The Next Age Chapter Three Part Four
Xavier's evening wasn't even half as pleasant or interesting as Zero's. Not much was said to him over dinner, he supposed that was better than being told how disappointed everyone was in him or something to that effect.
After helping clear the table, Xavier went to retire to his room figuring there was nothing else for him to do but get some rest.
"Xavier."
It was Rock. Xavier turned to face him slowly, expecting a long talk about his punishment.
"Zor and I have decided that we're going to that city first thing tomorrow morning." Rock began.
Xavier nodded slowly.
"We'll expect you to be up by then so you might want to think about going to bed early." Rock suggested.
"Alright….I'll be ready." Xavier spoke with a soft sigh. "Good night."
"Night Xavier."
With that taken care of, he went back to his room without another word.
The whole thing seemed like a dream…..maybe because he wished it had been. Lying there in his bed he couldn't help but glance once more to Zero's bunk. It felt strange to know he wasn't there, resting. He hoped he had made the right decision and that Zero was safe. So much had happened in the last few days, Xavier tried to sort it all out in his mind. Ancient Repliroids, mysterious ruins…sounded like something out of a video game. How could a city appear out of nowhere? Must have been a magical curse that it had been under and where had that dragon like creature come from? It looked like one of those monsters from the Gojira movies Zero was so fond of. The whole thing was enough to make him blow a circuit.
Xavier sighed. Maybe he'd get more answers tomorrow. Until then, all he could do was wait.
Zero stood quietly in the grand hall. It was the same place that he had been served breakfast in earlier in the day. Lord Sigma had finished showing him around the tower a little while ago and instructed him to wait in the dining hall until he returned. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, already tired of standing there.
His gaze wandered around the room, looking for something interesting to settle on but all he saw were the ancient paintings hanging on the walls and to Zero, they were terribly boring. What was the deal with all these paintings anyhow? He silently walked over to one, trying to find something interesting about it.
"That one is called 'Battle of the Fall'" Sigma spoke from behind him.
Zero jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Human legend says that technology once turned on mankind and a great mechanical demon lead the assault on all humanity. All was almost lost until a young boy appeared and destroyed the demon, giving his own life in the battle. That painting depicts that battle." Sigma continued.
"It's..um..very interesting.." Zero said, staring at the faded painting with no interest whatsoever.
"Indeed.." Sigma replied softly. "Now come and sit down, I've had dinner prepared for you."
Zero did as Sigma asked, looking forward to a grand feast and being waited on. He was not disappointed. As he sat indulging in the most delicious food he had ever tasted, Sigma asked him about his life back in Hakari City and about the robots who lived there with great curiousity. Zero was all too happy to answer each and every one of Sigma's questions though he wasn't always sure how to reply.
After the meal, the young robot began to feel sleepy. Sigma seemed to notice almost immediately, calling Vava to his side to take Zero off to a room for the night. Zero didn't object, he was ready for a nice long nap. Vava didn't say a word as he lead Sigma's "guest of honor" down the hallway, taking him not to the room he had stayed in with Xavier and Kiara but to a much larger and more lavish chamber fit for a king. Had Zero not been so tired, he would have taken the time to marvel at the place but at the moment, all he cared about was finding a soft, warm bed to rest his body upon. As soon as he had laid down, Vava left, leaving him to his dreams.
6:30am
That's when Rock came into Xavier's room and woke him. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as Xavier stretched and threw on his clothes, his body still protesting and trying to coax him into going back to sleep. A glance to the empty bunk reminded him why he was even doing this. The whole house was quiet, Roll hadn't even gotten up to start breakfast yet. Xavier made his way out into the kitchen, intending to grab something to eat in the hopes that it would give him some energy. An angry growl
snapped him awake.
"GOSPEL! Damn you, behave!" Forte scolded.
The metallic wolf whined at the sharp sound of his masters voice and slinked under the table. Xavier stepped in cautiously, giving a slight wave to Forte who sat at the table. The dark robot didn't even acknowledge him.
"Xavier, good to see you awake." Zor's soft voice said, breaking the silence.
"Hi Zor, where did Rock go?" Xavier asked as he took an apple out of the refrigerator.
"I think he went to prepare things, we're just about ready. Forte got some Enforcers to accompany us." Zor replied.
Forte glanced to them both briefly at the mention of his name, looking less than pleased to be up so early. Xavier turned away, not liking the angry glare that always seemed to be in his eyes.
"He'll want to leave as soon as he gets back so I hope you're set to go." Zor finished.
Xavier nodded slowly, he was as ready as he was ever going to get. Rock returned a short while later with two Enforcers by his side.
"It's all set. CentaurMan will be waiting for us in Haven." Rock spoke. "Let's get going."
Forte got up quickly, calling to Gospel to follow him as he headed out without a word to anyone. Zor followed close behind as did the two Enforcers. It was obvious they were there for his protection. Rock paused for a moment.
"Xavier, you'll have to lead us there. I hope you got some sleep." Rock said.
He nodded, finishing off his apple and tossing it in the trash.
"I'm ready."
