6Hello, ladies and gentlemen. X the Reaper returns after years of silence to bring you a new story, even if it's not what many of you likely expected of me given my usual and more well-known works. But before Fate was even a blip on my radar, it was Mega Man ZX that held my attention, even being the first series I wrote about (even if that one was incredibly rough by my standards now).
I started this originally back when I had an urge of inspiration to do another run of Mega Man ZX and later Advent, reminding myself why I love those games. Then I left it alone to simmer until I got word of the Mega Man Zero ZX Legacy Collection coming out, and my muse started spinning again.
As for inspiration for this one, I was always disappointed at the lack of Grey/Aile fanfics when I've found multiple Vent/Aile, Vent/Ashe, and even Grey/Ashe pairings here. I freely admit romance is not my strong suit, particularly when it's the actual focus, but I'm willing to give it a try in honor of one of favorite games of all time.
Disclaimer: Mega Man ZX is property of Capcom and Inti Creates. If it were up to me, we would have already gotten MMZX 3.
Being a hero was something Aile had never regretted becoming. Ever since her mother died in a Maverick attack when she was a child and being saved from the same fate by her foster parent Girouette, a member of the independent peace-keeping force known as the Guardians, the future hero always deep down wanted a chance to make a difference in the same way. When she met that mysterious talking device known as Biometal Model X and learned she was a "Chosen One", capable of wielding the power of ancient heroes, she had jumped into the role with gusto. She wanted to save those who couldn't save themselves, just like it had happened to her all those years ago, and take revenge on the monsters that stole what was hers. To become a "Mega Man."
When she learned Giro was a Chosen One just like her from before he even met her, she had felt surprise and some level of betrayal at the long-kept secret but also joy that she would have a familiar face by her side. When he died and gave up his Biometal, Model Z, so that she could live, she swore she would get revenge for both their sakes and continue the fight. When she struck down Serpent, Giro's killer and the man responsible for the attacks responsible for her mother's death with so many more, and destroyed his Model W, that cursed machine containing the soul of a man worthy of being called the Devil, she had reaffirmed her convictions to be a hero even as she learned she had the very same potential to rule and destroy the world as that madman.
It had been over four years that fateful day and despite the trials she had come even farther, forming lifelong bonds with countless other humans and reploids and even saving the world yet again from Model W, this time with some help. In that time, she had matured in body and mind and had become the kind of person she knew Giro would be proud of, even if that victory had seemingly come at the cost of both a good friend and her last remaining tie to him.
But there were times she really, really wondered if maybe she should have just stayed an ignorant transporter and let someone else be the hero.
"Do I really have to, Prairie?"
Aile didn't want to sound like she was complaining, but she knew the tone that escaped her mouth couldn't be taken any other way. The fact she was currently sitting cross-legged on the bed of her room and only wearing her usual black bodysuit certainly didn't add to a professional appearance, although it was only due to the identity of the bearer of bad news that she had even allowed them into the room without changing in the first place.
Before her in a swivel chair sat a teenage woman with long blond hair who looked a few years younger than herself, clad in a pink military uniform complete with cape and cap. Said cap was currently in her hands, showing the red inverted triangle in the middle of her forehead that marked her as a reploid, an artificial human. Of course, in 24XX when cyborgs like Aile were running around commonplace, the line between the two of them wasn't nearly so clear-cut.
"Look, Aile, I know you've never been a fan of these sort of things..."
"That's an understatement, Commander."
Prairie just rolled her eyes. "But we Guardians do have appearances and reputations to maintain, you know, for public relations if nothing else. This invitation comes straight from Legion itself. It would be in poor form to just ignore the world government offering to host a celebration in our honor for helping to stop the world from being destroyed." She gestured to the small tablet in Aile's lap. "Especially since you've been invited as a guest of honor."
Aile's eyes reluctantly glanced down at the screen again, which showed an open message from Legion HQ addressed directly to the woman in front of her, dated several weeks ago.
To Commander Prairie of the Guardians,
Allow me to begin this message with my sincerest condolences for the casualties your organization suffered during the battle against Albert upon Ouroboros, which I understand was only the most recent clash you've had with the evil caused by Biometal Model W. Your aid alongside the Hunter's Guild have once more ensured that peace can flourish upon the planet, but those losses are something no amount of sympathy and gratitude can repay, as much as I would dearly wish otherwise.
In light of this, however, Master Thomas and I would like to extend an invitation to the Guardians for a celebration honoring the struggles of those who have fought long and hard against the darkness that Model W has shrouded our world in. We feel it is only right that the Guardians should receive special recognition as the group who has carried out the fight the longest against this ancient evil now vanquished from our world, and we would be honored and beyond humbled should you accept. There will be food and drink aplenty, and I'm certain it will be a fine time to toast to the memory of the fallen and look forward to the future, whatever that might bring.
