Note: We're about near the end of the setup to the story, and then we can get into material that everyone is more familiar with. Plus, introducing a particular character (not naming any names) *wink* later on.

Special thanks to Fox McCloude (aka FoxBluereaver) for translating this into Spanish! I'm also curious about posting on Wattpad, but I'm stuck on something. On Ao3, the Spanish version is linked in the story's summary. Is there any way to do that on Wattpad? Let me know if there is.

That said, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Before the Council

September 20th 21XX

Today was the day.

He and Fujiwara had been kept in custody for four days, and both told that they had better work long and hard about what they were going to say to the council. The crimes they had committed were high offenses, and both men were facing a considerable amount of prison time. Nevertheless, the Japanese man went before Cain, seemingly confident that his research would be able to cement them a victory. However, Cain wasn't too sure an entire year's worth of research would convince the council, let alone a population of uncertain, fearful civilians.

Yet while he was concerned about his own situation, he found himself mostly thinking of the blue robot that had been captured with him. He knew that they would keep X in confinement, and he suspected they'd do the same to Roll. But, from what he was aware, the authorities had arrested Fujiwara first and seized the blonde robot before entering the lab. Where they were now, Cain couldn't say, but he knew that the conditions he had to endure for the past few days were better than theirs.

There has to be a way to help them. There HAS to be! But would these people even listen?

Suddenly, he heard someone approaching his containment unit, the sound of the door being unlocked echoed throughout the tiny chamber. "Dr. Phillip Cain?" the guard began, his reason for being there obvious. "Get ready. You're going up in a few minutes."

Later

The older man was led to the center of a massive, white, dome-shaped chamber, dressed in a purple robe with red and green linings on the sleeves, a red collar, a yellow sash wrapped around his waist, and tied to the side, and a pair of white boots. Around him were dozens of people that had come to witness this potentially historic event. Reporters were littered throughout the crowd, recording and photographing all that was taking place. Before him stood five towering stands while his own was minuscule; the five, three men, and two women were around Cain's age and dressed in more flashy and elaborate attire than he was. Nevertheless, he wasn't here to compare and contrast fashion.

"Dr. Phillip Cain," the man, who looked to be the oldest among the five and dressed in robes of green began, voice impressively low and firm for someone his age. "You owe not just the council, not just the city of Arcadia, but the entire world an explanation."

Cain lowered his head. "Indeed I do, your Honor."

"And you also understand that the charges laid against you, yes?"

Cain's head sunk lower. "Yes, I do, your Honor."

"Then I suppose we can get started." the Grand Councilmen, head of the five, said. "Dr. Sho Fujiwara has presented us with quite an extensive collection of data," he told Cain. "All of which, while impressive, is concerning."

Oh no, this was just what the paleobotanist feared. "Concerning, your Honor?" he questioned. "But surely you've seen the results of the behavioral tests."

"We have seen everything of Dr. Fujiwara's." one of the councilwomen said, hair tied back in a bun and dressed in blue robes. "And from what we have seen, we are seriously considering imprisoning the both of you in a detention center for life," she said sternly as if she were scolding a child. "Not only had you uncovered a machine whose AI is leagues above any existing mechaniloid, but you have also concealed a perilous weapon from the public."

Cain winced, knowing well that the five figures before him would probably assume the worst. "Have you forgotten that it was none other than Dr. Thomas Light himself that constructed X?"

"And have you forgotten the restrictions that have been put in place since 20XX?" another councilman added, beard long and dressed in orange robes. "Not to mention that Dr. Light had made this robot with a weapon already built into him. Of course, DLN 001 was altered to combat the destructive creations of Dr. Wily, but for what reason would Light construct DLN 00X already bearing a weapon?"

Dr. Cain's mind gathered together every point that partially sway those whoever this case. "That reason has yet to be discovered," the man admitted, running his fingers through his beard. "Yet aside from studying and testing its capabilities, X has yet to display any aggression against Fujiwara or myself," he explained. "And he has had done the other robot we provided no harm."

"And that's another thing," a short, balding man with a red cap and robes interjected. "You also went and constructed ANOTHER machine! And even more, Fujiwara had both of them in close proximity with children and animals without any proper testing!"

