Zero's Saber Chapter 3: Picture, a mega man fanfic

ZERO'S SABER: Picture
by: Ellis McDohl

First entry: May 6, 2001
Last entry: May 29, 2001
Disclaimer: You know who they belong to! They all belong to Capcom!

Author's note:
I'm back and I'd like to thank you for reading on. I didn't think it will get this far and you must be getting tired of the way I start it but that's the way it should be.
I'm still depressed but not that much anymore. I'll get over it soon because it looks like I'm doing better with my other subjects... (That's what I was depressed about.)
I hope this will be good but I still have my doubts about this chapter. I think I managed to fix the margin problem though (I hope... It is fixed... It took me a while before I realized my problem... Ah! What happened to my brain!?). If this story will offend anyone then, I'm really sorry. My brain isn't doing at all that well. This will be one of my looooongest chapters. And once again I must apologize for some of the events here and the way some would act.
Please enjoy.
Ellis McDohl
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There was a picture on the desk in Captain X's room. This picture held many memories both sad and happy. This will forever remind people of who they used to be and the joy they shared together.

X was looking down at the paper he was re-reading when Douglas came to announce that Signas needed him in his office. Of course X had to go, despite the fact that he really wanted to stay and finish his work soon. He hated being interrupted but he had his duties to obey and he went, much to the relief of his troops.
Since Zero's death X had double responsibilities. He led the 17th Unit as well as the special Unit. X had acted very much like Zero which scared the wits out of both units since Zero was strict. They all thought they'd had relief but now, it seems as if Zero had not left the world. It was as if it was X that had died and not him.
Everyone thought that, one way or the other, X was having a hard time. He was, really, but he did not show it. He ordered about as if it was okay. But sometimes, they all couldn't help noticing his sad eyes. Zero always had sad eyes, even when he smiled or laughed. Perhaps he knew so many things he did not wish to know and this fact weighed down at his conscience more than such.
Douglas led him to Signas' office but stopped at the door and let him enter on his own. The doors opened revealing Signas sitting on his chair while Dr. Cain and Dr. Light sat on the couch, discussing things with a hearty laugh. They all turned when he entered. He stopped in front of Signas and saluted.
"Reporting!" X said, stiffly.
"At ease..." Signas replied.
X put his hand down. Dr. Light was examining X countenance as he stood there. There were many changes. So much that he thought he was a grown young man rather than the boy who once he had.
Signas looked down at his papers. "How are your duties getting along, X?"
"Everything is in order, sir." He replied. "Except for some of the mishaps my troops get into, occasionally. Nothing at all serious."
"Then that is good." He replied.
Dr. Light then stood up which made him turn to him. Dr. light walked toward him with amusement shining in his eyes. Behind him, Dr. Cain sat with a smile playing in his lips. It made X wonder what these two were up to now.
"My boy, are you having a hard time with your work?" He asked.
"No, sir." He replied. "As I said, everything is in order. Nothing I can't handle yet." He replied. But he wasn't smiling.
"Hmm... I see." He remarked thoughtfully. Then after a slight pause, he looked directly at his eyes, seriously. "Are you lonely, sometimes, X?" He asked, quietly.
The question struck X. He didn't expect this but he was. More than words could say. But he couldn't let others see that loneliness he knew he felt. He didn't think it was right or fair to anyone even to himself.
"No. I'm not." He replied rather coldly.
Signas gave out a sigh, Dr. Cain coughed and Dr. Light raised his eyebrows. They all knew he was lying but they didn't quite understand why.
"Tell the truth, X." Dr. Light said. "It's not good to lie."
"But I'm not." He replied.
"Then why aren't you smiling?" A voice from behind X spoke.
X frowned and reached out for his saber.
"Put it down, X." Dr. Light said. "She means no harm."
X turned to him while he raised his eyebrows. "She?" He asked.
Dr. Light gave out a hearty laugh. "Now, don't tell me you've forgotten who Roll is..." He remarked, smiling. "You kids were very best friends of way back." A slight pause. "And not to mention, Rush and Protoman are here too."
X stood quietly as a girl with blond hair and green eyes emerged from the shadows of the room. It was followed by a young robot, as old as X, wearing red armor, shades that covered his eyes and a yellow scarf around his neck. Near their feet was a robot dog with big, blue eyes, looking eagerly up at him.
Roll smiled at him, eagerly while X looked at them in disbelief. Roll was about to run and embrace him but there was that cold look in his eyes that made her stop and consider what she wanted to do. The three noticed this and just walked out of the shadows.
"What's wrong, Roll?" Dr. Light asked, smiling. "You said you wanted to kiss and hug X when you meet again."
Roll raised her head and looked at Dr. Light. "Well, I did want to but..." Then she turned to X with a downcast look on her face. "...but he seemed so different from what I remembered. I can't believe he is the Megaman I know."
Protoman looked at him from behind his shades, examining him, thinking what could have made him change so much despite the fact that he knew he changed, physically. X turned away from them, uneasily but something he didn't show.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, without enthusiasm.
The tone of his voice clearly showed irritation and what's more, it irritated Roll very much. She looked at him, frowning.
"Don't talk like such a big-shot, Megaman." She said. "Don't forget we used to help you!"
X didn't turn to them because he didn't want them to see that he was happy that they were here. He had to repress his feelings more than anything else. He walked and looked out the window to see where all this was going to go to.
Protoman seemed to sense something coming but he didn't know what. He had never seen X so stiff around them and so cold. Dr. Cain looked thoughtful because he thought that if they were here, X would loosen up a bit. Dr. Light thought so too and so did Signas but it didn't seem to work. Rush scratched behind his ear with his hind leg, he seemed to understand what they were trying to do, though he didn't talk, and after this he looked up at X, as if wondering what happened to his master.
"Why did you send for me, Signas?" He asked.
Outside, he saw the Autumn winds blow away the withered leaves. X closed his eyes and thought: Another season had passed since... I wonder... how am I doing?
Signas turned to Dr. Cain who nodded. Signas turned to X. "It's because Dr. Light had requested that you have another partner." He replied.
X frowned, slightly, still looking out the window. He could clearly see everyone's reflection on the clear window pane. But they couldn't see his face.
"And?" He asked as if expecting more.
"And Protoman will be your new partner." He finished.
"Protoman?" He repeated and closed his eyes.
Roll smiled, cheerfully, forgetting her irritation. "That's right!" She said. "You used to say how much you liked to have Protoman for a partner! You're going to have lots of fun!"
What she said struck him. He remembered the time when Dr. Cain and Sigma told him that Zero will be his new partner. X took one long look at him and thought how cold and unyielding Zero seemed to be. He remembered murmuring that he wanted to have Protoman for a partner. Later he realized how they were very much alike.
Are they? He thought. No, they aren't. Protoman is Protoman and Zero is Zero. Nothing can change that. No one can replace him...
"I disagree." He said, finally.
Everyone turned to him in surprise. "Huh?"
"I don't want to have a new partner." He said. "And I don't need one." A slight pause.
Dr. Cain raised his head. "Turn to us, X and say it again." He said.
X slowly turned because they all thought that he was only joking and this wasn't what he really wanted. X knew it and hid his feelings where they won't be seen. They were all surprised to see cold, green eyes looking back at them.
"I don't want a new partner." He repeated.
Dr. Cain cleared his throat and everyone turned to him.
"It's nothing." Dr. Cain replied. "It's just like having a déjà vu." A slight pause. Only back then it wasn't you who said that...
Signas turned back to him. "Why don't you?" he asked.
X closed his eyes again to hide his feelings, a trick he seemed to have gotten from Zero when he didn't want to show anything. "Because I don't need one." He said simply.
"Pretty confident, aren't you?" Signas remarked.
"If you really want me to have one then make it an order." X said, turning to him without opening his eyes.
"Then I order it." Signas said, finally.
X saluted and opened his eyes. "Yes, sir." He replied Then he turned, unexpectedly to Protoman. "Let's go." And began to walk to the door and noticing that he wasn't following, he stopped but didn't turn to him. "Don't fall behind."
Protoman nodded and followed him while Protoman, Roll and Rush trailed behind them. Dr. Light turned to Dr. Cain who shrugged his shoulders. Signas stood up and walked to the window.
"It looks like he's acting more and more like his partner everyday." He remarked.
"It seems so..." Dr. Cain agreed, thoughtfully.
"I wonder how he will react when he finds out what we were up to?" Dr. Light said.
Dr. Cain's lips curved up to a small smile. "Let's just wait until he finds out." He remarked.
Dr. Light turned to him, smiling. "You're right." He agreed.
Dr. Cain stood up, taking his cane for support. "Shall we go?" He asked, smiling.
Dr. Light nodded, smiling and put his arm around Dr. Cain's other arm to support him as they walked. Dr. Cain laughed.
"Though you're older than I am, Dr. Light," He began. "You have a younger and stronger body than mine."
Dr. Light laughed and they had the merry time of it as they walked out the office and to their laboratory to continue their work. Signas gave out a sigh as he watched them have a merry time to themselves.

