Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:30:15 GMT -4
Champ Mars is in his small apartment, rummaging through his papers and links. Never one to leave a serious threat to just anyone, Champ has been ever vigilante in his own search for justice.
"I have not received any replies from XJ-0.", says Champ as he speaks into his telecom to Alex 13.
"He's in no condition to help with this.", respond Alex, "Are you sure you could not convince him to sit this one out?"
"The thing about Zero," says Champ, "is that he never gives up, even when conventional wisdom says he should. I'm not going to quit on my friend."
Champ pauses for a moment.
"My only worry is if his mental state will take a physical toll on him. In spite of all his power, his humanity is what could put him at his weakest. Weaknesses are one thing. Mental vulnerability is another.", Champ adds.
"If any child of mine died, it would certainly break me down.", says Alex.
Champ's eye twitches upon hearing this.
"Yeah. It would."
Champ looks at the Star Force personnel files again.
"The Gaians went down too easy. Zero and Jessie were meant to find the baby. To break them down. The only question is why.", says Champ.
"I'm calling G-Force Intelligence."
Agai answers Champs call.
"I need to know any new intelligence your people gathered on Star Force."
* * *
A few hours later. In a Skyway interrogation room.
An officer sits in a seat before a table. The usual setup. Champ walks into the room.
"I need your help Officer... Arny Bennet.", says Champ.
"How may I assist you?", asks Bennt, folding his hands.
Champ walks to the table.
"I need you to explain your motive.", says Champ.
Bennet laughs.
"What are you talking about?"
Champ grabs Bennet's hand.
"That's a really nice watch. You came into a lot of money recently.", comments Champ.
Bennet breaks from Champ's grip.
"I don't see how that is any of your business!", scolds Bennet as he slaps his hand on the table.
Champ throws a dagger that stick between two of his fingers.
"It became my business when you used your position and resources for a little experiment in the middle east! The sort of thing that leaves a long paper trail. Good thing I have friends in high places."
At G-Force HQ, Agai is listening in. He smiles and gives a thumbs up.
Bennet grabs the dagger.
"Back off you meta scum!", Bennet warns.
Champ swings his sword, knocking the dagger out of Bennet's hand. Champ then grabs him and flips him hard onto the table, cracking it in half. He puts the blade to his neck.
"Okay! Okay!", shouts Bennet.
Champ had knew he would talk. No one who lines thier pockets ever wants to die. Bennet was more than willing to give the names of every operative still loyal to Star Force operating within Skyway Patrol.
In his watchtower, Zero gets an urgent message on his console.
: RESPOND ASAP : LUMINARE IS WEAPONIZED : YOU ARE BEING TARGETED : BALAAM'S HEAD IS MISSING : POSSIBLY RELOCATED TO LUMINARE
Up in orbit, the satellite Luminare geo syncs above Tremorton Forest.
A light shines over Zero's home.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:30:40 GMT -4
On the satellite Luminare.
"XNA. What a marvelous creation. More than just a code, a means of hyper evolved life."
The large figure clenches his fist and flexes his body.
"Nero... You could not keep this from me, much like everything else you thought was yours. I always win. These children that you put so much faith in may have bested me once, but they have not defeated me. I will kill them all and re-establish the future you tried so hard to derail."
Balaam steps into the light. His head now attached to a new body. He wears black armor, with a purple Star Force emblem displayed on his chest. A blood red cape flows from his shoulder pads.
"As the superior life, I will take all that is rightfully mine and rule this world as it should be. I will be admired and worshiped. Metakind will be wiped out for mankind to follow it's destiny under my infallible hand. You should not have fought the natural order."
He looks down on the planet.
"Death will not keep you from under my foot where you belong. Your son will be the one to pay that price, and then I will send him to you permanently as an everlasting symbol of your failure and my godhood!"
* * *
A beam fires down on Zero's watchtower. It remains continuously for minutes. Quakes can be felt all over Tremorton.
Robot soldier bearing the Star Force symbol decloak in Tremorton Forest. They approach the beam as it finishes it's stream. The dust settle.
