It was mid afternoon in a fortress much like Alhambra Castle, although there were far fewer scars from the centuries of war in this stronghold. In one of the private gardens, six elves stood or sat, talking among themselves. All of them looked young, but had an air about them that made them seem far older. While they all were composed, the matter they were discussing was not one that they took lightly.
"Bishudal is dead. Do you not understand that? What we have wagered on that inept king was lost to one of the founder's demons," One said, a hint of anger in his voice, "And we're supposed to ignore that?"
One of the two female elves shook her head,"It is not that we should ignore it, but we should tread carefully. I was given a dispatch from our... Knight. While he has been working on his own since we allowed Bishudal to enter the service of that man, he has made a great number of observations on the young man who killed our former councilor."
"How much can be said to be true? That person betrayed us when we didn't do exactly as he said! He is just an arrogant pup!"
"He warned us that it wouldn't go the way we thought it would. And with his lack of aging he's proven he's not human, even though he's obviously not an elf. You've seen his abilities for yourself. He's an independent type of person, very rebellious, but he seems to be effective in what he does. Even if we can't accurately predict him." Was the observation of an elf who stood off in the corner of the garden, not even bothering to look at the others as he spoke.
"That may be, but the fact that he abandoned us doesn't change! He never even gave us his name. He simply just does what he wishes to!" The first elf replied angrily, showing his anger at the other council members for dismissing that fact.
"He isn't an elf, so we can not understand him, as he can not understand us. Nor does he owe us anything." Was the calm reply from the second female. "My biggest question is, what was in the dispatch from him?"
"Ah, that. Apparently, the death of Bishudal was quite spectacular. The young man who killed him was able to either steal or copy his power and the use of counter. His skill with it was immediate and has since grown. Most troubling of all, is that Bishudal was one of the most formidable among us with that skill."
"What?" Demanded the elf who had before shown little interest in the others while he had been talking previously."If that's the case then he must be neutralized. That is something that we can not allow out in the world." he said, far more animated now as he turned to face the others, a look of mixed anger and fear across his features.
"That's the least of our worries." Replied the woman, then shook her head,"Apparently he has also found evidence of some unusual and quite frankly disturbing circumstances that... Change everything."
"What could be more important than suppressing the outside spread of our races only defense against the magics of the western humans?" demanded one of the elves who had yet to speak.
"It is the reason I called this meeting, while protecting our race is important, what was reported by our knight... Is even worse news. It is almost unbelievable, but while he has been fickle in temperament his sources of information and knowledge have always been accurate. The King of Gallia was a void mage. His familiar was freed from the compulsion that the runes set upon her and when the king tried to summon a new familiar, something... Unnatural was summoned. This familiar was neither human nor elf. It took over that man's body and is in the process of building an army of monstrosities. Two of which have a level of power similar to the the young man who killed our late compatriot. We also have reports of that young man fighting on Tristian's behalf. By himself he has accounted for at least sixty thousand deaths. This is not counting the golem deaths that are included in the report as 'stupid sniper joe rip offs'. Incidentally, that's the only part of the report I didn't understand." The woman finished, and silence greeted her announcement.
"Such a thing... That is not possible is it?" The second woman asked, a look of fear on her face,"What type of being could accomplish such a thing? And how does our knight know of these things?"
"I do not know. But it is what is in the report. Apparently an overture of peace had been offered to the one who killed Bishudal in the form of a solution to the poison that was given to that girl's mother. While it was risky ,and not at all as safe as using the actual antidote, using the power of the void... Two of the void mages were able to use their forbidden power to heal the woman's mind."
"That monstrous power? It was used to heal?" The one elf who had remained silent the whole time asked in a surprised voice,"Such a thing...I was unaware that that power of destruction and deception could be use in such a way. That power, it was said to destroy, warp or twist everything it came in contact with, even ancient magic. How can such a thing be used to heal?" A look of amazement was easily visible on his face as he contemplated something that should have been impossible.
"Yes... You see, that was more or less how they solved the issue. He had them combine the power of the destruction of memories, and the destruction of magic to remove the memories of madness that would have remained, and the magic that would have further poisoned her mind. An unusual solution to be sure. And far more dangerous than our knight knew... But it worked." She said with a smile. "And we can use that as a point in negotiations of peace should we ever be directly confronted by that person. At least, that is the hope. While he needs to be eliminated eventually, If he can be used as an ally until the monsters in Gallia are removed, there is little else we could hope for."
"I see. It is sound as a plan, but somehow I dislike the dishonesty." The elf who had protested so violently turned back to look at the flowers,"But do as you think is best. When it comes time, I will hunt him down and remove that threat to us once and for all."
"You idiots really think you can take someone like that? What a joke. I doubt even that 'divine' dragon you all have could kill him." Said a familiar voice as a new figure came into view. "But then I suppose that would be fine since I'd be able to go home without him guarding that stupid gate."
"You, what are you doing here?" Demanded the first elf, his temper lost at seeing the person who they had been talking about suddenly show himself after so long, along with his overwhelming lack of respect.
"No... This is no time for fighting amongst ourselves. If you know so much about what is going on, then what would you have us do?" the hunter asked looking from the garden to the 'young man'.
"Wait. Do anything else and you'll probably end up causing a catastrophe. Doing anything, be it for revenge or to protect some petty thing like a spell that only elves should know would be reckless. And you all claim that you are all supposed to be far more logical than the humans, what with your longer lifespans and all. So try to think before acting so stupidly. I swear, you're just like the doctors. Neither one of them thought anything out."
"You have a point. Waiting in this type of situation would be best. What else have you found that you felt the need to return here so soon after leaving your last message? I recieved it but a scant few days ago."
"Things are coming to a head. Gallia has completed over six-hundred shock troops, all armed with the same type of weapons that I use. They're not as smart as me, and their power seems to be lower than mine... They're still more than a match for any other military in this world, including your own."
There was a pause before the apparent head, the woman who had first spoke about the report asked,"So...Things are truly as bad as you say?"
"Probably worse. Whatever that thing is that got summoned by Joseph has been working on those two I was talking about. They're insanely powerful. And he's installed them as the true princes of Gallia. I wouldn't be surprised if the princess ends up dead in a few weeks or less. It also seems like they're on the move. At least one full squad of them have slipt out of the borders of Gallia. They seemed to have one unit that was in command of it. He seemed slightly more powerful than the others but I wasn't about to trail them all the way. I broke off pursuit once they detected me."
"To detect you is a rather large feat... We will proceed with caution and prepare our defenses. Then we wait. That is all we can do until things settle down..." The first woman spoke with some authority in her tone and all but the young man bowed their head slightly in agreement.