They followed X as they walked along the hallway, stopping only when X stopped but he barely stopped except when reploids come to him to give him their reports. X took them, saying very little but understanding what they meant. X held the papers and handed them to Protoman who understood what was happening but didn't quite get it yet.
Roll as getting a bit uncomfortable with this silence that hung around them so she tried her best to carry on a conversation.
"So, Megaman..." She began.
"Please call me X." He said. "I'm going to have a hard time trying to adjust when you call me 'Megaman' ever since everyone started calling me 'X'..."
Roll bent her head down. "Oh..."
Protoman raised his head. "Who first called you 'X'?" He asked.
"Dr. Light refers to me as 'X' in the journal he left behind." He replied. "Dr. Cain calls me X since and so did everyone."
Roll thought it was going well then she smiled. "What do you do around here?" She asked.
X rolled his eyes to her for a while then looked back to where he was going. "Still the same." He replied.
"So Protoman is your new partner." She said. "Why did you say you didn't want him to be?" A slight pause. "Aren't you lonely?"
X stopped and they all thought they were going to get a simple "yes" answer because they all knew he was lonely. X decided to stiffen himself and get away from people. He thought he must seal his heart away where people can't reach it. So when the time comes to part, he wouldn't get hurt again.
"My loneliness has nothing to do with my work." He replied. "I don't care whether I'm lonely or not. It doesn't matter to me."
"So you say..." Roll muttered.
X heard it but he ignored this remark and began walking while they followed him. They got along with the silence for quite a bit but it was very uncomfortable. To X, it didn't matter for he was getting used to this silence.
They continued to walk on until they came to the assembly hall where there were the troops, walking around, doing their daily chores. X stopped and turned to them.
"This is the assembly hall." He said. "Every morning you have to assemble here and get things ready." He explained.
A reploid approached them. X didn't turn but was aware of his presence. The reploid saluted to him.
"Well, what is it?" He asked.
The reploid put his hand back to his side but still stood stiffly in attention. "Captain, the repairs are complete." He said. "The ride armor is ready to be used anytime."
"Very good." X replied. "I'll go check it out. Tell them to get ready."
"Yes, sir." The reploid said.
"Carry on."
"Yes sir." The reploid replied, saluted again and left.
X, after explaining a few details about the assembly hall, led them to another part of the base where the transportation was being taken cared of. There, ride armors, Landchaser bikes and other transportation devices were being kept, maintained and fixed.
Roll was looking at them with a bit of interest. She saw how he was well respected by the other reploids but his new attitude rather irritated her, there was no doubt about that. She couldn't understand just why he was acting this way.
Noticing that X and Protoman were preoccupied, she walked towards one of the hunters working on the red Landchaser bike.
"Hello." She greeted, smiling.
The hunter turned to her, smiling. "Hello there. Are you new here?"
She nodded, still smiling. "Yes. I came with Dr. Light." She replied. Then she looked at the bike, very much amazed by it. "Wow! This is pretty neat!"
The hunter stood up and wiped his hands on a white cloth. "A beauty, ain't she?" He asked. "It's one of the best models Dr. Cain created. It's a bit old but still has lots of guts in it."
She took a closer look to examine it. "It looks great! You upgrade it?" she asked, eagerly.
The hunter laughed. "Oh, no! I'm not that good." He said and turned to the bike. "This bike was specially created by Dr. Cain for Captain Zero." He patted it, affectionately. "It's seen many battles and it's Captain Zero's favorite bike. I'm just fixing it to keep it in shape so Captain X can use it."
"Captain Zero?" She asked. "Who's that?"
The hunter was quite taken back by this. "You mean Captain X never told you about him?" He asked.
"No." She replied, frankly. A slight pause. "Was he Megaman's partner?" She asked, quietly.
He bent over to get a wrench and fix the loose screw on the bike.
"I can't believe he hasn't told you anything about him..." He murmured.
"About who?" She asked.
The hunter smiled back at her. "It's nothing." He replied.
"Will you... tell me something about this 'Zero' fellow?" A slight pause. "And why does he seem so important to X that he's shunning us?"
The hunter gave out a sigh. "Zero was Captain X's partner, that you probably know." He began as he fixed a wire. "He was a strict and serious captain. A perfectionist. You had to line up properly and fix yourself well or face his scolding. A lot of us are very much afraid of him."
Roll listened as he spoke in a low voice.
"But he was a great fighter." He remembered. "He fought so well, many admired him. Especially Captain X. They were always together and Zero watched over X, as he would if he had a brother. No one ever thought that Zero would get along with X when he came but they got along so well, everyone was very much impressed."
The hunter began to wipe the oil off the bike, slowly.
"When he died, everyone knew that the captain's world would start to crumble." He said, slowly. "For days, he wasn't himself. Everyone tried to console him but he only smiled, sadly and wandered around like a lost cloud." There was a slight pause. "His only consolation was that, at least, the saber survived and with it, he was going to go on moving, just like his partner."
Then he turned to her, sadly. "But moving on is hard work for him." He remarked and they both turned to where X stood, pointing out things. "Just look at him, trying to do his best to keep things in order. Captain Zero told me once that if ever he dies, X might have a hard time around. Heaven knows how he knew that's why he taught Captain X everything he knew..."
Then he looked at her. "Even now, I see, that Captain Zero is still watching out for him." He remarked.
"Why do you say that?" She asked.
He smiled as he bent over to finish other things. "You'll know it once you see it." He replied.
Meanwhile, X, was showing Protoman the ride armors and teaching him how to inspect it. Protoman was listening, however a part of him told him he didn't have to know things like that. He didn't even understand why he had to.
X turned to him. "Do you understand?" he asked.
Protoman nodded. X frowned, slightly. "I don't think so... But I'll leave it to that. Next time, you better pay attention."
"Why do I have to learn this stuff anyway?" He asked.
The hunters who were working on that ride armor looked at him. X, who was listening, tied his fists on his chest, wearily.
"It's not like there's going to be a war or anything like that." He said. "We live in peaceful times now. You should just lie back and enjoy."
"Are you done yet?" X asked.
Protoman frowned. "Why do I have to learn about this? Can't we just sit back?"
X turned to the ride armor. "No." He replied. "We can't expect it to be always peaceful that's why we have to get ready for anything."
"Let's be positive." He remarked.
X looked down at his foot. "It's not always good to be so positive when it doesn't turn out the way you want it to..." he replied in a low voice. "You can be positive if you're sure you're ready but optmism could also lead to your downfall..." He closed his eyes thnking those were the same words Zero had said before he died.
"Megaman, what happened to you?" He asked, softly.
He began to walk away. "...Let's go." Then he turned to the hunters. "Carry on." Then turned to where Rush stood, sniffing at one of the Landchaser bike.
Rush stopped and ran to them. Roll and Protoman followed them.

