Alia tried to control the panic rising up through her systems, her station showing her the slow disintegration of Final Weapon as it started to tear itself apart. The command center was conspicuously silent, only resounding with the hum of consoles and software beeps.
"...X?"
Her intention had been to hail him urgently, hoping he was on some ship too small to detect with so much heat and debris starting to fly out, but all that really came out was a quiet, terrified rasp.
The static that replied was deafening for everyone in the command center.
"X...?" Alia called again, her optics watering.
The static trailing on had her crying, her jaw flexing slowly as she tried to stay in control of herself.
"...Please respond..." strained out of her throat.
Static...
"-ere, Alia! Radiation discharges were scrambling my comms!"
Alia nearly folded in her console, jittery from relief that was too deep to really articulate. Signas and Dex were finally cycling their respirators after holding them longer than they'd even realized.
"C-Copy, X! Status?" Alia valiantly kept her voice business-like, but there was a tremble in it she couldn't fully stop.
In his stolen Repliforce shuttle, X glanced to the comm console with empathetic pain. He'd terrified her... "The virus had infected portions of the station itself. General sacrificed himself to mechanically block the weapon. The Repliforce rebellion is over."
Signas saw Alia touch near her own optics, and so he cut into the comm to give her an excuse for a moment.
"X, Zero returned safely... with Iris."
"I'm glad. The evacuees?"
Dex offered, "All accounted for that we could record in the first place. Hopefully Repliforce survivors will be willing to coordinate their records with us to properly account for any losses."
Alia finally spoke again, resting her hand on the comm gently. "...Just get home, X..."
"On my way, Lieutenant."
It was a gentle, warm tone, even a little apologetic... it made her smile at last.
The stockade facility that had been fast-fabricated for all the Repliforce personnel taken captive was unusually quiet. X stood in the center of part of the massive facility, but his appearance was displayed in every cell via holospheres. He was serious, even sorrowful as he addressed them all.
"General has died. He died saving the world from the virus that had infected parts of the Final Weapon station. He died to honor your sacrifices and your loyalty to his cause. He died so that all of you could live on, very specifically.
"I will not lie to any of you. I nearly killed him myself. Brutally so. He would not back down from his ideals, just as Colonel would not, just as you would not.
"However, when a greater threat appeared, he immediately acted with all of his power to protect you, humanity, and my comrades. That is something I will never forget.
"The Repliforce rebellion is over, but you are still here, and none of you were infected. I will return soon, with a path forward for all of you. I know that listening to me is likely impossible for many of you, who have lost loved ones to this unnecessary fight. I only ask you to trust my own convictions. I will return soon. Honor your General. In the end, even I could see his worth."
X turned away, fading out of the holoview and direct lighting, leaving all the hundreds of soldiers pensive or grieving.
Even Web Spider, Storm Owl, and Slash Beast were left—though saddened for General—thoughtful and intrigued. Slash Beast especially actually smiled a little. He knew better than most how hard X tried to keep people alive.
Dr. Cain stood in the intensive-care wing of medbay, a mildly stunned expression never leaving his face. Zero and Iris were before him, resting in repair mode in directly adjacent beds, both of them still powered by Zero's own core. Iris' body was covered with soft fabric for the time being, and she looked peaceful rather than broken. The specifics of what had been done to her body were complex and dangerous, but she would have her own power core again very soon.
Zero stirred gently, apparently rousing himself from repair mode. Dr. Cain focused, curious what would make Zero do so.
Once aware, Zero immediately turned to look to Iris, not even registering Dr. Cain's presence yet, and reached out, gently touching her shoulder.
"...I've always known you to be a strong and kind person, Zero."
Zero blinked, finding Dr. Cain, blushing slightly.
Dr. Cain smiled simply before he continued. "Even so, the effect she has on you is beautiful to behold."
Zero's blush lingered, but he half-smiled for a beat... then became serious and concerned. "Will she really survive?"
Dr. Cain nodded. "Replacing her core is a risky surgery repair, but perfectly doable. Physically, at least, she will be fine."
Zero let his head lull back, nodding faintly. "Thank Light..."
