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Chapter Thirteen

X had laughed at Zero's comment, but it died in his throat as two angry looking Reploids stalked up to them.
He recognized them as the two who had run off when the Jeep had come into view.
One sneered, "You almost killed us, Hunter! You're lucky you're just guests."
X stared at Cain, who only nodded and said, "We were told to meet your General?"
They nodded and beckoned for them to follow.
Zero laughed a little and shoved X lightly as he walked passed him and followed the two guards.
X gave the keys to the Jeep to Cain and trotted to catch back up, then slowed as he came to Zero and Cain's side.
"Why are they so hostile?" he glanced back at the Jeep, "OH..." he rubbed at the back of his neck and grinned, "I guess that explains it."
"Dr.Cain, why do you think they asked to see our 'strongest' hunters?" Zero asked, glancing over at him.
Cain shrugged, "Who knows? I guess they want to see who you two are..."
X shook his head, "That still doesn't make much sense."
"It'll all be clear soon enough." Cain said, waving a hand dismissive.
Zero let it go, but was still wondering why, "Well, lets get this over with. They're cutting into my day off."
Soon they were led into a huge meeting chamber, which X took in with something akin to awe.
He heard a booming voice that made him turn sharply and took a pace back.
The General was HUGE himself. X's jaw hung open as he stared up at the hulk of a Reploid. Beside the General was a tall Reploid, only a bit bigger than Zero, and a female Reploid next to him.
The General grumbled, "So, these are the two best Maverick Hunters?"
Cain cleared his throat and said, "General sir. This is MegaMan X and Zero."
"This X I've heard of...but not this red one."
X gave Zero a nudge and motioned at the Female Reploid. Ever since they had walked in she had been staring at Zero.

Zero glanced at the girl and smirked some, as the General said, "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to test the strength of your two strongest."
Zero's smirked turned into a grin, "A battle, is it then?" he ask and glanced at the girl again.
The female Reploid's face turned a bit red and looked down from his stare.
The General nodded a bit, "It is then. Colonel, take these two to the Arena, there is where you three can spar."
The Female Reploid looked back up and tugged Colonel's arm whispered something to him, he rolled his eyes and answered, "Yes, General. Come this way." he grunted to X and Zero and started to move off.
Zero looked away from the girl and followed after Colonel. He leaned over to X and whispered, "You think he's going to be tough?"
X half smirked, "I doubt he can beat the both of us."
As Colonel led them, the Female Reploid joined him. Every so often she would look over her shoulder at Zero, then snap back forward.
X grinned and gave Zero's arm another shove.
Zero blushed lightly, which he tried to hide and shoved X, telling them to cut it out.
X choked back a cackle, making Colonel and the Female Reploid to look at them.
X waved good-naturedly at them.
Zero growled lightly at X, crossed his arms, and looked away.
X could not wipe the wide grin off his face for awhile. When Zero growled, X covered a laugh as a cough.
When they came to the Room, Colonel yelled at Reploids to ready the room.
The female Reploid stopped at Zero and X's side, "My name's Iris. You're Zero and X?"
X nodded, and gave Zero another shove, "Don't mind Zero, he's the strong silent type."
Zero looked down at Iris, "Iris? Nice to meet you." he dropped his crossed arms and extended a hand to her. "Yes, I'm Zero. And my little annoying friend is X.." he glared at X slightly, then smiled back to Iris.
Iris covered her blush and shook his hand, "Its nice to meet you. Are you two a good as Dr. Cain says?"
X knew now was the time to repay Zero, "Well I don't know about myself, but Zero is better than I am. He taught me most of what I know."
Zero blinked down at X, then back to Iris, "Well, X is being modest. He's better then he thinks he is...I didn't really do that much." he said, smiling oddly, forgetting to let go of Iris' hand.
X suddenly missed Alia as he looked at Zero and Iris. He cleared his throat, "Modest or not, I think Colonel is waiting for us."
"Uhh...Right!" Zero said, suddenly dropping Iris' hand and quickly walked away to hide his blush. Oh, come on, Zero! Your stronger then this! Its just a girl! he thought to himself.
X shoved him along, "Come on Red! let's show Colonel a thing or two," he added in a whisper, "You're welcome to take all the glory for this. I owe you that much, eh?"
Zero looked away from X, "I-I don't know what your talking about! I'm just glad I might get a challenge out of this guy!" he re-crossed his arms.
