Book 9: Blasting Through the Stars
Chapter 1: The Take-Off
My name is Gaius Cornell, currently taking over the mantle as the new Kamen Rider Geiz and one of the leaders of Xross Drive Rebellion, the defenders of the Xross-Verse. A few months ago, me and some of my teammates ventured into the Blaster Master world in search of the next Gjallarhorn fragment. However, their version of Earth is plagued by a mutant meteor that crash-landed onto the planet many years ago, which spawned numerous mutants overtime, allowing them to take over the underground areas. A human android named Eve along with a frog drone named Fred were sent to Earth from Planet Sophia to combat the mutant threat led by the Mutant Lord using an advanced battle tank known as the Metal Attacker, Codename: SOPHIA-III.
Unfortunately, something went wrong which caused Eve to be separated from the MA and Fred along with having amnesia. Fortunately, Fred was found by an EDF scientist named Jason Frudnick who's searching for a way to restore the Earth's ecosystem, although Fred somehow escaped his lab which is why he went searching for him, which eventually led him to SOPHIA-III. Me and my team had our first encounter with Jason and worked together to find Fred. As we defeat the mutant guardians in the underground areas while upgrading the Metal Attacker, or MA for short, we not only find Eve, but also Houki Shinonono, Charlotte Dunois, Laura Bodewig, Samus Aran, Megaman Volnutt, Cecilia Alcott and Gilliam Yeager. Actually, the latter two were found at the EDF HQ where we formed an alliance with the EDF led by Commander Mitsuba Greyvalley. After we retrieved Fred, Eve had her memory restored and told us about her mission.
And with the strength of the Rebellion, we were able to defeat the Mutant Lord, retrieved the Gjallarhorn fragment from it, and destroy the mutant meteor for good, freeing the Earth from its corruption. Unfortunately, we've missed another powerful mutant known as the Mutant Core, which hijacked SOPHIA-III with Eve and Fred inside, and warped to another dimension to plan its next move. Thankfully, Fred's wormhole ability was able to send it and Eve back to Guardian Base safely. No doubt both of them will be corrupted by the mutant if they didn't escape earlier.
Fred later used its wormhole again to help Jason use a new and powerful prototype MA called SOPHIA-Zero sent by the creators of the Metal Attackers named Kane and Jennifer Gardner, to not only discover the Mutant Core's location, but to also destroy it and the corrupted SOPHIA-III. When we arrived at the end of the Mutant Core's dimension however, we encountered a Neo Time Jacker general named Zwei, holding another Gjallarhorn fragment. Unfortunately, he managed to escape and we had to fight the Mutant Core corrupting SOPHIA III. Even so, we managed to destroy the mutant and the corrupted MA before escaping the dimension, thus saving the planet, for real time.
And now, here I am with GV and Joule to pay Jason and the EDF a visit because we got ourselves another mutant extermination mission, but in space, which makes sense since the mutant meteor came from space, so there has to be a main source somewhere across the stars. Oh, one other thing, EDF HQ has moved their location to the nearby entrance of the underground areas so they could use their facilities. Heh, if we're going to space, maybe I should've asked Zeo to borrow the Fourze Ridewatch for a bit. Oh well, we'll just work with what we got, and it'll be great to see the MAs in action again.
Blaster Master World, Earth
EDF HQ
Daytime
After Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule arrived at the EDF HQ via Time Mazine, they parked the vehicle and head for the Command Center to meet up with Commander Mitsuba for a mission briefing.
"Commander Mitsuba? It's us, Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule. We're here for the mission briefing." Gaius called out after knocking on the Command Room's door.
"You're free to enter!" Mitsuba replied, allowing Gaius to open the door and enter the room with Gunvolt and Joule following suit.
Once inside, they saw Commander Mitsuba, Sub-commander Reynold Hardin, Commander Prairie and the Blaster Master himself, Jason Frudnick in his EDF uniform in blue and white with Fred the frog drone on his shoulder, awaiting their arrival.
"Hey guys, you made it." Jason greeted with a smile as he, Mitsuba, Reynold and Prairie saluted. "It's been a while."
"Mhm, sure has." Gaius nodded as he, Gunvolt and Joule saluted back.
"Hi, Fred!" Joule greeted with a smile, making the frog croak happily.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important when I request for your aid, Gaius." Mitsuba said.
"Nope, nothing much. I was busy doing endurance training with Commander Genjuro." Gaius replied.
"Oh, that kind of training." Prairie noted.
