Zack Rello: Hi. Today I thought I'd do something a little different. So, Thunder Hawk, get out here and do the disclaimer!
Thunder Hawk (walks onstage): Why the hell should I listen to you? You killed me!
Zack Rello: Technically, Zero killed you. And, as your creator, I think I deserve some of your respect.
Thunder Hawk: As an anarchist, I refuse to acknowledge your authority or give you any respect.
Zack Rello: I see. (takes out Axl's gun) What do say to an Axl bullet to the head if you don't do the disclaimer?
Thunder Hawk: (sigh) Fine, I'll do the disclaimer. Zack Rello does not own Mega Man X, nor is he making any money writing this. He does, however, own me, any other original characters and all original weapons that appear in this fic. There, are you happy now?
Zack Rello: Very. On with the story!
Shadows of my soul
Chapter 5: Blue Mist
"This is Zero. The Mavericks at the 7th unit's base have been taken care of." Zero said. With Thunder Hawk's air force permanently out of commission, it had fallen on Zero to make a report to H.Q. while X and Axl searched for any survivors of the brutal attack.
Back at Maverick Hunters H.Q., a relived Layer responded to Zero's call "Thank goodness you're all right! I was so worried about you…I mean all of you. Is everyone O.K.? What is the status of the 7th unit?
The com. link was silent for awhile before Zero responded "Don't worry so much. We are S-class Hunters after all" The sound of Zero yelling to someone and the response was inaudible over the link. "X says that about 90 percent of the unit's equipment was destroyed and approximately… 65 percent of all personnel were killed. They want to know if you can send over a med unit to deal with the injured."
"All right, I see what I can do." Layer turned around in her chair and said to Signas "The 7th unit wants us to send a med unit. What are orders for X, Zero and Axl?"
Signas looked up from a report and activated the communicator on his desk. "I hate to do this, but we don't have any other choice." "All right, I'll send Lifesaver's medical unit there A.S.A.P. Now, what's your status?" When all three said they where fine, he continued "That's good, because the 6th unit's situation has gotten much worse, so we have to send you there immediately. We can't return you to H.Q. for supplies and repairs. I understand this may be extremely inconvenient, but as I said, we don't have any other choice."
"It's fine. Just teleport us there and we'll handle the rest." X said over his com. link. After he deactivated it, he turned to his friends and said "You guys got all that, right? No one needs repairs or anything right?"
Axl shook his head and said "Nah, I'm fine. Besides, I wanted to try the weapon I got from Thunder Hawk's data." He took out one of guns and as he did it morphed into a yellow crossbow. The front part was in the form of two spread wings and it held an electrified feather as apposed to an arrow. "What do you think? I call it the Volt Crossbow"
"You can call it mud for all I care." interjected Zero. "Just because I have a new saber tech and you and X got new weapons from that Maverick's data, doesn't mean that we're in for an easy fight. Stay on your guard."
The other two nodded, and 5 minutes later a voice came over X's com. "X, this is Alia. We set the coordinates and can teleport you any time."
"Thanks. We're ready now." X replied "Let's go guys." He said as the three Hunters turned into beams of light and shot into the air
"It's an honour to meet you three. With your help, I know we will win! Oh, my apologies. I'm junior lieutenant Joey of the 6th unit, 4th crew." said the white reploid that greeted X, Axl and Zero as they landed. He began to salute but Zero raised his hand and hand stopped him.
"We can do away formalities on the battle field." Zero said "Right now we need to need to know how you guys are holding out."
Joey put his arms to sides and stood at attention "Yes sir! Two hours ago, R.R.F. Navel forces began an attack on our base with a small fleet of battleships. We managed to defeat them with ease, but it turned out they were just a way for ground troops to get to land. As the troops landed several submarines came into firing range and began a long range assault. Currently, our forces are in a stalemate with the landed troops and we are unable to attack the subs. They shoot down any thing we send at them and they have advanced armour which means we would need to get at point blank to hurt them with conventional weaponry."
"Can't you just bring a ship in to attack them?" Axl asked. It seemed to him that was the most logical (and obvious) solution to the problem.
Joey shook his head "We tried that. But ship is huge target and subs either torpedoed them or their leader, Quinn Manta, just came out and destroyed them single-handedly."
"Quinn Manta? As in, the Maverick pirate and smuggler Quinn Manta?" X inquired. When Joey nodded, X continued "I thought you guys took care of him and his operation a few months ago."
