Mega Man X8 Script (Zero's story)

Script from the game Mega Man X8, Zero's storyline only (see also: X's storyline and Axl's storyline).

Scene 1: Prologue
(Scene opens to view a very tall tower with small railcars traveling up and down its sides.)

Narrator: The endless Reploid rebellions continue. Humans, however, have begun migrations to the Moon, thanks to new technology. This plan is called the "Jakob Project", and an Orbital Elevator was built as part of it. Highly advanced new generation Reploids have been brought to the Moon's surface to work.

(The camera zooms in on a certain railcar that starts to spark and shudder on its way down. Suddenly, it breaks off the track with a large explosion and plummets down towards the earth as the game's subtitle is shown, "Paradise Lost".)

Scene 2: The New Generation
(Scene fades in again with the wreckage of the railcar burning on the ground.)

Announcer: There has been an accident on board the No. 4 descending container. All personnel...

(X stands near the flames, speaking into his communicator.)

X: This is X. I've encountered an accident while on patrol of the Orbital Elevator. Dispatch rescue Mechaniloids immediately!

(X stops and looks up in shock as a large group of Reploids that all look like Sigma suddenly push aside a piece of metal and exit the ruined vehicle.)

X: Si... Sigma!?

(The Sigmas stare at X, who prepares to fight them, but they then step aside to reveal another Reploid.)

???: To protect ourselves from damage during the accident, we had to copy a sturdy Sigma Body. We new generation Reploids enjoy complete and total immunity to all viruses... So even copying something as dangerous as Sigma provides no risk.

(As the stranger speaks, the Reploids around him glow white and shift back to their normal forms. X reluctantly relaxes.)

X: Who are you?

Lumine: I'm Lumine. I'm the director in charge of the Elevator, and of the Jakob Project.

(X stares at Lumine as the scene fades out.)

Scene 3: Crabs-Y
Computer: Warning! Warning!

(Scene cuts to the Hunter Base.)

Alia: I'm picking up Maverick readings near the Jakob facility! All Hunters near Point Galapagos, please dispatch immediately!

X: Roger!

(X and Axl teleport to the Noah's Park area in the middle of a dense jungle. Alia contacts them again.)

Alia: X... This new Maverick... It's pattern is very unusual. I'd like to do some research on it, so try to pick up plenty of samples.

X: Got it. OK, Axl, let's get going!

Axl: Ready when you are, X.

Alia: When you need Axl's help, call him in with a Character Change.

Axl: Better watch out, X. I might just steal your spotlight.

Alia: You two be careful. I'll send Zero over later to give you a hand.

(X continues through the forest until he encounters a large red Mechaniloid, Crabs-Y. Alia contacts him.)

Alia: X! Axl! I've examined the data on that Maverick. Looks like it grabs its opponents and immobilizes them. If you're grabbed by the enemy, call for a Tag Assist and help is on the way!

(X fights and defeats the Mechaniloid before moving on.)

X: Alia... I got a sample of that Maverick for you.

Alia: I'd like to start analyzing it right away. Bring it to me as soon as you can!

X: Roger. I'm on my way. Axl, I'm counting on you to clean up here.

Axl: No problem, X! This'll be a snap.

(The player takes control of Axl, who continues on until he gets to a large pit.)

Alia: Axl, it looks like you'll need to hover over from the edge to continue onward. To hover, press the jump button again and hold it while in mid-air.

(Axl continues through the area until he finds Zero.)

Zero: Axl, pick up the pace! This is no time to slack off!

Axl: You show up late and have the nerve to complain? I can more than handle a few Mavericks all by myself anyway.

Zero: That's the spirit! Let's move!

(Zero and Axl soon encounter Crabs-Y again and engage it in battle. During the fight, the Attack Gauge fills up completely.)

Alia: Now, you two! The Attack Gauge is full! You can use the Double Attack! It's an ultra-powerful combo! Time it carefully!

(Axl and Zero together destroy the Mechaniloid.)

Axl: Ha! Piece of cake! Snagged a sample from that Maverick, too!

Zero: Nice work! Now take it and head back, Axl.

Axl: OK! I'll leave the rest up to you.

(The player takes control of Zero, who continues through the area until he finds a tall wall.)

Alia: It looks like the entrance to that building is above you. Use the Double Jump to get up there.

(Zero climbs the wall and finds X again.)

X: Sorry to keep you waiting, Zero. How've you been holding up?

Zero: Barely broke a sweat... C'mon! Let's go!

(Alia contacts X.)

Alia: I've completed my analysis of enemies who use protective barriers! They can completely defend against normal attacks, but you can break their barriers. X's full Charge Shot does the trick, as does Zero's third hit in a combo... And Axl can break barriers with repeated concentrated shots.