***Break***
The next morning, Louise awoke to the morning sun shining on her. As she slowly opened her eyes, she realized that she was alone again. She couldn't figure out where her familiar had gone to, but they were going to see the princess soon... Was he with someone else? Louise still currently felt a great deal of uncertainty because of the at least temporary closeness that was shared with Leviathan during the date and she clutched the silk sheets tightly as the pain in her chest swelled. She knew that they had been called to the palace, but she didn't want to go. But still, her friend, her best support in this world besides Zero needed her. She couldn't bring herself to reject her friend's summons... But she still didn't have to be happy about it. She rolled slowly out of bed and began to prepare herself for the day ahead.
***Break***
Leviathan lay in the pool of water soaking up the cool refreshing feeling of it, enjoying the shade of the trees that hung overhead. As the pink haired girl had left she had not realized that Leviathan had circled around her and went back to spot of the date. She had been so close, but she had screwed it up. While he could have put it much better... Alright, much much better, that didn't matter. He was telling the truth as he saw it, and in his weird skewed way of looking at the world... It made sense and it probably could have been meant as a complement. But, this was wrong. As she ran through what Zero had spoken of, she couldn't help but see what he might mean by it, although she had never seen her Master hesitate. He had always demanded that they protect the weak people of the world, and to destroy the mavericks who would threaten Neo Arcadia. He had never really hesitated, and didn't seem the type. Well, truth be told he never really demanded anything. He only ever asked them to do things, but that was just his personality. That didn't mean he hesitated or was a coward. Master X was a hero, but she couldn't believe him to be a coward no matter what Zero thought. "It's not true. Master X couldn't ever be a coward." Leviathan said, more to reassure herself than anything. What she hadn't expected was the voice that replied to her spoken thoughts.
"Actually, he was. One of the biggest in all of the maverick hunters." the voice of Layer replied to the statement with a hint of amusement in her tone.
"Who are you?" Leviathan demanded as she turned on the unfamiliar girl. Upon looking at the girl who had managed to get the drop on her she noticed the telltale armor and the visor that obscured the girl's eyes. "You're a reploid!"
"Of course I am. As to who I am there are two responses. There is the me who I am, and that is Layer. Former lover of Zero. And if you're asking about the body I'm in right now? That would be the body of Axl. He was the Maverick Hunter's chief source of mischief and you could almost say 'youth'."
"What? That doesn't make sense." Leviathan replied as she stared at the girl.
"Of course it does, you just don't understand yet." Layer replied as she held up her right hand. The runic writing on it caused Leviathan to gasp. "That's right. This allows the user to subvert the familiar's will over time and bring them in line with the one who branded them. Funny how it doesn't work when you have five different minds for it to try and control. When one mind is too influenced by the rune another can take over and break that control. While not as elegant a solution as say, killing yourself off for a little bit, or being infected with the Maverick Virus... It works. So we didn't cause any atrocities like some other void familiars."
"What did you say?" Leviathan demanded angrily at the jab that was aimed at her, and possibly at Zero. "I'll admit I did things I'm not proud of but don't you dare lump Zero into that category! I forced him into those positions, the guilt is mine alone!"
"Whatever. Listen up princess, I don't have much more time and I'm already angry at you for the treatment you gave Zero yesterday." Layer spat back,"Axl has been going almost directly against the orders of the Pope for quite a while now so it's getting easier and easier for us to take over. But that comes with a price as well." Layer said, the anger bleeding out of her speech. "Unfortunately, direct commands are beyond Axl to ignore, and each time he is cohered he is 'damaged'. He is an A-trans new type model. The very first, actually. And, the last. But his systems are being subverted by this rune..."
"Why don't you tell Zero this?" Leviathan asked,"Why tell me?"
"Because...Honestly, I don't mind this. Eventually Axl will be in range of the pope again when I will have the ability to take over... And i'll end that threat just like Zero would. The death of the user or the familiar of the void is all it takes to remove the bond. But until then, I can still see and talk to Zero just a little more in the mean time." Layer replied, a gentle smile on her face. She noticed a look of disgust on Leviathan's face and laughed. "I know you probably think i'm a horrible person for this... But for a hundred years, I had thought Zero was lost."
"What?" Leviathan asked, startled at how the conversation had shifted. "What do you mean you thought he was lost? Didn't you know that he was sealed? I mean, if you and Master X were his partners you would have known where he had been sealed. If you wanted to see him again, why didn't you unseal him."
"You don't know this, but Zero was purposely damaged when he was sealed the last time. They were in a 'hurry' to seal him. Then they put a barrier up around him so that nobody could get close to his body, because honestly if he dies in combat... There are going to be some fireworks. Aside from that, I don't even know how that scientist, Ciel, managed to wake him up and make him remember everything. But even with that, it had been a hundred years since I had seen him, his face inches from mine... his saber through my chest. Axl decided to help as he could at the time...And I wanted to do the same."
"How was that? If Axl is as powerful as you say then why didn't he fight along side Zero against us?" Leviathan questioned her, clearly skeptical of the claims being made.
"The truth is, that Axl's power didn't start increasing until he was pulled here. With the increase to his powers the rune gave him, and us, he started to change. Before that, he had hit a sort of limit. He spent most of his time in various other forms. His 'brute power' had hit more or less a 'peak', but his capabilities for infiltration and DNA copying continued to evolve. The majority of 'real' maverick attacks that you faced while Zero was fighting Neo Arcadia was simply Axl using his copy DNA ability. He never hurt anyone, but he sure could make a scene. Add that with spying and helping X break the security to Neo Arcadia's inner sanctuary, it wasn't an inconsequential contribution. Zero probably would have won either way but he'd likely have had to go through all of Neo Arcadia. That would have caused far more casualties of the non pantheon forces. The reploids that are 'alive' and sentient."
Leviathan just looked at the other reploid, at a loss for words,"You mean, you fought against Neo Arcadia?"
"Of course. All of us, including Axl respect Zero. And at least three of us would die for him." She said with a gentle smile, stepping foward slowly as she spoke. "Oh, by the way, there has been a summon from the palace for Zero and a few other people. You're one of those mentioned specifically. You should probably head back to the academy..."
Leviathan glared at the other reploid then replied,"I don't care. I'm not in the mood right now and the only person who can tell me otherwise is master X."
"Yeah. Who do you think sent us out here? Why do you think we say he is a coward?" Layer asked with a grin at Leviathan's shocked gasp as she took another step closer. When Leviathan made no move, Layer spoke again, "Oh yes, we know just who Charity is. And Leviathan...one more thing."
"What is it?" she asked with more than a mild annoyance in her tone. She was shocked when her legs were swept out from under her and the blade of an energy rapier was placed less than an inch from her throat. "W-what is the meaning of this?"
"If you ever attempt to lay a hand on Zero again...I'll kill you myself. Just as he'll kill to protect those important to him, I'll do the same...Because he will not fight for himself. And without your powers as a familiar...It would be an easy task... for..." The girl said, her voice distorting slightly. Suddenly her demeanor changed becoming decidedly less feminine and the rapier was de-activated and stowed followed by a few choice curses.
"What the hell?" Leviathan demanded of the girl as she leapt to her feet, her spear out and at the ready.
