Wales looked around the celebration. It was a simple and somewhat more subdued event than he would have expected such a prestigious school with many of the servants seeming to cycle into enjoying the party and serving. Oddly enough too, the nobles here didn't seem to care which he approved of. While luxury was nice it was best if sparingly enjoyed and shared if possible. It could make you soft or too severe otherwise as his elder brothers had found out the hard way... He smiled almost ruefully as noticed that there were a large amount of people talking and having fun although he didn't seem to be that much of an attention grabber which was unusual considering his former station. The one thing that truly stuck out to him about the party was the music playing from somewhere he couldn't quite figure out. The few songs he had heard were using words he'd never heard before, but the beats and instrumentals in them seemed to resonate was something entirely new. Zero who had been giving him some information as the others enjoyed the party that was supposed to be some sort of "Rebirth-day" for Rock, who had died for the woman Mathilda but who was remade like Zero. He wondered why the name seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Though the thought that this was possible made him reassess that perhaps his jumbled and hazy memories from when he had been resurrected by the rebels and Zero made some statements and showed power that he couldn't imagine. Maybe he was even more powerful than he though. The one thing that was clear in his mind was Zero's shining form and the threat to sink Albion entirely. Shaking his head he was interrupted from his thoughts by Zero sighing.

"You know this is a celebration. Even if some serious things are happening it's kind of your rebirth-day too since you were dead too. So you should be a little happier right? I mean, we managed to put down the rebels, and things in general are going pretty good overall so you shouldn't sweat the small stuff for now." Zero said in an almost lecturing tone.

"But don't you always sweat the small stuff?" Derflinger asked from a chair where he was propped up against. "Like you always do? I mean just this morning you were asking me about the health of our cadets and how we should deal with things providing they keep developing."

"That's not sweating the small stuff. That's just me being worried as a commander for a bunch of stupid kids who shouldn't even be doing what they're doing." Zero replied offhandedly.

"Zero… Is your sword having a conversation with you?" Wales asked quite surprised that he had possibly encountered one of the few weapons that might be considered legendary. A magical item with a mind.

"Yeah. He's my partner. Magic absorbing sword of more or less pure awesome as Axl has called him. His real name is Lord Derflinger although his friends just call him Derflinger or Derf. Not sure what he wants you to call him." Zero replied while looking at the sword.

"Well as the prince seems to be kinda dumb but with a good heart and an all too willingness to sacrifice himself for others, just like my partner I'll allow you to call me Derf. Although I'm a little insulted you don't remember me from our fight. I was instrumental in turning that giant water tornado into a giant ice sculpture." He replied graciously while his guard hitting his scabbard almost seemed like a laugh.

"Ah… My time when I faced off against Zero is very hazy. The only clear memory I have is of Zero stating that he could sink Albion and the sheer power and terror that he instilled in a being that should have known no such emotion." Wales stated somberly, " I am sorry for any slights I have made to you two in that regard…"

"It's not like we can hold that against you. That damned Cromwell and them did that to you. And he died for it. But that's besides the point, I'm not that bad." Zero replied annoyed at the constant hits Derflinger was landing without him being able to parry him. While Zero was certainly powerful he just didn't have the six thousand years that Derflinger had to sharpen his edge.

"You've died twice since I've met you. The prince needs to at least once more to catch up with you. You left me behind to face the army in Albion. That was pretty much asking for death without my awesome power to help. So my point still stands. I'm sorry if it cuts a bit too close though. But truth often has an uncomfortable edge to it." Derflinger replied sounding apologetic.

Wales stared at the sword and swordsman who was glowering at it before they both broke out in laughter. He smiled lightly himself, "Noble weapon, It is folly to compare one such as I to Zero. I failed to save anything. And sacrificed myself for no real reason. Zero had the right of it."

Derflinger laughed in a rich voice and replied, "And Zero had no reason to leave me behind when he fought in Albion against those ice golem things. You at least thought you had a reason. My partner isn't as smart as you think he is. He is however the most fitting noble I've met in a very long time."

"What?" Zero asked sounding seriously annoyed with that little statement. Then turned to glare when Wales spoke his agreement.

"I agree. Zero is perhaps the most noble person I've had the pleasure of meeting. Nobleman or not, it doesn't matter. But his beliefs and his actions show him to be truly noble regardless. Along with that he cares about all who deserve it and is willing to stand for them. Should all nobles have a heart like Zero then this world may finally know peace." Wales finished with his own confident smirk as he saw Zero actually blush.

"Whatever, if you two are going keep saying crap like this I'm going to see how everyone else is doing. Make sure you say hello to Louise, Wales. She grieved for your loss too. And she'll… No, I'll let it be a surprise." Zero replied as he walked away from the sword and the prince, one laughing and the other finally seeming to have gotten into a cheery mode if at the expense of Zero's pride. As he walked around the party the first person he ran into was actually Tabitha who was sitting at a table drinking a cup of tea. She sat looking uncomfortably as she looked around, and something looked off to Zero. After a few moments he realized she had no book with her. She noticed him as he moved towards her.

"Hello, Zero…" She said quietly.

"What's wrong? I thought you would be reading a book." Zero replied.

"My mother told me that I could not take a book with me today. It is bad manners and will prevent me from socializing." Tabitha responded before she continued darkly, "Kirche told my mother about the previous celebrations and galas."