A hunter came to greet them and saluted as they passed by. X held out his hand and he handed X papers. He glanced at them while the others were watching him. X, when he was satisfied, handed the reploid the papers.
"Very good." He remarked. "Send them to Dr. Cain."
"Yes, sir!" And he ran off.
X turned to them. "I've shown you the base." He said. "You can do what you will." And he turned away from them.
"Wait!" Roll called.
X stopped and turned slightly to her.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"...My duties." He replied as if this was obvious.
Roll ran in front of him to keep him from going.
"I'm not about to let you leave us like this, X." She said, frowning. "Why don't we go somewhere else?" She added, smiling.
"I have no time for that." He replied, simply.
Roll was about to open her mouth to protest something but just then, Alia came out from the main control room. X stopped and looked at her as she walked, looking bewildered at the papers she held in her hand. X didn't call her but something made her look up. She saw them and smiled as she ran to them. Roll stepped aside.
"Ah, X!" She greeted. "Good thing I found you."
"What is it, Alia?" He asked but not unkindly. In fact, it seemed warmer than when they were talking to him.
"Remember when you told me to take a look at the saber?" She asked.
"Yeah..." He replied.
"Well, you see..." A slight pause. "I can't make out either head or tail of it!" She said finally.
X's face faltered a bit but only Alia was able to see it.
"Zero had always been the one to do the repairs and upgrades on it." She replied. "He didn't leave us much to see what to do what with it." She explained.
X held the saber in his hand and looked down at it, remembering that she was right and he did the repairs on it. He thought about it and remembered that Zero knew of things quite well. He knew how to fix himself, well... small injuries. But he knew.
"Yeah..." X replied. "He knew how to take care of himself..." I guess, if I meet him again, I'll just ask him about it. Then he turned to Alia. "Thanks. I'll just think about it."
"Why not have Dr. Light or Dr. Cain upgrade it?" She asked.
Roll nodded. "Yeah, X." She replied. "You can ask them to do it..."
Alia turned and noticed them. "Oh! Who are they, X?" She asked.
X closed his eyes to hide himself again. "Her name's Roll and that one is my elder brother Protoman and the dog is Rush."
Alia smiled. "Ohh... an elder brother!" She said, fascinated. "Nice to meet you. I'm Alia." And turned to X, smiling. "You never told me that you had an elder brother."
X looked down at the saber. "I didn't think I had to say it... because I thought you knew." He replied.
Alia smiled. "Ah, then, does Zero know?" She asked.
X placed the saber back. "He knew more than anyone else..." He replied, softly.
Roll smiled. "Who is this 'Zero' everyone's talking about? Is he X's late partner?" she asked.
X turned with a rather fierce look on his face and Alia knew she had to shut up. Protoman noticed it and frowned slightly. Rush shrank to Protoman's side while Roll stood there, stunned, as if she had been shot. They've never seen him wear this look before.
X was about to open his mouth to say something but Delta came running from behind him.
"Captain X!" He shouted. "Captain X!"
X closed his eyes as he turned to Delta. When he opened them again, they were the calm sharp eyes that made Delta shiver.
"What is it?" He asked.
Delta panted then, straightened up and saluted to him. X made a slight nod and Delta put his hand back down as he handed the papers to X. X looked down at it while Roll and Alia looked over his shoulder to see what was in it. Protoman walked to his side to see. X frowned slightly and looked back at Delta as he handed it back to him.
"Good." He replied. "I'll take this on."
"Yes, captain!" Delta said and saluted then he ran off to the opposite direction.
Protoman turned to X. "What was that for?" He asked.
X turned back to the way he was walking. "It's none of your concerns." He replied.
Protoman frowned behind his shades. "X, I'm your partner now. The least you can do is tell me." He said.
X turned to him, slightly. "Yes. You are my partner but you aren't ready yet." He replied.
"Not ready?!" He exclaimed. "X, you must be forgetting that-"
"-you'e my elder brother." X finished. Protoman flinched and X saw it but didn't think much of it. "I'm well aware of it. But you've been asleep and it will take a few days for you to adjust. You can't come with me yet."
"X, I'm sure you mean well but..."
"...If I let you come with me, you'll only get hurt." X finished. "Don't be stubborn."
Protoman couldn't stand it. X didn't understand why he was so hot-tempered now. He was usually calm and he wouldn't let such trifles get to him but now, he was different. He thought if this was part of that 'adjusting' part.
"I can fight now!" He shouted, angrily. "Don't treat me like a child! I can beat you."
X turned to him, frowning. "...You are truly persistent." He remarked. "Come with me to the training hall. If you can beat me then I'll allow you to investigate the matter with me."
"You're on!" He replied.
X nodded, slightly and they followed him to the training hall.