Dr. Cain eased a step closer. "Speaking of... How on earth did you rig your core into her system like this? The surgical technique is... astonishing, and the speed it had to be performed at..."
Zero blinked, looking at Dr. Cain in confused surprise. "...I didn't."
Dr. Cain jerked his head back. "You mean..."
"X saved her. He tore right through the damn station to get to us, and he just... did it. I've never seen anything like it."
Dr. Cain focused down on the connections between their two bodies with renewed, grave awe. "...X has that level of technical mastery?"
"So it surprises you, too, after all?"
Dr. Cain nodded without hesitation. "...This is... master-level technique, Zero. I'm honestly not sure I could have done it, even with a lab available. If he can do this..."
"Then it kinda puts a few other things in perspective, doesn't it?"
Dr. Cain nodded more slowly. "...I'll have her ship-shape as soon as possible. Let you both rest, Zero." He reached out, resting a hand on Zero's leg lightly.
Zero half-smiled, tipped his head, and then let himself drift back into repair mode.
Dr. Cain became almost fearful as he looked back to the connections between the two Reploids.
"...Dr. Light, I think I'm finally starting to grasp why you sealed him up for a hundred years... Was it long enough?"
Maverick Hunter HQ had a feeling of calm before the storm the morning of the next day. The fighting was over, the higher ups were planning what to do next, and keeping things secure was the only order of the day. As a result, Vi's early arrival at the physical therapy area her group had been using was quiet and dimly lit. She'd been the first arrival for some time already, using it as practice walking smoothly. She almost looked natural walking now.
She was mildly puzzled when she saw that one of the technician consoles was active off on the side, and she started to move over to it. She smiled gently as she realized it was Shimmer. If a Reploid could, he looked exhausted.
"Did you never rest?"
Shimmer jerked slightly, and his optics found her in the simple gloom. He smiled, though there was a shy hint to it. "I didn't have to do much, really. Escort some prisoners and such. I wanted to see what I missed. You've all been showing great improvement on the metrics."
Vi kept her smile. "Not everything is metrics. I tell you what; I'll show you something if you agree to go get rest after?"
Her playful tone kept Shimmer at ease, and he stood up to walk over to her. "Oh, a secret? Will I get in trouble with Dr. Cain and Warp Turtle?"
Vi stuck her tongue out at him, and then gestured for Shimmer to follow her. Shimmer was pleased with how confidently she was moving. She was a bit slower than would be natural for her gait, but it was fluid, and she kept her balance.
He was only mildly confused when Vi reached a music player on one side of the therapy space. She turned it on, and set it to a mild dance tune. It wasn't incredibly fast, and it seemed more relaxing than upbeat.
"Have you been practicing dancing?" Shimmer asked with pleasure.
Vi smirked, holding a finger up to her lips to shush him... as she walked over to him directly, and took his hands, softly tugging Shimmer into a gentle dance.
At first, Shimmer was startled and anxious, paranoid of tripping her or stepping on her new feet, but she just smiled indulgently at him as she continued to lightly lead through the swaying, turning dance. It took some time, but soon Shimmer was relaxing, and self conscious for an entirely different reason.
"...You're really doing well," he managed so softly she could only hear it because they were close.
Vi brightened her smile a little. "Thanks to you three. I... got the impression this might be a better 'thank you' than just saying it."
She was blushing subtly as she finished.
Shimmer looked down, shy and anxious. She didn't press, and they continued softly turning with the music.
Abruptly, Shimmer's optics shut, and he tugged just a little, making them stop. Vi turned concerned.
"I'm sorry, did I cross the line?"
Shimmer rattled his head so fast for 'no' that his neck clicked.
Vi waited, staying close, but worried for him.
Shimmer cycled his respirator steadily, clearly managing psychological stress. At last, his voice rasped out, clear for her, but strained and quiet. "I was a Maverick."
Vi was startled, though she didn't retreat. Confusion was her primary reaction. "...W-was?" whispered back.
Shimmer nodded tensely. "I was just like the ones that hurt you. S-someone gave me a chance to make amends once I was free of the virus, but I... I do care about... you," he weakly admitted, looking up into her eyes, grieved and guilty, "and I... couldn't hide it if you... were..." He couldn't finish, his optics squeezing shut.
