Zero stood in front of the capsule looking at Rock's new body. Memories of happier times stirred and he smiled as he knelt down to the console at the base of it, monitoring the system and the information flow. So far everything was nominal. He had rarely been part of the maintenance of other reploids but somehow this felt right. He was not only creating here, but he was giving a body to the brother of the reploid who had given him hope and had shown him that he was more than just a god of destruction.
"You seem happy Zero. I can't recall the last time I've seen you smile like that," Roll said, happy just to see that Zero had calmed down from his entrance before. While most wouldn't have noticed his focus on Rock's body and the possible fight it might cause forcing him into one was something she knew he would not risk lightly, and that he took these turn of events far more seriously than he let on.
"Of course. It's been too long. I know it's not the same, but his body and his heart, they're very much like his younger brothers. He was always willing to fight for those who deserve it even if they don't have the power to fight. Even if the only thing they can do is just sacrifice their own life to protect others who are less worthy than they are. They're the same. This world will finally have a shield again. A shield to go with its sword. A balance, one that will protect this world." Zero replied back as he continued his work, his voice with a note of enthusiasm that Roll had never quiet heard before.
"You're no less a shield than he is Zero." Roll replied back. "You may view yourself as a sword but that's it. It's your view. I believe you could be as much a shield as Rock or my brother X if you simply changed how you think. But then, you wouldn't be you. I don't want you to change. But you can be whatever you want. Just like I can. I can protect people, I can help heal people. I also have the capacity to kill people. I can do all of these things. And they're all because of you Zero. If you look at everything, it returns to Zero. All of the good all of the change, it returns to you. While some of it might have been small waves at first, even those small waves made great changes. You have helped lives beyond measure while you've been here, and you've saved myself and my brother. You've helped me build a body for him. So I guess, what I want to say is… That you're not a sword. You're also not a shield. You are Zero. Just like Rock isn't a shield. He is Rock and I am Roll. No matter what we'll stand beside you. Because believe in you. It's absolutely no different from how you feel."
Zero looked at Roll, his gaze almost blank as the words she said sank in. He felt his face flush at the way the words made him feel and he looked away quickly before he replied," You're giving me too much credit. I didn't do anything special. I beat a few people up, I started up an old lab. I helped a few people. That's it. Everyone else did all the real work."
"If you say so Zero." Roll replied indulgently. As she looked at the Crimson Reploid who's face now nearly matched his armor, she felt a warmth inside of her. Though things were coming to a head, and battle might again loom in her immediate future she had been able to say the words she had wanted to say to Zero for so long. She had finally found the correct words to use and he had heard them. Kirche had been right. With whatever she said, she had opened his walls if only this much.
***Break***
"So, we were given leave to scheme, and I believe that as Zero's loyal followers and possible lovers we should follow his words to the letter to show him our loyalty." Kirche said to the girls and reploid who had taken up residence in her room in the most reasonable tone one could imagine. The tone was so normal it was one you would use to talk about the mild spring weather. Louise, Siesta, Tiffania and Tabitha along with Axl sat in a circle at the center of the room. This kept the count at six, or eight depending on how you counted. Or was it ten? Kirche wasn't really sure. After stating this fact and pondering the number of people involved in this meeting she put her finger to her chin and spoke again,"But what should we scheme? If he knows we in fact are up to something then he knows to guard against it. So what should we do? What form of scheme should we hatch that would get past his ever stalwart defenses?"
"Don't scheme and let me go?" Axl replied from his position under Kirche.
Kirche shook her head and spoke in reply," Oh but how could I do that my dear friend. You are just a font of information. Especially with the two friends of yours who have vowed to help us. Our goals are all the same. To see Zero happy. To let such a staunch ally out of their duty would be irresponsible of me. And a betrayal on your part."
"If that is so, then you don't care if you're not the one he selects." Iris's voice came from Axl's mouth quite clearly. The tone was quite clearly not that of a question.
"That is so. I…I failed in my last gambit although I knew that the gambit was not to be with Zero but to get him to acknowledge our feelings and his own, and the worthiness of himself to acknowledge those feelings. I know I will not end up with him after what I did. I do not deny this. But I love him. I would die for him." Kirche replied then shook her head with a smirk," But I could never do that. No, I don't think I could ever do that…"
"You would die for him, but you could never do that?" TIffania asked confused, Siesta who sat beside her didn't speak but her face held a similar befuddlement," I don't understand. Is there something I'm missing? I mean, I too would give my life for him but I know that it is unlikely that my power would ever be of any use to him."
"I agree. I would die for him without hesitation as unlikely as the prospect is. For what he has done for me I would give anything. He has returned my mother, he has given me freedom. I am no longer a caged bird who has nothing to look forward to but my final assignment that would keep my mother safe in her insanity until old age took her off to rest with me. I believe that anyone here would have similar feelings ." Tabitha spoke clearly unusually more talkative then normal, her tone almost accusatory. Her inquisitive gaze then fell upon Kirche and with a tone she rarely ever used with her friend, she spoke in an icy tone, "Explain your statement."
