*Author's Note: I have a character by the name of Kat in my fic that I had planned on for a long time. I couldn't tell you if having her as a character or me using the name for my nickname came first. I'm not trying self-insertion. She is her own character. And now, on with the show!

The Mind Traps Within

By: Kat

Chapter One-FastForward

January 23, 2128

"Slash! Come on! Parry! Oh gawd, would you look at that! That had to be the worst tactic I've ever seen! You left your whole torso open and vulnerable to attack! Use your thrusters, for chrissakes! …THANK you! Fake, then attack on their weak side! Yess! There ya go! Bring your saber up to deflect and… Good! Keep up with it."

Zero blinked lazily and stretched, tired from his verbal training session with one of the new saber rookies.

Yawning, he shook his head dejectedly. "Will they ever learn?"

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to come face to face with the New Blue Bomber. A civilian dressed X nudged Zero in the stomach with his elbow.

"Tough day, huh? All that talking must have made you tired," grinned X.

Zero rolled his eyes. "Man, watchin' these suckers takes me back to the days of your first training!"

X's face changed from one of mockery to resentment in less than a second.

"Oh come on. I wasn't that bad."

"Puh-leeze!"

At a glare from X, Zero decided it might be time to change the subject.

"So uh, how's your unit doing?"

"Okay… I'm having a bit of trouble with some of the newer recruits, but they've got a lot of promise."

"Sounds good. The #0 Unit's doin' okay too. Now with peacetime, though, everything's kind of sluggish." He paused. "And you know how I hate that."

"Yeah. Never happy unless there's some action," X gave him a look of disapproval.

"NOT true! But enough is enough, you know." Zero twirled his fingers in the air. "The boredom starts to sink in…"

"That's why you need another hobby than slashing up Mavericks with your saber there," X poked Zero's saber handle with his index finger.

"Hey X, for your information, this here's my baby." Zero pulled the not yet ignited saber from the saber recharge pack attached to his armor and stroked the handle. "She's gotten me through a lot of tough times."

"Yeah, I know. You've become so attached to that thing, I'm surprised you didn't marry it."

"X, that is the oldest and lamest joke in history." At that moment, Zero decided to warp out of his armor and into a more comfortable pair of worn black jeans accompanied by a baggy t-shirt. Smiling, he pushed back a strand of his almost supernaturally long hair. "I'm married to my work."

"As if that joke isn't any worse."

"Hey, how 'bout we go get a drink and give a toast to the worst jokes in history?"

X gaped at him. "That is your lamest excuse yet to go get a drink!" He pondered on that for a second. "But it ought to be pretty funny." Zero slapped his friend on the back.

"So what can we get ya?"

"How about a nice glass of…ginger ale?"

"You are hopeless sometimes, you know that X?"

"I do my best."

As the two comrades-in-arms walked the halls of MHHQ, they passed several other Hunters who gave them nods of acknowledgment.

"So many faces. Old and new," muttered X.

"Aw, don't get your armor sets up in a bunch. You better not go all melancholy on me now."

"Dang. You did it again."

"What?" Zero grinned devilishly. "Attempting to annoy you with old phrases? All in a day's work, my friend."

They continued in silence until they met up with another unit commander. Flare was the commander of the 15th Unit, though he had only been with the Hunters for about half a year now. His hair was a sight to behold, though in a different way than the Crimson Wonder's. Blonde spiked hair covered the top of his head, a bit reminiscent of a character from an old video game series, though not to that extreme. In the back, it was a bit shaggier, and at its lowest point, hit his shoulders. Today the Commander had opted for his favorite black leather vest and was wearing the same color t-shirt underneath with a pair of worn-out looking jeans.

Flare had shown gifted ability with a saber from the start; even more so with a Buster. It had only been a matter of time until he was promoted to Unit Commander. The 15th was probably the closest match to the abilities of the 17th and #0 Units than any other.

"Commanders," Flare nodded at the duo.

Zero appeared a bit perturbed and scowled. "Flare, you have GOT to stop doing that. You're the same rank as us, for god's sake! And we're not even on duty."

