Creation and Emotion: The Conclusion
LAST TIME, ON CONCLUSION PART ONE:
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'Hold on, Blues... this is gonna sting a bit...' I turned one of his arms slightly, finding the slot identical to one in my design. Swiftly I placed my chips delicately inside, and instantly began to feel my formless body grow stronger.
"What are you...?" he muttered in defeat.
'I told you...' I replied coldly, 'I am going with you.'
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AND NOW... THE FINAL CHAPTER...
"No... Zero you can't... infected again..."
'Then so be it. The only way to get those out of your arm is magnetically... but it would erase everything.'
"NO! I can't let it happen again! I'll... rip my arm off!" He broke down crying again, from the thought of my being re-infected or from his own pain, I couldn't tell. All I knew... was that I had to help him, and fast.
'Don't... don't do that, Blues,' I pleaded at the sight of his new tears. 'I can't stand it... gods' sake...'
"I can't help it..." he replied. "I'm gonna... I'm going to..."
'What?'
"Die..."
I understood completely what he meant. 'It will feel like that at first... but its not too late. You're not going to die; I won't let you. Go back to Sierra, Blues. Let her help you.' But the only response was a growing scream of pain erupting from his throat. I saw in fear that his fall from the ceiling had opened new wounds in him... and the virus was beginning to take advantage of his weakness. It wouldn't be long now... but I had to save him!
'Blues... hold still.'
"Pain... no... what? Zero..." he was muttering incoherently. "Go away... Wily... kill... heh heh... no... stop it... ha ha... please... pain..."
I was out of time. 'I'm sorry to have to do this, brother...' I said. 'This is gonna hurt... but I have no choice.' Closing my illusion-eyes I concentrated on the chips, spreading my programming across Blues' mainframe. I wasn't erasing his... I wouldn't do that... but it was merely a 'blanket' to slow down the virus' work.
My lids opened, and I looked through my brother's silvery-green eyes onto bloodstained red gloves. I turned my gaze upwards, imagining what I must have looked like in my brother's eyes... when I died.
I saw where my blood had spilt and mixed with that of his wound... and most of all I felt the virus backing into a corner of my mind, striking out in an attempt to take over again. However there was no way I would allow it to take control of him... not before he was safely contained until he was cured. Awkwardly I began walking in the direction of the lab. Suddenly a thought hit me... why hadn't Doctor Light heard everything? Shouldn't he have come running to stop us? What could be wrong? My pace quickened at the realization...
Through the long halls I briskly made my way until at last I opened the heavy metal doors... and found nothing inside. I grew greatly panicked... for time was of the greatest essence, and every second lost was another piece of my only brother lost to the madness of the virus. I prayed that I had the strength to keep it contained... at least until I had Blues in a position where he could not hurt anyone.
"Doctor Light!" I called out. "Doctor Light!"
Still no response, and no sight of him. Where in the world could he be?! Frightened, my walk turned into a dead run into the room where Sierra was still recovering... I threw open the metal door with all my might, the same time shouting "DOCTOR!"
Instantly the old man's white lab coat bustled into view, his face a frazzled mess of confusion that would have been funny if not for the seriousness of the situation. I sighed deeply in relief, slowing down my heart rate and trying to catch my breath. I had to choose my words very, VERY carefully...
"Boy, am I glad to see you, Doc..."
"Blues? What happened? I thought you were with Zero!"
"..." I had forgotten in that moment whose body I was in... how was I going to explain it?
"Doc... there isn't much time..." I began, "You see... I'm not Blues... and Zero... he's... or I... am de--"
"Grandfather?" said a weak voice from the back of the room. My heart stopped. The capsule, still aglow in blue light, had opened, and from it emerged Sierra. She emerged from the darkness like the angel she was... I could only stare as her slim form walked silently but slowly towards Doctor Light and myself... and her face came into view. My eyes widened... she looked as if nothing had ever happened! Oh, how technology can create such lies... I was overjoyed to see no trace of her illness, of course... but...
Her features became a mask of confusion, looking behind us... and I knew exactly what she was seeking.
"Sierra..." I murmured, on the brink of tears. Just then the weight of everything I had done... to her, to Blues, even to Bass, fell upon my shoulders like a white-hot knife, cutting into the depths of my spirit.