"What the hell? You think you get to ask that?" 'Layer' demanded as she spun around stomping away,"What the hell is up with all you crazy people in the maverick hunters? I thought you operators were sane! And you told me that I was too quick to act! Stop laughing damn it! And stop taking over!" she cried out before shifting into Axl's main form.
Leviathan stared at the young man then asked curiously,"So, this is the real Axl then?"
"Yeah, whoever that is." Axl replied bitterly as he shook his head..
"What do you mean by that?" Leviathan asked as she looked appraisingly at the reploid who's demeanor was completely different from other times she had seen him.
"It doesn't matter. At least Layer delivered the message. we should be headed back to the academy. The others are probably waiting." Axl replied, clearly annoyed before he took off in the direction of the academy
***Break***
Zero stood looking at the morning sun from the roof of the tower, Charity floating quietly next to him. He wondered why high places were so good to think from. Was it because they allowed you to view larger areas? Did they help your perspective? Not that thinking could help him too much as it was. No matter what he did things just wouldn't resolve themselves. He didn't know why dealing with people was so hard. With a smile he turned towards his companion and asked,"Hey, Charity... Do you know why people are so confusing?" The only response he got was a confused look and a shrug. "Yeah, I figured as much. I have no clue either. Sometimes, I wish dealing with people was as easy as fighting." Zero complained in a tired voice. As he said this Charity flew to a point directly in front of Zero's face and scowled at him as she crossed her arms. "What? I'm not saying I wish it was fighting. I just wish it was easier. I'm no good at it. I-i... I wish that X was here. He knew how to deal with people. I'm just no good with things like this..."Zero replied as he looked up at the sky. When he turned to look at Charity he noticed she had a sad look on her face. "Hey, don't you get upset too. I mean, I do have you. Although I wish you could tell me exactly what you were doing or where you were when we got separated on the way to this world... Maybe someday, right?" Zero asked as he looked at the small cyber elf. Zero shook his head and sighed as the look on the cyber elf's face seemed even more depressed than it had before. "Although it doesn't matter. You're here now. We should probably get down to the courtyard... Looks like everyone is waiting...
***Break***
Most of those who had been summoned to the castle were gathered near the gate, with Sylphid and Pallet laying lazily in the morning sun, waiting on the last remaining member to join them, some of them enduring the waiting none too patiently.
"Where is he? If we wait much longer we're going to be late!" Leviathan complained as she stood glaring at Axl. "You came and got me to be stood up like this?"
"Hey, now don't blame me. They told me to go get you. And since when has anyone been able to control Zero's actions. He does what he wants." Axl replied with a grin. "Or hadn't you figured that out yet?"
"I don't think so. I think he just does what he believes to be right... And then uses that as an excuse to make himself appear selfish or uncaring." Mathilda said sagely as she leaned up against the wall, Not withing to be seated, but still unable to stand unassisted for excessive periods of time.
"I don't think that's true. He seems too honest to do that." Tiffania objected.
"Who knows what darling is really thinking?" Kirche asked with a whimsical smile on her face,"Isn't that what makes him so interesting?"
Reynold shrugged as he smiled,"I've come to learn that the commander is far more straight forward than everyone thinks. He just has a skewed sense of humor sometimes."
"He'd better be thinking about what I'll do to him if he makes the princess wait for some stupid reason like that!" Louise said darkly, her brows twitching as she stood near the gate, her arms crossed, her whole demeanor showing her displeasure. "
"Oh, and just what are you going to do to me?" Zero asked as he held on to the wall above her.
"Zero!" Louise shouted angrily as she jumped and turned to face him. "Why were you making us wait like that?"
"I was thinking." Zero's casual response had a sort of self defacing tone to it, which continued when he followed up with,"And we all know I don't do that very often. So it takes me a little longer."
"You're a terrible liar. You're probably the smartest one out of all of us." Came the high pitched voice of Rock as she came into view.
"Rock? What are you doing out here?" Zero asked bewildered.
"The younger sister of Miss Roll insisted that she come with us today." Guiche said,"Despite her elder sisters protests."
Roll scowled at Guiche as he said that and replied,"Really, it's not a good idea. Yes I upgraded your power source so you can stay out longer but you still shouldn't be too far from the academy."
"Why not? It's not like we don't have the walking reploid router there with us. IF anything happens, then I'm sure I can hitch a ride back here with him." Rock said pointing at Axl.
"What did you just call me?" Axl asked, completely at a loss at the words of the little girl he knew to be X's older brother,"I'm more than a walking Belkin you know!"
"Of course you are. But you could more or less function as one in an emergency if something happened to me right?" Rock pressed.
"Well, yeah. I could. But I don't see why you need to come."
"That's for me to know, and for you to guess! And I'll follow you anyhow. So it's either take me with you, or have me follow you and maybe cause some trouble trying to sneak into the castle. Although, I've gotten really good at infiltrating castles. Although they do tend to get blown up...Or have a giant robot come out of them once i've finished infiltrating them."
"You're impossible!" Roll said as she looked at her 'brother' and shrugged,"Fine whatever. We need to go anyhow."
"...This explains why 's hair was so white. It really does." Zero said as he watched the display between the two siblings then laughed as they glared at him at the same time. "Well, we might as well be going. With two dragons we should be there in no time at all. Even with our additional passenger." Zero said as he walked up to Sylphid who raised her head to greet him with a happy 'Kyu'.
***Break***
As the two dragons landed in the courtyard of the castle, Rock was the first to hop off the dragon. With a curious look on her face she gazed up at one of the highest towers and scowled slightly.
"What's with that look?" Zero asked as he noticed the odd actions by the older robot.
"Hopefully nothing... It's just...Don't you..." Rock said hesitantly, then shook her head,"No, it's nothing."
"You're being weird Rock." Roll said as she came up behind them after helping Mathilda disembark,"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Rock replied with a smile, although Roll looked back doubtfully.
"Shouldn't we be going? We're already running late and I wouldn't wish the princess to be angry with us for being late." Guiche said.
"Yeah,lets see what the little princess wants with all of us." Leviathan commented.
"Queen, she's the queen!" Louise corrected the blue armored reploid, glaring at her angrily.
"Now, now. No need to be so angry just because I got to spend some time with Zero." Leviathan admonished her.
"Quit it you two." Zero said as he took off towards the audience chamber, everyone forced to follow him. As he opened the door to the waiting room, he was met with a familiar face.
"Ah, so our young hero and his companions have gathered," Cardinal Mazarin said, a smile on his slightly younger looking face.
Before Zero could reply Rock spoke,"Yep. The hero is here, so do we get to meet the princess now?"
"Ah, forgive me... But, I do not recall you being on the summons... Might I ask your name little one?" The cardinal asked with a gentle smile on his face.
"My name's Rock. And i'm not little by choice." Was Rock's annoyed response.
The older man laughed as he patted Rock on the head much to her growing annoyance"Ah, hah. Just like little Henrietta when she was younger. Don't worry, time has a way of fixing these things."
