Megaman Zero,episode 10: The ninja's trap
*Opening sequence*
*Zoom in to Neo Arcadia,past its massive outer walls,through its slums on the lower levels to the upper levels with air-cars flying around between skyscrapers that rise miles into the air. Flying drones keep an eye on the traffic,while other drones move about on walkways among the people as they go about their day.*
Narrator: Neo Arcadia. A gigantic fortress-city designed by Megaman X following the Maverick wars to provide a safe home for everyone whose homeland had been devastated. Its capital is the highest seat of power in the entire solar system. In Neo Arcadia,people lead peaceful,happy lives...those who are not deemed a threat by the government,at least.
*A reploid woman is walking along & an X drone guard grabs her off the street. She struggles. A crowd forms. Another guard comes out & tazers one man who gets too close. The female reploid almost breaks free,but the X drone stabs his tazer-rod through her head,killing her. The guards walk off & a Carryarm drone floats down & hauls away her carcass. The people go back to what they were doing before.*
Narrator: In Neo Arcadia,reploids are regarded with much fear & suspicion because of their often super-human abilities & strength. The Maverick wars demonstrated the folley of failing to keep them under controll. How ironic then,that the ones in charge of keeping the 'Maverick threat' contained are reploids themselves...
*Inside an expensive looking room,a figure sits in a chair at a desk with a monitor on it. He's talking to someone,but you can't make out who*
???: Yes...yes,I see...I'll be right there.*Turns off the screen* Hmm...And so it begins...
*Outside the building the bay window of a top floor penthouse opens & a green streak shoots out into the air*
Harpuia: Zero...are the stories true?
*Harpuia flies through the city. People look up as he streaks above an upper level food court,including a man & his little daughter*
Little girl: What's that,Daddy?
Father: That's Air commander Harpuia. You know all the little robots that fly around in the air?
Girl: Uh huh...
Father: They belong to him. He keeps the skies safe from bad guys like Mavericks & terrorists. You saw his picture on TV yesterday,remember?
Girl: Uh huh! He's handsome!
Father: He sure is,pumpkin. He sure is...
*Somewhere else above the city,Fafnir rides in his 22XX edition Bee-blader copter*
Fafnir: What's our ETA,Killahbee?
Killahbee: We will be arriving at Neo Arcadia tower in aproxzzzimately 3 minutezzzzz,45.6 zzzzecondzzzz.
Fafnir: Sweet!
*Fafnir leans out the open hatch on Killabee's side & the winds blow against him*
Fafnir*thinking*: That's it! This could be the biggest battle in my entire career! Zero...the legendary hunter...Zero,the red Maverick...*out loud* I'm gonna smash you!
*As Harpuia nears the tower,Killabee pulls up behind him with Fafnir's head sticking out*
Fafnir: Hey! Harpo! Over here!
Harpuia: Wha-?
*As Harpuia turns around to look,Killabee makes a hard right & turns on its side so the wind from its left turbine blows the unsuspecting Harpuia off course,knocking him into the side of the tower*
Harpiua: Aaaaaaa-oof!*slides down the wall untill he comes to a landing area below*
Fafnir: Oops...heheheh! That was priceless! Take us down,Killabee!
*Killabee come in for a landing as Harpuia picks himself up off the floor. Fafnir emerges from his chopper & Harpuia confronts him*
Harpuia: What the Hell was that for?! Don't you realize how close you just came to scrapping me,you brute?! I could've been-
Fafnir: Pipe down,Fancyboy. I didn't know you'd get thrown...that far,anyways,heh. You're still functional,aint ya?
Harpuia: You have no respect for anybody...
Fafnir: Respect is earned,Fancyboy.
Harpuia: You...
*Leviathan appears*
Leviathan: Being your same professional selves,I see.
Harpuia: Leviathan!
Fafnir: Yo,Legs. What's shakin','sides you,that is...heheh...
Leviathan(sarcastically): Oh,you are the charmer,aren't you?
Fafnir(oblivious): Damn right!
Harpuia: How'd you get here so fast?
Leviathan: I've been here since we got back from El Salvador. I figured,what with the current situation I'd need to be spending a lot more time here untill it's taken care of. I've been subletting my apartment. Don't tell me you haven't been keeping up with the news from intel?
Harpuia: I do have a general idea of what's going on,thank you. Light's sake,that fiasco with the giant mechaniloid even made it to the press! I just can't believe it...
Fafnir: Well,well...is the Green Comet scared of the mavericks? I've seen these resistance guys before. Most of 'em aren't even combat capable. The only one that'd put up any kinda fight is Zero,& there's only one o' him. No worries eh,Harpuia?
Harpuia: Stop it. I'm not worried,I'm just...this is a lot to take in. Why would Zero,a former Maverick hunter be destroying our troops? He should be on our side.
Leviathan: It is puzzling,I'll give you that.
Harpuia: I just can't imagine why,all of a sudden he would change like that...
???: That is because you are not at all aquainted with the Red Maverick's history,Harpuia.
Harpuia: Huh?
*Phantom appears from the shadows*
Leviathan: Hey,Phantom.
Fafnir: Hey there,Iron monkey. Where ya been at?
Phantom: That is none of your buisness.
Harpuia: And what is,Phantom?
