A Broken Dream

"Alright, I don’t think I’ll wander too far from here, there isn’t anything that really interests me other than this new partnership…" Xavier spoke being rather frank about the opportunity that he was presented with. "I think I’ll take the time to adjust and check my equipment to make sure its all operating up to spec…" He spoke shrugging a bit as he watched X off to one of the more secure and very well protected areas.

But before the leader left him behind to wait he assured the ancient Hunter that he would be at the match to oversee things. “Alright, well I’ll be sure to give the match everything I have if your going to be there, see you then X” He responded before X was completely out of ear shot leaving the Hunter to finish his preparations for combat.

"The test has been set up and is ready for you whenever you'd like to engage."

The reploid was short, shorter than even X's minimalistic five feet, but despite that fact, the reploid's pale gray eyes warned anyone that knew anything about combat that he was not to be trifled with, nor were the barely observable twin pistols nestled in the reploid's large trench coat-like garb. 

"I'll be the on site examiner, so if you mess up, it's me that you'll have to try to convince, Master X, will be observing from the throne room."

As much as X would have preferred to be on site, he knew that his presence would have thrown the test into disarray and made it impossible to properly gauge the hunter's skill level. 

"Ready?"

The test was not the easiest one he'd seen Master X request, but it was perhaps one of the most novel, ranging from a combat sortie, an infiltration section, and both command and solo test parts.

Could Xavier command forces effectively? Or was he only able to handle being alone? Could he take orders in a unit or did he have to fight alone?

Once they had more privacy from prying ears Xavier was a bit surprised with what X had said, a simple sparing match with someone, as for who it was would remain to be seen, but if X was serious about testing him he wasn’t going to make this a very easy match-up.

Although his views were somewhat similar to X’s with using less forceful methods to achieve peace, another part of him that enjoyed combat and fighting surfaced a bit at the excitement of finally having a battle with someone who could provide him with a challenge.

"I see… Well in that case I’ll do my best" Xavier responded after being informed that if he lived up to the expectations that X had set for him that he would be given different and much more higher risk missions that would provide much better payouts than the regular bounty missions he took on.

Hunters had been asked to do terrible things far too frequently. It was a tragic and bloody history that even though forgotten by most, still stained the pages of Earth.

"I can't say I'm particularly surprised, and if you pass, I'll list you as an independent military contractor."

If he was as good as he thought he might be... Odds were he'd be able to offer missions to the former hunter directly.

The best way to test someone's mettle was to test them yourself, but... No, it'd be best if he allowed one of the guardians or their seconds to do that.

"I'll have the spar arranged, it'll take a little bit of time, but while you're waiting, feel free to wander the complex. The high security areas are of course, off limits, but they're easy enough to spot. The intercom will give you the information on where to go, when everything is ready. I'll consider this a mission with a small bounty should you complete the test." It'd give Xavier enough incentive to stick around while he prepared his opponent.

Thankfully, X and his allies had oiled Neo Arcadia to run like a smooth machine, each part moved fluidly and could react in a surprisingly quick manner. This in turn meant that what could have taken hours would take far less time.

Giving another small head tilt, X took his leave. 

As more Hunters began to file into the building some of them began to whisper and talk amongst themselves about why the leader of Neo Arcadia was here, talking to a simple bounty hunter, Xavier didn’t ind the chatter, but he knew that they would begin to draw a lot of unwanted attention if they remained “Hm… Of course, as I said before, you likely have more to say to me… Its not every day that you find an ancient relic like me standing around still” Xavier remarked being careful not to mention the wars long past or the Maverick Hunters whom were all thought to be gone.

Following closely to X as he spoke he listened in silence to what the aged hero of Neo Arcadia had to say, again he brought up Xavier abilities and how he seemed to stand out from the rest of the state bounty hunters.

When he spoke again Xavier felt almost as if X wanted to test him, to see just how skilled he really was, what made Xavier even more sure of X’s intentions was the quick glance he cast back to the ex Hunter, almost as if he was already testing him as is.

"Ancient reploids aren't exactly a common theme." He agreed, focusing on Xavier as he did so.

