CHAPTER IV
I decided to go see my unit. They're training in the sim room. As I open the door, I saw a little than twenty recruits training at the very room. X told me earlier that the 18th Unit was badly damaged when Sigma turned Maverick. Their leader, Inamora, was killed during the attack. The 18th Unit is a spying team, getting information for the Hunters to have the upper hand. I went to the control tower and took the mic. "Hunters of the 18th Unit! Gather up!"
As fast as you can say PICACHU, the reploids ran in front and formed lines. I went down and inspected each and everyone. "Not bad." I walked in front of them. "Hunters! You know what your duty is when you're in the 18th Unit. You are to gather information from the Maverick activity, and help the other Units when they are on battle. Right now, we have to train for the rough roads ahead. I know there are oldies in this Unit. I sympathize for the death of your former leader, Inamora. She is one of the bravest women I met and heard about. And her teachings made you the best informants in the whole Hunter Base. You are going to help me train the newcomers, and we'll live up to her name. UNDERSTOOD?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"As for the new recruits," I turned to a specific area in the group. "Follow orders from the superiors. If someone commands you something you don't think is good, turn to me and I'll give permission. You got me?"
"Yes ma'am!"
I smiled and raised a fist. "So, let's train!"
The others raised their fists as well and shouted, before running through different obstacles. I stood there, pausing for a while, before walking towards one of the recruits wielding a saber and was fighting holograms. I recognized him as Edwin. I met him while he's signing up. He stopped fighting when he saw me and saluted. I returned the salute and ignited my own saber. "Edwin, watch. You don't swing a saber in a horizontal form when you're cramped. You may hit a fellow hunter with it." I demonstrated how to attack.
After the long training, I went to the Medical Ward and talked to some medics about a new strain. Later, I went to visit X on the recharging bay.
"Hey, X." I called. X woke from a nap. "Need someone to talk. I just got reunited with my brother, and now, they've taken him away from me. It makes my blood boil, and no one likes me if I can do so."
"It's life, Amber." X replied. "You ARE lucky. You met your brother. You had a family to turn to. Me.I'm just a old reploid whose family died years ago."
I looked at him for a moment, then shook my head. "Maverick Hunters is your family. It was your fate that you are a Hunter. And if you want to know what I have stored in this shit I called a brain, I'll be glad to share it with you."
X stared at me questioningly. For one thing, I know what this guy thinks. "I met your family, X. They were ONCE my family, too." He was really inquisitive. "Go on, X. Pop like a balloon."
He opened his mouth, but shut it back. He looks like Ace Ventura with a whale on his mouth. Then he clasped his hands on my shoulder. "Please, do tell me about them!"
I smiled. Somehow, this is going to be a good day.for X. "Let's talk about it in the cafeteria. I'm getting quite hungry." X sighed. I know he knows that every joy of his has a price, especially when he's dealing with a moron like me.
".and so.I ended up killing him." I said. X and I were talking about Mega. "Still, I can't remember why I couldn't stop myself.I want to slump down, but I can't. It's my pride.as a robot." I haven't told him about the growing relationship Mega and I have.
X looked sadly at one side. I sighed, and smiled. "Not all my life as a robot suck. There are lots of advantages when you're a robot. Like.being able to study hours without getting tired. Hehe.just kidding. Anyway.I." I stopped when I felt X's hand on top of mine. I drew a question mark on my face as he looked straight at me.my God, it seems like forever.but.it's not the same.I took my hand off of his and smiled. "X whatever you may be thinking right now.I think we'll talk about it later." I finished my coffee and stand up. I saluted at him and walked out of the cafeteria. I know he has feelings deep inside for me.but I have another per.robot who I share my passion with.Now, I'll settle a score with my half. Leila Wily.
I decided to go to the Mainframe Panel to link a system. There are lots of reploids here, including the Panel reploid coordinator, Farathine, or Fara. She's been working here since Sigma's time as a hunter. There was also Dennis, her brother, and Heather, the Panel executive. Fara leads the whole Mainframe. What she doesn't know that I know about her is that she's got a twin sister whose work is in the Information Center. Her name's Kelly. The 18th Unit send their information there for Dr. Cain to analyze. Anyway, I had bigger fish to fry. I approached Fara. "Ms. Farathine?"
