FOZZZMK3
May 22, 2004, 11:20 AM
OK, this is my first Fic and I just started to write it when I was bored. Now it's done, I think it's too long and in all honestly not too great. But I'll post it.
Prologue
"Co-ordinates Set"
…
"Docking Procedure Complete"
…
"All Air-locks Sealed"
…
"Clear area"
…
The Mighty Pioneer 1 slowly ascended from the docking bay watched by many of the doomed inhabitants across the globe. The pioneer project, A plan born out of desperation, had always been but a distant fear to the eyes of many. But the all the years of their abuse to their planet had begun to take it's toll. The breathable atmosphere had begun to degrade. The planets natural resources had begun to wither and fade away. Pioneer 1 carried the elite from the planet Earth on a mission to find a new home world. The ship, led by the honorable Principal Jackson, had set off on it's seven year journey to their new potential homeland. A planet of the very same properties as the very planet that they had been living on. A planet named Ragol.
The planet was very mysterious. For millions of years, man had been searching for the unknown and as if by magic, one day a planet of perfect qualities should come along. This seemed suspicious through the eyes of many, but they weren't complaining. Ragol was in the Kunamia system, along with 5 other planets, none of which with suitable living conditions. At least, that is what was thought.
Still in sight of the people below, Pioneer 1 engaged it's secondary rocket system and blasted through the atmosphere. People watching televisions worldwide saw the ship disappear into the distance. The view on the televisions changed from the vacant space of sky from which the ship had left the stratosphere to the mission control base, where the operatives were awaiting confirmation of the ships safe descent into space. All across the planet, people were gripped in an icy silence. Suddenly, a message blasted on through the communications system.
"This is Principal Kurt J Jackson. The pioneer 1 has successfully left the atmosphere. All systems are go. We're on our way"
The nation cheered in celebration. For the fleeting moment that followed, the world was united. Their optimism was short lived. A large booming sound from the stars shattered the unism. The sound shook the Earth. Windows were shattered, massive tidal waves caused by the shockwaves crashed into cities, causing death and devastation and a nation panicked. Riots broke out in the streets. Vicious riots, like the world had never seen. Since the recent discovery of harnessing photon into weapons, millions of innocent people were being sent to their deaths. But the scientists in the Pioneer 1 control base had a more vexing problem to take care of. What had caused the blast?
* * *
Time: 2 hours before the blast
Location: Top Secret Military Base: Alabama U.S.A
"Gentlemen… I think we've done it"
The scientists excitedly gathered around the isolation cylinder. It was unbelievable. A super Human. A super Newman. They had done it. 8 years of hard, back braking, mind-boggling work had resulted in this. A human with abilities beyond a Newman. Newmans had been renowned for their abilities to harness the power of the elements for their own wishes. Fire. Lightning. Ice. Now a human had been entrusted with these powers. A FOmar.
"Get President Tyrell on the phone!" Cried Mome, the lead scientist, "We have finally created the ultimate fighting machine. Quickly, we must begin the cloning process!"
The lab became a hustle and bustle with the coming and going of scientists, soldiers and members of the authorities. One of Mome's Aide suddenly stopped. "Grimsby, come on, I need that Dimate now!" Grimsby turned to him. "Something is coming". Mome looked at him. The look of fear in his face. Yet he could see nothing wrong. Nothing but the look of fear in the darkened eyes of Frank Grimsby. "Everyone…" Grimsby said, "Something is wrong! Listen to me as your lives may depend on it!"
The others looked around obnoxiously. "What are you on about Grimsby" Mome laughed. "Can't you hear them?" Grimsby cried. The hustling and bustling and the coming and going stopped. They could hear a scratching. "That could be a mouse!" Mome laughed. But there was no mouse. The scratching grew gradually louder and louder. A nervous muttering broke out from the scientists. The muttering turned into silence. The scratching was gone. "See Grimsby" Mome scoffed "Nothing. It's all in your…" Mome never finished his sentence. He was interrupted by the destruction of one of the concrete walls surrounding him.
The wall fell and crushed Grimsby and several others. "What the Hell was that?" Cried Mart, another of Mome's aides. "I can't see," muttered a voice "Not with all this dust". The dust started to clear away. "Who's that?" Cried Mart "call in the rangers!" A silent alarm was triggered. Twenty of the planets remaining elite hunters and rangers burst in through the doors behind Mome. "Attention lowlifes" Cried the leader of the squad, Chronic. Silence. "Sir, I don't think they're going to respond," muttered another of the squad, A HUmar named Mantis "should we attack?" "No, we'll wait" muttered Chronic "Who knows what is lurking behind that dust". The dust subsided. Stood was a group of 3 hunters
"What is this place?" asked a HUnewearl with a scruffy mess of pinkish hair barely covering her two large ears. "It's the laboratory," replied a deep voiced purple HUcast "We're finally here". The other member of the group was a short overweight FOnewm. He was tanned and wore a black outfit. He looked around in wonderment. "Wow" he whispered under his breath "It's all so beautiful". He walked up to one of the computers in the building. "Stop where you are and put you're hands up!" Shouted Chronic. The FOnewm looked at him with his big vacant eyes. "Now!" shouted the HUcast. He and the HUnewearl leapt forwards into battle positions. "Ready men," said Chronic "Attack!"
Mantis drew his machine gun. He knew it was time for action. "Mantis, Stu, Bob, Joe" Chronic called "Attack the HUcast. Steadie, Jonathais, Dan, Gifforn attack the HUnewearl. The rest of you, after the FOnewm." Everybody knew that Forces were the strongest creatures alive, so this was a wise move on Chronic's behalf. Mantis stepped forth. He screamed and fired his machine gun at the HUcast. The HUcast leapt and dodged the shots fired in a way never seen before. "Stu, Bob. Help me!" Mantis cried, "My machine gun is no use". Stu, a RAmar with a saber, and Bob, a HUcast with a Musashi, leapt to Mantis's aid. The HUcast landed feet away from Stu, and drew his weapon. A Soul Eater.
Meanwhile, Steadie, a HUmar with a dash of dark hair and a red and black uniform, equipped his Yasminkov 7000V, Dan, an elite operative who's face was completely covered with a mask, equipped a Fire Rifle, Gifforn, A RAmarl with long blonde hair and a crooked beret, equipped a L&K14 Combat and Jonathais, A RAmar with a blast of brown hair, equipped his spread needle. They began to shoot at the HUnewearl, but she used her Photon Claw blocked every shot. "Hold your fire" Jonathais called to the others. "This is useless. Draw your swords". The four pulled out the group's trademarked S-Rank Saber - The .EX Saber.
"I'm gonna take you down right now!" cried Stu, leaping at the HUcast. Stu swung his saber at the HUcast, but it shattered on his arm. The force from the collision blew Stu backwards to the floor. "This is where it ends for you," The HUcast laughed, holding his soul eater high above his head. "Not today" called a voice. It was the voice of Bob, the team's strongest hunter. He dove over Stu and swiped at the HUcast. He sliced off the hand of the HUcast, which bore the Soul Eater. It fell to the ground and hit it with a clunk. "Not so mighty now are we!" laughed Bob standing before the wounded HUcast. "Don't get cocky Bob" Joe called "it can't be this easy"
Steadie, Dan and Gifforn were facing off against the HUnewearl. Every time they swung at her, their attack was countered and it resulted in an injury to Jonathais's force. Jonathais himself stood away from the battle. "Jonathais, what the Hell are you doing?" cried Chronic angrily. Jonathais turned to him suddenly. "What's going on with the FOnewm?" Jonathais called. The two of them turned to where the battle had been fought. The force that had been attacking the FOnewm was gone. Nothing remained of them but dust. Little piles of dust. Slowly crumbling away around the FOnewm's feet. ". EX. You fools!" laughed the HUcast. He leapt at Bob and knocked him out cold with a head butt. "Now Philippe!" The FOnewm faced the cylinder containing the Fomar.
"No, not that!" cried Mome "The world is not ready for him yet! His brainwaves are unstable, who knows what could happen." The FOnewm smiled. He closed his eyes and focussed. "He's going to destroy it!" cried Joe. "Mantis, Jonathais, quick. Stop it!" cried Chronic. The two operatives, renowned for stunning teamwork, leapt at the FOnewm. "Cast Foie" yelled the FOnewm casting a huge fireball at the cylinder. At this point, all time seemed to stand still. The Foie hit the cylinder, which in turn burst into flames and brought down some of the supporting beams around it. The FOnewm was stabbed in the back by two intertwining .EX sabers with the names "Mantis" and "Jonathais" inscribed of them. The scientists began screaming and fleeing. But it was like lambs to a slaughter. With the Fonewm's last ounce of strength, he obliterated most of what remained of Mome's "crack" team of scientists with a powerful gizonde spell.
