NintendoLand Deathmatch summary
Zero Omega VS. Mega Man X

Mario: Welcome one and all to a brand new deathmatch!
 
(Crowds cheer insanely because of the sugar piled popcorn vendors, giving them the ultimate rush of energy)
 
Luigi: Hey Mario, you should use some of that. Then you wouldn't eat so much pasta!
 
Mario: Shut up, Luigi(smacks Luigi on the head)
 
Luigi: OW!! You crazy nutcase!
 
Mario: MOVING ON, LUIGI. There's a new deathmatch in town.
 
Luigi: That's right, folks. We realized after the Mega Man battles, there was something further to that point that needed to be opened for the audience. After all, those bleachers aren't getting any more comfortable!
 
Mario: Yeah…announcers get it soo easy, man. Leather padded executive chairs…(Mario does not see the crowds growing angry at him.)
 
Luigi: Err…right. He's just kidding. See?(Luigi lifts up a very uncomfortable metal foldup chair, opened, and Mario fakes falling down. This gives the image they have just as terrible seats as the audience, and the riot calms down)
 
Mario: Now that that's done with…SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE!!! DIRECT FROM THE DEPTHS OF CAPCOM FAME AND LEGACY, EMERGES OUR FIGHTERS!!!
 
Luigi: Now our first contender…he's blue, he's white, he's outta sight! This guy can morph with a twist, in the blink of an eye! He fights not with fist, but X-Busters piled high! With four armor sets and four rebellions destroyed, MEET MEGA MAN X, OUR THINKING ANDROID!!!
 
(Crowds cheer loudly and hoot raucously. This kind of poetry is not usually displayed by the Marios. But they are silenced as two bright beams of blue light shoot down from the open dome, then merge together in a flash. When the commotion dims, there stands a proud and honorable figure, with a blue outlay, chest plates, semi-large boots, a left-handed X-Buster and a red crystal covering his forehead. His face is not one of joy, but one of concern.
 
X: I don't like fighting. But if Capcom deems it, I will duel.
 
(Unbeknownst to everyone in the arena, a shadowy figure covered in a dark cloak pushes his way to a seat close to the ring. Only the glint of a pair of blood red eyes gives an indication to his identity)
 
Stranger: Heh heh…now we will see what fate has in store for that meddlesome Maverick Hunter.
 
(Mario picks up, unaware of the foreshadowing. Even with the resounding dark chord that always accompanies the stranger's arrival, Mario thinks it only a glitch in the sound system. Too bad he didn't play more Mega Man X games.)
 
Mario: And now our other player….He's a schemin demon, a fightin' guy! You can tell that he's good, just don't ask him why! He's red with blond hair, with a pretty boy face, but mention that to him and get a fist in yo' face! He's a saber dueling man, an honorable type! Everything else is false, just ignore the hype! You could be him on Playstation, or the Saturn from Sega….THE ONE AND ONLY…ZERO OMEGA!!!
 
(another pair of beams warp into the ring, but this time they are dark red. The lights dim to reveal Zero in all his glory, his long ponytail waving in the wind slowly. His left hand also holds an X-Buster attached to it, not the permanent kind that X has, but the generic X-Buster Unit every X-Buster Hunter carries. But Zero's is specially modified to act like X's First Generation Buster.)
 
Zero: I never thought I'd see the day when this would happen…me and X going at it. But if the audience wants a fight, I'll give 'em one.
 
Mario: Glad to hear that, Zero! Now, if you will both approach the center of the ring, let us begin. We paid big bucks to Capcom to borrow you for this.
 
Luigi: It wouldn't have been that much if you hadn't been so egotistical, you money-grubbing…
 
Mario: Luigi, do you like your green suspenders?
 
Luigi: Err…yes. Why do you ask?
 
Mario: Because if you don't shut up, they'll be stained black soon. Don't think I don't have connections with the Bloopers in laundry!
 
Luigi: Rrrriiiggghttt….all right then. Zero, X. I assume you both know the rules. Simply, YOU DECIDE THEM. We don't force regulations on you. The contestants pick their battle style. A duel to the death?
 
X: I don't fight to the death without a reason.
 
Luigi: All riiigght…how about a shooting match?
 
Zero: I wanna see blood. And if you bring up any more rules(turns his Z-Saber on and puts the point just underneath Luigi's chin, letting the faint but deadly light illuminate the sweat) it'll be yours. Capiche?
 
Luigi: Itsa all right witha me then. You boysos go have fun!(Luigi gulps, lucky to have avoided a confrontation)
 
X: Zero, do you always have to be so pushy?(sighs and shakes his head.)
 
Zero: No. Sometimes I just like to get things really clear. Now, X. We fight. I assume you brought full Sub-Tanks?
 
X: Of course. No experienced hunter goes without them.(his chest compartment opens up to reveal a row of four glowing charged containers, and below that, 8 glistening red ones)
 
Zero: And full Heart-Tanks. I'm impressed, X. You actually came to a confrontation prepared!(Zero chuckles.) Usually, you run around like a pansy until you find them! And who saves your keister while you play treasure hunt? ME!! Now, you can use whatever you like. Any armor set, it's up to you. Heck, I'll even let you shift from one to another if you feel REALLY crazy. This fight goes until one or the other cries uncle, all right?
 
X: Zero, for once I agree with you.(a smile crosses his face. An honorable fight with no possibility of death is a good thing. Even if X and Zero can be reconstructed, it's not a pleasant experience.)
 
Mario: Now that the rules are set, I will tell you of what we have come up with. Four walls will be placed around the arena for your convenience. A good fight is one in which the contestants move around a lot, and especially in your case, you wily grasshoppers! Lots of space, and our Nintendoland Cameras will be watching your every move. Now, at the sound of the blaster shot, you will begin. Samus, will you do the honors?
 
(Samus walks up next to the main podium as the walls are hydraulically lifted into position. Samus may have won against X's predecessor, but this is one fight she would have cared to avoid. These two are just too crazy for her tastes.)
 
Samus: Good luck, X. If you have a lot of things in common with Mega Man, you have your hands full.(Samus cocks back her cannon arm, then fires off the small and harmless, but very noisy shot that signals the beginning of the match.)
 
Mario: Let the fun begin!
 
(X and Zero maneuver around each other, neither one wanting to strike the first blow. Even if this match will be nonfatal, the bond these two friends share is intense enough for them to pause. But the pause eventually ends, as all things do.)
 
Zero: Hey, X! You remember the first lesson I taught you?
 
X: No, what was that?
 
Zero: Always watch where your opponent's eyes go!(Zero leaps from his position on the ground, onto the side of the wall behind him. Then with a properly timed wall-dash jump, he leaps off, spinning in the air like a circus acrobat. He pulls out of the spin as he begins to fall, and when he is above X, he fires off his X-Buster)
 
X: And do you remember lesson 2, Zero? WHEN YOU AREN'T FIRING, CHARGE YOUR BUSTER!!!
 
(X fires off his own shot, and the two bright blue balls of plasma, superheated and supercharged gas eat at each other, where they collided until their fury is spent and they dissipate harmlessly. But now the arena is filled with the acrid smoke of ozone, and many people wrinkle their nose. This is more prominent with Kazooie and Squawk, as their beaks give away far more indication than other's noses.)
 
Zero: Nice job, X.(Zero lands on the floor, and his cannon, still smoking charges up another shot.) I see you do remember my tactics.
 
X: When I was out fighting the mavericks, that was what kept me alive. Even if I don't like war, I'm not going to shorthand myself for my pacifist views.
 
Zero: True, X. Very true.(now the two opponents begin to circle each other once more, looking for an opening) But if we don't fight, then there will be no peace, no reason to uphold your views. That is our job.
 
X: And a thankless one at that.
 
(X suddenly frowns as he releases his charge. Zero counters with his own. But while the people in the arena cover their eyes from the intense glare of melding energies, X and Zero are hard at work, pumping out miniscule charges. Both believe the other to be charging up again, but in fact they both follow the same tactic. When the supershots fade, the audience is met with a furious firefight, each dodging and weaving the other's shots, each taking full advantage of their ground dashes and wall jumps. Sometimes the small but dangerous shots hit each other, producing small flares. Nothing as spectacular as the earlier ones, but very distinct.)
 