Flare pursed his lips in a show of disapproval. "I'm not as good as you two, that's for sure. You are way ahead of me in skill and experience."

Crossing his arms, X heaved a sigh. "Don't care. You're a Commander, we're Commanders. Call us by our names. Besides, I don't like being reminded of my job anyway."

Flare's shoulders slumped in defeat. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Fine. But I won't like it. Not yet anyway." He wagged his finger at the two with a sly-eyed smirk. "Old habits are hard to break, you know."

"Do your best boy, otherwise I might have to whip you good, I hope ya know."

"I'd like to see you try, ZERO."

Zero harrumphed in response. "I challenge you to a sparring match tomorrow! In the rec room!" He got a bit of that maniacal grin that appeared whenever he was off to dice-and-slice a couple of Mavericks. "High danger level! Maybe we'll throw in a couple of Mavericks for fun!"

Flare narrowed his eyes. "Done! I'll be seeing you then at 1600 hours!" With a nod, he began to saunter down the hall.

"Looking forward to it!" Zero called as Flare strode out of sight. Flare raised his hand back at the other blonde hunter in acknowledgment. X raised an eyebrow in almost Spock-like interest. "Zero, you might want to watch yourself. The kid's good, I guarantee. I've watched him and his Unit in training, and they're a force to be reckoned with. They work well as a team, though sometimes Flare likes to take off and do things his own way. Kind of like you, actually."

Zero nodded in agreement. "It should be interesting, to say the least. You gonna watch?"

"If I don't have anything else to do. Which I probably won't for that matter."

"Good." After a moment, Zero's face scrunched up in puzzlement. "By the way, who's the second-in-command of his Unit? For the life of me, I can't seem to remember."

X was silent for several seconds. Zero looked over in concern at his friend's silence. "Huh? Something wrong?"

X shook his head slightly as he unconsciously ran his fingers through his unruly black hair. "Remember about two weeks ago? The 15th and 17th were called out for a major skirmish near the Canadian and US borders. Yersa, Flare's second-in-command, got caught in the crossfire between our forces. …You can probably guess what happened."

The Crimson Hunter shook his head in disbelief, his ponytail bouncing off his back slightly. "Terrible loss. I can't believe he just got caught in the middle like that! I knew the guy had gone kaput, but I had no idea he was the Flare's second. Must have hit Flare kinda hard."

X laughed almost bitterly. "Actually, Flare and Yersa weren't very close. It actually seemed that Yersa was out for Flare's position, according to the local gossip collectors."

Zero scratched his head in bewilderment. "Why didn't the guy just apply for Command status? It's not even certain that Yersa would have been promoted to Commander even IF Flare got kicked."

X put out an uplifted palm and shrugged. "The guy had something to prove. Hopefully, that's not what got him killed." Frowning, X continued. "Pride can be a powerful motivator. And we have a first-class example with you."

Zero pursed his lips and scowled. "Don't be downing the guy who saved your miserable life by blowing himself to kingdom come."

"Believe me, I'm not trying to. It's just a fact. Somebody throws you a challenge, and you won't back down. It's just personal pride. I only hope this guy didn't think his pride was worth more than his life."

"True, true. I'll be sure to not make that mistake." Zero crossed his arms in defiance.

"Make sure you do, Zero. Make sure you do."

"Believe me X, I don't plan on "kicking the bucket" any time soon. If I do, I'll send you an early notice."

The new man in blue stopped their forward advance, pointing his finger at Zero. "Don't talk like that. I don't want to hear it."

"Fine, fine." Zero waved his arms in exasperation.

"Hmm," X muttered, trying to think of something to ask his saber-wielding friend, who had decided to pull his saber back out and throw it in the air as they continued their walk.

"I'm hoping you have the safety on that thing."

Zero groaned. "X, I'm not that stupid to leave this thing active if-" He didn't get any further because at that moment, the green tinged saber had decided it was time to come out and give its owner a nasty surprise.

"Aw shit!" he yelped as the beam nearly came down slicing through his hand. He jerked back just in time so the blade came tumbling to the floor. The blade end hit the ground, left a scorch mark and then continued with the handle clattering to the ground as well. Zero sheepishly picked up the lit saber and deactivated it.

