Layer

"Just hearing the words "space rocket" is so nostalgic. How romantic... Oh... Sorry. Anyway, don't worry. I'll navigate properly."

- Layer

Layer (レイヤー) is one of three Navigator Reploids in the game Mega Man X8. A new member of the Maverick Hunters, she is Zero's Navigator and playable counterpart.

Appearance
Compared to her fellow operators, Layer appears to be the oldest. She appears as a dark-skinned female Reploid with a beauty mark on the left side of her face, and long violet hair set in a traditional Japanese princess hairstyle, which covers her green eyes except when flustered. Her armor design features a white and blue color scheme with light purple accents, as well as yellow jewels; her arms have a bell-sleeve design. She wears a red transceiver headset with a bit of a receiver-like design. Her upper arms, midriff and bottom part of her breasts, and parts of her thighs are covered in a clear body suit, while her chest is mostly covered by a white armored plate. Combined with her weapon of choice, Layer gives off a refined and professional air.

In Rockman X DiVE's 2020 summer event, a variant of her called Swimsuit Layer was featured. Swimsuit Layer wears a blue and white bikini and high heels, and her hair is set in a ponytail.

Personality
Layer is a reserved and intelligent individual. She is trained as a Navigator specializing in Reploid and Mechaniloid development. Her high processing power allows her to quickly analyze scan data sent back by Hunters in the field and determine a target's strengths and weaknesses. She is normally cool and collected, but seems to get a little flustered when working with Zero. Around him, she shows more concern, even blushing when talking with him at times. Pallette's comment on how she "waited the whole time for Zero" suggests Layer has a crush on him.

Mega Man X8
Layer, being a newly-assigned Navigator, first appears shortly after the New Generation Reploids begin rioting. She introduces herself as a specialist in enemy analysis, and can then be chosen to assist X, Zero, and Axl with info in the field.

After the Maverick Hunters defeat two Mavericks, Layer and Pallette more casually introduce themselves to Zero. Pallette teases Layer about her crush on Zero, and Layer awkwardly tries to speak with him about the mission. After defeating six Mavericks, she asks X about Zero's emotional status, and he tells her of Zero's history with the Maverick Virus.

When the Hunters defeat Vile at the top of the Jakob Orbital Elevator, Layer and Zero discuss his past. He asks Layer to continue being his Navigator so he can finish the crisis, which Layer quietly appreciates. However, once the Hunters enter Sigma's palace on the Moon, communications are blocked so Layer and the other Navigators can no longer support them.

Layer can also be unlocked as a playable character. She takes after Zero, utilizing the Layer Rapier and the same extra weapons and techniques that Zero can. However, she has no pre-boss battle dialogue with Mavericks. She is unlocked by either completing the game once while using Layer at least two times more than the other Navigators, or entering a secret code at the title screen (a Layer sound clip can be heard when entering the code correctly). She will then need to be purchased at the R&D lab for 40,000 Metals (or 36,000 if Metal Discount has been acquired).

Other appearances

 * Layer appeared as an Unit Card in TEPPEN.
 * Layer was planned to appear in the cancelled game Rockman Online.

Rockman X DiVE
Layer is an A rank Hunter Program that has Renyoudan and Tenshouha as her skills.

Layer has a S rank event variant named Swimsuit Layer. This version of her has F-Splasher and Water Melon Slice as skills, and has two alternate colors available as skins.

Layer: Attack 4/5, Durability 2/5, Range 3/5, Support 4/5, Control 4/5

Swimsuit Layer: Attack 5/5, Durability 3/5, Range 2/5, Support 4/5, Control 4/5

Dialogue
Hunter Base (after defeating 6 Mavericks)=Layer: Good work out there, X. Um.. Zero looks awfully down in the dumps...

X: Oh? Are you worried about him, Layer?

Layer: No... Um... Not really... As an operator, I'm just concerned about the overall welfare of the team. That's all...

X: Zero's been used before by Sigma to create a virus. He's upset that his data was used in an attempt to destroy the world...

Layer: Oh, my... Poor Zero...

X: He shouldn't blame himself. The problem's already been solved anyway. It seems Sigma may be involved in this new threat as well. Zero wants to take care of him for good this time. So do I.
 * -|After Jakob Elevator Stage=Zero: Vile... Sigma... Just like old times...

Layer: Zero... Does it remind you of the virus?

Zero: So, you heard about that? He tried to use me to destroy the world.

Layer: .........

Zero: That's why I've got to find him and turn him into a pile of molten scrap! Be my navigator. Help me find that Maverick before he fulfills his plan!

Quotes/Lines
First Introduction


 * Nice to meet you, Hunters. My name is Layer. My specialty is analyzing enemy abilities. I hope I can be of use.

Troia Base: Optic Sunflower


 * This place was originally a training facility for Hunters. It's programmed so that you must clear each area in order to progress to the next.


 * The management program of the training area is named "Helios," after the sun. I've detected the energy used by "Helios" in the target. Apparently, the target can alter its surroundings. It'll try to use the environment to its advantage. Be careful!

Pitch Black: Dark Mantis


 * If your detected by the security system, patrol droids will be dispatched. Be very careful and try not to get caught in there.


 * It looks like the security droids follow orders from a leader droid. The one in charge orders them to capture intruders. As long as that leader exists, the droids won't stop. There must be some way to stop it.


