Chapter Twenty-Eight: Rebirth

He wanted to ignore what Rebel had said to him earlier but it was a task easier said than done. Adam stared at his opponent Diavolo who stood before him glaring back at Blue Dragon’s eloquent existence. Diavolo’s MF was purple with tints of black, the lightly armored MF had sharp protruding spike attached to the shoulder blades and the knee joints. The MF had four elongated cannons that dangled off the back of the core; two of the cannons would pivot just underneath the arm joints of the core while the other two pivoted to rest onto of the stiff armored shoulders. The unnamed MF lingered in space while holding onto a modified rail gun; it lacked the power of the highly revered rail cannon, but still was a high damaging rifle that could be held in the hand of an MF. Along with these weapons Diavolo also was equipped with two javelins that were solid based, the advantage of this was that it didn’t drain any extra energy from the generator reserves. Adam smirked as the digital clock hit “0”, it was time and he couldn’t be happier to take out his stress on someone.

Ready? Go!

“I am sorry to disappoint you Azure Knight but you will not be making it to face Rebel! I will be the one to defeat him!” Diavolo screamed while Adam chuckled.

“You’re amusing. But you haven’t beaten me yet. Maybe you should focus on the task at hand before drowning yourself in delusions of grandeur.” Adam replied. The cerulean boosters ignited as his MF soared with both laser rifles aiming forward. Once the lock on box solidified around Diavolos’ MF Adam began to fire. The cerulean beams were knocked aside as the purple MF covered its torso with its arms. The armor plating surrounding the arm units were composed of the same alloy that made up most solid shields. In a way Diavolo’s MF was an active shield; the ultimate shield. Adam cringed as he watched his volley impose no damaged whatsoever.

“Heh, looks like I’m going to have to take a different approach to you then.” Adam mumbled.

“You’re welcome to TRY IT!” Diavolo screamed, the crimson boosters raged onwards as the purple MF soared towards Blue Dragon with its rail gun gathering energy. The crimson spheres of energy that were circulating around the barrel were a sure sign of the attack being prepared. Just then Blue Dragon boosted in front of the purple MF with both energy sabers now ignited. Diavolo arched back into his seat, he was shocked at the speed of Blue Dragon. Prematurely the rail gun fired, the blast wasn’t at its full potential however Adam still found it necessary to avoid the blast. Blue Dragons’ torso tilted to the right allowing the beam of energy speed by hitting nothing but the void of space. Adam reacted instantly, Blue Dragon’s right arm swung upwards. The cerulean beam of energy sliced through the purple MF’s leg units but was blocked as it neared the torso. Diavolo forced his MF to move away from Blue Dragon, just then the four elongated cannons moved into their position. Adam sighed as he watched all four cannons unleash a tempest of energy. The blaring beams of energy all began to twirl towards a certain focal point until they fused creating one immense beam of energy. Just as the beam neared Adam he pulled the throttles to the side while pressing forcefully onto the accelerators. The boosters moved to a 45 degree angle as the ignited sending the blue MF to the side once again avoiding the attack.

Diavolo’s purple MF sped towards Blue Dragon appearing before the blue MF with a trail of metallic debris floating out of the massive gash below the torso. The rail gun was dropped as it now floated in the depth of space, the MF now held onto its two javelins. Adam’s eyes widened as Diavolo swung both arms furiously. The sharp tip of both javelins managed to scratch through the azure armor platting on the torso and right arm of Blue Dragon.

“You bastard….you touched my MF.” Adam screamed out. A glowing aura of energy began to radiate around the eight wings that now fully extended outwards. Diavolo sighed as he knew what was coming next. The eight wings zoomed out from the wing attachments and began to dash around space in random formations all circling around Diavolo.

“Heh, those orbital wings are nice but won’t do much. You already know my MF is the ultimate shield! No energy beam can penetrate it they will just bounce off!”

“Heh, that maybe true.” Adam said.

Suddenly Diavolo began to swing his MF’s arms in a poking formation, the elongated javelins all pierced nothing as Blue Dragon continued to boost backwards avoiding every attack. Suddenly the wings began to fire relentlessly and just as Diavolo expected the beams just bounced off. But the orbital wings were causing a distraction; with every attack Diavolo was unable to fully execute his attack. The force of the beams knocked the arms off course giving Adam enough time to attack.

