[WolfEx]

Over and over again Shadow has asked himself what it meant to truly partake on these missions, what it must have felt like to just sit in wait and not help further discover or end this Starvia outbreak. If he was lazy, weak, vulnerable, and afraid, how things might have looked to him. But then he remembered, he just loved violence too much. He would never admit there was a soft spot in his heart somewhere buried deep down for the people of Life Sphere, so instead he simply tricks himself into believing he did it for the thrill of battle. He wasn't quite sure, however, why he hasn't been infected yet going on so many outings, but he was also almost always careful. Not everyone was meant for the grind and rust of war. Shadow was used to it by now. Speaking of grind and rust, as he surveyed the place he now stood in he could see there was far too much of it. There was a very large and dying factory in his wake that was actually quite beautiful to him, he admired old things very much. Where others might see sorrow and hopelessness, he saw potential and adventure.

"How...adorable." He made it to the front door of the factory which was almost hanging off the hinges and saw a darkness covering the broken part of the door in which showed spectators the inside view. He listened in and heard various creaks and clangs of the building settling. He wasn't entirely convinced that anyone or anything was lurking inside just yet. He felt like an intruder more than anything else, someone who wasn't welcome here or deserving of such a discovery. The building had been resting here for a long while and he had no doubt that the infected that scared Porky off had done a severe number on the place. He was bout to find out if any threat was left or still remained. He wasn't even so sure the supplies he was objected to get was still located in there. Well, there was only one way to find out.

Shadow paused to feel a brisk of dust and wind hit his face. His perky hedgehog nose sniffed the air and felt a chill. He clutched the Cerebral Sphere item in which he had received from the last major mission he completed and kept it close to him in case he had to use it here. He was hesitant to use it before to bring back a living memory of Maria as the item was capable of doing among other things, he was still hesitant now to use against enemies. The object had the power to create mighty illusions and cause foes to hallucinate. It was a powerful tool along with his Chaos Emerald. He would always keep them stuck to his fur like his own heart. He already had trust issues with others, having valuable possessions only made that worse. Whoever was going to accompany him on this mission were going to find out right quick exactly what Shadow will and will not tolerate, and most of all, that team work was essential. He decided to wait for the rest of the team to arrive before heading in; luckily he wasn't as impatient as a certain blue hedgehog he knew.

[Mr. Game & Watch]

Location: Porky’s Factory, objective: find reminisce of Starvia cure. A.I.M. held no hope for anything, its thoughts didn’t work that way. It was a calculated possibility however that the cure was still somewhere in the wreckage or at least some ingredients that would lead somewhere closer to a cure. Hopes and beliefs were inefficient for a machine to make, it’s either there or it isn’t no further questions. What the cure looked like was unknown, to A.I.M. anyway so anything that appeared remotely like the cure would be sufficient.

Through the grey skies, the sage robot’s propulsion system blazed like a rocket on its way to the other end of the planet. It was a better way of getting around, going on ‘foot’ would mean the machine would have to deal with land based creatures as well as airborne ones. Its advanced flight system however gave it a huge advantage over organic flyers. A.I.M.’s optics were quick to identify its destination and began descending slowly at a safe distance from the factory so as to not alarm any potential threats within it by the sound of its thrusters disengaging.

The squeal of its engine echoed across the landscape as the sage mechanism dropped to the ground and activated its hover feature. “Hostiles not detected, continuing to pursue” it commanded itself as its head gyrated around to scan the area. The unreactive machine wheeled forward, the state of its environment not being the most prevalent subject on its mind. It briefly wondered how the place looked before the attack, its databanks could hardly trace back to a time when Li didn’t look like a disease ridden landscape, but natural beauty was hardly anything to be concerned about.

“Unit detected, subject: Shadow the hedgehog. Level of hostility: unknown. Approach with slight caution” its onboard computer warned quietly as the platform made a b line toward the black hedgehog’s position.