(X and Zero meet again inside the hallway.)

Alia: X, Zero... Can you hear me? That Maverick's signal is getting really close now. According to my analysis, the Double Attack should work best on this Maverick. When the Attack Gauge is full, use the Double Attack!

(X and Zero defeat the Maverick once and for all.)

Scene 4: An Old Friend
(X, Zero, and Axl step forward to warp out, but are knocked backward by a sudden barrage of missiles. When the smoke clears, X looks up to see Vile standing on top of a wall.)

Vile: How nice to see you again, X!

X: Vile!?

(Axl looks at Zero, confused. Zero explains to him who Vile is.)

Zero: He used to be a Class A Hunter, but now he's our sworn enemy! He's a Maverick and a wanted criminal.

(Vile chuckles as he listens to Zero's description.)

Vile: I'd love to stay and play, boys, but I'm afraid have too much work to do.

(Vile gestures to a large machine behind him that is holding an unconscious Lumine captive.)

X: Lumine!?

Vile: That's right. The Orbital Elevator is under our control now.

X: Just what do you plan to do?!

Vile: It begins now, X. A new world will be born! Ha ha ha ha!

(Vile flies away with Lumine in tow before the Hunters can catch him. X, Zero, and Axl return to the Base.)

Scene 5: The New Navigators
(When the three Hunters return to base, Alia speaks to them about the situation.)

Alia: They're after Lumine, the director of the facility. If that's the case... Then the ultimate goal must be control of the Orbital Elevator.

X: I don't know what the deal is, but Vile kept talking about some new world beginning.

Alia: They must be up to something big... Oh!

(Alia's computer suddenly picks up several Maverick readings.)

Alia: I'm picking up a Maverick reading!

(X views the Mavericks' data, then chooses either Zero or Axl to accompany him on the mission.)

Alia: Let me introduce your new navigators...

(One of the new Navigators speaks.)

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

(The other Navigator speaks.)

Pallette: Hi! I'm Pallette. I'm good at analyzing routes through stages.

Alia: I don't suppose I need to say it, but I - Alia - will also assist in navigation. Before you head into battle, be sure to choose a navigator to assist you. Of course, if you're feeling confident, you can always choose to go it solo.

Scene 6: Troia Base
(Zero teleports to the beginning of the Troia Base area and Layer contacts him.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero fights through the rest of the Base and Layer contacts him near the end of the area if the game is being played in either Normal or Hard mode.)

Layer: 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!

(Zero goes through the boss door and encounters Optic Sunflower.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Optic Sunflower: A Maverick Hunter!? Here!? Who in the world are you? Why are you here? Who am I?

Zero: Aw man... He's gone off the deep end.

Optic Sunflower: No! No! No! We may not be the good guys, but we're no monsters. Why can't you see?

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Optic Sunflower: Zero... Surely you've figured it out. You must have an inkling as to what we're after here.

Zero: What would I know about how you Mavericks think?

Optic Sunflower: My master remembers you well. You had the chance to become the ultimate destroyer. That's ancient history now.

(Zero fights and defeats Optic Sunflower, then teleports back to Base.)

Scene 7: Back at the Base
(When X gets back to the Hunter Base, Signas gives him a Mission Report.)

(If X got an AAA rank on the mission)

Signas: Congratulations! You are officially the best Maverick Hunter in history!

(X stops by the R&D Lab on his way to the Command Room.)

Pallette: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the laboratory. This is where you can save your progress and develop Chips.

(If X has a Rare Metal from one of the missions.)

Pallette: The Rare Metal you found has been made into a new Chip. Rare Metal contains powerful properties that are perfect for Chip making. If you manage to find a rare Metal, be sure to bring it to the lab as soon as you can.

(X returns to the Command Room.)

Scene 8: It's Begun Again
(X speaks to Alia in the Command Room.)

X: Darn!

Alia: X? What's the matter? The mission's only just begun.

X: That's right... It's begun again... How long must this war go on?

Alia: .........

Axl: Just the thought of wiping the floor with those Mavericks makes my trigger finger itch!

Alia: Axl!

X: No, Alia... Axl's right. There's no time to be wishy-washy here. Even as we speak, Mavericks are causing havoc.

Scene 9: Pitch Black
(Zero teleports to the beginning of the Pitch Black area.)

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

(Zero continues for a short distance until he finds some security drones.)

Layer: 

Layer:

(Zero clears the area and comes to a door.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero enters the door and encounters Dark Mantis.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Dark Mantis: Whoa. Get a load of this guy. You're Zero, right?

Zero: If you really knew me, you'd be shaking in your boots right about now, Maverick.

