"Welcome to our Resistance Base, Zero"

Ciel made her way to the main control room, Milan following behind her and glancing back towards Zero. Once Ciel made it to the main transporter, she turned and smiled at Zero.
"This is a shelter for injured reploids who are suspected of being Mavericks."

She motioned towards the room they were in that had an assortment of different technologies and gadgets at their disposal. Most of the technology in the room…as well as the actual building itself …looked rather worn.

Zero glanced around the room, studying his surroundings, before he looked back towards Zero and Milan with his normal stoic expression. Ciel continued to smile at him.

"We have fought so hard to survive." She continued in her gentle voice, looking towards one of the computers that seemed to be showing a map of some kind. "However, we know that the end is coming…."
She was silent for a moment as though she was pondering over something…something deep.
"But that's why we have been looking for you. You are our last hope."

Zero gave Ciel a puzzled look and opened his mouth to speak- though Ciel continued to speak.

"Most of us think that Zero is nothing but a fantasy." Ciel mused, crossing her arms and closing her eyes as though she were mulling over a few memories. "However, a few of us still believed in your existence and have looked for you."

Milan nodded along with Ciel and looked towards Zero. "The legend spoke of three reploids who fought against Mavericks to protect the innocent. Most of them speak of the Blue Hunter and the Red Hunter…today we finally found the legendary Red Hunter!"

Ciel nodded in response to what Milan was saying.
"You ARE Zero, the legendary reploid who fought with X to save the world 100 years ago"

Zero was silent for a moment, his eyes widening at the mention of that particular name.

"...X?"

X….that name was hauntingly familiar. It was as if a wave of different emotions had hit him at the same time upon hearing it. Joy…Rivalry…Pain…
So many different emotions. For some reason, Zero swore he could see a mental image in his head…

…a blue reploid…with a red head gem…and gentle emerald eyes…

A desire not to fight.

Zero paused and shook himself out of it, looking back towards Ciel and Milan.
"That name sounds familiar"

Ciel's demeanor changed and she sighed forlornly
"X… That legendary reploid is still alive and he's trying to retire all of us."

Something suddenly paused for Zero at that statement.
"X is trying…to retire you?"

"His plans have already begun." Ciel replied somberly. "Many innocent reploids are being retired as we speak." She went silent for a brief moment, before she looked up towards Zero, a pleading look on her face. "We need your help. Our future depends on you"
Ciel folded her hands towards Zero.
"Please help us"

Zero gazed at Ciel evenly as she begged for his help. His first instinct was to immediately accept this plea and see what he could do for these people…

…a strange cackle could be heard ringing in his ears…

…where was that coming from?

'Look! There's already been a change! Ciel still has her little body guard from the beginning credits!'
'...That's…actually concerning…'

Zero paused and looked behind him when he heard a set of voices…but there was no one behind him. Where were those voices coming from?

'This is fascinating! That means I CAN make changes to the original programming!'
'Peacock…this could cause a ripple effect…'

Zero looked upwards…those voices….where were they coming from?

"Please help us"

Zero suddenly paused when Ciel repeated her last plea and he forced himself to focus on the situation at hand.
"OK. I'll help you."

Pure relief reflected on Ciel's face and she let out a sigh.
"Thank you. It's like a dream come true"

"Yes. With your help Zero, we ca-aaa-n truly provide ho-ope for all reploids!" Milan praised, nodding towards the red hunter in front of him.

Zero paused at Milan's words. It sounded like his voice had distorted…

"Now, with your help I think I can save everyone." Ciel smiled at Zero again…she didn't seem concerned about Milan's voice…
…Maybe Zero was just imagining things. Ciel HAD mentioned hibernation sickness…
"I have something I need to ask you. Please talk to me when you are ready."

Zero nodded seriously in response.