It wasn’t long until A.I.M. was directly next to him. “Has the area been surveyed? This unit requires an input level of hostility from none to high.”

[WolfEx]

Shadow was not expecting someone to arrive so soon. It seemed the mission was much more desirable than he thought. The objective was quite simple, but the area was quite far away from the Life Sphere and much more dangerous than other missions. He didn't doubt that eventually the toxic air would become too much for him and the rest of the team going on this mission, he hoped inside the factory was a little bit more breathable, but that was quite doubtful. The way the robot was talking gave Shadow a headache, he remembered last time he worked with it he was already developing a disliking towards its personality. A.I.M. could pack quite the punch however, and Shadow remembered the damage it did very well also. The robot would be a fierce competitor for this mission. And seeing as it doesn't really need to breathe to survive, the plumes of Starvia clouds in the air would have no effect on it.

"No enemies that I can see, robot. But stay focused, even your so called top of the line systems could be misleading." Shadow didn't have a mechanical brain or complex maze of wires and circuits to get him by, he just had his instincts and his abilities. He had his pride as well, but that would be better described as an inner strength than anything. Shadow was sharp when it came to dangerous scenarios, and he thought on his feet often, keeping in the back of his mind that anything could happen, he was always well prepared for the worst, which is a good reason why he worked well on a team, because for what he can't handle, he can simply rely on others to assist with. He didn't automatically take the role of leader ofcourse, but he didn't mind it either. It's ironic for someone who enjoys being alone so much, to work so well with teams.

There were more noises that slowly began to emit from the factory now, this time they were a bit louder than just the sounds of a building settling. Clangs echoed throughout the structure, puffs of smoke were releasing from the stacks high above the factory roof. Someone had to be in there, it couldn't be operating by itself. He questioned whether there was a back entrance to the factory or not, he guessed that the front entrance would be too obvious to enter from and that everyone may wish to find an alternate route. Or he could find a happy medium and the team, once all present, could split up and take different doors to the inside, maybe even a window entrance of some kind would be both unexpected by the enemy and very useful. Although the rest of the team has not shown yet, Shadow was already planning ahead as it was just in his nature to do. "Keep an eye out for everyone else, robot." Shadow decided to scout the perimeter of the building and walk around the whole place to find alternate ways in while A.I.M. would, or maybe wouldn't want to, stay by the front.

[Deleted]

This newest mission was one that took the team extremely far out, making the trip long, and Skull Kid nervous. He wished he could have departed with someone else on the mission, but everyone left whenever they felt the need, and not according to his time. His teleporting allowed him to avoid enemies he didn't want to fight on the way (although a few projectile-firing infected almost hit him), but he knew once he arrived, he would have to fight. All the way out here, the Infected were numerous, and the air was noticeably thick with the disease. Skull Kid tried to inhale less often, only to realize this caused him to take very large breaths once he absolutely had to. Probably not a good tactic, he decided.

He realized he was at the right place when he saw two others near a beat up old factory. That must be the place they would be searching. He saw Shadow proceed to another side of the structure, likely planning something having to do with their entrance. The other person there wasn't a person at all, but a robot. The robot he had tried to help when the Life Sphere was first attacked a while back. His name didn't surface in Skull Kid's mind, but it was definitely the same robot.

"Hey there Mr. Robot" he said in a fairly calm manner. Not because he was trying to be calm, but because his surroundings didn't really invoke joyful feelings. "Do you remember me?" he asked, to see if the creature would recall they're first meeting.

[PolarStarQuote]

Quote sighed as he walked through the wasteland to where this factory apparently was. Running was always something he had been used to, but he never ran this much. But, if this mission would help everyone in whatever way possible and even get him out of here then he was more then happy to help.