"Ah. Well, then why aren't you?" Zero asked curiously.

Tabitha looked at him flatly and sighed before she looked down to where she normally would have a book. She placed her tea cup on the table as she finished it.

"Well if that's how you're going to be I'm just going to have to drag you around with me." Zero replied taking a step away but Tabitha made no move to follow him. "Well?" he asked expectantly.

The girl shut her eyes and held her breath for a moment, as if thinking about how to explain her feelings. "I do not feel like socializing with the other students. You understand, do you not? I… Do not feel like I am one … of them!" Tabitha shouted at the end of her response as Zero picked her up and placed her under his arm and carried her off towards where more people were gathering. She heard a few laughs at the scene and her pale face blossomed pink. "Let me down this instant!" Tabitha demanded of Zero once she was able to speak but he made no move to comply.

"Are you going to enjoy the party with us?" Zero asked seriously as he looked down at her after about ten steps.

"Will you put me down if I say yes?" Tabitha asked. When Zero just smirked at her she sighed and replied, "Yes. I will attempt to enjoy the party with you."

A new voice joined the conversation when this was said. "That's no good. I agree with Zero and your mother that you should enjoy the company of others more," Kirche said a grin on her face at her friend's predicament.

Tabitha looked at Kirche and replied with a single word. "Betrayer."

"I do what I must even if it brings the ire or hatred of my beloved friends," Kirche replied with mock regret, her hand backwards against her forehead in an exaggerated motion. "But you have yet to answer the question correctly."

Zero almost laughed when Kirche had gotten involved but was able to narrowly hold it together. Ignoring the girl he was currently holding he spoke to the red head," So how are you doing? Have you spoken to Rock?"

"I have. As a matter of fact, he sent me to collect you. And you've already collected Tabitha." Kirche replied with a straight face as she started walking away but turned her head towards Zero, "Although I do not believe I could collect you in such a manner."

"It's fine. We all have our limits." Zero replied sounding like the soul of benevolence as the smaller girl tried a few times to struggle free then gave up, her pride having been appeased that she at least gave an attempt. "So are you going to enjoy the party?"

Tabitha finally replied, "I will enjoy the party if you would put me down." As she said this Zero placed her on the ground rather gently as they were walking, and she straightened her simple dress as she moved. She looked at Zero and then said coldly, "Never again."

Zero returned the look innocently and asked, "Or what?" Knowing full well that she couldn't actually hurt him.

"Something." Tabitha replied ominously.

"And I'll help!" Kirche replied as she stopped to hug the little girl. This was possibly the first playful threat she had heard the bookish girl make and that in itself was progress!

"Still not forgiven." Tabitha replied but couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her lips.

"Forgiveness has nothing to do with it. These are two different things!" Kirche insisted as she led them once again towards a larger crowd of people that was disproportionately female. She cleared her throat and a few of them moved or turned to look behind them. As they saw Zero the path cleared more and a seated Rock who looked decidedly uncomfortable with the attention he was getting . He noticed that Louise, Tiffania , Mathilda and Axl were all noticeably absent at the moment.

"Zero!" Rock called out, "Where have you been?" clearly trying to steer everyone's attention to the more known reploid.

"Oh, catching up with an old friend. You shouldn't have been too lonely without me though. " Zero shot back and then looked at the surrounding group with an innocent smile. "So have any of the pretty young ladies managed to catch your interest? They're all quite nice."

"I have no time for anything like that!" Rock replied angrily, "I still have to train and become as powerful as you so I can protect everyone like you. If I can't protect everyone then there was no use in me being reborn!"

Zero laughed lightly at first then loudly. Shaking his head he couldn't help but smile at the young robot master. "You'll be as strong as you need to. Just like X you will rise to the occasion with your feelings."

"How can you be sure?" Rock asked, doubtful.

"Because you're just like him." Zero shot back with no delay. "So like him, I have to make sure you spend what down time you have enjoying yourself."

"Oh really?" Rock asked sarcastically, "You who spend none of your down time enjoying yourself."

"I enjoy myself. I just have my own way of being amused." Zero replied with an infuriating smirk. "Although going out and saving the world single handedly repeatedly does sound kinda fun."

"It's not like that. Things just always happened and I kinda got drawn into it. I mean, the last time it happened before Wily disappeared and Forte's core started to go without the proper maintenance there was a huge virus outbreak that started to make all the robots around the world go a bit crazy. It wasn't fun at all." Rock replied his tone sour.

"That sounds… Familiar. Disturbingly so..." Zero said uneasily. "A virus?"

"Well yeah. A virus. And then after I finally beat his giant death machine he was piloting I chased him down and had to fight this invincible robot with long… blonde… hair?" Rock replied as he looked at Zero for a moment.

"What? What do you mean long blonde hair?" Zero asked, suddenly feeling uneasy at where he conversation as going but he asked his question before he could stop himself.

"Honestly, the body was different. It had some similarities to yours I think, but the armor wasn't completed and it was way more bulky, it didn't have a buster or a sword and it did not have a personality or any grace. It just repeated the same attack patterns but it was so fast and was able to deflect all of my attacks that it eventually wore me down. It fought me till it ripped my right arm off and as I was about to be killed it kinda shorted out." Rock spoke seriously as he looked at Zero's face a little closer. How had he not put the two things together before?

