Chapter 3: The Disposal Center
Abandoned City
A large caravan arrives at the Disposal Center (resembling a large, run down facility) and the guards open the large metal gate to allow it inside. Once stationed, the caravan releases a large number of terrified Reploids into the large prison cell surrounded by lasers. Before the Reploids can make sense of their situations, a Mutos-Reploid (almost resembling a bird, with a green body, blue neck, yellow clawed feet, white wings with electricity coursing through them and a yellow head that also resembles a bird) flies down from the open ceiling and perches above them.
"Welcome, Mavericks; I am Aztec Falcon. You have all been found guilty of crimes against Neo Arcadia and all of its citizens."
"This is a mistake! We haven't done anything wrong!" One of the detained Reploids shouts before Aztec Falcon shoots a bolt of electricity at him and knocking him out.
"The sentence for these offenses is decommission. May this be a message to all would be Mavericks; only destruction awaits them…Pantheons, set them up for orderly disposal." Aztec Falcon orders the troops before flying away to see to other matters and the Pantheons lower the lasers to move the detainees into their individual cells to await disposal.
Outside the Disposal Center
"All units, report." A higher ranked Pantheon stands on top of the center and calls out the other patrol units.
"Echo two, checking in."
"Echo three, checking in."
"Echo four, checking in."
All units, ranging from 2 to 20 check in.
"Good. The Resistance may try to prevent this decommissioning, keep your guard up." Echo one declares.
"Heh, those Mavericks are wasting their time." Echo twelve quips.
"Let them try, they can join the rest of these poor clankers." Echo nine adds.
"Bah, this rain will give them away, idiots." Echo ten states in derision.
"Heheh, I can't wait to add them to the list of- AAAAHHHH!" Echo six shouts as his communication cuts out. The other units arm themselves.
"Echo six, what's going on?! Echo six!" Echo one pointlessly calls out. "All units, how many are there?"
"Unclear, but I found Echo six; whoever did this had-" Echo thirteen is interrupted by a slashing sound that ends the communication.
"All units, give me eyes out there!" Echo one shouts in frustration.
"Closing in on last location!" Echo four reports as the remaining units (sans Echo one) arrive at the location where two units were slain. "Echo one, they were taken out by an edged weapon, pinpoint accuracy."
"Do you have eyes on the attackers?"
"No, this rain makes it difficult to see anything; it's messing with our sensors." Echo four answers, looking around with the other units. Suddenly and without warning, an unseen individual drops down in the center of the units and begins attacking the units.
"They're here!" Echo eighteen calls out before being cut down. The other units scramble to find their bearings, but the assailants speed ensure that escape is all but impossible as they are cut down and even shot at one by one.
"Echo one, we need backup!" Echo two shouts in alarm before having his head blasted off.
"All units, evasive maneuvers now!" Echo one shouts as he makes his way over to the rest, hearing them being taken down. By the time Echo one arrives to the damaged building where the units were investigating, they had all been slain. Arming himself, Echo one scans the area to find the attacker. His efforts would be in vain, however; from behind Echo one, a green streak lowers down and bifurcates him vertically. With all units destroyed, the assailant steps out of the shadows and is revealed to be Zero.
"All sentries taken down." Zero reports, using the communicator within his helmet.
"Impressive. You made it look easy." A Resistance member answers, having seen everything from one of the abandoned buildings nearby with his compatriots.
"Now, I just need to get in." Zero states as he ponders his next move.
"What's going on? Respond." Zero looks down at Echo ones remains and sees his radio still intact, receiving word from Aztec Falcon. "Echo one, respond!" Waiting a few moments, Aztec Falcon grows suspicious. "Security, something is wrong; confirm the guards condition."
"I think I just found the way. Everyone, keep your heads down; I'll radio you when it's time to act." Zero cuts his communication and runs off to the top of the centers entrance. Soon, the main gate opens and a small battalion of security pantheons exit the center to confirm the status of the sentries. As the gate closes, Zero jumps down and slides beneath it, finally entering the Disposal Center. However, Zero did not count on several other pantheons waiting with their weapons ready.