Zero's home is unscathed. Inside, Zero was able to activate the shielding on time. He flashes back to when his first home was fired on and destroyed. He remembers his ordeal at the hands of the Seven Syns. His death. The Star Force War. The babies death. Jessie's sadness. He clenches his fists as his fury grows. He storms away from the console as it displays info.
: XNA Error : Cognitive functions compromised : Physical functions compromised
Outside the robot stand at the ready. The front door opens. Zero marches out with a vicious glare. He has switched out of his casual uniform and has donned his battle uniform. He puffs out his chest, his bolt symbol spread across.
They open fire on him.
Zero stands up to the barrage, barely noticing that he is actually being hurt by the lazer fire. In a burst of super speed, he plows through them, tearing them to pieces. He swings his fists aimlessly, breaking anything he makes contact with. The soldier mindlessly continue their assault. Zero is grabbed and piled on. They punch him endlessly with their titanium fists. Zero's focus falters as he takes the hits. He spins at super speed, sending them flying off. He stands up battered and bruised. He is not healing fast enough.
* * *
At the Winkler residence, Jane bursts into Jessie's room.
"Did you feel that? Zero is under attack!", she shrieks.
Jessie leaps up. She looks as though she wants to rush out out, but hesitates and begins to tremble.
"Aren't you going to do anything?", Jane asks urgently.
"I don't know what I can do!", Jessie shouts.
"What?"
"All of this happened because we became an item. I don't want to hurt him anymore. I don't want to get in his way! He can't be a superhero and a human at the same time. The world won't let us. He can be stronger without me."
Jane can only leave as Jessie cries.
Jane reaches Tremorton Forrest as the fight rages. She can see Zero fighting in his fury, but he is overwhelmed. For every robot he knocks back, he falls twice under fire. His anger is something Jane has seen before, years ago. With that she knows who can help. Jane flies back to the city.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:31:04 GMT -4
At the Winkler residence.
Jessie sits at her desk holding her head. Jane walks into the room. She sits next to Jessie and puts her arms around her.
"I know I can be rough, or even rowdy.", says Jane, "I don't always know what to say, and I'm sorry for not being the best sister in that way."
Jessie looks up at Jane and gives her a hug.
"That's why I brought someone who can tell you what you can do.", Jane adds.
Jane directs Jessie to look to the door as another girl walks in. A cute blonde with a pink shirt and denim shorts. Jessie looks surprised.
"You... You're Kayla Austin.", says Jessie.
"Hi Jessie.", says Kayla with a sympathetic tone, "I heard you don't think you can help Zero."
"What can do?", Jessie asks, "I would just hold him back."
"That could be just what he needs.", Kayla answers.
Kayla sits on the bed across from Jessie and Jane before she begins to talk.
"Years ago, I spoke to him at the end of the Newgen War. So many metahumans died that day. It was one of the few times I had ever seen Zero enraged. He was going to hurt so many humans in retaliation, and I wouldn't have blamed him, but it would not have been right. He forgot about the humanity in himself. I was able to reach and remind him of it."
Kayla takes Jessie's hand.
"As long as I've known him, he will always fight for justice for each one of us, but right now he's fighting angry. He may be a meta, but he still needs his humanity. He needs you to keep him grounded."
Jessie still looks unsure.
"If he were here right now, what would you say to him?", Kayla asks.
Tears stream from Jessie's eyes.
"That I still love him.", Jessie answers, "And I want to protect him from anyone who just can't see him for what he really is."
Back at Tremorton Forrest, Champ, Alex, Jenny, and Agai arrive and join the fight to help Zero.
Champ slashes a group of robot soldier meleeing Zero. He picks him up.
"C'mon buddy. We have a battle to win!", says Champ.
"I'm going to Luminare.", says Zero, "Don't let these spread."
Champ tries to tell Zero not to go in his condition, but Zero is already gone. In minutes, Zero flies just above Earth's mesosphere, where Luminare orbits.
The bay doors open for him. He steps in and follows a series of lit corridors, leading him to an observation deck. Zero can see the Earth outside the glass structure.
"Welcome, Son of Nero.", a dark voice echoes.
"Balaam.", Zero mutters deeply.
Balaam appears atop an elevated platform in the room.
