Biolinked in Remnant
Chapter 0 – Distortion
Far above an endless ocean floated what can only be described as an embodiment of destruction.
Ouroboros
A giant amalgamation of living metal that expelled a feeling of fear and destruction. The exterior embodied its namesake, looking eerily similar to a snake biting its own tail in a clockwise manner. It has a golden head with red eyes and a segmented white body with glowing red power lines and proportionally small vertical wings.
Various mechaniloids of all shapes and sizes surrounded the floating battle station that served as its defensive wall from oncoming threats and scouts tasked to bring about the destruction of the world.
The interior of Ouroboros was drastically different to its angelic exterior; haphazard shards of metal of spikes are strewn everywhere. It may seem chaotic at first glance, but the area seems uniform with multiple platoons of Galleons guarding key areas of the floating station. Glowing red gems were prominent in these fragments, and the walls also had giant mechanized red spheres connected to enormous cables acting as if they were veins giving sustenance for Ouroboros. Deeper areas displayed an entirely different aspect, with the background becoming riddled with gigantic red tubes pulsating like arteries with an intense orange light emanating from below.
These fragments, which made up the amalgamation of Ouroboros, were the key factor that has played a major role in the cause of chaos and destruction in the present time.
Model W
Model W was what was known as a Biometal. Biometal, as its name implied, referred to a living metallic artifact that contained data and abilities similar to Cyber-elves. Biometals were unique because they contained information about past history, weapon data, and had their own will. As sentient beings, they were able to grant knowledge and power to whoever they felt worthy to wield them. Not much was known about the creation of the Biometals, but they served as a major guiding factor for those who may have encountered them.
However, Model W exhibited a unique trait among studied Biometals, its thirst for destruction and negative emotion.
Being formed from the remnants of an ancient weapon from centuries ago, the hate and anger that resided in the relic was almost intoxicating.
Many have fallen from the corruption of Model W whether they be Human, Reploid or Mechaniloid. Model W held no distinction to whatever it came in contact with; it just sought destruction.
That desire for destruction set in motion plans for an individual of great power to reshape the world in his own image. His name was Master Albert, one of the Sage Trinity who helped lead the world government of Legion. From the shadows, he orchestrated events over the centuries to facilitate his rise to power to what he considered to be an act of divinity.
The Game of Destiny
He gathered those who were able to wield the power of the Biometals into a senseless battle to see who could become the King of the Mega Men. In actuality, he used the conflict between the Chosen Ones to gather the remaining Model W fragments to create Ouroboros at his command. Countless innocent lives were sacrificed to feed the sleeping Model W fragments scattered around the world, either through Maverick raids or direct participation of his Chosen Mega Men. All Master Albert sought through all this destruction was the creation of a new world, with him serving as its god.
However, throughout the conflict, two Mega Men decided that they had enough of the senseless violence and planned to put a stop to Master Albert's plan. Both of these individuals have had their lives greatly affected due to Master Albert's influence.
The first of these two was the Chosen One of Model X, an eighteen year old girl by the name of Aile. At a young age, she lost both her parents in a Maverick raid and her adoptive guardian Girou later on in life. Early on, she wanted revenge for what the Model W had done to her life, but she started to have a different outlook that differed from her original path. It was due in part to people she met on her journey to destroy Model W.
She sought a new goal to protect others and to see the world in a positive light so that no one would ever have to go through what she had to. Currently, she serves the role of Sub-Commander for the peace organization of the Guardians with Model X and Girou's Biometal Model Z by her side.
The second Chosen One who decided to go against Albert was a young reploid kid by the name of Grey, Chosen One of Model A. Grey was originally created to be a back-up unit for Master Albert if his plans were to go awry. However, a Hunter Raid at the laboratory where Grey was being held prematurely awoke him before the mind control could be completed. Thus, Master Albert had labeled him a Defective and had ordered his termination.
Being thrust into a world that seemed hell bent to eliminate him, Grey's personality was shaped based on the experiences he made on his travels to discover who he was. From the Hunter Camp that showed him nothing but kindness to encountering Aile and telling him to not let the past define him, Grey used these experiences to help guide him to understand the world around him. He realized, the only person who was able to shape his own destiny, was himself.
Now at the climax of Master Albert's plan, Aile and Grey were at the cusps of ending the Game of Destiny that had affected so many lives. However, fate may throw a twist on how certain plans will be accomplished…
Ouroboros Command Room
Shards of glass and metal were strewn about the destroyed throne room. The wind blew heavily from where windows once stood. The sky was tinted a bright orange with a mix of black smoke that blinded the setting sun. Inside of the remains of the room were two figures at the end of a climatic battle that decided the fate of the world. Grey had been victorious in preventing his "father" from restarting the world. The disgraced Master Albert was seen kneeling on one knee breathing heavily through his shattered visor of his Model W armor. As much as he tried to move, the damage he received to his body was critical and systems had begun to shut down.
"How...? How is this possible?! How can… a Defective… backup... best me?! THE ORIGINAL?!" Master Albert mentally screamed.
Grey looked solemnly at his "Father's" form. Maybe in another life things could have been different. In another lifetime, maybe he could have talked some sense into Master Albert to prevent everything that had happened. But alas, Master Albert was too far gone to be reasoned with. Thus, Grey just wanted to say his peace before leaving this fortress of death.
"Yeah, you're right, I am a Defective. I'm just a person named Grey. You couldn't change the destiny of a regular boy like me…" Grey paused for a moment staring directly at Master Albert.
"This is the destiny that I have chosen… To live together with the people of this world!" Grey yelled.
