I own nothing. I don't even own the poem at the bottom. This is for no more profit than the wealth of reviews and flames that I shall get.
Hope-sama wrote about 30% of the fic, Pink wrote the triad at the end when X is trying to find the pull out bed, Gale wrote the poem. Kittykat provided some ideas.
Everything but the poem was edited by me, some times heavily. And I did the crappy ASCII 'art'.
I would like to thank everyone and Kittykat for betaing this for me.
And, there is no word to describe how I feel, but it goes beyond thankfulness, this feeling is more than thankfulness as the universe is infinitely larger than a grain of sand. And all this is directed to Gale, my Gale who touched my heart and soul enough that the kindness and happiness she projected into me managed to burn though my sadness to allow for a bittersweet ending. Thank you, From the bottom of my heart, from the twisted depths of my mind, from the extremities of my soul, thank you my Galey-chan. May you find someone who truely deserves your kisses.
The titles are from skrewing around with an English to Latin dictionary. They should translate to something like 'Destroyed Trust, Broken Heart, Shattered Soul, Life-Giving Love'
Unfort I got the tenses all wrong.
And now for the warnings.
This has cursing. This is about Yaoi, Physical Rape, Mental Rape (though I don't go too deep into it), and Torture. It also has some traces of S/M (sadomasochism sadism and masochism), D/s (Domination and submission), and Bondage. None of it consensual. This is a Zero Torture fic. However it has something of a happy ending. Get your tissues out.
The Killing Love, The Healing Love
Chapter One: Pessum ire Credo
Zero sighed happily and pressed tightly up to X's body. He felt safe and secure with his best friend so close beside him. A wave of pleasure surged through him as he felt X wrap his arms around him and hug him tightly.
"Mm… you're warm…" X whispered.
Zero lifted his head off X's chest and smiled down at him. "Are you cold, love?"
"Um… do I want to be?"
Zero laughed softly and stroked his beloved's cheek. "I'll warm you up, X…" He leaned down and their lips brushed together.
X grinned and gently twirled Zero's golden locks through his fingers. A deep kiss followed, causing X's heart to pull tight within his chest wanting nothing more than to stay with his best friend.
When both reploids broke their kiss to lie close together, Zero nestled his head under X's chin and closed his eyes. He always felt so relaxed and peaceful around his best friend. It was truly a gift from fate that one such as he, the red demon, could find such peace.
X's gaze turned towards the ceiling as he held Zero close to him. A cold chill ran up his back as worries and other types of second thoughts started wavering through his mind.
Not to say he didn't love Zero; he did. With all his heart. There was no doubt about that. He'd grown quite attached to the blond-haired jerk after everything they'd been through.
X sighed. It was just that if anyone found out that they were together, they'd never hear the end of it. X winced as he thought of Hope. She'd either be furious… or she'd be thrilled. X smiled slightly. She WAS always hinting to him how good of couple he and Zero made after all…
X glanced over to the digital clock on his dresser. 5:27. "Morning already…" he murmured more to himself than to Zero.
His thoughts turned to the recent increase of Maverick attacks. Hell, there had probably been twenty just the other day. Maybe even more. A wave of regret and disgust washed over him at the thought of so much violence and bloodshed. X swallowed. But… it was necessary for him to fight… to protect all those that he held dear. X glanced down at his friend, who was sleeping serenely by now. He smiled warmly. And not forgetting that he was the greatest Hunter the base had to offer. That played a big role in his life of hunting down Maverick baddies.
Very gently, trying not to startle Zero awake since he was a very light sleeper and even the softest noise or touch could wake him, he slid out of the bed and slipped on a bathrobe. He turned back to his friend, leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, dear…" he whispered. X pulled the covers over him, making sure that he was warm and left their room to go take a shower.
* * * *
X frowned and stood quite restlessly as he listened to Dr. Cain jabber on and on about how that now there were more Maverick attacks going on, the Hunters would have to train twice as hard… blah, blah, blah. X kept shifting his weight from one gigantic boot to the other and fidgeted unprofessionally.
"STAND STILL!" Dr. Cain shouted suddenly whacking X over the head with his cane. And it hurt too, since X wasn't wearing his helmet at the present time.
X yelped and jumped back holding his head in pain.
"Did you even hear a word I said?" Dr. Cain asked gravely.
"Of course I did…" X growled in a rather pissed off tone. "This obsession you have of rough physical contact to my head is rather annoying. I must ask you to stop."
Dr. Cain tried not to, but laughed anyway. "Heh… I love your sense of humor X!" He nudged him.
X scowled. "Did I say something funny?"
Just then Zero came dashing up to them, crimson armor glossy and ponytail bouncing. "Hey you two!"
"Hey Zero…" A small teasing smile appeared on X's lips. "Did you sleep well last night?"
Zero blushed vaguely and quickly turned his head away from Dr. Cain. "Sure did X! Better than most nights…" He laughed softly.
X eyes turned back to Dr. Cain, searching his face for any suspicion. But there was none.
Dr. Cain just shook his head. "Kids…"
Good. X really didn't want anyone knowing about him and Zero yet… It would be horrible if Dr. Cain found out. He shuddered.
He could see it now. Dr. Cain hosting one of those nature shows where they videotape behaviors of wild animals and talk about them, only it would be about their 'mating habits'.
It was almost funny.
X turned his attention back to Dr. Cain. "We think we have found a base of operations for the current attacks."
Zero stood up a tad straighter. "'A base' not 'the base'; implying there may be more?"
Dr. Cain nodded. "We think that they have been setting up numerous small bases so to better attack us."
