Chapter 6: Neo Arcadia

Author: Lady Blue

Disclaimer: Going once, going twice... Done!!! All this wonderful character belongs to Capcom.

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Deep inside Neo Arcadia a cloak figure glanced out towards the window and to the majestic city before her. It was hard to see that such a great wonder created by Zero could also be the most frightful thing that they have ever known. However, for her, this not the time to think about this matter.

She turns towards the large patch of rose, laid like a carpet on the ground she walks on. She kneels down and lowers her head to admire the fresh rose. So natural, and untouched by technology.

She slowly reaches out towards the largest bud of the rose and plugs it. She placed the rose under her hood and smells the fresh fragrant. For now, the trouble of the world is gone, for just this moment. She wanted to have a small moment of peace. As she enjoyed the morning sunlight that shines down upon her, suddenly she notices a green figure walking towards her.

It is the Guardian Harpuia and from where she stands, he was not very please to see her. Harpuia stopped for a moment before he decides to make his advance. He walks over to the field of red rose and crushes his way through it.

"Guardian Harpuia" she spoke out in anger "What do you think you are doing here?"

"Out of my way concubine" Harpuia replied in a disrespectful way and continue his advance.

She was not very happy with the way the green Guardian address her. She stood up and held her hand out, stopping the Guardian advance.

"I hope that you give me the respect that you should Guardian" she said with a serious voice.

Harpuia looked at the girl, even if he cannot see her face under the dark hood, he was sure that she was not joking. "Do not challenge me" Harpuia warned as he withdraw one of his sabers, but did not activate the weapon. "Where is Master Zero?"

"Why?" she asked and not showing any fear. She knows that Harpuia may not like her, but he will not dare to lay his hand on her.

"I have some urgent news to report" Harpuia said. He slowly put away his saber.

"You can wait" She said lowering her hand "The Master is in his meditation now. He must not be disturbed"

"This cannot wait" the Green Guardian insisted "It's about the Blue Maverick"

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X glance around the room they entered, it looks like a small box then a room. There is furniture place all around the room, like table and sofa but no capsules in sight. To his view the place looks more like a workshop then a room. He watched Rina walk over to the end of the room and placed her equipment down on the table before turning back to X.

"Welcome to my room" Rina said with a big smile on her face.

"Kind of messy?" X said still looking a little uncomfortable. He picks up what looks like a dirty towel which has not been washed for week. He then turn back to Rina, she was giving him an embarrassing look on her face as she grab the towel from him.

"Well I don't get many visitors, so I tend to go easy on things" Rina give a fake laugh and hide the towel.

X decides to take another step into the room. It was harder then it looks with tools and hardware parts scatter all around the floor. "How can you move in this place?"

"You'll get use to it" Rina said trying to clear some one her stuff. X gives a sighed and helps a bit. While doing it, he somehow knocks his feet on something.

"What is this?" X said picking up the round object. When he gives a closer look, it turns out to be a round shield.

"Don't touch it" Rina shouted as she hazily grabs hold of the shield and placed it on her chest, embracing the shield. X could see on her face that she was somewhat upset by his findings. "These are... bad memories"

"Sorry" X apologies.

"It's alright" Rina shook her head and placed the shield away before turning back to X with a smile on her face. "Now there are a few rules that you need to know when you're staying with me"

"Rules?"

"Don't worry, I am an easy person to live with" Rina said as she hit the panel on the wall and a bed sprung out from the wall. She sat down on the bed and look back to X with a grin on her face. "Just don't try anything funny with me during the night and I will guarantee you that you will have a long and healthy life"

"For your information, I don't think that policy stick with me" X smile leaning against the opposite wall. "When I sign up for this position, I am always in a life and death situation. Not to mention I am not even covered by any insurance"

"Don't worry X, I know you will be alright" Rina said then she notice that X was not unpacking his stuff. Strangely enough she didn't even notice that he brings anything with him. "Say... aren't you going to unpack?"

