Relics of the Past



by Tremor3258



Disclaimer: Capcom owns the setting, most of the backplot, and most of the characters. I'm just doing this because I enjoy this, not because I'm getting paid.



Lifesaver, one of the recent new support staff to join the Hunters main base, was busy monitoring their new acquisitions power levels as S-level hunters X and Zero looked on in a smaller med bay in Maverick Hunters HQ. One, the first one captured, had definitely proven to be infected with the Maverick Virus, and was being taken to a secure, off-site holding facility so that he could be studied, and hopefully cured. The other two were being more of an enigma. They resembled old, archaic war robots from a bygone era, but they had fought beyond any drone in the far too-large experience of either Hunter. That made them Reploids, apparently, from alloy composition scans, as old as X, which was impossible, right? Plus, the design similarities of the female to Zero made him uncomfortable. X was used to dealing with the fact every thinking mechanical he met was based on his circuits, but Zero hadn't had that happen. The idea of being something that could be copied... Zero shook himself. Of course, even if they were based on his rather superior design, the personality would be determined by experience. Lifesaver had replaced most of the worn-out parts, and they were currently doing some careful scans.



Lifesaver shook his head as he watched superconducting magnets detect the tiny electrical fields that made up the Reploids' circuit boards, and he said in exasperation, "That's it! I give up!" The two Hunters looked over in astonishment; it was a surprising thing to hear a doctor say. Lifesaver clarified, "Listen, well X might understand this. Do you see these circuit paths?" X shrugged, there were literally millions of circuit paths inside a Reploid, no one was entirely familiar with all of them, due to most being mere copies of X's original.



"Listen, this is, apparently, part of the support for their control chips, the part that determines personality. Unlike almost every Reploid, they actually have INTERNALIZED versions, instead of a gem covering up the chip, so it was really difficult getting this scan. That said, these pathways are a different design than normal, and these pathways HAVE to be a certain way as far as we know. It looks like a derivative of the design though, which is bizarre," Lifesaver said, "I mean, there was one thinking robot, and that was, well, you X. No one ever figured out another way to build these circuits, but they evidently work. Someone made some modifications. These new circuits seem to tie into some data chips that are inactive."



"Cut the hot air, doc. What does that mean?" asked Zero impatiently.



Lifesaver took a deep breath and continued, "Off hand, and I'd need to check with some experts to make sure, I'd say these were enslaved Reploids, with their program run through and moderated by those circuits, but they somehow managed to bypass them." If they had blood, the Hunters, and support staff, in the medbay would have run cold. The idea of literally being forced to behave in a way your designer wanted was contrary to the theory and ideals of Reploids.



Iris, thought X with a twinge to his stomach as he thought of Zero's old companion, was close to that, but she managed to at least move beyond set plans at the end, what a way to do it though. Still, the idea of enforced behavior makes me think of one Reploid I'll be all too glad to vaporize if he shows up again.



"Any idea of what the programming was, Lifesaver?" asked Zero sharply.



Lifesaver shrugged helplessly, "I wish I knew. It could have been something to bypass aggressive impulses, or it could have been something to grant them. There circuitry is a mess, with linkages running all over the place. The flight abilities look like a recent addition, and someone didn't do a very clean job of hooking them up. It works, but it looks awfully sloppy. Still, I think I've managed to cut out their weapons for now, at least."



X nodded, "All right, let's activate them, and see if we can get some answers, on my authority," he ordered. Lifesaver logged the command and threw the switches that cut the two Reploids out of stasis mode. After a few seconds of low electrical-equipment sounds. The two's eyes flew open. X and Zero noted the slit eyes with interest, as it looked like a low-light adaptation, which combined with their somber color schemes seemed to indicate stealth operations.



After a moment, the two jumped in surprise, flipping to land on the beds they were on with a hint of thrust. Reflexively, X and Zero started to raise their weapons before X put his hand on top of Zero's saber, keeping it from igniting. X stepped forward carefully, "Hello there, how are you feeling."



The two paused a moment, and X got a hint of tightbeam radio activity before Jazz asked delicately, "You messed with our internals. Our weapons have been disabled," she finished in an accusing tone.