Zero: You fight well, X. You really don't fool around!
 
X: I could say the same about you!
 
(No one in the ring notices the stranger smiling darkly. Somehow, his intentions are evil. But just what are they?)
 
Mario: Luigi, tell me. When was the last time those walls were cleaned?
 
Luigi: About a week ago.
 
Mario: Well, they need it again! Sheesh! These two are pumping out so much energy, it'll take the cleaning staff WEEKS to clean up! And we're out of Koopa Cleansing Oven Powder, too!
 
(Mario speaks the truth. The plasma onslaught is intense, and all the shots so far have missed the opponents. But the walls do not have that mobility, and now have smoking black marks all over them.)
 
X: Zero, you're a great fighter. But with all the saber training you're into, you've lost it. YAAH!!!
 
(X fires off one shot he had been charging back while he was speaking. The blast is not a large blue wonder like the supershots, but its streaming green streak indicates X had reached the second level of power. Zero tries to dodge, but all of X's other shots prevent him an easy exit, and the green blast hits him dead-center in the chest.)
 
Zero: Aich! Man, X you are such a little (BLEEP) sometimes!
 
X: Ah ah, Zero. This is a family show!(X can't help but break into a grin. He's managed to deliver the first blow, and tick Zero off at the same time. Two rare events with the crimson hunter.)
 
Zero: Family, huh? LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID TO MY (BLEEP)ING ARMOR, YOU (BLEEP)ING (BLEEP)
 
Mario: Hey, Zero! Chill down there, or this fight ends now!
 
Zero: All right, all right.(Zero calms down, but grumbles softly. He hates to be insulted) I can tell you where to stuff that plunger, you no-good pipe cleaning, wrench monkey….
 
Mario: WHAT WAS THAT?!!
 
Zero: Err…plasma interference. Let me work it out.(Zero brushes off the black carbon soot from his now dinged armor and gives the announcer's stand a sour look) All right, X. So, you've learned well. But…there's more than one way to strip a reploid.(Zero reaches behind him and pulls his Z-Saber from the leather sheath, turning it on. The green fading light fills the arena, and many people gasp in wonder. With a turn of his wrist, Zero disengages the X-Buster attached to his arm and fling it in the air. With a vicious swipe of his saber, Zero turns his generic blaster into a pile of smoldering scrap.)
 
Luigi: Err, Zero. I meant to ask you aboot that thing before. Is that LEGAL? I mean, doesn't Lucasfilm and the other George Lucas companies have patent and licensing rights on those puppies?
 
Zero: You think, huh? Listen up, dumber plumber. What he don't know won't hurt him.
 
Luigi: DUMBER PLUMBER?!
 
Zero: Heh heh(Smiles)Just an on the spot joke there. Thought the audience needed some humor.(true enough, the audience is rolling in the aisles)
 
Luigi: Oh, man, I'm never going to live this one down.(puts hit head in his arms)
 
Mario: I kind of like it, actually. I'm THE SMART ONE!!(Mario slaps Luigi on the back and flashes Zero a thumbs up.)
 
X: Zero, stop with the acting. Your ego is already big enough to fill up the arena. Don't smother us with it. Now, are you going to fight, or not?(X shifts into his X1 armor suit. His blue armor melds with white and gold trimmings, and he looks the full image of a powerful and handsome warrior.)
 
Zero: The X1 Suit, eh? Don't try using that blasted Haduken on me! My Z-Saber is set to obliterate it with the Tenkuuha.(He twists a knob on the side, and the coloring shifts to purple, the green fading away.)
 
Mario: The Tenkuuha?
 
Zero: Yeah. Think of it as the knife that slices bread. Only this knife slices plasma. Got it from Storm Owl in Mega Man X4. What a PANSY that guy was! All he could do was try to pick me up and slam me into the side of his airship! And do you think I'd let someone do that to me?
 
Mario: Intriguing. I see!
 
Luigi: Huh?
 
Zero: I said Dumber Plumber. Case in point, Luigi.
 
Luigi: Aww….(audience laughs again, but laughter dies out as the action builds up)
 
X: I don't know if I believe you on that point, Zero. Care to give it a whirl?
 
Zero: Oh, sure. You really wanna get whupped, huh?(a smile crosses his face. X always did doubt Zero's boast. But this time, the Tenkuuha's power is not a boast.)
 
X: All right then. Haduken!
 
(X pulls his arms back and folds his hands together, and then with the excess energy from his buster, combined with the energy not being used by his repair systems because he is at full health, surges into his palms. He focuses it for a moment, then with his shout, he launches the globe forth. It's nothing special, as far as appearances go. It's smaller than the Stage 3 Blue Supershots that X and Zero threw at each other. But both X and Zero don't doubt its potential. The Haduken was one of X's greatest weapons during the First Maverick Uprising, sparing X serious battle fatigue. Inside its small frame lies a powerful energy that is meant simply to overload the systems of an unwary individual that does not block it, or avoid it.)
 
Zero: I wasn't kidding, X. Now WATCH THIS!!!
 
(In response to the globe that hovers towards him, Zero raises his Z-saber, and the lilac purple blade glows brighter. With a mighty war cry, he swings the blade down upon the energy globe, severing it in half. The energies split away from each other, harmlessly avoiding Zero. But they also burn straight through the surrounding walls, shooting outwards and blowing up a few stands. People luckily managed to run away before they hit, and injuries are non-existent. But to anyone in the arena who doubted how furious this fight was…there are no doubters now. Each and every person now knows that what these two are throwing at each other is sheer death…death to the audience, perhaps. But reploids can be reconstructed if the control chip is saved.)
 
Zero: Don't feel surprised, X. But now…it's time to play FOX AND HOUND!!! I'm gonna catch you!
 
(Zero activates his thrusters, shooting towards X, who stands in disbelief. His X1 armor's strongest weapon didn't even hit Zero. But he blinks back and screams, turning around and charging his buster as he goes, running away from his friend who charges him furiously)
 
Zero: Hey, did I ever show you the Shippuga?
 
X: WAAHHH!!! I WANT MY MOMBOT!!!
 
Mario: Care to explain that, Zero?
 
Zero: Why not? The Shippuga is the attack I learned from Slash Beastleo. I merely dash…(hits his boosters back on, closing the gap between him and X), SLASH…(now he swings his blade again, but the blade turns pink with the Shippuga's power. The swipe narrowly misses contact with X, and X cries out again, leaping into the air with a dash jump)…AND SLASH AGAIN!!!(Zero takes a final swing, rotating his body around for a devastating finishing whirl slash. This one is larger, and it nicks X's boot toe.)
 
X: OWWW!!! That hurt!
 
Zero: It's supposed to, ya big baby!
 
X: Oh yeah? Try blocking this with your frackin Tenkuuha!
 
(X completes his jump with a leap onto the nearest wall. He dashes off of it and backflips, beading his cannon onto Zero.)
 
Zero: Ahh. Yes, the level four purple devastator plasma supershot! Well, I'll counter it with my RAKUHOUHA!! Get ready!
 
(While X releases his charge, the two purple beams snaking around each other, spiraling to their destination, Zero crouches to the ground and pulls out a tiny energy pellet from his chest. This is the Rakuhouha, a rechargeable energy attack that blows energy in every direction. And Zero will use it to block X's shot. The Rakuhouha pellet explodes on contact, and the energy contained within flies out in a semicircle radius. Two of the shots meet with X's purple supershot, but the others manage to sear the walls once more. But where the energy attacks meet, an explosion takes place. Much stronger than plasma against plasma, the unleashed powers explode in a concussion shockwave, throwing Zero against the close wall and blowing X back into the air, dizzy from the blast. X crashes to the ground, and Zero curses and gets up from his landing.)
 
X: Man! I just had this thing washed, too!(X examines his carbon scoured armor. The white is now barely recognizable, and the dazzling sparkles of light dancing off its frame are gone.)
 
Zero: Hey, at LEAST your injuries can be fixed. LOOK AT MY HAIR!!!( Zero's hair is darkened, and soot ruins its appeal.) Do you know how much conditioner it takes to get my hair in good order?
 