After hearing Grey's speech, Master Albert responded with the last of his energy before he shutdown.
"Huh... Is that... what the "other me" would have said?... *cough *cough" Master Albert said. With what little energy that remained, he yelled at his defective copy with all the pent up frustration he had left in him.
"Goodbye, Ultimate Defective!"
Light began to shine from the cracks inside Master Albert's body.
"You can have your gentle peace… AND LEISURELY ROT IN IT!"
With that statement, Master Albert's red eyes dim to black. A small explosion released from his body that destroyed what was left of his damaged form. All that remained were ashes that floated into wind. Just then, explosions could be heard throughout the fortress. Chunks of the Model W fragments were beginning to fall into the ocean.
[We're in trouble! This flying fortress is going down!] Model A chirped from Grey's armor.
"We have to... get out... of here... Gotta... get... back to... Aile..."
Grey tried to move his body, but his exhaustion finally began to catch up to him.
"*pant.. *pant… This is… the end... I'm... getting… tired…" Grey's vision starts to get hazy.
"Let's... get… back… to the… oth… ers…" Grey merely muttered.
The Megamerge sequence quickly deactivated, separating the two with Grey in his civilian outfit and Model A floating besides him. Grey's eyes appeared hazy with his body shaking to the point of collapse.
*THUD
The adrenaline that ran through Grey's body had finally reached its limit and he collapsed at the scene.
[Hey...Hey! GREY! Get a hold of yourself! GREY!] Model A yelled as he started to hover closer to his Chosen One.
Grey had one thought in his mind before everything faded to black.
'Everyone… Aile… I'm sorry.'
Ouroboros Command Entrance
Of all the things that Aile could have imagined, she never would have thought she would one day be re-enacting the first legendary battle between the Four Guardians of Neo Arcadia and Zero that she had seen in historical archives. Standing before her were Master Albert's Four Chosen Ones who were hell bent on reaching Grey as payback for their past defeats. Aile was doing her best to hold off their advances while Grey went off to deal with Master Albert to end the Game of Destiny.
'Jeez Grey, you really pissed them off didn't you.' Aile chuckled to herself.
In the few moments she spent with Grey, she felt bad how he was immediately thrusted in the Game of Destiny. From the stories he told her on the way back to Hunter's Camp, Grey had it rough adjusting to his current circumstances since he had only awaken for the timespan of just a few weeks. She saw a lot of her younger self in Grey before she became a part of the Guardians.
Trying to find purpose in life after being called a Defective from those with power stung close to her similarly to when she fought Purprill back at the amusement park where she became an orphan. As she thought about it, she was lucky that Girou was there to help her. Otherwise, she might have ended up like Grey, lost and confused. A spark emitted from Aile's chest as she thought back to the young Reploid with a new sense of determination.
'Don't worry Grey. Once this is over, I'm gonna show you what this world has to offer. But first… I think it's time I brought back some old friends.' Aile thought back as she stared back at Master Albert's Chosen Ones.
In a way, this separation from the Reploid kid worked out for her. The four Biometals that were stolen from the lab a few years ago were within her grasps. Now, all she had to do was knock some sense into those four and she would be reunited with her friends again. However, she knew from past close encounters with Albert's Chosen Ones that these situations were never easy.
"You realize this is pointless, Mega Man Model ZX. You cannot delay the inevitable any further. Give up now and your death will be swift and painless." The Wind Mega Man spoke with stern bravado.
"I have a name you know. It's Aile and you best remember it, Aeolus." Aile snarked back.
"We had enough of this game of cat and mouse for years, Mega Man Model ZX. The Biometals have already bonded with their Chosen Ones, so there's no going back!" The Flame Mega Man replied back with equal distaste. Her Knuckle Buster was aimed straight at Aile primed to fire.
"Come on guys~, we are wasting time here. Let's just get this over with so we can deal with that Defective already!" The Ice Mega Man complained with a child-like attitude.
"LOGICAL ASSESSMENT. PARAMETERS ALINE WITH MEGA MAN MODEL L. CONCLUSION. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE." The Shadow Mega Man concluded in a cold monotone voice.
Aile really felt annoyed with the interaction she was having with these four Mega Men. The constant bickering drove her insane. She just wanted her friends back, but these boneheads kept the link she shared with the other Biometals on lockdown. It was nothing but complaining every time they met.
'Man, I really need to apologize to Prairie after all of this. Is this what she felt like when I complained about those quiz missions she used to send me on?' Aile thought to herself.
Just as she was considering any possible solution to disarm the four Mega Men before her, multiple explosions could be felt throughout the hallway coupled with the feeling of the flying fortress slowly losing altitude.
Aile suddenly had a giant smirk on her face that annoyed the four Chosen Ones in front of her. She felt proud of the kid, but slowly a lingering feeling of worry began to grow as a sense of deja vu came upon her. Her face shifted into a scrunched frown remembering how familiar this situation felt with her previous battle with Serpent. Before she could think any further, her partnered Biometals began to speak.
[Aile! It's too dangerous here! We have to go and help Grey!] Model X announced.
"I know… but four against one isn't gonna be easy…!" Aile rebuked her partner.
Suddenly, a flash of light appeared and Aile appeared in her Model X form. Surprised, she looked up and saw Model Z in front of her.
[Go ahead. I'll stay here and hold them back. I'll meet up with you two once I'm done here.] Model Z responded.
"No… What are you talking about?! Don't be crazy, Model Z!" Aile responded to her other partner's statement. What was he thinking?!