X said nervously, "We didn't know quite what to make of you at the time. But the construction foreman cleared a bit of it up for us, at least, you did take out one of the Mavericks for us. Can you clarify any statements you made?"



"Surge," said Bebop faintly, before continuing stronger as X and Zero looked at him, "His name is Surge. I assume he's all right by you using the present tense?" The two nodded, and Bebop continued, "We were told a little about you by Surge, since you two are evidently great heroes." Zero puffed out a little, and X looked down at the floor. Bebop continued, "Jazz and I know a little about you since we were designed as test beds for your technology, in order to see if the personalities of a decision-making robot would be stable before the fully armed and 'unlimited potential' versions were put into effect." X and Zero started at that, and Jazz hissed a little from the movement.



She blushed and explained, "Sorry, jumpy. Our programming got scrambled a bit. Did you find out about our flight packs?" The three nodded, and Jazz continued grimly, "They used to be, well, not 'Reploid' level, but still very smart, companions, but I guess to become the ultimate battle machine we became permanently linked. It led to a few modifications." Jazz gestured at her claws. Jazz said grimly, "It does sound like something Father would do, to allow us to take over something like that for our own gain."



Bebop spoke smoothly, "Doctor Thomas Light of course, the man who designed your circuitry and mine X, or should I say, big brother ?" Bebop's eyes barely flickered at the misdirection. Father for him and X meant Light, but Bebop wasn't sure how Wiley would be taken in this day and age.



X stared at the robot in shock. He doubted even Sigma could go to this sort of trouble of creating two ancient, X's lips quirked in a smile as he used a term so often thrown at him as an insult, robots. For that matter, the energy involved in burying them under thirty feet of mud, and then hiding the traces so well that the archeologist hired by New York swore on a sack of testaments to any deity you would name that it had been undisturbed since the mud was laid down.



Zero was interested for his friend's sake. Zero's own past was shrouded, and he wasn't aware of what he had done prior to joining the hunters and being repaired by Dr. Cain, and any attempt to fill in a gap in memory gave Zero hope for his own past. Zero asked, "Do you know anything about Light? X only knew what Dr. Cain, the man who found X, discovered alongside his capsule. Frankly, after the final Robot Rebellion, as it was so inaccurately named, there's quite a few blank spots in Light's history. After the death of Protoman," Zero paused due to being shouted down.



"Blues is dead?" yelled the two at dangerous levels. Lifesaver moaned in pain, and barely got an apologetic glance.



X took over the conversation and explained, "Apparently Wiley left some fail safes to be activated in the event of his demise. As a result, a large group of Robot Masters attacked New York. No one is sure who fought who, but Protoman was destroyed during battle, and Megaman received heavy damage. After that, there's little solid evidence, Megaman didn't appear in battle again, but there was little need. We don't know when or even if Megaman was deactivated, or buried in the volcano eruption that demolished Dr. Light's lab. Its damage means there's quite little we can actually piece together." X wouldn't admit it, but he envied the peace his older brother probably had in those final few years.



"I'm sorry, but I don't know much. When we were active, Protoman was alive and whistling," commented Bebop. The black and green Reploid then said weakly, "Wait, the lab is gone?" X nodded sadly. Suddenly Bebop's eyes narrowed, as he hoped he found the discrepancy that would prove this all one massive hallucination from too much damage. "How did they find X if his capsule was buried under lava?" asked Bebop sharply. Zero noted that Bebop didn't think X's capsule wouldn't survive being buried under lava. Familial pride, wondered the reploid.



Lifesaver explained, "Prior to his current job of being one of our primary sources of funding and the person who deciphered X's circuitry, Dr. Cain was a noted archeologist. He was digging in the area and discovered Light's lab and X's capsule. I think you got the recap after that point," finished the doctor.

Jazz nodded in agreement and said weakly, "All this damage and destruction, over all these years. I can't believe that anyone would create something that horrible." Jazz was a warrior, and knew death and destruction came with the territory. Originally, she had fought for her father. As she grew, she had changed her mind, and flicked a shy glance at Bebop.



