Note: Hello everyone! We're just nearly there for everything to explode. It's been a little tense, but I'm eager to let everything loose in the following chapters.

I also read that Vile wasn't meant to be a reference to Boba Fett despite having a similar appearance. Instead, his Japanese name, Vava, was a reference to a character from Mad Max, Bubba Zanetti.

I watched a little bit of the movie, and while there's only so much you can get from a 90s video game, Bubba and Vile/Vava share the same anti-social tendencies and revel in violence.

With that said, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Masterminds Revealed

"Staying up late is becoming routine for you, isn't it?" Zero questioned, communicating with X via com-link. "It's not so much our bodies get exhausted, but a few hours of silence does wonders for the central processor."

"Uh huh," X replied, still not feeling the least bit tired. "I can't help it. Ever since all these mechaniloids started going Maverick, I can't stop thinking about it."

"You're not the only one," Zero told him. "But until we have any evidence, there's nobody to tie this to. And the ones that were have all turned up dead."

X got a chill, the red Hunter referencing the Skull Quartet. "But, assuming they were working together, why would Vile kill the ones he's hiding out with?"

"It's Vile; he's probably been waiting for a chance to use that shoulder cannon to its fullest potential," Zero said. "Though, even when he was a Hunter, he didn't work well with others. I wouldn't put it past him to off those guys when the opportunity came."

"But some of those injuries couldn't have been Vile's work," X replied. "It's like you said; some look like they were done with a different weapon." X then went quiet for a moment.

"X?" Zero asked. Usually, he would be the one to cut off the conversation, but now it was the blue Reploid that wasn't speaking.

"Do you really think it's true?" The other Hunter finally spoke. "That some of us are in on all that's been going on?" He asked. "Does it have something to do with this Independence Day?"

"Who knows?" Zero answered. "And even if they were linked, there's no telling when this Independence Day will be, let alone who's the brains behind all of it."

X remembered the Skull Quartet mentioning a benefactor providing them for their crimes. "But, assuming it is all linked, do you think that some of us could be involved?"

"It doesn't matter what I think." Zero said.

"What do you mean? Of course, it does!" X said. "We could present what evidence we do have, and then we could perhaps-"

"I think it's time you get some rest and save it for tomorrow. Don't forget; we still have to catch Vile."

"Wel, yeah. But-"

"Goodnight, X."

With that, the link died, and X was left alone with his thoughts again. X was perplexed by Zero's avoidance of the subject as if he didn't want to discuss it further. Given how he's noted every detail of the past two crime scenes, the blue Hunter thought that the long-haired blonde would be up for discussing theories and possibilities. Instead, he was shut down almost immediately. Still, it was something he wanted to discuss.

If not, just to hear Zero's side of things.

Unknown Location

"So, it should be ready to activate at any time?"

"Yes," the smaller of the two figures told, the taller one handing them a switch. "The main security system has been broken into. Just push the button there, and the mechaniloids shall enact what their programming dictates," he explained. "Every mechaniloid in the city will be yours to dictate."

"And they won't have to work around the precautionary measures in their processors?" The taller figure questioned.

"I thought you'd say that," the more minor said. "The command will override any regard for the Three Laws, but they won't become Maverick; otherwise, their systems would be too difficult to control," he then recalled a test he had conducted regarding those so-called pirates. "All that's left to do is wait."

Even if where they were meeting was bathed in deep shadow, the orb-like eyes of the more prominent figure noticed a change in his partner's expression. "What is it?" He asked, not out of concern but in annoyance.

"You ARE certain that Vile can be trusted?" The smaller figure asked, adjusting his spectacles. "He's caused quite a mess already."

"He was to kill the Skull Quartet," the taller one said, then he looked out into the deeper darkness surrounding them. "I just wasn't aware that one of the most skilled weapons users in the 17th Unit would be getting into trouble again," Just recently, a third figure had been added to these meetings, even if he never had much to say. He concealed himself deep within the darkest shadows, yet a red glow emanated underneath his helmet. "But what's done is done. Everyone and everything is set. It's now only a matter of time."

