Firstly, I'd like to apologize once again for ending the first SSR: Celestia rather abruptly, but at least i've come up with the continuation. I'd like to point out that the last chapter was kind of like a preview for those two forms of Geo and Solo so they won't be making their appearance again anytime soon. Also, in the end of every chapter from here on out, there's gonna be a chapter-end segment which will talk about a few things like new terms. Still not much fluff, but I'll be getting to that in the next chapter.

Shooting Star Rockman Celestia: 2nd wave
chapter 2: Ace

Computers, devices and machines of all sorts were scattered all throughout the lit room. In that room stood the whole gang, with the exception of Geo who was still lying unconscious in another room for the time being. It only took a good 15 minutes for Solo to finally wake up, but Geo was a different story. Currently, they were inside the Satella Police HQ, or so they've been told...

Among the teens present in the room, there was one man who looked much older than all the rest. Beside him, a white animal shaped wizard waited patiently.

"Well, spiky's still fast asleep in the hospital bed, but at least we've got the other guy right here" The man said, shooting a look at the Mu descendant. "So, care to explain how it all happened?"

"Hmph, why don't you explain a little about yourself first?" Solo replied coldly, "It's just that It doesn't feel right to give out information to someone I don't have the slightest clue of"

Hearing the rather rejective statement, The blue haired man let out a quick laugh, right before taking out a candy bar and taking flash quick bites out of the miniature snack. "I like how you think. It's not everyday I see someone with guts like yours. Anyway, just like I told you before, my name's Ace and I work for the Satella Police; or rather, a more special division"

"Special division?" Sonia repeated with a questioned tone.

"Yup, that's right. It's a special ops organization called 'Zero Satella Police'. Now, I'm sure you're asking yourselves 'Why haven't I ever heard of them before?' or 'Are these guys just some posers acting like mature policemen?'. Well, just to clarify your doubts, here's my badge. And if that's still not enough then look around you. Would posers be using high-tech stuff like this?"

The man known as Ace seemed to show a pretty good point. Every bit of proof he'd shown just now was really more than enough to convince everyone of the authenticity of their organization.

"Well, now can you tell me what you know? Even if it's not much, trust me, you have no idea how badly we need info"

Seeing that the group he was dealing with looked trustworty enough, except for Ace's un-policelike attitude which sprouted his doubt in the first place, Solo decided that it might be best that he share what memory he had of what had occured a long while ago.

"When the meteors started forming together, I got this strange reading coming from it. It almost felt like it was actually talking to me" He paused for a bit, trying to recall exactly what happened. "I managed to hear one phrase from the voice. It said...'Save me', but before I could hear anything else, a loud noise suddenly hit my head hard. It only got stronger until I realized the form I'd taken"

After hearing that short but informative explanation, Ace wanted to know his wizard's opinion. But surely enough, his explanation was more or less the same thing: A strange reading, a soft voice, then a mind shattering sound before finally turning into that mysterious but extremely deadly form.

As Ace continued to piece together the puzzle using his own information combined with the new gathered bits, his attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of an automatic door swinging open right behind him. Turning around, he and the rest of the group caught sight of a sleepy looking Geo, letting out a small yawn before stepping forward.

"Hey...what'd i miss?" The boy said as his friends rushed up towards him.

"A-Are you okay, Geo?" The pink haired singer asked, "You were out for quite awhile. Maybe you should rest for a little while longer"

"No, that's alright" He responded with a reassuring smile, "I think I've been out cold long enough"

And the reason to his long slumber was still something Ace had been pondering about ever since he'd brought him into the area. If Solo had woken up much earlier than Geo had, did that mean that Solo just had a stronger body? Or maybe there was yet another factor in that hypothesis?

"Mornin' Spiky! Glad to see you're finally awake" The charismatic Ace suddenly interrupted, catching the boy right off guard.

"Umm...thank you?" Geo replied, a look of complete confusion present in his face as he wondered if he'd met this man in front of him in the past. After a quick re-introduction of who and what Ace was, the group could finally get back on track, but thanks to the sudden sound of a siren, maybe it wouldn't happen quite yet.

