Chapter 2: Goddesses and Mavericks
Mega Man X, Zero, and Buzzsaw all wondered at the same time what their mission would be as they rode up the elevator in the Command Center, which served as the very nerve center of Maverick Hunter HQ. When they got to the War Room, Auroran Flash and Dr. Cain were already there to greet them.
"I see you boys finally made it.", said Dr. Cain. Although the seventy-five year old man looked frail and was walking with the use of a cane, Dr. Cain showed great strength in his leadership qualities, and his stature and calm voice make him a productive leader in the movement against the Mavericks.
"Sorry we're late, Doc.", Zero calmly apologized, "But we were caught in the middle of training when we got the call." Dr. Cain nodded his head in agreement as Zero said to Auroran, "Hi Aurie!"
"Hey you guys!" Aurie then turned her attention to X and playfully said "Hi, Meggy!" with a wink and a smile. X covered his eyes in embarrassment as Zero choked back a laugh and Dr. Cain smiled and quietly muttered "Meggy.." while shaking his head.
Buzzsaw approached Aurie and kneeled before her, saying in a Shakespearean tone, "Auroran Flash! My dearest Auroran Flash! The greatest Reploid girl to ever grace the HQ! We meet again!"
Aurie giggled and said, "Aw Buzz! You flatter me so!" X, Zero, and Dr. Cain stood dumbfounded at the scene before them.
"I have destroyed an entire Maverick Army today, just for you, my Mega Goddess!", Buzzsaw mused.
"Good work, mighty Buzzsaw the Righteous! You may touch me.", Aurie stately said as she held out her hand.
"Oh! Thank you, Fair One!" Buzzsaw shyly touched her hand with his finger, then returned to stand near X and Zero.
X whispered in Buzz's ear, "What was that all about?"
Buzzsaw hesitated for a minute, then said, "Um.....well.....can I explain later?"
Dr. Cain interrupted Buzzsaw, saying, "He is right. We must focus on the issue at hand. The future of Reploids and humans is at stake."
All the Maverick Hunters nodded in agreement, then gathered around the circular-shaped Central Computer. Dr. Cain punched in a series of buttons, and within seconds, the holographic image of a tall, cylindrical building surrounded by colorful flags appeared before the five.
Aurie recognized it immediately. "Hey, isn't that the Global Convention Center in the city of Mocpac?"
Dr. Cain said, "Yes. Various world leaders are gathering there tomorrow to discuss various issues, including the future of Reploid/human relations. During Repliforce's coup about a month ago, conciousness and questions started rising about the Reploid race's place among humanity, leading many people to believe that inequality and unacceptance is the reason behind some Reploids turning into Mavericks. Therefore-"
As Dr. Cain talked on about the up and coming Peace Conference, Zero, upon the very mention of Repliforce, had thought back to the final hours aboard the Final Weapon. He thought about Iris, the time when she said, with her last dying breath, that she would have loved to live in a world where only Reploids exist.......with Zero. She then died on the spot, leaving Zero to wonder what he is fighting for. Sigma telling him about his Maverick past........General sacrificing himself to atone for the damage he caused. These memories were enough to make Zero cry.
Choking back the tears, Zero snapped back into reality, and paid attention to the rest of the briefing.
"Do you think the Mavericks will make an attack at the Conference?", X queried.
Dr. Cain closed his eyes and said, "Without a doubt. In fact, I have proof that the Mavericks have already prepared for this event. Look at this."
Dr. Cain motioned his hand towards a vidscreen on one of the computer mainframes. Holding a small remote control, he punched a few buttons on it to display a video news feed on the vidscreen. The feed showed the world leaders getting into their limos, heading for the airport, preparing for the trip to Mocpac City. A handful of media, photographers, Maverick Hunters, and people were there to greet the leaders as they left. Dr. Cain used a laser pointer to point out one particular Reploid in the crowd. This one wore a trenchcoat, but his fedora hat couldn't hide the recognizible feature of a Boba Fett-esque helmet he wore underneath, and his omnious, glowing red eyes.
"VILE!!!" X screamed in utter surprise.
Zero slammed his foot down in anger, "I thought we've seen the last of that purple sack of pus!!!"
"He is very much alive." said Dr. Cain as he turned off the news feed, "And if I'm correct, if Vile has returned, there is no doubt that Sigma might have returned as well, masterminding this entire scheme!"
Buzzsaw jumped in and said, "That doesn't surprise me one bit. That self-righteous, bald-headed @#$%#@* keeps coming back like that freakin' Energizer Bunny!"
Aurie also jumped in and said, "You know, I think Sigma's finally flipped his chrome-plated lid. I mean, this kind of mission is too risky, even for them. Those Mavericks would have to be really crazy to make an attack on a place full of Maverick Hunters. Why, I bet they will be turned into scrap metal the moment they come within ten yards of the Convention Center. That'll teach Siggy a lesson to never mess with us!"
Dr. Cain gave a warm smile and said, "I applaud your optomism, Auroran." He quickly frowned, "But I'm afraid that Spycam Intellegence has reported that Vile and about eight Mavericks are secretly stationed in a dilapidated part of the city now. And Vile is an excellent strategist and leader. He could be able to find numerous ways of infiltrating the Conference, even if it costed him his life and the lives of his comrades. I would sleep better tonight knowing that the leaders of the free world are completely safe.
All four Hunters had bowed their heads in agreement as Dr. Cain continued on.
"Mega Man X, Zero, Auroran Flash, and Buzzsaw. You four are the greatest Hunters ever created. You have excelled far more greatly than any other Hunter here at the HQ, and you have stopped Sigma's plans in the past. You must stop the Mavericks from causing an international tragedy that would soon erupt into global war! You can do it! You can!"
"Don't worry, Doc! We'll protect the Peace Conference from any danger!", X said, holding up his X-Buster.
"I'll put an end to Vile for good!", Zero promised, shaking his fist in the air.
"I'll give those Mavericks a swift slice in the rear and make it hurt REEEEEEEEAAAAAALLLLLLY bad!", shouted Aurie, pointing her Beam Sabre menacingly towards the wall.
"Those bad guys will never escape the fury of my Enchanted Blade!", Buzzsaw declared, holding up his majestic arm weapon. The others silently laughed at that remark.
"Okay, you four.", Dr. Cain said with a smile, "Be sure to train hard, because you leave for Mocpac City tonight at dusk. Be careful and Godspeed to you all."
The four Hunters saluted Dr. Cain and shouted a hearty "Yes, Sir!" in unison before leaving the Command Center. Later that night, X, Zero, Aurie, and Buzzsaw were at the entrance when the transport arrived. Before he boarded, Buzzsaw bowed before Aurie and said, "Let me say it is an undeniable honor to fight by your side, my Mega Goddess!" Aurie just giggled as she boarded the transport along with Buzzsaw.
X and Zero scratched their heads. "MEGA GODDESS?! That's almost as embarassing as her calling you Meggy!", Zero said with a sputtering laugh.
X smirked at Zero's remark as they both boarded the transport bound for Mocpac City, ready to venture into the unknown mission ahead of them.
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