X rolled his eyes. "Right, Zero. It wouldn't have done well for the top saber-wielding Hunter to slice his own hand off WITH his own weapon."

"Cain's NOT gonna be happy about that," Zero commented as he kicked the nice burn mark his saber had left on the floor. After a second, he grinned. "Not if he doesn't find out!"

Of course, several milliseconds later, the esteemed doctor's voice rang out in the hallway behind the duo.

"And what might THAT be, my friend Zero?" questioned a loud voice. Zero whipped around, muttering a quick curse under his breath. "Uh, hey Dr. Cain." He attempted to cover the charred surface with his boot.

The doctor scanned the two elite Hunters' faces. "Darn it Zero, spit it out. I know that look."

Zero's face turned completely innocent. "Whatever do you mean? I didn't do anything!"

Cain stared at Zero. "No really, I'd love to know. Did you blow a hole through a wall? Shoot somebody with your buster when you got ticked off? Destroy the stereo system in the rec room because they were playing Disco music again?"

"Oh come on, that only happened once!"

The doctor poked Zero in the chest with his cane while X leaned against the wall, pretending to look bored.

"Ah-ha!! I knew you had done that!"

The Hunter smacked himself in the forehead. "Stupid, stupid Zero. Very stupid," he muttered. "Okay, so I did blow up the stereo system. You got me. But seriously, I didn't do anything this time!"

X snorted quietly from his position against the wall. Turning quickly, Zero shot him a look.

Putting a hand on his hip while leaning on his cane with the other hand, Dr. Cain raised his eyebrows. "That does it Zero. If X doesn't believe you, I most certainly will not."

Smacking X on the shoulder, he hissed through a clenched jaw. "Thanks a lot buddy."

X's chest heaved heavily as he glared at Zero in defiance. "You had it coming. Don't blame me for your anger management problems."

Zero's eyes widened. "You very well know this had nothing to do with anger. And besides, who says I have an anger management problem in the first place?"

The doctor raised a finger upwards exuberantly. "So we get to the heart of the matter!" He cocked an eyebrow. "Zero, you should work on controlling your anger a bit. It really can be quite frustrating sometimes. Now, what did you do?"

"Yah!!! I DON'T HAVE AN ANGER MANAGEMENT PROBLEM ALREADY!" Zero screamed as he slammed a fist into the wall. Cracks appeared, splitting outwards from the point of contact. He stared at the damage caused by his fist dumbly. "Jesus…"

Dr. Cain's whole body slumped. "And yet again, more property damage caused by the infamous hand of Zero." He shook his head slowly and exhaled. "Zero…"

Surprisingly, Zero turned and slumped against the wall. His eyes went devoid of any emotion for several seconds as his jaw went slack. It was like staring into dark cavern without any light for a guide. "The hell…" he whispered disquietingly. The whole scene changed from slightly amusing to severely disturbing in those seconds.

Mega Man X's expression abruptly switched as well from feigned boredom to great concern at his friend's sudden change of behavior. He quickly stepped over to Zero's unmoving body and kneeled down, setting his hand on the other's shoulder. His striking blue-green eyes swept over the still face, searching. X shook Zero's shoulder lightly. "Zero, what's wrong?" he whispered quietly. Zero's eyes came slightly into focus, though still distant.

"I…I just…" His mouth stumbled over the words as if he were in a trance. Zero blinked finally and he visibly shuddered. "The anger…it just took over…I wasn't in control for that moment in time. I just…" His head bent over and his chin touched his chest. "I don't know how to stop it…" he murmured, almost inaudible.

Dr. James Cain leaned on his cane with both hands and appeared a bit alarmed. "Zero, this behavior is very unusual… You may want to check up with Blaze about this. I'm not certain what to think right at the moment. Do you have any idea what the root of this problem is?"

Zero closed his eyes. "I'm not sure…" he replied, though an inner voice whispered to him that this assumption was wrong. It whispered to him, goaded him. …So close…so close… Zero didn't know what this all meant, but had the feeling it was something important. …Oh very important Zero…

"What?" he wheezed. "What is so important?"