"oh geez, talk about god-given luck. And I was just getting to the important part. Oh well, guess it can't be helped. Follow me. We're gonna find out what's causing all this racket"

As the group ran along the steel walled corridors, the alarms continued to sound loudly, coupled with the sounds of equally loud footsteps from all those that were rushing to the scene as well. Whatever the intruder was, hopefully it wouldn't be able to withstand the numerous forces being gathered.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Or maybe, the intruder could do more than simply withstand their forces. As soon as Ace had led everyone to the entrance, a war zone could be clearly be seen across the numerous hills that surrounded the base. About 5 gun turrets had already been sabotaged and it didn't look like their enemies were stopping anytime soon.

Their enemies were more or less a mixture of viruses, as well as a new type of foe never before seen, at least until now. Their bodies were full of yellow EM waves that seemed to be in an uncontrolled state. They were also wizard-like in shape, but something was definitely off.

"This is really not good" Ace began, "If we let them get any closer, they'll find out where the base is. Either we stop them now...or spend a few months just renovating to a new location"

The man's seemingly calm attitude came as a surprise to everyone. Right now seemed like a dire situation that a person would normally panic about even just a little bit. But no matter how much they wanted to reflect on that, their attention was just too focused upon the hostiles a few ways from them.

Examining the situation, Geo thought that it'd be best if he'd hold them off for now. After all, it did benefit everyone.

"We'll help you take them down. But after we do, could you tell us everything you know?" He asked, gaining a quick nod from the blue haired man.

"Sure thing, spiky. I kinda need more info from you guys too so let's give each other a hand for now"

"Alright, and one more thing...stop calling me spiky..."

Mega interrupted, "But that name really does kinda fit you. I mean, your hair is spiking up like a porcupine after all"

"Gee, thanks for the back-up, Mega..." Geo replied, eyes narrowed irritatingly towards his wizard partner. Ace had let out a quick chuckle hearing that before he finally took out a customized type of MP-Hunter and quickly wrapped it around his arm.

"Now that the whole plan's settled, let's get to work, shall we? Trans code 001, Acid Ace!"

And in a flash, a newly transformed Ace had caught the group's surprised eyes. The man was now covered with cybernetic armor that had many similarities to everyone else's, and his right arm had formed a white cannon.

"Okay, people, we're gonna split up into 3 groups. One will head to the west entrance, another will head to the east, and the last group will take the north side. There's supposed to be one more entrance to the base, but I don't think they'll be able to find even a trace of it so I don't think we'll have a problem with that"

Geo's curious mind wondered what Ace had meant by saying that there was another entrance that was practically well hidden, but he knew he needed to stay focused on the task at hand for now.

After splitting up and heading to their designated locations, Rockman and Acid Ace were now nearing the north end entrance. From their current point, they could already see fellow Satella Police members fighting it out with a massive group of pick-axe carrying matennas, however, they weren't exactly on the winning side.

One particular member was too busy firing a laser rifle to take notice of the viruses' plan to surround him. Unfortunately, they did, and were about to actually strike at him if it weren't for the wave humans' intervention, firing a barrage of blasts that took them out in an instant.

"Hurry and re-group with the others" Acid Ace began, "You can leave this part to us"

And with one last salute, the soldier hurriedly took off to complete the duty given to him.

As for Rockman and Acid Ace's current duties, they still had yet to lay waste of the many viruses scattered across the barren field. Their numbers greatly escaladed Rockman's own, but that didn't mean they couldn't handle it. he'd been through much worse than that.

Charging at the viruses, Rockman began firing a few shots from his buster before turning his right hand into a bright green long sword, and with it, slicing them in half before they could even lift their weapons. From afar, a few matennas have already sent shockwaves at the blue bomber, leaving him to jump straight up and fire an airspread in mid-air that deleted them in one shot.