"If only you knew," Rock muttered darkly.
"You're looking better these days Cardinal," Zero said cutting through the banter that was going to get Rock ranting.
"Yes, I find that with things more calm, and her majesty shouldering more of the burdens of ruling, that life as an adviser has been much less demanding."
"I imagine so. Being in a position of leadership sucks doesn't it?" Zero questioned him, a knowing smile on his face.
"Honestly, it is not the best place to be... But sometimes you need to step forward, even if others will hate you for it." Was the cardinal's response.
"Yeah, well, that's leadership too. Is Henrietta ready to see us?" Zero asked as directly as before.
The cardinal shook his head as a he grinned ruefully,"Always the impatient one. Cutting through the hour or so of prerequisite courtesies. It's too bad there aren't more nobles less willing to waste time."
"It saves time at least," Axl commented with a smirk.
"Yeah, yeah. Is she ready or not?" Zero asked again
"She has been anxiously awaiting the coming of her knight," Mazarin said in an almost teasing way. "I'm sure you know the way by now."
"Yeah of course." Zero replied as he again moved with the others following him.
"He acts so casually around all of these people..." Tiffania said nervously as she surveyed the opulent surroundings that somehow reminded her of her childhood.
"Honestly... I wouldn't have expected any different from him," Mathilda said with a smile,"I honestly don't think he could care less about station or the required courtesies of the court."
As the guards at the door of the audience chamber saw Zero they opened the large double door and called out,"Knight Commander Zero of the Koga knights."
Henrietta stood as she watched them entered then smiled gently as she walked up to them. She looked at the group before her eyes finally fell on Mathilda and Tiffania. She curtsied deeply before speaking in a formal yet somehow sincere voice,"I greet thee, dear cousins. Welcome to Tristian."
"Dear cousins?" Tiffania asked shocked. Mathilda only looked away.
"You may not know this, but yourself and Mathilda may be the last of our cousins, the nobility of the Albion royal family. Forgive my formality, but I felt the need to express how much joy I found that the line is not... lost." She said with some regret.
"I'm no noble. Not anymore." Mathilda replied both stung at having to admit that, and annoyed at the Queen for making her do so.
"That matters not to me. We are family, and through your actions you have proven your loyalty to your family. To me, that means something. Here, at least in Tristian, you are of noble status." Henrietta replied honestly, no hint of deception in her manner. Mathilda just stood there blushing a little at the praise, wondering how a girl so much younger and inexperienced than her could work her up like that. "As you may or may not know... There are two things of great importance that we must discuss, as well as some other small matters. And all here are involved in them in one way or another." Henrietta said shifting to a more serious tone until she noticed the little girl that was standing next to Roll, looking around distractedly as if listening for something. "And just who might you be?" She asked kindly.
"My name's Rock. I'm not a little girl. I'm like Zero. This isn't my body so don't bother telling me how cute I am. I just came here because I was bored. We really didn't have any princesses or anything back home so I figured I could meet one." Rock replied seemingly annoyed, at the interruption to whatever her musings were.
"Ah... So you are the one who is responsible for helping my cousin recover? Zero spoke with me at some lengths, although I did not realize that you would look so young. I must thank you for helping her."
"It's fine," was the clipped response Rock gave.
"Rock, behave yourself! You wanted to come out here, so why are you being so rude?" Roll demanded. Rock just averted her gaze.
"It wouldn't do to scold her like so. She, like you has also lived far longer than I. She is not the little girl she appears to be. But that is all unrelated to the reason I have called you here. You all have been involved in a great number of adventures," Henrietta said awkwardly as she was seemingly dismissed by the small girl.
"I suppose you could call them that," Axl replied hesitantly,"Although I haven't really done anything to merit any recognition."
"You gave me hope. In my darkest hour, you let me feel the faintest glimmer of hope. That is nothing to dismiss." Henrietta said honestly,"And you were involved in preventing the kidnapping of my dear friend Louise, as well as the liberation of Sax-Gotha. These actions were not unimportant."
"I suppose." Axl conceded with a nod, unable to shift the 'blame' for those situations.
"Okay so without getting off track anymore, what did you bring us here for?" Zero asked,"It has to be important to have all of us come here at once."
"As direct as ever? Very well, Mathilda...I wish for you to ascend the throne of Albion. You are the last remaining person with the old royal blood."
"I am a disgraced noble, and even if I wasn't, why would I care to lead a group of nobles who have already proven that they're more than willing to overthrow the royal family if they think they can?" Mathilda asked.
"It... May be so, but we have already... remove most of those nobles. And while we have control of Albion, it is viewed as an occupation because it is not an Albion noble who is a reagent. The only other option would be Tiffania, but Zero and myself feel she needs to be protected." Henrietta
"Because I'm an elf?" Tiffania asked, her hands going subconsciously to her ears as she was reminded of and became conscious once again about her heritage.
"You are a void mage. As such, we must keep your identity a secret for as long as there are people who would abuse you. I would like to say that it is the only reason, but it is not. After talking with the pope, I have come to a realization." Henrietta said, pausing for a moment.
"Don't tell me you actually believed what he was saying." Zero replied acidly.
"No, I do not. Had you not shown up, I do not know what I would have believed, but with your words, and his actions... I do not agree that elves and humans can not live in peace. Tiffania is proof that humans and elves can not only live in peace, but can fall in love. If the heart is the same, then we have a starting point. I hate to say this, but I would use you to open talks with the elves who dwell to the east. Rather than senseless war, I would like to open channels with, and come to an understanding between our peoples. While they may be known as our Founder's enemies... Who really knows after all this time?" Henrietta said as she looked her cousin in the eyes. "I know this is a heavy burden to ask of you, but it is one that I must ask of you."
Everyone looked at Tiffania who's shocked expression was no surprise to anyone. Nobody had expected these things to be brought up. After a few moments to compose herself she replied,"But...How can I bridge that gap? I know so little of human or elf. I'm just now learning what it means to live among humans. I do not wish to end that so soon."
"That is fine. It it is not what i had called to you about this day. But i could not lie to you. You are my cousin in blood, and one who i aspire to be like. Zero speaks very highly of you." Henrietta murmured and laughed when Zero voiced his objection. "But no, I had to broach the topic of the succession of Albion. The other topic is far less happy. We have lost contact with all of our diplomats who were living in Gallia. One of our spies managed to make it back just yesterday. They said that they are producing beings that are faster and more sturdy than humans but have an eerie similarity. They fire balls of fire strong enough to decimate magical defenses. It would seem, that whoever has been summoned to be that man's familiar is helping him far more than his previous one did."
"I didn't really have a choice in the matter!" Leviathan said testily as Henrietta looked at her.
"Oh, but you did." Henrietta replied,"From what Zero told me, your knowledge and capabilities were used to the absolute minimum that you needed to do the jobs that were given to you. The runes of the void familiar are runes to control the subject if they do not properly align themselves witht he summoner."
