Megaman Zero,episode 4: Fear factory
*opening sequence*
Ciel: Cerveau & I analized Zero & let him rest for the night. The next day,Zero returned to the lab to find his backup data,only to discover that it was stolen by Neo Arcadia's webmaster,Maha Ganeshariff. He also found the body of Milan. Zero dueled Maha for his data & won,but as he was retrieving it,the lab began to explode & he had to abort the download & allow Ganeshariff to escape. Zero could have teleported out,but he made a run for the transerver instead so he could bring back Milan for a proper funeral. I thought for sure he would be destroyed,but he made it back safe & Milan was cremated with full honours. I suppose now I can move on...
*Enter Neo Arcadian command center*
Maha: Our best intelligence indicates that the resistance's base of operations is somewhere in the ruins of Megopolis. We have yet to confirm where in the city they are.
X: I see. Have any recomendations,Datamaster Ganeshariff?
Maha: We could send drones to sweep the city looking for them,but that could take some time,& it would be rather costly.
X: Do you have any alternatives?
Maha: Possibly. If we can capture a resistance member,perhaps we can...coerce them to reveal the location of the base.
X: X-elent! Hmm...I've got it! *Turns on the communications console* Commander! Come in!
Commander: Commander here. What do you request of me,Master X?
X: I want you to move half the drones patrolling the energeon encapsulation plant on the outskirts of Megopolis out of there.
Commander: But...sir,if we do that we could leave ourselves open to an attack!
X: X-actly...
*Inside the resistnce base,Zero is walking down to the energeon storage room,where a purple haired female reploid is standing*
Zero: Hey,your name is Mary,right?
Mari: Actually,it's Mari.
Zero: Oh,sorry.
Mari: It's all right. Can I do something for,Hero...*googoo eyes*
Zero: Actually,it's Zero.
Mari: Oh,sorry...teehee...
Zero: Um...right. Anyway,I need some energeon. See,I found this cyber elf---
Mari: Sorry,no can do. Our stock is running low. We barely have enough for the troops as it is.
Zero: But I---
Mari: I'm sorry...mabye I can make it up to you...some other way?
Zero: Huh?
*Enter Ciel*
Ciel: Mari---
Mari: OH! Ciel,I can explain! I wasn't trying to---
Ciel: What are you talking about? How are the energeon supplies?
Mari: Oh...uh,still low,I'm afraid. We have to raid another warehouse. And soon.
Ciel: I see. Alright,carry on.*walks away*
Zero: See ya later! Hey,Ciel wait up!*chases after Ciel* So,what's up?
Ciel: My blood pressure. This situation is bad,Zero. Very bad. We need more energeon.
Zero: Don't worry. I'll be able to pull of that raid. Just watch me.
Ciel: Oh Zero...it's not that simple. We can't remain dependant on energeon crystals. We need to find a new energy source.
Zero: How?
Ciel: I have some theories,but...I suppose we will need to make a few more raids before that'll ever happen.
Zero: Just tell me where & when.
Ciel: Not right now,but soon.*they step onto the elevator*
Zero: Man...Mari sure is weird.
Ciel: Why do you say that?
Zero: She was looking at me real funny &...if I didn't know better I'd say---
Ciel: She was coming on to you?
Zero: Yeah.
Ciel: Is that so? Hmm...
Zero: I just don't get it.
Ciel: What?
Zero: Why any Reploid would have those sorts of feelings. What's the point? We can't breed,so why bother being attracted to anything?
Ciel: I guess because...no matter what kind of body it's in,a soul still craves love & romance. Don't you ever feel...you know,fond of anybody?
Zero: Well...*elevator stops* Oh geez,here's my floor. See ya!
Ciel: Zero...
*Zero arives in his room to find Cerveau sitting on Zero's couch*
Cerveau: Oh good,you're home. I was just about to go looking for you. And when'd you get a couch in here,anyway?
Zero: I found it. What're you doing in my room?
Cerveau: I wanted to give you something.
Zero: *thinking*Sweet lord,I hope this has nothing to do with what Ciel was talking about...
Cerveau: I discovered something in the data fragments you got. Its a converter program for your beam sword. It will allow it extend into a polearm!
Zero: The Z-Polearm? Hmm...
Cerveau: Yeah,not much of a ring to it,is there? I know! We'll call it the Triple rod,because it can extend to triple its length.
Zero: Cool. Let's have it.
Cerveau: Alright,hand over the sword.
Zero: Here.*gives Cerveau the beam sword*
Cerveau: *Inserts something into the sword* That should do it. Try it out.*gives it back*
Zero: *extends the Triple rod* Nifty! *Swings it around,nearly hitting Cerveau*
Cerveau: HEY!! Watch where you're pointing that thing! You could put an eye out!
Zero: So? I'll just get a new one.
*Just then Dande bursts in*
Dande: Cerveau! Zero! Come quick! Something bad's happened!
*Enter a big room in the basement. Ibu is passed out in the doorway & a bunch of other reploids including Zero,Cerveau,Dande,Mari & Jay are crowded around*
Jay: One minute I was just standin' here talking to Ibu,the next he's doing his impresion of a sack of Idahos!
Cerveau: He's gone into emergency stasis! His system must be low on power. Quick,get him some energeon,stat!
Mari: We...can't. There's none left...none at all...
*A gasp of shock comes up from the crowd*
Dande: No more?! But...
Soldier: No more energeon?! Well who had the last capsule?
Mari: I think it was...Jay. He took the last two.
Soldier: TWO?!! Is that so? Mabye I can get it back! Come here,you pig!
Jay: H-h-hey,now let's not be too hasty here...
Soldier: GRRRR!!!!!*lunges at Jay*
Another soldier: *Steps in his comrade's path* Woah! Slow down there,Shadrak! You don't wanna do something you'll end up regretting.
