ZERO'S SABER: Final Decisions
by: Ellis McDohl
First entry: May 20, 2001
Last entry: July 30, 2001
Disclaimer: You know who they belong to! They belong to Capcom!
Notes:
Hello, I'm back and I finally finished it!!! (Yaaay!) It took me two months and ten days (!) to finish this. It's not as good as I wanted it be so I'll just try to fix it next time. I must apologize for that.
I hope you don't mind but I might make another one under this. Not sure yet but I think I will.
Enough of my talk. Please enjoy. ^-^
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They stood there, looking at each other. X stood by the door of the airport while Zero, beside the Landchaser bike, across the pathway. The wind blew making Zero's long blond hair dace, lazily, as if uncaring of the world. X saw it and thought how familiar it was. They didn't say anything but to look at each other and waited, for their final decisions.
...And then, the snow began to fall...
"This isn't good."
X raised his head and turned to Zero who was looking out the window. X was in Zero's office, hanging out. Or rather, he was helping Zero sort out the paper works that had just arrived from Dr. Cain's office. It was just that, but it wasn't anything important. There wasn't much to do at the base for they had finished their duties and most of the Mavericks had been contained.
It was winter now, a small amount of snow had fallen and lightly covered the ground, white.
X looked at Zero's tall figure standing with his back to him. There was once a time he thought he was dead but now he was alive again. He didn't need to sleep in order to talk to him anymore.
"What's 'not good'?" He asked, quite amused.
He thought it was another one of those odd remarks he used to make when he felt like it. But then, he realized, that wasn't always the case.
Then seriously: "Are you talking about the dismissal of the 1st unit's captain?"
Zero turned, his long, blond hair swung as he did. He wore a serious face that was very becoming of him. He had always worn this look whenever he thought too much or just didn't have anything else to say. He had his saber back now and it was as swell as it was the time he left it to X's care. But X did receive a scolding from him, yet it didn't seem to bother the other.
"That too..." He replied and turned back to the window. "The 1st unit's captain..." he murmured, thoughtfully.
X raised his head from the papers once again and looked at Zero's back. "Why was he dismissed anyway?"
Zero rolled his eyes to him, expecting him to know about it. But then he hadn't told X about it. He thought he had heard it from the other hunters since they talked more to his friend than him. His assumptions were wrong this time. He looked back out the window.
"According to the reports I received," Zero began. "He was secretly aiding the Mavericks that are on the loose." Zero frowned. "He was... taken cared of..." He added, quietly.
X stopped for a moment, then continued with his task in slower pace. "I... see..." There was a slight pause. "So the virus can't be contained that easily..." He looked at the papers in the folders to see if they were where they should be.
"No. It's not the virus that got him." Zero replied, slowly.
"Huh?" X raised his head again while some of the papers flew down to the floor without him noticing. "You mean, there was no virus?" X asked, as if he didn't hear him right. "But how can that be? I mean, there couldn't be... It's not...?"
Zero shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately, some reploids had acquired a negative quality called 'greed', they learned from some greedy humans, on their own. " He bent his head down. "It's a good thing not all humans are like that." He added in a murmur.
They fell silent for a short moment. X looked down at his free hand and curled it to a fist. He thought how having emotions and the ability to think on their own sometimes can be a curse. But it wasn't always that way. If it weren't for these emotions and thoughts, he wouldn't have Zero for a friend and vice versa.
They would only be robots, following orders, not caring of anyone. Not caring for the world.
"Greed..." X whispered under his breath. "...I don't understand how that feels but I sure don't want to."
Zero turned to him, slightly and gave out a small smile. "You and me both..." He remarked.
They both returned to what they were doing. And a long silence ensued between them. It was X who broke it.
"It's only sad that..." He began, not finishing.
"About the 1st unit's captain?" Zero asked, softly.
X gave out a sigh. "Yeah..." He replied. "It's sad that it had to turn out like this..." He looked up at the ceiling. "Why did it have to be this way?"
Zero pressed his palm against the window pane, gently. He could vaguely see his reflection upon it. From the reflection, he could see X had turned to him, his sapphire eyes with a sad questioning light Zero couldn't help but notice. He gave out a heavy sigh.
"This is the truth of life, X..." He replied, sadly. "I wish I could give you a better answer..." a long pause. "There is sadness and there is joy in this world. But they won't always be there. The only thing we could do now is hope for the best and believe..."
X smiled. "I always believed, Zero." He replied.
Zero turned to him. X could see him, despite the fact that he had the sun behind him. He saw his friend's unsmiling face, his green eyes shinning with gentleness, he had barely shown to anyone. X felt happy just to have him standing there, looking at him.
For three years, he had thought, Zero was gone and will never return to him. For three years his heart was heavy with the fact that he fought Zero and killed him as well. There was only bitterness he felt for those three solitary years, a sadness he felt so inconsolable. But now, with his return, he felt...safe and happy.
Zero smiled, gently. "Yeah..." He said. "You did."
X smiled. "I'll always believe in you." He said.
"And I, in you." Zero finished.
X smiled, radiantly as he nodded. Zero nodded, slightly and walked to the table where X was and picked up the papers on the floor by his feet. He straightened up and placed it back on the table.
"Well, I should be going, now." Zero remarked, as he picked up the folder on the desk.
"Where are you off to this time?" X asked, smiling, amused.
"To Dr. Cain's office." Zero replied. "He called for me and said it was important."
X laughed, slightly. He was always amused when it came to Dr. Cain. He didn't know why either. This was true despite the fact that it was Dr. Cain who release reploids in the world. But he thought it wasn't entirely the old professor's fault the whole war started.
And he wasn't going to blame it on Zero either.
"What does he have up his sleeve this time?" X asked, amused, leaning over the chair and stretching out.
Zero began to walk to the door. "I don't know but I'll find out as soon as I get there." He replied.
"Alright. I'll stay here for a while." X said, shifting comfortably.
Zero stopped in front of the steel door as it slid, automatically open.
"You like my office a lot, don't you?" He remarked.
X grinned outright. "You can't do a thing about it!" He said.
Zero remained smiling. "Not that I want to do anything about it either." He remarked.
Protoman was outside as it opened and he came face to face with Zero. He smiled as he saw them both. Rush was trailing behind him.
"Good morning, X, Zero." Protoman said. "I knew I'd find you here."
"Oh, hello, Blues." X greeted, smiling at his older brother.
Zero made a slight nod as a greeting and continued to go out. Protoman stopped and watched him as he left while Rush ran into the office to jump on X's lap. The operation didn't succeed as planned, though, for as he jumped, all their weight was suddenly thrown on the back of the chair and they both fell to the floor. X had thrown his feet up and hit the chair and the desk making the papers fly about.
"X...?" Protoman called and ran in to help him up.
"I'm okay..." X replied to the look Protoman gave him other than the question he wanted to ask.
Rush was still standing on top of him, wagging his tail, eagerly. X looked up at Rush, smiling.
"Um, Rush... could you, let me stand?" He asked, rather awkwardly.
Rush barked twice and jumped down from him and stood beside him, wagging his tail. Protoman watched with much amusement as his younger brother sat up. He patted Rush's head, smiling gently as he watched him.
"Excuse him, X." He said. "You know how happy he's gets whenever he sees you..."
X laughed. It was something pleasant to hear since X had tried to shun them for the past month since they came. Protoman didn't tell them of the secret pain he had in his heart. He had anxieties over X but he didn't want anyone to know of it. Having X suffering like he used to do, was enough to fill anyone's cup. So he didn't bother to try and tell anyone of this.
But there was one instance that it was X who asked if there was something wrong, during that month. And when he did, Protoman only shook his head and said it was okay. He never did forget that look X had on his face. Even though for a moment, he was the X he knew, not so long ago.
Protoman admitted to himself, he did give X quite a bit of pain since they came. It didn't seem like he was himself either. They were all not themselves at that point in their lives and that fact rather scared him, if only for the moment. But he knew he shouldn't be because he believed, just as much as X did.
And his belief was paid off.
"No need to excuse him, Blues." He replied, smiling. "I understand perfectly well what's going on." And he nodded.
Protoman smiled and offered his hand to help X up. The other took it eagerly and he pulled him up. Rush barked about as if excited. X laughed again.
"Woah! What's wrong?" He asked, smiling.
Protoman smirks. "Heh. It seems he really misses you." He said.
X rolled his eyes about. "Well..." he began. "I've been with Zero the whole day so I guess that's why." Then he looked at his brother's face. "I haven't seen you guys since this morning."
His brother nodded, slightly. "Don't worry about it." He said.
X smiled. Protoman observed something about X and Zero. They were barely seen apart. True, X was standing here alone in Zero's office but they were normally together. Seriously, Protoman couldn't quite make out what that red hunter had in mind, most of the time. He would always catch him looking at them with his sad, watchful, emerald eyes.
But there was more to it that just that. Whenever he looked at him, he thought he felt... safe. He had barely felt like this around other people before but with him, he'd feel safe. He mention this to X once and he laughed saying it was true. He was watchful and protective. He did his best to protect others in battle in a way that no one notices.
He hadn't been wrong.
Protoman turned serious again and he noticed it. He raised his head to look directly at his face. There was a slight worry in his face, as if afraid of something going wrong with the world and will affect them all.
"X, I need to speak to you." Protoman said.
X closed his eyes, breathed in and exhaled, then opened his eyes again. The serious look he had seen before in his eyes that almost ended a week ago when Zero woke up, was there again. Protoman nodded.
"What is it?" He asked.
Protoman opened his mouth to speak while X listened.
"...Is that so?" Zero asked.
He was in Dr. Cain's office, standing there a meter away from the desk, with his fists tied on his chest, leaning on one foot. Signas stood beside the old professor, watching him intently. Other than them, there was no one else in the room.
"That's right." Dr. Cain said, seriously. "You are the only one left to decide, until he can be reassigned to the 1st unit."
Zero fell silent, like he always did when he thought things over. Both Signas and Dr. Cain watched him, as if expecting something else.