"Are not their interactions with Sho and me enough?" Cain argued. "There has been no harm done to any organic form of life! None!"

The Head of the Council, the older man in green robes, closed his eyes and furrowed his brow. "Not yet."

Takenaka Residence

Chiyo sat right in front of the television, eyes wide and worried as she watched what was happening. It was somewhat ironic that she was at Fumiko's now given her father was in custody. And if the council declared him and Dr. Cain guilty, then it'd really be bad for her. But for now, those robots were probably having an even rougher time. At first, she was furious with Fumiko, blaming it all on her and her big mouth. But when she saw the other girl run away crying, she regretted her harsh words. After all, it wasn't really her fault.

She didn't mention anything about Roll or X; all she asked was for the blonde robot to fix her a bento box after she tasted a bit of Chiyo's at school. Then when Fumiko had brought hers, another friend wanted a sample. Then another, and another. And soon, things escalated and everyone started wanting what the two girls had. And when you're given the options between having soggy, pre-heated mini-meatballs or the best grilled eel you've ever had, the choice would be obvious.

Chiyo still wasn't sure how the information got out, but she suspected it started from what Fumiko said to her as they were walking home from school.

"She's a nice lady." the shorter-haired girl said. "It's a shame that she's…well, you know…"

"Yeah," Chiyo answered, their school uniforms of collared white tops and navy skirts lightly blowing in a soft breeze. She then groaned. "I need to take something when I get home."

"It's all that yakitori you ate last night, I bet!" Fumiko chided. "That stuff's supposed to be eaten in moderation, you know." she hummed in delight. "Still, Roll makes the best menchi katsu I've ever had!"

"Hey! Chiyo, wait!" both girls turned to see a boy their age dressed in the same white, collared shirt as them, but instead of a skirt, a pair of navy trousers covered his lower half. He had shaggy, black hair and when he finally reached the two, it became obvious he had been running for a while, as his hair was coated in sweat. "T-Thought I'd…never…catch up." he wheezed.

"Tatsuya?" Chiyo asked. "What are you doing? You look like you ran all the way from the school to here."

"Basically…because…I did." he choked out. "Do either…of you…have water?" Fumiko opened her bag and handed him a bottle, which he guzzled down in little more than a few seconds. He then handed the bottle back to the short-haired girl. "Thanks."

"So, what's up?" Chiyo asked.

"Uh," he then produced some zenny from his pocket. "What can I get for this?"

Both girls were confused. "What do you mean?" the longer-haired of the two asked.

"For Cecilia to make me a box." the boy answered.

Chiyo and Fumiko looked at each other, then back at Tatsuya. "But Cecilla didn't make-"

Chiyo lightly stepped on the other girl's foot, Fumiko giving a small groan in pain at the light pressure. "Ok, what do you want?" the longer-haired girl asked, taking the zenny held out for her.

"Chiyo! Roll can't make-"

"Roll?" Tatsuya asked.

"Roll?" Fumiko asked, blood running cold. "Um…yeah. Egg rolls!" she said. "We can't make egg rolls tonight at my house! We don't have enough ingredients!" she giggled nervously. "Yeah, that's it."

Tatsuya raised a brow, silence falling over the three children. He then shrugged. "You know, I think I'll ask for that." the boy said. "Tomorrow, have an egg roll ready for me, would you? Bye!"

Chiyo thought that was the end of it. True, Roll wasn't exactly pleased that the girl took someone's money as "payment" for a service, but given she was going to make use of the fryer anyway, she might as well whip up a roll or two. Tatsuya got his egg rolls the next day, and everything seemed to be fine. Come two days later, and her father's been arrested and those two robots taken away. She had no idea how anyone found out, and at first, she thought it was because of Fumiko's blunder. But given how Tatsuya just thanked them for the egg rolls and said nothing afterward, she was beginning to doubt that.

Currently, Fumiko was up in her room, far away from the other girl. And given how torn up she was, Chiyo knew that it'd be a while before she'd calm down. Even if she thought the shorter-haired girl was being a little dramatic, she knew that she was wrong in what she said.

