Maverick Hunter X – Next-Level Insurrection
Chapter 4: The Day of Sigma
(AN: Hey everyone! I am so sorry this took so long to get some. I was distracted from Kingdom Hearts III, amongst other things like real life, video games, and rather...lewd things. This took me a month and nine days to get done, so here we go!)
DISCLAIMER: It is heavily advised that this story be read with awesome Mega Man music playing in the background. I do not own any Mega Man X related characters or themes. All characters from Mega Man, Mega Man X, Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man Legends are all owned by Capcom. Please support the official release!
Some days have passed.
It has been at least three days since the tragedy of the Sky Lagoon. The nation and the world were in mourning of all those lost in the incident. Over 12 thousand lives were taken, and the Maverick Hunters were in disarray. This did more than shake the feelings of the Hunters.
Human society was starting to doubt the dependability of the Hunters and Repliforce as well. From their standpoint, the amount of casualties should not have been so large. This should have been prevented for them, and yet a dozen thousand lives lost in the chaos. The British provisional government itself was in major discussions on how useful the Hunters and Repliforce truly were, allowing this to occur…
The morale in the Hunters was also dropping after the disaster. Magma Dragoon, one of their finest members, had betrayed them and caused Sky Lagoon to fall. And for what? A shot at fighting X and be the world's strongest. It was downright depressing and deplorable. Nellia was confined to her room for insubordination, as well. To summarize, the Maverick Hunters felt like they were becoming Mavericks… incompetent Mavericks, mind you, but nonetheless.
Things were about to get worse. Calls were coming in across Britain that mechaniloids were going Maverick at an alarm pace. Many Hunter squads were dispatched throughout the nations to contain the damages. Navigators ended up working overtime, and there were some losses in lives and money. It was only the beginning….
14:15 – HM PRISON MANCHESTER
Sigma had scattered his forces to deal with the Maverick threats that were popping up. After his staged accident at the Sky Lagoon, morale was lower than ever; everything was falling into place for him. But there was one major player that he needed more than anyone, besides X…
Vile.
While X's potential is limitless, it's Vile's killer instinct that is another big component to his visions. The disgraced Hunter would revel in any kind of excuse to insatiate his bloodlust and continue killing and destroying anyone in his way. But it wouldn't be easy. For despite knowing Vile's lust for death, he also knows Vile does not like working with others. He won't be so easily swayed, which is why Sigma had a plan.
Sigma was escorted by a few Reploid and human guards to Vile's cell. It was located in the lower basements of the facility. The wardens knew just how dangerous Vile was, even unarmed, and created a special transparent cylinder prison to keep him in. Sigma approached the cell and turned to the guards.
"Thank you all." He said. "But if it's satisfactory for you, I would ask you leave us for a moment. I would like to speak with Vile in private."
"As you wish, Commander." The guards bowed and left Sigma with Vile.
Vile scoffed as his former commander turned to him. "Stupid Mancs. They buy anything you say, and they're as cheap as their soccer."
"It's called football, Vile." Sigma said.
"Whatever. Just cut the high and mighty attitude, Sigma. I know why you're here, so cut the scrap and end me already. If you can."
Sigma looked at Vile, almost emotionless. Vile was always reported to secretly hate his existence and want to put a gun in his head. He found no proof of this, though, and so brushed them off. They seem to ring true now, however, but he needed Vile alive and well.
"You're sorely mistaken, Vile." Said Sigma. "I have no intent to kill you. I came here to ask for your help."
Vile just cackled madly. This was just amusing to him. "You? Want my help?! Hahahaha! I gotta admit, Sigma, I never took you for a comedian. Just what makes you think I'll do anything you say again?"
"Because I have bore witness to the dark truth of this world. The Mavericks are not our enemies. It's the humans. They use us for their own selfish uses and take no responsibility for their actions. There's been abuse towards us for a while, but I will not stand for it. That's why I'm gathering the best Reploids I know… to declare a human purge."
"Hmph. Didn't think you had the spine to betray our makers. So you want me to join you, as a Maverick, and kill every single human possible?"
"That's why I'm here. And once X and others join, this world will be rid of them and our revolution will give way to evolution."
Vile laughed harder than before. "X?! Have your processors melted underneath that chrome head of yours?! He's a wimpy B-Class Hunter that can't even make a good shot without shaking! What kind of good could he do?"
Vile turned his back to Sigma before his former commander could even answer. "Whatever, it doesn't matter. I'm not interested in your 'revolution' anyway, so get lost! Better off to let me rust here anyway."
Sigma was not deterred. He knew he wouldn't come quietly, as usual. So he needed to up the ante. "I understand you were created by American scientist, Dr. Nathan Doppler. That you have been looking for him."
