xxxg-00w0x105trigger: This storyline will follow the events from Rockman X all the way through Rockman X8.
Note: Yzak is my favorite character, and I regret having caused him to undergo such trauma last chapter. However, it was the only viable way I could see him willingly becoming a Reploid. Unfortunately, his pain is not over. Yzak will experience the same burden and anguish as Zero and X will in the upcoming Maverick wars. At least X and Zero will be there to support him, so it is not as bad as it could be. Aside from the fact that Yzak has become Maverick Hunter Omega and will fight alongside X and Zero through all the Maverick wars, the events of the Rockman X series will remain the same, at least until X8. I'll combine the X8 storyline and events with the Gundam Seed dimension. Yzak, or rather Omega, became a Maverick Hunter shortly after Sigma first went Maverick and took most of the Hunters with him. This starts from Rockman X1. The way to Yzak's original dimension will not open again until the time of Rockman X8, when Sigma shall develop his own plans for the Gundam Seed dimension. Be prepared, because it is going to be many years before Omega meets Dearka again, even though the differences in time flow will make it seem only a few months to Dearka, after the end of the first war between ZAFT and EA. Also, let's just say Omega will be deeply affected by his experiences of fighting against the Mavericks so many times and for so long. He will grow very close to Zero, his sensei, along with X, his comrade and the one he will come to see as his brother. By the time Omega meets Dearka again, his memories as Yzak will seem as those of another life time, and Omega will have no desire to linger in his original dimension any longer than is necessary to stop Sigma. I might consider letting Omega warm up to Dearka before he returns with X and Zero to the Reploid dimension. It depends how the story goes. Also, yes, I know the D-Glaive is one of Zero's weapons, but I wanted Omega to have his own unique style, and I thought it would be interesting to see him fighting with a naginata-like weapon.
The operators were waiting anxiously. The operation was finished as the capsule's door lifted open with a hiss. Emerging from it was a Reploid with gray armor, along with some white interspersed in the curved helmet and feet. He had a pale face, silver hair in a pony tail that ended halfway to the waist, and bright sapphire-blue eyes. His helmet crystal was tetrahedral and green. The medical personnel helped steady him as he stumbled slightly, attempting to orient himself.
"I...am I alive?"
Zero responded, "Very much so. I am glad to see that the operation was successful. You are a Reploid now, young one."
Yzak examined himself. His body was mostly metal of some sort, along with some rubber here and there. His hands were gloved like Zero's. It did feel somewhat different. Yzak could feel the energy coursing through his electronic systems, supplying his body with strength. He couldn't feel a heartbeat, or any blood coursing through him. Other than that, he still had his senses, sight, hearing, smell, touch, and so on.
"How do you feel?"
"It's strange. I know the differences, but in many ways it doesn't feel different from being a human."
"You'll get used to it. Apart from differences in physiology and power source, we have the five senses, just like humans. We are as capable of intelligent thought and emotions as humans are. We can also process data faster than humans. We are able to survive in situations they cannot, gifted with greater strength and endurance as we are."
These words seemed eerily familiar to Yzak, as he recalled the differences between Coordinators and Naturals. He was still disoriented, not quite sure how to react to what he had become.
"This is so confusing. May I have some time to think?"
"Of course. Take the time you need. What is your name?"
"It was Yzak Joule, but I don't think that will do anymore. Did this body have a designation?"
"We called it Omega."
"Then that is my name. From now on, I am Maverick Hunter Omega."
Zero was startled, "You have decided already? You will join the Maverick Hunters?"
"I said I would help you in any way I could, did I not? A man is bound by his word. Furthermore, you saved my life. I owe you a debt of honor. I'm not sure about returning to my own dimension, but that will have to wait until I help you resolve whatever conflict is troubling the Maverick Hunters."
Zero was impressed by the young one's resolve and sincere honor. Clearly, he must have been in a prior conflict.
"Very good, Omega. Take some time off today. Tomorrow, I will begin training you. Then we can discuss the Maverick problem right now, and their leader, Sigma."
"May I ask your name?"
"I am Zero, current commander of the Maverick Hunters. I've had to take over since Sigma went Maverick not too long ago."
"Can you tell me more about this Sigma?"
"Tomorrow. I'll also introduce you to X, the latest to join us. He will be training alongside you. I hope you two will be able to get along well. Let me show you to your room."
With that, Zero led Omega down the multitude of hallways until they reached one chamber in particular. It was rather sparse and utilitarian. There was a sleeping capsule where the Reploid could recharge.
"Don't hesitate to ask for anything, all right?"