Turning fully to face the former hunter, X felt a little frustrated with himself that even now he couldn't place the reploid. Perhaps they'd only rarely interacted in the hunter days, or perhaps...

Well, he'd be putting Xavier's words to the test soon enough.

But, at Xavier's question, Neo Arcadia's master tilted his head forward slightly, acknowledging that he'd had something planned for Xavier.

"A spar, one to see just what you can do. I have a few reploids that should prove to be a reasonably tough match." He wasn't completely sure of Xavier's power, particularly since while he'd taken out the rampaging mechaniloids and hadn't had a terrible time with them... It could have been from careful planning, or perhaps just raw combat ability. 

If it was from the first option, that was fine, a sharp wit always had a place, but if it had been from the former... Well, he'd be able to authorize missions to Xavier, possibly directly.

"Depending on the results, you might secure access to some... More difficult, and better paying missions." 

    “I would love to grow one myself,” Ciel piped, looking at the rose in his hand. “A rose…”

    The thorns and many meanings in a rose were what had convinced her of it’s value. She really wanted to grow them and eventually share them with others. Still innocent to how much life outside the walls of the building was struggling. How precious every single life was with a innocent desire to share it all.

    “Even with it’s thorns it’s very beautiful and I would want to share share them with you. Especially if I can grow one myself.” She hums softly, as she imagined growing the flower herself and showing it to everyone. Especially to X as he’s the one showing her the flowers and their small wonders. Suddenly she paused as she realized she didn’t know how to take care of a flower. Botany wasn’t exactly her specialty apparently or at the least wasn’t what she was taught.

    “I’ll probably have to learn how to take care of a flower, cause I wasn’t taught that.” She mused as she looked at the plant and gently touched the petals of the flower. A bit cautious about trying to touch it stem least she hurt herself, or the flower.

"I'll have someone bring us a few seeds then." X promised before he stood and placed a hand on the side of his helmet.

It was purely aesthetic to place his left hand on the side of his head, but he did so anyway. 

"I need you to bring me a small package of rose seeds... Yes, that would be excellent. I'll be in the garden." With that, he turned back to Ciel, his hand dropping back to his side.

"I'd enjoy that Ciel. With enough time, I'm sure you'll be able to raise a number of roses." 

X nodded approvingly as Ciel confessed her lack of knowledge of the subject. Knowing when to ask for help, or when to confess that one didn't know something was just as important as knowing. It was honestly the best way to learn after all.

Kneeling down once again, and letting a hand rest against a lily X's mind wandered for a moment, remembering the times when these simple signs of life had covered so so so much of the world.

So much had been lost, and for what? It'd all been such a waste... So many sacrifices and for such a... Shoving the thoughts to the back of his mind, X turned his gaze back to Ciel.

"I guess that just makes me lucky then…? I’m nothing special myself honestly, Maverick Hunter or not… I was a simple rank and file soldier that fought to try and protect those who lacked the power to defend themselves…"

When the payment for the bounty had been confirmed as sent to his account Xavier simply wanted out of the awkward situation he was now caught up with with chatting with Master X like this. But something inside the aged bounty hunter kept him rooted to the spot, almost as if deep down wanted to hear what X had to say.

"… Hm… I guess it has been a very long time since that time… Most of that history faded into obscurity…" Xavier spoke sighing lightly, knowing that no one in this new age knew of the Maverick Hunters and what they did to try and save the world.

"Its alright, any records of me would of been lost with that age, the only ones would even know of me would be those who survived the war that turned our world into what it is now…" Xavier spoke, doing his best not to mention the elf wars, as well as referring to the few people who knew him from that time, namely General Harpuia of the Rekku Army.

Speaking of those people who had survived though, it started bringing up memories of those whom had not made it to see this new age.

But his thoughts were cut short when X explained his curiosity.

"Its alright, I suppose mentioning I was a former Hunter would draw some curiosity as well as my abilities… But again, I was nothing special… Not like the Hunter who trained me to be what I am…"

How true... They all had been simple soldiers fighting to defend the weak and innocent. That was the role of the hunters, and those that accepted it, did so because of that reason.