Phantom: Need I remind you of your duties,Air commander? Now come. Master X is waiting for us.
Harpuia: Yes,Sir...
*Inside X's chamber,the 4 devas assemble before their master*
X: Welcome back. First off,seeing as how you insisted on maintaining radio silence the whole time,I want that status report on the mission in South America now.
Phantom: It can be considered a success,Master. The rebellious unionmen provided little opposition & gave us an excellent cover story for the press. They cannot know about the dangers we have discovered.
X: What did you find? Was the Ramoon temple-
Phantom: No. The Ramoon temple was,infact abandoned,as it appears to have been for centuries. The energy readings we found were emanating from two other ruins in the Dysis & Notus regions...*looks suspiciously at the other guardians*...you remember them from the Maverick wars,don't you?
X: Of course...what about them?
Phantom: We are not quite certain,but we believe that the energy anomalies may have some connection to-
Harppuia: Pardon my interuption,but aren't we forgetting something? What about Zero?
X: We will discuss that matter in due time,Harpuia.
Phantom: ...No. He is right. There are much more pressing matters to attend to. If you want further information on the anomalies,you may contact Hyleg Orobockle. I put him in charge of the ocupation force & he has studied this matter more extensively than I.
X: Alright then. Let's get down to buisness...
*The monitor screens behind X light up & play various images of Zero fighting Neo Arcadia's forces*
Fafnir: He don't look so tough. Looks like a pansie if you ask me.
Leviathan: Nice hair...
X: As you know,Zero was once the commander of the Maverick hunter's 0 unit...
Phantom: The Shinobi unit...
X: Yes. What you may not be aware of is Zero's history before that...
*The monitors switch over to the infamous X4 cutscene*
Fafnir: Holy crap...that blondie's kicking Sigma's ass. Never actually saw footage o' that before...
X: This is the first time Zero ever fought Sigma. Back then,Sigma was the commander of the Maverick hunters & Zero...was a Maverick.
Harpuia: We already knew that. What I want to know is why after being rehabilitated for so long he would go back to his old ways.
X: Rehabilitated...ha. The fools at MHHQ were so eager to X-ploit Zero's fighting abilities they were willing to believe anything. But that is not the least of our worries...not even close...
Fafnir: With all due respect Master X,spill it! What da Hell's up wit' Zero?
X: I believe that Zero is the one who infected Sigma with the Maverick virus in the first place. This means Zero is a threat not only because of what he can do,but what he can force others to do. With Sigma gone for good,we thought we only had to worry about the reploids that went Maverick on their own...but now...now we face the threat of yet another Maverick disaster the likes of which the world hasn't seen in decades.
Harpuia: What!? That's...no! It can't be...
X: It is. Of that I am certain. Therefore,I declare the elimination of the Red Maverick to be top priority. I want you all to see to it that Zero is drawn out & eradicated before he can spread his seeds of evil any further.
Harpuia: Master X,I request permission to lead the hunt for Zero. I will find out what he wants & why-
X: Denied. Phantom will be in charge of the operation.
Phantom: Thank you,most honourable Master.
Harpuia(under breath): Suck up...
Phantom: *Glares* You dare...?
Leviathan: Teehee.
Fafnir: Ooh. Harpo's in trouble.
X: Enough! Your petty squabbling offends me! Phantom,what resources do you think you will be needing in order to bring down Zero?
Phantom: I will require only my own skills,Master X. In his current state,Zero is no match for me.
X: Are you certain?
Phantom: Affirmative. I am almost positive I can defeat him. If you watch Zero's recent performance closely,you can see he operates with only a fraction of the skill we observe in his older work. On many occasions he was able to suceed only through the aid of the cyber elves,or simple blind luck. This may be a result of his revamped superstructure being weaker or perhaps his long period of inactivity. In any case,I should have no trouble finishing him off if I can take him by surprise. I will leave it up to you to determine the best course beyond that.
X: X-elent. I have something in mind,yes...as for the rest of you,you may remain on standby. Dismissed.
*Exit everyone exept X & Phantom*
Phantom: I will carry out your plan to the fullest,Master. But I am concerned. I suspect the Air commander may be losing faith in you.
X: Do you think he knows?
Phantom: No. There is no way.
X: Good. Keep an eye on him. The others,too.
Phantom: And if...?
X: He will be dealt with the same way as any other defect...
Phantom: Understood,Master X.
*Inside Cerveau's lab at the Resistance base,Zero is standing around while Cerveau & the bot work on his sword*
Zero: So,what's this mod do,Cerveau?
Cerveau: Oh,it's quite impressive. I've combined the sword with the latest in microgyroscopic & I-field manipulation technology to create a perfectly balanced combination of shield & boomerang!
Zero: Sheild Boomerang?
Cerveau: Yes. It's quite simple,really. Here,take the sword & activate the new configuration.
Zero: You mean like this?*Zero activates it. The handle spins around & the beam creates a wide circle around it* Neat!
Cerveau: The beam sheild will deflect or destroy most enemy shots,but that's not the best part. Charge up the energy & fling it at that target over there!
*Cerveau points to a training dummy across the room made out of scrapped robot parts*
Zero: Ok...here goes...