"Blues?" she asked, her grandfather echoing the inquiry. "What's happened? Why are you covered in... blood?!"
"I..." What was I to say? Dear gods... how could I tell her... "I'm not Blues, Sierra... not now... Doctor Light... the virus... destroyed Zero... and now I am Zero..."
"What?" Light paled, clearly not comprehending. "Zero is... dead? And you aren't Blues...?"
"That's right..." I nodded. "I'm Zero... you see, I ejected my backup chips before I... died... for Blues to give to you... but he became infected by the virus as well due to my own failures... and now I am inhabiting his body in attempt to keep the virus from consuming him. It was the only way I could risk saving him."
My eyes fell upon my love, who was covering her mouth with her hands. "So... Zero is dead... oh my god..." she turned from us, and I barely heard the near-silent sobs shaking her body. I clenched my... no, Blues'... fists to my sides, unable to do anything. I felt the Doctor's sorrowful gaze pass between us, and tried to reassure us both.
"I see... but you have your chips, so you can be rebuilt, Zero. And Blues... well... if I can get him to the lab, I might be able to isolate the virus this time... but I'll need help."
"I can do it, Doctor," I said with a firm nod. "I know what to look for."
"I'll help too..." Sierra murmured, "...if I can somehow save them..."
"Sierra..." I said, finding no words of comfort. She turned to face me again, her eyes piercing mine, as if to find my soul within Blues' body. Freezing, I met her gaze, almost unable to contain the sorrow and regret I was feeling. She stepped closer to me... still staring, then gave a weak smile.
"It is you..." came her murmur before she closed the space between us and covered my lips with hers. I returned it hesitantly, knowing that I didn't deserve any forgiveness for the things I had done... that she knew and had yet to know of. I couldn't stand the thought of having to tell her about how I'd slaughtered Bass... how I'd fought Blues... and how... I died... now I understand how Blues would have felt, had he been in this position.
I felt her arms surround my neck, and it was then that I pulled away. Her hurt expression imprinted itself in my mind, but she said nothing. I knew she wanted to apologize herself; for slapping me earlier that day... gods, had it only been a few hours ago that it all happened? It seemed like a hundred years had gone by...
"Zero..." she said softly.
"I... am sorry," I stammered. "But it's... wrong. This is not me..."
"I know... but Blues' body or your own... you're still Zero..."
I turned away in shame, following Doctor Light into the massive laboratory. The corridors along the way shone their harsh lights upon me... as if they were chastising my every step, every move. It was unbearable to think of it all... even the shadows surrounding me and hiding from brightness seemed to cackle and dance at my self-revulsion and pain...
Looking up, I stepped through the threshold of the halls and into the lab I knew so well. Light had already set up a small table for me, connected to numerous sensors and computers... some of which were completely unfamiliar, though I had no wish to inquire when he had built them. I noted for a second a shadowed area on the other side of the large room, where a sheeted form lay hidden and hooked up to wires and other contraptions. Curiously I peered at it, trying to discover what it was... however incomplete it appeared. Shaking my head I let the thought slide, trying to focus on the present.
My lack of concentration nearly staggered me, the weakness of the action enabling the virus to gain a foothold. Fortunately this did not escape Sierra and Doctor Light's attention, and they swiftly proceeded to strap me down to the table with secure titanium bracing. The entire time I barely heard the old man explaining to Sierra what the virus was, but I realized he was leaving out bits and pieces of how it had happened, much to my surprise. Why was he sheltering her...? But I could no longer think for the next few seconds as a fresh wash of pain enveloped my consciousness...
"Zero!" Sierra cried. "Hang on!" Her small hand covered mine, trying to squeeze it in reassurance. Even so, I felt her fear and astonishment of the virus and what it was doing to this body. I was content only in knowing that the restraints would keep me from harming her, intentionally or no. I had to be strong... I had to fight this with Blues...
"Si... erra... AHHH!" My muscles began to spasm, throwing me roughly and painfully against the restraints. I felt Doctor Light firmly placing the sensors on me, saw Sierra analyzing the chip slot where I had input my data into Blues' body. Clicking and chirping sounds ensued as data of Blues' condition flowed into the terminals... and I could feel the tension as Doctor Light scurried to make sense of it and race to fight it.