X shook his head. "I wouldn't go so far as to call them attacks, they are going after us and not so much the humans, more like skirmishes to keep us off balance, this isn't the way Mavericks usually act."
Zero agreed, "Usually they either hit and run or make huge fortresses, but from what we've experienced, reports, and what the Doc says they've been 'nesting'."
"I doubt they even have a leader, the attacks don't even make much of a dent."
Zero had his reservations about that observation; if you looked at the attacks as a whole it became clear that they were well planned--if the Hunters did not intercept human death counts skyrocketed.
"All noted, but I want you two to take a squad and clean out the biggest 'nest' we found so far." Dr. Cain brought up a large map on the screen. "It's a large warehouse in the northeastern quarter; we've pulled up blueprints and we know that it's three stories with two basements."
"Mavs have probably redecorated," Zero muttered.
"Check, watch out for traps," X said with genuine concern.
Zero smirked. "Don't I always?"
X rolled his eyes.
Dr. Cain cleared his throat. "We want you to take a squad in. This should be a very straight forward, good mission for rookies."
Zero leveled his gaze at him and said flatly, "Never underestimate a Maverick. And only one squad?"
Dr. Cain pressed his lips together. "We can't spare anymore, everyone is keeping watch for more attacks. We're hoping that you two can provide enough power so one squad is enough."
X cleared his throat this time. "Um, we'll take a mix, some rookies and some vets, they need to keep their skills sharp just as much as rookies need to learn them."
Dr. Cain nodded. "Okay. You two get going… and don't screw up."
Zero kept serious for about three seconds and then a goofy grin slipped across his face.
X threw a hand over his mouth before he could burst out laughing. "Shut up…" he hissed. Then he looked back at Dr. Cain. "We WON'T. Don't worry. So, we'll be leaving now."
Dr. Cain watched them in confusion as X yanked the snickering Zero out of the room VERY quickly.
* * * *
Zero leaned back against the wall of a building and waved his hand to his half of the squad while X's half were ready to provide cover fire. Zero rushed the door with his half-a-squad a few steps behind him and kicked down the door, Beam Sabre at ready looking around.
Nothing. He nodded to a Hunter near him who darted out the door and waved the other half in.
Zero turned to X when he entered. "My team will take top side, you take the basement."
X nodded. "The ground should absorb any stray plasma bolts down there instead of destroying a neighborly building."
They split up.
* * * *
Second floor and there was nothing, no drones, no turrets, not even a met--/nothing/.
Zero motioned for the three other reploids to be still and listened. No sounds from above them; not even the buzz of electricity. "This isn't right. This is a set up."
Zero's eyes widened. "X!"
* * * *
X groaned and opened his eyes. Weakly, he climbed to his hands and knees. "Damn…" He glanced up to see the bodies of his squad very, very dead. "Why didn't I see this?" he berated himself. "I should have… known…" His head was throbbing horribly. Almost as if someone had pounded on it with a sledgehammer.
Vile, who was standing over his enemy, perhaps waiting for him to wake up wishing to see his face as he died. "You stupid Hunter!" A twisted grin appeared on Vile's face under his helmet. "I'll enjoy watching you die Mega Man X…"
X shut his eyes tightly, pain shooting through him everywhere. His hand clenched into a fist.
"Hold it Vile!"
Vile and the rest of the Maverick Unit whirled around to see Zero and his squad. "You!"
Zero grinned. "Yes, me."
"Kill them all! Zero and X are mine!"
The two squads engaged in combat. Zero immediately started to run over to his friend. "X!"
Vile stepped in his path. "I don't think so, blondie."
Zero scowled. "Step aside Vile!" He activated his Beam Sabre. "I won't let you hurt X!"
Unbeknownst to the two fighters, X picked himself up off the ground, his arm cannon sparking and leaking fluids. He began forcing all of his remaining energy into his arm-cannon. "Eat plasma, Vile…" He let loose, the plasma burning his circuits.
Vile cried out in surprised agony as he felt the blast strike him full force. He stumbled back, and fell to the cold basement floor hard with half his chest blown in. "Retreat," he croaked out to his Unit. They teleported away, Vile's glowing eye seemingly--amused?
Zero grinned appreciatively.
X stumbled and started to collapse.
"X!" Zero rushed forward and grabbed his friend. "X… are you all right?"
X smiled weakly. "I'll be okay… If you can survive being blown up I can survive this…" He gave Zero's hand a squeeze and drifted out of consciousness.
Zero bit his bottom lip. Slowly, he stood straight, X in his arms. "Let's go," he whispered to the squad behind him. They all teleported back to base.
* * * *
Sigma was having the time of his life rummaging though X's memories. Data and codes and all sorts of secrets were at his fingertips. Through the relay he could take control and shove X into the backseat anytime he wanted. Best of all, X would not be able to override him once he took over and they wouldn't be able to detect him by searching for the Maverick Virus.
He would destroy X and he wouldn't have to lift a finger. But first to absorb more data and send it back to the base.
Emotions flickered across X's mind and Sigma looked closer at them.
Hello. What do we have here?
Back at Maverick HQ the still body of Sigma stirred slightly. His lips twitched into a slight smirk.
* * * *
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"
Zero didn't flinch under Cain's bellow and answered, "Ambush, Vile was there."
Dr. Cain swore creatively. Zero set X down on a table and queried him, "You're drunk; are you too drunk to fix him?" Dr. Cain glared nastily at Zero and grumbled while he checked X over.
Dr. Cain picked up a few instruments and used a small vacuum like tool to hose out the oil in X's gut. "Tch, you two are getting out of practice. This is nasty, but he'll be fine with a repair and a rest."
