Lord-Koji

They're stopping fires, though, that would endanger many. Now, if they use fire to fight fire... Anyway, Fire Lord and three right hands? Literally, a fire lord (Don Kaen, Kaen meaning fire, if I recall, Don being what you'd think it would be in a mafia style) and his three commanders/right hands.

From generic rescue/combat to the same, but with fire based themes? What's next, police (assuming the Tomica Hero Police Warrior rumor holds true)?

13: I like that you chose this as your world, making it the unofficial 5th movie world. It was nice to see Oris trying to be a hero and commit suicde by Lord. Leaving the planet? Interesting way to go about things, but it made you get to biomechanical dinosaurs, so I'm happy. 14: Skralla's involvement is interesting, as is the entirety of the curse that these Agori carry. Interesting events leading up to the ending. 15: I like that Vas was a monster, that was a good twist, as well as why he wanted the vial, his entire driving force. That, and the combination of Erax's weapons made for an interesting battle. But, I have to ask, why did he make the name "Decade"? Was he traveling for a decade, or something? I understand if you had hit every story year (but Mata Nui may count for the first 3, Metru for the next 2, even though it only happened once, and the Bara/Bota as 09/10), but I'm a bit confused as to the title. Epilogue: I don't believe "mother-sama" and "father-sama" are correct, if you're trying to use proper Japanese. As far as I know, it's "oto-sama", or something like that, for at least one of them. But I really don't know if that's right. I only pick that up from Sentai/Kamen Rider/Tomica Hero. Anyway, the epilogue itself. I thought it may just be a wrapup of the story that Erax was telling, and leave it at that. That it actually continued on with an unexplained event (more or less), I appreciate that more, as a lead into the next storyline.

7: Interesting showing the time shifts from the portals. And now it sounds like Erax has to go back in time to stop the Vahi's destruction, interesting. 8: I like how you kept the events, such as Vakama and Teridax, mostly the same, but managed to fit Erax in pretty well, keeping him flowing with the actual events. 9: Keetongu granting a wish is an interesting idea, but it worked well. Again, flowing canon material into your material works well and flows nicely as one. 10: I like it that Garaxial only appears time to time, it makes his appearances seem more realistic, sparser to give him time to plot. Tahu partially recognizing Erax makes sense, reminds me of the screwy time loop of Donnie Darko (completely recommend that movie). Changing even Erax into a water breathing new form? Nice, love it. 11: Piraka vs. Barraki, should have happened in canon. Good battle, great alliance after the battle. I don't know if I'm tired, or if some of the Toa parts felt rushed, so I can't really give more. 12: Played straight, pretty much for Karda Nui. Erax's armor change was...unexpected, along with the location. It works for him, though, so it works for me.

Ok, been a while. Finally got time to review. Chapter 1: Expected it to be Mata Nui as the dictator. Might end up being him yet, somehow, but the two Ignika story is interesting. Krakua and Lesovikk, two of my favorite characters, happy to see them here already. And Reed is tying things nicely together with your crossover so far. 2: A great way to build up the story. I honestly expected it to be closer to being wrapped up by the end of this chapter. That you're taking time to deal with each area, it seems, is a good sign. This continued well, I like that it didn't pick up every plot, like the Garaxial plot again, since it probably wouldn't have started again this soon and would take more time to happen. 3: Not sure why he would attempt to assassinate Ignika with rope for a strangle. Seems odd to me. A bit anti-climactic with Erax flying down...only to knock the Ignika off with such ease inadvertently and end it all right there. Around this point the writing also seemed to go down a bit, by the way. 4: Oni Hunting Arc, I assume. I like the cold opening with some seemingly irrelevant characters, leading into Erax's involvement. It flowed well here, except for when he meets Erax, he seemed different. Not scared about his parent's deaths, or anything like that. That strikes me as odd, it was as if the deaths didn't happen, that no one was after him. 5: At the start, the use of parenthesis is out of place. Use dashes instead, I think. Like "Syarix--Clone Syaoran--after she...". It looks and flows better. Same with the reincarnation stuff before it. Scratch the Oni Arc, it's...whatever the first arc was with the Kudan manifestations. A Klakk was interesting to see as his Kudan. 6: Nice to see Garaxial back again, and his involvement in things as of yet. The bridge battle...from Tsubasa, right? Was that the same plot line from Tsubasa? Whoever wins the bridge wins it all? A snake seems very appropriate for a Jungle Tribe warrior. Also, how you split the story to go to Tsubasa and your other epic worked fairly well. Good idea there. Ah, Mata Nui. New setting, one that will be a great read, I'm sure. Works so far with the odd situation from the Vahi's destruction. I'll review more tomorrow.

If I have enough time I may. If I get a new cast of characters, that's for the better. Personally I hate writing for Duncan, Jimi and to an extent Preston, as well as most of the antagonists. I'd like to get some new antagonists at the least and just write for the rookies. Mainly, if I finish my 8 or so ongoing epics within one year, I'll write more here, under a new title, probably. It'll probably continue in some way, though. If I find someone willing, I'll give them the story to continue in some form, if they want it.

No, it was just the four. Maybe if Hero Factory lives past a year (which I hope), next year's sets I can do more.

Glad you liked it. And the Russian voice fit him regardless, human or not, I always thought. And I'd might as well tell this, Nebula himself actually wouldn't have been the villain, but the brain itself would be, which would shift identities constantly and hosts. I just wanted to throw that out there.

