Chapter 3 Axl's POV: Peculiar

Oy… There goes another set of Hunters. I chuckled a bit as I saw the duo crash into each other, sending the forms sailing through the air, before landing everywhere in the hallway. Heh, snow in July.

Still, I couldn't help feel a bit empty. I really wanted to join with the Hunters, but after Red Alert, I wasn't so sure of it anymore. So much has happened over the last few weeks, and it's kept me thinking. Thinking about all kinds of things, but mostly about Red Alert

There are only a few people… scratch that… Zero is the only who knows that I really miss Red Alert. Not those guys we um… mauled… but the original Red Alert. Some of the best friends I ever had. They were retired by Mavericks though.

You know… back when they were in charge of things, we weren't really a big corporation. Not yet, anyway. However, they didn't find it necessary. As long as they could do their jobs; a.k.a. hunt down Mavericks.

The Head Commander back then had been someone named Sorum. He was a nice guy, but I didn't rightfully know him that much. He was always stuck in his office when he wasn't out hunting Mavericks. He had his food served there, his room was just on the opposite side of the hall, so, no, I didn't always have to deal with him.

The others however…

Flare was a fire-based Reploid, as his name tends to give away. And he's got a bad temper to boot. If you didn't watch what you were saying around him, you'd be BBQ-ed before you'd know what happened. He had this HUGE flame-thrower he used to fry Mavericks, but usually, at the base, he was out of armor, so we didn't have to worry about him setting anything on fire. Not that he didn't succeed at that, if I may add.

Let's see… Oh yeah, Slash. He was a pretty nice guy. Pretty much the 'sharpest tool in the box'. Quite literally. Didn't mean he was a badass. Well, maybe a smartass at some points, but it's something you get used to over time. Slash was one of my better friends during that time. I spent a lot of time with him, as he taught me pretty much everything. Not just fighting, but also different aspects about life itself, you know. So… yeah, you could say I enjoyed his company.

Not as much as Rose's though.

Oh yeah…… Rose. She'd been my um… well… first (and so far only) girl I fell in love with. I have no idea if she thought the same about me, as she was killed during a Maverick attack. One that Red had sent her to. Sorum had been killed by that time, and Red had taken over. Anyway, back to Rose. She was a doll, not literally, of course, but figuratively speaking. It makes you wonder why someone like her would want to help us kill Mavericks. Then again, I guess we all had our own reasons, even though we never told those to anyone else.

Rose was different from the others though. She actually had sympathy to all, even Mavericks. Then again, she was a Catholic, so that could've helped her with that. After every battle, she would go pray to God. I never really listened to what she said, mainly because she talked so softly it couldn't be heard.

The only thing I kept hearing from her when she prayed was: "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned."

I'd prayed along with her a few times… or at least… I tried. I did as she did and whispered what I had done, as I later learned she'd been doing the whole time, but I couldn't help but feel like it wouldn't help.

Could be it was just me, of course. I'm a bit of realist, so it's a tad hard for me to believe in a higher power above us. I wasn't about to deny it to others though if they believed in it. Still, whenever I tried to pray, it just wouldn't work out. This single thought kept popping up in my mind every time I did.

"God has not created man, but man has created God."

I read that in some kind of book. And… I have to say, it makes sense. I mean, be reasonable; if humans had not been around, there would've been no God, but because some people refuse to dominant, about anything, they create a higher power. It makes sense to me, but it really doesn't have to for you.

Slash also thought that way, but he tended to blurt that kind of things out.

And whenever he got in trouble, all he'd say was: "Yeah, whatever."

That alone seemed to be able to get him out of any situation. Don't ask how, but it did.

The five of us were the best team anyone could imagine. No matter what the situation, we'd always get out of it if we just worked together. Because that's what being in a team is all about; teamwork. My time with Red Alert wasn't all about roses (keep in mind, that pun was NOT intended to be), but the time with Sorum and the rest of the team could be considered the best of it all.

When Red showed up, taking over when Sorum was killed, everything changed. We began to fall apart, slowly, and Red was the one causing it. He seemed to be determined to break us up, though even now, I still don't understand why. And one by one, my friends were killed.

I should've run back then, but I didn't dare. After all, where would I have gone? Basically, I would've been a homeless Reploid, and if there's one thing humans won't take in anywhere, it's homeless people, especially Reploids.

The only thing I'd wanted for time to turn back and allow me to change everything. But time doesn't listen to anyone. It just keeps going, not stopping at all for anyone. Especially me.

Sometimes I think there's something wrong with me; that I'm a bad luck charm or something. I know, it's a stupid thought, but it sometimes really seems that way. Though I guess, in a way, it can be considered a good thing, as it keeps me on edge, ready for just about everything.

I can't rightfully say I like it, but it's better than dying, I guess.