Nodding slowly, X focused on the ex hunter.

"While what we were, and the sacrifices the hunters bore were forgotten, the effects of what we did can still be felt to this day." Glancing behind him, X was surprised to notice that a few bounty hunters were starting to stream in, and he tilted his head at Xavier, as if agreeing with his analysis.

It wouldn't be wise for him to remain here, not when everyone would be asking to speak to him for who knew how long, and he'd draw a crowd, just by observing the surroundings. Not to mention, the other bounty hunters would likely pester Xavier for even talking to the leader of the city.

"Xavier, please follow me. We'll discuss this elsewhere." He agreed before leading the reploid towards the citadel.

He needed to return there anyway, and it would afford them more privacy from wandering eyes that wanted to know what interest X had taken in a simple bounty hunter.

As they walked, X spoke quietly.

"Nothing special or not, it's fairly evident that you're not just another reploid. Not just any reploid could be able to handle themselves in that mission. If anyone completed it, I had expected a bounty hunter squadron or team to manage that."

Yet, he wanted to gauge Xavier's abilities and see just where he was. If he was skilled as X thought... Well, it could be a great asset to Neo Arcadia.

"… It wasn’t anything really… Any Ex Maverick Hunter worth their salt could take on that mission with proper planning… But… Thank you for the praise Master X" Xavier responded to X truthfully while scratching his cheek a bit.

"Ah… My name, Its Xavier, I was a former member of the Maverick Hunters a long time ago" He explained, though he was surprised that X didn’t seem to remember him.

The Golems were a testament to how potent a Mechaniloid could be.

"Most reploids that would have attempted that mission would have been cut to ribbons. It's rare to run across someone that can handle themselves in such a situation."

At that, X noticed that the woman was finished and she had pulled up a display, confirming that Neo Arcadia had wired him his bounty.

However, at the words 'Maverick Hunter', the aged master froze for a moment, old memories rising unbidden. Thankfully, he was able to control them, and his focus fell solely on the reploid in front of him.

"....It's been a long time since I've heard anyone speak about the Maverick hunters... I had thought that they had all perished by this point." X was genuinely surprised that a maverick hunter made it through the elf wars.

Normally, trusting a reploid, a bounty hunter at that, so blindly would be foolhardy. However, X could sense the truth of his words. Even so, he'd be checking in on the Reploid's story, and checking Neo Arcadia's databases. If his creation date wasn't in there, it was extremely likely that his story was true, especially since he had proved that he had quite a fair amount of combat ability as well.

"I'm sorry that I can't remember you Xavier, I...Try to not think about those times." For him, and likely the ex hunter in front of him, the wars were something that they both were incredibly likely to try to avoid.

Of course, his mind did shift back to those days, more than he cared to admit really, and he was reminded of his closest friend once again. Losing Zero had been a devastating blow that he'd still not quite recovered from, and now, he doubted he ever would.

For decades he'd been X's only friend, the only one that had been willing to stand beside him through thick and thin. A bond such as that could not be forgotten, no matter how much he might have wanted to.

But... It did mean that his other memories, of Reploids such as Alia, Signas, and Axl were less vivid. Sure, they had become dear friends, but he rarely thought of them. (Compared to Zero of course.)

As for other reploids, the ones that he didn't think of? Most of them faded into obscurity, they became yet another name on his wall of casualties that he kept in his mind.

Blinking once, X's eyes adjusted and refocused on Xavier.

"One of the reasons I had to ask is because while the bounties we post here are decent, they're usually set to a level that common hunters can deal with usually. I was about to pull the Mechaniloid mission off the table actually as it was too dangerous for most hunters to even consider undertaking. It's been a great boon to Neo Arcadia that these problems have been dealt with by the hunters of course, but most of the issues that we don't post here I felt are far too dangerous for a typical hunter."

"I also have the video feed of both the battle and my retrieving the mechaniloids central processing units time stamped and ready to be reviewed" He spoke as he also placed his data pad on the desk to be reviewed by the secretary.