"That's… Kinda disturbing to hear." Zero spoke as he realized the conversation all around them had died down, "I can't say it wasn't me but from what you've said it sounds more like a prototype or alpha body. Even when I woke up berserk I had a personality. A crazy one but a personality. I remember that much. Although it's not really a comfort to remember a time when I was more or less insane..."

"That makes sense. That was also the last time Wily attacked. After that he just disappeared. No more robot masters, he abandoned the fortresses we knew about and the robot masters as well. Most of them were integrated into society after having some of their program fixed by Dr. Light but Forte refused to be adjusted or have maintenance done."

"Well, I can't really blame him for that." Zero replied uneasily. "I mean, who would volunteer to have someone toy around with their brain. Aside from a complete idiot of course."

"But didn't you decide to do just that when you let the scientists research your body and try and disable the virus before Weil stole it and made it into Omega?" Roll asked sweetly. The following moment seemed to have peaked the tension which had been building for quite a while.

"I've never said I'm not a complete idiot, sometimes." Zero followed up somehow expertly diffusing the tension causing everyone around to chuckle.

"That's been proven because you haven't given up and chosen one of us, darling" Kirche added in as she leaned on him suddenly, somewhat surprised when he didn't pull back.

"I still have to wonder about Wily though. Why did he make you look so girl like. I mean, your face is pretty feminine when you're asleep and your hair is longer than Roll's to be honest." Rock mused aloud. "Why would he do that?"

"Hey, I do not look feminine." Zero objected angrily.

"Well… I did think you looked rather pretty with your face so close to mine…" Leviathan who had been silent up until now, "And the way your hair moves in combat is almost enchanting. I think that's one of the things that Harpuia liked the most about you."

"It fits." Tabitha nodded as she added her two cents into the conversation, short as it was.

"Agreed! It is easily Zero's best quality. And so distinctive." Kirche added as she stroked his hair and he immediately pulled away. She guessed that was the limit that he'd allow, but an odd one at that.

"If it's that much trouble I should just cut it off," Zero replied, his armor shifting and reaching for his saber before he felt an Iron grip on his hand. He noticed Roll's hand had flown out and it too was armored.

"If you event attempt that I will get the broom." She stated coldly. "And I won't stop till it breaks."

"But… Isn't it made out of the same stuff as our armor?" Zero asked curiously.

"It is. It might take a while." Roll answered with a smile on her face.

"Oh god it's the Roll that all the robot masters feared more than me!" Rock cried out as he pointed at his sister. After a few moments all four reploids present started laughing, while the rest of the crowd looked on awkwardly.

"Although, To be honest you are pretty good looking in that way. Your face when you're relaxed is just soft and gentle enough and your hair certainly doesn't hurt. You're definitely a bishi." Roll commented much to Zero's indignation.

Colbert, who like the rest of the normal humans had stayed out of the conversation to this point blinked owlishly once. Twice. Recognizing the word and it's meaning he did something nobody at the academy had heard before. He laughed. And he kept laughing as he realized the truth about the looks of the most powerful force of destruction the world had ever seen. A bishonen, that was what the greatest weapon ever was. He couldn't seem to stop laughing as it rolled around in his head.

"It's not that funny!" Zero replied angrily, and by this time the laughter had spread. "And there are times I really do want to get rid of my hair! It makes me look awesome, but kids get grabby. Although Tiffa's little group was good about it I remember when Aloutte was reaching for me and grabbed my hair. She was stronger than she looked!" As he said this the laughter intensified.

"Seriously, if you cut your hair I will get the broom." Roll said again, no smile on her face.

"Defacing a national treasure like Zero would be a terrible crime." Kirche added.

"Don't I get a say in this?" Zero asked, although he knew he had no real plans of changing his hair style. He'd had it for hundreds of years and had heard all the jokes about it.

"None." Was the reply from the blue haired girl he had been carrying earlier.

It was then that the jovial atmosphere was broken as the students that had gathered parted for another more serious looking person. Old Osmand walked up, and smiled at Rock who looked rather nervous at the moment. "It's good to see you finally up and about again. I suppose it is my turn to say happy birthday to you? While you're not as cute as you were before I suppose it's better than anything happening to you. But why couldn't you be more like your sister?" As he said this he felt a familiar pressure on his shoulder. He laughed lightly as he looked at Zero and said "A joke. Just a joke. Of course I'm happy he got to have a body again. Especially after the valor he showed even without the ability to do combat. Although this just means I have one more child here who doesn't know their limits and that I'll have to watch out for."

"I knew my limits, sir. I just chose someone else's life over mine." Rock stated clearly.

"That's much better than the reasons Zero normally gives so I suppose it can be forgiven this time. But next time pick the person up and then dodge." Osmand advised.

"If I can," Rock answered back.

With his introduction to Rock's new self done and his best wishes given he turned to look at Zero. His face was serious once more. "This is the first I've been able to run you down between all of your activities but there is something we need to talk about."

Zero just looked at Osmand and shook his head, "Not a single day? I can't have a single day without something happening can I?"

"Well, that's the way the world works when you have more responsibilities." Old Osmand smiled as he spoke. "This shouldn't take too long I don't think but it is important. And private. I'm sorry that I have to interrupt the celebration like this, but it's something that can't be put off any longer." With this he walked away from the gathered young nobles, with Zero following him with a resigned look on his face.