"Why?", Zero demands to know, "Why bring an infant into this, only to kill him?"
"You stand to change the course of human history with that body of yours. I did what needed to be done to ensure you never get that chance. You thought you could hold on to it, and yet here I am, fully empowered by the very same technology, better and stronger.", says Balaam.
"My XNA."
"Now that the world has seen what it can do, I will heroicly cut you out like the cancer that you are. Humanity craves it now."
Back on Earth at the Winkler residence Jessie picks up her robonizer. With new resolve in her eyes, she faces the front door leading outside. Jane put her hand on her shoulder, as both she and Kayla give her a nod of approval.
As she steps out side, Jessie is met by a gathered crowd who cheer for her. Jessie freezes, a bit stunned. A little girl approaches her with a flower and hands it to her.
"We're sorry about what happened to you and Mr. Zero. We hope you get another chance to be a mommy.", the child says.
Jessie's father now approaches her.
"Not too soon though.", he says with a chuckle, "It'll be a while, but the world is more than ready, starting here."
They hug.
"Fight on my megagirl.", he says, "Fight on for everlasting peace."
Jessie transforms into her robot form and flies at top speed to Tremorton Forrest, where the battle goes on. She can see Champ, Jenny and the others fighting, but Zero is nowhere in sight. She goes to Jenny.
Jenny has her Shiva blades out slashing at enemies. One points it's gun in her face. Jessie blasts a hole through it's chest from behind.
"Jessie! You're back in action!", Jenny exclaims.
"Yeah! Where's Zero?", Jessie asks.
Champ chimes in.
"Zero took off to Luminare right above us. We've lost contact."
Jessie remembers that last time Zero went off to space on his own. She bursts up into the sky.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:31:21 GMT -4
On Luminare, Zero paces around the observation room, as he face the mad General Balaam.
"You say the people of the world fear what XNA could do, and yet you've forged it for yourself.", Zero protests.
Balaam snarls at Zero's comment.
"I was once human! I have every right to bear this power!"
"You stole and murdered so you can feel important!"
"You are just as guilty, trying to keep this power! So afraid of being outclassed by anyone esle!"
"NO! Every hero in this world has already proven they can get along fine without me! They proved it when they beat you at the end of the war and destroyed Apocalyptron!"
"A pointless victory. They have no future."
Balaam raises his hands up and clenches his fists.
"When you are gone, I will use this XNA to take the future back from this new generation and put it back on its true course, under my direction to a perfect world!", Balaam cries out, "And you light will be extinguished forever!"
"The world is already changing.", says Zero, "What you don't realize is that there are many who shine as beacons of light in their own way, inspiring humanity in ways you will never be able to! Like stars in the sky, and I am only one of them. I will be the light I need to be, and give them the future that they deserve the chance to build!"
"Fool.", says Balaam condescendingly, "I've rewritten the XNA code, and have created a superior body that can more than match your abilities. "
Balaam floats down from the plat form. Plasma energy radiates around his fists. He dashes at Zero at super speed. Zero fires his optic beam, but Balaam blocks with his hand and grips Zero's head. Balaam throws Zero across the room, slamming him in the far wall. Balaam rushes to him again.
Zero bursts into super speed to match Balaam. He ducks as Balaam swings his fist. Zero then follows with an uppercut. Balaam raises his fist charged with plasma and swings them down. Zero dodges back and punches Balaam square in the forehead.
Balaam backs up holding his head. He glares at Zero. Balaam takes flight and fires plasma beams from his hands. Zero too takes flight and dodges the attacks.
"I've had these powers for years! You can't outmatch me!", yells Zero.
Zero rams into Balaam's gut. Zero grabs him by the neck and pummels his face, after which he throws Balaam to the ground.
"That was for the baby!"
Balaam nervously scrambles away near the observation glass.
Jessie has reached Luminare and forces the bay doors open. She can hear the fight, and follows the noise, running at high speed.
Zero keeps punching Balaam. Balaam finally leaps back to put some distance between them. He reaches behind and pulls out a gun.
"Seriously?", says Zero.
The gun opens to reveal an EMP blaster, surprising Zero.
Jessie enters the room just as Balaam pulls the trigger. Zero is hit.
