Moonlight illuminated the surrounding terrain, blessing both earth and water with an iridescent glow. Gentle winds traveled aimlessly, caressing the former Red Alert member's body. The sensation was perfect in its simplicity; it was almost haunting. Since he had escaped the Hunters, nothing but relief had flowed through his mind and soul. He welcomed it with open arms; however, he could not help but wonder if this was the wrong way to be thinking. He practically worshipped them, he once begged to be able to meet them in person, and he had finally been granted this privilege.

Why, then, did it feel good to get away from them? Axl did not really want to think about it too much, but it seemed he had lost control. He had lost control of himself long ago; refusal to accept such was what brought this negativity. There was no way he could blame anyone but himself, or he would become just the sort of person he had come to loathe...Red had placed blame on all those but himself, for he considered himself perfect in every way possible. The youth once understood this, and lived by that ruling, but...He did not know what to believe anymore. That was why he needed to go to battle, as much as he hated to think of murdering his old friends.

In battle, there was no room daydreaming, distracting thoughts, nor contemplation of the past. Fighting was an escape, a freedom that he could only lust for...As well as the only way to make things right between everyone, and eliminate the needless quarreling he had brought to life. It may have seemed sickening to another, but if only they spent a while in his skin, perhaps they would feel the same. But nobody had to know of his secret thoughts; everyone could go ahead and assume he just wanted revenge or something of the sort. In the end, it really had no impact on him, since he knew more than anybody that people are unpredictable.

As his destination gradually drew nearer, he could not help but feel slightly hesitant. After all, he was headed back towards someone he had once considered family - something the youth should have dreaded. Despite a few second thoughts, a little bit of regret for leaving the Hunters hanging, and a flicker of expected fear when entering a potentially dangerous situation, though, he was certain this is what he had to do. This was how he could prove himself, not only to X, but to Red, and even a little bit to himself. To prove that he was not worthless or weak.

Finally, the object of Axl's determination came into view, lightening his mood ever so slightly. A metallic warship, clad with an assortment of plasma-based weaponry, crates and other cargo which probably contained even more weapons, and a cheap paint job. Axl remembered he had repeatedly told Splash Warfly to fix that, or just chip the stupid paint off. Splash had always been so stubborn though, and had told the younger that it was fine the way it was.

'Yeah, right.'

It was kind of strange how a trip that normally he would normally consider tedious and ridiculously long now seemed relatively short, almost invigorating.

The Reploid equivalent of adrenaline was already coursing through the circuitry that formed his being, burning away all other thoughts. Except, that he wished he could thank his creator for the wonderful work he or she had accomplished in making Axl as close to human as he was. Such a thing most Reploids probably took for granted, until of course, they became unstable and succumbed to the Maverick Virus.

Such was the fate of Splash Warfly, who the former Red Alert member was prepared to confront. Of course, he'd have to fight his way through a few simple defenses, most of which wouldn't be too difficult, and with the added resolution, the task would be even simpler. While he stood at the bow of Warfly's battleship, he figured he should scan the defenses, and assess a little of the situation before he actually went rushing in. That's what he should have done, anyway. Before he knew it, though, his twin pistols had materialized in his hands, and he found himself in the heat of battle. On top of all that, he was enjoying every minute of it, just like he expected. At least something was heading in a positive direction.

A few Reploids from scattered locations fired at him, in a patetic attempt to ward him off. Their shots, however, came slowly, giving Axl more than enough reaction time to dodge, and fire a volley of his own projectiles towards the offending Mavericks. One had jumped backwards to dodge, and had almost been successful, if not for his blatant miscalculation. The Maverick was doomed to plummet to his demise in the unmerciful waves of the ocean. Axl couldn't resist the urge to smile at the small accomplishment before heading off deeper into Splash Warfly's battleship.

The next oncoming wave was almost laughable. Most of the enemies were simple mets, and a few more of the Maverick minions Splash must have gathered. Axl completely ignored the mets for the time being, heading directly to the Reploids that may have posed a threat. He held each of his guns in opposite directions, firing madly at the silver clad Mavericks. Plasma pierced through random points on each of their bodies, until eventually one out of the flurry of attacks reached a vital point, causing the systems to malfunction or simply overheat and explode. During this onslaught, however, Axl had overlooked a few of the Reploids. One of these few just fled out of cowardice and claimed the fight was not worth it. If he ever met up again with Splash, though, the punishment would be far worse than anything Axl could ever distribute.