As the building's structure began to crumble, Bob awoke. He stumbled to his feet. "You bastard!" He cried at the HUcast "Just who the hell are you?". "I don't really have a name" he muttered. "But to many I am known as Black Hound". The HUnewearl came to join him "and I am known as Black Destroyer" she added. "Come on Hound, let's go.". She cast a Ryuker spell, and she and Black Hound leapt into the telepipe. "No…" moaned Mart "What became of the Fomar? I must rescue him". "Mome, there's nothing you can do" Steadie said, patting him on the shoulder. "Let's just concentrate on getting out of here." Mome looked at him with tears brimming in his eyes. He wiped them away quickly. "Mart, Johnson, gather up the scientists and head for that huge hole in the wall. It'll take us straight outside. The .EX clan looked disheartened. They had failed.
Steadie and Stu escorted the scientists out of the building. In the past there had been some tension between the two warriors, which to that very day had still not been resolved. But there was still some sort of respect that they had for each other that continued to make them work together. "What was the deal with you and Black Hound" asked Steadie "Did you smash your saber?" "What do you care?" replied Stu "For your information I used the wrong saber" "Any excuse. Just like old times, eh Stu" Steadie scoffed. Stu glared at him. "You know that was an accident" Stu muttered, "I didn't see you doing anything". "I was fighting the real battle back then" Steadie laughed "Not messing around in that little brawl". Stu clenched onto the handle of his saber. He loosened his grip. "Steadie…" he said, "…One day, you and I will settle our differences. But for today, let's just work on getting out of here. Come on Dan". Stu called Dan his friend over and the two of them left together, leaving Steadie stood alone.
Jonathais and Mantis pulled their sabers from the back of the FOnewm Philippe. "Well at least he won't be bothering us again" Mantis laughed. Jonathais looked at him with a smile. "Yeah, I suppose you're right" he laughed. "Yo, Jon, Mantis, lets go" called Joe. The two of them looked at each other. "You know what to do," muttered Mantis. Jonathais nodded. He then kneeled down and took the FOnewm's wallet. The two laughed again. "All in a day's work". They wandered over to Joe and left the building.
Steadie was still stood where Stu and Dan had walked away from him. Gifforn and Bob came over to him. "Steadie, are you coming?" Bob asked. Steadie was a bit shaken from his conversation with Stu. "Steadie? Steadie?" Bob repeated. "My name is Ste!" Steadie yelled at him. Bob looked a bit shocked. "Don't yell at him," Gifforn shouted, "Just because you and Stu had a little tiff doesn't mean you can be rude to him." "What do you know Gif? Nothing!" Ste shouted. "Ste, we're your friends," said Bob. Gifforn glared at him. "Well, I'm your friend at least. Everyone else has already left, are you coming." Ste managed a small smile. "Yeah, I'll see you guys outside. I shouldn't be too long. I just need some me time". Bob nodded and walked outside with Gifforn. Ste looked back into the crumbling building when something caught his eye.
It seemed to be calling him. Ste couldn't help but go to it. Something purple was shining out from under a pile of rubble. He fell to his knees and began to dig at the pile. He finally dug away enough until he had something to grab. He pulled at it with all of his strength. Eventually he managed to salvage the item from the pile. He looked at it. It was a hand. A purple hand. He dropped it without haste. He looked at the hand as it lay on the floor. It was clasping something. It was a long red and purple scythe. It was calling out to him. He picked it up and shook the hand off it. He felt different. He felt like he was losing control. Losing control to the scythe. He tried to fight it, but it was an uphill struggle. He was slipping away, into the shadows. "Ste, come on!" called Joe "The building isn't going to stand much longer." The call snapped Ste out of the trance. "Yeah man, I'm coming" he called back, and ran out of the building.
Ste walked over to the others. He switched the Soul Eater back into its red box form and put it in his pack. "Look out Ste!" called Bob, pointing behind Ste. Ste looked behind him and saw the building starting to collapse. He ran over to join the rest of .EX and watched the building crumble. Mome stared vacantly at the ruins. He stood a broken man. All his hard work, gone. All he had left was a briefcase with his notes. He could create another but it would take time. When the building had collapsed and the dust was settling, a helicopter arrived. The current United States President, President Tyrell, stepped out a stared blankly at the site of the incident. His facial expression was similar to that of Mome's.
"Mome, why the hell did you call me down here to see this… this shambles!" President Tyrell screamed. Mome looked around. "There was an incident" he muttered "A group of hunters came and destroyed the FOmar MK5". Chronic looked at him. "The Mark 5?" he asked "What became of the other 4?" "The Mark 1 was a failure from the start" Mome explained "All that happened was a HUmar gained the ability to cast the spell "Megid". The Mark 2 was destroyed as it was prematurely released unto the world and was unable to function in the community. The Mark 3 became a super human. He was scheduled to be tested on, but has gone missing. His name was heathcliff.
The Mark 4 was named Vulcana and was thought to be a success, but it turns out she was already a FOnewearl. The Mark 5 was almost perfect. But now he's…" He trailed off and faced the rubble. There was an empty silence. Suddenly, rubble began to move. It began to shoot off in random directions. "Get down!" cried Jonathais. The group fell to the floor. The rubble suddenly blasted away in every direction in a huge fiery explosion. Chronic stood up, looking at the destruction. There stood amongst the rubble was a short Force in a red and black battle gown. He had eyes seemingly full of wisdom and spiky yellow hair. It looked at Chronic and smiled.
Chronic looked back at it in a slight degree of fear. Suddenly, the Force stirred. "No!" he cried, "Don't let them go! Leave it as it is!" Mome stood in amazement "The FOmar" he said, "It's survived." "All of you, you must listen to me!" The FOmar said worriedly "A terrible evil is about to be unleashed. Help me! We must stop that ship". The others looked at one and other. "Does he mean the Pioneer 1?" asked Joe "An evil". In the distance, the sound of the Pioneer 1 launching could be heard. The ship blasted into the stratosphere. "No time to explain!" cried the FOmar "It's Phallus! It is coming! I must stop that ship at all costs!" The FOmar kneeled down. "Cast Rafoie!" It yelled. The sound of a large explosion could be heard. A large booming sound from the stars.
"Damn!" it cried, "I couldn't stop it. All of you, EX, Scientists, Mr. President. Spread the word. Pioneer 2 must not go! You have been warned". With that, he cast a Ryuker spell and disappeared. "What the Hell just happened?" asked Bob "What is Pioneer 2?" They all turned to face the president. "Provided all goes well with Pioneer 1" Tyrell said "Then Pioneer 2 will be launched and follow Pioneer 1's trail to Ragol. But that was a confidential meeting. How on earth did he know about that?" This was a question none of them could answer. "Mr President" called a voice from inside the helicopter, "that blast has caused trouble across the globe. Riots, Deaths, Anarchy! You are needed at once."
The president climbed into his helicopter. "I'll send out a search party to look for the FOmar when all this blows over" he said "Until then, take care of yourselves. Thank you .EX". He closed the helicopter's door and with that. It flew away. Chronic turned to Mome. "I recommend that you and your team go home. We'll inform the authorities." Mome nodded and him and the scientists headed to the car park. "Well .EX" Said Chronic "I suppose we should call this a success."
"What about all the lives lost sir?"
"They will be forever remembered as heroes. Heroes who gave their lives for their planet. I believe in fate. Destiny. They were destined to be heroes. People do not choose to be heroes. It is but a task entrusted upon them in the great order of things. Now let us remember them"
The team stood in silence to commemorate their deaths
* * *
Time: A week later.
Location: Streets of Los Angeles
Two HUmars walked down a dark alley after a night of heavy drinking. Someone watched from the rooftops. Watching. Waiting. To strike. One HUmar turned to the other. "Do you sense something?" he asked. The other laughed obnoxiously. "Yeah ya dumb bastard! You just farted dint'cha!" he stuttered. The other looked at him seriously. "No, seriously dude. Something is wrong". He stopped. There before him stood a mysterious figure dressed in black. The foolish drunk stopped also. "Hey get out of my way, man" he slurred "I know Kung Fu!" He pulled several idiotic poses and burped.