"By the way Jason, why are you here?" Gunvolt asked.
"Same as you guys, a new mission came up." Jason replied.
"Does it involve the mutants again?" Joule asked the commander.
"Correct." Mitsuba confirmed. "Reynold?"
"Yes, ma'am." Reynold nodded, pushing a button on his tablet to reveal a monitor behind them showing a space map. "Recently, we've sent Samus, along with Grey, Ashe and Volnutt to investigate a mutant reading in space."
"Another mutant meteor's gonna crash onto Earth?" Gunvolt guessed.
"Actually, it's something else." Prairie answered as Reynold pushed another button on his tablet, showing a blinking red dot over an asteroid field several metres away from the moon. "According to Samus' space recon using her repaired space gunship, the mutant reading came from over here."
"An asteroid field?" Gaius narrowed his eyes at the dot.
"That's what we thought at first. But after Samus took a closer look, it's actually a broken planet called Planet Flosante." Reynold explained.
"Wait, it used to be a planet?!" Jason gasped.
"No doubt the mutants had something to do with it." Gunvolt frowned.
"Good thing we're able to prevent Earth from looking like that." Joule said.
"If we don't retaliate soon, the mutants hiding on that broken planet will turn their sights onto Earth. We must not let that happen." Mitsuba stated.
"Leave it to us, ma'am. We'll gladly take care of that problem." Jason said as he, Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule nodded.
"I knew you would say that." Mitsuba smiled.
"By the way Gaius, I'm surprised that you're able to meet the legendary Maverick Hunters in another multiverse, especially X and Zero." Prairie said. "Ciel told me about it."
"Yeah, we were not expecting to meet them in person. And they were pretty amazing in battle." Gunvolt replied.
"Where's your sister anyway?" Joule asked.
"She should be at the EDF R&D Lab with Vent and Aile. Eve's also there, too." Prairie replied.
"Speaking of R&D…" Gaius faced the MA pilot. "Is it ready?"
"If you're talking about the new MA? Yup, it's been finished last week." Jason replied. "I'll tell you about the new features once we get to the lab."
"You'll begin your mission in two hours, so report to the Launch Bay by then. Dismissed." Mitsuba said as she and the other commanders saluted.
"Yes, ma'am!" Gaius and the others saluted back before leaving the room.
"And so, the battle against the mutants begins again." Reynold said. "Only this time, we'll be going on the offensive. Although I'm a little concerned about what kind of mutants they'll encounter in space."
"Probably stronger than the ones on Earth months ago." Prairie said.
"Even so, all we can do now is hope for their success." Mitsuba stated. "Fortunately, Jason's new system for the new Metal Attacker and his battlesuit should give him an edge for this mission."
"Yes… the Gaia System." Prairie nodded.
EDF R&D Lab
Gaius and his team soon arrived outside the building where they saw some familiar faces. "Hey, Eve! Vent! Aile! Look who's here!" Jason called out, earning their attention.
"Hey, Jason! Hi, Gaius, GV! Joule!" Eve greeted back with a wave, now having longer hair that reached her waist.
"I was wondering when you guys would show up!" Aile added with a smile.
"I see that you decided to grow your hair, Eve. You look a little mature and cool!" Joule smiled.
Eve giggled. "Thanks, Joule. Maybe you should also have a makeover."
"I think about it." Joule looked at herself for a bit. "I like what I currently am for now."
"I take it you visited Commander Mitsuba earlier for the mission briefing?" Vent guessed.
"Yup." Gunvolt nodded. "We're off to space to deal with a mutant problem in a broken planet called Planet Flosante."
"According to the commanders, that's where Samus, Grey, Ashe and Volnutt were currently at." Gaius said.
"A broken planet?" Aile asked.
"Mm." Gaius nodded. "And Earth will share the same fate if we don't take care of that problem soon."
"If that's the case, we'll gladly join you." Vent said as he, Aile and Eve nodded. "When do we leave?"
"We'll report to the Launch Bay in two hours." Jason replied before facing his partner. "Eve, how's the MA's maintenance?"
"Just needed a few more tune-ups, so it should be done before the mission." Eve replied before remembering something important. "Oh yeah, I forgot that you guys never saw the newly-built Metal Attacker from Earth yet!"
"Vent and I already saw it before, and trust me, you guys are gonna love it." Aile grinned.
"Is that so?" Gunvolt raised his eyebrow.
"Follow me and you'll see what she means." Jason said, escorting the group to the R&D Factory near the main lab's building.