"Good. I hope these Repliroids are as friendly as you made them out to be." Rock spoke and turned to leave, whistling for Rush to come to his side.
Xavier was the last to leave the kitchen that morning.
The streets of Haven were quiet, most of the homes were still dark. Rock lead the small group forward from the travel plaza, having decided to take the gate directly to the Centaur City instead of travelling there the way Xavier had the day before. CentaurMan's temple was a glow with soft lights causing it to stand out from the dwellings surrounding it. Xavier took a deep breath, wondering if Kiara would be there or if this would be another scolding about his "mistake". There was only one way to find out.
The guards greeted Rock with respect as they entered, immediately showing him inside to CentaurMan's chambers without delay. She was waiting for them, a centaur who looked very much like Kiara was standing guard silently beside her.
"Hello Lady Amara." Rock spoke as he entered, addressing her by her real name.
"Rock, it's been so long since we've seen each other." She spoke in a gentle voice, tossing back her long green mane. "You sounded urgent on the video-phone, Kianna told me that her daughter went to Wily's castle with your stepson the other day and that they found some ruins among other things. I'm assuming that's what this is about?"
Rock nodded slowly.
"Xavier went with-out permission, he met Kiara and they wandered off. He apologizes for causing any trouble." He said, glancing to Xavier.
"I'm…sorry." Xavier spoke softly as he took a step forward. "I didn't know she wasn't suppose to be there until it was too late."
"Kiara is too curious for her own good." The guard beside CentaurMan added, shaking her head. "This isn't the first time she's galloped off on her own."
"I'm sure you'll see to her punishment, Kianna." Amara said, causing X to jump slightly at the realization that the guard was Kiara's mother. "Rock-kun, since this seems so important I'm guessing there actually is something out there."
"Yes. Xavier says there is an inhabited ancient ruin. We're going to investigate it. I wanted to make sure you knew. Whatever is out there might not be benign. It might be a good idea to have your chargers ready in case anything comes this way."
"Do you think it's Wily's doing?" She asked with a hint of concern.
"Not sure.." Rock replied. "Xavier says they claim to be ancient creations but I don't think that's possible."
"They could have been in stasis." Zor added. "Though I don't understand how they could have gone unnoticed for so long. If they really are what they claim to be, it'll be the greatest discovery of this century, maybe even this millen-"
"Wily didn't build them." Forte interrupted coldly. "Animal features on a 'bot just wasn't his style. Animals are lower than humans anyhow."
"Hopefully we'll find out what's going on." Rock finished.
Amara nodded, seeming to be taking in all the information.
"I'll up the number of chargers on duty, just in case." She spoke to Rock.
"Might be a good idea.." He agreed.
"Do you need any help Rock, I could send someone with you."
"No Amara." He replied shaking his head. "We'll be fine. We should be on our way now anyways, it's far off from what Xavier says and I want to get there before afternoon."
"Be careful out there Rock. The outskirts are dangerous." Amara warned.
"We will be." Rock replied. "I'll let you know what's going on when I get back."
"Thank you Rock, good luck and be well." Amara spoke with a slight bow.
They left the temple just as the sun was beginning to spread it's golden light over the landscape. Rock took a moment to admire the dawn before turning to the group with a serious look.
"You all have the co-ordinates to Wily's castle." He said. "We'll teleport there to save time. Xavier, take my hand."
Xavier sighed, reaching out to take his stepfather's hand. He had no ability to teleport – the idea of being opened up to have a device implanted inside of his body made him a bit nervous. The plasma canon had been bad enough and that was only minor surgery. He liked his body the way it was anyhow, no need to augment it further even if it meant holding onto someone anytime he wanted to teleport.
An odd tingle went through Xavier as Rock activated the system. In an instant, they were standing in front of the Skull Castle ruins. It looked the same as it had yesterday. Forte snorted in displeasure at being back at the place where he had once known defeat while Rock gazed at it silently, reliving a part of his past.
"Xavier." He said, slowly turning to his "son". "Take the lead and show us the path you took to the ruins."
"Of course………." Xavier said softly, feeling a bit nervous.
What if the ruins were gone? What if they found nothing? He'd look like a fool in front of Rock and Zor, the two people he wanted to impress the most. It was quite an honor to lead an investigation though, too bad it was also part of his punishment.
All eyes were on him as he went to the last standing remains of Skull Castle, pulling up the plate that lead into the basement and easing himself down into the passage. The musty scent of age filled his senses as he reached for his flashlight. Rock and the others were quick to join him, looking around. Gospel's claws clicked softly as he snuffed the air around him.
"Familiar, eh boy?" Forte spoke, managing a small smile.
The wolf whined in response. The scent of it's creator still lingered here.
"Looks about the same as when you and I came here Forte." Rock said, shining his flashlight around the darkened room.
"Hmph.." Forte snorted. "So it does."
"Are you sure you came through here Xavier? This leads to a dead end." Rock asked.
"I'm sure." Xavier replied, moving forward.