"I don't have time for this," said the figure. He pulled out a scythe and swung at the drunk. The blade went straight through him and he collapsed. "Dude?" asked the other "Dude! What did you do to him?" "I drained him," replied the figure "And now, I'll do the same to you!" The HUmar pulled out his handgun and shot wildly at the figure but, under the influence of the alcohol, he missed every shot. The figure pounced on him and raised his weapon and stabbed down onto the HUmar. "Another Soul" laughed the figure. He saw a shadow approaching him from around a corner and ran away into the shadows. A hooded person turned the corner and saw the lifeless bodies. He ran up to them and knelt beside them. "Damn" he muttered "I'm too late" he lowered his hood to reveal his face. It was the face of a young adult and he had a messy scruff of yellow hair. It was none other than the FOmar that had left from the laboratory several days ago. "Someday…" said the FOmar, and he ran off after the figure.
* * *
Time: 2 days after the end of Pioneer 1's journey
Location: Pioneer 2 Control Tower
"Sir, we've got contact". The ex-president Tyrell wandered over to the monitor. Things had been tough for the old president recently. After the story about the FOmar was leaked out into the world, the press had been all over him, which forced him to retire. Now he was one of the leading operatives in the Pioneer 2 control base. His daughter "Red Ring Rico" was on board the ship, and he had been trying to contact her for years. With word that the Pioneer 1 was scheduled to have landed several attempts had been made to get in contact. Finally, a link had been made. An image of Rico appeared on the screen "Hello, this is the hunter Rico, hunters licence number 12042. Can anyone hear me?"
Tyrell rushed to the screen. "Rico, it's me, Dad" he called "Can you hear me?" "Daddy? Is it really you" Rico replied "Your voice. It hasn't changed a bit". Tyrell smiled, but then remembered the seriousness of the situation. "Where are you?" he asked "Did you make it to Ragol? Is the Pioneer 1 OK?" "Yes, we made it" she smiled. "It's so beautiful here. Look behind me. I'm in the forest surrounding the Central Dome". It really was beautiful. It looked just like a forest on Earth, before they became neglected. Tyrell suddenly noticed something behind Rico. It was a large deep reddish coloured creature with large eyes, large claws and large teeth. "Rico, look out!" cried Tyrell. She turned and shrieked. The screen went dead. "Sir, we've lost contact"
"No" cried Tyrell "Rico! Rico!!" "Sir, calm down," said the man beside him. "The Pioneer 2 is finished, and we will launch in the month". Tyrell turned to him. "Month? Month! I can't wait!" he screamed and left the tower. "Sir, stop!" called his aides. They got up to chase him, but the destruction of the computer in front of them hindered them. "Not this shit again." Said Mart, one of Mome's previous aides and the new leader of the Pioneer 2 project. Suddenly, the man next to him began to shine from his stomach. He screamed in fear, and suddenly collapsed into a purple flame. "Grants!" he cried "Smith, revitalise him with a moon atomiser and then run! Carl, call in EX"
Since the incident 7 years ago, EX had evolved. While all of the old members still remained in the team, 7 years older, several new members had joined, Cowdouble, Fozzzmk1, SAM MK7, Julia, King, Saria, Reeko and Sapphira. Cowdouble was a RAmar, who fought with a Guilty Light. He had tanned skin and scruffy black hair that fell over his lucky black bandana. He wore a red and black suit that represented his suppressed dark side, which had caused trouble in the past. Fozzzmk1 was a RAcast. He was surprisingly short for a ranger with such power. He was black and wore large shoulder and kneepads. His weapon of choice was a spread needle, and he was one of the only members of the group who travelled with a mag.
SAM MK7 was the 7th FOmar ever created. He was once like a HUmar, but now he could use all the techniques at their 20th level. He was without a doubt the smartest member of the group. He wore glasses and a black suit with green highlights. He wasn't that tall, but taller than Fozzzmk1 and liked to use a Talis. He had dark red hair and a ponytail. Julia was a FOmarl dressed in a red and pink outfit. She had tidy red hair in 2 buns and an innocent face. Her favourite weapon was a Brave Hammer, which was once awarded to her because of her outstanding bravery in the face of danger. King was a large RAmar who carried a NUG-2000 Bazooka. He was by far the strongest and most built up member of the team. He was a dark green coloured machine and had a flattened head.
Saria was a FOmarl. If looks could kill, than Saria would be even deadlier than she already was. She had long pink hair that she wore up in a bunch. She wore a white and purple dress and chose to use a Magical Piece. Sapphira was an intimidating HUcaseal. She was completely blue from head to foot and had no a metal helmet with a visor for a head. A stubborn hunter as they go and chose to fight with her metal fists of fury (And brave knuckles). Reeko was a cocky FOnewm with a cap, which completely covered all of his hair, and glasses, which indicated a clear amount of intelligence. Unfortunately, the glasses were more intelligent than him. He wore a black and yellow suit. He was medium height and overweight, but a master with his Elysion.
Chronic burst through the door, followed by Jonathais and Joe. "What's going on this time?" asked Chronic. "I'll explain later," said Mart "Let's just get out of here for now". Chronic nodded and left the room, followed by the scientists and then the other 2 members of EX.
Meanwhile, Tyrell ran through the empty corridors. 'I must save Rico' he thought 'I don't want to leave her again'. He remembered back to when she was born. Her mother died shortly after the birth and Tyrell couldn't take care of her and balance his career at the same time. At the age of 4, social services took her away. Tyrell tried to reason with them but it was a lost cause. Heartbroken, Tyrell decided to do one last thing for his daughter. He spent $20,000 on buying Rico a gift. It was a red ring that gave its bearer strength and courage. Rico cherished the gift and never took it off her arm. When Rico turned 18, she left her foster home to find her father. The two were re-united again and Tyrell promised he would never allow her to be harmed again. But, when Rico was invited to join the Pioneer 1 crew, Tyrell told her to go. He said it would be safer there. Now, in this late hour, he knew he was wrong. And now, it was his responsibility to protect her once more.
EX and the leading scientists congregated in the entrance to the base. Jonathais and Joe walked back to the group. "What's going on?" asked the RAcast Fozzzmk1. "I don't know" replied Jonathais "But be prepared for battle". Mart and Chronic turned to the team. "They're back" he said. The two words alone struck fear into the hearts of the team. "No-one else has the kind of power that they have" Chronic added "and this means trouble for us". "What do they want now?" moaned Bob "Why do they keep attacking the military? Don't they know we'll get them one day". "Don't be too cocky Bob" muttered Dan "You forget that each and every time they've come they've whupped your ass". Bob looked a little disheartened, but he knew that Dan was right.
A scientist entered the room. "Sir, the warriors are on their way here and will arrive shortly. "Let them come!" said King "They've never fought me before, I'll blast them away". Gifforn turned to him. "Take your best shot by all means" she muttered "But it doesn't work". "Team, our main objective here is to protect the Pioneer 2. Mantis, Gifforn, Reeko. You three go to the docking bay and prepare to protect the ship. Launch it if necessary." "You can't" cried Mart "It's not ready yet". Chronic looked at him sympathetically "We might have to". On the other side of them room, there was a banging on the wall. "Here they come" said Stu, gripping the handle of his DB Saber. The wall collapsed and two warriors jumped through the dust.
The two warriors stood in front of EX. "Knock knock" laughed the large HUcast known to EX as "Black Hound". Beside him was his accomplice "Black Destroyer who had recently obtained the FOmar research and used it to alter her DNA. Now she could use new techniques such as Grants and Megid. "So the infamous Black duo" muttered Fozzzmk1. "What do you want now?" asked Jonathais. "Lots of things" replied Destroyer "But on the top of our list is the Pioneer 2". Chronic turned to the team and nodded. This was him commanding an attack. The entire team pulled out machine guns and began to fire rapidly. The duo dived either side of the barrage. Photon bullets were flying everywhere, but none of them had hit their target.
"Screw this" muttered Ste. He dropped his machine gun and drew his EX saber. "Come on Bob, let's do it". Bob also dropped his machine gun and drew his Musashi. "Bob, Ste! What the Hell are you doing?" cried Chronic. "Something useful" came the reply. "He's got a point" said Sam, dropping his machine gun and going to join Bob and Ste. "Cease fire" cried Chronic "otherwise we might hit them. Use your initiative to attack. Do as you please. "Sweet" bellowed King, and drew his Bazooka. He fired it at Hound who was stood against a wall, but the shot missed and blew a hole in the wall.