Shadrak: Out of my way,Mishaq! *Punches Mishaq out*
Smaller soldier: Rak?!! What's goten into you?
Shadrak: Shut up,Abendigo!*pushes him aside*
Jay: Yikes!
Shadrak: You're next you little f---
Zero: *Points the Z-magnum at Shadrak* Stand down or I'll put you down!
Cerveau: Look at this...look at what you've become. Attacking your own comrades.
Mari: Why do this?! We'll get more energeon soon,won't we,guys?
Dande: What would Milan say,huh?
Shadrak: You!...you're right...Mishaq? You ok?
Mishaq: Ow...damn...Yeah,I think so.
Shadrak: I'm sorry...just leave me alone,Ok?
Mishaq: No prob.
Abendigo: Yeah,I guess. But that still doesn't fix the problem with the energeon...
Zero: That's it! Everybody,listen up! Tomorow I'm going on a raid! I'll get all the energeon you need & then some!
All: Yay!!! Hooray for Zero!!!
Dande: How you gonna pull it off,Zero?
Zero: How the Hell should I know?
*The next day,Zero is with Ciel in her office*
Zero: So,where's an energeon warehouse?
Ciel: Actually,I had a bigger target in mind.
Zero: Oh?
Ciel: We recently got a transmission from one of our scout teams. It seems that Neo Arcadia has been moving troops away from one of the buildings they're using on the outskirts of the city. With their guard decreased it could be a perfect time to strike!
Zero: Why would they be doing that?
Ciel: There's been talk of a huge uprising in South America. They're probably diverting their forces there.
Zero: And what sort of building is this?
Ciel: An energeon processing plant. If we can pull this job off,our people will never go hungry again!
Zero: That's great!!! When do I start?
Ciel: First thing we need to do is find you some backup. Even if the guard is reduced,it's still heavily protected,& there could be traps. I'll send for someone.*gets on the com system* Calling team 5! Report to my office on the double!
Zero: Team 5?
Ciel: They're good at infiltration. They should be a great help.
*Shadrak,Mishaq & Abendigo enter*
Zero: Hey! *points at Shadrak* You're the guy that started the fight last night!
Ciel: Fight?
Zero: Yeah. This guy was gonna rough up Jay for taking the last of the energeon,then the other two tried to stop him,so he roughed up them instead.
Ciel: Rak? Is this true?
Rak: Well...yeah...But he didn't have to threaten to shoot me!
Ciel: Zero?! You did what?! ...Look,we don't have time for this. We need to make a plan.
Rak: Easy for you to say,human! You're not the one who's being forced to run on fumes!
Shaq: Hey,hey,hey. Look,we're all gonna get more energeon after this,so just hear the lady out,would ya?
Rak: ...fine.
Ciel: Good. Now that that's settled,let's get down to buisness. The fastest way to the factory is by subway. There's a station several blocks from here. A train comes through everyday at 3 'oclock sharp carrying raw crystals from the mines to be processed at the plant. The station is guarded,but you should be able to get around the guards if you use the underground maintenance tunnels to reach the station. There's an entrance not far from the base. Once you reach the station you must board the train & it will take you to the factory. The only problem is it doesn't stop. You'll have to board it while moving. Got that?
Zero: No prob.
Rak: Piece of cake.
Shaq: I can dig it.
Benny: Oh dear...
*Enter a tunnel somewhere underground. Two X drones are walking around when they stop to listen to approaching voices...*
Rak*off screen*: Are you sure we're going the right way?
Shaq*also of screen*: Well whaddaya want me to do? Stop & ask directions from a drone?
Benny*you guessed it,off screen*: Please don't talk about the drones...please...
Rak*still off screen*: Oh,what's the matter? Is li'l Benny scared of the mean ol' X drones?
Benny*o/s*: Hey! I just don't think---
*Rak,Shaq & Benny walk right into where the X drones are standing*
Benny: Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!
Rak: Oh crap,we've been spotted!!
*The X drones level their guns at them & prepare to fire but then a sudden flash of green light goes right across both their necks. The two stand motionless for a few seconds & then both their heads fall off & their bodies keel over,leaving Zero standing behind the carcasses*
Shaq: Nice work,Zero.
Zero: Couldn't have done it without you guys. Come on,I think I hear the train coming.
*They arrive on the platform as the train is barreling towards them*
Zero: Here goes nothing.*jumps on the train*
Rak: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!*jumps on*
Shaq: Geronimo!!!*jumps on*
Benny: Hang on,guys! I'm coming!! Haaaaaaaa!!!*jumps,but falls short & the train keeps going*
Shaq: Benny!!!
Rak: You idiot!!!
Zero: We gotta help him!*Runs for the back of the train as Rak & Shaq follow*
Benny: *Running after the train* Guys!! Help!!!
Shaq: How're we gonna get him up here?
Zero: Hmm...I've got it! *extends the triple rod without the blade* Grab on! Quick!!
Benny: I don't think I can!!
Zero: YOU HAVE TO!!!
Benny: I HAVE TOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!*dashes forward & grabs the rod*
Zero: Erk! I...gotcha!*Pulls him in*
Benny: *Pant*...*pant*...Thank you Zero.
Zero: No problem.
Rak: *Grabs Benny by the throat* You little shit!!! Do you realize you almost fucked up the whole mission!!! Give me one good reason not to throw you back down there!!!
Benny: GACK!!! Help!
Shaq: Rak!! Da' Hell you think you're doin'?
Zero: Put the kid down,Rak.
Rak: But he---
Zero: I don't care! You're going to put him down,NOW!!!
Rak: Alright,fine. *Drops Benny* I guess fags gotta look out for each other. Nobody else will...
Zero: Oh really? Do fags also bust dumbasses' positronic braincases open? 'Cause that's what I'm gonna do to you if you don't cut this crap out!