"But remember," the shorter of the two talking said. "Arcadia and Abel City will be mine when Independence Day comes."

"Oh, it will be. My interest doesn't lie in this city, let alone your country," the tallest figure said. "No, this will affect my kind throughout the entire world." He then smiled. And I shall be there, at the helm.

July 3rd

3:45 PM

Arcadia

Dr. Fujiwara's Lab

The holographic enemies fell before Zero's spinning blades; the revolving lasers stopped as the red Hunter saw there were no other opponents to battle. Then, a small screen came up before him, displaying his score.

It still read ninety-five percent.

"Your performance score has dropped recently," the blonde Reploid heard Fujiwara say from the observation deck above. "Had it been just with adapting to external weapons, I would perhaps overlook this," the Japanese man continued. "But the last few records also have that percentage recorded when you were just using your buster."

Zero sighed; he knew this was coming. "Ninety-five is still more than enough for a passing grade," Zero told the human. "And you're having me do the same training sequences I do in Abel City."

"Then perhaps some sequences should be scheduled here," Fujiwara said. "Anyway," he began again, not even giving Zero time to argue. "Anyway, we'll discuss that later. Now it's time to move on to the next weapon."

Zero placed the two spinners on a rack at the back of the training room, several other weapons ready to be tested. When Abel City was still being constructed, Dr. Fujiwara had built an updated training chamber in his lab to experiment further and record Zero's battle prowess and abilities. And as technology advanced, he additionally upgraded the section to be fitted with the most advanced version of holographic projection and obstacles. And unlike the many rooms back at Abel City's HQ, this training chamber was as white as the rest of the lab. Yet, despite the lighter colors, Zero found that the overabundance of white made him feel isolated and enclosed, the door nearly blending into the wall.

It almost made him think that he was trapped in some sterilized cage.

"Which one do you want?" Zero asked Fujiwara. He honestly didn't care which weapon was chosen; he just wanted this session done and over with.

Hmm, which one indeed. Fujiwara thought, looking over the selection. Then, he settled on one that surprised Zero. "Test out the saber."

The saber? Wasn't that more of a standard choice? Well, whatever, the sooner he got out of here, the better. He took the weapon and held it, a green blade of pure energy emerging from the handle. Fujiwara input the commands and set up another round for Zero. Again, holographic enemies manifested before him, the Maverick Hunter hold the weapon with two hands. Fujiwara observed that Zero held it as if it were a samurai sword.

"Begin."

The enemies sprung forward, leaping for Zero all at once. The red Hunter jumped back and swung up his blade to block an incoming attack. The Maverick hologram that had come upon him had his arm chopped off by the weapon, leaving himself open for Zero to stab through the chest, right through the core. He slashed and stabbed, all the while remembering to keep in mind the differences between long and close-range combat. Not long after the test had begun, all foes had been terminated.

And yet the score still said ninety-five percent.

"Yes," Dr. Fujiwara said. "We will require sessions in the lab," just then, he and Zero heard someone come in, the automated door opening to let in a newly arrived Chiyo. "I thought I told you not to come in when a session occurs." The young woman's father told her.

She responded with a look of mostly indifference, but her slight shrug indicated a hint of spite. "I waited until he was done, so it's not like anyone's going to get killed," she then looked at Zero, and while it didn't change much, her brows furrowed when she met his gaze. "Speaking of killed," she directed her attention back to her father. "Are they ready?"

Zero was confused, watching Fujiwara and his daughter as they looked at each other. "One of them is ready to be tested, but we shall discuss the matter privately."

Chiyo put her hands on her hips. "Why not now?"

"As I said, we will discuss it later," Fujiwara repeated.

"And as I said, why not discuss it now?" Chiyo retorted.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Zero asked.

Fujiwara thought for a moment; he came down from the observation deck. "The prototype is ready so that a demonstration wouldn't be out of order," he then turned to Zero. "Come with me."