"Damn it…"
"Red Maverick, all our weapons are aimed at you." One of the pantheons declares. "Surrender now or we will open fire."
Zero looks at all the pantheons aiming at him and then at the imprisoned Reploids before deciding his next move. "Alright, let's see if I remember this." Quickly, Zero dashes at the pantheons and they fire at him while he uses his saber on the right hand to deflect the shots while shooting at them with the blaster on his left hand. Finally in range, Zero begins slicing the pantheons while switching between shots. The imprisoned Reploids watch in awe as this stranger cuts down the sentries with little to no effort while his opponents drop like flies. From his spot, Aztec Falcon observes it all and grumbles as he calls for the backup.
Elsewhere, above the area, a Neo-Arcadian transport hovers until they receive the transmission.
"Master Leviathan, the Red Reploid has arrived at the Disposal Center and is wiping out our forces. We need backup now." Aztec Falcon reports.
"Roger; departing for the Disposal Center." Leviathan (obscured from view) calmly reports, shutting off the transmission as the ship flies off towards the Disposal Center.
The alarm blares in the Disposal Center and several more Pantheons, including flight units, are deployed to confront Zero. Along with them, Aztec Falcon flies down as well and hovers just above Zero.
"You must be Zero."
"Yeah, I am." Zero responds, remaining cautious of the ground and flight pantheons. "And who are you?"
"Aztec Falcon, warden of the Disposal Center. You have had your fun in this little crusade, but it ends now." Aztec Falcon gestures to the prison cells occupied by the Reploids. "All of these Mavericks are scheduled to be decommissioned and you will be joining them."
"I think you and I are going to disagree."
"I enjoy that bravado, but you can't possibly believe that you alone are enough to bring us down. Do you know how many Reploids I've destroyed since I was created?"
"I don't care…" Zero plainly states while pointing the saber at Aztec Falcon.
"Eh, I didn't think you would. Get him." Aztec Falcon sends the flight pantheons to attack Zero from above and he can only get behind cover to avoid the shots. Charging energy into his blaster, Zero bides his time until its ready; finally jumping out and sliding on the ground, Zero fires the charged shot that catches two flight pantheons before firing off more shots at the ground units. Getting behind cover again, Zero unintentionally charges more energy into his saber instead, giving it a stronger glow and vibration. Taking a chance, Zero dashes out and attacks the pantheons with the saber, causing small explosions due to the sabers excess energy and destroying most of them. The remaining flight pantheons dive down and lay a hail of energy shots at Zero and he does his best to avoid them, taking a stray shot here and there to his body.
"You see? He's just another Reploid, not an invincible force!" Aztec Falcon shouts to the imprisoned Reploids. "You know what? He's probably not even the real Zero; just an amateur who got lucky!"
Frustrated by Aztec Falcon's tirade, Zero jumps towards a wall and then off it, landing on a flight pantheon and using its guns to shoot down the others before turning them to Aztec Falcon. Avoiding the shots with his flying skills, Aztec Falcon fires electric bolts from his wings, striking the flight pantheon as Zero jumps down and fires off a shot at the fuse box, opening the front door of the Disposal Center, allowing the Resistance members to storm in and engage the remaining pantheons (after they disposed of the security force outside). Aztec Falcon swoops down to intercept them, but Zero throws an iron pipe that nearly hits his head and he touches down.
"Not on my watch." Zero declares, pointing the saber at Aztec Falcon.
"Ok, let's add you to the number…" Aztec Falcon readies himself to face Zero.
The Neo-Arcadian transport arrives and touches down a few meters away and its hatches open; releasing a squadron of pantheons that rush out towards the Disposal Center. Suddenly, the rain around the transport mysteriously floats around it as a feminine Reploid (a helmet that frames her face in such a manner to resemble hair, with the sides forming the 'fringe' and a seashell motif forming the 'bangs'. The torso armor resembles a blue and white female swimsuit, with gauntlets resembling long opera gloves, high heel boots with yellow rings around the ankles, along with the thighs, forearms and wrists, a pair of dorsal fin like jets on her back and a white and red javelin) walks out slowly.