"The others have approved of it then..." Zero remarked, thoughtfully.
Dr. Cain nodded and turned to Signas, who, taking the hint, walked to Zero and gave him a brown folder. Zero took it and watched as Signas returned to his place.
"Here are the status reports on him since he came." Dr. Cain said. "And the approval of the other 'judges'." There was a slight pause. "I know how much this means to you but surely..."
Zero looked up at him. "There is no need for worry." He interrupted. "I am a judge. So I will perform this duty to the best of my ability."
"I'm counting on you, Zero." Dr. Cain said, gently.
Zero saluted and was about to walk out the room when Dr. Cain called out to him. He turned back to them and Dr. Cain threw something oval at him. He caught it with his left hand, effortlessly. He looked down at what he caught and noticed it was an ocarina. He looked back at Dr. Cain who nodded at him, smiling.
"Take it, my boy." He said. "Someday you'll need it." a slight pause. "You do know how to play that, don't you?"
Zero nodded but didn't understand what he meant by all this. Still, he did not object for most of the times, Dr. Cain's words bear much meaning and it wouldn't be long until the need for it arrives. He turned and left the room.
There was a long silence. Dr. Cain gave out a long heavy sigh and leaned back his chair while Signas looked down at him.
"Sir, do you think this is wise?" He asked.
Dr. Cain looked, sadly up at him. "I wouldn't do this if I had my own way but..." He gave out a long heavy sigh. "...we must always prepare for the inevitable."
There was another long silence between them. Signas walked to the window and watched what was going on outside the base. There was still no snow at the present. The hunters outside ran about doing their assigned tasks while others walked leisurely along, taking a break. Signas' sighed. There were many scenes here in the hunter's base and he knew he hadn't seen them all.
"Sir," He called, cutting the silence between them and the old professor.
Dr. Cain turned to him, raising his bushy eyebrows. His old but shard dark brown eyes could seen
"What is it?" He asked, gently.
"I can only hope," He said. "that the inevitable will fall on their side..."
Saying this he turned to the old professor, smiling as he smiled back.
"Yes, Signas..." Dr. Cain said. "That's the best thing we could do."
And they both turned to the window, to watch and to wait for the snow to fall that day.
...But no snow fell.
Zero walked along the hallway. His footsteps could be heard, echoing across. He was alone in that place. Knowing he was alone didn't help much. He stopped and leaned against the wall for support.
He didn't know why but for some strange reason, he felt so drained out of strength. It wasn't because he wasn't able to recharge either. He raised his hand to the level of his face and, much to his surprise, it was trembling.
What is...? He thought but wasn't able to finish.
Then he shook his confused head, in hopes of clearing it but to no avail. This was all so sudden but he couldn't do anything about it.
Pull yourself together! The voice in his head spoke. You knew this was going to happen! You knew that he was your partner because you were going to train him! You knew all these things! Get over it!
Yes. He replied to the voice in his head. I knew all these things...
You've been through so much, how can you doubt now? The voice asked, coldly.
"...It's true I've been through a lot." He murmured. A slight pause. "I mean, it's not like I'm never going to see him again..."
I should be happy for him. Zero thought, trying to force a smile and he straightened himself up as he began to walk away.
"That's right." He told himself, trying his best to cheer himself up. "I should be happy to know he'll be alright."
As long as he doesn't hesitate. The voice reminded.
"He won't." Zero said, with finality.
And that was the end of his argument.
A very excited Roll flung her arms around Zero as he entered his office. Zero was caught off guard and off balance, that they almost fell back outside if he hadn't gotten his balance. This sudden display of emotion gave him quite a shock.
"Zero!!" She screamed, happily as she pushed herself away.
"What?!" He exclaimed, successfully resisted the urge to jump back and disgrace himself completely at the suddenness of the voice.
Roll had her own odd mood swings that he can't blame her for this sudden outburst of emotion. But it did surprise him. Roll could be so happy that she'd embrace anyone in the base and she could also be so worried that she'd cry.
Normally, she was happy. Always so energetic, cheerful and full of life was Roll. And he admired that in her.
In the background, he could see X sitting on the floor with Rush sitting on his lap. Protoman half-knelt beside him while Dr. Light stood near-by, looking at them with a gentle, fatherly expression on his face, Zero couldn't help but notice.
But somehow, he felt uneasy.
He wanted to be comfortable in their company. He really did. But he felt so uneasy with them sometimes for he wasn't accustomed to them. He cursed himself for this, thinking it must be because was created by the rival scientist.
Or perhaps that wasn't so.
He walked toward his chair and allowed himself to fall on it. As he did, they all fell silent. Everyone noticed his weary expression. Especially X. But to him, it look sorrowful. It felt like it was going to tear him apart.
Rush jumped down from X and he stood up and walked to him.
"Zero?" He called, worriedly.
"Hmm?" Zero looked up at him.
X looked like a tower looming above him. His blue eyes, held onto him with a look that seemed to penetrate his soul and see all the doubts and all the sadness he held in, not showing to anyone.
Zero was amazed. And he smiled at himself.
He won't hesitate now... He told himself. This is good.
"Are you alright, Zero?" He asked, slowly.
Zero smiled, slightly. "I'll be." He replied. "I'm just thinking about things, that's all."
X didn't look satisfied. Neither did the rest of them. Zero knew that but took no heed of it. Sometimes, he couldn't trust himself whenever he said he was okay, either.
"Would you like me to take a look at you, my boy?" Dr. Light asked.
Zero closed his eyes, smiling slightly but enough for only X to see it.
"No, thank you, sir." Zero replied. "I'll be fine."
Dr. Light nodded. Despite the fact that he was created to kill X, Dr. Light never hated him. In fact, Dr. Light was even glad of his company. He was happy to see how he and X got along so well. He was happy to see his children happy with him. It gave him a sort of fulfillment.
"If you say so." Dr. Light said. "But if you have a problem, you can always come to me and Dr. Cain."
"Very well, sir." He said. Then turned to X. "What happened here?" He asked, amused, referring to his messed up office.
Roll laughed, embarrassed. The papers were messed up. Some were on floor, others on the desk. It was funny to see how Zero's clean office had papers of all sorts everywhere.
"Sorry to barge in like that, Zero." Roll apologized. "The news was so good I couldn't resist."
Dr. Light laughed, pleasantly. "Forgive my little girl, Zero." He said. "Blues told her of the present development in X's status." He laughed again. "She's always been like that."
Zero nodded, smiling. "So I heard." He replied. Then to Protoman. "What kind of developments were you talking about, Protoman?"
Protoman nodded. Zero had never called him 'Blues'. The others did but he didn't. Not that he's mind, really. It just feels odd for someone close to X to call him so formally.
"X is a candidate to become the 1st unit's Captain." A slight pause. "That is, if the final 'Judge' approves of it."
Roll frowned, prettily. "What is all this hullabaloo about a 'Judge'?" She asked. "Did you get chosen by a judge too?"
Zero settled back on the chair and looked out the window. There was still no snow, he noticed.
"All those who become leaders are chosen by 'Judges'." He explained, gently. "Soldiers are nominated and are narrowed down until one remains and that's not the end of it. He has to be approved by the other captains and then the judges will see to it."
A slight pause.
"There are three judges in all. The final judge changes every time so no one really knows who it will be." He continued. "It seems X had passed the qualifications of the other 'judges'." Then he turned to X. "Remember X," he said. "don't hesitate. If you do, it could be fatal for you. Understand?"
Protaman's eyes narrowed.
What's this? He thought. There is something about the tone of his voice...Wait! He can't be--!
"Understood." X said as he nodded.
Zero turned to Protoman, seeing him understand the development of their conversation.
"Protect them, alright?" He said.
Protoman nodded and got ready. Zero stood up and whipped out his Z-saber. They all fell back. Zero wasn't smiling this time. He was dead serious about this.
"What do you think you're doing?" Roll asked.
Zero smiled. "I will allow no hesitations!"
X stepped back in surprise. "What?!" he exclaimed.
Zero jumped up at the surprised X who managed to dodge his first attack. X fired a shot at Zero but he reflected it with the blade of his saber. X jumped back to avoid it and he saw the hole that the floor bore. The carpet was smoking. X had just enough time to wonder if all this noise was getting to the other hunters.
The fight stopped and they stood apart, looking at each other. X was panting. He was hurt but not physically. He didn't want to fight Zero again but he also understood that he had to, in order to pass. He told Zero he understood what he said, that he shouldn't hesitate. He shouldn't.
And he wouldn't. Because he understood something else too.
Zero saw the understanding dawn in his friend's eyes and he nodded.
He jumped back again as Zero continued to slash at him with speed that was matched by no other. His saber sailed, faultlessly about, it made sounds like sickles cutting across the air. He knew his saber well.
God! X thought. He's gotten faster than the last time I fought him!
Zero seemed to see these thoughts and grinned.
"I held back." He replied.
"Darn!" X exclaimed and bent over to keep his head from being cut off.
"You've improved very much, X." Zero remarked as he jumped, gracefully over X's shot.
X grinned. "Of course. I had a good mentor." He replied.
Now it was Zero's turn to grin. "I'm glad then." He said.
Dr. Light and the others all stood back but Roll wanted to stop them. As she was about to run to them, Protoman caught her arm and pulled her back.
She turned to him, angrily. "Why'd you do that for?!" She shouted, angrily. "Can't you see they're fighting?"
"Don't you understand?" Protoman asked. "Zero is the final judge. X has to fight him to pass."
Roll turned to Dr. Light with a worried look on her face. Dr. Light shook his head seriously.
"This is inevitable..." He said, gravely.
Roll looked at them both fighting. Come on, X! She thought. You can do it!
The room was big enough for the two of them to fight. But Protoman thought that they should get out now and that wasn't a very bad suggestion. The two didn't take it outside like others normally would. X fired a charged shot and Zero, once again, used his saber to reflect it. The impact of both the blade and the shot was quite a bit. It exploded. The glass panes shattered and flew out the window.
