The Emporium [open]

[psychomachy]

The only warning was a burst of sickly light -- backwash from a teleport -- before the midday crowds were savaged.

A pink-haired reploid in violet armour tore through the Emporium's court, lashing out at anything and anyone in reach with a toxic-looking beam-sabre before clutching at his head and howlingThen straightened suddenly, eyes burning

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[denied_destiny]

Zero was out on patrol and the first one to respond. Teleporting into the area, he was quickly shoved back with the wave of people rushing to get out of the area.

He caught a glimpse of violet and pink and jumped to a guess.

"Nightmare?!"

A hand quickly moved to grab his saber, but Zero stopped short. Too many people so close, it was too dangerous. He began dashing forward through the crowd and towards Nightmare.

[vanishednpcs]

Nightmare's chosen victim, however, wasn't inclined to play the victim role. Oh sure, he yelped with surprise and jumped back, but as soon as his brain caught up with his instincts, he scowled and lunged for Nightmare's saber arm. It would soon become very apparent that, despite how much the young man looked like a human with tousled black hair and wide green eyes, he was very much a reploid. He might even resemble someone Nightmare and Zero knew, though not completely.

"What do you think you're doing?!" he demanded of Nightmare.

[psychomachy]

Not expecting to be lunged at in return, the Zero Nightmare jerked away with a snap of fanged jaws closing quickly -- and took the young gentleman with him, having seen quite successfully grabbed.

Then clawed with his free hand at the almost-X's face.

"You! KILL YOU Why are you doing this --"

But with the crowd surging away it was a matter of mere moments before Zero was plain to be seen; and now the Zero Nightmare's attention was dragged towards the Hunter.

Mad red eyes focused, and his would-be "prey" stood a good chance of being dragged along as the Zero Nightmare lunged slashed at Zero with a scream of outrage.

[denied_destiny]

There wasn't any time to really think, just react. Zero quickly reached back and took his Z-Saber, bringing it forward to block and bracing himself against Zero Nightmare.

"Nightmare. . ." At the moment, Zero was at a loss for words. Struggling over his emotions and thoughts, trying not to let them control him.

[psychomachy]

The two sabres locked, the Zero Nightmare baring virus-tainted fangs in mad frustration at being thwarted again; then Zero's words registered, in the same moment that Axl made his move.

He staggered a step, and his sabre clattered out of his hands. Struggling against Axl's hold, the Zero Nightmare began to scream --

Stopped, and for a moment stared at Zero with glassy blue eyes.

"... Dead one ... this, why ..."

Then he was snarling again, twisting like a crazed wildcat in Axl's grip.

[denied_destiny]

The fallen saber was kicked aside and Zero turned his attention to the unit leader of the Defense Force.

"He's on of us! He holds the memories of someone else because of how he was built." He slowly turned his attention back to Zero Nightmare and lowered his voice, "I think he's stuck in them right now."

"Nightmare." Those blue eyes and how he spoke gave Zero a little more hope, "Nightmare! You're one of us! Control yourself, we will get you help."

[vanishednpcs]

"Alden, Cadge, help him!" the leader ordered two of his men. The two immediately leaped into action, moving in to help Axl keep Nightmare pinned.

Then the leader turned to the young man. "If you don't have any business here, I suggest you leave. No telling if things will turn nasty."

The young man gazed at the confrontation, biting his lower lip, then nodded reluctantly. "All right," he said. As he walked away, he kept glancing over his shoulder to see what was happening.

[shattered_axl]

Axl was immensely grateful for the help. He doubted his would have been able to hold Nightmare long on his own. Even so, he gritted his teeth as he struggled to maintain his hold. "Nightmare, calm down. Listen to me! It's me, Axl. You remember me, right? You promised to be around to help me! You can't do that if you're stuck like this."