Chapter 11
Mega man had been sleeping, but now he was wide awake and running to the main part of the lab. There were alarms going off all over the place and a voice requesting the "Maverick Hunters" report to the lab. Mega man wasn't a maverick hunter, but he could help. He entered the lab and saw Dr. Cain giving the low-down to X and Zero. Four mavericks were on a rampage. Somehow, they had gotten word that Spark Mandrill had been destroyed and they were out for revenge. Amongst the four were Sting Chameleon, Chill Penguin, Storm Eagle and Armored Armadillo. Dr. Cain saw Mega man come in and motioned for the blue bomber to come over.
"Mega man I'm glad you're here. Four of the mavericks are attacking and though I'm sure X and Zero can handle them, it would be nice if they had help."
"I'd be glad to. It'd be something to do and get my mind off... troubles." Mega man said, forming his arm cannon.
"Just don't get in my way." Zero said teleporting out. Fortunately, the four mavericks were in a pretty close area, supposedly to support back up to their allies. The three warriors of good appeared in an area not too far off, and decided to split up. X went after Armored Armadillo and Sting Chameleon and Zero charged after Storm Eagle. That left Chill Penguin for Mega man. Mega man started running for where the maverick was located. He found the robot releasing blasts of ice air on a group of humans. He ran up, his arm cannon blazing. Chill penguin turned his freeze breath on Mega man, but the blue bomber was ready for the attack and dodged. He started to charge up, when the penguin slid on his stomach and crashed into Mega man sending him flying into a building. Pain shot up his back at the force of the impact, but he was back on his feet quickly. Chill Penguin wasn't aiming his freeze breath at Mega man, but rather was forming two frozen statues of the maverick. Mega man dodged one of the statues as it was sent flying at him, but punched at the second one. His fist became incased in ice, and he was unable to fire. He ran behind a building and tried to shatter the ice.
Meanwhile, X was having his own trouble. Armored armadillo was reflecting everything he shot at him, while Sting Chameleon would blend into the surrounding area and attack from behind. X switched to the Electric Spark which he had acquired from Spark Mandrill and left off a few shots, but it didn't faze Sting Chameleon, and Armored armadillo just reflected them. He tapped his helmet and activated his communicator.
"Zero, Mega man, I'm in trouble. How are you guys doing?" He said into his comm. Zero's voice came up first.
"Not good. This guy is staying out of my range. I can't hit him."
"I'm having a great time." Mega man said. "He froze my arm and now I can't fire. What about that weapon you acquired? Is it of any use?"
"Not against these guys. He keeps blocking my shots, and I can't even see the other guy." X said, dodging a spiked tongue that appeared next to out of nowhere.
"Blocking your shots? Just like Spark Mandrill did with me. Is there even a brief second he drops his guard? Or can you maybe get behind him?" Mega man called out.
"Yeah. After he attacks with his rolling attack. But it's just for a second." X said.
"Nail him then. Maybe you'll get lucky." Mega man said. He had to cut his words short as Chill Penguin chose that time to come flying around the corner and slide into Mega man. He checked his energy meter. It was below half. "All right buddy, time for you to die." Mega man took his hand incased in ice and slammed it into Chill Penguin. The maverick stumbled backwards from the blow, and the force had destroyed the ice on Mega man's hand. He reformed his arm cannon and sent off a spray of shots. The maverick took every shot square in the chest. It started to smoke, and a few sparks went off just as the maverick exploded. Mega man grabbed the Shotgun Ice adapter, and went to help Zero.
X had taken Mega man's advice and shot just after Armored Armadillo stopped rolling around. The shot connected and Armored Armadillo let out a cry as his armor was sent flying from his body. The maverick now had no protection from attacks, and went down quickly. X picked up the Rolling Shield and activated it. He started to charge up his cannon and used the new weapon. A blue sphere surrounded Mega man, and Sting Chameleon's attacks simply reflected away.