Zero saw it and felt sick. Iris... The Crimson Hunter knew he had to get out of the room know, or he'd break down, and probably get removed from duty for psychological counseling,, despite the fact duty was what he had yet, and his comrades in arms. Zero said suddenly, "Listen, I've got some paperwork to do. Unit 00 has a special level four training mission tomorrow, and there's a few little details to put into place."

X asked drily, "Um, would these details include those new laser mines the weapon techs came up with?" Zero nodded in bloodthirsty agreement. As Zero left the room, X muttered to himself, "I'm glad he's on our side." Jazz found herself unpleasantly surprised at what X thought her auditory limits were. Did that mean they knew...? Then Jazz noticed X grinning and relaxed. She was glad for Bebop's distraction. If they regularly had regular stable robots attacking humans, then robots programmed for the job would not get a happy reception in this period. And Jazz felt a sense of loyalty to Zero, as he had chosen a course that seemed to hold honor despite whatever Wiley had planned. Jazz made a note to check up on Zero's current history.



Bebop seemed busy processing recent statements. "Is it possible to see the lab, at least for a little while? I'm trying not to go into denial here and it would help," he finished weakly. X looked over him sympathetically. X remembered his first few days waking up with little memory of the past, and now it seemed he had one with too much memory of the past.



"Of course. Frankly, as commander of the 17th unit, I'd like to say Maverick Hunters Headquarters is open to all your needs for the time being. You're an important step in research against Mavericks. Afterall, you apparently aren't simply copies," X said, getting it out almost without bitterness. Lifesaver pretended not to notice. "But instead true new design. Researchers are going to want to check out the information we got. If it's possible to help create future stability, or designs that the Maverick Virus wouldn't recognize, then you two could do a lot of good for the world." X could only dream of a world without Mavericks, but he'd never dreamed of having living family. Who knew what could happen at this rate?



X said kindly, "I have an idea of what you're going through, and I think the best thing now is to wait a little while. We're a little crowded right now, and I think we'd have to put you in one of our smaller trainee rooms as a double," Jazz and Bebop didn't say anything and X plunged ahead, "They've got net access and recharging bays. Not the most comfortable accommodations, but we have a glut of Reploids thinking they're Maverick Hunters. And I sent ahead for a few clothes to be sent ahead so you can change out of your armor." X checked his internal chronometer, flashed up in the corner of his eye, and said, "Tell you what, I'll give you sixteen hours to get some rest time in, and then I think we can tour Light's lab. I should warn you, most of it isn't there." The two nodded mutely. Dr. Light, famed researcher, creator of some of Earth's greatest heroes, lost his enclave to a mere force of nature. But then, with our own circumstances, it seems poetic, thought Bebop.

*************** Fifteen and a half hours later.



X groaned as he worked his way through the 'Paperworkhorn' as Zero tended to call it. With all the new hunters coming in, and the desperate struggle to get the Units up to full strength, it was even worse with all the bureaucratic reshuffling, especially with Repliforce gone. X noted absently that Dr. Cain had approved the use of Spotters, equipped with remote drones and sensitive electronics, to aid Hunters in combat. As if Zero and mine's experience versus the Soul Erasers didn't show how useful they could be. X thought back to those days, but they soon turned to his friend, as the spotter on that mission had been Iris, on a cross-training exercise with the Maverick Hunters.



X thought about the situation. Psychologically, the situation was bad. Things had just started to settle down from Final Weapon's near attack on the Earth, and the folding of Repliforce assets into the Maverick Hunters. Now, novice Hunters were starting to go Maverick without rhyme or reason. Things had been contained so far, but there seemed to be a flaw in the psychological evaluation process. Not to mention two younger siblings completely lost in this world where thinking robots aren't unique, but common, and Zero is being ripped apart on the inside by Iris's death. X shuddered when he thought about what sort of hell Zero was putting his unit through currently to try and work past the grief. Then X smiled. The solution was obvious. Get Zero the hell out of the office for a few hours, even if he had to be dragged out by half the Hunters.



"X to Zero, come in!" X could hear explosions over the radio signal and he realized with cold suddenness what he was hearing with the distinctive whir of heavy battle armor servos and the hum of a beam saber. "Oh my god, Zero, you're not running the new Repliforce scenarios are you?"