That's exactly what the Ruins of San are. Good job. You'll see about the rest now. Fourth Foray Alarms were sounding through the Hero Factory. Already, William Furno’s team was being deployed on the other side of Makuhero City. Only Preston Frost was left inside of the Factory, running over the data being displayed on his visor. He rose. Wires were falling off of his body, and his armor was moving, sealing itself to allow him to go into actual combat. “Too bad I missed the mission.” He muttered. He tapped the side of his head, looking at the image playing over his visor once more. He shook his head, “No…I have something better to do, at least.” Preston Frost. He wondered when he would become Preston Stormer again. When he would gain back his title of leadership. No. That didn’t matter at the moment. All that mattered was that William was doing a great job as leader of Alpha Team. That William was able to help keep the peace in a more active position than he had once filled. Preston took grip of his weapon and walked out of the repair room. He walked into the hallway and looked around. He looked to the right, and walked up that path. That would be the one to take. “So, isn’t today the day that Preston gets out of repairs?” Mark asked Will as they walked at the head of the group. Will nodded, “Yeah. Today is the day…unless something goes wrong. He’ll be back in leadership soon.” “How does that make you feel?” Mark asked. Will shrugged, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about what it’ll be like dropping out of leadership, back to a normal position.” “You think you’ll accept the Gamma Team leadership position?” Mark asked, “You know, if it’s still open? Or even the Beta Team position, after Rick’s defection?” Will shrugged, “I don’t know. As much as I liked leadership, I don’t think I’ll need to keep going at it. I like you guys, I think I’ll stay. No, I know I’ll stay.” “I’m glad.” Mark said, clasping Will on the shoulder. “It’s good to know that you’ll continue to have our backs.” Everyone stopped. Will touched the side of his helmet, “Nat, has your team found anything?” He asked. He looked back, making sure that his team wasn’t still behind him. The plan was that ten feet ago they were to take another path and continue on. He was pleased that they did follow his orders, and that they did break off. “Nothing yet.” Natalie told him. “But we’re still looking. One of our teams will find him.” “Nothing?” Mark asked. Will nodded, “Yeah, exactly.” He continued walking forward, “Xplode is a difficult target to track down. After our run-in with him at the Mines…” Mark nodded, “Yeah. We almost had him!” “Today we’ll get him.” Will said. “Don’t worry, we’ll get him. He needs to answer for his crimes, as well as tell us about Thunder.” “Right…” Mark said. Both of them wondered the same thing. Thunder had been silenced. He had been destroyed in his prison cell. Either someone had infiltrated the Factory, eliminated him, and escaped or hid. Or…Von Nebula was actually Executive Black, as Will suspected. Both of them were thinking the latter. Both thought it would be Von Nebula-Executive Black. Both assumed he was in charge of the Factory. He was too dangerous, even if he wasn’t Black. If he was…then that made Nebula far more of a puppet master, a far deadlier adversary, than once thought. They always knew the fight against him and his Syndicate would be a hard one. But if he could actually infiltrate the Factory to such a degree, playing everyone like he had, then he would be far too dangerous. He needed to be stopped. “Will!” Will touched the side of his helmet, “Natalie! Natalie, Duncan, Jimi, respond!” “Did something happen?” Mark questioned Will. He touched the side of his helmet, trying to get the information relay as well. “Mark, check the perimeter!” Will shouted. He looked behind him and up around the tall buildings. He continued to try to get a message through, “Nat! Anyone!” Mark moved on, looking around everywhere. No signs of Xplode, not yet. Mark span around. He looked into the crimson, monstrous grin of Xplode, and quickly through his arms up, charging his weapons with lightning. Xplode lunged forward, smashing his weapon into Mark’s side, throwing him into a building. Xplode chuckled and grabbed Mark by the throat. He dragged the blue armored Hero away, into the darkness. Will looked around, moving in a circle. “Nat! Duncan! Jimi! Mark! Anyone!” Nothing. No responses. Not even active readouts from their bodies, from their communications systems. Only laughter booming around him. The laughter of Xplode. “You’re trapped, little Hero.” He hissed. “Now, you can only be destroyed by me!” “No!” Will shouted. “I won’t give up. For my team, I will never give up!” “You don’t have what it takes to defeat me.” Xplode hissed. The echo of his voice was gone. There was only dead silence around Will. He had now become the hunted. Preston walked down the long hallway. It was the only room on the floor, but yet, it was at the end of a long hallway, which still had hall going past it, for some reason or another. The ambiance of the room made it worthwhile, he guessed. It was to show that Executive Black was a powerful man. The walls were white and pale gold. There were windows every so often, but not many. There was a crimson streak across the floor, where one was usually walking. There were golden lines on the side, at the ends of the red. He stopped when he reached the door. The wall was fashioned into an arc; the doors were pale gold with ornamentation across it. There was a golden plate with the name “Executive Black” carved into it on the side of the door. Preston smashed his fist into the door. He didn’t so much as knock as demand entrance. “What?” The Russian voice came through the door. “It’s Preston.” Preston said. “We need to talk, Executive.” “Ah, Preston. Please, come in.” Preston pushed the doors open and took two steps into the room. The room started as a single path for about three feet, keeping the red and gold pathway, just like in the hall. The walls then spread into a circular chamber. There were windows lining the circular walls, gazing out into the vastness of Makuhero City. In the back-center of the rounded walls sat a grand desk, colored the same as the door, complete with matching, grand ornamentation. There were statues standing at both ends, near the windows. They both sat on stone pedestals, and the statues were of twisting objects that were mostly round, but broke off into more ornate patterns above the large sphere of stone. There were various screens mounted on the walls, each displaying various status reports from various sectors of the Factory. There were controls built into the top of the desk, allowing for various controls and various screens and displays to appear and feed him information regarding the status of Heroes and Factory goings on. “I’m sure you’re here for reinstatement of your name of rank.” Black said. His body was large and dark-black and dark blue. There were spikes lining around the back of his shoulders, a bulky body, and a flat black face. He folded his hands on the desk. “You want leadership of your team back, do you not?” “That’s not why I’m here.” Preston replied. “Oh? Why are you, then?” Black asked. “Tell me…” Preston said, walking farther into the room, looking at the various panels and readings on the walls, “What is the purpose of this naming system? I don’t quite grasp the point.” “Well, it goes back to what preceded us.” Black explained. “I don’t follow.” Preston said. “The beings who came before us.” Black said. “The ones who built the first of us machines.” “Who came before us?” Preston asked. “Who built us?” “Humans.” The word was archaic, but known to very few. Even some archaic words were still used in the vernacular of some. Human was not. Natalie had almost gotten the word once, but only once. She couldn’t figure it completely out, though. But Black used it so simply, as if he knew what it was and expected Preston to also know. “I don’t know what that means.” Preston told him. “Humans were beings of flesh and blood. They came before we did. They all had two-no, three-names. A first name, middle name-which wasn’t commonly used, at least, not as much-and a last name. Their last name is connotation of family, blood relation. Their first were common names. It as the last that told them