|
"I'll get you to make me a Hunter yet!" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"He's made mistakes... But in any case, Axl's efforts over the last few days have solved a lot of problems."
He stopped before completely passing the partially obscured Command Room, turning his attention to the conversation there.
"X, do you think we could make Axl a Hunter based on his good deeds?"
The sound of his turning fully towards the room was lost in the eternal humming of electronics, and his suddenly widened, hopeful stare also went without notice. He could've sworn he felt his heart skip a beat. Could... could this be...?
"Absolutely not."
Those two words alone were enough to shatter the youthful reploid's energetic mood, not to mention most of his hopes of ever becoming a Hunter.
"Don't you get it? He mustn't be rewarded for such methods!"
"Methods?! X, ideals are not always for the real world..."
The rest of the rising argument faded into the background. Axl kept walking, emerald gaze lowered to the floor before his feet. Not a word came from him, not even his usual peppy greetings to the random Hunters walking beside him, going about their business. Those two words rang relentlessly, repeatedly...
I tried my hardest, I really did... I don't get it.
High-pitched, hydraulic steps slowed to a stop, and he slumped against the nearby wall. He shifted uncomfortably, huddling himself close in a vain attempt to warm himself from the cold, sterile world around him.
What did I do wrong? I went out, completed the missions, saved a bunch of lives, and for what? So X can still tell me 'no' and leave me to go at it again?
He shifted again, hiding his face from the deserted hallway.
Every time I try to help, it always goes wrong, no matter what I try to do. I didn't even help Red...
"Red..." The name came quiet, broken. He valiantly struggled to keep all signs of his despair hidden; only the occasional shoulder jerk managed to escape him. After all that's gone wrong, he didn't want anyone to catch him like this.
"You know, the hall isn't the best place for hide and seek."
Axl shot to attention, still-misty eyes meeting with the ever-confident Crimson Hunter. He scrambled to stand, secretly dashing away any lingering tears before looking up to his superior with false assurance and a forced laugh. "I know, but I just heard 'Ready or not'!"
Zero's trademark sideways grin surfaced and he gave Axl a firm pat on the shoulder, turning the 'kid' the opposite direction as he strode in like. "C'mon, I know the perfect place, it's not far from here." Axl nodded, keeping pace with the other.
The two simply walked through the halls, taking the odd turn or two in search of their destination. Axl's head was lowered the entire way, yet this apparently had no effect on Zero. Just as well... I bet he doesn't--
"It's okay to cry."
Two sets of footsteps changed to one, Zero leaving behind a bewildered Axl. The other set stopped moments later, the veteran turning to the rookie with an unusually soft expression. "If you heard what I'm thinking you heard, I'm not surprised. X has been more than a little bitter lately." No reply came, cueing Zero to return to the Hunter aspirant. "Don't let him get to you, he's been in these Emo fits before. Give him some time and I'm sure you'll be Maverick-bashing with the best of 'em!"
"Zero..." He didn't get the chance to work anything else out before a broad, gloved hand rested on his shoulder again.
"You've done good, kid."
Axl stood in disbelief, barely focused enough to watch Zero continue his trip down the labyrinthine hallways of the Hunter Base. He'd honestly expected to get another lecture from Zero, and rightfully so. The words that came in the lecture's place took a moment to take effect, and once they did...
"Hey!" "How's it goin'? "Woah~! Er... don't worry, they can fix that, I'm sure!" His spirited sprint down the hall received more than a few complaints, all of which fell to delightfully deaf ears. His repaired and reinforced hopes guided him through the base(although being lenient enough to allow him the sense to avoid running into walls), concentrating on his pursuits once more.
I am going to be a Hunter, I am going to help! I'll make up for my wrongdoings, X, I promise! And Red... I'll do it for Red!
Val-Rei · Wed Oct 27, 2004 @ 10:20am · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|