Vi did seem to grow wary, but it was subtle rather than violent. "...Were you one of the ones that did this to me?"
Her tone was sincere, not accusatory. She was asking, trying to understand.
Shimmer shook his head sharply, "But that's... it's coincidental, not... If I'd been part of this wave of the virus' activity, I likely could've been."
Vi kept her eyes tight, still trying to understand properly what he was straining to get across to her. "The virus takes control, doesn't it? You didn't have a choice?"
"That's what they tell us, but... when you're infected it... You can't tell. It uses you against yourself, so it... it's nearly impossible to be sure that you're not... still a monster... hiding..."
Vi seemed to relax, almost pouting for him as Shimmer kept his optics shut, his head bowed.
After a moment of silence, she reached up, resting her hand against his cheek. Shimmer's optics flared open, though still staring down. It took him several seconds to risk looking up to her eyes... which he found to be gentle, warm, and kind still.
"All I know about you, Shimmer, is that you're kind, caring, and you work yourself to the bone to help people and protect them." She let her hand ease away, continuing more seriously, "We all have monsters in us, Shimmer. Any real mind does. But you? You're no more a monster than I am."
Shimmer swallowed in social habit before he could speak. "...Thank you..."
It was all he could get out. He reached a hand up, rolling it around in mild frustration with his inability to speak.
Vi giggled gently, and pulled him into a hug. Shimmer was startled afresh... and then bowed his head into her shoulder, hugging her close.
"We should dance again, soon."
"...I would love that..."
The small differences in Cadis' appearance were not enough to stop Spikesaw and Snapvice from hurrying up to her and pulling her into hugs. She giggled, returning the hugs happily as Tripwire hung back, clearly pleased with how pleasant this moment was.
Easing back from her hug of Snapvice, Cadis playfully set her hands on her hips. "I heard you all won the fight without me!"
Spikesaw shook his head. "Would've been hard to win if you hadn't given us the warning you did, Cadis. Any issues with the repairs? You're looking... solid," he chose with an approving nod and a mild glance down her frame.
Cadis grinned, and turned her head to one side. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, making the modified plating up one side of her neck and part of her cranial shell more obvious. That plating then articulated open and spread, creating a target-lock system that capped over her right optic.
And next, she lifted her right arm, which, like her overall frame, was more heavily armored and stronger. Once it lifted, the lower and outer portions shifted plating as a heavy barrel rotated out and snapped forward. Her sniper rifle was now part of her arm.
"Courtesy of Dr. Cain. Since I was getting put back together anyway, asked for a couple of upgrades."
Snapvice whistled. "Was wondering if you went that route. Battle-body, too. You're definitely a Maverick Hunter."
Cadis mock-pouted. "Are you saying I wasn't before?"
Tripwire loped forward. "Yeah, Snapvice, what the scrap?"
Snapvice slapped his face, and the other three laughed lightly.
"So, what's the plan today?" Cadis started afresh, relaxing into casual attention.
Turning more serious, the other three shared a mild look, and Tripwire answered, "Special meeting. Of the group."
Cadis raised her eyebrows. "So soon? I... kinda figured me... learning about that was incidental?"
Tripwire shrugged. "Happy to have more help, and it was X's idea in this case."
Spikesaw patted Cadis on the back heavily. "We only get so careful about recruiting because of the risks. You're definitely welcome."
Cadis smiled gently, blushing a little. "Looking forward to that meeting then."
Snapvice touched his audio-receptor. "...Okay, our turn shortly."
Tripwire glanced to Cadis, affirming, "We don't want to make it so easy to tell all of us going to the same spot."
Cadis nodded. "OpSec high at all times. Explains a lot."
Her dry smile with that comment made Tripwire cough awkwardly, and the other two glance off.
"These physical meetings are too risky. I hope this one is worth it," Quickman muttered grumpily as he stepped through one of the entry passages underground.
Barrel caught the door from him. "Has he ever called one that wasn't?"
"Matter of opinion!"
