In this chapter I introduce more characters that only play minor roles. A little more comedy as X demonstrates his favorite pastime. ^_^
Note: My Beta-Person (Obasan) Is out of commission right now and I dodn't trust anyone else. I did the best I could but I know there are a few mistakes and I know Word can only do so much. Great program though, I'll give it that. ^_^
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¤~¤ Gimel ¤~¤
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
The hunters had arrived at the site base and parked in a near by open field. The little foundation was almost like a very shaggy town. Deena was the first to hop of the bikes and she headed straight for the largest tent. She knew that Spulunk must be there because he was the head of the entire project. The amethyst robot came form out of the tent and intercepted her. The hunters behind her were talking lowly about the explosion.
" So, what is the status, Spulunk." Deena said shifting her weight from leg to leg as she stretched.
" Well, nothing else had happened. A lot were injured but we can take care of that."
" And our hunters...?" She tilted her head in the direction of the troops behind her. At this time Zero, X, and Alpha had taken there rightful places beside the dark woman.
" Oh them boys?" He laughed a little giving a big grin. " It's just like the base. We've set up quarters for them, five in each tent."
" Thank you." She said bending as her back popped. " Excuse that, all the riding has made me stiff."
" No, no, young lass. I know you humans work differently." The elder reploid said heartily slapping her back and making her loose her breath. Alpha wore a pained face as she tried to hide her giggles.
" Oh, Alpha." Spulunk said walking over to the humanoid and hugging her. " I'm glad all you kiddies are here." He said looking at X and Zero who both nodded pleasantly and waved to him.
" What? We don't get hugs?" Said X looking up at Zero in mock distress.
" Yeah, I know…" He took a sharp breath playacting hurt emotions. " I just don't feel loved." He put a large hand to his eyes and began to sniffle.
" It's ok, Z-man." He put an arm around his friend patting him gently. " I care, man…."
"Dude…" The red reploid sounded choked; he turned, and embraced his best friend. There was a very low and soothing round of 'aw's from the moving crowd around them. Spulunk, on the other hand, was not amused.
" You boys need to man up!" He exclaimed rolling his eyes. " Why, when I was your age… oh never mind that, just cut that out you nuts."
" Yes, Sir!' the two reploids said in one voice and saluted with exaggerated frowns of sterness.
" Do they do this ALL the time?" The senior reploid said with a raised eyebrow. X and Zero looked at each other with goofy grins.
" Yes." Said Deena with an indifferent face. "It's a hobby for them."
" I'm just going to accept that and move on." Muttered Spulunk into Alpha's ear and she smiled.
" Well, you know, it's better than them being depressed all the time." She responded to him with humor. " It's very entertaining."
" Well, anyway, since you guys are top notch." He addressed the four in his presence. " You all get to be paired off." Deena walked over the Alpha.
" I've already guessed the arraignment. Where to, sir?" The huntress said gazing over to the man not far from her.
" Well, you'll know, it's those two very distinctly colored tents over there." He pointed to a place behind them. Siting on the outskirts of the camp where two tents. The one on the right was silver and the other was the color of natural gold.. ' It doesn't matter to me which pair sleeps where as long as you use those tents."
" All right." Said X perking up at the thought of rest. " Let's go, we have to unload stuff anyway." He almost sighed.
" Are you bonkers?!" Deena said in a startling voice. " That's what rookies are for! Remember that new shipment we got? Yeah, a few were put into my unit. I'll just have them do it." She grinned and twiddled her thumbs.
" Oh, come now, Deena. They're new recruits, not slaves." Said the short woman.
" New recruits, slaves, same difference to me." Deena smiled a bit and shrugged. The woman beside her sighed deeply without any true regret of not being able to convince her. Deena hailed over two of the new recruits and gave them their orders. The girl's stuff was to be put in the gold tent while X and Zero's was to be put in the other. The two trainees grumbled a bit but did as they were bid.
" Anyway, shall we go rest?" She turned to the group and X and Zero was sweatdroppng as Spulunk looked at her. He was not pleased with her taking advantage of her position but he didn't say anything.
" Yeah." Said Zero taking a step in the tents direction. " We might as well, I'm sure the soldiers will do as they please, too."
" Riding all day hurts my rear." Complained Alpha as she rubbed her tender butt. She started walking and X followed her leaving the group.
