Chapter 14: "There's only one…"
X teleported into the computer facility yet again. "I knew this place wasn't done with me," he muttered, and then started running as power built over his frame.
Immediately he realized all of the Maverick Hunter forces were gone. Pulled out to surround the arctic base. At least it meant none of them were hurt. It just also meant he had to deal with iris mechaniloids and scanners again.
A few double plasma blasts and some deft dodging and weaving later, X was past the smashing blocks and most of the mechaniloids. He stepped through the power gate, and stopped short, staring straight ahead at two disturbing familiar faces.
Towering, with yellow and blue armor, Sigma stood with a confident smile on his bald head, his focusing gem gleaming in his forehead. He had blue, heavy gauntlets over his hands this time, with slots over the knuckles.
Down at his side, his hand on the shoulder, stood Zero, but with a black body, and paler skin. He seemed quietly vicious, his face etched with dark intent.
"So good of you to come, X. Look who I found!?" Sigma taunted, gesturing at his relatively shorter companion. "I'm afraid our old friend here has a bit of a problem with you, X. It seems you let him die… I wanted to let him return the favor!"
A strange, building hum muffled through the door behind X, all three glancing at it.
X's optics flared as a green plasma blast flash melted through the door and wall, passing around his shoulder, and plowing into the black Zero, tearing half its body apart as it cried out with a distorted voice. Sigma was dodging aside, glaring at the door and hole.
A second blast tore through, down on X's other side, near his feet. It brought the black Zero down to his knees, snarling.
The door finally slammed down, and a white hand flicked a saber hilt out in the shadows, igniting the green blade.
"You should've read the blue prints closer, Sigma."
The speaker stepped into the light of the chamber, X caught in a momentary reverie at seeing that face and armor animated and alive yet again.
Zero half-smiled, his bright eyes glinting with a mixture of humor and battle focus, his saber burning out to his right. "There's only one Zero."
The black Zero shot forward, wrenching a purple beam saber out of his shoulder. Sigma hung back for a moment, quietly angry.
X twisted, busters up, but Zero flickered forward. He rammed the purple saber up, twisted, and took the other Zero's head off with a single fluid rush, his blonde ponytail swirling past him, the trails of hair exposing his eyes, glaring at Sigma.
X hesitated, watching closely. Sigma started to smile faintly out of his dark mood.
"Zero… I know your secret."
Zero's left hand snapped into a buster again, his helmet gem and barrel starting to shimmer as he built more power in the weapon. "I don't care."
Sigma shimmered, and burst apart, teleporting somehow. Zero glanced around, then sighed, and let his buster power down. Sheathing his saber on his shoulder, he turned, facing X across the room.
"Sorry I'm late, X."
X let his busters revert as well, bowing his head with a faint smile, eyes closed. "Seems like you're right on time to save my plates. Like usual, Zero."
Zero shook his head, and then suddenly dove down, ramming his fist into the flooring. A power surge went through his arm, and burst a whole clear through the armored flooring.
"Alia gave me the info we need," Zero explained, rising up. "There's some heavy hardware down there, but the power core for the facility is this way," he pointed behind himself. Looking X in the eyes, he added, "You proved yourself, and you earned this. I have to go make sure this facility actually shuts down while you handle Sigma."
X's eyes tightened. "You sure?"
Zero smirked. "Gotta give the B-class rookie a chance to earn his stripes some time, right?"
X had to laugh a bit. "Fair enough. Stay safe up there."
"And you, X."
Zero turned, power building over his frame, and he unleashed another twin plasma blast to weaken the next door, then plowed through it with his beam saber, dashing out of sight.
X looked down at the gaping hole in the floor, and back to the shadows where Zero had vanished. "…Just like old times?" he whispered, and then leapt into the hole.
He fell for so long, far more than the mechaniloid facility that had started this whole mess. At last, he slammed down to a crouch in a simple chamber, glancing over to see an ornate processing core against the far wall, taking up most of that wall of the facility. There were arrays all around the remaining walls, apparently ready to broadcast some kind of signal.