And while it is well within her right to refuse, we also hope that your sub-commander is willing to make an appearance for a special awards ceremony honoring her personal struggles. Legion has not forgotten the tales of a hero who four years ago stopped a madman from prematurely awakening Model W for his plans of world domination, and who she lost in the process. Nor are we ignorant of the part she played in stopping our former comrade now and who she lost then as well. It would only be fitting to finally have the world recognize her for her deeds and sacrifices past and present.
And of course, if she's feeling lonely, we'll be sure to send a similar invitation to that spirited young man who she helped win the day. I'm certain he'll be happy to show up and make her feel better. And we can't forget his brave Hunter comrades who joined the fight to challenge Albert...for a price, of course.
Aile rolled her eyes a little upon reading that part...though a part of her wouldn't mind seeing Grey again so soon. The Reploid had just as much a stake in the conflict as she did, after all, given his origins, and he had been the one to finish the job. Plus, seeing him out of his usual wear and in a suit would actually be pretty funny.
Her eyes skimmed over the rest of the letter quickly, noting it was just party details and the like...
We've chosen a suitable date for the celebration to be the upcoming anniversary of the fall of Slither Inc and the first Model W, both for the symbolism and for the convenience of an important date so soon after Albert's defeat to help assuage a world still reeling from the defeat of the Mavericks and Model W's final fall.
We hope to hear from you soon,
Master Mikhail of the Sage Trinity
"'Convenience', eh?"
Aile couldn't help but frown cynically at the choice of words, even if she wasn't blind to the turmoil around the world. The destruction of the traitorous Master Albert's doomsday device may have hampered Maverick attacks greatly, but even months later the fallout of the mad Sage's plans still haunted the planet. Murderous robots and other criminals were still running rampant, and countries were combating both outer and inner threats to security. People were still scared for themselves, their loved ones, and their ways of life.
The Guardians had their hands full dealing with those problems and even with the Hunter Guilds pitching in, it was a tedious time. Aile herself had just hours ago come back from single-handedly wiping out a gang entrenched in a building, and that was her third big mission when the week hadn't even rolled over to Tuesday. She was feeling the strain and so were the rest of the Guardians. She only had to look up at Prairie and see the lines on her face and bags under her eyes to know how the commander felt, since it matched what she felt when she looked in the mirror. A moral booster would do everyone some good.
But still, it sounded so calculated and political with ulterior motives.
"I know the feeling."
Both women glanced at the blue, fist-sized metal device with a red jewel in its "head" and a vague face on the front that was resting on Aile's pillow. The blue eyes light up as the voice from before spoke again, the calm yet firm male voice filling the room.
"Back in my day, as much as that makes me sound old, my superiors held several celebrations after our victories against particularly dangerous Maverick threats," Model X clarified. "They were meant as a reward for our hard work, as well as sending a definite message to the world as both a warning to other threats and a reassurance for humans and Reploids alike that we wouldn't stop fighting. The ulterior bit always made it a little harder to enjoy them, especially when the threats just kept popping up...or maybe that was just me being a wet blanket wondering when the fighting would finally stop." He let out a bit of a self-deprecating chuckle. "Everyone always got onto to me about that."
The two women let out their own laughs.
"You're not alone in that, X," Prairie assured him before looking back at Aile. "Though I think it's not just the celebration that's bothering you, huh?"
Prairie's words caused Aile to sigh again, the light mood dropping away again. The elephant was noted, might as well spell it out.
"Look, I know that it's a big honor and something worth celebrating, okay? We could all use a few hours to just let go and have fun anyways. I could grin and bear the boring parts, maybe even enjoy myself with some good food and talk. I'd even enjoy being applauded like a hero by the world, even if it's not really my thing." She looked down at the screen again, her eyes on that date. "It's just...did it have to be that day, of all days?"
Prairie's eyes grew sadder. "Aile..."
"I know it's selfish, Prairie. I just hate breaking promises."
Prairie simply sighed herself. "As both your commander and your friend, I'm not going to force anything on you. You can accept or decline the guest of honor invitation at your own discretion. Just give it some thought. The party is still a week out." She stood up. "Until then, consider yourself off-duty. Unless we have an emergency, you're a free bird." She jerked a thumb towards the window and the outside with a smile. "Get outside and get some fresh air. That's an order."
"An abuse of power," Aile grumbled goodnaturedly as she swung her legs up and off the bed to grab some clothes. Prairie just smiled as she opened the door and exited.
"She means well," Model X piped up. "It has been a while since we've taken a decent break."
"I know, X," Aile answered as she pulled on her shorts before grabbing her jacket. "Prairie's just being the good 'big sis'. Anyway, where you wanna go?"
The Biometal floated up and over to Aile. "Hmm...I was thinking somewhere green...we've been trudging about in caves and urban areas a little much recently."
Slipping on her boots, Aile nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Z would-!"