"I didn't talk to you about that." Zero said as he narrowed his eyes. "Where are you getting this information?"
"I was asked not to reveal the person's name but I told them that I refused that. Late at night, a young woman who's image I had only seen once entered my room. When I awoke, I panicked until i saw her face. I thought it to be Axl, but... In fact it was not."
"Iris?" Zero gasped.
"Yes... She said that even she was able to hold control longer now because your friend has been degrading. That's what she called it. She said that it had happened to her programming once. And if not for the assistance of a gray haired old man, she likely would have been lost forever."
"Grey?" Zero demanded,"Who the hell? Wait Axl's programing is in danger?"
"She didn't say. All she said is that Axl has been fighting along side you, doing everything he can. to help you without going directly against the pope's orders. Whenever he does, his mind is altered and his thought process is damaged. When this happens the other minds in him shield him from that effect by taking over but there is only so much they can do. He's dying to help you Zero. That is what he's been doing since he has joined your side."
Zero turned to glare at Axl and then demanded angrily,"Is it true?"
"So what if it is." Axl shot back.
"Damn it Axl! How can you talk about me taking care of myself when you're going to do the same damned thing?" Zero demanded as he grabbed him roughly.
"It isn't the same." Axl said as he looked Zero in the eyes. "You run headlong into any situation that could destroy you because of some obscure guilt. I make the conscious decision to possibly sacrifice myself for someone who might as well be an older brother."
"Damn it, it's not about guilt!" Zero replied angrily as he threw Axl to the ground
"Not at all?" Axl asked, his left eye brow raised.
"Fine, maybe a little bit, but it wasn't the main drive behind it!" Zero shot back,"It never was! I fight because I can, because it's needed!"
"And you're just the one to do it?" Axl asked calmly as he stood.
"Is there any doubt?" Zero asked coldly,"We both know that I've withstood hundreds of years with only one real loss in battle... And that was when I was berserk. Even then, that was when Wily stepped in and stopped my Tantrum ore else I would have been the maverick leader...Well, if i developed enough thought processes beyond the destruction of anything that moved anyhow. With that power should I stand by while others get harmed when I can still fight?"
"Why does it always have to be you?" Axl asked angrily,"Why do you always have to find a reason to fight then?"
"I don't have to...I just don't have a choice." Zero said as he looked away.
"There is always a choice! You could have ran from Sax-Gotha, you could have delayed them and then retreated. You didn't have to push yourself so far, you don't have to but you do!" Axl glared at Zero as he accused
"I might not have to...But I can't help it." Zero said tiredly,"I don't know how to do things halfheartedly... As long as I live, I'll protect everything important to me. I don't care what it takes. I'll do what I have to do. To protect you, to protect everyone. If you recall, that's what my power is for. It is what I decided." A silence hung in the air as everyone looked at the two reploids who had been arguing. While Axl still looked agitated, Zero's shoulders had relaxed slightly and he spoke again. "Okay, now that we've moved off topic again... Although I think myself and Axl are going to have a long talk after this is over, just what was this about Gallia? You made it sound like they're building reploids over there. Like, real ones. But that should be impossible with the level of technology here. Even with replication it would still take years to get to the point of even building old style robots."
"I do not know any of this, I know only the information that has reached my ears."
"Speaking of reaching someone's ears, am I the only one hearing that really annoying buzzing sound?" Rock asked as she looked around.
"I don't hear anything Rock..." Roll said as she looked at the others who all shook their heads in the negative. She looked back at her brother and a look of concern flashed across her face. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just I have this really annoying echoing buzz going through my head..." Rock replied trying to sound apologetic but failing.
"...Maybe I should do a check up on the body when we get back..." Roll said as she knelt down to inspect her old body's ears. There didn't appear to be anything wrong with the external portions. "I don't think they want me to open you up here... So we should probably hurry..."
"Ah... I did not know that her health was that fragile. I'm sorry for calling you out here, but we have to discuss what we are to do about Gallia. It would be helpful to have a fully united front, Albion, Germania, Tristian and Romalia...And dare I say even the elves standing against them... But as it stands Albion's forces are factored and scattered without a true banner to call their own. This is why we so need someone to ascend the throne. And why we will at some point rely on you my cousin Mathilda, and you too Tiffania... I am sorry for placing these burdens in your paths."
"I'm sorry. But... I can't do that." Mathilda replied as she shook her head,"I won't be a party to those who did wrong my family and cast us out. I owe nothing to the nobles nor the Albion royal family."
"I see..." Henrietta replied disappointingly,"Then that is so... Then Zero, Axl... what do you suggest we do?"
"Well, our best bet would probably be some infiltration to scout out just what's going on..." Axl said hesitantly. "But between every 'scouting' mission I need to return to the pope and give him a full report. But if what you're saying is true, that makes Gallia even more dangerous than before. And the pope is far more concerned about a state that would misuse the void than anything else."
"And trying to take the elves out and reclaim the holy land isn't misusing it?" Zero asked testily.
"Not in his mind. He's a religious zealot Zero. he has to be, he's the leader of the religion. But he's not so bad as half the older population of priests. And at least he puts dealing with Joseph's corrupt void above anything else." Axl disagreed, although he didn't sound very convincing.
"So, I take it... that you are stretching the orders you were given to stay here then?" Henrietta asked Axl, who sheepishly nodded."Might I ask what mission you were given that allows you to stay here?"
At first Axl didn't look like he would speak, but then his demeanor changed and he spoke in a deeper, more deliberate voice than usual,"He was ordered to assess Zero's power and threat. He was also told to assess the power and cohesion of the Tristian military and how they could be best used or maneuvered to the benefit of Romalia."
"Armadillo, is that you?" Zero asked surprise on his face.
"Yes." Was the only reply he got back.
"i thought you were one to always follow orders and respect your superiors, even to the point of joining Sigma's revolt." Zero said, not understanding why Armadillo was giving away such information.
"Simply enslaving someone and calling themselves my master doesn't make them my superior. Commander Sigma was my superior and when he started his revolt his reason was clear. It was only warped later. And as it stands, you are still the ranking Maverick hunter here." The deep voice replied resolutely, without hesitation.
"Okay, before this causes a fight, I'm stepping in. I know how you feel about Sigma and you're probably right but I'm more concerned about Rock at the moment than to let you rant about him." Roll replied as she stepped between them. "You'll eventually need to give the information that has been gathered to the pope before you can start another scouting mission... Well, with how informed the pope seems to be now, he's likely not to get any useable information anyhow, so if you're going to go you should go soon. And with you doing that, Zero can stay here and be ready to defend us in the case of an attack."
"That is sound tactics," Guiche admitted.
"But is it really ok to give him even more information?" Kirche asked curiously,"It seems like we can't really trust him..."
"Trust doesn't matter. Right now the bigger danger is Gallia and my uncle," Tabitha spoke pointedly. "I agree with Roll."