Luigi: Pssstt…Mario, is it safe to come back out?(Mario and Luigi had ducked underneath their table when the split Haduken shots had blasted out of the battle zone)
 
Mario: Yeah…itsa safe. They're just arguing about how much their good looks are ruined now.
 
Luigi: Hey, that means they're even more vain than us!
 
Mario: Hey! If they hear you…listen, Luigi. Zero already hates you. Don't prod him any further. Something tells me these two are more dangerous than we might have realized…
 
(Mario speaks very wisely. But once again, the personal cameras of the Nintendoland Fan-Fiction Forum focus in on the mysterious old coot in the coat. His eyes glint an even darker red, and he seems to smile in glee)
 
Stranger: Very good, Zero. You may defeat X yet…you must complete your mission!
 
Man: Huh? What'd you say?(the man beside the stranger looks at him oddly.)
 
Stranger: Er…I said, 'I must look at the definition!' All of Zero's attacks are in Japanese!
 
(Man smiles at the stranger.)
 
Man: Yeah, no kidding. Capcom was so rushed with the production of Mega Man X4, they never got them translated. But I think it gives it more realistic appeal, don't you?
 
Stranger: Yes…I suppose it does. Thank you…(the stranger grinds his teeth. He hates having to wear this disguise. But if the Nintendoland security force saw him in his true guise, his whole mission here would be cooked. And that guise includes being…nice. ICKK!)
 
X: Now that we've gotten the ball rolling, let's kick it up a notch!(X closes his eyes and his X1 armor vanishes, only to be replaced seconds later by his X2 armor) I think this will be useful. Hey, Zero! How's your main systems energy?
 
Zero: Err…aboot 65% I guess. But you're not the only one coming with Hearts and Subs. I brought my full entourage as well!
 
X: Good. I hate to fight an opponent who is underequipped!(X smiles again. Even if they are fooling around with deadly power, X and Zero manage to joke about it. That's how close they are as friends.)
 
Zero: Aww, shut up with your chivalrous attitudes for once and put up a decent fight! And bring out some Master Weapons, huh? These people came to see a fight, let's give 'em one!
 
X: All right, if you insist. How about the Sonic Slicer? That suit you?
 
Zero: Suits me just fine. What doesn't is the waiting. (Zero crosses his arms and yawns, feigning boredom.)
 
(X smirks and opens his internal weapons array. He activates a long-since archived weapon…the Sonic Slicer. Obtained from Overdrive Ostrich, this attack will send out energy crescent waves, perfect for the close combat X wants to try out this round. But he also knows his Air-Dash boots and the double X-Buster shots with his suit set will be of use. His armor shifts to white to another color…the color of the Sonic slicer.)
 
X: Does this make me look fat?(Turns around like a refined lady trying on a dress)
 
Zero: Oh no, dearie. You look fab!(guffaws for a moment, then plays along, waving his left hand like a whim of fancy, while covering a smile with his right.)
 
Mario: Now, now boys. You can play dress up later. LETS GET IT ON!!!
 
X: Well, better do as the man sez. We got paid big for this gig.
 
Zero: And my paintjob needs to be redone as well. All right. Your move, X.
 
X: Thanks. But I'm warning you, I'm not going easy!
 
Zero: Why do you think we came with lifesaving gear? So we could bash our heads against the wall like we were drunken fools? MAKE A MOVE ALREADY!
 
X: FINE!!!
 
(X charges at Zero, his X-Buster charging the Sonic Slicer Weapon. Just as X will be in the range of Zero's saber slashes, he leaps up into the air and activates his dash boots. The enhanced version of his previous ones boosts him high overhead Zero, and X releases his charged Slicers. The effect is imminent. Now instead of a straight slicer shot, multiple slicers fly up into the air, then rain down upon the arena with a deadly hail of energy. And X lands safely beyond Zero, then switches to his normal X2 persona)
 
Zero: You think that scares me? The Rakuhouha will clear this storm right up!
 
(Zero crouches down and pulls out another pellet. Doing his fancy moves that he swiped from N Sync, he smashes it against the ground. The energy flies up, destroying the slicers. But a few energy pellets also strike X. Zero pales.)
 
Mario: Huh? Zero hit X! He should be happy, but he looks scared!
 
Luigi: Err…that's for a reason, Mario. Have you ever played Mega Man X2?
 
Mario: No, my Emulator doesn't support the C4 chips they used in X2 and X3!
 
Luigi: Great. Not only do you play with STOLEN GAMES…but you are totally unclear about what just happened.
 
Mario: Which would be…
 
Luigi: That's X's Explosive Armor. He absorbs energy shots into it, then he spews them back out in the G-Crush. VERY NASTY.
 
Zero: Oh, no….
 
X: Oh, YES!!!
 
(X first releases his left hand's X-buster charge, then quickly releases his right. The two shots soar through the field, the first a preblast followed by the immense devastator.)
 
Zero: I can dodge those! Watch me use the Hienkyaku and the Kuuenbu to avoid your pathetic attacks!
 
Mario: Huh?
 
Luigi: Mario, you should get out and buy a Playstation sometime. Then you'd know what the heck is going on.
 
Mario: PLAYSTATION?!? TRAITOR!!! BLASPHEMER!!!
 
Luigi: Hey, chill man! It's not mine, honestly. I just know this because I visited Crash Bandicoot's place not too long ago. We stayed up all night playing Mega Man X4 for this fight. What Zero is going to do is basically double-jump and Air-Dash his way out of the attack.
 
Mario: Ohh…
 
Luigi: Pshh! And Zero calls me the Dumber Plumber.
 
(Zero leaps in the air, then leaps again, the power of Kuuenbu aiding his leaps. Then at the apex of his jump, he activates the Hienkyaku and dashes beyond the two blast's fury, into their wake.)
 
X: You didn't think I saw that one coming? Think again!
 
(X curls inwards, then with a mighty yell explodes his limbs outwards like a volcano blasting the tempest fury. This is the G-Crush, taking the absorbed energy, and then expelling it back towards the opponent in a massive attack wave.)
 
Zero: NO WAY!!! YOU FRACKIN (BLEEP)(BLEEP)ER(BLEEP)ING(BLEEP)
 
(But all of his curses cannot spare him from the attack. Zero is blown backwards by the shockwave, back into the plasma onslaught that X had launched before. The combined forces meet, and explode, ravaging themselves against each other like wild beasts. And in this energy maelstrom, is Zero. Caught between two forces he cannot avoid.)
 
Zero: AHHHHHHH!!!!!
 
X: ZERO!!! Are you all right? SPEAK TO ME!!!
 
(The energy vanishes, and there lying on the ground is Zero, badly wounded. The attacks were very powerful, and Zero has taken critical damage.)
 
Zero: Ack! Man, X. That was nasty! But it's nothing a Sub-Tank won't fix.
 
(Inside his chest compartment, his internal operations energy core opens up a valve to the Sub-Tank, and the precious life energy flows from the temporary storage unit into Zero's systems. Instantly, the damage is fixed, and there is nothing but scar wounds left behind. The internal repair programs function very well when energy is restored.)
 
X: Phew! I thought I had vaped you there!
 
Zero: Well, if you had used that trick on Sigma, I could see that. I had no way to dodge that!
 
Mario: HEY GUYS!!! Does X win now?
 
(Zero and X look at each other. They've had enough, as far as they're concerned. They've fought well, and put on a show that no one will forget for years to come…and they've earned their wages too. Zero smiles and nods. He can take being second best to a friend.)
 
Zero: Mario, Luigi, it's been great being here. We've had fun, and probably scared the neighbor's chickens as well. But now we must go. I yield to…
 
Stranger: STOP!!! YOU WILL NOT YIELD, ZERO!!!
 
(Everyone in the arena turns to the loud booming voice of the quiet and shadowy figure that suddenly bounds up from the stadium seating. His eyes flare powerful red anger, and X and Zero become confused. Who is this man who refuses to let the match end?)
 
Mario: Sir, the contestants have decided the winner. You have no place to decide who wins and who doesn't. Security! Please, escort him outside to the parking lot.
 
(2 semi-famous robots, Floyd from Jet Force Gemini and Evo, Space Station Silicon Valley's wonderboy, head over to the bleachers and slowly go down the steps, proceeding with electro-shackles and stun gas if the person resists.)
 
