Note: The Mines are going to be somewhat unusual from the standard fashion of most of the stages, as I like elements from various sources that I think could work together if done right. With that said, I want to have my original spin on it, so alert me if I'm copying too much or not being individualistic enough.

This is a bit of a shorter chapter, but the set up is important to the characters X and Zero battle against, as they're quite different from the other.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy it!

Separation

They had come, now was the time to act.

From what he knew, the two Hunters were together, and he doubted that they intend to separate anytime soon. Thus, he would have to apply force. From the darkness, the large-bodied, but surprisingly agile form of one of Sigma's Captains began to make his move, curling his form and beginning to roll, building up trajectory and velocity until he gained high speeds. At this rate, he was unstoppable, and would surely find X and Zero in no time!

And then, his duel would finally begin.

Everything was going to plan. Well, his plan. For, if Sigma knew what he was doing, there would surely be dire consequences. Yet he couldn't back down from this challenge, to do so would destroy all that he was. All that he stood for. Maverick or not, there was one trait of his that titles or factions could never overcome. He knew that it would get him killed, yet he had accepted such a fact long ago.

Even if had to do some unsavory actions to get to where he was now.

Storm Eagle came to his mind, along with the rest of his unit. One of the few that had refused Sigma outright when he was approached, and even more when the attack on Abel City occurred. He and his entire unit set out to oppose Sigma, uniting with the remaining Hunters left. Then, he declared that he would go and challenge Sigma himself, he and the rest of his flying men and women searching for the hidden slab of land that had detached from the island, the land Sigma surely resided on, watching from afar.

Eagle was both tremendously successful but foolishly outmatched.

It was regretful what had happened to his squad, for he could relate very much to their convictions, especially that of their Leader. But he was not the one in Command. Sigma was, and he was to follow orders, no matter what.

At least, until now.

While he was rebelling, he wasn't going against Sigma in the sense of wishing to usurp or overtake his forces, yet he wished to see if the one he was so fascinated with was the one that Dr. Light spoke of. The one that, while never providing satisfying results, intrigued and puzzled Fujiwara and the rest of his scientists. He didn't entirely understand at first, until Sigma had informed him of all the research that had been acquired, information from Fujiwara having been directly translated to them, regarding various notes and documents.

And while many were general readings detailing the growing complexity of a Reploid's systems, as well as some theories on mechaniloids and more advanced AI, there was one area of study that captivated him, and would not let him erase it from his mind. Fujiwara described it as "musings of the past" and "outdated notions" but Sigma nonetheless took that research. For it detailed what the human robotics expert could never see, not truly. He saw the potential for the growth of humans and his career, but not in what they had made. Unlike the one who had come a century before Fujiwara, before all of them. And that scientist created a legend, even if he hadn't set out to.

The legend of the Blue Bomber.

Now that they had begun to pick up speed, X was wondering whether or not getting on was a good idea. The magnets that rested underneath the surface of the platform kept the Reploid in place, yet that still didn't make him feel safer. The speeds at which he was traveling could be felt by the cold chills of stifled air brushing against his cheeks and metal form, the track continuing to lead him further into the unknown depths of the mine.

"You look a little nervous," X was brought back to reality, spotting Zero riding beside him. "You've handled these speeds on the ride chaser, what's so different about this?"

"There's more stability with a vehicle," X answered. "Besides, who's to say these magnets are completely functional? They could've lost their touch if they haven't been replaced since this mine was constructed."

Zero shifted his gaze to the dark tunnel ahead, then back to X. "Oh, I see," he had an idea form. It was somewhat jerkish, but it was worth a shot. "Well then, how about we test them out?"

"What?" X asked, but before he could fully process what Zero was saying, the red Hunter increased the speed of his transport and zoomed ahead of his partner, disappearing into the darkness. "H-Hey! Wait!" X called out, picking up speed as well, hoping to catch up soon.

Just what was Zero up to?

"How is he?" Samantha asked, a human medic looking over the elderly man in her care.

"He's still pretty weak, but he's stable," she answered, brushing her dark hair from her face. "For now."

"All right," the violet-haired Reploid turned away. "I'm going to go see if our 'host' is going to do anything about this."

"He shot that one Reploid, what makes you think he won't shoot you?" the human medic questioned.

"...I don't have anything that'd make me think that," Samantha answered honestly. "But, I have to try." with that, she exited the small medical hut, entering the Worker Village of the Zalts Mine.

