original story Limit Break: Tales of Atma the Hybrid Hero

[Hakimblue99]

“I'm sorry.”

ERROR!

“Take care, Aero.”

ERROR!

ERROR!

“I love you, my son.”

ERROR!

“I love you, my son.”

ERROR!

“I love you, my son.”

ERROR!

ERROR!

ERROR!

“Huh?”

A black-haired boy groans as he suddenly wakes up from his memories. Lying on top of a hill.

“Huwargh…What the heck…Huh?”

Just then, the boy realizes his current situation.  More specifically, what he’s currently wearing. A dull, dirty grey full bodysuit covering his entire body from neck to toe.

“Euw! What’s this?! I look so uncool…”

…Clearly he has his priorities straight.

“Man, I want to wear something else.” Just then, Aero realizes something.

He’s currently on top of a hill. Overlooking several trees, as far as his eye can see.

“Woah…

…

...wait. What is this place? Where am I-”

“Mrow!”

Just then, Aero notices a small creature nearby, waking up from its deep slumber. A small, black and white furry being with 4 legs. Just like any other human, Atma reaction is,

“OH MY GOD! You’re so cute!”

Aero immediately grabs the cute little creature.

Or at least, tries to.

But the surprised cat leaps out of the way, causing Aero to lean forward too much.

“Woaaaaaaaaaaa-”

And causes Aero to roll down the hill.

…

…

…

Somewhere, at a clearing, is a girl. Wearing a hijab, which in this case is styled like a black and red hoodie. She also wears black and red gloves alongside red shoes. But what’s most striking about her is the scar on her right eye.

And currently, she’s picking up a rock before, using a lastik, shoots the rock in a certain direction.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a web shoots out and ensnares the rock.

‘Test: successful.’ 

Is what the girl is thinking, as she presses her watch. Where a holographic screen pops up. 

‘One step closer to my revenge…’ she thought, as she notes down her findings on the screen. Before she realizes something.

“...This isn’t enough. I still haven’t tested any of these against any human being…

…

…I need test subjects.”

“-aaaa-”

“But where do I find some?”

“-AAAAA-”

“I’ve heard this city has gang problems. Perhaps-”

“-AAAAAAAA-”

“Who’s making that racket?!” the girl snarls as she turns towards the sound. And her eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets.

As she saw a human ball comically rolling towards her! Before she could do anything,

Crash!

Stars swirl in the air as both of them lie on the ground, groaning in pain.

“Ouw…”

“Ergh…”

It took a while for their eyes to stop spiraling like cartoon eyes, but the two finally recovered and stood back up. 

SMACK

And hit each other on the head. Again.

“Ergh…”

“Ouw…”

Causing them to once again lie on the ground, stars swirling in the air.

After some time, the two slowly stood back up.

And saw each other properly for the first time.

“...”

“Ouw…you okay? Sorry for hitting you.” remarks Aero.

“...What are you doing here?” ask the girl.

“Wha?”

“I said, what are you doing here?”

‘This park is supposed to be abandoned. That’s why I chose this place to test out my gadgets. So what’s this kid doing here?”

“Hmm.” Aero tries to remember.

He tries.

And try.

And-

“Who’s saying that-”

“Ignore it.”

“Alright.”

…Where was I? Oh, right.

So, Aero tries to remember what was he doing here.

He tries.

And try.

And try.

Until he realizes, 

“I…don’t remember.” mutters Atma in surprise.

“What?”

“I don’t remember anything!” realised Aero. “I wake up, and found myself here. That’s all I remember.” 

“...So you’re amnesiac?” questions the girl, raising her eyebrow. ‘You seriously expect me to believe that?’

“What’s amen…ane…an…what’s that?” splutters Aero, struggling to pronounce the word.

‘Oh, so you’re playing dumb? Fine, I’ll play along for now.’

“Just to clarify, you don’t remember anything at all?”

“Hmm…actually, I kinda remember something. A girl said something to me. What was it…’Take care, Ero’?” he mispronounced.

“WHAT?!” Once again, the girl’s eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets.

“Yeah, Aro. Why?”

“Wha-you said ‘Ero’ before.” the girl points out.

“Yeah, Aro.” replies Aero, innocently.

“No, you said-”

Just then, the girl realized.

‘Aro. Ero.’

“....Are you trying to say ‘Aero’?”

“Yeah, that!” clarifies Aero. “So that’s how you say it.. That girl called me Aero. And she said she loves me. And I’m her…son? What’s that?”

“You’re telling me you don’t know what a mother is?” asks the sceptical girl.

“What’s a mother?”

“...How do I know you’re not lying?”

“Wha-I’m not lying!” retorts Aero. “...although, I can’t blame you for not believing me. Hmm…how do I make you believe me?”

“...

…

…”

The girl didn’t say a thing, as she continued to observe Aero. While Aero struggles to think of a solution-

“Hmm, what’s this?”

“Huh?”

Aero attention abruptly shifts to something attached to a tree.

‘Oh, shoot! My Web Trapper!’ The girl realizes.

“Oh. Looks interesting.” Aero comments as he approaches the Web Trapper.

 “Don’t get close!” The girl warns.

“What?”

But it was too late.

The Web Trapper shoots it…well, web and ensnared Aero.

“Gah! What the?”

“I said don’t get close!” The girl grunts as she shuts off the web trapper, before storing it away.  “You okay?” 

“I’m fine.” Aero replied, as he tried to get out his binds. But fails. “Okay, maybe not.”

‘Huh. So it does work on people. To a certain degree.’

