickly takes out two sub-tanks and a weapon tank from his compartment belt and lays them on the table.
X:
Can you scan these for an estimate?
LUCAS:
Of course!
With the press of a button, the Mother Computer takes a quick scan of the physical objects and displays them on the screen, auto-formatting them digitally to scale. From there, Lucas is able to drag and drop the items into their corresponding slots.
LUCAS:
Yep. According to this, you have a match!
X:
(excited)
Wow.
DAVID:
What do you think is in the Capsule?
X:
Well.. In the past, the pink ones have granted me the ability to learn a new skill, like the /Hadouken or the/Shuryuken from my first two armors. Then Dr. Light did something different for the third Armor. He made a bunch of individual chips, which would enhance only one portion of the armor. But then, I think he decided to make an “Ultimate Chip”, which enhanced everything. I was so overpowered that, my whole body turned Gold!!
LUCAS:
It sounds like you’re talking about Armored Phenomenon.
X:
Armored Phenomenon?
LUCAS:
It’s a term we throw around every time we see you transform. …Your Upgrades seem to.. take on a life of their own, once they’re bonded to your Armor. I don’t know how Dr. Light managed that, but it seems that your Armor simply evolves over time until it can’t anymore. Light must have foreseen these lapses in progress, and created new armors sort of as Checkpoints for higher power sets. Which is probably why he made so many Capsules.
X:
Wow…
LUCAS:
Perhaps this was why he made the single chips too. Its possible that he made the “Ultimate” chip first, but then was worried about overloading your system, so he created the others as a series of pathways for variety.
X:
Hmm, that’s interesting. He seemed to do the same thing for my arm parts this time. …Whatever is waiting for me in that capsule, I hope it explains /this.
X transforms before them into his Fourth Armor and shows them his new black and red gauntlets, which do not match the rest of his blue and white armor at all.
DAVID:
Whoa!! What’s that??
X:
I dunno. Dr. Light made two Arm Capsules for some reason – one significantly weaker, and the other significantly darker… I don’t know why he would do this… unless it was some sort of test.
LUCAS:
(intrigued)
A test?
DAVID:
Like what?
X:
(worried, curious)
..a test of character? ..Or a sign of what’s to come after going down a certain path…? I’m not sure. I need to talk to him. Thanks for all your help, guys. Excuse me.
He quickly gathers his things and walks out of the room.
DAVID:
Is it me, or did that just get bleak out of nowhere…?
LUCAS:
He’s been through a lot. You know how he is about War in the first place, let alone one against his friends. And lets not forget that he’s still processing everything Berkana and Doppler put him through.
DAVID:
That wasn’t really that long ago, when you think about it…
LUCAS:
But it feels like forever, doesn’t it?
They both share a look as they turn to the computer screen. The monitor indicates that X has just teleported to the Papua Jungles.
-cut to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. PAPUA JUNGLES – Bisi Falls - NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
X retraces his old steps as he jumps down into an open cavern, by the great Bisi Falls. He drops down into a hidden alcove, amidst the shadows, where he can spot the Pink Capsule illuminating in the darkness once again.
X:
(whispering)
There it is.
He walks over to the glowing pink capsule, passing by the nonfunctional blue one.
He studies the patterns of the empty slots and opens up his compartment belt with a smile. He places a sub-tank in the far left and far right slots. Then, he takes out a weapon tank and places it in its corresponding spot on the right. To the left of the center, he inserts the mysterious new power cell, which fits like a glove just as Lucas had thought. Finally, he opens his chest plate and pulls out his purple heart tank. The power from inside changes the color of his gloves from red to blue momentarily until he places the heart inside.
Once he does so, the Pink Capsule makes a pleasing –ping- sound as Dr. Light’s image is formed within the teal light.
DR. LIGHT:
(smiling, surprised)
Ahh…X, you’ve finally arrived…
X:
Hello, Father. We have to talk.
DR. LIGHT:
Why of course. What is it that’s ailing you?
X:
What is this about…?
X holds up his dark Gauntlet with a clenched fist, quickly charges it and fires an immense plasma blast at the rocky wall to his left. The blast is as large as him before it explodes at the side of the alcove. He turns to his creator with a concerned face.
DR. LIGHT:
Well that’s-
X:
Am I a Demon..?
