Note: Hello again! Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement! Someone recently asked where A-1 is, a somewhat obscure character from a lesser-known Mega Man X manga. I was going to introduce him later, but I think I've got a way to put him in now, and it'll fit in later with what happens.

This will be the 2nd to the last chapter before I do a time skip and fast forward to where material from Maverick Hunter X will be shown, as I think that setting would fit better in the story than Arcadia.

With that said, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Defense

"As of now, we have a full report on the suspect apprehended last night," Blu said, speaking to all the Hunters in the briefing room. " RLN-0987, Andrey, had five million units of zenny in his possession via cyber-currency and a peculiar flash drive with him." An image of the flash drive in question appeared on the monitor. "And guess what it had stored inside?" talk erupted from within the group of Hunters. "And that's not all," Blu continued. "When the Maverick captured by Commander Sigma was in custody, another Reploid factory had several of their units infected."

"So that guy wasn't responsible?" Firefly asked, barely able to believe what he was hearing. No one could.

"He couldn't have been," Blu answered. "The timeline doesn't match up. Thus, the only crime he's committed is theft."

"And murder." Ray hissed under his breath.

X stood in the middle of the group, overshadowed by the larger Reploids. Even if he had yet to speak, he was listening to every word spoken while reciting what he wanted to say in his mind.

"Well, now what?" Chill Penguin asked, folding his arms over his broad chest. Yes, broad. NOT fat. "This guy STILL wiped out Gamma's unit and put the Commander in the infirmary!"

"Although, if the Red Maverick was infected with the Maverick Virus, then could he even be held accountable?" a smaller Reploid had spoken up. He had the appearance and voice of a young boy; his short stature made him stand out and blend in among the other Hunters. His chest, shoulders, pelvic, and leg armor were bright orange, contrasting with his large, bright blue eyes. His audio units were attached to the sides of his head rather than his helmet, which had white stripes and two, long signal receptors atop of his head, resembling a pair of rabbit ears.

Ai raised her brow and turned to face the smaller machine at the main computer. "What are you talking about, A-1?"

The smaller Reploid, A-1, had quite literally been "born" yesterday. And even more, the red Navigator was informed that he was supposedly her "sibling" unit. It seemed that both of them were now (as decreed by the humans) part of some experiment on whether or not they could "bond." Of course, if anyone asked Ai, she wanted nothing to do with this brat.

"Well, if the Virus is known to cause erratic behavior and disrupt the general functioning of Reploids," the smaller Reploid said. "Then could Zero even be charged with what he's got stacked against him?" A-1 continued. "And even more, his systems were immaculate after the Commander dealt with him."

"So, what are you saying?" Glenn asked.

X saw his opportunity. However, he wasn't too optimistic about the results. "Then maybe we could use his abilities and fighting skills for good."

All of the Hunters and the entire room went quiet, everyone's eyes on X. "What do you mean?"

X readied himself. Here we go. "Well," he began. "Given the circumstances and from what we've seen, maybe Zero would make for a good Maverick Hunter."

Infirmary

She had finally gotten some time to come here, and wouldn't you know it; her brother was in the middle of a meeting! But given that she was here, Roll thought she might as well see how Sigma was doing. Ever since the Red Maverick (Zero) incident, she hadn't gotten much information regarding Sigma's condition. In a sense, he was the one that had dealt the finishing blow to her kidnapper, so it was quite rude that she had yet to check up on him. But as she stood in the ivory-colored hallway, she saw a familiar human emerge from one of the doors.

"Oh, Dr. Cain!" Roll greeted with a slight bow. "I wasn't aware you were here."

"Funny, seeing as I didn't know you were here too," the bald man said. "Although, it is a good thing you are here. I was just about to come to get you from Fujiwara's place."

"Really? Why?"

Cain appeared concerned. "Sigma's not yet fit to give a statement, but you are. So, therefore, I'll need to take yours."

"Statement? Statement for..." Roll paused. "Oh. You mean..."

"Yes," Dr. Cain answered. "The council will wish to hear a testimony from someone who met this Zero character and lived."

Well, yes, that made sense. Still, Roll herself wasn't sure whether or not she was ready for that. "And what about X? Is he going to speak?"