"What we should think about, is the advantage this gives us. If we make adjustments to our forces now we can change their composition and placements enough that by the time Axl returns to Romalia the information that he has will be of little use. Knowing the spy that you have and letting him provide information that is old causes more harm to them than to the state being spied upon."
"...You pay too much attention during my lectures on stealth tactics. That was word for word." Zero said as he looked at the young man who, in the past, had always seemed to have a full wine glass near him.
"I take notes." Was Reynold's off hand dismissal of his memorization.
Henrietta nodded and agreed,"Yes... It is a sound reasoning and plan. We can make preparations to follow these things...But the specifics of that will wait for a day or two I think."
"A good idea." Axl said, sounding somewhat relieved.
"So, now that everything is addressed for the day, if not resolved, I will let you retire... But before you leave I would speak to my knight before he leaves." Henrietta said,"It hopefully should not take very long.
"Princess?" Louise spoke hesitantly.
"I'm sorry, but this is a matter of great importance." Henrietta replied, he face becoming a formal mask that she had practiced for this occasion. "Please rest in the royal gardens while I confer with my knight. I thank you all for coming, and thank the founder that at last I was able to meet my last surviving cousins from Albion. I must also thank all of you for supporting me during this time of turmoil, even though some of you have no need to give your loyalty to me."
"It's our honor Princess!" Guiche replied happily.
"This is the home of my beloved, so of course I'm willing to stand with you." Kirche replied honestly.
"I repay my debts." Tabitha said coldly, but didn't meet the princesses' gaze.
"I'm not really here to help you. Nor do you have my loyalty. I'm simply following my Master's will. To protect the weak things of this world, and prevent Zero from being taken down by anything except me." Leviathan took a standoffish poise and spoke with confidence.
"That may be so, you may all have your reasons for it, but I still must thank you." Henrietta replied with a smile.
"Don't mind Levy, she's just a tsundare. Kinda like Louise. She won't say what she really feels." Axl said before he suddenly found himself on the ground due to a swift punch from Leviathan. From his lowered vantage point he just mumbled "Proving my point."
Zero just shook his head and said,"Okay, now that Axl has been hit, I can say this is a successful ending to the meeting. Let's get this private meeting over with so that we can get Rock back to the lab." With that he gave a meaningful look to the door and the others moved to leave, Roll careful to stay close to both Rock and Mathilda. When they were all gone he looked at Henrietta and asked,"Okay, what is it that you want to talk to me about that's so important?"
"Zero... I must know, am I doing alright? Have I made too many mistakes for it to come this far, for people to become hurt like this?"
"Don't blame yourself." Zero commented as he looked her in the eyes. "This isn't your fault."
"... It was all my fault.. I ordered the war in Albion. And it all led to this." Henrietta replied shaking her head.
"You did what you thought was best at the time. You didn't declare war until they had already burned one of the villages of this country to create a foothold. Where I'm from, once someone does that if you declare war or not, that's a state of war. You react with the force that's necessary to keep them from doing it again. You did that, and that was your responsibility as a ruler. Otherwise, who would have made the decision to stop them, who would have prevented them from coming back and setting another place on fire, and killing innocent civilians to have foothold to take the port." Zero asked, his voice almost sounding bored,"We've had this conversation before. it's nothing big. Trust me."
"But... I."
"Don't worry about it. leave everything to me." Zero replied with a smile. "I'll protect you all, no matter what happens. As long as I live, I won't let any one of you die."
"No!" Was the sudden and violent response from the princess.
"What?" Zero was confused by her sudden shift in attitude.
"Don't speak like that. I would rather I die than you lose your life! You've helped us so much, protected us through many dangers. You are a true hero to the people of this country. You are my hero... You must not die... Because if you die again...I do not think that I could live."
"You can and you will if, and that's pretty unlikely, if something actually manages to take me down." Zero stated as he looked her in the eyes. "Because if you don't... Then you're betraying everything I stand for."
An awkward silence hung in the air for a few moments, causing Zero and Henrietta to both feel more than a little uncomfortable. Finally, the young queen broke the silence. "Zero..." The young queen's eyes shut for a moment,"Zero..." Her voice was hesitant as she spoke. "There is something I must tell you. Something I must ask you. I hate to ask you and i hate to tell you but I can not withhold this."
"What's wrong?" Zero asked bewildered by the sudden change.
"Zero."
"What is it?"
"There are two things that I need right now as queen." Henrietta said her voice betraying her nervousness.
"And what are they?" Zero asked curiously. Just what two important things could be narrowed down as 'needed' by a queen?
"Truth be told, Zero... They are one in the same. I need a strong, kind and fair king to help me rule Tristian. I also need by my side the person for whom my heart beats." Henrietta had tears in her eyes as she spoke, shaking slightly but determined to finished her confession.
Unfortunately, Zero misunderstood her words entirely, and he suddenly looked guilty as he replied,"I'm sorry. It's my fault he isn't here. It's my fault that he's dead. I accept the blame for the death of the prince Wales."
Henrietta shook her head then spoke again after she laughed lightly,"You misunderstand me kind Zero. The man who I would share my throne and rule with... Is my gallant Knight Commander."
"I... Think i misheard you." Zero said as he took a stop back, suddenly back on familiar, and very uncomfortable ground.
"I know Louise may hate me for this, but I do this for two reasons. First, as the Queen of this nation I implore you, become my king. Help me do what is right and just. And secondly as Henrietta, or as Ann as you once called me, I wish for you to stay by my side. I wish never to lose you again, never to be unsure if you are alright. I know that it is selfish, and were it not for the first reason, I would not think to betray my childhood friend in such a way... At least I do not think that I would, but I can not honestly say... So please Zero. Will you become my husband?"
"No." Was the calm reply as Zero turned away from her. "You'll find someone else, you're still young. I'm not the type of person that you want around."
"That is not true. These are my feelings-" Henrietta said but stopped as several loud blasts could be heard from just outside, in the royal gardens where the others waited.
Zero cocked his head and listened for a moment, locating the direction of the noise. The gardens, and if he wasn't mistaken those were the explosions caused by discharged plasma weapons. Eyes widening he ran to the window and without missing a beat crashed through it as he called out to the princess,"Hide! We're under attack!"
***break***
As the group reached the garden, all but the reploids and Roll took advantage of some comfortable seats that had appeared to be put out in preparation for this. Leviathan leaned up against a wall while Axl lay on the ground in the grass. Roll had taken Rock to the side and as she so casually had put it, had 'opened her up' so to speak, but after an initial check could find nothing wrong.
"Ya know, no matter how much I'm exposed to it, I got to say that I really do love these type of places. Maybe that novelty will wear off in a few decades, but I don't think I'll ever take them for granted ever again." Axl said he stretched and rolled over to look at the grass.
"Was it really that bad back home?" Roll asked Axl as he shut his eyes and relaxed.
"Probably worse. I mean, at least before Neo Arcadia. Things got really bad a few times. There were times when the humans even had to hide below ground while the reploids made things semi-habitable on the surface again.
"That's... bleak." Roll said as she shook her head.
