Maverick Hunter X: Next-Level Insurrection

Chapter 12: SkyWay to the Heavens

(A/N: Heya folks! Long time, no see huh? Okay, maybe not long. But you get it though, right? Anyway, this is Chapter 12 and, my oh my, it is a dozy! This one was a huge pain to write, but I hope you read till the end!)

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!

MAY 6, 2053

12:22 – MAVERICK HUNTER HQ

About three days had passed. X was trying to process and understand what he had done the past week. His reckless actions and desire to defeat Sigma was turned against him and he almost became the very thing he vowed to destroy. Now three days on the shelf, X has had to really ask himself if he is really the hero that this world truly needs, or if he is just the monster that could destroy it all and not even realize? These thoughts haunted him endlessly. He had no idea who he was anymore, or if he even deserved to be called a Maverick Hunter.

"Still so melancholy?" asked a voice. X looked up to see Alia standing over him. She looked unhappy, mostly sad, but X thought she was disappointed. He didn't blame her if she was. "You gave us quite the scare, X. Nana was really afraid you lost your way. As did we all. But you went off the proverbial rails quite fast." She continued. X said nothing. Just continued sulking at his failure and presumed scolding. He deserved it, he thought. "Listen X, we're not mad. Just concerned. Now more than ever, so you can stop beating yourself up. You still have work to do." X looked down more. "So am I, Alia…."

Alia looked solemnly at the blue Maverick Hunter. Her words were not helping him. In fact, it looked like she just made it worse. She admitted she was never much of a motivator or anything, so this became all the more awkward. "I'm a poor excuse of a Hunter. Turning on my friends, treating them like crap… All because of my damn emotions. I'm starting to wish I was never created…" X said in a somber tone. Alia didn't know how to respond. The Azure Hunter felt dejected and completely worthless. The blonde scientist couldn't say anything, so she didn't. She walked out, unable to cheer him up. "Well quite the motivator you are." Said someone sarcastically. Alia turned and was surprised by her guest.

It was Professor Rimmer. She put her hand on Alia's shoulder and nodded, assuring the researcher she would handle things from here. Alia smiled, but noticed Nana and Zero behind her. She did not question or speak further. She knew these three would be better choices to lift X's spirits than she. With that, Rimmer opened the door and entered. X immediately looked up to his creator, and to his friends coming in. Nana smiled weakly at X while Zero just stared, almost in hesitance of something. The Blue Bomber dared not look back, too ashamed to lock eyes with his friends or creator. "X, there is no reason for you to be so glum. You shouldn't even have to apologize. If anything, it should be me that should be apologizing… for failing you." Rimmer said, changing her tone to absolute regret at the end. X finally looked up when he noticed this. "What are you talking about, professor? This whole mess is because of me!" he said. But Rimmer shook her head sadly.

"No, X. I feel the most responsible for these events. I should have told you everything. About what kind of robot you were. Had I told you of your incredible power, perhaps this could have been avoided. But I wanted to let you decide how you lived your life, and give you the chance to discover it for yourself. Perhaps that was a mistake…." She said. X looked up sorrowfully. He could tell his creator was remorseful, but why? It was hardly her fault to begin with. This whole conflict was X's burden. "X, your combat abilities are second to none in theory, as you came to realize, but your potential is near limitless. An unlimited source of evolution and combat, but…. I did not intend you to be this." She continued. "You were conceived by nations that wished to have a sentient killing machine, but I did not want you like that. X, you are like my son, and a mother could not just allow her son to be sent into war willingly. Not with knowing how it could potentially affect your mind. Your emotions are your most important tool, X. They make you the Reploid you are, but it does not come without risk. I would explain, but… well, I do not think you require one…."

"Then…. What can I do?" asked X weakly. "Like I said, that is for you to decide X. You have to control your own destiny." Rimmer replied. She then stepped aside and let Nana and Zero chime in. X was still so ashamed to see them. He could see Nana weakly smiled, cheery as ever. X couldn't understand it. How could she still have any semblance of a smile after the things he said about her? Then she took a deep breath as she began to talk. "Still so serious, X? You need to cheer up and smile every once in a while." She said. X shot a look of bewilderment. She was cracking a joke as if nothing bothered her. Nana giggled as she spoke. "You always looked cute like that. But in all seriousness, I'm glad you're out of your psycho or moody modes. Seeing you down or throwing navigators across a hallway isn't fun."

X just gave Nana a serious frown when she said that, while Zero shook his head a bit. "That isn't funny, Nana. I could have killed you." X said. "No, it's hilarious. And you didn't, did you?" Nana winked back at him. The Blue Bomber's expression didn't change for a minute, until he started chuckling. He had to admit her methods of personal communication was kind of funny in a way. "Got ya to laugh at least." Nana said, happy for her work. Zero, meanwhile, had zero clue how to respond to any of this. She always confused him in how she did things. Then Nana began being a bit more serious in tone.

"Look X, I wouldn't have helped you if I didn't believe in you. I always knew you were capable of great things, you just needed that push to realize it. I never imagined the serious risks or rewards that would come, but you may have just defied those expectations. So no matter what, I will always support you, and will help you find a way to control your amazing power. If you still want my help." Nana reach out her hand to X, who was astounded at how dedicated she was. He didn't think she would ever want to work with him again, yet here she was. X slowly took it, then Zero cleared his throat, eager to get a word in.