She would try and apologize when that time came. But for now, the girl's eyes were centered on the television, Cain continuing to give his statement.

Arcadia City Council Building

The five officials and the defendant had been going back and forth for the past hour, Cain knowing that his time to speak was almost up. The council appeared to be growing more and more unconvinced that neither X nor Roll were a danger to anyone, especially the former.

"And this robot, he is aware of the Three Laws, yes?" the woman in blue robes questioned.

Cain nodded. "Yes, he is."

"But Dr. Fujiwara has also presented us with the message that Dr. Light had installed into him." the man in orange robes said. "And we have seen that Dr. Light has installed in him the ability to break those Laws." Dr. Cain winced, things not exactly swinging in his favor, let alone X's. And a question like this would be one of the core elements of this dilemma. "And another portion of this warning was the threat that no force on Earth could stop him, should he go rogue."

"And let me ask you, why would we wish to have something like that up and functioning? Or even worse, somewhere out in the streets among humans? How many lives would be put at risk just for something made of metal?"

"All you can say is that neither machine would cause any human harm. But are we simply expected to take Fujiwara and your words at face value? Can we simply accept the words of these machines at face value?"

Cain's brows furrowed. He had to think of something; otherwise, things would go from bad to even worse. Fujiwara's strategy had failed, so where did it leave him, the Japanese man's "partner?" He had none of the credentials needed for the field the other man was in, and so far, all he had done was make sure that the blue robot had someone to talk to. What could he even present to these people?

Suddenly, something came to him. At first, Cain dismissed the idea as completely ludicrous but found himself running out of options. But he was growing desperate. True, he and Fujiwara were facing prison time, but X and Roll's lives were potentially at risk! "Well, councilman," Cain began, "If I may, can I request something? Each defendant is allowed a chance to speak in their favor, should they wish to; that is a right I have according to the city-state of Arcadia, yes?"

The council members looked at each other, silently debating just what the accused was up to. "Yes, you do." the Grand Councilman told Cain. "What is your request?"

Cain knew that he had one shot at this, and he knew that this could either save everyone involved or condemn them. Both man and machine.

Later

When he had been released from the armored vehicle, X was assaulted with the flashes of photographers snapshotting him and cameramen recording every step he took. The blue robot kept his uniformed guards led him into the building, the halls empty and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos going on outside. X scanned the area, his green eyes taking in the clean, polished floors of light blue and walls of sea green. Everything felt very clean and sterile, already a welcome change from the cell he had spent that last few days in.

But the change in scenery was perhaps the only positive aspect of this entire situation.

"Move it." one of the guards ordered, he and his partner escorting X around the halls, the blue robot's mind swarming with potential outcomes and possibilities, almost none of them good. Then, eventually, X saw that he was being led to a large, towering door. The door was closed, yet this didn't provide any comfort, seeing as what lay beyond it.

Since he had been taken into custody, he and Roll had been separated from each other, lest they, as one guard said, "plan an escape together." So when he heard someone approaching him from behind, the blue robot turned to see a blonde female-based android running past his guards, and she ran past hers. The two ran to each other, Roll throwing her arms around her sibling.

"I thought I'd never see you again!" she cried out, burying her face in the slightly taller robot's chest. "Did they do anything to you?"

"No, I'm fine. Really." X assured her. "What about you?"

Roll ran her fingers through her hair. "Well, I'd never thought I'd actually like being confined to the lab or 's home." her teal eyes then gazed on the large door. "Where does this lead to?" she asked one of the guards.

"You'll find out soon enough." one answered.

Then, the door opened, the panels parting slightly, bright light seeping out from the small space. "Yes, they're here." a man dressed in a white, one-piece suit observed. "We'll take the housekeeping one first."

Two of the guards then began to lead Roll away from X, guiding (though it was more like forcing) her through the door to the white-suited human. She looked back at X for a few brief moments before the door panels shut again, leaving X alone with his two "chaperons."

Maybe it wasn't the best time, but the blue robot shifted anxiously, the question gnawing at him ever since he was first captured. "What does the council want from me?" he asked.

