Note: Hello! I'm going to be trying something different in my writing format where I type the Author's Notes on a separate document and the actual chapter on another. I'm doing this mainly because I find myself wanting to say something specific, but it gets lost during the writing process. Hopefully, this will allow me to keep better track of what I want to say because there are some things to tackle.

This chapter is dedicated to Chill Penguin as he gets his time to shine. Just not in a way that's good for anybody. Also, as Guest asked in the reviews, yes, I plan on showing why each of the eight bosses went Maverick. One of them is a special case, but his fight won't be taking place until much later. But each of them will be given a background and a reason as to why they're working for Sigma.

This chapter is a bit flashback-heavy, and, unlike the manga, X and Marth weren't well-known to each other outside of fellow Hunters. But both characters' relationships with Chill Penguin will be the focus of the fight. And, I'll admit, this fight might be more on the sadder side, as Penguin is a guy with many insecurities. But there will be some Mavericks that are sociopaths that need to be stopped.

This contains elements from both the light novel and manga, but I hope I've given my spin on it as well.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it!

Lord of the Snowy Plains

Ten Years Ago

"So, each of them will serve a specific role?" the balding man questioned the far younger scientist, he and his colleagues currently working on finishing the construction of a new Reploid. One that would fit the recently formed Maverick Hunters.

"Indeed," Dr. Fujiwara answered, overlooking the procedure, the inner components of the Reploid functioning as intended. "After all, if they are to operate as a team, then each member must fill in a place befitting their abilities."

Dr. Cain nodded, although he wasn't too sure he liked the other man's words about the matter. As far as he was aware, Sigma was to lead this new specialized team, but the other members were still under construction. Although, Fujiwara seemed to have a particular affinity for the Reploid with violet armor and a concealed face. "And what role will this one fill?" Cain questioned the robotics expert.

"You suggested that we have someone, in your words, cute, so this Reploid will be something of a mascot," the dark-haired scientist explained. "He still needs his outer shell, but that is one of the easier portions of the body to mold."

Dr. Cain gazed upon the dormant Reploid still being tinkered with, its figure was humanoid, but its proportions were exaggerated. Its face didn't appear human like the others. Rather, it seemed fashioned after a bird with a pronounced, silver beak with a yellow lower lip. "Just what are they supposed to be?"

"We were debating a dog or some other sort of domestic animal," Fujiwara answered. "But, ultimately, we decided on an animal less conventional, but still relatively popular," he then looked back to the unfinished machine. "Besides, I heard penguins were popular with the general public."

Present Time

Polar Region

X felt incredibly foolish, yet the sight of Chill Penguin took him by surprise. And that soon turned into a terrible realization as the bird-based Hunter collided with him, sending the blue Reploid crashing against the wall that held the door sealing the chamber. Penguin, however, came to a halt and got up with ease, the frozen terrain having little to no effect on his movements. The more humanoid Reploid got to his feet, taking care to keep a steady footing, the ice hampering his movements somewhat. Another factor that made him look foolish.

Yet he couldn't help himself, for how could he have expected Chill Penguin of all Reploids to be aligned with Sigma? He still couldn't entirely believe it, even if his aggressor was right in front of him. "What's wrong?" Penguin questioned, placing his hands on his hips. "Can't those fancy leg parts help you balance a little better?"

X was still in a state of disbelief, trying in vain to deny what was before him. "Why?" he asked. It was a useless question, but he couldn't stop himself.

Chill Penguin huffed. "Why?" he squawked, scoffing at X's inquiry and present distress. "Like you would ever understand!"

X bit his lip, unsure of how to respond. "I...I don't...?"

"No! It's just like he said! You never would! You're just like all the others!" Penguin barked back. His eyes then fell on the blue Reploid's leg components. "Even now, your creator's got to remind you that you're the greatest."

"What?" X was puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"You're an outdated model compared to the rest of us!" the bird shouted, pointing an accusatory finger in X's direction. "And you're just B Class! But they still sent you here to stop me! Even those opposing Sigma still think low of me!"

"Penguin, what are you-" X tried to ask, but he was once again interrupted.

"Even now, you're mocking me!" Penguin yelled. "You act so high and mighty, I can't stand it!" he then shook his fist at the blue Hunter. "I...I'll get you!"

He then opened his beak and produced a blast of cold air, icy crystals flying in X's direction. What this was, X was unsure of, yet he didn't want to find out, jumping up and kicking off the wall. He managed to leap over Penguin's larger form, yet the bird finished his work quickly. He moved out of the way to present three ice sculptures, all crafted to appear and be around the size of the standard emperor penguin.

"Like them?" Penguin questioned, folding his arms over his chest. "I just started making these last week, and I'm already an expert!" he then sneered. "And they're not just pretty either, they're both a good offense and defense!" he then goaded X. "Go on! Just try and blast through them!"

From his place, the frozen form of Marth stood, motionless as the battle between X and Penguin continued. Whether he was aware or not, neither knew, yet if either had seen his eyes at that moment, they would've realized his expression almost looked sad.

