Blast: I don't own Mega Man X or its characters. Amber if owned by yours
truly, so I don't care if anyone has the same name or whatnot.
~~
CHAPTER III: JUST AS WHEN WE MEET...
~~
'It is just a dream...wake up Amber!'
"Zero!"
My eyes opened like they were exposed to light. Clutching my head, I noticed that my position is more upright, so the idea of lying down the floor after being unconscious beats it. Looking around, I realized that I'm lying inside a charging capsule, without the sliding glass doors, of course. I pull myself up to a sitting position as I surveyed the place around me, but it's too dark to even evaluate. But I manage to picture out a silhouette of a reploid walking towards me.
"Good day, Dr. Trasè." He greeted smoothly, before turning on the lights. I blinked as I saw him in front of me. Oh God, his features were like Mega Man's. He has blue armor, complete with his helmet, and emerald eyes. But I'm not one to be fooled. I saw Mega Man die, and no one is going to change the fact that he died and will never come back.
"Who are you?" I asked, reminding myself that I'm not in a familiar place. The place looks like a recharging bay. And it looks like it is inside a huge facility.
"My name is Mega Man X, but you can call me X," he answered, smiling. He stretched out a hand to me. "Nice to meet you."
His cheerfulness is tugging at my circuits. I accepted the hand. "Dr. Amber Trasè." I learned that sometimes, few words are better. After the handshake, I blinked. "How did I get here, X?"
"I was the one who fired that plasma shot." He replied, watching me as I went out of the capsule. "Well, Sigma retreated, and I found you unconscious on the ground, so I brought you here, to Maverick Hunter Headquarters. Your riding armor is relocated here at the hangar."
"Sigma..." The Greek name gives me the shivers. "Is that the name of the beat-up ass who tried to persuade me into that propagate or force thing?"
"Yeah." He answered. Tilting his head to one side, his face mirrored an inquisitive look. "You were having some sort of dream...about Zero?"
I looked at the side. If he knows, they'll label me as a Maverick, too. "More or less..."
Before X could reply, both of us sensed another presence coming. We looked at the direction, to see what that darn dream told me: Zero.
"Zero..."
He looked at me for a second, and the next thing is, he was wreathed in smiles. "Amber, is that you?"
I looked at X, and then at Zero. X was pretty confused. "Do you know each other?" he asked.
"I'm his sister." I replied without any thought.
"Zero's been the leader of Maverick Hunters since Sigma, who was the former Commander, became Maverick." X explained. I stared at Zero, pretty confused on what really happened. But I didn't give any damn at all. I ran up to him and hugged him.
"Oh Zero! I missed you!"
I could almost feel Zero grinning at my back. "Who couldn't?"
Well, so much for irony. I released him. "I think we have to talk." I looked at X, who was only looking at us. "Alone."
"Okay then." Zero nodded at X, who promptly obeyed and exited. But I'm damn sure he'll try to listen to what we're going to talk about, so I'd better keep a close eye and ear.
"Zero, can you remember anything before becoming a Hunter?" I asked, hoping that the answer would be yes, so that they could talk about the situation at hand.
"I don't think so, except for the fact that you're my sister." Zero answered. "I think seeing you rack the more or less sibling part of my memory core, I guess."
Well, so much for hoping. But I think it's for the best. "Well, I guess this is a good thing. You have a high reputation, and so do I. It is best not to know your past."
"Amber, what are you going to do now?"
"I have to go back to the Jeoffreye's. I need to finish my experiments, and stuff like that." I replied, sighing inwardly. "If you need any help or assistance, just call on me there."
He smiled, and hugged me. "Oh man, you're here for a moment, and then you'll be out like a bubble!"
I laughed. "Zero, don't let me worry about you." After he released me, I sighed. "You are more reliable than anyone. And if you worry about companionship, the Hunters are here, right? And not to mention X." I looked at the open door, which I'm sure is being leaned on by the cerulean reploid. "Even though I just met him, I have a feeling that you two will be best buds. If any problem arises, please do contact me."
I gave him one last smile before walking out of the Maverick Hunter Headquarters. Zero is strong enough to take care of himself, but I'm always nearby to lend him a hand. The help he will need is just beside him.