"That's the thing I don't think any of you get. It doesn't matter if we would ever give our lives for him. That is not what Zero wants. Zero wants us to live. Zero can come back from death. Zero is different from us. He will out live us. He is beyond us. But that doesn't mean that he has to be alone. Our goal right now is to figure out how to make him happy. This is what is important. That is what this meeting is about." Kirche stated in a voice that Louise's own mother would have found hard to match with the command in it.
"Then what is it that you must scheme in this session that you have called? What about snaring his heart as you always talk about?" Layers voice came from Axl.
"How we can all come out alive… And how we can make him happy. To make him happy should be our first priority as a group. If we cannot live with him as the woman or women in his life that may end up being the truth of the matter that can not be changed. He will be on guard now anyhow, and while passion is lighted by the thoughts of war… In a true and serious war one most hold one's passions close and use them for what they must be kept for."
"And what is that?" Louise asked, honestly quite curious as to what the Germanian girl's family valued above even the love that they claimed to hold so dearly.
"In a war that is true and serious, the love and passion we hold dear and clear within our hearts must be used to safeguard those that we love the most. It is with these feelings that we can become a sword or shield for those who we love. This is why our nation is how it is. We do not care about appearances for their own sake. We are a nation that feeling and rational thought almost in harmony lend their support to. Now is not a moment to view as an opportunity to unload our arsenals on Zero so to speak, but instead support him and his dream in any way possible. As we know, Zero has been damaged by a spell from Wardes that he had not been expecting. This means that he and any other reploid are vulnerable to magic if they are caught off guard or are overpowered." She continued.
"I didn't know that." Tabitha admitted.
"You'd be surprised what you learn from Louise when she starts to drink just a little." Kirche smirked then shook her head. At the girls reaction, but continued anyhow,"But that's besides the point. You've fought with him Tabitha, even if you didn't try and kill him you know the movements he is capable of. I suggest that we work at being able to defend ourselves and should it come to it in some way, Zero with our magic without being a hindrance. So that we can all come out alive."
"So let me get this straight. We offer to help you capture Zero's heart. And the first thing you can think of rather than seduce him is to train yourself to be as close to his equal as possible? Why did I pick you to be one of the people I supported?" Layer demanded, sounding annoyed.
"That's right. There is a time and place for everything. Right now Zero is worried, and he will be concerned with all of us. I would lay his fears to rest as best we can and ensure we all come out of the possible battles ahead alive. While these girls are my rivals in love, they are also the ones with the best chance of making him happy. While the others believe I have a chance, I believe they are wrong. I would die to prevent their deaths, but I would not die to prevent Zero's. As you, Iris and X have proven Layer, Zero doesn't seem to ever forgive himself for those he fails to save on the battlefield. He will outlive us. But must the grief we cause him outlive us as well? Isn't it our duty if we truly love him to be able to protect ourselves? Our beloved has a heart which is at once both opened and closed. He gives freely his love no matter how rough the form may be, and takes all into his heart yet all the same he does not accept that love which we do return freely. I believe honestly that everyone here would agree to share Zero if he so wished. While some would find it distasteful I do not believe anyone here would deny anything Zero asked of them. Except to leave him alone to his own devices, that is." As Kirche stopped she raised a hand to stop Louise's outburst which started building when she started talking about sharing, "But that is not important right now. Nor is it likely. I simply state that nobody here would deny Zero anything. He has given us everything freely. His protection, his love, his guidance, his understanding, a shoulder to lean on, wise counsel as needed, confidence and friendship each in turn. Even the Queen who has lost her love in Albion has been smitten with him for obvious reasons. Although I can not tell if her feelings are true or not, I wouldn't be surprised were they true, but enhanced by the great loss of one she loved for so many years. The loss of one so dear and in such a tragic way has often caused the person who has suffered such losses to latch on to others in a way because after experiencing or feeling such a bond with a person they can not live without such a bond, without someone to 'complete' them."
"Are you calling into question the princess' feelings?" Louise demanded, although she felt somewhat relieved if pained again that it was her fault for the trust she placed in Wardes that he died. Her fault for not letting Zero do what he wanted to do from the beginning. If everything had gone well Wales would be alive today and Henrietta would be happy.
Axl was silent for a moment before he smirked and said in his own voice overflowing with mirth," Now this is the type of thing I can get behind! Some common sense without all that predatory stalker thing you all have had going. If he does decide to pick one of you, my support definitely shifted from total support of Mathilda or Roll to more you. I mean he can pick who he wants but you're not half as shallow as I thought you were."
"Thank you. Although that isn't the reason I'm doing this. I'm doing this because it's what I believe needs to be done now." Kirche replied almost defiantly to the flippant tone that the reploid used.
