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Ice Cold Assassin
By Regulus & Jade
(Jade Writes)
The sun begins to set over Megalopolis, but the Alpha Movement’s day, it seems, is only beginning. After the loss of their partner Brick, the Mavericks have been working double-time to pick up the slack.
 DARK KNIGHT: Sheesh, what a day. Aw well, seeing Bauer running away in a panic was worth it!
 ANIME MASTER: I’ll say. And that Zeta Squad… I dunno why they still bother trying.
 JADE: What I want to know is why Signas hasn’t dropped them into a quiet little desk job by now.
 BLACKBELT: Tch. I guess the Hunters need all the help they can get. I mean, they DID hire bounty hunters on us, right?
JADE: Yeah, but I’m ready to just kick back for a while and…
 SIGMA: (over the loudspeaker) Alpha Movement, please report to my office immediately.
ALL: Dammit!!
In Sigma’s office.
SIGMA: Ah, there you are.
 SPARK: Can’t this wait? We’ve just spent the better part of the day fighting those friggin Hunters…
SIGMA: I’m afraid this is urgent. I’ve received a new report from Tr0jan H@xw0rm. Here’s what we got from a new Hunter file.
Sigma brings up a data file on a shady-looking new character the Mavericks have never seen before. Although he looks a little familiar…
JADE: Looks like a blue Quickman.
SIGMA: This is Regulus. He’s the newest bounty hunter hired by the Maverick Hunters. He’s said to be an expert assassin, skilled in a variety of deadly arts. I just thought you should all keep on high alert. Our reports show he’s damn good.
 SEADRAGON: Eh. If we could put the smack down on Smoker, Techno, and all those other clowns, this guy should be a cinch.
SIGMA: Don’t be so sure. He’s taken out a number of high-profile targets as it is.
JADE: Well, alright. Tomorrow, we’ll do a little recon. Let’s find him before he finds us.
(Regulus Writes)
Meanwhile, at the Maverick Hunter base, Zero and Signas were watching Regulus fiddle with the security system.
 Signas: Regulus, is this really necessary? I'm sure the Hunter HQ has a decent enough security system.
 Regulus: (standing upside down on the ceiling while correcting some wiring) Yes, it is, my dear client. I don't know who the hack was you had wire this thing, but your security is a joke. You are under the impression I came in Monday to discuss payments?
Signas: Well, yes, and you did come in Monday.
Regulus: I've been here since Friday. Oh, and here's that beam saber you were missing.
Regulus tosses Zero's Z-saber to him, who catches it, realizing that he's been missing it since Saturday afternoon
 Zero: What the hell? I've been looking everywhere for this! You stole from my room?!
Regulus: I snatched from its holder on your back, actually. What are you whining about? I gave it back. Besides, I'm remedying the situation. I've increased your security efficiency by... 38%. And at no extra cost, either, Signas. You should be thanking me for dragging your base out of the dark ages.
Signas: (Frustrated) Well... next time, submit a written request, ok?
Back at the Maverick Base...
Blackbelt: Hey, guys, I've done some research and a little back-ally dealing, and I got a tip that our man is at the Hunter base right now, and he's installing a new security system.
Jade: So that means they're going to have a better base now?
Blackbelt: In about a week. Right now, they're completely defenseless.
Spark: What do you mean by that?
Blackbelt: You try installing a new security system while keeping the old one running and see how well you do.
Seadragon: Then what are we waiting for, let's go kick some Hunter ass while their system's down!
Jade: SD's got a point. I say we hit them while they're weak.
And so, the Mavericks made their way over the hunter base, seemingly undetected. A different story was playing out in Signas's office, however.
Signas: So, they think our system is down?
Regulus: Yes, I've only made minor adjustments to your security, so your system was never down to begin with. I've allowed the news to be leaked, however, that I was doing a major overhaul of your base. To the Alpha Movement, you're defenseless. But we know better, don't we?
Regulus flipped on a monitor, revealing the seven Mavericks sneaking up to the base.
Regulus: One... two... three... (trails off) I thought you said there were eight Mavericks.
Signas: There WERE eight Mavericks, but one of them was terminated.
Regulus: I don't see the short one. So you guys killed Chill Penguin?
Signas: Indeed.
Regulus: How did he die?