Sigma teleported into view, smiling again. "You never disappoint, X. Ruthless and dedicated. You've slaughtered a lot of Mavericks to get here today."
"That blood is on both of our hands, virus."
Sigma's optics sharpened. "You seem a little distraught, hunter. What's wrong?"
X's busters snapped into form, and power started to shimmer over his frame. "Stand down."
Sigma laughed, and then braced down, arms crossed. Claws sprouted over his hands. "Please. You'll find my new body far more PRECISE!"
He flickered forward, and X burst to one side, letting the claw tear up through the armored floor and wall. X returned a one-two plasma blast, but Sigma flickered between them, then braced down, electrical power surging off his frame, and coiling into a mass of sparking orbs over his body.
X halted, and eyebrow up. "Isn't that what I used to fry your systems last time we fought, Sigma?"
"If you can't beat 'em…"
Sigma ripped forward, and the electrical bolts burst ahead like a swarm of insects, coiling toward X with almost animated intent.
X had to dodge, twist, and duck Sigma's swipes while hopping, dashing, and skidding away from the discharges. Sigma was churning up the metal floor trying to claw into X's hide, shouting and grunting with effort as he skidding, teleported, and slashed.
Glowing with absorbed energy, X side-twisted through a storm of electrical attacks, just folded his head under a claw swipe, and as Sigma was twisting to stab down with his other claw, X fired a blast up into Sigma's chin.
The blast hit true, and Sigma was knocked up into the air, over himself. He didn't seem terribly injured, but then flared his optics down at the second blast that slammed into him in mid-air, sending him crashing into the far wall.
Sigma crouched for a moment, seething as his claws scraped the ground. X stood calm and steady, more power building over his frame.
With a burst, Sigma was on X, stabbing down. X was hopping up, and Sigma was back-hand slashing up at him, starting to sneer over his shoulder at the smaller Reploid. Their eyes locked, and Sigma saw the cold focus in X's optics this time.
Boots aligned, X air-dashed just out of the claw-swipe's path, and fired both fully charged blasts into Sigma's back, finishing his flip and landing to a neat crouch.
Sigma howled, crashing and skidding into the far wall.
"You lower your defense field you stole from Violen when you go for a slash," X explained, slowly standing and turning, his eyes dilated for his enhanced sensors.
Sigma slowly stood up, but his body was badly scorched and leaking fluids now.
X adjusted one gauntlet as more power bled over his body. "Serges… he was Wily's back-up plan, wasn't he? A self-modeled engineer Reploid who could try the whole thing again?"
Sigma frowned, clenching his fists. "You're not the naïve little Reploid I fought the first time."
"And you're not Sigma Enigma, virus."
"Figured it out, hm?"
"We had this conversation before. Your lack of memory indicates your different clusters don't communicate once you're engaged directly. Smart, it keeps them safe, but it also means you're missing part of the picture."
Sigma glared. "Clever. Well, with that out of the way, then, I'll skip to the good part." He smiled as his body started to blow apart, crashing down into a pile of smoldering parts.
X braced again, fists clenching out of his busters, but his power still shimmering over his frame.
The whole chamber started to hum, and then X looked up as an image of Sigma's head formed out of nothing, formed of blue light and red glowing where the optics should've been.
Still using his sensors, X's eyes tightened. A hard light construct? Data given physical form. That's what this chamber is actually for, and the power draw it would require… that was the surge. They were testing this.
Sigma's hard-light head focused on X with another smile. "I'll infect you, X! Then it's all over! With your Dr. Light-constructed body, I'll be invincible!"
Mechaniloids were teleported in around the head, and they all came surging after X together. X flash-melted the mechaniloids, and dove out of the construct's path, skidding along and then boosting around the room, scanning it still.
Too many emitters to just blow them all up. Maybe… an overload. Drive the physical interactivity to the limit for it? Sounds about as good as I'll get.
