What X Remembers
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
The following is Bonus Material for Season V, which takes place immediately after the Epilogue. As a writing exercise, I delved into X’s memories, which will shape his character interactions and motivations for Season VI. Needless to say, if you haven’t read Season V or played X5, there will be SPOILERS ahead. Otherwise, I thoroughly hope you enjoy “What X Remembers”.
-Fade in-
——————————————————————–
INT. MHHQ BUNKER - Underground Shelter
——————————————————————–
X, and two of his new recruits continue to work together at rebuilding their Maverick Hunter Headquarters. Hanse and Hal put together a beam generator as X moves other equipment to a new pile for building.
As the three eventually finish building another support beam Hal looks down with remorse.
HAL:
I wish Captain Zero were here…
X pauses with sharp eyes and simply smirks.
X:
Heh… Ya know what? He already is. Right here.
He puts his hand on his chest and pats it twice. Then he walks away.
Low mumbles can be heard amongst his two recruits, which peaks X’s interest. He turns around.
X:
What’s that?
HAL:
No, nothing…
Hanse gives his partner a disapproving look.
X pays no mind to their secret and thinks about how they’ll move forward from here. He wants to create a new Utopia for this broken World.
X:
(passionate)
“Elysium”… Oh, yes… I’ll do it. Someday…
X walks on and fondly thinks about his Best Friend, who sacrificed everything to get him here.
-Fade to White-
[INSERT TITLE CARD – What X Remembers]
-FLASH-
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EXT. ABEL CITY - Central Highway - NIGHT
——————————————————————–
Caption: 7 years ago
-A grainy image of Zero blasting off the arm of Vile’s Mech at the Central Highway appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
You were always so strong…
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–
INT. SIGMA FORTRESS – Vile’s Lair – NIGHT
——————————————————————–
-A grainy image of Zero gripping onto the back of Vile’s Mech and self-destructing appears-
ZERO:
(v.o, echoing)
Yaaaaaahhhh!!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
You were always willing to risk everything, even if it meant losing your life.
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–--------
INT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Control Room - DAY
——————————————————————–--------
Caption: 6 years ago…
X:
(v.o, narrating)
I thought you were gone for good…
-A grainy image of the X-Hunters com-linking to their main monitor appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
…but it turns out that the X-Hunters had your parts, and they challenged me to fight for them.
-A grainy image of X facing Serges in Wheel Gator’s Dino Tank appears-
-A grainy image of X facing Violen at a desert with Overdrive Ostrich appears-
-A grainy image of X facing Agile inside a Volcano appears. Flame Stag has been impaled-
X:
(v.o narrating)
It would take some time to revive you, but in the end we secured your parts.
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–---------------
INT. X-HUNTER BASE – Mother Computer Room – NIGHT
——————————————————————–---------------
-A grainy image of an Evil Clone Zero standing alongside Sigma appears-
SIGMA
(v.o)
Look who I found wandering around, X! Allow me to introduce you to my new partner!
-A grainy image of the black clone, getting shot down by a red Zero appears-
-flash-
ZERO:
Sigma!! You should’ve studied the blueprints closer! There is only ONE ZERO!!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
And then you came back and saved me in the knick of time...
Sigma panics as he backs up to the gateway behind him.
-A grainy image of X dragon punching Sigma through his Computer Virus form appears. Zero looks on with pride-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We took Sigma down together…
-Flash-
Sigma’s head shakes and it shrinks inside the Mother Computer as the entire mainframe begins to explode.
SIGMA:
(struggling)
Why, Zero…? You were… last… of.. The Docttttor’s… creationzz… Guaaaaaah!!
-Flash-
——————————————————————–
EXT. NORTH POLE - Barren Cliff - DAY
——————————————————————–
A grainy image of X and Zero gazing at the explosion of X-Hunter Base from the top of a cliff appears.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
…But then something strange happened…
-Flash-
——————————————————————–-------------------
INT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Main Entrance - DAY
——————————————————————–-------------------
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Suddenly a lot of people quit…
Captain welcomes Zero back into the Maverick Hunters, but the other Maverick Hunters will not have it.