The steel doors blew open. Roll shrieked. Protoman used his upgraded laser barrier to protect themselves from the explosion. One of the steel door flew at them but the laser melted it and it oozed down, like lava. Dr. Light embraced Roll to him.
They've greatly improved! Dr. Light thought, in more of surprise than alarm. I only hope none of them gets hurt...
Outside, the hunters ran for cover as the glass shards rained down from the sky. The smoke poured out from the office and raced up at the sky, like thick, black clouds. The hunters were alarmed. They thought they were being attacked.
The alarms sounded and soldiers ran around to prepare. Others ran up to Zero's office and found Protoman, Roll and Dr. Light, protected by the laser barrier. Lifesaver was among those who ran up along with the medic. Signas and Dr. Cain followed soon after.
"Are you alright, sir?" Douglas asked as he helped Dr. Light to his feet.
Dr. Light smiled. "Yes, yes. I'm okay." He replied and brushed the dust off his lab coat and clothes. Then to the three. "What about you?"
Lifesaver effortlessly lifted Roll to her feet. Roll blushed, brightly, embarrassed at her present disposition. Protoman canceled his barrier and looked at them both.
"We're okay." He replied, smiling.
Lifesaver took a look at all of them, squatting to see clearly. Roll was very much amused with the tall reploid. His unsmiling face, hid some emotions they didn't expect to see. A lot of hunters thought he didn't have any emotions. But that wasn't true. There was anxiety, there was sadness and there was worry. There was also joy.
Roll smiled up at Lifesaver.
"Don't worry." She said, gently placing her hand on his own. "We're okay."
Lifesaver's eyes softened and he nodded then resumed his normal cold look.
"Look!" Douglas pointed to the office, his voice called their attention. "Over there!"
They all turned and saw, as the smoke cleared, both X and Zero. The blade of the saber was nearly on X's neck while the muzzle of his buster was a few inches near Zero's head. There was silence between them.
Zero's lips turned to a grin as did X.
"You're faster than ever." X remarked.
"And you're stronger than the last time." Zero remarked back.
Then they relaxed and fell on the carpeted floor, or what was left of it, that is. They both lay there on their backs with their eyes closed. Roll's face beamed up to a smile and they all ran to them. There were tears in her eyes. But they were tears of joy and relief.
X laughed as he sat up. "You surprised me, you know that?" He remarked as he looked down at Zero with shinning, blue eyes.
Zero remained there with his eyes closed. "You've passed without a doubt. And there was no hesitation either." He said. He smiled and turned his head away from him. "I'm glad for you then..." with that, he sighed.
X stopped and leaned over his arm to look at Zero lying there. A sudden fear took over him, he thought Zero was going to leave him again. Leave him and go to some place he could never reach. Far away from his grasp.
"Zero?" He called, softly.
Lifesaver walked toward them and carefully lifted Zero in his arms. X faintly saw a tear run down from his closed eyelids. He looked up at Lifesaver, anxiety was clearly seen, written all over his face. Lifesaver didn't smile but there was a warm sparkle in his eyes.
"No need to fear." Lifesaver said. "He's only exhausted. He hasn't gotten enough rest lately in order to prepare you for this."
X looked down at his hand, sadly. "You'll take care of him, won't you?" He asked, softly. "And tell me when he's awake."
"I will." He replied.
X watched as he bore his best friend away to the Sick bay where he'll get the rest he needed. He sighed, wearily. A part of him was sad and another part was happy. He didn't understand why but perhaps he would, later.
Roll embraced X, crying with relief. "X! You passed! I'm so glad, you're okay!" She cried.
X rubbed her back, gently, smiling. "...Yeah, I did." He said.
The other reploids moved into the office to fix the place. Dr. Cain, with Signas, walked to them, smiling as he looked around.
"It seems you fought it out here." He remarked. "I'm going to have to have this office fixed again."
Protoman offered his hand to X who took it eagerly as his brother pulled him up to his feet once again, just as he had done, a few hours ago. X then turned to Dr. Cain, smiling.
"What do you mean, 'again'?" he asked.
Dr. Cain laughed. "He has become a judge before and at that time, this office was also damaged." He explained.
"So that's what it was." X murmured under his breath, remembering those times when he saw the place was quite leveled down. "I passed, right?" he asked.
Signas nodded. "Yes." He replied. "You did."
X smiled and bent his head down. "That's good..." he said.
Zero, I passed... He thought as if his friend could hear. All because of you...
Dr. Cain turned to Dr. Light. "Now that he has passed, it will be alright for you to go back to America since X will be reassigned there as the new 1st unit's Captain."
X raised his head suddenly in alarm. "What?!" He asked, as if he didn't hear him right.
They all turned to him. In his face was a mixture of emotions, but there was confusion, sadness and anger. Something they had barely seen in him lately.
Protoman looked at X. "X, I'm sorry." He apologized. "I didn't tell you."
"Tell me...what, Blues?" He asked, slowly.
"It was agreed that you will take the test now." It was Dr. Cain who answered. "Zero was presently the assigned judge for you. If you passed, you would go back to America since the 1st unit's base is there." A slight pause. "I'm sorry... I didn't tell you..."
X bent his head down. He didn't expect the developments to be like this. But then, he was a fool for not realizing earlier. He remembered the day the first time he was assigned as Zero's partner. Zero had told him, someday they'll be assigned in different places and he was only training him for that day.
Both of them didn't expect they'd be good friends in such a short passing of time.
"I...see..." X said. Then he raised his head, forcing a smile. "I'll go and get myself cleaned up."
And he left without waiting for their approval.
Zero stood on that familiar cliff and looked out the city. Not that there was anything interesting here. It just helps quiet his mind. The sun was setting, the sky gold and red. He remembered the day he promised X they'd always be together. That they'd never be apart.
That's too far gone now... Zero thought bitterly.
Soon X was going to America. He was prepared for this. He really was yet, he didn't expect to be friends with him. It hurt him. He knew he should be happy for him because, at least now, he'll go back to his birthplace with his family. He should be happy for him because he had a bright future ahead of him. It wasn't like they'll never see each other again.
But that didn't changed the fact that it hurt.
He was so accustomed to having him around; accustomed to his smiling face; accustomed to have him worry about him. And that only made it hurt more.
I should be happy... He told himself, trying his best to cheer himself up.
"Zero!" A voice called from behind him.
He turned and saw X standing there. He looked angry and hurt, just like he was. The wind blew making his long, golden hair dance, gracefully along with it. And still it won't change a thing.
"X..." He began but stopped. An unknown sentence remained in his lips.
"Zero, I..." X began.
But words failed him. Zero smiled at him and shook his head.
X swallowed and heard a click in his throat. "Zero, we're going back to America tomorrow..."
Zero bent his head down. "Oh..."
That was that. He didn't say anything else. X didn't stop him from walking away from him and Zero didn't expect to. Zero would learn how to move on, like he always did. He's gotten over a lot of things why would this make a difference?
They both didn't know, that it made a lot of difference.
Early the next morning, The hunters came to see X and the others off. The sun had just begun to rise. Roll looked up at the dark sky, slowly starting to brighten as the sun woke up each morning. She took in a deep breath and turned to the hunters, especially to Alia.
"I guess we won't be seeing each other for a while, huh." She said, trying to be cheerful.
"...Yeah." She replied, trying to keep her tears back. "...Write often, okay?"
They shook hands. Alia was trying to be calm over it but it didn't proved to have work for as soon as she held Roll's warm hand, she broke into tears and cried on her shoulder. Roll patted her head, affectionately.
"Don't worry." She assured. "I'll write as often as I can."
Alia straightened up, wiping her tears away. "Promise to visit, okay?"
Roll nodded. Protoman looked up at Signas, smiling.
"Thank you for having us here. It was very pleasant." Protoman said, not knowing what else to say. He had never been good with words.
"It was good." Signas replied and offered his hand to shake, not being good with it either.
He shook it eagerly. Dr. Cain gave a small present to Dr. Light.
"Here you are." He said. "This would help keep us in touch."
Dr. Light laughed. "Ah, so you've done it this time." He replied.
Dr. Cain laughed as well. "It would help remind you of the jolly times we've spend here." He remarked.
"But don't forget," The other said. "to visit us when you can."
Dr. Cain bowed his head, blinking hard but smiling. "I would be honored..." he replied, quietly.
"Come now, old man." Dr. Light teased. "Don't get all formal on me! We'll have great times when we see each other again."
Dr. Cain wiped the tears that remained there. They did not fall. "Yes." He agreed. "The next time we meet..." He wondered when will that be.
They all turned to X who was still looking at the door as if waiting for someone. Still it remained as it is. No Zero came out. The wind blew pass him, brushing gently against his pale cheeks. He heard Roll complain of the cold and he turned.
Dr. Light was looking at him intently. Roll, Rush and Protoman were inside the car already and they were beckoning for him to come in. he had already said his goodbye to everyone. Everyone, except for Zero.
He turned to the building where he used to work. So many memories here. So much, he didn't know what to do. This was the place where he met his best friend...
The place where all my memories belong... He thought.
He looked up at the windows and from there he saw the empty halls where he first caught a glimpse of him, standing there, looking at him when he came with Dr. Cain that first day. But that was a few years ago. He didn't know how long it had been.
He thought he would be able to see him again, just like that, one last time. Yet, the image his mind created for him, faded away and left him downcast.
In the end, I was the one who couldn't keep the promise. He thought, bitterly and looked down at his empty palm. A promise I tied him to...
He shook his head, sadly walked to the car and was about to get in but Dr. Cain reached out for his hand to give him an ocarina. X looked down at it, bewildered since he couldn't understand it and didn't know how to play it. But he accepted it without a word. Dr. Cain then pulled him close and whispered something in his ear. X's eyes went wide with surprise and his lips, slowly turning to a smile.
Follow your heart...
Douglas came into the Transportation area, where he was surprised to see Zero, looking over his own Landchaser, trying to fix it. Or at least, looking like he was. He seemed restless. Douglas didn't need to be a genius to know why.