"Are you both ready?"
Alia's voice could be heard through the speakers. She stood in the training hall's control room with Roll and Rush. They can see, from below them, X and Protoman standing apart and looking at each other. X's saber had been drawn. Protoman was getting ready with his buster.
X then, noticed something wrong with his buster. He frowned slightly.
"Protoman, I suggest you back out for now." He said.
Protoman began to turn up his buster.
"Protoman, don't turn up your buster's power." He replied. "Your body might not take it."
Protoman smiled. "No thanks." He replied. "I can take it on."
X closed his eyes. Very well then. I'll just have to stop him from doing anything to harm himself... Zero, I wonder if I was just like this when we first met...
"Begin!"
Protoman shot at X who managed to jump up. X thought it was all right for a normal blast but if he tries to charge it, it might be bad enough for Protoman. Protoman fired a series of shots at him which he managed to dodge.
X noticed how Protoman began to pant every time he fired. X knew it was going to drain out his energy or worse, he might even kill himself because of it. He had to stop it.
"Protoman, let's stop this!" X shouted. "You're not fit enough!!"
Protoman panted, sweat ran down from his face. "No... I won't." He said.
Alia gave out a shriek when she saw Protoman meter.
"What's wrong?" Roll asked in alarm.
"It-it can't be!!" She exclaimed. Then she turned to Roll. "Call Dr. Light!! Hurry!!"
Roll didn't understand but she didn't hesitate to obey. She hurriedly ran out with Rush running beside her. Protoman hit a few cables while firing and almost hit the control room. This was getting serious. The panel in front of Alia exploded on her face. X turned to look up.
Oh no! He thought in alarm. "Alia!!" He shouted.
"I'm... all right." She said with an effort. "But... please stop."
X turned to Protoman. "Protoman! That's enough!!" He shouted.
"I can't!!!" He shouted back. "It's out of control!"
Protoman was holding his buster up and firing. The ceiling was going to go down on him any minute if he didn't stop firing. X knew it and thought of how to get closer. Protoman tried to contain his buster but it couldn't go. He knew he had to cut off his arm to stop this. But X knew something else.
A large debris flew at him and hit his hand, knocking the saber off, sending it to fly off. X could only look at it from mid air.
Oh no! Zero! He thought.
He heard another explosion that confused him. He saw Protoman and knew what was going on again.
"The power!!" He shouted. "Turn off your buster's power!!"
Protoman pressed something on his buster and immediately the power was gone and it stopped firing. That moment, Signas, Dr. Light and Dr. Cain burst into the hall with Lifesaver. Up in the control room, Roll and Douglas were helping Alia to her feet while Rush licked her face.
"What happened here?!" Signas shouted.
Protoman stood up, smiling. "Just a minor slip up... that's all." He replied.
Everyone walked toward Protoman to check on him. X stood there with his head bent down. Alia and Roll came down and walked in. Rush ran to Protoman, jumped on him and licked his face when they were both on the floor. Protoman laughed.
Lifesaver stood up after examining him and then turned to Dr. Light, smiling.
"He's okay." He replied then he turned to Protoman again. "You should give yourself a bit of time before trying to fight."
Protoman looked up and raised his eyebrows. "Huh? What do you mean?" He asked.
"You still need to adjust." He replied. "Your sleep has made you weaker but after a while you'll be able to get back to your normal self."
"Just like X had said..." He remarked. Then he stood up.
He turned to see where X was but he stood there, as if stunned. Signas walked toward him.
"X, what is the meaning of this?!" He asked, rather angrily.
X raised his head, slowly but they couldn't believe what they saw in his eyes. It was the look of despair they had seen on his face when he learned that Zero was gone. Everyone stood frozen, looking at him.
"Zero..." He said and looked down at his empty palm as if he had never seen it before. "He's gone... isn't he?"
Signas flinch. These are the exact same words he said, that day he found out he was dead. He thought in alarm.
"X...?" Protoman called. He thought X had gone crazy. He ran to him and placed both his hands on each of his shoulders. "X, what's wrong?!"
Protoman began shaking him by his shoulders.
"X! Wake up!! Wake up!!" He shouted at his face as he shook him.
He was still in a daze when Roll noticed the part of the ceiling above them, was starting to crumble. She opened her mouth to scream to get them out but it had begun to fall. Protoman and Signas looked up and at that instant, Protoman saw, X's eyes turned back to the sharp cold ones and he pushed them both out of the way, leaving him to be crushed underneath the rubble.
Roll shrieked. Alia held Roll close to her to protect her from the rubble. Dr. Light and Dr. Cain stood together behind Lifesaver while Signas and Protoman were on the floor looking at the rubble as dust flew about.
Protoman hurriedly stood up and ran toward the rubble and tried to get the derbies off while he called X over and over again. Reploids came and Signas ordered them to lift the derbies off and find X. Rush ran beside Protoman to help. Everyone tried to help except for Dr. Light and Dr. Cain who couldn't for they weren't allowed because of their bodies but they tried to lift things they could lift, much to the surprise of the reploids.
Protoman grit his teeth as he threw the stones and metals away.
"This is all my fault..." He groaned. "If it weren't for me, X would've been all right..."
"Sir! We found something!" A reploid shouted.
They ran to it and were stunned to find X lying on the ground, face down, and the saber in his hand. But what surprised them was that he was within a laser force globe the saber had created. Protoman walked toward it but Signas stopped him.
"Don't come closer!" He ordered. "If you do, you'll be killed."
"What do you mean?" He asked.
Dr. Cain nodded. He picked up a small metal rod and threw it at the globe. It disintegrated the moment it touched the globe. Protoman swallowed and heard a click in his throat. Roll looked down at him, understanding much. It was true, what that hunter said and Zero still looked out for X.

X was still lying flat on his chest as he looked up at the reploid looking down at him. Then X realized, Zero wasn't a reploid. He was just as he had been. X was grasping the saber in his hand as Zero stood looking down at him.
"Zero..." He said, stunned.
Zero nodded. "You know, you should be more careful." He said.
X laid his head back on the floor. "Did you do this?" He asked, referring to the force globe.
Zero half-knelt in front of him, smiling. "I had to anticipate." He replied. "Are you okay?"
"I think so." He replied, uneasily.
Zero noticed this uneasiness and stood up. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"You were always watching out for me..." X said, softly. "...I wish I could've..."
Zero gave out a sigh. "Don't worry about it..." He said. "...It's not your fault." Then he turned to him. "We're partners."
X looked up at him and smiled. "Yeah." He replied, smiling.
Zero turned away. "Fix the saber the way I taught you." He said. "And keep an eye on your brother..." Then he stopped. "...Or rather I have to keep an eye on both of you now."
X laid his head back, smiling. "...I think it's the latter." He said.
Zero smiled, slightly. "...Yeah. I think so too."

Roll turned to Signas.
"Isn't there a way to stop it?" She asked.
Signas smiled. "Don't worry." He said. "It won't last much longer."
True was his word, a few moments after he said that the laser force globe disappeared. Protoman ran to him to try and help him up. Roll knelt down beside him and shook him, gently. Rush whimpered.
"X!" She called. "Wake up! Please wake up!"
Lifesaver knelt beside him. "Move away, I'll take care of him." He said.
They both moved away and looked down, hopefully at X. Lifesaver then, pounded on his chest heavily once and X coughed. They all sigh in relief. X opened his eyes slightly.
"Zero..." He murmured.
"X!" Roll shrieked.
X suddenly opened his eyes, fully, and frowned at the sight he saw. He rolled to his side and sat with his back to them.
We're so relieved you're okay!" Roll said.
X stood up and turned to them, frowning as he looked down at the rubble.
"What trouble." He remarked, irritably. "Now, it's this mess."
Protoman noticed how X didn't move his left arm and how he held it.
"X, are you all right?" He asked.
But X wasn't listening at all. He bent over to take the saber from the ground. He took it and looked relieved as he felt it in his palm again. He smiled slightly and placed it back to where it should be.
"What a mess." He remarked, softly but they heard it. "It's a good thing I know how to fix this. If not, Zero's gonna scold me the next time we meet..."
He straightened up. Roll ran to him and carefully laid his left hand on her palm.
"Are you hurt?" She asked , worriedly. "What happened to your arm?"
X looked down at his hand. It was numb and it didn't move. It happened once before and Dr. Cain wasn't around that time and no one was there to fix it. He tried to hide it from Zero but his eyes caught it. Zero was able to fix it and he taught him how.
"I'll fix it." X said. "It's only a minor scratch."
Roll frowned. "Minor scratch?!" She exclaimed. "Your arm isn't moving at all!!"
X's hand slid down from Roll's hand as he began to walk away. Signas stood in front of him that made him stop. X looked up at him with those sharp cold eyes.
"X, have Dr. Light take a look at your arm." He said.
X shook his head, something they hadn't seen him do since.
"I know how to fix it." He replied.
Roll turned to X from where she stood.
"X, why do you still try to do things on your own?" She asked.
X bent his head down. "...I don't need to tell you why." He replied. "I don't need your sympathy..."
Roll closed her eyes and looked away. X had begun to walk away when she looked at him, ran and stood in his way. He raised his head, slightly but she couldn't see the look on his face.
"Let me pass, Roll." He said.
She didn't move away nor did X try to pass. Everyone turned to them. Protoman looked at them both. He seemed to know what was going on and this part of him told him that X hid more of his emotions than they had expected him to hide.
Roll raised her hand and to slap him. X knew this was coming and he didn't try to avoid it at all. He bent his head back down and prepared himself for the impact...
...he didn't even feel. Alia held Roll's raised hand to stop her.
"What are you doing, Alia?!" She asked, angrily.
Alia was smiling as she slowly lowered Roll's hand and clasped it in her hands. Roll saw that there was sadness in her eyes. A sadness that cannot seemed to be comforted. A sadness that lay in the depths of her heart.
Alia turned to X, smiling. X didn't raise his head nor did he even say anything. Instead, he walked, silently away and they watched his blue figure, disappear in the dark hall. Alia was standing with her back to them. Roll frowned.
"What are you trying to do, Alia?!" She shouted angrily. "Why did you stop me?!"
Alia turned to her with tears brimming in her eyes. She was angry and sad. Roll stepped back as if startled by these emotions. Everyone was even more shocked when Alia raised her hand and slapped Roll. Roll had almost fallen to the ground if Protoman had not caught her.
She placed her hand on her now reddening cheek. Protoman looked at her then up at Alia.
"Why did you slap her?!" He demanded.
Alia bent her head down. "You really don't understand, do you?" She asked, her voice trembling. "And I was hoping you would..."
Roll stood up. "What are you... saying?" She asked, stunned.
"X is suffering can't you see that?" She asked. "He's doing his best to hide, that's why he's trying to keep away from getting close to anyone." Tears fell from her eyes. "He's always been afraid..."
She wiped her tears away as she looked back up at them. "Zero asked me to watch over him when he was gone." A slight pause. "He knew his death was imminent and he knew how things might be... So just... give him time... to think..." And she turned to the place where X had walked. "Give him some time to cast away all his sadness..."
...and all his fear...

