He tried everything to take down his enemy. Most of his incredible power was used up. Akuma had tried everything, but Sigma had shrugged it off like a bee sting. Even his strongest techniques failed to even brush him back even a couple of inches. Now there was little he could do.

Sigma: I must say you're really boring me. I expected more out of the Earth's strongest fighter. Oh well, guess that just means it won't be too much longer until this planet turns into space dust! Now, I think it's time to end this game.

Sigma crept towards Akuma, who had little fight left in him. As Sigma went on the assault, a red and blue teleportation flash appeared in front of him, and X and Zero materialized in front of Sigma.

Sigma: Gee, isn't this a surprise. I should've expected you two to show up. Long time no see, I'd say.

X: We're not your "Welcome Home" party.

Zero: Someone must've been out of their mind to rebuild you. But we can disemble you like we did in the past.

Akuma (thinking): They must be the fighters who beat Sigma in the past. I hope they realize what kind of power he contains. I'd give them a hand, but I didn't realize what kind of power he possessed, and now I'm thrashed. I need to buy some time to recover and take this freak down.

Sigma: I'd never pass up the opportunity to get my revenge against the Maverick Hunters! Show me what you got!

X and Zero drew their energy swords, as did Sigma. The two hunters charged towards Sigma and gave it their all to slash Sigma to pieces. Sigma's speed was great, and not even his two enemies could touch him. Sigma used an uppercut slash, and X and Zero used their downward slash. The energy blades came in contact with force and created a shockwave. Zero used the force of the shockwave to bounce over Sigma. He went for a somersault slash, but Sigma moved to the side and smashed Zero with the scabbard of his sword. X charged towards Sigma and fired several plasma shots, but Sigma created a dark energy barrier and the plasma shots were repelled into the sky. X quickly teleported behind Sigma and power punched him into his own energy field. Sigma retaliated by grabbing X's head and slamming it into the energy barrier, shattering it on impact. X recovered, and Zero soon appeared at X's side.

Zero: He's stronger than he's ever been. We need more power. Our best bet is to use our Ultimate Armor.

X: Yeah. Let me try my Blade Armor. It's better for swordfights, and if we attack with two swords, we should have the upper hand.

X and Zeros' armors began to change. X switched to his Blade Armor, and Zero switched to his Ultimate Armor. They charged towards Sigma, who powered up after the hunters switched armors.

Sigma: I see that you're just like the old days. Too bad for you I'm not just like the old days!

The 3 reploids charged towards each other. X used the Blade Armor's Giga Attack, a strong slash of the blade that covered a farther radius. Sigma quickly dodged the powered up blade and advanced towards X. As he was about to slash X, Zero intervened and used his Flaming Sword. Sigma stopped his advance, leaving X the opportunity to use a powered up Buster Shot. Sigma blocked the blast and was sent back several meters. The attack didn't hurt him that much, but it was strong enough to make him recoil. The whole while, Akuma was watching from the sidelines.

Akuma: What the hell does it take to beat Sigma? My power couldn't do it, and their's combined isn't that much more effective!

Sigma charged towards X and Zero. With one hand he unleashed a barrage of sword slashes that X and Zero had difficulty blocking. The other hand was gathering energy. When he felt he had enough, he fired a huge blast at the hunters, sending them into a mountain. As they made contact, the entire mountain was reduced to a pile of rocks. X and Zero got up from the rubble sustaining heavy damage. X switched to his Ultimate Armor.

Zero: I've had enough of this creep! I'm gonna fucking kill him this time!

X: Try the Nova Strike. Remember to gather energy from the sun, and concentrate it into a body energizer.

Zero: I've been practicing it during my training for the Galactic Cup. I know what I'm doing.

X and Zero energized their bodies and used Nova Strike. With enhanced speed and strength, they charged towards Sigma. The two struck Sigma simultaneously, doing at least some damage. However, when they came around for another strike, Sigma blasted X back and drew his sword. ::SLASH:: That did it... the fatal blow. Sigma had struck Zero.

X: ZEEEEROOOO!!!

Zero's body hit the ground in two halves. X rushed towards his fallen comrade.

X: Zero...

Zero: ...X....

X: Don't worry. I'll get you help.

Zero: This... is beyond help. It's... up... to you... to take Sigma out

X: Zero, don't die on me again. We've come so far, and I don't want to lose you!

Zero: Goodbye... my friend...

X: Zero... ZEEEROOOO!

As Zero's eyes closed forever, X's eyes burned red. He powered up as much as he could and turned his attention to Sigma.

X: You monster! Now you're gonna die a thousand deaths!

Sigma: Your friend died fighting me, and so will you!

X powered up. He had to dig deep to defeat Sigma without his friend. He was convinced he had to make the ultimate sacrifice. In an instant, he discharged all of his power in one massive energy field. The intensity ravaged everything in it's path and made it's way to Sigma. With no way to dodge, Sigma was forced to take the attack head on. Akuma barely managed to get out of harm's way. And when it was all said and done, nothing was left. Not X, not Sigma, nothing. Just dust.

Akuma: He risked it all to save this planet. Such a noble act...

Sigma: Yeah, he almost had me!

Akuma: WHAT THE FUCK!

Sigma emerged from the dust. He took a heavy hit, but he seemed fine.

Akuma: You've got to be kidding me!

Two warriors gave their lives to defeat Sigma. With Sigma still alive, can anyone stand a chance against this mechanical monster? Stay tuned...