X's colors shifted, and his busters formed claw-chords.
"What are you going to do? Ram me into a wall?" Sigma taunted, rushing down at X again.
X fired one claw, hooking it into the hardlight face. The entire chamber revved, the massive processing system whirring with strain on impact.
Sigma's head rushed back, just light for a moment to recover.
X smirked up at the angry floating face this time. "I'd say I've got a bone to pick with you, but you're just a wire frame on a power generator."
Sigma's head snarled, and rushed down, more Mechaniloids teleporting in. X shot forward, just under the rushing head, and he tore the mechaniloids apart with his boots and thruster jets. Firing a claw clamp into the back of the floating head made the facility strain again, and Sigma vanished for a moment.
"I'm not playing games, X!"
X felt energy surge around him, and he dashed aside. Sigma's head appeared where he'd been standing, then vanished.
Keeping his sensors on full, X dashed, leapt, juked, and bounced around as Sigma's head tried to form around him and catch him. Determining the pattern somewhat, X was able to fire off a few more claw attacks, ramming the hardlight construct and stressing the massive processor at the heart of the facility each time.
This time Sigma stayed gone for several minutes. X braced, waiting. He felt the surge, started to dash, but it was faster this time. Sigma had formed around him, and X could feel his systems getting assaulted from every possible data point.
It was trying to infect him! The light construct offered data entry systems as much as a physical mask.
X started firing his claw into the inner surfaces of the construct with both arms, each one hurting the processing, shaking the facility, but Sigma snarled and stuck to him like glue even as they both rushed and bounced around the room, trying to escape and hold in a constant war of wills.
Finally X rammed both claws into opposite sides of the construct, and started to ratchet them closer without letting go, trying to crush the construct in on itself around him. The system battle was constant internally, but just when he thought his defense programs might buckle, he calmed, a wave of peace washing over him.
He saw Dr. Light, smiling warmly, and giving a little nod.
A scream from Sigma interrupted X's vision, and he felt the claws finally win, crushing the hardlight construct in on itself.
At the same time, the processor started to explode. X stumbled back, watching in shock for a moment. The light construct reappeared above him, twitching and writhing.
"T-the power… core… Curse you, Megaman X… Not again! …But… I know… Zero's secret… He's… last of the doctor's… creations…"
X glared up at the twitching hologram.
"…We'll… meet again… Megaman X…"
"I'll find you," X chose to reply.
The construct finally faded completely, and the chamber started blowing apart around him.
"X, get out of there!" Alia's voice finally cut through the interference again. "Zero blew the core, you have to go!"
"Roger that. Teleporting out."
He was engulfed in blue light, and warped out of the chamber.
X landed on a cliff near the computer facility, Zero standing there, both of them watching the facility start to collapse in on itself amidst smoke and explosions.
"You had me worried there for a second," Zero chose to begin, his ponytail lashing in the wind from the blasts.
X slowly stood up, his colors and busters reverting fully. "Took your time with that power core, didn't you?"
They both chuckled faintly.
They watched in silence for a moment. His optics tightening, Zero spoke more soberly.
"I'm sorry, X."
"For what?"
Their optics met finally. "Making you feel responsible for my death."
X shrugged faintly. "I was."
Zero rolled his eyes a bit. "I chose to detonate my own core, X."
"That's not what I was referring to, but it's in the past, Zero," X finished, looking out again, his eyes reflecting the burning ruins of the facility. "I'm very glad you're back, for everyone's sake." After a pause, he looked at his resurrected comrade again with a wan smile. "Let's go home?"
Zero chuckled, bowing his head, and then nodded. "Sounds good, X. Give Alia the signal for us?"
X touched his comm. "Alia, we're out safe. Mind getting us a ride home?"
Her relief was clear. "My pleasure, gentlemen. Commencing transport."
They both flickered and vanished in streams of light.
Zero, X, Alia, and Signas were standing in front of Dr. Cain's desk at Maverick Hunter headquarters.