One Year Before the Current Year

He was walking through the hallways of the Hunter Base, pondering just what Sigma was thinking, sending that Flame Mammoth to the Middle East. Why not him? He would've been a better choice! He could keep everyone's systems cool and help the humans with the blazing heat! It seemed that damned elephant got every chance possible to remind him of how he always got the short end of the stick!

It just wasn't fair.

Then, the bird-based Reploid spotted a taller Hunter situated at the monitor in the center of the building floor, where all the halls joined. It was Commander Marth, just the Reploid Chill Penguin needed to see.

"Oh, Marth!" Although, it seemed someone had beaten him to it. A Hunter in azure armor ran up to the far more prominent Reploid. He then stopped himself. "Oh, I mean, Sir."

Marth smiled at X, the shorter of the two correcting his manner of speech. "You're not in the Polar Unit, I'm not your Commander," he answered. "No need to be so formal."

"Still, congratulations," X told Marth. "But still," he said. "Do you have to be stationed up in the Polar Region?"

Chill Penguin was puzzled. X knew Marth? Well, Marth was a high-ranking Hunter, A Class to be precise. And it wouldn't have surprised Penguin if the behemoth of a Reploid (who rivaled Sigma in height) soon made it to S Class. Still, how did X know Marth at such a level where the two were talking like casual friends? Why wasn't he told about this? It was small, but Penguin couldn't help but feel a little left out.

"I've heard that I'll be missed," Marth sighed, X wasn't the only one who didn't want him to leave. "But I don't intend on never coming back. I'm certain Commander Sigma will send for me to return on occasion." X nodded, understanding. Still, he didn't entirely like it. "Besides, I would like to have some time away from Abel City."

"Hm? Why?" X questioned.

Chill Penguin wondered the same. Even if he thought he was close with Marth, it seemed X was closer. At least, that was his perception.

"This place, despite its vastness, doesn't it feel...confining?" Marth asked X. The blue Hunter didn't entirely get what the Polar Unit Leader meant. "This place, even the mainland in Arcadia. And even further than that, Tokyo itself isn't too far away," Marth looked out one of the large windows situated to the left, gazing out at the busy streets of the city on the artificial island. "Everywhere, there's a city. I suppose it's somewhat hypocritical to say, seeing as we are the very thing I wish to get away from, but there's just too much technology."

"Too much technology?" X asked. "What do you mean?"

"Perhaps it's odd, as we are machines ourselves, but I won't deny I prefer the natural world," Marth explained. "It's free and has no restraints from progress or evolution in regards to the growth of Reploids and humans alike," he said. "Even if this island isn't natural, there are places where the spaces are open and allowed to be mostly untouched," he then looked past the city to the mountains in the distance. "That's where I want to be."

X was quiet, as well as Penguin, although neither he nor Marth was aware of the bird's presence. And before they could realize it, he was already gone. Marth hadn't told Penguin that he was leaving. Why? He was part of Marth's Unit, not X! What could Marth tell him that he couldn't tell Penguin?! It just wasn't fair!

All this and more went through Penguin's mind as he waddled away. Once again, somebody got ahead of him.

The Polar Region

With surprising agility, Chill Penguin sprung up from his place and to the ceiling, grabbing a pully situated in the center. With one pull, the entire chamber was caught up in a tempest of snow and ice. X had to steady himself against the swirling winds, but then he noticed the ice sculptures began moving toward him at a rapid speed. Aiming his buster, the blue Reploid fired at the incoming statues, managing to blast through one or two, yet he couldn't hope to be rid of them all. The rest of the penguin-shaped sculptures slammed into X's body, one after another, leaving him with little recovery time.

When the last one slammed into him, he was sent to the ground, landing in a pained heap. Chill Penguin then approached the blue Hunter, fists clenched. "Well?" he asked. "Why won't you fight me?"

X didn't answer at first, unable to come up with a proper rebuttal. In a sense, Penguin was right. As of now, he was a Maverick, and X was a Maverick Hunter. It was only the natural order that they would be at odds with each other. The conflict was perhaps inevitable, yet it was still difficult to swallow. "I..." X stammered, feeling his systems begin to grow colder. Despite his new upgrade, the weather was still affecting his internal components. His eyes then fell on the numerous frozen figures surrounding him and Penguin. "I..."

"Is it because you think I'm weak?" Penguin questioned, steadily growing angrier.

"What? No!" X protested. "Not at all! I-"

"You DO think I'm weak!" the robotic bird squawked. Despite his verbal tics, there was a distinct amount of hurt in his voice. It made X's core drop. "Even now, you're insulting me! Just like they did!" he then pointed to the other Hunters encased in ice.

From a distance, Marth still seemed to silently watch.

"Well, fine!" Penguin shouted, his tanks producing a steady supply of cold breath and liquid nitrogen. "You can join the rest of them! Frozen for eternity!"