Dr. Cain banished X's armor except the damnaged buffer on his and connected together all the wires and replaced the small-destroyed parts in his abdomen cavity, cannon and arm. All very easily made repairs but quite deadly if not mended. Dr. Cain pressed a square of synth-skin to the gash to seal X up, leaving X blemish-less except for a hard to see seam where the square was.
"Why isn't he awake?"
Dr. Cain rolled his eyes in disgust and rapped X on the head with his cane.
* * * *
Sigma had the matrix now to bypass X and access X's memories as if they were his own instead of sorting though them like files on a computer. It was time to take control.
He would destroy X's body and Zero's spirit. It was perfect.
Sigma laughed to himself. He'd always expected it.
X, X… you're a bad boy aren't you? Such naughty feelings up in here… Heh, well, I can't blame you. Zero is damnably pretty; he should be with me if he's with anyone though. The leader of the Mavericks and Wily's last creation. You two do make a cute couple nevertheless. But we'll see how long your little relationship lasts after I'm through with it… Humans say '/Carpe Deim/,' seize the day, I think it would be appropriate for me to say '/Carpe corpus/.'
* * * *
X bolted upright on the table, holding his head in his hands. "I asked you to STOP that, dammit!" He glared hatefully at Dr. Cain.
"Whoa, whoa, chill out boy. I brought you out of a stasis lock. You should bow down to me and kiss my feet," Dr. Cain snorted.
X laughed harshly. "On a cold day in hell, Doc."
Zero's eyes widened a bit. He'd NEVER seen X speak to Dr. Cain that way. Zero also noticed a cold gleam in X's eyes that seemed almost--malignant.
X jumped off the metal table he was on. "Move, Cain. I'm leaving."
"But X…" Dr. Cain started.
"_MOVE!_"
Even though Dr. Cain was intoxicated, he could tell X meant business. He stepped out of the azure Hunter's path and watched him storm out the door. "What's up /HIS/ ass?" He muttered to himself and got back to other things that needed to be taken care of. Zero didn't even feel the inspiration to call up some memories or even to laugh.
Zero ran out after him. "X!" he called, hoping to stop him.
X flinched. Then, slowly, turned around to face his friend. "Zero?"
Zero looked at him quizzically. "What… what was that about?" he asked.
X grinned and suddenly lunged at his friend. Zero yelped as X pinned him against the wall. "Forget about it, Z… I'm just feeling kind of tired."
"Oh… Okay…"
X's hands slipped down Zero's waist. Lust danced in his eyes.
Zero swallowed. "X… are you feeling all right?"
"Never better," X responded. He grinned almost devilishly at him. "I'll see you later." Quickly, he pulled away from him and walked off.
Zero watched him go, confused. "X has never acted like this before…" He frowned. "It's probably nothing…" Zero shook off the uneasy feeling he had and left for the training simulator.
* * * *
Zero pulled his head away and inhaled deeply. "X?!" X simply chuckled in a very non X-like manner and nuzzled under his chin while his hands held Zero's hips possessively.
X's murmur was low and seductive, "Yes, Zero?"
Zero placed his hands on X's shoulders and pushed him away so he could think. They were in their room. While he had been taking off his armor piece by piece simply because he found it relaxing and he wanted to sleep in a bed instead of a pod, X and snuck in silently and jumped him. "You usually aren't like this X."
X stepped forward again and wrapped his arms around Zero's waist and kissed him very gently. "I'm sorry Zero. I'm just feeling a tad aggressive tonight." He nibbled on Zero's exposed skin right under his jaw, biting on it and gnawing just the side of it gently.
Zero shivered, gasping slightly. X in an aggressive mood made for interesting nights. "O-okay."
"Good," X's answer was half purr half growl as he pushed Zero to the floor, banishing his own armor and removing Zero's remaining armor-pieces and his clothing, kissing him intently.
Zero barely noticed that his kisses were different than usual; he was so caught up with the sensations. His own hands reached up to help X, wanting to see his body as much as X wanted to see his.
"So beautiful…" X whispered, removing the last piece of armor from Zero's body. "Perfect…" His hands gripped Zero's hips mercilessly.
Zero hissed though his teeth. X's fingers pushed into his skin roughly, causing needles of sharp pain. "X… you're…"
X slid up Zero's body and grinned down at him. "What's wrong?"
Zero shivered slightly and recoiled. "N-nothing… X… it's just…"
X cut him off by grabbing his chin aggressively and kissing him coarsely, forcing his tongue into his mouth.
A chill ran through Zero's body. But, he ignored his uncertainties and sighed softly. X would /never/ hurt him.
X let him go and immediately rubbed his hands gently over Zero's body. He kissed his chest, moved down to his stomach, then back up to his neck. "Pretty Zero… MY pretty Zero…" X crooned in his ear.
You _BASTARD!_ You sick bastard! How can you be doing this to him?!
X's mind cried out in disgust and frustration as he watched everything Sigma was doing to his best friend.
Sigma smirked and laughed darkly.
What's wrong? A bit too much for you?
X nibbled longingly on Zero's earlobe.
Zero felt his chest tighten. Something about the way X touched him felt so different than it usually did. He'd never felt… not degraded, X would never do something like that to him, but he felt--uncomfortable. "Um… X… I'm getting tired. I… I think I'm going to get to bed. You should rest up some too. After all, you had a rough day…"
X frowned, feeling bitter. "Fine, Zero." He picked himself off him. Another devilish grin stretched across his face. "We'll have more fun tomorrow…"
Zero swallowed. "Sure X…" Zero climbed to his feet. "Um… good night X…"
"Good night," X said sincerely. He quickly pulled his clothes on and summoned his armor back and left the room.