"Oh, he's already spoken. Not to the council, but me. He says he's made up his mind, but he doesn't think it'll be received well by the others."

"What won't be?" Roll asked, and then she thought about it. "He...he can't be..."

Briefing Room

The chamber was utterly silent, X's fellow Hunters and Reploids staring at him with wide, unbelieving eyes. "You can't be serious," Ray said, waiting for X to say he was joking, as sick of a joke it was. But unfortunately, X remained silent. "You...you can't be..." Ray's shock then gave way to anger. "Have you lost your mind?!"

X braced himself. His confidence wasn't high, but he knew he'd forever regret it if he didn't speak up. "I was just thinking that, with everything we've seen, perhaps we don't have to take such drastic measures in dealing with Zero." He said. Then maybe we won't have to...

A-1 looked at X, torn on how to respond. Though, ultimately, he went with the logical approach. "Well, why do you say that?" He asked. Even if he was still relatively "new," he wondered why X was referring to the fugitive by his first name so casually.

X knew that this wouldn't be met with much positive reception, but he had to say it. He had to, otherwise, Zero would surely be doomed. "I'm not diminishing what happened to Gamma," though he didn't look, the blue Reploid could practically feel Ray's optics staring daggers at him. "But given what we know now, regarding how the criminal was apprehended last night, can Zero be held responsible for what occurred?"

X stepped back when Ray lunged at him, only being stopped by Glenn holding him back.

"So, what you're saying is that everything that's happened should be swept under the rug because he was infected, and thus, had no control over his actions?" Ai spoke up.

"No, not at all," X answered. "But isn't the fact that he's recovered from the Virus something to look into? After all, if he's no longer infected, perhaps we can reverse the effects on other Reploids by studying what happened."

"So, you're saying that we should just excuse the killer of our friends because you think that he deserves a second chance?" Ray snarled, still being held back by Glenn. "It's all ok because he didn't mean it?"

"I'm not diminishing what happened or what he's done!" X argued. "All I'm saying is that both us and the humans," though when X said "humans," he meant the council, "Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to take such...actions." He didn't even wish to say the horrible possibilities in his mind."Doesn't it strike anyone else as odd that this cold-blooded killer hasn't taken any more life since his arrest? How he stopped that vehicle before it hit that human girl? Or even before, how he broke into Dr. Fujiwara's place, but didn't lay a hand on his daughter or their dog?"

"But he STILL killed Gamma," Ray said. "Frankly, that's all that matters. What should matter to you."

X lowered his head. "I'm just saying that Zero's behavior is inconsistent with how he was before with how he is now."

"He tried to kill Commander Sigma." Glenn finally spoke up. He wasn't as emotional as Ray but was still baffled by X's suggestion. "And he tried to kill you. And all you were doing was trying to get your sister back. The one that this Zero had abducted."

"But then he saved both of us from Andrey last night!" X argued. "Zero didn't have to come back, it actually would've been the perfect opportunity to make a run for it, but he didn't! He-"

"He saved you! That's the only reason you're defending him!" Ray shot back.

"I'm not defending anything that he's done! But if Andrey was the one with the Virus, and presumably the one behind all of the outbreaks, then the responsibility of all that's occurred rests on his shoulders!"

"You're just making excuses for him!" Ray shouted, getting quite hot. "And what's with this first name bullshit? Are you guys good buddies or something?!"

"No! It's nothing like that!"

"Then what is it?! Why are you so insistent that we be so linnet with him?!"

"I just don't think we should just up and shoot him on site!"

"He deserves to die for what he's done!"

"We shall deal with that in good time, Ray," Blu said. "So, I suggest you get control over yourself." Ray glared at X, but he nonetheless backed away. "This Maverick's culpability is an issue that'll have to be decided by the council. We must apprehend and take him in." She finished with one last word to her statement. "Alive."

Infirmary

Oh, X. Roll thought, shaking her head. What are you thinking? She suspected that something was up when he said he wanted to speak to Dr. Cain and Fujiwara after Zero had escaped, but hearing her brother's true thoughts on the matter baffled her. Why are you so insistent on having that Reploid be here? With the rest of us?

"I'll admit, I didn't see it coming either." Dr. Cain said. "If anything, I thought he'd be advocating for that Red Maverick-"

"Zero." Roll then said though she wasn't exactly sure why.