She paused, the slip of the tongue bringing up a still-fresh wound no Guardians, and especially X and herself, wanted to broach at the moment. Aile recovered quickly and tried to brush it off, but the mood had been affected and both of the room occupants knew it.
"Yeah, a nature walk would be good," she finished neutrally.
Model X looked like he wanted to say something in response, but he held it in. She was thankful for that, even though a part of her felt like crap for it. The bond between X and his counterpart was one even she felt like she only understood some of despite spending years with them. After all, they had literal centuries of history between them.
"Wanna make it a nostalgia trip?" she prompted as they moved towards the door, as much to clear the air as anything else.
"You make me sound like an old man. Not an inaccurate statement by any means, of course."
She smiled as they left the room. Guess X still knew how to bounce back quickly. She wondered if and when she would learn to do the same.
Area A
There was something to be said for the almost hypnotic effect of traveling through nature on a calm day. Area A was a vast and serene forest that stretched north of the city of Cinq Ville as far as the eye can see and filled with creatures, both biological and mechanical, living in harmony with one another. So far from civilization, despite the native creatures' level of activity, the area was pristine and quiet, and when coupled with the clear baby-blue skies and cool breeze, it was the sort of place one would want to take a picnic in.
And for Aile, it would always be the source of one of her greatest memories.
"Not a bad plan at all..." she sighed softly as she slowly walked through the shade, running her hand along the bark of a tree and savoring the roughness under her grip. "Just being here brings back the memories..."
"Indeed..." Model X responded from where he floated next to her at eye level. "I think I recognize that tree over there. Remember the one that you fired a double charge shot trying to hit a Galleon?"
Aile laughed sheepishly as she looked away from the fallen and slowly decomposing tree in question, having had its giant trunk blow apart by the dual plasma shots and having crushed the unfortunate maverick mook in question during the fall. "I panicked from the sneak attack and you know it."
"Yes, yes, so you've always said." The Biometal's mirth was still obvious even as he grew a bit more serious. "Still, to think we haven't encountered a single hostile mechaniloid..."
Aile kept walking, taking out a water bottle and drinking from it. "Yeah...guess the new non-Slither Inc. security force in Cinq Ville really has cracked down on the rogues, even with Model W acting up."
The truth of the so-called "Hero of Innerpeace's" engineered heroics with Mavericks under his command had lead to a massive scandal that drove the final nail into the coffin of Serpent's once-titanic corporation, a coffin Aile herself had all but carved her initials into when she defeated Serpent and inadvertently blew up the company's head office building upon his defeat. The mega-corp had been divided up in the resulting fallout with its assets taken over by various other companies and the government, the Guardians getting quite a bit for themselves given Serpent's former ties to them. She herself hadn't really interacted with the reorganized defense force's leaders on a personal basis, but Prairie swore up and down they were on the level and not corrupt, and what she had seen of them backed that up.
The Model X Chosen One plopped down under a tree and leaned back against the bark in the shade to relax for a moment, bringing the bottle back up to her lips.
"Still, with our luck, we'll probably run into one or two soon enough-!"
A sudden explosion shook the ground, startling Aile and causing her water to spill onto her jacket. She ignored that, however, her eyes on the rising smoke she could see over the treetops and the flocks of birds flying into the air at the disturbance.
"Crap, I hate it when I'm right!"
"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Model X chirped before floating up next to her. "Ready, Aile?"
Aile nodded as she took him into her grip. "Alright, X, let's do this! Now, Megamerge!"
Model X's eyes and red jewel flashed. "Biolink established! M.E.G.A. SYSTEM online!"
Though the transformation took barely a second in real-time, Aile couldn't help but smile as a familiar sense of power and warmth filled her body, her form becoming covered in shimmering azure armor the same color as Model X complete with a helmet with the very same red jewel. She now looked like some sort of battle-ready cyborg, only strengthened by how her right arm morphed into a deadly-looking arm cannon.
"Ready, Aile?"
"Always, X. Let's go."
Activating the thrusters in her armor, she began to dash forward at high speeds towards the smoke, jumping over fallen trees and bushes while kicking off particularly high obstacles without losing momentum. Quickly, the sound of gunfire, explosions, and what sounded like a laser blade tearing through metal reached her ears as she neared the site. She skid to a halt just before the area, her cannon humming as she charged a plasma shot, and peered forward to get an idea of what was happening.
To say she was surprised would be an understatement.
In the clearing before her were around half a dozen Galleon Hunters, basic humanoid mechaniloids clad in purple and silver armor with basic buster weapons. In the midst of them and clearly in charge was a Giga Aspis, a large snake mechaniloid with yellow and purple armor and a spiked ball on its tail to act as a flail, considered to be one of the most dangerous beasts in Area A. She would know, having fought one as her first real test as a Mega Man. All of them had their eyes trained on the figure whose back was to her, as if assessing the best way to take it down without being destroyed.