"Well Nana is right about one thing: you have incredible power X. But there's a major difference between having power and knowing how to use it." He began. "You may surpass me in that department, but you don't know how to properly utilize it. X, if you learn to control your power as you fight, you might just be our best asset. But like the professor said, your emotions are a key component. Just keep a clear head and never lose sight of what's important. And I think—nay, I know you can do that. But don't be going soft on us… or too hard." Zero chuckled as he said that last bit.

X stood up, looking at both his friends. Suddenly, all the unhappiness he was feeling seemed to slip away. He felt a sense of joy and pride in himself, that he was able to have such good friends by his side that would support him no matter what. That gave him all the more incentive to fight for them, to protect them. And to never lose himself. X smiled honestly and shook Zero's hand, then hugged them both. Nana blushed while Zero felt embarrassed, but he smiled anyway. He knew X was happy, and that was all that mattered. "Thank you… all of you." Said X joyfully. Nana and the professor smiled, happy to have lifted X's spirits.

A FEW MINUTES LATER…

X had spent the good portion of a fat minute, making heartfelt and sincere apologies to everyone, all his fellow hunters, and the support. Cinnamon was the most forgiving. She rarely stayed mad at anyone, so X making apologies wasn't too hard to do. Iris, however, was a different story. She was unwilling to even talk to X out of fear. Every time she spoke, the Blue Hunter would always snap at her for even speaking wrong or looking at him the wrong way. Iris shivered the minute he, Zero, Nana, and Professor Rimmer entered the control room, and hid behind the controls. If you were to ask X, he'd say he deserved that. Zero nudged him to go forward and attempt to talk. "Iris… I'm sorry. I really am. I just got so upset over what Sigma and his thugs have done, so obsessed with taking him down… and took it out on you. And that wasn't right. You did not deserve that. I hope you can forgive me, and I promise it will not happen again…"

Iris heard everything he said and came out from hiding. Slowly stepping towards the Blue Bomber, she could tell he was sincere in his apology. Iris smiled a small bit and bowed to him. "I understand, X. I accept your apology, but please learn some self-control. I was scared for a moment I did something wrong." Iris said honesty. X gave her a sad smile back and shook her hand. He then turned to Dynamo, chilling in a corner. "Dynamo, why are you out of your room?" asked X. Dynamo just shrugged nonchalantly. "Mac told me I was good. And so is you, X. Yer crazy, yeah, but in a sweet and badass kinda way." He said. X sighed, realizing this was as much a conversation he was getting with the enigmatic Reploid right now. He turned his attention back to the control center and the monitors f the remaining Mavericks.

"Six down, two more to go…" he said. The remaining two were Storm Eagle and Flame Mammoth. Zero had a different problem though. They had lost communication with Magna Centipede a few days ago and gave been unable to get it back. This was a huge blow to them. Not only was a great friend to them potentially destroyed, but they had now lost all trails and leads to where Sigma was located. There was now no way to find Sigma's base of operations, and they had no where else to work off. "Even if you do beat Eagle and Mammoth, X, it won't matter. The only way to really end this conflict is to find Sigma and bring him in. But we've now a massive road block…" said Zero. "Maybe not, Zero…" said Nana. "There is one thing we haven't tried, but you aren't going to like it."

Zero put his hand up at once, he knew exactly what she was about to suggest. "Absolutely not! I may be desperate, but not that desperate to go back to her!" he yelled. X sighed, but Iris looked completely lost. "Who is he talking about?" she asked innocently. "Layer. A former Hunter and Navigator, and Zero's ex girlfriend." X explained. Iris's eyes squinted when she heard. "Oh. His… ex. How nice…" she said with only the most subtle of hostility and envy.

"Nothing nice about it! That bitch cheated behind my back with some Mavericks, I haven't spoken to her since!" yelled Zero. He was still very bitter about being caught up in such a mess. While the Hunters still go to Layer for help, it's mostly a last resort, and Zero absolutely refuses to see her. X knew Zero was unhappy and approached his friend. "Zero, it doesn't look like we have a choice. Without knowing Sigma's intentions, we are pressed for time. I know it's hard, but if we wanna find Sigma, Layer may know where he could be…" X said. But Zero wouldn't have it. "That's still a long shot, X! We don't know if Sigma even approached her since she was sacked! And I would rather die than have to face that skank bot ever again!" Zero declared. X took a deep breath. Convincing his friend was going to be harder than he thought.

"Zero, I understand you can't forgive her. But I put my personal feelings above my true mission, and it nearly cost us so much. Don't make the same mistake I did, buddy. Please, for everyone's sake. I'm not asking this as a Hunter or Commander. I'm asking as a friend…" X said. Zero took a few minutes to digest what X had said. He just saved the Blue Bomber from making a big mistake of putting his emotions above everything, but here he was doing this too. No matter how justified it was, Zero sighed in resignation. X was right. If he didn't take this chance, they could lose so much more than they thought.

"Okay, X. I'll head to Boston at once and find Layer. But let the record show that I do not willingly consent to this. And you owe me." Said Zero, and he teleported out to begin his mission. X smiled with a bit of mischief at Zero's predicament, then returned to his stoic expression as he remembered his own mission. He knew who he was facing next and it would not be easy, "Storm Eagle…" he decided. "But why… why would you do something like this?" Rimmer and Nana looked at X with sadness. They knew the respect X had for Eagle, this was not going to be easy for X in that respect. "X, are you sure you'll be alright?" asked Nana.