EDF R&D Factory
Once inside the factory, Jason gestured to a certain red and black vehicle at the Garage Area. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, the very first Metal Attacker built on Earth and the successor to SOPHIA-III. Model Number: EARTH MA-001; Gaia-SOPHIA."
"Or G-SOPHIA for short." Eve added as Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule looked in awe at the new battletank built on Earth.
The battletank had a more futuristic look compared to SOPHIA-III, and a bit more like SOPHIA-Zero, now having a new cannon, dual spoilers, green highlights on the rims and the front of the tank, green headlights and two pairs of mufflers on the back of the tank.
"G-SOPHIA, huh?" Gaius mused. "Looks like an improvement to SOPHIA-III."
"It really is." Jason replied. "But according to our EDF scientist Mayvy, in order for the MA to travel through space, we had to use the data from SOPHIA-Zero to build G-SOPHIA. Good thing the EDF has plenty of parts they can use after studying the prototype's data."
"We also had to do a few improvements to your Rairyu for space travel." Eve said to the Azure Striker.
"So now our MAs can travel through space. Sweet." Gunvolt grinned.
"Although… we had to remove a few functions to test the waters, so to speak." Jason said. "The functions that were kept were the Hover, Dive and Wall Climb Module, Warhead Missiles, Laser Shot and the Crusher Shot which is now upgraded to the Gaia-Crusher Shot or G-Crusher Shot for short."
"Don't worry though, the EDF still has the other functions back at the R&D Lab." Vent added.
"Do they really have to remove the Spark Tackle? I kinda like that weapon." Gunvolt muttered.
"Sorry, GV." Aile apologized. "But maybe we'll add it back when the situation calls for it."
"Very well."
"Why do you add Gaia to the MA and the Crusher Shot?" Joule asked.
"I'm glad you asked, Joule." Jason smiled. "It's because of the new system I've installed onto the MAs. The Gaia System."
"Gaia System?" Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule repeated.
"It's a special system that can turn kinetic force into energy to restore the MAs' weapon energies." Eve explained.
"For example, when the MA lands on the ground after dropping from a building or coming into contact with enemies or hazards such as spikes, green Gaia particles will appear from the impact and go into the MA, recharging its weapon energy." Vent added.
"However, it won't work when you land on water, snow or quicksand, so keep that in mind." Aile also added.
"Kinetic force into energy, huh? Interesting…" Gaius mused. "I wonder if I should add that to the Time Mazine?"
"Maybe another time, Gaius." Jason replied.
"Does this mean Rairyu will be renamed to G-Rairyu?" Gunvolt asked.
"That depends." Eve replied. "It did look identical to G-SOPHIA after some changes. Don't worry, it still has the same colors as before."
"Oh thank the Archons." Gunvolt sighed with relief. "By the way, is Copen and Lola around? I remember them visiting this world to help with G-SOPHIA's construction."
"I know where they are, and they're currently with Ciel, Cecilia, Charlotte, and Laura. Follow me." Eve replied, escorting the group to another part of the factory.
Upon arrival, they saw Copen, Lola, Ciel, Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura watching over another new MA that's identical to G-SHOPHIA, but in a mostly white and red color scheme with some yellow highlights. "Hello there!" Gaius greeted, earning their attention.
"Oh, it's you guys!" Lola greeted back with a wave.
"Hold on…" Joule pointed at the white MA. "Is that a new Metal Attacker?"
"That's right." Copen confirmed. "It was finished yesterday with some help from Jason and Eve. The Gaia-Byakko."
"Or the G-Byakko for short." Ciel added.
Gunvolt whistled at the white MA. "That looks great. So who's MA is this?"
"...It's mine." Copen smirked.
"For real?!" Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule exclaimed.
"I'll have to admit, seeing the MAs in action and being GV's co-pilot made me want to have an MA of my own, so I asked Jason and Eve for a favor in secret." Copen explained.
"And you girls knew about this, too?" Joule asked Ciel, Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura.
"Only me, actually." Ciel raised her hand. "I was surprised when Ix made that request, but having another MA would be nice."
"Charl, Laura and I were shocked as well when we saw Ix's MA in production." Cecilia said.
"Not only does it have the Gaia System installed, but it also can incorporate Ix's Ex-Weapons onto it for more versatility." Laura added.
"It also has Ix's floating bits for more coverage and defence." Charlotte also added.
"Now why didn't my MA have those extra features?" Gunvolt questioned.