"Now who's got the advantage?" X said, taunting the green robot. Unfortunately, X couldn't switch weapons, nor could he attack while the shield was in place. So instead, he turned and ran towards Zero.
X and Mega man arrived at roughly the same time. Zero was caught in a vertical tornado blast and Storm Eagle was just flying around, occasionally dive-bombing the red hero. Mega man let out a blast of Shotgun Ice at Storm Eagle, and managed to hit a wing. Storm Eagle, no longer able to fly properly, fell to the ground. The tornado also dissipated since Storm Eagle wasn't concentrating on it, and Zero landed rather heavily on the ground. Zero lay still, the only sign of life being the crystal on his forehead blinking.
"What's that?" Mega man asked, pointing to the crystal.
"It's an energy center. In case we can't tell that our own energy is down, the crystal flashes to point out we're low on energy. Though if it gets shattered, it can shut us down. Though only Zero and I have them." X explained, while going over to Zero. "You'd better get back to the lab. You're in bad shape." He said, helping Zero to his feet.
"I'm fine." Zero said, pulling out his light saber. Storm Eagle had broken his wing free and was airborne again. Sting Chameleon also finally caught up with them. X tried to convince Zero to go back, but the warrior refused to leave. He insisted his energy was fine. So X took on Storm Eagle with his long-range arm cannon, and Mega man aided Zero in attacking Sting Chameleon. Storm Eagle was no match for the long-range plasma cannon, but his speed proved to give X far more trouble than he'd wanted. The dive bombs and tornado attack kept X on his guard and moving, but in the end, X had been dealing out all the damage and only taking some. X took the Storm Tornado and used it to trap Sting Chameleon. The lizard maverick started swirling around so fast, he was unable to blend in with anything, but the tornado didn't last long and X had to repeatedly use it. However, it was enough for Zero's light saber and Mega man's arm cannon to finish him off. They took the Chameleon Sting and returned to the lab.
* * *
Break man didn't appear in Dr. Light's lab like he had planned. Instead, he appeared beside Dr. Cossack and Pharaoh Man in Dr. Cossack's lab.
"Break man? What are you doing here?" The scientist asked, looking confused.
"I don't know. I should be in Dr. Light's lab. Maybe my teleporter is malfunctioning. I'll have Dr. Light look at it when I get back to the lab. For now, we should see what we ripped off of Wily." Said the red robot, reaching for the sack Pharaoh man was holding. He dumped the contents on a lab table.
"Agreed. We might find something useful." Dr. Cossack said, walking over to the table and starting to go through the devices. There were many things that none of the three could make heads or tails of, but there were some devices that looked as though they gave away their purpose. One was a chip, that after being scanned, that would drain energy at a constant rate from whomever it was placed in. Another was a small attachment that fit nicely around Break man's arm cannon. It had two weapons already programmed in. The Metal Blade and the Skull shield. Undoubtedly Wily had planned to give it to one of his weaponless robots such as Guts man so they would have weapon abilities. Unfortunately, most of the devices were alien to the three and would need to be tested before they could be put to use. Dr. Cossack led the group to a small testing chamber, used mostly to disarm bombs and traps. The devices were placed in the room one at a time, activated from outside the room, and after the use discovered, were either turned off, or destroyed if they couldn't be turned off. Suddenly, Dr. Cossacks computer started to beep, notifying them of an incoming communication. Dr. Cossack went to the computer and Dr. Light appeared on the screen.
"Dr. Cossack, have you gotten word of Break man? He's been gone an awfully long time and I'm dreadfully worried." Dr. Light's worried voice said.
"I'm right here Dr. Light." Break man said, walking forward. "Something was wrong and I couldn't teleport back to the lab. I instead ended up here with Dr. Cossack and Pharaoh man."
"Thank god you're all right. Reason being, there's a huge uproar at Wily's castle. Seems like he's massing a major army of robots, and he's on the rampage. Seems you did something unfavorable." Dr. Light said with a worried, but sly grin.
"We must've swiped the time-portal." Dr. Cossack jumped in. "It must be one of the devices we haven't yet checked." The scientist hurried off to test more devices. Break man grinned and looked back at Dr. Light.