"Oh don't be thanking me yet. We haven't started training. And what would the best way to train against reploids be than to fight me. We're going to have all sorts of fun with this one. Well, I will. You, not so much. Now I know how Zero felt when he got all those new troops! This is gonna be awesome!" Axl's grin now caused Kirche to reconsider her words, for they appeared to have unleashed a side of Axl she had never seen before.
***Break***
His eyes opened and he found himself disoriented. Where was he? The last thing he had remembered was... he couldn't remember. Was he being held? Who would hold him here?
Do not move so much my young treasure. Today is the day of your awakening. The day of your rebirth and life. But for now you must not struggle. You must not fight.
He tried to demand who the voice was and he realized he was underwater, his lungs were full. He couldn't breathe!
Do not worry. You do not yet need to breathe. I support you. I preserve you. I use the magic as it was intended, as only one of the true great spirits can. I awaken you because you are ready. And while time is indifferent to me, and I would have gladly gazed on you longer, the fairy that I made a deal with would be most wroth should I withhold on my obligations. And with the god of destruction at her command, I shall not go back on my word. Today is your rebirth and with it, your day of sorrow. For you now know you will die again. I am sorry I took you from death's peace, but it was a promise I must keep. Above us await those who I have summoned to care for you and deliver you. All will be clear soon enough.
The voice in his mind calmed him and he felt himself rising. It was almost as if what was talking to him was enveloping him. Giving the words to him through feelings more than words. He felt himself rising and soon felt the warmth of the sun. But it couldn't be. He remembered the last time he had been woken from death to see the horrible deeds he had done. He had felt nothing. No pain no warmth no cold. He had been an empty shell. Here he felt fear at the unknown, and could feel the warmth of the sun as it shed its light on the lake's surface. This voice was strange and spoke of a god of destruction. Suddenly the name Zero popped into his head. Did whoever bring him back have some sort of compact with Zero? Suddenly he felt the air on his face as he broke the surface of the water and was guided to shore. In a rush the water that had been inside of him left immediately, and he felt at once equally invigorated, fatigued and incredibly hungry. Not far off, an apple seller and a coach awaited.
"Mere humans, you are to feed the treasure and ensure his safe passage to the Koga knights! Inform the God of Destruction, the one known as Zero to tell his fairy companion that our deal is done. Our debt is paid. Let her also know that it has been an honor to have met them both and that they and all those who they would count as allies have an ally in me as much as I can be. While I am bound to my element I am healing as much as I am destruction and devastation as proven here today. Tell them that to the god of destruction I pledge my power of life to his! As the whispers of the rivers and lakes have brought to me, and the great aquifers have told, the god of destruction has done almost nothing to destroy. He has done his best to create and change his fate, change his power. He would stand against destiny when he is one such as I, a being with a destiny and power that has a definite form with purpose. I admire that. I respect that. I am intrigued by that. Let him know this and all else. But above all else, see that the treasure is fed and taken for an oath was made and an oath must be fulfilled. For this, I promise water for your orchard even in the worst of droughts barer of the sweet fruit, and to you two who would deliver him, the Koga have said they would pay you gold should I ever send word of needing their assistance. I believe this qualifies."
The eyes of the coachmen lit up at that, and the apple seller was on his knees thanking the spirit profusely. The spirit looked at the apple seller who while on his knees was strangely bent. "You, bearer of the sweet fruits, why do you show fear in my presence, and what is the cause of your unusual shape like that?"
"Ah, I do not show fear great water spirits. Your generosity is beyond bounds. For the mere bounty that you have already gifted me with you would bless me further. I cannot help but be moved by your benevolence. And as to my state, there was an accident on a ladder when I was but a youth of twelve. The bones in my shoulder and back never healed quite right so I've been like this ever since. I've learned to live with it but, I suppose it is noticeable. I'm sorry if it has offended you in some way. Please forgive me."
The water spirit laughed, an almost chime like sound. "You who work the land, to provide life to others, you who toil endlessly to bring fruit from the plants. You are a good man. You work for what you have in your basket. I know this for I have seen it. Do not think that just because there is water that everything is my actions. Were it not for your actions your orchard would be like any other land parcel of land. It wouldn't produce the fruit which supports those you care about. But, your humbleness…"
"My humbleness, great spirit?" The man asked as he backed away as the spirit made it to land and walked towards him, the two coachmen and the 'treasure' watching as each step she took brought her closer to him, leaving a puddle.
