Epilogue: Marching On
"Greetings, Hunters, soldiers and citizens."
The ranks moved into place, every individual marching in step with everyone else in a continuous beat of boots on asphalt. All forms stood erect, all heads were held high, and those looking on were hard pressed to tell who was a Maverick Hunter and who was a career soldier in the Megacity Army.
"Four months ago, this city suffered an attack that devastated it to its core."
They came to a halt in front of a podium, behind which stood a tall pillar of black marble. It had been fashioned recently and placed in Central Park, which was of near equal distance from the Army base and Hunter Headquarters. Engraved on it in gold was a long list of names.
"The combined forces of the Maverick Hunters and the Megacity Army drove off the threat, while the Hunters sent a team of their finest to eliminate the enemy leaders."
The ranks were split in two, with the local army branch on the left and the Hunters on the right. Unit by unit the longtime enemies of Mavericks stood proud as the Army's equals, no longer content with being thought of as a troupe of mercenaries.
"As that battle drew to a close, so began the process of rebuilding our city."
They had come as summoned, marching in full battle dress and respectfully saluting the row of figureheads, which included Signas, Dr. Cain and the Megacity mayor, Marcus Raleigh. They paid close attention to General Virdelko as he began to deliver his speech, each wondering what the suddenly controversial Army man would have to say.
"As can be seen, progress has been made. We have rebuilt much of what was destroyed in our city. The Army base is back to full capacity, and repairs will soon be complete on the Hunter base."
X's Unit 17 held one of the front three Hunter blocks. His ranks were considerably thinner now that the crisis was over, but he still had his lieutenants—Jasper, Scylla, Lariat and Shadin—who could not use a buster anymore but was becoming quite proficient with shruikens, thanks to a friendly ninja Huntress named Xu.
"The Hunters suffered a massive enemy strike on their own turf, but reclaimed their base despite the odds."
X himself couldn't help but smile at the way things were turning out. Despite Signas' radical changes in location and protocol, the Megacity people were playing ball. He mainly had Virdelko to thank for that. The former superconservative had become much more down to earth, pushing past Reploid-friendly policies to the surprise of everyone and to the anger of most of his former allies. To their surprise and the general's, however, the Army high command granted Virdelko a spot on the General Council for what they considered exceptional performance in the Red Winter, as many were calling it. Virdelko took it as an omen, and used his newfound powers to ensure that more of his new ideas became realities.
"Now, thanks to these courageous souls, we can look forward to a future free of terror."
X was fine with all this. The more peace there was in the world, the happier he was. It had been months since his subconscious encounter with Ares in the hospital, and nothing yet had happened to threaten him or any of the other Hunters. Nevertheless X kept all his soldiers trained and ready for anything. If Ares ever did decide to make good on his word, Mega Man X and the 17th would be waiting for him with bazookas in their hands and a battle cry on their lips.
"The Megacity Army will continue to track down perpetrators of terrorism both in this area and throughout the entire System. They will bring to justice any who threaten the peace bought with so many determined lives."
Zero and his small unit stood right next to X's, and they were the very picture of readiness. X had confided to Zero the threat Ares posed and Zero too wished to be ready for anything. Beside the crimson warrior stood Delates, whose sense of guilt over the death of his comrades had faded with memory of the war that had claimed them. He'd taken solace in saving another life, one much dearer to him, and this had banished any sense of failure. Cort and Tyclammel stood behind them, and in the back there were two new recruits to the unit. Zero had wanted Vulcan too, but given certain circumstances he'd decided to let the young Hunter stay where he was.
"The Maverick Hunters will be a continuing presence in our city. Even though Commander Signas has relocated the main Headquarters to Megacity 13, Tokyo, the contingent that will remain at this base will ensure that nothing threatens Megacity 5."
Next to Unit 0, the commander of Unit 8 felt a wry internal smile coming on. Of course nothing would threaten Megacity 5, because the only thing that ever had had been Mavericks, and with the main base moving to Tokyo all the major attacks would be redirected there. Unless, Damia allowed, the Mavericks actually got smart and spread their big attacks across the globe. Next to her stood Castle and Acrystos, side by side as usual, and behind them Henry Wallace, Brant Everett, Dantz and Deluge.
"But whatever the future may hold, we would do well to remember the past. We cannot forget what has happened here."