The hunters had begun to settle themselves after all that excitement. X was nowhere to be found and no one knew where he went. They never bothered to check his office because he rarely stays there. The hunters knew he was always on the go but Alia knew where he was, went there and confirmed this. She stood out the door and was relieved to know he's okay and she left to go back to the main control room.
Meanwhile, Roll walked into Lab and found Dr. Light and Dr. Cain bending over some of the plans. Protoman was spending his own time someplace she didn't know. She looked around the lab and saw, in the middle of the room, blanket covered what they were working on as it was laid on top of the table. It was just the two of them with Signas, listening to them both speaking about what to use which.
Signas stood up as Roll came in. "Is anything the matter?" He asked.
Roll looked up at the tall reploid. "No, nothing." She replied. "I just thought I'd like to walk in and see how you're all doing." Then she turned to the two. "I guess they're enjoying themselves..."
Dr. Light stopped and turned to her. "Well, hello, Roll." He greeted.
"What are you working on, dr. Light?" She asked.
Dr. Cain smiled. "We just thought about repairing a few things for X's birthday." He remarked.
Roll smiled, eagerly. "Oh, yeah!" She said Then sadly. "The way he's acting now, I think he needs a good cheering up." A slight pause. "So... what's that?" She asked.
Dr. Light smiled, eagerly. "As long as you don't give away our secret to X and help us make our plans then, it's okay for you to look..." Then he turned to Dr. Cain who nodded, smiling, eagerly.
"Okay." She replied. "I promise." She said and walked toward the table.
She thought that it was nice of them to do something for X since it's his birthday. No body knew of his birthday other than them and X but X didn't speak a word of it to anyone. So no one knew. Now that they were here, they could have fun with him now.
She lifted the covers and was surprised to see what was beneath it.
"Oh my god!!" She ejaculated.
She turned, violently to the three who stood there, smiling at her surprised face. She opened her mouth to ask whether this was the gift. The three nodded, smiling at her. But she could only lift the cover up and look back at the 'gift'.

X sat in front of his desk with his tools scattered about on the desk. He winced when he touched something in his open arm but he continued to get the screw loose. He gave out a sigh as he laid his head on the desk, wearily and turned to the picture on the table.
"Zero..." He said, softly.
He closed his eyes and he recalled the day he found Zero sitting alone in his room, tools scattered about on the table as he approached to see what was he was doing. He saw Zero, fixing his left arm that had been damaged in a fight. X watched him as sweat drops fell from his face while he did this painfully. X turned to him, worriedly.
Zero, maybe you should have Dr. Cain take a look at that? He spoke from behind him, looking down at what he was doing.
I have to do this on my own, X. He had replied, painfully. He was frowning, as if trying to keep himself from crying out loud.
Why? He asked, looking at the painful process.
Because I've learned it. And I can't always depend on someone. Sometimes you have to stand on your own.
X blushed, slightly in embarrassment. You can always depend on me... He said.
Zero had turned and looked at him again with a smile, wan though it was, but it was something X had always enjoyed to see.
I know, X... He replied.
X looked down at him, smiling, still blushing. I guess I should start learning too...
I'll show it to you then. But it's a bit painful...
X gave out another sigh and opened his drawer. Inside this drawer was a small, wooden box, simply decorated with delicate white lines. He took it out and set it on the table, carefully. He stopped to consider and opened it. There was a blue, triangular jewel upon a small white cushion inside.
"No more virus inside you..." He said, softly. "You'll be okay now..."
X, after putting the box and jewel back inside his drawer, began to set the wires right and winced. "Yeah. But I can take it..." He said, frowning but a smile was in his lips. "I'll take it..."
And set himself to this painful task without much complaint.

Everyone in the control room turned when they saw X enter. He was looking down at his hand to make sure it was working properly, moving his arm, this way and that way. He smiled with comfort at it because that painful ordeal was over.
"Your arm okay now?" Alia asked, smiling.
"Yes..." He replied. "It's working properly." Then he walked toward her and leaned against her chair. "What's the news? I heard the alarm."
"There are Mavericks on the move in sector 7 and 8." She replied, seriously. "There are also Mavericks in the South harbor."
X knitted his eyebrows and turned to run out.

His troops were all assembled and he told them to dispatch. The troops saluted and ran off in all directions to prepare for attack. As X was about to go, Protoman, with Rush, came as if getting ready for a battle. X frowned.
"Listen to me, Protoman." He said. "I can't let you fight. Not this time."
"But-!!" He protested.
"That's enough!!" X shouted, it startled everyone. "If you come, you'll only get hurt! Look at what happened at the training hall!!" Then he stopped and turned away. "I can't afford it... Now just be silent and obey orders."
Without waiting for an answer, he ran off. Leaving Protoman to look at him with worried eyes.

That was when the fighting began. The people were evacuated and explosions everywhere. The hunters fought well and fended off the Mavericks. X, holding the saber in his hand, slashed every maverick that got in his way.
The other hunters stopped and looked at the way he fought. He fought them with swiftness they had only seen on Zero. He was good. He directed the hunters to go to places and X was left alone to examine the warehouse no. 13.
Same place... X thought but back then, it wasn't autumn.
Something jumped from above and nearly cut off his hand if he hadn't dodged it. He looked up and saw a maverick with glowing red eyes, so full of fury he couldn't think of a way to express it.
X stood with wide-open eyes at the maverick.
This is-!!

