Medabots Fan Fiction ❯ Brass and the Knuckle of Doom! ❯ Shake Hands with S.O.S.! ( Chapter 10 )

Notes: More confusion. One of the Medafighters on S.O.S., according to TV Tome, is named Tom. I could've SWORN his name was Jacques. If anyone recalls, please let me know what his name was.

Based on what I've seen of Shrimplips, he's a damn good Medafighter. I think he knows the value of hard work…at least, when it comes to Robattling. Seaslug wouldn't be a leader if he didn't know a thing or two, and Squidguts…is an idiot.

Summary: Ikki & Metabee must put friendship aside, because the S.O.S. is taking no prisoners. The Champions fight to survive a heated match with the Rubberobo Gang's Terrible Trio. A surprise move casts Rokusho in an even more mysterious light…

Brass and the Knuckle…OF DOOM!

Chapter 9: Shake Hands with S.O.S.!

"Ikki! IKKI! You gotta see this!"

Ikki groaned and rolled over in bed. "Metabee, it's barely even six…"

"Ikkster, I wouldn't wake you if it wasn't important!" Metabee snapped from the window.

Ikki sighed and dragged himself out of bed. His eyes widened in shock as he reached the window. "HOLY MEDAROLI!!!"

"Told ya," Metabee chuckled.

"But it…it's SNOWING!!!"

"I tried to tell you!"

"Metabee, how can it be snowing?! It's SUMMER!!!"

"Well, you remember who was in town the last time we had a freak snowstorm?"

Ikki blinked. "Hey…you don't think Oceana would team up with them and not say so, do you?"

"Well, I didn't have time to ask; Hannah rushed her off so quick. Maybe they did…"

"I better call Erika, then. We're gonna need some REALLY warm Medaparts to win this Robattle."

"Ikki, you read my mind!"

* * * * *

Though Arcbeetle was keeping the locker room of the Champions warm, there was still cold tension in the air.

Space Medafighter X threw a curious glance at Koji as he looked over Sumilidon again. "Tell me, Koji. Who will you be Robattling with today: Sumilidon…or Brutal?"

Koji whirled on him. "How can you even ask me that?!"

"For one thing, Brutal holds a grudge against our opponents: the Rubberobos."

"Sumilidon could handle those idiots just fine any day of the week."

"Before Rokusho's attack, you mean."

Koji glared up at him. "He'll get the job done. End of discussion."

"Very well. But I warn you now, Koji. When I think Sumilidon can no longer be depended upon, you will either replace him, or this team has fought its last Robattle."

"Time to go," Spirit said suddenly, bringing an abrupt end to the conversation.

* * * * *

"In the Red Corner! First, Koji & Sumilidon, THE NUMBER TWO RANKED MEDAFIGHTING DUO IN JAPAN! Next are Team Leaders Space Medafighter X & Arcbeetle, THE NUMBER ONE RANKED MEDAFIGHTING DUO IN JAPAN! Finally, the famous Spirit! Together, they are The Champions!"

"And now, the Blue Corner! First are Gokudo and Shrimpy Lipowitz! Next with Gobanko, Guido Guttalucci! Finally, Team Leaders Whitesword and Seymore Slugbottoms! Together, they are The Terror-ific Trio!"

The Rubberobos were obviously entered under their real names so that they could participate legally. But the effect was somewhat ruined, since Squidguts was still dressed in his Rubberobo suit.

"Way to Robattle undercover, moron," Shrimpy growled.

"I can't help it! I told you my zipper's stuck!" Squidguts complained, tugging at the zipper.

Mr. Referee scratched his head in confusion. "Don't I know you from somewhere…?"

"Oh, I've just got one of those recognizable faces!" Squidguts laughed nervously.

"Yeah. I know I'd never forget your face, no matter how hard I try," Seymore sighed.

"Aw…thanks, boss!" Squidguts chuckled. "That's nice of you to say!"

Shrimpy shook his head. "Just stop before you hurt yourself, Squidguts, and try not to go down too fast."

* * * * *

"Medabots, Rooobattle!!!"

"Scatter! Claw Formation!" Seymore barked at his team.

Gobanko took the lead while Whitesword & Gokudo fell in behind him.

