Note: Hello all! Getting better, but I'm trying to decide whether or not to go for longer chapters (8-10k) or should I just stick to around 4- 5k? If willing, share your input.
Complications
"What?!" Zero stammered, not entirely processing what the other ponytailed blonde was saying. "When did this happen?" Without giving Roll a moment to elaborate, he immediately asked her for details about what had just occurred. "How did this happen? I thought Lifesaver and the other aides alerted the staff that there was no source of power available to charge his body!"
"I-I don't know!" Roll answered in a hurry, more so in a defensive shout than an actual response to the Commander's inquiry. "I didn't jumpstart his systems or anything!" she explained, though more to divert suspicion from herself that her actions had potentially invoked such a reaction.
Then again, considering how the once dormant machine looked at her, perhaps that was the case.
None of this made sense, and the multitude of questions hanging in the air still put him on edge more than the fact that there was still the issue of what Launch Octopus had arrived at Abel City's doorstep for. However, at that moment, jumping on the first sign of anything with utmost aggression perhaps wasn't the best option, the ponytailed Commander realized.
"It'll be taken care of," Zero assured Roll, his voice smooth and comforting, a quality reminiscent of an older sibling soothing a younger one. The warmth in his tone immediately caught Roll's attention, making her feel a surge of reassurance amidst the chaos. "Which direction did he go?" he added, his piercing gaze scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
"He didn't hurt anyone or damage anything, if that's what you're wondering," Roll said firmly, quickly clarifying the situation in defense of Ray B. There was a hint of tension in her voice, as if she understood the gravity of the moment but also knew the truth of what had transpired. "Although, I can't guarantee he didn't startle a few on the way out."
"Oh really?" the red Hunter questioned.
"It was a little...chaotic when one of the nurse units realized he was active."
Zero raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "A little jolt to the systems never hurt anyone," he replied, a wry smile creeping onto his face, as he turned to walk toward the exit of the medical wing. The sterile atmosphere was filled with the faint hum of machines, a reminder of how fragile safety could be. "But we'll keep that in mind for the next round of evaluations."
As he reached the door, he paused, glancing back towards Roll. "In the meantime, there's something I need to remind the surveillance team about. We can't afford another incident, however minor, slipping past their watch." His tone shifted to one of seriousness, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in their line of work.
"What incident?" X asked, his voice laced with curiosity, though the moment the words tumbled from his lips, a wave of embarrassment washed over him. What incident? It was a question that felt almost absurd; his mind raced through a litany of chaotic moments that had unfolded, as if incidents were an inescapable part of his existence. The answer felt obvious—he could have saved time by simply listing the times things had gone smoothly instead.
Honestly, he reflected, it was a mystery why Zero continued to tolerate his antics. The thought left him pondering, a hint of gratitude alongside his self-doubt.
"Let's just say there's been some activity occurring within the city's borders," the blonde Commander answered. "Which is why I'd like to see if your friend that just made his exit can be tracked down."
"Why?" Roll inquired, interjecting herself into the conversation. "He hasn't done anything wrong."
"Not yet," Zero answered. "The information he found at the supposedly abandoned factory outside the perimeter has given some idea as to something Sigma might be planning, yet given what happened that got him a trip to the hospital here, it stands to reason that, whatever is potentially going on, no one wants us to get too close to finding out."
Roll narrowed her brow. "Are you suggesting Ray B. is somehow involved in potentially assisting Sigma?"
"That's the problem," Zero responded coolly. "If a concrete decision could be made, then I would know where to go in regards to our source of 'outside help' so to speak," he clarified. "Yet seeing as he intends to make himself scarce at every opportunity he decides his work is done, it looks like he intends to reveal only what he chooses and when."
"Astute observation," the other blonde remarked. "But I'm certain such a position is completely foreign to you, surely."
The red Hunter didn't respond, going past her and through the entryway of the medical wing. "I'm going out with Firefly later to scout the more vulnerable sectors," he said, although it was clear he was no longer addressing the other blonde. "X, care to join me? An extra set of eyes would benefit us greatly."
Roll's teal optics blinked. Was he ignoring her?
"Oh, y-yeah, sure thing," X responded, wasting no time in going to his Commander's side. "I think I'm in good enough condition to get back on duty."
"Hey, wait-" Roll stammered, yet Zero cut in, his voice overpowering hers, much to her shock and, soon to follow, offense.
"Here's hoping you actually DO your duty this time," Ai whispered under her breath, the other female Reploid feeling her core heat up.