Damia and Delates caught each other's eyes and shared a very brief smile. The guerilla was sure she hadn't been seen, but the knowing nudge of Castle's elbow told her otherwise. She fought hard to keep a wider smile from her face. She was being ridiculously lenient on her Hunters, and Castle loved to see how far it could go, knowing she'd never seriously reprimand him for anything. Ever since they'd brought her to the hospital after that hellish night, her whole unit had been virtually grafted to her side. She'd never believed she'd ever merit that much support, but they'd provided it willingly and she could never fully repay them for it. All they seemed to care about, fortunately, was that she continue to be their commander, rather than bow out as some had feared she may decide to do. And she had indeed considered it, not because she was afraid to keep fighting but because she was afraid she'd suffer a weak moment at a crucial time and get one of her comrades hurt or worse. Her mental scars ran very deep, and all the care her friends provided couldn't heal them. Delates, however, was doing a fine job helping her there. She spent her nights with him, because even now the nightmares were too vivid to face alone. He provided a level of comfort beyond what a mere friend could offer, and for that she loved him deeply.
"None alive have experienced the horrors of nuclear destruction that plagued our world in the past, before there was the System, the Commonwealth or the Asiatic Alliance. Until now."
Archer's Unit 5 and Mason's Unit 3 stood side by side behind the front units. Behind Archer and Hawkins, Vulcan, Rykov and Krysta stood together at parade rest as Virdelko spoke. Krysta had made a full recovery, as expected, and Rykov had gotten Vulcan somewhat back into the fine art of living, though the silver Hunter still had a long way to go. He'd seen a Hunter shrink at Krysta's insistence, but the results were less than pleasing. Behind them, Nightchaser had bothered to show up despite his resignation from the Hunter forces. As he put it, he wanted to do some traveling. Despite this, Vulcan, Krysta and Rykov had found the chance to thank him for his help, and it seemed that Nightchaser would actually leave the ranks without any hard feelings for anyone.
"We have seen the horrors of nuclear firepower, and we cannot forget what we have witnessed. This was a small bomb. It was nothing compared to what has been used in the past. Imagine, if you will, a world where much larger devices are used to instill a reign of terror. Megacity forces are now moving to secure the nuclear arsenals of the past to prevent such atrocities from ever taking place."
Vulcan's eyes scanned the podium and the figures surrounding it, and he quickly wished that he hadn't. Despite vigorous protest from the intelligence chief, Signas had insisted that Caligula join him and Lifesaver in standing in front of everyone. The Invisible Man's wandering eyes found Vulcan's, and a brief moment passed in which something was communicated, and Vulcan didn't know for sure what it was. He'd seen Caligula since the attack, usually when he was training. Caligula had even approached him once, complimenting him on his stealth skills after Vulcan had worked his way through a training program involving infiltration. Another time he'd been training with his unit and looked up to see Damia say something to Caligula with a finger in Vulcan's direction, and the intelligence chief had nodded. Vulcan knew Caligula had some kind of program that ran agents on secret missions, and couldn't help but wonder if he was being considered for it. It unnerved him, and he didn't quite know why. He still could not reconcile the parts of his personality that now called for war and peace. Derringer's death still sickened and horrified him, and the only way to totally drown out the maddening actions of his own mind was to fight. But as Krysta often told him, this was not a solution—merely a crutch. The most frustrating thing was that he didn't know how to help himself, despite the fact that he very much wanted to. He felt as though he was wasting his friends' time being the way he was, but there was nothing he seemed to be able to do about it. To compensate, he tried to enjoy to the fullest the time he spent with them, and often he did have fun. Nevertheless his nights were always fitful and time alone was time in hell. He supposed he'd have to ask one of the more seasoned warriors for advice. He would never give up hoping, though, and somehow he had a feeling that would keep him going for as long as it took to find the light at the end of his personal tunnel.
"But imagine also all the other weapons that are used against the world on a more regular basis. Imagine the stronger weapons we use to contain them. Imagine all these weapons in the hands of an enemy. We must stop this from happening. But it's no use trying to stop the weapons from falling into violent hands, because as we know where there is a will there will forever be a way. The only way to stop the use of these weapons is to refrain from giving people a reason to use them."
Behind Units 3 and 5 stood Zion's Unit 20 and Erich Zegmann's Unit 15. Squashed in between was the smaller aerial unit, with Commander Alec Tremont at the front with Bale on his right. On Alec's left was former Commander Taggart, who Alec had insisted be present. Taggart had undergone several surgeries and his eyesight had been somewhat salvaged, though he was in no condition to be flying anymore. Control had passed officially to Alec, who performed his duties quite well. Despite this he was still the life of his unit and, some argued, the Hunters as a whole. He often schemed up ridiculous pranks with Vulcan and Rykov, and had even got Zero joining in on some.