GRAVITY BEETLE:
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
-flash-
WEB SPIDER:
…I refuse to stick around for this…
-flash-
GRIZZLY SLASH:
Me too… I’ll be much better off without the Maverick Hunters!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We lost a lot of people that day… I still can’t remember why, but I believed in you!
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–-----------------
INT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Cain Labs – NIGHT
——————————————————————–-----------------
Caption: 5 years ago
X:
(v.o, narrating)
You were determined to clear your name amongst our other ranks, and when the World was in peril… you were there.
A glass pod opens, as X wakes up from a horrid dream. He notices Zero standing at the Mother Computer Console, near Dr. Cain and the old Research Division.
X:
…Zero, what’s going on?
ZERO:
Terrible commotion. All over the world!
Zero pulls up a World Map on the screen, where Maverick Activity is indicated all across the globe.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Sigma threatened the safety of the World from within our own Cyber Network! As we worked together, you slowly regained their trust.
-A grainy image of X dragon punching Sigma’s nostalgic giant Wolf form in Cyberspace appears. An injured Zero watches in awe-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We proved we were a Team, again!
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–
INT. WEATHER CENTER – Control Room - NIGHT
——————————————————————–
Caption: 4 years ago…
After defeating a revived, upgraded Wire Sponge, a slime-like substance floats around the room, and quickly makes its way over to X.
Suddenly, Zero teleports into the room.
ZERO:
X, get AWAY FROM THAT THING!!!!
Zero fires a charged Z-Buster at it immediately.
The glob is blown apart and splatters everywhere. Parts of the substance fall on X’s arm and absorb into the pores of his Buster…
X:
Wha? Zero!!!
ZERO:
Shit!!!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
…Then I had a major scare…
-FLASH-
——————————————————————–-----------
INT. RENOVATED FACTORY – Inner Sanctum - NIGHT
——————————————————————–-----------
X falls to one knee, and eventually curls up in the fetal position as the pain is too much to bear.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
I was infected by that strange substance…
SCHMITT:
(Teasing, taunting)
…it seems that the Limited is taking over your little blue friend’s body from the inside. Starting with his X-Buster!
-flash-
ZERO:
(calling out, focused)
Hold on X!! I’ll fend him off and take care of this. You just try to get your bearings…
X:
(in pain, struggling)
Ng.. r-right…
-flash-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
But you helped me get through it.
-A grainy image of Schmitt standing behind X with charged up arms appears-
-A grainy image of Zero getting in front of Schmitt’s deadly blue blast appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
You were even willing to sacrifice yourself for me, again! THAT was the Zero, I knew.
-A grainy image of X blasting Schmitt with his upgraded Clear High Buster appears-
-A grainy image of a damaged Schmitt using the Mother Limited to transform appears-
-A grainy image of iX, his Maverick Counter-part, emerging from the Mother Limited’s mouth appears-
-flash-
iX:
Consider me, your Evil Twin…
-flash-
-A grainy image of X’s chest plate upgrading into green-tinted Clear Armor appears-
-A grainy image of X’s legs upgrading into green-tinted Clear Armor appears-
iX:
What the Hell!!?
X gives his clone a smug grin.
-Flash-
-A grainy image of the two diving after each other in sync, blasting Charge Shots through each other’s chests appears.-
-fade to white-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
In the end, I rid myself of iX and the infection altogether, but that was only the beginning.
-A grainy image of X and Zero performing their Double Buster attack on Dr. Doppler’s Mother Limited Repligiant appears-
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————-------------
INT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Control Room – NIGHT
—————————————————————————-------------
Caption: 3 years ago… March
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Dr. Doppler was our enemy now, and he got the best of us.
X is transported into the Control Room from a hangerter paralyzing device. He sees that Captain is attached to a Hangerter as well, severely damaged. All of the Navigators, including Nina are dead.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
His forces invaded our base when we were least expecting it…
X:
(disheartened, exhausted)
Mac… How could you…?
-flash-
Suddenly, Zero comes rushing through the door.