As the secretary took the items to review them X suddenly spoke up with a question, it had taken him by surprise.

Nodding slowly, X accepted his word. After all, the strange hunter wouldn't have anything to gain from lying to him beyond likely getting himself a mission that was far beyond what he could handle. Any seasoned veteran would know better than to lie about something like this. 

"It's rare to see a reploid that's able to handle such a dangerous mission. I considered pulling it from the bounty list." He conceded before nodding at Xavier once more. 

"Well done." The aged hero complimented.

Turning to focus on Xavier directly, he spoke once again.

"May I ask your name Hunter?" The 'hero' asked intently.

Whoever he was, he wasn't a novice, that much was certain. Of course... He had yet another reason to believe the reploid.

Entering the Hunters Guild the ebon clad ex Maverick Hunter slowly crossed the lobby towards the receptionists desk, but with his eyes having to adjust to the lights within the building he had not taken notice of the man also standing close to the desk.

"Hunter Xavier, reporting the retirement of the rogue mechaniloids that have been attacking the survey and restoration crews in the badlands" He spoke calmly, almost knowing already what the receptionists response to his coming in this early.

When in fact he was coming in late due to complications during the mission, and it showed on his armor in the signs of minor combat damage.

But when the woman didn’t respond right away he grew puzzled at why she had not responded, but once his eyes had fully adjusted to the brightness of the lobby he knew why she had not responded to his reporting in the results of his mission.

"… X…" Was the only response Xavier could cook up upon running into the legendary blue bomber who had saved the world many times over as well as established this great city to protect everyone.

"My apologies Master X, I… Wasn’t expecting to have a run in like this" Xavier spoke slightly flustered but he quickly regained his calm demeanor and bowed slightly in greeting to the great hero.

Turning his attention to the unknown hunter, X tilted his head forward in greeting.

"It's quite alright." X replied, taking a step to one side, giving Xavier plenty of space to speak to the secretary.

"Well done. We were hoping someone would clear them out. Did you bring evidence?" The secretary asked with the slight cheer that she could muster up.

Of course having some form of confirmation was essential when doing something like this. There had been hunters that had tried to dupe the system and tried to get away with things like that. So, in turn, Neo Arcadia typically requested some sort of verification. Usually a critical component or similar, usually stated in the request itself. In most  situations though, they would request a video feed or photo after the battle itself. 

Once verification would be given, she would be able to issue the bounty.

Beside them, X watched intently, quickly placing the bounty in question. It hadn't been an easy mission, and X had been frankly worried that he'd have to send a battalion or so of Pantheon soldiers to clean it up. It would have been expensive and draining of crucial resources that he couldn't spend currently.

But... If he had managed...

"Did you have assistance?" X asked curiously.

As he elaborated on what she could do, or rather what she shouldn’t do, she could hear the pain he was in with the current state Neo Arcadia was in, she wondered how she could console him, to say it wasn’t his fault that things were as they were. In fact, she wanted to thank him for hearing her out. But she kept silent until he mentioned a young woman by the name of Ciel.

"Ah…? I see… But were would I begin to even go about finding her…?" Mystica inquired furrowing her brow a little bit. "If Neo Arcadia is as dangerous for me as you say it is… Wouldn’t seeking her out be just as dangerous…?"

"Well… I guess even if it is dangerous… It would be better than doing nothing right…?" She spoke again after a few seconds of silence between the two. "Alright, I will seek her out… And just maybe… Maybe one day maybe I can share my voice with so many again…" She finished as she smiled a bit, despite her own emotions starting to overwhelm and make the girl tear up slightly, but not in sorrow or anger, but in joy that someone was actually doing everything they could to help her.

Gracing her with a small smile, aged by countless years of hardship, X slowly nodded even as he continued to float.

"Ciel is constantly looking for oppressed or misrepresented Reploids. Her people will have an eye out for innocents like yourself. It also wouldn't surprise me if she moves her group outside of Neo Arcadia eventually. Just... Be careful. The pantheon units are thankfully rather... Well, stupid, so as long as you're on your toes you should be able to avoid them." It was a key weakness, but they had served as excellent soldiers due to the mass numbers.