"Thank you all for coming. I know clean up is still keeping us all very busy, but I wanted to keep you updated on a few things," Dr. Cain began, his tone grave.
"So what's the story, Dr. Cain?" Zero prompted casually.
Dr. Cain stood up. "With the reports from that battle with Sigma, it's clear we're dealing with a virus of some kind. I've had to notify the human authorities."
Alia's eyes flared subtly, X's jaw clenching, but Signas and Zero seemed unfazed for the moment.
"I don't want a panic," Dr. Cain continued. "I've managed to ameliorate the higher ups with your success," he gestured to the four of them. "Crushing this Maverick group earned us a lot of good favor with the very governments that this whole mess has brought together. They don't want a panic either, so for the moment, the fact that we're dealing with a virus is classified information. However… they've authorized security-clearance-accessible labs to start research into anti-virus options."
Alia didn't risk glancing at X, but her peripheral vision caught his narrower eyes.
Zero crossed his arms. "Sounds logical to me. If we can cure the infection, this problem ends."
"Indeed," Signas chose to answer calmly.
Dr. Cain focused on X. "You seem concerned, X."
X offered a wan smile. "I am, but we all are. Do we know what labs will be engaging the research?"
"I will soon. Obviously, that list is as secured as the knowledge itself."
"Of course," X tipped his head.
Alia adjusted her datapad. "I have all the documented Maverick parts we've recovered catalogued, Dr. Cain. It might help speed up the process?"
"Thank you, Alia. Please forward me that data as soon as possible. Well done, each of you. I just thought you ought to know what was going on. Dismissed."
Once the four of them were out of the office, Zero turned to Signas. "I've heard good things about you, Signas. We haven't had a chance to really meet yet." He offered his hand.
X and Alia watched with quiet fascination at the interaction.
Signas took the hand and smiled warmly. "An honor, sir. I'm glad the legendary Zero could join us again."
Zero chuckled, and patted Signas' shoulder. "We're all doing our job, officer. I've got some clean up to help with myself. Alia, X, you all take care."
They shared nods, and Zero jogged off, his boots snap-clicking on the way.
Visibly, the trio left shared nods, and started to separate. However, they started using private comms as they did.
/There's no way they can make an anti-virus that will actually work reliably,/ Alia started.
/No,/ Signas returned, /but if we try to block their efforts, it will only raise suspicion. X, I assume we're continuing on as before?/
/Exactly. There's a big difference between trying to tackle a virus, and actually curing this one. Alia, do you think you can get a hold of that list of labs… discretely?/
/You're kidding, right?/
/Had to ask, first…/
/Hah. I'll have it for you as soon they make it./
/Thank you, Alia. We'll have to watch those labs like hawks. They'll be prime targets for the Wily Virus to take action again./
/Understood,/ Alia and Signas replied.
/Now let's finish up the clean up as best we can. Any word on our new comrades, Signas?/
With a little chuckle, Signas confirmed, /They'll be entering training soon./
/Thanks, Signas./
"Hey Blast Squirrel!" Cadis greeted warmly. Her rifle was collapsed and folded onto her back with her slightly modified battle-body.
Blast Squirrel chuckled and gave a casual wave as he leaned against the counter in the mess hall. "On the way to that meeting, too?"
Cadis nodded. "Yep. Stop here for a charge?"
"And sizing up our competition for that sparring tournament they're gonna hold later in the month," he added with a wry smile, tipping his metal snout to the rest of the room.
Various mats had been set up across the large mess hall, and various pairs of Reploids were wrestling or fighting in practice matches. It was a fairly wide spread of veterans and new recruits, to keep people focused and busy despite the current 'war' being resolved.
Cadis found the view amusing, and giggled a bit. "I think I'll be passing. I know we need to be able to fight hand to hand, but I'm wasted on melee. Pretty much all the talent I've got is on this," she raised her shoulder and gestured at her inactive rifle.
Blast Squirrel chuckled again. "You should try it out anyway. You'd be amazed how much you'll learn, even from an early loss. The right punch or kick can save your life as much as a precise plasma bolt."