Still on high alert, he quickly took up his sword once again and turned around to clash his weapon with the virus's own, creating sparks that emanated from the two blades. Letting out a short cry, Rockman knocked the pick-axe from sight before doing the same to what was in front of him.

Observing his companion's abilities, as well as concentrating on his own battle, Acid Ace let out a sharp whistle from his lips. "Heh, not bad, Rockman. But still, you've got a lot of work to do before you can catch up to me and Acid" He said, giving Mega something to argue about.

"What did you just say? Why don't I prove to you that we can match anything you throw at us, right here, right now" The AM-ian fired back. Just like his human partner, Acid had to disagree with the said statement.

"You make me laugh. What makes you think something like you could beat highly classed technology?"

"Now, now, Acid" Interrupted Ace, "If you wanna start a fight, do it in a time where we don't have to get rid of a mountain of viruses" Geo had to completely agree with that. It's not like the viruses would actually wait for them to finish fighting.

And it wasn't just the viruses, but the new enemy that was also rather impatient. From behind all the viruses, this strange new entity was actually consuming its own allies, tearing them up into small fragments before merging it with its own overflowing data. As it continued to destroy, the wave patterns around its whole body started to grow fiercer and more berserk.

"What the hell's it doing?" Mega wondered as he stared at the canible-like scene in front of him.

Rockman started, "I think it's...absorbing them. But, why would it do that to its own allies in the first place?"

"Easy" The blue haired wave human interrupted, "Because it wasn't even friends with them in the first place. It was probably just kicking back until it finally had a chance" As he analyzed the monstrosity in front of them, he knew that it was going to be their new target. "Okay guys, new plan: We take this big guy out before he has the chance to grow as big as those mountains over there. Just a few more meals, and I've got a hunch he will"

Rockman quickly agreed with that fact and set his aim on the monster-like being as well. Taking out a cannon card, Rockman opened fire with a few shots, however, upon contact it was merely turned into scrap data that was absorbed into the enemy in no time at all.

"Okay, let me try then!" As Acid Ace ran to the foe, a pink laser blade appeared through his left hand and with it, he sliced at the giant being once. Unfortunately, that wouldn't work either as the blade also suffered the same fate as that last cannon attack.

After flipping a few feet back to avoid being drained as well, Acid Ace finally realized what had been happening to all their attacks. "Okay, i get it now. This thing can absorb any type of 'wave affiliation' that comes close to it"

"Wave what?" Mega repeated.

"Wave Affiliation" He replied, "It's a term used to call the structure of waves. I think you already know this, but almost everything is made up of waves; even humans are. But it's just that the waves in humans are so minimal that it's barely noticable. It's in our DNA but there's only a tiny speck of it. The same goes for other things like wood, water and other things like that, but their wave readings are just as small"

"And just where're you going with that explanation?" Mega asked once again.

"In a nutshell, 'wave affiliation' differs from one object to another. If their affiliation was the same, then they'd mix up and cause an abnormal reaction just like ol' chunky over there. battle cards are stored in data cards so that their affiliation wouldn't leak out and probably create a reaction with something in the area" Shooting a glance at the berserk enemy, Acid Ace continued his explanation.

"This guy over here's got multiple wave affiliations unlike everything else which only have one. It probably got all those from absorbing countless wave patterns. So now, the problem is that everything we throw at him are made up of waves. In these fused forms, we're kinda like waves too since we've mixed with EM beings"

Hearing that final explanation, Rockman finally understood what had been said to him. If they got close to the enemy in their current forms, they'd be absorbed just like their battle cards were. Apparently, all their attacks right now were useless against it.

But that wasn't about to stop a certain someone from at least trying. "Then how about we do something like this" A voice silently echoed as a man dressed in black armor slammed his violet fist into the ground, creating a massive hole which stopped the yellow monster frozen in its tracks.

"Solo!" Rockman said after making a quick turn to see the descendant of Mu as well as the rest of his companions.

"Sorry it took us awhile," Harpnote said, "There was a ton of them. You wouldn't believe it!"