"What about it?" Vile scoffed.
"What if I told you that I know exactly where he is…?"
Vile flinched up and turned around. Sigma could see surprise on him, even if he couldn't see his face. A red light blinked on Vile's left hand visor. It seemed that the purple Maverick was now fully interested in what Sigma had to say.
"Now I have your attention…" Sigma smirked, igniting his energy blade.
14:30 – JUST OFF M12 – NORTHERN IRELAND
X and Zero were driving on the motorways after their fifth Maverick call of the day. The attacks were becoming more frequent on this specific day, and worse yet, they were spreading. Not just throughout the United Kingdom or Europe, but throughout the entire world. Needless to say, the Maverick Hunters have been busy.
Every navigator had to be on alert and standing by. Nana was hoping to do some analysis on X's newly-discovered powers, but the multiple crises have put that on the table. She has brought it over to Alia for her to figure out. All her focus was solely on the Maverick attacks. She needed to be X and Zero's navigator to help them through this.
X and Zero drove down the motorway, hoping to get to their next destination soon. But the frequency of these Maverick incidents was extremely concerning, even to them. Something didn't feel quite right.
"These Maverick sightings are too frequent, too consistent." X thought aloud. "It's been one after another and almost simultaneous."
"Agreed. It's too much in one day." Said Zero. "Maverick criminals, berserk Mechaniloids, strange incidents. There's no way this is pure coincidence."
"There has to be someone high up that's pulling the strings. Someone with enough power and influence that they could cause a worldwide Maverick revolt. Question is…. who?"
The two Hunters were absolutely stumped. There weren't that many Reploids they knew that had this kind of sway to cause an outbreak of such magnitude. Zero considered someone in Repliforce, but he thought that may upset Iris, so he kept it to himself. X thought perhaps a US politician. After WW3, America had become a large part of a massive superstate named Oceania, with the United States as firm controllers of the nation, with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and any overseas parts of the US and former parts of the United Kingdom as the foundation. X thought that it could not possibly be one of their leaders, though, as even Oceania's reach would not be able to cover the continuous Reploid revolts.
Their thoughts were interrupted by a call from Nana. "X, Zero! We've got bad news! The recently discharged Hunter, Vile, has escaped from Strangeways, and his breakout has sparked a second riot!"
"What?!" said X. "That's impossible, Vile's cell is supposed to be top-notch secure!"
"Some idiot must've busted him out, and I doubt Vile's kind enough to spare the poor bastard." Said Zero.
"Repliforce squads have arrived to detain the chaos, but they may need backup." Said Iris. "X, Zero, you must help them!"
"Roger that!" they both said, and sped down the road, using a hyperdrive teleportation sequence to leap over to Manchester.
Arriving from the teleportation towards the prison, they found the facility's exterior in a fairly beat up stance. Some bits of the architecture were crumbled, especially in the entrance and roof; local officers were trying to play damage control outside. X and Zero rushed inside and surveyed inside. It was way worse.
Many soldiers and guards were dead and damage inside was extreme. There were small fires, pools of blood, broken bars and cells, tables shattered, and even some rooms and halls were in tatters. What's worse is that it wasn't just the guards and Repliforce being killed; the inmates were also fighting amongst each other. X could catch a glimpse of a Maverick inmate trying to choke a human out. He wasted no time in shooting the Maverick with his X-Buster and kicking them into a wall.
X quickly pulled the prisoner up to his feet to check on him. The prisoner sustained minor injuries, so he was glad to know he would pull through. "What happened here?" asked X.
"Bastards…." The prisoner gasped. "Some bastards let Vie out… then they, let everyone out…. And some Hunters wanka'… he told the Mavs… to stand up for themselves. Those fuckers…. They're killing everyone!"
X's eyes widened in surprise. He thought that Dragoon was the only traitor in the Hunters, but now there was another? Or maybe there was more? What if some people he worked with and trusted were Mavericks now, or were for some time? X couldn't let that get to him, though, as Zero stepped forward.
"We'll stop the rioters, but this place isn't safe right now." He said. "Iris, can you send a message to Colonel Patton? Tell him and whatever Repliforce trooper is here to evacuate any human inmate, and take them to the nearest asylum that is safe."
"Wait. You want me to ask my brother to let convicted criminals out of their prison?" she asked.
"If we keep 'em here, there'll just be more casualties." X argued. "Besides, the prison chapel isn't too safe either. We need to get everyone out before they get hurt!"