***Break***

Neige looked at the paper she was writing. She growled with frustration that she had felt almost compelled to do this. Was it a sense of duty because of her time as a diplomat? Or was it the fact that for some reason her responsibilities had been given to others and she was left with little more than overseeing multiple projects but without any real ability to get involved. Nothing more than busy work. So she had decided to write to the other Zero about what was happening here. Well, nothing that would endanger their efforts but the systematic changes to their law codex and the other things that her beloved princes were doing. Looking over the penned letter she also noticed that she also included enough questions on his thoughts on the matter to make it seem more a personal letter than anything. The one personal thing she included was that not one person knew why she was like the person from his past. She'd asked around as lightly as possible and each person who was built chose their name when they woke for the first time. She had been the same. It had seemed so natural and familiar. On top of this she discussed how she had been treated differently lately, and that perhaps she had been a mistake or done dissatisfactory work. Her responsibilities curtailed and the inquires she'd made into various subjects rejected. Suddenly she was aware of someone watching her and she turned to see Prince Zero staring at her. She stood up and bowed quickly.

"My prince! I'm sorry for not noticing you sooner!" She spoke quickly.

"It's fine. I wasn't trying to be noticed. So, who are you writing to?" He asked casually, almost disinterestedly.

Neige paused for a moment. Thinking it through she nodded, "I am writing to the other you."

The Zero before her raised an eyebrow and asked , "And what reason would you have to do that?"

"It is my duty as the diplomat to Tristian. Even though I'm no longer active in that station Zero has met me and I agitated him. It is my responsibility to inform him of the things that you and Prince X are doing to make the lives of everyone better." Neige answered with far more confidence than she felt. She felt a pressure against her mind and briefly wondered what it was.

"So you're saying you're reporting our information to a foreign knight? A dangerous one?" Copy Zero spoke with more interest and perhaps some regret in it.

"Of course not my prince!" she objected vehemently much to the surprise of Copy Zero, "Nothing I've written is more sensitive than what you could hear from the lips of the commoners. The fair and equal treatment and dignity you afford to all. Noble, reploid or commoner! From what I have gathered in his actions and those that I met while there, he is someone who cares more for people than he does himself. If he believes you are fighting for the same things then you do not need fight him."

"Do you think myself and X would lose against him?" Copy Zero asked with a hint of agitation.

"I do not honestly know." Neige replied boldly, "But I fear what would happen if you did. And lately it feels as if I am not trusted… So I'm doing everything I can with the power I have. I don't want anyone to suffer if it can be helped."

"Oh?" Copy Zero asked as he took a few steps closer.

"The three of you, or perhaps four if the one known as Axl joins the battle would create a battlefield that would be unparalleled. Couldn't people be caught up in that? I'm afraid if you fight that people in our country or theirs will suffer. Their princess is earnest in her desire for peace or else she would have ordered Zero to attack in response to the attack on the palace. From the information I saw one of Albion's fallen royalty was injured and a girl that was likely no older than ten were killed in that exchange." Neige commented looking sad.

Copy Zero scanned the paper as it came into view he analyzed what was written. He begrudgingly approved of it until the end. That was not information a commoner or anyone outside their own reploids should know. He frowned as he spoke softly, "Nothing more than a commoner could tell? Information on our reploids is something that is known so widely on our streets?"

Neige suddenly felt cold. She shook her head slowly. "That… That isn't the case. But the other Zero is suspicious of me. Because I am a figurative copy of someone he knew. He viewed my very existence as an attack upon him personally. Benign information like that seems to impart more than it does. The fact that we choose our names tells nothing of importance about our creation. But with the knowledge that perhaps I'm an irregular in this regard and one that is untrusted… I distance myself from the rest of Gallia… I make myself the target of his ire…"

"You don't understand do you?" Copy Zero "The reasons that we've reduced your responsibilities and have watched you?"

"You've been watching me?" Neige asked surprised at the revelation that her own Princes had that little faith in her. She lowered her head slightly at that.

"Ever since you went to Tristian and interacted with my counterpart you were infected by a virus that he seems to hold. While it's given you some information that was useful, it has also changed you in a great many ways. From what we know it was this virus that caused the end of the world that Zero and our good 'father' hailed from." Copy Zero stated not quite coldly but with an edge in his voice. "And unfortunately your erratic behavior and overstepping of boundaries have gone from unimportant or helpful to treasonous. "

"That's not true! Everything I've done has been for you my prince!" Neige shouted as she looked up, tears in her eyes.

"You can cry can you? That's not something any of the rest of us can do. Unfortunately this is just proof of how much you've been infected." Copy Zero stated, "Your erratic action and the irrational way you're going about things in secret is too dangerous. I'm sorry but I can no longer trust you."

Neige looked at Prince Zero. She finally understood. She had been changed by interacting with the other Zero. Corrupted. She nodded as she smiled. Her prince was here to cleanse her. If that was his wish so be it. Anything for them, for the world they wanted to build. That is when she saw it. Far better than she should have with her known specs. She could have dodged his saber as it was arcing to her but instead she stepped into it, ensuring the blow would cleave her core. A smile graced her face as she looked into the surprised face of her executioner who couldn't divert the course of the blade at that late in the arc.