Rak: Whatever.*walks to front of the train*
Zero: Man...why's that guy got such a chip on his shoulder? No way this has anything to do with the energeon.
Shaq: He used to be a nice guy,you know...you don't know what he's been through.
Zero: Oh?
Shaq: Shadrak used to have a girlfriend. Her name was Melanie & they were never apart...untill she was KIA'd last month.
Zero: Oh man...
Shaq: Yeah. He's been going off at everybody ever since.
Benny: Especially me...it was my fault she died...I was right next to her...I could've pushed her out of the way...
Shaq: Don't say that,man! Don't you say that!
Benny: Why? It's true!
Zero: ...
*The train comes to a stop*
Zero: We're here.
*Outside the factory,two Guard dog drones sit. They both sit up,sniff at the air & then run off screen. The sound of a beam sabre rings out & then the dog's heads roll back on screen,followed by Zero,Rak,Shaq & Benny*
Zero: Mabye we should split up.
Rak: Great. Then it will take them twice as long to kill us all.
Shaq: Me & Benny'll go through that air vent up there,ok?
Zero: Fine. I prefer the direct approach,anyway. Rak? You coming?
Rak: I guess...
Zero: We'll meet up once we're inside. See you guys later.
Shaq: Later.*He & Benny begin climbing a cooling tower*
Zero: Let's get to work.
Rak: Yeah,whatever.
*Zero & Rak walk in through the main entrance & find a mess of laser targeting grids & hundreds of Arachnodrones & Minitank drones*
Zero: Well shit...
*Meanwhile,Shaq & Benny bust into the air vent & find a fan staring them in the face,blocking the way*
Benny: How're we going to get past this?
Shaq: *Blows the fan to bits* That's how.
*Enter the other side of the ventilation shaft. The grate bursts open & Shaq & Benny come out*
Benny: So what now?
Shaq: Now we---
*A dark shadow looms over the two of them*
Shaq: Oh,son of a bitch...
*Downstairs where Zero & Rak are*
Rak: I'm going in!
Zero: Hold on,cowboy...*picks up a rock off the ground* Let's see what we're up against...*hucks the rock into a targeting grid,where it gets blown to dust by lasers* This is going to take some effort. *Zero ducks under the first set of laser beams & sticks a minitak with the triple rod. An Aracnodrone aproaches,but Zero blasts it with his gun* You coming?
Rak: Just watch me.*Walks right into a targeting grid*
Zero: What are you doing?!!
*Just as the guns fire,Rak jumps forward as the beams make a huge hole in the floor*
Rak: Let's kill!!!!
*Zero & Rak rush through the place,killing drone left & right & dodging blasts untill all the drones are dead*
Zero: Alright! Now to find...what is that?
*A cyber elf floats up from the wreckage*
Zero: Hey! Another cyber elf!
Rak: Oh god...not another of these friggin' pokemon...
Zero: Hey there,li'l fella. You got any special powers I could use?
Birsky: Da. I am Birsky. I can save you from long fall.
Zero: Nifty. Into the container you go.
*Zero & Rak reach the next floor*
Rak: Where the Hell are those two?
Zero: They should be around here somewhere. I'll try calling them...*tries the comlink* Comlink's dead. Hello?!!! Anybody there?!!!
???: Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
Rak: What was that?!
Zero: Whatever it was,I'm willing to bet it's the reason why Shaq & Benny aren't here. Let's go after it.
Rak: Why bother. It probably killed them...
Zero: No. I don't think so. Look around. No scattered components,no spilt mech fluids. No signs of death at all.
Rak: What if they were vaporized?
Zero: I doubt it. There are no burnmarks. They must've been captured. Shit! If they were captured...NO!!!!
Rak: What?
Zero: Don't you see? This...this was a setup!!! They reduced the guard to lure us in here so they could capture us & learn the location of the base!!!
Rak: Goddamnit! We played right into their hands!!
Zero: Well,what are you waiting for? We have to go after them. Come on,I think that sound came from this direction!*Heads off down a hall*
Rak: Right behind you.
*The hall comes to an end at the top of an elevator shaft*
Zero: *examines the broken,useless elevator buttons* Well now what?
Rak: Stand back! *Opens fire on the buttons & the elevator goes down*
Zero: How'd you do that?
Rak: No time to explain,come on! *Jumps on the elevator & Zero follows*
Zero: Uh oh.
*A bunch of Arachnodrones & Minitanks come down the shaft after them. Zero slashes a few & Rak blasts the others. The elevator hits bottom & the two of them get off & climb up a ladder,only to find a yawning chasm in front of them*
Zero: What the yellow devil?!!
Rak: *Peers down into the pit* It's a looooong way down...
Zero: What is all that stuff down there? *points to the glittery stuff covering the floor of the pit*
Rak: Raw energeon. If the drop doesn't smash you then the electromagnetic radiation will fry your circuits. It's harmless to organic creatures,but fatal to us robots. Ironic,isn't it,that our main powersource can kill us...
Zero: There'll be time for morose,gothic musings later. I think we can hitch a ride on one of those.*points to the carry drones lifting boxes of crystal out of the pit* Provided we don't stay on for too long.
Rak: Ladies first.
Zero: Ha freakin' ha.*Jumps onto a carrier* Urk...*his armour starts sparking,ala the guys in Beast wars*...ahh...just a little...hey...wait...*gets out his cyber elf container* Turbo!
Turbo: *Pops out* Yeah?
Zero: Can...can you...ahh...h...handle raw...gah...energeon?
Turbo: Can I? Sure!
Zero: Then...dig...in!
*Turbo jumps in the container & starts devouring the crystals*
Zero: Woah! Hey,that's...it's reducing the radiation...keep it up!
Turbo: *Cleans out the whole box* Whew! Man was I hungry! *Turbo starts glowing & changes into his evolved form* Cool!
Zero: I'll say! Now are you going to...