Zero smiled at his friend. He knew he would understand. Without waiting for a reply from his navigator, Zero dashed forward to calm the situation. X helped the inmate outside and brought him aboard his Ride Chaser. Nana informed the Cheadle Royal Hospital nearby that prisoners would need shelter from the riots. The higher ups were reluctant to comply, but realized the severity of the situation and allowed it.
X dropped the prisoner off and helped him to his shelter. Both the prisoner and the hospital were very grateful. They offered the Blue Bomber tips, but X refused. He couldn't accept money for this. He just walked out of the infirmary when he received a call from Nana.
"X, come in!" she shouted. "Please come in, it's urgent!"
"Nana, calm down! I'm here!" X answered. "What's wrong?"
"I've lost Commander Sigma's mark! I can't raise or locate him!"
"What?! His signal stopped?"
"I'm worried he may be in trouble. You've got to locate him!"
"I'm on it!"
X didn't even hesitate to get on his Ride Chaser and zoom off into the streets. He had little clue where to look and would be perfect prey for a Maverick ambush, but it didn't matter. If his commander was in danger, he needed to act, and fast!
"Nana, what was Commander Sigma's last recorded position?" asked X.
"Point CPM-0382. Just outside the Missile Base in France." She said.
"Alright. I'm on my way now! I just hope I'm in time…"
"Be careful, X. We haven't heard from any Repliforce or base personnel in hours, so stay alert."
"Roger that."
X then put his Ride Chaser into hyperdrive, teleporting all the way into the once beautiful country of romance and beauty.
17:00 – REPLOID MISSILE BASE – FRANCE
X arrived on the roads of Paris, France… or what was left of them. Most of Europe was like this, nothing but a desolate wasteland. World War 3 took a massive tole on the Earth. While the Americas and Australia—now a massive supernation known as Oceania—as well as most of Asia were able to recover, Europe and Africa were not so fortunate. The Reploids were made and colonized in the UK to begin revitalizing the continent, with the British Isles as the first step.
Some of Europe was in the early stages of being revitalized, but it would take about five years for the continent to be hospitable to humans, and even then, many doubted it would be able to return to its former glory and beauty. Reploids were still hard at work rebuilding, especially the notable landmarks that were lost in the wars.
X had driven all the way to the remains of Marseille. Reconstruction had yet to begin there, but there was a missile base just around where the port town once stood. The place was stylish in exterior, but had modern amenities in the interior, with little stone to be found. X quickly got off his chaser and ran inside. The place wasn't too complex to navigate, but something felt wrong. It was empty. There was no one here. This wasn't a good sign.
X rushed quickly but carefully through the facility, until he saw a trail of dead Reploids. They were completely dissected. He thought that Vile was on another kill spree, but he looked at the wounds. They were all directed at precise weak points and vital limbs. He never thought Vile to be a meticulous fighter, nor have any idea where to shoot at. Meaning someone else was also here, and Sigma could be in trouble.
He was proven right after hearing a scream from down the east hallway. It sounded like the commander. Without hesitation, X rushed down the hall, following a trail of bodies down several corridors until he reached the main control room. As he ran in, he saw Sigma down on the ground, seeming to be in heavy damage. He was picked up by one hand by none other than Vile.
Vile cackled as his fingers scraped at Sigma's cranium, leaving massive marks above and below his eyes. "How does it feel, commander? To be on your knees looking like shit! It's how I been feeling for so long…. Getting chained up by you punkasses. But no more. I'm my own bot, and I plan to nuke this world to shit!"
"NO WAY!" X shouted, firing a half-charged shot at Vile, which blew him back a foot or two.
"Commander, are you alright?" X asked, running to Sigma's side.
"I…I'm fine, X." Sigma said. "Vile just… he's crazier than I thought…."
"He won't get away with this…" X looked to Vile, who didn't even seem fazed by his last second rescue. In fact, he was just walking it off.
"Ha ha ha ha! That actually tickled a little bit, X." Vile laughed. "Still, I can't say I'm shocked that you're licking these humans' feet."
"You're a disgusting Maverick, Vile! Totally disgusting!" X yelled.
"I'm disgusting?! I'M the disgusting one?! Oh X, you are too freaking much! The only ones worth vomiting over is these humans! I mean, look at them! They go around, strutting around and drag us around by a leash, so we can clean up all their messes! And what do we get? Nothing! A fat zip!"
"So you'll kill innocent people just to make a point of what you think of humans? That's pathetic, totally like you!"
"These humans are squishy and soft. Just like you are, X! I don't even know why Sigma thinks so highly of you, and honestly, I don't care! As a matter of fact, I'm just gonna nuke every major city in the world just for kicks! I can't wait to see the look on your stupid face!"