"Here you are, Zero." He greeted as he placed the tool box he carried on the floor beside the computer that needed fixing.
Zero turned, slightly to him, with a small frown on his face. He didn't look angry but he did look irritated. Douglas gave out a sigh and bent over to fix what he needed after rummaging for the tool he wanted.
"X left already." He announced as he tried to get the steel cover off a panel.
Zero turned back to the Landchaser, as if looking for a loose screw, somewhere.
"I know." He replied, tonelessly.
"You should've said something." He said, frowning. Zero heard something fall, like steel, on the floor. "Why didn't you say anything?" He asked again. "Or at least just see him off."
He stood up placed his hand on the rider's seat. Douglas waited for an answer despite the fact that he was doing something delicate. Zero thought he'd just go away but he didn't. A part of him wanted him to be here, screaming to let out what he wanted to say. Screaming to say an explanation.
He didn't know if Douglas would understand. And if he would, how would he react. He wasn't X. But he needed to speak. He gave out a sigh.
"Douglas," He said.
"Yes?" He asked as raised his head, finally glad to hear his explanation.
"I'm a fool." He finished.
"I beg your pardon?" This wasn't something he'd expect.
No wonder he didn't want to speak much to anyone. The screw driver slipped from his hand and cluttered on the floor. Zero stopped the urge to turn to him. He heard Douglas clear his throat and tried to quietly pick up his tool.
"I'm a fool." He repeated.
Douglas' eyes softened as he continued. He was not close to Zero. None of them were, except for X. But now that X was leaving he needed to speak to someone. Someone who could listen to him as openly as X did. Douglas admitted that he wasn't a good listener but he would listen, if Zero wanted him to.
And Zero did.
"I am fool." He said, once again. "I should've told him..." He said, softly. "But I..." He looked up at the ceiling. "I was really planning on seeing him off and say something but still, I..."
There was a long pause. Zero looked down at the Landchaser and then turned to him. His long, blond hair, swung, gracefully as he did so. He saw Douglas was now lying underneath the huge computer, reaching out from his scattered tool on the floor, clumsily.
"But still, if I did that, I would've lied to myself..." He finished and turned away again. "I don't want that..."
Douglas gave out a mocking, small laugh. That Zero couldn't help but notice.
"And still you are lying to yourself." Douglas said, as if this was abvious. The screw was loose and the cover of the panel he was looking into, fell on top of his head. "Ow! Damn!" He cursed.
Zero turned to him suddenly, in confusion. He didn't understand what he meant by that. Or perhaps he did but didn't want to admit to himself what he understood. It was undoubtedly obvious. He shook his head to clear it and then walked to his Landchaser, thinking he truly was a fool.
A fool and a stupid idiot! He cursed himself.
"I think I'll ride." He said, finally.
Douglas straightened up, rubbing his aching head. "Good for you." He remarked.
He saw Zero sped off. He smiled and heard footsteps from behind him. He didn't turn and wasn't surprised to see Dr. Cain standing beside him, offering him a white towel.
"Thank you, sir." Douglas said and took it to wipe his oily hands.
Dr. Cain was grinning at him. "What did he say?" He asked.
Douglas shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, that he was a fool." He replied.
Dr. Cain gave out a sigh. "Kids these days..." he remarked, amused as he walked back to the assembly hall where Signas waited.
The airport was filled with people, more so now because they all heard that Dr. Light was going back to America and are there to see him off. There were a lot of reporters and people that crowded about to see the great scientist.
X walked, uneasily, trailing behind them. They had reploid escorts who tried their best to keep a clear path for them to walk on. The people cheered and the reporters tried to squeeze in, to no avail.
X looked at his side and saw a little boy with blond hair, shinning green eyes and a smiling face. He was waving at him. His other hand held a small clay figure.
"X! It's Captain X!" The child shouted, smiling and waved his hands up in the air. "Captain X!! Over here!!"
X smiled and walked toward the child. The others stopped and turned to him. X carefully picked up the child and carried him, gently in his arms. The child beamed up at him. X felt the warmth of the child's body against his own.
"Hello." He greeted, gently as he smiled. "What's your name?"
The little boy smiled broadly. "I'm Kenichi Tokiya!" He replied.
"Nice to meet you, Kenichi." He said, smiling.
The child's smile slowly began to fade away. There was also sadness in his eyes. X realized this was the same look Zero wore yesterday, when he tried to say goodbye to him. He found himself lost in that mild graze, unable to withdraw himself.
Because I don't want to... X told himself.
He took in a deep breath and sighed.
"Are you really leaving, Captain X?" The child asked. "What about Captain Zero? Are you going to leave him alone here?"
X smiled. Long ago, Dr. Light told him to follow his own heart. He didn't understand it back then. How could he follow something he didn't really have. But the Doctor told him he had and to follow it when the right time came.
X closed his eyes and remembered all those times he shared with them, the fun the tears, the fights... Everything.
Now it was Dr. Cain who had whispered to him the exact same words Dr. Light had told him. He understood perfectly now. How he could he have been so stupid? He knew now, what his heart wanted.
X smiled and carefully set the child to his feet and tousled his blond hair which delighted the child very much. Then he turned to Dr. Light.
"Dr. Light..." He called.
To him his voice sounded choked. But he trying to hold himself in. He would follow his heart to the very end. All else be damned.
Dr. Light turned to him and saw the light in X's eyes. Eager, sad and happy.
"I'm sorry..." He apologized under his breath as he bowed low. "I'm sorry... I'm truly... very... sorry..."
Dr. Light stopped and turned looked into his eyes for a whole minute and realized what X wanted to say, though he didn't say much. His eyes told everything. He thought X was always thinking of others too much. It was not a bad trait but he wanted X to be happy too. He closed his eyes thinking just this once, X wanted to be selfish and have something for himself.
Just this once...
Dr. Light smiled, sadly. Finally, X will follow his heart. It made him happy to know this and sad because he would leave them. But that wasn't entirely true either. He knew, someday this was going to happen. He can't have them forever.
No matter how much we want to, we can't make the present stand still.
Whose words were those? Whose lines? It didn't matter because they were true words. And then he remembered a young lady he took in as his pupil with her robot companion. He and that companion had to part for obvious reasons. And the lady had cried because she loved that companion despite the fact that he wasn't a real human. He saw it all. He was present when he was taken away.
He took in a deep breath, realizing he saw the same look that robot had on Zero's face. Then he smiled, knowing who he is now and why he knows so much. Dr. Light would let go because he knew he wanted them to be happy.
Dr. Light walked to him and placed a hand on X's shoulder that made him look up and slowly straightem up.
Dr. Light embraced him.
"Go, my child." He whispered, smiling. "Go and follow your heart."
X felt grateful for what he had just said. He turned to Protoman, Roll and Rush who smiled as their approval. They didn't have to say anything for they only said one thing.
Follow your heart and be happy...
X grinned and looked gratefully down at the doctor who had given him this life he once thought was a curse. He embraced his creator, smiling.
"Thank you, father..." He whispered. "Thank you..."
Dr. Light let him go and run off to find the place his heart would call home. He was happy now that his boy was happy. There was no greater happiness he could achieve. Someday, he would come visit, still with a smiling face and his hands waving high up in the air.
Protoman, Roll and Rush walked until they stood beside him. Roll by his left, Protoman by his right and Rush by his feet, as they watched his blue figure, disappearing into the crowd.
"He finally learned..." Roll remarked, smiling.
Protoman nodded. "Sometimes, he's so thick-headed..." He said.
Rush barked twice and wagged his tail, eagerly. Dr. Light laughed and tears came to his eyes. But he didn't mind it. Not these tears. After a while, he wiped them from his eyes, and blinked. They looked at each other, turned and walked away to board the plane to America.
I'm too late!
The first thought in Zero's mind as he stood by his Landchaser and saw the plane fly off. He was in front of the Airport but he needn't be inside to know for he can see it clearly, gliding off and away from his reach.
He'd probably never see them again. He thought he should be happy to know, at least X was with the others and a bright future is ahead of him. But his heavy heart wouldn't allow him to. He tried to force himself not to think too much, like before.
He will be happy... Zero thought.
And he took comfort in those words. Maybe someday they'd meet again but now, they had to part. As he prepared to leave, he took one last look at the plane that was now in the air and at the airport where he thought he could see a familiar... blue... figure...?
Huh?
Zero blinked and saw X standing there, panting as though he had run a mile and looking at him with a broad smile on his face. They didn't speak but they only looked at each other in both surprise and joy.
"Hey, Zero!" X called, smiling after this long silence.
Zero turned back to his Landchaser.
"Are you going to just stand there looking like that or ride back with me?" Zero asked, without turning to him.
"I'll ride." X replied as he walked toward his friend, seeing his long, blond hair, dancing, lazily, as the cold wind blew about them.
His heart wasn't cold now. It never was because he knew he followed it, and will continue to do so, right to the very end. Zero would understand this because he knew a lot. He didn't deny that. He still needs to be taught other things he still didn't know.
Zero turned, smiling, just enough for X to see as he approached. X sat behind Zero as they rode off to the direction of the Hunter's base.
...And then, the snow began to fall...
*****************************************************
Further Notes:
I was having second thoughts about the ending... I wish I could write better and decide better... But they had a condition to fulfill yet you can still be together even though you're apart right? Maybe I should've done that. Still, another part told me to just write it down and see where it will go to. I'll learn next time, I hope.
I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing this.
You must be getting tired of my gibberish so I guess this is it. I'm sorry it took long and sorry for the errors.
Another thing, will somebody tell me what dr. Cain's real name is? This is urgent! I need it please! I need it so bad!! I've been trying to look for it in the internet but I still can't find it!! Help!! I need help!!
Uhh... I think I'm asking for too much... But if any of you know what his first name is, I thank you and if not, it's okay, I'll say thank you too for reading my story. Uhh... I'm sorry for rambling on...