"Aaaarrrrrgh!"
"Zero!", Jessie shouts.
Jessie quickly gets between Zero and Balaam. She slaps the gun out of Balaams hand and punches him down on his back.
"Say goodbye to your space station you monster!", Jessie yells.
She uses her x-ray scope to spot Luminare's core. She transforms her lazer blaster, and fires through the hulls, destroying the core. Alarms are triggered.
:SELF DESTRUCT IMMINENT
"No!", yells Balaam.
Jessie grabs Zero.
"Let me get you out of here."
"Y-you came here?"
Jessie smiles warmly.
"Yes, because I lo-"
Balaam grabs Jessie with his massive hand and tear her and Zero away from each other. He punches Zero down, and applies a crushing grip on Jessie.
She struggles in pain. The plasma energy disrupts her robonizer, causing her to return to her human state. Zero looks up in horror.
"Zero...", she utters weakly.
Balaam throws her through the observation glass at full force.
"JESSIE!!!!!", screams Zero.
She's gone, and Zero has no powers to save her.
Balaam floats towards the opening, and looks back at Zero.
"Say hello to your father for me."
Zero spots the EMP blaster near him. He picks it up and shoots Balaam with it. Balaam falls having lost his own powers and looks at Zero with shock.
"Let's dance.", says Zero.
Luminare explodes into chunks and pieces.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:31:45 GMT -4
Darkness. Light slowly fades in. Zero opens his eyes to see that he is falling. Luminare's debris is all around him and spreading. He spot Balaam launching himself off debris to reach to larger fragments. Zero put his arms back and glides in Balaam's direction. Balaam gets a hold on a level platform. Zero curls into a flip to accelerate and lands on the same platform.
Both still powerless, they make eye contact. The wind howls loudly as it blows their capes blow in an upward direction. Most of Zero's uniform is tearing. Balaam's body clearly has taken damage from the explosion, but is healing rapidly, while Zero has barely begun to recover since the attack at home.
They run at each each other and collide fists. They exchange punches. Zero is able to land more strikes, but is getting weaker. Balaam increases his speed and melees Zero.
Another piece of larger debris collides with the platform, throwing them off. Balaam leaps from piece to piece. Zero follows in like manner chasing after him. Every time Zero get near, they continue to fight. Balaam gets distance and begins to throw debri at Zero. Zero dodges and jumps off the debris and glides just below. He reaches Balaam's platform, but he is not in sight.
Balaam appears from behind and hits Zero in the back of the heads with rebar. He then stabs down on Zero's leg. Zero shifts just enough for the rebar to get caught in the uniform part. He punches Balaam off. Zero then tears the rebar out, further damaging his uniform.
* * *
Far below, Jessie regains consciousness. She gasps as she can see the ground coming fast as she falls. Jessie looks around and spot her robonizer's refection several yards away. Debris falls past her. She sees most of the wreckage of Luminare still high above her, and that they are drifting towards Tremorton City below.
Nothing can be done right now. She needs to save herself. Jessie glides in the direction of the robonizer. Debris hits her. She recoils in pain, but remains undeterred. She reaches out desperately. Another piece of debris hits her, plummeting her past the robonizer.
She shoves the debris off her and looks up to see the distance between her and her robonizer growing. There's no way its going to fall faster. She needs to slow her descent. She tears the front of her shirt apart, creating a makeshift wing suit out of it. It works in slowing her down, but the ground is fast approaching. She has already enter the city airspace as she passes the tallest tower. The robonizer gets closer. 200 feet to impact. She grabs it. 100 feet to impact. She transforms.
Her collision with the ground sounds like and explosion. Debris falls a around. People scatter. Jessie weakly struggles to get up, but the impact took a lot of energy out of her. Soon she is cover by debri.
Jenny Wakeman, along with Jane, Champ, Agai, and Alex, arrive and begin evacuating people from the area.
* * *
Balaam's body has healed completely. He smiles as Zero defiantly keep punching at at him. Then they both notice the sky scrapers around them. Balaam leaps away and disappears amid the debris. Zero leaps from piece to piece, to reach as high as he can and slow his fall. He finally throws himself on an inclined roof. He rolls recklessly and slams into several structures. They fail to stop him, and he falls all the way to the ground.