"I have to agree. It is a scary thing to think of what could happen if someone with powers like you or Zero abused them." Mathilda said as she walked over to him. Noticing Rock's growing irritation as she seemed to be looking around she asked,"Rock... I know the others asked, but are you sure you're ok? You really are acting oddly."
"I'm fine. If this stupid buzzing would go away instead of getting louder. It's almost like a...a..." Rock's eyes opened up widely as her eyes darted to the tower she had originally looked at when they had landed. "That's it! It's up there! It has to be up there, and it's so high nobody would think to check for it! Or even know what it is!"
"What are you talking about Rock? You're not making sense?" Roll demanded.
"Is your brain shut off or something Roll? Can't you tell there is a trans server here!? And some sort of signal or interference has been coming off of it, it's almost like...Oh no." Rock replied looking around.
"What are you talking about? I can't find what you're talking about?" Roll replied as she tried to locate the trans server that Rock was talking about. "And what's this oh no?"
"Something. Something is coming. Or a lot of somethings!" Rock said as his eyes darted around,"This isn't a buzzing! I've been hearing it for the past two days and now I finally know what it its!"
"What are you talking about? Hearing what?"
"Encrypted linked feeds! Like sniper joes!" Rock said in a panic,suddenly feeling very vulnerable without his battle body, and knowing that the power source he was running on now would not support such a drain even if the armor was still stored on the body.
"I can't hear anything, and I'm not picking up anything either. Although... Now that you mention it, I think i found the trans server. It's got a low spectrum signal. Normally it runs in a higher band so it's more easily located." Leviathan replied as she looked around, although she brought her lance out. As she spoke she saw a shadow on the wall above her and found herself looking into the face of a reploid who's armor vaguely resembled X's. As it leveled it's buster on her and fired, multiple shots were also fired from different vantage points. With the warning they had from Rock's early detection Tabitha quickly created an ice wall around herself which absorbed the impacts and fell into pieces immediately after. Roll and Axl both jumped into action, along with Leviathan. Rock attempted to grab Mathilda and jump but found that the small body he was in did not have the leverage to move that fast. Rock's left arm and upper body was heavily damaged, but the real damage of that attack was done to the passenger who had been unable to move quickly enough to save herself without assistance.
"Mathilda!" Rock cried as she jumped again, getting Mathilda and herself into a corner of the garden where it would be hard to target them. The damage the shot had done was minimal comparatively, since much of the energy had been expended on Rock, but there were excessive burns on her chest, and there was bright red blood coming out of her mouth immediately.
Within seconds the explosion of two of the pantheon shock troops dispatched by Axl's busters signaled that the tide had turned for the moment. Three more explosions followed as they were impaled by ice lances. Roll and Leviathan each claimed one kill for their own as well. Tiffania who had been shielded by Tabitha's defense could only look at Mathilda who lay in Rock's single remaining arm. As she saw this, her mind went blank and suddenly, she started chanting, despite the fact that she had no wand in her hand. As she finished her chant, three pantheons had scaled the wall behind them and looked ready to take aim when she turned her palm out at them. The single word "Implosion" could be heard from her lips. A bright light encompassed them and their bodies seemed to fold in on themselves. As their bodies exploded, even the blast seemed to fold in on itself until naught was left but a fine white ash. Upon the release of this spell Tiffania fell bonelessly to the ground. As more of the Pantheon shock troops jumped over the walls Louise turned to face them. Somehow, this made her angry. It was always Zero. Zero had always been the one to save everyone, but now... Only she was here, and she knew her power wasn't enough. Her spells were too long. She wished somehow that she wasn't so weak, so useless. In that desperation, in that moment she saw them fire at her she too suddenly had a revelation. With three short words, one for each group of blasts that was hurtling towards her, the power welled up in her then died, and in the path a black space opened up and seemed to absorb them. As she absorbed the attacks she felt a sudden rush of power, as if she was going to explode. Channeling that power into an explode spell was more than easy and one of the reploid that had fired his three shots at her was consumed in an explode blast that knocked the rest off the wall. When more came to replace them a familiar red figure jumped into view saber and buster out and already firing as he screamed his fury having seen the condition of Rock and Mathilda. A rapid series of explosions followed as Leviathan Axl and Zero went on a somewhat coordinated offensive. More accurately, Leviathan and Axl followed a neigh berserking Zero as he brutally dismembered reploid after reploid.
Roll rushed over to Mathilda's side immediately and looked in to her eyes.
"It seems... I cheated death... Once, and even got to walk again before I get judged for my actions by the founder..."
"Stop talking!" Roll said angrily,"You're not dying. You're not!" Tears leaked from her eyes as she looked at the girl. Then she gasped as she saw the condition that her old body was in.
Mathilda coughed as she followed Roll's line of sight , her eyes widened,"For...me? Please, tell me you didn't do that..." she coughed and struggled as she tried to move. Mathilda tried to cast water on herself, but with how little effect it gave she could tell that this was truly a mortal wound. And there was no artifact to save her this time.
"I did it because I want to! You can't die! You're my friend! You're not allowed to die!" Rock demanded as she held her awkwardly, her eyes opened but seeing nothing as he locked into the trans network, and forced an override on both Mathilda and Roll as he activated the solar powered beacon that extended them to the lab. He'd never taken a human through a trans-server before, but she wasn't entirely human. Maybe, just maybe being a cyborg would be enough. and it might just be the only way. In a flash of red, black and green the three retreated the field.
Zero swung his saber through three more Pantheons as he released a buster shot into two more and was suddenly blindsided by what looked to be an unfinished X model. While he looked mostly the same, his features were dull, but aside from that his armor was mostly spot on from how it originally had been. Zero growled that someone would use something that looked so closely to his old friend to cause such issues. It took only seconds of combat, with a mixture of sabers and busters but Zero dispatched him easily. As soon as the unit that had fought Zero had been destroyed the other units seemed to slow and became less responsible. Zero called out angrily,"Capture them if you can! I want as much information on these bastards as possible if we have to tear them apart to do it!" As he called this, Axl and Leviathan as well as Tabitha nodded, but suddenly he felt the familiar presence of his father, It spoke in his mind gently,'Zero... These mindless machines of death. Please... Stop them. You can do it. This is what you were created for. Don't let any more of these people get hurt!' Zero's eyes widened and suddenly his body glowed purple as he shouted, "Nevermind. I have this." He ran to the first reploid and the first thing he did was make physical contact, letting the virus find it's way into the system. With the shared information system that they seemed to be governed by, the remaining pantheon troops were neutralized instantly. Zero breathed deeply, angrily and then turned to look for Rock, Roll, and Mathilda. "Where did they go? What the hell happened? Damn it!"
"They transferred out of here." Leviathan replied
"Damn it! So they at least got away?" Zero asked sounding someone relieved, "Then that frees me up! I'm going to go put an end to whoever the fuck is in Gallia right now. I don't care about patience anymore. You all... You all could have been killed. Mathilda and Rock might not make it!"