Signas: (Clears throat) In combat, of course. Well, we captured him, and after he told us everything he knew, we finished him.
Regulus: Ah, so he talks easily?
Signas: He did, but now he won't tell any secrets. Retired Mavericks tell no tales.
Regulus: Heh, coward.
Signas: I'm still concerned about leaving the high-level security doors unlocked.
Regulus: Relax, Signas. It's all part of the trap. They think this will be a piece of cake since your front doors are all unlocked. That's what I want them to think.
Outside the base, all the Mavericks were gathered outside the back door.
Spark: (Making faces at the camera) Dude, this is way too easy! I bet even I could sneak past the guards now!
Jade: Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Remember what Sigma said, Regulus is dangerous, I think Darksage and Dark Knight should go in first. Scout the place out.
Dark Knight and Darksage made their way through the hallways, ducking out of the way from security guards and knocking out the occasional straggler, until they spied their target. Regulus was walking down a hallway with a clipboard, taking inventory of some deliveries. He walked into a dark room. The two assassins followed in after him. Regulus continued to check out the large crates marked as various weapons.
 Darksage: (whispering to Dark Knight) This is too easy! I'll go for the neck, you go for his knees.
Darksage lashed out at Regulus's neck with his tongue, attempting to wrap it around his neck, but the blue assassin sidestepped the attack just before making contact and grabbed Darksage's tongue. Dark Night threw his Boomerang Cutter at Regulus, but it was too late, and Regulus had plenty of time to react.
Darksage: (Trying to talk without full use of his tongue) What the?!
Regulus: Heheheh... I've been waiting for you. You should know better than to try and sneak up on a ninja.
Regulus yanked Darksage off his feet by his tongue, swinging him around the room once before slamming him to the floor. He pulled out a katana from seemingly nowhere and pointed it at Darksage's head.
Regulus: Don't move, Kuwanger, or you can call your friend here "Torso-boy."
Dark Knight: Go ahead, see if that stops me from kicking your ass.
Regulus: Very well, then. (Brings his katana over his head, preparing to sever a limb)
Dark Knight: Wait! Don't do it!
Regulus: (Stops the attack) Ah, so you do care for your friends after all.
Seeing the opportunity, Darksage whipped Regulus across the back with his spiked tail, sending Regulus tumbling. Dark Knight rushed Regulus as he regained his balance, catching the cybernetic ninja by his waist. Just as he was about to toss him into the ceiling, Regulus split at the waist, his upper half performing a front flip behind him. Dark Knight turned around to face the upper half.
Dark Knight: (Confused) What the hell was that?
Regulus: I'd watch out for my other half, if I were you.
Dark Knight turned around just in time to evade a devastating kick from Regulus's lower body. While he was dodging the kick, Regulus's top half jumped up and grabbed the bounty hunter by his waist,, pinning his arms to his sides.
Dark Knight: (Struggling to free himself) Hey! That's cheating!
Regulus's lower body tumbled through Dark Knight's legs and reconnected themself to the top half.
Regulus: I suppose being in two places at once is rather unfair, but life isn't fair. Care to see how a grappling attack is supposed to work?
Regulus launched himself into the air, carrying Dark Knight with him and spiraling downwards, piledriving the Maverick into the cement. Regulus tried to kick Dark Knight while he was down, but Darksage lashed his tongue around his leg, flipping the ninja in the process. Dark Knight threw his Boomerang Cutter at Regulus, pinning his shoulder to the ground. Darksage jumped onto Regulus's chest, pinning him down. He held his spiked tail up to his neck.
Darksage: We've still got you outnumbered two to one. Give up.
Regulus: Hahaha! That's what you think. (Snaps his fingers)
The various weapons storage boxes folded out revealing the eight Zeta squad members. Regulus tapped a button on his wrist and then door slammed shut, locking the two Mavericks inside.
Regulus: When I said I was expecting you, I meant it, you fools. I LET you get that inside information because I knew you would try and pull this stunt. This base is fully operational.
Dark Knight: HOLY CRAP! He just pulled an Emperor Palpatine on us! I shoulda seen this coming!
Regulus: The hardest part is over. There are only five left now. The Zeta squad, X, Zero, and I can easily overpower the rest of them. Eleven to five is a heavily-stacked fight.