"What if I am?" said Zero defensively. X frowned. This was way worse than he thought if Zero was desperately trying to rewrite history, at least in his mind.



"Zero, old buddy, listen carefully," X said slowly, "You are probably the best soldier with a beam saber anywhere on the planet. You've done far more than anyone has expected of you throughout your time in the Hunters, and you've taught me almost everything I know about war and honor. That said, you did far better than anyone expected at saving Iris, and no one blames you for it."



"But I didn't save Iris," countered Zero frantically, "the station exploded and in all the chaos, Sigma managed to wipe out the memory records."



X's eyes narrowed. Zero was giving him an opportunity if taken carefully, "Right, Zero. Sigma once again managed to screw over most of the planet, and the Maverick Hunters personally. Remember all the Hunters who suffered via Double? He wiped out their control chips. Nothing left to bring back. Zero, I saw you hold Iris in your arms."



"And damn it, X! There was absolutely nothing I could do to save her!" yelled Zero in exasperation. For several minutes, there was quiet over the radio, before Zero said softly, "You bastard. You wanted me to say it, didn't you?"



"Yes, frankly. Zero, I know what you're going through. I had friends in the Hunters too before Sigma attacked for the first time, and I was there for your funeral," X's voice shook at that. Watching a close friend and mentor die in your arms still affected him, despite working with said friend on a daily basis. "I know its really bad, and I've felt if I had been more prepared, maybe I could have stopped things, and I go over every little mistake in my mind all the time. That's natural. That said, it's not natural to act out your lover's final moments in a futile attempt to save her. You can't rescue ghosts, Zero," finished X softly. "Now, are you going to come out into the sunshine? Iris wouldn't want you to rip yourself apart mourning her, Zero."



"This is about those two with the silly names right?" asked Zero, before he finished disgustedly, "All right, I'll come on your field trip. But I'm not going to enjoy it," snapped Zero as he finished.



"That went well," remarked X, sarcasm heavy in his voice. Then a timid knocking came at his door. "Come in!" yelled X. Between friends and family, all I need are coworkers bugging me.



Jazz and Bebop stood in the door, fully armored, looking a bit scared. X stood up in shock before babbling slightly, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it was another piece of paperwork coming at me." X gestured at his desk in bemusement. Then X commented, "Sorry I snapped, but you guys can step out of your armor now."



Bebop looked down at his feet and said in a breathy tone, like he was about to break down and bawl, "Actually, while we think we can do that, we're worried about our support units. We may be able to save their minds yet, and severing their circuitry from ours may finish them off for good."



X blinked, he had heard about Rush, of course, but never met the robodog. He said brightly, "I suppose you know best, but we'd better get you some coats. The public is a little antsy about Reploids running around with obvious heavy firepower." The two nodded mutely, and X placed a radio call to supply, and two fashionable jackets appeared, and some sunglasses. They made the two look a bit fat, and Bebop's shoulders appeared huge due to his wings, and the sunglasses looked a bit silly, but covered the pupils. The two looked at each other without seeming to see. "Now, don't laugh," chided X. That managed to get at least a light chuckle.



With a mental thought, X warped over into jeans and a long shirt, his armor being stored in the Maverick Hunter's armory. A moment later, Zero, sans armor, teleported in to the doorway as well, sticking his Z-saber into his pocket, out of courtesy outside of X's office, looking at the others a bit brusquely, "X, do you have the teleport coordinates to this place?" X nodded, and passed it over in a burst of data.



Bebop and Jazz had their old teleport units still installed and functional, and joined the others as mindless beams of light, before striking down in a relatively flat, rather brownish looking grass field. Narrowing his eyes, though the sunglasses seemed to be interfering with his long-range vision, Bebop could see a small structure a small distance away. X explained, "It's usually a bad idea to drop down into the middle of crowds, and the whole point of dressing like this is to not attract attention. Walking up is generally a better idea." The other three nodded in agreement. X smiled, "I haven't been here for years..." Zero, however, was already stomping off. The others followed, though Bebop and Jazz felt an odd moment when they weren't sure to go on all fours or upright.