“Stay still. I’ll-” Just then, an idea formed in the girl’s head.

“-I’ll find something that can help. Just stay put. Don’t go anywhere.” The girl spoke, before she left Aero.

“Oh, okay.”

The girl leaves Aero as she disappears into the trees. Leaving Aero alone. Or at least, that’s what it looks like to Aero. In reality, she hid behind a nearby tree. Taking extra care to make sure Aero doesn’t notice. 

‘People tend to show their true colours when they think nobody’s watching. So let's see yours.’

So the girl observes Aero’s condition, as he stays still. Waiting, and waiting-

“I’m bored!” groaned Aero.

‘...It’s been like, 1 minute.’ the girl thought.

“When is she coming back? Urgh…I hope she gets here soon…Huh, I don’t know her name yet. I wonder what it is.” mutters Aero as he lies on the ground.

‘Still keeping up the facade, huh?’ the girl thought. ‘...he didn’t notice me, did he?’

“Hmm? What’s this?” mutters Aero, as he notices the soil he’s lying upon.

‘What is he doing?’ observes the girl, as Aero’s face becomes closer to the ground.

Then, Aero did something that nobody(who is sane) would expect.

He eats the soil.

Ptoi! 

“Euw! Yuck! Yuck! This isn’t tasty at all!”

He spits the soil in disgust. And full of regret.

‘Of course it’s not tasty! Why would you do that?!’ The girl stares in disbelief. ‘Sheesh, he’s really committed to this act…unless he’s not lying. Maybe he really did lose his memories…along with his common sense.

Wait…if that’s the case…why should I care? It’s not my problem.’

Just then, the girl hears something approaching. Or rather, someone. Well, several of them.

‘Hmm?’

“Ergh…I’m bored.” mutters Aero, once again. 

Just then, he got an idea. “Maybe I should find that girl myself.”

So with that, Aero stands up, trying to find the girl. Or, well, tries to. But being tied up makes it a bit harder to balance his body.

“Oi!”

Aero turns towards the voice. To see a mean looking teenager glaring at him. The teenager in question wore dark leather clothes, covered in skull logos and tattoos. While sporting mohawk hair, and skull tattoos. In his hand, is a piece of half-eaten burger. Behind him are several more teenagers wearing similar attires. In short, these guys are-

‘Gangsters?! Here?!’ thought the girl. ‘Tch! Just when I thought I found a nice spot to train.’

“What are you doing here?” The boss of the gangsters spoke menacingly. And Aero’s response to these scary gangsters are,

“Oh. Hi.”  he replies.. Without any ounce of fear. Just a cheerful greeting. 

Much to the girl’s horror. 

‘Oh God, he really is an idiot.’

“I’m waiting for a girl. Have you seen-whoa, whoa, whoa!”

Suddenly, the imbalanced Aero falls forward, bumping into the gangster leader’s food.

SPLAT

Causing it to make a mess on the gangster’s jacket.

“Oops, sorry!” Aero apologizes. “I didn’t mean to-

Dush! 

“Urk!”

Suddenly, the thug punches him in the face, sending him flying before landing on the ground.

‘Aero!’ The girl exclaims in her mind.

“Ouw! What the heck?!”

“How dare you, brat!?” The boss of the gangsters snarls.

“Let me get at this brat, boss!” cackled one of the goons.

“Nah, let me-”One of the other goons cackles, before,

“I said, what the heck?!” Aero interrupts, looking very pissed. “I said sorry! I didn’t even mean to bump into you.”

“Who cares?!” The gangster boss snarled. “You dare mess with me! Me, the Skull enforcer!”

“Skull wha?” mutters Aero.

“You…you don’t know who we are?” mutters the gangster enforcer.

“We’re the Skull gang!” exclaims one of the goons. “The most fearsome-”

“I don’t care.” Aero cuts the goon off, annoyed.

Before he suddenly smirks.

“Buuut, looking at you guys. I assume it’s a gang full of losers?”

Dush!

“Urgh!” groans Aero, as he receives another punch. This time, to the face.

‘Aero, you idiot!’ exclaims the girl, in her mind. ‘Don’t provoke these gangsters!’

“You dare insult me?!” roars the gangster enforcer.

“Wha-ergh-what?” mocks Aero, grinning cheekily, despite the immense pain he’s currently suffering. “Can’t handle the truth?”

“You brat-”

“Wait, boss!” One of the goons interjects.

“WHAT?!”

“That brat, he said he was waiting for a girl.”

‘!” The girl grew alarmed upon hearing this. ‘Great! He’s gonna sell me out. I really should get out of here sooner-’

“I n-n-never said that?” stammers Aero.

‘Eh?’ To say the girl is astonished would be an understatement.

“You dare lie to me, brat?!” snarls the Skull enforcer.

“Yes, I dare lie-wait, no. I’m, err, not lying-woah!”

The Skull enforcer glares at Aero as he grabs Aero by the killer.

“Tell me where this girl is.”

The goons cackle in glee at Aero’s misfortune.

“Yeah, tell us!”

“Maybe if she’s cute, we can have some fun-”

“No.” Aero replies curtly.

“I’m not asking, brat.”  The Skull enforcer clenches harder.

“Good. Because I’m not answering.” Aero glares back at the gangster. Despite the immense pain in his face, Aero doesn’t show any sign of fear. Just determination.

Dush!

“Urgh!” groans Aero, as he receives yet another punch. Sending him sprawled on the ground.

“You brat!” The Skull enforcer growls.

“Wait, boss. How about you test your new powers on this brat?” One of the goons spoke out.