apart.” “So…there could be other Preston’s around, and my name Stormer-Frost-keeps me different?” Preston asked. “For us? No. The humans simply gave last names to their first machines to show the human element. To make their mark on it. Only the first name is really needed, but the last have been programmed into everyone. Every machine who creates more machines. Every machine created by them. It’s part of us.” “What happened to the humans?” Preston asked. “They died out.” “Die?” Preston asked. “Ceased to live.” Black explained. “It’s like a machine being destroyed or scrapped. All of them died…and only left us as their successors.” “Tell me…what kept humans going? We have our internal systems…what did they have?” Preston inquired. “Organs.” Black replied, “They were called organs. Brain, heart, lungs…” “Locations?” He pressed. “The brain in the head. The heart here.” He tapped the left side of the chest, where a human heart would be, “Lungs…” He continued to show locations. “Why do you have a brain?” Preston demanded. “What are you, Executive Black?” “Brain?” Black questioned. “I don’t have one. I’m a machine!” “No!” Preston shouted, throwing his arm forward. “You are Von Nebula! Von Nebula has an organic brain! Why do you know so much? Why do you have a brain?” “I’m not Von Nebula.” Black hissed. “Oh?” Preston questioned. He threw his weapon forward and fired the harpoon from his weapon forward. Black rolled out of his seat. The harpoon impaled the seat the moment after. Black rolled to the statue on the right side of the desk-his right, while sitting-and backhanded it, shattering the rocks. The statue had merely been a case. There was a staff floating inside. The staff had a long shaft, a blue sphere, and now, blades coming up on three sides, encasing the sphere inside of them. He took it in his left hand and swung his arm out. He muttered something and threw his arm out, blasting what looked like black fire forward. The energy burned across the room, nearly striking Preston, had he not leapt back. Preston stood in the hallway and laughed. “You just exposed yourself!” “A rogue Hero came after me. I simply defended myself.” Black said. “That’s my story.” “Except it won’t work.” Preston said. “Once you used your fire, you revealed yourself as Nebula.” “Oh?” “That energy only exists at Nebula’s base. It’s only been used by him. We have the record of Nebula appearing a few missions back, and the image to play against yours. Face it, Nebula, you’re done.” Von Nebula shouted and threw his blast forward. It struck at Preston’s feet, but he leapt aside first. The flaming energy struck the ground and stopped. Nebula pursued after Preston, sliding into the hallway, onto the spot. “Now!” Preston shouted, throwing ice bolts from his weapon at that spot. The floor cracked from the sudden temperature shift, from the destructive power of Preston’s attack. Nebula shouted as the floor gave way under him. The path that went towards his room was hanging above the city, not above any other floors. He managed to use his arms to hold himself up, but his legs dangled into the sky under them. “You’re finished.” Preston said. He fired his harpoon down the hall and triggered it, being pulled clear from Nebula. As he span around, being pulled, he fired again, striking Nebula with ice bolts. Nebula cried out and threw his staff towards Preston. He unleashed a rage of power, forcing Preston to roll to a corner to avoid it. “If you come here, I won’t incinerate you!” Nebula shouted. Sure enough, the only path that was safe was the path right to Nebula himself. There was no way out, other than back to the office. Preston muttered something and ran forward, down the hall. He slid, spinning his saw. He was going to end Nebula right here. Nebula slipped out the hole as Preston came. As soon as Preston hit it not a moment later, he went down, shooting his left hand up to grab the floor. He felt a sharp tug-Nebula grabbing his legs. Both hang there in the open sky. Preston shouted, trying to pull himself up, but failing. He looked down at the laughing Nebula. “We both will be scrapped if you don’t save us.” Nebula hissed. “Your life-my life-are in your hands. What will you do?” “I’ll end us both.” Preston hissed. “Then you won’t hear the rest of my story.” Nebula told him. “What story?” “My brain.” Nebula said. “Don’t you want to know?” “You’re trying to take my mind off of this fall?” Preston questioned. “I’ll tell you, right before you lose your life. I was a human once, a Russian, not that nationality means anything to you. I was one of the scientists working on the first machines, the first of you. We were all being killed by a strange disease, but I was the last. I am the last human! I built myself this formidable body, and transferred my brain into it. I am the last human, and the first and only hybrid of human and machine! I will rebuild the world into one I see fit. Into a world where humans can return, where my evil machines will rule side by side with them. Preston…you and the Heroes of this Factory cannot stop my Syndicate, and my hidden agenda.” “They don’t know about it?” Preston questioned. “Of course not.” Nebula said. He let go, plummeting through the sky. Something shot out of nowhere. It was an orange clad figure. It flew him to safety atop the Factory. It was Rotor. Preston hit the side of his helmet with his hand as he dropped. He fired the harpoon, but couldn’t hit anything. He continued to drop as Nebula laughed. The dropship came out of the Factory hanger in an instant. It piloted beneath him and landed him on top of it. Preston urged it up, and rose to his feet. As the ship rose to the top of the Factory, he glared at Nebula. “Rotor, your propellers.” Nebula hissed. A steaming hiss came from Rotor’s back. They were disconnected, allowing Nebula to attach them to his back. He leapt off of the building, into open sky to face Preston atop the dropship. “Move!” Preston shouted. He fired ice bolts with his weapon as the ship flew back. He held the ship with his free hand to avoid being shaken free. As Nebula fired energy, and Preston fired ice, another sound broke the monotony of these attacks. Rotor let out a cry. He rolled to the side of the Factory’s top, looking at whatever had just come. It was a motorcycle, a motorcycle with a crimson figure, that of William. He dismounted, “Looks like your subordinate failed.” He told Rotor, “My comrades are dealing with him. Took a bit, but my bike managed to outmaneuver him, and I finished the job with its weaponry.” He thrust his weapon forward, “You and me, Rotor.” The two quickly engaged in combat while Preston and Nebula continued in the sky. Nebula wasn’t used to fighting in the sky, and his shots were going wide again and again, unable to anticipate the dropship movements, and the movements of Preston’s weaponry. An ice dart found itself in Nebula’s head. He cried out, pulling it free before it was pushed harder. It was just shy of his brain. “Rotor, we’re pulling out!” He shouted. He flew back towards the roof of the Factory. Will was using his claw to force Rotor down, nearly over the side of the building. As he pushed himself over, Nebula grabbed him and flew towards the sky, trying to flee into the atmosphere of the planet before Preston could give chase. The ship flew towards the roof. Preston leapt off and stood beside Will. “Well, I guess we have information enough to prove that Nebula and Black are the same. Not that Nebula would come back and try to pass himself off again.” Will nodded, “You did a great job, Preston. I’m proud to serve under you.” “You don’t want to lead anymore?” Preston asked. “No. I like Blaze, personally. And the Stormer moniker fits you better than Frost.” Will said, clasping him on the back, “Welcome back, Preston.” He looked up at the sky. “It’s great to be back. And since Xplode was left behind, Nebula is down more forces. And since we know what he looks like and fights like, we’re gaining an edge. Will…thanks for the help.” He turned around and clasped hands with his partner. “No problem.” Will said. “Anything for you, Preston. Anything for a friend.” Preston nodded. “Now…now, we can truly begin our attempts to bring down Nebula.” Nebula, the last human. A twisted individual who sought only destruction. The legacy of the humans would be what would bring down the final human. Preston vowed that.