Eventually finding his way there, he waved as he joined the group. "Hey guys." He said, smiling a little nervously. he kept hsi distance from them, still unsure about anyone here yet. Though, With aim being a machine such as himself he did feel atleast a little more comfterable

[Mr. Game & Watch]

A.I.M. slowly nodded its head while listening to Shadow, a social aspect the machine learned from watching organics when they conversed. The unit had identified this notion as accepting one’s information output. The hedgehog relayed an order to the green machine and it accepted its orders if only because it was programed to do as Life Sphere residents commanded, though his unknown allegiance challenged that programming, A.I.M. overrode the command. “Acknowledged” it answered before Shadow speeded away.

Within minutes of Shadow’s leave, two more that A.I.M. had identified as not infected arrived to the scene. It first turned its head to Skull Kid and its torso followed in suit quickly after. “Unit: name unknown, species: Skull Kid, aided in defending the Life Sphere” the robot then swung its metallic fist toward the small creature as though it were punching, but it stopped before it impacted. The machine had also picked up on another gesture commonly used by organics, ‘the handshake’ as they called it, though it was uncertain why most it tried to use this gesture on had a tendency to flinch. “This is Anti-Infected Machine, commonly referred to as A.I.M. or Aimey by some residents” it introduced itself.

The robot’s head spun around to analyze the other that had stepped onto the scene. It didn’t take nearly as long for A.I.M. to scan the other subject since he was easily identified. “Unit Quote, please wait as Skull Kid completes this unit’s gesture” it commanded. “A plan will be processed soon.”

[Deleted]

A.I.M. was the robot's name. Skull Kid would try not to forget it this time. When A.I.M. shot it's solid limb in his direction, Skull Kid hopped backwards to avoid a hit to the gut, only to watch the robot stop short of making contact. He hadn't the slightest clue what was going on, as A.I.M.'s "hands" we're just rectangular blocks of metal, and didn't really insist on any kind of purpose hanging out in the air in front of him. He could have been wanting Skull Kid to hand him something, or he could have been pointing, or maybe putting his hand out to stop Skull Kid from getting any closer to the Factory.

Before he could respond to the strange act, another member of the team showed up. A.I.M. turned only his head to look at the newest hero.

"Unit Quote, please wait as Skull Kid completes this unit's gesture"

If the gesture required completion by a second person, it had to be a handshake. Skull Kid gripped A.I.M.'s fist and shook it to the best of his ability. The gripping was awkward and the robot's odd joints made it feel less like a handshake and more like handling a pump or lever.

[WolfEx]

Shadow was uncertain if any of the team members had shown up yet besides A.I.M. as he scoured every inch outside the building. He dashed around the borders of the grimy place and saw no side doors at all. The windows were boarded shut and too high up to access properly and most of the factory walls were generally high anyway having a structure incapable of possessing low window panes. The walls on the side were also pure steel making it nearly impossible to break through and sturdy enough to withstand explosions. Once he knew the sides of the building were a no go, he halted himself to the back of the factory and took a bit extra time to study any other points of access. As he looked he saw various trash cans filled with radioactive goo and endless piles of garbage as well as a lone dumpster not high enough to use as a boost to a window. But as he inspected the dumpster a second time, he noticed it blocked a square panel. He moved the dumpster to the side and revealed a ventilation shaft. He was delightfully surprised. He could easily get a heard start without the team and sneak inside the factory now, or he could inform the team of it and they could use it together, or some of them could also use the front door. He would feel guilty going in alone, and it was also too risky.

Shadow decided to double back around the building to the main entrance. It didn't take him long because of how speedy he was, but he was glad to see once he got there the team had fully assembled, or at least it looked like it. He stopped his running and stamped his feet in place right back in front of the broken door where he stood before. He eyed the group and seemed generally pleased at the lot. It wasn't a group that looked very powerful, but they all looked determined. That was all that mattered. He folded his arms and addressed everyone. "There are two ways in everybody. We can all enter through this broken main entrance door behind me, or we can all sneak into the ventilation shaft I located at the back of the building for a stealthy landing. Or if your all feeling feisty, we can split up. Some of us go through this door, the rest through the vent. I am not going to decide this for us, I personally do not care either way. I will go with the majority." When Shadow was on a mission, he was all about what was best for teamwork and for the business of it all. He wanted to make things easier on everyone else than it had to be. He was used to both the hard way and the easy way, either one would be comfortable for him. But he didn't know with this particular mix of fighters which would be best, so he called them out on it. The decision now rested in their hands.