Stranger: You don't know who you're up against, do you?
 
Mario: Sir, the security robots couldn't care less. All they care about is you're breaking the peace. And they don't like that.
 
(Floyd swoops down and sprays the area with stun gas. All the other patrons next to the man have long since moved off away from him)
 
Stranger: I told you…YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YOURE DEALING WITH!!!
 
(Another green beam saber spurts to life from underneath the mans' cloak, and within milliseconds, Floyd is ribbons. Evo pauses, but then proceeds down. He too is sliced viciously open. Panic fills the stadium as patrons run away to the other side, or some even decide to leave the arena all together.)
 
Mario: WHO ARE YOU?? AND WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING US???
 
(The stranger turns to face the main announcer's podium, then lowers his hood to reveal his face. It is very blocky, with two long diamond shaped scars running down his eyes. There is a red crystal embedded in his forehead, and his face is one of calm, unblinking hatred and rage. Luigi, Zero and X turn pale as they see the figure in his fullness. The cloak drops, and there the figure stands with brown boots, green armor and blue armbands. It can only be…)
 
Zero: SIGMA!?!?!
 
>>
 
Sigma: Yes, Zero. I have come on a mission.
 
Zero: And I really don't care which way about it, you monster! X, you with me on this one?
 
(X gives a very loud roar, and begins to charge his X-Busters. Zero flicks his Z-Saber back to life, and the green blade singes the air menacingly.)
 
Zero: We're ready for you, pal. And this time…you ain't escaping!
 
Sigma: Oh really?(his face looks bemused, and he gives a whistle) Zero, my quarrel is with you.(he gives a sour, cold look at X)HIS time is not yet. Until I am ready for him, someone will deal with him…someone he has faced before.
 
X: And that would be who? That coward Vile? Or the portly Chill Penguin?
 
Sigma: Ha! I think not. A true fighter awaits your time. It took quite a lot of time, but I finally reconstructed him. I assume you remember Magmard Dragoon?
 
(X's eyes open widely. Magmard Dragoon, the irregular ex-leader of the 14th Hunter Unit was a dangerous foe, with blazing speed, deadly accuracy and a true killer instinct. The wily wolf maverick howls menacingly, then warps to the arena, spouting off a puff of dangerous firebreath.)
 
(While all this happens, a microphone is tapped, and the speakers pound out the loud vibrations. Far above the ring lies the announcer's table, overturned. The rest of the ring is empty. With Sigma's appearance, all fled in fear. But two objects emerge from behind the table…they are hats, one red and one green.)
 
Mario: Itsa, me Mario!
 
Luigi: And itsa me, Luigi(they both speak softly, so as not to attract attention. They have long since set the transmission feed from the arena speakers to the Lakitu HighSky Broadcasting CloudCorporation.)
 
Mario: It seems we are in a string of deathmatch interruptions, witha this one being just the latest.
 
Luigi: For those of you who are just now turning in, the deathmatch arena's audience has fled. Now, only X, Zero, Sigma and somea guy called "Magmard Dragoon" remain. Magmard Dragoon is the Japanese name for Magma Dragoon, the irregular hunter from Rockman X4.
 
Mario: Whoa cares, Luigi? The match, the match!
 
Luigi: Righta, brother. We now returna you to the ring! You're on your own!
 
(The high-altitude TatangaSatellite Cameras shoot down their lens focus from their geosynchronous orbit. Getting accurate pictures of the ring. Lakitu camera crews shoot with high-powered lenses as well, just on the outside of the ring. No one wants to get close to this fight.)

X: Magma Dragoon? (Gulp) I thought I totally destroyed you?
 
Dragoon: One thing you should learn, X. Like the flame, your attitude towards mavericks, ex-hunters or otherwise should be like the flames.(he rears back his head, and bends to his knees) For you see, the flame….DESTROYS ALL THE SAME!!!(he finishes his message with a powerful continual blast of flame, one which sears across the ring towards X with a swirling indifference)
 
Zero: X! Use the Bubble Splash!(X tries to run away, but Zero's words strike into him and he gives a smile. Continuing to dash away, X activates his X2 Weapons array and selects another Master Weapon…direct from the short squatty Bubble Crab, the Bubble Splash. Zero smiles, knowing X will win the fight, but then a swinging blade catches the corner of his eye and he reacts by bringing up his own saber)
 
Sigma: Zero, ignore X! You must fight me now. You must know it would come down to this. Your destiny must be completed…join me. You know that you were once maverick. LOOK AT ME!!! You are to blame for everything…you are to blame!!!
 
Zero: No, I can't be! I am a hunter!(Zero pulls his saber back and takes a swing, but Sigma parries it easily)
 
Sigma: You are. Look at yourself! Remember the Repliforce Space Station? I told you the truth then. I encountered you long before I took my hunters with me…I encountered you in some ancient ruins. You fought me…and nearly won. But then as I struck the final blow…you infected me! And because of that…the First Maverick Uprising began!
 
(Zero is stunned, too stunned to make a move. Sigma is not lying, and his mind games affect Zero more than any blow could)
 
Zero: Noo….NO…..NOOOO!!!!!(Zero drops out of his trance and wildly swings at Sigma, frantically trying to stop Sigma from spouting off any more of his banter. But Sigma does not stop, for now he has Zero right where he wants him…vulnerable, angry and too mixed up to be rational)
 
Sigma: AND EVERY UPRISING AFTER THAT IS TO BE BLAMED ON YOU AS WELL!!! Your existence is to blame FOR EVERYTHING!(Sigma finally take a heavy swing with his saber, and slices through Zero's armor. The gash spurts blood, reploid blood. Blood which carries not oxygen, but energy to his systems. The blow combined with everything else Sigma has done to Zero culminates in him screaming like a banshee, falling to his knees. His mind is clouded with confusing signals of pain, guilt, anger, fear….he has lost himself.)
 
Mario: Sigma, he isa doing somea weird mind games, no?
 
Luigi: Zero….Zero is going crazy!
 
(Just then, X fires his last blast of Bubble Splash at Magmard Dragoon. The fiery fiend tries to avoid, but the attack hits him and he falls, his systems overheating until he finally explodes with the same power he had tried to control.)
 
X: That should take care of Dragoon. Now as for Zero…(X turns to face the other battle, but is frozen in place when he sees the situation before him. Sigma stands tall, laughing with a tone of sheer hatred…Sigma, the cruel tyrant of his time. And below him, writhing with conflicting emotions is Zero crying out in a primal rage X has never seen before.)
 
Sigma: X!!! Take a look at your friend as you know him! Zero was once a maverick, and he will be one again! It is his destiny to be a maverick…THE MAVERICK…and YOU…You X, will die by his hand!
 
X: What have you done to him?(the numbness begins to wear away, and his voice picks up in rage. Sigma has pushed X's endurance beyond its limits.) What have you done to him? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM?!
 
Sigma: Completing the final steps, X. Now, I FINISH THE JOB!!!(Sigma rears back with his hand, and the saber vanishes, suddenly being replaced by a set of claws that make look like Wolverine's. With a savage yell, Sigma plunges the talons into Zero, and a powerful light surrounds the puncture. Sigma is transferring data into Zero…transferring the Maverick Virus.)
 
X: NOOOOO!!!!!! YOU BASTARD!!!(X is caught up in his emotions, but unlike Zero who lies crumpled and helpless on the floor, X takes action. With a mighty swing, he unleashes his double X-Buster Shot, the two blasts merging together. The attack rolls like low thunder along the ground, until it hits Sigma and jars him from the fallen crimson hunter.)
 
X: YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!(A bright light surrounds X as his X2 armor fades from view, only to be replaced milliseconds later by another set…the X3 Super Armor, brilliant gold in color and holding tremendous power.) I SAID, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!(X raises his cannon and fires off a supershot, out of the blue. The mighty attack soars along, and crashes into the dizzy Sigma. Then, X fires another shot. And another. And another. The power of the Hyper Cannon is intense as X unleashes the full fury of his maximum power against Sigma. The blows weaken Sigma, pushing him back farther and farther, until at last he falls to one knee, his armor crumpled and melted, burning with X's attack)
 
Sigma: X…X, you are good…but you're too late. Already, the Maverick Virus is seeping through Zero's systems, its venom driving away all rational thought…I may die, but I will also live on…heh heh heh…Heh Heh Heh…A HAHAHAHA!!!(Sigma laughs crazily, for he knows death is upon him. X's face contorted with rage betrays his inner thoughts as he activates one of his archived Master Weapons...The Gravity Well. He fires off the energy burst, and then it explodes, creating a gravitational field in the air. The same weapon X used to destroy Blast Hornet will now help to deliver the final blow against Sigma.)
 