"Yeah. I just don't want to do anything I'll regret later…" X said. Nana nodded sadly. "But don't worry. I'll have you guys to back me up if I do." The Azure Hunter smiled, which his allies returned. With little else to say, X teleported off to confront his former friend. This would not be a happy reunion…

12:37 – BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

X appeared onto the runway of an airport that seemed very occupied by enemy forces. There was not a airliner plane or transport to be seen, all that was seen was military craft taking off. X could only surmise that Storm Eagle chased away all civilian activity to use for refueling and defensive purposes. He needed to work fast and find the Maverick. "Nana, any trace of the Death Rogumer?" he asked. No response. "Nana do you copy?" X tried every channel on his comms he could… and then it hit him.

The Maverick Hunter slapped himself in the face when he realized why he wasn't getting a signal. He forgot that he still had his comlink turned off. Shaking off his foolish decisions, he turned his comms back on and tried again. "Okay Nana, do you read me now?" he asked. "I was wondering how long it would take you to realize your radio was still off." Nana replied cheekily. X simply took that as a yes and changed the subject. "I don't see the Death Rogumer anywhere. Are you sure Storm Eagle is around here?"

"The coordinates indicate that the vessel is at the dock of Gate E. But the trail to get there is treacherous, and you'd need to get up high to dock it in time. Nellia and Repliforce are in the area as well, so rendezvous with them for assistance." Said Nana. "Understood. Just hoping they recognize me as friend and not foe." Replied X, as he ran forward. He did not have much time before the ship lifted off. X jumped up and into the airport's concourse levels, where he found Maverick guards. The guards attacked and shot at X with intensity. The Blue Bomber easily evaded and blasted the guards away, however more came behind him and attacked. Just as X was about to counter, an orange and black figure jumped down and threw quick strikes that completely dismantled the guards.

It was Nellia. She turned to X and winked to him. "Hey X, been a while! I see you've recovered from your little tantrum." She said. X was really hoping she didn't learn about his episodes a few days ago. "I don't wanna talk about that Nellia. How's cleanup over here going?" he asked. "We're still trying to clear the airport. This Repliforce punks are engaging Storm Eagle's forces, his ship is refueling but it will lift off in 20 minutes. Skiver is engaging Eagle to slow him down, but I don't know how long that will last." Nellia explained. This left the Hunters with 20 minutes to find and stop Storm Eagle. "Okay. We better get moving and fast!" he said, dashing off with Nellia in tow.

The two crossed through several sections of the airport terminals where many Mavericks awaited them. A few Rush Roaders charged at them, but Nellia stood her ground as X jumped up. He dropped down and ride of them, struggling to control it. Nellia meanwhile spinkicked some of the others and giving another one an axe kick, not moving from her position. X used the one he had to charge into the last two and ram into them, destroying all the Roaders just as he jumped off. The two hunters gave each other a thumbs up and proceeded outside. They saw Repliforce soldiers quickly cutting through the defense cannons and Gun Volts. Above them, they saw Skiver and Storm Eagle engaged in combat.

Nellia clenched her fists at the sight of Skiver, who appeared to be leading this squadron. Even though he was not at fault, she still couldn't find it in her to accept it. She still blamed Repliforce for the Sky Lagoon tragedy and the loss of her girlfriend. Nellia being here was no coincidence. She wanted to confront not just the Mavericks, but also Skiver, for failing to save everyone that fated night. X could sense some hostility in her and tried calming her. "Nellia, do not forget your duty. Repliforce are not our enemies. Sigma is." He said. Nellia took a few seconds to digest this and it soothed her anger temporarily. She put her feelings aside and nodded, ready to proceed.

"You're right, X. We need to focus! Let's hurry before the Death Rogumer takes off!" she said. The two dashed off into danger, hoping to stop the ship before it took off again. Nellia launched her Rising Dragon fireball attacks that took out several defensive cannons, which X changed to Fire Form and hit a Blaze Kick on a few Gun Volts and Skyclaws. Several more Reploid soldiers approached them as they tried to block them on all sides. The two hunters nodded and began attacking on all sides, punching and kicking the Maverick soldiers in their way. "NUBO-TE!" shouted Nellia as she hit a Tricycle Kick onto several soldiers. X resorted to fierce punches and elbow shots to the chest plate. Then he finished the last of them off with a big attack. "HADOUKEN!"

In time, all enemies were gone and they proceeded onwards again. "Nana, how much time is left before takeoff?" asked Nellia. "Less than 10 minutes. But I'm getting a heavy Maverick reading from above!" said Nana. X and Nellia looked above but hardly saw anything. "I don't see anything. Only Storm Eagle and Skiver." Reported Nellia. "Perhaps using some sort of stealth tech?" wondered X. His assumption appeared to be correct. Just then, a yellow figure appeared from the sky behind them and shot missiles at the two. X and Nellia were knocked, but were able to regain their bearings, as they heard some loud singing.

"Dun-dun dun-dun-duuuuun! Dun-dun dun-dun-duuuuun! Dun dun dun, dun dun dun! DUN DUN DUN-DUN-DUN-DUUUUUUN!"