"What did you just say-"
"All right, if that's the case, then I suggest clearing out so those that need access can get in, ladies," Zero interjected. "Ai, standby as backup in case Trinity needs an extra hand handling the communication lines."
"Yes, sir," the red and ivory armored Navigator responded, giving a small salute. "Will do."
"Good. Now, if you'll both excuse us," with that, the red and blue Maverick Hunters made their exit, leaving the two other Reploids on their lonesome.
Ai began to move toward the exit, yet an extended metallic arm blocked her path, its owner presenting the android with an expression of great displeasure.
"Care to repeat what you just said?" Roll's voice was a taut wire, barely containing the wrath that simmered beneath the surface. Zero's dismissive attitude had been a personal affront, but it was Ai's brazen remarks about her little brother that ignited a blaze of fury in her chest, turning her vision red with indignation.
In response to her rising anger, Ai met her fierce glare with an icy, detached gaze—teal eyes locking onto a distant, frostbitten blue. "Hero worship isn't some sort of magical wellspring of power that activates in the clutch, you know," Ai replied coolly, her voice steady like a tranquil lake hiding treacherous depths. "If anything, he's been lucky to make it this far, surviving on mere chance and the goodwill of others."
"How dare you—" Roll's voice shook with fury, but Ai pressed on, unfazed by the storm brewing in front of her.
"If you think I'm implying I'm somehow superior, then you're mistaken," she countered, her tone unyielding yet strangely devoid of malice.
Despite the intensity of her anger, Roll found herself grappling with an unexpected wave of confusion. "You certainly have a peculiar way of showing it." she snapped, her words dripping with scorn even as her mind raced to comprehend the other Reploid's emotions.
Ai fell silent, the usual stone-cold façade momentarily fracturing. Roll's surprise deepened when a flicker of vulnerability crossed Ai's features, shifting like shadows on a wall. It was a fleeting glimpse of dread, casting an unsettling chill over the otherwise stoic expression. In that charged moment, Roll felt a pang of sympathy push through her defensiveness, the icy fear shimmering momentarily before retreating into the mask of indifference that Ai so expertly wore.
At least, she put in the effort to uphold the facade that she truly cared.
"I shouldn't be alive."
But in that fleeting moment, just the smallest fragment of time, the carefully constructed mask faltered, revealing a raw vulnerability beneath.
"What?" Roll queried, her brow furrowing in confusion, uncertain if her ears had truly captured the weight of those words just spoken.
"My existence…it…" Ai stammered, as if the image she had seemingly maintained with such ease had just now decided that it could no longer maintain itself. "...it wasn't meant to continue. Not after the damage Chameleon inflicted."
Chameleon? It didn't take long for Roll to realize just whom the other blonde android was referring to, much to her own inward disgust. "I'm sorry you had to experience that," she muttered, biting her lip. "Especially with…him of all of the…" she paused, not even wishing to give the sickening reptile another thought he wasn't worthy of. Still, she had no intention of just letting what Ai had just said go. "Still, what do you mean by-"
"You're not constructed from the same intricate components as I am, nor were you designed for the same purpose," Ai remarked, her tone laced with a surprising softness as she placed her hand gently on Roll's arm. "Yet, your absence would undoubtedly leave a significant void," she continued, lifting Roll's limb away with an unexpected tenderness. "As for me… well, have you ever wondered why Blu and Trinity were brought aboard?"
Roll opened her mouth to respond, caught in a tumult of thoughts—whether to press Ai further or voice her own objections, she couldn't quite decide. The red and ivory Reploid made her retreat from the confines of their surroundings, the oppressive, sterile environment of concrete and sharp angles wrapping around her like a suffocating shroud. Each harsh line of the manufactured space seemed to serve as a temporary balm, a distraction that, if only for a fleeting moment, helped her forget how those rigid edges contrasted so starkly with the vibrant, chaotic world that lay beyond.
Later
Outskirts of Abel City
"So, there's been no further attempts at contact with the mainland? At all?" The inquiry hung in the air, almost palpable, accompanied by the weight of anxious glances exchanged amongst his companions. The blue Hunter, with his keen instincts, felt the urgency of the moment; speculation was not enough. He craved clarity—needed it like oxygen in a thick, suffocating atmosphere.
"Not that any one of us is aware of," Zero replied, stepping forward to take a commanding position among the gathered patrol unit. His posture was confident, yet a shadow of concern flickered across his usually composed features. X, positioned obediently at the Commander's side, could sense the tension in the air; an unspoken unease laced their mission. "Then again," Zero continued, his voice steady but carrying an underlying gravity, "given how the humans brazenly defied Sigma's orders just days after we were severed from the mainland, I'd wager they'd be inclined to take desperate measures."