~~
After a few hours, I was able to made it back to the Jeoffreye's safe. If you could just imagine how Hazel was taking the situation! I gave out a cough. So, I went back to the laboratory, where I started my new research. Skimming through Ma'am Pearl's research-oriented references, I started on a formula that would somehow stop the effects of the Maverick Virus. I recall earlier when I was going outside the Maverick Hunter Headquarters that a voice called to me.
~~
FLASHBACK:
'Amber, do you remember me?' the voice asked, her tune ringing in my head. 'Black roses and pink carnations should never mix...'
"Leila..." I gasped, barely remembering the time when Leila produced a black rose among the pink carnations planted in front of the Robot Academy, causing the carnations around it to wilt. After a bit of research, I found out later on that the black rose has a very poisonous substance in it that was also present in Leila's blood. "I don't think this is the right time to talk."
'I understand, because somehow, I think my chip is getting warmer. Before I leave you on your own thoughts for a while, let me tell you that father placed a virus inside of you and Zero. However, Zero's virus somehow got cold. Yours will only activate if his virus is activated. See you...'
END of FLASHBACK
~~
I now know that I need to prolong the awakening of this virus if I want my future plans to work. Zero is still living under a rock, and I think that Sigma guy can put a few memories enough to trigger the virus.
But still, my research is of no good, since I have no past experience in working with a virus. I sat down on a chair while scanning a book.
But who would've guessed that there is a terrible crisis already going on? One of my spy flies went inside the room to give out a report. After taking Mechanics, I have been creating spy flies in order to locate Zero. But this is the first time they returned with some information.
But that information wasn't good news at all. When the projection was turned on, I saw a terrible battle happening between Mega Man X and some purple armored reploid with a T-mask covering his whole face. He is in this huge mecha, such as the one I made, only of a different variation. And on a side, I saw what I really don't want to see...
Zero was disabled, kneeling inside an electric cage. He was somehow shouting to X what to do or something. I closed my eyes, taking in the painful things that I don't want to intake, but I had to unfortunately. Opening them once again, I sighed, and took my light saber. Time to try to make up for the lost time!
~~
I don't know what really happened...wait; I think my memory is gaining enough to let me remember...
As I reached the fortress, all I remembered is a huge explosion. The next thing that happened, I was on the ground, shielding my face with my arms. Debris was flying at my general direction. I dreaded it.
I looked up, and glanced around. On the ground, I saw Zero, not in a good state. X is thrown to the ground, and the purple Maverick was standing, panting. I tried to move, but my feet are somewhat nonfunctional. I realized that I'm only a few meters away from Zero. With all the strength my upper body could muster, I crawled towards my brother. I didn't notice the next duel made by X and the Maverick.
Suddenly, my consciousness didn't hold much longer, and I was barely reaching him. And the world turned black.
~~
I didn't really know how I got to my feet again, but I know I'm no longer inside the Maverick fortress. When the memories came rushing back to me, the impact was so great that I could hardly stand on the thought. But I have to. I can't do anything now. I can't feel Zero's signal, and tha proves one thing: he's dead.
I just stand up to my feet and allowed my sense of direction to take me back to Dr. Jeoffreye's home. My mind continued to linger on those memories, even those that I had when I was still a robot...
FLASHBACK
Kakapo Park is the famous park during the era of robots. And it is one of the smallest places where nature is still present. I used to go here with Mega Man, until now. I sat down on the benches, waiting for him to arrive. Dr. Wily needs me in an experiment that won't guarantee if I could come back. So I have to talk to Mega Man while I'm still here.
I heard the familiar sound of Rush flying towards me. I saw the blue wonder on top of the red dog, and smiled. Mega Man sat down beside me, while Rush plays on the water fountain. The chiseled rock in the middle of the fountain is portrayed like Venus holding a jar, and water flows out of the jar.
"That's strange." Mega said. I looked at him. "You're earlier than me. That's a first."
"It is because I want to see the difference if I go here alone." I answered. "And when you're here with me."
"And what did you found out?"