Turbo appeared from another branch with Pyrostrike and Blast Squirrel. "...Quickman whining again?"
"I am not a whiner!"
"Yes."
Pyrostrike and Blast Squirrel just laughed lightly as Turbo shook his head too-seriously at Quickman, who just tossed his arms up and kept marching past them all.
They weren't far from the bunker's core chamber. As they stepped down into it, little nods or waves were shared.
Around the space, Signas leaned back against the center of the wall opposite X, Mapteron and Warp Turtle seated near him on either side.
Further on, Airstrike, Inferno, and Shimmer were arrayed around a small cluster of seats, Inferno posed similarly to Signas just behind the others.
Deepfreeze and Overload shared a couch further toward X, both casual, though clearly curious.
Alia had Cadis and Dr. Cain with her, the two 'new' faces sharing looks of controlled astonishment as they realized how many people were involved in the X-Hunters.
Tripwire, Spikesaw, and Snapvice were just a little further behind Cadis and company, mostly leaning against the wall there.
X tipped his head as the last arrivals got settled.
"Thank you for coming, everyone. I know it was a pain, but enough has changed, and enough is coming, that I wanted to make sure we touched base without need for obfuscated communication."
Seeing X this commanding, but naturally so, was a strange moment for Dr. Cain. He could see how adult X was for the first time... and how weighed down. For Cadis, it was less shocking, she'd suspected this kind of side to him thanks to her personal experience with his more extreme actions.
"Let's get the most obvious issue out of the way. Cadis and Dr. Cain are fully aware of us. As for any of you, their own ethics are their guiding force. For now, they're on board with our way of doing things, but they both have concerns. As long as you take care with where and how you talk, please do be honest with them, as I know you want to be."
X glanced over to them, giving Cadis a gentle smile, which she returned. There was a note of relief between them, X for her safety and vitality, Cadis for his honesty. Alia was just smiling gently, glad of this small bit of relief in the whole situation.
Dr. Cain gave a little nod to X's look, feeling some weight come off his shoulders now that he was more aware of just what X was doing and why. The surgery X had done on Zero and Iris was all the more reason for him to realize X was far more capable than he'd estimated... just not invincible.
X finally continued, "Unfortunately, that's the end of the good news. We're all here to stop the virus, truly and finally. Most of us have known this was a long-haul mission from day one." He glanced to Cadis and Dr. Cain, "It still is." Looking out again, he said, "as I told you all before, the only way we'll get to the core of the virus, the original strain that's the seed for the others, is if it feels totally confident it can come out to defeat me, as Dr. Light's last creation. That pride is our only advantage."
X then fully focused on Cadis and Dr. Light. "This situation is about to get very complicated, so I want to lay some cards on the table for you both especially. I have slipped. I have made mistakes. Zero stopped me from killing Magma Dragoon. I failed to stop Colonel without horrifically injuring him. I did these. They were not part of the plan I'm about to explain... but I will make use of them to help it."
Cadis and Dr. Light grew understandably firm, and as they glanced around, saw that they weren't the only ones concerned rather than confident. Signas especially looked grim..
X looked back out across the group. "The virus needs to feel that I'm vulnerable, that it can get to me. As a result, I'm going to make myself appear that way. Unstable, dangerous, arrogant. I am not, nor will I ever, ask any of you to betray your ethics for a tactic. That is why parts of this plan are being kept from you. I want you—I need you—to keep me in check sincerely. I promise you, it is part of my plan, but my actions will become dangerous and troubling. Respond to them honestly. I am not asking for you to cover for my actions."
Cadis raised a hand, and everyone blinked, but didn't try to stop her.
X gestured for her to speak.
"Are you basically saying you're going to act Maverick, now that you're in charge of nearly every anti-Maverick resource we have?"
X nodded. "Exactly so."
Cadis' eyes widened. "That's..."
"Incredibly dangerous, and I don't expect any of you to play along with my madness. I'm just promising you, here and now, before I fully initiate the plan, that you didn't create a mad man by helping me. Treat me as you would anyone acting the way I will be acting, but I wanted you all to know, as my friends... my family," he added softly with a glance toward Alia and Dr. Cain, which gained soft, though worried looks from each, "that I am not betraying you. I am asking you to be true to yourselves, and that once this plays out... we should finally win over the virus."