Back at the Disposal Center, the Resistance had managed to free a small number of the imprisoned Reploids while simultaneously evacuating them and keeping them safe from the pantheons. Meanwhile, Zero and Aztec Falcon continue their fight.
"Not bad, Maverick." Aztec Falcon states before zooming past Zero with his electrified wings. "But you lack flight."
"I don't think I ever needed it." Zero retorts as he fires off several shots from his blaster, missing him each time. "I am a fast learner though."
"Heh, fat lot of good that does you." Aztec Falcon slams his wings down on the ground, electrocuting it. Zero jumps towards the elevated areas to avoid it before dashing at Aztec Falcon. Slashing three times, Zero misses each one and Aztec Falcon kicks him towards the bodies of several decommissioned Reploids, before driving his wings into Zero's torso. Screaming, Zero can only lie helpless from Aztec Falcon's attack.
"Heheh, can you feel that, Maverick?" Aztec Falcon whispers sinisterly. "It's a shame you had to come all this way just to die with the rest of the Mavericks."
"I…won't die here!" Zero struggles as the electricity courses through his body.
"Heh, not bad; you're pretty tough for some punk who thinks he's Zero."
As the electricity continues surging, Zero unexpectedly gains strength as his power cell begins to absorb it. Aztec Falcon realizes this too late as Zero's expression changes to one of rage and he grabs his wings. "I AM Zero!"
With a mighty pull, Zero tears off Aztec Falcon's wings, leaving the latter stunned. Quickly tossing the wings aside, Zero takes out the saber and slashes twice; splitting Aztec Falcon into four parts that explode. Now with his foe vanquished, Zero swings the saber twice before putting it away and using his blaster to shoot the locks off of the prison cells, freeing the Reploids as they are escorted by the Resistance to the escape vehicle. Overseeing this, Zero receives a communication.
"Zero, is everything alright?" Ciel asks expectantly.
"We're almost done; the prisoners are being freed as we speak, while the others are placing the charges on the Disposal Facility." Zero reports.
"Great. Remember, you need to be at least 10 meters away before you can set them off. Just come back safely- wait a minute."
"What's wrong?"
"Zero, I'm picking up several enemy units coming your way as well as a stronger presence; it may be a Guardian. You all need to get out of there now." Ciel states in a stressful tone.
"Pantheons!" One of the resistance members shouts, catching everyone's attention as they see the enemy units arriving. Getting the prisoners behind cover, the Resistance return fire to the pantheons. Before Zero can go and aid them, he stops after hearing something drop behind him. Turning around, he sees the female Reploid.
"So, you must be Zero."
Cutting the communication with Ciel, Zero glares at the Reploid. "And you are?"
"I am Leviathan, one of the Four Guardians of Neo-Arcadia. I have been looking for you."
"What do you want?"
"Not much, just your immediate termination. As well as the destruction of the Resistance." Leviathan states plainly.
"I refuse." Zero quickly declares, glaring daggers at Leviathan.
"Heheheh, I figured that would be your answer. But, I'm afraid that it isn't up to you." Leviathan smirks at Zero. "You can't possibly expect to be a match for us, Zero."
"Can we get on with this?" Zero, clearly disinterested in Leviathan's claims, asks.
"As you wish." Leviathan slowly walks towards Zero with a smile. "But first, let's change the scenery…" Suddenly, Leviathan dashes at Zero and swipes at his abdomen before upper cutting him on the head that sends him flying out of the Disposal Center and onto the roof of an abandoned building. Groaning in discomfort, Zero shakily gets back up, rubbing the underside of his chin as Leviathan arrives, jumping up and landing gracefully on the roof with Zero. "Ah, much better; the rain is my favorite after all."
"Ok, so you're not like the last guy. I need to be on my guard." Zero states.
"Heh, Aztec Falcon was nothing; us Guardians are the strongest Neo-Arcadia has, only below the Master."