"No need to. Got nothing on me but the clothes on my back" X said "So where do I sleep?"

"The top bed is yours" Rina said as she hit the button on the panel beside her bed. Another bed sprung out from the wall and a ladder falls down from the bed later on, connecting the two beds together. "Just don't find any excuse to come down to my side" Rina reminded as she went under the bed.

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"Master" the girl said, but the cloak figure just raises his hands not wanting to be disturbed.

"Computer Freeze" he commanded and the picture freeze at the precise moment X turns around and looked at the camera. The cloak figure walk around the hologram image created using the high tech camera system. He carefully watched X in every detail.

Every angle he looked, he looked with great care. From his perspective, this blue reploid does resemble X, but the look of his eyes give him doubts. This blue reploid eyes have a look of a fighter and an eagerness to fight, unlike the X he knew.

"Did you scan the video?" the figure spoke with a trouble voice.

"Yes Master, I did and it is genuine" the girl said stepping closer to the cloak figure. "The Blue Maverick was the very same one mention by Fefnir's subordinate, Crimson Jeffar"

"So they have found a hero, but is this really him?" the cloak figure whispered. He places his hand under his chin and rubbing, feeling rather disturbed.

"Master" the girl called out as if knowing something was disturbing him. He raised his hand again before turning to the girl. His dark cloak swirls magnificently like royalty as he gazed back to her. She was cover with a black cloak with gold strip design on both her shoulders.

"I have told you that you need not associate me by that name" Zero said.

"Yes Zero" The girl bow a little.

"Are they all here?"

"All but Leviathan, Zero" she said, this lowering her head "She is still in the Dead Sea region doing her patrol"

"Send them in" Zero said as he deactivated the video and head for the center of his office.

"Master Zero" the crimson Guardian called out. Zero raised his head and not looking at him. He slowly walks over to his chair and sat down. He shifted his chair and looked back to the four Guardians inside his office.

He looked at each and every one of the Guardians. Harpuia, the commander of the air division of Neo Arcadia stand proudly to Zero, never for once raised his head to him. Always respecting him. Then there is Fefnir, the commander of his armored division. The hotheaded Guardian too does not dare to look at him, most probably still ashamed on his failure to apprehend Ciel in the restricted zone.

He glance to his right, two more Guardian are present in the room. The dark and stealthy Phantom, Commander of his stealth and infiltration division. Always standing in the shadows, awaiting his command. And in the middle of the room, stands the Blue Guardian. Nova Hunter, his second in command, standing strong, silence and his action is always unpredictable. His crimson red eyes gives out a cold and unemotional glance, and even the way he stand makes most people think twice before nearing him. He is the best and the most dangerous among the five Guardians under his command and Zero knows that he is almost as powerful as he is, almost.

"I have read both of your report" he said glancing both Harpuia and Fefnir

"Forgive us Master Zero" Harpuia and Fefnir said in unison.

"It is not your fault Fefnir neither it is your, Harpuia. I have anticipated that the resistance to target the Disposable Centre for a long time now" Zero said "And destroying it does not pose any problem to our plan"

"But to be destroyed by single maverick is something that you have not anticipated" and old voice spoke out in the shadows. Slowly the mysterious figure walks into the light and presented itself to the other Guardians. An old human carrying a walking stick approach the cloak girl and give a mischievous smile. "Well is good to see you too my little peach" he give a laughed. The girl just retreated back to Zero's position.

"Professor Bones" Zero called out to the old man.

"Good evening Master Zero, forgive me if I have interrupted your little meeting" the old man bow his head and looked back to Zero with a smile. Zero gazed back to the old human. His eyes always close, yet Zero can sense that the old man can see clearly even in the dark lit room. His bald head reflect the light coming from the poorly lit light above them. His white coat, indicating, he is a scientist. The old long white break reach down nearing his waist as he stand in his hunchback manner. This old man has been playing a very active role in Zero life since the beginning of Neo Arcadia.