Alia gave out a small exclamation of horror. Everyone in the room turned to her. Her face began to sweat as she looked down at the readings and the status of the base. Signas ran to her to see what was happening.
"Something's wrong!!" She exclaimed. "A high concentration of energy is-!!"
Signas looked up at the screen. "This can't be!!" He said, between his breath.
Dr. Light turned to Dr. Cain, thoughtfully.
"I still can't believe this is happening..." Dr. Light remarked.
"He still can't let it go, no matter what happens..." Dr. Cain murmured. Then he turned to Dr. Light. "Do you think he would be all right?" He asked.
Dr. Light gave out a sigh. "I certainly hope so... For both their sakes."
Protoman curled his fists because he couldn't do anything to help. But if all goes well... No! It must go well. He looked up at the screen as Rush whimpered on Roll's lap as she sat there, watching.
"All we could do, is wait." Roll said, worriedly.
Protoman, closed his eyes, he knew he couldn't take this anymore. He doesn't want to sit idly by while X ran around getting shot at. He thought he should ignore X's orders. He ran out with Rush behind him. No one else but Roll noticed him leave, knowing what he might do.
I have a bad feeling about this... Roll thought, frowning.

Rush had turned into a hoverboard and Protoman rode on him as they flew like the wind to help X. He didn't care whether he couldn't fight quite so well as he used to, just as long as he could help.
"We have to hurry!" He said as the wind blew against his face and made his yellow scarf dance.
He had worn this scarf after so long and it had seen many battles. More than X had known, perhaps. Dr. Light had given it to him. He placed his hand on it and clutched it, feeling the softness it had. He grit his teeth.
"Let's go, Rush!"
They sped off after Rush gave an approving bark.

Lifesaver stood up when he felt it and the chair he sat on, fell, letting the others hear a loud thud. Everyone turned to him as the reploid told him the news. Lifesaver bent his head down and clutched the paper he was holding.
"He is stubborn..." He remarked.
"Sir...?" The reploid called.
Lifesaver stood up, he opened his unsmiling lips to speak.
"You all better get ready!" He said. "The injured are going to start pouring in soon!"
"Yes, sir!" They all said, saluting and they all got ready.
Lifesaver called out others to help him because they were going out to the scene of the incident to give first aid to the injured and bring them back as soon as they fall.

"Ahh-!!"
X dodged and escaped having his head cut off. He drew his sword as the maverick charged at him. The other reploids were busy outside so they couldn't come in and help him. X drew out his Z-saber and prepared to attack.
"That saber...!" The Maverick hissed. "That was Zero's!!"
"You remember now, Sigma?" X asked, frowning.
Sigma's body was damaged and sparks flew from his body as if he was short-circuiting. His eyes glowed as he began to recall his defeat and Zero's death. He howled in fury, making X feel a certain degree of fear creeping into him. Both had not gotten over Zero's death but X knew he had to live.
Sigma used his own saber and attacked X. He dodged and looked at the iron ball that Sigma had cut loose. It rolled on the ground to his feet. He looked down at it and held his saber, trying to get rid of his fear but in vain until a voice spoke in his head, so clear he thought it was real.
Focus! That voice said. I said: focus! If you don't, it'll be your head rolling on the ground the next time he strikes!
X's fear fell away, as it did, he felt as if a cloak of coldness dropped on him. He had enough time to shiver at this unfamiliar coldness.
No time to think. X thought. Gotta focus and strike back!
As he thought this, he struck Sigma who uttered a loud shriek that would've made anyone feel Goosebumps starting on their body. Sigma fell, heavily on the ground, the rubble all around them. X was panting, it had nearly drained out all of his energy and he was getting sleepy.
His left arm was numb again. This time, sparks were flying from the wound he got. He fell into a sitting position and he leaned against the wall, holding his arm. He looked up at ceiling and saw the big pipes were suspended above him. He wondered what would happen if it fell.
He closed his eyes with a small smile on his lips. He needn't wonder now. He knew what would happen if it fell. He thought now, it was all logical. He drowsed off, just because he was getting tired.
Then, Protoman and Rush burst into the warehouse. He looked around and found X leaning against the wall, sleeping. Protoman gave out a sigh of relief when he noticed he was only sleeping. Protoman shook him gently. It roused X from his sleep and he looked, helplessly at Protoman as if trying to remember who he was.
"It's all... repeating itself..." X mumbled, not quite awake yet.
"Huh?"
Behind Protoman, Sigma began to stand up and fire at him. X's face changed into the sharp one Protoman had been seeing lately. X opened his mouth to speak but as Protoman turned to see what was wrong, Sigma fired at Protoman.

NOOOO-!!

Lifesaver jumped out from the ambulance. He had gritted his teeth, hoping against hope that they didn't get here too late. The other reploids had swung into action and carried the injured to treat them.
Lifesaver looked around asking other hunters if they've seen X somewhere. They didn't know where he was. But cold suddenly stuck him when he heard someone scream. It made everyone stop. Lifesaver ran toward where it was coming from.
And he saw Protoman lying in X's arms. Sigma's body lay close by... or what was left of it. It seems something had exploded so close at him to make it look so battered. Some of his parts lay about, scattered on the floor.
Lifesaver ran to where X was. X turned to him, Lifesaver took a step back, his eyes had shown that the last traces of madness had gone. He looked up at Lifesaver, almost helplessly. This was the face he wore, three years ago that summer day.
He walked toward X and placed his hand on his shoulder. X looked up at his unsmiling face and understood. He lifted Protoman up so Lifesaver can have the other reploids bring him back to the base, fast.
X stopped walking before he went out the door. As he stopped, he turned to Sigma, lying on the floor. Lifesaver turned to him.
"Is something wrong, X?" He asked.
"He took away everything from me..." X said, like a lost child. "...He took Zero away from me... Is he going to take Protoman away too?" Then he looked up to him. "I'm going to be alone...again?"
Lifesaver turned away from him. He couldn't bear to see him like this. Before everything happened, X was always smiling. He also made Zero smile and it was so rare. When he died, a part of him died as well. Lifesaver conjured up enough strength as he turned to X.
"You won't be alone, X..." Lifesaver said. "...That as much I can promise." A slight pause. "That's why you must keep your chin up and don't falter. Because you know we'll do our best."
X nodded.