*Zero charges up & hucks the weapon at the target,but misses it completely. The Sheild Boomerang careens into a wall,leaving a prominent scar,bounces off & heads for our heroes*
Bot: SKREEEEEEK!!!*ducks*
Cerveau: Oh shit!*dives*
Zero: Whoops...*runs for it*
*The sheild Boomerang crashes around the lab damaging equipment every which way. Dande pokes his head in the door while the others are scrambling to avoid the runaway hardware*
Dande: Hey,guys! Um-what's tha-?
Cerveau: Hit the deck,you fool! It's coming right for you!
Dande: Waaaaah!!!
*Dande tries to dodge,but the Sheild Boomerang takes off his left arm below the elbow. The sheild sails out the door,powers down & comes to a stop by a wall*
Bot: Beeep?
Cerveau: Yes,it's over. It's a miracle one of us wasn't scrapped! You alright Dande?
Dande: Why me...why always me?
Zero: Mighty Fuck,Cerveau! Those Micro Gyroman thingies of yours must be way off for something like that to happen! That thing could've turned the lot of us into sheet metal!
Cerveau: There's nothing wrong with the microgyros. I checked them out. Six times! Zero,I hate to break it to you,but the only reason we had that near catastrophe was your faulty aim with the Sheild Boomerang & your failure to catch it.
Zero: But...why didn't you warn me about how dangerous that thing was?!
Cerveau: I thought you were skilled enough to handle it!
Zero: I...you...no...
Dande: Could somebody stick my arm back on? Please?
Cerveau: I'll get right on it after I fix my equipment. As for you,Zero...I think you should go get some rest...
Zero: Rest...yeah...
*Zero walks out dejectedly*
Zero(thinking): What's wrong with me? I'm supposed to be this great warrior...this hero,but it seems like half the time I'm the one that's getting saved!
*Zero flashes back to all the times he's been nearly killed so far*
Zero(still in thought): I've messed up so many times. The only reason I'm still functional is because I either had some Nurse elves handy or I just plain got lucky...I've been so overconfident...I can't go on like this...Slag! Everybody's counting on me...I have to get better,but how?
*Enter Ceil*
Ceil: Zero...is something wrong? I heard a lot of comotion coming from Cerveau's lab &...is everyone ok?
Zero: Yeah,they'll be fine...no thanks to me...
Ciel: Zero? What are you talking about?
Zero: Nothing...I have to go away for awhile.
Ciel: Again? Zero,we need you here. You're the only one who-
Zero: No...I'm not. Don't you get it? I can't fight like I used to...I've been making everything up as I go. And that's fine if I'm up against cheaply made drones & inexperianced,brainwashed hunters who've been pressganged into service...but there's no way...just no way I could compete with X & his guardians. I need to keep training! If we're going to win this I have to keep perfecting my skills. I don't have time for anything else,so just leave me alone untill I get it right!
Ciel: But Zero-
Zero: NO!!!
Ciel: Zero...
Zero: Look...Ciel,I'm sorry,but I have to do this. I have to be a better protector for you & everybody else here. I'll see you again soon. Call me if you need anything,alright?
Ciel: Alright.
Zero: Good. Bye,Ciel.
*Zero leaves for the transerver room*
Ciel: Zero...there's more to being a protector than just fighting,you know.
*Sunset in the ruined city. A dark shadow flits from rooftop to rooftop*
*Inside the Energeon plant,Elijah & Adam are on guard duty*
Elijah: You know...something just doesn't feel right.
Adam: What?
Elijah: I...I dunno. It's just...I think there's something in the air tonight...something bad.
Adam: In the air? How would you know? You don't have any lungs.
Elijah: You know what I mean. Can't you feel it?
Adam: Ah,you're just paranoid. Come on,let's go check the west end.
Elijah: Ok. I'll-
*A kunai shoots outta nowhere & cuts through Elijah*
Adam: Hey,Elijah,you comin'?
Elijah: Ah...ah...ah...
Adam: What? What's wrong?
*Elijah's top half slowly slides off & his powercore ruptures & explodes*
Adam: Nooooo!!! Aaaah!!!*shields himself as reploid bits go flying*
???: Hohohohohoho!
Adam: What?! Who are you?!!! Show yourself!!!
*Everything goes black*
Adam: Huh? What the-gaaa!!!
*A barrage of kunais cuts Adam to shreds*
*Zero is in the wrecking yard*
Zero: I know you're here. Come out.
*from behind a totalled car,an X drone opens fire. Zero dodges & blasts the drone in the face*
Zero: Any more?!
Spike wheels & more X drones come out & attack Zero. Zero cuts & shoots at them,killing most of them. Two X drones remain*
Zero: Alright...I can do this...HAAA!!!
*Zero throws the shield boomerang & kills the drones,but when he tries to catch it,it cuts his arm*
Zero: Aaah!!! Damnit!!!
*Ciel comes out from behind a pillar*
Ciel: Zero,you're hurt.
Zero: What the Hell are you doing here?! Don't you realize it's dangerous?!
Ciel: I've been trying to call you,but your comlink is turned off!
Zero: I'm sorry. What's the problem?
Ciel: There's a situation at the factory. Elijah & Adam were on watch duty & haven't reported in for hours. We can't contact them & the security system's link to the base has been cut.