" Zero-sama." She stopped the reploid before he started to walk. " I think we should all talk later. I, for one, am going to train my troops for a few hours." She turned and walked towards the mass of moving bodies. Zero nodded and strutted through the large amounts of tents and people. He was a little uneasy from all of the new faces, but he smiled pleasantly. A few comments came his way from time to time. Most of them were complimenting on his hair. He almost blushed if it wasn't for the fact that an image of X came to his mind. His buddy had always blushed very cutely and it almost disturbed him. It was like looking at a child.
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤ Golden Tent ¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
X sat down on a cot in the tent. It was a simple arrangement: two chairs, two cots, and one small table. Their personal items had been moved in, but that wasn't much at all. A simple laptop, a few cases of equipment, replacements were sitting in a corner. He looked up and smiled as Zero entered the room.
" Hey, Z."
" Hi, X." Zero said walked in and zipped the flap closed. He settled into a chair across form him. " What are you up to?" He said to X who was sitting hunched over.
" Uh, me?" He perked up a bit at the question. " Nothing much, just chilling, letting my systems cool." Zero nodded. He was comforted by the situation. He had worried a great deal on the way to the base about X. Since his systems had gone haywire only a day or so beforehand, there was cause for concern. I wonder what she did to him. Alpha had never explained what she did to fix X, nor did anyone ever ask. Zero had figured that Lifesaver had taken care of those questions. However, it still bothered him. What on this earth would make X just blip-out like that?
" Hey, Zero!" The red reploid snapped from his reverie.
" Yeah, X?" he said removing his helmet.
" I've been calling you for the past few seconds. Where were you? More importantly, why didn't you take me?" Zero laughed at X's complaint and nodded apologizing to his comrade.
" I'm sorry, X. I should be more attentive to your needs."
" Yeah, damn right you should!" They chuckled. Suddenly a small bumping sound could be heard. They both turned their heads towards the tent door. In the dusk light they could tell from the shadow that is was Deena and Alpha.
" Come on in." Said X cheerfully as the zipper was pulled down and the females stepped in.
" Zero-sama, X." Deena bowed and moved to sit next to Zero. Alpha bowed politely and sat on Zero's cot facing the group.
" Have either of you two gotten any information on the… er… enemy?" Alpha said resting her head on her hand.
" Nope, none." Said Zero crossing his legs and leaning back. " We haven't received anything…."
" However," Spoke up X. " We most likely can believe that the researchers haven't gone that deep into the foundation."
" That's very true," Deena nodded and him crossing her arms, " And so they call us in to do the dirty work."
" Come, come now." Alpha said shaking a finger at the older woman. " Don't say that, could they do it on their own?"
" Probably not." Zero sighed. " They need us. It's dangerous for normal reploids to travel so deep into uncharted areas."
" Yeah, but WE don't know where we're going. No map or anything, remember, Zero?"
" That's very true, X." Deena said sighing heavily. She was a cautious woman and didn't like not having even an image to go by. A second later a small blipping noise was heard from the laptop on the table. Then an image of Alia appeared.
" Hunters," She said in a stern voice. The four agents turned to the small screen.
" Sup, Alia." X said a tad worried.
" Is hunter Dart Vision present?"
" Uh, no." He replied.
" Well, then I shall inform you that he is built in with a Echo Detector."
" A what?" Alpha said raising an eyebrow.
" An Echo Director." Said Deena. " It's a device that works like bat radar."
" Oh…." Said the smallest reploid.
" Yes…" Alia continued. " We are going to tap into him and use it to help us build a map. When you go inside the cave it will help us create a map of the areas that you go into. Not only that, it may be set to where you will be able to detect spaces behind doors."
" That's useful. Then we'll know if we're about to fall into a trap of sorts. Or at least what to expect." Said Zero.
" Of course, on top of that." The female on the screen continued. " It will make it easier for you to return to the surface. Well that's all I came to report. Also, X…" She held up an object. " Your teddy bear, Squeaky, misses you." Everyone was floored to the ground save for Zero. His grin was wide and strong. He couldn't help but smirk at the embarrassment that X was going through. The poor blue reploid sputtered and gasped as he tried to gain himself in order to comment.