X paying for the tickets at Zero's insistence ("It's your baby pictures we're looking for"), the four stood in line, and were quickly admitted to the lab ruins. Balconies and ropes girded off sensitive areas. Jazz was amazed the place was so intact, but Bebop saw the ruins and were wordlessly ticking them off.



"Here's the living room, the kitchen's out of sight over there. Dad used to like to doodle up circuit patterns after breakfast. Roll liked to make waffles. Did they ever find them?" X shook his head. "Must have self-destructed at Light's death, or something," muttered Bebop. It made a certain amount of sense. With all the difficulty Light had with his robots being reprogrammed, the idea of his faithful family being turned against humanity probably curdled his stomach.



Zero, probably trying to help, mentioned, "They were just robots, really." No one said anything. "Guys, speak to me?" Jazz was tracing the damage and clucking, X was on a nostalgia trip, and Bebop... wasn't quite there. Zero looked more closely at the Reploid. He looked like he was listening to something. After a moment, the Reploid's face cleared, and he suddenly vaulted the low barrier as they walked into the lab area, with the most exhibits, and the opened version of X's capsule. Bebop started running towards the capsule. Jazz jumped immediately after. After a moment's hesitation, X followed.



"Hey, you can't go in there!" shouted a security reploid. Zero, the only one on the other side, blocked the reploid, stating coldly, "Hunter's business." Zero casually withdrew his distinctive saber. The security guard's eyes widened, but stopped his protests. Zero followed the others. Meanwhile, flashes were going off from the other tourists in the area.



"Bebop, what on earth is going on?" yelled X in frustration as Bebop just stopped looking around.



"Father's here! I can feel him!" Bebop said wildly. And then he pointed down. Apparently on cue, a rumbling filled the broken and damaged lab center, and then a large blue upgrade capsule dug its way out of the ground, a large drill mounted on its top. The blue shield retracted, leaving a holographic image behind of Dr. Light. Even more flashes started to go off.



"Hello Bebop," said the Doctor kindly, and then he turned, "Hello X, as well. Looking well, I see." X nodded wordlessly, this was a bit better conversation than most capsules. Dr. Light seemed to squint, "Let's see. From data I got from Wiley's robots and X's memory from the other capsules, I'd have to say that probably Zero and Jazz are with you, correct?" Jazz and Zero raised hands in response.



Dr. Light's hologram quickly tapped together a pipe and lit it, "Nasty habit. Don't start," commented the researcher before his expression grew stern, "Bebop, I need to ask a question, have you been briefed at all on X's activities in this time?" Bebop nodded, and Dr. Light continued, "Good. This is the central capsule for the upgrade system, responsible for maintenance and creation of the data matrix that is uploaded to X's system to create his armor sets. Obviously, for security reasons, this capsule will relocate itself to an undisclosed location. X, don't worry, the next time it is necessary to fight, your capsules will be ready." X was of mixed feelings on this, evidently.



Dr. Light continued, "Bebop, Jazz, I can understand some of the problems you're going through, and I've set this capsule to work for both of you, once I discovered you were likely alive. I apologize for what I did to you Bebop, and for what those plans meant for Jazz. It took years to realize that what I did to your systems was wrong, and I can only hope you've shown the strength to rise past that." Dr. Light smiled. Heart to heart evidently out of the way, time for the toys.



"However, I did package a special upgrade armor into this unit, based off the information I received from the downed Robot Masters. It's been modified over the past few weeks since your transponders activated in order to fit your current needs. It's not going to put you on X, or Zero's level by any means, but it is my final gift to you. Due to limitations in the capsule system, I do not know at this time whether or not you'll ever get another one. I believe I can help deal with the psychological damage to your system involving your pets." Jazz and Bebop brightened. Dr. Light warned, "Step into this capsule to receive a data download for a new armor set. It won't quite fit your systems, since its been modified for your two's general design, so I suggest you enter a sleep cycle so the armor can achieve final fitting. It comes equipped with improved defenses, scanners, and dash thrusters, besides the effects on your support units. My final advice to any others who may be here: Search and aid others and yourself to find unique paths through life, and you won't have the sins I've caused on my soul. My final warning is that attempts to enter or study this capsule will result in the capsule's departrue." With that, Dr. Light's hologram disappeared, leaving a nice shiny upgrade capsule.