Bye for now! ^-^'
Ellis McDohl
by: Ellis McDohl
First entry: May 20, 2001
Last entry: July 30, 2001
Disclaimer: You know who they belong to! They belong to Capcom!
Notes:
Hello, I'm back and I finally finished it!!! (Yaaay!) It took me two months and ten days (!) to finish this. It's not as good as I wanted it be so I'll just try to fix it next time. I must apologize for that.
I hope you don't mind but I might make another one under this. Not sure yet but I think I will.
Enough of my talk. Please enjoy. ^-^
****************************************************************
They stood there, looking at each other. X stood by the door of the airport while Zero, beside the Landchaser bike, across the pathway. The wind blew making Zero's long blond hair dace, lazily, as if uncaring of the world. X saw it and thought how familiar it was. They didn't say anything but to look at each other and waited, for their final decisions.
...And then, the snow began to fall...
"This isn't good."
X raised his head and turned to Zero who was looking out the window. X was in Zero's office, hanging out. Or rather, he was helping Zero sort out the paper works that had just arrived from Dr. Cain's office. It was just that, but it wasn't anything important. There wasn't much to do at the base for they had finished their duties and most of the Mavericks had been contained.
It was winter now, a small amount of snow had fallen and lightly covered the ground, white.
X looked at Zero's tall figure standing with his back to him. There was once a time he thought he was dead but now he was alive again. He didn't need to sleep in order to talk to him anymore.
"What's 'not good'?" He asked, quite amused.
He thought it was another one of those odd remarks he used to make when he felt like it. But then, he realized, that wasn't always the case.
Then seriously: "Are you talking about the dismissal of the 1st unit's captain?"
Zero turned, his long, blond hair swung as he did. He wore a serious face that was very becoming of him. He had always worn this look whenever he thought too much or just didn't have anything else to say. He had his saber back now and it was as swell as it was the time he left it to X's care. But X did receive a scolding from him, yet it didn't seem to bother the other.
"That too..." He replied and turned back to the window. "The 1st unit's captain..." he murmured, thoughtfully.
X raised his head from the papers once again and looked at Zero's back. "Why was he dismissed anyway?"
Zero rolled his eyes to him, expecting him to know about it. But then he hadn't told X about it. He thought he had heard it from the other hunters since they talked more to his friend than him. His assumptions were wrong this time. He looked back out the window.
"According to the reports I received," Zero began. "He was secretly aiding the Mavericks that are on the loose." Zero frowned. "He was... taken cared of..." He added, quietly.
X stopped for a moment, then continued with his task in slower pace. "I... see..." There was a slight pause. "So the virus can't be contained that easily..." He looked at the papers in the folders to see if they were where they should be.
"No. It's not the virus that got him." Zero replied, slowly.
"Huh?" X raised his head again while some of the papers flew down to the floor without him noticing. "You mean, there was no virus?" X asked, as if he didn't hear him right. "But how can that be? I mean, there couldn't be... It's not...?"
Zero shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately, some reploids had acquired a negative quality called 'greed', they learned from some greedy humans, on their own. " He bent his head down. "It's a good thing not all humans are like that." He added in a murmur.
They fell silent for a short moment. X looked down at his free hand and curled it to a fist. He thought how having emotions and the ability to think on their own sometimes can be a curse. But it wasn't always that way. If it weren't for these emotions and thoughts, he wouldn't have Zero for a friend and vice versa.
They would only be robots, following orders, not caring of anyone. Not caring for the world.
"Greed..." X whispered under his breath. "...I don't understand how that feels but I sure don't want to."
Zero turned to him, slightly and gave out a small smile. "You and me both..." He remarked.
They both returned to what they were doing. And a long silence ensued between them. It was X who broke it.
"It's only sad that..." He began, not finishing.
"About the 1st unit's captain?" Zero asked, softly.
X gave out a sigh. "Yeah..." He replied. "It's sad that it had to turn out like this..." He looked up at the ceiling. "Why did it have to be this way?"
Zero pressed his palm against the window pane, gently. He could vaguely see his reflection upon it. From the reflection, he could see X had turned to him, his sapphire eyes with a sad questioning light Zero couldn't help but notice. He gave out a heavy sigh.
"This is the truth of life, X..." He replied, sadly. "I wish I could give you a better answer..." a long pause. "There is sadness and there is joy in this world. But they won't always be there. The only thing we could do now is hope for the best and believe..."
X smiled. "I always believed, Zero." He replied.
Zero turned to him. X could see him, despite the fact that he had the sun behind him. He saw his friend's unsmiling face, his green eyes shinning with gentleness, he had barely shown to anyone. X felt happy just to have him standing there, looking at him.
For three years, he had thought, Zero was gone and will never return to him. For three years his heart was heavy with the fact that he fought Zero and killed him as well. There was only bitterness he felt for those three solitary years, a sadness he felt so inconsolable. But now, with his return, he felt...safe and happy.
Zero smiled, gently. "Yeah..." He said. "You did."
X smiled. "I'll always believe in you." He said.
"And I, in you." Zero finished.
X smiled, radiantly as he nodded. Zero nodded, slightly and walked to the table where X was and picked up the papers on the floor by his feet. He straightened up and placed it back on the table.
"Well, I should be going, now." Zero remarked, as he picked up the folder on the desk.
"Where are you off to this time?" X asked, smiling, amused.
"To Dr. Cain's office." Zero replied. "He called for me and said it was important."
X laughed, slightly. He was always amused when it came to Dr. Cain. He didn't know why either. This was true despite the fact that it was Dr. Cain who release reploids in the world. But he thought it wasn't entirely the old professor's fault the whole war started.
And he wasn't going to blame it on Zero either.
"What does he have up his sleeve this time?" X asked, amused, leaning over the chair and stretching out.
Zero began to walk to the door. "I don't know but I'll find out as soon as I get there." He replied.
"Alright. I'll stay here for a while." X said, shifting comfortably.
Zero stopped in front of the steel door as it slid, automatically open.
"You like my office a lot, don't you?" He remarked.
X grinned outright. "You can't do a thing about it!" He said.
Zero remained smiling. "Not that I want to do anything about it either." He remarked.
Protoman was outside as it opened and he came face to face with Zero. He smiled as he saw them both. Rush was trailing behind him.
"Good morning, X, Zero." Protoman said. "I knew I'd find you here."
"Oh, hello, Blues." X greeted, smiling at his older brother.
Zero made a slight nod as a greeting and continued to go out. Protoman stopped and watched him as he left while Rush ran into the office to jump on X's lap. The operation didn't succeed as planned, though, for as he jumped, all their weight was suddenly thrown on the back of the chair and they both fell to the floor. X had thrown his feet up and hit the chair and the desk making the papers fly about.
"X...?" Protoman called and ran in to help him up.
"I'm okay..." X replied to the look Protoman gave him other than the question he wanted to ask.
Rush was still standing on top of him, wagging his tail, eagerly. X looked up at Rush, smiling.
"Um, Rush... could you, let me stand?" He asked, rather awkwardly.
Rush barked twice and jumped down from him and stood beside him, wagging his tail. Protoman watched with much amusement as his younger brother sat up. He patted Rush's head, smiling gently as he watched him.
"Excuse him, X." He said. "You know how happy he's gets whenever he sees you..."
X laughed. It was something pleasant to hear since X had tried to shun them for the past month since they came. Protoman didn't tell them of the secret pain he had in his heart. He had anxieties over X but he didn't want anyone to know of it. Having X suffering like he used to do, was enough to fill anyone's cup. So he didn't bother to try and tell anyone of this.
But there was one instance that it was X who asked if there was something wrong, during that month. And when he did, Protoman only shook his head and said it was okay. He never did forget that look X had on his face. Even though for a moment, he was the X he knew, not so long ago.
Protoman admitted to himself, he did give X quite a bit of pain since they came. It didn't seem like he was himself either. They were all not themselves at that point in their lives and that fact rather scared him, if only for the moment. But he knew he shouldn't be because he believed, just as much as X did.
And his belief was paid off.
"No need to excuse him, Blues." He replied, smiling. "I understand perfectly well what's going on." And he nodded.
Protoman smiled and offered his hand to help X up. The other took it eagerly and he pulled him up. Rush barked about as if excited. X laughed again.
"Woah! What's wrong?" He asked, smiling.
Protoman smirks. "Heh. It seems he really misses you." He said.
X rolled his eyes about. "Well..." he began. "I've been with Zero the whole day so I guess that's why." Then he looked at his brother's face. "I haven't seen you guys since this morning."
His brother nodded, slightly. "Don't worry about it." He said.
X smiled. Protoman observed something about X and Zero. They were barely seen apart. True, X was standing here alone in Zero's office but they were normally together. Seriously, Protoman couldn't quite make out what that red hunter had in mind, most of the time. He would always catch him looking at them with his sad, watchful, emerald eyes.
But there was more to it that just that. Whenever he looked at him, he thought he felt... safe. He had barely felt like this around other people before but with him, he'd feel safe. He mention this to X once and he laughed saying it was true. He was watchful and protective. He did his best to protect others in battle in a way that no one notices.
He hadn't been wrong.
Protoman turned serious again and he noticed it. He raised his head to look directly at his face. There was a slight worry in his face, as if afraid of something going wrong with the world and will affect them all.
"X, I need to speak to you." Protoman said.
X closed his eyes, breathed in and exhaled, then opened his eyes again. The serious look he had seen before in his eyes that almost ended a week ago when Zero woke up, was there again. Protoman nodded.
"What is it?" He asked.
Protoman opened his mouth to speak while X listened.
"...Is that so?" Zero asked.
He was in Dr. Cain's office, standing there a meter away from the desk, with his fists tied on his chest, leaning on one foot. Signas stood beside the old professor, watching him intently. Other than them, there was no one else in the room.
"That's right." Dr. Cain said, seriously. "You are the only one left to decide, until he can be reassigned to the 1st unit."
Zero fell silent, like he always did when he thought things over. Both Signas and Dr. Cain watched him, as if expecting something else.