“Did I ask you?” The boss scowled, making the goon back down in fear. “Hey, I just got an idea.” The gang boss smirks evilly. “How about I test my new powers on you, brat?”

“But that’s my idea…” the goon says quietly.

With an evil smirk, the gang boss took out his handphone and-

Clang!

“Ouw!” The gang boss screamed as his handphone was sent flying. It landed on the ground with a loud,

CRACK!

 Rendering it useless.

“MY NEW PHONE! Who dares?!”

‘Bullseye!’ exclaims the girl, who just shoots the rock with her lastik. While hiding behind the trees.

“Oi, show yourself!” The gangster boss roared. 

‘Humph! Fat chance!’

“You!” He pointed towards his goons. “Get him!”

“Right, boss!” The goons charged towards the trees. 

Before suddenly slipping.

“Eh?”

CRASH!

DEBUK!

OUW!

Causing the goons to crash into each other, and forming a pile of bodies on the ground.

“Ouw…”

“Urgh…”

“My back…”

“Oi, what’s going on with you lot?!” roars the Skull enforcer.

‘Planting those slips bombs earlier did the trick.’ Thought the girl as she immediately leaps out of her hiding spot, and fires her Web Trapper.

Trapping all of the goons in one big cocoon.

“AHHH! I’m stuck!”

“Get off me!”

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

“You!” Aero exclaims in surprise. Noticing who his saviour is.

“You brat!” snarls the Skull enforcer. “How dare you make fun of me!”

“Brat this, brat that. Don’t you have anything else to say?” mocks Aero.

“Shut up!” The Skull Enforcer snarls as he tries to give Aero another kick,

SPLAT

“ARGH!”

Before a red projectile hit it in the face, splattering spicy substance.

‘I didn’t ask for it, but thanks for the distraction, Aero!’ 

“Rragh!” The gangster boss roars, glaring at the girl, before charging after the girl. “I’ll kill you!”

‘Scrap! It didn’t work?!’

“Watch out!” Aero screamed in panic as the gangster charged towards the girl. Panicking, the girl clumsily switches to her Web Trapper. And tries to fire at the gangster.

But her shot missed. 

Aero and the girl could only watch in horror as the gangster leaps over the bodies of his goons. Leaping towards the girl. His fist flying towards her-

VOLT SHIELD

BZZT

“ARGH!” The gangster’s movements are halted, due to a voltage charged forcefield protecting the girl.  Thanks to the drone hovering in the air. 

“Whoa…” mutters Aero in amazement.

It’s not just the enforcer, even the goons aren’t safe from the volt shield. 

“ARGH!”

“URGH!”

“UWEK!”

Thus, they are all knocked out. Leaving none of the gangsters still conscious.

“Hah…hah…hah…” the girl pants in shock and relief, as the drone returns to her automatically ‘Mother’s final gift. It protected me. On its own.

…

…

…It seems I can’t do anything on my own-’

“That was so cool!!!” Aero exclaims in glee. His eyes would be sparkling like stars. “You beat up that jerk! That’s so-whoah!”

In his excitement, Aero, still bound, comically trips himself.

“Ouw.”

‘Oh right, him.’ thought the girl. “Hold still.” she orders as she takes out a scissor before,

Slash!

Cuts through the bindings holding Aero, freeing him.

“Finally! I’m free! Thanks, cool girl.”

“Cool girl?”

“For freeing me, and beating up those jerks. How did you do it? What was that thing?”

“You should be concerned about yourself.” the cool girl replies, not willing to divulge her secrets. “How are you feeling?”

“Absolutely awesome!” Aero lifts a thumbs up. 

“Really?” Cool girl asks, astonished. “It doesn’t hurt anywhere?”

“Not anymore.” Aero grins cheerfully. “All thanks to you, cool girl.”

“I didn’t really do much.” She replies, starting to blush.. ‘It was the drone who did most of the work.’ she thought, as she diverted her attention to the broken phone on the ground.

‘It looks like your typical phone model.’

She tries to pick it up.

But the phone crumbles into pieces.

‘....Yup. Just your typical phone model. Even the memory card is busted. Tch! Looks like I’m not getting my answers soon.’

“Dang, you really wreck that thing, cool girl!” laughs Aero, cheekily.

“Stop calling me that-”

 “Urk!”

Suddenly, Aero slumps to the ground as he holds his stomach in pain. Much to the girl’s shock.

“Hey, what’s wrong?! What’s with your stomach?”

‘Scrap! Don’t tell me he’s internally bleeding!’

She took out her phone, ready to call an ambulance, when-

GRU~

She hears the sound of a hungry stomach.

“Urgh…it…hurts…”

To say the cool girl is baffled would be an understatement. ‘Way to give me a shock…But according to his story, it would make sense that he would be hungry.’

“Urgh…” groans Aero, and he slumps on the ground.

‘There’s a restaurant nearby, I can bring him there…wait. Why am I considering helping him? 

He’s not my problem. 

I don’t even know him.

But Mum would have wanted me to help him. 

Because she’s so kind. 

And helpful.

Which got her kill-’

“Urgh…” groans Aero, as he suffers from his stomach ache. “Help…”

‘...

…

…If I help him…ah! I can make sure he never spills my secret. I’ll make sure his mouth stays shut. Yes, that’s it.’

So, Cool girl kneels beside Aero, before placing her arms under Aero’s arms, and helping him stand up.

‘Just an emergency. Just an emergency.’ thought Cool girl, as her face grew even more red, from close proximity with a boy. 