Copy Zero stood over the remains of the reploid he had just killed. He had expected her to flee or freeze in terror so had gone for a wider sweep of the blade that would injure rather than go for the power core initially. If he had missed she might have made it to the window while if he injured her she would have almost no chance of escaping with her capabilities. Instead she had stepped into his blade as if she could see its arc from the very start which should have been impossible. She simply hadn't been born with that type of power. The smile on her face gave lie to that thought, along with a trail of tears that still leaked. Copy Zero somehow knew that she had known. That she could see the attack. "What the hell? Why didn't you even try and dodge?" He demanded of the girl who couldn't respond.

"Zero…" Copy X said his name in a low voice from the door. He had seen the whole thing. "Was she really such a threat?"

"I… I don't know!" Copy Zero replied as he stared down at her, two streams of not yet dried moisture on her cheek, her smile haunting him as he looked at her. "She has been acting suspiciously and then was going to be giving information about the creation of the other reploids to the Zero who is in the other country. You agreed that if anything sensitive was to be divulged that we should act."

Copy X nodded. "I did. But, it somehow seems wrong. It's as if she accepted our judgment." After a pause Copy X shook his head. "No, with all she's said she probably did it gladly. She must have known what we were talking about… But if she was willing to do that, then we were wrong!" he finished his voice full of frustration and anger. "How could we do this?"

Copy Zero spoke in a resolute tone at this," We had to make a choice. We can't second guess ourselves after a choice is made. Once the action is done we can figure out if it is right or wrong but indecision is the difference between life and death. And if she had continued the way she had, then she would probably have directly rebelled. The person she was at her base was changing right? We saw that. If that's the case, then it's for the best that this happened before she lost herself."

"Do you really think so Zero?" Copy X asked doubtfully.

"I don't really know. But I do know that if that other Zero had never encountered her, this never would have happened. And this is what will happen to any reploid aside from us who goes near him. Because even we've been unable to figure out how a number of our higher systems work ! They have no defenses against him!" Copy Zero replied angrily.

"That is true. But I can't help but feel that we killed an innocent. One who supported us with all her heart," Copy X replied as he looked at the girl who had just shown her absolute faith. He felt a sharp pain in his chest that he knew was not physical looking at the body.

"She was an innocent. And a victim. Her blood is on our hands, and on my originals." Copy Zero stated with finality. "We both agreed we'd have to sacrifice to build a world like you wanted. This is one of them. From this point on, no diplomats are going to be sent to Tristian that are not loyal human nobles. We can't repeat the same mistake." Copy Zero spoke with a heavy weariness to his voice. The smile on the red haired reploids face still persisted, her eyes still appeared to be filled with trust. He damned himself for seeing that smile. If only he'd known this would happen he could have subdued her. But he expected her to do anything but what she had done. This was his burden to bare. He had taken her life. The life of one who believed in him. And while he would admit his guilt in this he could not forgive the one who had forced things down this path. He would never forgive the original Zero… He looked over to X who had moved to her body and gently picked it up. A sad look on his face he gently moved to the door, and motioned for Zero to follow him.

As the room emptied a sigh escaped the lips of an unnoticed observer from above. He'd found infiltration here to be far easier than he'd thought possible. They'd really only defended against humans. They pretty much expected any reploids to either be on their side or rampage on in like Zero would. These two were amateurs at things like this, but that just made them more dangerous. Murdering a faithful follower and blaming someone else. Great way to cause bad blood. And lose competent diplomats. He walked to the table that held the dead girl's last words and picked up the letter. He wondered just what he'd do with it. If he delivered the letter and let Zero know what happened he'd be throwing oil on the fire. Or maybe it was throwing liquid oxygen on the fire? Whatever it just meant it would make it worse. But if he didn't, these fools could head in an even worse direction. Why the hell was everyone so damned stupid? That was a question that had been plaguing him since he had been built. Shaking his head he activated the one trans server he still had hidden in this castle and left.

***Break***

Zero walked into the headmaster's office behind the old man who had wanted to talk to him. After the headmaster seated himself and looked at Zero with those serious eyes he rarely ever had, Zero finally asked, "So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about that you couldn't talk about with everyone around?"

"I've been talking to Tiffania about a request she made. Apparently you believe that her summoning a familiar is a bad idea. This is something we need to discuss." The old man said as he looked the more intimidating young man in the eyes unflinchingly.

"You say that but there isn't anything to discuss. It's pretty obvious that void users like Tiffa or Louise call beings of power. They also take people away from their lives. If whoever is called doesn't like that or has protections against the runes it could put them in danger. If they don't have protections against the runes they'll become slaves. It's lose-lose all around." Zero replied in a matter of fact tone.

"It might be as you say but it's still more complex than that. Tradition is a very important thing. There are times to throw it away and times to embrace it. There are also times to grudgingly accept it."

"And this is one of the times to throw it away!" Zero answered back angrily. "You'd place someone else or Tiffania in danger just for tradition."

After Zero said this another voice chimed in that surprised them both after a brief flash of light revealed Axl hiding in the corner of the office. "You both have some points but you have to look at the meaning behind the ritual. What does it serve and why is it required by everyone."

"What are you saying Axl? You should know better than anyone what it's like to be branded!" Zero shouted angrily. This was perhaps the first time the headmaster had seen Zero lose his cool like this. "Axl's programing, his soul was almost destroyed by the pope and that stupid rune!"