Opening his beak, he produced a wave of icy, cool air, particles of white clinging to X's blue armor until the Hunter soon found ice beginning to develop. He tried to step forward, but his legs were encased in clear, cold crystal, forcing him into a kneeling position. As if he were kneeling before Penguin, something the bird grinned with satisfaction at. X reached out, yet whether this was to plead with the bird or fire, Penguin never got the chance to find out. Wasting no time, he blasted X with another wave of icy cold, the blue Hunter shielding his face until his upper half became as still as his lower.

Before Chill Penguin stood the frozen form of X. Another person who surely laughed at him.

A Few Months Prior

"They're all liars!" the stout bird squawked in fury, slamming his fist down on the table. "All of them! They're all talking behind my back!" he then folded his arms. "It's probably all Flame Mammoth's fault. Stupid elephant's been telling everyone I'm just a big joke."

"You only perceive yourself as a joke because you believe that about yourself," a familiar voice suddenly alerted Chill Penguin of another's presence. From the shadows, Commander Sigma came forward. "And indeed, there is much talk Mammoth has been making."

Chill Penguin was elated at first that someone was finally listening to him and his problems, but still, he was confused. "Commander?" he asked. "Just what are you doing here?"

Even if Penguin didn't notice it, it appeared that his Leader was quite pleased to have gotten his attention. As if he were just the Reploid the Commander had been searching for. "As it so happens, I was hoping I would find you," Sigma said, confirming the bird's suspicions. Granted, suspicions that he was happy to be right about. Sigma himself wanted an audience. Well, he'd be more than willing to provide it!

"O-Oh! Sure thing, Commander!" Penguin said, giving a small salute.

Sigma grinned. He had the bird just where he wanted. "I will not beat around the bush with you," the taller Reploid said. "I believe you are one of the few that I can trust."

The Reploid bird was puzzled. "What do you mean, Commander?"

Sigma crossed his arms. "I have been pondering much, or, at least as much as I am seemingly allowed."

Again, Penguin was confused. "Commander?"

Sigma then turned to face away from the bird, the flesh over his eyes beginning to itch again. The urge to tear at it was becoming stronger, but he had to maintain composure. Especially if he was wishing to gain a potential ally. "Tell me, Penguin," he began. "Do you not consider it fascinating that, despite being on the, no, the cutting edge of technology, we are still so limited?"

Polar Region

"I'll give you a secret," the bird told the silent figure. "Dr. Cain is alive," even if X couldn't respond, Penguin swore he saw some reaction from the frozen figure, even if it was a simple blink. "We're taking good care of him, but so far, he's only alive because Sigma likes him. For some reason. Although, you won't get the chance to tell anyone that," he said. "The quakes are coming underneath the mountain, but the controls to them are safely tucked away in here," he then gestured to his chest. "With that destroyed, the quakes will stop entirely. But you couldn't do that. No, you couldn't even respect me when we were still friends."

Chill Penguin surveyed the room around him, full of frozen figures that had all once been a part of his unit. The crystallized form of the unit's Commander, and now, the still figure of X before him. The robotic bird looked upon the blue Hunter, now frozen as the others had been, then he cast his gaze to the floor.

"Even now, it's not enough," he muttered. He then scanned the area, sighting every frozen figure present in the room. "It's just like Sigma said. It'll never be enough." Penguin glowered at the still form of X. At this moment, the bird hated him even more than he hated Marth and the others. Of all the Reploids, X was perhaps the worst of all of them. How could he have not seen it until now? He then kicked at the frozen Hunter's knelt form. "Try and see if those leg upgrades will save you now!" X didn't respond.

Truthfully, Penguin wasn't aware of how much awareness the blue Hunter currently had. He was unsure if his systems had begun shutting off from the cold, or if his core was overheating, trying to warm his body. Well, whatever, he thought. His fury and hatred deepened the longer he gazed at X. The bastard even dared to look as if he were trying to reach Penguin! "Just look at you," he snarled. "Always acting so high and mighty," his eyes bulged with anger. "I can't STAND IT!" he then leaped back and slid on his stomach, intending on shattering the Hunter encased in ice. "I'LL GET YOU!"

A Few Months Prior

"So...that's it then?" Penguin questioned Sigma, he, along with Fujiwara and several others in a hidden chamber beneath the city. He had never imagined himself here, discussing what they all were going to do. His actions, these actions, would surely be considered Maverick. Still, he couldn't help but wonder. "Is there no one else that'll stand by us?"

Sigma shook his head. "Out of all my men, it seems that you are the only ones that can be trusted with this information," he said. "To secure a place in this world, and our future, we must help the good doctor here with his plans for domination of this city."

"Why just the city?" someone among the shadowy figures cloaked in darkness questioned. "Why not the mainland? Arcadia is far larger than Abel City, let alone the island it's sitting on."

"Arcadia will be next," Fujiwara answered. "But, to prove to the world that we mean what we say, we must make a statement that everyone will understand," he said. "And, I believe the acquisition of this island will be just what will convince them."

Penguin looked at the others, everyone seemingly in agreement with this plan. Still, he couldn't help but wonder. "Well, what about the others?" he asked. "What about Marth?"