Then, I felt Blues returning in my mind... no... it was HIS mind... sensed his confusion and weak outrage at what I had done... I'm sorry, brother... it was the only way... he was losing it... I heard the maniacal laughter only my nightmares would ever show him doing... gods, did I sound like that! Stop the laughter, brother... Stop...
It was frightening... so very frightening... his thoughts covered mine... I was losing my hold... the insanity spread... NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE INFECTED AGAIN! In my mind I screamed... I was falling... falling...
...And suddenly I was free. All of the pain was gone... but I felt nothing at all! My entire body was numb... and where was the virus?! I opened my eyes... only to find that I was back in my holographic form. My gaze flew to Sierra, who was gingerly holding my chips as she stared straight at me. Somehow... she had removed my chips without erasing my program... and I praised her genius. Oh, my love...
Her eyes were watering... and there was nothing I could do. Then a scream cut into my heart as I stared at her, freezing whatever blood a hologram may have... and I whirled to see Blues... still struggling where I had been before... screaming as the virus took over his mind... please no...
"Doctor!" I pleaded, "Is there nothing to be done?!"
But his answer was drowned out by an ear-shattering blast coming from just outside. A small quaking shook the floor, sending Sierra and Light sprawling on the floor. I, being only a projection, took no notice as I scrambled to a still-standing computer monitor in order to determine who the intruder was. Pressing a key or two, the screen flared to life with the image of a horrendous flying craft in the shape of a skull... gods...
It was Wily! I had completely forgotten about him! Cursing to myself I attempted to activate the auto-defenses that Sierra had installed, only to find them destroyed. Damn!
"Sierra! Doctor!" I screamed. "We have to get out of here! NOW!"
"We can't!" the old man shouted over the roar of a second explosion. "I won't leave the lab! I have---" His answer was cut off, again covered by roaring of bombs above us. The ceilings began to crack, and I held my breath as I searched for my other companions... where was she?!
"Sierra!" I shouted. A strangled cry came from one side of the lab table, where Blues was completely unaware of his surroundings, still straining to release himself. I ran over, finding that one of the computers had fallen onto Sierra's left leg and pinning her to the ground. Horrified, I channeled what power I had into moving the thing, finding it heavier than it looked. The blasts were coming more frequently, each time I cursed the mad scientist, then at myself for not killing him when I had the chance. Had I been in physical form I was sure my ears would be ringing, for my love had covered her ears painfully at the tremendous thundering, tears streaming down her face from her pain...
"Zero..." she murmured. "I can't... move..."
"It's okay, Sierra..." I tried to reassure. "I'll get you out of this..."
"I... I'm sorry, Zero," she said in a whimper. "I never meant to... do this..."
"What are you talking about?" I asked quickly, pausing in my efforts.
"Bass... the virus... everything... I started all of it..."
"Gods, Sierra! It's not your fault! Don't even think it!"
"No... it was all me... and now look what I've done... oh Zero... why can't I be like you?!"
"You don't want to be..."
"Yes... I do... more than anything... I'm weak... humans are weak... and because of it... you're..." she choked, "...dead..."
"Sierra..."
CRASH! More rubble tumbled down from above; the ground shook even more. My hologram flickered in and out of existence from the intense energy I had used to keep a solid form... but Sierra was still trapped...
"Not now, dammit!" I cried, clenching my fists and threw myself against the computer holding her down again. The entire time I watched her blue eyes... those sky blue orbs filled with pain and sorrow... her beautiful face marred with specks of dirt and blood... her long brown hair in disarray...
...Then the image was shattered by a final bomb blast... everything in time slowed... and the walls caved in. The last thing I saw was Sierra pummeled... then buried... in sharp glass, rock, and metal...
I screamed. Then all went black.
"SIERRA!!!!!!!!!"
END OF BOOK ONE.
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Author's Notes: So, minna, how was it? Yes... not as long as I had planned... but PLEASE tell me what you thought of the whole thing! I mean... this is 120 pages long in total! *Phew* So, would everyone like a Book Two? I already have it planned out... so if I get enough reviews, I'll post some!