"Yes, right, Zero," Cain corrected himself. "Given what happened to you, along with Gamma and Sigma, I'd think X would want Zero far away from where he can't hurt anyone else."

If I had my way, that's exactly what I would do. The blonde Reploid thought. Anything to make sure he never so much as touches X again!

"But it's not just him that's wanting this Zero character to be preserved."

"Preserved? What do you mean?" As problematic as it was, she could understand X wanting to help (severely misguided as it was), but who else could want that dangerous individual around?

Briefing Room

X was surprised upon hearing that. "What?" He looked on hopefully while Ray felt the fluid in his body boiling. "You mean he ISN'T going to be terminated?" The blue Reploid questioned.

"At the request of Dr. Fujiwara. Which was granted to him by the council. Thus, our assignment is to find this Red Maverick and make sure he is caught alive and, if need be, unable to terminate himself."

"Why?" Firefly questioned.

"Why else?" Ai interjected. "He's good at what he does, so they want him. Nothing more to it than that."

The smaller A-1 spoke up. "Given the circumstances, maybe this Maverick WOULD join us. After all, his combat capabilities could be a great asset."

"Exactly!" X followed up. "It would help all of us!"

"You're just saying that because that Maverick was the one who saved your ass last night," Ray said, crossing his arms. "And what would you know?" He said to A-1. "You were just born yesterday! So you have no idea what you're talking about!"

A-1 looked down at the ground, fiddling with his hands. Despite having a supercomputer "brain," he still resembled and acted like a child.

"The Doctor and the council have spoken," Blu said, voice even and calm as if she was utterly ignorant of the storm brewing in the room. "It is not our decision to make," she turned to Ray. "Nor is it the decision made during a state of intense but ultimately illogical emotions," Ray clenched his fists while Glenn sighed. "As of now, we are to search the entire city-state of Arcadia. And if need be, we shall search until we reach Tokyo or even all of Japan."

"What about Commander Sigma?" Firefly asked.

The room went silent. "He's still being monitored. But at the moment, he's stable," Blu replied. "Regardless, he would want us all to do our duty."

A-1 chimed in. "Y-Yeah! Let's get started!"

A chorus of "Roger!" Erupted from everyone, but X kept his quieter, his mind going to work on how to bring Zero here, safe and, if possible, with minimal damage.

Of course, he couldn't deny that another fight would break out. And if that happened, it would be beyond his power to do anything.

Infirmary

Sigma was aware that someone had just entered his room, looking to see Dr. Cain and Roll standing above him. "Cain? What are you..." he trailed off; the effects of the sedative program used to keep him calm during reconstruction still lingered.

" Well, the last time I saw you, you were in quite the rough shape," he then gestured to the Reploid. "And Roll here hasn't had the chance to see you."

"Thank you for saving my brother and me," Roll said. "I'll admit that I was scared he wouldn't make it."

And yet I'm the one that was put in the hospital. Sigma thought. Roll was just being courteous. She knew well that he was beaten within an inch of his life to where someone else had to come in and take care of things! And also you," he thought as his completely blue eyes looked at her. A rock...you hit him with a rock. And yet that saved me. his fingers curled into a fist. I have my arm torn from me, yet you weren't even touched?!

"I'm sorry I didn't come by earlier, but with Fujiwara's house being ransacked and Zero still on the loose, well, needless to say, I haven't felt good leaving Chiyo alone." Or X, for that matter.

"Zero?" Sigma asked, confused.

"Oh, right. There's been some...developments regarding the Maverick you fought." Cain answered.

"Explain, please," Sigma replied. He was then told of the Maverick's two escape attempts, the most recent success, and what they found upon analyzing him. "So, even with us, he remains an enigma."

"That seems to be the case," Cain confirmed. "Although, since the night prior, there's been another new development."

Another one? "And that would be?" Cain then shifted and said what it was and the reason for it. "So, is that it?" Sigma asked. "That Maverick, or Zero, as he's called himself, will be let free?"

Not my host...this won't do.

"Not exactly," Cain responded, Roll not knowing this new information. "Dr. Fujiwara has requested that Zero be kept functioning, but given his...escapades, it's being debated whether or not he should be in state custody or not."