Zero shivered. He told himself because it was chilly. Zero threw on the most comfortable thing he could find flopped down in bed. He was quite exhausted.
Zero stared at the door. He knew something was wrong… He just had no idea what it was… He shook his head and drifted off into sleep.
* * * *
Touch, glorious touch and sweet kisses. Zero mewed slightly and opened his eyes.
"Good morning Zero," X said with a smile. "Didn't I say we were going to have fun today?"
Zero's eyes widened. X was sitting on him, legs straddling his hips. He wondered how X had gotten where he was without waking him, since Zero knew quite well that he was a VERY light sleeper. His eyes darted to the right and saw the clothes he had been wearing last night piled up on the floor.
How X pulled that off he'd never know.
X leaned down and kissed him again.
Zero moaned into his mouth and rested his hands on X's hips. Gentle, it was gentle. This was more like the X he knew. "You know, until I opened my eyes I was afraid that you were Iris," Zero said unable to keep the entire smirk off his face.
X sniffed indignantly and drew himself up on his perch. He managed to look rather regal considering that he was nude. "Are you saying that I look like Iris?"
Zero shuddered exaggeratedly, "Ye Gods no."
X smirked, a very non-Xy thing, and kissed him again, hard, while sliding down his body. "I still have my aggressions left over from last night you know, and Cain said we have the day off."
A strange sensation went down Zero's spine but he pushed it away and ignored it. He had the day off, with X, in bed. What could be wrong? He nodded agreeably. "I'm sorry for last night, you know."
X smirked again. "How are you going to make it up to me?"
Zero smiled and nuzzled up close to him.
X hugged Zero possessively. "I promised you a good time…" X grinned menacingly. "So let's have fun." X pinned Zero down on the bed underneath him. His once gentle massages across his body felt more brash and forceful. X leaned into Zero's body agonizingly and bit into his neck hungrily; just enough to draw a bit of blood.
A surge of fear ran through Zero. X was getting a bit rough-rougher than he'd ever been… Zero's shimmering, confused emerald eyes stared up at X nervously.
X ignored his look of worry and roughly seized Zero's hips. He gripped them so tightly that Zero yelped in pain.
"X! Wha-what are you doing?" Zero cried.
X merely smiled and stroked Zero's cheek. "Shh… don't ruin the mood, Zero." He leaned in and kissed him deeply on the lips.
Zero winced as X kissed him abusively, the tart, intoxicating, taste of his own oil, his own blood on his tongue. His chest heaved. He'd often try to coax X into being rougher into playing games with him… It was arousing, but it was starting to hurt-it wasn't X.
Zero was very confused and slightly worried--and beneath all that he was scared.
Zero… Oh, my God… Sigma! You're hurting him… Stop it!
X's mind pleaded for Sigma to let up on the physical and mental torture he was inflicting on his best friend.
Sigma laughed harshly.
But it's so much fun X…
Zero pushed weakly against X's chest, causing him to cut the kiss off. He panted and stared at him. "What's going on X? You're not yourself!"
X frowned and sat up. "I'm fine Zero," he growled. "I told you that." X's eyes flashed dangerously. "Now be quiet." He planted his hands firmly on Zero's chest. X scowled down at him.
Zero swallowed. It was the first time in his life that he'd ever felt scared of his beloved.
But then, he was back to his old self, gently massaging Zero's shoulders. "I love you Zero… I love you so much…" he whispered soothingly.
Zero felt the same chill run up his spine. He shook his head slowly. Maybe he was just jumping to conclusions. Still, Zero ached inside and hoped X would stay like this for a while. He didn't much like this rubber band effect that was going on.
X nuzzled him again. "What's wrong Zero; don't you love me?"
Zero's eyes widened. "Don't even suggest that I don't!"
X smiled beatifically down at him and kissed his neck, nibbled on his collarbone while caressing his sides and flanks, causing Zero to pant and moan while arching up into his touch.
X nuzzled his ear. "Do you want it Z? Do you want me in you?"
Zero almost hesitated, but what did he have to worry about? His fear was quickly being forgotten under the onslaught of pleasure, and this was X. X would never hurt him in any way that mattered. He nodded, pushing his hips up slightly to let X feel just how much he wanted him.
X kissed his way to Zero's chin then kissed his lips while taking his hips in both hands.br
Don't you fucking dare Sigma! Don't you touch him!
But X, he said I could! Today I make him mine, my toy. And when I break him there will be nothing left for you. Then I shall destroy both of these bodies. The Hunters won't stand a chance without you.
With an unholy smile X harshly pushed into Zero without any preparation or warning.
Zero's back arched to the point where it looked like he was about to snap in two while he clawed at X's shoulders. It was abrupt, it burned, and it hurt. If were human he would be bleeding, luckily he was a reploid. But, by God it hurt.
"Shhhh…" X soothed him with simple words and kisses and he continued to move roughly inside of him. He hadn't even noticed he had been keening. He stared at the ceiling with eyes that were wide open and tear flecked.
He whimpered as X wrapped around his waist then leaned forward over him forcing his knees to his shoulders. With one hand he pinned Zero's wrists above his head while the other tangled in Zero's hair and held him still. Rough kisses kept him from making any noise as X moved on--in him.
Zero's body flexed, trying to expel the intruder within him, but as he did so the hand tangled in his hair tightened a little bit more so he eventually stopped. The only sounds now were X's groans and the wet sounds accompanying sex and kisses.