The point is, I would be biased to writing this after I see the real storyline, so I wrote this in weekly installments, every Thursday since two weeks ago, just to get rid of possible bias, and write something new. Third Assault “I…I can’t believe this!” William shouted, kicking a crate, sending it to the ground. The steel coating started to crumple from the impact. “Calm down, Will.” Natalie said, resting her hand on his shoulder. “Calm down? He shouted, “How can I calm down?” “Look.” Duncan said, “We don’t even know if Executive Black-our leader, I remind you-is our greatest enemy. It’s just speculation on your part, Will.” “Look, I know what I heard.” William answered. “I know the voice. I could make out the vague outline. I know that Von Nebula, speaking during the fight, was Executive Black. There’s no mistaking that voice!” “I refuse to believe it until we have the truth.” Mark said, putting his opinion in. He looked at the others, “So…who’s going to take this up with Black?” “No one.” Will said, “We’ll continue to operate with the assumption that he’s not Von Nebula. We don’t want to be making public accusations against one of the most powerful men in the Factory. We first need proper information.” He looked around at the four other Heroes in the room, “I’m…going to go see Preston for a bit. I need to talk to him.” “I hope you don’t bring this up with him.” Jimi said, “We don’t want to bias him, or get him involved, until we know the truth.” “I won’t bring it up.” Will said, “I just need to ask him about a few things.” “Just be back before too late.” Natalie said, “If it’s true…we don’t want to be separated for too long.” “Yeah, I know.” Will said before he left the large chamber. Preston sat on a bench while a mechanical arm came down and began to work on his right arm. Sparks flew as the work was being done, as maintenance was being performed. “How much longer?” He heard. Preston looked up, “Oh, William. Nice to see you.” He said. More sparks flew from his arm, and then the outer armor was attached to it, covering the wiring. “I really hope it’ll be done soon. That last attack by the Syndicate really slowed down my repairs.” “How is it just being on the sidelines like this?” Will asked, “How is it not being leader?” “It’s a lot different.” Preston answered. “I don’t really like it. I’d rather be out, fighting the Syndicate. I don’t even care if I would be leader; I just want to be doing what I was created to do.” “There’s a favor I need to ask of you, then.” Will said. “It involves the missions against the Syndicate.” “Will I be able to do it from here?” Preston asked. Will nodded, “Yeah. All you need is your head on right.” He said. “The head was the first thing repaired.” Preston said. “Good.” Will answered, removing a disk from his side. The compartment on his armor slid shut, sealing once again. He took two steps forward and handed the disk to Preston. The white clad machine took grip of it. “What is it?” He asked, looking it over. “Data I need you to run.” Will answered, “Just analyze the specific pieces of data presented, and give me a report when you’re done.” “You’re really taking to the leadership.” Preston said, using his left arm to slide the disk into himself. The data appeared on his visor, allowing him to see everything. “I’ve got to get going.” Will said. “A mission?” Preston asked. “No. Just…I need to get to the others.” Will answered, “I’ll see you later, Preston.” “I’ll send a message when the data is deciphered for you.” Preston told him. “Good. And please, go as fast as you can. We need that data.” “I’ll do my best.” Preston answered. Will nodded, and then ran out. “Alpha Team, assemble!” A voice boomed as Will ran into the room. “Executive Black!” Will shouted, “What’s the mission?” “Two members of the Nebula Syndicate-Xplode and Thunder-have been sighted near the Mines of Aidentril. Go there, and be sure to stop them. The Mines are important to the functions of the Factory.” The Mines were where the primary metals were found to build the Heroes out of. The metals were some of the strongest material in the universe, and were also flexible and light enough to make machines out of. Every Hero was made of it, for their own protection. And unfortunately, the Nebula Syndicate also was made of it. From destroying Heroes, they were able to scavenge the metals. “Understood!” Will shouted. He looked to Jimi, “Get the Dropship ready. We’ve got to go, fast.” “Got it.” Jimi said, running off. “There’s two of them, five of us.” Will said. He looked to Mark and Natalie, “You two, with me. We’re going after Xplode. Duncan, you and Jimi will go after Thunder.” “Why us?” Duncan questioned. “Thunder is strong, based on our data files on him. You’re the strongest of us.” Will said, “Makes perfect sense. And you and Jimi are veterans at this. Well…more than we are. Xplode and I are of the same manufacturing type-fire. We’ll go well together. And with wind and lightning, we’ve got a great combination going against him.” “Got it.” Duncan said. He looked back, over his shoulder. “The pods are ready.” He said, running off down the corridor. The three rookie Heroes rushed after him, and all found their way into a pod. The doors sealed, leaving them all in near pitch darkness. They could feel the pods being lifted onto the Dropship, and the ship lurched, flying towards the Mines. The five pods dropped about twenty feet from the ground. The steel pods struck the ground hard, cracking the rocks as they hit. The pods each opened, undamaged, and allowed the Heroes to step out and look around. “Split up as planned.” Will said, “If you encounter both of them, give a call to the other team. Go after your target, remember. I split us up for a reason.” The five Heroes each ran off in their groups, heading into different entrances of the Mines. Jimi and Duncan entered the darkness of the mineshaft. There was no light to guide them as they moved. “You know…” Jimi started. “If you’re going to say that “this is the perfect place for an ambush”, don’t bother. I hate clichés.” Duncan responded. An explosion rocked the walls around them. Neither were sure if it was close, or not. It was hard to tell in the disorienting darkness. “Why isn’t our night vision working?” Jimi muttered, “I hate the dark.” “I don’t know.” Duncan replied, “I’d have to guess that someone is blocking it. Or…something, I guess.” “The Syndicate?” Jimi asked. Duncan stopped and turned around, “No, the Factory. Of course the Syndicate!” He snapped, “That’s who we’re fighting, isn’t it?” “It could be a third party.” Jimi suggested. “Why would there be a third party involved?” Duncan demanded. “Why