Descending from the skies was a Reploid they had never seen. It was one of a teenager and the look of an American school girl. The Maverick in question was bright yellow, resembling an American Eagle, with some spiky quills on the back of her head, green eyes and a blue gem on her forehead, with something akin to flight goggles on top of her head. She had gold and orange colored wings, under armor colored white with armored parts that resembled Storm Eagle's but more advanced and colored lemon with some shades of green, and bronze talons as feet. She seemed to be like a female upgrade of Storm Eagle, and looked like a more energetic one.

X and Nellia were unsure how to take this new arrival. Before this, all the Mavericks they had faced the past week were ones they were familiar with. But they had never seen this Maverick before, much less one that seemed so youthful and exuberant. X turned over to the Daguva-Zeba arts practitioner. "A new recruit, or old friend?" he asked. "Never seen her before… identify yourself!" Nellia answered, turning to the Maverick mid-sentence. The Maverick gleefully posed, introducing herself. "Of course you wouldn't know me, Hunters. But you are the real Mavericks. I am the newest protégé—as well as number 1 fan—of Storm Eagle, the newest generation of Reploids to usher a new age of happiness!" she screamed posing in an energetic fashion. "The shining light of Reploid hope, the rookie ace for Lord Sigma! The Princess of the Winds…. Amelia Eaglyde!" Eaglyde wrapped up by twirling around, drawing a buster similar to Eagle's, then standing, her left arm flash back and her right arm pointing forwards in a pose of great posture, not unlike a pose from Japanese superhero shows.

X tilted his head. He still had no idea how to process this new arrival. This new Maverick, Amelia Eaglyde, was way different in behavior than any other Maverick he faced. Granted, Mavericks believing they were good was not new to him, but her hyperactive and gleeful personality was not something he had seen. Nellia, however, took less time to understand. This girl was a total sycophantic fan girl if she ever saw one. Nellia got into fighting stance and readied to attack. "You are really deluded if you think we're the Mavericks here, kid! Now move aside! We need to talk to Storm Eagle!" she shouted. Amelia stepped out of her posing fest and stood ready. "Sorry, but I can't let you do that! I got orders to keep you from destroying the ship!" she said. "And sensei will be so proud when he hears I beat X and this kung-fu girl in one stroke! Tee-heeeeee!" She blushed just thinking of the admiration.

"I don't have time for this!" X said, getting impatient. He tried running past her, but Eaglyde easily kicked him back. His sensors began to light up and scan the young Maverick. The two Hunters awaited her first attack. It didn't take her long; Eaglyde's wings glowed and in one flap, several feather projectiles were launched. The two evaded them with some running across buildings, X analyzing them before turning back to fire off buster shots to take them down. Unfortunately, Eaglyde had a counter in firing off a twister that swirled in a circular horizontal pattern. X didn't see this coming and was launched into a hangar with full force, receiving heavy damage. Nellia jumped up and gave her a kick to the wings, which got Eaglyde by surprise. "Cheap shot!" Said Eaglyde, catching Nellia and hitting several left hooks on her.

'ELECTRIC FORM'

X jumped up in Electric form and used a Volt Punch right to Eaglyde's gut. Nellia fell from her clutches, but X was able to catch her and set her down. He did not need to do that, considering Reploids were plenty resilient. But he was unsure how long they could hold their own against this newcomer, and time was not on their side. They had about five minutes before Storm Eagle and company made their escape. "X, you'll have to go on ahead! Stop Eagle before he gets away. I'll take care of this!" said Nellia.

"You sure you'll be okay with this?" he asked. He still was unsure about leaving her with the newcomer. "Relax. This fangirl's an amateur! I can take her. Go… NOW!" Nellia responded. X realized the urgency in her voice and nodded. He dashed up to the hangar and began jumping from building to building. "Hey, get back here you Maverick!" shouted Eaglyde. She tried flying after, but was stopped when she felt her arms and wings locked in some Full Nelson. Nellia had used her legs to trap them, then flung her body in a 180° motion, crashing Eaglyde neck first onto the runway. Nellia jumped back and got in a fighting stance as Amelia got up. "You're fighting me, kid! I need to blow off some steam!" she taunted. Eaglyde prepared herself. "Alright then! Gimme your best, kung-fu bitch!"

Liftoff was in a minute or so. X hurried as fast as he could. Skiver and Eagle were still fighting in the clouds, but the battleship was beginning to move. The Blue Bomber wasn't going to make it at this rate. That's when he saw a Skyclaw and got an idea. Dashing with all his might, X jumped right into the claws if the Maverick. Normally, whenever a Skyclaw caught it's victims, it would carry wherever it wanted and then self-destruct. X was betting on this one to land him close enough to the Death Rogumer then jump onto the ship before it blew up. His instincts were on the nose. The Maverick flew just above the docking platform before it began destroying itself. X very quickly got out and dash-jumped right onto the ship. Finally, he was on. "That was a gutsy move, X. But a good trick nonetheless." Praised Nana. "Thank you. Okay, I'm on the Death Rogumer. It's now taken off. What next?" X asked.

"Looking at our scanners, the Death Rogumer is an airship with the purpose of nuking and destroying major cities. The key to it's attack power is the ship's reactor. If you can get in and destroy it, the ship will lose its attack and defensive capabilities! Hurry X!" Iris suggested. X nodded, he didn't need to be told twice. He rushed forward as the ship launched. It didn't take him long to run into cannons on the deck. Ducking down, he changed it up to Ice Form and fired off a few well-placed Shotgun Ice projectiles, freezing the cannons completely. This gave him the opening and break them through punches, kicks, and a buster shot or two.