"Not at all, professor" Zero said with a fake smile on his face.

"Somehow this single maverick has shifted the tip of balance in your plan Zero" Bones said.

"Nothing I can't handle" Zero said looking rather disturbed a bit "However there is something that still disturbs me"

"His appearance?" Bones asked, knowing what he was saying.

Zero looked back to his Guardians in silence and to his anticipation, the Blue Guardian look rather angry. Without a second word Nova spun himself around and walk straight out of the door.

"Nova" Harpuia shouted, but Nova was long gone.

"Leave him Harpuia" Zero said.

"Disrespectful" the old human said as he looks at Zero and smile. Finding the subject amusing.

"Just like a wild horse, but that is what makes him strong" Zero added as he got up from his seat and walk over to the old man.

"Careful that this wild horse might kick back" Bones chuckles.

"I always have"

"What are you going to do about the Blue Maverick, Zero?" Bones asked. Zero glanced back to his remaining generals. Three of them look eager to prove themselves to him. He knew he had to pick one for the task he had set in mind the moment he had seen the video of X.

"I have already had that resolved" Zero gives a small smile on his face as he gazed at the red Guardian.

"Fefnir" Zero called out. Fefnir step out and when down on his knees.

"Yes Master Zero" Fefnir said.

"I want you and your division of Z drones to set up a functional base down south of the city the resistance is hiding. From there you will wait for this hero to arrive" Zero said clearly. "Make sure his he gets the best welcome you can provide"

"Yes Master Zero" Fefnir replied with a big grin on his face. He turns his head back to the other two Guardians; they both looked back to Fefnir with a jealous expression.

"You are all dismissed. The professor and I have a little discussion to do"

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The azure reploid sat on the ledge as he gazes out to the sea. He lean his back against the pillar and rest seemingly wasting his time away. He turns his attention to the moon above him and found it rather mystical and relaxing at the same time.

"Nova" the cloak girl called out to him. Nova didn't bother looking back; he already knew who it was calling his name.

"What do you want bitch?" Nova said coldly.

"I do have a name you know" the girl said walking closer to Nova.

"I think bitch suits you well enough" he gives an evil like chuckle and he spun his head to the girl.

"Why did you leave..... Zero was not very pleased when you did that" She said lowering her head a little.

"Why don't you go and tell him, that is what you are good for, isn't it?"

"I'm just concern for you......" the girl said then she sees something in Nova's eyes. Someone was looking at them from the shadows. "Your unpredictable attitude will get you in trouble one day and don't think that your rank will be any help if that happens" the girl advice.

"Why does that concern you concubine?" Nova asked as he got off from the ledge and walk to the girl.

"I-I... I am only concerning about Zero's interest. If you cannot perform your duty, it will affect his plan" the girl said retreating back as Nova continues his approach. She retreats back until she hit her back on the wall and stares back into Nova's fury eyes.

"Plan? Then tell me about his plan. If you know what is it?" Nova gets close to her and places his hand against the wall, blocking her escape.

"I..." the girl was out of word.

"Let me give you an advice. Stick to what you are good at concubine and stop trying to be my counselor" Nova advised. He then grabs hold of her arm. The girl looks like she tries to break free of Nova's grip, but was unsuccessful.

"Let me go!" the girl demanded.

"As you wish" Nova release and spun himself around walking away. The girl rubs her arm and gazed back to Nova.

"You better watch out because you are replaceable. Just like your predecessor"

"You Maverick" she scolded before she head back into the building.

"You know Nova she really isn't that bad looking if you really look into it" a shadow figure said with a small chuckle "I can never get it why she always likes to bug you, maybe she likes you?" Phantom added as Nova looked at him, standing on the ledge with both his arm cross.

"Stay away from my problems, Phantom" Nova said angrily and stares back to Phantom with his crimson eyes. "I was just toying with her. You know that she is Zero woman"

"I hear you boss man" Phantom raised his hands trying to calm the Blue Guardian.