"Sorry I hadn't contacted you, but we got caught up in the devices. What about my teleporter? Can you fix it?"
"It shouldn't be a problem. It may just be a mix-up in your teleportation settings. We'll work on it when you get back. For now, though, I'd recommend you avoid using it except in dire emergencies." Dr. Light said. "For now, go back and help Dr. Cossack, but keep me updated!" He said with a stern look.
"Yes, sir." Break man said as he closed the connection. He went back as Dr. Cossack was about to test another device. It was curved at one end, and ended in a square back. It was roughly three inches long, and had what looked to be a port which the device could be hooked up to a computer. Dr. Cossack hit a button and there was a bright flash of light. When the light faded, there stood a green portal in the testing room.
Chapter 12
Sigma paced around his command center. X and Zero were bad enough, but now some new robot named Mega man was helping destroy his robots. A character hidden by the shadows spoke up.
"I can even the odds. I'll get Zero out of the way for you."
"You've already failed me once Vile. Why should I give you another chance?" Sigma said in disgust.
"Because my new carrier has a special feature. Anyone who tries to destroy it will be so severely damaged, they won't be able to battle. I haven't been able to test it though, so I don't know if the effects are permanent." Vile said, stepping into the light. His purple suit of armor almost made it seem he was still in the shadows.
"And if it blows up, you'll be one less nuisance I have to worry about." Sigma muttered grinning. "Very well Vile. You may have your second chance. But don't you dare fail me again."
"As you wish Sigma." Vile said disappearing into the shadows.
"You're days are numbered X. I'll get Zero and Mega man too." He said, while laughing.
* * *
X handed the Chameleon sting to Mega man so they would each have two weapons at their disposal, and since X had the shield, he decided Mega man should have the cloaking ability. However, X didn't realize that Mega man's arm cannon was unable to charge this new style of weapons quite the way he did. Zero was in the rejuvenation chamber, getting repaired when Dr. Cain walked in.
"I've got good news. Not only is Zero recharging, his system is becoming more stable."
"Meaning?" X asked.
"Simply put, he's coming back into existence. I would assume your structure is reforming too." Dr. Cain said, a huge smile on his face. X and Mega man looked at each other and cheered.
"Break man musta got the time device and is on his way." Mega man said, running out of the lab.
"Mega man, where are you going?" X yelled as he followed the blue bomber.
"To the place I appeared. I assume Break man will appear in the same place." Mega man called back. The two made it to where Mega man had first appeared, but there was no portal. Just the wind blowing the grass was all that awaited Mega man. X placed his hand on Mega man's shoulder.
"Give him time. Maybe all that happened was they found the device." X said quietly. Mega man nodded.
"Right, he just needs more time." Mega man said, starting to walk back towards the lab. He reached the hill he had climbed when he had first appeared when the grass in front of him burst into flames.
"Mega man, look out!" X said, racing forward to help. Mega man looked up to see what resembled an elephant standing on its hind legs.
"What's your name? Elephant man?" Mega man said, charging his cannon.
"You creep. The name's Flame Mammoth. And you'll regret that comment." Flame Mammoth leaped into the air and shot off a stream of fire at the blue bomber. Mega man dodged and let off his charged shot. Both attacks missed, but X's shot was right on target. Flame Mammoth looked back and forth. "This ain't fair. Two on one."
"Be thankful you have those odds. A maverick deserves less." X said, letting off another spray of shots. The bulky robot couldn't dodge, but normal shots weren't very effective against the huge monster. X armed the Rolling Shield while Mega man used the Chameleon sting. They used regular shots since the charged up attacks were meant mainly for defense. The Chameleon sting was about as powerful as the arm cannon, not to mention slower and the Rolling Shield was completely useless. They switched to Storm Tornado and Electric Spark. The electric spark was also useless, but the Storm Tornado did a good job. It knocked the maverick to the ground and kept him there momentarily while dishing out damage. The maverick let out a trumpet from his horn and the warriors had to cover their ears from the sound.