As well they should, considering littering the clearing were the odds and ends of what Aile could only assume were at least another dozen Galleons and another Giga Aspis, either blasted apart or sliced to pieces. The fallen Aspis in particular was smoking badly and still on fire, and Aile could only assume it was the source of the explosion she heard.
But all of that was secondary to just who the mysterious fighter in question was. Clad in red armor similar to her own and holding a green-bladed laser sword in their grip, she knew just from looking it was another Mega Man like her. But it was the shape of the helmet and the long flowing blond hair spilling out from behind that made her breath catch, for she knew exactly who it was and indeed the only person it could be.
"No way..." she muttered. "What are the odds?"
"No idea, but that doesn't change what we have to do, does it, Aile?"
She smiled. "You're right about that, X." She aimed her cannon directly for the Aspis, its attention still trained on the other Mega Man. "Let's lend a helping hand."
Two charged shots were unleashed near instantly, the sound of the discharge barely warning the serpentine mechaniloid in time as they smashed into and deformed its face while causing it to jerk back and screech in pain. Both the Galleons and the Mega Man hesitated at the suddenness of the move, allowing Aile time to jump out and unleash several more shots that took out a Galleon, but the other Mega Man recovered first and shot forward with a feminine yell as she sliced through the two closest Galleons at once before her saber turned into a buster and blasted another further back in the face. The remaining Galleons only had time to let off a brief round of shots before Aile finished them with another charge shot, dashing under the futile buster shots with ease.
By that point, the Giga Aspis had recovered and tried to swing its flail at the two, but they easily dodged away from the poor swing. The other Mega Man simply raised her buster and fired a powerful charge shot into its face again, deforming it even more as it tried to flee. Aile didn't give it that chance as she fired another double charge shot, her twin blasts completely destroying its head and causing the beast to collapse in a heap of scrap before it exploded.
"Well...that went well..." she panted, more from the adrenaline than actual tiredness.
"...Aile?"
The Model X Mega Man turned her head towards the voice, recognizing it perfectly along with the face.
After all, it was her voice and face. The Mega Man before her might as well have been her identical twin sister, and if they traded armors and hair no one would be able to tell the difference. Identical green eyes stared into each other, one filled with amusement, the other with surprise, but both with a sense of recognition.
"Hello, Grey," she called out to her doppelganger. "Been a while since we've seen each other. Glad to see you're putting my body to good use, at least."
"Grey" blushed, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. "H-Hey, don't say it like that...people might get the wrong idea..."
"I dunno, Grey," another, more chipper voice rang out. "You do make a habit of using her A-Trans..."
"That's not...!" she started before she just sighed explosively. With a flash of bright light, Aile's red-armored and blond-haired copy vanished. In "her" place was another Mega Man, this one clad in armor of blue, black and red, and very much a guy. The most noticeable feature of the armor was the pair of red cables that came down from his back like they were meant to be "plugged in" to something. He looked to be only in his mid-teens, though with the tan and the small scar on his cheek he could easily be mistaken for being older.
Of course, given how awkward he was being at the moment, it was very obvious that wasn't in effect at the moment. "Err...hey, Aile. It really has been a while, huh? Not since..."
"Since after the Ouroboros," Aile clarified, still smiling.
"Right. So...how did you...?"
"I was just taking a relaxing walk enjoying the forest and nature when I felt an explosion and saw the smoke cloud. I hurried on over and...well, here we are." She walked forward. "It's good to see you though, Grey. really."
Grey's previous embarrassment faded under her calm and warm attitude, and he flashed her a smile. She had only seen him do it twice before, after he had recovered from his injuries fighting Master Albert, but she had to admit there was something awkwardly cute in how he did it like he wasn't entirely sure if he was getting it right.
"Yeah...it's good to see you too, Aile...and thanks for the save. I guess that makes the third time, huh?"
"No need to keep score, Grey. I'm just helping someone in need." She gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "And more importantly, a friend in need."
"Hey, what am I, scrap metal?" the voice from before echoed out, and with a flash of light Grey de-Megamerged, now with a black-and-white triangular Biometal with a red line across the "face" and a bolt where a jewel would be.
"Hey Model A, nice to see you too," Aile answered. She de-Megamerged as well, allowing Model X to float up to his counterpart.
Model A chuckled a little. "So, what's up with you guys?"
"Busy with work and taking a break," Model X replied. "Shall we take this conversation on the road?"
"Sure," Grey answered. "It would be nice to have someone else to talk to. Good to see you also, Model X..." he trailed off, realizing something felt...off. "Hey, where's Model Z? Isn't he usually with you guys?"
Aile stiffened a little, having forgotten she had never informed him of that little detail during their last meeting in Hunter's Camp months ago. She hadn't wanted to ruin the victorious mood of Albert's defeat with bad news he could feel guilty about, and she HAD been hoping she would find the Biometal in question before they met again, but now...
