In mere seconds the entire back alley turned into a war zone. Alice wasn't too worried about the Al'Capone grunts or the street gangsters. She could at least keep her attention on Vorpral. And her Novus form now stood 21 feet tall to his 18 feet. The only downside she had to worry about was Vorprals speed.

Vorpral: What are you supposed to be anyway? An escaped cyborg or something?

Alice: Couldn't tell you. Not that I would if I could.

Vorpral: Yeah guess you're right when I'm just going to cut you to pieces anyway.

Alice found something strange about Vorprals arms. Instead of muscles they looked like three metalic coils twisted around eachother. She matched his claws with her energy blades and the two clashed back and forth. It was a little difficult for her to move with her current size and the gangsters and mobsters beneath her feet.

Brian on the other hand had his own problems to worry about. He had intended to climb up to the roof and act as a sniper, but he was caught by three of the gangsters.

Ganster: Vorpral gave you a chance to back off Brian.

Brian: Yeah and I chose to wave it. Lets see how tough you guys are when you don't have scary shark face to cover for you.

_______________________________________________________________________

               inside the warehouse there were still problems going on. Jigsaw began immediatly evacuating the building of all evidence and products.

Jigsaw: I want the drugs in that truck going to the hideout in the wesdt. The whores going to the northern warehouse and the orphans go straight to Gina.

Mobster: I don't know if we can move that much that quickly.

Jigsaw: That battle going outside is going to attracked the cops. If we don't clean up this mess then the boss will send "The Cleaners"! Burn anything we can't take with us.

Mobster: Yes sir.

Jigsaw: And tell the drivers to NOT go like gangbusters. Cops will go for the guys looking like they are on the run.

He was on his way to his office when he heard more problems arise.

Worker: We have a serious probem sir.

Jigsaw: I swear to god this had better not be a waste of my time. I'm already working everyone to death just cleaning up this place.

Worker: In room B-2 there's something you need to see.

In frustration Jigsaw followed the worker to the room. Once they arrived they discovered several Al'Capone mobstaers nailed to the wall.

Jigsaw: . . . Are you shitting me?!

Worker: It looks fairly recent-

Jigsaw: Of course it's fairly recent you loser! Tell everyone we got the Raven on our asses. And don't do anything stupid. You see him you shoot!

Worker: Yes sir and the bodies?

Jigsaw: Do I need to hold your hand for every god damn thing! Burn them and maybe even the whole warehouse!

He marched to his office while passing by Gina's special human project.

???: You look like hell is comming for you. Maybe if you release me I could help.

Jigsaw: Shut up! You're going on the truck and then you're going to Gina!

???: Who is the Red Raven I keep hearing everyone panicing over?

Jigsaw: I said shut the hell up!

He stormed off to his office. He began burning his books and all other information that could be traced back to Al'Capone. As he continued he felt an uneasy tension. And he pulled out a hand machine gun to be safe.

Jigsaw: You're here aren't you . . .

He heard nothing. And then on a panic he grabbed the metalic table and covered himself from the nails.

Jigsaw: You just keep on messing with Al'Capone don't you. We own this whole city!

Red Raven: I am the vengeance, to you're indulgence.

Jigsaw didn't hesitate in shooting Red Raven. After a full clip, Raven had fallen to the ground.

Jigsaw: Didn't I just tell you that we own this city!

He began kicking Raven repeatedly. Cursing at him with rage.

Jigsaw: I can't believe that everyones been having such a hard time with some costumed clown!

As he turned his back to the corpse. Red Raven began to rise. Another nail was casted towards Jigsaw. He sacrificed his machine pistol to save himself. In a violent rush. Jigsaw grabbed Raven and began to beat on him.

Jigsaw: I was once an AMC fighter before I joined Al'Capone! You got nothing on me freak!

He then proceeded to break Ravens limbs.

Jigsaw: Stay down this time.

As he was about to continue another mobster came in.

Mobster: Sir things are getting to be a problem outside! . . . Holy shit, did you actually kill him?

Jigsaw: Yeah . . . The bastard didn't even scream once. Now what's the problem?

Mobster: The fighting outside is ripping up the whole block.

Jigsaw: Did you get rid of any evidence?

Mobster: Just burning the last documents now.

Jigsaw: And the product?

Mobster: The drugs and prostitutes are gone. Orphans are almost ready to go. But we're having a little trouble with the big guy.

Jigsaw: What is he too heavy?

Mobster: Afraid so . . . I think we need either a crane or for him to move himself.

Jigsaw: I don't care if you have to wheel him up a ramp with your bear hands. Get him on that truck now!