The reploid wearing a black metal vest with shoulder-length brown hair in a yellow ponytail and green eyes looked at me for a split second, then stood up and saluted. I returned the salute gladly. "What made you come here, Commander?"
"I.have some things to clarify. Where's SS27?" SS27 is a room inside the MP that has some.unexplained elements. But what will be, will be.
"Yes. SS27 is this way." Fara led me through some of the hallways and in front of the SS27 door. "Take care." She left me pondering there. I shrugged and opened the door. Only experienced Hunters can go inside here, because if a stupid immature asshole ever poke his ugly head in here, he'll be as good as fried. Seeing my strong power in battle, equality to Zero's, I don't have problems getting inside, even though others still look to me like a rookie. I turned on the lights and looked at the control room, where Heather is sitting.
"Please sit on the chair in the middle of the room." She requested. I obeyed and sat on a recliner. Really.this is not a chair. This is more like a bed. "What is the opening code?"
"The code is 9S33AB66." I replied. "All letters capital. Get?"
"Starting sequence." Heather announced. "Please get ready, Commander. In 5.4.3."
I shut my eyes and concentrated. "2.1.sequence on." I heard no more, for I plunged into the darkness, where I contacted the one person that nearly killed me.my half, almost like a sister to me.Leila.
Leila.are.are you there? I began. If you can hear my voice, please answer.
To my surprise, she gave a reply. I sighed. What is it.Amber? You have to go to SS27 just to talk to such a bitch like me.
I smiled. Same old Leila. She never loses her sarcasm. Leila.I don't understand.I mean.my mission is to aid Zero, right?
Yes.and it'll always be. No matter what sides he switches on.
I see.but, what about the virus? Why do I have the same virus as Zero's?
You should've known that answer a long time ago. She answered. It is evidence that you and Zero are siblings of the same creator. And it is evidence that whatever happens to Zero, i.e. get killed or anything, you have full authority to finish what he's up to.
Somehow, a big question mark was marked on my face, but I understood. But.since Zero is dead.suddenly, Leila let out a sigh. What is it, Leila?
Amber.Zero's still alive.I can feel it.the signals are still very strong, but very weak.
.???
What I mean is.the virus is very powerful, and I could feel it, but Zero's vital signs are so weak, and I can only trace but a small part.Amber, you must find him as soon as possible.
I stopped and gave it thought. The only way of letting them know we're brother and sister is the virus. So I must be careful in answering their answer.Leila.I think I need a break. We'll talk again.
I'm not done yet, Amber Trasè.she crooned. I need to know a little more about that reploid that Light built. Mega Man X, right?
X.oh, he's okay. He's a little different from Mega Man, but the same heart nonetheless.a smile escaped my lips. You want him, don't you?
.I don't think I'll be interested in him.
Really, deep down in your heart, you're falling like crazy.
Bite me.
I smiled. Just make sure that you're the same. I'll say goodbye to you now, Leila.
Sure. Bye bye!
I then opened my eyes and I'm back at SS27. Heather looked at me. "Shall I close the simulation, Commander?"
"Yes, please." I stood up and walked out smoothly towards the recharging bay. I need a long nap. I stopped when I saw Middy, one of the computer maniacs, wearing green armor with added white on some particular portions of his armor, and two blue gems, one on his chest, and another located at his helmet, making him look like a million bucks. He's running towards me with papers on his hands.
"What's up, Middy?" I asked. "You seem like.uh, running bat."
"Commander." he started, taking exasperating breaths, then he handed me the papers. "Commander Arnold of 9th Unit Eagle's Eye wants you to read this. It's important that you must read this." I took the papers and scanned. According to the information gathered by the Unit's Commander himself, some minor attacks had been attacking in more places than one. The 8th and 9th Unit had a few casualties now and then, and the 17th Unit had bad times, because it's Commander, as always, Mega Man X, is fighting like hell to get Z back. I was requested to lead my group and make some sort of defense to keep them at bay while X's Unit goes crashing through the enemy bases.
"Thank you, Middy." I said, saluting. "I'd be more than glad to work on this. Please tell that to Commander Arnold."
"Yes, Commander!" he replied, saluting, then running out towards 9th Unit's quarters. I sighed. Time is going bad. I'm afraid I have to trust X in saving Zero.