I noticed X walking by, but he seemed a bit distracted. I almost opened my mouth in a greeting, then though better of it and shut up.

X for some reason… well… let's say we aren't really on good terms. I want to be, but X doesn't want to, I guess. It's almost like I disgust him, with the way he keeps throwing me those distasteful glances when he probably thinks I can't see. But I don't need to see them. Maybe someone should tell him that that glare of his makes anyone feel puny. He doesn't glare often, only when it seems to concern me.

That makes me feel a bit… well… more aware of myself. I just want him to see me as someone who can at least do things right. But I just seem to do everything wrong. Or at least, in X's eyes; there's always something wrong with me, no matter what I do.

I wish I could hate him for it, but I respect him too much for that. That doesn't mean I actually want to get in his pants, you sickos!! Eesh… Anyway, I'm not the only one who can't hate X though. Zero told me he respected his friend as well, but that they were no more than close friends, even though they acted more like brothers, Zero acting the eldest and X being the kid brother. No shock there, ne?

And as for Zero… I know he's been trying to get X to at least be civil to me, but it hasn't had any effect at all. I guess he's about as confused as I am about X's strange behavior. Zero already told me it wasn't like X to be like that to people. I know those two are best friends, and even though I know Zero wants X and I to be friends as well, I can't allow myself to stand in the way of their friendship.

Though sometimes… I really wish I had someone to care for, or someone to care for me. Both would be appreciated too, of course. But hey, how big's the chance that'll happen?

Very small, I can assure you that.

Though of course, it can't hurt to dream, right?

You know, I heard somewhere that if you wish on a falling star, and don't tell anyone about it, your wish will come true. That's why I've been sitting on the roof for the past few weeks, after curfew, hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star.

But nothing. Not one.

Of course, I didn't expect to see any, but I didn't bother with it for too long.

But still, it would be nice if I could at least find someone, with or without one of those stars. I didn't bother if it was just in the form of someone like a brother/sister to me or… well… you get the idea.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when the alarms suddenly started blaring. I blinked, twice, before dashing off as fast as I could toward the war-room.

When I got there, I saw that X and Zero were already there, listening to Signas' very boring speech. Glad that had actually gotten in late, I quietly stepped up to beside Zero, pretending that I'd been there the entire time. I am NOT going to repeat what Signas had said, so I'll keep it brief;

They were attacking Gate's old lab.

I never met this Gate, but from what Zero told me, Gate went bonkers when he tried deciphering Zero's DNA. Don't ask how that happened, I wasn't around MHHQ around that time. Anyway, Gate's lab had been meant to be destroyed, people ended up rebuilding it instead. And looks like those damn Mavericks didn't really like the idea.

Zero, X and myself were sent to take them out. We headed out in a hurry, destroying any Maverick we encountered. The oddest part about it all was that the Mavericks weren't attacking anything in particular, and instead seemed to be searching for something.

"This is crazy!" Zero mumbled. "What the heck are those guys looking for?!"

I wasn't the least bit bothered by Zero's language. I was used to it at Red Alert.

"No idea," X said. "But whatever they're looking for can't be good when they get their dirty claws on it."

I didn't bother to say anything. What was there to add anyway? Zero and X both summed up this entire situation perfectly. We kept moving onward, destroying any Maverick in our path. As we did, it became terribly obvious that something was seriously wrong.

Of course, if you asked me what, I wouldn't have been able to answer.

After several minutes of non-stop walking and destroying Mavericks, we come to an area that was completely abandoned. I looked around the room, noting that the place was pretty much totaled, almost like there had been an intense battle here quite some time ago. No idea what happened here, but I didn't really bother with it. I did find it odd that this place was deserted, as the rest of the place seemed to be crowded with Mavericks and drones.

"All right, NOW where are those damned bastards!?" Zero demanded.

"Maybe they all went somewhere else?" I offered, though I knew very well that it was a very lame thing to say.

I wasn't the only one who thought that, as I could see X roll his eyes, though I pretended that I didn't see. I didn't want to know what X would do if he knew I saw that.

As I took another glance around the room, X suddenly let out a yelp. I whipped my head around to face him, and I gasped in shock when I noticed X's leg stuck into the ground.

"What the?!" X cried out, trying to pull his leg loose again, but it didn't help in the least.

"X?! What the heck is--?!"

"I don't know alright?! Just get me out of here!!"

Zero and I tried to help X to yank his foot out, but it really didn't help at all. In fact, it was as if he was sinking further and further into the ground with every second, whether we were helping him or not. Even so, we wouldn't stop trying and just kept pulling.

I wasn't willing to let X die like that. No way.

"Crud, this isn't helping!" Zero mumbled. "I'm gonna--ACK!!"