“But they are one hell of a distraction!” Adam screamed as Blue Dragon zoomed towards Diavolo, both energy sabers fully ignited held at both sides. In a single crossing motion the two arms jerked upwards forcing the beams of energy to pierce through the critical arm joints connecting the torso and the arm units together; the one place that did not have the armor platting. The orbital wings quickly attached themselves back to Blue Dragon’s core as Adam continued flying.

“Hehehe…I may not have my arm…but my cannons are still fully functional!” Diavolo screamed as the four cannons quickly locked onto Blue Dragon’s heat signature.
Adam’s eyes widened as he forced Blue Dragon around to face the massive beam of energy that was now heading straight for him. With some last minute maneuvering Blue Dragon swayed to the side however the sheer size of the beam was still too much. The right arm was engulfed in the blast causing an explosion to send Blue Dragon tumbling through space. Adam pounded his fist onto the control panel in frustration.           

“You bastard….” Adam mumbled. Blue Dragon quickly flew out of the tumbling motions and with one energy saber left sliced through the cannon’s joints causing it to explode furiously. Diavolo began to scream in angst.

“DAMN IT!” He screamed as Blue Dragon loomed over the defeated pilot.

“That was a pretty good match. I apologize, but I will be the one to defeat Rebel358…” Adam replied calmly. He sighed looking back to Prosperity where he knew Sharon was worrying over his own well being. And then there was Amy, he knew that she too was still harboring feelings. The fact was still clear that he didn’t know how to react to those feelings.

“(Damn…I really need to calm down….I think I need a break. At least Stephen’s up next…)” His mind began to wander as he steered his MF back to the Prosperity hanger.

            “So Adam advanced yet again…” Rebel mumbled to himself.

“But isn’t that what you wanted?” The voice of one of his chosen 4, Pestilence said softly. His green lopsided hair covered his left eye leaving only his right one visible.

“I do…its just amusing because sometimes I find myself doubting his abilities….he’s too…too attached this world.” Rebel replied.

“Attached? I’m not sure I follow.” Pestilence replied.

“I’m not surprised; your feeble mind can only process so much information in such a short period of time. Allow me to explain…” Before he proceeded Rebel took a sip of the glass of Merlot that sat on his desk. He still was unable to determine where he acquired the taste but in the end it didn’t matter. “Now…as I was saying. Adam Novus is fighting on the account of dozens of people, his friends if you will. He fails to see the bigger picture like we all do. I have defeated my opponents with such little effort because I am attached to nothing. Nothing is holding me back. I do not hold such weaknesses that Adam Novus has. My feelings can not be manipulated because I have none…the only emotion I have, the only feeling that swells inside my stomach is my extreme hatred for the sinners that plague both Earth and Mars. My ambition can not be so easily twisted to other people’s whimsical desire. That is the difference between Adam and I, and why I am sometimes surprised that he manages to advance…but that will all come to an end once he meets me in the arena.” Rebel replied.

“Of course…but your next opponent, Zach Orion…he seems to be more dangerous than Adam correct?”

“Zach?... Ah yes, the boy. I have no concern regarding him…more like curiosity. I am looking forward to testing his potential in battle.” Rebel replied taking yet another sip of his chilled wine.

Seina Armana, little was known about him aside from the fact that his bipedal MF, Chronos had helped him advance throughout the tournament. The MF was the first of its kind sporting cannons instead of standard arm units. The elongated grenade cannons were devastating whenever their rounds connected to their target. If that power wasn’t enough Chronos was also equipped with ERMs on the back of its torso. The silver hued MF dashed around the crimson beams of energy that were sent out by Alpha. Stephen remained calm as usual, his hands holding onto the throttle in a loose manor, but still tight enough to not slip off. As Chronos sway to the side the elongated cannons acquired a lock on to the agile Alpha.

“I hope you don’t expect to hit me with those cannons. It’s too slow…” Stephen mumbled under his breath while his eyes stayed focused on the subtle movements of Chronos. The match to this point had been dull, Chronos constantly managed to avoid the beams of energy that Stephen unleashed while remaining defensive and not launching an attack of its own. Finally the two cannons jerked back as they sent out two massive shells. Stephen sighed, the crimson boosters flared towards the side as Alpha narrowly sped around the two shells to Seina’s own amazement.