ZERO:
HEY!
-A grainy image of Zero slicing Mac diagonally, across his chest appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We had already been through so much, but I could always count on you.
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————-
EXT. SAFARI PARK – Neon Tiger Fight – DAY
—————————————————————————-
-A grainy image of Neon Tiger slicing X’s wounded chest appears.-
With X grounded, Neon Tiger puts his foot against his chest.
NEON TIGER:
Still alive I see… We can fix that…
X:
Agh.. NO! X to Hunter Base… Can anyone hear me..? I.. I NEED HELP!
-flash-
Zero teleports in behind Neon Tiger.
-A grainy image of Zero shooting Neon tiger in the back appears-
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————---------------------
EXT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Ruined Entrance – NIGHT
—————————————————————————---------------------
X emerges from a fire at the front of their Base, staring down Bit and Byte with a blazing spirit in his eyes.
-A grainy image of X firing a strong golden wave of power from his buster appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Dr. Doppler’s ‘Nightmare Police’ had attacked our Base a 2nd time… They tried to implant a virus in my head that would transform me into iX, but they failed.
-flash-
The blast takes off Bit’s arm, while a damaged Byte nervously holds his partner up.
BIT:
H-h-h-h-huh???
BYTE:
So this is the true power of Mega Man X…
BIT & BYTE:
Good…to… know…
X:
(panting, calming down)
I will defeat you… no matter what the cost… and I will Never… become a Devil… again!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
You had defended me the entire time I was out. I’ll never forget that… We took out the rest of Doppler’s forces and eventually had a rematch with them.
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————-
EXT. POINT D – Lab Entrance – DAY
—————————————————————————-
X and Zero charge their busters at the same time, and place their gauntlets right next to each other. Bit and Byte stand by defiantly, allowing them to power up.
-flash-
X & ZERO:
Doooouuuublllleeee, BUSTEEEEERRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
The size of their combined Charge Shot is an immense color of teal that actually makes Bit flinch.
BIT:
Wh-what?
Bit and Byte stubbornly take the blast, which results in a large explosion in the area.
-A grainy image of the whole battlefield covered in dust appears-
-A grainy image of Marty unearthing X with Recon Raccoon and Cross-Hare of the old 9th Unit appears-
-A grainy image of X unearthing Zero with a level 2 blast, while still holding Marty appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Somehow, they survived and killed Marty… But you took care of that for me.
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————-
INT. DOPPLER LABS – Destroyed Lair – DAY
—————————————————————————-
An immense explosion causes X to fall into the room, from the floor above. When he lands, he sees the combined form of Bit & Byte burn to death.
ZERO:
(calming down, cooling off)
Sorry about the mess, X. Things got a little intense on my end…
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Taking down Doppler was too intense for both of us, but eventually we pulled through. I still don’t think I would’ve survived against Sigma that time without your Saber…
-A grainy image of X stabbing Sigma in the lower abdomen with the Z-Saber appears-
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————----------
INT. OLD MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Cain Labs – NIGHT
—————————————————————————----------
After successfully destroying Doppler’s Lab, the two heroes teleport into Dr. Cain’s Lab feeling sluggish and sleepy. Having not had a full night’s rest yet, Dr. Cain has interrupted their slumber out of sheer excitement of his latest creation.
ZERO:
Hmph… we’re here. What do you want?
DR. CAIN:
(overjoyed, excited)
Hehehe. I finished it.. It’s finally done!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
But then came the Repliforce…
X:
Hm??
-A grainy image of X meeting Colonel and shaking his hand appears-
-A grainy image of Zero staring and waving at Iris, enchanted appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Dr. Cain put a lot of faith in Colonel and Iris. He thought they were going to lead the Reploids into the next generation with a Faction of their own. You befriended the Colonel and quickly became enamored with his sister…
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————----------
EXT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Training Grounds – DAY
—————————————————————————----------
Caption: 3 years ago… June
Zero clashes sabers with Colonel, who is an expert swordsman, himself.
