"Just stay with me," X was unsure if his voice had reached Gamma, or just how far along the virus had progressed. When he finally did take his attention from her, Fefnir had practically melted the entire room, and more than a few of the Mavericks. Harpuia had sliced whatever was left to ribbons. From the fire the walls were warped and charred, and there were more than a few thin slices through the weakened sheet metal. Reploids lay in heaps and pieces, some twisted beyond recognition. Not a single one of them was the same Reploid Neo Arcadia's leader sought after, however.

"Theta... he must have slipped away. Harpuia!" X's voice was frantic, and the Guardian Sage turned back to him, yanking his sabre from a broken Reploid's torso. "Find him and make sure he doesn't' get away."

"As you command."

X did not watch him go. His gaze had moved instead to Fefnir, who stood with a prisoner in tow. Vile had been brought to his knees, his armor burned away in places, exposing the raw circuitry beneath. The wiring crackled and sparked, and Fefnir's hand had dug into his strange helm, forcing his head down in submission. Despite this degraded position, the crazed Maverick cackled, though it was choppy at best.

"So here he is, our savior, X! Finally come out of your tower to play? Or do your toys do all the work for you? You're still the same weakling pacifist you were a hundred years ago!"

Gently, X propped Gamma's prone from against the wall, leaving her to rest as he stood very slowly. His movements were as deliberate, but the expression on the usually serene Reploid's face was something cold and unfamiliar. It made Fefnir's shoulders square uneasily, and from where she was having trouble keeping awake, Gamma watched soundlessly. Her thoughts were still scrambled, but she saw every moment of what occurred next.

X was never known to lose his temper. He was a peaceful soul, dreaded conflict and tended to reject violence in every form, and he only fought for the protection of others and with no other options at his disposal. But, in this single moment, this was not the same Reploid. Fefnir had mere seconds to let go of Vile and step back before X's own hand lashed out, suddenly grabbing onto the faceplate of his enemy, who gagged as the small fingers dented his helm further.

"That thing is a shell. Where are Sigma's real remains?" X had figured it out only after the fire had consumed the empty thing, and he was in no mood to play. Especially with the discoveries of this rat's nest had unearthed. "I've not the time for games!"

Vile had no eyes to glare, nor a mouth to smile, but X sensed the callous hatred as he spoke. "You won't find it here, goody-two-shoes. And you won't get it out of me."

"Then I've no use for you."

X's hand clamped down, but it was not this that had Vile suddenly twitching, and screaming in his hold. With just a touch of his palm, and the activation of nerve-like nodes under his fingertips, he sent out burning electronic signals similar to that of an EMP. Every circuit, nerve, cord and electronic device within Vile's body was burned out, essentially frying him firm the inside out. Smoke curled away from his convulsing body, and the blood-like oil that sustained a Reploid's body spattered onto X's armor and the floor alike, but if he noticed, he did not react. When the screaming stopped, X slowly pulled his hand away.

His old nemesis, and rival, fell to the ground moments later, twitching soundlessly as he died. It was sudden and strange, but Fefnir had backed far away from him in disbelief.

"My judgment on you, Vile," X's voice was a quiet, angry whisper. "You could have redeemed yourself in the past... but harming Gamma... I cannot and WILL not forgive anyone for that." He turned away from what he considered now a pile of garbage. He wasted no time moving back to Gamma, and gently scooping her up into his arms.

"I'm taking her home. See to it this place burns, Fefnir.

Woops! Short chapter. It's gonna start picking up after this, I promise! ;3
Reviews and questions are always welcome.