Was Model Z insane?! How can a lone Biometal stand against four skilled Chosen Ones just by itself?! It was basically suicide no matter how anyone saw it.
[No worries, today's not my day to meet my maker.] Model Z said in an eerily calm voice. His attitude to the situation seemed like he had done this before. Was he like this with Girou?
Just before she could call Model Z out on his insanity, Model X chirped in.
[Come on Aile! We need to get to Grey before things get even worse.]
"Grrrrr... I'm gonna hold you to your word!" Aile begrudgingly grit her teeth as dashed out the room to reach her fellow Mega Man.
'Don't make me regret this Z. Girou and Prairie would be mad if I lost you here.' Aile thought as she dashed towards the door.
Back with Model Z, a sense of nostalgia surged from the Biometal. How many times did he live this situation from his past lives? For him, it seemed like somethings never changed for the last three hundred and so years that have passed since his old Maverick Hunter days. For now, he had to deal with the enemy in front of him.
[Ciel… I really hope what I'm about to do really works. Otherwise, I don't think this would be a good time to meet with everyone else again. Especially if Iris were there.] Model Z grimaced.
As Master Albert's Chosen Ones began to close in on the sole Biometal, The Wind Mega Man began to speak.
"Such beautiful resolve… To throw away your life for a friend." The Wind Mega Man announced to Model Z.
[Like I said, today ain't my day to die…] Model Z responded in that still eerily calm voice.
The tone Model Z used still confused the remaining four Chosen Ones. Had the Biometal just accepted his fate? Did it realize that this final stand of heroics was hopeless?! What could it possibly gain from his sacrifice aside from stalling for time? Even though they knew that the Biometal in front of them had a wealth spring of knowledge, what could it possibility do to cha-
*BAM
Suddenly, a pressure unlikely any other came upon them like an OreHawk pinning its prey to the ground. Try as they might, the Chosen Ones couldn't seem to stand. It was as if the gravity around them intensified. What had the Red Biometal done to them?!
[I know more about Biometals than you do.] Model Z uttered which grabbed the Four Chosen Ones' attention.
"Agh… What?!... My…body… feels… heavy… Model L…!" The Ice Mega Man strained
His partnered Biometal should have been helping him, but the Biometal didn't respond.
"*Cough… *Cough… Bio...Metal" The Flame Mega Man wheezed. She tried to reach for the Knuckle Buster to her side, but the increasing pressure pushed her to the floor.
"INCOMPREHENSIBLE…! INCOMPREHENSIBLE…?!" The Shadow Mega Man seemed to yell in panic despite his monotone voice.
"Is this… how… you want… to die?! IN A BLAZE OF GLORY?! HAVEN'T YOU DONE THE HEROIC SCHTICK FAR TOO MANY TIMES?! WELL IT WON'T WORK THIS TIME!" The Wind Mega Man seemed to have just about lost it. How can a Biometal show this much disregard for its own life. Doesn't it understand how its partner would react to the ending of this situation?!
[I can't believe those four had you all as their Chosen Ones. I feel bad for what happened to them.] Model Z spoke his thoughts aloud. Seemingly ignoring the struggle of the four Reploids in front of him.
[Let me say two things before I respond to your statement, Aeolus.] Model Z paused while staring directly at the four beneath him as bits of metal continued to fall around them.
[First, I'm not one to repeat myself, but I feel it is necessary given the circumstances. I once said a while back to a crazed old man hellbent on destroying this very world, "I never cared about justice, and I don't recall ever calling myself a hero... I have always only fought for the people I believe in. I won't hesitate... If an enemy appears in front of me, I will destroy it."] For a brief moment, the Four Chosen Ones thought they saw a glimmer of light shine in what would be Model Z's optics.
[I have done the heroic sacrifice far too many times to count. I always seem to come back at just the right time to help those in need. However, this time will be different. I have people who would be disappointed if I were to die now. So tell me, has it ever occurred to you all that the creator of us Biometals would have developed a failsafe if any of us were to be wielded in the wrong hands?] Model Z casually stated.
Suddenly, realization hit them and they all tried their best to aim their weapons at the red Biometal in front of them with what remaining strength they had.
"You…wouldn't… Dare! Aaaaahhhh" The Wind Mega Man struggled at his knees. His fellow Mega Men followed as well.
"We will not... Agh! Be... defeated... like this!" The Flame Mega Man screeched.
"Make it stop! Make it stop! AHHHHHHHH!" The Ice Mega Man yelped in pain.
"ERROR...ERROR!"
[Initiate Mother Elf Protocol. Access Code: Alouette] Model Z activated the so called failsafe protocol. Suddenly, a ball of light appeared above the Four Chosen Ones as they continued to scream from the pressure given off from the red Biometal.
[Soft Reboot of M.E.G.A. System on present Biometals Confirmation. Access Code: Labo] Model Z continued his plan. The final pieces were in place. Now, it was time to regain his friends.
[Connection Complete Password Requirement to Complete Process… Access Code: Fortitude Creed. Accepted] Model Z finished the connection as a red light beamed towards the balls of light above Master's Albert's Chosen Ones.
""""AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!""""
That was the final statement uttered among Master Albert's Four Mega Men before a white light enveloped all those who were present. When the light diminished, the Four Mega Men were left unconscious and returned back to their civilian forms. However, floating above them were four Biometals that were similar in design to that of Model Z. Slowly, Model Z began to float towards his fellow Biometals to see if everything went according to plan.
[Hm, seems like the failsafe worked.] Model Z mused.
The Biometal took in a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself for what came next.
