Author Notes
The Captain: Okey Dokey! Got that last one done and uploaded, sorry I've taken so long on this one. Too bad I'm getting more hours at work! *checks time* Wow! There's a 4am?
Legal Disclaimer and Evil Bloodsucking Lawyer Ward: I do not in any way, shape, form, or other, own Zero, Megaman, or any of their little friends as my friends mother likes to say. Strange enough, we're all bigger than her...well...anyone I make up belongs to me, but if Capcom wants, they're very very allowed to use them, and are very much ENCOURAGED to use them. If anyone else wants to use them, then uhhh....let me know. That's about it really. Though, I have yet to make any up, but you know how that sort of thing goes....anyways, if you're still reading this, you are obviously hoping that I'm gonna write some kind of funny lyric, or make a witty comment. Nope, none of that for me, it's bad for your health, kinda like a knuckle sandwich....NOW READ ON OR I WILL MAKE MORE IDLE THREATS! [/endrant]
Zero Hour
Chapter Two: Party Crashers Part 1
In his usual fashion, Zero woke up quite well. Pushing open his glass enclosure, he stepped out and stretched his arms and legs, getting his joints working. He slipped on his armor, as while everyone was going to be busy with the party, he ought to be ready at any time to spring into action. But first and foremost, he was hungry. He wandered out of his room and into the hallways. It was still early in the morning, about 7:30ish so he made his way to the mess hall. There, he stood in line for his food, where they scooped potatoes onto his tray and placed a sandwich with it. He began eating until someone sat down with him.
Man: " Excuse me, mind if I sit here?"
Zero: " Oh...no, not at all."
Man: " Thank you. My names Carl. I'm in the 4th unit."
Zero: " Oh? So, you're part of the desert guard then."
Carl: " Yes! And I you stopped by yesterday. Very inspiring to have you, the Legendary Zero, take time out of his day to see us."
Zero: " I'm not that great, but thanks."
Carl: " But no one has ever handled that many Reploids. I've heard about you ever since I was young! You're like my idol!"
Zero: " Heh heh. Thanks. Didn't think anyone cared that much.
Carl: Cared that much? Everyone loves you! You've saved us all on so many occasions! How can't we?"
Zero: " Well, it's just my job. I'm good at it I guess."
A young woman sat next to Carl giving him a kiss on the cheek. She then looked to see whom he was sitting with and screamed.
Kara: " ZERO! THE ZERO!"
Zero: " Uhh....hi."
Kara: " Oh my god! I can't believe you're right here in front of me!"
Zero: " In the flesh...kinda."
Carl: " I know dear."
Kara: " Carl honey...this must be your dream come true!"
Carl: " Yes it is! I mean, this is my hero, and I've now met him in person!"
Zero was blushing a bit at all of this praise. He really didn't associate with many people in the resistance, so this was his first taste of the actual fame. It felt nice to him, but it wasn't a big deal in the same right. The two began talking casually, then looked at Zero.
Kara: " So Zero....how do you feel, being a big time hero?"
Zero: " Well, it's ok and all."
Carl: " Have you ever been scared on a mission?"
Zero: " Not really. Nervous yes, but not scared."
Kara: " Wow! Now this guy's a real hero. And you beat X to right?"
Zero: " Yeah..."
They continued their conversation for a while longer, till Zero had finished his meal. He got up and said his goodbyes. He wandered down the halls, getting salutes and praises as he went. He was truly revered as a hero, but he really didn't feel different than normal. He decided to get some time away from all this and met up with Cerveau in the engineering bay.
Cerveau: " Ah! Zero, good to see you."
Zero: " Good morning Cerveau. Already at work?"
Cerveau: " When a human like Ciel works day and night like she does, makes a full time job for an old Reploid like me seem way too easy."
Zero: " Does she ever not work?"
Cerveau: " Well...let me think...An hour after she wakes up, and the hour before she goes to bed. Those are her only times to herself."
Zero: " I see."
Cerveau: " Well, anyways, you have great timing. I just finished this combat training room for you, as per your request."
Zero: " Done already?"
Cerveau: " Yep. Want to give it a shot?"
Zero: " Sure, why not."
Cerveau: " Ok. Step into that chamber over there by the hall entrance. I'll active it."
Zero stepped into the chamber, allowing it to close behind him. It was very small, so he doubted it's ability to test his reflexes...but then, the room appeared to have expanded around him. It became gigantic, bigger than the base most likely.
Zero: " Cerveau? How does this thing work?"
Cerveau: " It uses advance Holographics. Basically, it maps you into a brand new world and moniters your movements in the chamber, making their movements a reality in this world. Be very careful though. Because it's very lifelike, any damage you may incur in this, might actually do some kind of damage to your systems."
Zero: " Works for me."