"Hmm?" X questioned. "What did you say?"

The Crimson Hunter frowned and put a hand to his head. "Nothing X, nothing. I-I'm fine." He wearily pushed off the wall and stood up unsteadily.

X wasn't convinced. What is he trying to hide? There's something not right here. "Like hell you are!" he exclaimed. "You smash your fist into the wall, slump to the ground, float away like you're not even here, and say you're fine afterwards!? I don't think so." X crossed his arms and scowled.

Zero looked at him cold and hard. "X, drop it." The annoyance and fury in his gaze was all too evident. But X would not back down.

"I'm SICK of you trying to play the big guy here! You can AT LEAST admit there is something wrong! Dammit Zero, we're here to help! What is your problem?!"

Dr. Cain watched wide-eyed at the ongoing verbal battle between the two Hunters.

Zero's posture straightened and he locked X in an iron-cold gaze. "My PROBLEM is people putting their noses into things that don't concern them! This is my burden to bear!"

"What?" X breathed hotly. "What is your burden?"

Zero turned his head to the side so X couldn't see his expression. An expression of pain. "It doesn't have to do with you."

X looked at his best friend in distress. "Zero, I am your friend. Whatever obstacles you need to overcome, I WILL be here for you."

He didn't reply for a moment. "…I don't know what's wrong. Those flashes of rage… I don't understand it yet." Zero raised his face to X. "But I will someday. And I will need someone to stop me…if I get out of control."

"Nothing will happen. I promise," X swore. "Never forget, we're here to help. I'M here to help."

Zero's silence was all X needed to hear to know the other understood, however grudgingly. "Fine." The other prototype finally replied. And with that, it was over.

Both finally realized Dr. Cain was still standing there, appearing shocked at the overall display. He quickly regained his composure and coughed lightly. "I will be on my way now. I must attend to some paperwork I have put off for quite a while now." With that, the doctor hobbled away on his cane to his office.

Both Hunters watched him leave in silence. "Ready for that drink?" X said, though his voice seemed withdrawn a bit.

"Definitely," agreed Zero. And the duo walked off to ease their sorrows with a bit of rum and ginger ale, each to his own.

**********

"Ah, days like this," Whiplash smiled as he swirled his drink around in his hand. "You know what, Jyst? You really have to sit back and take a breath of fresh air once in a while. It helps you relax."

"You don't say," commented the bartender as he dried the inside of a wet glass with a towel. "I wouldn't really know too much about that. I don't get out much."

Whiplash shook his head several times. "You really should. It lets you clear your head." He downed the rest of his drink in a gulp. "Boy this stuff is good. What is it again?"

Jyst blinked as he replied. "It's one of those tropical drinks. A Mai Tai I believe."

"Cool. Would you mind getting me another glass?"

"Not at all." The bartender leaned down and picked up a glass from the shelf underneath the counter. "So I can see you're enjoying the peacetime." It was more a statement than a question.

Whiplash nodded. "It's great really. Lets us relax, unwind. Relieves the pressure, if you will."

"I see," said Jyst. "That would account for your high spirits, no doubt." He finished pouring the concoction and slid the glass in front of Whiplash. "There ya go."

"Thanks," he said and took a sip. Whiplash closed his eyes in contentment. "This is the life."

Jyst looked at the Hunter quizzically. "If you hate war so much, why do stay a Hunter?"

Whiplash peered at Jyst wearily, adding several years to his youthful face. "I fight so I can enjoy this time, where there is no fighting and no conflict. I fight to protect the innocents." He paused slightly. "I feel it is my duty." Finally, he shrugged. "Does that answer your question?"

"Thank you. It surely did. You know, you sound a bit like X."

He smiled. "You don't say?" At that moment, Whiplash spotted a familiar face. "Hey Des, over here!" He waved the fellow Hunter over, nodding towards Jyst. "I believe you remember Desiree?"

"Yes, yes I do. A pleasure," he nodded.

"Hi Jyst!" she greeted the bartender jovially.