I whirled around, and my eyes widened as I saw that Zero was now also stuck. I turned back to X, just to see him try to push himself up again, being already waist-deep into the ground. His arms suddenly passed straight through the ground, and he was gone within a second

"X!!!" Zero and I cried in horror.

Zero tried to move, but his leg wouldn't budge, making him curse in anger.

"Axl!! Give me a hand here!!"

I nodded and hurried over, taking both his hands in my own, before starting to pull at him with all my might. Zero tried to step forward, but his other leg also sank into the ground because of that. He wouldn't stop cursing as I kept on pulling, knowing that I could fairly well pull his arms out of joint, but I wasn't about to let the same thing happen to Zero.

"Axl! Move!! Hurry!!" Zero suddenly shouted, making me look down to my feet.

I yelped in fright as the ground shifted beneath me, and I leaped back quickly --- only to get stuck myself!!

"Crap!!"

"Ack!! W-w-what's going on!?"

Zero was twisting and turning his entire body, trying to get loose as I pulled at my legs. He was cursing wildly, probably pissed off as hell. In the end, it didn't help anything as Zero followed X to wherever he had gone.

"ZERO!!!" I cried out, though it didn't help a bit.

I wish I could've said I kept my cool, but I'd be lying.

As much as I tried to get loose, I only seemed to be sinking further into the ground, almost like there was something pulling me down. But I have no idea what could be pulling me down, and the only way to find out was to let myself be pulled.

Not the best choice, but what else could I do?

So instead of resisting any further, I relaxed, as best as I could, and allowed myself to be pulled. It seemed to go a lot faster when I didn't resist, and before I could even yelp, I was sent careering down some kind of tube. I would've cried out if my throat hadn't suddenly constricted. I tried to swallow, but I found that I couldn't. I had closed my eyes against the bright colors flashing by me, not wishing to go blind.

Next thing I know is landing right on a chair, which topples over as I land on it, sending it, and me, to the ground, with me yelping in surprise. I groan as I look up at the ceiling… or what's left of it at least.

I blinked in surprise, watching the dark clouds moving across the dark sky, but I could also see the sun, and that didn't make any sense… right? I mean… the sky is dark, but the sun's out… that's… impossible… right?

I slowly push myself up, looking around the room equally slow. There's a strange, pungent smell in the air, and as I look around, I notice that the lights are blinking on and off, but they barely lit the room, so they weren't really necessary.

As I tried to stand up, my hand suddenly slipped, but I just managed to keep my balance. I blinked, and held up my hand… after which I tried not to puke.

My entire hand was covered with dark red and black liquids, and by its scent I could easily determine that it was blood and oil. I took another look around, and realized that the entire floor and the walls were painted red and black. The desks in the room were shattered, but there were no signs of bodies anywhere.

I did the best I could to try and keep my stomach under control as I slowly rose to my feet, not wishing to slip and fall on my rear. I gulped a bit, trying to keep my lunch down in my stomach.

"I KNEW I shouldn't have eaten that lasagna before going out…" I mumbled, trying to keep said meal in my stomach.

As I walked, I had to gulp several times, my lunch threatening to come up with almost every step I took. I have no idea what did this, but I hope that I don't have a run-in with it. Of course, knowing my luck, that's exactly what would happen.

The boots I wore made slight sloppy noises as I walked through the blood and oil, and I gulped again.

This place… I don't know where I ended up, but all I wanted was to get out! It was driving me paranoid!

As I moved on, I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. That wasn't as bad as what followed, because it soon turned into a feeling of being followed.

Being watched, I can deal with, being followed, no.

I gulped once more and pulled out my Copy-Shot, looking around carefully. My fusion tank was working overtime, making my breathing harsh and ragged. My eyes were darting around everywhere, trying to spot whoever was out there. But the darkness of the room, as well as the darkened sky (which STILL doesn't make any sense) made it almost impossible to see anything waving its hands in front of my face.

All right, I'm exasperating a bit, but you get the idea.

My tank was now pounding in my ears so loudly that I wouldn't be surprised if anyone else who could be in the nearby vicinity (say, three miles) heard it. I looked all around, seeing nothing and no one, but the feeling didn't leave. It was there in the back of my mind, taunting me as if saying; 'catch me if you can' in a childish singsong voice.

With both my guns in hand, I looked around effectively, while all the while moving through the room, trying to get myself under control. A sudden sound from behind me had me whirling around and firing a shot before I knew what I did. The bullet struck one of the desks, bouncing off the metal plates and landing on the ground harmlessly. I panted harshly, the thought barely penetrating through my fear-clouded mind.

I know, I was acting paranoid, but I couldn't help it! Even though this place was fairly wide in diameter, the blood and oil on the walls made it all seem so much smaller.

And it just so happens that I'm claustrophobic!

