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 navigators in the game Mega Man X8. A new member of the Maverick Hunters, appearing as Zero's Navigator and playable counterpart, Layer 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. After beating Vile atop the Orbital Elevator, Zero seems to have gotten close to Layer, even asking her to be his navigator during their conversation before the battle with the Sigma Clone

As a playable character, she unsurprisingly takes after Zero. Though her Layer Rapier looks thinner, it has the same reach and power as the Z-Saber. Layer can also use all of the same extra weapons and techniques Zero can. Of the three female Navigators, Layer is the most like her male counterpart.

Personality
Layer is cool and collected, though she seems to get a little flustered when working with Zero. Around him, she shows more concern, even blushing when talking with him after the second boss is beaten. Pallette's comment on how she "waited the whole time for Zero" heavily suggests Layer has a crush on Zero. Another heavy implication is when she asked X about Sigma's plan to create a virus using Zero, followed by X asking her if she was worried about him.

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

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.

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
 * 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 abilites at will. Use barrier breaking attacks to cancel the enemy's power up techniques. Good Luck.

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.

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.

Sigma's Base Discovered
 * How can you tell?

Trivia

 * Beating the game once will allow the player to purchase Layer as a selectable character for a second playthrough, only if she was the Navigator the player used the most. The special Chip needed to unlock her costs 40,000 Metals. Alternatively, a code can be used to unlock her item as well. Like the other two playable navigators, Layer cannot use Zero's Black Armor.