"The pointy one's mine!" Squidguts shouted. "Gobanko, cut him in half!"

"That's one honor you'll have to earn," Space Medafighter X replied. "Arcbeetle, Fireball Attack!"

Gobanko charged with his bladed staff ready, but was forced to stop in order to dodge all the fireballs being launched at him.

"Hey, no fair!" Squidguts complained.

Seymore frowned. "Shrimpy, stall the KBT! I'll take care of the other one!"

Shrimpy nodded. "You heard the man, Gokudo! Get the ghost!"

SMX was a little surprised at that order. Spirit had mastered his medal, and Gokudo was undoubtedly still gaining experience. It was very likely that one punch from Spirit would tear Gokudo apart.

But as the two Medabots met in the center of the ring, Shrimpy's strategy was revealed.

Instead of going head-to-head with Spirit, Gokudo dodged the initial charge and tried to keep the KBT off balance by stretching his arms at random. None of his punches hit, but he wasn't giving Spirit too many chances to fight back, either. Despite shooting being his specialty, Spirit seemed to prefer Robattling with his hands. Gokudo clearly knew that, because whenever Spirit did get close enough to land a hit, he would counter. By firing his arms at high speed, Gokudo was unable to really damage Spirit, but his blows connected hard enough with Spirit's to absorb the impact. But even that took split-second timing and precision, proving that Gokudo-and by extension, Shrimpy-was no slouch. Despite their being members of the Rubberobo Gang, one couldn't help but be inspired by the level at which the duo had trained themselves to duke it out with Spirit.

Seymore made good on his promise to take care of Sumilidon. Whitesword was extremely fast, even considering his slim build. Each of his Medaparts had been designed for maximum speed, yet they all contained enough subtle power to make Whitesword a very dangerous opponent…and then there was his sword.

There was a time when such a foe would've been a welcome challenge for Koji & Sumilidon. But one look at Whitesword's movements told Koji all he needed to know. There was no way Sumilidon could keep up in his current state…at least, not for very long. He'd either overheat his Medaparts, or they would simply break down from the pressure place upon them. In either situation, there was the additional risk of doing direct damage to the medal, which would almost assure this would be Sumilidon's last Robattle for quite some time.

Yet, Koji would not and could not abandon his teammates in the middle of a Robattle. His honor code wouldn't allow it, and neither would Sumilidon's. He would just have to do his best while Sumilidon's parts and medal held out.

"Show him the power of your Shadowsword, Sumilidon!"

"Bring it on, kid!" Seymore shouted back. "Whitesword, take him out!"

At first, Sumilidon had serious problems blocking all of Whitesword's strikes, and took several hits to the body. But through it all, he never stopped fighting.

Koji growled under his breath. "Time to see how much this new medal can take. Sumilidon, E-Speed!"

Sumilidon's body began to glow bright orange. Suddenly, he was moving just as fast as Whitesword and had little or no problem blocking. But Whitesword wasn't letting himself get damaged, and the longer the fight dragged on, the less reliable Sumilidon would become.

"Pretty good, kid!" Seymroe laughed. "But let's see if you can keep up with this! Mystic Mirage!"

Whitesword leaped back and thrust his sword into the air. The blade began to glow bright blue, and without warning, there were two copies of the white ninja on each side of him. The five Medabots moved as one, quickly surrounding Sumilidon.

Koji smirked. It was an old tactic. Only one was real, and all he had to do was find the real one. Thanks to Sumilidon's advanced HUNTER targeting system, that would be easy. "Activate HUNTER!"

Sumilidon paused as his visor lit up…but he made no move to attack. "Koji…something's wrong! They're…they're all real!"

"Impossible! They can't ALL be real! It's a mirage!"

"Just a trick of the light," Seymore agreed with a sinister grin. "But lasers are light, too, and they're real enough, aren't they? But if you think a fancy light show won't hurt you, go right ahead and attack."

Again, Koji was reminded of his former glory days. Back then, he would've had Sumilidon charge headlong into one of the copies and hoped for the best. But now…now he was all too aware of how much Sumilidon meant to him, and the thought of being so reckless was too frightening.

Realizing Koji wasn't going to attack, Seymore pressed his advantage. "No more waiting, Whitesword! End it!"