X made his way inside the ship. The defense systems were not easy to get through, with sentry guns and guards abound. Returning to normal form, charged shots dealt with the sentries and guards, and X found himself in the ship's reactor room. He noticed the reactor ahead of him. X knew he would have work fast. Once he destroyed the reactor, the ship wouldn't stay afloat for long. But he didn't care. Switching back to Electric Form, X used a big Spark Pound to see Sparks across the room, hitting the reactor and it's core multiple times. The reaction caused a massive explosion, destroying most of the ship's interiors and deck.

The Azure Hunter was amazed that the whole ship was still in one piece, for a time. He looked across the debris and noticed it was mostly a floating plank at present. It would not hold up for long. "X to Hunter Base. I've destroyed the reactor, and from the looks of it, most of the ship. Estimated time before it begins crashing?" he contacted base. "Estimated about 10 minutes before it begins it's descent. I suggest dealing with Storm Eagle quickly." Said Nana. X nodded and looked up to see Eagle gaining the upper hand, landing an axe handle onto Skiver, who came crashing down, falling and tumbling on the floor. X quickly checked on the spiral pegasus Reploid. "Captain Skiver, you okay?" he asked. Skiver was quick to get up, but grabbed his arm.

"Yeah, I'm fine… and it's Commander Skiver now, X…" he said. Skiver was promoted to rank through his valor after the untimely passing of Storm Owl. Skiver was reluctant to accept this responsibility, he did not find himself worthy of such an honor. However, all his fellow soldiers vouched for him and were behind his promotion. Now Skiver's first task as Commander was not an easy one. "Well, I congratulate you on your promotion. I think you truly deserved it." X said, though Skiver was unsure. Just then, Storm Eagle slowly flew down, touching down opposite the two. Eagle closed his eyes the minute X locked eyes with him. Even if he believed he was doing good, he could not face X. Not when he had betrayed him, and in his viewpoint, the entire world….

FLASHBACK

The Maverick attacks would not cease. The Sky Lagoon incident seemed to be the Nexus for Maverick crime, and was skyrocketing since. Storm Eagle had to work missions both in air and on land. Neither one was actually easy for him or his squad. This particular day, he had to fight off Mavericks chasing a man driving his own armored truck. The man's cargo was not disclosed to him, but whatever it was had to be extremely valuable for Mavericks.

Storm Eagle glided down with his buster drawn. The truck had already been knocked off the road and into some buildings by the time he got there. Several Sniper Joes and Disc Boys were ready to attack and kill the driver when Eagle swooped down. Pointing his buster at the Mavericks, he used his Storm Tornado, a powerful horizontal wind gust which severely damaged them and blew their shields off. Then he finished them off with one rocket that destroyed them quickly. Eagle quickly ran over to the driver to check on him. "Are you okay?" he asked. The driver was thankfully injury free. "Oh thank you so much!" said the driver. "You have no idea how much it means to me! I can get these guys to my destination without any prob—"

Just then, a beam saber pierced through his chest. The man choked on blood as he fell when the saber pulled out. Storm Eagle was shocked to find who it was that stabbed the man—Commander Sigma?! But why? Had the commander turned Maverick? Before he could even ask questions, a yellow figure swooped past him, grabbing the man and threw him to the ground. Then the Maverick drew her own buster, looking similar to his own, and gunned him down with a gatling gun, then finished with a rocket. "Hasta la vista, baybay!" said the Maverick. Sigma rolled his eyes. "I believe you're supposed to say that before you kill your prey, Eaglyde." He said to the new arrival. Eaglyde chuckled nervously as she turned, then gasped in excitement when she saw Storm Eagle, taking an attack formation.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! OH MY GOSH, YOU'RE REALLY HIM!" Eaglyde said excitedly, hugging and shaking his hand. "You're really Storm Eagle! Oh my god, this is amazing! I never thought I'd actually get to meet you! You're one of the best Hunters ever! I'm your biggest fan! I followed all your fights, all your battles! You are so goddamn cool!" Eaglyde blushed heavily and had to take a moment to inhale and pinch herself. Storm Eagle blinked in bewilderment. He never met anyone with such energy and admiration for him. Eaglyde kicked the floor and her energy turned to shyness in the presence of her idol. "I-I'm sorry, umm…. Can I have an autograph…?" she said nervously holding out a notepad. Storm Eagle thought this was a weird request for an enemy, but felt generous, so signed his signature. The rookie Maverick clenched her notepad to her chest and sighed happily.

At last, Sigma cleared his throat. Eaglyde went to his side and stood at attention. "Amelia Eaglyde." He introduced to Eagle. "You'll have to excuse her. She's a very big fan of your work." Eagle nodded as he looked at his treacherous commander. "I noticed, sir. But I would like to know why you two killed that man! He was attacked and defenseless!" Eagle chewed out. "Was he, Storm Eagle?" Sigma asked. He motioned Eagle over to check the man's body. On him, Eagle found he had a blaster pistol, which didn't seem too out of the ordinary, until he searched further. He saw some electric netting spheres and tranquilizer darts on him. Eagle tried racking his brain around why he would need them. "Commander, I was not informed of what his cargo was. What could he possibly need all of this for?" he asked.

