Vent & Aile
Chapter 2 - The "Maverick Hunters"
Disclaimer: I do not own Mega Man ZX or its characters. I only own the characters I created for the story and the parts of story I created. I also do not own he Mega Man franchise.
Vent and Aile, along with their new friend, Model X, ran through the forest of Area A, busters in hand. On the way, they've taken out multiple Mavericks with ease while at the same time, learning incredible abilities such as the 'wall-jump' and the 'dash'.
"It is very impressive how these two children were able to learn so easily..." Model X said within himself, so Vent or Aile couldn't hear his voice, "However, they still have a long way to go..."
Vent and Aile stopped immediately, looking down at the ground.
"These tracks..." Aile started. "They belong to the snake, no doubt..." Vent finished. Vent and Aile's eyes widened when the sound of rumbling was heard. It was like a tiny earthquake to the children. Vent looked over to his left to see a fast moving... thing. Aile turned to her brother and she saw nothing. In seconds, a large shadow appeared before the two, surprising them. It was the snake mechaniloid they were looking for, the Giga-Aspis. Aile held onto her X-Buster, ready to begin the fight while Vent stood tall, smirking at the large snake hissing at them.
"Good... You finally show up...!" Vent said pulling out his X-Buster. Aile smiled too, as she was just as confident as her brother. "The other Mavericks were nothing compared to you two... This will be the real challenge. Are you two ready for this?" Model X asked.
Vent and Aile closed their eyes, sighing at the exact same time. In unison, they both opened their eyes and yelled,
READY!
~ Combination - VS Mega Scorpio ~
The Giga Aspis roared it's mechanical roar into the forest, charging head first at the two. Vent and Aile moved swiftly away from the mechaniloid, it moving in between them. The mechaniloid stopped and swung it's mace-tail at Vent. He dashed away from the tail, but the impact of the tail, knocked Vent back a bit. Fortunately, the rocks that flung at him missed. Aile aimed her X-Buster and released multiple shots at the Giga Aspis' body. To her shock, it did nothing to it. Aile went to her brother and knelt down to his level.
"Are you okay, Vent?" Aile asked in concern, while keeping her attention on the mechaniloid. Vent smiled at Aile, pulling out his buster. "Just fine, thanks."
The mechaniloid turned around and began backing up, preparing for another charge. The two dodged again as the snake charged at them, missing once more. Instead of using it's mace-tail again, it turned back around, staring at them.
"Model X, how do we beat this mechaniloid?!" Vent asked, shooting at the mechaniloid. "First, you need to find it's weak point." Vent and Aile quickly observed the mechaniloid. However, sounds were heard as it's body parts started to light up. The Giga Aspis' eyes lighted up and from it's mouth came dangerous projectiles in a circular motion. Vent and Aile moved aside from the projectiles, but they split up. Aile was lucky enough to dodge it, but Vent wasn't, as the projectile came in contact with his arm. Vent screamed as it burned, like acid.
"You need to charge up your buster! Hold onto the trigger until you've reached maximum charge!" Model X yelled out.
Aile had a determined look on her face, as she followed her friend's instructions. Aile aimed the X-Buster at the Giga Aspis, a high-pitched charging sound being heard until she had reached maximum charge. She squinted her eyes and released the shot. Out came a bright charged shot that came in contact with the Giga Aspis' face. The mechaniloid hissed in pain. Vent stopped rubbing his armed and smiled at Aile.
"It's face... Of course!" Vent cried, realizing the weakness. "Excellent work Aile. But don't celebrate yet." Model X said. "I know, I know. It's not down yet!" Aile said.
Vent charged up his X-Buster like Aile and released his charged shot at the Giga Aspis' face, imitating his sister's method. The Giga Aspis hissed again. It's eyes shined redder than they already were, more brighter. It was furious. It was in it's Allegro mode, beginning to move more quickly. The Giga Aspis turned around again and smashed it's mace-tail on the ground again, pushing Vent and Aile back. Aile landed on her behind, but she wasn't out yet. She charged up her X-Buster and looked forward, with a face of anger. However, that look of anger disappeared into shock as a giant rock was hurling at her. Aile released the charged shot at the rock, exploding it into bits, but the Giga Aspis was hurling at her quickly. She aimed at the ground, closing her eyes in fear, and released another charged shot from her other hand. Aile was flying in the air, dodging the Giga Aspis' attack. Aile screamed as she fell on the Giga Aspis body, holding on as tight as she could.