"Hm?" the two men looked at each other, then back to X. "What are you talking about?" one of them inquired, confused.

"I mean, what do they want to hear from me? Like, what should I even say?" X clarified. "True, I was built with," he rose the arm with his buster concealed inside. "This, but…" he stopped, trying to figure out just what he wanted to get across, but found himself struggling. But he knew that he had to get this right. His entire future depended on the result of this trial, not just for himself, but for everyone.

X and the guards stood in front of the door, minutes going by, then half an hour, which became a couple of hours. Then finally, the silence was growing unbearable for him; he had say something. "What kind of questions do you think they'll ask?"

Again, both guards were confused. Their superiors were proper; this machine was behaving strangely. "I don't really know what to say other than, to be honest." one of them told the blue robot. He couldn't exactly believe it: here he was, giving a robot advice. "Though if you want my take on it, I'd suggest that you not hide anything. The fact that you're even here at all means that-"

Suddenly, the door panels opened again, revealing another, different human dressed in a white suit. "They are ready for him."

X's green eyes widened, the light pouring out of the small space filled him with dread, yet he knew that through the door was his only chance at life. At least, a free life.

"Good luck." the same guard said; X looked back and nodded, giving silent thanks with a small smile.

Grand Chamber

X stood upon a slim walkway that led to the center of the massive room, slowly making his way towards the five, robed figures waiting for him. He knew that it'd probably be better if he didn't, yet the blue robot couldn't help but see the reactions of the dozens of humans as he walked by. Hundreds of eyes centered on him as he tried to make his way to the stand, watching and studying him as if he were some strange, exotic species of animal. And perhaps, in some funny way, he was. Some humans appeared shocked upon seeing him, some were more curious and tried to get a closer look, yet many kept their distance. The entire chamber was silent as X made his way to the center, seeing both Dr. Cain and Roll present, standing to the side of where X was meant to stand.

With a few more tentative steps, he finally reached the podium and looked up at the five humans that held his fate in their hands.

The robot gazed at the older figures. X felt relatively small despite surpassing them in strength and power as they looked down at him from above. "Who are you?" the Grand Councilman asked. "State your name."

Despite not having the ability to consume organic materials, X swallowed, mentally preparing to answer the question. "X," he said. "DLN-00X, title: Mega Man X. Or do you just need my, well, name." he asked, leaving the five council members to lock eyes with his. Half of them, along with the enraptured crowd appeared intrigued at his response while the other half grew even more suspicious and uneasy.

"I suppose you are curious why you are here then, X, is it?" the Grand Councilman inquired, X, who nodded in response. "We have gathered the statements of both Dr. Fujiwara and Dr. Cain," he explained. "While the research you participated in was quite impressive, it does not make the man's actions any less illegal."

X lowered his head. "Y-Yes. I understand."

"Yet Cain has also presented his argument, as well as made the request to have you and your…"sibling" brought here." the elderly human in green robes told the blue robot. "From what we have heard and seen, both from Dr. Fujiwara and Cain, we have made the decision to allow you two to speak for yourselves." he then glanced at Roll. "And since we have heard about the joys of housekeeping and making school lunches," then he looked back at X. "We are ready to hear from you."

The blue robot nodded. "Yes, your Honor."

The Grand Councilman raised a brow. "Dr. Light programmed his robots with manners, I see." he then folded his hands. "Very well, let us begin, shall we?"

The council members had several inquiries for X to answer, ranging from listing the components that he was constructed of to simple things such as his interests and preferences in such things as reading material and television. X found the contrast between the various and numerous things he was asked to provide, yet he couldn't help but feel that this wasn't what they really wanted to hear. This was just small talk.

Roll watched her brother's exchange with the council and knew what they were doing, for they had done the same with her. True, they had requested she state her name and serial number, as well as what she had been put to use for since she was activated. With that, she instantly knew that they had little interest in talking to her about her views on the situation. No, they were more concerned about the one with the weapon.

A weapon that was about to be brought up.

"Speaking of what you are made of," the woman in blue robes said. "You were given a firearm, yes?"

X bit his lip. "Yes," he confessed. "Dr. Light has given me a buster."