“Follow me. There’s a place you can eat.”

“Really? Yay…” Aero spoke weakly. “Thanks cool girl…”

“Zafira.”

“Wha…?”

“Call me Zafira.”

“Fine…” mutters Aero. “Cool name…”

“Save your breath.” replies Zafira. 

‘I’m only doing this for my own convenience. Not because I’m worried about him. Nope. Definitely not.’ She tries to justify herself, as she carries Aero out of the park, and finds a nearby restaurant…

…

…

…Later,

Location: Lower District, Pak Majid Restaurant

“Hun…gry…” groaned Atma, as he slumped at the table.

“Just a bit more.” soothe Zafira.

“Here’s your food, adik.” spoke the waiter.

“Finally…thanks…” ‘Man, this smells so good…’ 

“Let me-”

NYOM!

“MMM! SO YUMMY!!!” exclaims Aero. Aero, who previously barely hung on, now looks very refreshed. 

“Well, duh! The food’s awesome!”

‘Did he just ate that  whole plate? In one bite?’ Zafira stares, astonished. She didn’t even get the chance to feed him slowly and properly.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

“Hmm. This thing doesn’t taste as good.” remarks Aero, trying to eat the empty plate in front of him.

“Don’t eat that!” scolds Zafira.

“Alright. Thanks for the food, Zafira.”

“If you want to thank me, then promise me.”

“Promise what?”

“DON’T tell anyone what happened just now. DON”T tell anyone about my stuff. If anyone asks, it’s none of their business.”

“Oh, okay. No problem!”

“Good.”

Gru~

“Ooops. Err, sorry.” Aero replies, meekly.

“...As long as you keep your mouth shut.” Zafira gestures for a waiter, and so the waiter comes. 

Placing two plates of food on their table

“Woah! Thanks you so much!”

“I didn’t order this.” Zafira points out.

“I know. Someone else did.” 

“Huh? Who?”

“A generous person likes to remain anonymous." The male waiter smiled mischievously. 

“...What’s the catch here?” Zafira stares at the waiter.

“The catch is that this person wants you and this boy here to have a full stomach. So just relax, adik. You and your boyfriend can eat whatever you want today.”

“Wha-” Zafira’s face turns slightly red. “He’s not my-”

“Thanks person! Whoever you are!” An extremely excited Aero interrupts before he opens his mouth wide, ready to feast on his second meal.

Which Zafira swipes away.

“Hey! What gives?”

“Eat properly.” Zafira scolds.

“...Wha?”

Zafira takes a long, deep breath.

‘Relax, myself. It’s just like handling one of your bratty relatives.’

“Like this.” Zafira demonstrates by eating her own meal. Like a proper lady.

“Oooh.” mutters Aero as he repeats Zafira actions. 

Slowly, but surely, Aero finishes through his meal.

“Wow. This feels much better. Thanks Zafira.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“But I wanna. You’ve done so much for me. While looking super cool! Love ya!” Aero exclaims innocently.

“Wha-”

Before Zafira could react, Aero’s clothes change colour. 

From grey to red and blue. 

To say Zafira is astonished is an understatement. And she’s not the only one. As everyone in the restaurant stares at him.

“...what are you guys looking-whoah!”

His eyes light up like fireworks, upon finally noticing his new colours.

“...How did your clothes change colour?” Zafira mutters. ‘Is it some new technology? Mum would love this…’

“I have no idea, but it’s so cool!” Aero exclaims excitedly, as he spins around in glee-

Crash!

“Ouw!”

And hit his shin.

“Aero, be careful!” Zafira scolds.

“Sorry.” Aero replies sheepishly. “But I do look super cool, right?”

Before Zafira could think of a suitable response,

Gru!

“...I think I’m still hungry.”

“Here you go, adik.” Another plate of food is placed in front of Atma. Much to his delight. And Zafira’s annoyance.

‘I don’t trust this benefactor of ours. But I suppose I have to play along for now…’

And so, Aero and Aero alone eat in delight. With Zafira merely observing. 

“So yummy! Hmm? Zafira, your food’s over there.” Aero asks, while still eating his meal.

“I know.”

“So why aren’t you eating it?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Really? But the food’s so yummy!”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You sure? This food is-Burp!”

“Close your mouth.” Zafira advised.

“Urgh! I feel full…” Atma moaned.

“Really? You sure you can’t eat more?” Zafira remarked sarcastically.

“Nah. I’m full…burp!”

‘And it only took 10 plates of meals.’ thought Zafira. ‘All this is covered by this ‘generous’ person. Whoever that is.’

“Where’s the…the…the…err, what’s it called?”

“Wash your hands over there.” Zafira points at a sink.

“No, I don’t want to-actually, that’s not a bad idea. But I want to…urgh…what’s it called?”

“The toilet’s over there, adik.”

“Yeah, toilet! That! Thanks!”

With that, Aero runs off toward the toilet.

‘Thank God he remembers what a toilet is. I’m not looking forward to explaining that. Hmm, while he’s away…’

Zafira searches through her phone. ‘Hmm…no missing kid named Aero. Maybe a photo would yield better results. Gotta remember to take one later.’

“Boy, that kid sure has an appetite.” joked the waiter. “Where did you find him, adik?”

“At that old abandoned park.”

“That park down south? What are you doing there?”

“....None of your business.” replies Zafira. ‘No way am I telling other people I’m testing out my gadgets. Hmm…considering I found Aero there, maybe I should revisit it later. There might be clues regarding Aero’s past. Ah, but there’s those bodies I need to take care of-’

“Hoi!”