Mobster: Uhh yes sir . . . But what about him?

Jigsaw: Tell everyone that I got this freak here and-.

He looked to where the Red Raven lay and found no one.

Jigsaw: . . . Don't tell me he got back up again!

Before he even had a chance to process where he went. Raven had returned from the shadows with another nail. Jigsaw was succeddful in catching the sides of it. But his supremacy was ended when the nail began to spin between his right arm. Jigsaw fell from the second floor to the ground. The mobster that was near him was not spared.

Jigsaw: Jesus christ! Somebody kill that freak!

Bullets were fired at the Raven. There was blood and no sign of healing but inspite of the damage being inflicted, Raven did not seem to yield much less drop. One by one mobsters were being crucified with nails.

Jigsaw: What the hell is this freak?!

???: Are you having trouble?

Jigsaw: Don't . . . you dare rub it in.

???: I only wish for battle. Release me and I will deal with your problem.

Jigsaw: Last thing I want is another freak running loose.

In the battle Raven had caught up with Jigsaw and knocked him to the ground. Raven grabbed the point of the nail and turned the head on Jigsaw. Strike after strike, Jigsaw was becoming weak. He kicked the Red Raven off and began to drag himself closer to the man in the capsul.

???: I can't do anything while I'm like this. And your enemy appears to be back up again.

Jigsaw starred Raven in the eye. The mask was haunting enough on it's own but seeing the way he moved was almost sickening.

Red Raven: I will compose you . . .

Jigsaw: . . . Fine you metal monster. Kill this nut job then you go to Gina.

???: I look forward to meeting your leader.

Jigsaw released the man from his prison. Most of his body was covered in metal platings. He had a red mohawk and one of his eyes was replaced by prosthetics.

???: You should have done that from the begining.

_______________________________________________________________________

          Alice continued to clash with Vorpral. He wasn't the biggest Dayon she had to handle but he was crafty. With his lack of any eyes, Vorpral relied heavily on his hearing. Alices best methodes of attacking were to wait for him to make a mistake. She caught his claw and began to swing him around and into another building.

Vorpral: . . . You know . . . You're really starting to piss me off.

Alice: For the record. This is a fight you started.

Vorpral: Don't you sass me bitch . . . Fine, I ain't playing around with you anymore.

He streached out his coiled arms as strait as he could. And then the claws began to separate from eachother. The coiled limbs began to untangle from eachother. He now had six arms each branding a single claw. But now they appeared to be scythe blades instead.

Nova: Alice, I detect increased cerebral activity in each limb.

Alice: Why, what's up with those arms.

Before Nova had a chance to elaborate, Vorpral's scythe blades began to spin almost like buzz saws. She ducked and dodged just in time as they began slicing other objects.

Vorpral: I wasn't saying that I was going to cut you up because it sounded cool!

She attempted the same trick as before but now all of his arms covered eachother. She even tried to lure the arms to attack eachother.

Alice: Is this still his sonar?

Nova: Sonar is definatly aiding his defences. However each of his limbs appears to have an independant sub brain that supports the main.

Alice: So there's no easy tricks to this guy. He's pretty good for a Class C.

It was then the door to the warehouse was blown open. And out came flying the red Raven, like a ragdoll. He crashed along the wall before falling to the ground.

Vorpral: He . . . It's Him guys! It's the freak.

Many of the gangsters turned their attention to Raven. As Vorpral began to attack, he was interupted by Alice.

Vorpral: What the hell?! Don't tell me you're working for that freak.

Alice: I'm not explaining myself to you.

???: That's my opponent you have there.

While Vorpral was distracted with Alice. He took notice of the 10 foot tall metalic man comming at him. Both of his arms were completely bionic and he had a blood red mohawk The man tore through Vorprals defenses and grappled the beasts neck.

???: How I've missed battle . . . A new age and new enemies to fight.

Vorpral: Guahhh . . . Get . . . Off . . !

???: Are there more of you?

Many of the gangsters turned their attention to the metal man and began to open fire. But the bullets just seemed to bounce off. The man then lifted Corpral and flung him at his own gang members.

???: Was that all Jigsaw?

Jigsaw: Wow . . . he took out a whole mob and a Dayon at once.

???: The Red Raven . . . Yes . . . I like him. He gets back up no matter how many times I break him.

The man then became interested in Alice.

???: Are you . . . Like me?

Alice: What-?

???: You look as though you are made of both flesh and steel?

He then leaped at Alice. Though her new enemy was smaller. He was definatly more dangerous.

Nova: Warning! Weapons grade bionics have been detected.

Alice: So he's a Cyborg?

???: Come woman . . . Show me what you can do.