" You have a teddy bear???!!!" Alpha howled falling over into the hunters lap and proceeding to roll on the floor. Deena was in total disbelief as she opened her mouth but no words came. It was the only thing she could do to stop herself from chuckling with laughter.
" ZERO OMEGA!!!!" X screamed before lunging at his best friend. " I'll kill you!!" X was not truly angry but the act scared both women out of their joy. Alpha stood up worried as she watched X and Zero roll on the ground. Deena stood up and jumped over to them pulling on X.
"Come on, X!" Zero said laughing and playing with his friend as Deena realized she wasn't needed. Yet, Alpha wasn't as amused. She marched over to the two on the ground and gave them both swift kicks and walked back to the other woman.
" Don't DO that!!" She said before huffing and sitting down. Alia sweatdropped and put the bear to the side.
" Yeah, well, anyway, that's all there was to report." She was gone in a second and everything started to calm down save for Zero. He was still on the ground yucking up the event.
" Anyway, now that we have a basic plan of what we'll be doing." Deena said walking towards the door. " I'll be going and leave things up to you." She walked out and let the flap slide back.
" Yeah," Said Alpha bouncing up and following the woman. " See you guys later." She waved and left.
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤ Two Hours Before Dawn ¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
Zero rolled over and cracked an eye. His dreams had not been so pleasant but he could deal. As his sensors started to focus and his systems running, he noticed one distinct blue object missing from the room. He grumbled and slowly got up stumbling towards the entrance. It had been left open and he tripped into the night. The red reploid streamed his hands through his messy hair and started to walk a little. As he finally got over his dreariness he saw what he was looking for.
Heading in no particular direction was X. Zero almost laughed as his friend aimlessly eased his way deeper into the main camp. Zero hustled towards him trying not to make too much noise and took the reploids hand gently.
" Come on, X" he said lowly pulling on the others bots hand. X started to follow and Zero had to suppress his laughter even more. He was pretty use to having to find X in the middle of the night but the thought of being seen made him laugh even more. It was like taking care of a child.
What Zero didn't know was that someone was watching. Alpha had been up just gazing at the stars through their plastic window when she saw X wonder out of his tent. She was preparing to go after him but saw Zero come out. Figureing she'd leave it up to him she sat back and waited.
She chuckled as X almost tripped but ended up landing square onto Zero's back. He must feel no pain or Zero's hair is just that thick. Yet, the two reploids made it safely back up to the tent with no more mishaps.
Geez, I didn't know they made robots with that type of a malfunction. I wonder why he hasn't been fixed yet. On the other hand it is a very cute trait and I don't think anyone minds too much. It only makes me wonder how much like humans reploids are suppose to be. She slipped back under her covers and went back to sleep.
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤ Morning ¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
That morning Deena burst out of her tent with fervor. She was a notorious morning person and no one could quite figure out why. She always seemed pissed off and ready to kick someone's ass and yet in the morning she was sunshine. Of course, everyone knew that the morning was the best time to ask her for anything but few could drag themselves up to do it. Deena pointed and bossed her troops around before feeling the day was right. She was raring to go and explore the unknown area. In reality she had always enjoyed teaming up with Zero and X. She was normally a loner but that's because she didn't trust many people. In this case she trusted both Zero and X greatly and had developed a fondness for Alpha.
"Ok, Ladies! Get into shape. Stay here and do as you're told. Make your sorry asses useful for the people around you. Ok?"
" Yes." Came a drawn out reply from the people around her. It was six in the morning and the reploids where not truly awake yet. They milled around and blinked often as their sensors adjusted. In the base they could fake being awake since their bodies were use to the surroundings. They could tell where they were and which way to look but not now.
" I can't hear you!" She bellowed and bopped one poor half-snoozing robot awake.
"Yes, Ma'am!" They straightened up and were dismissed after a short lecture about how girlie they all were. They took no offense since they knew she was playing with them. On top of that, it was about the only time she played with them so they came to somehow enjoy the mornings.
At one point Zero and X joined her.
" Morning." X said too chipper for Zero to take. A groan came from the red reploid and X wrapped an arm around his neck. " Aw, come on Zero. Wake up already." He hugged him and playfully slapped his face.
" Good morning, X. As you can see we're all ready to go expect for one person." She patted Darts sleepy head but was not referring to him at all.