"Have you got news?" he asked turning his attention back to the sea.

"About Leviathan, unfortunately no" Phantom said standing next to the Blue Guardian. "As far as I know she is in the Dead Sea doing some digging"

"Digging?" Nova sounded surprised. He was rather curious why she was doing digging in the Dead Sea?

"That is just rumors" Phantom informed, before he turn around and walk to the opposite direction "However rumors or not, I have to go"

"You are going somewhere?" Nova asked not looking at Phantom.

"I got a mission"

"Secret?"

"As always" Phantom said before he disappeared into the shadows.

How does he hate it when the dark Guardian does that. Nova continues to gaze at the moon. He crossed his arms thinking. Why would Zero have send Leviathan to the Dead Sea to do some minor digging? He just couldn't understand it. It has been months seen Zero had sent Leviathan away and since then there was neither word from her nor Zero. Something was not right here.

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"So Professor, how is it in the human world?" Zero asked as he pours a glass of whiskey and passes it to the old man.

"The council is not very happy about your current development Zero. They say that you are wasting valuable resources and time... and with Ciel in the picture, the human are a little concern with having her hurt in the process" Bones said as he walk over to the window gazing out to the city.

"Insolent fools. What do they want me to do? How should I to know that Ciel would stand against their little project" Zero said angrily "This is your undoing Professor"

"Patience Zero. I will handle the council. All you have to do is to keep your mind on the Maverick" Bones said thumping his hand on Zero. The crimson hunter looked back with his bloody red eyes. He turns to the city and shut his eyes, sighing.

"I sometimes wonder Professor... about our action" Zero said opening his eyes "This is not what I had in mind for a peaceful coexistence among humans and reploids?"

"Peace can only be achieved when all Mavericks are put to rest" Bones reminded. "Though sometimes... sacrifices have to be made in order to achieve this peace"

"But haven't the Maverick Wars ended a long time ago... before the Elf Wars?" he asked as he walk back to his chair.

"Zero you think too much"

"You're right Professor" Zero said sitting on his chair.

"Rest and do not worry about the clone" Bones said and sipping the glass of whiskey "I am sure that Fefnir is very capable of handling him"

"Let us hope so, Professor"

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"Just like a little mouse... playing right into the lion's mouth" the shadow figure laughed as he stands watching over a screen. The conversation between Zero and Bones seems to make know even to him with a special help of a friend from inside.

"Now to see if this Blue Bomber is really who he really is" the shadow figure was about to leave, then something stopped him.

"BE patience my Omega" an old cunning voice said out.

"Patience... how much longer do I have to wait in the shadows?" Omega said angrily. He spun back to the monitor, but there was no one there.

"As long as it takes" the old voice said again "I did not plan this trap this long just to let you bundle things up... like you did in the last Elf Wars" he reminded.

Omega stand in silence for a moment before he gazed back to the screen "As you wish my Master" the shadow figure replied lower his head.

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X stares at the ceiling after the light was turn off. He was not feeling tired at all, after all he did spend most of his time sleeping inside a capsule. He continues to gazed back to the ceiling above him. After getting real tired of looking at the blank ceiling, he decides to see if his roommate is a sleep.

X spun down to his bed and looked at Rina, she look so peaceful when she is sleeping. How he wish he could just sleep like her. He continues to stare at her for a bit longer until.

"Stop staring at me and go back to sleep" Rina said with her eyes shut.

X jump up a bit and hit his head on the ceiling before he retreat back. He then lay back on his bed and wonder how she knows he was staring at her. He shook his head a bit and closes his eyes, trying to forget what just happened. Anyway he needed the rest, something tell him he's going to have a real long day ahead of him.

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Author Notes: Well this part is actually an extra... it was suppose to belong in Chapter 5, but I felt that it is much better if it is made into a new chapter.

I just like to thank Rogue Hunter for the support. I will give my best in writing and try not to disappoint any of my readers and reviewers.