Zero ignored the digistruct pods activating all around him. He ignored the rakk as it solidified into reality. He even managed to keep his footing as the beast took off. All his attention was focused on the targeting blip that represented his brother.
Zero slammed to a halt as One crashed to the ground in a kneeling crouch, landing on the shore of the small lake, stealth suit smoking and charred, but functionally undamaged. He rose up slowly, glaring at Zero. After miles and years, my brother, One will finally kill the other. His sword flashed into existence. You failed to slay me before. Now I shall even the score By rending your body asunder.
In our first battle, I had no grudge against you, Zero said. That is why you lived. He shook his head, drawing his own blade. This time, you've harmed mine. This time, you have earned my wrath. He reached behind his back, out of One's sight. This time, you will die.
Zero flung a grenade with his left hand, aiming for One's head. One slashed the projectile in half, the explosion deflecting harmlessly off his shields. Zero was half a step behind his fastball, his sword crashing down in a vicious slash.
One parried the strike and launched his own, narrowly missing as Zero ducked the swing. Steel clashed against steel again and again as the brothers dueled.
I've greatly improved my skill In the art of making a kill, One hissed, pressing his attack. I know all of your tricks! Your worthless antics-
Then I can expect A greater challenge this time? Zero dropped to his side and kicked upward, impacting One's chest and throwing him back. Quite satisfying! He flipped into the air, cloaking and hurling a handful of kunai.
Take care in what you desire! One wove a wall of steel in the air, slapping aside the daggers with his blade. This 'challenge' will make you expire! As he struck down the last kunai, he threw out his left hand. Your cloak, not your ally. You cannot hide from my eye. His fingers seized something in the air, and Zero appeared, suspended by his throat in One's tightening grip. Feel my ire! One slammed Zero into the ground, smashing him into the dirt again and again.
So you have improved. As One prepared to slam him into the ground once more, Zero swung his legs upward, wrapping them around One's neck. At the same time, he coiled his arms around One's grasping hand. But you're still too weak, brother! With a fierce wrench, Zero heaved at One's arm.
One's arm bent backward at the elbow with a metallic, grinding snap, and his fingers opened reflexively. Zero dropped out of his grip and stabbed upward, his blade aimed at One's chest-
One parried with his good arm, knocking Zero's blade off course, then went into a flurry of slashes, forcing Zero onto the defense. Breaking my arm Won't spare you from harm! With an ultrasonic roar of fury, One swung at Zero hard enough to send him flying into the canyon wall.
Zero crashed into the rock and fell to the ground, dazed.
One took advantage of the lull. He tossed his sword into the air and seized his damaged left arm. A violent heave snapped the elbow back into joint, and he caught his falling sword with his now-functioning left hand. It seems you disappoint me this time. He stalked towards Zero, halting as he stood over the slumped form of his brother. Now you die for your crime! He slashed downward, blade trailing energy-
The sword passed harmlessly through Zero's body.
And still gullible.
Zero reappeared as his hologram faded, lashing out from behind One. His blade slashed across One's back, leaving a shallow, sparking line of damage.
Agh! One spun around, blocking the next strike a millimeter from his helmet. Damn your tricks!
Impressive, brother! Zero shouted, pressing his attack in a blaze of light. You didn't survive this long When last we battled!
I've had two years to learn your style, One snarled, striking aside the blows. Your sword, your skill, and all of your guile!
Good! Zero lashed out, scoring another shallow cut, this one on One's right side. By your obsession You've learned what it truly means To seek a challenge!
It was never about the challenge, monster! One spun into a flip kick that connected with Zero's shoulder and sent him rolling backward, throwing dust and debris into the air around them. It was always about justice for father!
He was not worthy Of the devotion you show! Zero rolled onto his feet and lunged out of the dust cloud, attacking in a blaze of blue light. We were just projects! When I showed my will, He declared me a failure And moved on to you!
Which is why you hated him!
I hated his goals! Zero redoubled his attack, forcing One into a retreating defense. Hated his impositions, And his presumptions!
One leapt backward, trying to get some maneuvering room. He raced through a security gate, jumping past a fragmented cardboard statue and into an area of tiered rocks. We were his creations, his sons! He had a right to expect certain actions!