[Hey Lev, Fefnir, Phantom, Harpuia. Are you guys back to normal now?] Model Z questioned his fellow Biometals.
The red Biometal waited for a response before he heard a groan come from the four Biometals.
[Ugh… Zero? Is that you?... What happened? Where are we? Weren't...we in the Research Lab?] A green Biometal voiced out as he slowly came to his senses.
[Heh, let's just say it's been awhile, Harpuia. Glad to have you all back.] Model Z chuckled.
[Jeez, what the heck is this place? Look at all the Model Ws around us?! Zero! Don't tell me you were off destroying them with Master X and the pipsqueak while we were out?!] The Orange Biometal yelled with fiery energy. Seems like this Biometal was back to normal.
Model Z then turned his attention towards the Light Blue Biometal closest to him.
[Mou, as much as I hate to admit it, thanks for getting us out of that mess Zero. I swear, that boy was worse to deal with than the stuck-up brat and the warmonger over there back in the Neo Arcadia days! His constant preaching about the ocean was getting on my nerves while in stasis. At least I can mess with our tomboy again.] The Light Blue Biometal hummed as she grew closer to Model Z.
[Pardon the interruption, but it seems that we are missing our operator and Zero seems like he is in a hurry.] The Purple Biometal announced as everyone's attention focused back to Model Z.
[Thank you, Phantom. We have to hurry fast. Aile and X went off to help her friend and this floating fortress is starting to collapse. We need to reach them and get off of here ASAP!] Model Z firmly stated. He stared back at his fellow Biometals as he saw all four firmly nod at his statement.
[[[[Okay. Lead the way, Zero]]]]
Model Z chuckled before they all headed towards the direction Aile went to. As he headed towards the former transporter that his former Chosen One told him to protect, there was one thought in his mind.
[You really thought of everything didn't you… I won't forget your promise Ciel. This time, I will be coming back home with everyone.]
As the five Biometals begun to leave, a soft mutter came from the former Wind Mega Man user before his vision began to fade.
"...this...isn't… the end… Mas...ter... Tho…will..."
'Don't make me regret this Z. Girou and Prairie would be mad if I lost you here.' Aile thought as she reached for the door.
However, when she tried to open the door, it remained shut. It appeared that the damaged fortress was slowly beginning to lose functions because of the explosions that were happening all around her.
"Damn... looks like we are going to do this hard way, X!" Aile muttered as she began to slowly step away from the locked door.
[No worries, Aile. We have to reach Grey quick.] Model X responded to his Chosen One.
Aile clicked her tongue as a familiar hum began to resonate from her buster-arm. As the energy reached its maxed capacity, she fired the charge shot.
*BOOM
When the smoke dissipated, a gaping hole towards the Command Room was all that remained of the door.
Aile dashed through the door and began to yell the Reploid kid's name.
"Grey! Can you hear me?! We gotta leave now! Where are you?!" she yelled.
Her eyes were darting all around the rubble for any noticeable trait of said Reploid.
However, a familiar high pitched voice caught her attention from nearby.
[Aile?! Is that you?! Thank goodness! We're over here! Come quick!] Model A yelled.
Aile quickly dashed to Model A's location where she noticed Grey was lying flat on the ground. She knelt down close to him and carefully flipped his body on his back to check for signs of life. As she inched closer, she had noticed soft breathing coming from his mouth.
[It's all right, Aile. Grey's stable for now.] Model A relayed.
[That's good to hear. Aile and I were worried about you two.] Model X chimed in.
For a brief moment, she sighed in relief knowing that her friend was all right as a small smile emerged on her face.
"I take it he was able to take out Master Albert?" she questioned Model A beside her as she began to send their coordinates back to the Guardian Base for rescue.
[Yep, Grey really gave it his all to end that mad man's god complex. Poor guy pretty much- Wait a sec?! Where's Model Z? Don't tell me you left him behind to face those wackjobs alone?!]
"*Sigh… Unfortunately, I did. I thought he was crazy too, but I had to come here to make sure that both of you were al-!"
Aile stopped mid-sentence as she felt a strong presence coming their way.
[Oh no! Don't tell me it's those four wackjobs?!] Model A cried as he inched towards his fallen partner. He tried to nudge Grey with his body in a feeble attempt to wake him up.
'Crap! Z, please don't tell you lost to those bozos. I don't think me and X can handle them with Grey down for the count.' she frantically thought.
She aimed her Buster towards the blown out door she came from and began to charge it for whatever came towards them. No matter what, she would try her best to not let those psychos eliminate someone she considered a friend. She gave it her all when she faced Serpent, and she will do it again if she had to face those four with X by her side. However, a familiar voice came from out of the smoke that gave her a chance to relax for a brief moment.
[Hold your fire. It's me, Aile! I already dealt with Albert's Chosen Ones. No need to worry.] The familiar Red Biometal clarified to his exhausted friend.
As Aile began to look beside Model Z, her lips curled into a smirk as four familiar Biometals came into view. She had so many questions, but she knew now was not the time.
*BOOM*
The nearby explosions only amplified her to need to escape this falling coffin.
They all had to get off of Ouroboros ASAP.
"As much as I am happy to see everyone again and would love to ask what happened, we need to get out of this death trap! Hey Model H, do you think you're able to do a Double Megamerge with me and help fly us out of here?" Aile yelled at the seven Biometals present.
Explosions continued to rock the area around her as pieces of debris continued to pelt the former command center. Nearby columns tumbled down and cracks formed on the ground as Ouroboros continued to separate.
[While I would like to offer my assistance, I don't have enough energy to do a Megamerge after Model Z was able to reawaken us earlier. I'm sorry Aile.] Model H somberly stated.