The other two were not quite so imprudent, and took advantage of the brief moment they had. One purposely posed as a distraction, pretending to have accidentally stumbled on his way to attack Axl. The young one turned in that instant, kicking the Maverick to the floor; Axl felt in the mood for a little hand-to-hand combat with this one. He drew his arm back to build power before releasing the energy, allowing the laws of science to evoke more strength when fist connected with face. The downed Reploid cried out once; unknown to Axl, the pitch of the scream was a cue for the other.

Being immersed in beating the Maverick senseless, he never really thought much of the other Reploid.

All the warning he had was the sound of gunshot before the searing plasma grazed his arm. The boy winced, cursing himself for dropping his guard before the battle had completely ceased. He knew it was not a vital injury, but right then, he did not care what it was. His purpose left no room for any kind of mistake, much less a stupid, careless one. Immediately, Axl sprang from the wounded Maverick, but only after a final kick was delivered - just to avoid the same former mishap. Enraged, the navy Reploid pounced onto his attacker animalistically; pounding, kicking with his knees, using all close range weaponry available to him. It proved to be more than enough, too, as his attacker was down and out long before Axl was completely finished with his physical assault.

After he was entirely certain that the Maverick was no longer a threat, Axl stopped the onrush. Now he could look forward to the enjoyment of trashing hapless mettools. With that thought, he recalled an old teaching of Red's; one that would be of assistance in this situation, and had the potential for some quick laughs. Met armor was impenatrable, at least until the little creature attempted its pathetic attack. This left it vulnerable, until it resided back into its protective shell. Still, all Reploids are flawed and have multiple weak points, like Red had once explained. A powerful blow to the plus-shaped symbol engraved on the met's armor could flip it over, and due to the spherical shape of the armor, it would be stuck that way - much like a turtle would be. Since Axl was excited and running low on patience, he decided he would not be bothered to wait for the thing to attack, and just finish it off quickly.

One by one, either using his armored feet or a plasma shot, each met was rendered completely helpless. Not that they had ever stood much of a chance against anyone, which probably caused many to question the reasoning behind their existence in the first place. Now that they were unable to fight, Axl had to wonder if it wouldn't be more entertaining to just leave them there for hours upon hours. The more he thought about it, the more humorous it seemed; he decided to go for it.

"Y'know what?" He flashed the defenseless creatures a small smirk. "I think I'll just see you guys later."

'And by later, I mean never again.'

From there, he continued through the heart of the battleship; preparing himself for what he knew was eventually to come. He had imagined it before, picturing himself face-to-face with what had once been a friend, to engage in an unfriendly battle. That visualization only became more and more realistic, until he could really feel the unwelcoming chill in the air. Luckily, though, the opponent would simply be Splash Warfly, someone he had never grown quite as attached to as some of the other members. At least that was some consolation. There was one more driving force that shoved away any remaining second thoughts, concerns, anything that would keep him from reaching his goal.

Axl had to show X and he had to show Red. He had to show the entire world that he could do this. With that, the determination consumed everything but strength once again, and the amusement from the mets had given him even more addition to his growing energy. His first real duel in such a long time; it sparked up more vivacity than anyone could ever know. More might than he, himself, thought he possessed.

With all this vigor to aid him, Axl knew that he was not afraid - even as he stared into the bitter eyes of Splash Warfly.

-

Hi, everyone! Yeah, um.. I can explain. Now I know I haven't updated in months, partly due to lack of inspiration. I take full responsibility for that. But more recently, blame Hurricane Wilma. I got power back about a week or so ago, but it was kind of flickering. It went out at all kinds of random intervals. Just when you think, "Yay! Power!" it would go off again. It sucked so badly. I'm pretty sure it has stopped doing that now, though. (I waited a few days to make sure.)

Oh, and I have one question. Is it against the rule for review responses now? I've heard in a couple places that it was, but in some recent fanfics I've seen people still do it. I like talking with you guys, so I really hope it's not a rule.

One last thing. I have to thank you all for not ranting, attacking me, sending evil animals to eat me, or inflicting any other harm on my being. You're all awesome!