Sigma closed his eyes and approached the truck, preparing his saber. He knew what that human was carrying and it was going to break Storm Eagle's heart, but he needed to know. Sigma carved the doors in half to open them. Storm Eagle was horrified by what he found. Inside were at least a dozen of Reploid citizens. Was this some kind of unofficially Maverick hunter guild? Not a single one of these seemed dangerous at all. It didn't add up to him. Then he saw special chains around them. His mind went through so many possibilities, but it dawned on him what their true purpose was…

"This… is a Reploid slave trafficking truck." Eagle whispered. Sigma looked down. He knew about this, but he wished it was all a joke. "It's deplorable, Storm Eagle. To capture and enslave our own people and continuously sell them off on the black market. This is the true nature of these humans." Sigma said solemnly. Eagle was speechless. His trust in the humans, in his mission, had been completely shattered. But what could he do now? "I can't let this stand…" he said, releasing the captive Reploids. "Something must be done. But I don't know what…" Sigma spoke up; "I do… extermination!"

Storm Eagle froze hearing that. He couldn't possibly think of going through something that extreme, could he? "Commander, with all due respect, that cannot truly be the answer!" Eagle vouched. "There is no choice. We cannot let the humans do with us as they please. You have lost faith in them, have you not?" Sigma responded. Storm Eagle deep down knew his superior was right. He could not put any faith in a species that would sell him out later, but he did not agree with this. He knew he would have to hurt innocents to make his point, a fact that made him sick to his gut.

Reluctantly, Eagle stood at attention and saluted. "I will help you. But let the record show that I do not condone what I am about to do." He said. Sigma nodded in understanding. "You will partner with the rookie Eaglyde. She is rough around the edges, but I believe she will amount to something with good training." Sigma said. Amelia had to refrain from squealing in absolute joy. To Eagle, this would be a long campaign…

END FLASHBACK

"Why Storm Eagle? Why would you do this?" asked X. He knew Eagle better than to willingly attack innocent people of his own volition. Or at least he thought. But he still had to believe Storm Eagle had his reasons for doing this. The blue bird didn't speak. He stared down at the ground in shame. "Answer me, Storm Eagle! I know you aren't the kind of Reploid that would cause so much harm to others!" X pleaded. All he wanted was some kind of answer for his behavior. Eagle finally spoke. "X… I am under orders to fight you, and arrest you for… for high treason against the Reploid race."

"Treason? Eagle, Sigma is the real traitor, not me! He's murdering millions of people, subjugating the entire human race! He betrayed all of us, you should understand this!" X said, hoping to get through to him. "I know, X. But I also know… that humankind thinks us expendable. They literally have us in chains, I have seen it. I cannot fight for a cause… that j do not believe in…" Eagle replied. X could tell Storm Eagle didn't really want to fight him. "There has to be a better way than this! Please, Storm Eagle! Just turn yourself in and we can resolve this! I don't wanna fight you…"

"Nor do I you, X. But I have no choice. You have a duty to fulfill, and I have mine. So come fight me, Maverick Hunter X! Give me everything you have!" shouted Storm Eagle, raising his buster to fight. X refused to move, not even in the slightest. "Storm Eagle, please…!" X said. Even Nana was shook, bowing her head in sadness. "X, I'm sorry… but he's made up his mind. It sucks to see this, but like he said, you have your duty…" she said in resignation. Skiver put his hand on X's shoulder. "He has chosen his fate, X. There is no escaping this, I'm afraid. We have no choice but to accept this…." He said in a solemn tone.

X looked at Storm Eagle. He could see his systems were already beginning to scan and download Eagle's data. There was no denying it anymore. Storm Eagle had to be stopped. X drew his buster and prepared to fight, unwilling though he was. He began firing his buster at Eagle, who flew up to dodge. Skiver spread his wings and prepared to attack. The two flying Reploids charged at each other, trading punches before Eagle kicked Skiver in the gut, sending him down. Before they connected with solid ground, X leapt up and delivered a roundhouse kick to Eagle's beak, releasing the grip. "Thanks, X. I owe you again." Said Skiver. X gave him a thumbs up, but was ill-prepared for what happened next. Storm Eagle swooped down and struck him, then ascended to do it again. X was rocking from the blows. Before Eagle could hit a third one, Skiver jumped up, hitting an uppercut. X analyzed as the strike also brought forth a mini-tornado as well, dealing more damage to the Maverick.

As Storm Eagle got his bearings, X switched back up to Jungle Form. He fired off a few Boomerang Cutters to clip his wings, but Storm Eagle rolled out of the way a few times to evade. He then fired off plasma energy shots, which X quickly evaded. "Your reflexes have improved X. I'm impressed." Praised Eagle. "I haven't even started yet…." X smirked. He was trying to find some humor in this fight. Storm Eagle landed and used his Storm Tornado attack. X's sensors scanned the attack as he tried to fight through the breeze. Not only was it dealing extreme damage to his armor, but was also pushing him towards the edge. X tried dashing, but it only sent him back. This time, Skiver caught him and countered with a rocket to Storm Eagle.