 * There are security droids on patrol of the area. They have a search function, so they're likely to spot you. Maybe if you find some way to fool them, you won't be discovered...


 * The target can move freely in dark areas. He'll move quickly in the dark and toy with you before moving in for an attack. He can also heal himself. Please be careful! You're in for a tough fight.

Primrose: Gravity Antonion


 * This facility has a gravity control system installed. If you change the direction of the gravitational pull, items in the area may be affected.


 * I've detected an enemy with copyable DNA. You can copy the ability to walk on inhospitable surfaces.


 * Here's what I know about the upcoming target: The room contains no gravity switches, but the target has the ability to change the direction of gravitational pull at will. Just like the other areas you've come to, background objects may be affected. Now's your chance to use any weapons you may have that aren't affected by gravity.

Metal Valley: Earthrock Trilobyte


 * This is a mine that produces ore used in space development. We think one of the large Mechaniloids working here has gone Maverick.


 * My readings indicate that giant Mechaniloid is going berserk. It might explode. Chase it down and stop it! Please hurry!


 * That Mechaniloid has made it to the warehouse ahead. It's hiding, but still dangerous.


 * The target is equipped with a special armor that's super strong and deflects shots. Even if you manage to break the armor, he'll just put it back on. Taking care of that armor will be the only way to defeat this guy. Good luck.

Dynasty: Gigabolt Man-O-War


 * The target is on the move. Chase it down, and stop it. Watch out for the human aircars and signs. Drive safely!
 * The target seems to be absorbing Megalopolis' energy into itself... If you don't do something, we're in for a meltdown! Hurry and shoot him down!

Central White: Avalanche Yeti


 * The environment is in great danger. The research center's system is down. Don't fall down any crevasses on the way there.


 * You are now approaching a flying object... It looks like a giant sea creature. The soldiers it's dispatching will continue coming unless you destroy the craft.


 * It looks like this target suffers no loss of ability when fighting on snow. Expect to be bombarded by freeze attacks. If you get frozen, you won't be able to move for a while, so use the Tag Assist.

Inferno: Burn Rooster


 * This is a waste disposal facility that uses the heat of the volcano for incineration. At its center is a core of molten magma. Please be careful.


 * The enemy troops in this area are equipped with freeze weapons to control the heat. If you're hit, you'll be temporarily frozen and unable to move. Be careful.


 * This target is resistant to heat and uses fire weapons. It seems to possess the ability to power up its own abilities at will. Use barrier breaking attacks to cancel the enemy's power up techniques. Good luck.

Booster Forest: Bamboo Pandamonium


 * Just hearing the words "space rocket" is so nostalgic. How romantic... Oh... Sorry. Anyway, don't worry. I'll navigate properly.


 * It looks like the enemies are riding antique Ride Armor used when this place was a factory. They may be old, but their Power Charge packs a punch. Watch out when they charge.


 * I've detected an enemy with copyable DNA. Apparently, it's high mobility can be copied.


 * It has the ability to attack targets from a great distance, though it seems that its greatest asset is its powerful close range attacks. Its defensive power is too strong. If only we had some sort of powerful weapon... We could attack it head-on from the front and break through its powerful defenses.

Hunter Base (after defeating 2 Mavericks)


 * Great job, Zero.
 * Um... I did some research, but I'm unable to determine Lumine's location. (Embarrassed)
 * Um... Anyway... That's all.

Hunter Base (after defeating 3 Mavericks)


 * I'm running simulators right now, but it looks like their virus resistance is absolute.

Hunter Base (after defeating 7 Mavericks)


 * It's been a long time since they've gotten their hands on Lumine. The Elevator seems normal so far, but that's just making me more nervous.

Jakob Elevator


 * Orbital Elevator control system... all green. You're cleared to move in.


 * You're approaching the top of the Jakob elevator. I hope you're ready. ...Oh no! Sensors indicate someone waiting up there to ambush you! Who could it be?

Gateway


 * There's definitely something evil in here. It must be Sigma. Everybody be careful.
 * Emergency! Get out of there! Please make it back OK...

Sigma's Base Discovered


 * How can you tell?

Sigma Palace


 * This...Layer... Everyone...Can you...... Signal... being... blocked...... ...Sigma...

Spoken Dialogue
''"I'll give it a shot." (Chosen as navigator.)''

''"Zero/X/Axl can you hear me?" (First ping during mission.)''

''"Here's what my analysis shows." (If first ping is ignored.)''

''"This is Layer." (If first ping is ignored.)''

''"Everyone, can you hear me?" (If first ping is ignored.)''

Trivia

 * Excluding spin-offs, Layer, Alia, and Pallette are the first female playable characters in a main series Mega Man game.
 * If Layer was not the most frequently used Navigator on the player's first playthrough, the player will need to use her at least four more times in the continued save file to unlock her for purchase.
 * Like the other two playable Navigators, Layer cannot use Zero's black armor. She can, however, purchase the Σ Blade.
 * Layer's eyes can be seen under her bangs while her model is translucent before a PvP battle in Rockman X DiVE.
 * One of the Guardian operators from Mega Man ZX, Tulip, appears to be based on Layer.
 * One of the nurse Guardians, Rose, also appears to be based on her, due to her shy personality and violet hair, with her bangs covering her eyes.