And...that would mean...?

Sigma didn't understand it, and perhaps it was just another side-effect of the sedative, but he swore he heard someone speak in his mind. "And that would mean?" He repeated.

The voice wasn't exactly a "voice" in a sense, as while he heard it, it wasn't as if someone was speaking to him. Instead, it was as if he could listen to another series of thoughts and his own. And while they weren't intruding on his own, they spoke in a way that, for now, aligned with his thinking.

"It means that while he won't be terminated, he will most likely be confined."

"Confined?" Roll asked.

"Yes, sort of what they debated doing with you and X when our experiment was revealed." Cain still had no idea who blew the whistle, but he couldn't help but notice that Cecilia hadn't been by anyone since after the dust had settled. "Only he shall be monitored and kept away from anyone of his kind. Perhaps even have no human interaction either."

"But he won't be destroyed?" Sigma asked.

"By decree of those higher than me, no," the bald human explained. "But what his life will be from now on is up to us."

What does he mean?

"What do you mean, Doctor?" Sigma asked.

"The council is collecting statements from witnesses to determine whether this Zero could be in a government facility or free, but under strict monitoring." Cain clarified. He then turned to Roll. "That's where you come in."

Borders of Arcadia

"Looks like he's already fled the city." Firefly reported traveling along the path created for transportation with his bike, looking over the city walls.

"Damn!" Ai hissed over the com-link. "He's in none of Arcadia's sectors either!"

"As far as we know, he could've left just a short time ago or somehow made it to the border without being sighted." Blu told Gamma and Ray, both Hunters not caring for this news.

"Then where could he have gone to?!" Ray groaned. He just wanted to find this guy and get justice for his friends. Was that so wrong?

"Were there any particular areas of interest? As in, places he could've gone, or has been to before?" A-1 questioned X, who had just made it to Arcadia's gates.

"Aside from where he took Roll, I can't think of anywhere else."

He then saw Firefly above him. He kicked up the wall and went over the railing to get on the pathway. He looked out into the dry, artificial land that composed of both the city-state and the land surrounding it. It was a good few miles before one saw any natural greenery, and it wouldn't last long, given Arcadia's close proximity to Tokyo.

"Wait a moment," Ai spoke to Firefly. "Where was Gamma's unit sent to?"

"Outer-sector B32. Why?" The green Hunter asked.

"Well, think about it," A-1 chimed in. Seemingly to AI's annoyance. "If this Zero guy stole all this stuff, wouldn't he go back for it?"

X and Firefly looked at each other, then to the barren landscape outside the city walls. "Ai, call up Blu and get her to send Ray and Glenn," The green Hunter said. "We need to know where Gamma went."

"What? But, I can-"

"They know the area better than I do, so," he cut her off. He knew she'd have a problem with it, but she could be mad at him later. "Better yet, put Blu on. We'll need her as a guide."

"Firefly, I can do what she can! I-"

"Ai, please get Blu on." Firefly said.

After a few moments of silence, Ai responded. "Fine. I'll get her. Ray and Glenn will be there shortly."

The link died, and now Blu's voice was heard. "You request my assistance?"

"Yeah, we need your intel. Glenn and Ray need to join us too."

"Why's that?" Blu asked.

Firefly narrowed his eyes. "Because I think the lion's just gone back to his den."

Infirmary

"So, that's all you need?" Roll asked. "Just my word and all of this can be over?"

"Essentially, yes," Cain explained. "Granted, your statement will be considered with others to make an informed decision, but you are a key witness."

Abductions aren't exactly new to me, Doctor. Roll reflected.

True, Mega Man always helped her out, but that was then. She wasn't stuck in the body of a child anymore. And even more, she was a big sister now. She had the same duty to X, and this Zero character wasn't someone she was fond of at all.

"Well, if that's the case, what should I say?"

"Whatever you want," Cain said. "Although, I'd act fast, as I doubt your long-haired friend will remain a fugitive for much longer."

So, he's coming. Good.

Again, Sigma was unsure what this strange "voice" was. "Well, what is your position on this, Sigma?" Dr. Cain asked.

Sigma was about to speak but was cut off by the "voice."

I want him alive.