X rolled his eyes, "RIIIGHT. Whatever ya say Z."
Colonel sneered, "Are you two just going to stand there or fight?"
Zero smirked, and looked to Colonel, "Someone's eager to lose!" he said back and jumped into the ring.
Colonel snorted and activated his sabre, "We use sabres for this match. You," he pointed at X, then at a shelf of weapons similar to the one at the Hunter's base, "Get one."
X gave him a slight glare and grabbed one with a pit of dread, he had never used a sabre.
He rejoined Zero and Colonel snapped, "Begin!" and lunged.
Zero quickly drew his own sabre from its place on his back and charged to meet Colonel, sabre clashing, sparks flying.
Colonel broke away from him, only to be met with X's swing. The two shoved one another back and forth, but Colonel was more experienced and swung a skilful enough swing that made X dart away. He the turned back to Zero.
Zero smirked, "Just to let you know, unlike X, this is not my first time using a sabre." he lunged at Colonel, slashing up from the side at him.
Colonel snarled and dodged aside. As he did X took his chance and lunged.
Colonel caught his sabre and more sparks sprung from the sabres. One caught under X's eye and he flinched.
Colonel saw X's momentary lapse in focus and pushed him away.
Zero pushed off the ground and leaped into the air, "Hey! Heads up!" he yelled, bring his sabre down on Colonel.
Colonel brought up his sabre to block, but Zero's weight pushed him down to his knees.
Zero smirked and continued to push down on Colonel, "Well, do you give up?" he asked through the sparking sabres.
Colonel was about to speak, but X's sabre at his throat made him stop, "WELL? Zero asked you a question." X winked up at Zero, "I could get used to this light stick."
Colonel pushed them away and snorted, "Fine. You win this round. Next time you will not be so lucky."
Zero smirked and put his sabre away, "Neither will you. We went easy on you." he said, folding his hands behind his head. He went over to X, "Hey, your not half bad with that thing."
X twirled the sabre in one hand until it formed a neon green circle, "To a point. I'll work with it."
Zero shook his head, "Well, put that one back. We'll find you your own at the Hunter HQ." he turned back to Colonel, "Is there more, or are we done here?" Zero asked him.
Colonel grumbled, "No. That was all the General asked of. You and your Doctor may leave."
Iris walked up, "Oh don't be so gloomy, Brother..."
Colonel narrowed his eyes at his sister, and walked away.
Iris sighed, "Don't mind him, he's always like that. You were great Zero! I've never seen anyone beat my brother."
X nodded, "Yeah Zero. You might have to teach me a bit of your moves."
Zero smirked some, "Umm..Thanks Iris. And yeah, I don't see why not X." he laughed. That guy is her brother?! Holy... he thought to himself.
X asked, "Why don't you come to the HQ sometime Iris. I'm sure no one would mind." he didn't add that he knew ZERO wouldn't mind.
Iris blinked, then smiled, "Of course. I'll come as soon as possible. I'll lead you back to the General."
Zero smiled and nodded, "Alright. Great." he walked beside Iris as she lead them out of the Arena Room.
X hung back behind them, humming to himself.
Iris soon led them to Dr. Cain, who looked as if he wanted to go immediately. When he saw X and Zero he stood from his seat, "I have much to do, let us go now..." the General was nowhere to be seen.
Zero blinked, then nodded, "Ok Doctor." he waved to Iris, "It was nice meeting you, Iris. Hope to see you around the Hunter HQ sometime." he said, before leaving with X and Cain.
Iris waved after them.
Cain gave X the keys back and said, "This time no stunts!"
X grinned, "But that's the best part!" he dashed away to be the first to the car.
Zero crossed his arms and sighed, and stayed walking with Cain. "Doctor, what do you know about that girl, Iris?"
Cain looked up, "Hmm? Oh Iris. She seems nice. Why?"
X was waiting for them as they neared the Jeep.
He was moving slightly in his seat along with a song on the radio.
"Just wondering." Zero said. He ran over to the jeep and jumped back into the passenger seat.
X tapped his helmet and a pair of shades slid over his eyes to form a visor. As Cain got in, X said, "Please keep your hands, feet, and abnormally long hair in the vehicle at all times! Thank you!!" and he gunned the Jeep into drive.
It shot off like a arrow, and even X was thrown back into his seat.
"Hey! What do you mean by tha--AAAAHH!" Zero was cut off by X suddenly taking off.