wouldn’t there? Why couldn’t there?” Jimi asked. “Fine.” Duncan answered, pressing onward through the darkness. “Hey…Duncan?” Jimi asked. “What?” Duncan questioned. “You’re annoyed with me, aren’t you?” He asked. “We’re friends, but you are annoying me right now.” Duncan answered, “Can we just focus on the job at hand, and talk later?” “Yeah, yeah.” Jimi replied, following close behind Duncan. He lifted his weapon, “I think I can create a type of sonar.” He said. “It might bring the walls down.” Duncan said. “You’re the guy who usually does stuff like that.” Jimi said, recalling some of the clumsiness that Duncan had presented in the past, “Remember at the Ruins of San?” “Don’t bring that up.” Duncan muttered. Duncan had been pursuing a target through a place that was called the Ruins of San. The name was taken from the location itself. There were signs with “San” on them, and the rest was marked out from damage. Presumably there were searches going through there, searching for anything of use. Maybe one day they would find the true name of the location. Duncan had pursued the villain, and had crashed into an old structure. He had weakened it enough with his body that it came crashing down around them, trapping him inside, letting the villain escape, and losing two rescue workers trying to free him in the process. His armor had received major damage, and he had to sit in repairs for one week, since restoring the AI to the workers was more important, since they would soon be lost for good. “If you think you can control it, do it.” Duncan said. “Stand back.” Jimi said, right next to Duncan. Duncan instinctively moved behind Jimi as he raised his sonic weapon and focused. He had to get the frequency just right, or bad things would happen. He didn’t want to think about what they would be exactly, just that they were bad. Sonic waves crashed from his weapon, bouncing off of the stone walls of the Mine. The sounds returned to the weapon, mapping out the caverns on Jimi’s visor. “Got it!” He exclaimed. He pressed the side of his head, “I’m sending you the map, Duncan.” “Thanks.” Duncan replied as an image started to display on his visor, “This is going to be easier now, but not perfect.” “I know.” Jimi said. “But at least now we have an idea of where we’re going.” The two started to move, counting steps in relation to the map’s distance. Watching them, as they took a turn, was the silver armored Thunder. He could see perfectly thanks to his night vision operating. He had canceled out theirs, however, as soon as they entered. He started to move after them, holding his claw weapon tight. He would be able to easily crush both machines as soon as he reached them, and then, they would both be scrap. Then, Xplode would receive his help in crushing the other three Heroes. The mission was going to be an easy one. He lifted his Meteor Blaster and took aim. This was going to be an easier method, and if he missed, somehow, then the cave would deal with the Heroes for him. “Heroes!” He shouted. The two span around, looking for the source. The echo was causing problems, making it harder to locate the source of the voice. The Meteor Blaster went off, sending its deadly projectile forward. Jimi lifted his weapon on instinct and fired, using the sonic wave to disrupt the blast. The projectile went off in the air, destroying the roof above it, bringing rubble down between the Heroes and the Syndicate member. “This place is going down.” Duncan hissed, “I’m sure of that.” Obviously being unable to see was having difficulties. Both were starting to assume the blast was going to destroy the entire Mine. “It wasn’t my fault.” Jimi said, “My sonic attack shouldn’t have done that.” “Maybe he fired something at us.” Duncan said, “Whatever happened, we have to run!” The two started to run blindly through the darkness, hoping to find any escape, but their map was starting to fail them as they started to get disoriented from the running. Thunder crawled through the rubble, trying to find an alternate path to reach the Heroes. He didn’t want to go after the others, since Xplode had already engaged them. He wanted the two fools running blind. He managed to find a smaller path, and began to crawl through it. Crawling was something new to him, but he managed. He popped out at the path the others were on. He would reach them soon. Or rather, they would reach him. Unless they got lost… Thunder muttered something and triggered a system in his body. He sent a wave through the shaft, reactivating the night vision on the Heroes. Von Nebula had given the two the means in order to shut down their various visions for the dark. He didn’t know how Nebula had it; he just thought it would be useful in crushing the Heroes. Until they got lost, and couldn’t find Thunder so he could destroy them. If they could see, they would find him eventually, and he would destroy them at that moment. He looked around through the darkness, everything appearing green due to his night vision. He walked deeper, and stopped. “I don’t know!” Duncan shouted, “But I didn’t break it!” “Are you sure?” Jimi asked. “Listen. If I had broken the night vision-on both of us, somehow-how did it suddenly return?” He questioned. “Fine, fine.” Jimi answered. They were coming around the corner. Thunder trained his Meteor Blaster on that position, and waited. The two Heroes came around the corner, and immediately saw the figure of Thunder up ahead. He laughed and fired. “Down!” Jimi shouted, firing back with his sonic weapon. The soundwaves crashed into the sphere, blowing it apart. Smoke covered the center of the passage, obscuring even the night vision on both sides. From the smoke flew steel spheres. They smashed into Thunder’s body, bringing him to the ground, onto his back. The two Heroes leapt out of the smoke and stood above Thunder, training both of their weapons on his head and throat. “Surrender, and we’ll only arrest you. We won’t scrap you.” Duncan said. “Fine.” Thunder hissed. “Get his weapons away.” Jimi said. Duncan nodded and wrestled the claw and Blaster away, throwing them across the ground. Jimi kept his weapon trained on Thunder as Duncan threw him up. The two started moving through the Mines, trying to find their way out, now bringing a prisoner with them. Mark threw his arms out, blasting Xplode in the back. The crimson machine cried out, stumbling around the corner, away from the lightning attack. Twin boomerangs smashed into his body, throwing him into the wall behind him. As the boomerangs returned to Natalie, she fired both harpoons, plowing them into the wall on either side of her opponent, keeping him