"Ok then." Zero draws his saber and enters a fighting pose. "I'm ready for you."
"What a thrill." With a smirk, Leviathan twirls her javelin thrice in hand before pointing it at Zero. "Now then…let's have some fun."
Both fighters rush each other, locking blades. Both break away and Leviathan launches several javelin heads at Zero, who bats them away before grabbing the last one and redirecting it at her. Leviathan easily jumps over it and makes a massive lunge at Zero and he jumps to the side while hitting her with a charged shot. Recovering quickly, Leviathan drives her javelin into the ground to refocus herself.
"You're good, but how about this?" Leviathan brings her javelin up and begins spinning it; this action levitates the rain drops around her before freezing into small icicles that orbit around her. "Dance for me." Leviathan launches the icicles at Zero like several small homing projectiles and the latter has a hard time avoiding and blocking them all. Before he can react, Leviathan drives her javelin into the ground next to Zero before she roundhouse kicks him in the face, sending him back a few feet. "Is this really all you can do?"
"I'm still standing." Zero gets to his feet quickly and keeps his saber active.
"But for how long?" Leviathan dashes forward once again, jabs at Zero and he blocks it with his saber. The next moments are the two combatants slashing at each other while simultaneously canceling the attacks. Eventually, Leviathan finds an opening and lands a heavy kick to Zero's side, before slashing him twice on the chest. All this damage awakens something inside of Zero as he endures it, like something moving within. "Honestly, this is boring! Is this the legendary Maverick Hunter?! What a disappointment!" Leviathan shouts in derision as she stomps Zero backwards, having lost interest in the fight. "Enough already, time to die!" Leviathan rushes at Zero with her javelin pointed forward, fully intent on running him through. However, Zero immediately catches the javelin with his bare hand, stopping the attack. "Wait, what is this?" Leviathan looks at Zero and senses energy coursing through him.
"So, you're worried about this fight being boring?" Zero glares at Leviathan as his body begins to radiate power. "Let's spice it up a little then…"
Leviathan quickly freezes the rain close to her free arm into a blade with the intention of slashing Zero. However, Zero immediately bats that away with his free arm as well before head-butting Leviathan, cracking the crystal on her forehead and sending her back towards a wall, completely shocking her at the strength Zero has now. Standing upright, Zero concentrates as the energy in his body reaches a peak; crushing the ground beneath him and his hair flairs low.
"Where are you getting all this energy?" Leviathan asks, trying to keep herself steady from the sheer force of Zero's energy.
"I wonder myself." Zero vaguely answers before rushing at Leviathan. In response, Leviathan forms more icicles and launches them at Zero, only for him to effortlessly deflect them all with his saber as the distance between the two closes. Now in close proximity, both fighters battle with their respective weapons with Zero clearly having the upper hand with his impactful strikes nearly making Leviathan stagger. "Strong enough for you?"
"Do not patronize me!" Leviathan angrily retorts as she attempts to skewer Zero with her javelin, only for Zero to avoid and destroy it, much to her shock. Now with an opportunity, Zero dashes across Leviathan, leaving a grand total of ten slashes on her as well as severing one of Leviathan's dorsal jets before breaking away. Shouting in frustration, Leviathan brings her injured arms up and freezes all of the rain around and above them, fully intent on bringing the sharp icicles down on Zero. For his part, Zero simply holds the saber with both hands, storing more power in it. "What? Do you think you can survive this? Do you think I cannot destroy you?! DIE!" Leviathan brings down the icicles, covering Zero and the immediate ground in them. Leviathan pants in satisfaction at seeing Zero covered in icicles, but her relief is short lived; Zero rises from the floor and with a quick stretch of his arms, the icicles fly off of his body and the ones on the floor are blown away and even several pierce her, leaving Leviathan dumbfounded.