Suddenly, Zafira’s thoughts are interrupted by a teenager barging into the restaurant. 

Wearing a mask. While holding a big hammer.

“Give me all your money!” 

‘A gangster?!’ groaned Zafira. Everyone else on the other hand, are too shocked and scared to do anything.

Seeing that nobody is complying to his demands, the gangster decides to lift his hammer up high. Before smashing it on the floor.

Creating a shockwave  that reaches until the end of the restaurant. Ripping up the floor, and leaving a trail of destruction.

“Eeeek!” The people in the restaurant scream in shock and horror at this display of power.

‘Tch!’ thought Zafira. “So these are the rumoured superpowered thugs…’

“I’m not asking.” The teenage thug growled. “Now give me your money! Or you’ll get a taste of this!”

‘Tch!’ grunts Zafira. ‘Now how do I sneak out of here-’

“Or you could leave them alone, you jerk!” Aero yelled, as he exited the toilet. His hair and body is soaked wet. But that doesn’t diminish the angry expression on Aero’s face. Directed at the thug.

‘Aero, you fool!!! What are you doing?!’ Zafira screamed inside her mind, panic evident on her face.

The thug on the other hand, 

Smash!

Launched a shockwave at Aero.

“Whoah!”

Fwoosh!

Somehow, Aero dodged the shockwave. 

“Aero!” Zafira screamed in panic. ‘That was too close!’

“Hah…hah…hah…” Aero pants in shock.

The thug is surprised to see Atma managed to evade his attack, though it hid its surprise behind his mask.

“Huh! You got lucky, brat. You won’t get lucky next time, unless you hand over-”

Fwoosh!

Smash!

It all happened so fast.

In the next several seconds, Aero is already in front of the thug, delivering a punch to its face.

Sending the thug flying.

To say the people in the restaurant are surprised would be an understatement.

Especially Zafira. Including Aero.

“Whoah! I had no idea I could do that!” exclaimed Aero.

“Argh!” Groan the gangster as it tries to get up. “You brat! How did you-wait. Hold on. Do you also-”

“What?” mocked Aero. “You want me to give you something. And so I did. Want more?” Aero gestures with his fist.

“Rragh!” The thug growled as he lifted his hammer once more.

“Don’t you dare!”

Fwoosh!

Atma dashed forward, punching the thug. Sending the thug flying out of the restaurant. 

‘I’m not dreaming.’ thought Zafira. ‘He’s…strong. And fast.

And needed me to bail him out earlier?’

“Woohoo! Zafira, did you see that?” Aero exclaims with glee. “I didn’t know I could do that! Hahah! This is so cool-whoah!”

Aero, in his delight, trips over some debris.

“Ouw.” Aero tries to get up, when,

“Aero, watch out!” Zafira screams in panic.

Smash!

“Argh!”

But it’s too late. As the shockwave attack hits Aero directly! Sending Aero flying in the air before landing on the ground. Hard.

THUNG!

“Aero!”

“Argh! Urgh…ouw…” Aero groans in pain as he lies face down on the ground. With  bruises and cuts and cracks all over his body.

‘You fool! You were too careless!’ Zafira exclaimed in anger and worry in her mind.

Everyone else cowers in fear as the thug approaches the injured Aero.

“This is what you get for getting in my way, brat! Now, if nobody here wants to-”

“Shut up!” 

“Eh?”

“Huh?”

“Wha-?”

“You…ergh…heard me.” groaned Atma, as he, somehow, tries to stand up. “You’re…ouw…so annoying-”

“Gasp!”

A loud gasp rings out. As everyone else stares at Aero.

“...

…

…what are you guys looking at-ouw, ouw, ouw!”

Atma clutches his stinging eye. The eye, with its skin currently exposed, leaking blue fluid. Revealing  a robotic eyeball.

The cracks on his body become wider, exposing wires and metal and dripping more blue fluid.

It doesn’t take a genius to guess what Aero is.

‘I was helping a robot??!?!?’ Zafira stares in disbelief.

“Zafira? What’s-ouw, ouw, ouw!”

“Hah! So all this time, a robot gave me trouble?!” the thug snarled.

“A wha?” Atma asked, genuinely confused. “Argh…” 

“That’s fine, that’s fine. You’ll make for good scrap indeed!” The thug roared, as he unleashed another shockwave!

“Ah!” Atma yelped, as he barely dodged the shockwave. “Heh…heh…” Atma snickered, despite his immense pain. “Mi…missed!”

“Adik, don’t provoke-”

The waiter’s words are cut off as the thug launches another shockwave.

Which Aero also dodged. Despite his immense pain, Aero maintains his cocky expression.

“Missed aga-”

Until he realizes who stood in the path of the shockwave. 

A small, frightened little girl.

“Watch out! Ergh!”

Z-dash!

Despite the burning pain in his body, despite feeling like his body is cracking and falling apart, he dashed towards the girl.

Shoving her out of the way.

Saving the girl.

But not himself.

“ARGH!”

Aero’s body is flung towards the wall of the restaurant, before it fell to the floor with a loud 

THUNG!

“AERO!” Zafira screams in horror, at Atma’s mangled body. His arms and legs are bent out of shape. More and more of his skin cracks and breaks, revealing his internal circuitry, and blue fluid leaks everywhere. While his eyes barely stay open.

‘Why?! Why did you do that?!’ thought Zafira, puzzled.

“...” But Aero couldn’t respond.

“That’s what you get for playing hero, brat!” The thug snarled, as he approached the barely conscious Aero.