Turbo: Oh,right! I guess so. My whole life has been leading up to this,& now it's time to take my place in your acceleration system! Yahoo!!!*turns into energy & enters Zero*
Zero: Woah! Well...let's see if that worked...*dashes off the carry drone & hits the wall on the other side of the pit,climbs up & reaches a ladder* Amazing. *Runs at lightning speed through a field of electrical conduits shooting electricity at him* Woo!! I am---*another bolt of electricity knocks him over the edge back into the pit* AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Birsky: *Gets out of the container* I'll save you comrade!!!*spins around Zero,creating an energy field that lifts him up & brings him back to the platform he was on & then dissapears*
Zero: Yikes...I hope I never do that again. *jumps to another wall & goes up to the next level,where he finds Shaq & Benny frozen in a block of ice* Oh my god! Rak? Come in Rak!
Rak: Yeah?
Zero: Where are you?
Rak: I'm right where you left me.
Zero: What? Look,I found Shaq & Benny...they're trapped in ice!
Rak: Ice? What the?
Zero: I dunno...
*Suddenly,a dark shadow looms behind Zero*
???: Grr...
Zero: Yaaa!! *Ducks out of the way just in time to avoid a blast of flame from one of the fearsome hydra's heads*
Mysterious voice: Hehehe...
Zero: Huh?
*The Hydra projects a 3d hologram in the form of X*
X: Hahaha! Zero! I was hoping you'd show up!
Zero: Who?
X: You mean you don't recognize your own best friend? I'm hurt.
Zero: You are not my friend. You are a traitor to your kind who's trying to kill me & the people I care for. I hate you!!! I'll kill you!!!
X: Of course you will! I know your true nature! You can't hide from me,maverick! Now,tell me the location of your base or I'll kill you & your friends.
Zero: NEVER!!!!!!!!! *Slashes off one of Hydra's fire breathing heads* After I slag this abomination,you're next!!
X: Hehehehehe!!!
*A new head is lowered down from the ceiling to replace the one Zero cut off*
Zero: What?!
X: Don't you know anything? You can't fight a hydra by chopping off its heads,you moron!
*The hydra freezes Zero with it ice heads & then a null head smashes the ice block & chews Zero up & spits him out*
Zero: Aahhhhh!!!
X: Hahaha! X-elent!
*A thunder head shocks Zero*
Zero: Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
X: Now,to X-act revenge for all the innocents you have---
Rak: YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!*Jumps on the hydra*
X: What the fuck?!!!
Zero: Rak?!! What're you---
Rak: Zero!! Get outta here! I'll finish this beast!
*Zero charges out of the room & down the wall above the pit*
X: After him!!
*The hydra crashes through the wall & the floor with Shadrak still clinging to it's back*
Shadrak: Zero!!! Tell everybody back at the base...I'm sorry I was such a jerk!!! I let my loss harden my heart...I'm sorry...
Zero: Shadrak! Wait!
Shadrak: I'm gonna self destruct! It's the only way to bring this monster down!
Zero: Don't do it,Shadrak!
X: Would you knock it off & just let this loony kill himself already?!
Shadrack: I'm coming,Melanie!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*Blows up,taking the Hydra's rear section with him*
X: Argh! Damn you both!!!*hologram dissapears*
Zero: SHADRAK!!!
*With it's engines gone,the Hydra drops straight down into the energeon pit,where the radiation renders it permanently offline*
Zero: ...Damn fool...damn heroic fool...
*Back in the hyrda's chamber,Zero pulls a flame chip out of the head he cut off & inserts it,then uses his flaming beam sword to melt through Shaq & Benny's icy cage*
Benny: C-c-c-c-c-c-cold...
Shaq: W-w-w-what...h-h-happened?
Zero: We cleared out every last enemy. This plant is ours.
Shaq: Y-y-yes!
Benny: W-w-w-what about...Rak?
Zero: He's...gone. He self detonated to bring down the Hydra...
Shaq: No...
Benny: I don't believe it. He really did care...
Ciel*over the comlink*: Zero? Are you there?
Zero: Zero here.
Ciel: What is your status?
Zero: Mission acomplished...one casualty. Requesting permission to return to base.
*Later that night,the resistance is throwing a party in the breakroom. Cerveau is serving drinks at the bar various reploids including Dande,Ibu,Jay & even Alouette are dancing to some funky dance remixes of various MM level tunes & Shaq & Benny are drinking to Shadrak's memory. Zero walks in & Mari comes up to him*
Mari: Zero! Hi! Would you like to dance with me?
Zero: No...thank you,but I'm just not in the mood. I'm sorry.
Mari: Oh...ok. Mabye another time.
Zero: Yeah,mabye.*sees Ciel sitting at a table & sits down with her* Hey.
Ciel: Hey,Zero. Listen...I can't thank you enough for what you've done...all of you,especially Shadrak.
Zero: Yeah...speaking of which...Mishaq told me about him & Melanie.
Ciel: Oh?
Zero: It got me to thinking. He got very attached to her & when she died...it destroyed him. And then I remembered what you said yesterday...
Ciel: What are you saying?
Zero: I guess what I'm saying is...that no matter how much you want to be close to somebody,at times like these...it's best not to get too attached.
Ciel: And...why are you telling me this?
Zero: Because ever since I met you,you've done nothing but say nice things to me & show me concern & compassion. You're getting too attached,Ciel. And you have to stop...because I'm worried I might get attached,too.
Ciel: Zero,I'm...
Zero: Goodnight,Ciel.*gets up & leaves*
Ciel: ...Goodnight,Zero.*takes a sip from her drink*
*Roll credits*
Unknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
Alouette decides she needs more excitement in her life & Zero attempts to hijack a Neo Arcadian transport carrying a mysterious cyber elf. Will Alouette survive the hazards of the slums with her new friend,Donnie? And what about our beloved Scarlet Samurai?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 5: Last train to the scrapheap!