I stared straight at the fountain. "I like it better when you're with me. The thoughts I have during my classes would go away for once. And I feel more comfortable when you're around." Rush jumped on my lap. "And Rush too." I added with a laugh.
"It is good to hear that." Mega fumbled with his hands. Silence reigned for a while until Rush growled. "What's up, boy?"
Both of us looked into the direction where Rush is barking at, and saw the one person who might just ruin my plan: Bass.
"Bass, what are you doing here?!" Mega Man demanded, confronting him.
Bass raised his hands in defeat. "I'm not here to fight, that's for sure." He looks at me. "I just want to take Amber now."
I think Mega Man got it all wrong and decided to point his buster at my brother. I have to stop it, somehow. I placed a hand on the buster. "No, Mega, don't."
Mega looked at me, surprised. "What is happening here, Amber?"
I stand up, and walked between Mega Man and Bass. "I should have told this to you a long time ago, but I never had the chance." I pressed the button on my wrist, and instantly, I changed into what happened to be a girl with shoulder length black hair and black eyes.
"Leila?!" I never thought I'd see Mega Man this shocked in his entire life. Seeing the one he cared for is also his enemy.
"I'm sorry I kept this from you." I replied. "The time I was kidnapped by Dr. Wily, I was reprogrammed, and another system is added for his own special use. And Leila is that system. I had to tell you before it's too late."
"Well, it is close to being late." Bass said. "You see, Mega, Leila is on another assignment, a mission that won't guarantee her safety. She cared for you enough to tell you everything before everything you've worked for her goes up in the dust."
Mega didn't know what to say. Rush went forward to me. I knelt down, and patted the robotic dog's head. "I'm sorry Rush, things won't be the same from now on, I guess." I felt something cold yet warm trailed down my cheek. Lifting a hand, I realized that I was already crying.
I turned to Mega Man, working so hard not to break down in front of him. "Time will come, and we'll have to face each other in a battlefield, Mega. I'm sorry for everything." I walked towards Bass and told him four words before leaving. "This mission sucks, Bass."
END FLASHBACK
Those memories never left me. And I will carry that burden as long as I lived.
~~
Mai: This is the rewritten 3rd chapter. I'll be back for the other chapters, promise! Reviews please!
~~
CHAPTER III: JUST AS WHEN WE MEET...
~~
'It is just a dream...wake up Amber!'
"Zero!"
My eyes opened like they were exposed to light. Clutching my head, I noticed that my position is more upright, so the idea of lying down the floor after being unconscious beats it. Looking around, I realized that I'm lying inside a charging capsule, without the sliding glass doors, of course. I pull myself up to a sitting position as I surveyed the place around me, but it's too dark to even evaluate. But I manage to picture out a silhouette of a reploid walking towards me.
"Good day, Dr. Trasè." He greeted smoothly, before turning on the lights. I blinked as I saw him in front of me. Oh God, his features were like Mega Man's. He has blue armor, complete with his helmet, and emerald eyes. But I'm not one to be fooled. I saw Mega Man die, and no one is going to change the fact that he died and will never come back.
"Who are you?" I asked, reminding myself that I'm not in a familiar place. The place looks like a recharging bay. And it looks like it is inside a huge facility.
"My name is Mega Man X, but you can call me X," he answered, smiling. He stretched out a hand to me. "Nice to meet you."
His cheerfulness is tugging at my circuits. I accepted the hand. "Dr. Amber Trasè." I learned that sometimes, few words are better. After the handshake, I blinked. "How did I get here, X?"
"I was the one who fired that plasma shot." He replied, watching me as I went out of the capsule. "Well, Sigma retreated, and I found you unconscious on the ground, so I brought you here, to Maverick Hunter Headquarters. Your riding armor is relocated here at the hangar."
"Sigma..." The Greek name gives me the shivers. "Is that the name of the beat-up ass who tried to persuade me into that propagate or force thing?"
"Yeah." He answered. Tilting his head to one side, his face mirrored an inquisitive look. "You were having some sort of dream...about Zero?"
I looked at the side. If he knows, they'll label me as a Maverick, too. "More or less..."
Before X could reply, both of us sensed another presence coming. We looked at the direction, to see what that darn dream told me: Zero.
"Zero..."
