[Homeless, looking, doing practice apps]

[derivativeofx]

You'll have to start over, of course. You've got it completely wrong so far. I'm not a "delusional child," I'm a hero. I can't have the person writing me swayed by whatever Resistance propaganda put these ridiculous ideas in your head.

Comments

[inheritstsun]

[Harpuia will frown. Losing Phantom had been hard on everyone.]

...you are our duty, Master X. We are trained to fight, and give our lives, if it means protecting yours.

[derivativeofx]

Hardly a fair exchange, is it? Slay the individual to spare the replica.

[A thought, but one he won't dwell on. He continues.]

...Harpuia. I'm well aware just how far my generals will go in the name of duty. The duty of the one who gives those orders, however, is to give them wisely. Had I permitted you to stand against Zero again, you would have lost.

[inheritstsun]

[That frown is just going to remain there.]

We don't see you as a replica, Master X.

...I won't allow myself to lose so easily again.

[derivativeofx]

That's what I am, Harpuia. There's no need for us to sugarcoat the truth.

...Nor should you let your pride cloud that keen mind of yours. Your spirit is admirable, but keep in mind who your enemy is.

[inheritstsun]

...yes sir. I apologize for speaking with my pride.

[derivativeofx]

[He brushes the apology off with a dismissive wave of the hand.]

You won't let it happen again.

[A statement of his faith in Harpuia? An order? A little bit of both? Hard to tell.]

As it stands, I see no immediate need to engage in Zero in battle. Until I can be certain he remains a threat to us, I'd rather not run the risk of you getting hurt again.

[inheritstsun]

Of course, sir.

[One point down for Harpuia. He'll just consider himself in the dog house now.]

If I may say, Master X, Zero doesn't propose much of problem. His actions are...respectful, and he works towards what he feels is right. It's a little admiring.

[derivativeofx]

[Funny thing: Copy X's expression doesn't change, but his smile somehow manages to turn a few degrees colder.]

Interesing.

That's really quite interesting.

[He straightens up--casually, offhandedly, but still with something of the steel-fisted tyrant's regal air.]

Go on, Harpuia. Tell me more.

[inheritstsun]

[Oh he notices that. He notices that all too well. Harpuia tenses up before his gaze switches to stare down at the floor.]

...there's nothing more, Master X.

[Sorry sir, but we Guardian's all have a small crush on Zero. Except maybe Phantom.]

[derivativeofx]

[Rule one of MMZ: everyone has a crush on Zero. EVERYONE. No exceptions.]

Oh, no. No need to censor yourself in front of me, Harpuia. We are friends, after all, and I really am just so curious about what makes Zero so admirable.

[Don't let the moe fool you, Harpy, he's still got his ugly side. He does a pretty passable imitation of the real X's gentle voice, too, except he always seems to use that soft benevolent tone for his most ruthless acts. That's the "several hundred innocent reploids are going to die today" voice, and funnily enough, that's the voice he's using now.]

[inheritstsun]

[Everyone. This is just a love sims game and Zero's the suitor. He'll end up getting a yandere ending at this rate though.]

It's...nothing, Master X. It's something..I thought I had notice not too long ago.

[W-Why do you have to use that sort of voice, Master X? All the moe. Falling for it all. The job of the generals are to protect Master X's innocent and naivety from the perverted Zero. Because it's obvious that's what he's after.]

[derivativeofx]

[Well, hey, it's either that or the harem ending.]

Is that so? Well, Harpuia, thank you for sharing with me.

[He beckons over to Harpy, still using that oh-so-warm tone of voice. Two short, simple orders.]

Come closer to me. Kneel.

[inheritstsun]

[I'm...okay with both.]

I....yes, Master X.

[This isn't going to end well. But Harpuia will be nodding his head and coming closer, kneeling down after with his head bowed.]

[derivativeofx]

[And lovingly, so lovingly, he leans down over his faithful general, tipping Harpuia's head back so that they can be eye-to-eye. He keeps his hands cradling Harpuia's face for a bit, just long enough for him to speak.]

You're cruel, Harpuia. Awfully cruel. That man killed me, and you tell me he's admirable? What sort of friend does something like that...? How can you say you care about your Master when you hurt me like that?

[Another long, lingering moment of forced eye contact, then Copy X lets Harpuia go. Almost as an afterthought: BAM. A sharp backhand to the face. Strong pimp hand, Copy.]

If you ever utter such Maverick thoughts again, you'll be executed without a trial.

[inheritstsun]

[Harpuia readies himself for anything, but even he's cut off guard by the oh so loving touch. This is what they must call, tough love.]

Master X, I--

[Oh. Should have expected that slap. Harpuia winces, raising up one hand to cradle his face, but giving a nod of his head nonetheless. Gotta keep that pimp hand strong.]

I apologize for my words, Master X. I meant it in no way to harm you...I couldn't ever forgive Zero for what he's done to you and Neo Arcadia. [But I do have respect for the Maverick.]

[derivativeofx]

[Copy X straightens up, folds his arms, and turns away in a manner that is definitely regal and dismissive, and not at all petulant or sulky. ...Well, okay, maybe just a little sulky.]

It's easy to say that, but how can I tell that you mean it?

[inheritstsun]

[Now, now, don't be sulky. This is why Zero and Omega are wanting to take your innocence.]

I wouldn't ever lie to you, Master X. Everything I do is for you and your honor.

[derivativeofx]

[IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL SULK IF I WANT TO. Don't worry, Harpy, he doesn't really mean it. He's just being bratty for attention.]

I'm starting to have my doubts about you, Harpuia.

[inheritstsun]

[That's okay, Master X. I'll protect your naivety and innocent from those creeps. Also. His face. He is so crushed by those words. Please don't doubt him, Master X. You're killing him.]

Master X...there is no excuse for my earlier comment. I apologize in full.

[derivativeofx]

[He turns his head just a little, enough to give Harpuia a quick glance. Ah, that face... Copy X turns away again.

Funny. The selfish, needy tyrant in him enjoys this. There's something very satisfying about having so much control--the fact his words can hurt like that just proves his importance, right? But at the same time... well, maybe there's just enough of the original X in him to provide the smallest hint of guilt about toying with his Guardians like that. It's taking all the fun out of this, and he's not sure what to make of it.

He keeps his back to Harpuia, but he looks down, voice losing its sharp edge.]

Who matters the most to you?

[inheritstsun]

[He'll answer that all too quickly--]

You, Master X. You matter the most to us Guardians.

[Even if he has the dokidoki feels for Zero, you're above all that. So basically like an obsession.]

[derivativeofx]

[yes good I mean uh. You'll dispel his sulkiness eventually, Harpy, just keep indulging him. Look, there's another quick little glance over his shoulder at Harpuia.]

Exactly what am I to you?

[inheritstsun]

[M-Master X, stop being so adordor. Nonetheless, Harpuia catches the look and gives a curious stare at Copy X.]

You're...everything to me, Master X.

[derivativeofx]

Everything...?

[Oh, that got his attention. He's actually turning around to face Harpy.]

[inheritstsun]

[In Harpy's mind, that must mean he's no longer in the dog house.]

Everything. No words can express it in full, Master X. That's why I'll show in my actions.