He struck the ground and unleashed a tremor. Alice was able to get around it and tried sweeping kick. The man was shaken but he grabbed her leg and began to lift Alice up before bringing her back to the ground. After which he jumped into the air for another attack. Alice roled away in time and tried the energy shot directly at the metal man. But he proved to be remarkably resilient. She could move him but there was no sign of any serious damage.

Jigsaw: Careful, don't kill her! The boss wants her alive.

???: I have no interest in killing . . . You may leave.

Jigsaw: The hell did you just say?! You belong to Al'Capone you bastard.

???: I am telling you this for your own good since you are a mere man of flesh.

Jigsaw: I can still turn you off you know!

But he ignored Jigsaw and resumed fighting Alice.

???: Don't get stuck on evasion child . . . Hit me!

She tried to catch him as he came in for a direct attack. One arm was locked against his fist. As he prepared with his other fist she tried the energy blades. He guarded with his left and held his own against the blade. His left arm broke a little but Alice wasn't certain that it was because of her.

???: . . . I see you have failed to complete me Jigsaw.

Jigsaw: It was a rush job. And you were the one who wanted out so damn early!

???: You said the truck will take me to your master?

Jigsaw: Like three times already.

???: Is there anything more you need of me here?

Jigsaw: Can you capture the girl?

???: I have no interest in jailing my opponents

Jigsaw: Damnit all. Then we have to pack it in.

The metal man turned his attention to Alice.

???: What is your name child?

Alice: Um Alice.

???: I like you. You can stand your ground. I would love to know where you got your body from. I think you must have gotten the better deal.

Alice: Who are you?

Rico: My name is Rico Remora . . . however others have called me the Rider of War.

Alice: What? I heard you had passed on.

Rico: I was in a coma for too long. And now I am off to meet the one who resurrected me so that I can be complete.

Jigsaw: Alright that's enough chit chat. Everyone we're getting out of here now so get a move-on before-.

He was then nailed to the wall by the Red Raven. Everyone but Rico looked shocked to see him back on his feet. Vorpral began to recover and then made his move at Red Raven.

Vorpral: I'll . . . do what ever it takes to kill you!

Both Vorpral and the Red Raven were headed on top of the building that Brian was fighting against other gangsters.

Rico: I will fight you again Alice. But I want you to be stronger because next time I won't have a handicap.

Rico hopped in the speeding truck as it was driving off. Alice wasn't done with Rico yet but she realized that Brian would have trouble with Vorpral and Red Raven and decided to leave the Rider of War for later.

Brian on the other hand was just finishing up with the gangsters.

Brian: Like I said, you're boss is the one that gave me a hard time.

His mood was changed to see Vorpral come on top of the roof. In Vorprals jaws there was Raven. Holding his teeth back with more nails. Vorpral then threw Raven to the ground, hellbent on destroying his enemy.

Vorpral: Just die already!

He threw his spinning arms towards Raven. But before they got close. Raven stepped a nail into the ground, only for several larger nails to erupt from underneath Vorpral. Despite the sonar, Vorpral was caught off guard and impaled. Brian turned his attention to Raven, trying to forget about the logic to the attack.

Brian: Don't you dare move a muscle you bastard!

The Red Raven paused and turned to face Brian. Alice was just comming up to the top of the building.

Red Raven: Liebchen . . .

Alice: Brian wait-

Brian: Stay out of this Alice!

He turned to Raven.

Brian: You know why I'm pointing a gun at you? . . . Of course you do. You killed my brother after all.

Alice: . . .

Brian: He may have turned into Hive. And no maybe I could never save him . . . But that was for me to find out for myself! You had no buisness there at all.

There was nothing from Red Raven. Brian seemed to be getting more angry. Because of the mask there was no way to see if he had any sympathy or not. Brian prepared to shoot Raven.

Alice: Is this really what you want to do Brian?

Brian: I swore I would kill him . . .

Alice: You've never really taken a life before have you.

Brian: . . . No. I did say I wanted to kill him.

Alice: Then what did you want to do?

Brian: Bring him to justice.

The Red Raven turned his back to them only for Brian to fire a warning shot.

Brian: I didn't say I was letting you go!

Alice: Raven . . . what are you really after?

Red Raven: I do not seek Justice Liebchen. I cannot compose such a melody. I am only vengeance . . .

Alice: Who are you?

Red Raven: . . . Someone you should hate.

A squall of nails surrounded Red Raven. And when Brian and Alice attempted to examine the rubble. He was nowhere to be found. Alice was able to feel Brians life signs but no matter how hard she tried there was nothing to be found when seeking the masked vigilante.

