Tarnished Heart: Part Two

Author's Notes: This was meant to be a one-shot, but Calypso's review sparked a sudden inspiration. Thus, this chapter is dedicated to Calypso… with a thank you.

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How could I forget?

Even in the darkest and bleakest of days, or even the brightest and brilliant… always did I think about you, Zero. I mean, who could not notice you as you passed down those bustling halls, beginning from Day One? Impressively tall with an attitude to match; but always I saw something different in your eyes than the ignorant rest, the mistrusting individuals who had all but labeled you as Maverick. Those emeralds never seemed to hide anything from me… the stormy seas within halted their turmoil so that I, out of all those you could have chosen, could see the soul… the beautiful soul within.

I can hear you chuckling at me in that deep baritone -- though I'll never again see your striking face and that polished red armor -- for being so sentimental, as always. We were always black and white, yin and yang… complete opposites in every way. And yet, we were the same in a single, unbreakable way. We never knew our creators, never discovered our true origins and purpose of creation. Yes, once we came close to breaking that wall… but it crumbled beneath our boots as we scaled ever so close to the goal, do you remember?

I, too, have no time left. My body already begins to shut down… and everything's going so dark… but I can still see every detail of your face, Zero, even as I lay here on the verge of eternal sleep. I envy you to live on… the doctors told me everything save for your location… how I've yearned to see you again if only for a fleeting moment in time! A micro… no, a nanosecond! But no… you wanted me to remember what you were, and not what you had become, ne? Always the egotistical streak… a proud warrior even in memory as it proceeds to fail me now.

Did you really think I would condemn your spirit with rejection? For the longest time, I've battled my own feelings for you, eternally wanting to run my hands through that long, gold spun silk… and hold you in my arms to feel your warmth. The only time I'd done so was while you bled away to deactivation… can you comprehend the heart-wrenching horror I felt every single time? My stomach knotted impossibly, my throat swelled with emotion… my voice betrayed me every time, Zero.

I love you. Unquestioningly, unendingly and unbarred. Always have I felt this… from the day I first laid eyes on you! You were so fierce then, under Sigma's tutelage, unwilling to trust and hesitant to accept another as companion. Then we met… and everything changed. I'd heard of your fragmented and bloody past as it turned you into a demonic façade all over the base… then I decided to see for myself who the Red Demon really was.

They couldn't have been more wrong. Not a demon in any sense, but perhaps a fallen angel. Yes, an angel with a tarnished heart; who barely remembered his sins and committed everything to repentance… even sacrificing friendship. Though, even as you tried to shove me away I wouldn't give up. You were a puzzle, and a tough cookie to crack… but I know I got through to you, somehow.

I, too, have no regrets, save for that we were never together to confess our hearts in person. How I will miss you… we'll never meet again, but I hope with all my slowing heart and failing systems that my soul will live on within you, my love. You're never alone; never truly. Always remember me, as I have you these past 50 years.

It's time. I can't hold on any longer. My voice strains… you can hear it, can't you? I'm sorry… so sorry it all had to end this way. But I won, Zero. And I lived on for you… until I couldn't fight any more. And even my will… can't sustain me… but love… will always… uphold us…

"Good…bye… Zero…"

A whining noise emanated from the monitoring computers, as X's eyes glazed over. With a shuddering gasp, he exhaled… for the last time. The doctor shook his head, tearstains marking his face from the heartfelt monologue. He switched off the recorder, dropping it into an expansive coat pocket. He'd get the message to its receiver… if it was the last thing he ever did.

Reaching out, his hand touched the reploid's cool forehead, slipping the now-empty eyes shut. X had lived a long, hard life… but all those years he fought for the memory of one whom he'd never set his gaze upon again. Indeed, his last battle was fought, his systems beyond all repair.

And yet, even with all the pain, all the suffering he went through… even in death there was a smile on his eternally young face. A smile for him… a smile for a tarnished heart.

Goodbye…

Remember me…

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Link: *wipes away tears* That was so sad! Why'd you have to go and end it like that, huh?

YnK: *shrugs* I dunno… I guess I wanted to follow the storyline? *sweatdrop*

Link: Aww… ok…

YnK: Anyhow… thanks to those who read and reviewed, and a thank you to Calypso once again for the idea. Ja ne ^_^V