'Damn it... Without Model H's flying ability, we're all stuck here till Prairie can reach us.' Aile thought to herself.
While she tried to figure out a way to get out of this dire situation, something garnered the attention of all those who were still conscious.
.
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.
An eerie voice echoed throughout the crumbling Ouroboros.
["?!"]
'Wait… didn't Grey take out Master Albert? The other four should also still be knocked out. Who is that voice?!' Aile could not tell whether the shaking around her was either from her body fearing the unknown voice or the collapsing fortress. Perhaps it was both.
Throughout Ouroboros, the remaining active Model Ws began to flash an eerie red. The stored up negative energy began to emit a dark aura from their forms.
[̵̙̞̝͎̒Z̵͍̒̎͂e̸̗͒̎R̷̹͙͖̀̎̕O̷̠̖̯̣̓,̸̘̳͊ ̵̣͔̘̔X̸̼̳̠͛̕͝͝ͅ.̷̧͍͙̱̊̃̈̋ ̵̩͇́A̸̢̬̥͋́f̸̯̋̓T̶͚̰̞͌͘E̵͉̖͚̿̃̔r̸͍͉͂̀͌ ̸̭̀͂̑a̷̹͇̾͌͊̇L̸̛̥̠͓L̸̨͙̰̺̈́͐̈͝ ̵̩̒͗ṯ̴̨̓͌̓ͅH̵̬̓I̷̪̞̊̂ş̸̝̬̙̓̅̑̈́ ̴̯͖̐̾͌͒T̸̨͔̰̽͑ͅI̵̲̜̅́̒͌m̴̟̱̫͝e̸̞̎,̷̝͙̭̝̇̀̑ ̵͍̑̑͆͝w̶̥͎̝͊͆̇Ḩ̸̳͈̺̈́Ỳ̸̻͐ͅ ̵͍͇͆ĭ̷̬̕s̴͍̕ ̴̢̧͖̤͂͘Ị̷̮̲͆̿̈́͝T̴̯̔̅̏̇ ̷̞̗̹̮̾́̀Â̵̙̰̰͊L̷̻̯̻͕͊̉ẃ̴̢̧̗̬̎a̵̲̪͝Y̴̮̮̋̎̃̈́S̶̛̯͔̫̿͋̊ ̴̞̥̃y̶͙͉̤͎̾̌̾Ọ̴̠͐̕ͅU̸͈͕͛ ̴̤͚̍̂̔͗T̸̬̤̱͐͜͝w̶̲͉̙͇̽̓ó̴̼̀̓́ ̴͖͇͆̀̆̎W̴͕̦̖̄̈́͛͘h̷̬͐͛ò̶̧̭ͅ ̵̛̀͜S̵͈̣̖͉̋̈́̈́Ḙ̸̓͠E̵̛̅̒͠ͅM̷̳͇̉̆̉ ̸̻̻̊T̵̪̺̟͘͝o̵͓̜̠̾͝͝ͅ ̶̧̺̈́̍M̴̳̪͖̗͠Ḙ̷͇̹̉S̵͉̪̆̾̀̊S̶̙̀̈͠ ̷̢͋̌̉W̴͓̼̤̫͑̓Ȋ̶̟̮͙̜̎̕͝T̴̢̬̺̈́͜H̷̩̓̐̈ ̶̧̮͕̀M̷͓̬̮̌Y̴͍͖̘͚͋ ̶̡̤͂͗͌̚p̸͙̪̩͑l̶̫̼͎͈͑̂͂̀â̸̛̭̩̟̙̎̎n̷̘̞̞̳̈s̴̳̰͛̀̈́?̵̛̣̘̻̃͘!̵͚̞͈͔̿́̈]̵̪̞̌̽̔
When her eyes shifted towards the Biometals, all of them except for Model A seemed to have flared up, as if they felt the danger emitting from that voice.
[It can't be...] Model X muttered.
[Looks like the old man's conscious has fully awoken from beyond his deathbed.] Model Z stated as if he knew the voice coming from the Model Ws.
"Guys, what's going on?!" Aile yelled in a panic.