"It's...a long story," she finally said, her mood dripping a little.
Grey's face shifted to concerned. "In that case, I've got the time to listen and help. Anything for a friend, right?"
Aile smiled at the earnestness of the reply. Their first meeting might have been awkward (fighting to the death over a failure to communicate, of all things), but he really did have a good heart.
'Actually, this is a pretty good opportunity to talk to him about that letter...'
"Thanks. Actually, there are several things I want to talk with you about...and maybe something to show you too."
"Aile..."
"It's alright, Model X. I think he has a right to see it."
Grey tilted his head curiously. "What is it?"
Aile gestured for him to follow. "Come on, we can talk along the way."
"Wow, deja vu..." Model A muttered, remembering a similar line of dialogue when the two Chosen Ones had fought their way out of a quarry back to Hunter's Camp.
Both Chosen Ones chuckled a little as Grey quickly jogged up to Aile's side and they set off, the Biometals trailing nearby.
"So, that's what happened to Model Z..." Grey muttered softly, now back in his Megamerged form as he wall-jumped up a cliff face alongside Aile in her own. Everything after fighting the self-proclaimed "god" Master Albert was a blur after he blacked out upon winning. It was a sobering thought to think that he and Model A had only survived because the Biometal in question had chosen to hold the line against the other enemy Mega Men to let Aile and Model X rescue them. "And he's still missing?"
"Yeah..." Aile's voice was equally soft as she vaulted over onto solid ground. "Him and the other Mega Men and Biometals. That's what I meant about how there are still things that need finding. Besides, he told me he'd survive. I'm still holding him to that."
And yet, after all these weeks and months, the doubt was harder to shake off. The Guardians had sent missions to try and search the wreckage of the sunken Ouroboros, but had turned up nothing so far, not even a trace of the missing persons in question. The Guardians were worried, both for what those four youths who had taken Models H, L, F, and P could and would do now that the Game of Destiny was over if they were still alive, as well as the fates of the Biometals the Guardians and especially Aile considered friends, even family.
"I see...I'm sorry, Aile. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know, and I'll be there."
Aile turned to look at him, surprised a little by his resolute tone. "What about your whole 'walking the earth' trip?"
Grey shrugged. "I can still do that while searching for the Biometals and those guys. They could be anywhere in the world, after all." He smiled again. "Besides, I'm just helping a friend in need, right? I think that's worth taking some time out."
Aile smiled back, touched. "...Thanks, Grey. You're still a good kid."
"Hey! What'd I tell you about making fun of me?"
Aile laughed and patted his shoulder. "Sorry. I meant 'good guy.'"
"Wow, she knows how to push your buttons, Grey," Model A chuckled. "And you were being so cool too."
"A-Anyways, what about where we're going?" Grey said to change the conversation. "You still haven't told me about that..."
"I'm getting to that. It's not too far anyhow." She kept walking with Grey by her side. "But first, have you been contacted by Legion recently?"
"Not really," Grey replied. "I haven't been at a transerver for about a week and have just been hoofing it in the wilderness. At least, they haven't sent me any calls or messages I'm aware of...Model A?"
"I've got nothing."
"Well, the Guardians recently received an invitation to a celebration at Legion Headquarters to celebrate destroying Model W and stopping Master Albert, and the Hunters have too. And they want us to be the guests of honor."
Grey's eyes widened. "Guests of honor...me too?"
Aile smirked. "Well, you ARE the one who defeated Albert, after all. You're a national hero."
"Hey, I'm down with that!" Model A chirped eagerly. "It's nice to be appreciated...and if there's money involved, we could use that too for food and travel."
"I'm not sure if they'll give us a monetary reward after the original bounty for the Ouroboros." Model X noted dryly. "More likely a ceremonial trophy. Don't tell me you already ran through your share."
"Hey, it's always nice to have more to lighten the struggle of the journey!"
"I just did what I had to do," Grey muttered. "But as long as the others are getting recognized too, I guess I wouldn't mind going..."
"That didn't take very long," Aile noted with a bit of an envious chuckle. "I wish I could be that decisive."
"Huh?" Grey was confused now. "Aren't you going?"
"Well...usually I would, but there's something special about the day of the celebration for me." She turned her head towards another sheer hill face in front of them. "Almost there."
They started to wall-jump up the hill, Aile still talking.
"The date they chose for the party is the anniversary of the fall of Slither Inc., which was where the first Model W was destroyed and Cinq Ville was saved. Doomsday was averted four years earlier. It's meant to send a message, but I have a tradition on that day."
They both reached the stop and hoisted themselves over, Grey taking a moment to take in the sight in front of him. It was a clear area with only grass and wildflowers growing and a single ancient oak tree in the center...but his eyes were particularly drawn to the large flat slab of stone that was facing them in front of said tree, with wording that looked like it was carved with a beam saber.