"Because you never asked." Lola gave a sly smile. "And besides, you're an Adept, so maybe you can incorporate your Septima abilities onto your MA."
"Hmm…" Gunvolt rubbed his chin. "Now there's a thought."
"By the way Ciel, how are the biometals?" Vent asked.
"With Copen, Lola and Dr. Fleuve's help, the tune ups were recently completed. All six of them." Ciel replied.
"Wait… six?" Gaius blinked.
"See for yourself." Ciel responded by materializing the six biometals using her Zikan Phone. Model X and Z were now joined by four more biometals. One green, one orange, one aqua blue and one purple. "Model H based on Harpuia, Model F for Fefnir, Model L for Leviathan, and Model P for Phantom. Once again, you can thank the Neo Arcadia Guardians in the Color-Verse for providing their DNAs to create these."
"Aile and I already tested MegaMerging and Double MegaMerging with them, and they worked great." Vent informed.
"It feels sooo good to have those abilities back despite those thieves still having the originals back in our world." Aile added before smirking. "Boy, are they in for a rude surprise if we see them again."
"Oh, I can definitely see that happening." Gaius smirked.
"The question is… who will hold which biometals?" Gunvolt pondered.
"I'll take Model Z, H and P, while Aile will take Model X, F and L." Vent answered.
"Alright, I can work with those." Aile noted as Model X, F and L floated towards her while the remainders went to Vent.
"By the way, Gaius, upgrades to our IS frames are also finished." Charlotte informed.
"Even the Akatsubaki and the Shenlong since Houki and Rin left them here before leaving for Liyue for training." Cecilia added.
"And I shall start with my Schwarzer Regen." Laura used her Zikan Phone to show the image of her black and red IS, now having a pair of smaller and lighter shoulder railguns. "Originally, it had a single shoulder rail cannon that fires a powerful round, but with a long recharge time. According to Mayvy, she decided to split the rail cannon into two smaller railguns, decreasing the recharge time along with a faster firing rate, but at the cost of the attack power being cut in half. However, the railguns can be purged out and be wielded like rifles and can be fused into a more powerful rail cannon that surpasses the original one."
Gaius whistled. "Now that's an improvement.
"And it doesn't stop there." Laura smirked. "Its defensive options are also enhanced thanks to the Gaia System."
"Wait, your IS has the Gaia System installed?" Joule asked.
"Not just Laura's IS, but the others as well." Charlotte answered.
"Remember the Active Inertia Canceller that can stop any projectiles and direct attacks to me but involves complete concentration to do so?" Laura reminded.
"Mhm." Gunvolt nodded. "Good for duels, not good against more than one opponent."
"Well it had to be removed in favour of a new system called the I-HIX system."
"I-HIX?" Gaius, Gunvolt and Joule repeated.
"Let me explain that part." Eve raised her hand. "I-HIX has the ability to generate energy shields that can absorb enemy projectiles, turning them into weapon energy. It can also be pushed like a projectile to push large and heavy objects along with damaging enemies and reflecting their attacks. In addition, it's also a purifier. It's already been tested on those polluted waters in Underground Area 2, and it worked like a charm. And the best part, you don't have to rely on full concentration to use it."
"After hearing about what I-HIX and the Gaia System can do, I had no regrets with the removal of the AIC." Laura added before turning off her phone's holo-screen.
"Plus, I have the I-HIX installed on my android body." Eve revealed, before materialising a new weapon on her right arm. It was a sleek-looking bionic casing that ends in a cat's paw with green 'pads'. And on the casing's shoulder is a green hexagon symbol with a black diagonal line and a white border.
"A metallic neko arm… Really?" Gunvolt questioned.
"Hey, she likes cats, remember? Did you forget the cat knee pads on her outfit?" Joule pointed out before smiling at the android. "It looks cool and suits you well, Eve."
"Thanks, Joule." Eve smiled back, looking at her bionic arm. "At least I have something to defend myself besides the X-Baton. Plus, it's not as heavy as it looks so I should still have some mobility to run."
"Eve's already strong enough on her own after training these past few months, so I won't have to worry about protecting her anymore." Jason said. "Heck, she might even protect me instead."
"Only when the situation calls for it, Jason." Eve replied, dispersing her bionic arm. "Anyway, we should get back on track as we haven't even explained about the upgrades for the other IS frames yet."
"Ah, right. Sorry." Jason rubbed the back of his head. "You go next, Charl."