"I understand. Arigato, Zero-sensei."
For some reason, Zero couldn't help but be amused that Omega was already calling him teacher. With that thought in mind, he took his leave.
Unsure of what to do, Omega proceeded to make himself comfortable in the sleeping capsule. There he lay, attempting once again to sort out his thoughts. The memories were still fresh, especially that of being burned alive. Omega could not help but shudder at that thought. No doubt he would be having nightmares about his fatal brush with death for some time yet.
'It doesn't feel that bad, really, being a Reploid. We are just as capable of emotions. We are just as real as humans. Besides, it was the only way I could live. I have to adjust, but I don't mind, not really. I think I might even grow to like being a Reploid. I wonder how everything is going back in my original dimension. Will ZAFT able to hold its own? I hope so, for the sake of the Coordinators' survival. I hope mother is doing well. She's probably worried sick and thinks I'm dead. Dearest mother, how I long to wipe away her sadness. I wish I could go back and assure her that I am safe. And there is Dearka...'
At this point Omega's thoughts took another turn.
'What does it matter? I've fulfilled my debt. I have no further obligation to him. Why was I so quick to take another name? That was a bit impulsive of me. Perhaps I desire another life, free of the problems my old one had. Apparently, I'll be facing my share of problems in my new life as well. Still, it can hardly be worse than my old one. I did promise to help the Maverick Hunters, after all. I'm one of them now. Dare I hope to find a new comrade I can grow close to? Dare I risk leaving myself vulnerable to being hurt again, should I suffer another betrayal? I don't know. I just hope to get started on field work soon. Throwing myself into my work always helps. I don't know if I want to return to my old life. It may not even be possible. A part of me does not wish to go back, and yet do I not have a responsibility to mother and Coordinators? I am not the only one, though. I did every thing I could. I nearly died in the process. I would have, if not for providence...'
Here, Omega's thoughts turned again.
'Perhaps my responsibility is fulfilled, then. Perhaps Yzak Joule truly died with that burnt body, giving himself in the line of duty. I'll just have to trust in fate and pray that the Coordinators survive and flourish. If possible, perhaps someday I can make a small visit and assure Yzak's mother that I, his successor of sorts, am well. For now, though, I must concentrate on helping Zero-sensei and my new comrades stop the Mavericks. As of now, Yzak Joule is dead. The Reploid and Maverick Hunter, Omega, is born in his place. I have new purpose. I will not fail in my responsibility to my new comrades and Zero-sensei.'
With that decided, Omega lapsed into much needed slumber.
Next morning, Zero came and guided Omega to the training room. First, Zero introduced Omega to X, his fellow trainee. Omega studied his comrade carefully, noting the red crystal in his helmet, along with the blue armor's fairly simplistic design, and the green eyes.
Omega had spent the morning downloading data from the information terminals into his memory system. Thus he knew of X's origins as the first Reploid, the last creation of Dr. Light. X was accidentally discovered many years later by Dr. Cain, who used his structure as the design for building all future Reploids. Omega could sense X's potential, though it did not seem readily apparent just from a cursory glance.
Omega gave a bow from the waist.
"I greet you, the first of all Reploids. I sense you have limitless potential. I hope that we can become good partners."
"There's no need to be so formal, Omega. I'm just Rockman X. I hope to become good partners with you, too."
With the introductions out of the way, Zero proceeded to familiarize Omega and X with their weapon systems. X was to master what would become his trademark X-Buster, while Omega was to train with his lethal D-Glaive. Though Zero did not mention it at the time, X and Omega would be able to upgrade their body parts as they went along fighting the Robot Masters, the eight lieutenants under Sigma, all of them former Hunters.
As their training progressed, Omega and X were becoming more and more adept and versatile in the uses of the D-Glaive and X-Buster, respectively. Omega was becoming increasingly accustomed to the higher endurance and capabilities of his Reploid body. X and Omega were working very well in tandem by this point. They complemented one another finely. X saw to it the long-range enemy fire did not hinder Omega, just as Omega ensured that enemies that closely approached them did not harm X. Each did his best to protect the other, synchronized so thoroughly they could read the other's intentions before they were executed.
Zero observed their improvement with quiet pleasure. Soon they would be ready to enter the true battlefield and begin battling the Mavericks. As if to confirm this assessment, the timing was such that Zero noted the latest simulation. X was falling off a shattered bridge when Omega caught his hand. Zero could seeX looking at Omega with a warm smile, while Omega nodded reassuringly as he pulled X up. Just then, a drone emerged behind Omega, which X quickly dispatched with one shot. Indeed, the two would be ready very soon.