Girouette
2405-2432
Beloved friend and foster father
Missed, but never forgotten
"I told you before that Model Z was a memento from somebody very dear to me, didn't I?" Aile walked forward and knelt down in front of the monument. "Grey, I want you to meet Giro. This is the man who taught me so many life lessons that I've tried hard to follow even now. Remember when I told you that only you can decide your destiny, no matter what anyone else says you are? That was the last lesson he ever told me."
Grey didn't have much experience with "family", considering his father had made him only as a back-up plan and tried to kill him, while his "siblings" had also used and tried to kill him (even if he regretted what ultimately happened to them in particular). But he could recognize that this Giro was someone Aile held close to her heart even now...and that she had trusted him enough to bring him here...
"Aile..." Slowly, Grey walked forward and knelt down in front of it as well. "I...why are you showing me this?"
"I...I guess I wanted to show you, as a friend." She looked back at it. "He died saving my life, and I swore I would avenge him by stopping Model W, and by continuing the fight to protect the world. When I won that fight, I made a tradition of always coming here on the anniversary of the fight just to relax and think. And now I'm the mentor figure to you. I guess it was just fitting."
"...Thank you, Aile." He reached out a hand and put it on hers, smiling at her surprised expression. "This means a lot, trusting me with something this personal..."
Again, that smile managed to tug at something within Aile. It certainly didn't hurt that Grey was rather cute when smiling like that...wait a minute...
"Aile, I can hear your heart rate spiking," Model X told the girl mentally, a knowing tone infecting his words. "Try not to go into a panic attack."
It took everything Aile had to not jerk her hand away, though she couldn't stop the blush on her face. "I-It's nothing..."
"Smooth moves, partner..." Model A muttered in the reploid's head. Grey wasn't sure what he was getting at. He was just trying to convey a deeper sense of gratitude. Worried he might have overstepped his boundaries, he pulled his hand back.
"Sorry if that's embarrassing..."
"N-No, you didn't!" Gods above, if Giro was watching her from wherever he was right now, she probably would die of embarrassment...and then kick his ass before hugging the unlife out of him. "I just...I'm flattered you think that way."
A part of Grey was still confused, but another part of him couldn't deny he actually liked the flustered side of Aile he was seeing. It was...adorable. Of course, his instincts told him there was risk in provoking it further, so he decided to turn the conversation away again.
"So...I guess you don't want to miss the next anniversary by going to the celebration?"
"R-Right," she affirmed, taking the chance to change the subject. "But...a part of me does want to go because of what it represents, and I know Giro would probably say something about wanting me to have fun with my friends instead of moping about all alone with just Model X for company. But I guess I'm a stubborn girl set in her traditions."
"Huh...any way I can help?"
"You have any ideas?"
"Well..." he blushed a little. "I could A-Trans into you..."
Aile couldn't help the laugh that escaped her, the mental image of Grey being at the party in some tux and constantly A-Transing into her, full ZX armor and everything, and back while ducking out of sight of party guests. "I appreciate it, Grey, but I'm pretty sure you'd run yourself and Model A ragged in the process."
"Right, sorry..."
"It's alright." They sat there in silence for awhile longer.
"Maybe you could come here in the morning, then leave later for the party?" Model A offered. "Or heck, leave it earlier to come here."
"Either one could work," Model X surmised. "Quite agreeable, actually."
"I suppose..." Aile conceded. Hard to believe it could really be that simple, but sometimes it was the simple solutions that proved most evasive. She looked over at Grey. "So, if you're going, what are you planning on wearing?"
"Huh?" Grey was a little confused. "I was just thinking of going like I am or Megamerged. What else would I wear?"
Aile chuckled. "I guess you'll need a bit of education on the art of dressing for fancy celebrations..."
"Uh...do you mind helping me then...?"
"I can make time for that." Aile slowly leaned back until she was facing the sky and watching the clouds with her arms behind her head, Model X deMegamerging so he could lay similarly next to her head. "But for now, mind just relaxing here with me? Consider it thanks for being willing to talk with me like this."
Grey smiled as Model A deMegamerged and the two followed suit. "Sure. I've got time, and I like hanging out like this. It's peaceful and quiet. It's what we fought for, right?"
Aile smiled herself. "You've got that right, Grey. Right on the E-crystals..."
There was silence for a while longer...
"...Hey, Aile?"
"Yeah, Grey?"
"Do you mind telling me more about Girouette? I guess I'm just curious since I don't know much about 'real dads' myself..."
"...No problem at all, Grey, but why don't we save that for the actual anniversary? I'll give you something to look forward to."
"The suspense is killing me..." Grey half-snarked, prompting Aile and the Biometals to chuckle as the clouds and sun passed overhead.
"This turned out better than I thought it would..." Model X mused to himself, his thoughts hidden from his Chosen. "Maybe this is just what Aile needs to do this..."