"Oui." Charlotte nodded, using her Zikan Phone to show the image of her orange IS, the Rafale-Revive Custom II, now having a pair of mechanical three-fingered arms on the back. "Like Laura's IS, mine also has both the Gaia System and I-HIX installed, the latter giving a boost to my Garden Curtain defence system. Once my Garden Curtain absorbs enough energy from incoming attacks, I can launch them like a projectile as a counter. As for my weapons, they're still the same with some new weapon mods, but as you can see…" She pointed at the mechanical arms. "The IS now has a pair of sub-arms to hold two more weapons for extra firepower and versatility. In addition, a new weapon was added: the Blaster Rifle. Two of them, in fact."
"You made more Blaster Rifles?" Gaius asked the MA pilot.
"That's right. With Eve, Copen and Lola's help. But it's no longer called the Blaster Rifle since it also made some upgrades." Jason replied, using his Zikan Phone to materialize his upgraded rifle, now having a more futuristic look with a white, black and red color scheme. "It's now named the Gaia Rifle, or G-Rifle for short."
"G-Rifle, huh?" Gunvolt mused. "Does it still have its previous functions?"
"Most of them, anyway." Copen replied. "Though some of them had been upgraded, such as the Penetrator Shot now becoming the Stinger Shot with a faster firing speed and a stronger normal and charge shot. As for the new functions, the Splasher Shot has been added. Think of it as a fusion of the Diffusion and Full-Auto Shot."
"Then comes the Seeker Shot which is basically an energy Homing Shot but can pierce through terrain. And they're pretty fast, too." Lola added before smirking. "Let's see those mutants try to outrun that."
"Next is the Absorber Shot, an upgrade to the Reflector Shot." Copen continued. "Wanna guess what it does?"
"Absorbs incoming attacks to either recharge its weapon energy or reflect its energy back with twice the power?" Joule guessed.
"Bingo, sister!" Lola cheerfully confirmed. "Either in single or spread shot."
"And now a new addition to the rifle, an energy whip for close-range options, based on Samus' blaster that also becomes an energy whip." Jason said, using the energy whip of his rifle to practise a few swings.
"Pretty sweet, isn't it?" Aile grinned. "It also works as a grapple beam to swing or pull objects."
"Wow, that's a lot of upgrades for just one rifle." Gaius remarked.
"If you think that's cool, wait till you see his upgraded suit." Vent smirked. "But we need to finish explaining the rest of the IS frames' upgrades."
"Cecilia, your turn." Ciel gestured to the British IS pilot.
"Thank you." Cecilia used her Zikan Phone to show the image of Blue Tears while Charlotte turned off her screen. "First off, my four floating drones can be split, turning into eight drones for more coverage. I was also given a second beam sniper rifle so I could fuse them into a twin buster rifle for more firepower. And lastly, the rocket launchers on my waist can fire diffusion, ice, or both of them combined for more offensive options. The last part was Samus' idea."
"Nice." Gunvolt gave a thumbs up. "Now we won't have to rely on Samus too much with her Ice Missiles."
"And now I'll take over with the explanations of the remaining IS frames, starting with Lingyin's Shenlong." Ciel used her Zikan Phone to show the image of Lingyin's purple and black IS now having clawed gauntlets and a mechanical tail, while Cecilia turned off her screen. "A tail has been added that can fire lasers and generate a beam sword. The tail can also be extended. Foldable dragon claws were also implemented onto her gauntlets and can be launched like grappling hooks. Plus, small gun ports were added above the two clawed gauntlets."
"Okay, I could've sworn Rin watched Gundam Wing and saw how the Shenlong and Altron Gundam fought, which gave her plenty of ideas for the improvements." Gaius thought.
"And now we come to Houki's Akatsubaki." Ciel changed the holo-screen to Houki's crimson red and black IS. "Not only that the blade wing bits can now shoot lasers, but when the bits are attached to Houki's arms, the energy blades will be extended for more power. And I'm pretty sure you know what happened when those blades are close together."
"One colossal energy sword that can cleave a battleship in half?" Gunvolt guessed.
"That's right." Ciel nodded. "Although we need Houki to test out the upgrade to see if your comment rings true. But she's busy training in Teyvat, I assume."
"Mhm." Joule nodded.
"Anyway, that's all we'll cover for the improvements to the IS frames." Copen said.
"And now we move on to Jason's new battlesuit!" Lola added cheerfully. "Take it away, Blaster Master!"