But why was X hurting him?
Hope-sama wrote about 30% of the fic, Pink wrote the triad at the end when X is trying to find the pull out bed, Gale wrote the poem. Kittykat provided some ideas.
Everything but the poem was edited by me, some times heavily. And I did the crappy ASCII 'art'.
I would like to thank everyone and Kittykat for betaing this for me.
And, there is no word to describe how I feel, but it goes beyond thankfulness, this feeling is more than thankfulness as the universe is infinitely larger than a grain of sand. And all this is directed to Gale, my Gale who touched my heart and soul enough that the kindness and happiness she projected into me managed to burn though my sadness to allow for a bittersweet ending. Thank you, From the bottom of my heart, from the twisted depths of my mind, from the extremities of my soul, thank you my Galey-chan. May you find someone who truely deserves your kisses.
The titles are from skrewing around with an English to Latin dictionary. They should translate to something like 'Destroyed Trust, Broken Heart, Shattered Soul, Life-Giving Love'
Unfort I got the tenses all wrong.
And now for the warnings.
This has cursing. This is about Yaoi, Physical Rape, Mental Rape (though I don't go too deep into it), and Torture. It also has some traces of S/M (sadomasochism sadism and masochism), D/s (Domination and submission), and Bondage. None of it consensual. This is a Zero Torture fic. However it has something of a happy ending. Get your tissues out.
The Killing Love, The Healing Love
Chapter One: Pessum ire Credo
Zero sighed happily and pressed tightly up to X's body. He felt safe and secure with his best friend so close beside him. A wave of pleasure surged through him as he felt X wrap his arms around him and hug him tightly.
"Mm… you're warm…" X whispered.
Zero lifted his head off X's chest and smiled down at him. "Are you cold, love?"
"Um… do I want to be?"
Zero laughed softly and stroked his beloved's cheek. "I'll warm you up, X…" He leaned down and their lips brushed together.
X grinned and gently twirled Zero's golden locks through his fingers. A deep kiss followed, causing X's heart to pull tight within his chest wanting nothing more than to stay with his best friend.
When both reploids broke their kiss to lie close together, Zero nestled his head under X's chin and closed his eyes. He always felt so relaxed and peaceful around his best friend. It was truly a gift from fate that one such as he, the red demon, could find such peace.
X's gaze turned towards the ceiling as he held Zero close to him. A cold chill ran up his back as worries and other types of second thoughts started wavering through his mind.
Not to say he didn't love Zero; he did. With all his heart. There was no doubt about that. He'd grown quite attached to the blond-haired jerk after everything they'd been through.
X sighed. It was just that if anyone found out that they were together, they'd never hear the end of it. X winced as he thought of Hope. She'd either be furious… or she'd be thrilled. X smiled slightly. She WAS always hinting to him how good of couple he and Zero made after all…
X glanced over to the digital clock on his dresser. 5:27. "Morning already…" he murmured more to himself than to Zero.
His thoughts turned to the recent increase of Maverick attacks. Hell, there had probably been twenty just the other day. Maybe even more. A wave of regret and disgust washed over him at the thought of so much violence and bloodshed. X swallowed. But… it was necessary for him to fight… to protect all those that he held dear. X glanced down at his friend, who was sleeping serenely by now. He smiled warmly. And not forgetting that he was the greatest Hunter the base had to offer. That played a big role in his life of hunting down Maverick baddies.
Very gently, trying not to startle Zero awake since he was a very light sleeper and even the softest noise or touch could wake him, he slid out of the bed and slipped on a bathrobe. He turned back to his friend, leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, dear…" he whispered. X pulled the covers over him, making sure that he was warm and left their room to go take a shower.
* * * *
X frowned and stood quite restlessly as he listened to Dr. Cain jabber on and on about how that now there were more Maverick attacks going on, the Hunters would have to train twice as hard… blah, blah, blah. X kept shifting his weight from one gigantic boot to the other and fidgeted unprofessionally.
"STAND STILL!" Dr. Cain shouted suddenly whacking X over the head with his cane. And it hurt too, since X wasn't wearing his helmet at the present time.
X yelped and jumped back holding his head in pain.
"Did you even hear a word I said?" Dr. Cain asked gravely.
"Of course I did…" X growled in a rather pissed off tone. "This obsession you have of rough physical contact to my head is rather annoying. I must ask you to stop."
Dr. Cain tried not to, but laughed anyway. "Heh… I love your sense of humor X!" He nudged him.
X scowled. "Did I say something funny?"
Just then Zero came dashing up to them, crimson armor glossy and ponytail bouncing. "Hey you two!"
"Hey Zero…" A small teasing smile appeared on X's lips. "Did you sleep well last night?"
Zero blushed vaguely and quickly turned his head away from Dr. Cain. "Sure did X! Better than most nights…" He laughed softly.
X eyes turned back to Dr. Cain, searching his face for any suspicion. But there was none.
Dr. Cain just shook his head. "Kids…"
Good. X really didn't want anyone knowing about him and Zero yet… It would be horrible if Dr. Cain found out. He shuddered.
He could see it now. Dr. Cain hosting one of those nature shows where they videotape behaviors of wild animals and talk about them, only it would be about their 'mating habits'.
It was almost funny.
X turned his attention back to Dr. Cain. "We think we have found a base of operations for the current attacks."
Zero stood up a tad straighter. "'A base' not 'the base'; implying there may be more?"
Dr. Cain nodded. "We think that they have been setting up numerous small bases so to better attack us."