It wasn't going to be an easy journey, but... It was bad to always be alone.

Relieved at her decision, X nodded in approval.

"I look forward to the day that you'll be able to sing freely everywhere."

It would be a great one, when the people could all enjoy her stellar voice. It wasn't going to be tomorrow, but at least, the girl would be able to lift the hearts of those that had likewise been treated poorly by 'fate' or whatever you wanted to believe in.

When she thanked him he simply continued to smile, despite his tiny size.

"You're welcome. I'm just glad that I was able to hear your side of the story. Good luck."

"Powerful people in high places… But would they really listen to reason when the masses at large have much stronger voices and influence in their decisions…? I know that if I was to explain what happened… Would they really be able to help at all…?" She responded doubtful that no one could really help her, but… Maybe they could, maybe she should at least try, there was no harm in at least trying and seeing what happened…

"Doing whatever you could…" Myst whispered to herself thinking back on it, had she ever done everything she could, maybe, yes? No… After a brief moment with her thoughts, she only thought of herself and keeping herself safe, maybe this was the darkness he had meant, her own selfish desire for safety and not willing to take a chance to try and secure something more than a shaky and questionable safety for herself.

"It's easy to let the world drag you down, to give up on hope and dreams."

He was all too aware of that... He too had lost illusions about the world, and he was... Ready now. Once Zero had... Finished with things, he... Could finally rest.

X nodded simply.

"Leaders are there to serve the people, human and reploid alike. It can sometimes be hard to find a just one, but, if you can, it will be worth it, because they won't give into pressure." X responded.

Sometimes, corruption leaked into the leadership, a fact he was all too aware of, but, there were still good people that would fight for the innocent, the victims, and the weak.

That's what it meant to truly lead, to support those that needed it most.

But, as she began her 'supposes' X finally understood a bit more. It wasn't hypothetical for her. For her, this was a very real problem. Worse yet, it wasn't unheard of. He himself had been tasked on dealing with 'Mavericks', and it had always been a messy, and terrible business. But, he'd fought to end those days of assumption. Unfortunately, with him leaving the throne, and his copy taking over, things had quickly degraded.

He wished he could just say 'go ahead, you'll be fine.'. But, the truth was far more insidious. No, with his replica's insanity, it would be much, much harder for her to find a member of Neo Arcadia that would seek out the justice she deserved. Yet, he was not one to give up hope.

"It is." He agreed softly as his mind worked quickly, coming up with a conclusion slowly.

It wasn't ideal, but it would be safer than trying to survive alone out in the wilderness of the wastelands.

"Being unjustly labeled a maverick is tragic." He closed his eyes, pondering the options before he finally had the words to use.

"I wish I could say you could safely walk into Neo Arcadia right now and find someone that would care for you, protect you, and find the truth. But... With the insanity that's gripped its current head... It would be... Difficult at best." It hurt, it hurt that the city that he'd help build with his own two hands had been turned into a cesspool of suffering.

However, hope yet remained. There were people that were standing together, creating bonds to protect the innocent, and the suffering.

"Yet, not all is lost. There is still one group that can help." Allowing his hologram to fade, he returned to his small form once more.

"There is a young scientist named Ciel, if anyone can help, it would be her. She won't be easy to find, because of... That ruler... But, she won't ignore your plight or turn you over to evil hands."

It was unfortunate that she had been forced to start forming a resistance, but... It also gave him a faint flicker of hope that maybe... Just maybe... There could be a future for the world. That goodness, somehow still thrived.

"But, I must ask you to keep my state, my existence quiet. If she asks who sent you, just let her know that he wanted to pass on a message: 'All legends have a basis in fact, but sometimes, legends can't do the truth justice.' She will probably understand."

Copy exhaled some air quickly in an unamused manner. Busy, X was busy. Well that just excuses everything.

He listened however to the explanation that was given about their kind. Well, not their kind. X was the original and could never be a reploid, he was different from them. It was another thing that bothered him.