DR. LIGHT:
That term is preposterous… But regardless, it is a thought that has been plaguing you for nearly a year now, I know…
X:
Then you know of iX? The Dark Spirit inside me!??
DR. LIGHT:
Nonsense… All of it.
X:
Huh?
DR. LIGHT:
That strange concoction that Dr. Doppler created a year ago was a parasite and nothing more. It fed at your insecurities and created one of your deepest fears as a result. But you need not worry about that, anymore. You conquered that fear, physically! Now you just have to do so, mentally.
X:
(confused, uncertain)
But.. really? Are you..sure??
DR. LIGHT:
It is exactly this amount of concern that allows you to touch the darkness.. if need be…
X:
…What do mean?
DR. LIGHT:
We all must make hard choices in Life. You already know that. Was it not I, who told you when we first met, that I had hoped the World would have allowed you to choose a more Peaceful journey? …But I knew long ago that the Future could put you in this position. And so, I have done my best to prepare you for every possibility.
X:
…but.. What if you were wrong about me? What if I really did turn out to be a monstrous War Machine?? Or if I still could in the future.. What would you have done then?
DR. LIGHT:
Hypothetical dialect will never get you anywhere.
X:
Please, Doctor. I need answers…
Doctor Light looks at X with a slightly incensed brow and lets out a deep sigh.
DR. LIGHT:
Then, I would say that you have already decided your fate. And with every single upgrade, I would make great strides at guiding you towards the Light.
X:
Hmph. So basically, you’re telling me that despite all of this power, and witnessing an Evil version of myself, firsthand… that I don’t have anything to worry about?
DR. LIGHT:
…We are all capable of slipping into the temptations of darkness, but… the short answer is no. You have proven yourself more than worthy of wielding these powers, because you are responsible. You have a good heart and more importantly, you have a bright soul. It is for this reason that I am not worried about you.
X lets out a breath of relief.
X:
Okay.
DR. LIGHT:
Now, this capsule contains the sealed secret parts for the Ultimate Armor. When you execute the Nova Strike, the wings will open and you can execute the invincible body crash attack.
X:
(shocked)
Invincible!!?
DR. LIGHT:
Yes… However, this armor is not completed yet and your safety is not assured.
X:
Wait. Not…completed..yet?
DR. LIGHT:
This is embarrassing to admit, but… in Life, I did not have the time to perfect the flight system. The power-emitter kept fluctuating and interfering with the wing jets and.. well, I was forced to compromise. The Armor cannot fly, but it has a tremendously enhanced Nova Strike, which you can execute at any time. If this is acceptable to you, please enter now…
For the first time, Dr. Light gives X an embarassed look, before he ultimately fades away.
X stands before the Capsule confused.
X:
Huh… All this time, I was worried about becoming evil. Meanwhile, he was worried about not giving me enough power!!
He walks over to the Capsule and puts one foot on the base, before hesitating.
X:
(v.o, thinking)
See… This is where I always second-guess myself. If I was satisfied with my own Power Set, would I ever give in to the temptation of receiving these powerful upgrades at all? Is that greed? Or just curiosity?? Then again, he did assure me that I don’t have it in me. Despite all the chances I’ve had to use these powers for evil, I am inherently good. Even when that Parasite was inside me; rather than become iX… I created him. Then, I killed him! I wasn’t reminded of this until Berkana tried to slip me into dark temptation a few months ago. Then, upon receiving this new Dark Gauntlet I felt like I was almost destined to embrace the Darkness, no matter what. But now that Dr. Light has put his faith in me, I’m not afraid of anything. It is time to become my Ultimate Self.
X steps inside the capsule as dark light surrounds him. He closes his eyes and lifts his head up as his Force Armor shifts colors. His white and blue boots with red thrusters, turn into blue and black boots with gold thrusters and red gems at the knee caps. His chest and helmet shift into a prominent dark blue color with black accents and a sharp golden crown. Even his black buster and red gloves shift into the dark blue color. His gloves become white once again. Finally, his underarmor shifts from light blue to purple.
As the dark light fades away, X looks at himself in awe and accepts this new form with a confident smile on his face.
X:
I am Myself! I am the Light within the Darkness. I am, X!
He strikes a pose in prideful victory, before teleporting back home.
- fade to black-
COLONEL:
(o.s, v.o)
So… What’s our next move?