“Hmpf…you’re a speedy MF aren’t you….well take this!” Hundreds of ERMs launched violently all heading straight towards Alpha. Stephen cringed at the sight that was now before him, he had never seen so many ERMs launched in a single volley. As he punched the accelerators each chrome warhead ruptured unleashing a devastating rain of energy onto Alpha’s location.

“This is going to be interesting…” Stephen mumbled as he broke out into evasive maneuvers. Alpha sped flying towards Chronos on its left side and then switched to flying on its right side. Along with changing sides Alpha also spun around energy beams that flung passed his line of sight. Seina continued to remain in shock as Stephen managed to fly around dodging the majority of the energy beams. A few beams managed to pound onto Alpha’s armor but caused no significant damage.

            “He’s going to win….is there really any reason to continue watching this?” Adam yawned. He quickly shut up as everyone there just looked back at him with bitter cold expressions.

“All right all right…damn.” Adam replied as he turned his attention back to the screen. He smirked as he watched his brother easily escape damage. He had been hoping for this moment for years, if Stephen would win the current match than he and his brother would meet in the Pre-finals to determine who would go against the winner between Zach and Rebel358. The last time the two brothers faced off was when Adam was an intern at Genesis still training to take the MF exam. Adam smiled at the thought of getting the chance to have a full fledged battle against Stephen. “(You better win…)”

            Chronos finally moved out of its stationary position, its golden boosters flickering as it flew towards Alpha. Seina’s hazel eyes blink a few times as drops of sweat managed to run down his face sliding their way into his eyelids. Alpha after exiting the storm of energy grabbed onto its energy boomerangs. First the right arm wound up preparing to throw the weapon. Just as Chronos’ grenade cannons fired another dual shell round Alpha’s right arm swung launching the energy boomerang into space on a trajectory heading towards Chronos. The boomerang flew around the shells and continued to head towards Seina while in a curved path. Alpha at the last second boosted upwards avoiding the grenade blast and at that moment threw the second boomerang. Once the boomerang left the crimson hand Stephen tilted his feet harshly onto the accelerator. Alpha exploded out of its position speeding towards Chronos.

“The hell is that?!” Seina screamed as his radar began to beep wildly. He forced Chronos to turn to the left just as the boomerang scorched past. “Whoa! That was close….huh?” Thinking that the danger was averted Seina slowly turned Chronos around only to see the second boomerang spinning towards his location. His eyes widened and tried to avoid but the boomerang managed to slice through the two grenade cannons causing an explosion that sent Chronos into a fall.
Alpha continued its descent towards Chronos while grabbing the two energy boomerangs and placing them back onto the shoulder blades. Next Alpha ignited its dual energy saber.

“You got lucky on that one!” Seina screamed.

“Luck has nothing to do with it.” Stephen replied calmly as Alpha abruptly appeared in front of Chronos quickly swinging the dual energy saber. The heated beam of crimson energy tore through the head unit and upper half of Chronos’ silver torso. As the beams swept through the armor another crimson explosion ruptured the top half of Chronos spitting out all sorts of debris and electrical sparks. Stephen sighed as he stared back at the floating remains of his opponent; it was a work out, but nothing too strenuous.

“ *sigh*….guess I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow to have a real work out.” Stephen mumbled.

“What…..what just happened? Did…..did I lose? But that’s impossible….how could I have lost…” Seina continued to mutter meaningless rants as he reluctantly watched

Alpha slowly fly away back towards the Prosperity hanger.

“Stephen Novus is victorious….he advances to the Pre-Finals.” The same feminine voice announcer for the entire tournament mumbled.

            “Well that’s it for today. Think I’m going to go take a nap. You know get a good amount of sleep before the Pre-Finals begin tomorrow.” Adam mumbled as his arms stretched outwards as he yawned.

“What? You’re not going to stay and congratulate your brother on his victory?” Ashley appeared to be puzzled by Adam’s rash decision.

“I guess….but it’s not like I wasn’t shocked or anything. I knew he was going to win, I expected him to win.” Adam replied.

“You arrogant son of….” Ashley was interrupted by Mario’s hand which softly placed itself onto her shoulder.

“Calm down…that’s just how those two act. It’s nothing offensive.” Mario replied.

“I guess…but still.” Ashley replied.

“Adam…you….you did a great job out there. I’m proud of you.” Amy’s voice echoed. Everyone turned around to look at the blushing young girl who was staring at the ground. She had been quiet the entire day and most of them had forgotten that she was even present. Adam began to rub his head in embarrassment.