The group followed behind him, Zor scanning every inch of the basement for energy readings though they were all normal. As they neared the large room near the end of the tunnel Xavier grew tense, hoping the opening was still there because if it wasn't, he knew he was doomed. He'd never see Zero again…among other things.
The sunlight brightening the passage up ahead eased his fears as well as causing confusion amongst the group behind him. Sixteen years ago, there had been no sunlight, no way out. Both Rush and Gospel twitched their noses, noticing a fresh scent cutting through the stale air as they approached the earthen stairway.
"This is incredible!!" Zor gasped at sighting the perfectly carved ascent illuminated by sunlight. "Was this here when you passed through yesterday Xavier??"
He nodded quietly to Zor as the red haired lab tech moved ahead to run his scanner over the stairs and examine them curiously.
"This just appeared where the blockage was?" Rock asked Xavier, shaking his head.
"That's what Kiara told me." Xavier replied softly.
"Hmmn…."
"It's well designed though worn from age….it must have been behind the cave in, dad." Zor spoke. "There's no possible way that this could have appeared suddenly, I'd judge it's been here at least as long as this tunnel."
Rock's brow wrinkled in confusion. It just didn't seem possible.
"So it's a stairway, let's get on with it. My men and I don't have all day." Forte snorted with disinterest.
Rock sighed a bit frustrated though he had to agree somewhat. The mysteries of the stairway could be solved later.
"Let's go Zor, we'll come back here later." He told his son.
Zor frowned disappointedly but decided not to object. The ancient city was still ahead of them and it was probably full of things he'd want to investigate and study much more than the staircase.
Rock motioned for Xavier to lead them forward once more, Rush padded up his side with an eager pant. Xavier smiled softly. The dog would probably think he was in paradise once he saw all the trees. He squinted his eyes slightly to shut out the sunlight as he moved towards the exit. The sun's rays were nearly blinding this morning.
The magnificent forest greeted them at the other side, seemining even more breathtaking than it had been when Xavier had first come upon it. The heavy scent of newly bloomed flowers hung in the air and songbirds chriped their greeting to the new day. Rock took a few hesitant steps forward, obviously in awe of the display of nature before him. The description Xavier had given hadn't done this place justice. Zor was quick to begin scanning everything in sight and even Forte seemed to pause to admire the scenery.
"This is unreal….." Rock said softly as Rush padded off ahead and ran about, sniffing at the trees. "How could something like this still exist? None of our scanners picked up a forest like this anywhere on the island."
"Maybe we're not on Hakari Island anymore dad…" Zor suggested. "These energy readings aren't like anything I've ever seen before on Meika, they almost suggest a magical force is at work here."
"Magic?" Rock questioned. "That's not possible….only your mother can use anything remotely close to real magic."
"I know that, that's why this is so unusual." Zor replied with a bit of excitement. "I wonder what the source really is….."
"I thought it was the city." Xavier added.
Zor shook his head.
"I don't think it is." He spoke.
"Where's that thing you killed, Xavier?" Forte snorted, growing bored and anxious for excitement.
"Up ahead." Xavier replied, pointing towards the dirt path leading deep into the forest.
"Well let's go then!!" Forte ordered, the two Enforcers following behind him as he and Gospel moved forward.
"Forte, wait, we aren't done here!" Rock objected.
The dark armored robot turned, glaring at the one who was once his rival.
"That creature may be what killed my men!" Forte hissed. "Standing around here gawking over daisies isn't doing any good Rock!"
Rock frowned.
"I am your commander and I order you to wait here until we're done looking around!" He spoke defiatly. "No games today Forte!"
Forte growled slightly, folding his arms across his chest with a scowl.
"Alright..Rock." He spoke less than happily, turning his gaze away.
Xavier eyed Forte carefully, at times like this he wondered if the Wily-bot was really on their side.
Zor quietly poked around the plant and flowers, taking samples from just about everything he found with the intention of studying them more in depth later while Rock looked the area over a few times, kneeling down beside a flowering plant with a soft smile. Like Xavier, he knew Roll would be enchanted with this place. If they found this forest held no threat, he would bring her here.
After a few moments of gathering information, Zor let Rock know he was ready to move on.
"How far is the city from here Xavier?" Rock asked.
"It's pretty close…" Xavier answered.
"Well, let's get going then. Take us down the path." Rock spoke.
Xavier nodded. By now he was slightly anxious to get back to the Ancient city and make sure Zero was alright. He'd probably have a hundred stories to tell of all the neat things he had done. Xavier smiled to himself at that thought as the others followed him down the dirt path and towards destiny…….
Rock, Forte, Roll and others are copyright of Capcom of Japan – Release a new RockMan game dammit!!!
Xavier, Zor and others are copyright of Roll-Chan Productions, don't steal them unless you want me to send a rabid Youko to your home
This fic is a non profit production meaning I get diddly squat for doing it
Send all hate mail to Roll_Hibiki@yahoo.com
^_^ Almost over! Destiny calls!
var PUpage="76001072"; var PUprop="geocities"; yvSM=0;yvVP=0;var yviContents='http://us.toto.geo.yahoo.com/toto?s=76001072