Zero: Neo Arcadia...
Ciel: They're finally trying to reclaim it...but why now?
Zero: It doesn't matter. I'll take care of it...
Ciel: But...are you sure you're up to it?
Zero: It doesn't matter. I have to.
Ciel: Zero...I really wish I didn't have to make you risk your life like this.
Zero: If I didn't,somebody else would have to. Goodbye,Ciel.*Dashes off*
Ciel: Don't do anything foolish! If you're outmatched,please fall back,Zero! Zero!
Zero: *thinking*I don't surrender...
*Zero arrives inside the factory. It's completely deserted*
Zero: Hmm...looks pretty quiet...a little too quiet. *He takes a walk around* Hello! Anybody home?
*A kunai flies at him & sticks in the floor inches from his feet*
Zero: What the?!
???: So,you've finally arrived!
Zero: Where...? NO! I'm in no mood for games! Get out here,you rat!
*Phantom jumps down from the ceiling*
Phantom: If you insist.
Zero: Who are you & what have you done with the guards?
Phantom: I am Inshou Phantom,one of the four guardians of Master X. As for your friends...they are nothing more than scrap metal now.
Zero: You bastard! I'll...*Zero ignites the beam sword*
Phantom: Very well...hahahaha! *Phantom draws his sword* Every generation has its legend,but a lost legend should remain lost. Allow me to show you why! Hiyaa!
*Phantom charges at Zero with his sword,but Zero jumps out of the way*
Zero: Nice try! What do you expect to do with that crappy old metal sword anyway? As soon as it touches my beamsabre it'll disintegrate!
Phantom: Hahahaha! We shall see! HIYAAAA!!!
*Phantom swings his sword at Zero. Zero blocks with his beam sabre,but Phantom's sword goes right through it & nearly hits Zero right in the face. Zero jumps back in terror. Phantom comes at him again,but Zero evades*
Zero: What?! How could that sword penetrate my beam blade?! What kinda tricks are you using?!
Phantom: This is no ordinary sword,Red Maverick! It has an I-field barrier sorrounding the blade that protects it from beam weapons! So does this!
*Phantom throws a big shuriken at Zero. It misses him & hits the wall,breaking into four kunai,one of which hits Zero in the side*
Zero: Ahhh!
Phantom: You said you were in no mood for games,so it's time I stopped playing with you! Take this!
*Phantom jumps on a spinning shuriken & flies around throwing knives. Two more strike Zero*
Zero: Gah! Agh!
Phantom: Die.
*Phantom hops off the shurikopter & kicks it,in midair,at Zero. Zero jumps out of the way,but gets hit again. He pulls the knives out & shoots at Phantom*
Zero: I wont go down that easily! You hear me you little shit?!!
*Phantom dissapears & suddenly there are several Phantoms all over the room*
Zero: Huh? Damnit! No! How can I take all of them on...? No...I've gotta try...
*Zero shoots one of the Phantoms,but instead an X drone falls down dead & the others dissapear*
Zero: How could-
*Zero's confusion is cut short by a kick to the back of his head that sends him falling to the ground,unconscious*
Phantom: Pathetic! He didn't even recognize the ninja doppelganger technique when he saw it. This fool isn't even worthy of being killed by me. I will not soil my blade with your transmission fluid,Zero...no,I have a much better fate in store for you...
*Zero awakens in a storage room. There are huge crates all around & only one small,metal door for an exit*
Zero: Ugh...what hit me? Oh slag! Phantom! Where-?
*Before Zero can finish his sentence,Phantom's voice comes in over the PA system*
Phantom: I really did expect more from you,Zero...
Zero: Shove it! What're you trying to pull,here?! Where-?
Phantom: You never cease to amaze me...acting so tough when I have already proven beyond all doubt that you are naught but a mere...shadow...of your former self.
Zero: What part of 'shove it' don't you understand?
Phantom: Fool. This factory is doomed...your Mavericks are doomed...& most importantly,YOU are doomed!
Zero: What?!
Phantom: While you were unconsious,I planted time bombs all over the factory. They are set to go off in approximately one hour....at which time you & this factory will be smashed into nothing! Your legend will end,not with a whimper,but with a bang!
Zero: Like Hell it will!
Phantom: We shall see...
*The PA shuts off*
Zero: HEY!!! Don't you dare leave me here! You...ARGH!!!
*Zero rushes over to the door. It's locked. Zero punches & kicks it,but to no avail*
Zero: Come on! Haaaaaaaaaa!!!
*Zero readies one last big punch. As soon as his fist makes contact with the door,he recieves a painful electroshock*
Zero: AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!*falls to the ground unconscious*
*Somewhere in the shadows,Phantom waits*
Phantom: Hmm...hahahahahaha!!! Ahahahahaha!!! Let us see if you can get out of this one,Maverick...AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
*As Phantom laughs,Zero continues to lie unconscious & helpless on the storeroom floor...*
*Roll credits*
Unknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
Zero has been defeated by Phantom,the captain of Master X's elite guardians. Now he must escape from the bowels of the factory & find Phantom again to reclaim his honour,but Phantom has a few more tricks in store for Zero...
Can our hero prevail,or will Phantom's time bombs make short work of him & the plant?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 11: Dash against time.