"Yeah, the same over here" Mega added, "But something else took out the other small fry" And seeing the large blob in front of them, everyone knew who Mega had meant.

Acid Ace shifted his eyes from the great hole in the ground to the rocky terrain around them. There were many mountains and rock formations that they may be able to use against the monster.

"I think I have an idea" He started, catching everyone's attention. "Since real objects like those mountains only have a tiny amount of wave energy, they won't be absorbed by that thing. So what we gotta do...is simply bury that things under a pile of rocks. Hey, we might even make a new mountain by doing that"

The pun aside, Rockman and co. thought it was a pretty good idea. If they couldn't hit it, maybe nature could. And right now, it seemed like the only option they had. It was either that or retreating and letting it find out where the Zero Satella HQ was hidden.

Now that they finally had a good plan to go on, they planned to not waste even a moment of time. Immediately, everyone got right to work, freeing up huge rocks to either kick or throw unto their enemy. Some of them were blocked or deflected, but a seven-against-one strategy was just too much for it to bare.

Eventually, signs of exhaustion and injury had shown up on the berserk being. Its swings were getting slower and so were its movements. At this point, a finishing blow couldn't be far behind.

Acid Ace started, "Okay, I think its time we ended this" Finally putting up a signal, everyone nodded in agreement as they slowly lead the enraged target unto a trap that had been set by mother earth herself. Unaware of the danger in front of it, it slowly brought about its own demise by walking right into the trap.

In a few moments, it was finally on the designated point, leaving Acid Ace to give the go-signal.

"Let's wrap it up!" He yelled as everyone focused their aim at the weakest point of a large rock formation. And at once, all opened concentrated fire on the rock which finally gave in and fell like a waterfall unto the unsuspecting prey.

With an earthshaking thud, the boulders finally smashed their target, suddenly exploding it into millions of tiny yellow specks that breezed through like a desert sand storm.

"W-What's happening?" Luna said as she shielded herself with her arms.

After a few moments of confusion, the whirling winds finally came to a halt. When everyone had opened their eyes to see what had happened, the yellow EM being could no longer be seen and the pile of rocks were no longer on top of anything except the barren ground beneath.

"It's...gone" Harpnote remarked, bending over to the spot to take a closer look. It seemed there really wasn't anything left of it.

Because in truth, it was now lying in the hands of a certain person that had been an enemy of Rockman and co. for a long time.

"Great job, spazzes! You seriously saved me all the trouble of coming down here and getting rid of that thing myself! I owe you big time for this...NOT!"

Turning around, the group caught sight of a teenager dressed in blood red armor. His similarly colored headband held up his orange spiky hair and attached to his back were two blades of enormous size and weight. It'd been a long time since Rockman had seen any member of Celestia and seeing him didn't really bring back any good memories.

"Rage..." The blue bomber muttered, eyes narrowed angrily at the man.

"The one and only! I haven't seen you guys in awhile and it gives me this really nostalgic feeling, ya know?" The teen snobbishly remarked right before he quickly took out one of his swords and deflected a sudden cannon shot. Searching for the source, Rage's eyes zoomed in on a certain Acid Ace.

"Yo, name's Ace. Pleasure to finally meet a Celestia member. So, how's dealer doing? I hear you guys're working with them now"

In complete and utter confusion, Rage blinked his orange eyes twice as he tried to recall what had just happened in mere seconds.

"So uhh...who the hell're you again?"

"Just told ya. Name's Ace"

"That's not really what I meant"

"Then you should've been more specific"

"Does that really matter?"

"You bet it does"

As Harpote listened in on the conversation, her confusion grew even more. "Hey Geo" She whispered, "Is it just me...or does this conversation seem kinda...relaxed"

"Your asking the wrong guy" He replied, "I've got no clue what's going on in their heads..."