Brian: Why can't I do it? . . . He was right there. He was pretty much asking me to shoot him!

Alice: Because your a better person then you like to think you are.

Brian: I don't need any sympathy.

Alice: Actually it's envy . . .

Brian: What do I possibly have that you envy?!

Alice: The ability to try and do things the right way.

Brian: . . . Get going. I have to report to the police.

Alice: But-

Brian: Relax. I'll catch you later. But someone has to report this issue.

She decided to leave Brian to handle the warehouse issue. Though it was nice to put the Al'Capone Syndicate on the defensive for once. She had to be ready for their next attack.

Alice: Nova, Do you know anything about the Riders of the Apocalypse?

Nova: Aside from the mythology. There is nothing particulary useful. The team was stated to have been disbanded due to their losses.

Alice: These riders are so devestating . . . I'm not going to have deal with the other two am I?

Nova: I cannot say for sure. The only information I have on them are just historical records on the internet.

She returned to her home to get some rest. Devil Scar waiting to pounce from beneath. And Al'Capone infront of her. And then there's the Conclave. How long will it be before they start to move? It was going to get rough for her.

_________________________________________________________________________

The truck that had escaped the battle had entered the manor of Al'Capone. Rico was escorted by several of Gina's brutes.

Guard: So this is the guy?

Brute: Yes and Gina was specific about brining him to her quickly.

Guard: Makes sense. The boss was getting impatient.

Brute: Now don't you try anything funny metal man.

They brought in Rico carefully as most of the doors weren't designed for his size.

Gina: Took you clowns long enough. So where is Jigsaw?

Rico: Dead. By this Red Raven character I've been hearing so many stories about.

Gina: Too bad. I was just thinking about giving him a promotion.

Rico: He died in battle. If I get the chance I will break the Red Raven.

Gina: Getting vengeance for a man you hardly knew?

Rico: I didn't care for his little life but vengeance is a fuel for the gears of war.

Gina: You riders are so charming. But enough about dead people, lets talk about your situation. Men you may leave us.

Brute: But . . . Boss this is not some everyday thug.

Gina: You're right and he's not known for his humor. I am also not known for my humor.

The guards had this feeling that there was a knife above their heads.

Brute: Y-yes ma'am.

They departed as though they had just dodged death.

Gina: As you know you're body has been replaced by bionics. But man or machine you now belong to me.

Rico: That's fine by me. As long as I get to enter the battle field.

Gina: You'll get your chance. I'm planning to get rid of a powerful obstacle, so I need someone of your talents.

Rico: Wait . . . Is this a political move?

Gina: You could say that.

Rico: You've lost my interest. I want to see what battles this new age has to offer.

Gina on the other hand simply pulled out a cigar.

Gina: Don't forget that I'm the one that owns you now. You would still be stuck in a coma with less then half of a body period.

Rico: You bought me but I am a weapon. I was ment to battle armies, monsters and machines alike. I have no interest in those little babies that hide in society for protection.

Gina: Does a gun ever question why it's trigger is being pulled? You'll get plenty of people to destroy.

Rico: I need my body completed and then I will go and battle that woman again.

Gina: Oh you've met her. But I already have someone under my thumb who's going to bring her in. I'll save you for the backup if he betrays me.

Rico: I want to do it now.

Gina: And I still have a public image to maintain. And I'll have an army for you to command. But until then you do as I tell you or I can detonate the bombs I had implanted in your body.

Rico: . . .

Gina: You've been dead for over a decade so I am confident in your ability to wait a little more.

Rico: You're the second leader I have had that could make me yield. Where do I begin?

Gina: Ask one of my guards to take you to my own personal workshop. They'll get you fixed up and then I shall use you how I see fit.

Rico: As you wish.

As he left the room he could hear Gina making a call. He let the guards take him to his destination. Along the way he noticed a young man.

Guard: Hey Ashton, the boss wants to see you soon.

Ashton: That was sooner than expected . . . Who's the big guy?

Guard: Lets just say another one of the bosses new guns.

He looked Rico in the eye and felt something strange. Rico seemed to recognize the boy.

Rico: You remind me of someone I knew long ago little man.

Ashton: I don't know what your talking about.

Rico: Of course not. But I get the feeling that we will be working together later.

Ashton: Who . . . are you?

Rico: I am Rico Remora, the Rider of War.

Ashton: But . . . I heard you died.

Rico: I did. And I am now back from the dead.

As they left, Ashton was uneasy about meating a rider. Clenching his fist together he moved on.

Ashton: . . . He's just a ghost of the past. And the rest of them are dead . . . . Especially you.