" I'm coming, I'm… OW!" They heard a slight crash as Alpha hopped out of the tent zipping it. Apparently she has tripped on her flats while trying to get them on and do her hair. " OK! Ready!" to their amusement she had actually managed to do her hair and put on her shoes.
" Are you ready, Dart?" Deena said patting him harshly on the head as we clung to her trying not to fall over. He was no where near a morning person and that got him into a lot of trouble with her.
" Yes, I have all the software up and running." They moved through the camp and to the mess hall. They ate pretty quickly but X and Zero almost got into a food fight with the next table.
When they finally made it to the excavation site it was completely deserted. The wind was picking up a bit as they entered. A beeping sound came from Alpha's wrist watch and an image of Alia appeared.
" Good morning hunters." She said cheerfully as they gathered around. " We've detected that there are scanners within this place. Watch out. You never know what you'll come up against if anything."
" Yeah, that's true. Hey Alia. How's the radar working?" Dart said cracking his neck a bit.
" Clear as crystal. We're slowly making a map. Why don't you guys wonder deeper into the place?"
" Let's do it then." Said X whipping around and marching melodramatically down the hall. The others followed as Alia cut their communication off short. The area look somewhat of an ancient underground lab and yet it was reminiscent of a castle.
"This is one hell of a lab." Said Dart as he walked in front of the group. He touched on of the many intricate floral patterns on the wall. It glowed a pinkish red.
"Great, we're in the middle of a flower Palace." Zero mumbled gazing at the large replicated pottery. The light within the halls came from fluorescent windows that mimicked streaming light at dusk. The entire lab was a blue-purple mix.
" I bet you don't see this everyday…" Deena said looking up at the ceiling. It glowed faintly creating a soft blue affect. " Geez, what kind of a lab is this." They walked on into a vast chamber.
" Seems to be no enemies." Zero commented looking around a huge pillar. " Give the decorator credit. They can redo our quarters if they want."
" Word." Chimed in X. " Please do. I'd like to live in a place like this. Needs more blue though." He commented and everyone giggled.
" Um, Captain Deena?" Said Dart hesitantly.
" Yes, soldier?" She said stopping with him in the middle of the room. Everyone stopped where ever they were.
" Well, my sensors say there's a big cavern UNDER us."
" I see…" She nodded.
" Hey guys!" Alpha called at the exit. " There's some rubble further along." The rest of the group nodded as Zero walked over to X straggling behind with him.
" You'd think we would have tun into some enemies by now." He whispered.
" Yeah, me too. Why didn't they want to come down here again?"
" We could be being watched after all. I'm pretty sure we are. This place is alive. I can feel it." The both quickened their paces to keep up with the group.
" Why couldn't we have just warped in?" Complained Dart as he helped Alpha over a fallen pillar."
" Stop complaining." Deena growled as she touched down. " They have to have quadrants after all. That's why we're here." Zero and X landed near Dart and walked on after he and Alpha. Since Alpha didn't have any fighting ability she was kept as a record keeper. Though everyone was taking in their surroundings her main job was to keep track of observations. Slowly the data dart was collecting turned into an intricate map.
" This place if fucking huge!" X said looking around in boredom. The only challenges they had had so far was getting across broken pillars and going down a flight of stairs or two. When they reached the second floor they found that it was more damaged than the first.
" Well, isn't this just pleasant?" Huffed Zero. " If this is suppose to be Signas' idea of a hunt I'm not exhilarated." They had stopped at the entrance to the new hall. They stood talking and reviewing for a second before a screech sent them jumping into each other's arms.
" What was that!?" Alpha's voice quivered a bit as she unburied her face from Zero's arms.
" This!" Deena said pointing very low to the ground. Their eyes followed and they found a fighting little creature stuck under a smaller pillar. The third unit captain was looking a little pissy as she glared at the creature.
" Poor thing." The little woman bent down and patted it. " I wonder when this happened."
" Beats me." Said the woman towering over her. " Probably last night or something like that. It's a robot, it could last awhile stick under a thing like that." She turned to Zero and the rest. " Hey, let's try to get it out. Maybe it can help us."
The three reploids nodded and positioned themselves around.
" On my count." Zero said. " One… two... three!" they lifted it just enough for Alpha to scoop the creature from under it before they let it drop. After the dust cleared they looked over the crouching Alpha.