Since joining the team, Fozzz had made an alliance with Joe and Jonathais in a clan they called "Ard@ssnailz". The three of them equipped EX sabers and charged at the Destroyer. Joe took the first swing, but missed and fell beside her. Fozzz swung next, but she ducked, dodging the blow and hit back with her Photon Claw. He flew back past Jonathais (who left to fight Destroyer) and into the feet of Chronic. Chronic knew that there were too many people fighting too few enemies in the same room. "Fozzz, Ste, Stu, Bob, Jonathais, Joe. You stay here, the rest of you go to protect the Pioneer 2". The team left the room and laid traps by the door to stop the Black duo's trek to the Pioneer.
Ste stood facing Hound. "ThAnk you" said Hound "For frEeiNg me. But I neeD back what is mIne!" He lunged at Ste and launched his metal fist into his stomach. "Ste!" cried Bob, who leapt to help Ste. Hound equipped a Musashi and faced Bob. They stared deep into each other's eyes. They both lunged at each other and the two Musashis clashed. The two's faces were inches away. "Tell me" smirked Bob "do you miss your hand?". Hound snarled at applied even more force against Bob. He didn't notice Stu dive past him and swipe him along the back. A blank expression came across Hound's face. He fell to his knees. "Hound!" cried Destroyer. She jumped into the air and cast a Foie spell into the ground. Blowing Fozzzmk1, Joe and Jonathais aside. She ran to Hound's aid, knocking Ste and Bob out of her way.
"Where the Hell are we going?" asked Cowdouble "We've been running around this place for 10 minutes and I'm lost". Sam looked around and spotted a scientist. "Excuse me" he said "Where is the Pioneer 2". He pointed down a corridor and walked off. "Arsehole" Dan called after him. Suddenly from down the corridor Mantis's head popped out from behind a door. He called the rest of the team over. "Get in here" he said. "Chronic just called me and he seems to think that trouble will be coming soon". "Well I hate just waiting around" muttered Reeko "I say we get back there and help out. Gifforn agreed. Standing around was defiantly no the best option. "You all wait here" she said "We'll go back to help fight"
Stu looked over at Hound and Destroyer. All his teammates were down. "No" he cried "This is not my time!". "What the hell is he on about?" asked Destroyer "Come on hound, this pussy can't stop us". "I can" called Chronic drawing his EX saber. He charged at Destroyer who locked his Saber with her Photon Claw. "Now Stu" called Ste. "Finish her". Stu swallowed his fear. This was his chance to prove to Ste that he was not a weakling. He drew his EX saber and charged at Destroyer. She heard him coming and jumped. Stu swung and hit Chronic on the shoulder, knocking him to the floor. "Oh shit" he muttered. Destroyer landed behind him and knocked him out with a punch to the back of the head. "Let's go Hound"
Reeko and Gifforn walked down the corridor. A door at the end of the corridor opened. The duo stepped out. Reeko looked at Gifforn and nodded. Gifforn looked back at him with that look - That "What the Hell are you doing" look. Reeko drew his Elysion and charged at the two. "Reeko, you're a madman" cried Gifforn. Destroyer saw him coming and cast a zonde spell on him. He crumbled to a small pile of dust in the floor, his Elysion falling on top of it. Gifforn gasped. Though she had only known Reeko for a short time, they had been friends. "There's another one" said Hound. Destroyer saw this too and cast a barta spell down the corridor. She tried to run, but was knocked off her feet. She crawled into a room nearby and rested against a wall. She looked around the room and noticed a console. She crawled up to it and looked at the writing on the screen. 'Pioneer 2 launch sequence in process'
"Where are they" muttered Julia "I'm getting kind of bored here". A telepipe opened up next to her and Gifforn fell out of it. "What happened?" asked Mantis "Where is Reeko". "Dead" came the reply "Disintegrated by the black duo". Saria buried her head in her hands. King looked away and the others simply stood aghast. Tyrell came in through the door. "They're coming" he said "I saw them, in the hall. We have to get the ship out of here". Mantis nodded. As the highest ranked member in the room he took control. "OK, Tyrell, you take the ship out of the dock." Called Mantis. "Cowdouble, Sam, you get on too, to protect Tyrell". The two looked at each other "even after that scandal?" asked Cowdouble. Mantis looked at him blankly. "Just get on the ship"
"Is everyone ok" asked Ste, getting up. Ard@ssnailz was still out cold. Chronic was bleeding pretty badly from where Stu had hit him and Bob was just sitting there. Silent. Stu woke up and looked around. "Was that just a dream, or did I take out Chronic?" he asked. "You got him in the shoulder you dumb ass-hole." Muttered Ste "It was simple. I told you to stab Destroyer. You could have ended it there and then. You're a disgrace to the team". "Piss off. I didn't see you do anything. Maybe if you didn't steal something of Hound's they wouldn't have come here in the first… hey, where are they?". They looked around. The Black Duo had disappeared. "The ship!" cried Bob "Is everyone ok to go?". Stu and Ste nodded and followed Bob down the corridor.
"Ooh, cushy" said Sam looking around the ship "It looks just like the capital". The engines of the ship kicked in. "That's weird" muttered Cowdouble "I thought the Pioneer 2 would take ages to start". The two looked at each other. "Somebody knew something" said Sam "But the ship will be OK? So the Black Duo has nothing to do with it?". Tyrell interrupted him. "The ship has started already! You're team had better move or they'll get hit by the engines power". "I'll go protect them" muttered Sam "I'll cast something on them. Deband or something.". He ran off to join his teammates leaving Tyrell and Cowdouble. "Did you start the launch process?" asked Cowdouble. Tyrell shook his head. "I've been in central control for most of the time since the Black Duo arrived". This problem was a curious one. But there was no time to wonder. They had to move.
Back in the docking bay, the Black Duo arrived. "Till the death" cried Mantis. He, King and Sapphira charged forwards the duo. Saria tended to Gifforn's wounds and Julia and Dan stood guard of the entrance to the ship. Sam came out of the ship behind them. "Get down" he called "The ship is about to launch". Dan and Julia screamed. "Shut up" muttered Sam "Go help the others, you'll be safe there. I'll cast a spell". The two nodded and ran to the battle. Gifforn and Saria boarded the ship to meet up with Cowdouble and tend to Gifforn's injuries. Sam cast a Deband spell on the other team members and boarded the ship. "Evacuate area" called a speaker. "Prepare for takeoff".
The engines burst on and the room filled with flames. EX was protected by the Deband, but the black duo was blown out of the room. They crashed into a wall in front of Ste, Stu and Bob. "The ship must be leaving" muttered Stu "I wonder if the others are ok". The Pioneer 2 pulled away from the docking area and flew away over the horizon. Hound stood up and turned to Ste. "YoU will paY" he cried shaking his fist and jumped into a telepipe, followed by Destroyer. Bob helped Ste up, and both of them stared blankly at the Pioneer 2 disappearing into the distance.
* * *
Time: Launching day of Pioneer 2
Location: Pioneer 2 Control Tower
A crowd was excitedly gathered around the Pioneer 2, held back by security. In front of them, Principal Tyrell stepped up to a podium and a deadly silence fell across the crowd.
"Welcome to your salvation" he said, "The pioneer 2 is fully operational and will launch shortly. We will embark on our 7 year journey to your new home". The crowd went wild. The doors of the ship opened and people hurriedly boarded. Bringing up the rear of the group was EX. The team was going into stasis for the majority of the journey, which obviously sounded quite depressing. "Great" muttered Stu "7 years of nothing with you guys". Joe laughed "You know, you won't actually know that its been 7 years" he explained "We'll all be suspended in time, so when we wake up, it'll be like nothing happened". The last civilian boarded the ship. "Well, shall we get on then?" Asked Saria. Chronic nodded, and his team followed him on board. As the last of the group boarded the door behind them closed with a loud crash.