"I won't let you do that! You're heading back to jail, Vile, and I'll make sure the accommodations are less than optimal!"
Vile laughed again. He didn't actually think X was actually threatening enough to take him down. X was just class-B trash and a softy. What would he have to fear from anything X could pose, when he doesn't have the gut to actually kill? Besides, he had already taken the bait.
"Go ahead and try, X!" Vile smugly said, his eye lighting up. "But you won't stop us…"
Before X could even ask what he meant by 'us', he found himself stabbed through the chest in the back by an energy blade. He looked down and saw a familiar blade cave into X's chassis. It was Sigma's. His own commander had betrayed him!
"Commander…. Sigma…?" X said, falling to one knee.
Sigma walked past him and stood next to Vile, smirking. "Well done, Vile. Your acting was superb… though I would appreciate you not scarring my visage."
"Hah! Guess I 'accidentally' forgot that part." Vile scoffed. "Whatever, it suits you better anyway."
Sigma let it slide. Him getting eye scars was not part of his grand plan, but he needed Vile for right now, and it was a very convincing job. He turned his attention to X, still on one knee and confused.
"Commander… why?" X asked.
"Because these humans don't deserve us." Sigma said. "Ever since our creation, our creators have done nothing more than use and abuse us to their will, forcing us to fight their battles, and pick up from the toxic mess they themselves are responsible for! I was blind to this abuse and corruption… until now."
"Th… that's crazy! You can't really believe that!"
"I do. I have seen it. You would be a fool to think otherwise. The humans may seem grateful, but at some point, they will deem us useless. They will assuredly snuff us out when our expiration date arrives, or when we find out far too much. So I have chosen to snuff them out before they can destroy us. We are more than mindless slaves."
"You're going to kill millions of innocent lives?! Declare war on the humans? But that's… that's-!"
"Maverick?" said Vile. "For calling these meatbags out? Well I'll gladly accept that label as I watch this world burn around me!"
Vile cackled once again, but X had enough. Damaged still, he rose to both legs and threw a massive punch to Vile's helmet, barely knocking his head aside. The Boba Fett knockoff Maverick readied his cannon to shoot point blank, but stopped when he looked over X's shoulder. The Blue Bomber charged at Vile, but stopped short when he felt an electrical pain run through his body.
The cause of it was a large brown mandrill-based Reploid with what seemed to be lots of Christmas lights on his body and electric wires on his back. It was Spark Mandrill, another Hunter who has gone Maverick. Vile wasted no time in punting X's head while he was down, then stomping him like a dog. X got up eventually, but was thrown back down from attacks by some kind of red and yellow blur.
X got up and saw the attacker was another traitor. This was a stag beetle based red Maverick with blue shoulder plates by the name of Boomer Kuwanger. X rose back and looked at Sigma approaching the console that controlled all the missiles. X quickly fired off a half-charged shot at Sigma. The next thing he saw was a big boom. However, the shot never hit him.
Armored Armadillo had shielded Sigma from the blast and was taking defensive positions. X knew it wouldn't be easy to get past Armadillo, but he was attacked by an unknown force, getting slapped and thrown about. He knew already who was attacking him before they revealed themselves: Sting Chameleon! Chameleon appeared from the wall and threw X to the ground.
X tried to get up, but found a massive weight on his back preventing him, as well as an extremely goofy laughter. "Nuh-uh-uh! You ain't goin' nowhere, X!"
X knew that voice too well as the fat, rude, and obnoxious Maverick Hunter, Flame Mammoth. Despite his name, though, he was more akin to a grey and red Naumann's elephant, Mammoth crushed X harder under his foot until Vile chucked a grenade at Mammoth to get him off. He wanted X all to himself.
"Don't hog all the fun, Flame Mammoth!" Vile said. "Besides, I want my crack at breaking him in."
"What predictable brutes. No class or pizzaz in your fight style." Said a red octopus-looking Maverick. The Reploid had six tentacles for arms like an actual octopus, but two normal legs like any other Reploid.
"Like I give a crap, Launch Octopus! I just wanna see what makes X tick!"
Vile grabbed X by the ankle and smashed him into the ground repeatedly, like he was some sort of whip. He then facepalmed X and smashed him into the nearby wall, while Launch Octopus released a couple of missiles to deal even more damage to the lone Hunter in the room.
X was pinned to the wall soon after when ice shots froze him tight. The only thing he could move was his head, where he could see a dark blue penguin Reploid with twin gas tanks on his back. It was another traitor by the name of Chill Penguin. He was accompanied by an eighth and final turncoat, and X's jaw dropped when he saw it. He couldn't believe it; he expected this Reploid to be the last Hunter to turn Maverick. Yet here he was, with Sigma, Vile, and the others….