"It becomes you. You are simple, yet you do not realize your worth. You do not see as the water sees. Without you, many would go without food. You provide for so many yet get so little in return. Thus it is to me to ensure that you do." In saying that the water spirit walked up to the farmer and embraced him. She held him tightly as he shouted out in pain once or twice. His bones could be heard audibly popping and shifting. She held him long after the sounds had stopped. The three watching couldn't take their eyes off the spectacle. The horses on the carriage seemed to be more interested in the grass that grew so well here. After a few long minutes of the apple grower standing still the spirit let him go then smiled at him. "It has been years since I have deigned to do such a thing. But perhaps my emotions have been awoken by that fairy and her companion after all this time? I will be taking my leave of you all now. And you three, tell the Koga of what I did. Of the effects. Let them know that they need only bring the god of destruction or the one of the bloodline to me if they wish for me to add more people's water to my memory. " With that the water spirit walked to the lake and was out of sight within a few moments. As soon as she had moved away the "treasure" ran to the man who had a basket of apples and noticed the tears in the mans eyes.
"What did she do to you man? How has she hurt you? What hurts so much that it would bring you to tears?" He demanded. While she had spoken so benevolently she had caused damage to a man for showing humility? He couldn't understand it and was ready to draw his wand…His wand? Where was his wand. As he reached for it he realized it wasn't there.
"My back, my arms!" He cried out. "I… I feel no pain!" He moved his arm around and stretched his neck rolling it around. "My body, my back, my arm. It feels so, I don't remember! I couldn't remember. Was this life without pain? Is this possible? Why would she do this for one so lowly as me? I'm a mere commoner!"
Suddenly the 'treasure' understood," I see. She doesn't think like we humans do. She sees things from a longer perspective. She sees all the people you help. She can follow water to an extent. And as we all know, fruit is rich in water unless it is dried. She probably knows that your food sustains a great many, yet you are no rich man. You share that which you grow with those around you in a fair and honest way. Perhaps she believed this deserved a reward. And while you aren't given gold or anything precious for the contribution and necessity you are to so many lives, perhaps your devotion and humbleness moved her to this action. Thank the founder that such beings exist."
"What do you mean thank the founder?" One of the coach drivers asked curiously.
"A spirit of oaths, one who will hold onto our oaths for all eternity, one with empathy and who while cold on the surface is willing to impart life and heal those whom she deems worthy, deems good. Although I do not know why she would call me a 'treasure'." The man said, seeming to have much more knowledge on the subject than the others.
"Well, parden m'lord but you are a fair bit handsome, and it would be said that you could break the heart of many court ladies. Would you be able to tell us your name, beyond 'treasure'?" One of the coach drivers spoke up, his voice a little rough.
"I do not think so. I believe I should meet with this god of destruction first. It is what I was told to do, and it is what I shall do. If this god of destruction is who I believe he is I owe him many debts, and even more than that… I owe him my honor for he saved it. He saved my honor and something that was worth far more than my honor." The treasure replied a serene look on his face.
"He doesn't sound like a god of destruction to me." The coach driver who had been silent up until now spoke.
"Oh, I don't think he is. Or he chose not to be. But the potential is there, that much I know for certain. That much I have witnessed. But power is power. I believe that a god of destruction to one, could be a god of protection, or a god of creation. It is how power is used. And if it is the man I believe him to be, then I for one will never call him that." The 'Treasure' spoke again, a smile on his face.
"You sound like you've met him before, if it's the person you believe it is." The first coach driver spoke.
"Oh yes, twice. Once he was on my side and offered me his power. I foolishly rejected it. I thought I could save my subjects if I showed them the power of noble pride and the belief in the founder. Instead it was my hesitation that brought war to Tristian, and nearly the death of my beloved. The second time I met him I was controlled and saw with my own eyes his true power. He defeated a spell that could fell the sturdy walls of a reinforced castle wall with naught but a swing of his sword and his power. His power is amazing. It beggars belief, truth be told. But I honestly believe he could have attacked Albion from the Tristian soil we stood on..."
The second coach driver gasped, "You mean the commoner sword mage? The Knight Commander Zero? There be none other who has performed feats such as what you mentioned… and if that be so, then you must be-"
"Speak not my name. It is for him to make that judgment. He shall judge me for my crimes when I meet him again." The young man's stomach rumbled and the grinning apple grower brought his basket over to the man who took one and bowed thankfully," Although, Knight Commander? Last I heard he was a Knight Captain. I think? Or was it Commander. It's so hard to remember. But I do remember, we need to go back."
"Aye, that we do. Well noble lad the coach is all yours, the ride might be a bit bumpy, the water is only just receded and no earth mages have come to repair the roads as of yet." The coach driver said as he opened the door for the young man, and the apple grower placed the basket of fruit on the seat opposite the young man.
"Ah, is that so. Would I a wand I would help with that but alas I do not have one," The young man replied earnestly after he had boarded. "I do not know what I can do, I shall so see to it that whatever I may be able to do to fix this will be accomplished even if I must return myself. But all the same you have my gratitude, bumpy ride and all."