Three Days Later, Cinq Ville
"I can't do this, X..." Aile muttered as she looked at the dresses in front of her, hands jammed into the blue jacket.
"What a twist..." Model X mused. "To think years ago it was Prairie who said the same thing when you dragged her out of the ship and got her that beautiful green dress..."
"Entirely different, and you know it," Aile grumbled, still internally glad the Guardian commander wasn't here to engage in some teasing of her own. After her encounter with Grey days ago, she had escorted him to Cinq Ville and got him a hotel room, telling him not to worry about the bill since she'd take care of it (as long as he and Model A didn't go overboard in hotel expenses). She had returned the Guardian Base afterwards and informed Prairie of their meeting and her decision to attend the celebration at Legion alongside Grey.
"What a stroke of luck," Prairie had said upon hearing everything. "It's like the universe decided to help you along."
"Sure, let's go with that." Aile had replied. "Anyways, I'm gonna help him find some nice to wear to the party. Can't have a guest of honor showing up in his civvies, right?"
"True...and as for your 'civvies'? Last I recall, you're rather lacking in any sort of formal wear for this sort of fancy occasion."
"...Dang it, Prairie..."
And so here she was, after three days of more peacekeeping and missions with the Guardians, looking over dresses in Cinq Ville's finest clothing store. She had brought Grey along, but he was currently in a changing room testing out several suits the employees and she had picked out after they got his size measured down. He had been surprisingly reluctant to take off his harness and cables, but there was no other way he would be able to get that tuxedo on.
"I just wish these dresses weren't so...revealing or frilly..." Aile muttered looking at a purple dress with an open back, then leaning forward to look at the price tag while grimacing at the 4-digit figures. "And expensive..."
"You could just wear a suit like Grey," X noted. "You could certainly make it work."
"Yeah..." That was definitely her Plan B, all things considered. "But a dress would be more fitting for this event..."
"Excuse me, ma'am, but is everything alright?"
Aile turned to see a blond middle-aged clerk in a pink uniform looking at her curiously, with the name tag that said "Erica". Considering Model X wasn't out, it probably looked to her like Aile was talking to herself.
"I'm fine, thank you, just not finding something that screams 'Me.'"
"I see...do you have any preferences?"
Aile thought for a moment. "Well...I'm not really into lots of frills or something really revealing...though I guess a bit of skin wouldn't hurt. Color-wise...I like blue or red the most, with some black mixed in. Most importantly, something that won't break the bank."
Granted, with her savings she could afford the most expensive dress here along with whatever Grey chose and not be inconvenienced, but she wasn't one to splurge on items like this.
"Hmm...I think we might have something. Follow me."
Aile followed Erica to another line of dresses, then waited as she searched through them before pulling out a dress that was hidden from her view.
"How about this one?" she asked as she turned and presented it to Aile.
Inside the men's changing room, Grey fumbled with the black tie of his suit in the mirror.
"I think you could choke someone with this thing..." he grumbled, grateful one of the employees had helpfully tied one in front of him to show him how it was done.
"Come on, Grey! I think you look snazzy!" Model A chirped helpfully, having manifested in the privacy of the room to provide moral support. "You'll definitely turn some heads at this party!"
"I dunno...you think?"
He finally managed to adjust the tie so that it looked straight and wasn't choking him. With a sigh, he finally looked himself over. He was wearing a black pinstripe suit with a red dress shirt, black tie, and matching black shoes. His normal clothes were all in a bundle nearby along with his cable harness. He had to admit, the suit actually did feel pretty good to wear, and it didn't look too bad. Really, he was just more surprised he was actually wearing something this fancy.
"Yeah, I know so!" Model A beamed. "Just give yourself a comb-over, and you're all set for the high life!"
"Well...as long as Aile thinks it looks good too, I'll take it."
"What, my opinion doesn't matter? I'm hurt!"
"Hey, I never said that, Model A!" Grey protested, even though a part of him really did want Aile's approval of the look. "And besides, Aile's paying for it, so she has the final say anyways."
"Yeah, yeah..." Model A muttered. "Still, it's kinda funny we're actually doing this..."
"Yeah..." Grey admitted. "The past few days have been interesting ones..."
That was an understatement. Since meeting Aile in the forest and being told so much, things just seemed to blur a bit. That hotel in the city Aile had paid for them alone was fancier than any place he and Model A had stayed since starting their journey (and most of the time, they camped out under the stars). While Model A had been pretty eager to try out some of the fancier things in the place like the gameroom, Grey had intentionally limited himself to avoiding anything other than the essentials to avoid racking up too much of a bill for Aile and only allowed for such excesses in moderation.
Though he did admit he did take his time enjoying the hot showers and toiletries, and may have packed away a lot of the latter in preparation for eventually leaving. Hey, according to the staff they restocked daily without any extra charges. It would be a shame to just waste them.