I decided to go see my unit. They're training in the sim room. As I open the door, I saw a little than twenty recruits training at the very room. X told me earlier that the 18th Unit was badly damaged when Sigma turned Maverick. Their leader, Inamora, was killed during the attack. The 18th Unit is a spying team, getting information for the Hunters to have the upper hand. I went to the control tower and took the mic. "Hunters of the 18th Unit! Gather up!"
As fast as you can say PICACHU, the reploids ran in front and formed lines. I went down and inspected each and everyone. "Not bad." I walked in front of them. "Hunters! You know what your duty is when you're in the 18th Unit. You are to gather information from the Maverick activity, and help the other Units when they are on battle. Right now, we have to train for the rough roads ahead. I know there are oldies in this Unit. I sympathize for the death of your former leader, Inamora. She is one of the bravest women I met and heard about. And her teachings made you the best informants in the whole Hunter Base. You are going to help me train the newcomers, and we'll live up to her name. UNDERSTOOD?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"As for the new recruits," I turned to a specific area in the group. "Follow orders from the superiors. If someone commands you something you don't think is good, turn to me and I'll give permission. You got me?"
"Yes ma'am!"
I smiled and raised a fist. "So, let's train!"
The others raised their fists as well and shouted, before running through different obstacles. I stood there, pausing for a while, before walking towards one of the recruits wielding a saber and was fighting holograms. I recognized him as Edwin. I met him while he's signing up. He stopped fighting when he saw me and saluted. I returned the salute and ignited my own saber. "Edwin, watch. You don't swing a saber in a horizontal form when you're cramped. You may hit a fellow hunter with it." I demonstrated how to attack.
After the long training, I went to the Medical Ward and talked to some medics about a new strain. Later, I went to visit X on the recharging bay.
"Hey, X." I called. X woke from a nap. "Need someone to talk. I just got reunited with my brother, and now, they've taken him away from me. It makes my blood boil, and no one likes me if I can do so."
"It's life, Amber." X replied. "You ARE lucky. You met your brother. You had a family to turn to. Me.I'm just a old reploid whose family died years ago."
I looked at him for a moment, then shook my head. "Maverick Hunters is your family. It was your fate that you are a Hunter. And if you want to know what I have stored in this shit I called a brain, I'll be glad to share it with you."
X stared at me questioningly. For one thing, I know what this guy thinks. "I met your family, X. They were ONCE my family, too." He was really inquisitive. "Go on, X. Pop like a balloon."
He opened his mouth, but shut it back. He looks like Ace Ventura with a whale on his mouth. Then he clasped his hands on my shoulder. "Please, do tell me about them!"
I smiled. Somehow, this is going to be a good day.for X. "Let's talk about it in the cafeteria. I'm getting quite hungry." X sighed. I know he knows that every joy of his has a price, especially when he's dealing with a moron like me.
".and so.I ended up killing him." I said. X and I were talking about Mega. "Still, I can't remember why I couldn't stop myself.I want to slump down, but I can't. It's my pride.as a robot." I haven't told him about the growing relationship Mega and I have.
X looked sadly at one side. I sighed, and smiled. "Not all my life as a robot suck. There are lots of advantages when you're a robot. Like.being able to study hours without getting tired. Hehe.just kidding. Anyway.I." I stopped when I felt X's hand on top of mine. I drew a question mark on my face as he looked straight at me.my God, it seems like forever.but.it's not the same.I took my hand off of his and smiled. "X whatever you may be thinking right now.I think we'll talk about it later." I finished my coffee and stand up. I saluted at him and walked out of the cafeteria. I know he has feelings deep inside for me.but I have another per.robot who I share my passion with.Now, I'll settle a score with my half. Leila Wily.
I decided to go to the Mainframe Panel to link a system. There are lots of reploids here, including the Panel reploid coordinator, Farathine, or Fara. She's been working here since Sigma's time as a hunter. There was also Dennis, her brother, and Heather, the Panel executive. Fara leads the whole Mainframe. What she doesn't know that I know about her is that she's got a twin sister whose work is in the Information Center. Her name's Kelly. The 18th Unit send their information there for Dr. Cain to analyze. Anyway, I had bigger fish to fry. I approached Fara. "Ms. Farathine?"