"The others have approved of it then..." Zero remarked, thoughtfully.
Dr. Cain nodded and turned to Signas, who, taking the hint, walked to Zero and gave him a brown folder. Zero took it and watched as Signas returned to his place.
"Here are the status reports on him since he came." Dr. Cain said. "And the approval of the other 'judges'." There was a slight pause. "I know how much this means to you but surely..."
Zero looked up at him. "There is no need for worry." He interrupted. "I am a judge. So I will perform this duty to the best of my ability."
"I'm counting on you, Zero." Dr. Cain said, gently.
Zero saluted and was about to walk out the room when Dr. Cain called out to him. He turned back to them and Dr. Cain threw something oval at him. He caught it with his left hand, effortlessly. He looked down at what he caught and noticed it was an ocarina. He looked back at Dr. Cain who nodded at him, smiling.
"Take it, my boy." He said. "Someday you'll need it." a slight pause. "You do know how to play that, don't you?"
Zero nodded but didn't understand what he meant by all this. Still, he did not object for most of the times, Dr. Cain's words bear much meaning and it wouldn't be long until the need for it arrives. He turned and left the room.
There was a long silence. Dr. Cain gave out a long heavy sigh and leaned back his chair while Signas looked down at him.
"Sir, do you think this is wise?" He asked.
Dr. Cain looked, sadly up at him. "I wouldn't do this if I had my own way but..." He gave out a long heavy sigh. "...we must always prepare for the inevitable."
There was another long silence between them. Signas walked to the window and watched what was going on outside the base. There was still no snow at the present. The hunters outside ran about doing their assigned tasks while others walked leisurely along, taking a break. Signas' sighed. There were many scenes here in the hunter's base and he knew he hadn't seen them all.
"Sir," He called, cutting the silence between them and the old professor.
Dr. Cain turned to him, raising his bushy eyebrows. His old but shard dark brown eyes could seen
"What is it?" He asked, gently.
"I can only hope," He said. "that the inevitable will fall on their side..."
Saying this he turned to the old professor, smiling as he smiled back.
"Yes, Signas..." Dr. Cain said. "That's the best thing we could do."
And they both turned to the window, to watch and to wait for the snow to fall that day.
...But no snow fell.
Zero walked along the hallway. His footsteps could be heard, echoing across. He was alone in that place. Knowing he was alone didn't help much. He stopped and leaned against the wall for support.
He didn't know why but for some strange reason, he felt so drained out of strength. It wasn't because he wasn't able to recharge either. He raised his hand to the level of his face and, much to his surprise, it was trembling.
What is...? He thought but wasn't able to finish.
Then he shook his confused head, in hopes of clearing it but to no avail. This was all so sudden but he couldn't do anything about it.
Pull yourself together! The voice in his head spoke. You knew this was going to happen! You knew that he was your partner because you were going to train him! You knew all these things! Get over it!
Yes. He replied to the voice in his head. I knew all these things...
You've been through so much, how can you doubt now? The voice asked, coldly.
"...It's true I've been through a lot." He murmured. A slight pause. "I mean, it's not like I'm never going to see him again..."
I should be happy for him. Zero thought, trying to force a smile and he straightened himself up as he began to walk away.
"That's right." He told himself, trying his best to cheer himself up. "I should be happy to know he'll be alright."
As long as he doesn't hesitate. The voice reminded.
"He won't." Zero said, with finality.
And that was the end of his argument.
A very excited Roll flung her arms around Zero as he entered his office. Zero was caught off guard and off balance, that they almost fell back outside if he hadn't gotten his balance. This sudden display of emotion gave him quite a shock.
"Zero!!" She screamed, happily as she pushed herself away.
"What?!" He exclaimed, successfully resisted the urge to jump back and disgrace himself completely at the suddenness of the voice.
Roll had her own odd mood swings that he can't blame her for this sudden outburst of emotion. But it did surprise him. Roll could be so happy that she'd embrace anyone in the base and she could also be so worried that she'd cry.
Normally, she was happy. Always so energetic, cheerful and full of life was Roll. And he admired that in her.
In the background, he could see X sitting on the floor with Rush sitting on his lap. Protoman half-knelt beside him while Dr. Light stood near-by, looking at them with a gentle, fatherly expression on his face, Zero couldn't help but notice.
But somehow, he felt uneasy.
He wanted to be comfortable in their company. He really did. But he felt so uneasy with them sometimes for he wasn't accustomed to them. He cursed himself for this, thinking it must be because was created by the rival scientist.
Or perhaps that wasn't so.
He walked toward his chair and allowed himself to fall on it. As he did, they all fell silent. Everyone noticed his weary expression. Especially X. But to him, it look sorrowful. It felt like it was going to tear him apart.
Rush jumped down from X and he stood up and walked to him.
"Zero?" He called, worriedly.
"Hmm?" Zero looked up at him.
X looked like a tower looming above him. His blue eyes, held onto him with a look that seemed to penetrate his soul and see all the doubts and all the sadness he held in, not showing to anyone.
Zero was amazed. And he smiled at himself.
He won't hesitate now... He told himself. This is good.
"Are you alright, Zero?" He asked, slowly.
Zero smiled, slightly. "I'll be." He replied. "I'm just thinking about things, that's all."
X didn't look satisfied. Neither did the rest of them. Zero knew that but took no heed of it. Sometimes, he couldn't trust himself whenever he said he was okay, either.
"Would you like me to take a look at you, my boy?" Dr. Light asked.
Zero closed his eyes, smiling slightly but enough for only X to see it.
"No, thank you, sir." Zero replied. "I'll be fine."
Dr. Light nodded. Despite the fact that he was created to kill X, Dr. Light never hated him. In fact, Dr. Light was even glad of his company. He was happy to see how he and X got along so well. He was happy to see his children happy with him. It gave him a sort of fulfillment.
"If you say so." Dr. Light said. "But if you have a problem, you can always come to me and Dr. Cain."
"Very well, sir." He said. Then turned to X. "What happened here?" He asked, amused, referring to his messed up office.
Roll laughed, embarrassed. The papers were messed up. Some were on floor, others on the desk. It was funny to see how Zero's clean office had papers of all sorts everywhere.
"Sorry to barge in like that, Zero." Roll apologized. "The news was so good I couldn't resist."
Dr. Light laughed, pleasantly. "Forgive my little girl, Zero." He said. "Blues told her of the present development in X's status." He laughed again. "She's always been like that."
Zero nodded, smiling. "So I heard." He replied. Then to Protoman. "What kind of developments were you talking about, Protoman?"
Protoman nodded. Zero had never called him 'Blues'. The others did but he didn't. Not that he's mind, really. It just feels odd for someone close to X to call him so formally.
"X is a candidate to become the 1st unit's Captain." A slight pause. "That is, if the final 'Judge' approves of it."
Roll frowned, prettily. "What is all this hullabaloo about a 'Judge'?" She asked. "Did you get chosen by a judge too?"
Zero settled back on the chair and looked out the window. There was still no snow, he noticed.
"All those who become leaders are chosen by 'Judges'." He explained, gently. "Soldiers are nominated and are narrowed down until one remains and that's not the end of it. He has to be approved by the other captains and then the judges will see to it."
A slight pause.
"There are three judges in all. The final judge changes every time so no one really knows who it will be." He continued. "It seems X had passed the qualifications of the other 'judges'." Then he turned to X. "Remember X," he said. "don't hesitate. If you do, it could be fatal for you. Understand?"
Protaman's eyes narrowed.
What's this? He thought. There is something about the tone of his voice...Wait! He can't be--!
"Understood." X said as he nodded.
Zero turned to Protoman, seeing him understand the development of their conversation.
"Protect them, alright?" He said.
Protoman nodded and got ready. Zero stood up and whipped out his Z-saber. They all fell back. Zero wasn't smiling this time. He was dead serious about this.
"What do you think you're doing?" Roll asked.
Zero smiled. "I will allow no hesitations!"
X stepped back in surprise. "What?!" he exclaimed.
Zero jumped up at the surprised X who managed to dodge his first attack. X fired a shot at Zero but he reflected it with the blade of his saber. X jumped back to avoid it and he saw the hole that the floor bore. The carpet was smoking. X had just enough time to wonder if all this noise was getting to the other hunters.
The fight stopped and they stood apart, looking at each other. X was panting. He was hurt but not physically. He didn't want to fight Zero again but he also understood that he had to, in order to pass. He told Zero he understood what he said, that he shouldn't hesitate. He shouldn't.
And he wouldn't. Because he understood something else too.
Zero saw the understanding dawn in his friend's eyes and he nodded.
He jumped back again as Zero continued to slash at him with speed that was matched by no other. His saber sailed, faultlessly about, it made sounds like sickles cutting across the air. He knew his saber well.
God! X thought. He's gotten faster than the last time I fought him!
Zero seemed to see these thoughts and grinned.
"I held back." He replied.
"Darn!" X exclaimed and bent over to keep his head from being cut off.
"You've improved very much, X." Zero remarked as he jumped, gracefully over X's shot.
X grinned. "Of course. I had a good mentor." He replied.
Now it was Zero's turn to grin. "I'm glad then." He said.
Dr. Light and the others all stood back but Roll wanted to stop them. As she was about to run to them, Protoman caught her arm and pulled her back.
She turned to him, angrily. "Why'd you do that for?!" She shouted, angrily. "Can't you see they're fighting?"
"Don't you understand?" Protoman asked. "Zero is the final judge. X has to fight him to pass."
Roll turned to Dr. Light with a worried look on her face. Dr. Light shook his head seriously.
"This is inevitable..." He said, gravely.
Roll looked at them both fighting. Come on, X! She thought. You can do it!
The room was big enough for the two of them to fight. But Protoman thought that they should get out now and that wasn't a very bad suggestion. The two didn't take it outside like others normally would. X fired a charged shot and Zero, once again, used his saber to reflect it. The impact of both the blade and the shot was quite a bit. It exploded. The glass panes shattered and flew out the window.