Cadis sighed glancing out again. "True enough. Seeing X fight definitely showed how important it is to have a combination of abilities."
"You saw X fight?"
Self-consciously flicking some hair, Cadis tipped her head. "My inspiration for joining the Hunters."
"Gimme five for that, girl. Damn."
She laughed as they slapped metal hands. Cadis' internal chronometer pinged, and she glanced out of the mess hall. "We should head over, right?"
Blast Squirrel twitched, and then hopped away from the bar. "Right you are. Lead on, Cadis."
It didn't take them long to go to a higher level of headquarters and reach the right meeting chamber.
Inside, Alia was standing up from one of the seats, along with two new Reploids.
"Ah Cadis, Blast Squirrel. Right on time," Alia greeted warmly. "I wanted to introduce you two to our new recruits, and see if you wouldn't mind showing them the ropes?"
Cadis grinned, waving at the new Reploids, and Blast Squirrel offered his hand. "No problem. I'm Blast Squirrel."
"I'm Cadis," she chimed warmly.
The first Reploid was a tall, thin creature with sharp optics and clamp claws over his hands, along with a long, articulate tail with a claw of it sown. He had elongated horns over his head of the same style, and his black and silver coloration left him a rather menacing figure. He smiled cordially, however, and shook the hand offered. "Mapteron."
The second lumbered forward. He was unmistakably turtle-like, but was built strong rather than with thin limbs. Blue and dark brown were his most prominent colors. He also seemed to be built 'old', with a mustache-like plat over his beak-like mouth. He smiled lightly, shaking hands. "Warp Turtle."
On the private network, Blast Squirrel had to joke, /Magna Centipede and Crystal Snail turning into an earwig and a turtle? Cutting it a little close, boys?/
The 'new' pair gave him a playful glare as Cadis glanced to Alia to take the datapad of information she wanted covered.
"You four all set?" Alia began, arms akimbo.
"Yes, ma'am," the four replied, saluting.
Alia saluted back with a smile, and left them to their business.
Cadis turned to the others as she backed toward the door. "So what made you two want to sign up?"
"Eh, that last Maverick mess got a lot of good people hurt," Mapteron began. "I'd like to help if anything else happens."
"Much the same for me," Warp Turtle added. "Though I'm more on the technical side of things than combat."
"I started as a techie myself. We'll get along just fine, hm?" Cadis affirmed with a laugh.
The four of them shared the light mood as they started down the hall together.
Signas blinked up at Zero. They were outside Dr. Cain's office again. Signas quickly saluted. "Coming or going, sir?"
Zero chuckled, and saluted back. "Coming. Looks like he called us both at the same time."
"I wouldn't want to intrude, sir. You go ahead."
Zero wave it down, and touched the door control. "Dr. Cain, it's Signas and me."
The door hissed open, and Zero gestured for Signas to follow. Signas chuckled a bit, and did so.
Dr. Cain turned in his chair, smiling warmly as he faced them. "Thank you both for coming! I wanted to let you two know a couple of things before they get announced publically. Have a seat, boys."
The two Reploids shared another faint smile, and did as requested. Zero leaned back casually, legs crossed. "So what's the word?"
"First, Zero, you'll officially be reinstated as a unique S-class Hunter, and head of a private unit. Unit 00. Not much is different, beyond you answering directly to me, outside of the normal command chain."
Zero raised his eyebrows. "Sounds like a cushy gig. How did that get cleared? Is X on that unit?"
Dr. Cain's mood fell slightly. "Your reputation earned it, Zero. And no… X is not on that team. Due to various issues, he'll be remaining at B-class. Chain of command concerns and such."
Zero seemed intrigued, but just nodded. Signas, thus far, kept his reactions silent.
"And you, Signas, in a very short time you've distinguished yourself as an exemplary officer, and shown great gumption in situations that were technically over your rank. As a result, we're bringing the official records in line with your capacity. You are hereby promoted to Vice-Commander of the Maverick Hunter Special Task Force."