In the Principal's office, Mart walked up to Principal Tyrell's desk. "Sir, all civilians have successfully boarded" he said, "We're ready to go". Tyrell nodded and sent the command down to the control deck. "I'm coming Rico…"
"Co-ordinates Set"
…
"Docking Procedure Complete"
…
"All Air-locks Sealed"
…
"Clear area"
…
The Mighty Pioneer 2 slowly ascended from the docking bay, and suddenly blasted out of the Earth's atmosphere.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: FOZZZMK3 on 2004-05-23 10:56 ]</font>
Prologue
"Co-ordinates Set"
…
"Docking Procedure Complete"
…
"All Air-locks Sealed"
…
"Clear area"
…
The Mighty Pioneer 1 slowly ascended from the docking bay watched by many of the doomed inhabitants across the globe. The pioneer project, A plan born out of desperation, had always been but a distant fear to the eyes of many. But the all the years of their abuse to their planet had begun to take it's toll. The breathable atmosphere had begun to degrade. The planets natural resources had begun to wither and fade away. Pioneer 1 carried the elite from the planet Earth on a mission to find a new home world. The ship, led by the honorable Principal Jackson, had set off on it's seven year journey to their new potential homeland. A planet of the very same properties as the very planet that they had been living on. A planet named Ragol.
The planet was very mysterious. For millions of years, man had been searching for the unknown and as if by magic, one day a planet of perfect qualities should come along. This seemed suspicious through the eyes of many, but they weren't complaining. Ragol was in the Kunamia system, along with 5 other planets, none of which with suitable living conditions. At least, that is what was thought.
Still in sight of the people below, Pioneer 1 engaged it's secondary rocket system and blasted through the atmosphere. People watching televisions worldwide saw the ship disappear into the distance. The view on the televisions changed from the vacant space of sky from which the ship had left the stratosphere to the mission control base, where the operatives were awaiting confirmation of the ships safe descent into space. All across the planet, people were gripped in an icy silence. Suddenly, a message blasted on through the communications system.
"This is Principal Kurt J Jackson. The pioneer 1 has successfully left the atmosphere. All systems are go. We're on our way"
The nation cheered in celebration. For the fleeting moment that followed, the world was united. Their optimism was short lived. A large booming sound from the stars shattered the unism. The sound shook the Earth. Windows were shattered, massive tidal waves caused by the shockwaves crashed into cities, causing death and devastation and a nation panicked. Riots broke out in the streets. Vicious riots, like the world had never seen. Since the recent discovery of harnessing photon into weapons, millions of innocent people were being sent to their deaths. But the scientists in the Pioneer 1 control base had a more vexing problem to take care of. What had caused the blast?
* * *
Time: 2 hours before the blast
Location: Top Secret Military Base: Alabama U.S.A
"Gentlemen… I think we've done it"
The scientists excitedly gathered around the isolation cylinder. It was unbelievable. A super Human. A super Newman. They had done it. 8 years of hard, back braking, mind-boggling work had resulted in this. A human with abilities beyond a Newman. Newmans had been renowned for their abilities to harness the power of the elements for their own wishes. Fire. Lightning. Ice. Now a human had been entrusted with these powers. A FOmar.
"Get President Tyrell on the phone!" Cried Mome, the lead scientist, "We have finally created the ultimate fighting machine. Quickly, we must begin the cloning process!"
The lab became a hustle and bustle with the coming and going of scientists, soldiers and members of the authorities. One of Mome's Aide suddenly stopped. "Grimsby, come on, I need that Dimate now!" Grimsby turned to him. "Something is coming". Mome looked at him. The look of fear in his face. Yet he could see nothing wrong. Nothing but the look of fear in the darkened eyes of Frank Grimsby. "Everyone…" Grimsby said, "Something is wrong! Listen to me as your lives may depend on it!"
The others looked around obnoxiously. "What are you on about Grimsby" Mome laughed. "Can't you hear them?" Grimsby cried. The hustling and bustling and the coming and going stopped. They could hear a scratching. "That could be a mouse!" Mome laughed. But there was no mouse. The scratching grew gradually louder and louder. A nervous muttering broke out from the scientists. The muttering turned into silence. The scratching was gone. "See Grimsby" Mome scoffed "Nothing. It's all in your…" Mome never finished his sentence. He was interrupted by the destruction of one of the concrete walls surrounding him.
The wall fell and crushed Grimsby and several others. "What the Hell was that?" Cried Mart, another of Mome's aides. "I can't see," muttered a voice "Not with all this dust". The dust started to clear away. "Who's that?" Cried Mart "call in the rangers!" A silent alarm was triggered. Twenty of the planets remaining elite hunters and rangers burst in through the doors behind Mome. "Attention lowlifes" Cried the leader of the squad, Chronic. Silence. "Sir, I don't think they're going to respond," muttered another of the squad, A HUmar named Mantis "should we attack?" "No, we'll wait" muttered Chronic "Who knows what is lurking behind that dust". The dust subsided. Stood was a group of 3 hunters
"What is this place?" asked a HUnewearl with a scruffy mess of pinkish hair barely covering her two large ears. "It's the laboratory," replied a deep voiced purple HUcast "We're finally here". The other member of the group was a short overweight FOnewm. He was tanned and wore a black outfit. He looked around in wonderment. "Wow" he whispered under his breath "It's all so beautiful". He walked up to one of the computers in the building. "Stop where you are and put you're hands up!" Shouted Chronic. The FOnewm looked at him with his big vacant eyes. "Now!" shouted the HUcast. He and the HUnewearl leapt forwards into battle positions. "Ready men," said Chronic "Attack!"
Mantis drew his machine gun. He knew it was time for action. "Mantis, Stu, Bob, Joe" Chronic called "Attack the HUcast. Steadie, Jonathais, Dan, Gifforn attack the HUnewearl. The rest of you, after the FOnewm." Everybody knew that Forces were the strongest creatures alive, so this was a wise move on Chronic's behalf. Mantis stepped forth. He screamed and fired his machine gun at the HUcast. The HUcast leapt and dodged the shots fired in a way never seen before. "Stu, Bob. Help me!" Mantis cried, "My machine gun is no use". Stu, a RAmar with a saber, and Bob, a HUcast with a Musashi, leapt to Mantis's aid. The HUcast landed feet away from Stu, and drew his weapon. A Soul Eater.
Meanwhile, Steadie, a HUmar with a dash of dark hair and a red and black uniform, equipped his Yasminkov 7000V, Dan, an elite operative who's face was completely covered with a mask, equipped a Fire Rifle, Gifforn, A RAmarl with long blonde hair and a crooked beret, equipped a L&K14 Combat and Jonathais, A RAmar with a blast of brown hair, equipped his spread needle. They began to shoot at the HUnewearl, but she used her Photon Claw blocked every shot. "Hold your fire" Jonathais called to the others. "This is useless. Draw your swords". The four pulled out the group's trademarked S-Rank Saber - The .EX Saber.
"I'm gonna take you down right now!" cried Stu, leaping at the HUcast. Stu swung his saber at the HUcast, but it shattered on his arm. The force from the collision blew Stu backwards to the floor. "This is where it ends for you," The HUcast laughed, holding his soul eater high above his head. "Not today" called a voice. It was the voice of Bob, the team's strongest hunter. He dove over Stu and swiped at the HUcast. He sliced off the hand of the HUcast, which bore the Soul Eater. It fell to the ground and hit it with a clunk. "Not so mighty now are we!" laughed Bob standing before the wounded HUcast. "Don't get cocky Bob" Joe called "it can't be this easy"
Steadie, Dan and Gifforn were facing off against the HUnewearl. Every time they swung at her, their attack was countered and it resulted in an injury to Jonathais's force. Jonathais himself stood away from the battle. "Jonathais, what the Hell are you doing?" cried Chronic angrily. Jonathais turned to him suddenly. "What's going on with the FOnewm?" Jonathais called. The two of them turned to where the battle had been fought. The force that had been attacking the FOnewm was gone. Nothing remained of them but dust. Little piles of dust. Slowly crumbling away around the FOnewm's feet. ". EX. You fools!" laughed the HUcast. He leapt at Bob and knocked him out cold with a head butt. "Now Philippe!" The FOnewm faced the cylinder containing the Fomar.
"No, not that!" cried Mome "The world is not ready for him yet! His brainwaves are unstable, who knows what could happen." The FOnewm smiled. He closed his eyes and focussed. "He's going to destroy it!" cried Joe. "Mantis, Jonathais, quick. Stop it!" cried Chronic. The two operatives, renowned for stunning teamwork, leapt at the FOnewm. "Cast Foie" yelled the FOnewm casting a huge fireball at the cylinder. At this point, all time seemed to stand still. The Foie hit the cylinder, which in turn burst into flames and brought down some of the supporting beams around it. The FOnewm was stabbed in the back by two intertwining .EX sabers with the names "Mantis" and "Jonathais" inscribed of them. The scientists began screaming and fleeing. But it was like lambs to a slaughter. With the Fonewm's last ounce of strength, he obliterated most of what remained of Mome's "crack" team of scientists with a powerful gizonde spell.