"You guys are gonna love this." Jason smirked, using his Zikan Phone to change into his signature red battlesuit. Most of his suit looked the same as last time, but now with an addition of light cyan highlights on his boots and arm guards, and a short black cape.
"Looks a little similar than last time, with the addition of those highlights and that cape of yours." Gaius pointed at Jason's battlesuit.
"There's a reason for that, actually." Jason explained. "Remember the mutant DNA sample Copen I got during our last adventure?" That earned a nod from the group. "After giving them some tests, I weaved their nerve fibres into my suit and cape, giving me an ability to detect enemy attacks. In addition…" He pointed at the helmet he's wearing. "My helmet displays markers on when or where the mutants will attack."
"Don't worry though, Jason assured that the mutant nerve fibres are safe to use." Eve assured.
"I'm with Eve and Jason on this one." Copen added. "Although I was honestly surprised that Jason would do that to his battlesuit."
"Even so…" Jason took off his helmet. "This upgrade will definitely be a huge help against the mutants."
"Even against the Neo Time Jackers and their allies?" Joule guessed.
"Most likely."
"By the way Gaius, how was your endurance training to prepare for Geiz Revive?" Copen asked.
"And how's the construction progress on that Revive Ridewatch?" Lola also asked.
"My training is going well, until you guys call me to come here for this mission. As for the Ridewatch creation using the Shinobi, Quiz and Kikai Miridewatches, it's going to take some time. Woz is overseeing its construction to make sure there's no faults or setbacks." Gaius replied.
"I see." Ciel noted. "It's best to take it nice and slow instead of rushing it."
"Speaking of Geiz Revive…" Copen spoke up. "Jason's battlesuit is not the only one getting an upgrade."
"Oh?" Gunvolt raised his eyebrow.
"He's been watching plenty of Geiz Revive's battle footage, especially his forms. After helping Jason with his new suit, Ix went right to work with his own." Lola explained. "As for the results… well…" She smiled before gesturing to the Luminous Avenger taking out his Zikan Phone. "See for yourself!"
Copen used his phone to change into his newly-made battle armor. It has a more detailed and layered appearance, with the most notable additions being two attachments on the shoulders acting as supplementary shields, and a new red piece of armor on the torso. There's also blue highlights on his shoulder shields, headpiece, shoulder guards and chestplate.
Everyone was in awe at Copen's new armor. "Wow…/Incredible…/Amazing…"
"That battle at the Code Lyoko world in the Color-Verse really motivated you, huh?" Laura asked Copen.
"I made a vow that day, and I intend to fulfil it." Copen looked at his armor. "Like Geiz Revive, this armor has two modes. The one I'm currently using is the Break Shift, a power-based form for close range combat. It has a Hyper Guard function for increased defence, and the Recoil Dash which is a powerful tackle that sends enemies and objects flying."
Gaius whistled at Copen's explanation. "Not bad. What about speed?"
"I'm about to explain that part." Copen smirked as his armor reconfigured itself into a lighter and more aerodynamic style, revealing various thrusters on the legs, back and shoulder attachments. Additionally, the armor changed color to become mostly white, and the glowing parts that were previously blue turned red. "Bullit Shift, the speed-based form that surpasses my previous battlesuit at the cost of defence. But considering how fast this form is, they'll have a lot of trouble getting a hit in."
"Impressive…" Cecilia mused. "I wonder if the speed of your new armor will surpass Akatsubaki or even GV?"
"I'll have to test that theory out some other time." Copen replied. "Thanks again for the idea, Gaius."
"Anytime, Luminous Avenger." Gaius smiled.
"A speed test, huh?" Gunvolt mused. "Hey Ix, since the mission starts in two hours, how about a race around the EDF base?"
"I see nothing wrong with that." Copen accepted. "You're on."
"Whoa whoa whoa, hold on just a second!" Lola interrupted with her hand raised. "Ix forgot to explain that I have gained a new form recently!"
"What?!" Joule gasped.
"Excuse moi?!" Charlotte also gasped.
"Check it out!" Lola glowed for a bit and changed into her new form. A futuristic mostly red, light green and white nurse outfit with a glowing green halo on her back along with four red and white angular bits. She's also holding a black and white healing staff. "Ta-da~ My Healing Mode, which enhances my healing abilities even greater than before! And I have to thank Ix for the improvements!"
"It can't be me all the time, so of course I had to help my partner. Just like how Jason helped improve Eve." Copen stated.
"Hmm…" Joule hummed while staring at the Azure Striker. "GV?"