Meanwhile, back at the back door to Maverick Hunter HQ
Jade: Guys, I'm getting worried about Kuwanger and Chameleon.
Spark: Maybe DS just decided to take a nap.
Blackbelt: More like someone caught him.
Jade: Let's split into groups. They probably just ran into X and Zero or something, or maybe they can't get back to us because someone's blocking the exit. Anime Master, Spark, and Blackbelt, you three stick together. SD and I will team up and look for them, too. Finding those two quickly means we can deliver a full-power attack on the base before the defense system goes back up.
Meanwhile, in the prison block...
Signas: Well done, Regulus. You're starting to earn all that money we paid you.
Regulus: Well, my job was already roughly 88% completed when I accepted the mission, since you guys took care of Chill Penguin.
Darksage: Like hell they killed Brick! Brick gave his life saving everyone from a meteor!
Regulus: (Turns to Darksage) Huh? What's this lizard talking about?
Dark Knight: It's true... Brick killed himself in order to protect us...
Regulus: I suppose there's a story for each side. Well, I don't care, we're all here regardless, so it doesn't matter. You'll join your little arctic friend soon.
Just then, Regulus's wrist plate beeped. He flipped a panel open to reveal a small monitor showing the remaining Mavericks wandering the HQ.
Regulus: Zeta Squad! I want you eight to go take care of Armored Armadillo, Flame Mammoth, and Spark Mandrill. I've heard of your terrible field record, but even you buffoons should be able to handle a three to eight handicap. Zero, X, I'd like you two to assist me in capturing the remaining two. I'm sure the three of us will take them, no problem.
Zero: Of course we can! I'm really all we need, anyway. With you and X, it'd be overkill.
Back to Blackbelt, Spark, and AM...
Spark: Where could they have gotten to?
Anime Master: Have you tried looking in the bathroom?
Spark: First place I checked.
Anime Master: Break room?
Spark: No dice. But I snitched all their Little Debbie snack cakes. (Holds up an assortment of Ho-hos, Ding-Dongs, and Twinkies).
 Flashing Chimpanzer: Hey! I bought those!
The three turn around to meet the whole entire Zeta Squad staring them down.
Blackbelt: Holy crap! You guys aren't supposed to be this smart! You're supposed to split up so we can hunt you down individually.
 Typhoon Robin: Hey, that is not a stupid idea! I was just about to suggest that when Regulus told us where you were and ordered us here.
Spark: Hey, how'd he know we were coming?
Typhoon Robin: Duh! Like he'd really tear down all our defenses so you guys could sneak in under our noses.
Blackbelt: Damn! He fooled us!
 Blade Tentomushi: Yeah, it was easy, too. You guys will believe anything if it smells like someone on the inside is playing double agent.
Spark: We'll still kick your asses like we always do!
Blade Tentomushi: I'd love to see that. Really, I would.
Spark: You have a front row seat, then. Sit back and enjoy! (Lunges at Tentomushi)
Blackbelt: Spark! Jump!
Spark: Huh? Ok...
Spark jumped up as Blackbelt rolled right under the massive Maverick, plowing into Blade Tentomushi head on. Tentomushi slammed against the wall and slid down.
Blade Tentomushi: Ow... I should keep my trap shut more often.
Anime Master: Guys, look out!
The two Mavericks leapt out of the way just as Anime Master fired his flamethrower, catching the Zeta Squad by surprise.
Typhoon Robin: (Patting out the flames) Augh! Take this!
Typhoon Robin fired a powerful tornado at Anime Master, who was knocked down by the overpowering wind. Seeing him distracted, Spark tried to land a punch, but was met with powerful skull bash from Helmet Mogri.
Blackbelt: I'm coming, Spark!
Blackbelt tried to assist his friend, but Nova Brontaur stepped in front of him.
 Nova Brontaur: Where do you think you're going, Texas Turkey?
Blackbelt didn't answer, instead choosing to fire a Plasma Shooter at Nova's head, forcing him to duck. Blackbelt then switched to his rolling attack, slamming himself right into Nova's skull.
Blackbelt: Take that, you big lummox!
And so, the battle waged on until, despite the valiant efforts of the three Mavericks, they were overpowered by the Zeta Squad.
Meanwhile, Seadragon and Jade were having trouble finding anything but trouble.
Jade: We can't seem to find them. Maybe they have been caught...