The steel doors blew open. Roll shrieked. Protoman used his upgraded laser barrier to protect themselves from the explosion. One of the steel door flew at them but the laser melted it and it oozed down, like lava. Dr. Light embraced Roll to him.
They've greatly improved! Dr. Light thought, in more of surprise than alarm. I only hope none of them gets hurt...
Outside, the hunters ran for cover as the glass shards rained down from the sky. The smoke poured out from the office and raced up at the sky, like thick, black clouds. The hunters were alarmed. They thought they were being attacked.
The alarms sounded and soldiers ran around to prepare. Others ran up to Zero's office and found Protoman, Roll and Dr. Light, protected by the laser barrier. Lifesaver was among those who ran up along with the medic. Signas and Dr. Cain followed soon after.
"Are you alright, sir?" Douglas asked as he helped Dr. Light to his feet.
Dr. Light smiled. "Yes, yes. I'm okay." He replied and brushed the dust off his lab coat and clothes. Then to the three. "What about you?"
Lifesaver effortlessly lifted Roll to her feet. Roll blushed, brightly, embarrassed at her present disposition. Protoman canceled his barrier and looked at them both.
"We're okay." He replied, smiling.
Lifesaver took a look at all of them, squatting to see clearly. Roll was very much amused with the tall reploid. His unsmiling face, hid some emotions they didn't expect to see. A lot of hunters thought he didn't have any emotions. But that wasn't true. There was anxiety, there was sadness and there was worry. There was also joy.
Roll smiled up at Lifesaver.
"Don't worry." She said, gently placing her hand on his own. "We're okay."
Lifesaver's eyes softened and he nodded then resumed his normal cold look.
"Look!" Douglas pointed to the office, his voice called their attention. "Over there!"
They all turned and saw, as the smoke cleared, both X and Zero. The blade of the saber was nearly on X's neck while the muzzle of his buster was a few inches near Zero's head. There was silence between them.
Zero's lips turned to a grin as did X.
"You're faster than ever." X remarked.
"And you're stronger than the last time." Zero remarked back.
Then they relaxed and fell on the carpeted floor, or what was left of it, that is. They both lay there on their backs with their eyes closed. Roll's face beamed up to a smile and they all ran to them. There were tears in her eyes. But they were tears of joy and relief.
X laughed as he sat up. "You surprised me, you know that?" He remarked as he looked down at Zero with shinning, blue eyes.
Zero remained there with his eyes closed. "You've passed without a doubt. And there was no hesitation either." He said. He smiled and turned his head away from him. "I'm glad for you then..." with that, he sighed.
X stopped and leaned over his arm to look at Zero lying there. A sudden fear took over him, he thought Zero was going to leave him again. Leave him and go to some place he could never reach. Far away from his grasp.
"Zero?" He called, softly.
Lifesaver walked toward them and carefully lifted Zero in his arms. X faintly saw a tear run down from his closed eyelids. He looked up at Lifesaver, anxiety was clearly seen, written all over his face. Lifesaver didn't smile but there was a warm sparkle in his eyes.
"No need to fear." Lifesaver said. "He's only exhausted. He hasn't gotten enough rest lately in order to prepare you for this."
X looked down at his hand, sadly. "You'll take care of him, won't you?" He asked, softly. "And tell me when he's awake."
"I will." He replied.
X watched as he bore his best friend away to the Sick bay where he'll get the rest he needed. He sighed, wearily. A part of him was sad and another part was happy. He didn't understand why but perhaps he would, later.
Roll embraced X, crying with relief. "X! You passed! I'm so glad, you're okay!" She cried.
X rubbed her back, gently, smiling. "...Yeah, I did." He said.
The other reploids moved into the office to fix the place. Dr. Cain, with Signas, walked to them, smiling as he looked around.
"It seems you fought it out here." He remarked. "I'm going to have to have this office fixed again."
Protoman offered his hand to X who took it eagerly as his brother pulled him up to his feet once again, just as he had done, a few hours ago. X then turned to Dr. Cain, smiling.
"What do you mean, 'again'?" he asked.
Dr. Cain laughed. "He has become a judge before and at that time, this office was also damaged." He explained.
"So that's what it was." X murmured under his breath, remembering those times when he saw the place was quite leveled down. "I passed, right?" he asked.
Signas nodded. "Yes." He replied. "You did."
X smiled and bent his head down. "That's good..." he said.
Zero, I passed... He thought as if his friend could hear. All because of you...
Dr. Cain turned to Dr. Light. "Now that he has passed, it will be alright for you to go back to America since X will be reassigned there as the new 1st unit's Captain."
X raised his head suddenly in alarm. "What?!" He asked, as if he didn't hear him right.
They all turned to him. In his face was a mixture of emotions, but there was confusion, sadness and anger. Something they had barely seen in him lately.
Protoman looked at X. "X, I'm sorry." He apologized. "I didn't tell you."
"Tell me...what, Blues?" He asked, slowly.
"It was agreed that you will take the test now." It was Dr. Cain who answered. "Zero was presently the assigned judge for you. If you passed, you would go back to America since the 1st unit's base is there." A slight pause. "I'm sorry... I didn't tell you..."
X bent his head down. He didn't expect the developments to be like this. But then, he was a fool for not realizing earlier. He remembered the day the first time he was assigned as Zero's partner. Zero had told him, someday they'll be assigned in different places and he was only training him for that day.
Both of them didn't expect they'd be good friends in such a short passing of time.
"I...see..." X said. Then he raised his head, forcing a smile. "I'll go and get myself cleaned up."
And he left without waiting for their approval.
Zero stood on that familiar cliff and looked out the city. Not that there was anything interesting here. It just helps quiet his mind. The sun was setting, the sky gold and red. He remembered the day he promised X they'd always be together. That they'd never be apart.
That's too far gone now... Zero thought bitterly.
Soon X was going to America. He was prepared for this. He really was yet, he didn't expect to be friends with him. It hurt him. He knew he should be happy for him because, at least now, he'll go back to his birthplace with his family. He should be happy for him because he had a bright future ahead of him. It wasn't like they'll never see each other again.
But that didn't changed the fact that it hurt.
He was so accustomed to having him around; accustomed to his smiling face; accustomed to have him worry about him. And that only made it hurt more.
I should be happy... He told himself, trying his best to cheer himself up.
"Zero!" A voice called from behind him.
He turned and saw X standing there. He looked angry and hurt, just like he was. The wind blew making his long, golden hair dance, gracefully along with it. And still it won't change a thing.
"X..." He began but stopped. An unknown sentence remained in his lips.
"Zero, I..." X began.
But words failed him. Zero smiled at him and shook his head.
X swallowed and heard a click in his throat. "Zero, we're going back to America tomorrow..."
Zero bent his head down. "Oh..."
That was that. He didn't say anything else. X didn't stop him from walking away from him and Zero didn't expect to. Zero would learn how to move on, like he always did. He's gotten over a lot of things why would this make a difference?
They both didn't know, that it made a lot of difference.
Early the next morning, The hunters came to see X and the others off. The sun had just begun to rise. Roll looked up at the dark sky, slowly starting to brighten as the sun woke up each morning. She took in a deep breath and turned to the hunters, especially to Alia.
"I guess we won't be seeing each other for a while, huh." She said, trying to be cheerful.
"...Yeah." She replied, trying to keep her tears back. "...Write often, okay?"
They shook hands. Alia was trying to be calm over it but it didn't proved to have work for as soon as she held Roll's warm hand, she broke into tears and cried on her shoulder. Roll patted her head, affectionately.
"Don't worry." She assured. "I'll write as often as I can."
Alia straightened up, wiping her tears away. "Promise to visit, okay?"
Roll nodded. Protoman looked up at Signas, smiling.
"Thank you for having us here. It was very pleasant." Protoman said, not knowing what else to say. He had never been good with words.
"It was good." Signas replied and offered his hand to shake, not being good with it either.
He shook it eagerly. Dr. Cain gave a small present to Dr. Light.
"Here you are." He said. "This would help keep us in touch."
Dr. Light laughed. "Ah, so you've done it this time." He replied.
Dr. Cain laughed as well. "It would help remind you of the jolly times we've spend here." He remarked.
"But don't forget," The other said. "to visit us when you can."
Dr. Cain bowed his head, blinking hard but smiling. "I would be honored..." he replied, quietly.
"Come now, old man." Dr. Light teased. "Don't get all formal on me! We'll have great times when we see each other again."
Dr. Cain wiped the tears that remained there. They did not fall. "Yes." He agreed. "The next time we meet..." He wondered when will that be.
They all turned to X who was still looking at the door as if waiting for someone. Still it remained as it is. No Zero came out. The wind blew pass him, brushing gently against his pale cheeks. He heard Roll complain of the cold and he turned.
Dr. Light was looking at him intently. Roll, Rush and Protoman were inside the car already and they were beckoning for him to come in. he had already said his goodbye to everyone. Everyone, except for Zero.
He turned to the building where he used to work. So many memories here. So much, he didn't know what to do. This was the place where he met his best friend...
The place where all my memories belong... He thought.
He looked up at the windows and from there he saw the empty halls where he first caught a glimpse of him, standing there, looking at him when he came with Dr. Cain that first day. But that was a few years ago. He didn't know how long it had been.
He thought he would be able to see him again, just like that, one last time. Yet, the image his mind created for him, faded away and left him downcast.
In the end, I was the one who couldn't keep the promise. He thought, bitterly and looked down at his empty palm. A promise I tied him to...
He shook his head, sadly walked to the car and was about to get in but Dr. Cain reached out for his hand to give him an ocarina. X looked down at it, bewildered since he couldn't understand it and didn't know how to play it. But he accepted it without a word. Dr. Cain then pulled him close and whispered something in his ear. X's eyes went wide with surprise and his lips, slowly turning to a smile.
Follow your heart...
Douglas came into the Transportation area, where he was surprised to see Zero, looking over his own Landchaser, trying to fix it. Or at least, looking like he was. He seemed restless. Douglas didn't need to be a genius to know why.