Since Reploids expanded past Arcadia's borders, Fujiwara had gathered enough funds to expand his lab, including several testing rooms. Entering one of these rooms, Zero was greeted with the sight of an inactive Reploid head with no helmet or hair, eyes closed and unmoving. A small handheld object was sitting beside it; it looked like a firearm of some kind painted white and red.

"And...this is...?" Zero questioned, unsure of what sort of testing was being done here.

"This is something I thought up," Chiyo said. "Isn't that right, dad?"

Dr. Fujiwara was quiet for a few moments before answering Zero's question. "Given Maverick incidents are on the rise, it would only be natural that the human portion of the population is given means to defend themselves."

"And how would they exactly do that?" The red Hunter asked.

"Like this," Chiyo went over and grabbed the handheld device, aiming right in the center of the Reploid's forehead, above its cerebral chamber. "Permission to fire, sir?"

Fujiwara nodded. "Permission granted."

Chiyo pulled the trigger, and instead of a bullet or plasma, a long, metal spike shot out from the barrel. The spike extended as it came out, piercing through the head of the Reploid due to the speed it was released. The sharpened metal tore through the head's center, obliterating the central processor's core. Several components flew out and electricity sparked from where the spike came out, having entirely pierced through the head. Then, the tip shortened itself and slipped back inside the handheld object.

Chiyo was satisfied with the results, although she still had some complaints. "The trigger still needs a lot of pressure."

"For the time being, until the laser blade can be put in, it'll have to be that way. After all, it IS spring-loaded."

Zero was quiet for a short time before he finally found his words. "Just what is this thing?"

"We're still deciding on a title, but it's essentially a concealed weapon for human use against Maverick Reploids," Chiyo told the red Hunter. "Given I was part of an incident that resulted in a hospital trip for my shoulder, due to being shot by a shoulder cannon," the young woman said while locking her eyes with her father. "I proposed that we have a concealed but effective way to defend ourselves. After all," she then locked eyes with Zero. "You never know when you might need a way to keep a possible Maverick at bay."

The red Hunter got a message from Abel City's HQ just then. "This is Zero; what's up?" He asked, speaking with Ai. Neither Chiyo nor Fujiwara could hear the conversation between Hunter and Navigator, but both suspected something was happening in the city. "Understood. I'm on my way," he ended the call, then directed his attention back to the two humans. "We've got a situation back in Abel City," he explained. "Sorry, but duty calls." With that, he made his exit, leaving the two humans alone.

"Well, we're alone now," Chiyo said to her father. "So, what's the deal?"

Abel City

4:16 PM

Indeed, as he came to find out, much had happened since he had gone to Arcadia. Given that the culprit behind the Maverick mechaniloids had yet to be apprehended, and Vile was still a wanted man (or Reploid), Commander Sigma had stationed select members across the artificial island. And it wasn't just in the city, either; Hunters were sent everywhere, including areas such as the Energen Mines and the Polar Region to the north. When he had returned to HQ, Ai had alerted him that the Seventeenth Unit was to go to the Telecommunications Tower. All except Zero and, to his surprise, X.

"So, why is that?" Zero asked.

"No idea," the blonde Navigator said. "But whatever the Commander says, goes. Now, would you mind? I'm working."

"Sure, whatever." Zero went off, leaving Ai with the rest of the Navigators.

And while Zero didn't see it, the red and white Reploid looked around at her colleagues, watching how they worked so she could keep up. I'm still the one that came before you all. Don't you forget that. She thought as she furiously typed at her keyboard. I'm still just as good as any of you. Ai looked back to see Trinity at the center of the room, overseeing the entire island. Even if I'm not the newest model.

"Trinity, do you have access to the Communications Tower?" Commander Sigma questioned the head Navigator over her com-link.

"Affirmative, Commander," the pink-haired Navigator answered. "I'm logged into the system. As of now, nothing will escape my eyes nor ears."

"Excellent. We shall begin testing out the reach of our communications network."

"Yes, sir. Understood." Trinity replied.