*opening sequence*
Ciel: Cerveau & I analized Zero & let him rest for the night. The next day,Zero returned to the lab to find his backup data,only to discover that it was stolen by Neo Arcadia's webmaster,Maha Ganeshariff. He also found the body of Milan. Zero dueled Maha for his data & won,but as he was retrieving it,the lab began to explode & he had to abort the download & allow Ganeshariff to escape. Zero could have teleported out,but he made a run for the transerver instead so he could bring back Milan for a proper funeral. I thought for sure he would be destroyed,but he made it back safe & Milan was cremated with full honours. I suppose now I can move on...
*Enter Neo Arcadian command center*
Maha: Our best intelligence indicates that the resistance's base of operations is somewhere in the ruins of Megopolis. We have yet to confirm where in the city they are.
X: I see. Have any recomendations,Datamaster Ganeshariff?
Maha: We could send drones to sweep the city looking for them,but that could take some time,& it would be rather costly.
X: Do you have any alternatives?
Maha: Possibly. If we can capture a resistance member,perhaps we can...coerce them to reveal the location of the base.
X: X-elent! Hmm...I've got it! *Turns on the communications console* Commander! Come in!
Commander: Commander here. What do you request of me,Master X?
X: I want you to move half the drones patrolling the energeon encapsulation plant on the outskirts of Megopolis out of there.
Commander: But...sir,if we do that we could leave ourselves open to an attack!
X: X-actly...
*Inside the resistnce base,Zero is walking down to the energeon storage room,where a purple haired female reploid is standing*
Zero: Hey,your name is Mary,right?
Mari: Actually,it's Mari.
Zero: Oh,sorry.
Mari: It's all right. Can I do something for,Hero...*googoo eyes*
Zero: Actually,it's Zero.
Mari: Oh,sorry...teehee...
Zero: Um...right. Anyway,I need some energeon. See,I found this cyber elf---
Mari: Sorry,no can do. Our stock is running low. We barely have enough for the troops as it is.
Zero: But I---
Mari: I'm sorry...mabye I can make it up to you...some other way?
Zero: Huh?
*Enter Ciel*
Ciel: Mari---
Mari: OH! Ciel,I can explain! I wasn't trying to---
Ciel: What are you talking about? How are the energeon supplies?
Mari: Oh...uh,still low,I'm afraid. We have to raid another warehouse. And soon.
Ciel: I see. Alright,carry on.*walks away*
Zero: See ya later! Hey,Ciel wait up!*chases after Ciel* So,what's up?
Ciel: My blood pressure. This situation is bad,Zero. Very bad. We need more energeon.
Zero: Don't worry. I'll be able to pull of that raid. Just watch me.
Ciel: Oh Zero...it's not that simple. We can't remain dependant on energeon crystals. We need to find a new energy source.
Zero: How?
Ciel: I have some theories,but...I suppose we will need to make a few more raids before that'll ever happen.
Zero: Just tell me where & when.
Ciel: Not right now,but soon.*they step onto the elevator*
Zero: Man...Mari sure is weird.
Ciel: Why do you say that?
Zero: She was looking at me real funny &...if I didn't know better I'd say---
Ciel: She was coming on to you?
Zero: Yeah.
Ciel: Is that so? Hmm...
Zero: I just don't get it.
Ciel: What?
Zero: Why any Reploid would have those sorts of feelings. What's the point? We can't breed,so why bother being attracted to anything?
Ciel: I guess because...no matter what kind of body it's in,a soul still craves love & romance. Don't you ever feel...you know,fond of anybody?
Zero: Well...*elevator stops* Oh geez,here's my floor. See ya!
Ciel: Zero...
*Zero arives in his room to find Cerveau sitting on Zero's couch*
Cerveau: Oh good,you're home. I was just about to go looking for you. And when'd you get a couch in here,anyway?
Zero: I found it. What're you doing in my room?
Cerveau: I wanted to give you something.
Zero: *thinking*Sweet lord,I hope this has nothing to do with what Ciel was talking about...
Cerveau: I discovered something in the data fragments you got. Its a converter program for your beam sword. It will allow it extend into a polearm!
Zero: The Z-Polearm? Hmm...
Cerveau: Yeah,not much of a ring to it,is there? I know! We'll call it the Triple rod,because it can extend to triple its length.
Zero: Cool. Let's have it.
Cerveau: Alright,hand over the sword.
Zero: Here.*gives Cerveau the beam sword*
Cerveau: *Inserts something into the sword* That should do it. Try it out.*gives it back*
Zero: *extends the Triple rod* Nifty! *Swings it around,nearly hitting Cerveau*
Cerveau: HEY!! Watch where you're pointing that thing! You could put an eye out!
Zero: So? I'll just get a new one.
*Just then Dande bursts in*
Dande: Cerveau! Zero! Come quick! Something bad's happened!
*Enter a big room in the basement. Ibu is passed out in the doorway & a bunch of other reploids including Zero,Cerveau,Dande,Mari & Jay are crowded around*
Jay: One minute I was just standin' here talking to Ibu,the next he's doing his impresion of a sack of Idahos!
Cerveau: He's gone into emergency stasis! His system must be low on power. Quick,get him some energeon,stat!
Mari: We...can't. There's none left...none at all...
*A gasp of shock comes up from the crowd*
Dande: No more?! But...
Soldier: No more energeon?! Well who had the last capsule?
Mari: I think it was...Jay. He took the last two.
Soldier: TWO?!! Is that so? Mabye I can get it back! Come here,you pig!
Jay: H-h-hey,now let's not be too hasty here...
Soldier: GRRRR!!!!!*lunges at Jay*
Another soldier: *Steps in his comrade's path* Woah! Slow down there,Shadrak! You don't wanna do something you'll end up regretting.