"I like this yung'n" The first coach driver said lapsing into a more relaxed dialect. as he moved into position behind the horse "M'boy back there seems relaxed, unconcerned with station. But fitting with responsibility. I hear tells of nobles like them but founder knows there are damned few of them."
"That's true. But he is still a noble. We should really watch our language around him." Second replied quietly
"Ya'dnt mind ifin we don't speak as the high and mighty do, do ye young noble?" The first coach driver asked as he opened a wooden slot that let him see the young man smiling back at him.
"Of course not. This is no formal court. Why should you be bound to a noble who has done nothing for you and who owns not the land you walk? A noble's duty is more important than their privileges. And to hold against people their culture and up bringing to our own ego is perhaps the surest way to show that one is not a noble, for it shows that we have too little confidence in ourselves. And our pride as nobles should not be so easily tarnished. Our pride as nobles should only be tarnished when we can no longer protect that which we have sworn to protect. And I must say that mine is rightly tarnished many times over... And I'm sure at least one of you has made some educated guesses on who I might be, but I don't think I've ever had the time to talk so freely with those of those who are so low in the order of commoners. While this is a carriage, it is clearly second hand and your seemingly natural dialect is far less forced than the polite words. I'd like to hear more of your upbringing. Your hard ships."
"And why would you like to know about those m'lord?" The second driver asked cautiously.
"Without knowing the pains that the lower commoners face, how could one open to alleviate them? How can one help those who are suffering if they know not the plights they face? Are you all happy? Is everything perfect? I doubt that. Especially since you seem to be so nervous around a noble." The man pointed out to the second driver of the carriage.
"I suppose you might be right, but I'm sure our upbringing would be a boring tale to one as traveled as you," the second coach driver said, but having a man come out of the lake living after coughing up two lungs full of water and dealing with the water spirit might put anyone on edge.
"Ah, that might be true. Or it might not be. But still, I would hear what I could. Please, tell me unless it was that unbareable... And if that is the case tell me the name of the noble who made it so unbareable and I shall see that justice is done. Either by my hand, or if my judgement is harsher than I expect then the very same blade that brought judgement upon me once before." The noble asked in a polite voice that was anything but a command. It was a plea from one man to another. A favor mayhap, or a plea. But not a command as one would expect of many of the nobles they had dealt with. Perhaps that is what loosened their tongues as they talked with the man, more and more at ease with every step the horse that led the carriage took.
"It be meaning after meaning so much ta ya?" The older coach driver asked curiously, "Why?"
"Because, I'm tired. While i was, sleeping I had so many dreams, so many questions. And one that came up I do not know if they were mine or not but, why must people suffer. Why must people hate? I contributed to that. I stayed within my royal bounds. I was no better! Things happened I could have stopped but my station kept me from acting lest I cause trouble for my family. But never again. He taught me that acting with honor is the only way to keep your honor from being tarnished. My honor was tarnished far before the rebellion. If there hadn't been something for them to latch on to aside from that tired old holy land reclamation thing then the normal people would have rejected them. And a collection of nobles with no commoners to provide for them wouldn't last long. We must have been doing far more wrong than even I knew..."
As the miles opened up before them the prince spoke more and more about what troubles they faced as commoners, took names even asked for a quill and parchment which they were able to provide and took notes. As he pleasantly conversed with the drivers he took down names of those nobles who treated their people as less than human, who actually treated as little more than serfs, which had been an establishment that was abolished by the great founder himself...
***Break***
As Zero opened the capsule he took something out of his pocket. Before he did the final activation he placed a pendant around the young reploid's neck. He then knelt down and pressed the last buttons that awoke Rock. As his eyes opened Zero smiled the same smile as before.
"What are you smiling at? What is this around my neck? I can feel it. Why did you put jewelry on me?" Rock demanded angrily.
"At least it's not a dress." Zero countered "And even men can wear tasteful jewelry."
"Why would you let him do this Roll?" Rock demanded as he looked at his sister who had already moved to the table to work on his buster.
"I had no idea he had anything planned." Roll looked up and then gasped when she saw what the amulet was. What the significance was. "Zero, how could you?" She demanded as she stood up and lifted him up.
"What? Is it that necklace you treasure so much? Don't worry I won't break it!" Rock reassured her, but when he said this she only started to cry. "What's wrong? What is it what did I do wrong? I'm sorry!"
"It's not you, you idiot. Zero did something heartless. Zero do not let him see that! Do not!" Roll said as she shook the reploid.
"I'm sorry, but he has to. " Zero replied back sadly.
"What? See what? What's so important about this necklace? Let me see it?" He asked curiously as he tried to catch the chain with stumps that were currently his arms.
"No!" Roll called out but Zero lifted it up into full view of Rock's eyes.
"Rush!" There in silver relief was the partner he had relied on for so long. Apparently Zero had found the time to play sculptor in his off time much to Rock's ire. "Why? Why would you choose him? What purpose is there in even making me wear jewelry much less that?"