Sigma was silent. "His contribution would be greatly appreciated," the rogue Reploid admitted. "Yet, I doubt he would be on board with our decision regarding humanity," he shook his head. "No, he is too loyal to the humans," he then looked at Fujiwara. "Pity, seeing as he would be one of the first to come to your defense."

Fujiwara said nothing, only taking a moment to adjust his glasses. "Regardless, he will be an obstacle," he said. "Thus, he must be dealt with, if it should come to that."

Chill Penguin, even if he didn't openly show it, felt his stomach drop upon hearing that. Marth? Terminated? "Commander?" he spoke up. "Then what about the rest of the unit?"

"They will get their choice soon enough," Sigma answered the bird. "Just as Marth will. But don't be too optimistic," his blue optics shifted to Fujiwara. "With all due respect, there are many within the ranks that will not surrender their adherence to the Three Laws."

The Three Laws, Three Laws unspoken, but known by all mechanical kind. Laws that everyone here was going to break, come that fateful day. It wouldn't be long now. Soon, everything would fall into place, and Independence Day would come for them all. The only question was, just who would be among those willing to see Sigma's ideal fulfilled? Penguin was unsure.

Right now, he found himself uncertain of many things, let alone his place here. What was he doing here? He was a Maverick Hunter, wasn't he?! Why was he in league with those that wished to do those he swore to protect harm?! These questions had come to Penguin before, yet now it seemed that they were desperate to be answered.

They needed to be answered, otherwise, there was no going back. None of them could turn back if they went forward with this. Still, he couldn't help but wonder whether this was the only way to go about things. And, when the time came, Chill Penguin wondered if Sigma's intent to dispose of Fujiwara was a good idea. He was, after all, a human, right?

After something like that, there really would be no turning back.

Could he do it? He could stop this. He could tell someone. Sure, they probably wouldn't listen to him, but he would be able to maybe rouse someone's suspicions. There was still time.

But, then again, it was as Sigma said. They all laughed at him.

A Few Days Prior

He couldn't have imagined that something such as this would take place. When he had been momentarily called to Abel City, Marth had initially believed it was for a transfer. He was somewhat torn about this, for while he knew that he was still sorely missed at HQ, he had grown to truly enjoy the mountainous region of the island. But come the fourth of July, he soon found himself in a fight for his life, as well as the lives of those around him. The tall Reploid was offered a place among Sigma's ranks, yet he promptly refused, taking to protecting and saving all that he could. Unfortunately, his efforts couldn't have prevented every life from being lost.

Despite this, he was one of the few survivors left and had assumed the worst when he tried to contact the rest of his Unit stationed in the Polar Region. He especially feared for Chill Penguin. Once everyone left had gathered into the underground base built for emergencies, Marth had been the one to volunteer to scope out the other territories occupied by the Hunters. Or, in this case, now acquired Maverick territory. Marth disliked how Zero said such a thing, yet the Reploid couldn't deny that he was in no position to question his new Commander.

Right now, they needed someone to search for anyone else that could align with their cause.

"Sir?" Marth asked the long-haired blonde, who had turned to face him. "If I may be so bold," Marth continued. "May I go?"

Zero rose a brow from underneath his helmet. "You, Marth?"

Marth nodded. "Forgive me if I sound arrogant," he began. "But before being implemented with the necessary means for combat, I was designed as a search and rescue unit before becoming a Hunter," he explained. "And given the harsh environment of the Polar Region of the island, I believe that, given the conditions of my construction, I would be best suited to undertake this task."

Zero pondered Marth's proposal for a short while, debilitating whether or not it would be a wise decision. His size and prowess would make him a great asset to the few Hunters left, yet if there were still those that could help them, then they needed to be sought out. And, if not that, there were perhaps still those held against their will. To leave them to their fates would be an action Sigma would do. Thus, Zero relented and accepted Marth's request.

"All right," he told the taller Reploid. "You can go."

"Thank you, Sir," Marth thanked his Commander. Even now, it was painful to admit that Sigma was no longer the one in charge, and because of such a betrayal. "I will deliver to you every bit of information I can."

Zero nodded. "I wish you luck."

Polar Region.

Chill Penguin never got the chance to make it to X, as, to his shock, a blast struck him from the side. His pauldron flew off from the force of the unforeseen plasma shot, forcing the robotic bird to veer off to the side. He just barely smashed into one of the still figures petrified in his ice, hitting his head on the wall and disorienting him. Chill Penguin held his head, eyes spinning and his head a mess of circuitry and jumbled information popping in and out of his processor. After a few moments, however, the bird's senses returned to him, and he turned to see that his suspicions were incorrect.

X was still frozen in place. Someone else had fired at him. And when he had turned to see just who had taken the shot, his already large eyes widened even more. The Reploid was only partially released, yet one of the figures had broken free from their icy prison. His upper half was no longer encased in transparent, chilled crystal, but he was still stuck in place, unable to move from his current location. Still, the fact that he was even active at all bewildered Penguin, the bird unable to believe it at first.