"He won't make honors in music, that's for sure." Mega man joked. The battle was going the way of the maverick hunters when Flame Mammoth managed to score a good hit on Mega man with his snout, knocking the air out of the blue bomber. X went to help, but was hit with a blast from the mavericks flame attack. Flame Mammoth put his extreme weight on X by landing on him, pinning him down. Mega man got up, but only to be knocked back down by a shot from what felt like the rolling cutter. But Cut man wasn't here, was he? He looked up and saw another maverick with a curved blade attached to his head. The maverick looked incredibly agile and he proved it by moving so fast, it could've been mistaken for a teleport. Both hunters were in trouble when suddenly Flame Mammoth trumpeted in pain. But it didn't sound like the previous trumpet. Mega man looked over at the now snoutless Flame Mammoth, and saw Zero holding his glowing saber. Another couple of quick swipes, and the maverick exploded. X picked up the Flame Wave, and went to help Mega man. Zero was about to attack Boomer Kuwanger when a familiar metallic "thunk" was heard from behind. Zero turned around and saw what he had feared. Seated in his walker, was Vile.
"Hello again Zero. How nice to see you again." Vile said, a mocking grin on his face.
"Wish I could say the same." Zero said jumping into the air with his saber slashing. A huge arm shot out from the carrier and grabbed Zero in mid-air. The red hunter struggled to break free, but was unable to move.
"Gee too bad Zero. X! Mega man! Stop where you are." Vile called out. Mega man and X turned around to see a trapped Zero. They stopped their battle with Boomer Kuwanger and lowered their arm cannons.
"Let him go Vile." X said sternly.
"Now why would I do that? I could just crush him if I wanted to. But I have something much better planned." Vile said, turning around to leave.
"You're not going anywhere!" Mega man yelled, letting off a fully powered shot he had been storing. The shot wasn't that effective against the carrier, but the force of impact pushed it forwards.
"My my. Impulsive little brat aren't we." Vile said grinning. "You want a piece of me? Come and get it." Mega man didn't have to be asked twice. He rushed forward, arm cannons blazing.
"Mega man wait. His carrier is too strong for you. Your arm cannons won't even scratch it." X called out, running to help. Vile didn't even counter attack until Mega man was right in front of him. He shot some sort of energy ball at Mega man, and when it hit, Mega man found himself caught in and energy field. His systems basically went on standby, and he was forced to watch as Vile grabbed him with the carriers other fist. X stopped short, realizing he couldn't attack for fear he'd hit one of his friends.
"Well X, it's come down to this. You're friends are helpless, you are weak. Surrender yourself to Sigma and I might let one of them live." Vile said laughing.
"You'll let BOTH of them live." Came a voice behind Vile. A powered up shot hit Vile square in the back and sent him flying out of the carrier.
"Who the hell are you?" Vile screamed, getting up.
"Break man!!!" Mega man cried.
"Hey bro. Don't tell me I gotta save you again!?" Break man said, jumping into the carrier. He hit a few buttons and the hands released their captives.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Mega man said grinning. The four warriors bore down on Vile and Boomer Kuwanger. Boomer teleported out, realizing he was hopelessly outnumbered. Vile looked at the three warriors, and his carrier with the fourth.
"You guys won't get away with this!" Vile roared. He hit a switch on a remote control he produced, and the carrier started to flash.
"Break man, get outta there!" Zero said, running to the carrier.
"I can't. I'm stuck." Break man said, fighting to break free of the magnetic force holding him down. Mega man also went to help, but X held him back.
"Let Zero do it. No sense all four of us getting wasted." X said. Zero leaped into the air, knocking Break man free, but trapping himself in the magnetic hold. There was a bright flash and an explosion.
"ZERO!!!" X cried, shielding his eyes. Even with the visor, Break man had to hide his eyes. When the light from the explosion died down, Vile had vanished, and Zero was lying on the ground, not even breathing.