The largest parts of Luminare finally land. Several city blocks are decimated.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:32:16 GMT -4
The dust cloud slowly fades. Zero lays on his back. His uniform is shredded, his chest and arm exposed, and his cape missing. He coughs. He holds his head as he sits up. He feel his artificial blood streaming from his head. Barely able to move, he stays seated.
The console at home displays the same message:
: XNA Error : Cognitive functions compromised : Physical functions compromised
Zero eyes begin to well with tears as he look at the destruction around him. He covers his eyes.
"Jessie...", he whimpers.
Then, in front of him, Balaam walk up to Zero.
"So the Son of Nero finally breaks.", he says.
Zero says nothing. He only has completely jaded expression on his face.
Balaam's body is fully healed. At that same moment, his power return online.
"That was quite a gamble you took up there," says Balaam, "but I told you I made improvements on the XNA. Now I am going to give you the death I never got to deal to your creator."
Balaam grabs Zero at his torso and lifts him. All Zero can do, is spit in Balaam's face. Balaam slaps Zero across his face. The echo gets the attention of the other heroes. They rush into the disaster zone. Balaam can hear them coming.
"Nuh-uh-uh."
He unleashed a field of energy from his body, creating a barrier. It blocks the heroes. They catch sight of Zero and Balaam at the center as the dust settles. Not even Agai can break through the shield.
"G-Force wasn't the only organization with intel. Not you or anyone else will be able to interfere.", he laughs.
Balaam returns his attention to Zero. He sets him down on his feet, then slams his fists down, putting Zero to his knees.
"What's the matter? Have no fight left?", yells Balaam.
He gives Zero an uppercut, throwing him into a brick wall. Balaam speeds into him and keeps punching Zero in the chest until the wall falls. Zero staggers away, but Balaam hits him with a steel beam.
Nearby within the barrier, under as pile of rubble, Jessie crawls out. Still recovering she stays down, but ahead of her she sees Zero being beaten by Balaam.
"Z-Zero.", she says weakly.
Balaam slams Zero on his back and begins to stomp him. As Zero's head tilts, he catches a glimpes of Jessie. So close yet so far away. She can see that he has noticed.
"Zero.... Zero...", Jessie she mutters, but not loud enough to be heard.
Zero can see her lips moving. He focuses his hearing, and nods. Jessie sees this and knows he can hear her. Balaam then stomps on Zero's head and grinds down. The pressure increases. A cracking sound can be heard.
"And so the dream dies.", Balaam announces.
"Zero hear me.", says Jessie, "Please don't die. We never should have been apart. We needed to support each other. I need your light, and I know you need mine. I want to shine for you as as you have for everyone no matter what has happened. That's what I came to admire so much about you. Most of our friends have moved on. So few have found success. Most are struggling just to get, or have become lost. Their futures so uncertain. Men like Balaam want to keep us and them down. But you never stopped thinking about them. You kept on fighting for a better tomorrow, and so many have come together in this fight for justice and prosperity, and it was so unfair how vile beings tried so much to hurt you for it. That is why I want to protect you. To support you. You need to win. I know you can win. I want to help you win. I want to always be with you!"
The console at home displays a new message:
: XNA algorithms restored : Cognitive functions balanced : Physical systems online : Restoring...
"I love you Zero! I will always love you! Of all the stars in the sky, you burn the brightest in my heart!"
Jessie smiles with hope, and reaches her hand out to Zero.
"You're my shooting star! Light the way in the dark!"
: All powers restored : Full power unlocked
Zero grabs Balaams foot and slowly pushes it off, tossing Balaam a few steps back.
"What is this?", asks Balaam.
Energy flows around Zero, healing his body rapidly. He stands strong facing Balaam.
"You can't win!", shouts Balaam, "I am a god, and you are just a boy made of tin!"
"No.", says Zero, "A man of steel!"
They rush towards each other, for one last bout.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:32:46 GMT -4
Balaam throws his fist at Zero. Zero catches it. The collision shakes the ground. Zero throws Balaam's fist up, putting him off balance. Zero sweeps his leg and trips Balaam over. Balaam's anger flares as he cries out and throws his fists in blind fury. Zero dodges them effortlessly.