"So from here on out...?" Signas prompted seriously.
X tipped his head. "As of this meeting, do not treat me as a member of the X-Hunters. Re-secure everything, remove my clearance, create a new base of operations if you need one."
A grim current ran around the room, Dr. Cain pensive, realizing he'd already been acting in this capacity... and X had never really blamed him for that.
"...Agreed?" X finally asked, looking around the room.
It was no cheerful response, but nods, little comments of agreement flowed out of the different corners of the group.
"Then dismissed. I'll be heading out shortly myself."
As the others filed out in their scattered groups, Alia moved to X, only touching his arm. His hand reached over hers with a tight squeeze. They shared a tearful glance before she eased away to depart as well.
At last... Signas was left, standing there, facing X seriously.
X waited, listening.
"I need to ask something of you, X."
"What do you need?"
Signas shook his head. "It's not like that." He glanced down, and then slowly met X's eyes again. "You are the most powerful force in this world."
X's optics tightened.
"And you're only going to become more powerful. Every fight, every discovery, you just keep adapting and refining. If you ever actually went Maverick, no one could actually stop you."
X grew uncomfortable, grimacing somewhat, and looked down.
"So I have to ask something of you..."
"...What?"
"When this is over, this plan of yours—if we actually end the virus at last—I want you to disarm. Mechanically, physically. I am asking you to put yourself in a weaker, normal body... because I'm terrified of the day you want to fight."
X looked at his own hand for a moment. He couldn't imagine wanting to fight... but the other times, the times where his rage made him need to fight, to crush, to tear bodies apart... Signas was right.
He closed his hand for a moment... and then opened it forward to Signas, offering a hand-shake.
"You're right."
"You'll do as I asked?"
"I will. Once the virus is defeated."
Their hands gripped.
Councilor Teagan poured himself a tumbler of whiskey, the burnt-amber fluid flowing around one large ice cube. He stood in his kitchen, clearly exhausted, his shirt undone, tie loose. Massaging the bridge of his nose, he took a deep breath, let it out, and then finally sipped his drink with a little wince at the burn he'd wanted.
"You seem exhausted, Chairman."
Teagan jerked violently, nearly spilling his drink. He stumbled back against the opposite counter, staring in wide-eyed horror at Megaman X at the end of his kitchen in the gloom.
"How the hell did you get into my house!?"
"Easily."
It was a flat, calm statement, X's gaze never leaving his own.
Teagan swallowed, his heart still hammering, but he reached for his drink. He took a sip, still staring back at X. "...What do you want?"
X stepped into what little light there was. "You're going to propose a suggestion to the council for me. You'd be the only opposition to the idea normally, and I'm in a bit of a rush."
Teagan chuckled, slipping one hand into his pocket. There was his data-phone, and he started to tap on it to activate his emergency signal to his security teams as he spoke casually. "And what's this suggestion I'm supposed to put forward for you then?"
"Since the Repliforce is in Maverick Hunter custody, but most of them were never Maverick, you're going to suggest they be adopted under the Maverick Hunter banner, with me in charge of them."
Teagan choked to stop a laugh, setting his whiskey down. "So you're threatening a councilman just to cement your power base, huh? You're not subtle, are you?"
"No, I'm not," X smoothly answered. "But neither are you, which is another reason I chose you." X gestured to his pocket. "I had your phone deactivated before you saw me."
Teagan twitched, and then yanked the phone out... it was just an error screen. He'd never even seen the error before.
When he looked up, X was right there in front of him, and Teagan jerked again, but stayed still afterward. He was frozen by the hard, cold stare from X's so-human optics.
"You and I both know you placed Double. It took me a little while to figure out why you'd sell out your own species, but then I found your accounts overseas, and the timing of your latest 'savings deposits.'"
X tilted his head down, showing the full force of his dark rage.
"Because of you, many lives were lost, and a very dear friend was nearly killed beyond that."
Teagan swallowed tightly, and remained silent.