" Hey, what is it?" Asked Dart looking at the thing's shape.
" A… dog? Maybe..." Zero said.
" Kinda looks like a winged dog." Cut in Dart
" Oh great!" Snorted X. " A winged Dog. What next? I thought it was suppose to be flying pigs!"
" Hey! Who asked you blue boy!?" Said the thing and they all jumped a bit.
" Why you little!" Zero had to hold X back. It was more of a comical scene than a serious one since X was only a few inches away from it. Once he calmed down they all sat.
" Hey," Started Dart. " Now that I give it some thought. Weren't you found here, Alpha?"
" Yes, but in a different part. Not in this building."
" the excavation grounds are huge, Dart. It is possible for her to be from any part of it." Said Deena laning against the pillar.
" Yeah, so what about the thing?" Pointed X in question.
" I'm not a thing!" It yelled waving a paw at X. " My name is Doll."
" Oh, hi Doll. I'm Alpha and this is X, Zero, Deena, and Dart." They all made acquaintances and started with the questions.
" Hey, what are you doing here?" Said X. He crossed his arms and leaned back.
" I'm the guardian of this place." X chuckled at the statement but quieted down. " Quiet wise guy. Anyway, hey babe," He was looking up at Alpha. " Unfortunately I'm too damaged to use my winds OR to walk. Think I can hitch a ride?"
" Sure." she said cheerfully but Deena had a cocked eyebrow.
" Babe? Is that any way to address a person? Let alone one you're asking a favor from AFTER being introduced?"
" Yo, dame. Why don't you shut your mouth? I wasn't talking to you." It said rudely and this time it was Deena being held back. With her diamond word draw she was ready to slice Doll in two. Doll was actually a gold dog creature with rainbow wings. He sat stoically looking at her. 'now, where was I?" He turned back to what I was talking about. Shall we go?"
" Sure." She readjusted him and started to walk with Deena storming behind her. X and Zero finally let her go once Alpha and Dart where far enough away.
" Come on, Deena. Don't kill it. OK?"
" Yes, Zero-sama… but can't I hurt it just a little?"
" No."
" Damn." She snapped and followed them to a huge door. " Why the holdup?"
" I'm detecting an enormous amount of space past this door. Even more so than that one room."
" It gets bigger?" Alpha gasped.
" Seems so..." Dart confirmed and pushed the door. " Heavy thing. Won't budge an inch."
" That's because you're brain dead." Doll said. "Toots, lift me to the blue flower." Alpha did so and with a tap of its paw the door started to slide open. The share magnitude of the doors created a low rumbling sending bit and piece of dust floating downward.
Deena was silently growling. The only person allowed to smack him around is me! She was not a happy camper at how rude the small animal was. She could understand a little if it were forgetful but it obviously didn't realize that they had not been down there before or it plain didn't care. She betted on the last one. The Dog-thing just doesn't care who he insults.
They walked into the room and their eyes were hit by brilliant light. As they strolled in further they took in the source of the change. It was a garden, but not a regular garden; it was a huge hologram. It looked like a normal country scene. The illusions even swayed as if wind was gusting through.
" By the gods. What is the world is this?' Questioned Deena walking ahead of the rest. She gently glided through the colors and came upon an image. In the far distance of the hologram mass she could see a mirage playing out.
" This is Cybernetic Garden." Stated Doll in his arrogant tone. Deena continued towards the distant hologram while Dart took readings. Zero and X studied the plants and insects buzzing around them.
" Whoever built this lab sure did have a love of beauty." Said Zero as Deena's movement caught his eye. " Where you going Deena?" He said jogging over before being shocked by the scene before them. " X…. Alpha… GUYS!" He seemed a bit hysteric but in reality just didn't know exactly how far away everyone else was. " You may want to come see this." The rest hurried over and were amazed by the scene.
The play glossed over their eyes a few times before they reacted.
" Who are they?" Said Deena in a quiet tone. She had seen many reploids in her day but never of this model.
" That…" Started Doll but all of a sudden his voice was steeped with melancholy. " That is the past." He said gently resting snugly in Alpha's arms. She looked down at him.