X shook his head. "I wouldn't go so far as to call them attacks, they are going after us and not so much the humans, more like skirmishes to keep us off balance, this isn't the way Mavericks usually act."
Zero agreed, "Usually they either hit and run or make huge fortresses, but from what we've experienced, reports, and what the Doc says they've been 'nesting'."
"I doubt they even have a leader, the attacks don't even make much of a dent."
Zero had his reservations about that observation; if you looked at the attacks as a whole it became clear that they were well planned--if the Hunters did not intercept human death counts skyrocketed.
"All noted, but I want you two to take a squad and clean out the biggest 'nest' we found so far." Dr. Cain brought up a large map on the screen. "It's a large warehouse in the northeastern quarter; we've pulled up blueprints and we know that it's three stories with two basements."
"Mavs have probably redecorated," Zero muttered.
"Check, watch out for traps," X said with genuine concern.
Zero smirked. "Don't I always?"
X rolled his eyes.
Dr. Cain cleared his throat. "We want you to take a squad in. This should be a very straight forward, good mission for rookies."
Zero leveled his gaze at him and said flatly, "Never underestimate a Maverick. And only one squad?"
Dr. Cain pressed his lips together. "We can't spare anymore, everyone is keeping watch for more attacks. We're hoping that you two can provide enough power so one squad is enough."
X cleared his throat this time. "Um, we'll take a mix, some rookies and some vets, they need to keep their skills sharp just as much as rookies need to learn them."
Dr. Cain nodded. "Okay. You two get going… and don't screw up."
Zero kept serious for about three seconds and then a goofy grin slipped across his face.
X threw a hand over his mouth before he could burst out laughing. "Shut up…" he hissed. Then he looked back at Dr. Cain. "We WON'T. Don't worry. So, we'll be leaving now."
Dr. Cain watched them in confusion as X yanked the snickering Zero out of the room VERY quickly.
* * * *
Zero leaned back against the wall of a building and waved his hand to his half of the squad while X's half were ready to provide cover fire. Zero rushed the door with his half-a-squad a few steps behind him and kicked down the door, Beam Sabre at ready looking around.
Nothing. He nodded to a Hunter near him who darted out the door and waved the other half in.
Zero turned to X when he entered. "My team will take top side, you take the basement."
X nodded. "The ground should absorb any stray plasma bolts down there instead of destroying a neighborly building."
They split up.
* * * *
Second floor and there was nothing, no drones, no turrets, not even a met--/nothing/.
Zero motioned for the three other reploids to be still and listened. No sounds from above them; not even the buzz of electricity. "This isn't right. This is a set up."
Zero's eyes widened. "X!"
* * * *
X groaned and opened his eyes. Weakly, he climbed to his hands and knees. "Damn…" He glanced up to see the bodies of his squad very, very dead. "Why didn't I see this?" he berated himself. "I should have… known…" His head was throbbing horribly. Almost as if someone had pounded on it with a sledgehammer.
Vile, who was standing over his enemy, perhaps waiting for him to wake up wishing to see his face as he died. "You stupid Hunter!" A twisted grin appeared on Vile's face under his helmet. "I'll enjoy watching you die Mega Man X…"
X shut his eyes tightly, pain shooting through him everywhere. His hand clenched into a fist.
"Hold it Vile!"
Vile and the rest of the Maverick Unit whirled around to see Zero and his squad. "You!"
Zero grinned. "Yes, me."
"Kill them all! Zero and X are mine!"
The two squads engaged in combat. Zero immediately started to run over to his friend. "X!"
Vile stepped in his path. "I don't think so, blondie."
Zero scowled. "Step aside Vile!" He activated his Beam Sabre. "I won't let you hurt X!"
Unbeknownst to the two fighters, X picked himself up off the ground, his arm cannon sparking and leaking fluids. He began forcing all of his remaining energy into his arm-cannon. "Eat plasma, Vile…" He let loose, the plasma burning his circuits.
Vile cried out in surprised agony as he felt the blast strike him full force. He stumbled back, and fell to the cold basement floor hard with half his chest blown in. "Retreat," he croaked out to his Unit. They teleported away, Vile's glowing eye seemingly--amused?
Zero grinned appreciatively.
X stumbled and started to collapse.
"X!" Zero rushed forward and grabbed his friend. "X… are you all right?"
X smiled weakly. "I'll be okay… If you can survive being blown up I can survive this…" He gave Zero's hand a squeeze and drifted out of consciousness.
Zero bit his bottom lip. Slowly, he stood straight, X in his arms. "Let's go," he whispered to the squad behind him. They all teleported back to base.
* * * *
Sigma was having the time of his life rummaging though X's memories. Data and codes and all sorts of secrets were at his fingertips. Through the relay he could take control and shove X into the backseat anytime he wanted. Best of all, X would not be able to override him once he took over and they wouldn't be able to detect him by searching for the Maverick Virus.
He would destroy X and he wouldn't have to lift a finger. But first to absorb more data and send it back to the base.
Emotions flickered across X's mind and Sigma looked closer at them.
Hello. What do we have here?
Back at Maverick HQ the still body of Sigma stirred slightly. His lips twitched into a slight smirk.
* * * *
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"
Zero didn't flinch under Cain's bellow and answered, "Ambush, Vile was there."
Dr. Cain swore creatively. Zero set X down on a table and queried him, "You're drunk; are you too drunk to fix him?" Dr. Cain glared nastily at Zero and grumbled while he checked X over.
Dr. Cain picked up a few instruments and used a small vacuum like tool to hose out the oil in X's gut. "Tch, you two are getting out of practice. This is nasty, but he'll be fine with a repair and a rest."