The Tower

At the Telecommunications Tower itself, Boomer Kuwanger and Gravity Beetle were assisting Sigma in testing the range from which the Tower could send a message. A Hunter or Navigator stationed at a specific area appeared on one of the monitors, another on a different monitor, and so on.

"This is Commander Sigma. Do you all read me?"

"Yes, sir!" A chorus of voices said in unison.

"All right, keep in contact with HQ and alert us of any updates. No part of this island is to be unmonitored, and we are to keep in contact with Arcadia to alert them if any criminal party escapes Abel City. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" The Hunters and Navigators answered back.

"Good. That is all," Sigma said. Then, he turned away from the screens. "Do you two need anything else?"

"No, we're good, sir." Gravity Beetle said.

Kuwanger, however, had no interest in making small talk. "Spark Mandrill is to be stationed at the Power Plant, yes?"

"Correct," Sigma answered.

"So, everyone is now in their proper places then?" Kuwanger asked.

Sigma nodded. "Now it's time for those back at HQ to play their part," he said. Then he went off. "Especially you, X."

Arcadia

5:37 PM

She worked on the unfinished device on her desk, testing the various bits and components she needed to construct the invention. Given she had already proven the prototype was successful, Chiyo wasn't worried that she would have to do another test run. No, her current problem was with her father, or rather, what he had told her. For whatever reason, she was told to stay in Arcadia tomorrow. And not just that, she was strictly forbidden to go to Abel City.

The long-haired young woman questioned why this was, but Sho Fujiwara told his child to stay within the White City tomorrow, no matter what.

"What? Why?" Chiyo asked, perplexed at what the scientist had just told her.

"The reason doesn't matter," Dr. Fujiwara told her. "Just don't go to Abel City tomorrow. For whatever reason."

"You say not to go for any reason, but telling me why I can't go doesn't matter!" The man's daughter protested. "So which is it? Because it sounds like there is no good reason I can't go," she said, "You've been acting weirder than normal lately. What's going on?"

While she wasn't sure, Chiyo swore she saw her usually expressionless father become a little nervous. But it went just as quickly as it came, and Fujiwara returned to his usual self.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," he told her. "My decision is final. You can't argue your way out of this one," he then turned to leave the testing room. "You are not to set one foot in Abel City tomorrow. This conversation is over."

And with that, he left her alone, utterly confused and frustrated. Truthfully, she had been feeling that way for the past month. Recently, she had noticed her father pouring himself heavily into his work. Typically, this wouldn't garner her attention, but when Chiyo was locked out of her own house, she knew something was up. Even when she was a child, Fujiwara was married more to his work than her mother. Then again, she couldn't even remember her mother.

Everything that was part of her life when she was younger was gone. Cecilia, Patarche, all she had left was Fumiko. Of course, it wasn't related to her current situation, and ultimately, it was probably going to happen anyway, but ever since Dr. Cain found X, her entire world had changed. Everyone's whole world had changed. And Chiyo doubted that things would stop changing anytime soon.

Fumiko's face flashed in her mind, followed by the still, lifeless form of Patarche. "No," she said. "I'm not going to let that change," she declared. "That will NEVER change," she then resumed work on the other device meant for the girl a grade behind her. She wasn't sure whether or not she would get Kenichi's done in the same night, but she could at least get Fumiko's finished. Then, she'd hand them over the following day. Then, she wouldn't even need to go to Abel City.

Suddenly, she heard a knock at her door. Roll peeked her head in. "Hey, just letting you know, dinner's ready."

"Cool," Chiyo responded. "I'll be down in a bit."

Roll nodded and closed the door, knowing she'd probably have to bring food to the human's room again. She's just as into her work as her father. Roll thought. Even if the two were more alike than they'd ever admit, the blonde Reploid hoped Chiyo would retain some of her more empathetic qualities.

It was none of her business, but Dr. Cain confessed to her that he had been feeling quite uneasy as of late. At first, she worried if it was somehow related to his health, yet the older man assured her it was nothing physical.