In the end, it wouldn't have mattered if all but one Whitesword had been fake or not. They all struck at once, in the same place.

There was a blinding flash of light, and then silence.

When the glow faded, Whitesword stood behind Sumilidon, his sword buried to the hilt in his opponent's back. In one smooth motion, the sword was withdrawn, and Sumilidon sank to his knees, clearly out of the Robattle.

"Arcbeetle, Initiate Power-up!" SMX ordered, a hint of desperation in his tone.

Squidguts had seen enough of SMX to know what was coming. "Gobanko, get outta there!"

Spirit suddenly grabbed Gokudo's wrists and swung him around in rapid, wide circles. Then he jumped up and planted his feet firmly in Gokudo's chest, pushing off with all his might. The push sent him flying, and to keep Gokudo's arms from being torn clean off, Shrimpy had his Medabots stretch as far as possible, not realizing that was just what Spirit wanted. With the added momentum, the gray KBT slammed into Gobanko…which sent him flying straight at Arcbeetle.

"Nooooo!!!" Squidguts wailed, but it was too late.

"Say hello to the Power of the Sun!" SMX chuckled triumphantly. "Arcbeetle, Prominence time!"

Very few opponents had survived the Prominence long range, and Gobanko didn't stand a chance at point blank.

With one Medabot down on each team, the Robattle was just getting interesting. But then, Whitesword plunged his sword into the ring and stepped away from it, bowing his head.

Seymore frowned, but motioned to Mr. Referee. "We surrender."

Mr. Referee blinked a few times. "Very well. Then I declare this match…a win for The Champions! 60 points to each Medabot!"

Though Koji was worried about Sumilidon, he couldn't help but stare as the Rubberobos retreated. "I don't understand. Why'd they give up? They still had a chance."

"I think I know," SMX replied. "They didn't come here to win. Their job was to stop us from winning…and they succeeded. We were already behind in the standings, and a normal win as opposed to a decisive one assures that we'll stay behind."

"I…I'm sorry," Koji whispered. "It's my fault."

"No. Sumilidon fought well today. You should be proud."

"You're not…angry?" Koji asked as Spirit joined them. "Either of you?"

"Spirit came to fight Rokusho," the KBT replied. "All else can wait."

"As for why I'm not angry," SMX added. "Well…just listen."

"I have some very exciting news!" Mr. Referee announced. "With today's win, The Champions have secured a spot in the Final Four!"

Koji smiled faintly. "We made it…"

"Yes. But I would strongly suggest you let Sumilidon rest after today, Koji. He does not have to miss the entire tournament…but I do believe it's time to give Brutal a try."

"You're right. When I saw him out there…I just knew." Koji carefully helped Sumilidon sit up. "Thank you, my friend. You helped us get this far, and I'll never forget it. I promise."

* * * * *

"So…how much do we know about our opponents?" Natalie asked.

Ikki shrugged. "We know for sure they've got a healer with a Mermaid medal. And…um…we're 98% sure they're using a Snobro."

"That WOULD explain why it's so cold out…and in," Natalie agreed, zipping up her jacket. "So what about the other one?"

"That's all we know," Metabee replied. "Erika & Brass are trying to find out more now, and if anyone can dig up some dirt on Medabots, it's those two."

Just then, Erika ran into the locker room, followed closely by Brass. "I've got good news and bad news."

"Bad news first," Ikki decided.

"Well, I'm not sure who the last Medafighter is or what Medabot they're using. But I've got a pretty good feeling he's the team captain Hannah mentioned to Metabee & Brass."

"And the good news?"

"I found out the name of the team is S.O.S. I did some figuring, and I think it's an acronym for their Medabots. Snobro and Oceana…S and O."

"But who's the last S?" Natalie asked.

"Sharkkan?" Metabee guessed.

Ikki looked thoughtful. "Maybe. Could be Spiritus…Seaguru…Sir Gold…but those are all Rubberobo Medabots, and Hannah wouldn't team up with them. At least, she wouldn't be so excited about it."

"Kinda hard to plan a strategy, then," Octoclam pointed out.