"So did we. However, it appears that he escaped and went to the R.R.F., asking for a new fleet. R.R.F. went as far as making him the commander of their navy. Now…" Joey clenched his hand into a fist "…For stupid revenge. Quinn Manta attacked us for revenge. The Reploid Revolution Front started this fight because of revenge."
Seeing the anger flare up in the Hunter's eyes, X spoke "That's why we need to win this fight. To end this cycle of destruction, we must fight, and defeat those who threaten peace."
Axl turned to Joey and asked "So what do want us to do?"
"Well, I'd be great if you could destroy the subs, but, like I said, we can't get close. So I guess all you can do is help us with the Mavericks on land." Joey responded
"I don't think so," Axl responded. He turned on his com. link and said "Pallette, I need your help. I need you find me some ride chasers capable of traveling on water. Are there any at this base?"
"One second, I'll go check." she replied. Moments later the com. link came alive with her practically screaming "What luck! I found a pair of ride chasers, specifically designed for water travel. They're in a warehouse not to far from here. Look for number 8. O.K.!"
"Er… Thanks Pallette" Axl said, but he was thinking "Someone HAS to cut off her sugar supply. She's gonna make me deaf with her yelling."
"Alright, you two get those ride chasers. You both use long ranged weapons, so I'd more effective for you two attack the subs. I'll stay here and assist these guys." purposed Zero.
X nodded "Fine. Come on Axl, we need to move quickly." The four reploids diverged: X and Axl headed for warehouse 8, while Zero and Joey rushed to the battle field.
Zero could easily make out the sounds of weapons as he approached the battle zone. He rounded a corner and found the Hunters' front line. Gunners used crates for cover as they tossed grenades, launched missiles, or sniped at enemies. Further ahead were Hunters armed with beam sabers, directly engaging the enemies as they approached.
Zero wasted no time. He double jumped to the top of stack of crates. This got the attention of the approaching Mavericks, and they started firing on him. Zero simply jumped in the air and dashed, making sure he landed behind the Mavericks. Before anyone could react, he drew his Z-saber and unleashed a four strike combo, cutting down many of the enemies. He then yelled "Hunters! Don't hold back! Let's show these Mavericks why its one hell of bad idea to challenge us!" Charging forward with renewed strength, the Maverick Hunters began to drive back their opponents.
If things were going bad for Mavericks now, they were about get a lot worse. The sound of ride chasers approaching spelled trouble for the Mavericks, and Zero most certainly knew this. He simply smiled and stepped out of the way as X and Axl zoomed past. The only thing standing between them and the ocean were the invading Mavericks, a road block which was easily cleared with a few blasts from the riders' busters. Hitting the sea, they left behind a wake of destroyed Mavericks, their synthetic blood turning the water red.
"Axl, your shots won't pierce the subs' armour, so I want you to shot down any missiles or torpedoes that head our way, got it?" X instructed. Axl gave thumbs up and the two moved out. "Three subs. This shouldn't take long. Still, if Quinn Manta shows up, he could put a quick end to this mission." X thought as they headed towards the first sub. It fired a few torpedoes which Axl quickly destroyed. X manoeuvred his ride chaser closer to the sub and fired a charge shot, destroying the sub and sending huge blast of water into the air. The pair redirected themselves and made their way toward the second sub. This one was more prepared than the first, and fired a huge barrage of missiles and torpedoes. Axl repeated his strategy on the torpedoes but couldn't take out all the missiles. Barely avoiding them, X fired his charge shot, but missed the sub. Luckily, the debris sent out by the explosion impaled the submarine, causing it to sink and explode.
"One more to go! Man, who would have guessed it would be this easy?" Axl yelled to X as they headed to the last sub. However, they noticed that the sub was surfacing. When it had fully surfaced, Axl saw that there was a figure on the submarine's deck. The light blue reploid vaguely resembled a giant manta ray: his large body, enormous fins on his back, and breather mouth complete with small antennae helped the illusion. On his right arm was what appeared to be a giant shield, and one could barely make out the twin missiles hidden under it. Axl knew instantly that this was the Maverick Quinn Manta. X and Axl nodded to each other and hit the accelerator on their ride chasers. When they were close to the sub (which Axl noticed was called the Blue Mist II) the two Hunters leapt up and landed on the sub's deck as the ride chasers slammed into its side.
Quinn Manta turned on his heel and faced his opponents "Welcome to my flagship. My name is…"
"Quinn Manta, right." Axl said. He had met his share of egotistical Mavericks and didn't want this one to launch into a prepared monologue.