[̷͖͋͜͠N̸̨̛̎̏̈́o̷͉̲͠ ̷̤̄m̷̯͉̘̦͐͌̃ȃ̵̤̪͎͉t̷͈́͆̏͒t̵̥͕̝̑e̷͙̊̒̅͝r̷̛̜̩̳̜͋̑,̵̨̼̣́̀͆ ̶̥͉̓̊̀s̶̫̪̯̑ḭ̷̩͇͐ṇ̴̩̆̀c̶̻̹̥͓͂̊e̵͚̥̫̍ ̴͉̰̭͋̂Ī̶̖'̵̞̣̼͝m̶̙̰͛̒͘ ̷̝̏̐͐g̸͇͚̿̏̃̂o̶̢̰̘̬̽̄i̶͖̟͆n̵̰͈͈̳̐͑̏͝ĝ̴̙ ̶̢͈͍͔̀d̵̫̭̜͐ȍ̷͇ẁ̷̡͑̎n̵̺̈́̎̊,̵͍̦͔̈́̾ ̸̛̼̱̬̈I̶̙̔̐̾ ̸͖̥̓m̴̩͎̻̀̽̃i̶͇̞̜̼̒̉ǧ̴̢̨͋̄̈́h̸͕͚̾̓̈t̸̤̩́̀͜ ̶̦̦̥͂ͅa̸̛̟͚s̴̱͊̄ ̷͔̀̔̍͝w̸̜̠̾͝ȩ̸͊̔̂͘l̴̘͎͉̎̋l̵̢͓͋̐̈́̆ ̵̩͉̬̣̕͠t̸͉̆͝a̵̼͈̺̫̓͊͊k̴̦̼̱͠ẻ̷̘̖͈̙̀͋̓ ̸̻̟̣̰͝t̸͈̙̘̅͌̏͂h̷̹̖̄̅̀e̴͖̳͓͈̓͊ ̴͉͉̫͆́͆͜w̵̳͌͌͑h̸̭̤͈͑̏̎́ͅo̴̝̦̼͝ͅl̴̙̦͉̞͐̎ȅ̷̘̌̊ ̷͉̠̦̭͐̈́͊͒l̶̦͂o̶͈̭̹̽t̷̡͈̙̃̉ ̷͍̝́̈́ȯ̴̺̳f̶̡̬͙̙́̈́ ̴͖̓̃̇y̵͇͉͕̪̽ö̸̲̩̻́u̷͚͙̰͓̽̈́͒͝ ̴̥̠̯͎̂͘ẁ̵̨̗̺̼͠ȉ̸͕͐̆͘t̷͕̫͒h̷͇̗̭̀͌̀ ̴̥͉̖͒́͐m̶̩̗͔͌̅e̶̞̎͠ ̸͎̇t̸̲̦́̐o̵̞̖̖̘̔̿͂ ̸̺͗̒͝h̵̘͂̈́e̵͔̳̾̒̀ľ̷̛̤̗͚̎ļ̴̬͔̱̐̃!̴͓͙̌͆̃̎!̶̛̠͋̽ ̸̬̑̓̆ͅM̶̥̄̒̏̐W̸̼̲̾͆͑H̸̳͉͓͂̈̂A̸̞̭̪̠͗̈́H̵̰̃̈A̶̛͈̰̚H̴̗͖͋͋̏A̷̖̜̲̍͝]̴͉̮̍̔͊͑
[[EVERYONE! GATHER AROUND AILE AND GREY QUICK! WE NEED TO PROTECT THEM AS BEST WE CAN!]] The blue and red Biometals yelled as they did an impromptu Double MegaMerge.
Without a word, the remaining Biometals began to float around the Human and unconscious Reploid forming a protective shield.
"Wait! Guys?! What are you-?!" Aile's statement was cut short as she noticed the ground cracking beneath her. Beams of red light shined through the cracked floor as energy flowed around them. She knew what was happening and went to hold Grey in tight grip.
'Damn it! This wasn't how I wanted to meet Girou again!' Aile thought to herself while gritting her teeth.
Even after all the near death experiences she had with Pseuderoids, Serpent, and the other Chosen Ones, the thought of going down in a blaze of glory felt like a punch in the gut to Girou's sacrifice four years ago.
As the floor beneath them finally fell, Aile and Grey followed suit before they and the Biometals were swamped into a bright red light. Aile had one final thought before the light consumed them both.
'Please... don't get upset with me Prairie.'
Guardian Base
Silence
This was the current mood inside the bridge of the Guardian Base. On the monitor, pieces of Ouroboros were crashing down into the ocean as a red light consumed the remnants of the flying fortress. The destruction of the Ouroboros should have been a momentous occasion for them. The destruction of the Model Ws and the apparent destruction of the one who orchestrated multiple Maverick raids over the century meant they could celebrate. Right?
Not by a long shot.
*SLAM
"C-C-Commander?!" one of the three base's navigators stuttered in shock.
Everyone present darted their attention towards the cause of the loud sound. Standing up from the console with a fist leaving an indent on the table was a young blonde girl in a pink military outfit. Although her cap had covered her eyes, the shaking from her right fist made everyone in close proximity realize she was not happy.
"...send in search and rescue now" she muttered.
"...Prairie" a short old man in blue slowly inched his way towards the distraught Commander. Fleuve knew she would be the most affected by today's outcome because she was the closest out of everyone to Aile.
Without another word, Prairie began to walk to her room while clutching the cat plush she always carried with her.
"...Fleuve... please... leave me alone... I'm not in the mood." a strained voice was all that came out of Prairie.
Everyone else remaining in the command room felt sorry seeing their commander in such a state of despair.
Prairie had finally reached her room and locked the door behind her. Fortunately for her, the rooms on the Guardian Base were soundproofed for privacy reasons. As if a switch had been flipped, the strong commander persona she worked so hard to build up over the years had all but crumbled.
"*Sniff…*Sniff...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
At this time, Alouette returned to cry her heart out with her arms hugging the life out of her keepsake plush. It had been so long since she had been in this situation. Alouette hadn't felt this lonely since Zero sacrificed himself back at Ragnarok or when Ciel went missing all those years ago. She tried her best to make sure she wouldn't go through those situations ever again when she became the new Commander of the Guardians. However, it seemed that fate had taunted her yet again with the seeming loss of her close friend. As Alouette continued to cry, she muttered one thing before becoming a sniffling mess.
"Aile... please come back...I don't... *sniff… want to lose you like Sis… *sniff"
Elsewhere
Exhaustion
That was what Aile was feeling at this very moment.
Sometimes she wondered what kind of life she would have had if she had stayed as a transporter instead of a Mega Man. Most likely Girou would still be alive, and she maybe could have had a normal life like most people her age. Come on, would the average eighteen year old girl experience multiple near death experiences, loss of loved ones, conversed with warriors of the past, and helped foil the plots of people who saw themselves as gods?!