The two smile as they continue to spar.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
The Repliforce aided us on Laguz Island, which was one of our most difficult missions. With their help, we took down 24 revived Mavericks and the Soul Erasers responsible for bringing Sigma back.
-FLASH-
—————————————————————————-
INT. BERKANA LABS – Sigma’s Chamber – NIGHT
—————————————————————————-
Sigma unleashes a new deadly form, before X and Zero, who look up at his gigantic body with trepidation.
-A grainy black and white image of Zero destroying Sigma’s fallen body with a dark giga attack appears-
-fade to white-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We attained peace for a short while, but it was tainted by Dr. Cain’s funeral.
-A grainy image of all the Maverick Hunters and Repliforce in attendance at his service appears-
-fade to white-
Caption: 3 years ago… November
X:
(v.o, narrating)
A few months later, rumors had surfaced about Corruption within the Repliforce and when the Sky Lagoon Incident happened, you immediately sought to bring them to justice. Soon a War had sparked that you were more than willing to participate in.
-FLASH-
-A grainy image of X taking a Charge Shot while Zero uppercuts Web Spider with his saber appears-
-A grainy image of X ramming into Magma Dragoon with his Nova Strike appears-
-A grainy image of Zero impaling Frost Walrus with a downward saber-thrust appears-
-A grainy image of Zero destroying Storm Owl with Rakuhouha appears-
-A grainy image of Zero slicing General with Shippuuga and X taking a Plasma Shot appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
I hated it… We took down the Reploid Army, Navy & Marine force! Most of which were people we called our friends!! I knew bigger forces had to be at play here, and low and behold, I was right.
-flash-
After a wild explosion, the General still hovers before them, half-damaged. Then the entire Satellite Facility starts to shake, giving them all pause.
GENERAL:
This weapon can’t be working… It must be malfunctioning…
X:
General! What do you mean?
ZERO:
What’s wrong?
GENERAL:
Someone else is controlling it! …You must hurry Men. The earth is… in danger!
-Flash-
—————————————————————————-
INT. FINAL WEAPON – Corridor – NIGHT
—————————————————————————-
As the whole Satellite Facility shakes, X and Zero run down a metal corridor.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Sigma was behind it all. He manipulated all of us, the whole time!
-Flash-
—————————————————————————-
INT. FINAL WEAPON – Gateway – NIGHT
—————————————————————————-
The room continues to shake violently as Sigma points down at them and laughs.
SIGMA:
Hee hee hehee. Now all that’s left is to destroy Earth with the very weapon they made.
X shakes his head.
X:
No! I’ll never let you do that!
SIGMA:
Try hard X. Your life depends on it!
ZERO:
Sigma… I will defeat you!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
The idea shook me to the core. …He was really willing to destroy the whole World that time. And this time, he almost did…
-FLASH-
————————————————————————————------------------
EXT. HEXAGON COAST HIGHWAY – Statue Construction Site – DAY
————————————————————————————------------------
Caption: One week ago, December 5th.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
When Sigma fought us a week ago, he lost to me on purpose.
X feels the inner flame from within ignite, once again.
SIGMA:
Heeheehee. Yes, X. Do it. Let’s test Might against Might, just as we have BEFORE!!!
Sigma unleashes a huge purple power blast at X, just as X glows golden and thrusts himself in an air-dash with a Nova Strike.
X & SIGMA:
GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
X’s Nova Strike powers through the purple blast and completely overtakes the cannon from inside Sigma’s mouth. Not only is the cannon destroyed, but his jaw snaps, completely broken. Then, his head begins to explode.
ZERO:
(smiling, relieved)
You did it…
He takes a breath and allows himself to lean back as he watches Sigma die again.
Explosions surround his head and violently erupt from within, but then something dark begins to peer out from his breaking body.
ZERO:
Wait a minute.. what the-?
SIGMA:
Hee hee hee. AAAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Sigma lets himself go completely as his entire head explodes and releases a massive wave of the dark matter.
X and Zero look at the darkened sky in fear.
Purple, dark, evil energy fills the sky and swirls around in the heavy winds.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
He wanted to create a World of Mavericks, but we would not let him.