"Storm Eagle. Not you too…"
Storm Eagle looked down sadly, and raised his cannon against X, but looked away. He was clearly regretful and unhappy about doing this. "I'm sorry, X…"
Eagle shot a horizontal tornado right at X. While it easily destroyed the ice, it also caused quadruple damage to the Blue Bomber. X was then left in a rut. His armor was cracked and shattered in numerous paces, blood was leaking out, and his knees were barely functioning. X was helpless, defenseless, and unable to do anything.
Sigma approached the nine Maverick turncoats, beaming with joy. "You all made the right choice. I'm happy you were all able to see the truth and could light the way to a better future. A peaceful time will come. But first, it's time to begin our rebellion, and rid the Earth of her cancer once and for all!"
Sigma and his men approached the console, X too weak to stop them. The former commander inputted the last few commands, and every missile stored within the base rose up and was ready for launch. Sigma smirked as he pressed the final big red button, launching every missile they had. They were all aimed at multiple locations, but they were all major cities. Boston. Rio. New York. Beijing. London. Sydney. Vancouver. Auckland. Glascow. Los Angeles. Tokyo. They were to be cracked down very soon.
"You know, it is kind of unfair to not give these monsters a warning." Mused Sigma. "What say we…reintroduce ourselves?"
At exactly 12:38 PM EST, the entire world received a simulcasted message on their screens. Sigma appeared on the screen and began to speak to the planet.
'People of this planet. Lend me your eyes and heed my words. My name is Sigma, and for over four years, me and my Maverick Hunters have safeguarded you and the Earth from monsters known as Mavericks. However, I have learned of a greater monstrosity: humanity itself. The humans that created us, the humans that govern and populate this world, are nothing but abusive puppeteers and slave traffikers. They would use us for however they saw fit, would abuse and destroy us for stepping out of line, would make us feel inferior. Well no more. As of this moment, the Maverick Hunters are rendered null and void. In its place, I give you my Revolution. Starting today, the human race begins its borrowed time, and a new world for free Reploids can flourish!"
Sigma laughed like a maniac. But as the message ended, many missiles landed in multiple major cities. Millions of lost lives and trillions of money. A purge had begun…
As X came to, he looked in shock and regret. Sigma and the others had betrayed him. They've nuked most of the world and declared war. He felt so ashamed, so betrayed… so angry. Anger at being used and not being able to save anyone. This couldn't stand. No… it wouldn't stand!
X rose to his feet, ignoring all the pain he was feeling, and stared down the Maverickn traitors. He walked up to them, his buster drawn and charging. Vile caught him in the corner of his eye and scoffed. Without looking, he fired at X with his machine-gun hand. X wasn't fazed and hardly affected. Vile was surprised at this. The other Hunters attacked him, but X fought back.
Octopus fired off a bunch of torpedoes, which X nocked off and threw into Penguin, Mandrill, and Kuwanger. He then threw punches and shots at Octopus with great power before Armadillo intervened. Running on adrenaline and emotion, X just fired buster shot after buster shot at Armadillo, who blocked it all with his armoring and shields. But X's tenacity was showing, and Armadillo's legs began to slip. When they did and X found an opening, he kicked the purple Maverick really damn hard.
Storm Eagle raised his buster to X, but stopped. He didn't want to hurt him, regardless of his allegiance. Under normal circumstances, neither would X. But he was being fueled by raw emotion now, and he threw punches and knees to Storm Eagle, who barely dodged any of them. Most he took because he deserved it. X's momentum was soon cut short by Vile shooting him in the back. He was surrounded yet again.
"Yes, I see it." Said Sigma. "So this is what the professor meant. The potential you possess! The infinite power you have is incredible! Just think of what we could accomplish!"
"SHUT UP, SIGMA!" yelled X. "This isn't the end! You won't get away with this. The Hunters aren't done, and neither am I! I WILL MAKE SURE YOU ARE DESTROYED FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"
Sigma laughed, as his appearance was slightly changing. Spikes were now on his armlets and anklets and he now posed a large red cape with black shoulderpads. "Then come and get me! Let us battle for the true fate of this world!"
X charged up his buster, not realizing or caring that it overheated, and fired at his opposition. The battle had begun….
TO BE CONTINUED…
(AN: ANd that's the end of our 4-chapter prologue. Apologies again for taking so damn long. I will try to avoid long waits like this again in the future, but I can't make any promises. We explored a bit of the lore here as well, but from here on out, we'll be adapting the MMX events proper...but with a twist! Stay tuned, and see ya next time! Lemme know what you thought!)