The shade was remarkably cool and he was underneath this tree just like that day. But the leaves were starting to brown and wither. He knew, now, it was autumn. The wind blew, and X knew he was dreaming. He was always dreaming. When he felt uneasy, he dreamt when he slept, and there he saw who he needed to see most.
He was sitting on the grass, leaning against the bole, his helmet beside him and the wind making his brown hair dance. He was aware of his presence, he always was and turned to him, smiling faintly.
Another helmet lay on the floor and he knew who that belonged to because of the blue jewel and the saber that lay right beside it. Zero was looking up at the leaves, making sure that none of them fell on his hair. It had always found it's way to his hair but that was alright, he can brush it off.
X didn't want to disturb him, he looked too peaceful so he looked down at his feet. Zero seemed to feel this and closed his blue eyes and turned to him. Then opened his eyes again that made X turned to him.
"Tell me what's wrong." Zero said.
X looked down again, sadly. "Protoman's body is... okay but..." He began.
Zero settled back down.
"Dr. Light and everyone, they say that he'll be okay but..." He said, slowly. "He must have the will to live first. Right now, they say it looks like he didn't have the will. They say he's just..." He swallowed and heard a click. "... giving up."
Zero raised his eyebrows. "Giving up?" He repeated as if this was an alien language to him.
X nodded. "I don't understand, Zero." He said. "Back then he was the one always telling me not to give up but now..." He curled his fists. "But now... I don't understand! I don't understand anymore!!"
There were tears in his eyes, they were streaming down his cheeks. He was sad because of everything that was happening to him and to everyone.
"Roll said, it was my fault..." Then he turned, helplessly to Zero. "Is it my fault, Zero?! Is it?!"
Zero's heart hurt, because he saw him like this. He only wanted X to live but now, he didn't understand it anymore. Is living just being able to breath and have a body that one can move? Why do we suffer? Why do we exist? Zero closed his eyes. X was still crying. He could only cry here in his presence. Zero stood up with his back turned to him.
"It's not your fault." Zero said.
"You're just telling me that to cheer me up..." He remarked.
Zero turned to him and threw him a punch on his face that sent him flying to the ground. X had not expected this, he couldn't avoid it. X felt the pain as if it had been a real punch. He lay there on the ground for a long time then placed his hand on his cheek where Zero had punched him, unbelievingly.
He looked up from where he lay to Zero who stood looming like a tower and he lay in his shadow. While he lay there, he remembered thinking how cold and unyielding he seemed to be. It was all the beauty in it. To an enemy, he never yielded and he tried not to let things bother him.
X thought he was cold but he knew he was not. Yet he also yielded, didn't he see him cry tears? He yielded to the ways of that world. And that way was to move on. Then he realized what Zero was trying to say. The sun had hidden Zero's face, at first he was frightened-he always was when the sun hid his face-then Zero looked down at him and smiled as he tried to sit up.
"Feel any better?" Zero asked, smiling.
X looked up at him and he offered a hand to help X up. X took it, still with the other hand on his reddening cheek. Then he looked at Zero and smiled.
"I'm sorry, Zero." He apologized, blushing lightly. "I guess I was losing grip. It's not like me to give up either."
Zero nodded and turned away from him. "That's right." He said. "That's the X I know." Then he turned back to him. "You should stay here and I'll take care of things." And he began to walk away.
X nodded, smiling. "And Zero..."
"Yeah?"
X blushed as he looked at him. "I trust you..." He said.
Zero smiled and waved his hand, slightly as he walked away. The wind blew, along with it the red leaves of autumn, as if saying 'we'll meet again soon'.

Roll walked around the base to look for X but she couldn't find him anywhere. She wanted to apologize for what she had said. Dr. Light had told her the reason why X was like this and now she thought, what she said was only going to add up to the guilt he was now feeling. There were times when she felt like she didn't want to say anything but did.
She met Douglas on the way and he told her that he was probably outside to the sanctuary. She didn't have any idea where that was but then, Douglas explained to her where the sanctuary was and she understood. She began to walk out the base to apologize.
Then she stopped and hid behind a large post when she saw X was sitting at the edge of the cliff to get a view of the city that late afternoon. The sky was color gold and red and he looked up at it, with worried eyes.
Roll wanted to walk to him when Alia came pass her. She was hiding so Alia didn't see her. Alia continued to walk to him and Roll thought how much she wanted to do the same thing. But now she couldn't and she continued to hide.
"Here you are, X." Alia said, gently and smiling.
X turned to her, he didn't smile back at her. Alia understood that he had a lot of things in his mind.
"Mind if I joined you?" She asked.
"Go ahead and sit." He replied.
Roll noticed a particular warmth in his voice that he hadn't showed them since they came. She didn't understand this but continued to listen to their conversation. Alia had seated herself right beside X and they lapsed into a short silence. It was X who first spoke.
"How's my brother?" He asked.
Alia looked down at the city. "Dr. Light said that there was a slight change in him but it's for the better." She replied.
X gave out a short sigh of relief. "That's good then." He remarked.
Alia turned to him. "About what Roll said..." She began.
"Huh?" And he turned to her with his eyebrows.
Alia looked down at the city. "Please don't think about it too much." She began. "It's not your fault and I'm sure she didn't mean it. She's just upset because she's worried about the both of you." Then she looked up at him. "So don't think about it too much, okay?"
Roll gave out a sigh of relief. Perhaps her apology could wait for later. And she left.
X looked at Alia and his sharp eyes melted away. She was trying to cheer him up and this thought made him happy. He smiled and nodded.
"Alright." He replied, smiling. "I'll go and apologize because of the way I acted."
She smiled again. X stood up and began to walk back into the base, leaving Alia to watch him as he left.