"Maybe not," Ikki said. "We know we need warm parts to keep from being frozen. I've got a Totalizer arm from when I first beat Sloan, plus a Phoenix hover part to keep Metabee moving."

"Brass has the K.O.D., so I can lend you a Totalizer arm, Natalie," Erika offered.

Natalie shook her head. "No. Octoclam's a grappling Medabot. He'd only get in the way with shooting or laser parts. We'll just stay back and support you guys with Power Leech again. That way we'll be fresh if this mystery Medabot is a handful."

"That's…actually…a very good plan," Erika murmured softly. "But are you sure you don't mind?"

"I joined this team because I thought we'd go all the way. I'm not going to jeopardize our chances just for a few minutes of fame. Just being associated with you guys should do wonders for the family business!"

Ikki sweatdropped. "So that's why Mr. Referee keeps mentioning the octopus balls…"

Natalie beamed at him. "Okay, enough talking! Let's go make S.O.S. live up to their name!"

* * * * *

"In the Red Corner! First, with Octoclam, maker of the world's most delicious octopus balls, Natalie! Followed by citywide champions Erika & Brass! Finally, Team Leaders Ikki & Metabee, the NUMBER THREE RANKED MEDAFIGHTING DUO IN JAPAN!!! Together, they are Beetlemania!"

"And now, the Blue Corner! First, with Oceana, the adorable Hannah! Next are top-ranked Tom & Snobro! Followed by Team Leaders Nathan & Stingray! Together, they are S.O.S.!"

"Nathan?!" Ikki cried in shock as his old friend approached the ring.

"It's been a while, Ikki," Nathan said with a smile. "Stingray and I have trained hard, and our team is undefeated so far."

"So's ours!" Erika was quick to add.

"Then someone will walk away today less than perfect." Nathan held out his hand. "Let's promise to go all out, Ikki. The loser buys ice cream for everyone afterwards."

Ikki sweatdropped as he shook Nathan's hand. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?"

"I've changed, Ikki. I don't let what happens in Robattles change the way I treat people anymore. We'll still be friends after this, no matter what the outcome. But right now, it's strictly business."

"Agreed. Good luck."

"Same to you, Ikki."

Metabee & Stingray briefly touched fists before turning away.

* * * * *

"Medabots, Rooobattle!!!"

"Get up high, Metabee!" Ikki called. "Don't let them ground you!"

As Metabee soared into the air, Snobro rolled forward.

"Blizzard!" Tom ordered.

The entire ring was soon blanketed in snow, and Metabee found it much harder to move through the air…but not impossible.

Nathan watched the whole scene with alert, narrowed eyes. "Tom," he said to his teammate. "I like my clams frozen."

"Loud and clear, fearless leader. Snobro, Freeze Beam!"

The wide, blue beam flew across the ring and hit Octoclam dead on. He was frozen in a large ice block.

"Don't worry, Natalie," Erika said. "I'll have Brass-"

Natalie cut her off. "No, Erika. He'd only do it again. Power Leech can still work even with Octoclam frozen. Just worry about doing all the damage you can, while you can."

"Damage…that's it! If I can do enough damage to Snobro, we won't have to worry about this snowstorm! Brass, track him down and take him out!"

"We've got to keep Stingray busy," Ikki said into his Medawatch. "Make sure he only aims at you, Metabee!"

"I'm on it, Ikki!" Metabee quickly swooped past Stingray's head, only to get a homing laser through his right arm. "Yaaaaaah!!! How can he see in this mess?!"

"Warning! Right arm 75% damaged!"

"Man, he's gotten stronger!" Ikki said in surprise. "Better keep your distance!"

Metabee flew back and fired whenever he saw a flash of red, but he knew that even if he did hit Stingray, Oceana would just heal him before he appeared again. "We gotta get rid of this storm! Brass, can you track any of them?!"

Brass shook her head. "It's no good, Metabee. My Scouter can't pinpoint them through the snow!"

Nathan chuckled. "Maybe now you understand why we're undefeated. But here's a little demonstration, in case you don't. Stingray, Multi Fire!"

Instantly, the air was filled with bright green lasers. It was all Brass & Metabee could do to stay out of the way, even with the effects of Power Leech.