"So, what is it, then?" She asked him. "What's wrong?"

Dr. Cain just sighed, his eyes looking over the copy of The Golden Bough on the desk in his study. "Roll," he said after a short period of silence. "Should there be, God forbid, some disaster that should occur," he continued, "I don't want you to concern yourself with saving me."

Roll wasn't sure what to make of what he had just said. "Dr. Cain, what are you talking about?"

"I'm just saying, should something occur, I don't want you to put yourself in danger," he said. "Besides," he finished, "Someone needs to be there to look after Chiyo."

He spoke as if he didn't have much time left, but Dr. Cain was just in his mid-seventies. In her time, it was different. Otherwise, Dr. Light wouldn't have gotten so sick, but now, it was common for older folks to be living up to their late nineties to near one-hundred-ten, and some had lasted even longer. But Dr. Cain was nowhere near that point, ready to have a life-support device strapped onto him. And he also brought up Chiyo. Roll would look after her, no problem, but why would she even need to? Even if he was incredibly distant, Dr. Fujiwara could look after his daughter, right?

Roll pondered if all of this related to the current chase for that Vile character. She certainly wouldn't want someone like that freely roaming the streets, but Cain seemed to imply that there was something more than that, something else he was worried about. And given how elusive he was when he spoke to her, she doubted he would tell her anytime soon. But why? Whatever it was, why couldn't she know? She had a right to know, didn't she?

Didn't she have a right to have a chance to contribute? After all, if Dr. Cain was concerned so much about whatever was bothering him, why not reach out for help? Was he being threatened somehow? And if so, by who? And for what reason? Was it perhaps Vile or the one responsible for all of the renegade mechaniloids?

There were so many questions, but she didn't know how to answer them. And even if she did, she'd probably be helpless to do anything about it. She couldn't even keep an eye on that Zero character that X was always hanging around with! Why the blue Reploid was so insistent on being his friend baffled her, but it also greatly concerned her. Infected system or not, she hadn't forgotten that he had tried to kill her little brother.

And even if they still hadn't entirely returned to her, she still remembered that, at one time, she was trying to warn her older brother about a certain robot. Something that had followed him from one of Wily's hideouts. And while it was impossible, Zero made her feel that same unease and tension she experienced whenever the memory of that robot came up. And while the two couldn't possibly be the same machine (at least, she didn't wish to believe it), Zero was still dangerous. So even if he meant no harm to anyone but Mavericks, he was still dangerous to be around.

And whenever that danger would tear its ugly head, her brother would be right in the middle of it.

Abel City Overpass

6:30 PM

While it puzzled him that he wasn't called to go with Kuwanger or Mandrill, X didn't question Commander Sigma's orders. He and Zero were to stay at HQ for any further direction, and not long after Zero had arrived back to Abel City, the two Hunters were sent out on patrol. Currently, the two were riding over the Philippines Ocean along the main roads that led from Abel City to Arcadia. They weren't allowed to go outside the artificial island's borders, but they were to keep a sharp eye on who was going on and out of the city. While they were accessible to everyone, many humans took public transportation. At the same time, Reploids rode their vehicles, allowing the Hunters a better chance at getting to where they needed to without worrying about too much traffic.

Ironic, X thought as they sped along. He was still looking for an opportunity to get the answer he wanted from Zero. True, they were both on the job, so there was little time for small talk. Nonetheless, X wanted to know what Zero meant by what he said that night. It didn't matter what he thought about the potential Mavericks among them. Just what could've caused such a reaction, and why?

Suddenly, both Hunters received a call from HQ. "X! Zero!" Trinity said, voice urgent. "We've managed to trace a signal sent out by the hacker!" She reported. "It's coming from the Missile Base off the island's eastern coast!" The pink-haired Navigator informed.

"Has Commander Sigma been alerted of this?" X questioned Trinity. It was faint, but the blue Reploid swore he heard Zero growl.