The younger looked away. “Then I’ll make sure I won’t have any business to finish. Why would I want to stay here.” Without the perks being leader brought.

“..!” That was highly uncalled for! The copy managing to move out of the way of the blast, though it was clearly not aimed at him, but it was quite close. The leader shifted around to growl disapprovingly at the other. Caught off guard (after all who knew a little ball of energy could do anything?) Copy clenched his teeth, giving the other an equally fuming look.

He didn’t struggle to free himself however. Copy tilted his head to one side… Then smiled. The humour of this!

“I sit here in your former place, but it is mine now. And I’ll see fit to do… What I will not lose any guilt over, for I have nothing to be regretful of.” He stated boldly. There was a bit of unnerving folly in his expression now. He wouldn’t see reason. The younger was showing more of the child that he was. But it went beyond that. Children tended to have no barriers between morality and accountability if they were never taught properly in the first place. Copy was an uncontrollable slate. There was nothing physical that he valued enough to be accountable for.

No one he trusted. No one that could trust him.

Defiant as he was right now, that wasn’t to say that X in his current fit of righteous emotion wasn’t scary. Copy did have a sense to preserve his being if he needed to. If X wanted a fight he would give it to him. No Guardians, no soldiers. He wanted to prove he WAS better.

Briefly looking at the energy so furiously keeping him sat, Copy was at a loss on how to exactly defend himself. This form was too unusual. He looked back up at X’s gaze, though the glow of the energy made it a bit difficult to see.

Deciding, he leaned forward as best he could, twitching slightly as the energy around him was succeeding in keeping him mostly pinned. It also hurt a little to move.

"This isn't about 'accepting' blame copy. Ciel's idea to create you was... Unexpected," X allowed, "Regardless, it was a decent idea. Create a replica to give the people hope. The only question that wasn't answered first was was the replica up to the task? Ciel may be young, but she is a certifiable genius. How many children do you know that could master so many types of science in just a few short years? The science division, and I, agreed that she should be allowed a chance to shine. That's what it means to give someone an opportunity."

Out of his more recent actions, giving Ciel such access had been one that he hadn't regretted. The young girl had tremendous potential, and despite his weariness, he was curious to see where she went with it.

Plus, he knew, deep down in his soul, that she was a good person. One that perhaps... Had a strength that had been lacking for a long, long time... The cyber elf was... Curious to see where that led.

Yet, X allowed himself a small nod in agreement.

"It can be a lonely road, being a cyber elf."

He knew this well, yet at the same time... It was a relief, to be alone so much.

But, as his copy struggled, to free himself, X's expression continued to harden.

"Naive child. I attempted to give you a chance, to actually be something besides a pale imitation of the real thing, but no, you're unwilling to look beyond a chair. Pathetic." Releasing the reploid, X floated towards the ceiling.

Copy never truly understood guilt. Therefore, he couldn’t see what affect an action now would make far into the future. Yet X was saying it was important to plan farther.

But it was the others gaze that locked onto Copy’s own that held the other still and quiet, for now.

Shaking his head when the elf became the orb of which he’d occupied at the beginning, the younger felt he could concentrate.

“YOU, you seem to have all the TIME, you take responsibility.” He spoke boldly, frustrated.

Copy would never ask the other for advice directly. Deeply that was what he wanted to say. But he didn’t want to give the other the satisfaction. Surely in hindsight, the other was right; he couldn’t sustain the city at its current wastage of energy and radical energy saving methods. But he wouldn’t dare ask.

Copy raised a furious fist at the other, and then pointed at the orb.

“That’s a load of scrap. You trust me to rule a nation but you can’t tell me what happens after our bodies are destroyed.” Copy swiped un-enthused at the elf before turning his back to him. In that free floating form it was much easier to disassociate the great previous ruler from a mere regular elf.

“Humans are worthless and I wish…” He stopped himself if only to escape revealing more than he wanted to in a childish rant.

Treated like this. It left a vile notion in his memory banks.

