Note: Hello! So, I'll admit I'm in a zone right now, so I want to get out as much as possible. However, a manga-exclusive character makes an appearance here, and while she won't have a significant role, I thought she deserved to be included.

There are also references to characters from Mega Man Legends, though the title gives it away.

Also, sorry for the misconception that Sigma killed that one Hunter in Ch.22. No, he's alive. Sigma hasn't killed any of his own. Yet.

I hope you enjoy it!

Battle Against the Shitapper Pirates

June 20th

Abel City

8:30 AM

"Training sequence concluded." The calm, female voice of the training room said, the image around Zero disappearing. He had tested his skills against a simulation that put him in a similar spot that X was in not long before. A mechaniloid had seized a Reploid, and he was to rescue him. But, unfortunately, his shot blasted the hostage, this action dismantling the mirage sphere's illusion.

A performance rating manifested before him, alerting the long-haired Hunter of his score.

"Aw, damn it," he sighed. "I missed five percent."

"Just five?" A voice asked from behind. "That's far from a bad performance, Zero." Zero turned to see Storm Eagle had come into the training room. "Although, I'm curious about what you're doing here."

"Blame Fujiwara," Zero answered. "Even after all these years, he still wants progress reports from me." And also, if he didn't want to live in the lab anymore, he and Fujiwara agreed that he'd send score readings from his training sequences. And contrary to what Eagle might've thought, a missing five percent would be noticed. "Anyway, what are you doing here, Eagle?"

"I came to tell you that another member of my Unit and I have been assigned to a mission regarding a cargo ship, but Commander Sigma suggested that I take one more Hunter to better our chances, and I thought that you'd be perfect for the job," Eagle told Zero. "Five percent missing or not."

Zero smiled upon hearing that. "All right then. So, what's on the agenda?"

Abel City Air Base

Zero and Eagle had arrived, their objective sitting right in front of them on the airstrip. "A cargo ship is being flown to a specific location over the Philippines Sea," Eagle explained as he and Zero approached the ship. "We are to ensure it reaches its destination and protect it against any potential attacks."

"What's on there that's so important?" Zero questioned.

"It's transporting weapons meant for Abel City's defense program. Eagle explained that they're being stored below the island in an emergency," Eagle explained. "With all the Maverick mechaniloids, and Mavericks in general, the Arcadian Council has decided to beef up security measures."

"Well, those four clowns behind all the hacking have been taken into custody, so things should be calming down, wouldn't you think?" Zero asked Eagle.

"Perhaps, but we can't afford to take any chances." Eagle said.

"Wow, and the other guys complain all the time about X being a worrywart," a playful female voice said, the owner of the voice seen on the airship's deck. "But it seems our own unit leader is just a teeny bit chicken too."

A Reploid with medium-length black hair and teal eyes gave both Hunters a friendly smile. She leaped off the ship's deck and landed right in front of Zero and Eagle, allowing the two to look at her closer. She was fitted with teal shoulders, forearms, a breastplate, boots, and a metal miniskirt. A headband of teal with magenta gemstones rested on her head, and she bore magenta shoulder guards, a belt with similar guards on her hips, hands, and a magenta collar around her neck. Her knee guards and toes of her boots, along with her fingers and audio receptors were white, and almost all other areas of her were dark blue, save for her chest and legs, which were colored like human skin.

"Zero, this is the member of my Unit that shall be joining us," Storm Eagle told the red Hunter. "Go on, introduce yourself." He said the female Reploid.

"Aren't you going to say hello to me? After all, I was the one that recommended you take this Zero guy over X." The female Reploid said, putting her hands on her hips.

Storm Eagle rolled his eyes. "It's nice to see you too, Teal."

"Aw, I knew you wouldn't forget me!" Teal said. She then looked at Zero. "But yes, I'm Teal of the Seventh Airborne Unit," she then held her hand to Zero. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Yeah, you too." Zero responded, taking Teal's hand and shaking it.

Teal then giggled, though her gaze shifted between Zero and Eagle as if she were watching their reactions. "Hm, Eagle was right about you," she said, looking the blonde Reploid over. "Though he never mentioned how cute you were."

Zero's blue eyes widened, unsure of how to respond, though he swore he saw Eagle look at him as if he too was sizing him up. However, it was more as if the Reploid bird had been challenged.

"So," Zero began, clearing his throat. "I suppose we should get started?"