"That's another problem," the Navigator told X. "The other Navigators on board and I have tried to reach him, but we haven't been able to reach him," she confessed. "And no staff at the base has responded either."

X looked at Zero, the red Hunter biting his lip. "Zero?"

"I've got a bad feeling about this." That was all the long-haired blonde said before swerving his ride chaser and speeding off toward the Missile Base.

"Zero, wait!" X called out, following close behind.

Eastern Coast of the Artificial Island

Despite its name, the island's eastern coast had no sand or place to set up resorts. The miles and miles of dried-up Earth dug up from the ocean had been converted into a holding area and passageway for the missiles stored beneath the surface. X and Zero parked their ride chasers outside of the base's entrance, readying themselves for whatever could be awaiting them inside. The opening, to their surprise, was already unlocked, but no one would be stupid enough to do that on accident. Perhaps the hacker wanted them to come here.

The two were about to enter, but X tried one more time to get an answer from his partner. "Why wouldn't it matter what you think?"

Zero sighed. "X now is not the time,"

"If anything, I'd say that your word would be taken above anyone else's," X told him. "You're one of the best Hunters we have. And you're in the same Unit as Commander Sigma, so-"

"X. Drop it," Zero ordered. "Right now."

X was quiet for a few moments before speaking again. "Ok. But after this, will you at least tell me what's bothering you?"

Zero said nothing, racing into the base. X followed behind. The two Reploids covered each other as they searched down the darkened hallways and long corridors, only to find nothing and no one. Just where was everyone?

"X! Look!" Zero whispered, looking over a railing to see that a floor below them, a light was able to be seen.

"Maybe someone can tell us what's going on." X theorized.

He and Zero went to the lower floor and into the room where the light was coming from. Inside stood a tall, imposing figure that neither Hunter recognized at first.

"Don't move!" Zero commanded, holding up his buster.

But when the figure turned around, X and Zero saw just who it was. "Commander Sigma?!"

Indeed, Command Sigma appeared to have gotten here before they did. "Ah, X, Zero, there you are," he said before looking at the damaged monitor emitting the light. "It seems our hacker was using the base as a cover so they could work undetected."

X and Zero walked up to the damaged monitor, the layout of a mechaniloid's processor displayed and ready to be toyed with. "But what about the four Mavericks arrested before? Do you think they were in league with this second hacker? As well as the benefactor mentioned?" X asked his superior, still looking over the screen.

"It's likely," Sigma said. "I believe we're getting closer to uncovering who's responsible for all of this."

Zero didn't turn to face the taller Hunter, waiting for him to make the next move. "By the way, Commander," he began. "HQ said they were having trouble getting in touch with you."

"Ah, yes. Forgive me," Sigma told him. "I followed the hacker inside and had to deactivate my transmitter to maintain cover," he explained. "I've lost him, but now that you're here, everything will be fine," he said, beginning to approach the two other Hunters from behind. "Everything will finally be as it should."

X was completely blindsided by what happened in the next few moments. He had turned to Zero to see what he thought of the situation, seeing as there were several factors still unaccounted for. But instead of meeting the long-haired Reploid's gaze, X saw his partner duck to the left and grab ahold of Sigma's arm. Which, to X's shock, held a recently drawn saber.

"Commander Sigma?!" X exclaimed, unsure of what to make of what he was seeing. "Zero?!"

Sigma looked down at Zero, grinning. He didn't seem surprised at all by the blonde Hunter's reaction. "So, tell me," he asked Zero. "How did you figure it out?"

"The perpetrator was so skilled; it wasn't hard to post two and two together!" Zero growled, holding onto Sigma to keep him from using his saber. "Not many Reploids have specs that high!"

Sigma smirked. "I commend your detective work, Zero," he said. "But I believe it's time you also drop the act."

X looked at his Commander, then his partner, his focus torn between them. "What are you talking about, Commander?" The blue Hunter questioned, not even instinctively readying his buster. "What's going on?"

Sigma turned his attention to X. "The beginning of a new world is what's going on," the Hunter Leader said. "Independence Day is upon us."