Rocks, trees, and animals began to appear and the environment became set. It was a mountainous area, with many places to hide in. This posed an immediate threat to Zero. He began to wander around it carefully, keeping his sword drawn and tightly held. Nothing was coming up that would have been dangerous too him. He then sheathed his sword and watched some deer run by.
Zero: " Cerveau, is there any kind of bot in this?"
Cerveau: " Oh, not yet. I haven't gotten them uploaded. But I should by the end of the week. I still have some work to do on this."
Zero: " Ahhh...alright. Well, bring me back then."
Cerveau: " Yes sir!"
With a couple of taps on his keyboard, Cerveau was able to open the hatch, bringing Zero back to his normal senses.
Zero: " It's impressive. Even smells real."
Cerveau: " Like I said, Advanced Holographics. "
Zero: " Well, I can't wait for it to be completely finished. I'd like to be able to practice in my off time."
Cerveau: " Well then, I'll make sure to get it done quickly."
Zero: " Great! I can't wait. Anyways, I'll probably be around later."
Cerveau: " Alright then. See you around."
Zero wandered about the base some more. Checking the time, it was the mid afternoon. He had spent more time with Cerveau than he thought, so he decided to drop by the factory to check on the celebration. It took him a good half hours walk to get there, but he got there none the less. Tables were still being set up, streamers being thrown, and some large board being set up just over the front entrance of the factory. He was greeted with smiles and waves as he began to help out with the set up of tables. With him, the job became easy, as he was strong enough to just move the tables by himself. Soon, the job was done, and the party was almost fully set up. A young lady walked up to him, dressed in her military uniform.
Lady: " Excuse me Sir, but could you go and tell everyone at the base that the party will be at 7?"
Zero: " Alright. So, in 3 hours eh? Works for me."
Lady: " Thank you sir."
Zero turned around and made his way back to the Trans System. He decided to take the quick way home through it. Once he got there, he made his way into the Communications Room.
Zero: " Excuse me, mind if you announce this a couple of times?"
Man: " Oh, Zero sir! What would you like me to announce?"
Zero: " The party to celebrate the defeat of Neo Arcadia will be at 7pm in front of the energy factory."
Man: " Is that it?"
Zero: " Yes."
Man: " You've got it. I'll announce it twice an hour!"
Zero: " Thank you..."
He left the Comm. Station and headed back to the data room to talk with Ciel. He heard the announcement on his way there and smiled at a job completed. After a few minutes of walking, he was finally there.
Zero: " Ciel? Are you in here?"
Ciel: " Yes Zero, I'm over here by the computer."
Zero: " Ahh, alright. Do you have a few moments?"
Ciel: " Sure, what do you need Zero?"
Zero: " Well, I just wanted to know what you planned to do now."
Ciel: " What do you mean?"
Zero: " Well, with X gone, Neo Arcadia will not be pursuing you anymore, right?"
Ciel: " Well, yes....but I still need to work on that energy source. I'm about a third the way done with it. If I finish it, we could live in peace! No more reploids would ever be hurt!"
Zero: " I see. A place for reploids to live in peaces....ugh...."
Zero fell to the ground holding his head. Memories were fading in and out again. This time, he saw himself in the same different red and white armor, holding a young woman in his hands. She smiled at him and spoke.
Iris: " I just wanted to live in a world for only we reploids, with you...."
Her eyes closed, and she went limp. He saw himself scream her name out loud. Afterwards, he opened his eyes and saw Ciel. He had fallen to the ground and laid on his side, grasping his head. She was knelt over him, embracing him against herself, brushing his hair and shushing him.
Ciel: " Shhh.....it's ok Zero..."
He stopped shaking and froze up for a moment in her arms. He looked up and into her eyes, as she looked back.
Ciel: " Zero? Zero, are you ok? "
Zero shook his head free of his thoughts. After blinking a few times, he came to his senses.
Zero: " Ciel...."
Ciel: " Zero, what's wrong?"
Zero: " I...just had a little flash back...that's all."
Ciel: " What happened?"
Zero: " I'm not sure. I saw someone that looked like me holding a woman."
Ciel: " I see. Well...maybe she was your...."
Her sudden stop made Zero give her a worried look.
Zero: " My what?"
Ciel: " Oh, nothing. Just rambling, that's all. Look Zero, maybe you ought to rest up."
Zero: " You're probably right. I could. But shouldn't I be at the party?"
Ciel: " Just take a little nap, then take the Trans Server there. Don't worry about us.
Zero: " Alright Ciel, I will."
Ciel: " Alright then. Take it easy. I'll see you later tonight."
Zero: " You too."
Zero left the Data Room and made his way to his room. When he walked in, he set an alarm on his bed, then laid down, closing his eyes for his 2 hour nap.