"There is two reasons," Zero said quietly." The first is this. That if you do not control your power, there could be more victims. Victims you care about or love. Victims who fought beside you and whom you love. The second is this, Rush, your companion gave his life for you. He will always be with you. As long as you remember him, and the things the two of you strove for you will never need someone to lay a path for you. I believe in you, and the bond you shared. Between you your sister, the memory of Doctor Light and Rush your faithful companion… You will never be a threat to anyone who is not a threat to those before them. And you will never truly lose them."
"That's cruel." Roll accused Zero, although she didn't contradict anything he said.
"But it's true. What do you feel when you see the face of Rush on that pendant?" Zero asked clearly expecting a prompt response.
Rock just stared at the pendant that was held in front of his face, the stubs of his arms too short to hold it themselves. He stood there, trying to collect his thoughts. "I feel, pain. I failed him. I knew it was dangerous. I knew that both myself and Bass were unstable. I should have gone alone. Both myself and Bass would have over powered our cores and destroyed ourselves."
"But did you try and go alone?" Zero asked curiously.
"Well, I transferred to the location and Rush followed me. Before I knew what had happened he initiated an override and we were fighting together as one." Rock spoke sadly, recalling what he could of that battle.
"So your friend, your companion trusted you, even in your state to protect people. He gave his life in his belief. Is that what you're saying?" Zero pressed with a cold smile.
"I don't know! I don't remember well!" Rock cried back, not wanting to admit to it.
Zero's voice was forceful as he responded back harshly,"You do know. That's why it hurts the most. You're afraid of letting him down, of letting Doctor Light down. You are everything X was when he was younger. Maybe more. You're unsure and insecure in your power. But you aren't untested… Furthermore because you have been tested you are even more afraid because you have seen what great power can do. You have felt overwhelming power take control of you and effect your programming. You've felt regret and you show that you also are capable of feeling camaraderie if not outright love. You rescued Mathilda at the cost of your own body and you thought, your life. You did the same thing Rush did."
"Shut up!" Rock screamed at Zero.
"Zero stop it! He just woke up, stop pushing him!" Roll said, shifting into her black armor subconsciously, wanting to protect her brother, even if the person who was causing him this pain now was Zero.
"I will not. He's in his body. He's got his mind. What's different Rock? What's changed. Tell me, are the feelings different. Are you still afraid? Do you still think you might go berserk? Does the thought of power excite you?" Zero demanded.
"No! I don't want power! I don't want to need power! I only want to be able to protect the people I love and that's all! Why can't that be enough?" Rock demanded of Zero stepping forward and getting directly into the Crimson reploid's face.
"And that's all you want? You don't want to kill me? You don't want revenge on the Wily in my head. You don't want to kill all those people in Gallia or Albion for harming Mathilda as they have? Nearly killing her? Taking her home and family away from her, forcing her to go on the run just because she and the prince didn't wish to marry. You don't want to take revenge for such injustice to someone you love?" Zero pounded him with question after question.
"What would any of that do? How would hurting innocents help anyone? Why would I want to kill you? Aside from being an insensitive asshole, you're still a good person even if you have the tact of a charging rhino!" Rock demanded back.
"You see, this is it. This is why you don't have to worry. You'll only have the power to protect the people you love. That's all. The same power that X had. You'll have it too, because you will never push yourself above others, you won't use your power for anything but what you stated." Zero smiled gently as he placed a hand on Rock's shoulder. "And if provoking you this badly didn't make you go berserk, I'm not quite sure what would."
"What?" The words were echoed from both siblings who both looked at Zero, their expressions both showing that they were at a loss at Zero's sudden change in attitude.
Zero grinned that insufferably smug grin of his as the two continued to look at him until he shrugged. "While everything I said was true, I also knew that I was being insensitive and downright hostile in how I was saying it," Zero replied in a soft voice as he took a step back and laughed, "But what better way to show Rock that he is just that. He is himself, now as he always was. The only difference now, is rather than being confined and helpless to stop those he loves from being harmed he can be the shield he wanted to be. He doesn't want power, he just wants to protect. At his most unguarded and unstable and angry those were the words he chose. While different from X in his own way, I know I can trust him just as I could his younger brother for those words alone."
"Are you saying you were testing me?" Rock demanded, his voice low and threatening.
Zero shrugged and smirked, "Well you did want to be tested. I'm pretty certain that I could infuriate you and push you farther and faster than any program that kind old man could come up with. And you did make a mention of not wanting a body without testing. So there you have it. You are tested, and are ready to have your arms attached. And preferably not pointed at me immediately. Or I at least get a headstart so we don't have to worry about repairing the area."
"We'll see about that when I figure out how I feel in five minutes," Rock replied darkly.
"I still can't believe you would do that to my brother," Roll spoke, the anger in her voice easily heard.