"Looks like we're even." Said X. Skiver grinned as X set himself down a bit. Meanwhile, the fight between Amelia Eaglyde and Nellia was just as intense. Despite having an advantage in aerial combat, the young Maverick found herself having trouble putting down the martial artist. She had not counted on Nellia's impressive agility and powerful strikes. Eaglyde herself, however, had a few tricks as well in some strong strikes and kicks. But Nellia answered with a powerful Pele kick, then a neckbreaker for good measure. Eaglyde got up and fired off more feather missiles which the Hunter evaded effortlessly, except the last few that hit her. Despite this, Nellia shook off the damage she took.

"Not bad, kid." Nellia praised. "I admit you got skill. But you lack experience and discipline! So I'm putting this away!" Eaglyde smirked at this remark. "Unlikely, Maverick scum! You're getting buried 50 feet under!" she said and ascended. Nellia stayed her ground, ready for whatever the deluded Maverick had up her wings. However, she found herself distracted when she saw her idol and superior, Storm Eagle, engaged in combat. She would have to put this kung-fu girl on hold for now. She had to help her Commander. "Storm Eagle, hang on!" Eaglyde yelled. But Storm Eagle swatted away Skiver and turned to his protégé. "No Eaglyde, stay back! I can handle this on my own! Concentrate on your opponent!" he beseeched.

"But sir, the odds aren'tin your favor! I can help!" Eaglyde argued. "You are too young to engage with opponents of this pedigree right now. Besides, I made my decision already…" Eagle said. Before Amelia could protest, she felt an axe kick to her neck. Nellia had noticed she was distracted and jumped from tower to tower just to make her move, taking down Eaglyde. "You're too easily distracted kid. Left yourself wide open." Nellia commented. She jumped into the Death Rogumer to join X and Skiver. The Daguva-Zeba practitioner glared at Skiver, her fists clenched seeing him. Skiver looked away in shame. As for X, he changed to Ice Form and slowly approached Storm Eagle. "Storm Eagle, I am sorry to do this… But I have a duty to perform." He said. Eagle smiled lightly at the Azure Hunter. "I know." He said, almost accepting his fate.

X fired off a Shotgun Ice which froze his wings solid. Eagle took the shots and raised his buster to strike, but X quickly changed to Electric Form and hit a massive Volt Punch, destroying his wings and leaving him heavily damaged. Eagle staggered back, to the edge of the ship, he was now aware of his situation. But he did not care, he smiled at X. X and company gasped noticing where he was. "Well done, X. You truly are… an exceptional Reploid. Good bye." In one moment, Storm Eagle saluted him and willingly fell over the edge. It was by this point, the ship had stopped and began it's descent. Eagle was diving down into the clouds. With no wings, he could not save himself. This was his end.

"STORM EAAAGLLLLLLLLLLLLEE!"

X cried out his name in anguish as Skiver carried the Hunters off the ship and down to ground. Normally X was happy to have defeated a Maverick, but Eagle was no any Maverick. He was a good friend and a Hunter to the end. It was not right. It felt awful, to see him go like this. All X did was now his head in respect to his former comrade.

"DOWNLOAD COMPLETE. SKY FORM UNLOCKED. GATLING FEATHER, STORM TORNADO, SKIVER PUNCH OBTAINED."

X and Nellia didn't react to the prompt. All X did was give himself and Nellia a Subtank each. He couldn't pretend to celebrate this. This was when Eaglyde flew down, tears flowing out of her eyes. It looked like she was breaking down. She admired and looked up to him, and was given the privilege of working under him… and now, he was gone. She was crying so hard it was hard for the Hunters to ignore her.

The Hunters… why call themselves Maverick Hunters, she thought? Eagle was doing a noble thing and they strike him down. How dare they think him a traitor? She dried most of her tears and glared at the duo and Skiver. "You monsters… how could you do this?! Storm Eagle was a hero, and this is how you repay him?! How do you live with yourselves, doing this?!" she exclaimed in a sorrowful rage. X said nothing, he couldn't justify his actions. That's when Nellia spoke up. "X did what he had to, to save all the lives Storm Eagle was taking! It wasn't anything personal at all, it was what had to be done." She said. "Eagle was saving lives, from themselves! Now I'll take yours!" Eaglyde yelled, raising her buster to fight.

"Eaglyde, fall back at once." Said a voice on her comlink. "We have already lost Storm Eagle, we will not lose you. Return to base immediately. That's an order!" Eaglyde wanted to detest, but she knew who it was that was on the other line. She dared not oppose him, even if she wanted to. She withdrew her buster and flew up, never breaking her glance at the 'Mavericks'. "This isn't over! Next time, you all will die!" she screamed and flew away. But X couldn't shake the feeling that the voice sounded so familiar….

"Nellia is right, X. Eagle asked for a just finale. You gave him that, and did what you could. Our best is all we can ask for." Skiver reassured. X lightly smiled in reassurance, but Nellia scoffed and walked off. Skiver frowned at her apathy. He knew he could never make up for his failure, and accepted her anger. He felt he deserved it. "…if only our best was good enough." He mumbled. X heard him and patted him on the shoulder in return reassurance. "You have your duty, I have mine. Good luck, Commander." X said and then teleported off. Skiver smiled and flew off to check on his men.

19:45 – CLUB VALENTINE – BOSTON, MA

Zero arrived at the edge of Beantown to the Red Light District where his lecherous ex-girlfriend worked. He came to the entrance, showing his Hunters license to the doorman which gave him an easy way in. Zero surveyed his surroundings. The pink and purple lighting was entrancing for many a person, but he had a job to do. Loud club music rang through like a bell to him. Dozens of patrons, human and Reploids, danced and watched at the hot girls showing their stuff. Being in such a provocative place like this strip club made him sick to his core.