However, she was glad to have met Model X that fateful day. Through that encounter, she was able to explore the world outside of Cinq Ville and meet so many people she considered friends. The experiences she made on her travels allowed her to move on past the death of her mother and provide a ray of hope to everyone she interacted with. Hopefully her mother would be proud of her actions today.
For now, she allowed her body to rest as she felt the slight breeze while laying down on the ground…
'Ah~ the breeze sure… feels… nice?... Wait a minute?!'
Aile quickly jolted forward as she began to recall the previous events that led to her current situation.
"Okay Aile, think for moment. Me and the Guardians were inside the Ouroboros to stop Master Albert. We used the Base as a mode of transport because every other ship was destroyed in a surprised attack. I encountered the missing Biometals while on the mission, and Grey went off to…?! Crap! GREY!"
In a panic, Aile whipped her head everywhere trying to find any sign of the other person with her at Ouroboros.
"Grey?! Where are you?!"
Aile's concern for her fellow Mega Man was so great, her mind didn't click to the area around her. The safety of the last person she saw on the collapsing death trap took precedent over everything else.
Suddenly, she heard a grumbled sound nearby.
"Uhhhhhhh… Aile? Is that… you?" a male voiced groaned next to her as if he were just awoken.
Aile whipped her head towards the direction of said voice and finally released a sigh of relief as she recognized who it was.
Just a few feet away from Aile, Grey lied on the ground with his upper body propped forward. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms upward as if he were awoken from a long nap.
"*Sigh… Thank goodness it's you, Grey. Glad to see that you are alright." Aile relaxed as she closed in on the gray haired Reploid with a hug. Realizing that Grey all right, she couldn't help a small smile emerge from the embrace.
"Huh?! Aile?!" Grey became startled at the intimate action.
She wouldn't say it out loud, but she was glad that both of them came out of that situation alive. In the few days she got to spend time with Grey, she grew to appreciate him not only as a comrade but as a friend too. She continued to hold him close making sure that the Reploid didn't have any further external injuries ignoring the slight heat coming from her face.
Grey, from his perspective, still felt a bit dazed from his battle against Master Albert, but he allowed himself to settle into the embrace with Aile despite the slight blush on his face.
For some reason, he felt very calm from the hug as his hands began to wrap behind Aile's back. The reploid recalled having the same experience whenever she came by the camp to check up on him whenever they crossed paths.
Perhaps this was what it felt like to have someone close care about him.
With the destruction of Ouroboros and his "father" behind, he at least deserved a moment of peace after everything he's been through. With his guard down, he relaxed into the hug thinking he would get just a few more minutes of rest.
However, the both of them failed to realize that they weren't alone in their current predicament.
[My~ My~, seems that our little tomboy has finally found someone she's interested in~] a sly feminine voice echoed.
The teasing statement immediately snapped the two back into reality as their eyes popped open. Aile and Grey stared at each other for a few seconds before a dark red blush burned on both of their faces. Gone was their sense of safety which was now replaced with embarrassment and horror as they turned their heads to the source of their growing blushes.
[Oh! Don't mind us. Please continue~ Looks like we missed out on a lot of stuff while we were MIA. Seems like you two really care about each other~] Model L teased.
[I agree with you there Model L~ Grey has always been a bit dense when it comes to feelings. Although, he does seem calmer whenever he was around Aile back at Hunter's Camp.] Model A chimed in to put his Chosen One in the spotlight.
[Hahaha! Don't you think you are a bit odd going after someone younger than ya, pipsqueak?] Model F joined in with the teasing.
[You two seem very close. Aile, you have to tell us what happened since the last time we saw you.] Model H followed with a curious tone.
[Miss Aile does seem to be very comfortable around the boy. Reminds me of her youth on her days off with the Commander.] Model P reminisced.
Aile's blush grew darker and darker with each of the Biometals' responses out of anger and embarrassment. She should be happy that they're back on her side again, but her emotions appeared to have taken control of her usual calm temper.
How long have they been watching the both of them?! In fact, why didn't they say anything at all?!
"GAH?!"
Out of reflex, Aile shoved Grey out of the embrace and faced the source of her embarrassment while gritting her teeth. Meanwhile, Grey rubbed his back from the fall as he stared back at Aile.
"...how much did you hear?" she muttered while her bangs covered her face.
[Well~, we pretty much saw everything. Don't forget we were the ones who kept you safe back at Ouroboros. In fact, why don't you give us a thank you~.] Model A chimed in. His tone seemed like he didn't care about the dangerous Aura emanating from Aile.
From Grey's perspective, the reploid was worried about Aile's reaction. Her body's subtle shaking notified him that things were going south fast. Aile appeared as if she were moments away from ripping apart his partnered Biometal until there was nothing left. Thus, he figured it would be better to calm her down before things could get ugly.
"C-Calm down Aile. It wasn't too bad." Grey stammered.
[I don't know Grey, you seemed pretty comfortable in that hug there. I bet you wanted to stay like that a bit more huh~] Model A continued his teasing now dead set on his Chosen One.
At his partner's statement, Grey could do nothing but grow a slight blush in response. He wouldn't outright admit that the embrace felt nice, but for the sake of Aile's mood, he decided to stay quiet.
"They are your friends Aile… they are just messing with you… they just saved your life… no need to send them straight to cyberspace." Aile muttered as she tried her best to remain calm.
The girl appeared to be a hair's breadth away from giving the ancient relics a piece of her mind.
Luckily for her, a duo of Biometals came to her rescue to try and defuse the situation.
[As much fun as it is to tease my Chosen One, I think it's time we should address our current situation.] Model X chimed in.