As the building's structure began to crumble, Bob awoke. He stumbled to his feet. "You bastard!" He cried at the HUcast "Just who the hell are you?". "I don't really have a name" he muttered. "But to many I am known as Black Hound". The HUnewearl came to join him "and I am known as Black Destroyer" she added. "Come on Hound, let's go.". She cast a Ryuker spell, and she and Black Hound leapt into the telepipe. "No…" moaned Mart "What became of the Fomar? I must rescue him". "Mome, there's nothing you can do" Steadie said, patting him on the shoulder. "Let's just concentrate on getting out of here." Mome looked at him with tears brimming in his eyes. He wiped them away quickly. "Mart, Johnson, gather up the scientists and head for that huge hole in the wall. It'll take us straight outside. The .EX clan looked disheartened. They had failed.
Steadie and Stu escorted the scientists out of the building. In the past there had been some tension between the two warriors, which to that very day had still not been resolved. But there was still some sort of respect that they had for each other that continued to make them work together. "What was the deal with you and Black Hound" asked Steadie "Did you smash your saber?" "What do you care?" replied Stu "For your information I used the wrong saber" "Any excuse. Just like old times, eh Stu" Steadie scoffed. Stu glared at him. "You know that was an accident" Stu muttered, "I didn't see you doing anything". "I was fighting the real battle back then" Steadie laughed "Not messing around in that little brawl". Stu clenched onto the handle of his saber. He loosened his grip. "Steadie…" he said, "…One day, you and I will settle our differences. But for today, let's just work on getting out of here. Come on Dan". Stu called Dan his friend over and the two of them left together, leaving Steadie stood alone.
Jonathais and Mantis pulled their sabers from the back of the FOnewm Philippe. "Well at least he won't be bothering us again" Mantis laughed. Jonathais looked at him with a smile. "Yeah, I suppose you're right" he laughed. "Yo, Jon, Mantis, lets go" called Joe. The two of them looked at each other. "You know what to do," muttered Mantis. Jonathais nodded. He then kneeled down and took the FOnewm's wallet. The two laughed again. "All in a day's work". They wandered over to Joe and left the building.
Steadie was still stood where Stu and Dan had walked away from him. Gifforn and Bob came over to him. "Steadie, are you coming?" Bob asked. Steadie was a bit shaken from his conversation with Stu. "Steadie? Steadie?" Bob repeated. "My name is Ste!" Steadie yelled at him. Bob looked a bit shocked. "Don't yell at him," Gifforn shouted, "Just because you and Stu had a little tiff doesn't mean you can be rude to him." "What do you know Gif? Nothing!" Ste shouted. "Ste, we're your friends," said Bob. Gifforn glared at him. "Well, I'm your friend at least. Everyone else has already left, are you coming." Ste managed a small smile. "Yeah, I'll see you guys outside. I shouldn't be too long. I just need some me time". Bob nodded and walked outside with Gifforn. Ste looked back into the crumbling building when something caught his eye.
It seemed to be calling him. Ste couldn't help but go to it. Something purple was shining out from under a pile of rubble. He fell to his knees and began to dig at the pile. He finally dug away enough until he had something to grab. He pulled at it with all of his strength. Eventually he managed to salvage the item from the pile. He looked at it. It was a hand. A purple hand. He dropped it without haste. He looked at the hand as it lay on the floor. It was clasping something. It was a long red and purple scythe. It was calling out to him. He picked it up and shook the hand off it. He felt different. He felt like he was losing control. Losing control to the scythe. He tried to fight it, but it was an uphill struggle. He was slipping away, into the shadows. "Ste, come on!" called Joe "The building isn't going to stand much longer." The call snapped Ste out of the trance. "Yeah man, I'm coming" he called back, and ran out of the building.
Ste walked over to the others. He switched the Soul Eater back into its red box form and put it in his pack. "Look out Ste!" called Bob, pointing behind Ste. Ste looked behind him and saw the building starting to collapse. He ran over to join the rest of .EX and watched the building crumble. Mome stared vacantly at the ruins. He stood a broken man. All his hard work, gone. All he had left was a briefcase with his notes. He could create another but it would take time. When the building had collapsed and the dust was settling, a helicopter arrived. The current United States President, President Tyrell, stepped out a stared blankly at the site of the incident. His facial expression was similar to that of Mome's.
"Mome, why the hell did you call me down here to see this… this shambles!" President Tyrell screamed. Mome looked around. "There was an incident" he muttered "A group of hunters came and destroyed the FOmar MK5". Chronic looked at him. "The Mark 5?" he asked "What became of the other 4?" "The Mark 1 was a failure from the start" Mome explained "All that happened was a HUmar gained the ability to cast the spell "Megid". The Mark 2 was destroyed as it was prematurely released unto the world and was unable to function in the community. The Mark 3 became a super human. He was scheduled to be tested on, but has gone missing. His name was heathcliff.
The Mark 4 was named Vulcana and was thought to be a success, but it turns out she was already a FOnewearl. The Mark 5 was almost perfect. But now he's…" He trailed off and faced the rubble. There was an empty silence. Suddenly, rubble began to move. It began to shoot off in random directions. "Get down!" cried Jonathais. The group fell to the floor. The rubble suddenly blasted away in every direction in a huge fiery explosion. Chronic stood up, looking at the destruction. There stood amongst the rubble was a short Force in a red and black battle gown. He had eyes seemingly full of wisdom and spiky yellow hair. It looked at Chronic and smiled.
Chronic looked back at it in a slight degree of fear. Suddenly, the Force stirred. "No!" he cried, "Don't let them go! Leave it as it is!" Mome stood in amazement "The FOmar" he said, "It's survived." "All of you, you must listen to me!" The FOmar said worriedly "A terrible evil is about to be unleashed. Help me! We must stop that ship". The others looked at one and other. "Does he mean the Pioneer 1?" asked Joe "An evil". In the distance, the sound of the Pioneer 1 launching could be heard. The ship blasted into the stratosphere. "No time to explain!" cried the FOmar "It's Phallus! It is coming! I must stop that ship at all costs!" The FOmar kneeled down. "Cast Rafoie!" It yelled. The sound of a large explosion could be heard. A large booming sound from the stars.
"Damn!" it cried, "I couldn't stop it. All of you, EX, Scientists, Mr. President. Spread the word. Pioneer 2 must not go! You have been warned". With that, he cast a Ryuker spell and disappeared. "What the Hell just happened?" asked Bob "What is Pioneer 2?" They all turned to face the president. "Provided all goes well with Pioneer 1" Tyrell said "Then Pioneer 2 will be launched and follow Pioneer 1's trail to Ragol. But that was a confidential meeting. How on earth did he know about that?" This was a question none of them could answer. "Mr President" called a voice from inside the helicopter, "that blast has caused trouble across the globe. Riots, Deaths, Anarchy! You are needed at once."
The president climbed into his helicopter. "I'll send out a search party to look for the FOmar when all this blows over" he said "Until then, take care of yourselves. Thank you .EX". He closed the helicopter's door and with that. It flew away. Chronic turned to Mome. "I recommend that you and your team go home. We'll inform the authorities." Mome nodded and him and the scientists headed to the car park. "Well .EX" Said Chronic "I suppose we should call this a success."
"What about all the lives lost sir?"
"They will be forever remembered as heroes. Heroes who gave their lives for their planet. I believe in fate. Destiny. They were destined to be heroes. People do not choose to be heroes. It is but a task entrusted upon them in the great order of things. Now let us remember them"
The team stood in silence to commemorate their deaths
* * *
Time: A week later.
Location: Streets of Los Angeles
Two HUmars walked down a dark alley after a night of heavy drinking. Someone watched from the rooftops. Watching. Waiting. To strike. One HUmar turned to the other. "Do you sense something?" he asked. The other laughed obnoxiously. "Yeah ya dumb bastard! You just farted dint'cha!" he stuttered. The other looked at him seriously. "No, seriously dude. Something is wrong". He stopped. There before him stood a mysterious figure dressed in black. The foolish drunk stopped also. "Hey get out of my way, man" he slurred "I know Kung Fu!" He pulled several idiotic poses and burped.