Later

10:30 AM

The cargo ship flew over the Philippines Ocean that Abel City resided in, the trio of Hunters having left the city and artificial island. The vessel flew high in the clouds, which were thin and sparse today, allowing the three Hunters to see the blue of the sky. Eagle lamented that he couldn't go out and stretch his wings in good weather like this, yet he was currently on a mission. While Teal and Zero were at the rear, he was currently at the wheel, looking for incoming threats. And unprofessional as it was, the bird couldn't help but be concerned about whether or not Teal actually fancied Zero.

No, don't be ridiculous. Eagle thought. She flirts with everyone; it doesn't mean anything to her. The bird sighed. Besides, it's impossible anyway. I'm her superior. She is under me. It's an abuse of power. Not that he would ever think of doing such a thing. Still...I can't help but wonder.

At the rear and outside of the ship, Zero and Teal looked out at the endless blue horizon; Teal's dark hair and Zero's long ponytail danced in the wind.

"So, you hear about what happened to Vile?" Teal asked the red Hunter, reclining against the ship, arms behind her head. "Oh yeah, that's right. You were there, weren't you?"

Zero nodded. Just what was Fujiwara thinking, giving a weapon like that to Vile of all Reploids?

"I bet you kicked all kinds of ass," the dark-haired Huntress said. "That hair of yours flowing behind you as you move," she then gave the red Hunter a flirtatious wink. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in action sometime."

Zero wasn't sure how to respond. Ever since she laid eyes on him, Teal had gone out of her way to make cute gestures or give him alluring glances, all to get his attention. At least, that's what Zero thought at first. But when he thought about it more, she always did this when Eagle was present. And she always looked out for Eagle's reaction, as if she wanted one. Upon realizing this, Zero began to doubt that he was the object of her affections.

"Anyway," Teal changed the subject. "Isn't it a little odd to you that they're beefing up security so much?"

This caught Zero's attention. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, think about it," Teal continued. "The guys behind the berserk mechaniloids had been caught, but there have still been incidents."

That's true, Zero noted. Even after the Skull Quartet was apprehended, three more mechaniloids went Maverick. Of course, it's still less than what it once was, but why would incidents continue? Zero silently responded to Teal with a nod.

"And who would be behind the hackings in the first place?" Teal pondered aloud. "The Skull Quartet admitted they were working for someone else. The question is, why?" She then turned to Zero. "Oh, before I go on, can you keep everything I just said a secret?" She asked.

"Uh, yeah. Sure." The blonde Hunter said.

"So, what do you think of all this?" The magenta and greenish-blue Huntress questioned. Zero was quiet for a moment. True, he had some things to say, but whether or not it would be received well was unknown. "I told you my private thoughts, so it's only fair you tell me yours," she said. "Or are you trying to play the cool, mysterious type?"

Zero was about to answer, but he and Teal suddenly received a call from Eagle. "Look sharp!" He said over the com-link. "We've got company!"

In the distance, Zero and Teal could spot a small ship approaching, its front decorated with a cartoonish-looking skull with large red eyes. Then, three figures jumped out from the ship and began flying towards them. They were small, yellow, bird-like Reploids with large screws in their heads and orange, blocky feet. Their wings were a cross between that and hands, three "fingers" at the ends. The three birds then began firing at Teal and Zero; the two Hunters were forced to find shelter to avoid the incoming energy bullets.

"Pull around once we secure the cargo, J and Two P! Got it?!" One of the bird Reploids said over a com-link, the two twin birds still in the ship they were piloting. His midsection was purple with topaz stones on his waist, an eyepatch covering his left eye. He spoke in a high-pitched, comical voice that betrayed his cutthroat nature.

"Aye, aye, Captain!" Two voices replied in unison.

"All right!" The eyepatch-wearing bird looked down at the ship he and two of his mates were flying towards. "First, we take care of these guys first! Then we make off with the loot! Got it?"

"Aye aye, Captain!" The other two birds responded. One had his midsection colored green with ruby stones and a green cap on his head with the screw poking its way through. The other had a midsection of red with emerald stones and a red mask on his face.

Back on the cargo ship, Zero contacted Storm Eagle, taking cover from the fire. "Hey, Eagle!" He said through the shared link. "The enemy forces caught up to us! They're firing in our direction!"

"I know," Storm Eagle said over the com-link, still at the ship's control deck. Then, he opened the small room's exit, navigating through the small ship until he came outside. He then stretched out his magnificent violet and blue wings. "Zero, keep the ship on course," the robotic bird of prey ordered. Then he turned to Teal. "Teal, you take to the air with me." This seemed to please Eagle's subordinate, a round magenta disk on her back splitting in two and folding up to where the two pieces produced a set of magenta wings like an aircraft. Once the thrusts on the wings began to heat up, Teal and Eagle took off to the sky while Zero was forced to stay behind on the ship.