Shadrak: Out of my way,Mishaq! *Punches Mishaq out*
Smaller soldier: Rak?!! What's goten into you?
Shadrak: Shut up,Abendigo!*pushes him aside*
Jay: Yikes!
Shadrak: You're next you little f---
Zero: *Points the Z-magnum at Shadrak* Stand down or I'll put you down!
Cerveau: Look at this...look at what you've become. Attacking your own comrades.
Mari: Why do this?! We'll get more energeon soon,won't we,guys?
Dande: What would Milan say,huh?
Shadrak: You!...you're right...Mishaq? You ok?
Mishaq: Ow...damn...Yeah,I think so.
Shadrak: I'm sorry...just leave me alone,Ok?
Mishaq: No prob.
Abendigo: Yeah,I guess. But that still doesn't fix the problem with the energeon...
Zero: That's it! Everybody,listen up! Tomorow I'm going on a raid! I'll get all the energeon you need & then some!
All: Yay!!! Hooray for Zero!!!
Dande: How you gonna pull it off,Zero?
Zero: How the Hell should I know?
*The next day,Zero is with Ciel in her office*
Zero: So,where's an energeon warehouse?
Ciel: Actually,I had a bigger target in mind.
Zero: Oh?
Ciel: We recently got a transmission from one of our scout teams. It seems that Neo Arcadia has been moving troops away from one of the buildings they're using on the outskirts of the city. With their guard decreased it could be a perfect time to strike!
Zero: Why would they be doing that?
Ciel: There's been talk of a huge uprising in South America. They're probably diverting their forces there.
Zero: And what sort of building is this?
Ciel: An energeon processing plant. If we can pull this job off,our people will never go hungry again!
Zero: That's great!!! When do I start?
Ciel: First thing we need to do is find you some backup. Even if the guard is reduced,it's still heavily protected,& there could be traps. I'll send for someone.*gets on the com system* Calling team 5! Report to my office on the double!
Zero: Team 5?
Ciel: They're good at infiltration. They should be a great help.
*Shadrak,Mishaq & Abendigo enter*
Zero: Hey! *points at Shadrak* You're the guy that started the fight last night!
Ciel: Fight?
Zero: Yeah. This guy was gonna rough up Jay for taking the last of the energeon,then the other two tried to stop him,so he roughed up them instead.
Ciel: Rak? Is this true?
Rak: Well...yeah...But he didn't have to threaten to shoot me!
Ciel: Zero?! You did what?! ...Look,we don't have time for this. We need to make a plan.
Rak: Easy for you to say,human! You're not the one who's being forced to run on fumes!
Shaq: Hey,hey,hey. Look,we're all gonna get more energeon after this,so just hear the lady out,would ya?
Rak: ...fine.
Ciel: Good. Now that that's settled,let's get down to buisness. The fastest way to the factory is by subway. There's a station several blocks from here. A train comes through everyday at 3 'oclock sharp carrying raw crystals from the mines to be processed at the plant. The station is guarded,but you should be able to get around the guards if you use the underground maintenance tunnels to reach the station. There's an entrance not far from the base. Once you reach the station you must board the train & it will take you to the factory. The only problem is it doesn't stop. You'll have to board it while moving. Got that?
Zero: No prob.
Rak: Piece of cake.
Shaq: I can dig it.
Benny: Oh dear...
*Enter a tunnel somewhere underground. Two X drones are walking around when they stop to listen to approaching voices...*
Rak*off screen*: Are you sure we're going the right way?
Shaq*also of screen*: Well whaddaya want me to do? Stop & ask directions from a drone?
Benny*you guessed it,off screen*: Please don't talk about the drones...please...
Rak*still off screen*: Oh,what's the matter? Is li'l Benny scared of the mean ol' X drones?
Benny*o/s*: Hey! I just don't think---
*Rak,Shaq & Benny walk right into where the X drones are standing*
Benny: Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!
Rak: Oh crap,we've been spotted!!
*The X drones level their guns at them & prepare to fire but then a sudden flash of green light goes right across both their necks. The two stand motionless for a few seconds & then both their heads fall off & their bodies keel over,leaving Zero standing behind the carcasses*
Shaq: Nice work,Zero.
Zero: Couldn't have done it without you guys. Come on,I think I hear the train coming.
*They arrive on the platform as the train is barreling towards them*
Zero: Here goes nothing.*jumps on the train*
Rak: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!*jumps on*
Shaq: Geronimo!!!*jumps on*
Benny: Hang on,guys! I'm coming!! Haaaaaaaa!!!*jumps,but falls short & the train keeps going*
Shaq: Benny!!!
Rak: You idiot!!!
Zero: We gotta help him!*Runs for the back of the train as Rak & Shaq follow*
Benny: *Running after the train* Guys!! Help!!!
Shaq: How're we gonna get him up here?
Zero: Hmm...I've got it! *extends the triple rod without the blade* Grab on! Quick!!
Benny: I don't think I can!!
Zero: YOU HAVE TO!!!
Benny: I HAVE TOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!*dashes forward & grabs the rod*
Zero: Erk! I...gotcha!*Pulls him in*
Benny: *Pant*...*pant*...Thank you Zero.
Zero: No problem.
Rak: *Grabs Benny by the throat* You little shit!!! Do you realize you almost fucked up the whole mission!!! Give me one good reason not to throw you back down there!!!
Benny: GACK!!! Help!
Shaq: Rak!! Da' Hell you think you're doin'?
Zero: Put the kid down,Rak.
Rak: But he---
Zero: I don't care! You're going to put him down,NOW!!!
Rak: Alright,fine. *Drops Benny* I guess fags gotta look out for each other. Nobody else will...
Zero: Oh really? Do fags also bust dumbasses' positronic braincases open? 'Cause that's what I'm gonna do to you if you don't cut this crap out!
Rak: Whatever.*walks to front of the train*
Zero: Man...why's that guy got such a chip on his shoulder? No way this has anything to do with the energeon.