"Very much like the one used by the original Mega Man." the man in orange robes noted. "And, for what reason do you believe Dr. Light immediately give you one?"

X lowered his head. "Honestly, I don't know," he answered, looking at his buster arm. "But, if I can say, I honestly don't have much interest in using it."

"Is that so?" the shorter man in red questioned. "From the tests Fujiwara had presented to us, you seem to make use of it well," he said. "Your physical capabilities, your design and quick development of your systems leaves me to wonder why. Or rather, you have been granted these qualities, and yet you have no incentive to make use of it." he clarified. "I find it rather interesting that neither you nor your companion made one attempt at escaping the lab."

"The risks were too great." X answered. "I mean, that's why I'm here right now. I'm not, at least by your laws, supposed to exist." even if it was far from made him feel good to say that, that was the ultimate truth to these people. They were all watching X like some sort of anomaly, an unnatural being everyone was on their guard around. "And given that I was informed that I would be shipped and confined in some museum, or even…dismantled if I was ever seen by anyone else," he shuddered at the last possibility. "There was no other option but for me to stay in the lab."

The blue-robed woman hummed. "Hmm, I see," she looked curiously at X. "And how did this make you feel? Given the data we were presented, you were reported that you were quite restless to see the outside."

The robot nodded. "Yes, your Honor," he admitted. "But I wouldn't have tried to escape," he said. "I…I just didn't want to be…" he gripped the sides of the stand he was at, hunching over and hiding his face from view. "I just want to live."

Silence fell over the entire chamber, the five elderly figureheads looking at each other as if to confirm that they had heard what they had just heard. Then, the Grand Councilman stood up. "Is this was you truly want?" he asked. "All that you have done was so you could walk and experience the world?"

X was quiet for a moment before answering. "Yes, your Honor."

"And you have no intention of breaking any of the Three Laws for your…kind, correct?" His kind? What did that mean? Nevertheless, X nodded. "And you believe that we should take your word for it?"

"I have no reason to lie to you," X responded. "Why would I want to do anything BUT lie? My life," he paused. "No, everyone's lives, everyone involved, are in your hands."

Again, the council members glanced back at one another, silently debating on just what to do. The Grand Councilman studied X, looking into his wide, green eyes. True, there was much at stake on both ends, as this robot, this machine, this weapon that could end them all with a well-timed shot from his buster, was at their mercy. And he had been the one submissive to their rule.

This was quite the problem. True, this very robot was involved in perhaps the biggest case in the last few decades, but considering all that he and his fellow council members had seen, there was much to consider, both good and ill. Yet what was standing before him made the old man torn on what to do.

Then, an idea came to him.

"So, is that all you want?" the green-robed man asked X. "You merely wish to live?"

X nodded as if he were a child trying to appeal to an authoritative adult's hidden sense of kindness. "Yes, your Honor. If I can have that," then he looked at Roll. "And if Roll can have that too, that's all I ask," he said.

The elderly human rubbed his chin, then he and the other council members began whispering to each other. X didn't alert any of them, but his advanced hearing allowed him to pick up some words. Terms such as "unpredictable" and "dangerous" were heard, but also of how "great a discovery" he was. Then he heard someone say "It'd be such a waste."

Waste of what? X thought.

Then, after another short while, the elderly humans presiding over the trial had reached a unanimous decision. "Well then," the Grand Councilman began. "If that is what you wish, then I shall grant you an opportunity to claim it."

X's green eyes widened. "You mean…no one's going to be destroyed?"

At first, the man didn't answer, but what he told X didn't exactly reassure him. "No," he said. "But I said I shall give you an opportunity," he explained. "If you are successful, then no harm will come to you or your companion."

"It's sister, your Honor," X said. "Oh, if I may request that she be addressed as such."

The Grand Councilman raised a brow. "Very well, sister," he answered. "Perhaps her being here is a benefit for you, seeing as you shall surely need some extra assistance."

X was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Well," the human said. "I have an assignment for you."

Note: The last chapter of the setup will come up next, and then we can get into the cooler stuff. After the next chapter, more action-packed stuff can begin!

Thank you all for reading! Alert me if you see any errors I missed!