His goals were weak-willed For what he had created! Zero leapt after One, practically flying down the staggered canyon walls. Look at us, brother! Look at what we are! We, alone, are limitless! Zero reached the bottom and lunged at One, resuming his onslaught. But what did he want?! What was his pathetic goal! Zero kicked out, his boot impacting One's chest and throwing him back. Unworthy of us!
He wanted to heal the galaxy's inhabitants! To serve with your medical talents! One charged at Zero and regained the offensive, attacking with such fury that he actually slipped under Zero's guard and scored a direct hit on Zero's body. Why was helping save lives Worthless in your eyes?! Their swords collided, sending a cascade of sparks raining around them. What was the source of your petulance?!
There was no CHALLENGE! Zero threw all his strength into his blow, crashed through One's defense, and hurled him through the wall of a neraby building. All life wants to keep living! Healing is simple! He raced forward, trying to reach One before he could catch his wind again. But to kill something That is trying to avoid Its own extinction? He brought his sword down on One. That is a worthyApplication of our skills! This battle is proof!
One caught the overhead strike just before it would have cut his head in two. You have always been a delusional fool, he growled. Always been senseless, vain, and cruel! Humans are worthy of serving, Their lives worth preserving, You egotistical tool! He threw Zero back and regained his footing. And humans often sound their own knell, Ending a life for not more than a yell! They'd slaughter a nation With no hesitation! They don't need us to kill them, as well!
Then you explain Brick! Zero roared, striking again. Was he not worthy of life?! You dissected him!
And you saved your friend's life! One shot back. Tell me that wasn't a challenge, him being under your knife!
The impact of One's words hit Zero harder than any of his physical blows. Are you telling me... You deliberately maimed Brick, But left him alive?! Fury overcame Zero, and he laid into his attack with more vehemence than ever. In the hopes I would Grow to respect the challenge Of medicalwork?!
Not bad for a split second decision, was it, brother?! One took advantage of Zero's rage, turning aside his blows easily and taking back the offensive. How did it feel, to save the life of another?!
I wasn't alone, Zero snarled. He only survived because My friends were there first. If not for their work, Your cruel lesson would have failed!
But they proved my secondary lesson! One knocked Zero's sword out of position and kicked off his chest, sending Zero skidding backwards and dropping him to one knee. We need a human connection! If we don't work with their kind, We never will find The proper course and direction!
You are a madman! Zero hurled a dagger at One's chest, but wasn't able to rise from his crouch yet. Our father is dead! We are the end of his line! There can be no more!
And that's where you're most wrong of all! One swatted aside the dagger, but didn't attack. He pointed to the ship parked on the mesa. The girl will answer the call. Despite an initial setback, I believe she can find the right track. He pointed his blade at Zero. Father's death need not be our downfall.
Gaige? Zero laughed, getting to his feet. She may have the skill, But not the experience Or the desire. She'd never create The family you still crave, One that shares your will! Zero lunged again. And I won't allow A murderous psychopath To steal Gaige away!
One blocked the strike and leaned into it, locking the crossed swords between them. Then once and for all, we are finished, he said disgustedly. Our mutual hatred will never diminish. You left Father to rot, Made his dreams come to naught, And would condemn our family to vanish. With a surge of strength, he threw Zero into the air.
Zero crashed near a large archway into the next area, unable to even turn his fall into an off-balance landing. He forced himself to roll painfully onto his side and and stared at One. Where did that strength come from?
I am done trying to convince you, assassin. Up to now, I have shown you compassion. He strode towards Zero, the lines in his suit beginning to glow with a sinister red light. But I will no longer work To make you convert. The light seemed to flow across One's body, running down his arm and into his sword. Your death will bring great satisfaction. He leapt into the air, blade over his head and arcing towards Zero.
Zero just barely rolled out of the way. One's knee landed exactly where his head had been, leaving a three inch pit in the ground. Zero flipped backwards, through the archway and to his feet, too stunned to even raise his weapon. He was still staring at the light on One's body in disbelief. Substantial upgrade. What have you done to yourself? An ominous possibility occurred to him. This is Father's work.