"I understand Zero. I know what it is like to be branded like this. But the other side of the coin is that she can't be protected from the world and its expectations. The familiar summoning is important to a person who is a mage. Its even more important to their peers." Axl replied tiredly. "What would happen, or would be said if she couldn't summon a familiar. Would it be because she's an elf? Would people think differently of her for it? This spell is the only non elemental spell in this world. It is purely based on the spirit of the wielder. You also have the fact that two of the void familiars were summoned near their deaths. Perhaps I was going to die soon too before I was summoned. Considering that the spell is really only a guideline we could alter the spell to ensure it summons someone who needs her rather than one she needs or something."

"That is true. In this way we could have her summon someone she could help… And being a familiar does grant some benefits. And if she issues a command like the Pope did for your dear friend then that should be no issue right? It would be an entirely beneficial arrangement for the familiar in question, correct?" Old Osmand asked with a smile on his face.

"Except the whole hurting more than falling into lava thing? Well technically it was magma since I was underground but still. I guess but I don't see inhumane torture during the branding to be something you can mitigate or explain away." Zero replied acidly.

"It can't be that bad. Besides if you had been burned so badly there would be marks." Osmand replied.

"Actually, that's not his original body and he kinda got his original body blown up… A few different times that I was there for. And a few times before that. So, most of his original body was really replacement parts so it's actually pretty believable." Axl spoke with a quiet certainty then added, "And I can attest to the sensation. The pain is unbearable. I was able to take it but someone not used to pain would probably pass out."

The old man sighed and shook his head, "I agree with much of what you two have said and done and have been privileged to have such kind hearted youngsters around who do what they can for others, but there are some things that just can't be changed."

"Anything can be changed with enough force old man." Zero spoke threateningly.

The old man stood up and walked closer to Zero with a sad look in his eye. "If you don't care about the aftermath then yes, that is true. Anything can change… But still, she is a good girl and I do not believe she would be in any danger. Her spell would bring out a familiar perfectly suited to her. I don't think she could summon something dangerous. And if it was dangerous then it's not like there wouldn't be time to react to-" The old man spoke in a wise sort of tone but cut off suddenly.

Zero looked out the window and without even looking at the headmaster he had drawn his saber, it's arc of light leaving a dazzling green glow as it came to rest less than half an inch from the headmaster's throat. "This is how fast a fatal strike could come from something like us, with just as much warning. We now know that if she summons something then she can be attacked by it. Confusion or aggression it doesn't matter, we know that something summoned can kill their summoner before contracted. King Joseph is proof of that. Are you willing to bet the lives of your students on this?"

The headmaster looked down at the blade which the blonde reploid withdrew and then returned to it's resting place. His eyes were thoughtful as he looked at Zero. "Do you really think that something like that could be summoned by that young girl? A familiar is a reflection of a person's self. Do you really think that she would summon something that would harm her?"

Axl looked between them and then asked, "Is that the only reason? I mean, it makes sense. If a powerful reploid or something was summoned at a bad time something might happen. I mean, I almost shot the Pope when he summoned me in the middle of an intel gathering mission. But there's something you're not saying. When you're telling the truth you never turn your eyes away. But you weren't looking at either of us while speaking. By the way you can thank Iris for that. She says it's classic Zero lying pose number three. "

Zero glared at Axl and then shook his head. "They should get a choice. Even if we change the wording, if she summons a person… It doesn't matter if they're reploid or human. Or anything else for that matter. If it has intelligence they should get a choice. We can't send them back. But if they are summoned like me because of the changing of the words, then it might be ok. But they need to be informed beforehand."

Osmand frowned and looked at Zero, "I understand what you are saying but she needs to complete the contract. Once a familiar is summoned she cannot summon another. "

"That's besides the point. She doesn't need a familiar to protect her. But if she needs to summon one then they should know."

"Contract familiar can also be used on something, or someone that wasn't summoned." Axl commented lightly before he continued, "I'm sure that Mathilda or Rock would-" He paused as he found himself lifted off the ground by Zero. He chuckled before he continued, not seeming to be bothered by the lack of contact he had with the ground. "Ok, not a fan of that solution? Yeah it hurts becoming a familiar, but you can't deny it's made you and I more powerful. And with the knowledge of what the runes do she can easily give a command like the Pope issued to me that will prevent the rune from working actively like that like Osmand said. At least that's the theory. And worse comes to worse we pick out a suitable dragon or something that takes a liking to her and have her make that into her familiar. Then people get impressed at it and she gets a pet to look after."

"I don't like the word theory. " Zero stressed quietly. "That's all any of that is. I still don't see why she should summon anything to begin with."

Axl looked down at Zero and countered , "Well, all students must complete a familiar summoning. According to the rules that's what is. People don't always accept changes and with her race it would do better if she be the same as the others and it would also keep anyone from making an issue of her heritage. Although nobody mentions it there are still the older people who get hung up on those things. But think about it, the rules state specifically that contract can fail but the summoning must happen. And as void familiars I'm pretty certain we have a role to play in this. Again at least two of the void familiars have been summoned at the moments of their deaths with little time for delay. Seconds at the absolute most in the case of one. The three of us that have been summoned have managed to do a pretty good job of things all things considered right? I mean, even when Leviathan was still under the effects of her rune she was able to resist and when she fought you she provoked you and goaded you into attempting to kill her. And now that she's working with us she's surprisingly reliable. Although I didn't think I'd ever be working with a guardian…" Axl finished with a chuckle.