X's green eyes widened with terrible comprehension. It suddenly all came into place. All that he had seen relating to the renegade mechaniloids, the Skull Quartet, and Vile's escape, X could now see how his own Commanded was capable of executing his plans. And yet, despite being confronted with this revelation, X couldn't process it. No, he outright refused to believe it! Commander Sigma couldn't be behind all of this!

Not if he was in his right mind. "Commander, are you infected?" X questioned him, preparing his buster now. "If so, we can still see if there's some time!" The blue Hunter told his Commander reassuringly. "We can still clear out your systems of whatever's gotten into you!"

Sigma shook his head. "You're heavily mistaken, X," the taller Reploid said. "But how could you know anything of the knowledge I've been given," He wrenched himself from Zero's grip, leaping back from the two. "But I'm sure your friend here can relate," he then folded his arms. "Considering he and I are on the same side."

Arcadia

Dr. Cain's Home

7:12 PM

He was up to something. The older man could no longer deny it. Dr. Sho Fujiwara was up to something, and Cain doubted it was good. He dismissed the possibility at first, writing off his concerns as mere jitters, but with the mechaniloids and the ongoing search for Vile, he began to realize some things. He should've noticed things sooner but only now thought of it. And if what he feared was to come, it'd be a perfect irony that he'd put the pieces together at the very end.

At first, he chalked it up to mere coincidence, but as time passed, Dr. Cain realized that none of the mechaniloids in Arcadia had gone Maverick; every incident occurred within Abel City. Then came the talk of "Independence Day" and possible Mavericks among the Hunters, things he couldn't understand at first, but now, it seemed to make sense. Frighteningly so.

After all, He thought. It may be a glitch or virus, but who's to say a Reploid could not decide for itself?

Then, he heard a knock at his door but didn't go to open it. Instead, he stayed in his study, knowing what would happen. It was too late now. They had come for him.

SLAM!

Dr. Cain cringed upon hearing his front door being broken in; his ears listened to the pounding steps of machines far more significant than himself approaching him. It didn't take long for the intruders to find him, their towering forms bathed in the shadows of the darkened room. A more petite, more human figure was with them.

"Dr. Cain," Dr. Fujiwara said, the two Reploids with him blocking the door. "We have something we need to discuss."

Abel City

Missile Base

X's already large green eyes widened, even more, his gaze immediately turning towards Zero. "Wait….what?"

Zero looked at X, shaking his head. "No. No, he's lying," the red Hunter told his partner. "He's lying!"

"Think of it, X," Sigma continued. "He was present with you when you arrested the Skull Quartet; he certainly has the means to get the information he needs,"

"Shut up," Zero warned, his clenched fist trembling.

"Oh, and is he not one of our best Hunters?" Sigma asked X. "I'm heavily considering making you my Second in Command for all the hard work you've done to make this possible."

"Shut up!" Zero fired; Sigma reflected the shot with his saber and grabbed ahold of Zero's neck, holding him up. "Don't believe him, X! I'm not with him!"

"Commander, Zero, just stop for a moment!" X begged the two, even if he was now beginning to wonder if he should take one Reploid's word over the other. "Stop fighting! Please!"

"I'm trying to restrain myself, Zero," Sigma told the red Hunter he now had in his clutches. "Because you're quite a good actor!" He dodged a kick sent his way by the struggling Reploid, who was trying to break free. "But we still have things to tend to first!"

He then took his saber and sliced Zero across the chest, electrical sparks flying wherever the energy blade sliced. The red Hunter landed on the ground, injured and disoriented. Then, his Commander seized him by his helmet, lifted and set out in front of the taller Reploid.

"This is your chance, X!" Sigma told the blue Reploid. "You decide his fate!"

"W-What?!" X didn't understand anything.

"You seem unsure about Zero's loyalty, so here is a test," Sigma told the blue Hunter. "So, here's a test for you," he continued. "Whether you believe it or not, think it or not, your friend here has quite a lot to do with many of the problems that have been arising as of late," he explained. "Even if he doesn't know it yet."