trapped. “I’ll set this whole place off!” He shouted. His spikes began to glow with power, ready to unleash their explosive powers. Will threw his fist forward, resting his flame weapon on Xplode’s throat. “I wouldn’t do that.” He said. “You’d scrap me?” Xplode questioned. “I will.” Will said, “Now, surrender.” “Fine.” Xplode said, “I surrend…” His spikes went off, blowing the wall open. Xplode fell back, into the new opening. He quickly picked himself up and ran, trying to escape. “Mark!” Will shouted. Mark threw his arms forward, letting loose his lightning powers. The lightning illuminated the chamber, but they weren’t sure if he was struck or not. “I think he got away.” Will said. He looked to the other two, “Let’s go, and hope that Duncan and Jimi were better than we were at this mission.” Thunder looked around the holding cell. His arms were trapped in the walls, as were his legs. Electricity was running through his systems, keeping them at bay. He looked up, “Who…are you?” He questioned. “You don’t recognize me?” The Russian voice questioned. “Vo-“ He turned and departed, leaving the flaming crater of a room behind. Thunder had been silenced, and now, he would go back to his duties as Executive Black. Preston nodded again and again, listening to the story as Will recanted it. “I see.” Preston said, “I’d have probably done the same in your situation.” He said, “I’d have threatened him.” “Did you get that data finished?” Will asked. “Almost.” Preston replied. “I did find one oddity in the data, however.” “And what’s that?” Will asked. “Something that didn’t fully come up on my scanner.” Preston answered, “It wasn’t mechanical…it was…different. I don’t know how to explain it. I’d think the archaic word “organic” is the way to go with it.” “Org-what?” Will questioned. “I really don’t know.” Preston said, “It’s archaic. I don’t think anyone knows what it means.” Will nodded, “Ok. Just please, get us that info soon.” “I’ll do my best.” Preston answered, watching as Will departed. He went back to the footage, and continued to scan it. He was looking for anything out of place, anything that could tell Will about Von Nebula’s appearance in that last mission. Will wanted an unbiased opinion if Nebula was Executive Black. And he hoped Preston could use that information. “Is that…” Preston muttered, zooming in. The black figure appeared clearer and clearer as he scanned the image. Then he saw it, the image of Von Nebula. “Is that…Black?” Preston muttered. Unbiased, but he believed it too.

2 installments remain. I hope these themes will remain fresh for you in them. I'm glad you're enjoying the themes I put into it, that it doesn't feel convoluted or anything with them in. And yeah, I got about 5 reviewers in the first on BZP, about 5 (mostly new ones, I think) in the second, and....4 here, for both? Yeah, but oh well. I'm glad you're enjoying them. And I hope I'll continue to please you.

Ok, if you're going to have them merged, can you change the title to "Hero Factory: Alpha Chronicles"? And thanks, I'm glad you like them.

Hero Factory: Second Swipe Meltdown dodged a swing of Thunder’s large crush claw. The yellow Cyclops regarded his opponent’s move for a moment, and followed through with a swing of his tentacle, smashing it into the silver machine. Thunder hit the rock ground of the training facility of the asteroid that housed the Nebula Syndicate. With their leader, Von Nebula away, Rotor was in charge. And Rotor’s wishes were for the four henchmen ranking below him to fight. Fight until two could no longer fight, and send the winners to do some damage. He wanted to draw out the Heroes. Corroder’s defection had devastated Preston Stormer’s body, weakening the powerful Alpha Team. And then, on top of that, the rookie William had been put in charge. Von Nebula was a puppet master. He was playing the Heroes with ease. So far, he hadn’t done too much. But soon, he would have them all crushed by his more powerful Syndicate. The henchmen that he had in his employ were machines, like all other life that existed. They were machines with errors, however. Their AI was flawed, causing them to be “born criminals”, as one put it. When Von Nebula found these petty criminals, he upgraded them into more savage machines and warriors, giving them all new names. He discarded their first names and changed their surnames. He changed Rotor and three of the lower henchmen. The only one who hadn’t been brought into the Syndicate in the same way was Corroder. He was flawed on his own, in a different way. He had a desire for power. And when Von Nebula found out, he recruited the powerful Beta Team leader, deciding to make use of his potentially devastating powers. And Corroder had accepted. All he had to do to gain entrance into the Syndicate was remove Preston Stormer. Scrap or be scrapped. Those were his instructions. He caused enough damage to count as scrapping Preston. Nebula approved, and allowed Corroder in. The only thing was, he had to fight Xplode for the right to serve. He would be in the Syndicate regardless. But unless he defeated Xplode, he wouldn’t be able to serve immediately. “You’re too weak.” Thunder muttered, rising. His voice was deep and commanding. He lifted his claw before his eyes “I don’t have your strength.” Meltdown said, in a high pitched screech of a voice, “But I have something you don’t.” He said, his voice dropping to a very deep, malicious, dark voice. He threw his right arm out, blasting green sludge from the weapon mounted on him. The sludge melted into Thunder’s armor, bringing him to his knees, screaming in pain as the acidic sludge got into his systems and started to bring them down. He looked up, seeing a green sphere of power leveled at his face. Meltdown was taking aim with his Meteor Blaster, a powerful weapon that changed between a solid and an energy projectile as it was fired. It was immensely powerful, and most couldn’t take a single blast from a distance, let alone point blank range. As Meltdown was about to pull the trigger, an orange hand grabbed his arm. He glanced at Rotor, who stood there beside him, simply nodding his head in approval. “You win.” Rotor said in his high pitched voice. He looked behind him, at the Xplode/Corroder fight. Corroder was digging his claws into the crimson Xplode, and then driving his nose into Xplode’s chest, tearing into his systems. From his position, he opened his mouth, spitting at Xplode’s chest. The crimson, bestial looking machine cried out, collapsing before Corroder. There was no way he would rise and fight again. Rotor nodded to him, “Corroder, Meltdown. The two of you are going to be paired