copychip | Fic

Bounty hunting was a dangerous profession. He knew that. He knew, when he formed Red Alert, that one day, he would die in the line of duty, fighting Mavericks to protect the weak. And he had been prepared for that outcome. To die on the field, fighting for others, would be the highest glory he could achieve as a retired Repliforce member. As someone who tried to do good for the world, tried to fill the hole that the legendary Hunter X had left when he had retired.

He had, never in a million years, expected to find himself labeled as a Maverick. He never expected Sigma to revive and take an interest in his group, specifically his youngest, most inexperienced member.

He never expected to die by that young, energetic child's hand.

He stood silently, watching his former charge be pulled away as he yelled desperately for the broken Reploid to come with them. It was too late, for him. If not by his battered body falling apart and ceasing to function, then he would have been lost to the Virus that slept within him, waiting for an opportune moment to rise and take over. He had been cursed the moment the "Professor" appeared before him, offering promises of power.

It was a mistake to listen to the Professor. Sigma. The most dangerous Maverick of all. The one who started the Wars, and started this cycle of pain and destruction. He hadn't noticed the signs, when the other first appeared before him, appearance shrouded by shadows cast from the dim lighting of the Palace. The idea of powering up from the DNA data Axl obtained was too appealing. It would have been a great boon to Red Alert; would've allowed them to take on stronger Mavericks that were usually left to the Hunters, who had Zero to combat them. But instead, it had corrupted his subordinates, and twisted them into former shadows of themselves, bent on violence and slaughter.

Perhaps the corruption was the fault of Sigma, not the DNA power ups. Maybe, if Sigma hadn't been involved, all would have went well and they would've been able to eliminate even more Mavericks. But that didn't matter anymore; everyone was gone. Taken down like Mavericks ought to be. He was the last surviving member of Red Alert, and that would soon change as well.

Axl and Zero were gone now, presumably escaping from the crumbling Crimson Palace. Good. Axl was young and inexperienced. He was full of potential, and damn if an old bucket like him was going to drag Axl down to death.

He couldn't help but be sad that he would miss seeing the kind of person Axl would grow up to be, though. No doubt, he would grow up to be a powerful Hunter, maybe even on par with the likes of X and Zero. He certainly had that potential. The edges of his lips turned up as he envisioned the youngster walking side by side with the legendary Hunters. Axl had always admired them deeply; he was probably overjoyed to be working with them now.

Red looked up at the moon peeking through the broken walls of the Palace. Large chunks of debris fell around him, and the crashing became thunderous; it wouldn't be long before the whole building fell completely. Despite the way the last moments of his life had turned, he felt content. He had fought for a long time, and it was his turn to rest now. From here on, it would be Axl's time, and Red was sure he would shine brightly, like a star in the night sky. He closed his eyes, hearing the metal directly above him squeak and twist, cracking from the weight of the broken Palace.

"Give them hell, kid."

And then, he knew no more.

-----

They were almost at the top now. That was where the Professor was located. As they stood in front of the entrance to the building, Axl turned to view end of Crimson Palace's destruction, watching as the debris settled in a large pile. Zero, who had been moving alongside him, stopped and turned to the younger Reploid.

"You'll have time to mourn for him later," he finally said, after a few moments of silence.

"I know," Axl replied, looking over to Zero. The Hunter observed him for a moment, and then turned to walk towards the entrance. "Make it quick," he told the Navy-armored Reploid.

Axl smiled and turned to look back at the Palace. Red was gone now, that was for certain. He closed his eyes briefly, and then turned to join Zero. This would be the starting point of his new career as a Maverick Hunter, and he would show the world what he's got.

Thank you for everything you've done for me, Red. Rest in peace.