#irregularhunterx

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Was that a gemstone on this guy’s helmet or just something for decoration? Either way, Rebecca lowered herself down, upside down, from the roof to get a closer look.

“Oh! That’s right! Well, Axl, Santa Claus is a man who delivers presents to all of the good children, and people of the world, and puts lumps of coal under the trees of those who are naughty, or generally bad people! Good to see you’re staying on the nice side of things kiddo!”

“....There’s a guy who just leaves presents and lumps of fossil fuels in peoples houses based on how they behave? And people just, let him do it??

Snow boots crunched on the freshly-packed, flaky crystals caking the sidewalks and streets. One had to be weary of the frozen particles melding into the cemented passageways, but thankfully the bits of melting salts helped ease the stress of falling flat on your ass. Fewer and fewer people traversed the open shops and warm cafes since the most well-known, well-preserved holiday quickly approached. Just in the blink of an eye. 

To some this time of year meant a break, an allotted time to spend with far-off family or close friends enjoying their company and presence. Gift exchanging was another big tradition of this so-called Christmas, along with a large gathering of food. 

To others, like the slender female reporter dusting off stray snowflakes in her black locks, it didn’t mean too much. Another day, in her book, and another day to crack down on year end work. 

“Just one more day now...” Jayden spoke to herself while shaking off the excess snow from the bottoms of her boots. It wasn’t blizzard-like but the snow picked up to a steady pace from this morning’s sprinkles. She set the boots aside her desk in front of her window just so the sun’s rays could help melt the sitting puddle beneath them. After tucking her jacket over her chair and violently tussling her hat, Jayden trekked to the break room for the first cup of the day. 

Not too many co-workers today, considering most took off for holiday travels or prepping their own homes for the impending stampede. Good on them. Most if not all of her team rightfully deserved their break especially after all the overtime hours they pooled during several virus outbreaks. A few stranglers hung around finishing off last minute writing edits, some audio techs had small tweaks to finish, and of course, there’s always a skeleton crew of reporters for the live casts. 

Eventually they’d hike out of the office toward their own destinations...

...but Jayden had plans to stay for most of the day. Besides, there wouldn’t be anyone to entertain at her own home nor did her and her mom plan to travel elsewhere. Christmas was never kind to them, and although Jayden greatly appreciated her mom’s attempts to have at least one decent Christmas in her life she rather refused from any participation. If it never worked out, then it’s just not meant to be. 

One steaming cup of coffee. Black, as she needed a bit more energy boost to wake herself up. Today’s itinerary involved conquering a well known sea of undocumented files and boat load of video edit organization. Fun stuff indeed! 

As the slumped gremlin shuffled along back to her designated cave, someone’s loud, deep voice startled the others tapping away at their own spaces. Her chief? Didn’t he have a train to catch later on today? 

“Garner! I need ta see you in m’ office b’fore ya start yer papahs.” 

“...oh...okay?” What could she have done now? 

The holographic doors slid close as Jayden sat in front of her chief’s desk. Just as messy as hers, if not even moreso with the extra stack of papers on the table behind him. 

“What’s up? You n-”

A pause. 

Her jacket in one hand, and her dripping boots held in the other which were extended out to the reporter without the chief speaking a word. 

“...C...Chief...when...why do you...”

“B’cause from this moment until th’ 2nd of next month, y’er officially on break.” 

...on break?

“...Chief...you know I signed up for my hours. I planned that all in advance...so...there’s no way I can go on break. I still have a lot...” 

“Garner, you’ve been workin’ yer ass off this entire year. Overtime, weekend hours, tryin’ ta get yerself into more trouble by comin’ in when ya came outta th’ hospital, e’vn offline work. I’ve noticed.” 

Ah dammit! 

“I don’t mean ta pick favorites here or of’er my personal opinins, but out of th’ ‘hole crew th’ one who most deserves a decent break is you. I can’t thank ya enough fer all th’ time ya dedicate to yer team, to th’ endless amount of work ya do round ‘ere, and even takin’ cases th’t aren’t even yers. But...ya gotta rest that thinker of yers, else it’s gonna overload.” 

Jayden huffed a sigh. “Look...Chief. I’ve ALWAYS worked through the holidays, even when I was an intern I came in to help out anyone in need. I don’t get why, especially around this time, when we have SO MUCH-”

“It’s not jus’ me again.” 

“...what?” 

Her chief gently chortled with an amused grin peeking out from his mustache. “It’s not jus’ me again who wanted to give ya this break. Don’t tell me ya forgot who requested time off for you during that Mav’ virus outbreak a few months back?” 

...Signas? 

“Sir, please just...I don’t understand why he requested this break for me but-”

“It wasn’t jus’ him either.” 

“...WHAT?” Who else could have even known her work hours at this point in time? 