The three birds looked to see they had company. "Dug! Jake! Take care of these two!" The eyepatch-wearing bird ordered. "I'm going for the ship!"

"Aye aye, Captain!" The other two birds answered, diving for Eagle and Teal while their Captain went for the cargo ship.

Eagle and Teal opened fire on them, Eagle with his Storm Tornado and Teal with her shoulder blasters, the magenta sections on her shoulders having transformed into weapons. Dug, the one with the cap, dove towards Eagle while Jake, the one with the mask, went to deal with Teal.

"Who are you?" Eagle questioned his opponent. "State your business!"

"Isn't it obvious?" Dug replied. "We're here for your goods!"

"Yeah!" Jake added. "And we're not leaving without them!"

"It's going to be a bit difficult with your little arms and all." Teal said, smirking when she saw the masked bird get hot and flustered.

"Identify yourselves!" Storm Eagle commanded the two birds.

"Ok, but I warn you," Dug said. "That'll be the first,"

"And last time, you'll hear our names!" Jake finished, the tips of his wings shooting at Teal.

The airborne Huntress dodged the shots while Eagle focused on trying to bring Dug down with a Storm Tornado. Meanwhile, Zero was standing at the control panel on the cargo ship, ensuring the ship kept moving on to its destination. But he soon sensed he wasn't alone. And as if on cue, the door to the small room was broken down, a yellow bird-like Reploid entering, ready to fire.

"Hands up, and nobody gets..." the eyepatch-wearing bird paused. "Eh, the hell with it. I'll just kill you anyway." He shot a few blasts, yet Zero ducked underneath them to his surprise and grabbed the smaller bird, pinning him to the wall.

"All right, who are you brats?" Zero snarled, demanding answers.

"Brats?! We were constructed fully grown, thank you very much! ACK!" Even if he did not need air, Zero's arm was still putting pressure on his throat. "We're the Shitapper Pirates! Terrors of the Skies and Plunderers of Wealth!"

"Then how come I've never heard of you?" Zero asked sarcastically, the bird growing angry. "Given how those other two referred to you, I'm assuming you're the head of this operation?"

"Yeah! Captain Bred!" The eyepatch-wearing bird said. He then flapped his wings, creating a powerful gust that took Zero by surprise and forced him to release the smaller pirate.

Then, Bred zoomed in the red Hunter's direction.

Dr. Cain's Abode

11:00 AM

It had been some time since Sigma had been to Arcadia, much less go to Dr. Cain's home. Even if it was 21XX, the old human had an affinity for the distant past. The wooden furniture was a stark contrast to more modern versions, not to mention somewhat confusing for Sigma, as he couldn't understand why Cain would have such a variety of antiques and texts that spoke of ancient cultures and civilizations.

"There's been a lot of action lately, hasn't there?" The elderly human asked Sigma, the two in Cain's study.

"Yes, Dr. Cain," Sigma answered. "It pains me to admit this, but Maverick crime has been steadily increasing," he said. "And even with the most recent arrests, mechaniloids are still going berserk."

"That's unfortunate," Dr. Cain said, looking at his framed samples of fossilized plant life. "But I trust you and the Hunters shall keep it under control," He turned to face Sigma. "But tell me, how is X doing?"

The taller Maverick Hunter was surprised to hear this, but he answered. "As far as his abilities and performance on the battlefield, he's shown great promise. But,"

"But he has a problem pulling the trigger, right?" Dr. Cain finished for Sigma. The Hunter Leader nodded to confirm Cain's suspicions. "He worries too much," the old human said. "It's a trait he's never been able to move past. But, of course, perhaps that is one of his greatest features."

Sigma was confused. "A flaw such as that is a feature?"

"Flaws make up a good portion of a personality, whether human or Reploid. Even Dr. Light understood this when there were only robots," Sigma was silent as Dr. Cain continued. "But a Reploid's programming is much more fluid and apt to evolve and change. But, of course, if that's the case, then is going Maverick just another feature?"

"But Doctor," Sigma said. "For what reason would any Reploid go Maverick of their own accord?"

Don't go giving yourself away now.

Quiet. I'm having a conversation.

"The same reason any human being decides to break the laws of society. But then again, perhaps this will lead to a new age. Not just for Reploids, but humans as well."

Sigma was quiet for a moment, contemplating what he wished to say, what he wanted to express.

Go on then. Say it.

The taller Reploid finally spoke. "So, it is something like Darwin's Theory of Evolution. And perhaps even The Golden Bough."