Zero: Why don't you surrender and you'll find out?
Jade: Oh, crap. Zero. Can't you be a bother elsewhere?
 X: That would require letting you guys off the hook for being Mavericks.
Jade: This doesn't look good. I don't think we can take X and Zero by ourselves, SD.
Zero: Hey, I got an idea, why don't you go try and blow yourself up like your icy friend did? That always seems to get you out of trouble.
Seadragon: How dare you! (Charges at Zero)
Jade: SD, no!
Obviously, Zero and X together bring down Seadragon quickly.
Zero: (Glares at Jade) You can come quietly, you know.
Jade: Grr... You're just going to kill me, anyway, I might as well go down swinging!
Regulus: I like your style, Launch Octopus.
Jade: What the?!
Regulus dropped down from the ceiling at Jade, katana drawn. Jade tried to jump back, but it was too late. Regulus cut clean through one of his tentacles.
Jade: (Writhing in pain) You... I'll get you for that.
Jade shot a missile at Regulus, who gracefully dodged the projectile, but Jade, expecting Regulus to do so, lunged at him with his remaining three tentacles. Unable to dodge all of them, Regulus became ensnared by the aquatic Maverick.
Jade: If I die, I'm taking you with me!
Jade loosened one of his coils on Regulus and drew his Nautilus, preparing to decapitate the assassin, but Zero dashed up to him and slammed both his fists down on Jade's head, knocking him unconscious.
Regulus: (Startled) Thanks, Zero, he nearly killed me... That was... unexpected...
Zero: Don't think I did it for you. It was for the mission.
Jade woke up to find himself in the prison block. Thoughts of censored Dragonball Z shows floated through his head.
Jade: Oh, God, no! All those suppressed memories flooding back! I gotta get out of here.
SPARK: Guys, I've got a plan. Don't worry. (Turns to Regulus) Hey, buddy. You should let us out.
Regulus: You should shut up.
SPARK: Hey, that's not nice.
Regulus: (Getting uncomfortably close to SPARK) I'm... not... nice... In case you guys haven't noticed.
SPARK: I'll give you a Twinkie if you let us out.
Regulus: (Feigning interest) REALLY?!
SPARK: Yeah! Would I lie?
Regulus: Oh, well, how can I say no to Little Debbie snack foods? I'll let you guys out.
SPARK: Really?
Regulus: (Shakes his head) No, I'm just bored as hell and decided I'd screw with you guys.
SPARK: (Whispering to Jade) This guy's cold as ice...
Regulus: Why thank you.
SPARK: Huh?
Regulus: (Points to audio receptor) Hello? Cybernetic ninja? I can listen in on the conversation Signas, Zero, and X are having right now (Walks over to a chair, takes a seat, produces a newspaper from nowhere, and begins reading it).
Jade: Guys, I think this is it... we failed...
SPARK: Man, this sucks, we don't even get to go down in a blazing flame of glory like Chill did...
Regulus: Chill? As in Chill Penguin? (Puts down newspaper) A blazing flame of glory, huh? I heard he died a coward's death.
Seadragon: You bastard! That's not true! CP died saving the world! You're alive because of his sacrifice. He slammed into a meteor and blew himself up to save everyone.
Regulus: Oh? Why don't you prove it?
Blackbelt: We... can't... it's not like it matters now, anyway... I guess we'll be seeing Brick soon...
Regulus: ...
X, Zero, and Signas walk down the stairs into the cell block. Regulus walks over to X.
Regulus: Hey, X, how's it going? (Slaps X on the back)
X: Huh? It's... going, I guess.
Signas: Ready to squeal like your Penguin friend, Alpha Movement?
Regulus: Signas?
Signas: Yes?
Regulus: The day that Chill Penguin was captured... wasn't it the same day the museum that the Zeta Squad was guarding that day was attacked?
Signas: So? What of it, assassin?
Regulus: If I recall, wasn't that day also a recorded near-disastrous meteor strike, averted by "undetermined" means?
Signas: What are you getting at?
Regulus: (Stares at Signas) Never lie to an assassin, Signas... I duped those 7, what makes you think you're smarter than all of them?
Signas: What are you getting at?
Regulus: I think it's time to show you what happens when someone tries to fool me. (Draw katana)
Zero: (Pulls out beam saber) I was looking for an excuse to kill you.