Shaq: He used to be a nice guy,you know...you don't know what he's been through.
Zero: Oh?
Shaq: Shadrak used to have a girlfriend. Her name was Melanie & they were never apart...untill she was KIA'd last month.
Zero: Oh man...
Shaq: Yeah. He's been going off at everybody ever since.
Benny: Especially me...it was my fault she died...I was right next to her...I could've pushed her out of the way...
Shaq: Don't say that,man! Don't you say that!
Benny: Why? It's true!
Zero: ...
*The train comes to a stop*
Zero: We're here.
*Outside the factory,two Guard dog drones sit. They both sit up,sniff at the air & then run off screen. The sound of a beam sabre rings out & then the dog's heads roll back on screen,followed by Zero,Rak,Shaq & Benny*
Zero: Mabye we should split up.
Rak: Great. Then it will take them twice as long to kill us all.
Shaq: Me & Benny'll go through that air vent up there,ok?
Zero: Fine. I prefer the direct approach,anyway. Rak? You coming?
Rak: I guess...
Zero: We'll meet up once we're inside. See you guys later.
Shaq: Later.*He & Benny begin climbing a cooling tower*
Zero: Let's get to work.
Rak: Yeah,whatever.
*Zero & Rak walk in through the main entrance & find a mess of laser targeting grids & hundreds of Arachnodrones & Minitank drones*
Zero: Well shit...
*Meanwhile,Shaq & Benny bust into the air vent & find a fan staring them in the face,blocking the way*
Benny: How're we going to get past this?
Shaq: *Blows the fan to bits* That's how.
*Enter the other side of the ventilation shaft. The grate bursts open & Shaq & Benny come out*
Benny: So what now?
Shaq: Now we---
*A dark shadow looms over the two of them*
Shaq: Oh,son of a bitch...
*Downstairs where Zero & Rak are*
Rak: I'm going in!
Zero: Hold on,cowboy...*picks up a rock off the ground* Let's see what we're up against...*hucks the rock into a targeting grid,where it gets blown to dust by lasers* This is going to take some effort. *Zero ducks under the first set of laser beams & sticks a minitak with the triple rod. An Aracnodrone aproaches,but Zero blasts it with his gun* You coming?
Rak: Just watch me.*Walks right into a targeting grid*
Zero: What are you doing?!!
*Just as the guns fire,Rak jumps forward as the beams make a huge hole in the floor*
Rak: Let's kill!!!!
*Zero & Rak rush through the place,killing drone left & right & dodging blasts untill all the drones are dead*
Zero: Alright! Now to find...what is that?
*A cyber elf floats up from the wreckage*
Zero: Hey! Another cyber elf!
Rak: Oh god...not another of these friggin' pokemon...
Zero: Hey there,li'l fella. You got any special powers I could use?
Birsky: Da. I am Birsky. I can save you from long fall.
Zero: Nifty. Into the container you go.
*Zero & Rak reach the next floor*
Rak: Where the Hell are those two?
Zero: They should be around here somewhere. I'll try calling them...*tries the comlink* Comlink's dead. Hello?!!! Anybody there?!!!
???: Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
Rak: What was that?!
Zero: Whatever it was,I'm willing to bet it's the reason why Shaq & Benny aren't here. Let's go after it.
Rak: Why bother. It probably killed them...
Zero: No. I don't think so. Look around. No scattered components,no spilt mech fluids. No signs of death at all.
Rak: What if they were vaporized?
Zero: I doubt it. There are no burnmarks. They must've been captured. Shit! If they were captured...NO!!!!
Rak: What?
Zero: Don't you see? This...this was a setup!!! They reduced the guard to lure us in here so they could capture us & learn the location of the base!!!
Rak: Goddamnit! We played right into their hands!!
Zero: Well,what are you waiting for? We have to go after them. Come on,I think that sound came from this direction!*Heads off down a hall*
Rak: Right behind you.
*The hall comes to an end at the top of an elevator shaft*
Zero: *examines the broken,useless elevator buttons* Well now what?
Rak: Stand back! *Opens fire on the buttons & the elevator goes down*
Zero: How'd you do that?
Rak: No time to explain,come on! *Jumps on the elevator & Zero follows*
Zero: Uh oh.
*A bunch of Arachnodrones & Minitanks come down the shaft after them. Zero slashes a few & Rak blasts the others. The elevator hits bottom & the two of them get off & climb up a ladder,only to find a yawning chasm in front of them*
Zero: What the yellow devil?!!
Rak: *Peers down into the pit* It's a looooong way down...
Zero: What is all that stuff down there? *points to the glittery stuff covering the floor of the pit*
Rak: Raw energeon. If the drop doesn't smash you then the electromagnetic radiation will fry your circuits. It's harmless to organic creatures,but fatal to us robots. Ironic,isn't it,that our main powersource can kill us...
Zero: There'll be time for morose,gothic musings later. I think we can hitch a ride on one of those.*points to the carry drones lifting boxes of crystal out of the pit* Provided we don't stay on for too long.
Rak: Ladies first.
Zero: Ha freakin' ha.*Jumps onto a carrier* Urk...*his armour starts sparking,ala the guys in Beast wars*...ahh...just a little...hey...wait...*gets out his cyber elf container* Turbo!
Turbo: *Pops out* Yeah?
Zero: Can...can you...ahh...h...handle raw...gah...energeon?
Turbo: Can I? Sure!
Zero: Then...dig...in!
*Turbo jumps in the container & starts devouring the crystals*
Zero: Woah! Hey,that's...it's reducing the radiation...keep it up!
Turbo: *Cleans out the whole box* Whew! Man was I hungry! *Turbo starts glowing & changes into his evolved form* Cool!
Zero: I'll say! Now are you going to...