Thank you for taking the time to read Creation and Emotion, A Mega Man Alternate Universe, Book One. ~Sierra Omega~
LAST TIME, ON CONCLUSION PART ONE:
***********************************************************
'Hold on, Blues... this is gonna sting a bit...' I turned one of his arms slightly, finding the slot identical to one in my design. Swiftly I placed my chips delicately inside, and instantly began to feel my formless body grow stronger.
"What are you...?" he muttered in defeat.
'I told you...' I replied coldly, 'I am going with you.'
***********************************************************
AND NOW... THE FINAL CHAPTER...
"No... Zero you can't... infected again..."
'Then so be it. The only way to get those out of your arm is magnetically... but it would erase everything.'
"NO! I can't let it happen again! I'll... rip my arm off!" He broke down crying again, from the thought of my being re-infected or from his own pain, I couldn't tell. All I knew... was that I had to help him, and fast.
'Don't... don't do that, Blues,' I pleaded at the sight of his new tears. 'I can't stand it... gods' sake...'
"I can't help it..." he replied. "I'm gonna... I'm going to..."
'What?'
"Die..."
I understood completely what he meant. 'It will feel like that at first... but its not too late. You're not going to die; I won't let you. Go back to Sierra, Blues. Let her help you.' But the only response was a growing scream of pain erupting from his throat. I saw in fear that his fall from the ceiling had opened new wounds in him... and the virus was beginning to take advantage of his weakness. It wouldn't be long now... but I had to save him!
'Blues... hold still.'
"Pain... no... what? Zero..." he was muttering incoherently. "Go away... Wily... kill... heh heh... no... stop it... ha ha... please... pain..."
I was out of time. 'I'm sorry to have to do this, brother...' I said. 'This is gonna hurt... but I have no choice.' Closing my illusion-eyes I concentrated on the chips, spreading my programming across Blues' mainframe. I wasn't erasing his... I wouldn't do that... but it was merely a 'blanket' to slow down the virus' work.
My lids opened, and I looked through my brother's silvery-green eyes onto bloodstained red gloves. I turned my gaze upwards, imagining what I must have looked like in my brother's eyes... when I died.
I saw where my blood had spilt and mixed with that of his wound... and most of all I felt the virus backing into a corner of my mind, striking out in an attempt to take over again. However there was no way I would allow it to take control of him... not before he was safely contained until he was cured. Awkwardly I began walking in the direction of the lab. Suddenly a thought hit me... why hadn't Doctor Light heard everything? Shouldn't he have come running to stop us? What could be wrong? My pace quickened at the realization...
Through the long halls I briskly made my way until at last I opened the heavy metal doors... and found nothing inside. I grew greatly panicked... for time was of the greatest essence, and every second lost was another piece of my only brother lost to the madness of the virus. I prayed that I had the strength to keep it contained... at least until I had Blues in a position where he could not hurt anyone.
"Doctor Light!" I called out. "Doctor Light!"
Still no response, and no sight of him. Where in the world could he be?! Frightened, my walk turned into a dead run into the room where Sierra was still recovering... I threw open the metal door with all my might, the same time shouting "DOCTOR!"
Instantly the old man's white lab coat bustled into view, his face a frazzled mess of confusion that would have been funny if not for the seriousness of the situation. I sighed deeply in relief, slowing down my heart rate and trying to catch my breath. I had to choose my words very, VERY carefully...
"Boy, am I glad to see you, Doc..."
"Blues? What happened? I thought you were with Zero!"
"..." I had forgotten in that moment whose body I was in... how was I going to explain it?
"Doc... there isn't much time..." I began, "You see... I'm not Blues... and Zero... he's... or I... am de--"
"Grandfather?" said a weak voice from the back of the room. My heart stopped. The capsule, still aglow in blue light, had opened, and from it emerged Sierra. She emerged from the darkness like the angel she was... I could only stare as her slim form walked silently but slowly towards Doctor Light and myself... and her face came into view. My eyes widened... she looked as if nothing had ever happened! Oh, how technology can create such lies... I was overjoyed to see no trace of her illness, of course... but...
Her features became a mask of confusion, looking behind us... and I knew exactly what she was seeking.
"Sierra..." I murmured, on the brink of tears. Just then the weight of everything I had done... to her, to Blues, even to Bass, fell upon my shoulders like a white-hot knife, cutting into the depths of my spirit.