Regulus: Zero... put that thing away. It won't do you any good. It's broken.
Zero: What?
Zero attempts to activate the beam saber, but the only reaction he gets is sparks shooting from the hilt.
Regulus: This has been just swell, gentleman, but I really must ask you to leave.
Regulus throws a ninja star at the control panel, causing the door to the airship to open. Regulus grabs Signas and tosses him at Zero, who catches him right in the gut, sending him skidding out of the ship. Regulus presses a button on his wrist and an explosive on X's back detonates (Regulus had placed a remote mine on X's back when greeting him earlier) and sends him sailing from the airship as well. Regulus seals the doors once again.
Regulus unlocked the doors, only to be greeted by Spark putting him in a sleeper hold.
SPARK: I say we crush him right now!
Regulus: (Struggling) Hey, you big ape! I just helped you guys out! I could have watched you get melted down for scrap metal!
Jade: He's right, you know.
Blackbelt: But it might be a trap...
Darksage: Yeah, like how he stabbed those guys in the back. We'd never hear the end of it from Vile if he wrecked the base.
Regulus: Vile?! You guys work for Vile? (SPARK tightens his grip on Regulus) Could you be a LITTLE more gentle?
SPARK: (Bluntly) No.
Regulus: Fair enough.
Jade: Yeah, Vile barks orders at us.
Regulus: I could work for you guys, you know.
SPARK: Hell no!
Dark Knight: (Thinking quietly) Wait a second. Your name is Regulus, right?
Regulus: Yeah.
Dark Knight: The Regulus known as Blue Fox?
Regulus: (Nodding) Yeah, that's my organization.
Dark Knight: (Gathers everyone around him, except Spark, who's busy holding the blue assassin) Guys, I heard rumors about Blue Fox from my time as a bounty hunter. This guy is prime material. He fought in the Scissor Army uprising back in 20XX. He's ancient! I just knew the name Regulus was familiar...
Blackbelt: (Looking over at Spark, who's having a rough time keeping Regulus in his grip since most of his body can split into separate pieces) I see... Age and treachery, huh?
Dark Knight: I think if he wants to join, he'd be a big help.
Seadragon: It's not like we have to make room for him.
Jade: So, does everyone want to let our assassin help us out?
Mixed assent
Jade: Hey, Spark, you can let go now!
SPARK: (Looks at Jade) What?
Regulus: Hey, thanks, big guy.
SPARK: Huh? (Looks down and notices Regulus is standing next to him and his arms are empty) How'd you?!
Regulus: You had me by the waist. (Splits at the waist and holds himself up by grabbed the base of his legs) Not a good idea when I separate at the torso.
Back at the base...
Dark Knight: (Walking next to Regulus) I heard you fought in the Scissor Army uprising back in 20XX.
Regulus: Yes, that was back when all but a few friends knew me as Blizzardman... (Looks a little depressed) Since then, I've lost the ability to transform into that Robot Master. (Looks up) But I DID learn a knew technique from all my life experience. Do you have the armor of your fallen friend?
Jade: Let me go get it. (Leaves)
A few loud crashing noises are heard, and Jade returns
Jade: This is his armor... we got all of it. It was the only thing that survived the impact...
Regulus: I see... Well, I know I won't replace the Chill Penguin you lost, but I'll try my best to help you in his place.
Regulus closes his eyes begins to make several complicated hand gestures. Blue wisps of energy begin to emanate from his body as the armor lying on the ground begins to vibrate. Regulus throws his arms out
Regulus: Maverick armor, give me your power!
The armor lifts from the ground and begins to float around Regulus. The armor turns gently in the air as it orbits the assassin. Suddenly, the parts rush in on him and a bright flash obscures him from the 7 Mavericks. Ice-cold air shrouds the spot where Regulus was standing when the light dissipates and a pair of light-blue eyes open from inside the cloud. Regulus walks out, now shorter thanks to his merging technique.
 Regulus: Ah... It's nice to feel that icy cold again... (Begins stretching) Although... I was much... larger.
SPARK: Sorry, shorty, I'm the big guy on campus.
Regulus: Hmm...
Regulus uses his ice breath to create a large block of ice and hops on top of it, putting him on eye level with Spark
Regulus: I guess I can deal.
SPARK: Cheater...
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