"Aaaaaaaaaaah! V-VENT! GET ME OFF OF THIS THING, PLEASE!"
A sweat drop came down Vent's face as he charged at the now out of control mechaniloid. It was trying it's best to get Aile off of it.
"Vent, you saw what she did, didn't you?" Model X asked. "Y-yeah, she released a second charged shot from her other hand... Does this mean we have two X-Busters?" Vent asked. "Precisely. Use what your sister did to finish this."
"Got it." Vent said nodding his head. Vent ran, following the mechaniloid go in circles, shaking it's body around for Aile to let go. She finally let go, flying towards Vent. The Giga Aspis was charging at both Aile and Vent. Vent had a face with determination, just like his sister had not too long ago.
"Now Vent!" Once his X-Buster reached maximum charge, he dashed under her sister, leaving her shock that he didn't catch her, and released both X-Busters at the Mechaniloid's opened mouth. Vent panted hard as he thought the Mechaniloid would had got to him before he got to it. The Giga Aspis' crimson red eyes darkened in defeat... It's entire body started to shine, rays of light exiting it's body and finally exploding. Vent covered his eyes as the explosion got brighter and brighter, and finally dimming down. Vent smiled.
~ SONG END ~
"...I did it..." Vent said, sighing in relief. Suddenly, a punch to the face came at Vent and he fell to the ground. The view focuses on Aile, with golden-yellow, angry eyes. "You jerk! Why didn't you catch me!?" she yelled.
"Catch you?! If I had caught you, then we'd both be snake-food!" Vent yelled back, rubbing his cheek. "Fine, fine... Let's put that behind us... However, let's make it clear brother..." Aile said, catching Vent's attention.
"WE did it, not just you.", she finished with a joyful smile.
Vent chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, "Y-yeah, of course. WE did it."
"Speaking of which... Why did you help us Model X?" Aile asked.
"Do I need a reason to help people? You two never knew that girl, Prairie, yet you both shown no hesitation in helping her and her men. All I did was lend you guys power to fight the Mavericks. You are the brave ones."
"Me? Brave? Not really, haha." Vent said. "That power saved our hides, but bravery alone isn't enough to find the Mavericks...", Aile said.
"...I see..." Model X said.
"The rendezvous point is up ahead." Vent said, seeing a door from afar.
Vent and Aile walked towards the door and once it opened, guns were pointed at them. They were soldiers in green, like the others back there.
"A-again with this..." Vent whispered.
"H-Hold on. We are deliverers of Giro Express. Your friends need your help back there!" Aile said.
"What?" one soldier said. According to the tag on his vest, his name was Marue. "Prairie and the others need us! Let's move out!"
The men rushed out the door, slightly pushing Vent aside. "Be careful!" Aile cried out before the door finally closed. "Prairie must be that important, isn't she?" Vent asked the one man left behind. He had funny looking glasses on and his clothing was blue. He was small and he looked rather old, considering the fact that his mustache was white. Although it was hard to tell, that man was surprised and seemed interested in something... or someone...someones...
"Fascinating..." he began, "It would appear you have activated a Biometal... Although, I would have never guessed that the Biometal would choose two. Amazing, just amazing..."
"We're just doing our job, tee-hee!", Aile said, smiling. "Oh, where our my manners, my name is Fleuve. We thank you both for delivering the Biometal to us."
"Nice to meet you! My name is Aile, and he's my big brother Vent.", Aile introduced.
"Yeah, nice to meet you, but have you seen our Boss, Giro?", Vent asked. "Your boss?" Fleuve asked raising a eyebrow. "As far as I'm concerned, you two are the only ones to come by here other than our soldiers." Fleuve said with honesty. "Seriously?" Aile asked in surprised and worry.