You life was one final detail That Father wished to curtail, One said, examining his blade's new color casually. Before his last breath He charged me with your death. He placed his sword against the thick metal and stone of the archway. And he made certain I'd have the strength to prevail. Almost delicately, he slashed through stone arch and the metal tracks that normally held the steel security door in place. It didn't look impressive...until Zero realized it had been done with the blunt side of his sword.
Zero tightened his grip and raised his sword. You are wrong, brother. Your death, my greatest challenge. :) You are here for me.
We will see!
One charged.
Zero had battled countless opponents, on and off Pandora. Some had been stronger, but none had ever been faster.
Until now.
One rained down a flurry of attacks so fast, it was impossible to block them all. Zero retreated slowly, concentrated on stopping the most critical blows, counting on his shields to protect his less vital areas as he searched for an opening.
It wasn't working. Zero's shields began to steadily drain, their energy weakening under One's relentless assault. One continued to press him back, towards the platform that dropped into the next area. His blade slipped through Zero's defense again, and Zero felt a stab of pain in his side, then another in his leg. One struck again, and Zero's shield strength dropped to nothing-
Zero's shield erupted in a wave of fire, disrupting One's volley of attacks. Zero lashed out, throwing One's sword sideways.
"Welcome! To my-"
The ammunition vending machine exploded as Zero deflected One's blade into it. Zero tried to strike into the opening, but One had become too fast for him to slip a hit into that gap. Their blades collided, and One threw all his strength against the block. Zero dug in and tried to push back, but he was being forced inexorably towards the cliff edge. In a last ditch effort to regain the offensive, Zero jumped, using the crossed swords as leverage. He spun into a somersault, and at the peak of his jump kicked out at One's head-
An iron grip caught Zero's leg before his kick could impact, and One threw him off the cliff.
Zero crashed into the ground and lay stunned, staring up at the sky. Before he could recover, One leapt after him, sword glinting.
Die!
One slammed to the ground. His sword lanced through Zero's chest... and Zero flickered.
The holographic body vanished as the real Zero swung with all his strength and speed. With One's sword buried in the ground up to the hilt, there was no way he could block with it... so One simply caught the blade. The same trick? Pathetic.
One kicked out, slamming Zero with enough force to send him flying uncontrollably into the rock formation in the center of the area. And now comes the end of 'Zer0', One sneered, rising. A life misspent in pursuit of his ego. He pulled his own sword from the ground and cast Zero's away. Before causing me harm, You die alone and unarmed And the sum of your life is... nothing. He started forward in anticipation of the kill... then stopped in confusion.
Zero was laughing.
Didn't learn a thing About Pandora, did you, My foolish brother? he taunted. There's always a gun.
Zero pulled his sniper rifle and rapid fired every round in the clip with vicious accuracy. One blocked the bullets, but before he could move forward, Zero had reloaded and was firing again, advancing as he did so. Eighty-seven bazillion Guns on this planet! Zero yelled, reloading and firing a third salvo. Did you really think I'd limit myself to a Simple, short-ranged sword?! With an eye-baffling burst of speed, Zero lunged at One. That said, I do like The added advantages Of a bayonet!
One struck aside the last bullet and moved to intercept Zero's wickedly curved sniper bayonet, but Zero didn't settle for a straight attack that could be blocked so easily. Instead, he threw himself into a lightning fast spin, the sniper rifle's bayonet crashing against One's sword repeatedly in an explosion of sparks. One staggered back at the rapid collision of weapons, and Zero pressed his advantage. How hilarious! You just set off my trap card! Your death approaches!
Your tricks won't save you! One roared. Your life is through! Breaking free of Zero's relentless attack, he raised his sword over his head and brought it down in a savagely powerful two-handed attack.
You're the stronger one. Zero caught the blade in the gap between his bayonet and the sniper rifle body. But I'm the more devious.
Strength is all I need for you! One stabbed downward, and his blade slashed through the frame of Zero's rifle. The blade clattered to the ground, freeing One's sword and leaving Zero holding half a gun.
Zero tossed it away without hesitation and drew a pair of bladed pistols. Two guns, bitch! He unloaded both handguns, then unleashed a volley of slashes.