Dark Mantis: We new generation Reploids are designed so that we can't go Maverick, kid.

Zero: That may be, but you've pulled it off somehow, because what I'm staring at right now is a Maverick.

Dark Mantis: You old style Reploids really don't understand a thing, do you?

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Dark Mantis: What a waste, huh, Zero?

Zero: What do you mean by that, Maverick?

Dark Mantis: You could have made a great general in our ranks. My master has shown quite an interest in you, you know.

Zero: Hmpf! I'm not interested in joining up with Mavericks, thank you very much. And don't worry... I'll be going after your boss as soon as I'm finished with you.

(Zero fights and defeats Dark Mantis, then teleports back to Base.)

Scene 10: A Little Crush?
(X and the other Hunters return to Base and find the Navigators waiting for them.)

Layer: Great job, Zero.

Zero: Huh? Oh, thanks.

Pallette: Zero! Have you forgotten already? I'm Pallette. This here is Layer. We're the new navigators here. Don't forget about us!

(Pallette adopts a mischievous tone to her voice.)

Pallette: Layer wanted to talk to you and waited here the whole time for your return. Right, Layer?

Zero: Oh, sorry. Anyway, what is it, Layer?

(Layer looks surprised.)

Layer: Um... I did some research, but I'm unable to determine Lumine's location.

(Layer blushes with embarrassment.)

Layer: Um... Anyway... That's all.

Zero: Hmm. Well, no matter what the Mavericks are up to, looks like I'll have to stop 'em.

Scene 11: Primrose
(Zero teleports to the beginning of the Primrose area.)

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

(Zero enters a room with a Rollerroid.)

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

(Zero continues until he comes to a door.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero enters the door and encounters Gravity Antonion.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Zero: You used to be an incredible scientist, but it looks like you've gone Maverick now.

Gravity Antonion: Incredible? Maverick? What do those words even mean?

Zero: You'd have to ask someone smarter than me.

Gravity Antonion: Your honestly is matched only by your supreme foolishness. Well, at any rate, if you choose to stand in my way, I'll destroy you!

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Zero: Has Sigma made you like this? Did he force you and the others to go Maverick?

Gravity Antonion: Maverick? You actually think you can sum my master up with that word?

Zero: All I know about him is that we can’t let him get away with this or the world's in trouble.

Gravity Antonion: Your honesty is matched only by your supreme foolishness. If you can't understand our great plan, then you must be eliminated.

(Zero fights and defeats Gravity Antonion, then teleports back to base.)

Scene 12: Three Down
(X and the Hunters return to the Base and visit the three Navigators in the Command Room.)

Alia: Phew... That's the third one. But we still don't know what the Mavericks are up to.

Pallette: We still haven't determined exactly why the new generation Reploids are going Maverick.

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

Axl: Yeah, I'm a new generation prototype and I can confirm that. I'm immune myself.

Pallette: But if Axl's a prototype, then that means he could go Maverick, too... But maybe since he's a prototype, he'll be OK. Let's analyze his data to be sure.

Axl: What? Hey! I'm no Maverick! Heck, I'm a Maverick Hunter!

Scene 13: Metal Valley
(Zero teleports to the beginning of the Metal Valley area. Layer contacts him.)

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

(A giant Mechaniloid, Yellow Brontes, jumps down out of nowhere and starts to pursue Zero. Zero eventually is able to lure the Mechaniloid over to a large construction crane and uses it to damage Yellow Brontes, who turns and starts to run in the other direction.)

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

(Zero chases after Yellow Brontes and follows it inside a warehouse.)

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

(Inside the warehouse, Zero finds Yellow Brontes and destroys it using another construction crane. He continues to the next room.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero enters the next door and encounters Earthrock Trilobyte.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Earthrock Trilobyte: The minerals we mine here are essential to the development of space. But I don't suppose that means much to you, does it Zero?

Zero: Space development? Mavericks don't usually worry about such complicated issues.

Earthrock Trilobyte: Hmpf! I will not be insulted by a broken down scrap heap like you!

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Earthrock Trilobyte: The minerals we mine are essential to the development of space, Zero.

Zero: And you're mining it for Sigma? Are you crazy?

Earthrock Trilobyte: Have you given any thought as to why my master might want such resources such as this?

Zero: I don't need to know your plan to know that it stinks and I won't let you get away with it!

Earthrock Trilobyte: You'll have to answer to my master sooner or later, you worthless pile of scrap!

(Zero fights and defeats Earthrock Trilobyte, then teleports back to base.)

Scene 14: Data Analysis
(When X returns to the Base, Alia tells him about her new information.)