The old veteran took a seat at his desk, clicking away on his keyboard until a screen projected upward. It didn’t expand too far but to a comfortable size for both Jayden and the chief to watch. Rocket News’ security had amped up over the years to a point where security cameras had been placed in more crowded areas, for example the studio rooms and office spaces. 

A piece of footage played on the projected screen, just a few days ago when Jayden was sent out to the field for the day. Sometime in the afternoon all the other workers came to a complete halt in their work. Eyes averted to the entrance, all locked on two individuals strolling straight to the chief’s office. 

Two individuals anyone in the city could recognize on the spot. 

Two S-Class ranked Maverick Hunters. 

“A...A...AXL!? HUNTER X!?! Ho-....wh-....what were they doing here!?!?” 

“They were here...concernin’ you.” 

“....me?” 

“Yes. They sure had a lot ta say, but...ta put it simply, along with Commander Signas’ personal request of approval, those two came ‘ere ta express their own opinions ‘n thoughts. Hunter Axl in particular was quite outraged ‘bout yer work hours fer th’ holidays. But, X calmly explained his own requests ta authorize a necessary break, ‘nd I believe he also stated ya already had reserved plans fer Christmas Day?”

 “...I...” That wasn’t even a cemented plan! She appreciated X’s offer but happily declined due to her work hours. Unless...he must have used that as a reason to get her out of work. Then he passed this knowledge on to Signas and Axl, thereby creating this entire avalanche of surprises. 

They didn’t have to do this. No one...had to do this. 

No point fighting against Signas, or Axl and X for that matter. Two S-Class Hunters and the head of the Hunter base couldn’t be beat by her own will to blaze by the holidays. With a defeated sigh, Jayden accepted her jacket and boots from the chief. 

“....okay. Fine. I won’t come back until the 2nd.” 

“‘N I don’t want ya workin’ out from home, ya hear? This is a time ta enjoy yerself, have a nice time with yer mom. I bet she’d like ta have ya at home fer a few days.” 

“...maybe.” Unless her work called in at the last minute. Museum work didn’t couple like news work, but when duty called you have to answer the need. Her boots slipped back on, still a bit toasty, then two arms popped through the jacket sleeves. Her chief followed Jayden down to the lobby, just in case she had any bright ideas of slipping off to the news room and snag extra work. 

“Tell yer mom I wish her well too. I saw th’ new exhibit this past weekend. Woman poured her heart ‘nta that new display.” 

“...thanks...I’ll let her know.” 

Satchel strapped to her side. She was ready to brave the increased snow flurry but stopped just outside the front entrance when her chief called out. A happy greeting, with a large smile and even a wave. 

“Merry Christmas Garner!’

About two hours passed... 

Shaska had been simply flying around smoothly with Xander, to help him cope with everything as best as she could. Quiet for most of the time other than the soft or side comment now and then. Allowing time to acclimate in a way.

Blues meanwhile has been with Xavier. Walking with his baby brother and talking gently about anything and everything. In order to keep the other from being any worse off mood wise. To try and give a pick me up.

At least until now.

Blues and Xavier had shown up first. A simple pier devoid of anyone else. At least it would be calming place. “Here we are, this is the place. Now just sit and wait.” With that having been said, the oldest son of light sat down on a bench. Arms crossing over his chest. As if he was waiting. It would only be a minute or two, when in the air, here came Shaska. Slowly lowering down to the pier they were upon, just a few feet away. 

Every movement was slow and so very gentle. Being cautious for Xander’s sake so he didn’t feel any more ill. Armored boots landing quietly as she came for the full stop. Carefully allowing the X she was holding to get back to his feet. “There... Now then, since we’re all here.” 

“Where did I end up this time?”

Silver said to himself, flying above a futuristic city with his powers. He was abruptly reminded of Metropolis from back home, it was pretty... Maybe there was a park he could find to stay at?

Wait, was that blue in the corner of his eye? Silver stopped, floating in the air as he tried to see the smudge of blue that caught his attention. Oh! There it was! He flew down to get a better look, only to realize that wasn’t Mister Sonic. Huh?

~Continued from {x}

-

“Zero? What brings you….”

… no something was very, very wrong here. This wasn’t the Zero he knew. At least… Not in the traditional sense. Another Zero? That much was clear but… Something about him seemed very off. Enough to have X backing up ever so slightly.

-

“… here. Who are you? Everything about you seems… Shifted in the wrong way, and that’s something I can’t shake off.”

“Zero? Well. You’re only half right.” Not insulting, just expected. The accusation still causes the Maverick to laugh, eyes rolling as he stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. “I go by MZ, feel free to think of that what you will.”

Axl nearly jumped out of his synthetic skin. What incredible timing.

“Um...J-Just a second! Just woke up...”

The young hunter pulled himself out of bed, slowly retrieving a t-shirt and some shorts to throw on. Running a hand through his messy hair to tame it a bit, he groggily opened the door.

“....X? Whats up?”