"Ikki, we can't keep this up!" Metabee shouted as a laser just missed his head. "He'll nail us eventually!"

"That's where you're wrong, Metabee," Nathan said, shaking his head. "I won't have to."

Suddenly, Snobro came zooming into view, bearing down on Brass with incredible speed. She dodged aside just in time, but when she turned to fire, Snobro had already vanished back into the storm.

"Hmm. They shouldn't have been able to dodge that. Unless…" Nathan thought for a moment. "Stingray, Ultra Beam!"

There was a bright flash of green and a small explosion at the edge of the ring.

Brass & Metabee instantly felt their extra power drain away.

"What happened?" Brass asked.

"He got Octoclam!" Metabee growled. "Keep moving, or he'll-"

He'd barely gotten the words out when Snobro roared past again, managing to tag Metabee with a glancing blow to the head.

"Warning! Head 60% damaged!"

Erika growled in frustration. "I've had enough of this! Brass, we need a quake and fast! Ikki, have Metabee fire his missiles if you see ANYTHING move afterwards!"

Brass struck the ground with the K.O.D., and Metabee instantly fired. There was an explosion seconds later, in which Brass spotted something large tumbling to the ground. She raced forward and leaped, scoring a direct hit on Snobro's head.

"Stay on him!" Erika cried. "Quick, before she heals him!"

But even as she spoke the words, Snobro's arm flew up and clubbed Brass across the face, sending her skidding to the ground. She was forced to scramble away as laser fire peppered the spot she'd landed in.

Metabee swooped down where he thought the lasers came from, but ending up crashing headfirst into Snobro, who swatted him down while Stingray unleashed an Ultra Beam at point blank range.

"No! Metabee!" Ikki cried in disbelief, even as his Medawatch reported that Metabee's functions has ceased.

"They're…so strong," Erika whispered, and she felt fear grip her heart for the first time in the match.

"Two down, one to go," Nathan reported. "Let's make this a decisive win, team. Close in on Brass!"

Brass backed up, still unable to track anything through the snow. "What should I do, Erika?"

"I…I don't know, Brass," Erika admitted softly, hanging her head. "I'm sorry…"

Before Brass could reply, a laser tore through her left arm.

"Warning! Left arm 78% damaged!"

Brass continued to back up, sensing her Medafighter's uneasiness. "It's okay, Erika. We did our best, and we've come this far. I'm not afraid to lose…" But suddenly she gasped. "Erika!!!"

"What? What is it?!"

"The…the K.O.D.! It's…shaking! I don't know what's happening!"

Erika thought that perhaps Brass had somehow disrespected the gauntlet by mentioning losing. "She's sorry! She didn't mean it!"

Brass's arm continued to spasm uncontrollably as she moved back. "Erika…I'm scared! It's never done this before! Something's wrong!!"

Erika wanted to say something comforting, but her voice failed her.

The K.O.D. took on an eerie green glow, its light piercing through the storm as it began to warp and twist unnaturally. Brass could only watch in horror as her arm grew to three times its normal size, shaping itself into a large laser arm that was terrifyingly familiar.

"Erika," Ikki whispered in shock. "But that's…Mega-Emperor's right arm…the Deathlaser…"

"But…I didn't…I wouldn't!" Erika shrieked. "Brass, don't use that thing on them!"

"I can't control it!" Brass cried, even as her arm jerked up and began to fire. "Erika, eject my medal!"

But it was no use. Brass's medal refused to eject.

The Deathlaser fired again and again, sometimes connecting and sometimes not. After a few seconds, the snowstorm died away, revealing Stingray and Snobro on the ground. Only Oceana remained, and she began to back away in fear as she caught sight of Brass's new arm.

The Deathlaser's sights landed on her. "TARGET LOCKED!" Brass roared in a voice that could not be hers as she ran forward, firing madly.

Oceana took three direct hits before dropping like a stone. But even then, Brass continued to fire at her lifeless body. Hannah wailed in horror and turned away, burying her face in Tom's shirt.

"BRASS!" Erika screamed. "STOP THAT!"

Mr. Referee was just about to declare the match over, in hopes that would stop Brass's assault, when a laser caught Brass in the back, nearly knocking her over. She spun around to find Stingray standing again, both his arms trained on her.