X started to turn away, remarkably silent for a Reploid on a tile floor. "So, you're going to do me a favor, or I make sure every news outlet on Earth knows you sabotaged humanity's defenses during the most critical battle in recent history. All your work to cement your power base will evaporate the following election, and you'll be forced into the private sector... where I have even more options. ...Good night, Chairman."
Teagan was frozen long after X had disappeared... until his phone beeped, startling him. It was booting back up normally.
With a shout of rage, he hurled his drink across the kitchen.
/Come on, you enjoyed that a little, admit it./
/Heh, I did, but all the more reason it's part of the plan. ...You did amazing work bypassing all of his security so quietly. The phone was an amazing touch./
/Hey, it's my last hurrah as your personal operator, X, I had to make it good. ...I am sad we'll have to go so silent soon./
/I know, Alia... I... wish I could apologize, but choosing to do this makes that.../
/I understand, and we agreed. If it works... it'll be worth it./
/...Thank you./
/Just make sure I get to yell at you after, okay?/
/Heh... yes, ma'am./
Holo-recorders flashed and hummed all around the council chamber as X moved around to take his seat before the council once again. Chairman Teagan cleared his throat as he leaned forward and drew attention with a quick gavel-strike.
"Maverick Hunter Commander X, do you know why you have been summoned before this body?"
X leaned his head to the audio receptor on the table for him, "Not at this time, Chairman."
Teagan nodded, looking every bit the professional, focused councilor, betraying no signs of stress or worry. He was getting mild side-eyes from other council members, but he didn't stop carrying forward.
"Based on a suggestion of my own, the council has reached an important decision."
There were more flashes, and X remained quite attentive, listening.
"Due to the unique nature of the Repliforce conflict, and verified reports from your own organization confirming that the majority of Repliforce members were non-infected Reploids obeying orders from their superiors, this Council has decided on how best to apply their training and equipment for combat. They will be integrated into the standing Maverick Hunter command chain, and serve under your leadership, as a dedicated, focused organization on protecting humanity and Reploid alike from Maverick—or infected—Reploids. Commander-General X, do you accept this responsibility and all the demands it entails?"
X stood up and saluted. "I will do everything possible to protect against the virus threat, Councilor!"
Teagan showed a subtle hint of aggravation, but then simply declared, "It's done!" and struck the gavel again.
Gate leaned back, exhaling as he shut off the holodisplay showing X's promotion and the celebratory headlines. After all, the hero of humanity had even more power to save humanity now. Gate pondered this, and then started to smile a little.
Reaching down, he touched a control on the arm of his chair, opening a comm line. "Master, I trust you're following the news?"
"Your point?" Sigma's distorted voice returned, dark and growling.
"This is perfect. It's exactly what we've needed. You'll be able to corner him, soon."
"Your suggestion for Repliforce had my attention, but failure is all you've brought me. If you're so sure of this one? Prove it to me."
The line went dead.
Gate sighed heavily. "I did underestimate his power, but now we can turn his power against him. Oh... this will be perfect."
Idly, Zero realized he was more nervous waiting in this lounge than if he was facing down an army of Mavericks. This did not help his nerves, and he took a breath, rubbing at his temple. He knew Iris was okay, of course. Her core-replacement had gone as smoothly as could be asked.
He'd made the mistake of watching the replacement, and the little flickers of power-drop at three different points nearly killed him.
"Sorry I kept you waiting, Zero."
Her beautiful voice, gently guilty, flowed over him from behind.
He smiled instantly, and stood, turning around. "It's f-!" he cut himself off instantly as he saw her, his eyes wide with gentle astonishment.
Iris blushed, bashfully tucking some of her short, bob-cut hair behind an ear. Her poofy dress-frame had been remodeled into a similarly colored long-coat format, with slim leg plating rather than large, curving plates.
Zero finally realized he was staring, and coughed, rattling his head. "New look overall, huh?"
Iris giggled a bit, nodding. "Was a bit tired of the long hair, and I thought it was time for a change," she explained, warm and pleasant, simply also serious.
Zero tipped his head to her, and came around the chair he'd been using. Being invited to her home had thrilled him more than he wanted to admit, but now it was just beautiful. Seeing her there, real, happy, alive.