Zero shook his head violently as he let go of Axl and replied,"I don't agree. Weil got summoned too. And if we weren't here then Leviathan would have caused more or less the entire world to be suppressed by the kingdom of Gallia with its pseudo-pantheon shock troops. This is stupidly risky."

"You both bring up very valid points. Although I've never heard of someone summoning and not attempting to contract with the familiar. But if we changed the wording and she was able to summon someone or something who was in danger of dying like you say that you were Zero, then I suppose we could compromise. A summoning with us in attendance where we can then explain the dangers of contracting and what benefits it might bestow and allow them to decide. And if what is summoned is something dangerous, and we had both of you there would you not be able to suppress it?"

"I honestly don't know." Zero replied honestly. "We'd be working off unknowns and with the apparent split in time between here and our world who knows how long it's been. She might summon a reploid or a normal human. Or a mechanaloid. Or something that we don't know about yet."

"You have a point, even if I'm not sure what a number of those things are… When you go into the differences between a mechanloid and a reploid I just don't get it. But…" Osmand replied carefully, "But Axl brings up a very solid point. Tiffania is a half elf. And while her peers adore her, their parents and those in the church are more leery of her. While she has the crown's protection she can't be seen to be flouting the rules too much or else one of two things will happen."

Zero looked at Osmand as he waited. When the old man didn't continue his thoughts, Zero asked, "And what is it exactly that will happen?"

"There are two things. One, those with knowledge of the specialty of some of the mages and the unique measures of their familiars to gauge their strength and purpose will be able to make some educated guesses. This will be the same as announcing her as what we wish to hide. The second is that those who look down upon her heritage would view it as her way of insulting the founder. People and their religious and traditional convictions are such a pain to deal with. And while you can protect the girl you cannot make people like her. You cannot protect her from the scorn or hate of others. And from what I've seen of the girl, she desperately wants friends and people to approve of her. That is why she wants to see the world. And by not allowing her to summon her familiar you will in fact be hindering her social growth and circles." Osmand finished, looking quite pleased at the defeated look Zero had on his face. With a grin he continued, "Don't worry Zero. We won't let anything happen to her. Between the three of us we should be able to ensure everyone comes out of this safe and happy. Us old men have got to use our knowledge and experience or else being old means nothing. Right?"

"Whatever. You win this round but this better not come back to bite us in the ass or I'm going to lay all the blame on you." Zero replied as he stormed from the room.

"Honestly that went better than I had hoped. You've got a way with words old man. And a peculiar way of looking at things. Even though we're older than ya, sometimes it's still like we're kids when we're talking to you." Axl commented as he looked at the old man.

"It's because you've never expanded." The old man replied honestly. He paused for a bit then continued his thought, "You've both been fighting and spying for so long. You've just done the same thing. I've loved, fought, built, protected and explored. I've lived a very full life. I sometimes wonder why I'm still around and the only thing I can think of is to pass on my knowledge to those who don't have it."

Axl looked at the old man and shook his head. There really wasn't anything he could say to counter that. Maybe it was time for them to expand their characters a bit…

***Author's notes

X: Seriously Zero isn't here, and the last time we got cut off. You aren't going to let him know right.

Well… at least let me start the Author's notes off next time you decide to come down here. Anyhow, just read this. It's only a copy so it doesn't matter if you destroy it. This is where you come in. Hands a stack of papers to X

X: He'll kill us both for this!

You think so? I think he's more forgiving than that.

X: Are you joking?

Yes. Sometimes you need to make sacrifices for comedy though.

X: This isn't comedy though. This is terrible! This is tragedy!

Zero : What's terrible?

Oh, nothing. X just wanted to read something I wrote.

Zero: Why don't I believe you.

Why would you not believe me. I'm an honest sort of person. It's true. To the very letter of every word.

X: Ah… Yeah. That's it.

Zero: So what is it?

X: … Armor turns red and he burns the papers in question

X, when did you gain the ability to use your flame thrower from X1?

X: Non canon.

Ah. That's true. Welp let's deal with the reviews. Top three pairings? Really? No Leviathan? No Rock? There might be relationships with people who aren't Zero in this. He could end up going stag.

Zero: I damned well better be.

People do die! Wardes is dead. Neige is now dead. Lots of Albion officers and soldiers and other people dead. Main characters? Not so many yet.

Zero: Wait, what? Wasn't I supposed to kill her? And what do you mean yet?

Nope. She was an innocent in all this. The other you killed her. Kinda an Iris moment. Probably gonna fuck with his head now like that did with you.

Zero: God damn it, why are you such an asshole?

Never thought about it. I just… Am. It feels... right. But moving on to more reviews…

Anyhow, just curious why Louise is above some of the other characters. But that's neither here nor there. On Bass he's confirmed dead. I said he was dead. And Protoman is dead. And I think I said the guardians were dead. So I guess I'm not a trustworthy source of information. And on preemptive of the person who asks, there is still no chapter 84 yet.