He looked at me for a second, and the next thing is, he was wreathed in smiles. "Amber, is that you?"
I looked at X, and then at Zero. X was pretty confused. "Do you know each other?" he asked.
"I'm his sister." I replied without any thought.
"Zero's been the leader of Maverick Hunters since Sigma, who was the former Commander, became Maverick." X explained. I stared at Zero, pretty confused on what really happened. But I didn't give any damn at all. I ran up to him and hugged him.
"Oh Zero! I missed you!"
I could almost feel Zero grinning at my back. "Who couldn't?"
Well, so much for irony. I released him. "I think we have to talk." I looked at X, who was only looking at us. "Alone."
"Okay then." Zero nodded at X, who promptly obeyed and exited. But I'm damn sure he'll try to listen to what we're going to talk about, so I'd better keep a close eye and ear.
"Zero, can you remember anything before becoming a Hunter?" I asked, hoping that the answer would be yes, so that they could talk about the situation at hand.
"I don't think so, except for the fact that you're my sister." Zero answered. "I think seeing you rack the more or less sibling part of my memory core, I guess."
Well, so much for hoping. But I think it's for the best. "Well, I guess this is a good thing. You have a high reputation, and so do I. It is best not to know your past."
"Amber, what are you going to do now?"
"I have to go back to the Jeoffreye's. I need to finish my experiments, and stuff like that." I replied, sighing inwardly. "If you need any help or assistance, just call on me there."
He smiled, and hugged me. "Oh man, you're here for a moment, and then you'll be out like a bubble!"
I laughed. "Zero, don't let me worry about you." After he released me, I sighed. "You are more reliable than anyone. And if you worry about companionship, the Hunters are here, right? And not to mention X." I looked at the open door, which I'm sure is being leaned on by the cerulean reploid. "Even though I just met him, I have a feeling that you two will be best buds. If any problem arises, please do contact me."
I gave him one last smile before walking out of the Maverick Hunter Headquarters. Zero is strong enough to take care of himself, but I'm always nearby to lend him a hand. The help he will need is just beside him.
~~
After a few hours, I was able to made it back to the Jeoffreye's safe. If you could just imagine how Hazel was taking the situation! I gave out a cough. So, I went back to the laboratory, where I started my new research. Skimming through Ma'am Pearl's research-oriented references, I started on a formula that would somehow stop the effects of the Maverick Virus. I recall earlier when I was going outside the Maverick Hunter Headquarters that a voice called to me.
~~
FLASHBACK:
'Amber, do you remember me?' the voice asked, her tune ringing in my head. 'Black roses and pink carnations should never mix...'
"Leila..." I gasped, barely remembering the time when Leila produced a black rose among the pink carnations planted in front of the Robot Academy, causing the carnations around it to wilt. After a bit of research, I found out later on that the black rose has a very poisonous substance in it that was also present in Leila's blood. "I don't think this is the right time to talk."
'I understand, because somehow, I think my chip is getting warmer. Before I leave you on your own thoughts for a while, let me tell you that father placed a virus inside of you and Zero. However, Zero's virus somehow got cold. Yours will only activate if his virus is activated. See you...'
END of FLASHBACK
~~
I now know that I need to prolong the awakening of this virus if I want my future plans to work. Zero is still living under a rock, and I think that Sigma guy can put a few memories enough to trigger the virus.
But still, my research is of no good, since I have no past experience in working with a virus. I sat down on a chair while scanning a book.
But who would've guessed that there is a terrible crisis already going on? One of my spy flies went inside the room to give out a report. After taking Mechanics, I have been creating spy flies in order to locate Zero. But this is the first time they returned with some information.
But that information wasn't good news at all. When the projection was turned on, I saw a terrible battle happening between Mega Man X and some purple armored reploid with a T-mask covering his whole face. He is in this huge mecha, such as the one I made, only of a different variation. And on a side, I saw what I really don't want to see...
Zero was disabled, kneeling inside an electric cage. He was somehow shouting to X what to do or something. I closed my eyes, taking in the painful things that I don't want to intake, but I had to unfortunately. Opening them once again, I sighed, and took my light saber. Time to try to make up for the lost time!