"Think on that Zero." Leviathan suggested as he turned to face her. "You might want to go back and try and help. Mathilda wasn't dead. And If roll can maybe take care of things that would be fine? But you're the only one to experience things like that. none of us would know where to start. We'll clean up here. You go help Roll!"
Zero glared at her but had to admit she had a point. If her life was in danger, another pair of at least somewhat experienced hands for whatever type of operation could be needed to save the girl... If it was even possible. "Fine. But after that, I'm going to destroy that country. I'll erase it's entire existence if i have to." Zero replied as he too used the recently uncovered trans server to return to the academy.
"Well, this couldn't be any worse..." Leviathan sighed as she looked about ready to strike one of the pantheons.
"Wait. We need to find out about them, how advanced they are!" Axl replied angrily.
"And why is that? We can find most of that from scrap." Leviathan asked curiously.
"Because, I have no problem cannibalizing these things." Axl replied honestly.
"C-cannibalize?" Kirche asked suddenly very nervous as she heard Axl speak.
"Ah...No not what you humans mean. Basically these things can't think or feel or anything. These are basic machines period. They're like semi intelligent drones that kill people, although they're quite useless without someone giving the orders. That's not a very good thing, but they are made of parts and seem advanced enough that we could probably use what we could break their bodies down into to repair Roll's old body. Or give X or Rock a brand NEW body. At the same time we can analyze to see just how advanced these things are so we have an idea about what type of defenses we might need. I think my scouting job here just got extended, and now Gallia is a part of this scouting mission... Although just who in the hell would hide a trans server in a royal castle. that's pretty damned ballsy. Even by my standards. Oh, by the way. I'll leave you guys to explain to the princess what is going on. Later." Axl said as he waved then called out,"Okay you stupid pieces of scrap metal we're going to be teleporting back to the academy. Accept coordinates and transmit now!" As Axl gave the command the pantheons disappeared in flashes of light.
***Author's notes***
I understand disagreements, but honestly, writing this far into the story i'm not gonna cut the damned basis for the story and the "end" so much because people interpret things differently than I do, or if I take liberties with things when they seem unlikely or impossible as stated by Capcom. So here is my super rant. Hopefully you enjoyed the story.
While some people make claims that anything after x4 is non canon, I'm not gonna argue about it. It doesn't directly contradict anything, even if the PLAN had been something else originally. The only thing it changed was X to Copy X as the real antagonist for MMZ. Although if you look at it, esp if they had done a follow up to Command mission(Where X was seriously all about the 'establishment'. Super soldier. Follow orders, no mercy for mavericks. Okay maybe embellishing but it was a much different take on him compared to previous games where he at one point decided he didn't wanna fight at all. While he wasn't half as bad as I'm making him out to be he was much closer to the X that you saw in MMZ) which took place significantly after the other games you'd have an actual LINK to MMZ and the ROLE REVERSAL that would come about with X encouraging Zero and working behind the scenes while Zero fought. Right now the closest link to the MMZ games is the supra/force metals that were uncovered and being used. But in that game it showed character shifts in all of the characters that i've tried to incorporate with this my story, or were supported later. And considering that it never states specifically WHEN Zero sealed himself away for the first time, but that Command mission was something like a hundred years after the first MMX game, that's a pretty significant time difference for character shifts. In the future, X while behind the scenes COULDN'T kill his copy not because he didn't want to or have the power, he was doing something more important. Mainly acting as a living prison. But his cyber elf form was far more to the point. He wanted that copy killed because that copy was maverick, no if ands or buts about it. He might not have killed humans, at least not till MMZ3 when he was reprogrammed, but he had caused the innocents to suffer and created a gap between reploids and humans that Zero and X had both done their best to close in their own ways. Yes Ciel was responsible for this but at the same time she really didn't mean for it to happen. So yes, I'm going to bring in plot points from any games that don't directly contradict themselves, and those points that do I am going to find middle ground as I have been doing. That whole rant isn't to say X's character changed entirely. You can tell that he didn't by the audio tracks. But he gained a more firm will and an easier time identifying targets that needed to be removed without antagonizing over it. If you have complaints about it, go read another dedicated story involving Zero that actually tries to work with the inconsistencies in the different series to all work out together. There are plenty of them floating around.
Zero: Isn't the reason that you made this about me and not a separated Tensa Zangetsu post Final Getsuga Tenshou because you really wanted to see a story with me that didn't just break off at the end, or not have a beginning or not just totally suck.
First, it hasn't been established that this doesn't suck. Second, shut up about my other ideas during my rant you stupid robot or I swear you'll start acting like Bob and George's Zero!
Zero: You...Wouldn't dare.
Wouldn't I? A certain holiday is coming up if you recall.
Zero:...Question withdrawn.
On Zero training Louise to fight? Not likely. Zero really doesn't have a history of training people to fight minus what is infered by him helping his unit, X, and Axl. For the most part he just ends up going out and doing his own thing. Finding Sigma's fortress. Blowing everything up. Destroying all the pantheons and Copy X. The only people Zero has trained to fight have been other reploids in high tech simulators as seen in the day of Sigma. Those type of resources are lacking and I don't think Zero was doing anything other than following basic boot camp when it came to building up his "knights". Everything he did to them was designed to get them to go away so he wouldn't have to deal with being a leader. Joke was on him though.
And to the person who asked, yes, I'm perfectly aware of just how important the elf was to an uncompromised FoZ story. Unforunately, Zero is Zero and does things his way.
Zero: Jerk deserved it. Doesn't matter if he gave his word. Things aren't always black and white.
...
Zero: What?
Nothing.
Roll: Also, I'm not trying to push the status quo so to speak! I've said what I needed to say, but if you push Zero too much he just closes up or runs away. That's why I use a feather's touch and lightly remind him. It's much easier to ease a stubborn person out of a way of thinking if you lead them at a pace they can accept. Rushing in and 'making' him see things, that doesn't accomplish anything! What little of psychology I do know, pushing people who are at their breaking limit is only going to cause more harm than good and cause them to become more introverted. And since I'm fairly sure Zero can't take mood stabalizers or anything would you have EVERYONE chasing him into a corner? You don't need to have the tact of a wrecking ball to get through to him. Infact, that just makes him run away. He's just a little dense so it takes time for him to realize things. And like most men if he doesn't figure it out for himself he's never going to get it.
Zero: I'm right here... And that's... Not really a flattering view...
Roll: And? Author's notes. Besides, it's honest.
She has you there. And honestly, this is like the first downtime you've had. Before this you were a maverick hunter always on missions. Then sealed. THen elf wars. Then sealed, then resistance fighter. The only time you ever had to reflect was when you were dying, or about to be sealed.
Roll: Speaking of which, that is not healthy, and you need to stop or I'll get the broom.
Zero: ... This is just the author's notes. She can't really do that can she? I mean if i'm dead she can't use the broom, right?
I'll allow it.
Zero: Hate you...