Raising his hand again, Copy tapped the side of his helm. It was for show of habit, as he could make a call to another Guardian without. But it left him for something to do. “Sage, send my order to use up resource units #5116-5384, I’ve decided to use that reploid housing land discussed previous for a farming section instead, below is fertile soil. Recycle everything.” Resource units were of course, code for energy obtained from the dormant reploids housed below the city.

A quick, “… Roger.” was stated immediately from an outward speaker. Copy sighed ending the call.

X shook his head firmly. Although small, he still was certain that the reploid could detect the gesture.

"Having myself appear while 'I' am currently on the throne in Neo Arcadia would only cause more problems than not. It would lead to questions, questions you don't want asked." He replied firmly. 

"Furthermore, for the most part I have been... Occupied with another matter." Copy could not know about the seal, not yet.

Once his copy's hand passed harmlessly through him, X mentally sighed. This was worse than dealing with that angry toddler back when he'd been a hunter.

"I can't tell you how it happened for me, but for a regular reploid? That's a slightly different story. The body and soul part ways, and a new cyber elf might be born from that. But... Most reploid souls don't stay on Earth long, only in extreme situations do they tend to return. Such as if they have unfinished business..." He knew that if his copy was sharp, he might catch onto that, but, somehow, he had a feeling that he was too angered to really consider everything.

Yet another failing of his replica... Perhaps, he was a waste of his effort, and only could be pitied...

"No living being, human or otherwise, is worthless." X replied sharply, showing a hint of what had made him the hunter he once was.

Yet, upon his copy's orders, X's form flared with genuine rage. Launching a solid blast of energy at the throne, X attempted to slam his copy against the chair, and keep him there with the consistent current of power.

"Do you really think that this will go ignored?" It echoed akin to a raging flood across the chambers.

“What makes you think I can trust you?” Copy spoke simply, without hate but more annoyance. “You come into my palace and dare say I’m lacking….”

He couldn’t quite pull himself away from how the other looked to be floating rather than standing, never mind the glowing aura.

Copy wasn’t going to see reason, even if it was offering help directly to his face. For him, he’d done what he needed to given the circumstances.

“An uprising, well, if they can get to me, on that day I will meet that opposition and decide for myself what to do. I will not be made a fool of. They will regret my meeting. I don’t believe anyone in this era can go up against me.” After all the newest creations where better than the last generation, were they not? To his knowledge only he was a custom enough new model to exceed any that had been created before.

Copy couldn’t help but ask however, “How does one become a robot?… into this?” It didn’t make sense.

The younger shook his head, finally stepping back for some personal space.

“While I rule based under your name… Your Guardians seem happier than they have been before. The human race is left to their free will —-in controlled circumstances. After all, if you leave even one to their own devices they inflict harm on others. I believe this to be true. Only the ‘of use’ reploids will be attended to. That is my decision until another energy source can be constructed.” Copy was very stubborn with his answer. Nothing was going to sway him.

"Beyond the fact that I too would rather not see Neo Arcadia come to ruin?" The question was rhetorical, but held a valid point.

"The people of Neo Arcadia need a ruler that can see beyond the immediate, someone that they can trust, and someone that will not create usurpers by his own heavy handed actions. Kill a thousand rebels and a thousand more will rise up to take their place. Mindless brutality cannot win. I would think that knowing that such an opposition will one day, in the not so distant future rise against you would be plenty of warning needed." X's gaze pierced his replica, focusing directly on the others eyes without a single blink.

"It might be cruel of me to be so blunt, but we do not have the kindness of time on our side." X conceded as he resumed. "If you don't want to be made a fool of, then you'll need to drop the naive nature you carry now. There is always someone stronger." He could demonstrate, but X needed to conserve his power, something that was already a challenge as it was.

Allowing the form to fade, and resuming his regular self to appear, X resumed only a moment later.

"The body may fade, but the soul lasts far longer. All Reploids have a soul Copy. And even this old Robot does. But, the how, unfortunately, I won't answer, at least, not until I'm confident that you can handle the truth." The elf continued to float, dipping and raising every few moments or so.