" The past?" She whispered into his ear. " Is this what I wasn't programmed with?" it wasn't a question to anyone but herself. She didn't know the scene that was being played out before them. There were only four beings involved with the setting. A blue old style robot chasing after a young blond girl. By her appearance she was a robot as well though crafted to look very much like a female human. In their midst's was a silly robotic dog that got tripped up. They laughed and pointed at the silly thing and it shook its head. Maybe it was talking to them. In the distance stood a lone red figure. He waved to the trio and walked over. It seemed as if they were having and conversation. This scene played over again.
" It's stuck or on repeat?" The orange reploid said cocking a head to the side. He had been trying to get a reading on the place since they walked in. However, all of his information showed nothing unusual. The entire palace gave off the same energy so he couldn't tell if there were any enemies.
" It's on repeat." Doll drooped a bit in the woman's arms and gazed at the setting.
" Something wrong, Dog-thing?" An irritated Deena said crossing her arms and then looking back at the scene.
" Yeah, dame." She winced a bit but allowed him to carry on. " This is her fondest memory. I don't even know if you're suppose to see it but I figure the doors were allowed to be open purposely."
" You opened the door." She snapped back.
" I didn't know if she wanted you all to see it or her or not. Figured I'd try."
" Who's she?" Inquired X while lifting a finger to stop the conversation.
" She is the computer that runs this place."
" So there's a computer behind all of this. Must have a pretty advanced AI."
" Yeah, she's pretty advanced for her age to say the least."
" Hey, Alpha, know anything about this?" Dart said pointing towards the hologram.
" Well, it seems to be Megaman and his family." This sparked X's attention. She saw this interest and continued on. " Yes, Megaman, Roll, Rush, and Blues. I'll be honest, I only know those names due to programming but that's them. It has to be. I'm not sure about what they are and all but I do know is that they were created by Dr. Light. More of, at least Megaman was. The others were as well. This is judging by the model, but I don't think Blues was. His information is mysterious. Megaman," She said with a bit of longing. " Back in his day he was a robotic idol." X nodded knowing that that was all the information that she could give them.
" Let's continue." Interrupted Zero as he turned towards the obvious door. The others nodded and continued to walk.
" I want you guys to know that she's in this next room." They walked in without any hindrance. It seemed like an ordinary lab save for the continued floral theme. They looked around each going to a separate corner to investigate.
" So, Doll," Alpha started as she studied the computer panel. " Where is she?"
" In this room but I'm not sure why she hasn't done anything yet. I thought for sure she'd activate herself by now." He said trailing off. The large screen in the room flickered on and twisted with random designs and colors.
" Psychedelic." X nodded playfully and watched as Zero started to show off his liquid moves. " Oh yeah, go Z!" Everyone else rolled his or her eyes as a female figure displayed on the plasma screen. She was a gentle looking figure decked out in a simple green dress that went to the floor. Her hands were gently placed on he lap as she smiled; blue hair gently resting against her face.
" Hello." She said blinking slowly. " I am the Mother Computer, Mater. Welcome to Dew Fountain."
" Is that a honey dew or a dew, dew?" Zero said grinning and lifting his eyebrows in question.
" Or maybe it's a do the dew. Ever think of that?" His friend said seeming pissed. Mater looked at them slightly confused before she seemingly just let it slide.
" Ignore them, please, Mother Computer." Deena said sweatdropping and shaking her head. " We came here to explore and find what was here. It seems you're the one running the show."
" Yes, I have been watching you since you entered here. It seems you found dear little Doll. Please excuse him, his programming was not completed."
" That explains more than you think." Deena exhaled. She glared at the thing before returning her attention to the computer before her. The Mother Computer smiled at them and spoke again.
" Have you any questions?"
" Yeah, when did you start running again?" Said Zero.
" I've been running since the day I was completed. I have been watching over the human race and the reploid race for as long as it has existed. You're only now finding me here."
" What have you been doing all this time outside of watching us?"
" Planning."
" Planning?" they inquired.
" Yes, it is my dream to create the perfect race."
" What?" Deena spoke up. " How can one do that?"
" The robotic world is vast and varying. I'm sure that with the proper programming I can recreate the perfect race. Even the reploid race has flaws." Everyone was taken aback by her words but slowly she started again. " However, that dream is far away and will take even more time than now. I have not had the proper data to pull from."
" Well have fun." Snorted Zero. " Reploids are complicated enough, going beyond that could take a very long time."