*Opening sequence*
*Zoom in to Neo Arcadia,past its massive outer walls,through its slums on the lower levels to the upper levels with air-cars flying around between skyscrapers that rise miles into the air. Flying drones keep an eye on the traffic,while other drones move about on walkways among the people as they go about their day.*
Narrator: Neo Arcadia. A gigantic fortress-city designed by Megaman X following the Maverick wars to provide a safe home for everyone whose homeland had been devastated. Its capital is the highest seat of power in the entire solar system. In Neo Arcadia,people lead peaceful,happy lives...those who are not deemed a threat by the government,at least.
*A reploid woman is walking along & an X drone guard grabs her off the street. She struggles. A crowd forms. Another guard comes out & tazers one man who gets too close. The female reploid almost breaks free,but the X drone stabs his tazer-rod through her head,killing her. The guards walk off & a Carryarm drone floats down & hauls away her carcass. The people go back to what they were doing before.*
Narrator: In Neo Arcadia,reploids are regarded with much fear & suspicion because of their often super-human abilities & strength. The Maverick wars demonstrated the folley of failing to keep them under controll. How ironic then,that the ones in charge of keeping the 'Maverick threat' contained are reploids themselves...
*Inside an expensive looking room,a figure sits in a chair at a desk with a monitor on it. He's talking to someone,but you can't make out who*
???: Yes...yes,I see...I'll be right there.*Turns off the screen* Hmm...And so it begins...
*Outside the building the bay window of a top floor penthouse opens & a green streak shoots out into the air*
Harpuia: Zero...are the stories true?
*Harpuia flies through the city. People look up as he streaks above an upper level food court,including a man & his little daughter*
Little girl: What's that,Daddy?
Father: That's Air commander Harpuia. You know all the little robots that fly around in the air?
Girl: Uh huh...
Father: They belong to him. He keeps the skies safe from bad guys like Mavericks & terrorists. You saw his picture on TV yesterday,remember?
Girl: Uh huh! He's handsome!
Father: He sure is,pumpkin. He sure is...
*Somewhere else above the city,Fafnir rides in his 22XX edition Bee-blader copter*
Fafnir: What's our ETA,Killahbee?
Killahbee: We will be arriving at Neo Arcadia tower in aproxzzzimately 3 minutezzzzz,45.6 zzzzecondzzzz.
Fafnir: Sweet!
*Fafnir leans out the open hatch on Killabee's side & the winds blow against him*
Fafnir*thinking*: That's it! This could be the biggest battle in my entire career! Zero...the legendary hunter...Zero,the red Maverick...*out loud* I'm gonna smash you!
*As Harpuia nears the tower,Killabee pulls up behind him with Fafnir's head sticking out*
Fafnir: Hey! Harpo! Over here!
Harpuia: Wha-?
*As Harpuia turns around to look,Killabee makes a hard right & turns on its side so the wind from its left turbine blows the unsuspecting Harpuia off course,knocking him into the side of the tower*
Harpiua: Aaaaaaa-oof!*slides down the wall untill he comes to a landing area below*
Fafnir: Oops...heheheh! That was priceless! Take us down,Killabee!
*Killabee come in for a landing as Harpuia picks himself up off the floor. Fafnir emerges from his chopper & Harpuia confronts him*
Harpuia: What the Hell was that for?! Don't you realize how close you just came to scrapping me,you brute?! I could've been-
Fafnir: Pipe down,Fancyboy. I didn't know you'd get thrown...that far,anyways,heh. You're still functional,aint ya?
Harpuia: You have no respect for anybody...
Fafnir: Respect is earned,Fancyboy.
Harpuia: You...
*Leviathan appears*
Leviathan: Being your same professional selves,I see.
Harpuia: Leviathan!
Fafnir: Yo,Legs. What's shakin','sides you,that is...heheh...
Leviathan(sarcastically): Oh,you are the charmer,aren't you?
Fafnir(oblivious): Damn right!
Harpuia: How'd you get here so fast?
Leviathan: I've been here since we got back from El Salvador. I figured,what with the current situation I'd need to be spending a lot more time here untill it's taken care of. I've been subletting my apartment. Don't tell me you haven't been keeping up with the news from intel?
Harpuia: I do have a general idea of what's going on,thank you. Light's sake,that fiasco with the giant mechaniloid even made it to the press! I just can't believe it...
Fafnir: Well,well...is the Green Comet scared of the mavericks? I've seen these resistance guys before. Most of 'em aren't even combat capable. The only one that'd put up any kinda fight is Zero,& there's only one o' him. No worries eh,Harpuia?
Harpuia: Stop it. I'm not worried,I'm just...this is a lot to take in. Why would Zero,a former Maverick hunter be destroying our troops? He should be on our side.
Leviathan: It is puzzling,I'll give you that.
Harpuia: I just can't imagine why,all of a sudden he would change like that...
???: That is because you are not at all aquainted with the Red Maverick's history,Harpuia.
Harpuia: Huh?
*Phantom appears from the shadows*
Leviathan: Hey,Phantom.
Fafnir: Hey there,Iron monkey. Where ya been at?
Phantom: That is none of your buisness.
Harpuia: And what is,Phantom?