"Blues?" she asked, her grandfather echoing the inquiry. "What's happened? Why are you covered in... blood?!"
"I..." What was I to say? Dear gods... how could I tell her... "I'm not Blues, Sierra... not now... Doctor Light... the virus... destroyed Zero... and now I am Zero..."
"What?" Light paled, clearly not comprehending. "Zero is... dead? And you aren't Blues...?"
"That's right..." I nodded. "I'm Zero... you see, I ejected my backup chips before I... died... for Blues to give to you... but he became infected by the virus as well due to my own failures... and now I am inhabiting his body in attempt to keep the virus from consuming him. It was the only way I could risk saving him."
My eyes fell upon my love, who was covering her mouth with her hands. "So... Zero is dead... oh my god..." she turned from us, and I barely heard the near-silent sobs shaking her body. I clenched my... no, Blues'... fists to my sides, unable to do anything. I felt the Doctor's sorrowful gaze pass between us, and tried to reassure us both.
"I see... but you have your chips, so you can be rebuilt, Zero. And Blues... well... if I can get him to the lab, I might be able to isolate the virus this time... but I'll need help."
"I can do it, Doctor," I said with a firm nod. "I know what to look for."
"I'll help too..." Sierra murmured, "...if I can somehow save them..."
"Sierra..." I said, finding no words of comfort. She turned to face me again, her eyes piercing mine, as if to find my soul within Blues' body. Freezing, I met her gaze, almost unable to contain the sorrow and regret I was feeling. She stepped closer to me... still staring, then gave a weak smile.
"It is you..." came her murmur before she closed the space between us and covered my lips with hers. I returned it hesitantly, knowing that I didn't deserve any forgiveness for the things I had done... that she knew and had yet to know of. I couldn't stand the thought of having to tell her about how I'd slaughtered Bass... how I'd fought Blues... and how... I died... now I understand how Blues would have felt, had he been in this position.
I felt her arms surround my neck, and it was then that I pulled away. Her hurt expression imprinted itself in my mind, but she said nothing. I knew she wanted to apologize herself; for slapping me earlier that day... gods, had it only been a few hours ago that it all happened? It seemed like a hundred years had gone by...
"Zero..." she said softly.
"I... am sorry," I stammered. "But it's... wrong. This is not me..."
"I know... but Blues' body or your own... you're still Zero..."
I turned away in shame, following Doctor Light into the massive laboratory. The corridors along the way shone their harsh lights upon me... as if they were chastising my every step, every move. It was unbearable to think of it all... even the shadows surrounding me and hiding from brightness seemed to cackle and dance at my self-revulsion and pain...
Looking up, I stepped through the threshold of the halls and into the lab I knew so well. Light had already set up a small table for me, connected to numerous sensors and computers... some of which were completely unfamiliar, though I had no wish to inquire when he had built them. I noted for a second a shadowed area on the other side of the large room, where a sheeted form lay hidden and hooked up to wires and other contraptions. Curiously I peered at it, trying to discover what it was... however incomplete it appeared. Shaking my head I let the thought slide, trying to focus on the present.
My lack of concentration nearly staggered me, the weakness of the action enabling the virus to gain a foothold. Fortunately this did not escape Sierra and Doctor Light's attention, and they swiftly proceeded to strap me down to the table with secure titanium bracing. The entire time I barely heard the old man explaining to Sierra what the virus was, but I realized he was leaving out bits and pieces of how it had happened, much to my surprise. Why was he sheltering her...? But I could no longer think for the next few seconds as a fresh wash of pain enveloped my consciousness...
"Zero!" Sierra cried. "Hang on!" Her small hand covered mine, trying to squeeze it in reassurance. Even so, I felt her fear and astonishment of the virus and what it was doing to this body. I was content only in knowing that the restraints would keep me from harming her, intentionally or no. I had to be strong... I had to fight this with Blues...
"Si... erra... AHHH!" My muscles began to spasm, throwing me roughly and painfully against the restraints. I felt Doctor Light firmly placing the sensors on me, saw Sierra analyzing the chip slot where I had input my data into Blues' body. Clicking and chirping sounds ensued as data of Blues' condition flowed into the terminals... and I could feel the tension as Doctor Light scurried to make sense of it and race to fight it.