-FLASH-
————————————————————————————
INT. NEW MHHQ – Control Room - DAY
————————————————————————————
SIGNAS:
The situation is far worse than expected. Sigma’s explosion has spread the Virus all over the Earth. It’s affecting both people and Reploids.
-flash-
X:
(gasping)
This is horrible…
SIGNAS:
What’s worse, the Space Colony, Eurasia, is heading straight toward us.
-flash-
ALIA:
We have no choice… For the sake of the world, we must destroy the Colony!
On Signas’ Monitor, an image of a large cannon is pulled up.
ALIA:
…But the only weapon we have in the Hunter Base that still works is……the Enigma… And it’s very old.
-flash-
ALIA:
…We also have a Space Shuttle, but it’s been affected by the Virus, and the Auto-Pilot function doesn’t work…
ZERO:
Damn it!
ALIA:
So we need someone to fly it to the Colony and let it collide… It’s almost certain death, but we have no other choice.
Zero nods with a firm look in his eyes. X is concerned by this.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
We decided to reach out to old contacts for parts to build up the Enigma Cannon, first. But everywhere we went – the reploids were already infected… Or had a grudge with us…
-A grainy image of Ex-Repliforce, Duff McWhalen challenging X at the Pacific Ocean appears-
-A grainy image of Ex-Maverick Hunter, Squid Adler challenging X at his Lab appears-
-A grainy image of Dr. Glow challenging X & Zero at his Fortress appears-
X:
(v.o, narrating)
But then the time came. We were going to fire the Enigma.
-FLASH-
———————————————————————–
INT. NEW MHHQ – Control Room – NIGHT
———————————————————————–
Caption: December 6th, 1:00 AM
Signas clenches a fist as he makes his fateful command.
SIGNAS:
All right… This is it. /FIRE!
-pan to –
———————————————————————–
EXT. NEW MHHQ – The Enigma Cannon - NIGHT
———————————————————————–
We see a final back-angle view of the cannon as it blasts it’s huge wave of energy into the sky.
We follow the giant blue wave of energy into Outer Space, where it collides with the Space Colony, Eurasia.
-pan to-
———————————————————————–
EXT. OUTER SPACE – Eurasia - NIGHT
———————————————————————–
The Space Colony is struck by the blast, which does severe damage to it’s front and side. The blast erupts into a brilliant flash of light.
-Fade to White-
SIGNAS:
(o.s)
Did we make it? …Did it get crushed apart?? Alia, give us the report.
ALIA:
(o.s)
…Negative! We only destroyed 62%!!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
When that didn’t work, we immediately defaulted to our Back-Up Plan.
-Flash-
—————————————————————-
INT. NEW MHHQ - Control Room - NIGHT
—————————————————————-
X:
We have a back-up plan. Let’s concentrate on our next move!
Signas looks over to X, amazed and snaps out of his own dejection.
SIGNAS:
(brighter)
All right!
He claps his hands once, drawing some of their attention.
SIGNAS:
We will execute the Shuttle Operation! Don’t give up hope! The future of the Earth depends on us!
Signas draws their attention to his screen once again, changing the image to their Space Shuttle blueprints.
SIGNAS:
This is our last hope. The Space Shuttle Operation.
Alia takes a deep breath and reads off the briefing from her tablet.
ALIA:
The shuttle will approach and fly into the Colony. The pilots will eject at the last minute.
-flash-
ALIA:
It’s very dangerous because they could get sucked into the blast… In the end, I fear that this will fail just like the Enigma. We need to gather as many devices as we can to strengthen the shuttle’s power. But the Auto-Pilot function doesn’t work…
Signas looks to his bravest Hunters.
SIGNAS:
(sighing)
Okay, gather as many devices as you can.
Douglas turns to them, while his eyes are still affixed to the screen, anxiously.
DOUGLAS:
We’ll try to upgrade it from here. This is the last chance for us, so we have to make it count!