A 'beep' sound was heard over radio. Marue's voice was heard.
"Fleuve! We've found them! Returning to base now!"
"Wait! Do you see anyone else from the delivery service there?" Fleuve asked.
"No, we've... Wait a second..." Marue looked over and from afar, he could see smoke. His eyes widened and he told Fleuve the information he needed. "An explosion just occurred! There appears to be a battle occurrence! From here, it looks like it's all happening in Area B!"
Aile's eyes widened in shock hearing the update, "It has to be Giro!" she thought.
"Hey, let us borrow the Biometal just a little longer!" Vent asked.
"W-WHAT!?" Fleuve cried in shock.
"There's a big chance that our boss is there in Area B! He's in danger and we can help him!" Vent explained.
"I'm sorry, but no! I can't allow you to put the Biometal at risk again!"
"Well isn't that messed up!" Aile yelled. "Now that your 'precious' package is back, you don't even care about the guy who risked his life to deliver it!"
"N-No...! That's not what I mean...!" Fleuve tried to explain.
"We don't have time to argue! Let us go, please!" Vent cried.
"B-But...!" Fleuve said in struggle.
"Let them go, Fleuve..."
The three was surprised. The voice of a female was heard in Fleuve's radio.
"P-Prairie?" Vent said under his breath. "B-But, Miss Prairie...!" Fleuve stuttered. Vent and Aile's faces brightened in joy and relief.
"Thanks Prairie!" they cried in joy. Prairie smiled, hearing their voices. Fleuve sighed. "Alright, you two. I've just received orders from Headquarters. Your mission is to find your boss. Good luck you two!"
"I see... Hold on Boss! Here we come!" Vent said as he and his sister ran out the other door.
"Prairie... Mind my disrespect, but I hope you know what you are doing..." Fleuve said to Prairie.
"Do not worry, Fleuve. I know exactly what I'm doing... And I'm sure those two know exactly what they are doing as well..."
In Area B, the two have made their way into Area B-2. On the way, Mavericks lurked in the area, just like they lurked in Area A. However, Aile and Vent have found a computer chip that they seem to think is important.
"Boy, I hope we are going the right way, because the smoke disappeared when we got here.", Vent said.
"Me too, who knows what's happening by now...", Aile said in worry.
"Vent? Aile? Can you hear me?" a voice was heard in Vent and Aile's ears. Vent and Aile jumped a little, but calmed down after realizing the voice in their heads was Prairie. How she was speaking was a mystery though.
"P-Prairie?!" Vent cried, shaking a little. "I have Mr. Giro's position on our radar." Prairie explained.
"Y-You do?" Aile asked, shaking more than Vent was. "I'm sorry, did I scare you two? I'm using our COMM Sytem to talk to you both." Prairie said. "I'll lead you right to him."
"Really?! That's great, thanks Prairie!" Vent said in relief.
Vent and Aile moved ahead, following Prairie's directions. Suddenly, Aile remembered something. "Oh yeah! Um, Prairie, me and Vent found a computer chip on our way here." Aile said. "Is that so?" Prairie asked.
"Yeah, we found it when we arrived in Area B. There were Maverick scrappings all over the place and we found this chip in one of the Maverick's 'corpses'."
"It's a good thing you two found that chip. We might be able to gather valuable information from that chip... Will you bring it to us?" Prairie asked. A smirk formed on Vent's face. "Sure we can..." Vent said, snatching the chip from Aile's hand, leaving her annoyed. "Buuut, does that mean you're placing an order with our delivery service? Well... Does it, Prairie?"
Prairie smiled. She wasn't the only one though. The sister hero smiled too at what Vent did. "Yes... I'd like to request a delivery!" Prairie said with excitement. "Thank you for your patronage!" Vent said with a huge grin.
This little happy conversation was going fine so far. The three were slowly becoming friends. But suddenly, "Vent! Aile! Look behind you!" Vent and Aile turned around a nine energy projectiles were heading their way. They managed to dodge most of them, but the other remaining came into contact with them. Vent and Aile released a semi-charge shot at the three Galleon who shot three energy shots each. They fell on the ground, breaking apart in the process.