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Zero shouted. "Bastard! Let go of me!"

"Commander, please! Put him down!" X pleaded.

"If you want to stop me, then you know what you have to do, X," Sigma said, tightening his grip on the struggling Zero. "It'll take some effort on your part, but I know you're capable of shooting through the both of us."

X shook his head. "No, no!" He said. "Commander, we need to get you back to HQ! We can help make you better!"

"Enough!" Sigma shouted, having grown tired of X's begging. "The choice is yours. To stop me, you must shoot your way through him," he looked at the still struggling Zero in his grasp. "Or, if you truly believe I am not in my right mind, you must stop Zero from terminating me."

"Commander…."

"Which will it be, X?" The taller Hunter asked. "What do you believe?"

Quite honestly, X had no idea of what to think. All of this had just come to him out of the blue. His Commander was holding his friend hostage, all the while claiming that he was a traitor. And Sigma wasn't being too transparent on whether or not "he" was the one talking. Was his mind that corrupted? Or was it something else entirely?

Whatever the case, just wondering about it did nothing to help him out of this mess! "What is your choice?" Sigma questioned him. "Lives could be at stake. Don't you care?"

"X, take the shot!" Zero suddenly shouted. "Don't worry about me! I'll be fine! Just shoot-GAH!" Zero was cut off by his captor tightening his hold.

"Hunters can't afford to waste pulling the trigger! Don't you remember, X?" Sigma asked the blue Hunter. "Don't you remember how much your hesitation has already cost you? Now, you can redeem yourself!"

"X! Shoot!"

X stood still, unable to move. His entire cerebral chamber was flooded with conflicting messages and conclusions. Much of what Commander Sigma said made sense, but for Zero to be a Maverick?

"Even if I am lying, you'll eventually realize that you should've killed him here and now," Sigma continued to hold Zero, waiting for X to make a move. And waited, and waited, and waited. Eventually, his patience had run out. "And this is why I must do this."

Sigma then threw Zero down to the ground, the already heavily damaged Reploid steadily slipping into unconsciousness. "Commander…." X said. The horrible truth was right before him, unable to be denied or ignored.

"Once again, X, you have failed the test," Sigma said, approaching the blue Hunter. "And, as always, you failed spectacularly."

X positioned his buster out in front of him. "Stay back." He commanded, still unable to process that his Commander was behind everything happening. But he could comprehend he was in danger, despite his shock. Sigma took another step. "Stay back!"

"You think I mean to kill you?" The taller Reploid asked. "Oh no," he didn't mention it, but he spotted a figure approaching X from behind. "I want you very much alive."

Before X could further question or demand answers, his entire body was overcome with a powerful shock to his systems, electrocuting him throughout his metal body. Then, after a few moments, he fell to his knees, then to the ground. His green eyes lost track of the world until everything fell into heavy darkness. First, Sigma stood above the fallen Maverick Hunter; then, he directed his attention to the one that had just incapacitated X.

"You're still wasting your time," Vile said, giving X's unconscious form a good kick. He got no reaction, indicating the blue Hunter was in stasis. "He's never going to learn."

Sigma smiled. "That's why we're going to teach him," he told the violet-colored ex-Hunter. "When tomorrow's big event is over, you are coming back for them." He then gestured to Zero's unconscious form along with X's.

"No," Vile protested. "I won't do it. Not me," he then looked at X. "Not for him."

Sigma chuckled. "But it's not for him, Vile," he said. "It's for me," he then turned away. "Keep those two somewhere secure," the taller Hunter began to walk away. "We have a big day tomorrow, and everything has to be in place."

Tomorrow would be Independence Day. Just not one for humans.

Note: Speaking of Bubba Zanetti from Mad Max, I referenced a quote from the movie, even if the context is different. We're getting closer to everything imploding itself and things going crazy. I'll admit that I'm excited. I just hope I execute it right!

I hope you enjoyed reading, and I also hope to hear from you! Thank you!