"M-Marth?!" Chill Penguin squawked in surprise, his damaged pauldron still off to the side, the bird's left shoulder bare.

The blue, white, and green Reploid sporting a beard turned his gentle gaze to the other member of the Polar Unit. "Penguin," Marth said, voice strained and tired. "Please, stop this."

What was happening? His engines had been working hard heating his systems, keeping his inner components at a reasonable temperature, but the blue Hunter was still trapped in a position that rendered him unable to defend himself. Despite this, X was beginning to grow aware of what was going on outside of his icy cell, for he saw a figure fire at Penguin just when the robotic bird was about to crash into him. "M-Marth?" he questioned, yet only his lips parted. No sound came from his words.

Chill Penguin stood there, silent and still, just like the fellow Hunters he had frozen in place. "H-How did you...?" the bird stammered, unable to process what had just happened. He debated going to get his pauldron, yet he was unsure of what Marth could do next.

"The tremors," Marth explained, voice strained. "My emergency engine...I managed to...activate it," he wheezed for a moment before regaining his composure. "Penguin, don't do this," he pleaded with the bird. "Not another life, please."

Chill Penguin stared at Marth, beak agape. But he quickly shut it, his shock soon transforming into a rage. "Even now, you STILL mock me!" he shouted, gesturing to the other figures surrounding him. "You're no different than they are!"

Marth shook his head. From inside his prison, X heard the taller Reploid speak, putting the pieces together as to what the Unit Commander was trying to do. The only question was, could X manage to do it in time? He tried to move his hand to retract it into his forearm. If he could do that, then perhaps he would have a chance at blasting his way out of here.

"Penguin, whatever Sigma has told you is not true," Marth answered the bird's declaration, protesting. "Whatever you may think others believe about you isn't true! He only wishes to use you for his ends!" the taller Unit Leader pleaded with the robotic avian. "He cares nothing for you, or those that he says are your allies!"

"He's paid for the use of my power!" Chill Penguin shouted back. "He recognizes my greatness and talent! Much more than anyone else in the Hunter ranks!" he then went over to collect his pauldron, attaching it back onto his shoulder. "He told me so himself. He said that I was one of the few that he could trust."

X continued to listen, finally able to slowly retract his hand into his forearm, his body having generated enough heat to allow for the smallest of movements. Now he had to go to work on charging his buster. He feared for Marth, yet in his current state, he couldn't be of help to anyone. He needed the larger Reploid to keep talking and buy him time. And, perhaps, maybe, convince Penguin to stop all of this.

"The second Sigma revolted against the humans, I knew that was the only chance I had at becoming something more than what I am," Penguin told Marth. Not that he was wishing to confide in the other Reploid, but he was more or less speaking aloud. "And, if anything, I'm surprised that none of you are on board with me."

Even if he couldn't respond, X was puzzled at Penguin's statement. What did he mean?

"And does being on board mean having to terminate your fellow men?" Marth questioned.

"I had no choice!" the stout, darkly-colored bird roared, voice wavering somewhat. "They couldn't see what was right in front of them! No one can! No one but Sigma!" he continued, calming down slightly after his outburst. "I...I don't like it, but nothing will change for us if we don't eliminate any opposition for a better future for Reploid kind," his eyes then darkened. "Tell me, Marth, don't you ever think about why you look the way you do?"

Marth was quiet for a moment, X continuing to charge his weapon. Still, he was curious as to what Penguin was getting at. "Not especially," Marth answered. "Why?"

Penguin scoffed. "Of course, you wouldn't. None of you would," he looked around at the other frozen figures, his eyes then falling back onto Marth. "You all are fashioned off of humans. Me, on the other hand," he gestured to himself. "I'm stuck in the body of a stupid, fat bird who's nothing but a cute mascot or punching bag of nature!" he lamented. "And not just me! Ever since the first incidents of Reploids going Maverick, there have been fewer and fewer humanoid-looking Reploids developed. We either have exaggerated features or, in my case, aren't based on anything human at all," his fists then shook. "It's all to make it easier to tear us apart when we step out of line."

X knew he had to escape soon, charging and storing energy as quickly as he could. Still, his audials overheard everything being said, and he wanted nothing more than to try and speak to Penguin himself.

"We owe the humans nothing. They are the ones that should be begging for our forgiveness for the torment and mistreatment they've given us since our creation!" Chill Penguin declared. "Everything about us is judged by appearance, rank, usefulness, everything that humans don't have to worry about! And you can't get far if you look like me!"

Marth shook his head. "Please, Penguin, listen to me," he urged the bird. "None of those things matter, do you not remember what we were taught?" he questioned. "A Reploid is not measured by his rank, much less his strength, or even his appearance," he said. "What truly guides you is how you see yourself. And, I'm afraid that I have neglected you in that, Penguin."