"Vent! Aile! Are you okay?" Prairie asked in concern. "We're fine, Prairie, don't worry." Aile said.
Suddenly, a motorcycle engine was heard... No, a couple of motorcycle engines were heard, heading their way. Vent and Aile stood in their fighting positions back to back, ready for the enemies to appear before them. Although not very audible because of the motor sounds approaching them getting louder, robotic clanks were heard approaching them as well. On Aile's side, six purple motorcycles with Galleon riding them. They circled Vent and Aile, riding around them, intimidating the heroes. From Vent's side and view, a dozen of Galleon were approaching them with weapons in hand including regular busters and energy-blades. Vent gulped at this sight. They were completely outnumbered.
"We're surrounded...! Any ideas sis?" Vent said, his eye looking at his sister. "I believe we can take them, but the results wouldn't be very good." Model X warned. Aile looked over from the three Galleon in front of her on her side. She spotted a ditch behind them and what appears to be a ladder as well.
"Okay, Vent... There's a passage way behind us, maybe if we could take out one or two in front of me, we can hide out there for a bit." Aile said. "I don't think that's a good idea Aile... There could be a possibility that we won't make it without major harm..." Model X said.
Vent gritted his teeth. They had no other options at this point. "Well..." Vent started. The Galleon aimed their busters at Vent and Aile, ready to fire at any given moment. "...We got no other choice. It's do or die from here on Aile...!"
Before Vent and Aile could dash into battle, 6 out of 12 Galleon behind the bikers on Vent's side were shot. "W-Wha!?" Vent exclaimed in confusion. Aile turned around and from afar, she could see some friends...
"H-Hey! It's the Soldiers from before!" she cried in relief.
There were six soldiers in there, 4 male and 2 female. One male was huge, muscular.
"Alright men," the lead soldier began. "Charge!"
The Galleon left Vent and Aile and went for the soldiers. The two looked at each other and nodded. They decided to help them out, pulling out their X-Busters. One soldier shot two Galleon into defeat, but behind him was a Galleon with the energy-blade. The muscular soldier grabbed the Galleon and broke it in half, using his knee to break it down the middle. The bikers headed for the lead soldier, but he brought out a homing laser. He locked onto the six Galleon bikers and released six homing lasers at them. In an instant, they were destroyed. However, the homing lasers didn't kill the Galleon because the soldier simply released them at a random spot, it was because he released the homing lasers at the core of the bikes to destroy both the Galleon and the bikes. Vent and Aile took out the remaining few with the others.
After the short battle, Vent and Aile stood in front of the six soldiers. "We thank you for helping us." Aile said.
"It's no problem." the lead soldier said. "Fleuve had asked us to come her to back you guys up." The lead soldier lifted up his visor, revealing that he was a reploid like the other soldiers. "My name is Carrelet. The big one is Thon. The two females are Platane and Oeillet. The others are Sole and Maquereau. It's a pleasure to meet the Chosen Ones."
"Thanks for the help, but we are in a rush right now." Vent said, trying not to sound rude. "Yeah, yeah. You are trying to find your friend am I right? We'll meet again soon, though. Good luck you two!". The six soldiers disappeared into a white laser, leaving the area.
"It would appear you meet a few other soldiers. I lost contact with you for the moment, what happened?" Prairie asked. "Oh, nothing Prairie." Aile said grinning.
"Do you still have Boss' location on radar?" Vent asked. "Yes, I do. You are close to him, so get moving."
"Keep going forward, he should be there..."
Vent and Aile opened up the door and there, they saw lots of wreckage of mechaniloids. Their eyes widened when they saw someone standing over the wreckage of a large stingray mechaniloid aircraft. They ran down there and stood before the man. The man turned around, looking at the children. Vent and Aile were totally confused as to who he was but they knew one thing: He looked very similar to them currently. He had long blonde hair, a red triangle on his forehead meaning he was a reploid, a black visor covering his eyes, a red vest with red gauntlets and red boots. In his right hand was a saber. "Why... Why does he look so familiar?" Aile said in her mind.