Zero wasted no time in fast walking to the bar, where he met a figure he hoped to never see again. It was a female Reploid with tanned skin and long purple hair that even covered her eyes. She had very little in the way of armor; only a white and violet chest armor that barely covered her breasts, similarly colored arms and legs, black armored thighs, and a black thong. It was Zero's ex and the owner of the place, Layer. Zero gritted his teeth at the sight of her as she cleaned some glasses, looking over to notice him. After she was ousted from the hunters, she used some of the money she got from her parachute fund to start her own strip club. It's become a popular spot for the northeast United States, at least for the men, and she's made a modest reputation.

"Well if it isn't my favorite straight-laced swordsman. Long time, no see." Layer said, finishing her polish and looking to him. Zero, meanwhile, was in no mood for her. "Not long enough, Layer. But at least you didn't waste the money when you took off." He said. Layer smiled in a cheeky way. "The only thing that's been wasted, babe… is your time." Zero shot up a glare at her. "Excuse you?!" he said incredulously. He couldn't believe what she just said. Was she saying that rescuing people and stopping Maverick crime was a waste? "You're wasting time being puppets for the humans. I appreciate them as my patrons, but I know what they really think of us: their toys.

"Just look at the humans in this club. There isn't a single human man in this room that doesn't work here and isn't seeing my girls as items or mere machines. The government and the people, they don't see us as anything valuable. Not even as individuals, we don't even have rights. I got the picture before anyone, Zero. That's why I left." She said. Zero was looking at her, his rage dissipating slightly. "You were fired, and your tone sounds a lot like Sigma's. You could've fit right in with his entourage, so why didn't you?" Zero asked. "Well, money and business, first off. Second is you and X rubbed off on me. I still think there's some level of goodness or morality in everyone. So when Sigma approached me, I turned him down. Rather be a prostitute than a killer, you know?"

Zero said nothing as he digested what she said. He could hardly argue with the logic, subjective though in how she phrased it. But bitterness was still feeding inside of him. She could have been more upfront about her feelings rather than… doing what she did. It seemed to him like she was trying to justify her actions, but there was a bit of him that still wanted to believe her. Layer poured a drink for Zero and broke the ice. "So what's the deal? I know you didn't come all the way out here just to catch up on old times." Layer noted. Now the red hunter got serious. "You said Sigma approached you to join his rebellion. Well, we're out of leads of where his base is located. I didn't want to come here, and it's a long shot, but I was hoping you'd know something…."

"Honey, if I knew where it was, I'd probably be there already. But I do have an inkling of where it could be…" she said. Layer took out a tablet and pressed the screen, opening a larger holographic screen for Zero to see. The map showcased several routes on the pacific northwest of the USA and the FAR. "These are the supposed routes that Sigma's been using to travel the goods he needs." She explained. "Notice where they are. The Ring of Fire on the Pacific Ocean. Not suspicious at all?" Layer explained. The blonde Maverick Hunter nodded. He knew there was some trading routes near Seattle and Tokyo, which is where Zero encountered Vile. What he didn't expect was so many around that perimeter.

"Right. But the routes seem to disappear just after the Hawaiian islands. No doubt Sigma is jamming the signals, so they don't reach far." He noted. Layer got closer, almost seductively, but remained professional enough for Zero's tastes. "So around the center of the Pacific is where they're gathering…. But there should be nothing there." She said. "Key word being should." Zero began to notice her advances but paid her no mind. He wasn't here for her flirting. This is when he realized something. He knew of several floating landmasses and cities across the globe like Sky Lagoon, but heard of one in particular near Hawaii. Now it came together. "Where was the Hawaiian floating isle?" he asked.

Layer punched some codes in and showed a floating landmass that was not on the maps before, it was a mile or two past Hawaii and in the literal center of the Pacific Ocean. This was it, Zero thought, That's where Sigma was hiding. "I can't believe I'm saying this… but thanks Layer. Wouldn't have been able to find it without you." He said, smiling a bit. Layer returned his smile. "Come back soon, hot stuff. I can think of a good way to repay you…" she said in a seductive tone. "Oh she can piss off!" said a voice on Zero's comms. Zero didn't recall leaving it on, so HQ must have left it on.

Layer gave a playful smirk. Even though she didn't know Iris personally, she knew her voice and was able to guess who she was. "Is that Colonel Patton's younger sister, Zero?" she asked. "Messing with Repliforce's little angel. You been a bad boy…" Iris was only getting angrier, completely forgetting that she exposed herself for listening in on Zero's private talk with his ex. Zero just chuckled. "I would introduce you two, but I don't want to get things messy just yet. Baby steps, Layer." He replied. With that, he gave her his tip and walked out. He was going to definitely be talking with Iris soon, but good news had to be given first.

They found Sigma

TO BE CONTINUED…

(A/N: Oh my god. 20 Pages. That's how long this bastard was! To be honest, I'm surprised I was able to pull it off, especially wit irl stuff and me being distracted with other interests. Regardless, we are in the home stretch. Next chapter will be Flame Mammoth... but I also got a couple Sonic based fanfics cooking as well. Hope you enjoy them. Until next time, please R&R and share, and I will see you next time!)