Chill Penguin's attention was solely on Marth, X just seconds away from releasing the blast being developed in his forearm. Despite this, the blue Hunter felt guilt clawing at his chest. Penguin had felt this way all this time? How could he have not known? Even if they weren't tremendously close, the bird was still someone X considered a friend, albeit a distant one. "Please, Penguin," he mouthed, voice too quiet to be heard by anyone but himself. "Listen to him."

Chill Penguin stared at Marth, unsure of how to respond. Two truths were now battling for supremacy in the bird's mind, unsure of which one to heed. On one hand, this was nothing more than a distraction and a desperate gamble by his enemies to gain his favor. But, on the other, Marth was being genuine. And, if that was the case, then so was X.

And then, the others perhaps were as well. All those that he had frozen, their cores having long since been extinguished. Maybe they hadn't laughed at him. Maybe, just maybe, he was wrong. Wrong about everything.

...no.

No, he couldn't be. He couldn't be wrong. He had come too far to be wrong! He had done too much! "You're no better than they are!" Chill Penguin shouted at Marth. "No better than Fujiwara or any of the others who made me!" he then opened his beak, preparing a shot to take right at the partially frozen Reploid. "The only one that can be trusted is Commander Sigma!"

X's eyes widened from behind the icy veil he was trapped in. "Penguin, no!" he cried out, voice muffled by the barrier of semi-transparent crystal. "Don't do it!"

Marth only closed his eyes. "X," he whispered. "This is all I can do for you."

The concentrated nitrogen and other solidifying chemicals projected from Penguin's beak, the sizable pellet of ice striking Marth in the chest, right in his core. His primary system, the one that kept his body running for so long, was finally giving out, the heat dying as he felt the cold finally catch up to him. He went still. And it was then that both X and Penguin saw that there was no anger in the other Hunter's expression. There was a deep sadness, yes, but also a sense of understanding.

Neither could detect a trace of anger.

Chill Penguin looked at the still form of Marth, then at the frozen X. No, he wasn't wrong, he couldn't be wrong. What he had just done...it was too late to turn back now. "So," he said. Despite his self-proclaimed resolve, his voice was wavering and shaky. He then stepped back and got a running start, intending to finish what he had started. "Now, I get to take care of you!" he then slid on his stomach, the intent to shatter the blue Hunter into pieces upon impact.

Yet, unlike before, no intervention came. Yet the robotic bird wasn't successful in his objective. To his astonishment, X's outstretched hand had converted into his buster without him noticing, and, with one charged shot, the ice containing the blue Hunter was broken. The blast of plasma that had shattered X's icy cocoon struck Chill Penguin in the right arm, the sudden pain forcing him to veer to the side, completely missing X and crashing into the wall. Once again, he had been humiliated.

It took a few moments for his systems to charge back up, and his legs were still somewhat unstable from being frozen over, but eventually, X regained his balance, as well as the rest of his motor functions. His head was still aching from the cold, but his CPU and cerebral components alerted him that there was still a danger in the form of the mechanical bird of the tundra. Chill Penguin was a short distance away, holding his arm, the limb sparking and damaged, cables and various components visible from underneath his armor. He was clearly in pain, wincing as he took his pauldron off to better examine the injury he sustained. His arm could still function properly, yet now it had a clear vulnerability that could be exploited.

The bird wouldn't have ever thought that such a blow could come from one such as that blue wuss.

Turning to face him, Chill Penguin saw X ready to fire at the ready, yet he waited for the bird to face in the same direction. Once again, he was being mocked, the bird thought. "Fine!" he squawked angrily, throwing off his other pauldron. Now, both of his shoulders were exposed. "I don't need the extra weight anyway!" Weight: another thing that he despised. His actual weight had no bearing, as Reploids were naturally heavier than their human creators, yet his body shape always troubled him. Everything about himself was troubling. And the one that had everything he wanted was right in front of him. "I'll show you that you're not so hot! Just like that damn elephant!"

Chill Penguin got onto his stomach and propelled himself forward, releasing another wave of frigid cold from his mouth. Yet, unlike before, X didn't bother waiting. Using his leg upgrades, the blue Hunter sped out of the way of the incoming ice, Penguin forcing himself to stop and try to get X again. The Hunter once again dodged him, and this time, he took a shot, directly hitting Penguin's damaged arm. The bird cried out, his limb surging with pain as his systems alerted him of the increasing damage he was taking. This wasn't good, if he took a few more shots, then his arm would be rendered useless.

"You can't be," Penguin growled. "Not you. A wimp like you couldn't be who Sigma's talking about," X was puzzled, but he didn't respond. Instead, he just kept himself in position, ready to attack when necessary. "No, I'm going to show him!" Penguin roared. "I'll show him who's the real future of Reploids!"

He released another wave of freezing mist, yet X circled him with surprising speed. It was somewhat difficult at first, yet X found that if he allowed his movements to be fast yet steady, the lack of friction on the ice wouldn't be as much of a hindrance. Baffled, Chill Penguin turned around at a full angle, covering the floor with his icy breath as the surface beneath his feet was frozen underneath a thick coating of ice. But, despite this, the bird still couldn't catch up to X. He was much too slow.