"For too long we have followed policies that have led to nothing but war. If there is to be a difference in the future, we have nothing to lose by starting now. Let us all, human and Reploid alike, strike out on a new course of relations. We must put an end to the hate that fuels these senseless battles. Together, I believe we can do this."
Signas, standing before them all, couldn't help but feel a certain sense of accomplishment. Despite his doubts about his first campaign, he felt his recent actions made up for any failures he might have been responsible for earlier. In this short time he'd begun a drastic policy of separation from the Megacity Army. In his view, the reason the Hunters weren't ready for the Seraph Mavericks was because of the Army's sluggishness in delivering their war supplies. The Maverick Hunter organization Signas envisioned was one that was entirely self-sufficient, and that meant not only reorganizing and rearming but also breaking free from tradition. The base in Tokyo was mainly for show, as Japan was guarded closely by the Army because of its proximity to the Asiatic Alliance and its financial importance to the System. However by relocating there, Signas allowed the Army to use its badly needed resources in better ways, and allowed a separation from the Megacity 5 government that Signas felt had encroached too far into Hunter policies. It would be hard for many to leave this base behind, but still easier for others, who had experienced some unpleasant things there recently. So far his plans had been approved and solidified by Marcus Raleigh, who was eager to get the Maverick Magnet that was the Hunter HQ away from his Megacity, and General Virdelko, who was just checking out as the district commander. Soon they would be able to implement his changes in full, and he looked forward to seeing how they went. The troops seemed fairly enthusiastic, and Cain approved. With any luck, they were on their way to the new world Virdelko was speaking of now.
"Hunters, soldiers, you have served the free world well, many of you paying the ultimate sacrifice. In honor of those fallen, we today dedicate this memorial to those who died stopping terror from defeating us here. Immortalized in stone as well as deed, may their actions serve as both a reminder and an inspiration to those who continue to fight in their stead."
The ranks watching General Virdelko sensed the end of his speech, and began to draw into a stance of attention. For this brief time, the primarily human Army and the primarily Reploid Hunter group glanced at each other without suspicion. The sight brought a smile to Signas' face, a smile shared even by the usually apathetic duo of Caligula and Lifesaver. Dr. Cain was the happiest of all. After the first war there had been rampant mistrust. The second war had gotten many thinking that controlling Reploids was the only way to go. Doppler had brought momentary respite, and even after his war there had been a renewed hope in the Reploid race. It had of course ended tragically with the fall of Repliforce, but Cain had not seen this kind of rapport since before General's coup. Ever since discovering X, he'd dreamed of a world where humans and Reploids could coexist. He didn't know why Virdelko suddenly wanted the same thing, but he planned to support him in every way possible, because it looked like it just might work.
"Let us not fail these brave souls. Let us not negate their sacrifice. For the future, we must unite. Only then will we truly enjoy the freedom we claim to possess. I look forward to a world where this is possible, for we have seen the alternative. Never forget what the past has taught us. The people who died here did not.
"You owe it to them to remember."
"He sounded like he was running for President of the Universe, or something," X declared, strolling through the halls of what was for now the Hunter Headquarters.
"I'd vote for him," Zero shrugged, matching his friend's stride. "If he starts making good on his promises."
"We've seen that before," X pointed out.
"Repliforce just segregated Reploids into their own little unit," Zero waved it off. "They won't make that mistake again."
In the past, the mere concept of Repliforce would have had the effect of a depressant on Zero's mood. Now, however, it didn't even faze him, and this was not lost on X. "You've changed. You know that?"
"I sure do, X my boy, I sure do." Zero grinned easily. "It's kinda like walking into a wall. You can either keep on bashing your head against it, or figure out a way to jump over it. I just finally decided to jump."
"Good," X said with a grin of his own. "You were getting to be a real drag on parties."
"Oh eat it," Zero laughed as they approached the residential area. It was quite late and both were getting ready to turn in. Lately, however, they'd both been making a point to wander every hall possible on the way to a destination, if nothing else because they knew they wouldn't be seeing this place for much longer. "How long before the big move?"
"Couple of months yet," X replied, starting up a staircase. "The Tokyo base needs a helluva remodeling job yet, and we want to make sure this place is in full working order before leaving it to Zion."
"'Bout time someone gave him his own base," Zero grinned. "Figured he was gonna kill someone before long. At least he'll do a bang up job here."
"No doubt. Not sure I want to leave, though."