X: SIGMA…Sigma, are you prepared to die, you monster?
 
Sigma: No matter how many times you think you defeat me, X, I will always return to haunt you…that is what I have now become. A ghost in the machine. I cannot die. I cannot, for you have not! When the day comes that you die, so will I.
 
X: Then I'll see you in hell.(X speaks calmly, but his tone hides the intense emotional hatred he feels towards this fiend. He dashes over to Sigma, picks him up like a sack of potatoes and then throws him at the gravitational anomaly in the air. With a final shout, he fires off a tremendous resounding burst from his Hyper Cannon. The blast hits true, and propels Sigma further upwards, until he is caught in the Gravity Well. Sigma spins around the center, taking even more damage, until the energy runs dry and Sigma is sped off like a stone in a slingshot, high into the horizon, fading from view.)
 
X: I…did it…
 
(Mario and Luigi get up from behind their table, and look at the carnage below. It is truly a mess, and only X is left standing in the middle of the field, breathing heavily from his wounds and the exhausting fight he has just finished.)
 
Mario: Woah! Thatsa one big mess, Luigi!
 
Luigi: It'll take more than Koopa Cleansing Powder, that's for sure. We may need to borrow KirbyVac's services to suck up all this mess.
 
Mario: I don't know what to say, Weeg. Truly, X has overcome everything thrown at him.
 
Luigi: Yeah. And Zero WAS just about to yield the fight until Siggy and his maverick buddy crashed the party. Good thing Floyd and Evo can be rebuilt. So, do we declare X the winner?
 
(But Mario has stopped listening to Luigi, for below he stares in shock and fear. Where Zero once lay motionless and asleep, he now struggles up to his feet. And he has used another Sub-Tank, bringing him back to full health once more. What could Zero be planning? If he is back at full health, Mario can wager it isn't too good)
 
Luigi: Psst…Mario, what's wrong?
 
Mario: His eyes….look at his eyes, Weeg. They're….they're hollow…
 
(Luigi stares, then is instilled with the same fear Mario holds. Zero's eyes, the very eyes which have pierced through hundreds of mavericks before their death…those eyes are now hollow sockets, portals into something that for the plumber brothers was nothing more than an image on a TV screen…)
 
Unison: The Maverick Virus.
 
(Zero is no longer Zero. Everything has drained away, leaving only the simple programming of the maverick virus behind. Kill, survive, infect. The very code that was designed by Dr. Albert Wily's crazed mind, the very code that is to blame for every Maverick Uprising, the very code that Hunters everywhere strive to eliminate…now that code is the only thing left behind in the shell of Zero. Blood, servomotors, armor, Sub-Tanks, Z-Saber…those are intact. But every neurofile, every memory, every bit of personality that made Zero his unmistakable self has been overrided, smothered by the ultimate virus…the virus of death.)
 
(Zero turns his head, until a familiar figure is centered in his view.)
 
Mario: Weeg…WEEG!!! Zero's looking at X…why?
 
Luigi: Listen to me, and listen to me good, big brother. Seeing as you've never played Mega Man X4, I'll give you the scoop. Zero seems to have a very intense dream over and over…a dream in which the accursed Doctor Wily tells Zero 'After him. He is my nemesis. Our rivalry, is what gives me motivation in life. Now go, destroy him, THAT'S AN ORDER!' Wily seems to be referring to X, which makes sense. And now….now Zero is carrying out his original program; to destroy Mega Man X.
 
Mario: No…NO, he CANT! X is too important a character in the Nintendoland Universe! Weeg, for once we gotta take action!
 
(But Luigi had already been pulling something up from underneath the floor. He hefts out two cannons….bullet bill cannons.)
 
Luigi: You mean, you were actually thinking of doing something BESIDES sit on your butt and eat spaghetti? Come on. If we're gonna give these two a fair fight, we gotta act fast.(Luigi lobs one of the big cannons to Mario, who stumbles when he catches it, but manages to hold it steady.) Now, ready, Aim, FIRE!!!!
 
(The two Mario brothers target their bead on the hulking hunter, then squeeze the trigger. Two small explosions occur in unison, and two red-hulled bullet bills fly out of the barrels. They lock onto the target, then sizzle with blistering speed until they hit Zero and explode. The smoke cloud is enormous, and X spins around in time to see it.)
 
Mario: X!!!! Watch your back, man! Zero's gone bonkers!
 
(X is unsure of what Mario means, but he realizes something is happening.)
 
X: Huh?
 
Mario: X, get out of there or get shooting! Zero's gone…
 
Luigi:… MAVERICK!!!
 
(X blinks his eyes, and he finally realizes what they meant. Sigma succeeded in finishing his mission; to infect Zero.)
 
X: So…now it's come down to this. Finally, our pasts have caught up to us…(even though X realizes what is happening, he is in a sort of trance.)
 
Mario: Weeg, he isn't moving! Hesa is nota moving!(Mario slips into his Italian accent. Both him and his brother do this when they get flustered or excited)
 
Luigi: X!!! GET OFFA YOUR DUFF AND GET MOVING!!!(the smoke clears, and Zero's sensors focus on X again. The placid cold look on his face vanishes as his mouth opens slightly, and a low sound emerges from it. Like a low guttural scream, it builds up until finally it is a high-pitched warcry. Zero's saber, still on singes the air as he wings it up to position, then charges the motionless figure of X. Finally, X breaks free of his trance and jumps into the air, activating his dash boots to give him an added upwards thrust. When that burst ends, X has a second waiting.)
 
X: Mario, Luigi! Call Dr. Cain, on the double!!!
 
(the plumbers stare at the moving figure dumbfounded, until finally Mario breaks free and pulls into his coveralls for his Rotodisc Cellular Phone.)
 
Mario: What should I tell him?
 
X: TELL HIM TO GET HIS FRACKIN ASS OVER HERE ON THE DOUBLE!!! ONLY HE KNOWS WHAT TO DO!!!
 
(Mario dials furiously, but now the action fades back to X. Just as his dash fades, Zero crouches down, and then suddenly lunges upwards with a feral scream.
 
Luigi: GAH!!! THE RYUENJIN!!!
 
X: No kidding, bubby!
 
Luigi: Hey audience, are you still listening here? The Ryuenjin is a giant jump punch. Think Dragon Punch, and YOU GOT IT!!!
 
(Zero's saber suddenly spurts flames, which create a blistering point aiming for X. But X activates his second Air-Dash and bursts out of the attack.)
 
X: Whoo!! That was too close for comfort. MARIO!!! YOU GOT CAIN YET???
 
Mario: Ahh, this piece of(BLEEP)!!! Last time I trust my (BLEEP)ing phones to KoopaKommunications! Hold on, I'm gonna have to get to the portals!(Mario reaches in his coveralls again and pulls out a shiny object, a golden wing with the letter P on it. It vanishes in a puff of smoke, then a large tail and small floppy ears appear from Mario's body.) Weeg, keep X company! This may take some time!(Mario flaps off with immense power, away from the arena, and towards the portals. With the phones down, Mario will have to make a person to person message.)
 
Luigi: Just like that guy to go run off when there's trouble…
 
X: I gotta stop this guy for a while! Next time he may get smart and pull a Kuuenbu or Hienkyaku!(X beads the now standing Zero with his Hyper Cannon and pulls the switch. But instead of a gratifying WHOOSH he hears a 'clunk.')
 
AH, GODDAMNIT!!! FINE TIME TO RUN OUT OF POWER!!!(Luigi understands perfectly what kind of a problem X has. The Hyper Cannon has a limited power supply, and when the power is used it can only be recharged by taking damage. Very much the same way Zero's Rakuhouha operates)
 
Luigi: X, try a master weapon!
 