"Not impressed." Zero holds his empowered saber back and dashes at Leviathan, who struggles to move away though her injuries prevent her from doing so and she widens her eyes from Zero's incoming slash. As the saber connects, it release a massive amount of energy that sends Leviathan flying as she screams, destroying two buildings in the process. Zero walks over to the edge of the building and waits for the dust to clear; observing Leviathan sprawled against the rubble. Powering himself down, Zero deactivates his saber and puts it away, only to feel a massive throbbing in his head that forces him to his knees. Eventually, his mind wanders to another time…
From inside a capsule, Zero sees blurry images; a person that vaguely resembles a woman, another figure that he is certain resembles a Reploid and finally an elderly man, though his appearance looks different from the elder in his dream a few hours ago. What catches Zero's attention is the elderly man having a large container carted away, with a large Z printed on one side…
The memory ends as Zero's attention is brought back to him via his communicator.
"Yeah?" Zero breathlessly answers his communicator.
"Zero, thank goodness!" Ciel exclaims in relief.
"Ciel?"
"I was so worried; when you didn't answer for the past few minutes, I assumed the worst. What happened to the Guardian?"
"I took her down. What about the others?"
"They all came back 12 minutes ago. We're in the process of getting the prisoners settled in. We're just waiting to hear from you to detonate the charges." Ciel reports.
"Ah, well I'm far enough. Blow it." Zero states and soon after, he witnesses the Disposal Center go up in a fiery explosion.
"Finally, that should stop the decommission of innocent Reploids for a while now. Thank you Zero."
"Ciel, I need to talk to Cerveau. Something…popped in my head."
"You mean, a memory?"
"I…think so. Can he be ready by the time I get back?"
"I will talk to him right now."
"Alright, returning to base." Zero cuts off the communication and races off back to the Resistance Base.
Resistance Base, Lab
"Hmm, that's really not a lot to go on, Zero." Cerveau, sitting down at the table in his lab along with Zero and Ciel, states. "It seems your memories are still fuzzy."
"Zero, what do you think those memories mean though?" Ciel asks.
"I…don't know. I can tell that I was still awake in that capsule, but what I was doing in there I couldn't tell you." Zero explains. "I can't even begin to tell you all who those people were, but I think they did something to me in that lab."
"I'll admit; I'm still very curious about what that lab actually was and what it was used for. I do have a proposition for you; would you be willing to return to that ancient lab to recover what ever information there is?" Cerveau recommends.
"Zero, don't feel like you have to go right now; you just came back from a mission and you might need some rest. Maybe you should take a night to think it over." Ciel sympathetically states, wanting to give Zero some time to relax.
Thinking it through, Zero finally stands up. "I'm ready when you are."
"Zero…"
"Ciel, I appreciate your concern; but if I can find out more about who I am and what I was doing there, then I have to know." Zero explains.
"…I understand." Ciel reluctantly accepts Zero's answer.
"Alright then, let's head to the Trans-Server and I'll add the coordinates to the lab." Cerveau claps his hands together in anticipation of the assignment and all three leave his lab. As they walk out, the prisoners and Resistance members look at Zero with less apprehension, a large difference from several hours ago.
Trans-Server room
"Alright, I've uploaded the coordinates. All you have to do is start it up." Cerveau explains. "Well, I still have work to do, please be careful Zero." With that, Cerveau takes his leave.
"Ok, I'll be back soon. I just hope I can find what I'm looking for." Zero states as he steps onto the Trans-Server, activating it.
"Wait, Zero." Ciel steps up to address Zero.
"What is it?"
"I just want you to know; you've already done plenty for us, even if you don't recall your memories as Zero. Also, it doesn't matter if you don't return with the answers you seek in that ancient lab. As far as I'm concerned…you're already Zero in my eyes."
Pausing briefly, Zero takes in Ciel's kind words and smiles softly. "Thanks."
With that, Zero teleports to the ancient lab, in hopes of discovering more about himself.
To be continued
Author's note: Boom, chapter 3. As many of you may have already gathered, I introduced one of the Guardian's earlier than in the game; this is one of many changes that will happen throughout the story for the sake of the narrative as well as to further develop Zero. Alright guys/girls, take care. :)