The Captain: Okey Dokey! Got that last one done and uploaded, sorry I've taken so long on this one. Too bad I'm getting more hours at work! *checks time* Wow! There's a 4am?
Legal Disclaimer and Evil Bloodsucking Lawyer Ward: I do not in any way, shape, form, or other, own Zero, Megaman, or any of their little friends as my friends mother likes to say. Strange enough, we're all bigger than her...well...anyone I make up belongs to me, but if Capcom wants, they're very very allowed to use them, and are very much ENCOURAGED to use them. If anyone else wants to use them, then uhhh....let me know. That's about it really. Though, I have yet to make any up, but you know how that sort of thing goes....anyways, if you're still reading this, you are obviously hoping that I'm gonna write some kind of funny lyric, or make a witty comment. Nope, none of that for me, it's bad for your health, kinda like a knuckle sandwich....NOW READ ON OR I WILL MAKE MORE IDLE THREATS! [/endrant]
Zero Hour
Chapter Two: Party Crashers Part 1
In his usual fashion, Zero woke up quite well. Pushing open his glass enclosure, he stepped out and stretched his arms and legs, getting his joints working. He slipped on his armor, as while everyone was going to be busy with the party, he ought to be ready at any time to spring into action. But first and foremost, he was hungry. He wandered out of his room and into the hallways. It was still early in the morning, about 7:30ish so he made his way to the mess hall. There, he stood in line for his food, where they scooped potatoes onto his tray and placed a sandwich with it. He began eating until someone sat down with him.
Man: " Excuse me, mind if I sit here?"
Zero: " Oh...no, not at all."
Man: " Thank you. My names Carl. I'm in the 4th unit."
Zero: " Oh? So, you're part of the desert guard then."
Carl: " Yes! And I you stopped by yesterday. Very inspiring to have you, the Legendary Zero, take time out of his day to see us."
Zero: " I'm not that great, but thanks."
Carl: " But no one has ever handled that many Reploids. I've heard about you ever since I was young! You're like my idol!"
Zero: " Heh heh. Thanks. Didn't think anyone cared that much.
Carl: Cared that much? Everyone loves you! You've saved us all on so many occasions! How can't we?"
Zero: " Well, it's just my job. I'm good at it I guess."
A young woman sat next to Carl giving him a kiss on the cheek. She then looked to see whom he was sitting with and screamed.
Kara: " ZERO! THE ZERO!"
Zero: " Uhh....hi."
Kara: " Oh my god! I can't believe you're right here in front of me!"
Zero: " In the flesh...kinda."
Carl: " I know dear."
Kara: " Carl honey...this must be your dream come true!"
Carl: " Yes it is! I mean, this is my hero, and I've now met him in person!"
Zero was blushing a bit at all of this praise. He really didn't associate with many people in the resistance, so this was his first taste of the actual fame. It felt nice to him, but it wasn't a big deal in the same right. The two began talking casually, then looked at Zero.
Kara: " So Zero....how do you feel, being a big time hero?"
Zero: " Well, it's ok and all."
Carl: " Have you ever been scared on a mission?"
Zero: " Not really. Nervous yes, but not scared."
Kara: " Wow! Now this guy's a real hero. And you beat X to right?"
Zero: " Yeah..."
They continued their conversation for a while longer, till Zero had finished his meal. He got up and said his goodbyes. He wandered down the halls, getting salutes and praises as he went. He was truly revered as a hero, but he really didn't feel different than normal. He decided to get some time away from all this and met up with Cerveau in the engineering bay.
Cerveau: " Ah! Zero, good to see you."
Zero: " Good morning Cerveau. Already at work?"
Cerveau: " When a human like Ciel works day and night like she does, makes a full time job for an old Reploid like me seem way too easy."
Zero: " Does she ever not work?"
Cerveau: " Well...let me think...An hour after she wakes up, and the hour before she goes to bed. Those are her only times to herself."
Zero: " I see."
Cerveau: " Well, anyways, you have great timing. I just finished this combat training room for you, as per your request."
Zero: " Done already?"
Cerveau: " Yep. Want to give it a shot?"
Zero: " Sure, why not."
Cerveau: " Ok. Step into that chamber over there by the hall entrance. I'll active it."
Zero stepped into the chamber, allowing it to close behind him. It was very small, so he doubted it's ability to test his reflexes...but then, the room appeared to have expanded around him. It became gigantic, bigger than the base most likely.
Zero: " Cerveau? How does this thing work?"
Cerveau: " It uses advance Holographics. Basically, it maps you into a brand new world and moniters your movements in the chamber, making their movements a reality in this world. Be very careful though. Because it's very lifelike, any damage you may incur in this, might actually do some kind of damage to your systems."
Zero: " Works for me."