“Umm…thanks…” He forced himself to say the words, even forced himself to look at her.

“Hey look who’s here!” Mario screamed out breaking the awkward silence that followed. Stephen entered heading towards the group of people. He managed to avoid the group of reporters who had been waiting for each pilot after every match. He stood smirking at his friends.

“Great match Stephen!” Ashley screamed out.

Heather smirked as she elbowed her friend in the gut.

“Ow…what was that for?” Ashley whispered to Heather as her face awkwardly gazed at her friend.

Heather shrugged her shoulders just smiling trying not to chuckle.

“Nothing…” Heather modestly replied.

“Thanks….Seina was a difficult opponent.” Stephen replied in a modest tone of voice.

Everyone paused in order to look at one another and then suddenly began to laugh.

“Right…come on bro, stop being so modest. We know he wasn’t a challenge for you!” Mario screamed.

Stephen just sighed as he glanced towards his brother who was staring with an arched eyebrow.

“What’s up with you?” Stephen questioned.

“Heh, you know what this means right?” Adam asked while chuckling.

“Hmm…oh yeah. This means you and I are facing off.” Stephen replied with raised eyebrows.

“Yep…first time in 2 and a half years.” Adam replied as he leaned against the frigid guardrail.

“You think you have what it takes to beat me this time?” Stephen asked sarcastically.

“You guys! Stop it, you’re brothers!” Sharon blurted out. She began to approach Adam but Mario extended his arm out to prevent her from advancing any further. She instantly looked up at Mario with her wide eyed innocence. Her brown eyes glistening with the purity that only she knew how to convey.

“They’re brothers; it’s only natural for them to have some kind of rivalry. It’d be unhealthy if they didn’t have one.” Mario replied.

“Ugh…I guess.”

“I think I can take you now.” Adam replied smirking.

“You’ve gotten a lot better but you’re still predictable. I know all of your moves. You won’t be able to surprise me once we’re out there.” Stephen replied.

“Ha, we’ll see. Until then I’m kinda hungry. Let’s get dinner.”

Everyone chuckled a bit as they began to head out of the hanger. The tournament was indeed drawing to its conclusion with only 3 matches left with 4 pilots remaining in the upper echelon of all MF pilots.

            The crimson MF continued to fly through the air confused about his own existence. His crimson eyes gleamed outwards staring into the azure abyss that made up the majority of the Atlantic Ocean. He sighed as he began to study his hands, the lines that made up the creases on his palm were familiar, everything that sat before him was completely familiar and yet this clone, this artificially created human was unable to put a name to anything remotely familiar.

“What…..what am I?” He mumbled under his breath.

He watched as the dirt ridden seagulls flew eloquently across the setting sun. As he embraced himself in the serene scenery his eyes widened at the appearance of two MFs reminiscent of the ones he encounter the prior day.

“Them again….why can’t they leave me alone?” He mumbled. His hands once again wrapped around the throttles as he ignited his MF. The silent engine began to move as a crimson beam of light flickered on the head unit.

“Johnson….I’m picking up some movement below. Do you think it could be the target?” The lead pilot mumbled while trying to hide his own fear.

“It’s possible….oh my God its moving…it’s him! It’s the enemy!” Ensign Johnson screamed as the crimson MF sped out from the forest that was currently hiding him.
Ensign Johnson’s MF exploded into pieces as the crimson MF sped past slicing through the armor with its own energy lance.

“Oh my God JOHNSON!” The remaining pilot screamed. Suddenly the crimson MF floated in front of the quivering Shade.

“Who am I….and why are you after me?”

“I…..you….you’re….”

“Do you know me? How do you know me?!” The clone’s voice continued to scream. His anger caused a new sensation to trigger in the back of his mind. His eyes began to tremble, his eyelids closing in on his pupils only to open once again.

“I….I….”

            You’re scared….terrified of me.
“You’re scared…terrified of me.”

            “Yes…..yes…very much so….”

            Good….just as I remember it.
“Good….just as I remember it”

The dual layered voice etched itself into the soul of the terrified pilot. Suddenly without warning the Shade exploded into pieces. The singed debris fluttered into the brisk ocean as the crimson MF lingered above.

            Hehehehaahaha….now I have some unfinished business to take care of.
“Hehehehaahaha…now I have some unfinished business to take care of…”

            Adam and Stephen Novus…
“Adam and Stephen Novus…