Unfortunately, Axl's plan backfired "I see my reputation precedes me. I am indeed the great pirate of the high seas, the legendary Quinn Manta!" the Maverick waved his weapon out at open sea and continued "Thanks to the Reploid Revolution Front my revenge on you damn Hunters will soon be complete."
"And what exactly is your revenge?" X asked "Taking over the 6th unit's base?"
Quinn Manta tsked "No, my simple minded friend. My plan is much more… flashy than that. I'm going to ram this submarine into the base and detonate the nuclear core. It will be the ultimate display of fireworks and a testament to the world of my power. ALL SHALL HAIL ME AS THE GOD OF THE OCEAN!" he yelled.
X converted his arm to blaster and Axl drew his guns "Sorry, buddy. The fireworks just got cancelled." Axl said.
Quinn Manta responded by pointing his shield at the Hunters and launching the missiles in it. Dodging to both sides Axl shot out a rain of bullets as X fired a charge shot. Quinn Manta, however, blocked the attacks with his shield and taunted "You fools! My vapour shield can not be destroyed, and it will protect me from any attack you send at me!" With that he reached into a compartment on the vapour shield and took out a handful small spherical bombs. He threw them at the two Hunters and watched as the exploded on impact.
X slowly got to his feet and decided a change of strategy was in order. "Let's see how the Tetra-volt bomb does against this guy." He was surrounded by a white light and his armour changed colour from blue to yellow and white.
Axl took the hint and transformed his gun into the Volt Crossbow. He had been dying to try out his new weapon and he had a feeling it would work well against the aquatic Maverick. Meanwhile, Quinn Manta's missiles had respawned and he launched a second wave at the Hunters. X dashed back while Axl jumped and hovered to avoid the missiles. Axl took the opportunity and fired two feathers at Quinn Manta. With missiles respawned, he easily blocked them with his vapour shield. However, the feathers sent a surge of electricity through the shield, causing the bombs and missiles on it to detonate, damaging Quinn Manta.
The 'great pirate of the high seas' was surprised to say the least. "How the FUCKING HELL did you do that? My vapour shield should have protected me!" he yelled. He prepared to counterattack when he saw X send a full power Tetra-volt bomb at him. He rolled left and missed the main explosion of the bomb, but he was hit by some of the stray lightning, causing him great damage. "Argh! You Hunters are really starting to piss me off! I think its time you experienced my ultimate attack, one you will never survive!" with that Quinn Manta leaped into the air as the front part of shield opened up, revealing a beam cannon. The Maverick took aim and fired the beam, which he had dubbed the Blue Laser, all around the area that X and Axl were standing. Instantly the whole area exploded in flash light and Quinn Manta landed back on the deck. He was about gloat about his victory over the great Hunters when he heard the sound of someone dashing behind him. He turned and was barley able to block the Z-saber with his shield. "Zero, where the hell did you come from?"
Zero simply smirked and said "The miracle of teleportation, something I wouldn't expect a Maverick like you to understand." Zero then attacked with a viscous saber combo that, with great difficult, Quinn Manta managed to block with his shield. "Wait for it…" Zero thought as he attacked "He's sure to leave an opening sooner or later."
As Zero and Quinn Manta continued to square off, Axl shakily rose to his feet. He and X hade been pretty badly damaged by the blue laser, but they were still capable of fighting. He took aim with his Volt Crossbow and fired a quick three shot burst at the Maverick.
Quinn Manta heard the shots coming, and thinking quickly, knocked back Zero and dodged the feathers. "I don't know how the hell you survived," he said to Axl "And I don't care. But I won't make the same mistake twice."
"Your right about that!" Zero yelled as he charged forward. He had taken the opportunity Axl gave him to convert his Z-saber into a lightning saber, which was slightly longer than his standard blade, white, and cackling with electricity. He lunged forward and, as he expected, Quinn Manta raised his shield to block. The lightning saber pierced right through the shield and Quinn Manta's right arm. Zero withdrew his saber and leaped beside his friends as Quinn Manta's arm exploded.
The clearing smoked revealed a panting Quinn Manta, clutching his reaming stump of an arm in pain as the synthetic blood poured out. He stared straight at the Hunters for a few seconds then charged at them like an enraged bull. "You Hunters will pay for this! I'll rip you all apart with my bare hand!" He screamed, his sanity clearly already taken leave of him. His fate was quickly sealed as one of the electrified feathers was shot into him. Falling to his hands and knees and beginning to overload, he still struggled to reach his enemies, bent on revenge. Finally, the blue Maverick collapsed and exploded, only two feet away from his goal.