"Desperate enough to potentially doom themselves?" X probed further, his vivid green eyes narrowing as they fixated on the seemingly infinite expanse of ocean that stretched like a restless blanket between him and the gleaming White City, a shimmering gem anchored to the sprawling island nation of Japan.
The red Hunter allowed his eyelids to flutter shut for a brief moment, surrendering to the gentle caress of the breeze that had chosen to grace their presence. His long tail, a brilliant cascade of gold, swayed gracefully, embodying the tranquil rhythm of the moment. "Honestly, at this point, they may have come to believe there's nothing left to lose," he replied thoughtfully, his voice carrying a weight of resignation. "When faced with the choice of freedom in death or a life shackled in imprisonment, one offers at least a glimmer of escape."
In truth, that was perhaps one of the few traits Zero could genuinely empathize with when it came to humans, yet it was just one. X was far better at reading their other distinctive trait—their capacity for vulnerability. "Then should've we put out some sort of warning or discourage further attempts to try and make contact?" Amidst their complexities, he often found a relatable thread in their struggles, whether it was the weight of their fears, the intensity of their desires, or the longing for understanding and connection.
Even with his own supposedly "advanced programming", Zero found such things distant to him. This shared experience of grappling with emotions, even if he could only observe from a distance, offered him a glimpse into the profound and often turbulent nature of human existence from a source that ultimately had a better means of communication and relationship with than he could probably ever. "We could," the red Maverick Hunter answered, although it was clear he held no confidence in said response. "But do you think that will really stop them from trying?"
X felt a wave of surprise wash over him, momentarily catching him off guard by the gravity of the situation. Yet, underneath that initial shock, he recognized the undeniable truth in his Commander's words—his companion in arms, a steadfast ally through thick and thin. "Isn't there something we could do to at least make a difference? We could create an open route between here and Arcadia that would keep us aligned with Sigma's conditions," he suggested, a flicker of hope igniting within him.
Zero met X's gaze, his expression a blend of frustration and resolve. "If you're referring to a means of communication, we've been grappling with that issue ever since Sigma tightened his grip on the majority of the island," he replied, his voice steady yet laced with weariness. "Every effort we've made to establish any form of connection has either been obstructed or completely eradicated the moment a signal is attempted." The weight of their predicament hung heavily in the air, underscoring the relentless challenges they faced under Sigma's rule.
Whispers floated like ghosts through the open yet closed-off and claustrophobic area by the edge of the island, veiled in a shroud of secrecy. X felt the weight of their gaze, each hushed conversation a sharp reminder of his own foolishness. He clenched his fists, his epicenter racing—why did Zero even tolerate his presence? The question gnawed at him, sinking deeper with every murmured word.
What did his creator see in him that he didn't in his other children?
Dr. Light placed an extraordinary amount of faith in him, a faith that seemed puzzling when compared to the accomplishments of his sons, who had repeatedly proven their worth through heroic acts that had saved the world from imminent danger. His mind often wandered to the thought that, given the right circumstances, even Roll, who was always ready to support and assist, would likely outperform him in their shared mission. This nagging self-doubt lingered, as he couldn't help but question why he was chosen for such an important role when others were more qualified and capable.
Or, at least, there were. Once.
"Although," X's optics flickered to life, a spark of curiosity igniting within him as he caught the undertone of his leader's voice—stern, yet tinged with a hint of hope. "There is one location of interest that may have the answer to our problem."
The blue Hunter opened his mouth, ready to probe further into Zero's cryptic statement, but a sudden rush of images flooded his mind. An array of memories, vivid yet tinged with a sense of nostalgia, surged forth, forcing him to pause. The image was so striking it felt as if it could reach out and seize him; he could almost feel the weight of its significance. Despite the passage of time that stretched between then and now, the realization hit him with unrelenting clarity, echoing in the depths of his mind.
"The Communications Tower."
Underground HQ
"And this is all there is?" Roll questioned, her voice heavy with disbelief as she surveyed the meager assortment of supplies laid out before her. The pile that was measured to be no larger than a standard dinner plate, a disheartening sight in a world where sustenance had become a precious commodity.
Chiyo stood nearby, her expression resolute despite the grim reality. "It's what's left," she replied, her eyes scanning the remnants of food that she had painstakingly gathered from the shadows of this forgotten place, cleverly hidden from the prying eyes of the rest of the city. The air around them was thick with a sense of desperation, and she added, "Most of it will probably go to Kenichi." The way she spoke didn't carry an ounce of resentment or disdain for him, but there was a palpable weight in her voice that hinted at the challenges they all faced. Despite her practicality, her tone offered little comfort, revealing the stark reality that their struggle for survival continued with no end in sight.