[Maverick Hunter Zero]

"Hopefully this dicision could be made easily." someone had said upon hearing Shadow's two options. It was the red maverick hunter; Zero, swathed in his usual tattered brown cloak with its hood lowered to expose his face to the group. He was looking foreward to this mission because it was something that he would intend to do, and it would be possible to dig up on any leads that would net him an eventual encounter with his creator, Dr. Wily.

"Let's just make certain that we should be cautious, as we wouldn't know what might happen on the paths we take regardless." Zero said, his eyes focused on shadow, hoping to get a confirmation from him that caution should be well advised.

---

And it didn't come as a shock that somebody other than the reploid would be on this mission, Ragna himself had managed to travel her with his trademark Bloodscythe sheathed behind him and was impressed by the congregation of characters, but remained silent as he always did, his eyes roving the group as he got nearer.

"This isn't exactly a playground, but the less people hear of me the better." Ragna thought to himself. He was thinking of what would happen in the worst case scenario, and had the necesity to be prepared for the unlikely outcome should it rear its head and bear its fangs.

[PolarStarQuote]

Quote nodded, smiling in a apologetic manner. "Right of course sorry, continue with...gesture...ing.." Quote kept fiddling with his weapons. He was very protective of them and this is something he tended to do often.

Once he finished, he looked up to shadow and thought about it. Quote never did have a nack for being stealthy, he was always one for charging in guns blazing. "Im personally for splitting up. It would defiantly help the ones taking the stealthy path." Quote shrugged. "But tahts my idea. Im more of a commando personally." He then waved at the newcomers arriving to help. "Oh hey there guys."

[Mr. Game & Watch]

“Objective complete” the green machine announced after it pulled it’s fist back from the kid’s tiny fingers. The robot’s torso section then twisted to face Quote so that it could do the same for him, but Shadow returned so the command was overrode. It nodded robotically as the hedgehog suggested their next move.

A.I.M. made its consensus on the matter very quickly since there were an added amount of limitations due to the unit’s inflexible outer shell. The one disadvantage about being completely synthetic was its limited articulation. No matter how big the vent was, there was a small chance its platform would be able to squeeze through. Besides, A.I.M. was more so an artillery design made for more open battlefields than enclosed ones. It couldn’t argue against the notion since it was programmed to agree with allies, so it would have to wait until someone brought up a counter idea. Luckily Quote wasn’t up for stealth combat either.

“This unit shall accompany unit Quote, this platform is incompatible with compact spaces” it answered as it hovered over to the heavily armed android’s side.

As A.I.M.’s fellow machine waved to the newcomers, the ROB lookalike turned to scan the Maverick Hunter. The other that was approaching hadn’t been caught by the unit’s optics just yet.

[Deleted]

Skull Kid shook until A.I.M. pulled it's hand away. He noticed another person showed up. This one very robot-like, but he had a very human face. "Probably just a guy wearing armor" he concluded. The group was turning out to be rather sizeable, and looked very capable of completing any mission with some teamwork. Kind of like the Life Sphere's best. He fantasized for a minute about them going on all manner of missions, each having a cool code name. He decided his was Magician. Now you see him, now you don't! Heh heh heh!

Then Shadow's voice came through and Skull Kid realized there was a choice to be made about their entering the factory.

"I would prefer the stealthy way." he said quietly. "But I'll go along if everyone else prefers the front doors."

He returned to his day dreaming, and saw them all bursting through the front doors with a massive explosion behind them, all the infected inside cowering in fear.