"You have no imagination to what XNA can accomplish!", Zero shouts, "You are limited to your lust for power!"
Balaam points his hands and fires his plasma beams. Zero counters with his optic beams and applies further power.
"You're nothing but a bully! My father created me to oppose the wicked ideals people like you try to impose on those you deem undesirable!"
Zero's optic beams overpower Balaam's plasma, and shorts them out. The explosion knocks Balaam further back.
"You'll never live as a human, XJ-0!", growls Balaam, "You're just a robot! A number!"
"I am alive, and I will live!", responds Zero, "I am the son of Dr. Aven Nero. I am Zero Nero!"
Balaam tires to punch Zero again. Zero grips Balaam fist. Balaam swings with the other. Zero catches it and holds on. Balaam tries to thrash Zero, but cannot move.
"Let go! Let me go!", Balaam screams.
Energy bursts from Balaam as he struggles. Zero's eyes glow white with energy. The ground quakes all around.
"It wasn't suppose to be this way!", cries Balaam in a fully deluded state, "I was best at everything. I was the most popular. Everyone was to follow me!"
"We all need to grow up sometime, and advance in our lives.", says Zero, as his eyes glow brighter.
Jessie walks towards them, but keeps her distance as lightning shoots off the two opposing forces.
"You can do it Zero!", she shouts.
"We believe in you Zero!", shouts everyone else.
"ZERO! ZERO! ZERO! ZERO! ZERO! ZERO! ZERO! ..."
Desperation fills Balaam's face.
"My... my future...", he says.
"Is at an end.", replies Zero.
Zero shoves Balaam back. The energy in Zero eyes retreats into his body, and flow through his arm and into his right fist. Zero swings with all his might, releasing the power on impact against Balaam's chest. The blast goes through him, and lets off a blinding flash. The energy barrier shatters.
Once everything clears, Zero stands alone.
Jessie, joyful with tears in her eyes, runs to Zero. They embrace each other and share a kiss a long time waiting. She holds her torn shirt together, a bit embarrassed. Zero's cape blows nearby. He picks it up and gives it to her to cover up.
"So...", says Jessie tapping his nose, "Will you no longer be going by XJ-0, Mr. Nero?"
"It's still a cool name.", Zero chuckles, "Of course I'm keeping it."
"That is so corny.", says Jessie.
Suddenly another quake occurs. Zero and Jessie quickly hold their balance.
Far away in the rubble, they see Balaam rise out of the rubble. His body is convulsing violently.
"Not... over... yet...", he growls.
Muscle like fibers shoot out of his body, adding to his mass and growing into a monstrous beast. Structures like horn protrude from his new head and his mouth gaped with jagged sharp teeth.
"What's happening?", asks Jessie.
"XNA is like living matter.", answers Zero, "He's corrupted it, and now it is out of control."
Beast Balaam marches towards them.
"We have to destroy him!", shouts Zero.
"Can it be done?", Jessie asks, "It's the same as you, and you're invulnerable."
"Near invulnerable.", says Zero, "More than ever, I need you now!"
Jessie nods and transforms a new weapon on her arm. A Buster Cannon. Zero charges his optic beam. Beast Balaam lets out a deafening roar.
"Final Meta Couple Attack!!!"
Zero and Jessie fires their beams and engulf Beast Balaam. Balaam continues his advance.
Zero falters in his stance. Jessie wraps her arm around his waist to hold him up. Her am drops, but Zero holds it up. They intensify their blasts.
Beast Balaam is stopped in his tracks. His body begins to chip apart. He looks at the two small super powered beings who have done the impossible. He can see another being appearing behind them. His eyes widen in shock at what he sees.
With Zero and Jessie, stands Dr. Aven Nero. In his arms is the baby. Dr. Nero looks at Balaam with defiance and speaks...
"You are... defeated!"
Zero and Jessie unleash a final burst. Zero's eye's short out, blinding him. Jessie's arm explodes. Beast Balaam is overpowered and disintegrates.