Turbo: Oh,right! I guess so. My whole life has been leading up to this,& now it's time to take my place in your acceleration system! Yahoo!!!*turns into energy & enters Zero*
Zero: Woah! Well...let's see if that worked...*dashes off the carry drone & hits the wall on the other side of the pit,climbs up & reaches a ladder* Amazing. *Runs at lightning speed through a field of electrical conduits shooting electricity at him* Woo!! I am---*another bolt of electricity knocks him over the edge back into the pit* AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Birsky: *Gets out of the container* I'll save you comrade!!!*spins around Zero,creating an energy field that lifts him up & brings him back to the platform he was on & then dissapears*
Zero: Yikes...I hope I never do that again. *jumps to another wall & goes up to the next level,where he finds Shaq & Benny frozen in a block of ice* Oh my god! Rak? Come in Rak!
Rak: Yeah?
Zero: Where are you?
Rak: I'm right where you left me.
Zero: What? Look,I found Shaq & Benny...they're trapped in ice!
Rak: Ice? What the?
Zero: I dunno...
*Suddenly,a dark shadow looms behind Zero*
???: Grr...
Zero: Yaaa!! *Ducks out of the way just in time to avoid a blast of flame from one of the fearsome hydra's heads*
Mysterious voice: Hehehe...
Zero: Huh?
*The Hydra projects a 3d hologram in the form of X*
X: Hahaha! Zero! I was hoping you'd show up!
Zero: Who?
X: You mean you don't recognize your own best friend? I'm hurt.
Zero: You are not my friend. You are a traitor to your kind who's trying to kill me & the people I care for. I hate you!!! I'll kill you!!!
X: Of course you will! I know your true nature! You can't hide from me,maverick! Now,tell me the location of your base or I'll kill you & your friends.
Zero: NEVER!!!!!!!!! *Slashes off one of Hydra's fire breathing heads* After I slag this abomination,you're next!!
X: Hehehehehe!!!
*A new head is lowered down from the ceiling to replace the one Zero cut off*
Zero: What?!
X: Don't you know anything? You can't fight a hydra by chopping off its heads,you moron!
*The hydra freezes Zero with it ice heads & then a null head smashes the ice block & chews Zero up & spits him out*
Zero: Aahhhhh!!!
X: Hahaha! X-elent!
*A thunder head shocks Zero*
Zero: Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
X: Now,to X-act revenge for all the innocents you have---
Rak: YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!*Jumps on the hydra*
X: What the fuck?!!!
Zero: Rak?!! What're you---
Rak: Zero!! Get outta here! I'll finish this beast!
*Zero charges out of the room & down the wall above the pit*
X: After him!!
*The hydra crashes through the wall & the floor with Shadrak still clinging to it's back*
Shadrak: Zero!!! Tell everybody back at the base...I'm sorry I was such a jerk!!! I let my loss harden my heart...I'm sorry...
Zero: Shadrak! Wait!
Shadrak: I'm gonna self destruct! It's the only way to bring this monster down!
Zero: Don't do it,Shadrak!
X: Would you knock it off & just let this loony kill himself already?!
Shadrack: I'm coming,Melanie!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*Blows up,taking the Hydra's rear section with him*
X: Argh! Damn you both!!!*hologram dissapears*
Zero: SHADRAK!!!
*With it's engines gone,the Hydra drops straight down into the energeon pit,where the radiation renders it permanently offline*
Zero: ...Damn fool...damn heroic fool...
*Back in the hyrda's chamber,Zero pulls a flame chip out of the head he cut off & inserts it,then uses his flaming beam sword to melt through Shaq & Benny's icy cage*
Benny: C-c-c-c-c-c-cold...
Shaq: W-w-w-what...h-h-happened?
Zero: We cleared out every last enemy. This plant is ours.
Shaq: Y-y-yes!
Benny: W-w-w-what about...Rak?
Zero: He's...gone. He self detonated to bring down the Hydra...
Shaq: No...
Benny: I don't believe it. He really did care...
Ciel*over the comlink*: Zero? Are you there?
Zero: Zero here.
Ciel: What is your status?
Zero: Mission acomplished...one casualty. Requesting permission to return to base.
*Later that night,the resistance is throwing a party in the breakroom. Cerveau is serving drinks at the bar various reploids including Dande,Ibu,Jay & even Alouette are dancing to some funky dance remixes of various MM level tunes & Shaq & Benny are drinking to Shadrak's memory. Zero walks in & Mari comes up to him*
Mari: Zero! Hi! Would you like to dance with me?
Zero: No...thank you,but I'm just not in the mood. I'm sorry.
Mari: Oh...ok. Mabye another time.
Zero: Yeah,mabye.*sees Ciel sitting at a table & sits down with her* Hey.
Ciel: Hey,Zero. Listen...I can't thank you enough for what you've done...all of you,especially Shadrak.
Zero: Yeah...speaking of which...Mishaq told me about him & Melanie.
Ciel: Oh?
Zero: It got me to thinking. He got very attached to her & when she died...it destroyed him. And then I remembered what you said yesterday...
Ciel: What are you saying?
Zero: I guess what I'm saying is...that no matter how much you want to be close to somebody,at times like these...it's best not to get too attached.
Ciel: And...why are you telling me this?
Zero: Because ever since I met you,you've done nothing but say nice things to me & show me concern & compassion. You're getting too attached,Ciel. And you have to stop...because I'm worried I might get attached,too.
Ciel: Zero,I'm...
Zero: Goodnight,Ciel.*gets up & leaves*
Ciel: ...Goodnight,Zero.*takes a sip from her drink*
*Roll credits*
Unknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
Alouette decides she needs more excitement in her life & Zero attempts to hijack a Neo Arcadian transport carrying a mysterious cyber elf. Will Alouette survive the hazards of the slums with her new friend,Donnie? And what about our beloved Scarlet Samurai?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 5: Last train to the scrapheap!