"Speaking of," Roll began again, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of concern. She wasn't just trying to redirect the conversation; she genuinely cared. In a world where her brothers seemed to accomplish monumental feats with ease, she often felt small and insignificant. Yet, she clung to the one thing she could provide—her unwavering support and affection. It may have seemed trivial in the grand scheme of things, but to her, it was invaluable. After all, in a family that thrived on dreams and ambitions, offering a semblance of love felt like a precious gift. "How is he?" she asked, her gaze earnest, hoping to hear that he was managing well in the chaos surrounding them.
Or, at least, well enough.
"Alive," the dark-haired young woman answered. "Outside of that, your guess is as good as mine."
"What do you mean?" Roll asked, even though she sensed that the human didn't entirely wish to dwell on such matters.
"I mean, the kid pretends that no one outside of himself exists," Chiyo said, her tone frustrated yet tinged with concern. She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall as she continued. "It's true that if you tell him to do something or send him somewhere, he'll follow the instruction without hesitation. But aside from those moments, it's as if he's completely isolated in his own world, as if the entire facility could disappear and he wouldn't notice," She bit her lip, narrowing her gaze as she thought about their interactions. "He especially refuses to acknowledge my existence," she added, her voice lowering as if reluctant to admit the pain it caused her.
"Chiyo—"
"No, just hear me out," she interrupted, her eyes flashing with a mix of determination and sadness. "He has to do that. He has to ignore me, to act like I'm invisible, because doing otherwise—actually recognizing me—would mean he has to confront a much darker truth." She paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "That truth is that I'm here, living and breathing, and she's not."
There were no further inquiries on the matter, as the blonde Reploid was acutely aware of the identity of "she." The mere mention of the name conjured vivid memories, and the face associated with that unspoken yet echoing title loomed large, casting an ominous shadow over anyone who had ever laid eyes upon her.
"He doesn't think that." Roll stated, though her voice wavered slightly, revealing her uncertainty. She could sense the weight of the conversation hanging in the air, thick and unresolved.
"Doesn't he?" Chiyo shot back, a mix of defiance and desperation in her tone. However, her words seemed to dissolve into the atmosphere, failing to provide any solid reassurance. She felt a gnawing certainty that the message was indeed understood, if not entirely accepted. "But at this moment," she continued, urgency creeping into her voice as she gestured at the scattered supplies around them, "Whether he acknowledges me or not doesn't truly matter." Chiyo's tired and shadowed eyes flicked over the meager items of food before them—packaged rations and some wilted vegetables, all meant for those who thrived on organic sustenance. "He's going to require more than just these pitiful offerings to sustain him," she added, her brow furrowed in concern.
Leaning down, she reached for a nearly empty bottle of water, the plastic crinkling softly in her grip. "And even if he can endure without food," she mused, allowing a moment of silence to hang between them, "there are certain essentials you simply cannot survive without." Suddenly, a wry grin tugged at the corners of her mouth, surprising her. "Or rather, we can't do without," she amended, casting a sidelong glance at Roll. "Such things aren't a bother to you, are they?" The words lingered, a mix of humor and melancholy weaving through the tension of their situation.
Even though it served as a coping mechanism, the blonde Reploid couldn't help but feel that such candid reflections were less than helpful for the fragile morale of the group. "Then I suppose there's no choice but to venture out and gather more supplies," she proclaimed, striving to infuse her words with a sense of certainty, as if a solid plan was already crystallizing in her mind. "Of course, that also entails locating a place where any supplies still exist."
"There may be some hidden caches of essentials scattered throughout the city," Chiyo chimed in, her tone laced with a mixture of hope and resignation. "But uncovering those will largely depend on how long you're willing—and able—to search." She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground, as if grappling with an unwelcome reality that loomed just beneath the surface of her thoughts. The emotions roiling within her were palpable, each jostling for attention, intensifying the weight of her next words. "Outside of that," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's only one place guaranteed to have at least the bare minimum. But I don't think either of us would emerge from there unscathed."
Abel City
The prospect of exploring the tower loomed before them, an enticing opportunity fraught with peril. It had to be dangerous; otherwise, Zero, ever the strategist, would have taken action long ago. "What's the catch?" X asked, biting his lip in anxious anticipation, steeling himself for a response that he suspected would be disheartening.