X: I'll give it a shot-maybe the Frost Shield'll stop him for a while!(X activates his weapons array and selects the Frost Shield, then fires off a few blasts. Zero dodges most of them, but one of the ice arrows strikes his left boot, then falls to the ground. The arrow then explodes with frosty fury as an ice spike plows up and pierces Zero's left boot. The blow is small, but the wound hurts and even Zero's maverick state cannot fully blot out the pain.)
 
Luigi: Nice shot! I think he's pinned for a while!
 
X: Then that makes this the perfect time to recharge!(X shuts his eyes and lands on the ground, then his Helmet begins the slow process of recharging all his operational energy, both from his main systems and the Sub-Tanks.)
 
Zero: YAAAAA!!!!!(Zero tries fruitlessly to pull his foot free from the blow, but then finally cries out in disgust and slices the ice to ribbons with his Z-Saber.)
 
Luigi: X….X HE'S FREE!!! Fire something…FIRE ANYTHING!!(Luigi is hysterical, for he knows that if X goes down, he'll be next on Zero's deathlist.
 
X: Too late to switch weapons…gotta charge this one!!(X's Hyper Cannon slowly begins to pull in power, ignoring the main function and reverting to basic X-Buster capabilities.) almost got it…almost got it…THERE!!!(The Frost Shield finishes charging, and then a large ice spike emerges from the barrel, like a lance or sword.) Luigi, wish me luck. I'm going to duel with the devil!
 
(X lunges at Zero, and Zero reaches to decapitate X with a mighty swing. But X blocks the swing with his Frost Shield Lance and stabs with it. Zero leaps back, then switches tactics. He dashes towards X, his saber turning pink.)
 
X: He's trying the Shippuga again…GOTTA BLOCK IT!!!(X fires the ice lance at the ground, and it explodes, creating a wall of ice spikes in front of Zero. But the crimson hunter yells with rage and slices through the barrier. But X is waiting, and fires off a powerful barrage of plasma bullets. With Zero still completing his slash, he cannot reach to block the onslaught, and he takes the supercharged storm full force.)
 
Zero: GWWAAAA!!!
 
X: YESS!!!(X pumps his fist, for he's stalled Zero if even briefly. But even the smallest victories don't last, as Zero recovers from the attack and charges at X again.)
 
Luigi: X, JUMP!!
 
X: What, do you think you're operating me by controller here? I CAN DO THIS MYSELF!!!(X leaps into the air and dashes up, putting distance between him and the enraged hunter.)
 
Zero: HUUURRGHH!(Zero stops right underneath X, then jumps up. With a powerful Hienkyaku Air-Dash, he positions himself up. The Kuuenbu special jump sends him higher, and then Zero takes a final Hienkyaku. As expected, X air-dashes again, right to the point where he is right underneath Zero. Zero plunges his Z-Saber down, and then point suddenly collects water vapor in the air, forming a sharp icicle point. It builds until the entire saber blade is covered in the ice blade. The powerful downthrust hits X, and his body begins to take on the icy coat, freezing and slowing his movements.
 
Luigi: Greata Ceasera's Chost! The powerful Hyouretsuzan!
 
X: You…said it…gotta stop it…
 
Zero: ZUUARR!!!(Zero continues to stab his icy spear, guiding X to the ground as they fall like heavy stones)
 
X: I can't shoot…but maybe…something else could.(X switches weapons, bringing up the mighty power of the Parasitic Bomb.) When this thing get fully charged…the bugger's will fight for me!
 
Luigi: Not a bad idea, but can you get your cannon clear to fire the charge? The ice makes that impossible!
 
X: I'm a Maverick Hunter, Luigi. The impossible is something I thrive upon.(X begins to charge the Parasitic Bomb, and he crashes to the ground, fully encased in a block of ice. Zero has X at his mercy.)
 
BUT I'M NOT ONE TO REFUSE HELP!! Luigi, you're always bragging about your fireballs, right? I COULD USE A FEW!!!
 
Luigi: Itsa no problemo!(Luigi reaches down into his coveralls and pulls out a Fire Flower, the glowing red and white petaled beauty of power. A flash envelopes him, and then he emerges as green and white, his blue shirt gone.) Likea this?
 
X: Yeah, that's great!(Zero growls and punches X in the face, breaking loose a synthtooth from his jaw) Hurry it up, huh? Next time this maniac might use his saber!
 
Luigi: I'm going, I'm going!(Luigi rears back and forms a tiny but powerful fireball in both hands. With two powerful and well aimed throws, the flaming spheres are hurled from the stage platform down into the arena. Their trajectory takes them through many possible stop points-pieces of Magmard Dragoon, old parts of wall that were blasted off the battle and the Sigma skirmish, all lie in wait to block the fiery orbs from reaching their needed place. But they fly true, bouncing off the ground and finally crash against the giant ice block with a satisfying sizzle. The ice melts, and X frees himself. With his free hand, he swings with a mighty uppercut and lands a solid blow across Zero's jaw.
 
X: THAT'S FOR KNOCKING OUT MY TOOTH!!!(the blow sends Zero sprawling to the ground, and X's Parasitic Bomb finishes charging. X smiles confidently as his cannon fires off a series of small orbs of metal. They break apart to reveal several mechahornets, which surround X with a soothing protective barrier.)
 
Luigi: WHOO-HOO!! Me isa the best!!!
 
(But the enraged Zero follows the track the fireballs came from. With a powerful scream, he pulls out a Rakuhouha pellet and smashes it apart. The wide-spreading energy attack flies everywhere, destroying some of X's mechahornets, but also a few shots careen towards Luigi, who screams in fear and starts running for his life)
 
Luigi: Waaa!!!! Mesa being shot at!!! HEEELPPP!!!(finally, one of the shots strikes him down, and Luigi is knocked out by the force of the blow. His clothes fade back to blue and green, his fiery power taken away by Zero's fierce attack.)
 
X: LUIGI!!!(X grits his teeth and points a finger at Zero.)Attack!
 
(The mechahornets, or what is left of them fly out at X's command. With their sights set on Zero, they home in on him. They will sacrifice themselves in colliding with Zero, but their durable metallurgical makeup with cause their shrapnel remains to do harm. The sting of the hornet…the sting of X.)
 
Zero: Guarr!!!(he turns his Z-Saber on and slashes furiously at the swarm, but even the great crimson hunter cannot destroy them all; their speed and numbers prevent it. One..two..four mechahornets complete their journey, dealing Zero a dazzling blow. And already X is charging his X-Buster for the next attack)
 
X: ZERO, WAKE UP!!!(X tries to reach in the furious storm and contact his friend, but the maverick virus is too strong and it is impossible to do so. And now the intensely enraged hunter is charging X once more.) Ahh…FUDGE IT!!(X fires his charging shot. It isn't as powerful as it could be, but then X is out of time and space. The shot sears away from the barrel and flies, but Zero swings his blade, turning it a colorful purple. The mighty power of the Tenkuuha destroys X's shot before it can reach its target. X yells in shock and prepares to fire again)
 
My Hyper Cannon has one shot ready! Zero, STOP RIGHT THERE!!(X prepares to fire his shot, but just before he pulls the trigger….Zero uses the power of the Shippuga to close the distance in a blink of an eye. With a powerful war cry, he swings his blade down, slicing away a portion of X's X-Buster. The electrical components begin to sizzle furiously, shorting out. The plasma energy waits to be fired…but the critical guidance systems that direct the blast away from the Buster are destroyed)
 
Zero: HOOOARR!!!
 
X: Oh, Goddamn you…(X shuts his eyes, for he realizes what is about to happen. In a powerful flash of light, the plasma blast is fired. But with the guidance systems out on the blink, the blast backfires. The enormous plasma ball eats away at every part of the cannon…until a gigantic explosion blasts X and Zero apart. Like projectiles, they soar on and on, until they crash into the remaining sections of wall, their force crumpling the additions to the ground. Now, the arena is truly a battlefield…with broken and dead bodies, singed air and charred metal fragments…Mega Man X and Zero have entered Hell itself.
 
And they are alone.)
 