SIGNAS:
I know this mission is hard for you all, but the important thing is for us to stay optimistic…
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Again, we reached out to Reploids who had the parts we needed to upgrade the Shuttle. Only, this time they were Mavericks or Ex-Repliforce…
-A grainy image of Dark Necrobat challenging X at the Planetarium Science Center appears-
-A grainy image of Dynamo challenging X at MHHQ appears-
-A grainy image of Axle the Red challenging X at a Secret Repliforce Base appears-
-A grainy image of X assisting Zero against Burn Dino-Rex at Sunhouse Mountain appears-
X:
Once we got what we needed, we went right to work on the Shuttle. Then, you made the Ultimate Sacrifice.
-FLASH-
————————————————————————
INT. NEW MHHQ – Control Room – DAY
————————————————————————
Alia and Douglas run in to the Control Room to join X and Signas, who are pensively monitoring the Shuttle Dock.
ALIA:
Okay, guys. This is it! The moment we’ve all been waiting for.
X:
(worried)
Let’s hope it was worth it…
She gives X a concerned look and puts a hand on his shoulder.
ALIA:
Hey.. It’s gonna be okay. Positive thoughts, right?
She tries to smile at him, but he is too worried, which causes her to break her stride as well. With an uneasy brow, she watches Douglas patch in a com-link to the Shuttle, who still has a smile on his face.
Douglas picks up the communicator and begins his sequence.
DOUGLAS:
The Space Shuttle. Stand-by!
SIGNAS:
I trust you… Zero. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you…
-cut to-
————————————————————————
EXT. NEW MHHQ – Shuttle Dock – DAY
————————————————————————
From the dock, we see a top view of the shuttle. All the technicians have cleared the area, as the Shuttle begins to rev itself for lift off.
ZERO:
(o.s, filtered)
Don’t mention it! This is my mission. I’m the only pilot left, you know.
X:
(o.s, filtered)
Zero, I’ll do it instead of you!
ZERO:
(o.s, filtered)
X, you should stay here. Who else will protect the Earth?
X:
(o.s filtered)
Don’t talk as if you won’t be back!
ZERO:
(o.s, filtered)
I’m sure I’ll be back! I won’t die on such an easy mission. When I become a Maverick… I think that’s when I’ll have died.
-Flash-
At full force, the rocket shoots out from the dock and passes the danger range. It soon reaches high into the sky, beyond the stratosphere, and leaves the Earth’s orbit.
-pan to-
————————————————————————
INT. NEW MHHQ – Control Room – DAY
————————————————————————
From their monitor, they can see that the Shuttle is swiftly flying out towards the giant looming Colony, not far away.
ALIA:
Zero, the Colony is approaching… Go!
DOUGLAS:
I’m sure it’ll work this time!
X:
Zero will make it and get out okay!
ZERO:
(filtered)
Locking on to the Space Colony. I’ll get as close to it as possible, then I’ll abandon the Shuttle. There’s lots of debris from the Colony around here… I have to pilot the Shuttle around the debris…
From the screen, the Shuttle dispatches off of the rocket, and freely maneuvers around the debris, while the rocket dangerously bashes through it.
Light explosions form around Zero and threaten to take his ship out. He weaves away with a quick turn to the left.
ZERO:
(filtered, reacting)
Whoa! …Otherwise the Shuttle will be destroyed before it crashes into Eurasia.
DOUGLAS:
Zero! I believe you can do it!!
ZERO:
(filtered)
Thanks, Douglas… It’s time to go… I’ll cut communication in 5 seconds and get out of here!
X:
Good luck, Zero!
SIGNAS:
Good luck, Zero!
His com-link goes out and the worry sets in to everyone in the room.
At the last moment, they see a piece of debris knock into Zero’s ship, which throws him slightly off-course. Alia and the others look at the screen, concerned.
ALIA:
(gasping)
7 seconds to impact. 5…4…3…2… …
X:
Zeroooo!
A loud explosive burst is heard over the coms, before it is taken over by white noise.
SIGNAS:
(nervous)
…Did we make it? Did it crash??
DOUGLAS:
We did everything we could to strengthen it… Everything…! …Zero…!
Signas tries to patch in a com-link.
SIGNAS:
Zero, can you read me?