Well, I want him to pay for this humiliation.

He needs to be alive. And he cannot be confined. He must be free.

He is a danger to everyone. And if not for him, I wouldn't be in this state! Sigma glanced at Roll. Despite his features remaining smooth, he was seething. You...you were supposed to be the one in need of rescue! And X...!

X will keep him alive. Then you can have him.

What?

Keep him alive, and then you can have your revenge. You'll make an example out of him. But he must remain alive.

Alive. Sigma couldn't entirely explain it, but these suggestions made him think.

"Sigma?"

Sigma turned to Dr. Cain. No matter what these suggestions said, he would do what he saw fit, but his hands were tied. "I suppose there is no other choice," he said. "But before I decide," he then turned to Roll. "I would like your input."

"Mine?" Roll asked, perplexed by being put on the spot.

"You were his hostage. Do you believe that he is a danger?" Sigma questioned. "Do you believe you were in danger?"

Roll shifted. "Well, that's a bit...complicated," she confessed. "I was scared, of course, but,"

"But what?"

"It's hard to explain, but why does my input matter to you? If I may ask."

"Because, at the moment, I'm conflicted." Sigma answered.

"Conflicted how?" Roll asked.

"Well, seeing as this Maverick, this Zero, will live, the only thing to decide is where he'll live." He explained. "And seeing as our experiences with him greatly differ, I need to make sure what the council's choice is will be the best for us all." He then sat up, albeit slowly. His body was mostly repaired but still relatively weak. "So tell me, Miss Roll, in your own words, what happened during your captivity?"

Roll stiffened, for she was now at a crossroads. Her word had more weight than she imagined. This could very well decide Zero's future going on from here. She had the power to keep him away from X, to prevent him from hurting her little brother or anyone ever again. She could potentially make that happen, and she'd do it out of looking out for X's safety.

She could put Zero away. It'd be easy. And yet...and yet...

"Roll?" Dr. Cain's voice brought Roll back to the present.

Roll then sighed. "Well," she began. "It began normally enough; the dig was going smoothly..."

Outside Arcadia

"Is this the place?" Firefly asked the group of four Hunters at what appeared to be an old laboratory.

"Yeah, this is where we tailed him," Glenn confirmed. "Although, we're still unsure whether he's even here."

"Well, no other way to know unless we check it out for ourselves." Ray said, about to walk towards the entrance before Glenn stopped him.

"Hold it! We know what that guy can do!" The other Hunter warned. "The last thing we need is for someone else to get killed."

Ray looked down at the ground. "But..."

Suddenly, everyone received a call from HQ. Questions of whether it was Ai, Blu, or A-1 fell by the wayside as a familiar, deep baritone was heard over the link.

"Don't enter the location of interest until I arrive."

"Commander Sigma?" X was flabbergasted. "What are you doing? I thought you still needed repairs!"

"This is a serious matter, X. I must come." Sigma said. "I've had an interesting talk with your sister regarding her abductor."

X stiffened. "And...what did she say?"

The other end of the link was quiet for a moment, but it dragged on for an eternity for X. "She told me enough to where I have decided on what to do with our red friend," Sigma told everyone via the shared link. "You and your team are to keep an eye on whether there's any movement, but do NOT enter. Not until I arrive."

"Sir, are you sure?" Glenn asked, puzzled by this sudden development. "Are you even in fit condition to-"

"Do not enter until I have arrived; that is an order," Sigma repeated. Then the link died.

No one knew what to make of it. "What was THAT?" Firefly asked, even if he knew no one would give him an answer. He then looked at X. "Hey, did anything weird happen with the Commander when you two had that scuffle with the Red Maverick?"

"Aside from taking massive damage, then no," X answered. "Myself included." But that W I saw...and when Sigma broke Zero's head, then...

The group stood outside the lab for some time, looking for both Zero and Sigma. "I wonder what's spurred the Commander's decision on this?" Glenn questioned aloud. "It's not as if he's had a reasonable recovery period."

"Well, whatever the case, I hope Sigma makes this guy pay." He then glanced over at X. Seeing as somebody won't do what needs to be done.

"But if this Maverick is to remain functioning, what will they do with him?" Firefly asked.