" But you and X are very special reploids." Her emerald eye glistened a bit with an emotion. " So special that no one knows much about your makeup. Am I not right?"
" What did she do? Break into the computer systems?" Sighed X.
" No, that type of information isn't exactly classified, X." Dart started " You see, MOST people know that your systems could not be fully harnessed."
" Yes, no matter how much we are alike form the outside and in appearance the inside is different." Zero said.
" That is why I am glad you all have come." Mater said joyously. " I've waited for the chance to see your two." She snapped and suddenly Blue flowers sprang form open slots. They grabbed Zero's hand and lifted him up.
" What the hell? Even the restraints are fucking flowers!" Dart shouted.
" Marvelous, Zero, just marvelous!" X joked as Zero was lifted to a deck above them. He was enveloped in a blue light and screens showing his data flashed rapidly.
" Once I intake his data I can truly start my plans for the perfect race."
" You're outta your mind. Zero? Perfect race? Does not compute!" X yelled transforming into his falcon armor.
" His data will be the first of a collecting." There was no malice in her voice but no one was any calmer.
" So we'll have an army of blond and red reploids? Great." Beamed Alpha hugging Doll and nudging Dart.
" Um, excuse me, guys. I know you're busy imagining a future and all but… SAVE ME!!" Zero yelled.
" Why don't you save yourself?" Inquired X.
" OK, dumb-ass. You obviously thought you needed to help me." Zero shot back eyeing X's armor change.
" Well yeah, but then I thought about it. You're a grown hunter, you should be able to take care of yourself."
" Ok, X, let's review. My buster won't allow me to shoot anywhere but straightforward and my saber is on my back. OK Children, now what does this mean?"
" Oh, me, me!" Jumped Alpha.
" Alpha."
" You're in a pickle. You need our help." She said excitedly. Zero made a dinging sound and fought with his restraints as his data was being laid out before the Mother Computer. X flew up and readied his buster before a flower shot out like a ninja star and tripped him up. Everyone started to laugh. For such a serious event no one could take it that way. Dart sighed and pulled out a gun from its holster and shot at the floating flower. His aim was a bit off and he missed.
" How embarrassing."
" No shit, orange boy." Doll made his usual rude remarks. The only problem with missing was that X was caught too.
" Ok, X, just shoot yourself outta this one." Remarked Zero.
" I'd love too…" X said as he was held beside Zero on the scanning deck. "Really, but this damn thing has a jammer in it!"
" Oh fucking great, blue dork." Zero snorted.
" Who you calling a dork, ass!"
" Moron."
" Dumb Blond."
" You're the dimwit." At this point everyone, even Mater, was a little put off by their bickering.
" Your mother was an Apple and your father was an Atari!" he shot back.
" What?!" Gasped everyone before Deena had had enough and whipped out her diamond sword. " Never send a man to do a woman's job. HEAVEN OR HELL SLASH!" She was using one of her secret arts. It was a projectile that would move through everything but the object it's thrower was focused on. It broke the bond on X's right hand.
" Now stop fighting and get yourself outta all this!" She yelled turning away too embarrassed to look at them. X shot the other restraint but couldn't leave the scanner as he carefully aimed at Zero's restraints.
" Just use his saber!" yelled Alpha. X considered it before the fear in Zero's eyes met his.
" Don't fucking touch it! I remember the last time!" And Zero was right so X carefully shot of the edge of the shackle.
" You're no fun, Zero."
" You wouldn't be either," He said glaring at X and using his saber to release the other hand. " If your hair was almost chopped off by your best friend."
" Wait, you can't leave yet!" The Mother Computer said slightly panicked. She started her self-defense program. Disks were flying everywhere and it became a bit of target practice. Zero and X jumped down and started tearing the place up. Of course, Deena had a head start with Dart.
" Uh, guys…" Came Doll's squeaky voice. " Why don't you just push this button?" He pointed to a big red one.
" Oh." Everyone said. Alpha walked over moving her hair so it didn't get caught in the falling ruble. She pushed a button and a map of the place was loaded onto a hologram base. Dart quickly rushed over and uploaded the information.
" OK, got it!" He said. " Now let's warp out of here!" a large screen fell in front of him and he grabbed Alpha pulling her back.
" Let's go people!" Zero said grabbing Deena by the waist and making her come along. " No more Heaven and Hell slashing for you!"