On the games being non canon, they're all canon even if they conflict(btw X6 was made without Inafune's knowledge and made them redo the story for the entire Zero series so they wouldn't have X showcasing as both a villain and a hero in two separate titles. Opened up plot holes too but Capcom never cared too much about that. Looking at the Zero series as it was released(Since we got that instead of the original version) there were some decent plot holes and changes. In reality if you look at it, If X 5 ended with Zero NOT being a Maverick, X could be a Maverick as the hero. If he was a maverick(Awakened) then X talks about Elysium. In this case it would actually show a BRANCHING path between The Zero and Legends series(although the former has far less time pass). But it didn't. It all changed with X6 being made and released as it was. The time after X8 that led to command mission actually helped the overall storyboard in my opinion. Last time I'm bringing this up.

I stated in the past that the Zero virus couldn't effect humans. That was true. And false. The Zero virus at it's base(Like the copy has) can NOT. The evolved Maverick Virus that Zero has is an entirely different thing. The Zero virus can not touch it in complexity or power. This leads to the fact that yes, Neige was being changed just because she met Zero. He is more or less emitting his virus passively. In an area like the castle that does have a minor data network as placed by (At this time unknown who could that dashing rogue be? I'm not telling) it is even worse.

Zero: Seriously. You didn't just kill her off like you said you did right? I mean all I did was scare the crap outta her. If I got her killed then I'm gonna feel like a complete jerk especially if she wasn't doing anything wrong. Wait seriously, if this is non canon I can go read what it was.

Um. Well this is non canon so you won't remember any of this anyhow so yeah you can.

Zero: … Picks up pages to this chapter and reads it in it's entirety I'm going to destroy them slowly and painfully.

Yeah I figured you'd say that but good thing you don't know.

Zero: But the Elven knight, whoever that is, is probably gonna tell me.

Wait what? Lemme see that. How the hell did that happen?

Elven Knight: You're like the clones. You only hide your stuff from Zero's straight forward approach. It was easy to write myself in.

God damn you all. I'm supposed to be the author.

Elven Knight: Yeah well, you're supposed to update faster too. I just added a little extra to help fill out the story.

But Zero is going to be freaking FURIOUS if he gets that letter and finds out about what happened.

Elven Knight: Not my problem. It's the clones problem. The bigger problem is who I am. I could be Quint. Or Blues. Or Forte. You've already proven the time line separates. We could all be from separate ones with the time lag! Which means I could come from a world that called me Forte instead of Bass if I am in fact bass! I Could even be Megaman Shadow!

God damn it that is not the case so stop saying stuff like this. We're done. Finishing reviews then done. No more obscure characters or anything like that or stupid theories that may or may not be valid! No more of you spouting off theories that are not confirmable!

Elven Knight: But I'm never really in the story. I just effect things behind the scenes. This is actually pretty fun.

And more words on, missing words. Even one of the REVIEWS which is in chapter 67 I've been informed has at least two missing words. You can prolly figure out which one it is.

And even though it's yet another PM instead of a review, I'm gonna clarify this since someone did put it together (Not as fast as I'd like), The reason Copy Zero knew stuff from the beginning might have been because Weil was slightly infected by the Original Zero's more passive virus. It makes some sense. I'm only rewarding a good guess here.

Also for people saying that reploids couldn't enjoy music (Again this comes up). My final standing is this. Even BLUES the first of the robot masters liked music enough to have an iconic WHISTLE THEME. Therefore I decree this to be true.

On why I had two totally different tones on the chapter with Weil having his mind erased way back when? It's easy. Both of those are the start of something perhaps. One is the start of the Clones freedom and their ability to maybe shift the way things were going and have a peaceful ending. Or not. And Zero fighting not against the girls, or the girls against Zero but against the collective wall that Zero has built up. And his wall crumbled more than a little with the arsenal unleashed both physical AND mental.

Zero is still currently the most powerful single entity on this world that he is currently in

Zero: Of course. And with the copies killing Neige I'm going to show them just how powerful I am.

Shut up! Didn't you threaten her anyhow? And didn't I say we were done?

Zero: Yeah. And? I was also told I was dead a few times.

Elven Knight: Not like he can stop us from talking.

The fact is Copy X and Zero, and the new information they uncovered as a pair because of the late and devout reploid(Thank two of the people who sent me PM's for voting on her fate), their capabilities as a team are unknown to you all. Is the armor specs the X5 ultimate armor? The X8 armor sets? Or maybe the X8 ultimate armor? Or maybe the falcon armor. That was a pretty badass armor. It wasn't ultimate but you could argue that the focused shot of it was FAR more powerful when it hit.

Zero: Ignoring us. Huh. Well I do got to agree though, for the amount of times I died on the speeder stage to get all those stupid blue orbs it had better have been a badass armor. God damned X not appreciating how much work I put in to get that since you rarely ever played as him.

And while Zero is a walking weapon of mass destruction I've always played him as a focused and quick character. After X3 he's really felt to be a much less durable character than X who could REALLY put the hurt on the enemies super fast. And as things went further he gave up more and more survability for more and more damage.

Zero: Hell yeah. Just my normal jump attack with a sabre is stupidly OP. Some bosses it's faster just to do that than use their weakness. And in Zero 3? Charge slash Up slash down slash. Rinse and repeat once. It is a boss. It was a boss. The stage has ended.

And the necroed was mostly a joke. I hadn't really stopped but at the same time it was a long time since the last update. Well that's about it. I'm off. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Zero: Think he's really ignoring us now. Guess the Author's notes are over now. See ya next time.

Elven Knight: Yeah. Well you guys probably won't see me unless I screw up badly but hopefully this idiot updates sooner rather than later.