"Anything I can get you? A bit of sparkling wine? A good old-fashioned brew?"

Desiree waved her hand. "Nah, nothing for me thanks. I'll stay sober tonight." She turned to address Whiplash. "So, what's up?"

He grinned in return. "Nothing, except for enjoying this peace and quiet."

Desiree nodded. "Yeah, me too. Oh, by the way, don't you have a sim tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

She shrugged and continued. "I was wondering if you wanted to go grab something for lunch with me and Kat at that little café on the corner a couple blocks away. Some company with friends."

Nodding in agreement, he replied. "Sounds good. You want to meet at 1230?"

"Cool. Oh also, did you here about the match tomorrow?"

He squinted at Desiree quizzically. "Match?"

She pushed back her dark hair and nodded. "Some people overheard a conversation between Flare and Zero. It looks like they're going to have a sparring match at 1600 hours. It seems as if it will be action-packed. You want to watch?"

"Wow. A match between those two will be really interesting. Heck, I'd pay to see that."

Desiree tilted her head. "Be glad we don't. So I take it that's a yes?"

"Sure. Isn't Kat in Flare's unit?"

"Mm-hmm. She says the guy can be quite a hard-ass sometimes, but an overall good Commander, though she'll feel bad for whoever ends up being his new second-in-command. He can be quite hard to get along with."

"Understandable, from what I've seen of him." A moment of silence passed between them until the Mess Hall doors swished open. A somber looking X and Zero walked in and headed over to them, presumably to get a drink.

Whiplash examined their faces. "Nyeh. Looks like something's got those two down."

"You don't say," remarked Desiree. "You going to say anything to them?"

Whiplash's forehead creased. "If anything, you should say something. You're a Unit Commander."

"Pfft. You're the one in X's Unit, for Pete's sake."

"Fine. Then we'll just sit here and mind our own business."

Just then, X took a seat two seats away, while Zero sat to the right of him.

"Hi," ventured Desiree. Zero looked at each of them and nodded, while X actually replied.

"Nice to see you," he acknowledged. Zero decided it was time to order.

"Hey Jyst. Can you grab me a rum and coke, and give X here a ginger ale? Make mine three parts rum, one part coke."

Jyst shrugged vaguely. "Whatever you say, then." He turned to mix Zero's drink and pour X the ale.

X addressed the two once again. "So what are you two doing here?"

Desiree replied. "Ah, just enjoying the quiet and having a nice talk." She continued. "What about you two?" Whiplash's eyes widened and he kicked her under the counter.

"Ow!" she exclaimed as she glared at Whiplash.

X replied nonchalantly. "Just here for a drink and some downtime." Jyst handed the two veterans their drinks.

"I see." All of them sipped their drinks and were quiet for a second.

Desiree stood up. "Well, I gotta go. Plus, I have to tell Kat our plans for tomorrow."

Nodding, Whiplash stood up. "Yeah, me too. I'm gonna go get some rest."

X raised his eyes and looked at the second Hunter who had spoken. "I'll be seeing you at the sim tomorrow then?"

"Yes, sir. Good night, sirs."

"Night," called X, while Zero once again remained silent. Desiree and Whiplash left, exiting the Mess Hall doors at the same time. X sighed.

"Zero, you really should at least try to say something. They'll begin to wonder."

"Let 'em wonder," grumbled Zero, and he took a gulp of his rum and coke.

"Whatever. Anyway, I should head out too. It's getting late."

Zero gave X as much a smile as he could muster. "See you tomorrow, then."

"Yeah," X said. "See you." He then consecutively left the room.

Alone sat Zero in the dim lighting of the now quiet room. Sighing, he stood up slowly and walked with a steady gait to the exit himself. He stopped at the exit for a second, then slowly walked on to greet the night. "Tomorrow is another day," he sighed. And the doors swished shut.

Jyst walked back out from behind the door by the counter. "Ah, the hard life a Hunter leads, in wartime and peace." He shook his head dismally. "Good night, all." And the lights of the Mess Hall darkened and disappeared, until again needed. After all, tomorrow was another day.