The reploid wearing a black metal vest with shoulder-length brown hair in a yellow ponytail and green eyes looked at me for a split second, then stood up and saluted. I returned the salute gladly. "What made you come here, Commander?"
"I.have some things to clarify. Where's SS27?" SS27 is a room inside the MP that has some.unexplained elements. But what will be, will be.
"Yes. SS27 is this way." Fara led me through some of the hallways and in front of the SS27 door. "Take care." She left me pondering there. I shrugged and opened the door. Only experienced Hunters can go inside here, because if a stupid immature asshole ever poke his ugly head in here, he'll be as good as fried. Seeing my strong power in battle, equality to Zero's, I don't have problems getting inside, even though others still look to me like a rookie. I turned on the lights and looked at the control room, where Heather is sitting.
"Please sit on the chair in the middle of the room." She requested. I obeyed and sat on a recliner. Really.this is not a chair. This is more like a bed. "What is the opening code?"
"The code is 9S33AB66." I replied. "All letters capital. Get?"
"Starting sequence." Heather announced. "Please get ready, Commander. In 5.4.3."
I shut my eyes and concentrated. "2.1.sequence on." I heard no more, for I plunged into the darkness, where I contacted the one person that nearly killed me.my half, almost like a sister to me.Leila.
Leila.are.are you there? I began. If you can hear my voice, please answer.
To my surprise, she gave a reply. I sighed. What is it.Amber? You have to go to SS27 just to talk to such a bitch like me.
I smiled. Same old Leila. She never loses her sarcasm. Leila.I don't understand.I mean.my mission is to aid Zero, right?
Yes.and it'll always be. No matter what sides he switches on.
I see.but, what about the virus? Why do I have the same virus as Zero's?
You should've known that answer a long time ago. She answered. It is evidence that you and Zero are siblings of the same creator. And it is evidence that whatever happens to Zero, i.e. get killed or anything, you have full authority to finish what he's up to.
Somehow, a big question mark was marked on my face, but I understood. But.since Zero is dead.suddenly, Leila let out a sigh. What is it, Leila?
Amber.Zero's still alive.I can feel it.the signals are still very strong, but very weak.
.???
What I mean is.the virus is very powerful, and I could feel it, but Zero's vital signs are so weak, and I can only trace but a small part.Amber, you must find him as soon as possible.
I stopped and gave it thought. The only way of letting them know we're brother and sister is the virus. So I must be careful in answering their answer.Leila.I think I need a break. We'll talk again.
I'm not done yet, Amber Trasè.she crooned. I need to know a little more about that reploid that Light built. Mega Man X, right?
X.oh, he's okay. He's a little different from Mega Man, but the same heart nonetheless.a smile escaped my lips. You want him, don't you?
.I don't think I'll be interested in him.
Really, deep down in your heart, you're falling like crazy.
Bite me.
I smiled. Just make sure that you're the same. I'll say goodbye to you now, Leila.
Sure. Bye bye!
I then opened my eyes and I'm back at SS27. Heather looked at me. "Shall I close the simulation, Commander?"
"Yes, please." I stood up and walked out smoothly towards the recharging bay. I need a long nap. I stopped when I saw Middy, one of the computer maniacs, wearing green armor with added white on some particular portions of his armor, and two blue gems, one on his chest, and another located at his helmet, making him look like a million bucks. He's running towards me with papers on his hands.
"What's up, Middy?" I asked. "You seem like.uh, running bat."
"Commander." he started, taking exasperating breaths, then he handed me the papers. "Commander Arnold of 9th Unit Eagle's Eye wants you to read this. It's important that you must read this." I took the papers and scanned. According to the information gathered by the Unit's Commander himself, some minor attacks had been attacking in more places than one. The 8th and 9th Unit had a few casualties now and then, and the 17th Unit had bad times, because it's Commander, as always, Mega Man X, is fighting like hell to get Z back. I was requested to lead my group and make some sort of defense to keep them at bay while X's Unit goes crashing through the enemy bases.
"Thank you, Middy." I said, saluting. "I'd be more than glad to work on this. Please tell that to Commander Arnold."
"Yes, Commander!" he replied, saluting, then running out towards 9th Unit's quarters. I sighed. Time is going bad. I'm afraid I have to trust X in saving Zero.