"That's that. Mission accomplished." said Zero. X shook his head and explained the situation. Zero's eyes went wide when he had finished "You mean to tell me this is one of those ancient nuclear subs and that idiot designed it to explode on impact with the base?"
"Exactly. That's why we need to get in there and deactivate the core." X replied.
Axl, who had already leapt into the hole the sub created by the ride chasers, yelled up at the two "Then what are you guys waiting for? An invitation?"
After getting inside, the three headed for the sub's generator room. As they ran there, X heard the sound of rumbling and watched as the ceiling collapsed behind them. "We're definitely not going back the way we came." he said as they continued forward. After about five minutes of running the Hunters finally reached the reactor. The nuclear core stood in the center of the room and around it were six control computers. X quickly formulated a plan "Listen, let's all take a computer add try to deactivate the core." Axl and Zero nodded and the three sat at the monitors and began to hack into the sub's computer system.
The Hunters continued working away until, "There, the sub's core should deactivate now." Zero said, simultaneous with the main power shutting off and the room falling to darkness.
Alia, mission complete. We're ready to return to H.Q. now." X said into his com. link. About a minute later, Zero, X, and Axl were on their way home, the Reploid Revolution Front's plan thwarted.
"Milord, I regret to inform you that Thunder Hawk and Quinn Manta were defeated by the Hunters. What are your orders?" said the kneeling Maverick as he spoke to the Reploid Revolution Front's leader.
The leader turned away from a giant picture of Lumine and faced his minion. "Fear not, those two hired thugs were merely a way for us to gauge the strength of X, Zero, and Axl. Now that we know what they are capable of, we hold the key to their destruction. Isn't that right Element?" he said, motioning towards the large reploid.
Element stepped forward and kneeled behind his leader. The 12 foot tall reploid was literally a walking slaughter house: his red armour concealed a vast multitude of weapons and also held a large black gem in the center of his of his chest. What made him a fearsome sight though were his weapon arms: instead of hands, he had a large machine gattling gun on his left arm and rocket launcher in his right. He lifted his head, face completely hidden behind his red armour, eyes that were green lights behind his visor and said "It is exactly as you say. We can defeat the Maverick Hunters and avenge lord Lumine. It is all thanks to you, lord Scycer."
Scycer turned back to the Maverick and spoke; his voice had a cultured sound but at the same time seemed to be tinted with venom "See? Lord Lumine's death will soon be avenged. As for my orders, I want all R.R.F. forces to report back to the main base, we need to lay low for a while." Scycer felt like smiling, but his armoured green mouth cover didn't have lips "In the mean time, I will be taking a trip to Tokyo to speak with our new employee, so prepare my personal jet to leave in exactly one hour. That is all, both of you are dismissed."
When the two Mavericks had left, Scycer turned back and stared at the portrait of Lumine. "All is going to plan lord Lumine. Soon, we will make your wonderful vision a reality. All that stand in the way are the Hunters. But not for long!" Scycer's laughter echoed throughout the base, a sound that could chill the bravest souls to the bone.
Review Responses
Uzu-Chan: Thank you for reviewing again. I really like you Mega Man X poems. I'm glade you like the R.R.F., I worked hard to make them a cool organization. I'm also glad you liked the fight scenes, and now I know what OoC means! Hope you like this chapter!
Thunder Hawk: Thanks Uzu-Chan! Nice to know I have a fan.
Zack Rello: I'M doing review responses right? So don't interrupt!
Prjct. WAR: Thanks for the positive comments. I'm glad you also enjoyed the action scenes. You're lucky you found the video so fast on the net. Took my friend two weeks to find it. Please review again.
Erckie: Yeah the R.R.F. is pretty obsessed. Maybe they should get a new hobby. Thanks a lot for the review. The Maverick Hunters pwn all!
Thunder Hawk: Oh sure, I get called a selfish dork and the person gets praised.
Zack Rello: Shut up.
Racegirl: Thanks for the review. I think I'm going to make X/Alia the only couple.
A/N: Well here it is, chapter five. Hope everyone enjoys it. The next few chapters won't have much action, but one will have X and Alia's first date! Which one? Like I'd tell. You all have to be patinet
Next Chapter: The Legendary Assassin