"I don't have time for this," said the figure. He pulled out a scythe and swung at the drunk. The blade went straight through him and he collapsed. "Dude?" asked the other "Dude! What did you do to him?" "I drained him," replied the figure "And now, I'll do the same to you!" The HUmar pulled out his handgun and shot wildly at the figure but, under the influence of the alcohol, he missed every shot. The figure pounced on him and raised his weapon and stabbed down onto the HUmar. "Another Soul" laughed the figure. He saw a shadow approaching him from around a corner and ran away into the shadows. A hooded person turned the corner and saw the lifeless bodies. He ran up to them and knelt beside them. "Damn" he muttered "I'm too late" he lowered his hood to reveal his face. It was the face of a young adult and he had a messy scruff of yellow hair. It was none other than the FOmar that had left from the laboratory several days ago. "Someday…" said the FOmar, and he ran off after the figure.
* * *
Time: 2 days after the end of Pioneer 1's journey
Location: Pioneer 2 Control Tower
"Sir, we've got contact". The ex-president Tyrell wandered over to the monitor. Things had been tough for the old president recently. After the story about the FOmar was leaked out into the world, the press had been all over him, which forced him to retire. Now he was one of the leading operatives in the Pioneer 2 control base. His daughter "Red Ring Rico" was on board the ship, and he had been trying to contact her for years. With word that the Pioneer 1 was scheduled to have landed several attempts had been made to get in contact. Finally, a link had been made. An image of Rico appeared on the screen "Hello, this is the hunter Rico, hunters licence number 12042. Can anyone hear me?"
Tyrell rushed to the screen. "Rico, it's me, Dad" he called "Can you hear me?" "Daddy? Is it really you" Rico replied "Your voice. It hasn't changed a bit". Tyrell smiled, but then remembered the seriousness of the situation. "Where are you?" he asked "Did you make it to Ragol? Is the Pioneer 1 OK?" "Yes, we made it" she smiled. "It's so beautiful here. Look behind me. I'm in the forest surrounding the Central Dome". It really was beautiful. It looked just like a forest on Earth, before they became neglected. Tyrell suddenly noticed something behind Rico. It was a large deep reddish coloured creature with large eyes, large claws and large teeth. "Rico, look out!" cried Tyrell. She turned and shrieked. The screen went dead. "Sir, we've lost contact"
"No" cried Tyrell "Rico! Rico!!" "Sir, calm down," said the man beside him. "The Pioneer 2 is finished, and we will launch in the month". Tyrell turned to him. "Month? Month! I can't wait!" he screamed and left the tower. "Sir, stop!" called his aides. They got up to chase him, but the destruction of the computer in front of them hindered them. "Not this shit again." Said Mart, one of Mome's previous aides and the new leader of the Pioneer 2 project. Suddenly, the man next to him began to shine from his stomach. He screamed in fear, and suddenly collapsed into a purple flame. "Grants!" he cried "Smith, revitalise him with a moon atomiser and then run! Carl, call in EX"
Since the incident 7 years ago, EX had evolved. While all of the old members still remained in the team, 7 years older, several new members had joined, Cowdouble, Fozzzmk1, SAM MK7, Julia, King, Saria, Reeko and Sapphira. Cowdouble was a RAmar, who fought with a Guilty Light. He had tanned skin and scruffy black hair that fell over his lucky black bandana. He wore a red and black suit that represented his suppressed dark side, which had caused trouble in the past. Fozzzmk1 was a RAcast. He was surprisingly short for a ranger with such power. He was black and wore large shoulder and kneepads. His weapon of choice was a spread needle, and he was one of the only members of the group who travelled with a mag.
SAM MK7 was the 7th FOmar ever created. He was once like a HUmar, but now he could use all the techniques at their 20th level. He was without a doubt the smartest member of the group. He wore glasses and a black suit with green highlights. He wasn't that tall, but taller than Fozzzmk1 and liked to use a Talis. He had dark red hair and a ponytail. Julia was a FOmarl dressed in a red and pink outfit. She had tidy red hair in 2 buns and an innocent face. Her favourite weapon was a Brave Hammer, which was once awarded to her because of her outstanding bravery in the face of danger. King was a large RAmar who carried a NUG-2000 Bazooka. He was by far the strongest and most built up member of the team. He was a dark green coloured machine and had a flattened head.
Saria was a FOmarl. If looks could kill, than Saria would be even deadlier than she already was. She had long pink hair that she wore up in a bunch. She wore a white and purple dress and chose to use a Magical Piece. Sapphira was an intimidating HUcaseal. She was completely blue from head to foot and had no a metal helmet with a visor for a head. A stubborn hunter as they go and chose to fight with her metal fists of fury (And brave knuckles). Reeko was a cocky FOnewm with a cap, which completely covered all of his hair, and glasses, which indicated a clear amount of intelligence. Unfortunately, the glasses were more intelligent than him. He wore a black and yellow suit. He was medium height and overweight, but a master with his Elysion.
Chronic burst through the door, followed by Jonathais and Joe. "What's going on this time?" asked Chronic. "I'll explain later," said Mart "Let's just get out of here for now". Chronic nodded and left the room, followed by the scientists and then the other 2 members of EX.
Meanwhile, Tyrell ran through the empty corridors. 'I must save Rico' he thought 'I don't want to leave her again'. He remembered back to when she was born. Her mother died shortly after the birth and Tyrell couldn't take care of her and balance his career at the same time. At the age of 4, social services took her away. Tyrell tried to reason with them but it was a lost cause. Heartbroken, Tyrell decided to do one last thing for his daughter. He spent $20,000 on buying Rico a gift. It was a red ring that gave its bearer strength and courage. Rico cherished the gift and never took it off her arm. When Rico turned 18, she left her foster home to find her father. The two were re-united again and Tyrell promised he would never allow her to be harmed again. But, when Rico was invited to join the Pioneer 1 crew, Tyrell told her to go. He said it would be safer there. Now, in this late hour, he knew he was wrong. And now, it was his responsibility to protect her once more.
EX and the leading scientists congregated in the entrance to the base. Jonathais and Joe walked back to the group. "What's going on?" asked the RAcast Fozzzmk1. "I don't know" replied Jonathais "But be prepared for battle". Mart and Chronic turned to the team. "They're back" he said. The two words alone struck fear into the hearts of the team. "No-one else has the kind of power that they have" Chronic added "and this means trouble for us". "What do they want now?" moaned Bob "Why do they keep attacking the military? Don't they know we'll get them one day". "Don't be too cocky Bob" muttered Dan "You forget that each and every time they've come they've whupped your ass". Bob looked a little disheartened, but he knew that Dan was right.
A scientist entered the room. "Sir, the warriors are on their way here and will arrive shortly. "Let them come!" said King "They've never fought me before, I'll blast them away". Gifforn turned to him. "Take your best shot by all means" she muttered "But it doesn't work". "Team, our main objective here is to protect the Pioneer 2. Mantis, Gifforn, Reeko. You three go to the docking bay and prepare to protect the ship. Launch it if necessary." "You can't" cried Mart "It's not ready yet". Chronic looked at him sympathetically "We might have to". On the other side of them room, there was a banging on the wall. "Here they come" said Stu, gripping the handle of his DB Saber. The wall collapsed and two warriors jumped through the dust.
The two warriors stood in front of EX. "Knock knock" laughed the large HUcast known to EX as "Black Hound". Beside him was his accomplice "Black Destroyer who had recently obtained the FOmar research and used it to alter her DNA. Now she could use new techniques such as Grants and Megid. "So the infamous Black duo" muttered Fozzzmk1. "What do you want now?" asked Jonathais. "Lots of things" replied Destroyer "But on the top of our list is the Pioneer 2". Chronic turned to the team and nodded. This was him commanding an attack. The entire team pulled out machine guns and began to fire rapidly. The duo dived either side of the barrage. Photon bullets were flying everywhere, but none of them had hit their target.
"Screw this" muttered Ste. He dropped his machine gun and drew his EX saber. "Come on Bob, let's do it". Bob also dropped his machine gun and drew his Musashi. "Bob, Ste! What the Hell are you doing?" cried Chronic. "Something useful" came the reply. "He's got a point" said Sam, dropping his machine gun and going to join Bob and Ste. "Cease fire" cried Chronic "otherwise we might hit them. Use your initiative to attack. Do as you please. "Sweet" bellowed King, and drew his Bazooka. He fired it at Hound who was stood against a wall, but the shot missed and blew a hole in the wall.