Alia focuses desperately on the read outs from their satellites and pulls up multiple angles of the crash report.
ALIA:
The Shuttle crashed into the Colony! The destruction rate is… 70%
DOUGLAS:
70%!! Is that enough??
She stares at the monitor as if in a trance, as she quickly does her calculations. Then, she puts a hand to her mouth, visibly sobbing through short gasps.
ALIA:
I’m afraid…The Colony won’t be destroyed in time…Our mission.. has failed…
SIGNAS:
Not entirely! The Earth will survive… What about Zero?
X:
(v.o, narrating)
Zero survived too, but he was very injured. He stubbornly pressed on in his mission. I was so scared, that I… blocked most of it out of my memory…
-FLASH-
————————————————————----------
INT. FALLEN COLONY – Blue Zero Space – DAY
————————————————————----------
X teleports to Antarctica and walks over towards the broken Colony. As he nears the crater, he can see the mysterious energy of the Colony Virus swell all around him.
He takes a deep breath.
X:
(whispering)
Here goes nothing…
X:
(v.o, narrating)
I remember getting there… and having a really hard time with Security Lasers…
-A grainy image of X in his base armor narrowly dodging lasers down a gap-fall corridor appears-
X:
(v.o narrating)
And then I recall… A Monster. Zero killed it!
-Flash-
————————————————————-----------------------
INT. FALLEN COLONY – Mysterious Monster Lair – DAY
————————————————————-----------------------
X looks at the fallen creature with a confused frown.
ALIA:
(o.s, filtered)
We didn’t want you to get your hopes up, but Zero has destroyed this monster. We saw the whole thing through his coms while you were asleep.
X:
…Huh… Why didn’t you tell me??
ALIA:
(o.s, filtered)
Signas thought it was best to let you discover this on your own…
X:
What!? Why??
ALIA:
(o.s, filtered)
Everything happened so fast. We’re still processing it as this all unfolds. …I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to keep anything from you.
X watches the defeated skull with an irate brow, but then softens his gaze as he wonders about Zero.
X:
I don’t know what to think…
ALIA:
(o.s, filtered)
Please don’t be mad.
He stares at the dead monster and almost smiles.
X:
No, it’s not that. It’s just- Zero! He actually fought this thing! I’m.. really surprised! And actually… Impressed!!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
He must’ve… hid away in that part of the Colony when it crashed into Earth. And then continued the mission from there, because everywhere else I went the Mavericks were cleared. Except Sigma…
-FLASH-
————————————————————------------------
INT. FALLEN COLONY – Rangda Bangda Room – DAY
————————————————————------------------
-A grainy image of X fighting in the Rangda Bangda Room in his new Gaea Armor appears-
X destroys it with a Gaea Shot and the whole room explodes around him. With that, the Rangda Bangda trap has been destroyed.
SIGMA:
(o.s, filtered)
Very good, X. Zero is waiting for you just further ahead.
Explosions continue to pervade throughout the room.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
That room must’ve… knocked me out… Because when I came to, I found myself in my old host pod, standing across Zero’s host pod and he was severely damaged!!
-FLASH-
————————————————————————–
INT. FALLEN COLONY – Sigma’s Lair – DAY
————————————————————————–
X’s eyes open. He wakes up, perplexed by his new surroundings as his vision is still quite blurry.
X:
(weak, soft)
e-eh… Where.. am I???
SIGMA:
Hee hee hee hee. Impressive… The number one Reploid, you are… You came to, much earlier than I expected.
He looks around as his vision becomes clearer and notices that a torso of Zero is in his old Host Pod. He shakes his head, growing more awake and upset by the second.
X:
…Why? Why did you do this?!
SIGMA:
Because of Zero… I wanted to awaken him from his false self.
X:
What?!
X:
(v.o, narrating)
There is no ‘false self’. Sigma would say anything to get me to turn on him. But no… In the end, we Both defeated him!
-Flash-
Just above the shutter, X slides down, sweating and panting, still in his Ultimate Form.
X:
Even if it kills me… I’m gonna make sure that this ends, Here and NOW!!!!!