together on this day.” He said, walking with Meltdown towards the newest member. “I’m sure your abilities will go well together.” “Our acid will be a powerful combination.” Corroder agreed, eyeing Meltdown, “Unless you’re not up to it. Trusting your shoddy build from Nebula against my build from the Factory.” Meltdown slashed Corroder down the chest with his tentacle. Corroder fell to the ground, grabbing the wound. Acid dripped down his chest. It wasn’t much, but the tentacle had been coated in acid for the attack. “Remember. I’m your senior.” Meltdown reminded. “And you’re a traitor. Nothing else.” Corroder muttered something under his breath and quickly rose to his feet. He ignored the stinging pain of the acid and looked to Rotor, “Where are you sending us?” He questioned. “You’re both being sent to Makuhero City.” Rotor answered, “To the Industrial Plant.” “You want us to cause a…pardon the pun, “meltdown”?” Corroder questioned. Meltdown shot him a look with his single eye. He looked to Rotor. Rotor nodded, “Yes. Bring it down. That’ll stop their ability to create new Heroes, and do repairs. This strike will cripple the Heroes abilities to fight back as efficiently.” The three stood at the edge of the meteor, looking down through the void of space. Only the energy coursing around the meteor protected them from the void of space destroying their bodies. Rotor pressed a button, bringing modified pods to the surface of the asteroid. “Load in, and depart.” Rotor ordered, returning back inside, leaving the two behind. They both got into their pods, and were launched down towards the planet itself. “I can’t believe it.” Natalie muttered again, walking in circles. “I just can’t believe it!” She slumped down and looked at the empty building before her. It was the Beta Team warehouse. It was empty, now that Corroder had defected. The other Heroes had been sent out on missions, but never Corroder. Rick had always stayed behind, except for the most extreme cases. This place was almost never empty. But now, it was. And Rick’s possessions were being taken back by the Factory, and the entire team was being put under investigation. Natalie felt that she was the only one feeling anything over the loss of Rick. Over his defection. He had been a mentor to her in Preston’s absence, and now, he was gone. He was a traitor. How could she still look up to him? She did, and she didn’t know why. Not that she wanted to stop admiring him. Admiring his skills and abilities. She just wanted to know why she felt this way about him. Why she still felt a connection with him, even though he had nearly destroyed their leader, Preston. And now, William was in charge. Due to Rick, the rookie leader had been put in charge. Natalie did respect Will, but wasn’t sure he could handle everything that Preston had handled. They were both rookies, and the only difference now was that a rookie was leading elites, as well as rookies. She was Will’s partner. She always trained alongside him when Rick was away. But why was it, then, that she felt worse about Rick’s defection than the state of their team? Why was she more concerned with the traitor’s well being than with how the team itself was led, and the toll it would take on Will to keep them all together, and succeeding in their missions? There had to be something wrong with her wiring, she figured. But even if there was something wrong, she didn’t want to get it repaired. She wanted to feel this way. It made her feel more… What was the word she was looking for? She was a machine. She had a large vocabulary, she was a natural diplomat, so she needed one. But she couldn’t find the word she sought. She thought it started with a “g”, or at least, something very close to it. Maybe the next letter? The one before it? All she knew was that the alarm was sounding through the Factory. A voice came over the intercom, “Alpha Team, report to the launch point at once!” Natalie tried to run, but couldn’t make herself run. She turned around and looked at the Beta Team facility, trying to keep herself together. She made her legs move, and ran off. She was the fastest member of the team, and hopefully would be there before Will started to get annoyed. Or would he understand? She had no idea how he felt, or how anyone else felt about Rick’s defection. And that was unfortunate. Will paced pack and forth. He looked at the team before him. Only Natalie was missing. Granted, the others had all been together, so he had to give her a little more time. Finally, he saw her green body running into the room. She stopped and looked at the assembled Heroes. “Sorry I’m late.” She apologized. “Where were you?” Jimi asked her with his almost lyrical voice, “We almost left without you.” He told her. “No we didn’t.” Will corrected, “I was going to give you another two minutes.” He told Natalie. He looked at the others, “I don’t know our mission.” He said. He looked to the ceiling, “The mission?” He shouted up. “That’s not how you do it.” Jimi said. He aimed his weapon up, unleashing a sonic blast. The soundwaves rippled through the Factory, up to the ceiling. The sound came back down, all around the room. “That wasn’t it either.” Duncan muttered. He pushed Jimi, “Don’t you pay attention to what Preston does?” “Hey!” Mark shouted, pushing himself between the two of them, “Don’t fight! We’re Heroes, on the same side! We shouldn’t fight each other!” Will nodded and pushed himself between them, “Mark’s right. You two are Heroes, and veterans. You two should know better.” He glared at both, “And one of you should know how to get the information.” He pressed his helmet, “Info?” He asked. “My designation is “William Furno”.” “The Industrial Plant in town is being attacked by two figures.” A Russian voice came down, “Neutralize them.” “Of course, Executive Black.” William said. He ran towards the exit, “We’ll move on foot!” He shouted. The others looked to each other, unaccustomed to this. Preston would have had them dropped from the sky, even in town, even within a few blocks. Will was doing things differently, even before their first mission actually saw any combat. Natalie, with her natural speed, was able to even pass William and reach the door first. She crashed her shoulder into it, and rushed into the room, aiming the harpoons of her twin boomerangs around the room, searching for the targets. Conveyor belts and boxes were abound through the room. There were explosive materials elsewhere, kept below ground. It was for construction purposes, and testing new builds. It was just a bad thing that the targets weren’t here. They now had the potential to be underground. “Looking