GENERAL:
(o.s, v.o)
Round up the last of our troops. Prepare for full evac at 0500.
A blue armored X and Zero walk in to the Control Room curiously as they have been summoned. Captain, Double and Iris work at their main consoles diligently.
Double cannot contain himself the moment he sees X.
DOUBLE:
The Repliforce has begun assembling!
X:
Where are they?
IRIS:
(answering, regretful)
Repliforce is at the Space Harbor…
DOUBLE:
The Space Port! They plan to take off into space!!
X:
Hurry! We have to stop the Colonel!
ZERO:
I have to go.
IRIS:
No! …Please wait Zero! I don’t want to see you two fight…
ZERO:
Someone has to stop your brother. I’m leaving…
Without hesitation, Zero teleports out to the Space Harbor.
X:
I’ll be right behind him.
IRIS:
Please don’t fight my brother!!!
X closes his eyes with a firm grimace as he turns away, unable to look at her.
X:
He’s had his chance, Iris. I’m sorry!
X teleports away with a clenched fist.
IRIS:
(sobbing)
Nooooooo!!!!!!!
CAPTAIN:
Please! Pull it together… If you cannot accept the possibility of what might happen, you may be excused.
She looks over to him, bewildered. Then she runs out of the room.
DOUBLE:
Hey!
CAPTAIN:
Let her go. She’s made her choice. She was one of them the whole time.. I’m not surprised.
DOUBLE:
Hmph.
CAPTAIN:
Go ahead and join the rest of the Elites. I have a feeling we’ll need them in action really soon.
Double smiles, with an excited grin.
DOUBLE:
Roger!
-cut to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE PORT – Docking Platforms - DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun begins to set, dimly shining against the sea as a Repliforce Airship slowly takes off from a Runway.
X and Zero teleport to a near Docking Platform to see the Repliforce retreat. They have a welcoming committee of Knot Berets, who stand on raised platforms with their guns out and bombs ready.
KNOT BERET 1:
Maverick Hunter X and Zero! Stand down.
KNOT BERET 2:
You have, No business here!!
ZERO:
Hmph. I can’t believe it. They’re actually doing this.
X scowls behind Zero as they both dash towards their enemies.
X:
(charging up)
We drove them off the planet. What do you expect?
He fires at a Knot Beret, while Zero performs Ryuenjin to strike at two that are above him on raised platforms. X switches to Twin Slasher and takes out the next two from afar to clear the way.
ZERO:
Heh.
The two run up a ramp, while a nervous Knot Beret runs /right into Zero’s thunder lancing attack.
KNOT BERET 3:
Aaaaaaa/uuuuggghhhhh…
Two more Knot Berets on platforms attempt to shoot at X and Zero, who easily evade the blasts. Zero air dashes into the top one and takes him out with an impaling hienkyaku, icicle blade.
X’s normal armor shifts to green and yellow as he uses Storm Owl’s Double Cyclone to destroy the Knot Beret before him. Two more Knot Berets await X and Zero as they throw their bombs at them. X switches to Aiming Laser to take the bottom one out, while Zero pulls out his new purple saber, and disintegrates the bomb with the new Tenkuuha technique he learned from Storm Owl. Then he strikes the frightened Knot Beret down with his menacingly dark saber.
X shoots down another Knot Beret with a charge shot as he looks surprised at Zero’s newly enhanced saber.
X:
Whoa. What happened to you?
ZERO:
(shrugging, smug)
I guess my Saber’s evolving. What about you? Why aren’t you armored up??
X:
(smirking, smug)
Keeping it in check, I guess.
ZERO:
(surprised, smirking)
Hmph.
He pulls out his impressive purple saber once again and destroys a final Knot Beret before them.
Before them, two guardian mechaniloids patrol an entrance to a terminal building, which leads toward the Repliforce Launch Pad. X waits for his opening and shoots them down. When Zero and him drop down, they are struck down by a powerful fiery cyclone that explodes in their vicinity.
X & ZERO:
(struck)
Uuuaaaaahhhh.
They slowly get up to find that Burn Dino-Rex and Spiral Pegasus are waiting for them at a nearby runway to their left.
BURN DINO-REX:
That’s far enough.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
We cannot allow you to pass.
Zero cricks his neck.
ZERO:
Hmph.. Alright. Whaddya say, X?
X looks at his partner and nods.