Since joining the team, Fozzz had made an alliance with Joe and Jonathais in a clan they called "Ard@ssnailz". The three of them equipped EX sabers and charged at the Destroyer. Joe took the first swing, but missed and fell beside her. Fozzz swung next, but she ducked, dodging the blow and hit back with her Photon Claw. He flew back past Jonathais (who left to fight Destroyer) and into the feet of Chronic. Chronic knew that there were too many people fighting too few enemies in the same room. "Fozzz, Ste, Stu, Bob, Jonathais, Joe. You stay here, the rest of you go to protect the Pioneer 2". The team left the room and laid traps by the door to stop the Black duo's trek to the Pioneer.
Ste stood facing Hound. "ThAnk you" said Hound "For frEeiNg me. But I neeD back what is mIne!" He lunged at Ste and launched his metal fist into his stomach. "Ste!" cried Bob, who leapt to help Ste. Hound equipped a Musashi and faced Bob. They stared deep into each other's eyes. They both lunged at each other and the two Musashis clashed. The two's faces were inches away. "Tell me" smirked Bob "do you miss your hand?". Hound snarled at applied even more force against Bob. He didn't notice Stu dive past him and swipe him along the back. A blank expression came across Hound's face. He fell to his knees. "Hound!" cried Destroyer. She jumped into the air and cast a Foie spell into the ground. Blowing Fozzzmk1, Joe and Jonathais aside. She ran to Hound's aid, knocking Ste and Bob out of her way.
"Where the Hell are we going?" asked Cowdouble "We've been running around this place for 10 minutes and I'm lost". Sam looked around and spotted a scientist. "Excuse me" he said "Where is the Pioneer 2". He pointed down a corridor and walked off. "Arsehole" Dan called after him. Suddenly from down the corridor Mantis's head popped out from behind a door. He called the rest of the team over. "Get in here" he said. "Chronic just called me and he seems to think that trouble will be coming soon". "Well I hate just waiting around" muttered Reeko "I say we get back there and help out. Gifforn agreed. Standing around was defiantly no the best option. "You all wait here" she said "We'll go back to help fight"
Stu looked over at Hound and Destroyer. All his teammates were down. "No" he cried "This is not my time!". "What the hell is he on about?" asked Destroyer "Come on hound, this pussy can't stop us". "I can" called Chronic drawing his EX saber. He charged at Destroyer who locked his Saber with her Photon Claw. "Now Stu" called Ste. "Finish her". Stu swallowed his fear. This was his chance to prove to Ste that he was not a weakling. He drew his EX saber and charged at Destroyer. She heard him coming and jumped. Stu swung and hit Chronic on the shoulder, knocking him to the floor. "Oh shit" he muttered. Destroyer landed behind him and knocked him out with a punch to the back of the head. "Let's go Hound"
Reeko and Gifforn walked down the corridor. A door at the end of the corridor opened. The duo stepped out. Reeko looked at Gifforn and nodded. Gifforn looked back at him with that look - That "What the Hell are you doing" look. Reeko drew his Elysion and charged at the two. "Reeko, you're a madman" cried Gifforn. Destroyer saw him coming and cast a zonde spell on him. He crumbled to a small pile of dust in the floor, his Elysion falling on top of it. Gifforn gasped. Though she had only known Reeko for a short time, they had been friends. "There's another one" said Hound. Destroyer saw this too and cast a barta spell down the corridor. She tried to run, but was knocked off her feet. She crawled into a room nearby and rested against a wall. She looked around the room and noticed a console. She crawled up to it and looked at the writing on the screen. 'Pioneer 2 launch sequence in process'
"Where are they" muttered Julia "I'm getting kind of bored here". A telepipe opened up next to her and Gifforn fell out of it. "What happened?" asked Mantis "Where is Reeko". "Dead" came the reply "Disintegrated by the black duo". Saria buried her head in her hands. King looked away and the others simply stood aghast. Tyrell came in through the door. "They're coming" he said "I saw them, in the hall. We have to get the ship out of here". Mantis nodded. As the highest ranked member in the room he took control. "OK, Tyrell, you take the ship out of the dock." Called Mantis. "Cowdouble, Sam, you get on too, to protect Tyrell". The two looked at each other "even after that scandal?" asked Cowdouble. Mantis looked at him blankly. "Just get on the ship"
"Is everyone ok" asked Ste, getting up. Ard@ssnailz was still out cold. Chronic was bleeding pretty badly from where Stu had hit him and Bob was just sitting there. Silent. Stu woke up and looked around. "Was that just a dream, or did I take out Chronic?" he asked. "You got him in the shoulder you dumb ass-hole." Muttered Ste "It was simple. I told you to stab Destroyer. You could have ended it there and then. You're a disgrace to the team". "Piss off. I didn't see you do anything. Maybe if you didn't steal something of Hound's they wouldn't have come here in the first… hey, where are they?". They looked around. The Black Duo had disappeared. "The ship!" cried Bob "Is everyone ok to go?". Stu and Ste nodded and followed Bob down the corridor.
"Ooh, cushy" said Sam looking around the ship "It looks just like the capital". The engines of the ship kicked in. "That's weird" muttered Cowdouble "I thought the Pioneer 2 would take ages to start". The two looked at each other. "Somebody knew something" said Sam "But the ship will be OK? So the Black Duo has nothing to do with it?". Tyrell interrupted him. "The ship has started already! You're team had better move or they'll get hit by the engines power". "I'll go protect them" muttered Sam "I'll cast something on them. Deband or something.". He ran off to join his teammates leaving Tyrell and Cowdouble. "Did you start the launch process?" asked Cowdouble. Tyrell shook his head. "I've been in central control for most of the time since the Black Duo arrived". This problem was a curious one. But there was no time to wonder. They had to move.
Back in the docking bay, the Black Duo arrived. "Till the death" cried Mantis. He, King and Sapphira charged forwards the duo. Saria tended to Gifforn's wounds and Julia and Dan stood guard of the entrance to the ship. Sam came out of the ship behind them. "Get down" he called "The ship is about to launch". Dan and Julia screamed. "Shut up" muttered Sam "Go help the others, you'll be safe there. I'll cast a spell". The two nodded and ran to the battle. Gifforn and Saria boarded the ship to meet up with Cowdouble and tend to Gifforn's injuries. Sam cast a Deband spell on the other team members and boarded the ship. "Evacuate area" called a speaker. "Prepare for takeoff".
The engines burst on and the room filled with flames. EX was protected by the Deband, but the black duo was blown out of the room. They crashed into a wall in front of Ste, Stu and Bob. "The ship must be leaving" muttered Stu "I wonder if the others are ok". The Pioneer 2 pulled away from the docking area and flew away over the horizon. Hound stood up and turned to Ste. "YoU will paY" he cried shaking his fist and jumped into a telepipe, followed by Destroyer. Bob helped Ste up, and both of them stared blankly at the Pioneer 2 disappearing into the distance.
* * *
Time: Launching day of Pioneer 2
Location: Pioneer 2 Control Tower
A crowd was excitedly gathered around the Pioneer 2, held back by security. In front of them, Principal Tyrell stepped up to a podium and a deadly silence fell across the crowd.
"Welcome to your salvation" he said, "The pioneer 2 is fully operational and will launch shortly. We will embark on our 7 year journey to your new home". The crowd went wild. The doors of the ship opened and people hurriedly boarded. Bringing up the rear of the group was EX. The team was going into stasis for the majority of the journey, which obviously sounded quite depressing. "Great" muttered Stu "7 years of nothing with you guys". Joe laughed "You know, you won't actually know that its been 7 years" he explained "We'll all be suspended in time, so when we wake up, it'll be like nothing happened". The last civilian boarded the ship. "Well, shall we get on then?" Asked Saria. Chronic nodded, and his team followed him on board. As the last of the group boarded the door behind them closed with a loud crash.
In the Principal's office, Mart walked up to Principal Tyrell's desk. "Sir, all civilians have successfully boarded" he said, "We're ready to go". Tyrell nodded and sent the command down to the control deck. "I'm coming Rico…"
"Co-ordinates Set"
…
"Docking Procedure Complete"
…
"All Air-locks Sealed"
…
"Clear area"
…
The Mighty Pioneer 2 slowly ascended from the docking bay, and suddenly blasted out of the Earth's atmosphere.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: FOZZZMK3 on 2004-05-23 10:56 ]</font>