Which is something that Zafira won’t allow.

“MULTIPLE BOLT SHOT!” roars Zafira.

BZZZT!

“Urgh!”

The thug screams in pain as multiple bolts of electricity pierced its body. Thanks to Zafira’s drone, hovering beside a furious Zafira. The surge of electricity shocks the thug’s body, rendering it unable to do anything. 

Until suddenly, the thug’s hammer and mask disappears as the thug slumps to the floor. Knocked out.

‘Hah? His weapon just disappeared like that?’ thought Zafira, puzzled.

“Za…fi…ra…” 

“Aero!” Zafira exclaims as she puts aside her previous question and rushes to the injured Aero, kneeling beside him.

“Tha…nks…ergh…” groaned Aero as he smiled in relief, despite his severe pains.

‘Thanks?’ questioned Zafira, in her mind. ‘For what? If anything, I caused you to get hurt. I was too slow. I could have used my mother’s drone earlier…’

“A-are we safe?” A child asks nervously. More specifically the child Aero sacrificed himself for.

The other customers and workers in the restaurants lift their heads and stare at Zafira and Aero. With hope, relief, and gratefulness in their hearts.

‘E-everyone's looking at us.’ thought Zafira.

“Yeah.” Replies Aero to the child. “Ergh…”

“Save your breath.” Zafira advises, which Aero ignores.

“Ergh…everything is-”

“My, oh, my. For a couple of Users, you two are certainly unique.” A smug voice speaks. Coming from a man wearing a mask and a fancy blue attire that seems to resemble a pirate outfit. Standing right in front of the restaurant. In full view of everyone. While wielding a rapier shaped like a swordfish.

Accompanied him are several other guys in blue yet less fancy attire. Wielding crab claws for hands.

‘Users?’ thought Zafira.

“Eeek!” Nearly everyone in the restaurant screamed in terror at the sight of them. Their hope and relief vanished almost instantly.

“I-it’s the Royal Sea Gang!”

“My, my. How rude of you.” The rapier wielder spoke. “Comparing us to a gang, of all things. We are nothing like this rabble here.” He kicked the unconscious body of the thug earlier.

“Yeah.” An oblivious Aero spoke, catching everyone by surprise. “For one…hah…you look way more cooler-”

“Kid, those are gangsters!” The waiter warned.

“Right!” An elderly customer spoke. “Those ruffians always go around, robbing and demanding money from people. Who knows how many shops here have been their victims…”

“They do?!” responds Aero, extremely shocked. Almost forgetting his own pain.

‘Tch! More gangsters.’ groaned Zafira. ‘This city has a serious problem…’

“My, oh my.” The rapier wielder spoke smugly again. “Is it wrong for us to receive what was rightfully ours?”

“Yours?!” The elderly man spoke angrily, “My wife and I spent years on our shop, and you all ruined it-”

SNAP

“Eeek!” The sounds of the claws snapping stop the old man’s words, as he, like many others, cower in fear.

“Finally.” The rapier wielder sighed. “The rabble is getting way too noisy.”

“Just say the word, and we’ll crush them, boss!” The stooges sneered evilly. Much to Zafira and Aero’s displeasure.

“I…hah…take it back. You aren’t cool at all.”

“Oh, my!” The thug leader gasps dramatically. “And here I was going to offer you two a seat in our prestigious group.”

“Save it.” snarled Zafira. “MULTIPLE BOLT SHOT!”

Krrzt!

“Eh?!” 

Zafira’s drone, which is supposed to shoot drones at the gangsters, suddenly splutters, before dropping to the floor.

To say Aero and Zafira are horrified would be an understatement.

“Zafira, ergh, what’s wrong with it!?”

“I-I don’t know! Get up!” She tries to instruct her drone. But her drone remains unresponsive.

‘Scrap! Did I overuse it?!’

“Oi, oi, oi, what’s this?” The thug leader spoke smugly. “Did you just try to attack us?”

“You were going to attack these people earlier!” snarled Aero. 

“Hah. People nowadays are so rude, aren’t they?”

“Hah?!” Aero replies, baffled while Zafira remains still. Not moving. Not saying. Just staring at her drone.

“You know what we do to rude people?” The rapier wielder spoke smugly, earning sinister chuckles from his stooges.

“We teach them a lesson!”

The rapier wielder just stood back as his three stooges charged towards Aero & Zafira, with their weapons ready, their evil intent clear for all..

…

…

…

Ever since that fateful day, Zafira made a promise. That she will no longer be the pathetic little girl who needs saving. Who panicked. Who’s terrified. Who’s weak. But it seems that promise didn’t last long…

If her head was in a better spot, she would have tried her various other gadgets. But she couldn’t. As she is panicking. Scared. Terrified.

Atma on the other hand is worried for her. Furious for her. Furious at these jerks trying to hurt her. Hurting the person he loves. 

Again…

Trying to take away the person he loves. 

Again…

Threatening to separate the person he loves from him.

Again…

‘I won’t let you!’

Fwooosh!

Suddenly, dark blue smoke engulfs Aero and Zafira. The thugs, who were about to attack them, immediately halted their advance. One of them isn’t lucky though.

‘What the?!’ thought Zafira.

“Hak…urk…I…can’t…” The thug, who was caught in the smoke, spluttered. As if he is suffocating.

‘Toxic?!’ Is Zafira’s first thought,as she tries to cover her face. But before she could do anything, the smoke quickly dissipated.

Revealing the thug. With its body dried out, like a heavily malnourished patient. As if its vitality and energy has been drained dry.