The other heroes make it to the site. They find Zero and Jessie down, Jessie in Zero's arms. Close by, they also find Balaam, regressed to a powerless state. Jenny grabs him.
"You're going away for a long time.", says Jenny.
"You'll pray you should have killed me.", yells Balaam, "As long as I live, I will never stop!"
"And I'll be ready.", says Zero.
Champ examines Zero and Jessie.
"Your eyes will heal, but Jessie...", says Champ.
Jessie looks at her destroyed arm.
"M-my arm...", she says with her voice shaking, "I can't change back... I can never be human again..."
Zero feels where the damage is. He gathers energy.
"Zero!", says Agai, "You need that energy to heal!"
Zero wipes his blood and places it on Jessie's shattered arm.
"Please... work."
The home console displays a new message.
: XNA detecting new data : robotic morph protocol detected : DNA structure detected... : copying... : repair in progress...
Everyone watches in amazement as the XNA replicates and reforms Jessie's arm.
: repair complete.
Jessie's body sparks and reverts back to her human state. She sees her arm. It's as though nothing happened.
"Thank you Zero...", she says.
Zero slumps over.
"Zero...?"
The heroes lower their heads.
With tears in her eyes, Jessie holds him.
Three days later. The baby's tombstone is joined by another.
And so a life ended.
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:34:07 GMT -4
Epilogue
Jessie stands before the two head stones, with a smile on her face.
They both read:
Baby Croire- A New Light for Things to Come.
Dr. Aven Nero- Loving Father, Creator, He Defied the Impossible
What? You didn't think Zero died did you? Been there, done that. He still a lot of living to do. We all do.
Zero walks up next to Jessie.
"How did it go?", she asks.
"They were not happy.", replies Zero.
Earlier:
"You what?!", shouts the Skyway High Commander.
"You heard me.", says Zero, "I've released all data regarding XNA to the global science community for further study and developement. It has far too much potential to be left in the hands of anyone who may abuse it. You, and even me."
"How can you know whether or not any mad scientist would do so?!", yells the Commander.
"I don't know, and I'll live with the consequences.", says Zero, "For now, we should have faith for those who can do great good."
Now:
"Should I expect to see anything radical happen in the world scene?", asks Jessie.
"I don't think so.", answers Zero, "Change takes time, and I think the status quo will last for a long time to come."
Zero walks up to his father's grave.
"He never wanted revenge, or the spotlight. All he ever wanted was justice, and for us to do the right thing, but he should be remembered now."
Jessie pulls out a bag.
"I got something for you.", she says with a smile.
Zero opens that bag and pulls out a book. A comic book.
"A long time ago, that book inspired millions of people at thier lowest point, and changed the way comics were made for a long time.", says Jessie.
"Action Comics, No. 1", reads Zero as his eyes shimmer looking at the man in blue, with a red cape and an "S" boldly diplayed on his chest.
"It's a reprint, but it's something you can escape to when you're feeling a bit down.", adds Jessie.
He kisses her.
"Thank you.", says Zero.
They takes flight and head towards the city.
"The repairs are almost done.", says Jessie.
"This city always finds a way to go on. We will all find our way." says Zero.
As they get near to the city, Zero has one more thing to say:
"I'm ready to live my life, and I have a question for you Jessie..."
Jenny and Champ are keeping watch as they hang around Mezmers. They hear a shrieking sound high up. From a distance, they can see Jessie hugging and kissing Zero , after which they blitz away. Champ and Jenny look at each other in wonder.
Zero and Jessie fly, higher and higher, through the clouds, spiraling around each other, leaving a pretty trail of red and blue against the setting sun.
Thier lives as teenage robots came to end, with a new lives to begin.
They reach orbit and dance with each other across the atmosphere under their feet. Hand in hand they fly more, Zero smiling, along with Jessie, who wears a shining engagement ring.
* * *
THE END
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Zero
Prime
All things are possible...
Posts: 3,921
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Post by Zero on Feb 8, 2015 3:35:34 GMT -4
And so the story ends.
I won't be writing for a long, long time, as I live my own life.
This story was a love letter to my friends wherever they are.
I hope whoever read this enjoyed it, and I give you all my best wishes and hope that you all find your way and find happiness.
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