Signas seemed startled, and then stood up and saluted. "I'm honored, sir!"
Dr. Cain stood up with Zero, and offered a salute to let Signas return to at-ease. "It's well-earned, Signas. Your rank upgrades will be shipped to you ASAP, don't worry."
"At your leisure, sir. I'll do my best to honor the post."
"I've no doubt, Signas. Well done."
Signas glanced faintly at Zero. "May I ask a question?"
Zero shrugged, and Dr. Cain nodded. "Of course, Vice-Commander."
"I assume Unit 00 is NOT under my purview, based on your statements to Zero?"
"Correct. Unit 00 is a special case for emergency situations. Any trouble I want to keep a personal eye to."
Signas saluted again. "Understood, sir." /Did you get that, X?/
/…Yes, thank you, Signas. And congratulations./
/Heh… thanks./
Dr. Cain offered a fresh salute. "Dismissed, gentlemen. I'll contact you with any specific assignment concerns."
"Sir!" they both replied smartly, and then left the chamber.
X was just stepping out of a research station in headquarters when Zero walked up to him. The paler armored Reploid smiled and saluted. "Sir."
Zero smirked, waving it down. "When it's just us, pass the salutes, X. I think we're a little outside of normal rank issues these days."
X relaxed, but shrugged. "Your call. You've outranked me from day one."
Zero rubbed the back of his helmet. Wonder when he'll find out about my special unit… "Eh, like I said, you've earned your bit of respect around here while I was out of the picture. Speaking of, can we talk for a minute? I mean privately."
X was puzzled for a moment, but then nodded. "Wherever you prefer, Zero."
Zero waved for him to follow. Just a few moments later, they were in a small meeting chamber, Zero lounging back in one of the chairs, boots up on the map table. "Take a seat, X."
The other Reploid chuckled, and did so, relaxing back, but not lifting his feet off the ground. "So what's on your processor, Zero?"
"More like what's on yours, X. After we blew up that computer facility, what did you mean? What makes you responsible for my death?" Zero asked, quite serious and focused, his eyes tight.
X sighed a bit, but tipped his head, and answered, "I'm the reason Mavericks exist, Zero. This entire war is my responsibility, and everyone it claims." Seeing Zero's eyes constrict further, he added, "I'm glad it's one less now. Are you okay that you were brought back? Would you have preferred to be left in peace?"
Zero chuckled, closing his eyes and bowing his head before he replied, "I've got a bone to pick with this Sigma-Virus myself, so I'm fine here." He looked back up at his comrade, focused and grave, "Seriously, though, X, you can't walk around with that kind of weight on your shoulders. Let that go."
A bit awkward, X rubbed the back of his helmet, but nodded. "I'll try, Zero."
Zero stood up, X rising with him, and he offered his hand. "I've been reading up on what you've done while I was out. You've fought hard, X. That counts for something. Don't forget it, okay?"
X shook his hand. "…Thank you, Zero. I appreciate it."
The two shared a long, appraising look, and then their hands separated. Zero nodded to the door, and X let himself out, moving off down the hall. Zero let the door close, each of them looking down where they were.
"…There are a lot of secrets racking up around here," Zero whispered. He drew his saber, ignited it to admire the glowing blade, and then nodded to himself.
"Whatever comes, I'll handle it. My way."
Alia was leaning on a balustrade on the roof of Maverick Hunter headquarters, and heard the door open behind her. She eased back, smiling with a hand on the rail as X appeared. "Thanks for coming."
X smiled back, closing the door and walking up to join her, both looking out over the city.
"Sorry I didn't do you much good in that whole mess," Alia started quietly.
X gave her a sidelong glance. "Alia, you've kept the whole show running, and you got me the information I needed whenever you could." He glanced back at the door. "Sigma's efforts always throw us a few curve balls."
"Bringing Zero back successfully has been a big boost to morale. I think he actually blushed a bit when he saw that statue they created for him."
