The party's spirit wasn't the best when they returned from Gimialia Mines to Central Tower. They lost Spider, who self destructed with Incentas to open a way for his companions to escape from the mines, about to explode. Though he had an initial conflict with X, he became a brave anti-Rebellion member.
After mourn their friend's demise and say sorry to his best pals Hunters, Zero went to the heliport atop the Tower, to clear his mind. Cinnamon, who wanted an opportunity to talk in particular with him, followed him.
Cinnamon found Zero looking to the horizon, severe. The white Reploid approaches, hesitant, swallows hard and says, shyly:
—… Hi.
The red Reploid turns and answers:
—Hello. What?
—I… just wanted to talk with you, since you will go with us. I like to chat and get along with my companions.
—Then step up. No need to fear.
Encouraged, she stands next to him, looking to the horizon. He begins:
—In my job as a Maverick Hunter, I already lost many friends. I swore to become stronger, so their death wouldn't be in vain. All I want now is to fight against the Rebellion!
—I dunno how many Reploids and humans you saw to die, but… X speaks very well about you. You're answering the expectations of your departed friends.
—Sorry—asks Zero, glancing Cinnamon.
—For what?
—For calling you a dreg.
—It's alright. You were just… scared, I guess. You feared one of us could betray the team, like Shadow did.
—Indeed, I was the one who was scared—admits him.
—You look intimidating outside, but you're actually very gentle—states the Reploid girl, smiling friendly. Zero smiles a bit in response. He was starting to like her company.
Zero and Cinnamon spend a lot of time speaking about each others' life. Since she was created recently, she didn't have much to tell, unless the events that happened when X, Spider and Massimo arrived in Gaudile's Lab. Zero encouraged her to keep talking 'til the moment they found him in Ulfat Factory, trying to defeat Mach Jentra by himself.
Zero thanked talking the most briefly possible about his life as a Maverick Hunter. Told about the Mavericks, the cities and places he knew, the Base, the inside conflicts ("Oh!", "Aww!", "Wow!", "Right!", exclaimed Cinnamon once in a while), etc. The girl listened everything very attentive.
—Zero, do you see me as your friend?—she asks. He puts his hand on Cinnamon's shoulder and answer:
—We are more than just friends. We are comrades fighting for the same cause: defeat the Rebellion Army.
It makes Cinnamon smile more than ever. She takes one of his hands between hers and says:
—Thank you… big brother!
—Big… big brother?—he repeats, not understanding.
—Yes. After everything we shared about each other, you are the closest one I have as an older brother like!
—Big bro, eh? I guess it'll be neat to have a younger sister like.
Cinnamon hugs Zero and he returns the hug. Both stay with their arms around each other's shoulders watching the sunset.
—I almost forgot—comments the red Reploid, breaking the silence.
—Forgot what?
—That X has the power to gather people with the same ideals. He's very soft at times, but it's an amazing Reploid. And my best friend. Thanks to him, now I have one more reason to keep fighting, though fighting isn't the only thing in life.
Cinnamon just nods, happy. From the heliport door, X and Professor Gaudile watch them.
—Don't worry, professor—assures the hunter. —I'm sure Zero will take very good care of Cinnamon. He saved me many times. Certainly, he'll do the same for her.
—That tranquilizes me, X. She never left the lab before for my fear of something bad happens to the Force Metal Generator. But I'm happy she has friends now. It'll be excellent for her development.
X approaches Zero and Cinnamon and calls them to begin the next mission. Vanalia Desert awaits them.