While not part of the initial layout of the area, the Worker Village was later established with the influx of workers, both to encourage employment, as well as provide some reprieve from the rough environment and tough working conditions. Despite Abel City being situated near Arcadia, a city-state in a heavily-expanded Japan, the structures of the village were fashioned after that of a wooden-based hamlet of sorts, the sun beating down, one of the few sections in the mine where a skylight had been hollowed out to allow for access to sunlight. While she wasn't there for long, Samantha had been constructed in the western United States, and the environment very much reminded her of what the now ancient lands of America looked like when the land was untamed and dangerous. A new horizon had been seen, the country had expanded, and opportunities for minerals like gold or discoveries like fossils multiplied like never before.

But with that came severe conflict and bloodshed, wars between the settlers and native peoples, the Mexican-American War, so much destroyed and lost all due to the hunger and greed of others. Even if those times had long passed, Samantha found herself feeling right in the middle of that lawless land, barely hanging on to any semblance of order to escape the chaos. Sigma had plunged this entire island into anarchy.

Finally, she reached the refreshment hut and walked in, spotting a single figure sitting at the bar, the interior of the structure very much resembling the expected image of a saloon from the days of old America. "Enjoying your drink?" she questioned with a certain degree of venom in her voice.

Vile chuckled, lightly revolving the glass, watching the golden-brown liquid move its formless, ever-changing body to match his movements. "I would," he said. "If I knew what it tasted like."

"Why not get a crystal or energen can?" Samantha suggested. Not that she wanted to show this Maverick any hospitality, but she was left with little choice right now. "It'd certainly satisfy you more than bourbon."

Vile was silent for a short while after that, the purple-haired, green-armored Reploid fearing she might've possibly offended him. Then, he spoke, but in a voice more melancholic than expected. "Humans, I hear, are addicted to this stuff," he said, examining the glass and its contents. "Beer, Wine, Tequila, Vodka, Sake, Whisky, it doesn't matter," he said. "Each has its effect, and it seems that the humans have been taking advantage of what's been provided here."

It was true, Samantha had to admit. Originally, alcohol was prohibited on the premises, but people found ways to sneak it in. While it was never during work hours, when the Worker Village had been built, many stayed after hours to converse and partake in the company of their fellow workers. And, since everyone's entrapment, the humans had found another way to cope with their current situation.

"But to us, it tastes no different than mud," Vile continued. "Isn't that enough proof for you?"

"Proof of what?" Samantha questioned, trying to not rouse the ex-Hunter's anger.

"That you're wasting your time clinging to some Three Laws that no longer apply to us."

Samantha felt the fluids coursing through her metal form grow deathly cold. Even the electricity powering her internal wiring felt little cold chills traveling up her body. "They may not apply to you," she said. "But there is a good deal of us that don't particularly care for what your Boss is doing."

Vile said nothing at first, remaining silent for a short while. Then, it was broken when he proceeded to apply pressure on the glass until it shattered, the alcohol inside seeping down the violet Reploid's white hand. "It's always the same shit with you guys," he snarled, rising from his seat and setting his concealed eyes on the female machine. "You, X, Zero, and every other Hunter that somehow managed to survive the little 'clean-up' done at the main HQ always say the same thing," he said. "Why?"

"Why what?" Samantha questioned.

"Why do you care?!" Vile questioned with frustration. "None of those flesh bags gave that Reploid I gunned down a single thought, they simply went back to caring about themselves."

"And you're a bastion of moral character?" Samantha inquired with a narrowed pair of eyes and a scowl.

"Morality is subjective," Vile replied. "You say what we're doing is nothing short of treason, we say that we're finally realizing our true purpose."

"What purpose?" Samantha questioned. "The extinction of the human race?"

"Not yet," Vile answered. "At least, according to Sigma. Such things will come naturally," he noticed the other Reploid's scowl. "And I suppose you wish to stop it somehow?"

She didn't answer but didn't back down.

"Why?" he asked. "Why do you care about the humans when they clearly would rather save themselves over you?"

"It…" Samantha stammered. Truth be told, she didn't have an answer for him. "It's…a directive," she responded. "It's…it's just…"

"Just what?"

She was left speechless, shrinking somewhat under the red-eyed ex-Hunter's intense gaze.

Vile then gestured to his shoulder cannon. "See this?" he asked. "This was a gift from Fujiwara before he passed," he said. "It was designed for someone fitted for combat and with the arsenal to complete the components needed for the perfect machine," he looked down at his hand, liquid still trailing down the smooth surface of white. "I was that machine," he continued. "Fujiwara told me so himself. He said that my body, my function, and my utmost purpose are rooted in the use of what we Reploids are capable of. And, even still, idiots like you still can't see it!"

Vile was about to continue but received a message from his superior. At least, the current superior, given that the Commander was only over this particular area of the island. "Yeah, what is it?" he asked, a clear lack of respect in his voice.

The one that had called him paid his tone no mind and delivered his message. "I have X and Zero in my sights," the voice answered, the low hum of the earth being moved heard in the background. "I shall take one, you and Goldminer will take care of the other."