They shared a laugh at that idea.
"Speaking of Zero… what do you think about it?" /I mean for the team…/
"It's a relief, but complicated." /…Not yet, at least. Too many variables./
/Understood./ "Having him back seems to worry you more than relieve you."
X tipped his head. "It does. I think I just need some time to adjust. Too many possibilities in my head."
Alia turned, leaning on her elbow and facing him, tilting her head down. "You know you're not alone this time, right?"
A much deeper smile lit his expression, and he nodded. "Yes. Thanks to you."
"Just me, huh?" she chided playfully.
"Friends help, but… I think you know what I meant."
She nodded, and the bit her lip for a moment. He blinked at her, then was softly startled when she pulled him into a hug.
Immediately, X relaxed, and returned the embrace, holding tight. Alia smiled over his shoulder, her eyes watering a little. Once they eased apart, they relaxed on the banister again, just looking out.
"Do you ever think about what you'll do after all this is resolved?"
X half-laughed. "Actually, yes."
Alia grinned at him. "Oh? And what's the big hero going to do then, hm?"
X eased back, both amused and anxious, swinging a little by his hands on the bar. "…Settle down, he hopes. With someone he loves."
Their eyes met again. Alia's smile remained gentle and warm. After that moment, they looked out again, and she added, "Well… we better fix this Maverick problem quick then."
X shared her laugh, and they both eased from the balustrade. "Agreed. Regardless, it's been a long day. Let's go get a charge?"
"Sounds good!"
Depthcharge walked into the main lobby of headquarters, a little puzzled. He'd been summoned there by the reception desk, but it wasn't clear why. His optics scanned around as he walked along, and then he paused, finding Jessica, who was holding something wrapped in her arms. Approaching her, he greeted, "Jessica, hello."
She turned, finding him with her eyes, and smiled. "Hi, Depthcharge! Sorry for interrupting your day. I didn't realize it was so busy here!" she waved around at all the Reploids milling about.
"It's no interruption," he said happily. "What brings you here?"
Jessica offered the wrapped item with her hands. "I wanted to give you something. It's nothing big, but I thought you might like it."
Depthcharge blinked, and gently took it, unwrapping it immediately. It was a picture of her grandfather, smiling, holding her as a little child. "Jessica… you're sure you want me to have this?"
She smiled still. "Yes. I made a copy for my memories, but after everything you've done for me, I wanted you to have something from our family."
It was clear to her, despite his robotic face, that the Reploid was deeply touched. He held the image carefully, and glanced to the doors, then back to her. "…Would you like to go for a walk? Talk a bit?"
Jessica glowed with her smile. "Sure!"
Depthcharge gestured, and they walked out together, talking pleasantly.
The mess hall rang with laughter that afternoon. Cadis was sinking back in her chair, covering her mouth as Blast Squirrel finished a story. Mapteron and Warp Turtle were both laughing despite themselves.
Sitting with them, still laughing, were Spikesaw and Snapvice. Pyrostrike and Airstrike were busy trying to argue some of the points Blast made, but were half-laughing as well. Quickman was leaning on the rail near them, rolling his optics at the pair.
Inferno leaned in with a smirk. "Aren't you leaving out how handily Cadis blew apart the mechaniloid that nearly back-shot you?"
"Yep!" Turbo chimed in, lounging back a half-table away, his boots up in another chair.
"Bah, you guys are no fun!" Blast Squirrel retorted.
"You're making it too easy," Barrel retorted, sipping a charge module in his hand. "And since when do newbies get to brag about their exploits to the veterans, huh?"
A building 'oh' went around the whole table, even Airstrike and Shimmer joining in from their table just neighboring.
Overload and Deepfreeze came over from the sparring mats just off to the side.
"What's all this then?" Overload chimed in.
Cadis gestured across the group. "War stories from the simulator, apparently."
"Ey!" Blast Squirrel protested.
Deepfreeze laughed for once, and hopped over the rail. "Brave Reploids and their fine simulator?"