X: Oh man…did anyone get the number of that runaway train?(X examines himself. He's taken critical damage, but worse…his X-Buster is utterly destroyed. Only a few scraps remain attached to his hand and arm, and he quickly brushes those aside. Activating a Sub-Tank, he recharges himself back up. But it is not enough, and X is forced to use a second Sub-Tank to completely restore his systems.) This armor set isn't going to do me any good now…and the X1 and X2 sets would be suicide in his state…I have to use the X4 set.
 
(X shuts his eyes and the dinged, scorched and dented remains of his golden beauty vanish..to be replaced by another set. The X4 set, the one he fought Repliforce with. It could be said to be the most mobile of the suits, but X always preferred the power and control of the X3 Super Armor. But that is gone now.)
 
Zero: Uurgghhh…(Zero too is wounded, but with a Sub-Tank drained, he is back to fighting force. He gets up and roars at X, who stares around himself. The blackened remains of the deathmatch arena are a stark reminder of how dangerous X's job is.)
 
X: The war never ceases…the endless fighting…why?(the nebulous expanses of the universe laugh at him silently, denying him the answers he seeks. X is always tormented by this. The unceasing violence, the countless dead…humans and reploids…hunters and mavericks.) It seems that no matter how hard humanity tries to stop fighting, it will always exist. I don't want to fight anymore…I don't.(X can't bring himself to fire at Zero, who struggles to get up across on the other side of the playing field.)
 
Zero: RRROOOOAAARR!!(Zero lets out with a mighty whoop. The Maverick virus is now fully in control, angered to beyond even maverick logic by its failed attempts to destroy X. With a swing of his blade, he slices a path along the ground, then leaps up and starts to run towards X.)
 
X: Zero….Zero, why can't you fight it? Is it that strong? Are you even in there….or has everything in your body vanished? Are you nothing more thank walking dead?(Zero does not answer X's question, but merely glares at his opponent and continues to charge at him)
 
Zero, speak to me…Zero…ZERO!!!(Then it hits him. The Zero he knows is gone. Only the killer remains…a killer called the Maverick Virus)
 
X: You Bastard…Wily..WILY YOU BASTARD!!! IF YOU WEREN'T DEAD I'D KILL YOU!!!(X becomes enraged. His life, dedicated to the destruction of the maverick virus, has come down to this. Zero is dead, and there is no bringing him back now. Perhaps there had been a chance before but…Dr. Cain is not here.)This is it, X. Humanity rests on your shoulders this day. Will you run…or fight?
 
(X's question answers itself as he raises his Cannon and fires.)

X: I'm sorry I was too late, Zero. I thought I could stop it…I'm sorry…(his small blast soars along, and it misses Zero. But X has been charging his X-Buster, and when Zero is too close to dodge or defend…he fires)
 
Zero: GOOARR!!!(the blast hits, but it does not simply fade with a flash. Rather, it stays put in its position, continuing to eat away at the empty shell of Zero's armor. Hot shards of metal and neoplastics fly from Zero's frame like flitting fireflies, glowing brightly until they fade away, their burnaway completed.)
 
X: That's Plasma Power! What do you think of it?
 
(The Virus does not answer, it merely gives a yell of anger and charges X again.)
 
I take it you don't like it too much. But that won't matter in a while, you terror.(X closes his eyes and shifts to another weapon; the Targeting Laser.)
 
Zero: JEEEENABII!!!!(X stares down the demon, and then fires his weapon. The laser is emitted in a straight beam, and one which streams through the air in a wide arc. Zero tries to dodge, but the Targeting Laser sweeps down and sears Zero, blowing him back as his right shoulder pad is cut off…it clatters to the ground, the proud symbol of Zero's leadership, now existing only as scrap metal. Another piece of clutter whose only purpose serves to remind the cameras filming that this hallowed ground has lost its glorious appeal…the honorable stadium of skills and legendary battles…degraded to a desecrated graveyard.)
 
Zero: ZEENOG!!!(Zero charges again, but this time he throws his saber in a sweeping arc, which flies towards X with devastating force.)
 
X: What the hell??(X raises his X-Buster and fires off a blast of laserfire, the high powered light photons slicing through the handle and blade. With a small explosion, the Z-Saber explodes and X shields his eyes from the bright light. But when the sunburst fades…Zero is charging at him; blindly, effortlessly…and with an emotionless stare of cold-blooded murder.)
 
Oh no…(X tries to run from Zero, but the crimson hunter has gained too much speed and X's dash refuses to grant him the necessary speed. With a powerful burst, Zero grabs X by the scruff of his neck and slams him against the ground. The metal fins on X's head crumple by the blow, and his face cringes in agony as Zero swings him around and throws him away.)
 
X: That isn't…exactly a good thing. Still, the Nova Strike is building up. I gotta do something…(an idea forms in his head. Perhaps if he could distract the demon for a few moments, then he might…HE MIGHT…be able to deal the Nova Strike.) The Soul Body…no other way around it.
 
(X is panting heavily now. There is not enough time to access a Sub-Tank, and his total operations energy is down to 35%. X is taking a pounding, and this time there's no one to help him) Heh…last time something like this happened…Zero was there to save me from Vile. But now…no one can save me. Zero is gone. I'm on my own. On my own…(X stops talking, and then activates the Soul Body weapon. With a small burst from his Buster, X creates a simulated hologram of himself. The image is blurry, but X knows that in Zero's maddened state, his optic sensors could not tell the difference.)
 
Zero: Hurrghh???(Zero blinks, trying to focus on the situation. Two Xs stand side by side, each glaring at him. With a yell, he charges the first one on the left. But when he strikes it, Zero punches only air.)
 
X: Surprise, sunshine!(X pulls back his Buster and shoots it straight forward. The physical blow knocks Zero back a few feet, and then X fires off a plasma blast, striking Zero backwards even more. Then a sharp buzz inside X's helmet brings his attentions back. X smiles confidently and braces himself as he activates an attack.)
 
I hope you like wild rides, my friend. Nova Strike…ENGAGE!!!
 
(With a mighty roar from his boot thrusters, X blasts towards the stumbling Zero. A powerful energy shield surrounds X in a comforting barrier of protection. The Nova Strike was designed so X could plow through enemy ranks with incredible speed without taking damage. But the energy it takes requires a charge time…a charge time X had to prepare for. X crashes into Zero, dragging Zero along during the ride. The protective barrier chews away at Zero, draining his energy away until Zero is left gasping for power. But not even the Nova Strike can last forever, and X's thrust dies out. Zero crumples to the ground, and X is dropped, breathing in air and trying to get his bearings.)
 
X: I can't keep this up…gotta recharge…(X activates his Sub-Tanks and drains another. By his count, now both Zero and him have one left. But Zero is already up again. Not even the most serious of blows can hinder the devastating speed of the Maverick Virus fury. Zero walks over and clenches X around his neck, gripping tightly and stopping the blood flow. Instantly, the delicate circuitry in his head is deprived of the operations energy it needs to function. Slowly…ever so slowly, X feels his functions being stopped. Smell, touch, sight…at last only hearing remains.)
 
X: I tried, Zero. I tried…but I'm too weak. Your mission will be complete…I never had one. I can already hear the other side calling to me(he listens closer as his eyes blink uselessly) It sounds like…a gunblast…
 
(But suddenly X hears a thump, and then Zero's hold weakens. The reploid blood instantly flows back into his circuitry, giving his systems the needed energy and his functions restore themselves. But his hearing still works the best, and a familiar voice stands out…
 
Mario: Itsa me, MARIO!!!(X blinks to the sky, and eventually he sees a dim figure…no, TWO figures flying down from the air. One is Mario, he can tell by the voice. And the other…is Dr. Cain, yelling at him.)
 
Cain: X, GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THERE! USE YOUR HOVER!!!
 
(X reacts and jumps into the air. With an Air-Dash, he flies high into the air, and then he activates the Hover Thrust. X stabilizes in the air, high above Zero.)
 
X: Dr. Cain! You showed up!
 
Cain: Darn tootin', X. And I brought something that might help us out!!!(Cain raises a cannon he had been holding, then flips a switch. Instantly, the barrel end transforms from a Buster exit port to a basic bore gun.) I gotta make this count, it may be our only shot at this!(Cain sights the fallen Zero, looking around for X. With a pull of the trigger, the barrel blows out a medium sized dart that whistles through the air and pierces into Zero by a section of missing armor.)
 