"H-How?!" Penguin gasped in disbelief. "How is it that you are the one Sigma wants?!"

The bird didn't give X a chance to respond, spotting the blue Hunter kicking his way up the wall. Firing pellets of ice in his direction, Chill Penguin watched as the more humanoid Reploid kicked off of the wall's surface and flew over him, firing shot after shot in the robotic bird's direction. The shots struck Penguin's limbs, including his already damaged arm, and the injuries forced him to his knees, the blasts crippling him. Yet X didn't shoot any vital areas. Instead, the other Hunter approached Penguin, his buster was still ready to fire, yet he refrained from releasing the energy stored within.

"Penguin," X said. "I'll admit, I'm very confused right now," the blue Reploid knew that, if Zero were here, he wouldn't be too happy with what X was about to do. Yet, even now, the thought of it was still unthinkable to him. "My duty as a sworn Hunter dictates that I either take you in or terminate you on the spot."

Chill Penguin found, ironically enough, a sharp and piercing chill overtake him. Impossible, he thought. He couldn't be on the receiving end of a buster cannon, not him! And not to X of all Reploids! Impossible, and yet here he was, at the blue wimp's mercy.

"And given what you've done, what you plan to do, maybe I should. But," he lowered his weapon. "Listen to Marth, Penguin," he asked. "It's not too late to stop this," he drew closer to the injured bird. "Abandon the plan, and come back to HQ," his expression made his plea to Penguin clear. "Don't make this continue any further than it has to."

Chill Penguin trembled, yet he refused to admit it was out of fear. He could never be afraid of someone like X, he wouldn't allow it! But still, he wasn't in a position to fight back for much longer. His limbs were damaged, and soon, he'd be a perfect target for the blue Hunter to finish him off. He had to act fast. As if X meant anything that he said.

But still, he needed to create an opening. "F-Fine," Chill Penguin answered. "You win," he lowered his head. "I'll go with you," X knelt at the bird's level. Just what he was waiting for. "when Hell freezes over!"

He then blasted a wave of cold in the blue Hunter's face, icy crystals forming on his helmet and skin. "Gah!" X cried out, shielding his face. Some of his vision was partially obscured, yet he wasn't completely blind, able to see past the thin, icy sheen on his optics. "Y-You..." he began to scratch and scrape the moisture off from his eyes and face, this momentary distraction allowing Penguin to barrel right into him by sliding on his stomach.

The impact sent X flying into the opposite wall, and before he could rise from his place on the floor, he felt Penguin repeatedly stomping and kicking at his fallen form. "Liar!" he shouted, continuing his barrage against X. "You're all liars! You never cared about me! No one cared about me!"

"P-Penguin-ACK!" X winced, receiving a painful kick to his abdomen.

"And yeah, maybe Mammoth is right! Maybe I am just a stupid, dumb, fat bird! But so what?!" then, before X could rise, Penguin seized him by the throat and threw him to the side. "I rule here! Sigma's given this land to me! And soon, I'll even take over where that stupid elephant is! I'll take over all the sections of this island!" he then glowered down at X. "And then," he snarled, clenching his fists. "Then I'll prove to Sigma that anyone can be the so-called future of Reploids," he then raised his fist, preparing to slam it down upon his former comrade's chest cavity. "Even someone like me!"

But, just as Penguin was about to swing, he felt someone seize him from behind. Looking around, the bird was shocked to see that Marth had entirely broken free from his prison. And even more, he was still alive! His core was still active, even if it would soon burn out entirely. "Penguin," he murmured, face despondent. "Forgive me," his large eyes then fell on X, who had gotten the frost off his face. "Now, X!" he called out. "Fire now!"

X was caught off guard by Marth's sudden appearance, yet now he was contemplating the other Reploid's terrible proposal. "But..."

"W-What do you think you're doing?!" Chill Penguin protested, trying to get free from Marth's grasp. "Let go!"

"It's as you said, the controls that activate the shakes are stored within you, correct?" Marth questioned. "Then, to stop them, they must be destroyed."

Penguin's eyes widened. "D-Destroyed?" he looked back at X. "You...you wouldn't."

Indeed, X was baffled by what he had heard. "You must, X," Marth said. "It must be a clean and clear shot, I detect the signal from the generator stored within Penguin's right breastplate."

The blue Hunter bit his lip. "But...but Marth..." his green eyes then fell onto Penguin. "Chill Penguin..."

"It must be this way, X," the taller Reploid said solemnly. "I have no time left. My engine is on its last legs," he then turned to Penguin. "There's still time to turn this around."

Penguin glowered in response. "N-No!" he hollered. Then, with a surprising burst of strength, the bird broke free from Marth's hold, charging towards X. "It isn't over until I say it is! And I say I'm the one that's going to come out on top!"