Dr. Cain banished X's armor except the damnaged buffer on his and connected together all the wires and replaced the small-destroyed parts in his abdomen cavity, cannon and arm. All very easily made repairs but quite deadly if not mended. Dr. Cain pressed a square of synth-skin to the gash to seal X up, leaving X blemish-less except for a hard to see seam where the square was.
"Why isn't he awake?"
Dr. Cain rolled his eyes in disgust and rapped X on the head with his cane.
* * * *
Sigma had the matrix now to bypass X and access X's memories as if they were his own instead of sorting though them like files on a computer. It was time to take control.
He would destroy X's body and Zero's spirit. It was perfect.
Sigma laughed to himself. He'd always expected it.
X, X… you're a bad boy aren't you? Such naughty feelings up in here… Heh, well, I can't blame you. Zero is damnably pretty; he should be with me if he's with anyone though. The leader of the Mavericks and Wily's last creation. You two do make a cute couple nevertheless. But we'll see how long your little relationship lasts after I'm through with it… Humans say '/Carpe Deim/,' seize the day, I think it would be appropriate for me to say '/Carpe corpus/.'
* * * *
X bolted upright on the table, holding his head in his hands. "I asked you to STOP that, dammit!" He glared hatefully at Dr. Cain.
"Whoa, whoa, chill out boy. I brought you out of a stasis lock. You should bow down to me and kiss my feet," Dr. Cain snorted.
X laughed harshly. "On a cold day in hell, Doc."
Zero's eyes widened a bit. He'd NEVER seen X speak to Dr. Cain that way. Zero also noticed a cold gleam in X's eyes that seemed almost--malignant.
X jumped off the metal table he was on. "Move, Cain. I'm leaving."
"But X…" Dr. Cain started.
"_MOVE!_"
Even though Dr. Cain was intoxicated, he could tell X meant business. He stepped out of the azure Hunter's path and watched him storm out the door. "What's up /HIS/ ass?" He muttered to himself and got back to other things that needed to be taken care of. Zero didn't even feel the inspiration to call up some memories or even to laugh.
Zero ran out after him. "X!" he called, hoping to stop him.
X flinched. Then, slowly, turned around to face his friend. "Zero?"
Zero looked at him quizzically. "What… what was that about?" he asked.
X grinned and suddenly lunged at his friend. Zero yelped as X pinned him against the wall. "Forget about it, Z… I'm just feeling kind of tired."
"Oh… Okay…"
X's hands slipped down Zero's waist. Lust danced in his eyes.
Zero swallowed. "X… are you feeling all right?"
"Never better," X responded. He grinned almost devilishly at him. "I'll see you later." Quickly, he pulled away from him and walked off.
Zero watched him go, confused. "X has never acted like this before…" He frowned. "It's probably nothing…" Zero shook off the uneasy feeling he had and left for the training simulator.
* * * *
Zero pulled his head away and inhaled deeply. "X?!" X simply chuckled in a very non X-like manner and nuzzled under his chin while his hands held Zero's hips possessively.
X's murmur was low and seductive, "Yes, Zero?"
Zero placed his hands on X's shoulders and pushed him away so he could think. They were in their room. While he had been taking off his armor piece by piece simply because he found it relaxing and he wanted to sleep in a bed instead of a pod, X and snuck in silently and jumped him. "You usually aren't like this X."
X stepped forward again and wrapped his arms around Zero's waist and kissed him very gently. "I'm sorry Zero. I'm just feeling a tad aggressive tonight." He nibbled on Zero's exposed skin right under his jaw, biting on it and gnawing just the side of it gently.
Zero shivered, gasping slightly. X in an aggressive mood made for interesting nights. "O-okay."
"Good," X's answer was half purr half growl as he pushed Zero to the floor, banishing his own armor and removing Zero's remaining armor-pieces and his clothing, kissing him intently.
Zero barely noticed that his kisses were different than usual; he was so caught up with the sensations. His own hands reached up to help X, wanting to see his body as much as X wanted to see his.
"So beautiful…" X whispered, removing the last piece of armor from Zero's body. "Perfect…" His hands gripped Zero's hips mercilessly.
Zero hissed though his teeth. X's fingers pushed into his skin roughly, causing needles of sharp pain. "X… you're…"
X slid up Zero's body and grinned down at him. "What's wrong?"
Zero shivered slightly and recoiled. "N-nothing… X… it's just…"
X cut him off by grabbing his chin aggressively and kissing him coarsely, forcing his tongue into his mouth.
A chill ran through Zero's body. But, he ignored his uncertainties and sighed softly. X would /never/ hurt him.
X let him go and immediately rubbed his hands gently over Zero's body. He kissed his chest, moved down to his stomach, then back up to his neck. "Pretty Zero… MY pretty Zero…" X crooned in his ear.
You _BASTARD!_ You sick bastard! How can you be doing this to him?!
X's mind cried out in disgust and frustration as he watched everything Sigma was doing to his best friend.
Sigma smirked and laughed darkly.
What's wrong? A bit too much for you?
X nibbled longingly on Zero's earlobe.
Zero felt his chest tighten. Something about the way X touched him felt so different than it usually did. He'd never felt… not degraded, X would never do something like that to him, but he felt--uncomfortable. "Um… X… I'm getting tired. I… I think I'm going to get to bed. You should rest up some too. After all, you had a rough day…"
X frowned, feeling bitter. "Fine, Zero." He picked himself off him. Another devilish grin stretched across his face. "We'll have more fun tomorrow…"
Zero swallowed. "Sure X…" Zero climbed to his feet. "Um… good night X…"
"Good night," X said sincerely. He quickly pulled his clothes on and summoned his armor back and left the room.