Rocks, trees, and animals began to appear and the environment became set. It was a mountainous area, with many places to hide in. This posed an immediate threat to Zero. He began to wander around it carefully, keeping his sword drawn and tightly held. Nothing was coming up that would have been dangerous too him. He then sheathed his sword and watched some deer run by.
Zero: " Cerveau, is there any kind of bot in this?"
Cerveau: " Oh, not yet. I haven't gotten them uploaded. But I should by the end of the week. I still have some work to do on this."
Zero: " Ahhh...alright. Well, bring me back then."
Cerveau: " Yes sir!"
With a couple of taps on his keyboard, Cerveau was able to open the hatch, bringing Zero back to his normal senses.
Zero: " It's impressive. Even smells real."
Cerveau: " Like I said, Advanced Holographics. "
Zero: " Well, I can't wait for it to be completely finished. I'd like to be able to practice in my off time."
Cerveau: " Well then, I'll make sure to get it done quickly."
Zero: " Great! I can't wait. Anyways, I'll probably be around later."
Cerveau: " Alright then. See you around."
Zero wandered about the base some more. Checking the time, it was the mid afternoon. He had spent more time with Cerveau than he thought, so he decided to drop by the factory to check on the celebration. It took him a good half hours walk to get there, but he got there none the less. Tables were still being set up, streamers being thrown, and some large board being set up just over the front entrance of the factory. He was greeted with smiles and waves as he began to help out with the set up of tables. With him, the job became easy, as he was strong enough to just move the tables by himself. Soon, the job was done, and the party was almost fully set up. A young lady walked up to him, dressed in her military uniform.
Lady: " Excuse me Sir, but could you go and tell everyone at the base that the party will be at 7?"
Zero: " Alright. So, in 3 hours eh? Works for me."
Lady: " Thank you sir."
Zero turned around and made his way back to the Trans System. He decided to take the quick way home through it. Once he got there, he made his way into the Communications Room.
Zero: " Excuse me, mind if you announce this a couple of times?"
Man: " Oh, Zero sir! What would you like me to announce?"
Zero: " The party to celebrate the defeat of Neo Arcadia will be at 7pm in front of the energy factory."
Man: " Is that it?"
Zero: " Yes."
Man: " You've got it. I'll announce it twice an hour!"
Zero: " Thank you..."
He left the Comm. Station and headed back to the data room to talk with Ciel. He heard the announcement on his way there and smiled at a job completed. After a few minutes of walking, he was finally there.
Zero: " Ciel? Are you in here?"
Ciel: " Yes Zero, I'm over here by the computer."
Zero: " Ahh, alright. Do you have a few moments?"
Ciel: " Sure, what do you need Zero?"
Zero: " Well, I just wanted to know what you planned to do now."
Ciel: " What do you mean?"
Zero: " Well, with X gone, Neo Arcadia will not be pursuing you anymore, right?"
Ciel: " Well, yes....but I still need to work on that energy source. I'm about a third the way done with it. If I finish it, we could live in peace! No more reploids would ever be hurt!"
Zero: " I see. A place for reploids to live in peaces....ugh...."
Zero fell to the ground holding his head. Memories were fading in and out again. This time, he saw himself in the same different red and white armor, holding a young woman in his hands. She smiled at him and spoke.
Iris: " I just wanted to live in a world for only we reploids, with you...."
Her eyes closed, and she went limp. He saw himself scream her name out loud. Afterwards, he opened his eyes and saw Ciel. He had fallen to the ground and laid on his side, grasping his head. She was knelt over him, embracing him against herself, brushing his hair and shushing him.
Ciel: " Shhh.....it's ok Zero..."
He stopped shaking and froze up for a moment in her arms. He looked up and into her eyes, as she looked back.
Ciel: " Zero? Zero, are you ok? "
Zero shook his head free of his thoughts. After blinking a few times, he came to his senses.
Zero: " Ciel...."
Ciel: " Zero, what's wrong?"
Zero: " I...just had a little flash back...that's all."
Ciel: " What happened?"
Zero: " I'm not sure. I saw someone that looked like me holding a woman."
Ciel: " I see. Well...maybe she was your...."
Her sudden stop made Zero give her a worried look.
Zero: " My what?"
Ciel: " Oh, nothing. Just rambling, that's all. Look Zero, maybe you ought to rest up."
Zero: " You're probably right. I could. But shouldn't I be at the party?"
Ciel: " Just take a little nap, then take the Trans Server there. Don't worry about us.
Zero: " Alright Ciel, I will."
Ciel: " Alright then. Take it easy. I'll see you later tonight."
Zero: " You too."
Zero left the Data Room and made his way to his room. When he walked in, he set an alarm on his bed, then laid down, closing his eyes for his 2 hour nap.