for us?” She heard. She span around, taking a tentacle whip down the back. She stumbled forward, feeling her armor melting at the impact sight. She span around, throwing a boomerang into the darkness. When it returned, one of the sides was partially melted. She lifted both arms and fired her harpoons into the dark, hoping to score a blow. Nothing. She retracted them, and found the tips melted. “You’re weak.” The figure mocked her. She span around, seeing Corroder lifting his claw back. She leapt back, avoiding what would have scrapped her. She stared at Corroder, at her former teacher. “I…I…” “What?” Corroder mocked, moving in on her. He flexed his claws, “Come on, Natalie. Let’s see what you’ve learned.” “You were the only one who I ever respected, even over Preston.” She admitted, “So I won’t let you defeat me.” “You’re alone.” Corroder hissed. He looked to the yellow cyclopean Meltdown, “Make sure the others don’t get in here.” Meltdown nodded. “No problem. I’ll crush them.” Meltdown rushed towards the door. Corroder didn’t see what he fired at, but heard the hissing of his acid being released. “Well Natalie, do you think you can do anything alone?” Corroder questioned, moving in on her. She backed away from him with each step he took. She couldn’t use her weapons against him, in the bad shape they were in. She really only had one boomerang. That was it. “You’re finished!” He shouted, lunging forward. He was too fast for her to react. She wasn’t used to seeing Corroder as an enemy, only as a friend, a teacher. He took a kick to the side and stumbled back, unable to continue his attack against Natalie. He glared at the green armored woman, and then glanced to his side. He saw the red rookie, William Furno, standing at his side, clutching his crimson flame weapon in his left hand. “Ah, the hotshot rookie again.” Corroder hissed. He directed his left claw at Will, “It’s time to get my revenge for that beating you gave me at the Caves.” Will lifted his weapon up, “Corroder, I don’t know everything that happened in the past between you and Natalie, but I won’t let you scrap her that easily! I won’t let you take such an advantage of her distraction. I’ll be sure you won’t even so much as touch her again!” Natalie watched Will. She hadn’t been that close to him in the past. They were comrades, and nothing more. They weren’t friends on the outside. They were just on the same team. The only emotions other than comradeship were those of being in the same situation. They were both rookies. Rookies just learning their way in the team. Like Mark, but they were older than him. That left Mark more or less alone. But now, seeing Will acting like this for her…she had to think about him some more. She saw a chance for a real friendship now. A chance for them to bond over this mission, over this battle. To be friends, not just comrades. She looked to William, at a loss for words. “Take him down.” She finally managed to say. She wasn’t ready to throw all of her respect for Corroder away, but she was giving him enough leeway to do his job as the leader of the Alpha Team. “With pleasure.” Will said, leaping forward and smashing his flame claws into Corroder’s chest. He cried out and stumbled back while the force of the blow was on his chest. He drew both claws back and plunged them forward. Will managed to roll back, landing on the cold floor. He rolled away from Corroder’s reach, but wasn’t sure what good that would do him. He had no ranged attacks, only his fire weapon. Without being in range, he wouldn’t be struck. But he couldn’t strike either. He was effectively stuck. “Hotshot greenhorn!” Corroder shouted, lunging forward. He drew his claws back for one final strike. Natalie was smarter than Corroder had thought. She noticed that his true objective was his head drawing back, getting ready for a drive of his nose, or a blast of poison. “Will!” Natalie shouted, throwing her only undamaged boomerang forward. It span through the air, slicing through the air as it went in at the green armored traitor. Corroder was too focused on Will. He never noticed it as it reached his head. The boomerang smashed into the side of his head. He span to the ground, rolling as soon as he crashed into it. His body crashed into a large, steel crate. “Thanks.” Will said. He put his hand on her shoulder for all of a moment, and then ran forward for Corroder, not willing to give up the fight just yet. He had to finish it. “Will!” Natalie shouted. He turned around. He watched as Meltdown’s body was thrown through the air, right for him. Duncan or Jimi…or maybe even Mark, had gotten a bit too ruthless, and had blasted him into the next room. Not that ruthless was bad, it was just careless, not aiming the body. Will dropped to the ground. The body soared over his head, smashing into the downed Corroder. The tentacle draped onto Corroder’s body, causing him to scream in pain as the acid seeped into his armor, into his circuits. Will rose and watched as the team rushed into the room. He walked over to the boomerang and picked it up off the floor. He walked towards Natalie and handed it to her. She took it and looked him in the eyes, “Thank you, Will.” He put his hand on her shoulder, “No problem, Nat.” He said. He looked behind him, at the two downed warriors of the Nebula Syndicate, “Let’s end this, everyone.” “We’re going to scrap them?” Jimi asked, readying his sonic weapon. Will nodded, “We don’t want them to regroup.” He said, aiming his claw at them, “Let’s eliminate them now!” “Preston wouldn’t do that.” Duncan told him, “He wouldn’t order an execution.” “I know. But we have too good a chance to pass up.” Will said, “We end this, now!” They all heard the splitting tearing through the room. Mark was the one who shouted that it was the ceiling. They all looked up as large cracks splintered through it. It crashed open, raining down chunks of stone around all of the assembled machines, Heroes and Syndicate members. Then came another blast. “Well, it looks like you Heroes are better than expected!” A deep, Russian voice boomed. They watched the energy dancing around the room. It was dark blue and black, and looked like flames, thriving on their own, circling around the room. “Von Nebula!” Corroder shouted, throwing his arms up, “You’ve saved us!” They could all make out the black outline of a figure on the roof of the factory. But none of the warriors could make out much of an appearance. Will took everything he saw to heart. He took the voice to heart. Instead of Von Nebula, all he could say was one other name. “Executive Black.” He hissed.

Is a shadowed image of Tren Krom too much to ask for?