And finally, Rage decided to wrap things up for the day. "Well that was a weird but entertaining conversation. I hope we can do that again sometime. I don't know how you know about dealer and all that stuff, but it might do you good to keep those things to yourself"

Ace chuckled, "Heh, if that's a threat, then bring it on"

Hearing that challenge, Rage unconsciously let out a laugh as well. "You know what, I think I'm starting to like you! There's just something about you that really clicks. Well, as much I'd like to stay and chat for a little while longer, I've got duty calls. See ya!"

And in a flash of light, he was gone; gone without a trace...

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now that the battle was over, Ace had planned to continue his trade of info with Geo and his friends, but decided to leave it for another day. Because of the new info he'd gathered including the appearance of that large EM being as well as Rage, he thought he'd do a little more research first.

Back at Zero Satella HQ, Ace handed everyone a virtual pass for easier access to the base the next time they'd drop by. "Here, you'll be needing these. When you're in the Astro Road, look for a barricaded door with the same name as the base then use that card to gain access. I'll be contacting you guys when I need to talk to you again, okay?"

Nodding in agreement, the group proceeded to the astro wave where each headed back home to rest. Ace, however, didn't think he'd be able to rest anytime soon.

"Oh man, my work just keeps on pilin' up. Oh well I guess I can't do a thing about it. Hey Acid, I think I'm gonna pull another all-nighter on this one. Think you could help me out?"

"It's what I was created to do" The wave being faithfully replied, making his partner sigh in response.

"Easy for you to say...you don't get tired. But, I guess that's a plus for me too"

"But Ace, at least we've seen one of Celestia's members now"

True, true...but still, there's just too much I don't know. I don't even know why Rage collected all that data on that yellow chunk in the first place...or why they're even cooperating with Dealer..."

Taking a look at the setting sky above him, Acid let out a deep sigh. "I guess...we really do have a lot of work ahead of us"

"You got that right. Well...I'm gonna go get myself a Mega snack first..."

Seeing his partner walk back inside, Acid decided to follow, but not before muttering a certain phrase to himself. "If you eat too much of that, you'll grow fat..."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sonia: And that about wraps it up for this chapter!

Geo: If you're wondering what's going on right now. This is a small chapter-end segment where me and Sonia explain some complicated things, give a preview of the next chapter, or just hang around.

Sonia: So for the first part of the show, we'll be explaining new terms, be it a person or other stuff.

Geo: *Gets a slip of paper* so first up is...wave affiliation. Okay, so wave affiliation is kinda what prevents other wave matters from mixing with each other. The data on battle cards, on the other hand, don't have wave affiliation so are kept inside cards to keep them from reacting with other wave matters.

Sonia: If they happen to mix up, they could malfunction, and in a worst case scenario, even blow up so people are extra careful with the casing of battle cards.

Geo: Moving onto the next one...is Ace. So Ace is a member of the Zero Satella Police force and a really respected one at that. His EM partner is Acid who was created with their technology. He's kinda different from EM-ians like Mega because he's more 'material' than wave. When they combine, they form Acid Ace.

Sonia: Oh, and he REALLY likes mega snacks.

Geo: For the last new term, we have...Rage. He's one of the members of the group called Celestia which we've fought a number of times before. Like all the members of Celestia, he can transform into a wave human without the use of an EM partner. His main weapons are a pair of large swords that he can use to create a whirlwind made of flames. He is usually seen with Torrent, another member of Celestia as well as his brother.

Sonia: And in terms of attitude, Rage is a cocky, arrogant, and hot-blooded maniac while Torrent is a complete opposite.

Geo: Well that was a quick summary...

Sonia: Moving onto the next part of the show, we'll be giving you a quick preview of the next chapter by telling you a few clue-words. So, please take a look at the very large screen behind us.

*Drum roll as words begin to appear on the screen*

*The words appear as "Melodynote" , "Sonia", and "Cooking"*

Sonia: For some reason...I'm not liking the sound of this...

Geo: Did that last one say "Cooking"? I wonder what that's about?

Sonia: Well, we're almost out of time so I guess we'll just have to find out next time...although I'd rather not...

Geo: Bye for now, folks!