"You want to find a way to protect yourself besides singing, right?" Gunvolt guessed, earning a nod from the idol. "Tell you what. After the speed test, I'll see how you'll use your powers offensively. Though you still can summon your own barrier, right?"
"Mhm, I still have it." Joule replied, briefly summoning her barrier.
"I'll help you out too, sister." Lola offered. "We do share the same power, after all."
"I appreciate it, Lola. Thank you." Joule smiled.
"Okay, everyone." Ciel spoke, earning their attention. "Now that the upgrade explanations are done, we need to do some last minute check ups on the MAs and the IS frames before the mission. Plus, the hyperdrive for space travel hasn't been installed onto the MAs yet."
"Could you install the hyperdrive onto the Time Mazine while you're at it?" Gaius requested.
"Just bring the vehicle here and we can get started." Ciel replied.
"Great. Be back in a minute!" Gaius nodded before leaving to get his vehicle.
"Okay, you two." Vent turned to Gunvolt and Copen. "Time to see that speed test."
"How does four laps around the base sound?" Aile offered.
"Fair enough./No problem." Copen and Gunvolt nodded.
"You guys go on ahead. I'll stay here and continue my work." Ciel said.
"No problem, Ciel." Jason nodded. "But Eve and I will come back to help you later."
"Understood." Ciel nodded back. "Now get going."
"See you later!" Eve smiled and waved as she and the others left the factory.
"...And there they go." Ciel sighed with a smile while looking at Vent and Aile's biometals floating with them. "Harpuia, Fefnir, Leviathan, Phantom, thank you for your help. With this, we now have a fighting chance against our enemies in the Xross-Verse. And X, Zero and Axl from the Color-Verse, don't worry about me, Prairie and the Chosen MegaMen, we'll do just fine."
EDF HQ, Launch Bay
Two hours later…
After time had passed, the team in their battlesuits gathered at the Launch Bay where their vehicles are located with the hyperdrives installed. From there, they also encountered Ciel, along with four familiar faces.
"Bronya, Gilliam, good to see you!" Geiz greeted, earning their attention.
"Mm, it's been a while. Hasn't it?" Giliam greeted back.
"Sure is." Geiz nodded. "Everything okay on your end?"
"Ever since Earth has been cleared of the mutants, not much." Gilliam replied. "But we're being cautious in case another mutant invasion arrives."
"Ah, I see." Geiz noted.
"Edge! Az!" Jason recognized his fellow EDF members. "Here to see us off?"
"You could say that, considering we saw G-SOPHIA parked at the Launch Bay." Edge replied.
"I'm a little jealous that you and your team gets to go to space first." Az said.
"Don't worry, Az. You'll get your chance after we take care of the mutant threat hiding amongst the stars." Eve said.
"I'll hold on to that promise." Az smiled.
"Don't worry about Earth, we can handle things here while you're gone." Edge assured.
"Thanks, Edge." Jason replied. "Oh yeah, I need to introduce you two to the others." He turned to his teammates and called them. "Guys? These two are my friends from the EDF Academy; Edge and Az Sainklaus from the trooper unit."
"Nice to meet you two." Geiz greeted the Sainkalus siblings.
"Likewise." Edge greeted back.
"The Bronya, the Guardians, Laura, Charlotte and Cecilia were already acquainted with them after working with the EDF alongside Jason and Eve." Bronya said.
"Yeah, Bronya and her mech were quite the helpers." Az agreed. "And the IS pilots and the Chosen MegaMen are no slouches either."
"As for Gilliam, he's a pretty good major when he trained us and the other troopers." Edge said.
"Just doing my job." Gilliam replied. "In fact, Edge and Az might have potential to pilot either an MA or a mech with enough training."
"Sounds promising." Gunvolt remarked.
"Anyway…" Ciel spoke up to Geiz's team. "It's almost time to launch your team into space. Do you need a refresher on the mission?"
"Rendezvous with Samus' team in Planet Flosante, then take down the mutant guardians hiding in the broken planet." Jason recalled.
"Good." Ciel nodded. "Then you're all set for the mission."
"One other thing…" Copen spoke to the IS pilots and used his Zikan Phone to transfer something onto their phones. "Use these space helmets in case you're using your IS frames in space. They can also be used underwater, so think of them as upgrades to the oxygen masks I gave you last time."
"Merci, Ix. We'll make use of them well." Charlotte replied as she and the other IS girls smiled.