Alia: I've completed the analysis of the Maverick data acquired so far. What makes new generation Reploids resistant to viruses is their copy chip. The copy chip can actually change a Reploid's DNA.

Axl: Did you examine my data?

Alia: Yes, I compared your data to the copy chips in new generation Reploids. I found something very interesting.

(Alia types something into her computer, and an image of Sigma appears on the screen.)

X: Sigma!?

Alia: The data embedded in the copy chips closely resembles that of Sigma! I'm not exactly sure what this means, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't worry me...

Scene 15: Dynasty
(Zero teleports into the beginning of the Dynasty area and boards a Sirius Ride Chaser to chase after his target.)

Layer: The target is on the move. Chase it down, and stop it. Watch out for the human aircars and signs. Drive safely!

(Zero chases nearer to the Maverick and starts to open fire.)

Layer: 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!

(After being sufficiently damaged, the Maverick lands on a floating platform. Zero jumps off his Ride Chaser and confronts him.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Zero: Return Megalopolis' power to normal. Now...

Gigabolt Man-O-War: ......... ................

Zero: He's so far gone, he can't even respond...

Gigabolt Man-O-War: I'm no Maverick... I'm not doing anything wrong...

Zero: Looks like I'll have to teach you a lesson!

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Zero: Megalopolis' power out of control? How does this fit in to Sigma's evil plans?

Gigabolt Man-O-War: ......... ................

Zero: He's so far gone, he can't even respond...

Gigabolt Man-O-War: My master needs energy to make his new world a reality.

Zero: A new world? Well, that plan's not getting any farther than this!

(Zero fights and defeats Gigabolt Man-O-War, then teleports back to Base.)

Scene 16: Suspicions
(After returning to the Base, X speaks with the others about his suspicions.)

X: Sigma... I've suspected as much ever since Vile showed up.

Alia: Whoever's behind it, they were most certainly after Lumine and the Orbital Elevator. There are some dark forces at work behind the scenes here. I'll continue my analysis.

X: I hope you uncover something.

(X pauses for a moment.)

X: By the way, I noticed a Reploid copying Sigma's body back at the Orbital Elevator. Could that be connected in some way to them going Maverick?

Alia: I doubt it. Theoretically, there's no danger in copying others' bodies. X, you've fought Sigma bodies before, so you know how tough their design is.

X: I suppose all I can do now is continue taking care of the Mavericks and collecting data.

Scene 17: Central White
(Zero teleports to the beginning of the Central White area.)



(Zero comes to a secure door.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero enters the door and encounters Avalanche Yeti.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Avalanche Yeti: Zero, even if you refuse to understand our ideal, at least just leave us be.

Zero: Hmpf. I could never understand the ideals of Maverick slime!

Avalanche Yeti: You truly are an old model, aren't you? You can't change the world with that thinking.

Zero: Change the world? With destruction? Leave it to a Maverick to come up with that.

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Avalanche Yeti: Zero. My master sees a part for you in his new ideal world.

Zero: What do you Mavericks see in me? Aside from a potential beating, that is...

Avalanche Yeti: Your world... Your ideals... are incomprehensible to my master.

(Zero fights and defeats Avalanche Yeti, then teleports back to base.)

Scene 18: Down in the Dumps
(Layer speaks to the three Hunters when they return to Base.)

Layer: Good work out there, X. Um.. Zero looks (1) 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.

Scene 19: Inferno
(Zero teleports into the beginning of the Inferno Area.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero continues down into the volcano and sees a large amount of laser generators.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero reaches the bottom of the volcano and comes to a door.)

Layer: 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.

(Zero enters the door and encounters Burn Rooster.)

If Zero has not defeated four Mavericks
Burn Rooster: Do you know what this place is, Zero?

Zero: The waste disposal center... After I'm through slicing and dicing, this is where I'll toss what's left of you.

Burn Rooster: Hmpf. All I'm doing is listening to the cries of pain... The cries of all the Reploids you've sent here because you decided they were Mavericks.

Zero: If you can hear all that, I guess that means you're a Maverick too, huh?

Burn Rooster: Ha! You'll soon realize who's wrong and who's right in this struggle.

If Zero has already defeated four Mavericks
Zero: Why have you started a riot? Is this Sigma's doing?

Burn Rooster: Can't you hear them, Zero? The cries of woe from those Reploids discarded here in the name of justice?

Zero: Woe? Give me a break!

Burn Rooster: You won't mock me when the new world becomes a reality!

(Zero fights and defeats Burn Rooster.)

Layer: The volcanic control system has gone haywire! The magma has begun to flow backwards. The escape point is at the mouth of the volcano. Get moving!

(Zero manages to climb back out of the volcano and teleports away just in time.)