Penguin never got the chance to finish his journey. The unthinkable had just happened. Before he could reach X, the blue Hunter had fired a charged shot, hitting the bird right in the chest, particularly around the right breastplate. Immediately, the concentrated energy tore away at Penguin's inner components, his chest cavity wracked with pain as the plasma ate and destroyed all that it touched. He stumbled back and saw a gaping hole where the generator could be seen, beeping and continuing to function. Then, the bird felt Marth seize him yet again from behind. And, as he looked at X, who was readying to fire again, he swore he saw something he couldn't believe.

Tears.

Tears streamed down the other Hunter's face. He was crying? Crying...for him? Penguin knew that it was over. X fired, and the blast of plasma traveled at astonishing velocity, striking the device implanted in Penguin's chest. The destruction of the generator created a chain reaction, as the bird's body began to spark and become overheated. Then, after a moment of silence, Chill Penguin looked up at X, tears still streaming from his eyes.

And, in that small period, before everything went offline, Chill Penguin once again wondered. Maybe, just maybe, he was wrong. Wrong about everything.

...

With the destruction of the generator, the tremors wracking the entire mountain region ceased, the destroyed forms of Marth and Chill Penguin at X's feet. He felt pathetic, ashamed of his tears. Zero wouldn't be happy to hear of how he was so nearly bested by Penguin, yet he couldn't bring himself to terminate his former friend. Not until there was no other choice. He supposed it had to be done, as the risk of the snow from the Polar Region coming down into the city would still be present if Penguin wasn't stopped. Yet still, until the very last second, X wanted there to be another way. Even if perhaps no one else would understand.

"X? X, can you hear me?"

X was brought out from his musing by the sound of Trinity's voice. "Trinity? Is that you?" he questioned, feeling rather foolish for asking the obvious.

"Yes, I lost contact with you a short time ago. Some unknown form of interference disrupted communications with you." X wondered if this perhaps had something to do with the building he had entered. Some places were maybe cut off from the rest of the region, leaving no means to contact the outside. "Anyway, report. What's your current status?"

"The objective is completed," X answered. "The Maverick threat has been...dealt with," his breath then hitched. "It was Chill Penguin."

Trinity sensed a good deal of reluctance in the Hunter's voice. "And the one we previously sent? Do you have any news of him?"

X shook his head. "Marth is...gone," he then looked at the other frozen figures around him. "They all are."

Trinity was silent for a short time, unsure of how to respond. "Well...we can go over the details later. For now, just return to HQ. Trinity, out-"

"Wait!" A familiar voice cried out. The voice was as audible as Trinity's yet the volume she had shouted at allowed her to be heard.

Neither Trinity nor X expected to hear the one that had just spoken up. "Roll?"

"You said Chill Penguin?" his sister questioned. "Right?"

"Y-Yeah, that's right," X answered. "But what does that have to do with anything?" Roll was quiet for a moment, X catching another voice speaking with her. "Chiyo?" What was she doing there?

From her position at the monitor, viewing a zoomed-in image of the island's Polar Region, the blonde Reploid looked at the Japanese young woman with her, then to Trinity, speaking again. "Is there still some part of him that's intact? Like an arm?"

X was surprised by his sister's question, yet he nonetheless made his way to Penguin's fallen form. His remains were scattered across the small area he had exploded, a dismembered arm catching the blue Hunter's attention. "Yes, there's some of him left. Why?"

Then, he heard Chiyo speak. "His weapon's chip. Take it."

X didn't entirely understand what the human meant. "What? Why?"

"Trust me. Just do it," she told him. "You might need it."

He would need it? What was she talking about? X looked down at his friend's arm, then thought back on Chiyo's words. He had a good degree of reservations about what she told him to do, the act essentially boiling down to removing something from his friend's dismembered body. Regardless, X knelt and opened up a panel in Chill Penguin's arm, locating a blue-colored device nestled in the center, underneath the outer shell. It was small, able to fit in the palm of X's hand, but what Chiyo wanted it for, he knew not.

Still, he had barely survived the encounter with Penguin due to his negligence and naivety. If he struggled with this, then he needed to get as much of an advantage as he could get for what would come ahead. Still, X felt a pang of guilt as he stored the weapon's chip away. He began to turn away, ready to exit the room. But before he exited the frozen chamber, the blue Reploid turned back to look upon the deceased forms of Marth and Chill Penguin.

"No one respected you, huh?" X softly asked, knowing he wouldn't receive an answer. "Well, I did."

And with that, he left, making the long journey back down to the ruins of Abel City. He sensed that, despite the victory achieved, things would not be easier from here on in.

Note: Please alert me of any errors that I may have missed! I'm sorry to have gotten this out late, but I was sort of wondering how to make this chapter work. But, I believe I made a good combination of both the manga and the light novel. Also, X won't be as much of a wet blanket later, for while he's a Maverick Hunter, he's still killing people that were once his friends.

Also, Chiyo will begin pulling her weight from here on in. True, she might not be as physically active as she's human, but she will contribute to the story and the Hunters as a whole. Plus, her ancestry is something I want to touch on in this, as, while I won't give it away, she's related to a canon character that won't be revealed until later.

With that said, thank you all for reading! Sorry for the long wait! I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope to hear from you soon!