"Okay, everyone. Time to board our vehicles since they'll be launching in five minutes." Geiz said. "Bronya, Laura, you're both with me."
"Ja." Bronya and Laura nodded.
"Vent, Aile, you're coming with me." Gunvolt said.
"Roger." The Chosen MegaMen nodded.
"Cecilia, I need you to come with me and Eve." Jason said.
"Looking forward to working with you on a mission again, Cecilia!" Eve smiled.
"Same to you too, Eve." Cecilia smiled back, including the frog drone. "You as well, Fred."
"Ribbit!" Fred croaked happily.
"I guess that means I'm with you, Ix." Charlotte deduced.
"Yes, along with one more member." Copen replied. "She should be here soon."
"Sorry I'm late!"
"There you are, Kohaku! You made it!" Lola greeted the arrival of a familiar face and in her usual outfit.
"Cutting it very close, Kohaku. The mission's starting in five minutes." Ciel spoke.
"Again, I'm really sorry." Kohaku bowed in apology. "I had to do some last minute help with my sister Reiko."
"Understandable." Ciel noted.
"The reason why I asked Kohaku to join me is because of her performance in the EDF driving test." Copen explained.
"And now she's eligible for driving a vehicle, on top of being a helpful navigator." Lola added.
"I'll do however I can, the best I can." Kohaku smiled.
"We're counting on you." Gunvolt replied as he and the others smiled back.
"Okay, no time to waste. Get going everyone, and best of luck." Ciel said to the team.
"Yes, ma'am!" The team saluted before boarding their respective vehicles.
Afterwards, the vehicles were loaded onto the launcher as it moved 90 degrees upwards. The drivers made final adjustments to their vehicles as the countdown reached 30 seconds.
"All personnel, withdraw from the launchers! The countdown will commence soon!" Ciel announced, prompting the EDF personnel to quickly withdraw to avoid being burned by the vehicles' afterburners. Once the area is cleared, Ciel began the countdown as the vehicles' thrusters ignited. "10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… LAUNCH!"
"Jason Frudnick, Gaia-SOPHIA, blasting off!" Jason declared as the red MA took off to space with a boost from the launcher.
"Azure Striker Gunvolt, Gaia-Rairyu, surging ahead!" Gunvolt added as the blue MA was launched next.
"Copen Kamizono, Gaia-Byakko, blazing through!" Copen also added as the white MA followed suit.
"Kamen Rider Geiz, Time Mazine, let's Ragna-Rock and Roll!" Geiz declared as his futuristic vehicle went after the three vehicles.
"And there they go, off to another mutant extermination mission." Edge said as he, Az, Gilliam and Ciel watched the vehicles heading to space from the observation area of the Launch Bay.
"Only this time, it's in space." Az added. "I hope they'll be alright up there."
"Don't worry about them, they can handle whatever comes their way." Ciel assured.
"I hope you are correct, Ciel." Gilliam said. "They'll need all the skills they can get against the mutants hiding across the stars."
"All four vehicles have successfully launched into space." Reynold informed as he, Mitsuba and Prairie watched the vehicles leaving Earth from the monitor in the EDF Command Center.
"All we can do now is to wish them luck." Prairie stated.
"Best of luck, Xross Drive Rebellion. The fate of this world rests in your hands." Mitsuba said.
Chapter 1: The Take-Off
End
Author's Note: And so begins the Blaster Master Zero 2 storyline, but without worrying about Eve's mutated state since it was prevented back in Book 5.
With the exception of Geiz, the team had their gear upgraded for the past month after the Cyber Collision Saga. Stronger IS frames, most notably Schwarzer Regen, Blue Tears and Shenlong based on Gundam Wing, Gundam SEED Destiny and Gundam 00 while the Rafale-Revive's sub-arms are based from the Knights and Magic anime; Copen and Lola are now in their Luminous Avenger Ix 2 gear minus the Razor Saw, Darkness Trigger and Awakened Mode; Vent and Aile have newly-made Model H, F, L and P thanks to the Neo Arcadia guardians in the Color-Verse, allowing them to Double MegaMerge with the other biometals; and Jason's Gaia-SOPHIA and the Gaia System along with Eve's I-HIX gear, now modified to be sleeker and less bulky compared to the official one in Blaster Master Zero 2 to increase her mobility. Her current outfit is still the same as the first game, but now with longer hair.
Anyway, next chapter starts in the first planet, Planet Flosante the broken planet where they'll rendezvous with Samus' team.
That's all for now, so stay safe and see you in the next chapter!