~~
I don't know what really happened...wait; I think my memory is gaining enough to let me remember...
As I reached the fortress, all I remembered is a huge explosion. The next thing that happened, I was on the ground, shielding my face with my arms. Debris was flying at my general direction. I dreaded it.
I looked up, and glanced around. On the ground, I saw Zero, not in a good state. X is thrown to the ground, and the purple Maverick was standing, panting. I tried to move, but my feet are somewhat nonfunctional. I realized that I'm only a few meters away from Zero. With all the strength my upper body could muster, I crawled towards my brother. I didn't notice the next duel made by X and the Maverick.
Suddenly, my consciousness didn't hold much longer, and I was barely reaching him. And the world turned black.
~~
I didn't really know how I got to my feet again, but I know I'm no longer inside the Maverick fortress. When the memories came rushing back to me, the impact was so great that I could hardly stand on the thought. But I have to. I can't do anything now. I can't feel Zero's signal, and tha proves one thing: he's dead.
I just stand up to my feet and allowed my sense of direction to take me back to Dr. Jeoffreye's home. My mind continued to linger on those memories, even those that I had when I was still a robot...
FLASHBACK
Kakapo Park is the famous park during the era of robots. And it is one of the smallest places where nature is still present. I used to go here with Mega Man, until now. I sat down on the benches, waiting for him to arrive. Dr. Wily needs me in an experiment that won't guarantee if I could come back. So I have to talk to Mega Man while I'm still here.
I heard the familiar sound of Rush flying towards me. I saw the blue wonder on top of the red dog, and smiled. Mega Man sat down beside me, while Rush plays on the water fountain. The chiseled rock in the middle of the fountain is portrayed like Venus holding a jar, and water flows out of the jar.
"That's strange." Mega said. I looked at him. "You're earlier than me. That's a first."
"It is because I want to see the difference if I go here alone." I answered. "And when you're here with me."
"And what did you found out?"
I stared straight at the fountain. "I like it better when you're with me. The thoughts I have during my classes would go away for once. And I feel more comfortable when you're around." Rush jumped on my lap. "And Rush too." I added with a laugh.
"It is good to hear that." Mega fumbled with his hands. Silence reigned for a while until Rush growled. "What's up, boy?"
Both of us looked into the direction where Rush is barking at, and saw the one person who might just ruin my plan: Bass.
"Bass, what are you doing here?!" Mega Man demanded, confronting him.
Bass raised his hands in defeat. "I'm not here to fight, that's for sure." He looks at me. "I just want to take Amber now."
I think Mega Man got it all wrong and decided to point his buster at my brother. I have to stop it, somehow. I placed a hand on the buster. "No, Mega, don't."
Mega looked at me, surprised. "What is happening here, Amber?"
I stand up, and walked between Mega Man and Bass. "I should have told this to you a long time ago, but I never had the chance." I pressed the button on my wrist, and instantly, I changed into what happened to be a girl with shoulder length black hair and black eyes.
"Leila?!" I never thought I'd see Mega Man this shocked in his entire life. Seeing the one he cared for is also his enemy.
"I'm sorry I kept this from you." I replied. "The time I was kidnapped by Dr. Wily, I was reprogrammed, and another system is added for his own special use. And Leila is that system. I had to tell you before it's too late."
"Well, it is close to being late." Bass said. "You see, Mega, Leila is on another assignment, a mission that won't guarantee her safety. She cared for you enough to tell you everything before everything you've worked for her goes up in the dust."
Mega didn't know what to say. Rush went forward to me. I knelt down, and patted the robotic dog's head. "I'm sorry Rush, things won't be the same from now on, I guess." I felt something cold yet warm trailed down my cheek. Lifting a hand, I realized that I was already crying.
I turned to Mega Man, working so hard not to break down in front of him. "Time will come, and we'll have to face each other in a battlefield, Mega. I'm sorry for everything." I walked towards Bass and told him four words before leaving. "This mission sucks, Bass."
END FLASHBACK
Those memories never left me. And I will carry that burden as long as I lived.
~~
Mai: This is the rewritten 3rd chapter. I'll be back for the other chapters, promise! Reviews please!