Phantom: Need I remind you of your duties,Air commander? Now come. Master X is waiting for us.
Harpuia: Yes,Sir...
*Inside X's chamber,the 4 devas assemble before their master*
X: Welcome back. First off,seeing as how you insisted on maintaining radio silence the whole time,I want that status report on the mission in South America now.
Phantom: It can be considered a success,Master. The rebellious unionmen provided little opposition & gave us an excellent cover story for the press. They cannot know about the dangers we have discovered.
X: What did you find? Was the Ramoon temple-
Phantom: No. The Ramoon temple was,infact abandoned,as it appears to have been for centuries. The energy readings we found were emanating from two other ruins in the Dysis & Notus regions...*looks suspiciously at the other guardians*...you remember them from the Maverick wars,don't you?
X: Of course...what about them?
Phantom: We are not quite certain,but we believe that the energy anomalies may have some connection to-
Harppuia: Pardon my interuption,but aren't we forgetting something? What about Zero?
X: We will discuss that matter in due time,Harpuia.
Phantom: ...No. He is right. There are much more pressing matters to attend to. If you want further information on the anomalies,you may contact Hyleg Orobockle. I put him in charge of the ocupation force & he has studied this matter more extensively than I.
X: Alright then. Let's get down to buisness...
*The monitor screens behind X light up & play various images of Zero fighting Neo Arcadia's forces*
Fafnir: He don't look so tough. Looks like a pansie if you ask me.
Leviathan: Nice hair...
X: As you know,Zero was once the commander of the Maverick hunter's 0 unit...
Phantom: The Shinobi unit...
X: Yes. What you may not be aware of is Zero's history before that...
*The monitors switch over to the infamous X4 cutscene*
Fafnir: Holy crap...that blondie's kicking Sigma's ass. Never actually saw footage o' that before...
X: This is the first time Zero ever fought Sigma. Back then,Sigma was the commander of the Maverick hunters & Zero...was a Maverick.
Harpuia: We already knew that. What I want to know is why after being rehabilitated for so long he would go back to his old ways.
X: Rehabilitated...ha. The fools at MHHQ were so eager to X-ploit Zero's fighting abilities they were willing to believe anything. But that is not the least of our worries...not even close...
Fafnir: With all due respect Master X,spill it! What da Hell's up wit' Zero?
X: I believe that Zero is the one who infected Sigma with the Maverick virus in the first place. This means Zero is a threat not only because of what he can do,but what he can force others to do. With Sigma gone for good,we thought we only had to worry about the reploids that went Maverick on their own...but now...now we face the threat of yet another Maverick disaster the likes of which the world hasn't seen in decades.
Harpuia: What!? That's...no! It can't be...
X: It is. Of that I am certain. Therefore,I declare the elimination of the Red Maverick to be top priority. I want you all to see to it that Zero is drawn out & eradicated before he can spread his seeds of evil any further.
Harpuia: Master X,I request permission to lead the hunt for Zero. I will find out what he wants & why-
X: Denied. Phantom will be in charge of the operation.
Phantom: Thank you,most honourable Master.
Harpuia(under breath): Suck up...
Phantom: *Glares* You dare...?
Leviathan: Teehee.
Fafnir: Ooh. Harpo's in trouble.
X: Enough! Your petty squabbling offends me! Phantom,what resources do you think you will be needing in order to bring down Zero?
Phantom: I will require only my own skills,Master X. In his current state,Zero is no match for me.
X: Are you certain?
Phantom: Affirmative. I am almost positive I can defeat him. If you watch Zero's recent performance closely,you can see he operates with only a fraction of the skill we observe in his older work. On many occasions he was able to suceed only through the aid of the cyber elves,or simple blind luck. This may be a result of his revamped superstructure being weaker or perhaps his long period of inactivity. In any case,I should have no trouble finishing him off if I can take him by surprise. I will leave it up to you to determine the best course beyond that.
X: X-elent. I have something in mind,yes...as for the rest of you,you may remain on standby. Dismissed.
*Exit everyone exept X & Phantom*
Phantom: I will carry out your plan to the fullest,Master. But I am concerned. I suspect the Air commander may be losing faith in you.
X: Do you think he knows?
Phantom: No. There is no way.
X: Good. Keep an eye on him. The others,too.
Phantom: And if...?
X: He will be dealt with the same way as any other defect...
Phantom: Understood,Master X.
*Inside Cerveau's lab at the Resistance base,Zero is standing around while Cerveau & the bot work on his sword*
Zero: So,what's this mod do,Cerveau?
Cerveau: Oh,it's quite impressive. I've combined the sword with the latest in microgyroscopic & I-field manipulation technology to create a perfectly balanced combination of shield & boomerang!
Zero: Sheild Boomerang?
Cerveau: Yes. It's quite simple,really. Here,take the sword & activate the new configuration.
Zero: You mean like this?*Zero activates it. The handle spins around & the beam creates a wide circle around it* Neat!
Cerveau: The beam sheild will deflect or destroy most enemy shots,but that's not the best part. Charge up the energy & fling it at that target over there!
*Cerveau points to a training dummy across the room made out of scrapped robot parts*
Zero: Ok...here goes...