"Still? I think it's kinda neat." They'd had this conversation before, but neither tired of it. "Think about it, man. A fresh new beginning in a place where neither of us have bled before. There will be no shitty memories over there! Isn't that worth it?"
"Yeah," X allowed, "but there's plenty of good memories here."
"Got me there," Zero admitted as they arrived on their level. Despite the usual protocol, X and Zero had demanded rooms nearby each other. It made things easier for when they wanted to throw hall parties, something Zero had resumed shortly after his return from the hospital. "There are some things I'll miss, but change is good sometimes."
"I know." X smiled wickedly. "Plus, given who we are, and now that we know who all the fun people are in the ranks, we can get everyone roomed together how we want."
"My God, X!" Zero exclaimed in something resembling horror. "Abusing power? Who are you and what have you done with my friend?"
"Oh eat it," X replied in a near perfect imitation of Zero's voice. He opened the door to his quarters and waved to his friend as he passed. "I'll meet you in the 17th's training room tomorrow at nine. Douglas has some new toy he wants to show us."
"Our own little Marauder would be nice," Zero said with a hungry grin, waving in turn. "Adios, amigo. Watch out for snakes."
"Right," X laughed, closing the door.
Zero's own room was a short jaunt down the way, and he immediately strolled out onto the balcony overlooking the garden. Spring was settling in, and its promise of new life seemed as symbolic to Zero as anything else these days. The Hunter got rid of his armor and crashed in an armchair, flipping on his television while kicking up his feet. Most of it was the customary garbage shows that he'd never been interested in, and he quickly found himself watching the news, which was again mostly customary garbage that he'd never be interested in. One thing did catch his eye, however.
"…And reporting live from Yekaterinberg, Russia, this is our very own Mina Jenkins."
"Thanks, Bob." The field newscaster waved behind her at what appeared to be a small quarry of some sort. It was still snowy there, Zero realized, but it was Russia after all. "You're looking at what appears to be an untapped source of energen crystals. Energen, an extremely valuable mineral in modern technology, is also one of the Earth's rarest treasures. This mine, discovered haphazardly by recent Russian emigrants, has already been explored by the world's premier energy companies, and the owners' finances are being handled by the Halo Firm, a small accounting firm managed by another recent emigrant. The mine, located forty miles north of…"
Zero stopped listening there. He stared at the screen for a few seconds before shaking his head and laughing very quietly. Three recent emigrants discovering energen and managing their new income through a company called Halo…it was a message, one sent specifically at Zero. Even Gold Serpent wouldn't be able to figure that one out. "Lucky bastards," he thought aloud. It probably wasn't luck, he knew. Malevex undoubtedly knew someone who owed him a favor, and he'd been repaid. Zero smiled, not just because he couldn't help but feel happy for them but also because he now knew where to find them if they were needed. They hadn't forgotten what he'd done for them and were willing to pay him back, else they wouldn't have done something this flagrant.
Satisfied with the workings of the world, Zero switched off the television and stretched luxuriously. He got to his feet and walked onto his balcony, staring at the garden below. He smiled as his eyes fixated on the new centerpiece. The first iris flower Alia had seen months ago had been joined by many others, and now a dazzling display of pinks and violets adorned the garden like a central jewel in a crown. Zero's eyes gravitated towards his desk, where a small, discreet black vase sat containing the irises he'd picked from the hospital grounds. By some miracle they had yet to wither, though Zero was hardly one to question miracles. Then he felt the shift of air that indicated another presence nearby. He knew it wasn't really happening, and that he only imagined it, but he also knew that he was meant to imagine it, which was enough of an explanation in his opinion. He didn't see Iris every night, but he was fine with that—time ripened the product. She was always there on nights he felt he needed her, and even when his subconscious mind was alone he suffered no longer from nightmares, and the dreams he remembered always made him laugh.
But the occasional signs he saw, such as the one just now, were promises, and the tired Hunter decided to make good on the promise. He quickly dressed down for sleep, but paused before he got into his bed to look out the window at the salvaged city.
Everyone and everything was bouncing back, and he couldn't ask for anything more. He was happier now than he'd been in all his years, and for once saw nothing in the future that could threaten his livelihood. For all intents and purposes, Zero was back and better than ever. The Hunter closed the door to the balcony and wrapped himself in his sheets, tuning out the sounds of other Hunters moving on floors below and of vehicles operating outside. They no longer bothered him. Nothing did.
Smiling as he drifted off to the ethereal plane where his lover awaited, all Zero could think about was how good it felt to be alive.