Zero, the long-haired Maverick Hunter known for his keen instincts, diverted his sharp gaze toward the ominous silhouette of the tower. It towered defiantly above a cluster of damaged and crumbling structures, a stark reminder of the devastation that had plagued their world. "Don't you notice something peculiar about it?" he queried, raising a brow that peeked out from beneath his helmet, his voice low and laced with tension.
X took a moment to scan the scene, his mind racing as his eyes roamed over the surrounding chaos. It was then that he saw it—the tower's unblemished surface contrasted starkly against the wreckage around it, untouched by the missile strikes that had ravaged everything else. "How did it survive that barrage?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Like this," Zero replied, his tone resolute. Without hesitation, he aimed his Z-Buster at the tower and fired a concentrated blast. The energy bolt raced toward its target, only to be arrested mid-flight by an unseen force. A shimmering wall of blue energy materialized, enveloping the tower in a protective cocoon. The concentrated plasma dissipated harmlessly against the barrier, revealing a hexagonal pattern of vibrant blue that radiated outward, a fleeting glimpse of the technology at work. After a moment, the shield vanished, leaving the tower appearing as it had before, seemingly invulnerable.
"What?!" X exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock as the gravity of the situation sank in. "But… how can that be…?"
"Looks like Sigma took precautions before initiating the first phase of his destructive campaign," Zero replied, his optics still fixed on the enigmatic structure. The implications radiating from their discovery felt heavy in the air. "Considering how communication has been sporadic, almost nonexistent since he launched his offensive, it seems we've uncovered the root of a significant number of our problems."
X's mind raced as he processed Zero's words, the weight of the challenge ahead pressing down on him. The tower, with its mysterious defenses, stood not only as a monument to Sigma's forethought but also as a pivotal piece in their ongoing struggle. "And if the outside is guarded, then why should the inside be any different?" he suggested, Zero in turn nodding in agreement. "Still, hypothetically speaking, should we somehow regain control over it, what then?"
"Then we have a better means of not only extending our reach over the island, but keeping it," Zero answered. "And I won't lie, I believe it's something that we will be in need of soon," before X could question him, the blonde Reploid leaned in closer. "We'll discuss this later in private."
Private? Again, X got no time to respond, the red Hunter turning to the rest of those accompanying them on their scouting mission.
"All right, this sector looks clear, let's head on further down! Half of you search the East while the others scour the West of this district, understood?!"
"Yes, sir!"
The others split up, X about to join them, yet a hand placed itself on his shoulder, garnering his attention and turning to see that there was more to this arrangement than just getting a good scope of the inner portions of Abel City.
Later
"I think this counts as 'private' enough, wouldn't you say?" Zero glanced around, his keen eyes scanning the remnants of the urban landscape that once bustled with life. Though the rooftop of the dilapidated structure wasn't completely isolated, it felt like a small sanctuary amidst the surrounding devastation. The distant sounds of wreckage settling and the faint, haunting echoes of a world long gone served as a somber backdrop for their conversation.
"More or less," X replied with a wry chuckle, attempting to inject a bit of humor into the stark reality that loomed around them. His gaze drifted over the crumbled buildings and the remnants of a city that had witnessed untold struggles. "But seriously, what is it? Is there something you want to tell me aside from the chaos unfolding below?"
"You could say that," Zero replied, his demeanor shifting as he grew more serious. He took a step closer, his voice lowering to ensure their discussion remained contained to just the two of them. "Although, I suppose it's more accurate to say that I'm asking you for a favor."
"A favor?" X asked, a hint of curiosity piquing his interest. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious.
"Yes," Zero affirmed, his expression becoming more intense. "Given everything that's happened with...you know who, I don't think anyone else but you should be the one to act on this. It's delicate."
X's brow furrowed in confusion, a mix of concern and puzzlement swirling within him. "What do you mean?" he pressed, keen to understand the weight of Zero's request that hung in the air between them.
The long-haired blonde shifted his gaze toward his companion, the intense blue of his eyes locking onto the deep, vibrant green of the other's. A subtle tension filled the air as he spoke, his voice steady but laced with concern. "It concerns your friend, Ray B.," he said, each word carefully chosen, hinting at complexities lurking beneath the surface. The companion's expression shifted, curiosity and apprehension intertwining as he awaited more information, the weight of unspoken questions hanging between them.
Note: Currently, this chapter spans approximately 16 to 17 pages and contains over 4,500 words. Please let me know if you think this is a suitable length for the content. I've noticed that aiming for a more average-length chapter can often facilitate quicker writing and more efficient output. Additionally, if you come across any errors or inconsistencies that I may have overlooked, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your assistance!