He'd rather not have returned to this form, but it was a waste of energy to continue to appear as the holographic image, a fact he was well aware of.

X shook his tiny head, disappointed in Copy's thought process regarding humans.

"How the guardians feel, I couldn't tell you, my mind was on... More pressing matters at the time. But, humans, if given a proper opportunity, they'll surprise you, time and again. It's easy to see the darkness, it's much harder to see the light." X replied simply.

Odds were, Copy would not understand that, at least, not yet.

Shaking his head faintly X, mentally sighed.

"To you, being considered as a child is far worse. Unfortunately, you've not given anyone reason to not treat you as such. Your naivety is your own undoing Copy X. Until you're ready to come to terms with that, you'll always be treated like this." 

“Megaman X of old, you speak as if I should be afraid that you matter now.” Copy composed himself, now shifting in a bored manner in his seat.

“You have it backwards; a life can be worth more than millions for a greater cause. They fight, for me, because it is their will. To follow the ideals that comes with having your face. How should I choose to stop them if they wish to fight?”

He blinked at the other in a neutral tone as it was the others turn to listen to what he had to say. It seemed the original was about to take a rant of his own.

“—-Red eyes are a blessing, rather than your soft, weak, leaderless colour.” Copy interjected very annoyed whilst in the middle of the others rant before continuing to listen surprisingly quietly. While he was known to tantrum, having little discipline in his life to be told to keep calm, the elder elf gave off an eerie aura of energy. Right now instinct was telling him just to wait and listen.

Was the other calling him lazy? How dare him! Copy’s eyes narrowed. While he comprehended X’s warnings he didn’t really process what they truly meant. After all, he had nothing to really compare to. Copy had never suffered outside Neo Arcadia and thus couldn’t understand the depth of trouble the younger truly was in, due to his own actions.

Now he was being stared down like a child and it pierced his ego severely. He didn’t like it. Copy was visibly uncomfortable. There began a silence between them both as it was Copy’s turn to speak, but wouldn’t. It wasn’t because he understood X’s final words but because he was battling with the authority that X still surprisingly commanded in this moment.

"Do you truly think that 'Power' is so easy to grasp? It's fickle, transient, just as a bit of water in the harshest of deserts. I was not defined by power, nor will I be in the future." X replied simply.

It was sad, sad to think that his copy believed power to be a be all, end all.

"No, power does not last. It is only given from the will of the governed. When that will shifts, any power held fails. Right now, they follow you because you look like me. Not because of who you are." However, X's serene expression faded, and he shook his head, growing more serious.

"No, you misunderstand. This has nothing to do with me," He began grimly. "The threat against you is one that I'm not posing. It begins with that... Will I spoke of. If you desire to have Neo Arcadia strong, a utopia, you'll need to change, and soon."

There was another, far stronger than his copy that would likely soon be awoken. Zero was never one to sit back and allow a tyrant to stand before the people.

However, at his copy's defense of his red eyes, X shook his head, as if unable to believe the turn of the conversation. The only mention he had had of them was as pointing out a difference between the two of them physically. Was that really such a point of consternation for his replica? If so, he had a lot more work ahead of him than what he'd assumed.

Ignoring the comment, he passed over it as if it had been so absurd that he'd written it off completely, and in fact, he had.

It was only of little surprise when the copy of him struck at the holographic projection of him, and X only shook his head, more entertained by the gesture than annoyed.

"It's apparent that we have a great deal of work ahead of us if you're to survive the current rising against you." In this conversation, X had come to two major realizations.

One, his copy didn't really know what he was doing, but he was muddling through as well as he could, and two, that he might have the potential to be decent... If he was taken to task, and shown what it meant to truly rule.

"So, the question now is, are you willing to step out of my shadow and become a great ruler because of your own merits? Do you have the strength to gain what you currently lack?"

He hadn't planned on this, but he... Realized that he... May have made an error not talking to his copy much earlier. Perhaps, much of the damage could have been prevented. No matter, what did, was that it was being taken to task now. Assuming of course, that his copy was half open to the concept.