Then, I felt Blues returning in my mind... no... it was HIS mind... sensed his confusion and weak outrage at what I had done... I'm sorry, brother... it was the only way... he was losing it... I heard the maniacal laughter only my nightmares would ever show him doing... gods, did I sound like that! Stop the laughter, brother... Stop...
It was frightening... so very frightening... his thoughts covered mine... I was losing my hold... the insanity spread... NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE INFECTED AGAIN! In my mind I screamed... I was falling... falling...
...And suddenly I was free. All of the pain was gone... but I felt nothing at all! My entire body was numb... and where was the virus?! I opened my eyes... only to find that I was back in my holographic form. My gaze flew to Sierra, who was gingerly holding my chips as she stared straight at me. Somehow... she had removed my chips without erasing my program... and I praised her genius. Oh, my love...
Her eyes were watering... and there was nothing I could do. Then a scream cut into my heart as I stared at her, freezing whatever blood a hologram may have... and I whirled to see Blues... still struggling where I had been before... screaming as the virus took over his mind... please no...
"Doctor!" I pleaded, "Is there nothing to be done?!"
But his answer was drowned out by an ear-shattering blast coming from just outside. A small quaking shook the floor, sending Sierra and Light sprawling on the floor. I, being only a projection, took no notice as I scrambled to a still-standing computer monitor in order to determine who the intruder was. Pressing a key or two, the screen flared to life with the image of a horrendous flying craft in the shape of a skull... gods...
It was Wily! I had completely forgotten about him! Cursing to myself I attempted to activate the auto-defenses that Sierra had installed, only to find them destroyed. Damn!
"Sierra! Doctor!" I screamed. "We have to get out of here! NOW!"
"We can't!" the old man shouted over the roar of a second explosion. "I won't leave the lab! I have---" His answer was cut off, again covered by roaring of bombs above us. The ceilings began to crack, and I held my breath as I searched for my other companions... where was she?!
"Sierra!" I shouted. A strangled cry came from one side of the lab table, where Blues was completely unaware of his surroundings, still straining to release himself. I ran over, finding that one of the computers had fallen onto Sierra's left leg and pinning her to the ground. Horrified, I channeled what power I had into moving the thing, finding it heavier than it looked. The blasts were coming more frequently, each time I cursed the mad scientist, then at myself for not killing him when I had the chance. Had I been in physical form I was sure my ears would be ringing, for my love had covered her ears painfully at the tremendous thundering, tears streaming down her face from her pain...
"Zero..." she murmured. "I can't... move..."
"It's okay, Sierra..." I tried to reassure. "I'll get you out of this..."
"I... I'm sorry, Zero," she said in a whimper. "I never meant to... do this..."
"What are you talking about?" I asked quickly, pausing in my efforts.
"Bass... the virus... everything... I started all of it..."
"Gods, Sierra! It's not your fault! Don't even think it!"
"No... it was all me... and now look what I've done... oh Zero... why can't I be like you?!"
"You don't want to be..."
"Yes... I do... more than anything... I'm weak... humans are weak... and because of it... you're..." she choked, "...dead..."
"Sierra..."
CRASH! More rubble tumbled down from above; the ground shook even more. My hologram flickered in and out of existence from the intense energy I had used to keep a solid form... but Sierra was still trapped...
"Not now, dammit!" I cried, clenching my fists and threw myself against the computer holding her down again. The entire time I watched her blue eyes... those sky blue orbs filled with pain and sorrow... her beautiful face marred with specks of dirt and blood... her long brown hair in disarray...
...Then the image was shattered by a final bomb blast... everything in time slowed... and the walls caved in. The last thing I saw was Sierra pummeled... then buried... in sharp glass, rock, and metal...
I screamed. Then all went black.
"SIERRA!!!!!!!!!"
END OF BOOK ONE.
***********************************************************
Author's Notes: So, minna, how was it? Yes... not as long as I had planned... but PLEASE tell me what you thought of the whole thing! I mean... this is 120 pages long in total! *Phew* So, would everyone like a Book Two? I already have it planned out... so if I get enough reviews, I'll post some!
Thank you for taking the time to read Creation and Emotion, A Mega Man Alternate Universe, Book One. ~Sierra Omega~