Zero asked Bebop softly, "What did he mean by that bit about stains?"



Jazz said, "I assume he means the hard-wiring into Bebop's systems of setting him on the path of a fighter, and then the death of his oldest 'son', Protoman, if what we've been told is correct. He escalated the level, and it escalated back at him."



Bebop took a deep breath and held a hand out to Jazz, "Shall we?" Jazz nodded, and Bebop stepped in, dropping the coat and glasses. The crowd gasped at the rather bizarre shape. With a sudden crackle of energy, Bebop disappeared from view. When he returned, he looked slightly modified, with a helmet design more similar to X's with a blue gem set into the front. Bebop took a deep breath and said, "The armor's in data form, but my systems should be able to modify it, it's kind of a template. Jazz, hurry, I don't think the capsule is going to stay much longer." Jazz, eager to see Rhythm again, jumped in, shedding overcoat and glasses in the process. After another blinding crackle of energy, Jazz emerged with a grey gem set in her forehead. "That is weird." As soon as she stepped down, the capsule blinked away, warping to some spot, to repair for the next battle against the Mavericks.



By this point, the crowd, having gathered upon hearing some activity, and seeing some heroes of the Maverick Hunter, were in danger of knocking down the barricades. After a quick silent communication, the four warped back to headquarters, landing in X's office. After making quick excuses, Jazz and Bebop set off to be reunited. X rubbed his forehead in exhaustion. Zero leaned against the wall and asked, "So, learn anything?"



X looked up at Zero in amusement, though tiredness was starting to cloud his features from an emotionally draining day, "Yes. The more I learn about father, the more I realize no one knows anything about him. He's placed on a pedestal, but that's not where he put himself at all. If anything, that probably makes him deserve a higher pedestal."



Zero nodded, and wandered off, "Well, I've got training to do." Evidently feeling X's glare burning at his head, he turned around quickly and said, "Remember, level-4 simulation? Get our hunters in line so they don't kill themselves, and prevent future mistakes, since we do tend to beat ourselves up about the past ones, huh?" said Zero with a trace of bitterness. "Good night X, I'll see you tomorrow." X waved blearily as Zero closed the door. He'll be back to what passes for him as normal, eventually. At least there's light at the end of the tunnel.



Bebop and Jazz literally flew into their recharging bays. It was a bit difficult to arrange oneself in the narrow beds with the jet packs, but they managed, and shut down into stasis mode so fast they could see the darkness pooling in front of their eyes.



Except the darkness didn't leave. Bebop and Jazz suddenly found themselves in a weird void space, filled with dark mist. "You know, I really hope that was actually an upgrade capsule," commented Jazz. Then she looked more closely through the mist at herself and Bebop, "Look! We're back in the old armor!" So they were, no claws or jetpacks in sight.



"Not even the control gems," remarked Bebop. Suddenly, through the mists came a sudden meowing. Exchanging a look, the two started running in a direction, calling on their pets.

After a moment, the mists cleared, showing an ethereal version of the pets, but they were simply watching something on a portal that was sideways. Turning to look at it, Jazz and Bebop were surprised to see their view of the final few shots with their status report, showing energy levels, pasted on it. Bebop pointed out, "Hey, isn't that the old energy meter for how long we could use the Adapters?" Jazz nodded, it had been awhile, but Staff and Rhythm had their limits, before being tied in better to the fusion reactors of their partners.



Everything went dark, and the main energy gauge for each Reploid started to slowly climb. However, the Adapter energy level was dropping. As it did, the pets were gradually getting dimmer. Jazz surmised, "We weren't doing anything with them: did they get damaged in battle?" Staff turned and nodded her head. Suddenly, a schematic for Staff's jetpack mode showed up on the viewing area rather than blackness, showing red dots around the leading edges, where Jazz's body hadn't been to block Islandman's shot. Rhythm twitched his tail, and the schematic did the same, the wings looked especially bad, half-melted off.



"I see where this is going," said Bebop grimly, "You couldn't repair yourselves in that form, so you tied into our auto-repair systems, didn't you?" Rhythm nodded in agreement.