"It was the easiest way. I can have you both angry at me, but as it stands now, Rock was brought to a rage to the point that he could have attempted violence as an answer. His legs are more than powerful enough to punch a giant hole in the wall. I know, with less initial power I did the same thing. But he didn't! Now he'll have no doubts. Be angry if you want, but he needed this."
"I suppose you are right. I may have needed a test of some form like this." Rock spoke calmly, "Although I do believe you were out of line bringing Rush into this just as a form of a test. How would you feel if I used X as a weapon against you?" He demanded angrily.
"That… That wasn't part of the test. I expect you to keep that if not wear it." Zero replied calmly. "You must never forget those who have sacrificed themselves for you. Those who you fought with, those who believed in you. You must never lose sight of them in your mind, or what you believed in when they believed in you."
"That's it then isn't it?" Rock asked suddenly, "That's why you're trying to fulfill X's dream even here. It's why you're trying so hard for peace. Why you have refrained from using your power when you could have easily overwhelmed those on the other side entirely. You want to protect this world just as X would have wanted to. As you fought together for. It wasn't just his dream. It was your dream too. Then that means you weren't following X's dream back then?"
"What the hell has Axl been talking about?" Zero demanded, jumping to the conclusion that Axl had been talking again, and his fist closed as a flare of anger rose in him. "I may have admired X, the world we wanted to build was just that, a world we wanted. It was a dream we shared. It is why I fought on when he wanted to rest after I defeated the copy of him. Even if I didn't know the true reason for it that was the reason that I took those steps forward. That is why I didn't walk the same path as the resistance. I walked the path that would end the aggression of Neo Arcadia not just placate them. That is why we parted ways. And why I joined them once again when I felt that they had come closer to my ideals. It may not have been consciously but that is something that I do believe to be true."
"Somehow, that makes more sense…" Rock hesitantly said as he looked away from Zero. He had much to think about. X was right, there was just no figuring Zero out…
***Break***
Neige entered the throne room which was no longer well appointed as it once was. It was filled more practically with tables with reports maps and law books with the bustling of reploids and noble alike moving in and out of the room giving reports to the two princes. The room was silent when all noticed that the diplomat had walked into the room. She strode up to the two that she called prince and bowed low. "I'm sorry that my trip took so long, but I have returned after meeting with her majesty Queen Henrietta."
"Oh? Did the meeting go well? What did she have to say?" Copy X asked with some relief that the messenger had made it back safely. Zero had been against this excursion because he thought it would be wasting the life of a fellow reploid by sending her into the lion's den. Copy Zero just looked mildly surprised to see her standing there unharmed.
"Sir, I believe that it would be best if I gave the report in private." Neige said nervously as she looked at all who were active in the room. While the 'open' throne room got much more done and allowed for more access of information and oversight by the two ruling reploids, sensitive matters had to be discussed in what was once the old king's study.
"I see." Copy X stated flatly, and nodded as he lead the way, Copy Zero following closely behind him and Neige trailing after them slightly. As they entered the room and Neige shut the door, Copy X asked, "We knew the mission was apt to have some issues, but may I ask what went awry in our talks?"
"Well, it's hard to say." Neige said quietly," It seems that two people knew my name before I gave it to them, and with the previous attack on the palace of Tristian they are hesitant to come to Gallia. They have instead extended an invitation for you two and whatever retainers you might need for a diplomatic trip at any time. The other…Zero, was very insistent on saying no reploids aside from you two would be allowed and that they would be removed with force if necessary."
"Well, those are fairly harsh terms… But not unforeseen. They could have been far worse, and asking for reparations for the damage caused by our father's surprise attack. All in all I think you did a wonderful job." Copy X replied happily.
"If this is all there was to it, why did you want to talk to us alone?" Copy Zero asked quietly. Then with a gasp he continued before she could respond," You said that they knew you before you gave their name? Are you saying they have spys here in our court?"
Neige shook her head as she frowned," No. If it were that simple it wouldn't trouble me so. It is far more complex an issue than that, one that I feel uncomfortable broaching."
"Sometimes you must face uncomfortable truths if you are to find the right path. Looking away from things won't make them any less true," Copy X replied with a sage air, and an almost saintly smile.
Neige nodded then continued as her prince prompted her," Apparently I have the same face, name and voice of someone who Zero knew in his life on his world. Someone who he counted a close friend I believe. I do not know of what they speak but there is little doubt that he believes my appearance and name to be an attack upon him. This made him completely hostile from the start."
"Oh? But you aren't harmed?" Copy Zero asked.
"He said that because I hadn't made any aggressive actions he didn't destroy me, but he offered me the chance. I chose not to take him up on the offer." Neige replied dryly.
"but you said that two people recognized you?" Copy X spoke up.