"That," Nathan said coldly, "was unforgivable. Stingray, go for the head! Ultra Beam!"

Stingray laid one arm over the other and fired both at once, creating a huge beam that tore off Brass's head completely. Her body jerked drunkenly and began to sink to the ground.

Nathan sighed and turned away to check on Hannah.

That was when another shot rang out.

He spun back around, gaping in disbelief as the Deathlaser continued to fire mercilessly from Brass's headless, kneeling body. Stingray was knocked out of the ring by the blasts, landing in a smoking heap at his Medafighter's feet.

Only when Stingray's functions ceased did the Deathlaser fall lifelessly to Brass's side, reverting back to the K.O.D.

There was silence before Mr. Referee slowly said, "I declare this match…a tie. 45 points to all Medabots…"

* * * * *

The Beetlemania locker room was silent as the seconds seemed to drag on forever.

Finally, Metabee couldn't take it anymore. His voice rang out from Ikki's Medawatch. "Ikki!"

"What is it, Metabee?" Ikki asked in a hushed tone.

"Go talk to Erika!"

"But…what could I say? You didn't SEE what happened out there…"

"All I know is she must feel horrible and she needs a friend. YOU'RE her best friend, last time I checked."

Ikki risked a glance at Erika. She was sitting off to the side, staring at Brass's broken body as if it were a poisonous snake. "But I don't know what to say to her, Metabee."

"Ask her if she's okay. Tell her you care about her. Or that you don't blame her. Tell her SOMETHING!"

Ikki frowned, but finally stood up and crossed the room. He could feel Natalie's eyes on him as he sat down next to Erika.

Erika gave no sign that she'd even noticed him.

"Erika?" he asked after a moment.

She jerked and looked up at him, clearly startled by his voice.

Ikki nearly gasped when he saw how red her eyes were from crying. "I-I'm sorry," he said. "It was my fault. If I hadn't told Metabee to rush in, Brass never would've been stranded out there, and then she wouldn't have…well…"

"Ikki," Erika said softly, her voice cracking.

"Yeah?" he asked warily.

"Shut up," she whispered before burying her face in his shoulder.

Not knowing what else to do, Ikki wrapped his arms around her and drew Erika closer, hoping that he was somehow helping.

Natalie quietly picked up her things and left the room. Somehow, she knew that Beetlemania had run its course, and that it would be the last time she would be able to team up with Ikki in this tournament.

* * * * *

Shrimpy grinned evilly as the E-Dudes walked into his locker room. "Congratulations on your decisive win, Rintaro. Your team is in the Final Four."

"Hey, was there ever any doubt?" Rintaro chuckled.

"Of course not. I know you'll make us all proud and go on to win the division. Have you given any thought to how you'll split in the next division, though?"

"Already covered it, dude," Rintaro said confidently. "Randi's gonna go solo with her two bears, while Rokusho and I team up."

"Actually," Rokusho said suddenly, his eyes moving to the three Rubberobo Medabots behind Shrimpy, "I had another partner in mind."

Something sliced through the air, and seconds later, Gokudo & Gobanko's heads fell to the floor.

Whitesword stepped forward, trading glances with Rokusho before both walked out of the room.

"…dude, TELL me you knew he was gonna do that!" Rintaro cried.

"Why would I have him destroy Gokudo?! Of course I didn't know!" Shrimpy screamed.

Out in the hallway, Whitesword looked to Rokusho again. "We will proceed as planned, then?"

Rokusho nodded. "The Knuckle is stronger than it ever was, if today is any indicator. We have to get it away from Brass…and I think Erika will be more than willing to part with it, now that she realizes she can't control its true power…"

* * * * *

JNRC Standings: The Final Four!

E-Dudes: 300

Champs: 255

Beetlemania: 255

S.O.S.: 255

Continued in Chapter 10: Wave Goodbye

Beetlemania is forced to forfeit their Robattle against the E-Dudes. S.O.S. goes up against the Champions. Erika does some soul-searching…and challenges Ikki…with the K.O.D.

Endnote: Stingray does not have an Ultra Beam, I made it up…

In case you didn't know, a Medabot generally stops functioning when its head is 100% damaged.