"Who..." Vent started. "...Who are you?"
The man said nothing at the moment. A smile formed on his face. "It looks like you activated a Biometal too... But the both of you activating the Biometal is very surprising..."
Aile's eyes widened in shock. "That voice... Could it be?" The man's armor started to disappear from his body, revealing someone the two knew.
"Yo!" Girouette said waving at Vent and Aile. A red and black Biometal floated beside Giro.
"GIRO!?" Aile cried.
"Wait, how do we do that?" Vent said in his mind while crying Giro's name with Aile. In seconds, Model X separated from Vent and Aile, floating in between Vent and Aile. This answered Vent's question though.
"Z." Model X said.
"X." the other known as Model Z said. They apparently knew each other. Model Z turned to Giro. "They are the Chosen Ones for Model X? I would have never expected two Chosen Ones for one Biometal."
"Neither did I, but they are both very important to me..." Giro said, smiling.
"G-Giro! What is Biometal? I... I don't understand what's going on!" Aile said, hoping to get an answer from Giro. The blonde man sighed before looking at the two seriously, "Vent. Aile. I'm a member of the Guardians." Giro had said that without hesitation. "W-what?" Vent said in surprise. "I'm sorry I kept this a secret from you two. Model Z, the Biometal beside me, is my partner. I met him a long time ago and since then, we've been using our power together to help others."
"Vent. Aile. We three are Chosen Ones. We can transform with the power of the Biometal. I was given the order to protect you both from those who are after the power inside of you."
"We... are Chosen Ones?" Aile said with a sign of sadness in her voice, mainly because Giro kept this secret for so long.
"I didn't want to hide it from you two." Giro said chuckling a little. "I WAS planning on telling you everything after we safely delivered the Biometal." Giro had a serious look on his face again, staring at the two children. "Speaking of which... Now that you know most of this, it's about time I tell you about the incident... 8 years ago..."
"You see, 8 years ago, I was in Area H along with undercover Guardian Members because we have gotten word that a Maverick Outbreak was going to occur in Area H. So, we awaited the moment they came out. My job was to ensure that no one gets hurt from any maverick. I, unfortunately, failed at that, evidence being the death of your mother... The Guardian members have led survivors to another safe location. This was to make sure they were 100% safe. We saved most of the people in Area H, but as you know, not all were saved. I was successful in saving a woman and her child and boyfriend or husband from a purple ape-like maverick. I didn't see what they look like and never did get to see what they looked like. At least I protected them."
"Since the incident, we Guardians were given the indication that this 'random attack' was not random at all. It was clearly planned. We only got small data from the computer disks from leftover scraps of Mavericks, data that we mostly already knew."
"Vent. Aile. Will you both join me and the other Guardians? The Biometal is the key to understanding why the Maverick outbreaks are occurring."
The two were silent. They didn't know what to say or do. Aile rubbed her arm, looking down thinking. "This is all so much for me to take in. I just don't know Giro..." Aile said.
"Well, I don't know about Aile, but I'm in Giro! I want to protect people just like you!" Vent said, forming his hand into a fist in front of Giro. Giro smiled, "I knew you'd accept so easily."
Aile smiled. "Well, if Vent's going, then so am I!"
"Good. Then it's settled. We should meet up with our client now. Let's take this teleporter behind this door."
The three, along with the two Biometals, made their way towards the door leading to the teleporter. Into the room, Vent decided to admit something... "I've, uh, never used a teleporter before..."
"You can't be serious, Vent." Aile said with a annoyed look. "Well, I mostly used vehicles and all that!" Vent said defending his revelation.
"I thought you'd be the first to use one. I mean, I used one since I was four and counting..." Aile said.
"Okay, that's enough you two. Let's just go alright?", Giro said.
Giro punched in area codes and pulled out a green and yellow card key. He placed it on the scanning pad and the computer spoke.
CONFIRMATION COMPLETE. TELEPORTING TO GUARDIAN BASE.
In seconds, the five were out of the Transerver room, leaving behind teleporting particles.