"Here you are, Zero." He greeted as he placed the tool box he carried on the floor beside the computer that needed fixing.
Zero turned, slightly to him, with a small frown on his face. He didn't look angry but he did look irritated. Douglas gave out a sigh and bent over to fix what he needed after rummaging for the tool he wanted.
"X left already." He announced as he tried to get the steel cover off a panel.
Zero turned back to the Landchaser, as if looking for a loose screw, somewhere.
"I know." He replied, tonelessly.
"You should've said something." He said, frowning. Zero heard something fall, like steel, on the floor. "Why didn't you say anything?" He asked again. "Or at least just see him off."
He stood up placed his hand on the rider's seat. Douglas waited for an answer despite the fact that he was doing something delicate. Zero thought he'd just go away but he didn't. A part of him wanted him to be here, screaming to let out what he wanted to say. Screaming to say an explanation.
He didn't know if Douglas would understand. And if he would, how would he react. He wasn't X. But he needed to speak. He gave out a sigh.
"Douglas," He said.
"Yes?" He asked as raised his head, finally glad to hear his explanation.
"I'm a fool." He finished.
"I beg your pardon?" This wasn't something he'd expect.
No wonder he didn't want to speak much to anyone. The screw driver slipped from his hand and cluttered on the floor. Zero stopped the urge to turn to him. He heard Douglas clear his throat and tried to quietly pick up his tool.
"I'm a fool." He repeated.
Douglas' eyes softened as he continued. He was not close to Zero. None of them were, except for X. But now that X was leaving he needed to speak to someone. Someone who could listen to him as openly as X did. Douglas admitted that he wasn't a good listener but he would listen, if Zero wanted him to.
And Zero did.
"I am fool." He said, once again. "I should've told him..." He said, softly. "But I..." He looked up at the ceiling. "I was really planning on seeing him off and say something but still, I..."
There was a long pause. Zero looked down at the Landchaser and then turned to him. His long, blond hair, swung, gracefully as he did so. He saw Douglas was now lying underneath the huge computer, reaching out from his scattered tool on the floor, clumsily.
"But still, if I did that, I would've lied to myself..." He finished and turned away again. "I don't want that..."
Douglas gave out a mocking, small laugh. That Zero couldn't help but notice.
"And still you are lying to yourself." Douglas said, as if this was abvious. The screw was loose and the cover of the panel he was looking into, fell on top of his head. "Ow! Damn!" He cursed.
Zero turned to him suddenly, in confusion. He didn't understand what he meant by that. Or perhaps he did but didn't want to admit to himself what he understood. It was undoubtedly obvious. He shook his head to clear it and then walked to his Landchaser, thinking he truly was a fool.
A fool and a stupid idiot! He cursed himself.
"I think I'll ride." He said, finally.
Douglas straightened up, rubbing his aching head. "Good for you." He remarked.
He saw Zero sped off. He smiled and heard footsteps from behind him. He didn't turn and wasn't surprised to see Dr. Cain standing beside him, offering him a white towel.
"Thank you, sir." Douglas said and took it to wipe his oily hands.
Dr. Cain was grinning at him. "What did he say?" He asked.
Douglas shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, that he was a fool." He replied.
Dr. Cain gave out a sigh. "Kids these days..." he remarked, amused as he walked back to the assembly hall where Signas waited.
The airport was filled with people, more so now because they all heard that Dr. Light was going back to America and are there to see him off. There were a lot of reporters and people that crowded about to see the great scientist.
X walked, uneasily, trailing behind them. They had reploid escorts who tried their best to keep a clear path for them to walk on. The people cheered and the reporters tried to squeeze in, to no avail.
X looked at his side and saw a little boy with blond hair, shinning green eyes and a smiling face. He was waving at him. His other hand held a small clay figure.
"X! It's Captain X!" The child shouted, smiling and waved his hands up in the air. "Captain X!! Over here!!"
X smiled and walked toward the child. The others stopped and turned to him. X carefully picked up the child and carried him, gently in his arms. The child beamed up at him. X felt the warmth of the child's body against his own.
"Hello." He greeted, gently as he smiled. "What's your name?"
The little boy smiled broadly. "I'm Kenichi Tokiya!" He replied.
"Nice to meet you, Kenichi." He said, smiling.
The child's smile slowly began to fade away. There was also sadness in his eyes. X realized this was the same look Zero wore yesterday, when he tried to say goodbye to him. He found himself lost in that mild graze, unable to withdraw himself.
Because I don't want to... X told himself.
He took in a deep breath and sighed.
"Are you really leaving, Captain X?" The child asked. "What about Captain Zero? Are you going to leave him alone here?"
X smiled. Long ago, Dr. Light told him to follow his own heart. He didn't understand it back then. How could he follow something he didn't really have. But the Doctor told him he had and to follow it when the right time came.
X closed his eyes and remembered all those times he shared with them, the fun the tears, the fights... Everything.
Now it was Dr. Cain who had whispered to him the exact same words Dr. Light had told him. He understood perfectly now. How he could he have been so stupid? He knew now, what his heart wanted.
X smiled and carefully set the child to his feet and tousled his blond hair which delighted the child very much. Then he turned to Dr. Light.
"Dr. Light..." He called.
To him his voice sounded choked. But he trying to hold himself in. He would follow his heart to the very end. All else be damned.
Dr. Light turned to him and saw the light in X's eyes. Eager, sad and happy.
"I'm sorry..." He apologized under his breath as he bowed low. "I'm sorry... I'm truly... very... sorry..."
Dr. Light stopped and turned looked into his eyes for a whole minute and realized what X wanted to say, though he didn't say much. His eyes told everything. He thought X was always thinking of others too much. It was not a bad trait but he wanted X to be happy too. He closed his eyes thinking just this once, X wanted to be selfish and have something for himself.
Just this once...
Dr. Light smiled, sadly. Finally, X will follow his heart. It made him happy to know this and sad because he would leave them. But that wasn't entirely true either. He knew, someday this was going to happen. He can't have them forever.
No matter how much we want to, we can't make the present stand still.
Whose words were those? Whose lines? It didn't matter because they were true words. And then he remembered a young lady he took in as his pupil with her robot companion. He and that companion had to part for obvious reasons. And the lady had cried because she loved that companion despite the fact that he wasn't a real human. He saw it all. He was present when he was taken away.
He took in a deep breath, realizing he saw the same look that robot had on Zero's face. Then he smiled, knowing who he is now and why he knows so much. Dr. Light would let go because he knew he wanted them to be happy.
Dr. Light walked to him and placed a hand on X's shoulder that made him look up and slowly straightem up.
Dr. Light embraced him.
"Go, my child." He whispered, smiling. "Go and follow your heart."
X felt grateful for what he had just said. He turned to Protoman, Roll and Rush who smiled as their approval. They didn't have to say anything for they only said one thing.
Follow your heart and be happy...
X grinned and looked gratefully down at the doctor who had given him this life he once thought was a curse. He embraced his creator, smiling.
"Thank you, father..." He whispered. "Thank you..."
Dr. Light let him go and run off to find the place his heart would call home. He was happy now that his boy was happy. There was no greater happiness he could achieve. Someday, he would come visit, still with a smiling face and his hands waving high up in the air.
Protoman, Roll and Rush walked until they stood beside him. Roll by his left, Protoman by his right and Rush by his feet, as they watched his blue figure, disappearing into the crowd.
"He finally learned..." Roll remarked, smiling.
Protoman nodded. "Sometimes, he's so thick-headed..." He said.
Rush barked twice and wagged his tail, eagerly. Dr. Light laughed and tears came to his eyes. But he didn't mind it. Not these tears. After a while, he wiped them from his eyes, and blinked. They looked at each other, turned and walked away to board the plane to America.
I'm too late!
The first thought in Zero's mind as he stood by his Landchaser and saw the plane fly off. He was in front of the Airport but he needn't be inside to know for he can see it clearly, gliding off and away from his reach.
He'd probably never see them again. He thought he should be happy to know, at least X was with the others and a bright future is ahead of him. But his heavy heart wouldn't allow him to. He tried to force himself not to think too much, like before.
He will be happy... Zero thought.
And he took comfort in those words. Maybe someday they'd meet again but now, they had to part. As he prepared to leave, he took one last look at the plane that was now in the air and at the airport where he thought he could see a familiar... blue... figure...?
Huh?
Zero blinked and saw X standing there, panting as though he had run a mile and looking at him with a broad smile on his face. They didn't speak but they only looked at each other in both surprise and joy.
"Hey, Zero!" X called, smiling after this long silence.
Zero turned back to his Landchaser.
"Are you going to just stand there looking like that or ride back with me?" Zero asked, without turning to him.
"I'll ride." X replied as he walked toward his friend, seeing his long, blond hair, dancing, lazily, as the cold wind blew about them.
His heart wasn't cold now. It never was because he knew he followed it, and will continue to do so, right to the very end. Zero would understand this because he knew a lot. He didn't deny that. He still needs to be taught other things he still didn't know.
Zero turned, smiling, just enough for X to see as he approached. X sat behind Zero as they rode off to the direction of the Hunter's base.
...And then, the snow began to fall...
*****************************************************
Further Notes:
I was having second thoughts about the ending... I wish I could write better and decide better... But they had a condition to fulfill yet you can still be together even though you're apart right? Maybe I should've done that. Still, another part told me to just write it down and see where it will go to. I'll learn next time, I hope.
I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing this.
You must be getting tired of my gibberish so I guess this is it. I'm sorry it took long and sorry for the errors.
Another thing, will somebody tell me what dr. Cain's real name is? This is urgent! I need it please! I need it so bad!! I've been trying to look for it in the internet but I still can't find it!! Help!! I need help!!
Uhh... I think I'm asking for too much... But if any of you know what his first name is, I thank you and if not, it's okay, I'll say thank you too for reading my story. Uhh... I'm sorry for rambling on...
Bye for now! ^-^'
Ellis McDohl