The whole city was destroyed. There was no one around. The once tall buildings had leaned and most had fallen. The highway had large cracks and decay was everywhere. Rusted cars in the middle of the highway, most have been crushed, and all have once borne humans to other places.
Protoman had been running, his other arm and a leg were badly damaged. His scarf had been torn and his shades were broken, showing his green eyes. They were angry yet sad eyes. He continued to run while other robots chased after him.
I'm not going to make it! He thought.
He continued to run until he reached an alley. He thought there he would be able to get away but he was trapped for it was a dead end. He leaned against the wall while other robots stood in front of him. He saw their eyes, glowing red with fury.
They're mad! He thought as sweat began to run down his face.
"Who are you?! What do you want from me?!!" He shouted.
Protoman didn't get any straight answer except for loud mad laughter coming from them. Then he realized who they were, they were former enemies, who long had died. The shadow who stood in front of him was none other than Bass and beside his was his companion, Treble.
This shadow called Forte, grinned, darkly. Seeing that he now recognized him.
"I'm glad you didn't forget me, Protoman." Bass said. "I've always wanted to fight your brother but now that you're here, I might as well KILL you!!" He shrieked and jumped up to slash Protoman.
Protoman couldn't avoid it and didn't avoid it. He stood there, with his eyes closed, waiting for his end-
-But it didn't come. When he opened his eyes he saw a robot standing in front of him. He wore red armor and long, blond hair flowed behind him. In his hand, he carried a saber Protoman seemed to recognize but couldn't quite recall.
Bass shrieked and covered his face as blood
(Real blood!! Protoman suddenly thought.)
flowed out from his face. Treble growled and was about to attack and jumped up to bite this red robot's arm off but the red robot was quick and managed to fire at it, knocking it down to the floor.
The red robot briskly turned to him but Protoman didn't see his face.
"Come on! I've got to get you out of here!" That red robot said and grabbed his hand, firmly.
Protoman was about to open his mouth to speak but the robot cut him short while, holding his hand, they ran. Then it began to rain. They ran on puddles of water that splashed about as stepped on them. Protoman had to run-he didn't have a choice because if he didn't this red guy will probably start carrying him.
He couldn't see this person's face either and he didn't know why but he felt he had known him from somewhere. Suddenly this person threw himself upon him. Protoman felt the small pebbles he fallen and laid on.
"What the hell do you think y-!!" Protoman blurted out and was just in time to stop himself.
He saw a great boulder had fallen on where they were running. The red robot pushed himself up to a sitting position.
"Nothing broken?" He asked as he began to stand up..
Protoman was about to stand up when he felt pain coming from his legs. The guy seemed to notice it and bent over to take a look. Protoman frowned at him, he didn't like this and this person seemed to sense it but got on with it anyway.
"Hmm... it looks like your legs still need fixing." The person remarked. "You can't stand up, can you?"
Protoman tried, more so because he didn't like being considered weak, but he only fell back. If it wasn't for this person, he would've hit his face first on the ground. This person steadied him, holding him with his strong hands by the shoulders.
"Hold on..." He said. "I'll see what I can do." Then he stopped and looked up at him, looking rather apologetically. "It might hurt for a bit but, it'll fix your leg..."
Protoman looked at the person's face and saw his cool green eyes. They were frightening at first because they looked sharp but when he looked harder, they were beautiful, gentle, sad eyes, hidden behind the sharp, alert ones. Protoman blushed lightly because he remembered the way X used to look when they were younger.
He was right. It was painful but he tried to bear it, stifling his small cries of agony to whimpers. The person looked up at him for a short time to find Protoman in a rather comical position that it made him laugh for a bit. Protoman opened his tightly closed eyes and looked at him, realizing that he stopped to laugh.
"What're you laughing about?" Protoman asked, frowning and gritting his teeth. "Can't you see it hurts?"
"Sorry." He apologized, still smiling. "You remind of someone I know."
"Who?" Protoman suddenly asked, curious.
Protoman observed a small smile playing in his lips as he spoke.
"He was a very close friend of mine." He replied. "So close, I can almost pretend I own him. He drove loneliness away when he smiled and he kept me company. He always believed in me." Then he looked, smiling up at Protoman's face.
"He was the only person I could tell everything to and the person, I've always been trying to protect..."
They grew silent. Protoman saw he lost that smile on his lips and he looked a bit sad. Protoman began to wonder who could this person be talking about. It was still raining but they were quite protected because of the leaning building above them. Protoman looked up and began to think whether it would fall on them.
It will, most likely. But right now, it protected them from the rain. The pain was disappearing when he looked back down, he saw him closing the opening on his legs. Then he looked at him as he stood up.
"That should help for the moment." He remarked. "Stand up, it's time to go."
Protoman still sat there and turned his head away from him, to look at the desolated place.
"Why are you helping me?" Protoman asked. "I don't even know you..."
He frowned as he looked down at Protoman. Then he turned his back to him.
"It's not the question of ' knowing', Protoman..." He replied.
Protoman stood and looked at him. "Who are you?! What do you want from me?!!" He shouted.
The person turned to him. "I'm here to help." He replied. "I have come to take you back."
Protoman's face set to a scowl. "I don't need your help!! I don't WANT your help!! I don't need to go back! Can't you see I want to die?! Can't you see I-!!"
"Can't you see you're trying my patience?!" He shouted back so suddenly, Protoman took a step back. "You don't want to go back because you're afraid to loose, aren't you?!" He shouted back.
Protoman shook his head and covered his ears, trying to drown out the sound of his voice. But it was true. He didn't like to loose and this feeling was eating his heart. He lost with that fight with Sigma and loosing this he thought he didn't deserve to live. More so because of X's attitude towards him, he was cold. This person who stood there saw all this.
"I don't want to go back!!" Protoman shouted.
"Then you truly have lost!" he replied.
Protoman suddenly looked up at him and saw his angry, disappointed face.
"You don't know how it feels like to-!?"
Protoman was cut short. He felt the strong punch he threw at him. Then, understanding seemed to dawn on his face. He had always told X that giving up on things, especially life, won't do anyone good. He was the one who always told X that as long as you're alive, you can't give up hope.
Protoman looked up at the red robot's stern face as if for the first time.
"Why can't you take your own advice?" The red robot asked.
Protoman looked up at the raining sky. This place was dark but he knew why this place was here. It was because of his own heart and the pride that went along with it. He knew his faults now, how could he let this get to him? Then Protoman closed his eyes to let the raindrops wet his face.
The red robot looked down at him.
"Feel any better?" He asked.
Protoman looked up at him, smiling. "I'm sorry. I guess I should understand the way X feels now that he lost his partner." A slight pause. "I just thought he didn't need anyone. From the way he acted, I guess he was only hiding a few things." Then Protoman turned to him. "Do you think I should ask him when I get back?"
He smiled, slightly. "Maybe not yet." He replied. "You know he'll tell you when he's ready."
Then he offered his hand to Protoman, which he took and he helped him up. Suddenly, everything, everywhere, changed. It was as if the desolate world was swept like a brush on a painting. Protoman looked around and saw how it changed. He saw the hunter's base standing not too far from where they stood and the tree on a cliff that looked out to the city.
Even though it was autumn, it was still beautiful. Protoman smiled, slightly and turned to him. Protoman took a step forward, his eyes held a reminiscent sparkle. Then the red robot began to walk to the tree and Protoman followed him.
"This place is...?" Protoman began.
"...The sanctuary." He finished and settled down underneath the tree, leaning against the bole.
Protoman turned to him in surprise. Then when he looked down beside this person, he saw him, smiling, slightly at the base then he turned back to him.
"This is as far as I can go." He said. "You just have to do it yourself."
Protoman nodded and was about to walk away but he stopped and turned to him.
"Thanks but I don't even know your name." Protoman said.
The red robot took a long look at him and smiled slightly then leaned back at the bole and closed his blue eyes as if going to sleep.
"Ask X." He only replied.
Protoman nodded, slightly. But somehow, he thought, he didn't need to ask anymore. He thought he knows who it was who saved him. Protoman continued to walk until the light came and engulfed him.

"Protoman!!" Roll suddenly screamed.
Protoman slowly opened his eyes and found Roll looking down at him. It looks like she was in the verge of tears. Dr. Light and Dr. Cain were there and Rush was standing on the table beside where he lay. He looked up and saw the florescent light. He couldn't find X anywhere but he felt it was okay with him. Roll embraced him as he sat up.
"Protoman!!" She exclaimed, crying happily. "I'm so glad you're okay!!"
Protoman smiled. "Yes. I'm quite all right." He said. "In fact, I haven't felt like this for a long time." And he gave out a short laugh. Then he tried to stand up.
"You shouldn't move too much." Roll warned. "You haven't fully recovered."
"I have to go to X." He replied. "To apologize."
"Apologize?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.
He turned and smiled. "For giving up." He replied.
Roll turned to Dr. Light and Dr. Cain. Dr. Cain shrugged his shoulders, as if saying "Don't look at me. Ask him." And rolled his eyes to Dr. light. Dr. Light smiled and nodded. Protoman stood up and walked out with Roll trailing behind him and Rush beside her.
"It looks like things are going pretty well if you ask me." Dr. Cain said, watching them.
Dr. Light nodded, smiling and turned to the table. "Well, it's time to get back to work." He remarked.
"I quite agree." Dr. Cain replied and walked to where Dr. Light was.

Protoman entered X's room and found him asleep with his head and arms on the desk. The saber lay close by his hand and other tools scattered all about. Roll was about to speak but Protoman placed his forefinger on his lips and they fell silent.
They quietly entered the brightly lit room. It was clean except for the desk where X slumped on. Roll looked around the large room and marveled at it. Protoman continued to walk on until he came to the desk. He saw the saber and remembered that person in his dream.
He was about to turn away when something caught his eye. He slowly took up the picture on the table and looked closely at the picture. Then he smiled and Roll walked toward him and took a look at the picture he held. She almost let out a small exclamation of surprise but managed to stop herself.
She recognized the ones in the picture and she turned to Protoman, smiling. He smiled back and placed the picture back on the table. After this, they quietly left X to get some sleep.

There was a picture on the desk in Captain X's room. This picture held many memories both sad and happy. This was of X and Zero together in the sanctuary during spring, a few years back, before the rebellion started. This will forever remind people of who they used to be and the joy they shared together.
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Further note:

I... hope you liked it. Thanks for reading. There are two more chapters here. And the last one isn't finished yet (It's taking sooo long...). I'm just waiting until it comes to me...
It's too long... (I also thought it was, but whatever I did, I simply couldn't make it shorter. In Fact, it got longer!)...and it looks like I'm contradicting my other chapters.
That's it.
Goodbye for now...
Ellis McDohl