I held a fisted hand (still holding my gun) to the place my tank's located, trying to calm myself by feeling its beat. Usually, that tends to help me calm down. And it helped, as I managed to even my breathing out at least a little. It was still ragged, but not as bad as before.

After a few agonizing seconds, I finally got myself to move again, walking down the hallway and looking for anything living (and not intent to kill me gulp).

I kept my guns out, still not trusting the place a bit. My eyes darted around cautiously, as I tried not to be caught off guard. For a long time, I simply moved quietly, afraid that I might give away my position.

Didn't seem to matter, as I kept having the feeling I was being followed.

I looked around carefully, gulping a bit. This was really starting to get creepy.

My guns were aimed straight in front of me, as I turned slowly, trying to stop my hands from shaking.

A sudden sizzling sound brought me to alert, and I stood frozen for a long time as it drew closer. I had heard that sound before, and it wasn't a good sound.

I ducked quickly, right before I could get my head lashed off by a beam-saber lashing out sideways where my neck had been seconds earlier. I cried out in fright and turned quickly, firing blindly at whatever tried that. A painful grunt signaled I hit, but I didn't stop to celebrate. I leapt up and ran, whereto, I don't know, but I just ran.

I knew that I couldn't stop, for if I stopped, that'd guy'd get to me and I would be as good as dead. I didn't look back as I did; I just kept on running, my fusion-tank pumping furiously, and I almost thought it'd pop right out of my chest.

I could hear him behind me, and he was rapidly getting closer. I dashed whenever I could, trying my best not to get lost in the maze of corridors (not like I wasn't already, but hey). I dived into another corridor, and stopped dead in my tracks.

A dead-end…

"Shit…" I squeaked, looking around.

It was nothing but a big room in about the same condition as the last, but it was smaller. I whirled around, planning to leave the room and take another corridor…

But I was already too late…

I paled as the swordfighter stepped into the room, his beam-saber the only light in the room, and barely lighting up anything, much less show what he looked like. I cautiously backed up, practically shaking in fear and my tank bumping violently against my chest.

"ACK!!!"

Reason for that? I tripped over a chair and landed on my rear…

"Owie…" I mumbled, rubbing my backside, wincing a bit…

Only to look up and have a purple beam-saber nearly touching my nose.

I yelped and fell over, now lying completely on the ground, my face probably showing nothing but fear. I was pretty much scared stiff, not daring to even pick up my guns, which weren't really that far away from me.

It escaped me entirely, as the only thing I had eyes for was the dark purple saber hovering mere inches above me. I shuddered, feeling the heat emanating from it, knowing it could easily kill me without a second wasted.

But instead, the swordfighter moved it slowly across my face, making sure not to touch my face, like he was… examining me by using his saber as a light. I kept still, not wanting to risk getting my face torn open.

"…Who are you?"

Wasn't me asking that. It was that guy standing over me, but the funny thing is… his voice seemed almost familiar.

I blink a tad bit, then stammered: "A-A-Axl P-P-Past, s-s-sir."

The guy hummed, as if finding that interesting. Finally, he moved the saber away, but instead brought it over to his own illuminating his features…

…I think I cried out in surprise back then.

"Z-Zero?!!?" I asked, shocked out of my wits.

This guy, he looked exactly like Zero… but his eyes were… they were a blazing ruby-red, bright and wild with emotion, and his skin was a chalk-white.

A vicious smirk tugged on his face, before he shouted: "LIGHTS!!!"

I cried out in shock when my eyes were suddenly invaded by a large wave of light, quickly covering my eyes. A harsh laugh rang through my ears, and I frowned a bit. I could also tell that the lights were dimming and brightening, meaning they were probably busted. I removed my hands and was about to say something… but it never left my mouth.

He looked exactly the same as Zero, but his hair was a shimmering cornblond, and his entire armor was a pitch black. His jumpsuit on the other hand, was stark white, and all three gems he had were a deep blood red, much like the joints and those shiny gauntlets at his wrists.

Almost calmly, he twirled his saber around and sheathed it, looking at me with a sly smirk.

"So, you getting up anytime soon?" he suddenly asked, and I blinked.

A bit shakily, I tried to get up, only to tumble over almost immediately. A strong hand from behind me stopped me from doing so though.

"'Ey Elvor," the Zero-look-a-like said calmly, nodding.

I whirled around in surprise. Standing behind me was another Reploid, male, with red, spiked hair and piercing emerald green eyes, while his armor was dark blue hue with golden edges, and the jump-suit was a lighter shade of blue. A triangular gem rested on the center of his chest, and his hands were gloveless.

He offered a smile and nodded, then turned to the dark Reploid.

"Zero, what's going on around here?"

"I have no idea," the other said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm sure Zeal would know though…"

"…Huh??? Who??"

"You'll see her when we get back to HQ."