Jazz continued, "So, they were in our system, we were receiving status reports, and things just moved together. I'm still not quite sure it makes sense."



"It doesn't," rang out Dr. Light's voice, before the holographic version appeared above the fading pets. "There main computer cores were damaged, they leapt to you to try and fix it, and coexisted. But the current situation can't continue for them. With the way your programming is now, it's unstable." He pointed at the two fading animals, "Choose," commanded Light, a bit morosely.



Bebop, a little quicker at this sort of thing, knelt down besides Staff, "It was your choice, wasn't it? You could have shut down, but you wanted to be with us, and you wanted us to fight, so you helped us out some, but now our barriers are breaking down." Staff meowed softly, and Rhythm purred in agreement. Bebop shook himself, "You know what we have to do, right Jazz?"



Jazz had tears in her eyes as she hunched over by Rhythm. "Yes. If we separate, there's nowhere for them to go, and they're so much junk code. With us in balance, our behaviors becoming more and more erratic on the outside. I'm so sorry, but I'm glad to know you're still really here." Jazz said softly, before she reached her hand out to her pet, and first friend. Rhythm grabbed the hand with a paw, and seemed to flow up into Jazz. When it was done, Jazz stood up, shaking herself. When she opened her eyes, they now had the slit form, and Bebop could see fangs.



"Listen, Staff. You were a good friend to me all these years, and I know I'd be dead if it wasn't for you. I'm glad you're still fighting for me, even if I thought you were dead." Staff purred, and then the door seemed to flow into each other. Bebop stood up, cat's eyes and fangs.



Dr. Light smiled, "I'm glad you chose the way you did. There eventual goal was to become close and serve as assistants, becoming like extensions of your will. They accelerated the process and changed the final result, instead becoming portions of your will. Your auto-repair systems are currently upgrading you to your new armored forms. And once again, I wish you'd have had a chance to live out your lives in the present, happily, without fear of recrimination from either me or my colleague, and I hope you can here in this time." The hologram faded out, and the mist started to leave, which seemed to make things blurrier.



Jazz said, a bit quickly, "I feel... very strange."



Bebop agreed, "I know. It's not just in combat, I can feel him throughout my mind." Bebop seemed to focus inward, "But he's there now, and active, not just portions of his code or memory."



Jazz said quietly, fading out, "I think Staff would be happy this way, really getting to know you."



Bebop corrected, "I know Staff is happy, which tends to make me feel better about it, and I know you and Rhythm, well, you, feel the same. I wish there had been another way." Jazz murmured agreement as the rest of the shared vision cancelled out. Most of the rest of the dreams for the night involved giant piles of catnip.



Upon the next morning, in the recharging bay area, the two awoke about the same time and jumped out of the bays. The closets, mainly with workout clothing X managed to find around base, had mirrors, and the two inspected themselves. Bebop's wings, helmet, arms and legs were now primarily blue, with black serving as the secondary color in the area with more flexible armor. Green trimmed the various sections of improved armor.



Jazz now had smoky grey armor, with brown serving as the secondary color, and red as the trim. Jazz said softly, "Ready to try the acid test?" Bebop nodded, and the two concentrated. The armor warped off, assembling itself, like an old knight's armor shell, off to the side in the room, leaving the two wearing the rather ragged t-shirts and shorts they'd been wearing so many years ago. The two sighed in relief, and both purred for a moment.



Jazz said in delight, "The headache's gone, and the code isn't just baggage anymore. I can feel Rhythm."



Bebop stretched lazily for a moment, "Definitely. The best of a lousy list of options. So now that we have full-time integration with our partners, what do you want to do?"



Jazz said immediately, "Curl up into bed, go to sleep, and hope to wake up back home. If that doesn't work, I'll think of something." Bebop quickly agreed and the duo dropped down for the rest of a recharge cycle after a very long span without decent sleep, some of their ghosts soothed.





To be continued





Author's notes:



Long, long part!!! If you've managed to stick it out this far, I hope you liked it. Because, honestly, this is one of my weaker works. I have trouble writing angst, and this one was a bit angsty, but I needed to deal with some of the X4 plotline baggage. Reviews always welcome!