"That is correct. An unusual reploid who I believe is the familiar of the Pope of Romalia knew my name and expanded on the reasons why Zero was upset. I do not believe that the Zero that resides in Tristian is exactly a threat, unless we appear threatening." Neige stated confidently at the end of her statement.
"Unusual. Very unusual. " Copy X said as he looked Neige's face.
"To say the least. You can leave us now. We have much to discuss. Thank you for your service Neige," Copy Zero spoke his words a clear dismissal. Neige bowed and let herself out. "We made someone from Zero's past…"
"Troubling. But how we would we know?" Copy X asked, curiousity waring with weariness on his face.
"The only person who would have known those things is…Weil." Copy Zero spoke softly. "Are we still being effected by him? Or are the reploids we make being shaped partially by him?"
"I do not feel like we are being effected by him, but most of the reploids get to choose some of their form and features as they are being built and the parts are directly from father…" Copy X spoke hesitantly.
"So if we see any suspicious signs out of our created reploids does that mean that they might be corrupted by him? I thought my virus was doing it's job but for such a subtle attack to be made against Zero when we're trying to do things your way is more disruptive than anything else. The possibility for the 'psychological warfare" that we might be trying to use could blow up in our faces... And only he would want that." Copy Zero stated flatly.
"If that's the case then what do we do?" Copy X demanded.
"We handle them the same way you handle any maverick. You purge them." Copy Zero's determined voice chilled the room.
"That's murder Zero! She didn't do anything wrong and even brought this information to light! She believes in us and everything we do! She even warned us! If she was a maverick woudl she do that?" Copy X argued.
"Which could be another play on our psyche to set us against the real Zero. We'll watch her. If anything is odd or we notice more issues involving her we'll do what we have to do. We can't have a maverick getting in the way during such a time, I'll remove her. Because I know you can't." The finality in Copy Zero's statement was even more chilling than the last.
***Author's notes***
YAY a new chaper?
Also not lunatic. I had lunatic down in about a week. It was my bitch. Lunatic+? Now that took A LOT more doing because the game is a cheating bastard. 100% hit chance + 100% luna + 100% attack first even on defense? Bullshit I say. Still beat it though. So how's them apples Grima? Oh yeah and finally slogged through future's past for fun. FUCK YOU 1 TURN GRIMA. Hurt Lucina and Kill Chrom? You get the same royal bitch slapping from me and Morgan as you always get. But yeah I've actually been playing my MMZ collection and the games on the computer(because i have a nice controller for it and it seems harder in the original one than the DS version even if you're on the original modes doing each pack). It gives me motivation to write.
No, to us the copies will remain copies. To each other they keep their names. It's who they are. If I met someone with my name in real life I wouldn't change my name to be different. Nor would I demand they change their names. It's not the same thing but it is closeish. They aren't going to change their names just because of Zero. They "Grew up" before rebelling against Weil as X and Zero. They are also very close to being an X and a Zero if not for the fact that they are copies which is both good and bad. You can't hate too much on the pair for no reason.
Yes I cut off right at a good part. I did that intentionally. Cliffhangers and all being awesome. Kinda like is Neige going to be retired? Who the hell knows?
Zero: Not you, you're way the hell off script.
And?
Zero: Seriously. When did you even come up with that part?
As I was writing it.
Zero: So you just change things up so my knowledge of the future in the script could be totally wrong by the time I get there?
Yep!
Zero: So that's why you haven't been trying to stop me lately!
Mostly. That and I've been more concerned with FE. And FFXIV ARR. Love my Pld and War. Although my War is way too squishy compared to paladin. Also why does WARRIOR have huge amounts of self healing and paladin have NONE. Just wondering. I know I can junction cure as an ability but it sucks. At 50 it does nothing. At all.
Also update speed, 1/8th my speed = writing. 1/2 = rereading and ensuring that no plot holes or anything. 2/8 changes to what I wrote and making it make sense of all the crap in the MM/MMX/MMZ universe that defy the laws of physics without giving actual explanations. Also working a head a little bit on that because i'll find parts of my chapters that I decide need to be delayed. And yes i'm aware alot of crap just hit the floor on this chapter. But that's how some chapters are. but all the clues are there for those who were looking from as far back as forever ago. That last 1/8th is adding what little polish i can do since i'm working alone compared to people who have a few beta readers who are willing to assist with edits or plot hole finding. So throwing out a couple thousand words that sync up takes longer and longer the more that gets stacked up.
Jokulaup I hope I've managed to keep your interest beause things only start getting crazier from here. Who knows what's going to happen? IT might be as chaotic as what you're named after.
Zero: Not you!
Shut up.
And while I appreciate the reivews for reviews tell me what you find interesting if you don't mind. That's more encouraging to me than just "interesting." What didn't you see coming? What was new? What did you think was perhaps inappropriate or unforeseen.
Zero: So that covers all reviews.
Yep! Time to get back to FFXIV! Later all. Updates whenever.