[I agree with X. We need to figure where we are in the first place. Weren't we just above the ocean when Ouroboros collapsed?] Model Z continued.
The group paused their antics for a moment as they began the process Model Z's inquiry.
The other five Biometals silently agreed to set aside their teasing for another time. It was a nice change of pace given that most of them were trapped with psychotic Chosen Ones for a couple years, but for now their priority is the safety of two Chosen Ones in front of them.
Within this time, Aile calmed down substantially and began to look around their surroundings. The trees around them were a rather unique shade of black with the leaves having a crimson shade to them. There was also a considerable lack of metal integrated into the environment as well. From her travels with the Guardians, a majority of the world's environments coexisted with technology to the point it became abnormal to see pure untouched wilderness. Not even a small mouse Mechaniloid was in sight of the vast forest.
"From first glance, I don't think we are in Area A. The trees there aren't as eerie as the ones here. Plus, this place seems to have not been affected by civilization with the lack of anything mechanical. What about you Grey? Anywhere you and Model A have been to?" Aile inquired.
Grey looked around his surroundings as well and threw a questioning gaze at Model A. He then reached for his Hunter's License and tried to use the map feature that came with it. Unfortunately, the UI came up with static with the words "No Data" plastered on the screen.
"Doesn't look like any area we've been to either. The closest areas me and Model A could think of would be the Waterfall Ruins and the Floating Ruins, but I don't hear any water nearby." Grey stated.
Both Mega Men sighed and gazed upon the canopy of the trees. Light heavily shined through the foliage which indicated that it was still morning. At least it wouldn't be dark anytime soon.
[I think we should find some sort of shelter for the time being. This place is giving off some strange readings on my sensors.] Model P suggested.
Everyone stared at the purple Biometal and carefully processed his words carefully. Model P's Radar Scope Ability allowed him to detect enemies from a considerable distance. If something was warranting his detection, they had to get moving and not be sitting mets.
With a nod, Grey and Aile decided to walk towards a nearby cliff to get a better vantage point of where to go. The four rescued Biometals decided it was best to conserve their remaining energy and returned back to Aile's body to regenerate. As much they would like to help, they wouldn't be of much help in their current state.
As the two Mega Men began to trek towards the cliff, something about the forest had been bothering them for sometime.
"Hey, Grey. You noticed it too haven't you?" Aile inquired.
"Yeah, it is weird that we haven't heard any wildlife so far. All I've heard so far was the wind."
Indeed, the only sound the two have heard, besides their footsteps, was the wind. Wouldn't they have at least heard some sort of wildlife in the area?
*RUSTLE *RUSTLE
The sound coming from the nearby bushes caught both Aile and Grey's attention. Something big was eyeing them.
"X! Z! Get ready! I don't like where this is heading!" Aile yelled to her companions.
"Model A, I'm gonna need your help with this as well!" Grey eyed his partner.
[[[Understood.]]] The three Biometals' eyes flashed for a brief moment.
[[[Biolink Established! M.E.G.A. System Online!]]]
White light quickly shined from both of their bodies before a large mass jumped out of the bushes ready to attack them. Luckily, the dash boosters on their armor allowed them to escape with little to no damage.
As the dust settled from the surprise attack, both Chosen Ones were able to get a good look at their attacker. Standing in between them was a large four-legged creature the size of a large mechaniloid. Its body was a deep shade of black only broken up by white bony structures on its back and limbs that acted like armor. Along its body, a shadowy energy encompassed its form. However, what garnered both of their attention though was its masked head that gleamed with blood red eyes.
"Huh, never encountered a Maverick like this before." Grey spoke.
[No worries. We can handle this thing. We've been through far worse.] Model A quipped in.
"I don't think this thing might be a Maverick guys." Aile said. She began to charge her Z-saber, ready to use at a moment's notice.
[There seems to be some sort of negative aura emitting from it. What is that thing?] Model Z inquired.
[I've never seen anything like it before. An organic Maverick doesn't seem plausible.] Model X offered his advice.
*Rustle *Rustle
As the creature eyed the two of them, more rustling can be heard around them. As they looked around, a plethora of red eyes continued to surround them, all eyeing for their moment to strike as well.
Both Mega Men firmly held their weapons in their grasps knowing fully well that they won't get out of this situation very easily.
"Grey! I'll handle the big ugly over here! Make sure nothing gets past you as I deal with this one!" Aile yelled.
"No worries! I'll take care of any incoming targets! Looks like whatever they are won't go down as easily as Galleon Hunters!" Grey replied.
With a slight nod, Grey and Aile dashed towards their respective targets focused on eliminating their assigned enemies. However, in the ensuing battle, both had not realized someone was watching them fight off this otherworldly horde.
Author's Note
Hello There!
Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Honestly, I had this idea brewing in my mind for the past couple weeks since I was going on a ZX Advent binge. ZX was the first Mega Man series that I grew up with and fully completed [please give us ZX 3 please]. I love the story and characters that it brought despite some minor hiccups. Personally, I have always gravitated towards Aile and Grey whenever I go back for another playthrough. I always liked the dynamic these two had when interacting with characters and I hope to expand their personalities more as I develop this story.
I wrote bits and pieces when I had the time, but realized this week was Mega Man's 33rd anniversary so I tried to finish the first chapter before the end of the week. This honestly was a love letter to both series that I enjoy.
Anyhow, this was my first attempt at writing a fanfic so any advice on how to improve this going forward would be very much appreciated. With that, thanks again for taking the time to read this story and I'll see y'all again next time.
~Cristos
Next Time - Chapter 1: Introductions