Especially compared to that horrifying moment when she fell in pieces out of the failing armor... it was like waking from a nightmare to the sheer relief of morning light.
"...You look perfect," he managed softly after staring again.
Iris had been gazing into his eyes, unbothered by his silent stare, because she saw how warm, kind, and appreciative it was. His words made her blush again, shyly glancing down.
Guilt started to soak through her demeanor, and she started, "I'm so sorry I fou-!?"
She was cut off, squeaking in surprise, as Zero abruptly rushed forward and coiled her into an embrace. Her shock faded to appreciation... and then also realizing he was trembling. Iris' eyes squeezed shut, and she gripped tighter into the hug, too.
"Please forgive me," strangled out of Zero.
Iris blinked, staying close, but confused. "...For what?"
"For not keeping your brother safe, for killing you, for being such a useless jerk that put all the wrong things first, and having to be saved by you and X both just to realize it!"
He was weeping. His body, his voice made it perfectly clear to her, and all she could do was squeeze him tighter as she fought back sobs herself.
"Y-you didn't k-kill me... I'm right here..."
"Only b... because of X..."
She forced her voice stronger. "It wasn't X's core keeping me alive."
Zero gasped softly. As her words sank in, he reached up, caressing over her hair. "...Please forgive me," he had to repeat.
Iris weakly laughed, squeezing him tighter. "Only i-if... you forgive me?"
He finally barked a laugh, keeping her held tight. "...D-deal..."
Grateful silence filled the air around them as they stayed close, tight, and appreciative. Each knew they'd nearly lost the other... mostly because of their own choices. Every moment was a second chance now.
At length, when their servos were getting stiff from hanging on so tight, they slowly eased apart. Tenderly, they wiped each other's eyes.
"I-I know the timing is terrible, but can I ask about something?" Iris asked weakly, wincing at ruining the moment.
Zero was in a bit of a daze, but rattled his head free. "Of course, what is it?"
Iris smiled gratefully, then let her worry show through. "The situation with the Maverick Hunters. Isn't that... dangerous?"
Zero turned more serious. "You mean 'Commander-General X'?"
She nodded.
"Yes, extremely. And it being Teagan's idea is... outlandish. I... owe X more than my life, a few times over now, but..."
Iris rested a hand on Zero's chest. "Never let yourself stand by something wrong, Zero. It's not who you are... and I love who you are."
Zero's response died on his lips, and he just stared into her eyes in the wake of those words. He reached up to grip her hand tight, still trying to get his mind to work enough to respond to her. "...And I love who you are..." finally whispered out.
Iris smiled happily, tearing up afresh, and leaned up to gently kiss him. "Your friend might be stumbling down a shadowed path. You've helped him before. You'll do it again."
Zero smiled back. "...It's cheating to kiss me and then give me orders, you know?"
Iris became mischievous. "Oh? Then how about..." she leaned up to kiss him again, "after instead?" she finished, playful, muffled against his own lips.
Zero finally burst into giggles himself. "I can't believe I'm doing this... and I wouldn't want anything else."
Iris caressed his cheek, smiling happily. "We'll make this dream work. It's the one we've got."
To be concluded...
[Author's Note] Thank you so much for reading Chronicle 4! This finale sets the stage for what's going to be the main thrust of 5's storyline and conflict. I hope you've enjoyed my take on the Repliforce saga!
I really appreciate the feedback and support. I posted 4 so quickly after 3 so that you would all know for-sure that I wasn't going to vanish for years on end.
Chronicle 5 will be a very different kind of story, and will represent the greatest divergence from the canon storyline. If you've followed along this far, that might sound really interesting, and I hope so! But I do understand anyone made very anxious by that.
There will be a longer gap between 4 and 5, mostly because I need to finish a separate story that I use the same writing regimen for. The good news is that story is progressing at a good clip, and I should be back on Chronicle 5 in a much more reasonable time-frame than the ridiculous 6 year gap between 2 and 3.
In the mean time, thank you for reading! Your feedback and attention is what keeps me coming back! -Cy