Gah! One staggered back, a pair of diagonal cuts tracing across his chest. Still too weak, brother! A downward strike shattered the pistol blades.
Zero leapt back and pulled a bladed SMG. Shut up, He fired a short burst at One's faceplate, then hurled the gun at him. The pronged weapon embedded in his chest and exploded, sending him reeling.
Hey, stand in front of this! Zero lunged and skewered One with a bayoneted assault rifle, then rolled under One's counterattack.
A noticeably slower counterattack. The lights on One's suit were beginning to flicker as he absorbed more and more damage.
Zero pressed his advantage. He grabbed the severed sniper bayonet, and plunged it straight through One's back. My blade is thirsty!
Argh! One gave a wild, desperate swing.
Zero leapt over the off-balance attack, landing in front of One. He drew his final weapon, a bladed shotgun, and rammed it into One's stomach. Murder time.
A horrible, echoing wail resounded from overhead. The sound was so loud, it drew the focus of the brothers skyward... to the digistructed rakk crashing down on them.
It exploded ten feet from the ground.
The blast threw Zero and One away from each other before Zero could pull the trigger. Zero slammed into the wall near the door, One into the canyon edge. Neither moved as the explosion died down and the rakk faded back into nothingness.
For a long, painful moment, nothing moved. Then...
You... nearly had me, through skill and trickery. One dragged himself to his feet with agonizing slowness, pulling the various blades from his wounds. But the twist of fate has denied you victory. He started towards the still unmoving Zero, clutching his stomach wound with his left hand, but kept a deathgrip on his sword with his right. Father's spirit watches his favored son, And so this day I have won, Despite your vaunted weaponry. His left hand dropped to the sword as well, and he crouched down, preparing to spring at his unconscious brother one last time. The girl will build the future. All her labors I will nurture. By any methods needed, Father's work will be completed, And thus his dreams earn structure. The lines in his suit began to glow red once more. But you... on this merciless world, you take your last breath. And none in the galaxy will mourn your death! He leapt into the air, sword raised.
Zero regained consciousness just in time to see One coming straight at him, blade flashing. He couldn't move, had no weapons left to block. He stared helplessly as his brother began the downward arc of his jump-
And slammed to a halt in midair.
One's sword dropped from his hands and hit the ground with a clang.
For an impossible second, both brothers stared in confusion. A hole had appeared dead center of his chest, the sky and canyon wall clearly visible, the black fluid of One's lifeblood leaching slowly out of it.
One grabbed at the nothingness that had pierced him, and the air began to flicker. The emptiness dropped away like a cloak, and something was revealed.
A figure was in front of One, kneeling on the ground. Its body was all black and silver metal, with the appearance of metal muscle tissue stretched across it. The head was almost skull-like, but had enough metal flesh to give it some definition.
Its left arm was lanced out, skewering his chest.
You... One gasped. How... why?
Because you moved me with your memories, brother, the android said. I learned your life, your history... and your plans for our legacy. Almost gently, it laid One on the ground. I saw all that you would do, and I said no. With a sharp wrench, Zero's rescuer pulled its arm out of One's chest.
A burst of sparks and black fluid erupted from the hole. One's body seized, convulsed... and went limp. The lights on his suit flickered... and went dark.
One's final act was to turn his head to Zero. In his last moment of life, he showed all the hatred he had for his assassin brother.
}:(
Zero pushed himself into a sitting position, bracing against the wall for support. "And... just who are you?" he asked, speaking aloud for the first time in what felt like weeks. "Do you want to kill me, too? Have I done you wrong?"
"Would I have rushed so rapidly to your rescue if I had deemed you duly deserving of death?" the android asked, turning to face him. "No, my sensibly suspicious sibling, your life looms lengthy." It offered its right hand to Zero. "He wanted to call me Two, a truly terrible title. For now..." For the first time, it seemed uncertain. "...is it sufficient to say I'm your sister?"
Zero looked at its- her- hand for a second, then took it and pulled himself up. "Yes."
[FYI, the actual title of this chapter is 0100001001110010011011110111010001101000011001010111001000100111011100110010000001100100011101010110010101101100. FFN wouldn't let me put the whole thing.]
[Next week, things begin to conclude. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the last.]