X:
Hm. It’s probably a diversion, but why not? ..I could use the distraction.
They both walk towards the runway, unafraid.
Burn Dino-Rex and Spiral Pegasus walks towards them and grin as their teams of Knot Berets and Raiden Soldiers in Ride Armor teleport in to join them.
ZERO:
(surprised, enraged)
It’s an ambush!!
???:
Not today!!!
Just as the Repliforce are about to enclose X and Zero, a series of colorful teleportation beams form into Maverick Hunters from various units. Tau, Takuma, Daiske and Bahena from Zero’s Shinobi Unit are joined by Stone Rook, Snowball, Snowflake, Frostbite and Freeze Alopex from the 8th, 13th and 14th Units.
The pile of nine Hunters quickly becomes a barrage of explosions as many of the Knot Berets are destroyed, leaving most of the Raiden Soldiers damaged.
Standing before X and Zero, Tau bravely leads the group.
TAU:
Go!! We’ll take care of these guys.
ZERO:
(surprised)
Are you sure?
X and Zero stand by as they see that Tau and the rest seem to have everything under control. Stone Rook is battling Spiral Pegasus, the wolves and Freeze Alopex are keeping Burn Dino-Rex busy and the Shinobi Hunters are easily wading off the Raiden Soldiers.
X:
(smiling, relieved)
Come on, Zero. This isn’t our mission.
ZERO:
(nodding, proud)
…Thanks Tau! I knew I could count on you.
- pan to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
INT. SPACE PORT – Terminals – DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
X and Zero run back into the terminal to take on a series of Spikeys in their path along the corridor. The terminal briefly opens into more platforms by the bay as more Repliforce ships pass and take off.
ZERO:
Come on! We’re losing them.
X:
Going as fast as I can!
X’s armor turns red as he shoots a Rising Fire up at a Knot Beret, at the pillar above him.
KNOT BERET 4:
(burning)
Brrooouuuugggghhhhhh!!!!
They both jump and dash through the open platforms by the bay as they make it to the next terminal.
X runs and dashes to a ladder as Zero follows. X climbs it and takes out three spiky’s in a short hall that leads to a small ladder. After climbing the second ladder, he shoots down two more Knot Berets with a charge shot. Then another upon his ascent to a series of ramps.
Many Knot Berets jump down in an attempt to bombard X, but he simply hovers in the air and allows his eager partner to take care of them, while he air-dashes onward and ahead.
While Zero is occupied, X takes out a few more Spiky’s then kick-jumps to the top of the room. He destroys another set of Spiky’s at the top of the room, and climbs a final ladder, which leads to a gateway.
X:
(v.o, thinking)
This is it.
He dashes through the gateway without hesitation.
-pan to-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE PORT – Terminal Access Point – DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
X dashes out of the gateway, to see a frightening bolt of lightning. It strikes down directly into a red saber, which is held prominently in the sky by Colonel, who ominously phase-teleports before him.
X flinches for a moment, then regains his composure.
X:
Colonel, step back!
COLONEL:
I’ll stop anyone who tries to interfere with our independence!
X:
Enough of this! It’s only an illusion!
COLONEL:
…You Hunters will never be able to understand us! Get ready, X!
X looks at him with calm, accepting eyes as he slowly charges up and reluctantly pulls up his buster.
Colonel lowers himself into a fighting stance as he carefully holds his blade and high jumps towards X with a threatening overheard swing.
ZERO:
NO!!!
From the gate, Zero quickly rushes in with a dash, and gets in front of X. With his purple saber, he parries against Colonel’s blade and pushes back. The electricity of both blades struggle against each other, as they make a crackling sound.
ZERO:
Get out of here, X. This is my fight!
X exhales as he relinquishes his charge.
X:
Right! …I won’t stop you.. Just remember what we’re here for.
COLONEL:
Hah! You’re not going anywhere!!
He shoves Zero away with his sword and tries to slash at X, who quickly dodges the blade with a dash-jump toward the far wall. Then, he kick-jumps his way toward the raised Launch Pad.
COLONEL:
No!!
ZERO:
Hyuh!
He jumps toward Colonel, who turns around and clashes sabers once again.
Zero grits his teeth as he stares at his former friend in the face.
ZERO:
I don’t want to fight. Step back.
COLONEL:
Ahh, of course. I’m sure you went through all this trouble just to talk… Grrrah!