SIGMA:
YOU BASTARD!!!!! NNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Sigma desperately fills the room with more Virus Blocks at X’s position, but he Nova Strikes against Sigma’s head three more times - diagonally in an ‘X’ pattern and with a final one directly from below.
When the Nova Strike fades, X hovers in mid-air with his thrusters. He looks at Sigma’s cracked face. He barely resembles himself anymore.
Out of nowhere, Sigma is struck by a Charge Shot from below.
Surprised, X looks down to see a sad Zero, who is only a torso with one arm, and a buster formed in his right hand.
SIGMA:
AAAGHH. Noo, Zero!!!!! You were supposed to follow me!!!
ZERO:
Heh.. Not, this time… Some things.. go beyond our programming…
Zero winces in pain and smiles at X.
SIGMA:
Gwaaaaaaaa!
X’s thrusters give out and he falls to the ground. Upon landing, he powers down into his base form as he looks up at Sigma’s horrific Skull. A swarm of explosions emit across his face, neck and body. His gigantic armored plating falls apart and parts of his skeleton can be seen as the explosions grow more and more.
SIGMA:
Damn… But I’ll never…die alone! I’ll take…Zero…down with me!
X:
No! Stop using Zero as a shield!
SIGMA:
The three of us can die together!!!
ZERO:
No.. Leave X out of this!
SIGMA:
Gha ha ha ha ha…!
-flash-
X and Zero widen their eyes as the whole room erupts into an explosion.
The blast knocks both of them away from each other.
After a few quiet moments, X stirs and crawls back up to his feet.
X:
………………Zero?
X barely walks over to his broken body.
X:
Zerooo! Zerooo!
He collapses on top of him and holds his torso close to his chest. Zero’s body is limp.
X:
Zero! Zero! NO! Don’t die…again!
Tears start to form. He shakes his head.
-pan slowly to the right, behind X-
We see a husk of Sigma’s skull on the ground, with a short mound of wires from his neck, barely holding him up. His left eye slowly activates, and he manages to open his mouth.
SIGMA:
………Dro… Drop Dead…!
A power ball forms from his mouth.
Caught off guard and still holding Zero close, X is startled.
X:
………Uh? O-oh, NO!
In the next second, X is blasted from behind while holding onto Zero. The beam penetrates through X’s back and Zero’s chest. X slowly lets go of Zero as he takes the blast.
X:
…Gu, ghaaa…
Zero’s eyes open with a livid glare as he pulls up his buster and smirks.
ZERO:
…How persistent… …you are… …Die… …Sigma…
Zero narrows his focus and unleashes the last of his power into his Z-Buster.
A large, white-spiraled blast emits from his cannon and enters into Sigma’s mouth.
Sigma’s remnants instantly explode, as Zero lands on the ground, glad that it’s over.
X:
(v.o, narrating)
I don’t know how I survived… They’re saying it’s a Miracle. Heh, I’ll bet that you sent me back…
-FLASH-
————————————————————————–
INT. MHHQ – X’s Dorm – DAY
————————————————————————–
Caption: NOW
X sits on his bed and takes out the Z-Saber, looking at it with a fondness.
X:
Zero… you’ve always looked after me.
He grips the saber tight.
X:
Now it’s my turn to look after them.
He activates the saber and ponders a disturbing thought.
X:
They say that we fought before, but why would I ever do that?? Maybe we trained too hard once. Or maybe we squabbled about the Repliforce at some point and I just can’t remember… Not all of my memories are back since recovering from last week, but I will tell you this.
He looks down at the green blade of the Z-Saber with adoration.
X:
I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything. I Love you. And I will respect and honor you for the rest of my days.
He stands up, swings the saber and holds it out, flaring the wild beam from the hilt.
X:
I will carry on your Legacy. No matter what lies ahead… You’ll always be here with me.
He holds the saber above his head horizontally and admires the green hue of the blade, which lights up the room.
X:
We’ll save this World together, Zero.
-Freezeframe. Grainy Effect-
-Fade to Black-
0 notes