"I'd say the most likely possibility is that he'll be kept somewhere remote and secure. Far away from anyone else ever again." Glenn answered.

"Or they could realize that keeping him alive is stupid and scrap him like they should've done first," Ray growled, looking over at X, who had been quiet. "I don't suppose you have anything you want to contribute? Or are you still wanting to try and be friends with this guy?"

X didn't speak for a moment. "It's not like that."

"Then what is it? Ray inquired. "What's so special about him that you'll put yourself at risk?"

Again, X was quiet at first. "It's..." Dr. Wily, the Three Laws, Mega Man, the Virus... so many things related to himself and possibly Zero flooded his mind, but he couldn't articulate them properly. Not that his fellow Reploids would understand anyway. "It's complicated."

"Complicated how?" Ray asked. "How is deciding whether a criminal should be punished at all complicated?"

X had no answer they'd understand, but he knew he had to say something. But before he could speak, he and the rest of the group heard someone approaching.

"Greetings," Sigma told his men. "What have I missed?"

Inside the Lab

He didn't know why he had come here, but when he escaped Arcadia, Zero found himself almost being guided by some unknown force to this place. There was a collection of energen crystals and E-tanks in the back that he helped himself to, seeing as he had been without energy for a good while. But, despite what was provided to him, it was only enough to keep him up and running. He had been feeling somewhat "starved" since he was brought in.

They're coming for me. Zero thought. They're probably outside right now. He then heard the doors to the lab open.

Zero then found an unfamiliar voice calling out for him. "Zero!" The voice said. "You're in no danger. I merely wish to talk to you."

Preparing himself in case things got physical, Zero exited the room and found a tall Reploid standing at the entrance to the lab.

Sigma waited to see if the Maverick would make a move as he did before, but after some time, he realized that it wouldn't happen. Indeed, what X had told him outside was true. He had changed completely. But why?

"Who are you?" Zero asked Sigma, surprising the taller machine.

"You mean you don't know?" Sigma asked. How dare you. After what you've done, you forgot about me?!

He remembers nothing, so that anger won't serve you.

Zero and Sigma stared at the other, waiting or debating whether to make a move. But given the late hour and the fact he still wasn't in top shape, the Hunter leader spoke first. "Given I already know who you are, I shall introduce myself." He said. "I am Sigma."

"You already know my name?" Zero asked.

"Yes, your friend, X told me," Sigma answered. "He also said it was a name you chose for yourself."

Wait a minute, friend?! "We are, in no way, friends," Zero said. "I don't even know him. And I've just met you, so why are you here? Aside from the obvious. Just so you know, however, I won't go back willingly."

"Of course not," Sigma said. "But you're quite fortunate. Daresay, blessed."

Zero raised a brow from underneath his helmet. "What are you talking about?"

Now is the time.

Sigma stepped forward. "Because you are about to do everyone a great service."

Outside

The four Hunters stood outside the entrance with bated breath, waiting for their superior to emerge.

"He didn't go in with restraints," Firefly said. "How's he going even to take this guy down?"

"Well, if he can't, we'll go in," Ray added. "Like hell I'll let him kill anyone else!"

Just then, Glenn caught sight of something. "Hey, look!" He said to everyone, pointing to the entrance. "Someone's coming out!"

Glenn was half right, for two individuals emerged from the thick shadows where the moon's light couldn't reach. Both Sigma and Zero came out, fully intact and alive.

"This is a most pleasant turn of events, wouldn't you say?" Sigma asked Zero, who just remained quiet. Sigma then looked to the four others. "At ease, men," he said, placing a hand on Zero's white shoulder. "He is now one of us."

Note: The details of what was precisely said between Zero and Sigma will be discussed in the next chapter, and get some insight into how similar and different Zero is when it comes to other Reploids.

Also, I'll admit I'm giving some sentience to the Virus, but it does not fully possess Sigma. That would make him too much of a victim. Also, I'll warn you that things will get dark from here on out (not so much in the next chapter). Not unfathomably so, but there will be some destruction and death. But it won't be overly heavy, as this story is about overcoming adversity.

I don't want to say, but the Virus is also related to an already existing character. It might be a bit obvious, but I'm not saying who.

Thank you to all my readers, and I hope to hear from you soon!