Zero: GUUAAAARRRAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!(Zero cries out in pain, clutching his helmet. But a change is overcoming him, as his voice switches back to normal and his eyes become clear and focused again.)
 
X: DOC!!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM???
 
Cain: Less than you dealt him, I can tell you that! Good grief, the BOTH of you got mangled! What I just shot him up with was an improved version of Doppler's Vaccine. I'm hoping it works.
 
Zero: Oh man…..(Zero slumps to his knees and shakes his head.) Anyone catch the name of the frackin' bus that just blindsided me?
 
X: Zero…Zero…(the truth dawns on X, for his friend has returned. The wonders of medical science have prevailed, and Zero's demons have been banished.) ZERO!!!
 
Zero: Huh?(Zero turns and gets up, but is knocked back to the ground by a wailing and hysterical X.) OOFF!!! X, man, get your sorry reploid butt outta my face! HURRGHH…(Zero suddenly stops talking as X wraps him in a gigantic bearhug and chokes him off.)
 
X: Zero, I thought you were dead!
 
Zero: How would I be dead, X? After all we've been in the arena the ent….oh my God…(Zero suddenly gets his bearings and realizes his shattered surroundings.)what the hell happened here?
 
X: Simple(X sniffles, trying to forget the bad memories he holds of the past few minutes.) Sigma showed up and made you go nuts!
 
Zero: Yeah, I remember that…that sick bastard. I hope you kicked his ass!
 
X: Yeah…the Gravity Well came in handy. But then…I was too late. He'd already injected you with…with…
 
Zero: Let me guess…(Zero rubs his eyes wearily, almost knowing what the answer is.)The Maverick Virus?
 
X: Yeah…you went nuts. There was nothing…NOTHING…about you that told me you were still Zero. I thought you were a full-blooded maverick.
 
Zero: Oh, really?(Zero gives X a sick grin.) Did I whump ya?
 
X: We both exchanged blows. I can't even remember it all…
 
Luigi: But the cameras did…(X and Zero look over, to where Cain and Mario are helping Luigi get up.)
 
X: Hey, I even needed HIS help.(X thumbs at Luigi, who smiles weakly and heckles before his head droops off.)
 
Cain: I take it the cure worked. I've been playing in the lab with it for some time now.
 
Zero: Oh, great. You know how this makes me feel…being saved by a frackin' ARCHAEOLOGIST. Cain's not even a real medical doctor.
 
X: And that archaeologist prevented you from going permantly nuts.
 
Cain: Not to mention saving your bacon, X. Zero had you in a stranglehold.(X cringes at the comment, and Zero laughs.)
 
Zero: So, I WAS WINNING!!!
 
Luigi: Would you look at all this?(Luigi waves his hands around the rubble of the arena.) Remind me never to invite you two to a keg party. If this is what you do when you're sober, I'd hate to see what a few pints of BooBourbon would do. The cleaning staff is going to have a fit.
 
Mario: What, do you mean we'll have to pay the Kirbys extra Maxim Tomatoes?
 
Luigi: Yeah…something like that.
 
Zero: All this chaos…caused by the Maverick Virus. A simple little piece of code can be this destructive?
 
X: That's why we fight, Zero. To prevent this from ever happening on a worldwide scale.(X blinks his eyes and looks to the sky in a hardened stare.) I now realize that the only way to ensure peace…is to fight. Fight so the next generation does not have to.
 
Zero: I suppose so. But I'm the one who enjoys fighting, remember? Even so, I think a vacation in Aruba is warranted after this. Hey Cain, what do you think?
 
Cain: Me?(scratches his head, then wobbles over on his cane.) I'm content to sit back and listen to my old audio books. You kids can do whatever you want Just leave your comms on…the mavericks can strike at any time.
 
(The pack of weary characters from X's age drift silently out of the arena. Each has something on their mind, but Zero is the most troubled. Even if Sigma's infection was erased, there is still his own virus inside of him, growing slowly, barely noticeably. When will Zero finally go totally maverick again? Only the uncaring deity known as time can say. And time tells no one its business.)
 
Mario: Oh boyos……
 
Luigi: You have to come back here!!!
 
(X, Cain and Zero whirl around, staring in confusion at the two plumbers, who wave their stubby white gloved hands furiously.)
 
X: And why would that be?
 
Luigi: We haven't declared a winner yet!!!
 
(The three trippers smack themselves in the head and groan in agony. They just want to leave.)
 
Mario: We determine wins on the basis of stamina and other factors. Tell us, how are the both of you doing on internal operations energy?
 
X: I'm at 15%.
 
Zero: Hey, me too!(Zero is surprised.)
 
Luigi: Well….then we can't use that. How is your full Sub-Tank count?
 
X: One.
 
Zero: One here as well.
 
Mario: (Smashes his hat over his face.)All right. Weeg, anything you can think of?
 
Luigi: Weapons! Which have been depleted or destroyed?
 
Zero: My little girl's just fi..(Zero reaches to grab his Z-Saber, then stops in shock.)WHERE THE (BLEEP) IS MY SABER???
 
X: You threw it at me, you boob! I had to blow it up!
 
Zero: X…..(Zero gets angrier and angrier, clenching his fist.)
 
X: Hey! You're not the only one whose weapon was destroyed! YOU WRECKED MY FRACKIN HYPER CANNON!!!(X shifts into his X3 Super Armor and shows Zero exactly what happened.)
 
Zero: I…did that?(Zero breaks into a smile.) Cool!
 
Mario: WHAT??!!!
 
(Everyone turns to face Mario, who huffs and puffs angrily.)
 
Mario: Not only do you two basically wreck the arena…BUT YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO TIE?!?! That IS IT!!! BACK INTO THE RING, YOU TWO ARE GOING TO FINISH THIS NOW!!!
 
(X and Zero glance at each other, then glare at Mario.)
 
X: Listen, pal. We just both got the stuffins knocked out of us during this. We had to confront a friend…we don't want to win this. We just want to be friends.
 
Mario: I DON'T CARE!!! YOUSA ISA GONNA FIGHT!!
 
Zero: Okay…that's it. X, you with me?(X nods with an evil smile. X shifts into his basic armor set and rubs his hands together. Zero cracks his knuckles and stretches his hands behind his back.) On the count of three….one….THREE!!!
 
(X and Zero charge at Mario, then grab him by his stubby arms before he knows what is happening.)
 
X: Well its one for the money…
 
Zero: Two for the show…
 
X: Pick up the fatty…
 
Zero: AND THROW THROW THROW!!!
 
(With a mighty swing, they fling Mario high into the air and beyond the arena, and Mario screams in a wail for a long period of time. But X and Zero continue their Elvis routine, merrily.)
 
X: So don't you, step on my blue suede boots….
 
(Zero gets on one leg and hops back a few steps before falling down and break dancing.)
 
Zero: Cuz you know when you do, we'll end up tossing ya too!
 
(X turns to Luigi.)
 
X: We tied. Plain and simple. And if you would like to avoid the fate your brother went through, I would suggest you abide by it.
 
Luigi: Itsa all righta witha me then!(Luigi is so worn out, he falls to the ground, fainted.)
 
Zero: Man, when we throw a party….
 
X: IT GOES ON ALL NIGHT!!!
 
(X and Zero high five each other, then start to walk out of the ring, Dr. Cain hobbling along behind.)
 
Zero: And by the way X…you're paying for that saber!
 
X: Hey, WHAT ABOUT MY CANNON!!!
 
Zero: (Raises his eyebrows…) That was Self-Defense!!!
 
X: Pshh…right. And do you know how to protect yourself against a man armed with a banana?

(The two friends leave hand in hand, departing for their home. Departing for war. As long as Sigma exists in some form or another…their toils will not cease. They leave, tied. Tied as true friends should be. Neither trying to advance and be better than the other, content to know they are strong enough to face the dangers they are given. And they leave behind a Morty Mole cleaning squad, who stares at the mess in grief.)
 
M.Mole: Man, this is gonna take forever to clean up!

 
 
-This Deathmatch Summary was written by the King of Capcom, the Monarch of Megamentors everywhere, the Fan-Fiction Phantom Erico-Super
Bard.