*Zero charges up & hucks the weapon at the target,but misses it completely. The Sheild Boomerang careens into a wall,leaving a prominent scar,bounces off & heads for our heroes*
Bot: SKREEEEEEK!!!*ducks*
Cerveau: Oh shit!*dives*
Zero: Whoops...*runs for it*
*The sheild Boomerang crashes around the lab damaging equipment every which way. Dande pokes his head in the door while the others are scrambling to avoid the runaway hardware*
Dande: Hey,guys! Um-what's tha-?
Cerveau: Hit the deck,you fool! It's coming right for you!
Dande: Waaaaah!!!
*Dande tries to dodge,but the Sheild Boomerang takes off his left arm below the elbow. The sheild sails out the door,powers down & comes to a stop by a wall*
Bot: Beeep?
Cerveau: Yes,it's over. It's a miracle one of us wasn't scrapped! You alright Dande?
Dande: Why me...why always me?
Zero: Mighty Fuck,Cerveau! Those Micro Gyroman thingies of yours must be way off for something like that to happen! That thing could've turned the lot of us into sheet metal!
Cerveau: There's nothing wrong with the microgyros. I checked them out. Six times! Zero,I hate to break it to you,but the only reason we had that near catastrophe was your faulty aim with the Sheild Boomerang & your failure to catch it.
Zero: But...why didn't you warn me about how dangerous that thing was?!
Cerveau: I thought you were skilled enough to handle it!
Zero: I...you...no...
Dande: Could somebody stick my arm back on? Please?
Cerveau: I'll get right on it after I fix my equipment. As for you,Zero...I think you should go get some rest...
Zero: Rest...yeah...
*Zero walks out dejectedly*
Zero(thinking): What's wrong with me? I'm supposed to be this great warrior...this hero,but it seems like half the time I'm the one that's getting saved!
*Zero flashes back to all the times he's been nearly killed so far*
Zero(still in thought): I've messed up so many times. The only reason I'm still functional is because I either had some Nurse elves handy or I just plain got lucky...I've been so overconfident...I can't go on like this...Slag! Everybody's counting on me...I have to get better,but how?
*Enter Ceil*
Ceil: Zero...is something wrong? I heard a lot of comotion coming from Cerveau's lab &...is everyone ok?
Zero: Yeah,they'll be fine...no thanks to me...
Ciel: Zero? What are you talking about?
Zero: Nothing...I have to go away for awhile.
Ciel: Again? Zero,we need you here. You're the only one who-
Zero: No...I'm not. Don't you get it? I can't fight like I used to...I've been making everything up as I go. And that's fine if I'm up against cheaply made drones & inexperianced,brainwashed hunters who've been pressganged into service...but there's no way...just no way I could compete with X & his guardians. I need to keep training! If we're going to win this I have to keep perfecting my skills. I don't have time for anything else,so just leave me alone untill I get it right!
Ciel: But Zero-
Zero: NO!!!
Ciel: Zero...
Zero: Look...Ciel,I'm sorry,but I have to do this. I have to be a better protector for you & everybody else here. I'll see you again soon. Call me if you need anything,alright?
Ciel: Alright.
Zero: Good. Bye,Ciel.
*Zero leaves for the transerver room*
Ciel: Zero...there's more to being a protector than just fighting,you know.
*Sunset in the ruined city. A dark shadow flits from rooftop to rooftop*
*Inside the Energeon plant,Elijah & Adam are on guard duty*
Elijah: You know...something just doesn't feel right.
Adam: What?
Elijah: I...I dunno. It's just...I think there's something in the air tonight...something bad.
Adam: In the air? How would you know? You don't have any lungs.
Elijah: You know what I mean. Can't you feel it?
Adam: Ah,you're just paranoid. Come on,let's go check the west end.
Elijah: Ok. I'll-
*A kunai shoots outta nowhere & cuts through Elijah*
Adam: Hey,Elijah,you comin'?
Elijah: Ah...ah...ah...
Adam: What? What's wrong?
*Elijah's top half slowly slides off & his powercore ruptures & explodes*
Adam: Nooooo!!! Aaaah!!!*shields himself as reploid bits go flying*
???: Hohohohohoho!
Adam: What?! Who are you?!!! Show yourself!!!
*Everything goes black*
Adam: Huh? What the-gaaa!!!
*A barrage of kunais cuts Adam to shreds*
*Zero is in the wrecking yard*
Zero: I know you're here. Come out.
*from behind a totalled car,an X drone opens fire. Zero dodges & blasts the drone in the face*
Zero: Any more?!
Spike wheels & more X drones come out & attack Zero. Zero cuts & shoots at them,killing most of them. Two X drones remain*
Zero: Alright...I can do this...HAAA!!!
*Zero throws the shield boomerang & kills the drones,but when he tries to catch it,it cuts his arm*
Zero: Aaah!!! Damnit!!!
*Ciel comes out from behind a pillar*
Ciel: Zero,you're hurt.
Zero: What the Hell are you doing here?! Don't you realize it's dangerous?!
Ciel: I've been trying to call you,but your comlink is turned off!
Zero: I'm sorry. What's the problem?
Ciel: There's a situation at the factory. Elijah & Adam were on watch duty & haven't reported in for hours. We can't contact them & the security system's link to the base has been cut.