Airstrike pumped a fist. "Hey, it got me a post in the fleet!"
Snapvice chortled. "I'm just glad I get to log more simulator time rather than fights brewing for a bit."
A resounding agreement came from the cluster of tables.
Tripwire was just walking into the mess hall himself that moment, and quirked an optic ridge at the laughing group. He shook his head, and started toward the charge station to get himself a quick mobile-charge.
"Hey, Tripwire!"
He blinked, turning to see Cadis waving him over. "Join us for a cycle or two! We're having a grand time!"
Spikesaw joined in waving him over. "Cadis is right, get over here ya lanky whiplash."
Tripwire cleared his voice-box, and plucked a charge canister off the bar, then came over, dropping himself down between Cadis and Airstrike/Shimmer's table. "And what's all the fuss, hm?"
Cadis laughed, gesturing to Blast Squirrel. "We're just discussing the finer points of simulator scores and their importance."
"So… nothing?"
Another 'oh' went around the group, and laughter kicked back up. Blast Squirrel swatted Tripwire's shoulder, and the new arrival just raised his hands.
"It was right there, I had to."
The group continued talking pleasantly as a big ring, Cadis getting surprisingly detailed tips and advice from the other, recognized veterans, especially Inferno, Pyrostrike, and Deepfreeze. At one point, Tripwire reminded the three of them she saved X's hide once already, and Cadis blushed, but was grateful for the comment.
"Good to see you lot having a good time," Dex said to announce himself.
The group greeted him casually, most of them melting back to their conversation as Quickman focused on him. "And what brings you down here, Dex?"
"Wanted to ask you a favor, Quickman."
The bladed Reploid blinked. "What kind?"
"Was wondering if you could offer me some pointers on hand-to-hand combat. For emergencies and the like."
Quickman piqued an optic ridge. At first he was thoughtful, but then he smiled. "I'm a bit of task master, Dex. You sure?"
Dex offered his hand. "Yeah. I'd like to learn from the best."
The two shared a warm, knowing smile, and Quickman shook the hand. "You're on."
A dark room lit from a single screen clicking to life. A digital display of Sigma's face appeared, both grim and satisfied.
"So… it's a cure they want, is it? I think we can arrange that. Can't we, Dr. Doppler?"
A shape stepped out of the shadows, a long pointed beard and towering shoulder armor crackling with energy. The optics were already hazed with infection.
"Yes, master."
End Chronicle 2
Author's Note:
So ends Chronicle 2! Originally this was two chapters, but upon review, it was clear they belonged together as one overall completion chapter. It would have resulted in a tiny (under 3k words) chapter followed by a longer wrap-up chapter. There was no reason not to simply deliver the goods.
I have to confess to a bit of fan-boying over my own work here with Zero's return, especially that first shot of igniting the saber.
X vs Sigma in this Chronicle took a few pot-shots at the sillier aspects of the game, I felt. Sigma using your electrical attack from the first game, and the honestly kinda weird wire-frame-head fight. I liked that the background distorted each time you hit him, but it just didn't settle in for my brain. Never liked that fight (though the music was surprisingly epic for it, I'll agree to that).
There are actually a LOT of BIG hints dropped in this chapter. Even that little vision of Dr. Light is going to have a pay-off later. Mostly, it's just establishing the canon-based facts that Zero is S-class, leads special Unit 00, Signas is now at the rank we see him in-game for X 5, and powers that be are aware of the virus existing.
Don't worry, I'm not blowing off the consequences of the world knowing about the virus. In essence, that is the core tenant of Chronicle 3, which is foreshadowed in classic X-style with a snap-shot reveal.
For now, my friends, thank you for all your support, follows, favs, comments, etc. I hope you've all enjoyed this crazy ride that was Chronicle 2: Lazarus Zero, and bare with me for the production of Chronicle 3. It will take a while. I hope for the gap to be shorter than it was between one and two, but I can't guarantee that at this time.