Soldier Stonekong

"We...We have already strayed from the path. Now all we can do is stay true to our beliefs, wherever they might lead us."

- Soldier Stonekong

Soldier Stonekong, also known as Solider Stonekong (ソルジャー・ストンコング) in Japan, is one of the Mavericks in Mega Man X7. He dwells within the Deep Forest, and acts somewhat like a medieval knight. He is one of three Red Alert members who is aware that he is being manipulated by "the Professor" (the other two being Red and Tornado Tonion). However, unlike the other two, he doesn't seem to regret being used for evil (something noted by and scolded by Axl), as he only fights for loyalty, not for justice.

Strategy
This battle takes place on what is basically a 2-D arena wrapped around into a ring. Stonekong will run around this ring. He has a large stone sword, as well as his Gaea Shield. His sword can be destroyed, and this may make things easier.
 * His first attack is when he releases his tiny shield and lets it fly around the arena once. Jump over it to dodge it (Zero's double-jump is easier). When he is standing still, use rapid fire to lower his life quickly or slash him with Z-Saber as much as possible before the shield returns.


 * After that, he will rush towards the player. Jump over him to avoid a hit, then fire at him or slash him again.


 * His third attack is when he jumps up and grabs onto the cylinder-like obstacle in the middle. He will create a huge rock which will split into two parts and each part will fly in the opposite direction to the other around the arena. They break just before they contact each other, allowing X and Axl to avoid being hit by the move if they're right between the parts as they break; Zero can double-jump to dodge them as well.


 * At one-fourth health he has a final attack, but he doesn't use it very often. If you are standing too close to him, he will raise his sword and slash at you; this will take almost half your life, so watch out. If you use Zero's Hadangeki, he will slip and fall down. Hit him with the G-Launcher to lower his life rapidly (since Explosion can only be fired twice, the G-Launcher alone is best as you can use it indefinitely).

Stage enemies
Enemies in Soldier Stonekong's stage, the Deep Forest:
 * Blockape
 * Ape Stone
 * Ruinsman
 * Kyuun B
 * Rolling Stone

Dialogues
X: Why...Why do you insist on fighting?

Soldier Stonekong: First I ask you! What is strength? What is war?

X: A method for imposing one's will upon another.

Soldier Stonekong: Precisely! Now, no more talk! Let our swords speak for us! Only the victors will be viewed as righteous in the eyes of history.

Zero: You're something else.

Soldier Stonekong: So, you are Zero, the grace of whose attacks is like no other... I am Stonekong. I live only to fight. Just like you.

Zero: No! There's more to life than fighting!

Soldier Stonekong: Silence! I've never seen a battle Reploid as perfect as you. We shall have the fight to end all fights. En garde!

Axl: The great and wise Stonekong. How could you, of all people, do such a thing?!

Soldier Stonekong: We...We have already strayed from the path. Now all we can do is stay true to our beliefs, wherever they might lead us.

Axl: But what Red Alert is doing is wrong.

Soldier Stonekong: I know that! Both you and I know they are being manipulated! I fight for loyalty. Ready yourself! 