" It's Heaven OR hell. OR!!" She said as she was dragged out of the room. The Mother Computer was slightly panicked before her screen was crashed into.
" Warping!" Dart said forcefully in a suggestive manner.
" Good idea!" Shouted Deena as she leaped over a fallen slab. " Get Alia on the line, damn it!" After Dart connected to Alia he transferred the flies.
" Configuring location and party. It's gunna take a couple of seconds, find a spot to stop." Alia said hurriedly typing on her computer.
" OK," Said Zero sarcastically. " Then why don't you find us a safe spot while you're at it?" He had taken Alpha by the hand and formed a tag team with X to help her over obstacles.
"If I had known this was going to happen I wouldn't have come. Sorry guys." Alpha said regretting her position. Her skirt was too long to jump and she was not a fighting robot.
" Its OK, it feeds our manly egos." X laughed helping her over a fallen pillar.
" Don't listen to him, he's kidding. It's all right." Zero jumped over some rubble. The group was racing towards the entrance when finally they found a spot where it was only beginning to crumble.
" OK, Alia. Here's our chance! Dart said skidding to a halt and pushing the digital button once everyone was assembled.
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤ Outside ¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
Once the team was transported outside they watched as the lab consumed itself. A big hole was the only thing left as the large dust cloud settled.
" Welp, Alpha, how do you feel? You've faced danger, you're now officially apart of the Hunter Base."
" Well, it was adventurous!" She giggled holding Doll in one hand.
" And why did you bring that Dog-thing with you?" Questioned Deena eyeing Doll who flipped her off. Once again she had to be restrained as Spulunk came up to them.
" So kiddies. Find out anything?"
" Did we?" Said X walking up to him with Dart by his side. " Dart here has all the data you need. Plus, Alpha could probably be a big help to you." She walked over nodding and Spulunk looked down.
" What's this creature you've got with you?"
" I'm Doll, old man."
" It's Spulunk you stupid Dog-thing!" Deena raged.
" Doll, you stupid dame thing!"
" Die!" Deena was raging on as Zero held her back.
" Anyway," Alpha said. " Doll was in there. He was the guardian."
" This thing!?" the purple reploid picked Doll up by his wings and flung him a bit. " You must be kidding me." Doll bit the old man and growled.
" Hey, old fart, if you haven't noticed I'm damaged here!"
" Oh, sorry." He said tossing him into Alpha's arms. There was and odd silence before Deena went off to train. Dart, Alpha, and Doll went with Spulunk to talk about the event. Zero and X looked at each other before skipping through camp together.
" Hey, X, ever get the urge to do a musical? You know, just break out into dance and song." Zero asked.
" If only we had the talent and guts."
" Oh, well, I guess I'm sorry for the thing I said back there." Zero said trying to sound unconcerned. They made it back to their tent and prepared to report.
" Yeah, I guess I'm sorry too, Z."
" Well," Zero started while shuffling through papers. " That was delayed." X grinned a bit and reached out his hand taking Zero's hair. He pulled a bit.
" What did you expect?" Zero grinned at this comment and went back to work. Iris, it seems things have changed a bit. I wonder, if your death does this to Zero then what will Zero's death do to me? I have never felt that he has ever really left, and each time he's come back. What if one day he doesn't come back? As a reploid, will I live hundreds of years and never see him again? Who will help me move on?
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
¤~¤ Mega-X's Notes ¤~¤
¤ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ¤
Mega-X: Dramatic ending everyone!
Zero: What the hell?
X: Hey, I think I am perfect for the job.
Deena: Hey, who stole my coffee. DOLL!
Mega-X: Everyone! Clear the set! New scene!
Zero: * Reading his role * Wait a second, how fucking sappy could this get?! Being flamboyant with X from time to time I can deal with… but sappy? Aren't we over that?
X: Not by a long shot. Alpha! Get me the fifth chapter script.
Alpha: Righty-O, Joe.
Dart: Joe?
Zero: Why the fifth. We're on the fourth.
X: Because it's kinda like my chapter, sorta. Hey! The next chapter is all about you anyway!
Deena: Wait, I'm in there.
X: I meant, BASICASLLY all about Zero.
Everyone: Oooooohhhh.
Mega-X: ^_^;; Oh well, on to the next chapter.