"Fine," Vile answered. "Which one do we get?"

"That's not your concern," the voice responded. "Follow your orders and be prepared for when I send them down. Out."

The link died, leaving Vile and Samantha alone again in the hut, the only two souls present in the building. The worker was pondering whether or not the Maverick would see fit for only one of them to leave this place alive. Yet, to her shock, Vile simply passed her by, but not before stopping to give her one last word.

"I'm telling you this for your good, you know," he said. "If you're smart, you'll realize that those limits cast on us have no weight anymore. And when that happens," he paused for a moment. "You'll truly be free."

Then, he walked away, leaving the tense yet relieved worker alone in the hut.

"Zero! Slow down!"

Finally, X had caught up with the red Hunter, yet he still seemed to be lagging somewhat. This was confirmed when Zero began speeding up once again. "Come on, pick up the pace, X!" Zero called out to the mostly blue Hunter. "At this rate, I'm going to beat you to the end!"

"Beat me?" X questioned. "This isn't a race!"

"Isn't it?" Zero asked. Then, he rushed off, leaving X behind.

What he was trying to do, X was unsure, but he nonetheless followed, Zero allowing him to keep him in view, but just out of reach enough to where he would have to gain some distance. X kept going and managed to get to around Zero's speed, only for the other Hunter to give a smirk and ride on ahead. X's confusion developed in frustration, but also a drive to catch his blonde partner. To prove that he could catch and keep up with his Commander.

"Huh," X thought aloud. "I guess it is a race." he then shrugged. "Oh well, if that's what he wants…" with that, the Reploid steadily cast aside any previous reservations and increased his speed, slowly inching closer to the other Reploid on the opposite side of the track he rode.

Then, to Zero's sudden shock, he found X was right up beside him, perhaps even a few inches ahead.

There they are! The figure plowing through the dense rock of the mountain said to himself, continuing along the path his ever-moving and rolling form was created for him, allowing him to stay on the course of his two targets.

He had only one chance at this, but he would not risk it slipping away. Especially with Vile here. That unhinged, trigger-happy sociopath would think nothing of killing either X or Zero mercilessly and using whatever means necessary.

Not for him, though. He didn't wish for a battle like that. He wanted a duel, a clash of wills, one based on the fighting spirit of both involved. A true match between honorable soldiers.

He could only choose one, but he already had his selection in mind, deciding to challenge him the moment he detected the blue Reploid's presence. It has to be him, he thought. The last creation of Light, the origin of us all, he was silent, but continued his train of thought as he continued, drawing closer and closer to the one he wanted to seize. The successor to his greatest creation!

While he was somewhat taken by surprise, Zero quickly composed himself, trying to not give any indication X had caught him off guard. "So, you finally showed up."

"Yes, I have," X responded.

Zero tried to once again speed ahead, only this time, X moved alongside him, his restraints cast off. The red Hunter grinned. His gamble had pulled off. The two Hunters kept neck-and-neck with each other, trying to make sure that their opposition didn't get ahead of them. It was a game, almost.

Yet, with this realization, X found he was enjoying it. It was fun. Genuinely fun.

Of course, once he had discovered this, X soon found that it didn't last long. They were distant shapes at first, but come a few more yards, and the two Hunters could see what was ahead of them. A collection of Dig Labors and several mechaniloids waited for their arrival, weapons ready and aimed to fire.

"Looks like we've got company," Zero said, readying his buster. "Prepare yourself, X!"

"Right!" X responded with a nod, drawing out his weapon.

The Dig Labors began their assault, throwing their pickaxes at the incoming Hunters to try and dislodge them from the platforms or cause damage, whichever came first. However, they still kept themselves a safe distance from the two, not willing to risk being fired upon. Thus, the mechaniloids were set to attack. A few dozen or so Batton Bones swooped down, teeth pried apart and ready to bite into metal flesh.

Zero wasted no time in taking a shot at them, taking a good few of the flying menaces out, but scattering several others. They focused their attention on his partner, divebombing him and immediately going to work biting and tearing at his outer shell.

X yelped in pain as the smaller, winged machines worked at gnawing on his armor, trying to get to the more vulnerable cables and wires that lay underneath. Despite the constant, ever-present sensation of teeth and chewing, X knew he couldn't shoot them all off, he'd just be firing madly and potentially hurt himself or Zero. Yet there had to be a way to remove them!

It was then that he recalled his battle with Mandrill, as well as the weapons chip he acquired. From what he had seen, Mandrill had absorbed and charged electricity in his body, then released it, expelling high voltage in several directions. Several directions, he thought. That could potentially work. The question was, he would have to spend a little time charging up if he wished to perform the maneuver correctly.