[WolfEx]

Shadow was intrigued by the vigor of the group. They were all very daring. At least this way, Shadow couldn't say they didn't have guts. It seemed the popular choice was the front doorway, and it looks like they were all going through the front entrance. This truly was a dedicated team work driven bunch. He smirked now liking the company around him more than he initially intended. Shadow was sure there was alot to be done in the factory ahead, and it was his hope that everyone would enter there full of energy and ready to face anything and come out unscathed, but he was rarely ever correct whenever he put his faith into something. Regardless of any worries or fears the group may have, they all had to keep it together and retrieve the supplies from the area Life Sphere so desperately needed. In reality whatever was to happen inside the building, couldn't be much worse than what was going on outside. The air thick with a disease and the wide open vulnerable space surrounding the factory gave welcome to any traveling enemies. He could discuss strategies all day with everyone but they have made their choice, and he wasn't going to wait around with the group any longer.

"Well look at that, we have quite the brave troop here. I like that. Very well, let us waste no more time and enter straight away. Stay on your guard, and stay as a team. We fight whatever is in there together. Or don't listen to me at all. I only act like a leader because it's in my nature. I am just here for a mission like the rest of you. So be careful whatever your choice." Without anymore hesitation, Shadow walks through the large gap in the door letting the frame continue to hang off its hinges. He was assuming the rest of the group was following behind keeping pace with him since he naturally walked rather fast. Looking around he could barely see a thing. It was quite dark. He knew it was an entrance hall of some kind leading somewhere, and the floor below him was rusted metal feeling out his surroundings. The only light right now was the light being provided from outside, which was already rather dim because of the thick Starvia in the air.

Listening to his environment he could hear the trickles of murky water as if dripping from leaky pipes up above. He tried to listen for other noises, such as banging or random foot steps scurrying nearby, the only other sounds he could hear was the light rumbling of the building settling. He quickly glanced behind him trying to keep attendance of the group and remembered that one of the team mates was a robot. He figured that was an advantage, especially for circumstances like this. "Hey robot, if you have a light forming mechanism please use it now. We could use some visual support." Robots were full of blinking lights and flashing gizmos. A.I.M. had to have had something useful for illumination. Such an idea would have to do for now until Shadow could locate a power generator or electrical panel, even a simple light switch might do the trick. This was just another day to Shadow, another adventure, another glimpse in his history of exciting and extravagant outings. He was going to cherish whatever happened today, and he was going to take everything in as just another learning experience. For he could die at any moment, anybody here could, because Li was a very spontaneous world and very dangerous with its unpredictable hazards. The ability to learn from mistakes and learn from first hand experience was his greatest tool in such a place, he was going to utilize every second of this.

[Deleted]

It had been about an hour since Marth had found out where he needed to go to help retrieve some chemicals and clear infected, and he had since then rushed to get to the factory, as it was he had killed a few infected getting there. He arrived just as a red and black hedgehog finished talking. I'm sorry for being late, I just heard about what was going on. The Swordsman said as he took a deep breath. He then surveyed the area, taking note of all the escape routes and entrances before speaking again.So catch me up on what is going please. I know why we're here, and what we're after, but that's it. he said, his right hand resting on the pommel of Falchion as his blue hair was blown slightly to the left. For a while everything looked hazy, but this wasn't the first time he had been someplace dark, nor would it be the last.

[PolarStarQuote]

Quote smiled, waving at marth with polar star by his side. "Well, Were going thought the front entrance, that i know..." He went ahead and kept walking, following right behind shadow, squinting to see in the dark. He was about ready to fire his gun spaztically to try and illuminate the room a little, but kept his calm. the last time he had been in a room this dark, it was in the sand zone and he kept being attacked by a gator. He shuddered at the thought of that, and shook his head to try and keep the memory away. For a little robot, he certainly was alot more...Alive.