Zero shivered. He told himself because it was chilly. Zero threw on the most comfortable thing he could find flopped down in bed. He was quite exhausted.
Zero stared at the door. He knew something was wrong… He just had no idea what it was… He shook his head and drifted off into sleep.
* * * *
Touch, glorious touch and sweet kisses. Zero mewed slightly and opened his eyes.
"Good morning Zero," X said with a smile. "Didn't I say we were going to have fun today?"
Zero's eyes widened. X was sitting on him, legs straddling his hips. He wondered how X had gotten where he was without waking him, since Zero knew quite well that he was a VERY light sleeper. His eyes darted to the right and saw the clothes he had been wearing last night piled up on the floor.
How X pulled that off he'd never know.
X leaned down and kissed him again.
Zero moaned into his mouth and rested his hands on X's hips. Gentle, it was gentle. This was more like the X he knew. "You know, until I opened my eyes I was afraid that you were Iris," Zero said unable to keep the entire smirk off his face.
X sniffed indignantly and drew himself up on his perch. He managed to look rather regal considering that he was nude. "Are you saying that I look like Iris?"
Zero shuddered exaggeratedly, "Ye Gods no."
X smirked, a very non-Xy thing, and kissed him again, hard, while sliding down his body. "I still have my aggressions left over from last night you know, and Cain said we have the day off."
A strange sensation went down Zero's spine but he pushed it away and ignored it. He had the day off, with X, in bed. What could be wrong? He nodded agreeably. "I'm sorry for last night, you know."
X smirked again. "How are you going to make it up to me?"
Zero smiled and nuzzled up close to him.
X hugged Zero possessively. "I promised you a good time…" X grinned menacingly. "So let's have fun." X pinned Zero down on the bed underneath him. His once gentle massages across his body felt more brash and forceful. X leaned into Zero's body agonizingly and bit into his neck hungrily; just enough to draw a bit of blood.
A surge of fear ran through Zero. X was getting a bit rough-rougher than he'd ever been… Zero's shimmering, confused emerald eyes stared up at X nervously.
X ignored his look of worry and roughly seized Zero's hips. He gripped them so tightly that Zero yelped in pain.
"X! Wha-what are you doing?" Zero cried.
X merely smiled and stroked Zero's cheek. "Shh… don't ruin the mood, Zero." He leaned in and kissed him deeply on the lips.
Zero winced as X kissed him abusively, the tart, intoxicating, taste of his own oil, his own blood on his tongue. His chest heaved. He'd often try to coax X into being rougher into playing games with him… It was arousing, but it was starting to hurt-it wasn't X.
Zero was very confused and slightly worried--and beneath all that he was scared.
Zero… Oh, my God… Sigma! You're hurting him… Stop it!
X's mind pleaded for Sigma to let up on the physical and mental torture he was inflicting on his best friend.
Sigma laughed harshly.
But it's so much fun X…
Zero pushed weakly against X's chest, causing him to cut the kiss off. He panted and stared at him. "What's going on X? You're not yourself!"
X frowned and sat up. "I'm fine Zero," he growled. "I told you that." X's eyes flashed dangerously. "Now be quiet." He planted his hands firmly on Zero's chest. X scowled down at him.
Zero swallowed. It was the first time in his life that he'd ever felt scared of his beloved.
But then, he was back to his old self, gently massaging Zero's shoulders. "I love you Zero… I love you so much…" he whispered soothingly.
Zero felt the same chill run up his spine. He shook his head slowly. Maybe he was just jumping to conclusions. Still, Zero ached inside and hoped X would stay like this for a while. He didn't much like this rubber band effect that was going on.
X nuzzled him again. "What's wrong Zero; don't you love me?"
Zero's eyes widened. "Don't even suggest that I don't!"
X smiled beatifically down at him and kissed his neck, nibbled on his collarbone while caressing his sides and flanks, causing Zero to pant and moan while arching up into his touch.
X nuzzled his ear. "Do you want it Z? Do you want me in you?"
Zero almost hesitated, but what did he have to worry about? His fear was quickly being forgotten under the onslaught of pleasure, and this was X. X would never hurt him in any way that mattered. He nodded, pushing his hips up slightly to let X feel just how much he wanted him.
X kissed his way to Zero's chin then kissed his lips while taking his hips in both hands.br
Don't you fucking dare Sigma! Don't you touch him!
But X, he said I could! Today I make him mine, my toy. And when I break him there will be nothing left for you. Then I shall destroy both of these bodies. The Hunters won't stand a chance without you.
With an unholy smile X harshly pushed into Zero without any preparation or warning.
Zero's back arched to the point where it looked like he was about to snap in two while he clawed at X's shoulders. It was abrupt, it burned, and it hurt. If were human he would be bleeding, luckily he was a reploid. But, by God it hurt.
"Shhhh…" X soothed him with simple words and kisses and he continued to move roughly inside of him. He hadn't even noticed he had been keening. He stared at the ceiling with eyes that were wide open and tear flecked.
He whimpered as X wrapped around his waist then leaned forward over him forcing his knees to his shoulders. With one hand he pinned Zero's wrists above his head while the other tangled in Zero's hair and held him still. Rough kisses kept him from making any noise as X moved on--in him.
Zero's body flexed, trying to expel the intruder within him, but as he did so the hand tangled in his hair tightened a little bit more so he eventually stopped. The only sounds now were X's groans and the wet sounds accompanying sex and kisses.
But why was X hurting him?