He rushes him again and makes three strikes against Zero’s saber, who parries with a persistent scowl.
COLONEL:
I’m sorry. I can’t let you through…
Zero shakes his head.
ZERO:
Iris will be sad if she loses you…
COLONEL:
Don’t be so presumptuous, Zero! Save it until after you’ve defeated me!
ZERO:
Fine!
He /kicks Colonel hard in the gut.
COLONEL:
/Grruuh.
Colonel flails back a few steps. Zero jumps after him with an overhead slash. Their blades clash back and forth, three times before Colonel rushes Zero with a lunging dash.
ZERO:
Huah?
COLONEL:
Shaa!
Colonel slices a blade at Zero’s ribs.
ZERO:
(reacting)
Guhhh!
His right hand forms a cracked buster as he unleashes his Raijingeki attack on him. It has no effect on Colonel, who simply laughs and jumps back.
COLONEL:
Hmph.
He swipes his blade against the air again and again to create powerful energy beams, which surprise Zero.
ZERO:
Huh? /Ahhh.
He dodges one, but gets /hit by two energy slices.
COLONEL:
Hahaha!
ZERO:
(grunting)
Grrrghh.
He dashes around the beams to Colonel’s side and slashes against his saber three times. Colonel parries against each saber clash until, Zero surprises him with a fiery Ryuenjin upper-cut.
COLONEL:
Huh??
His arm is flung back, leaving him wide open for an attack. The flames somewhat burn his skin on Zero’s way up, but it is the sharp icicle tip of Zero’s Hienkyaku blade, which stabs Colonel in the chest and truly affects him.
COLONEL:
(writhing)
Huuuuaaaaahhhh!!!!
ZERO:
(grinning, dark)
Oooh. You didn’t like that, did ya?
Colonel narrows his eyes at his foe.
ZERO:
(cocky)
Hah! /Hm? /Whhuuuooohhhh!!!!
He strikes a blade at Colonel, who quickly phase-teleports through the blade, /confusing him. Then, he re-teleports in the same place and /strikes Zero hard across the stomach.
Zero bleeds out and holds onto his stomach.
ZERO:
…Damn, you.
COLONEL:
No, Zero. Damn you. You have falsely labeled us as Mavericks and doomed us to rot in Space.
ZERO:
It doesn’t have to be that way! We figured it out. Let’s just call together a Press-
COLONEL:
NO!!! It’s too late for that!! We’re leaving this Planet to start a new Nation amongst the Stars, and if anyone dares try to challenge us, we’ll blow them apart!!! Energy Breaker!!!!
Zero’s eyes widen as Colonel calls upon more power to his Red Saber. A lightning bolt strikes down into Colonel’s saber, who tilts it upside down and plants it into the ground. Suddenly currents crawl all across the floor, and /electrocute Zero at his feet.
ZERO:
/HUuuaa-aaaa-hhhhhh!!!!!
COLONEL:
Heheheh.. You foolish upstart. I’m going to enjoy ending your life.
Zero gets back up with another smug grin on his face as he wipes some burn scuffs off of his cheeks.
ZERO:
There it is. Now the true colors show.
Colonel points at Zero with an accusatory saber.
COLONEL:
Hmph! You talk of true colors. Why don’t you show me yours!?
His saber swells with more electrical pulses as he plants it into the ground once again.
ZERO:
You want me to go there!? I’ll do it!!
Zero jumps as the electricity from Colonel’s saber moves across the floor once again. The currents divert upward into the sky, almost striking Zero once again. Instead, Zero is able to dodge a current with a persistent secondary jump in mid-air. He can feel his body evolving once again as he decides to let it all go.
His armor becomes darker shades of crimson as Zero’s second jump turns into a flipping slash with his purple Saber. It cuts right across Colonel’s shoulder. When Zero lands, his armor is fully coated in black. His hair, a slightly auburn color as his blue gem, shifts into a teal coloring.
ZERO:
I’ll hold nothing, back.
Colonel’s eyes widen as Zero quickly strikes him across the chest two more times. Affected, Colonel stays silent, as he phase-teleports away and gets down on one knee, hurt.
COLONEL:
(panting)
Huh… huh… Good. So you finally reveal your true self. I always knew you were holding back.
ZERO:
(annoyed, dark)
Yeah!? What of it??