“Urgh…” the thug groaned helplessly before it crumpled on the floor. 

Thump!

Its weapon, mask and even its outfit dematerialized, leaving the thug dried, weaponless and nearly lifeless.

Aero on the other hand,

“Eh?” Zafira gasps in shock as somehow, Aero is standing upright. 

With his wounds fully healed, and his clothes no longer torn. If it wasn’t for the blue stains, no one would have believed his body used to be full of cuts and holes.

Though that isn’t the craziest thing about Aero right now. For one, his colours have changed again. Gone are his red and blue colours, replaced by ominous dark blue.

“Eeek!” The two thugs squealed in fear, as they backed away from Aero.

“Oi! What’s with you two?!” The rapier wielder barked. “Defeat those brats already!”

“Bu-bu-but, boss, that…that thing-”

‘Thing?!’ snarled Zafira. ‘Rich, coming from you scum.’ While Aero…

“...

…

…”

Didn’t say anything. He just glares at the thugs. With a cold, harsh, deadly glare. No words. If eyes could damage, Aero’s glare would have stopped their hearts.

Though the rapier wielder is too prideful to feel scared.

“Stop blabbing about and beat up that brat!”

“R-right, boss!”

Reluctantly, the two thugs charged towards Aero.

Who kicked debris at one of the goons’ faces. 

“Ack!”

Slowing down that goon. While the other goon tries lunging at Aero with his claw hand, but Aero diverts the thug’s attack with his hand, before following with a,

JET ELBOW STRIKE

Before following with a,

JET SWEEP KICK

THUMP!

The thug yelped in pain as his face kissed the floor. 

“Hiyargh!”

Giving the other thug the chance to leap over the thug towards Aero.

Which Aero countered by activating the thrusters in his leg, and give a,

JET SPINNING KICK 

Hitting the side of the thug, sending it crashing into some nearby tables.

Then, Aero lifts his leg high up. Before,

JET STOMP

Stomping his feet on the thug’s face in front of him. Causing the thug’s attire to fade away, indicating he is knocked out.

“...”

Aero didn’t say anything as he turned his focus on the other thug, who squealed in fear. 

“W-w-wait! I s-s-surrender!” The thug pleads.

“What?!” Exclaims the rapier thug.

‘Surrender my rear!’ exclaim Zafira. “He’s lying, Aero! Beat him up!”

“N-no! I’m n-not lying! Honest!” The remaining thug begs. 

“You dare betray me-”

“What do you offer?” Aero interrupts the rapier wielder. His voice was harsh and cold. Almost unrecognizable.

‘He’s behaving very differently.’ thought Zafira. ‘Not that I’m complaining.’

“I-I-I have money! H-h-here!” The thug tries to search his pockets-

Fwoosh!

Slash!

But Aero interrupts with a slash to the neck. 

With his arm-blade that had just materialized.

Causing the thug to slump to the floor as his attire fades away.

‘...Ruthless.’ thought Zafira. ‘Didn’t know he had that in him. Good.’ 

“Tch!” snarled Aero, as he observed the fallen thugs. Particularly the slashed thug.

‘Hmm? Wait…his blade…there’s no blood?’

“Urrgh…Useless idiots!” groaned the rapier thug, as it took out his phone.

“!”

Which Aero notices. So kicks a piece of debris at the thug. Knocking away the phone.

“Ouw! Grrr!You annoying brat!” The rapier thug grows at Aero, before charging at Aero. Thrusting his blade forward. 

Which Aero swiftly blocks.

The thug tries slashing.

But Aero blocks again

So the thug thrusts from a different angle.

But Aero blocks. Once again.

“Grr…” groans the rapier thug, while Aero barely sweated.

‘I have no idea he’s this skilled.’ thought Zafira. ‘…So all he needs is lots of food?’

“Let’s see you handle 2!” The rapier thug roars as he takes out a hidden saber. And slashes at Aero.

Which Aero swiftly blocks.

With 2 armblades.

“What?!”

Aero didn’t just block, he grab the thug’s wrists, before following with a,

JET PUSH KICK

Pushing the thug away, making it land on the floor, hard.

“Urgh!:”

Causing the thug to drop his rapiers. Which Aero picks up. Before stabbing it deep into the floor. And snapping them.

‘Nice!’ thought Zafira. ‘Finish that thug.’

Maintaining his glare at the thug, Aero approaches-

“Argh!”

Suddenly, Aero clutched his head. As if he’s suffering from a severe headache.

“Aero! What’s going on?!” Zafira asked, concerned.

That brief moment of distraction is enough for the thug to pick up its dropped phone, and click something.

“Get @#%%, brat!”

SUPER MOVE

Suddenly, not one, not two, not three, but lots of objects materialized in the air. Objects that are strikingly similar to swordfishes.

And all of them are aimed at Aero.

SWORD RAIN

The school of swordfishes fly towards Aero at high speeds. And because of his headache, Aero couldn’t dodge in time.

No. Even if he dodge now, there’s a risk the swordfishes would hit Zafira. Hurting her.

Something he wouldn’t let happen. Not again…

So, Aero put up a guarding stance, 

“Aero?!”

and tries to deflect the incoming swordfishes.

Clang!

Clang! 

Clang!

And he managed to deflect the swordfishes. Half of them. 

“Ergh!” The other half pierced and slashed his body, adding lots of new wounds and cuts to his body. While his blades,

Clang!

Crack into pieces. Pushed past their limits. Leaving Aero bladeless.

“Ergh…” 

“Aero!” screamed Zafira, concerned.