And now here he was, getting suited up for a celebration at Legion with himself as a guest of honor. He would be lying to state he wasn't worried, if less about embarrassing himself than accidentally causing a scene that would reflect badly on the other Hunters or even the Guardians. They didn't deserve that after everything they had been through.
"Hey, don't let it get to you, Grey," Model A encouraged. "The party's still days away. We've got time to prepare."
"Right..." Grey sighed as he adjusted his collar. "Should I go out and show Aile, or get dressed again?"
"I say show her. You'll make the best impression this way, right?"
"Right."
The reploid quickly left the room, locking the door with the special key the employees gave him to make sure no one could steal his stuff while the Biometal hid in his suit, and quickly walked out back into the store.
"Now, where is she...?"
"Maybe she got a dress already?"
"Maybe..." Noticing a clerk waiting in front of the women's changing room, he quickly walked over. "Excuse me, ma'am?"
"Yes?" The clerk asked, her tag reading "Erica," "Is there something I can help you with, young man?"
"I'm looking for a female friend of mine," Grey replied. "Brown hair, ponytail, wearing blue?"
Erica nodded and gestured to the changing room. "She's inside, trying out a dress." She looked over the suit he was wearing with a kind smile. "That suit suits you well. Going to a party?"
"Yeah..." Grey replied, scratching his head at the compliment. "It's my first time wearing one of these. I just hope she likes it too."
"I'm certain she will. And I believe you'll like the dress she's trying out too." She giggled. "Pardon me for saying, but I think you'll both be the cutest couple there."
"C-Couple-?!" Grey couldn't stop the blush breaking out on his face. "W-We're-!"
The teen was spared further incrimination by the sound of the women's door opening, Aile stepping out with a blue and black dress on a hanger and in her normal wear. Grey couldn't get a good look at the dress since she was already stuffing it into a bag.
"Hey, Grey," she said, looking up from what over his apparel with a critical eye before smiling and reaching forward to tug at the collar a little. "You look great. I like it. You getting it?"
"T-Thanks..." Grey stuttered with a still-present blush, thankful she didn't seem to be aware of the previous conversation. "And yeah, I definitely am."
"Alright then," Aile nodded before looking at Erica and holding up the bag. "I'll take this and the suit."
"Wonderful! If that's all, we just need for your 'friend'," she put emphasis on the word that Aile didn't seem to pick up on, "to get redressed and we can purchase them both."
"I'll go do that..." Grey muttered as he about-faced and went back to his changing room.
"Wish you got to see Aile in the dress?" Model A's voice piped up in his head.
It took all of Grey's inner strength to not stop and yell out loud, though that didn't stop his heated whisper. "Model A!"
"What? She got to see you in your fancy doodahs. Fair's fair, right?"
"Well...yeah..." he sighed. "They'll be time before the party, I'm sure."
He quickly got inside and redressed, and within minutes both he and Aile were walking outside again with their purchases in bags. Grey noted that she seemed oddly distracted by something, but before he could bring himself to ask she finally shook her head and looked at him.
"Well, that went better than I expected," Aile noted cheerfully, if a little forced. "So Grey, anywhere you want to go later?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, I'm gonna drop this dress off back at Guardian Base with a transerver, but I'm free this afternoon and you haven't really seen the sights of Cinq Ville. Want me to show you around?"
Grey briefly considered saying no, not wanting to infringe on her personal time and worried that she was just doing it for his sake rather than really wanting to, but he didn't really have anything better to do aside from stay at the hotel. It was true he hadn't done much exploring of the city over the past three days since coming here too.
"Yeah..I'd like that, as long as it's not a bother."
Aile laughed, and this time it seemed more genuine. "Trust me, Grey, with you, it's not a bother."
Grey smiled back, with Aile still laughing before she turned her head away and covered her mouth to cover her elbow to cough.
"Pardon me for saying, but I think you'll both be the cutest couple there."
That recent memory caused him to look away and blush again, thankful that Aile wasn't looking at him. He didn't know too much about romance himself, but he saw several "sweethearts" amongst the Hunters and even heard a few stories about love from various Hunters, including his friend Billy.
"If you're wondering what it feels like, think about the last time you were in the fight of your life, your heart pumping like a jackhammer from terror and the adrenaline slamming through you from nervousness, like one wrong move means the end of everything. That's basically how it feels when you're talking with your crush...just worse, but also...better, like a warm feeling of giddiness you don't wanna let go of? I dunno how to put it in words, man. You'll know when you feel it for yourself."
'Is this what he meant...?' Grey wondered, feeling the pounding in his heart and the warm feeling through his body. 'It's...not so bad, I guess...'
Well, that went longer than I expected. This would have been a one-shot, but it got long enough I divided it into three chapters.
And hey, it's certainly a step up from my first attempt at a Mega Man one-shot (even if I won't regret that story). Hopefully, I'll keep you all entertained and interested 'til the end!
Review, favorite, and follow if you like. Tell me your thoughts!