Zero: Neo Arcadia...
Ciel: They're finally trying to reclaim it...but why now?
Zero: It doesn't matter. I'll take care of it...
Ciel: But...are you sure you're up to it?
Zero: It doesn't matter. I have to.
Ciel: Zero...I really wish I didn't have to make you risk your life like this.
Zero: If I didn't,somebody else would have to. Goodbye,Ciel.*Dashes off*
Ciel: Don't do anything foolish! If you're outmatched,please fall back,Zero! Zero!
Zero: *thinking*I don't surrender...
*Zero arrives inside the factory. It's completely deserted*
Zero: Hmm...looks pretty quiet...a little too quiet. *He takes a walk around* Hello! Anybody home?
*A kunai flies at him & sticks in the floor inches from his feet*
Zero: What the?!
???: So,you've finally arrived!
Zero: Where...? NO! I'm in no mood for games! Get out here,you rat!
*Phantom jumps down from the ceiling*
Phantom: If you insist.
Zero: Who are you & what have you done with the guards?
Phantom: I am Inshou Phantom,one of the four guardians of Master X. As for your friends...they are nothing more than scrap metal now.
Zero: You bastard! I'll...*Zero ignites the beam sword*
Phantom: Very well...hahahaha! *Phantom draws his sword* Every generation has its legend,but a lost legend should remain lost. Allow me to show you why! Hiyaa!
*Phantom charges at Zero with his sword,but Zero jumps out of the way*
Zero: Nice try! What do you expect to do with that crappy old metal sword anyway? As soon as it touches my beamsabre it'll disintegrate!
Phantom: Hahahaha! We shall see! HIYAAAA!!!
*Phantom swings his sword at Zero. Zero blocks with his beam sabre,but Phantom's sword goes right through it & nearly hits Zero right in the face. Zero jumps back in terror. Phantom comes at him again,but Zero evades*
Zero: What?! How could that sword penetrate my beam blade?! What kinda tricks are you using?!
Phantom: This is no ordinary sword,Red Maverick! It has an I-field barrier sorrounding the blade that protects it from beam weapons! So does this!
*Phantom throws a big shuriken at Zero. It misses him & hits the wall,breaking into four kunai,one of which hits Zero in the side*
Zero: Ahhh!
Phantom: You said you were in no mood for games,so it's time I stopped playing with you! Take this!
*Phantom jumps on a spinning shuriken & flies around throwing knives. Two more strike Zero*
Zero: Gah! Agh!
Phantom: Die.
*Phantom hops off the shurikopter & kicks it,in midair,at Zero. Zero jumps out of the way,but gets hit again. He pulls the knives out & shoots at Phantom*
Zero: I wont go down that easily! You hear me you little shit?!!
*Phantom dissapears & suddenly there are several Phantoms all over the room*
Zero: Huh? Damnit! No! How can I take all of them on...? No...I've gotta try...
*Zero shoots one of the Phantoms,but instead an X drone falls down dead & the others dissapear*
Zero: How could-
*Zero's confusion is cut short by a kick to the back of his head that sends him falling to the ground,unconscious*
Phantom: Pathetic! He didn't even recognize the ninja doppelganger technique when he saw it. This fool isn't even worthy of being killed by me. I will not soil my blade with your transmission fluid,Zero...no,I have a much better fate in store for you...
*Zero awakens in a storage room. There are huge crates all around & only one small,metal door for an exit*
Zero: Ugh...what hit me? Oh slag! Phantom! Where-?
*Before Zero can finish his sentence,Phantom's voice comes in over the PA system*
Phantom: I really did expect more from you,Zero...
Zero: Shove it! What're you trying to pull,here?! Where-?
Phantom: You never cease to amaze me...acting so tough when I have already proven beyond all doubt that you are naught but a mere...shadow...of your former self.
Zero: What part of 'shove it' don't you understand?
Phantom: Fool. This factory is doomed...your Mavericks are doomed...& most importantly,YOU are doomed!
Zero: What?!
Phantom: While you were unconsious,I planted time bombs all over the factory. They are set to go off in approximately one hour....at which time you & this factory will be smashed into nothing! Your legend will end,not with a whimper,but with a bang!
Zero: Like Hell it will!
Phantom: We shall see...
*The PA shuts off*
Zero: HEY!!! Don't you dare leave me here! You...ARGH!!!
*Zero rushes over to the door. It's locked. Zero punches & kicks it,but to no avail*
Zero: Come on! Haaaaaaaaaa!!!
*Zero readies one last big punch. As soon as his fist makes contact with the door,he recieves a painful electroshock*
Zero: AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!*falls to the ground unconscious*
*Somewhere in the shadows,Phantom waits*
Phantom: Hmm...hahahahahaha!!! Ahahahahaha!!! Let us see if you can get out of this one,Maverick...AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
*As Phantom laughs,Zero continues to lie unconscious & helpless on the storeroom floor...*
*Roll credits*
Unknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
Zero has been defeated by Phantom,the captain of Master X's elite guardians. Now he must escape from the bowels of the factory & find Phantom again to reclaim his honour,but Phantom has a few more tricks in store for Zero...
Can our hero prevail,or will Phantom's time bombs make short work of him & the plant?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 11: Dash against time.