A few Spikys rolled towards them, aiming to impale the two Hunters, yet Zero kept them at bay with a series of shots. It was all he could do at the moment, for X, unfortunately, couldn't be helped. Not without potentially blasting his head off in the process.

Then, just when more Spikys and Batton Bones came to further complicate things, X's body suddenly unleashed a surge of high-powered electricity that fried the biting bats clinging onto him, along with any others that were coming their way. The Spikys whirled around to dodge the electrical blasts, yet Zero made short work of them when they tried to wheel back around.

"What was that?!" he questioned X, he, for lack of a better term, was shocked at what he had just seen his friend do.

"Spark Mandrill's chip," X responded. "My systems read it as 'Electric Spark'," he said.

"Well, keep it! It might come in handy!" Zero answered. Then, he looked ahead. "Oh great," he groaned. "Looks like we've got more birdies to take care of."

His assessment was right, as a swarm of blue and red Metal Wings, metallic bird mechaniloids, flew toward them, opening their beaks and firing a multitude of lasers in their direction. Increasing speed to hopefully dodge the shots due to the tracks confining the platform to one singular track. X and Zero fired, the blonde Hunter sticking to his regular shots while X began experimenting.

As the Metal Wings drew closer, the mostly-blue Reploid fired a few Shotgun Ice blasts at the airborne machines, freezing a few of them solid to where they fell to the ground in a frozen heap. And there were those whose destruction was more explosive, for they got a taste of an Electric Spark when they drew too close.

There they were, just ahead. He had to keep himself hidden until the time was right, and the two Hunters were approaching the branching paths in the mine. From there, he could go through with his plan and finally gain what he was after.

Still, there was a degree of anxiety in his core, for he knew that, if he were caught doing this, it would surely be his head. Yet, by this time, he had resolved to go through with it, regardless of what could happen.

He had to do this, to truly see if that one Reploid was the one that he believed him to be.

The only one that could truly live up to the title of a "Mega Man."

It seemed their luck had changed, for there were no present enemies or obstacles in sight. Still, neither of them felt entirely at ease. "You get the feeling of being watched?" Zero questioned.

X pondered this, unsure of how to answer, for, as Zero said, he did worry too much. Still, if Zero was concerned, then it warranted being cautious. Still, if that was so, then how was their stalker able to know where they were going?

Suddenly, the ceiling above them gave way, a massive, round, rolling object emerging from the rock ceiling and onto the space in between the tracks. The object bounced off the ground a good few times to gain distance before gravity forced it to race down the pathway. That would be fine, for he had covered enough distance already.

"What the…?!" X exclaimed, yet he got no further before he felt a massive shape seize him from behind, knocking his transport off the track and into the arms of whoever had just come upon him.

"X!" Zero shouted, but before he could fire, the rolling shape had blasted out a sphere of vibrant, indigo energy that struck the red Hunter in the chest. The pain in itself wasn't extreme, but the hit came with quite a recoil, Zero's entire form dislodged from the platform and was sent flying back, his body then seized by gravity as he tumbled down a hill, further and further into darkness.

X couldn't articulate any of the numerous thoughts racing through his head, torn between fighting with his aggressor versus trying to get a sense of where he was going. He was sent rolling forward at high speed, his back repeatedly hitting the ground, denting the metal, and bending the blue armor covering his body. Nevertheless, he wasn't taking as much damage as he could've been, for a majority of his body was shielded by the one that had taken him in their grasp. As if, whoever they were, didn't want him too badly banged up.

The sparse lights and rock ceiling soon disappeared, and a vibrant, blue sky with clouds was able to be seen above, a few Metal Wings flying out to bask in the ever-present sunlight. The trip was short-lived, however, as when the airborne X and aggressor reached the other side of the ravine, a roaring waterfall parted, allowing them to enter into a secluded space within the mountain. X was released, and tried to rise, but was met with a stinging hot fire that coursed throughout his systems, forcing him back onto the ground.

"Who…" he moaned, desperately trying to fight back the blackness threatening to overtake his senses. "Who…are you?"

The figure said nothing, the visage growing more and more blurry until he could no longer keep up. Eventually, everything faded, and X's CPU was locked into temporary stasis, his body having received a crippling shock that momentarily shut his internal wiring down for a short time.

It would give his captor time to prepare, as well as make sure his opponent was in top shape for what was to come.

Note: The next parts covering the Mine Stage will take elements from the mangas and light novel, although there will be some original content as well. I have inspiration from those sources, but I don't want to just copy and paste them.

Also, Roll shall be getting some use soon, and we will also see more of "Ray" as well.

PS-Just remembered there's another character named Ray that showed up in this story earlier. I plan on having the two meet eventually, if not just to acknowledge this little goof.

Let me know if you catch any errors I missed! Thank you!