COLONEL:
You are a menace to society, who never should have been created. I’m going to make sure that I end you.
He gets up and pulls more power into his saber, making it glow with purple power of his own.
ZERO:
Hm?
COLONEL:
(declaring)
Grooound Crush!!!!
Colonel high jumps and slashes an energy beam upon his landing, which creates a purple wave of power, which grows larger as it reaches Zero until it engulfs him.
ZERO:
OOOOuuuuuuugggggghhhhhhH!!!!!!!!!
When the dust clears, Zero is seen lying on the floor, damaged and defeated.
Colonel walks over to his fallen foe.
COLONEL:
…You are finished. Now stay away from my Sister.
With that remark, Zero’s green gem shines brightly as does his left fist.
He turns over and pounds his fist into the ground, creating his powerful new Giga Attack, the Rakuhouha.
At close range, this causes Colonel to fall to the ground immediately.
ZERO:
Ya know… I was willing to let you walk away, until you said that…
He slowly rises to his feet.
COLONEL:
…I was never, going to walk away from this…
He gets up as quickly as his damaged body will allow.
Both hold up their sabers, ready to run after one another.
ZERO:
Then, this is it - one final strike to determine it all.
Colonel closes his eyes and nods his head, accepting his challenge.
COLONEL:
So, be it.
Colonel swiftly dashes into Zero and swipes his blade.
Zero dodges it with a jump.
Colonel phase-teleports with a fake-out and re-appears to catch Zero again.
Zero performs a secondary air-jump, narrowly avoiding Colonel’s second blade.
ZERO:
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!
Zero pulls his Saber down and shrouds it in ice as he carves Frost Blade through Colonel’s chest.
COLONEL:
Hooouuuuuaaaaaggggghhhhhhhhhhh…………
Colonel falls down to one knee, and plants his saber in the ground, using it as a crutch to stay up.
Zero calms down as he stares at his fallen foe. His armor slowly changes color from black to crimson, and finally to red as Colonel speaks.
COLONEL:
…Impressive Zero! But it’s too late!
ZERO:
What!?
COLONEL:
Repliforce has left for Space! Even if I perish, Repliforce lives.
ZERO:
…Colonel.
COLONEL:
…Zero. Tell Iris, that her brother died happily for what he believed in!
Zero flinches as he looks at Colonel with concerned, guilty eyes.
COLONEL:
…Good bye Zero!
ZERO:
Colonel!!!
At that moment, Colonel’s ruptured core cannot take it any more. He explodes before Zero violently, who can do nothing but teleport away to avoid the blast.
NARRATOR:
(v.o, narrating)
Time stamp: November, 27th. 5:42 PM. The Colonel of the Repliforce has been destroyed!
- cut to –
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. SPACE PORT – Runway – DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-battle, Tau notices Zero’s red teleport beam fade into the sunset sky after hearing an explosion from nearby.
CAPTAIN:
(o.s, filtered)
We have Confirmation. Mission Accomplished. Get out of there.
TAU:
Roger. Fall back everybody! Mission Accomplished!!
Tau immediately teleports away. Freeze Alopex falls back with the injured wolves. Venzo and Takuma bow out of their fights against Spiral Pegasus and Burn Dino-Rex. While Daiske, Bahena and Stone Rook lie dead at their feet.
BURN DINO-REX:
Hmph! Cowards…
The two Repliforce lieutenants share a look of concern when they realize that they have lost.
SPIRAL PEGASUS:
(gasping)
Oh no. The Colonel!!
- cut to –
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. OUTER SPACE – Repliforce Fleet – NIGHT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside of the Earth, a Retreating Fleet of Repliforce Air Ships evacuate the Earth.
NARRATOR:
(v.o, narrating)
The Colonel is dead, but the rest of the Repliforce have retreated to Outer Space. What will become of this… I truly do not know. Will they concede defeat, or will the last of their forces retaliate? Is our Future headed in the right direction? Were the Maverick Hunters right to participate in this Great Repliforce War? What marks will this leave in History?
Zoom into a window, where Iris looks forlorn, staring at the Earth.
NARRATOR:
( v.o, narrating)
..And what implications will this development have on Neutral parties like Iris? What will a World without the Repliforce, look like? Perhaps at last, with a World between us, both parties can finally live in Peace.
The Fleet retreats towards an enormous Space Station shaped like a weapon.