“Hmph!” grunts the thug. “You’re still standing? Well, whatever.” Pressing on its phone, 2 new rapiers materialized. “This is enough to teach you a lesson, brat. Any last words?”

“Hah…hah…”

‘It’s my fault!’ thought Zafira.. ‘He got hurt because of me. To protect me. Just like mother…once again, I became a burden-’

LOADING COMPLETE.

SP FULL. READY

‘Eh? Who said that?’ 

She looks around, trying to find the source of the voice. When she suddenly notices,

“Eh?”

Aero’s waist is glowing brightly. Forming a rectangular shape in the middle of it. 

“Oi, what’s going on?!!” scowled the thug. “What ability is this?”

Aero’s waist stops glowing, to reveal a belt strapped around Aero’s waist. The belt buckle being a large rectangular shape. 

“Hah…hah…” Aero, despite his condition, reaches towards his belt buckle.

“Don’t dream of it, brat!” The thug barked as it charges forward.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Thinking quickly, Zafira fires her web trap. Rapidly. Shooting multiple web traps at the thug.

SLASH

Which the thug slices with ease.

“Useless!” The thug mocked. “It’s usele-”

Suddenly, the thug slips on the floor.

Thanks to Zafira’s slip bombs, which she threw while the thug’s distracted.

CRASH

Giving Aero time to take  out a…card?

ABILITY: VOLT

 

And scans it on his belt buckle

Causing a black volt aura to surround Aero. Transforming him into,

AERO: VOLT

Transforming his attire once again. From dark blue, to dark blue and purple volt patterns. 

“Grrr…Your fancy outfit change won’t save you, brat!” groans the thug as it stabs its rapier into the floor and tries to get up.

“Hah…hah…” Aero’s response is to conjure two new arm blades. Before it detaches and forms into  a bow.

A Volt Bow. Aero pulls the bow string back, generating a bolt arrow. Then, shoot at the thug.

Which the thug deflects.

“Hah! Too bad for you brat! My rapier is insulated!” The thug brags. “Your ability is useless.” 

‘What?!’ thought Zafira in frustration. ‘What stupid inconvenience is that?!’

“Ergh!” The thug groans in annoyance as despite his rapier assisting it, it’s still having difficulty to stand up.

Giving Aero a chance to launch another bolt arrow. 

At the floor. More specifically, the liquid drenching the thug’s feet.

BZZT!

“ARGH!”

‘Nice thinking!’ Zafira praises, as the thug receives an intense electric shock. Before it crumples to the floor. Its entire body is paralyzed. Yet,

‘That thug’s still conscious!’ “Take it down, now!” exclaimed Zafira, which Aero obeys, as he presses his belt buckle.

END IT ALL

Aero’s eyes glow as he pulls back his Volt Bow, accumulating electricity. Lots and lots of electricity.

Before Aero releases it all.

LIGHTNING BOLT SHOOT

BOOM!

If you were to ask any witnesses to describe it, they would say it seems like lightning strikes the thug. The explosion that came after certainly adds to it. 

Fwoo!

A rush of air can be felt inside the restaurant, clearing away the dust and smoke from the explosion.

‘Where is the wind coming from?’

While Aero’s bow reverts back to being armblades. While Aero reverts back to his dark blue colours. With all his wounds gone.

‘Hmm…so defeating an enemy heals him?’

The thug on the other hand, looks like a frog struck by lightning. It should be pretty obvious that the thug could not cause any more trouble.

MATERIALIZING

‘That voice again!’

Two new cards materialized in mid-air, before Aero places it into his belt buckle, as Aero approaches the body of the thug.

‘Hmm? What is he doing?’

Aero didn’t say a thing, as he picks up the thug by the neck. While pulling back his other arm. Preparing for a slash.

‘Oh. He’s going to finish that scum. Once and for all.’

Upon realization, for the first time since ever, Zafira smiled. But not a kind smile. A sinister, sadistic, malicious smirk. 

‘Good-’

“Kid, stop!”

Suddenly, a teenage girl in a hijab interrupts Aero with her stern, yet elegant voice. The teenager in question is a rather tall teenager, with a beautiful face, and body. To cap it off, she’s wearing violet casual attire.

And Zafira knew this teenager very well. Much to her displeasure.

‘Violet?! What is she doing here?!’

“It’s all over, kid. You can rest now.”

“Don’t stop, Aero! Finish it off!”

“Don’t Zafira! This isn’t ri-”

“Screw off, Miss Violet! This isn’t your business!”

“I can’t allow your friend to take a life, sister.”

“You’re not my sister! So stop meddling in my busi-”

“Argh!”

“Aero?!”

 “Kid!”

Just like before, Aero clutches his head in pain. Before his attire reverts back to his sky blue and red attire.  Aero’s eyes closes shut, as his body fell. Heading to the ground.

“Aero!”

 ...

…

…

Little did Zafira realise that from that moment onwards, Aero’s actions would attract a lot of attention. From a lot of different people…

Location: 

“So this is where you end up…” remarks a figure, sitting cross legged on her chair. Looking at her phone. “Test subject A0121.” 

“Heh.” She chuckles sadly. “I’ve already done lots of bad stuff. Guess this is just one more to the list.”

To Be Continued…

 

A to Z: Aerodynamic Misadventures

Episode 1

 A Bump to the Head

[Hakimblue99]

Sorry for anyone who bothered to read my story. I'm sure it's a bit dissapointing to see that my latest update, after a long, long, long time is just a new episode 1. But I'll try to finish progress on episode 2. So stay tuned