Above the Philippines Sea

The bird was about to fire, but Zero dashed forward at a speed that surprised the small Captain. He jumped up, landing on the control panel. Then he grabbed the steer with his talons. Bred looked over at Zero mischievously and began turning the steer and, in turn, turning the whole ship. Eagle and Teal noticed that the vessel was making sharp turns and erratic movements outside of the aircraft.

"Zero's in trouble," Storm Eagle hissed, blasting out another tornado in Dug's direction, the latter still bombarding him with energy bullets from his "fingers." "Teal! Get to the ship!" He then looked at Dug and Jake, the two groups staring each other down in the air.

"But sir, you're outnumbered!" Teal protested.

"The ship must arrive at its destination! Go! That's an order!" Eagle commanded her, yet despite his stoicism, she could see the concern in his eyes.

"Yes, sir!" Teal responded, flying over to the ship. But first, "Hey, half-pint! Over here!" Jake immediately grew furious. How dare she mention his size! "Over here!" She then flew off, Jake following after.

Eagle began to tell Teal to stop, but this momentary distraction allowed for Dug to get the jump on the giant bird, diving down and delivering a hard kick in the center of Eagle's back. He fell a short distance but quickly recovered. This was his battle, and he could only hope that Zero would keep Teal from getting herself killed.

Inside the Ship

"You idiot! Stop!" Zero shouted. "Do you even know what's in here?!" If this stupid bird didn't stop, the weapons aboard might go off!

"Sure I do!" Bred answered, still playing with the steer. "Give them up, or we'll all go down in flames!"

"You realize that you would be fried too, right?" Zero questioned.

Bred stopped moving, looking at the red Hunter with the utmost seriousness. "Our sacrifice will be worth it. One way or another, everyone is going to remember us. We're all going to go down in history!"

Suddenly, the side door was kicked in, knocking Bred off the steer and flying through the opposite door. The Captain very nearly fell off the ship, managing to catch the edge at the last second. He could fly, but he had to make this look convincing. He and his crew had to convince these Hunters that they were a genuine threat, that they weren't here for any alternative reasons.

Teal looked up at Zero, a greeting smile on her face. "Hi there, miss me?"

"Well, I do!" Jake shouted, coming up from behind Teal. "We're not finished yet, lady!"

"And we're not finished either, blondie!" Bred yelled, flying up to the top of the ship.

Zero followed, but he turned to Teal before he went after Bred. "Keep the ship on course and steady!"

"Whatever you say, Captain!" Teal responded though she said no more as Jake leaped at her, still angry about the half-pint comment.

Bred and Zero made it to the roof of the cargo ship, Zero making sure to keep his balance. The first thing this little brat would do was try to get him to fall off. "So, what do you mean by going down in history?" Zero questioned Bred. "Don't tell me you've got a so-called benefactor too."

"Maybe we do, maybe we don't!" Bred answered. "But whichever way things go, we'll be remembered!"

"Really? Because I've already forgotten your name." Zero smirked at seeing the smaller bird grow furious. But, of course, it wouldn't have surprised him if steam started coming out from Bred's "ears."

"Ooooh, that's it!" Bred shouted, steam actually coming out. "I'm going to send you flying!" He then opened fire on the red Hunter, knowing only one of them could fly.

Dr. Cain's Abode

11:45 AM

Dr. Cain didn't expect to hear that. While he would expect a comparison to Darwin regarding the ever-developing "mind" of a Reploid, he didn't expect a reference to something he thought was completely unrelated. "The Golden Bough?" Cain asked.

Sigma nodded. "Darwin theorized that evolution happens due to natural selection. According to him, evolution is descent with modifications. Those who can not only survive the other creatures around them but adapt and master the world they live in. Then they will be the ones that decide what the future generations will be, and the survivors of that generation shall give birth to a new."

"Well, yes, that is true," Cain responded. "And I also suppose you can compare humans and Reploids because both species have one ancestor. Though, unlike Reploids, the ancestor of man is a different person depending on who you ask."

"Indeed," Sigma agreed. "But the path to how humanity and robotic life forms got to where they are now had striking similarities. In that those with the more desirable, better traits are the ones that rose to lead the way for those that would come after."

"True," Dr. Cain agreed with that. "But I'm curious how that relates to the Golden Bough."

Now is your chance. Tell him what you really think.

"The Golden Bough, in actuality, is nothing more than a branch with golden leaves. Yet it is associated with more than Virgil's poem," Sigma said. "It was also metaphorically used in supposed ancient rituals. The worshippers of Diana, the Roman goddess with whom the Bough is tied. According to some accounts, an enslaved person would cut a branch off a sacred tree, and the priest to guard the tree was killed as a sacrifice. But the enslaved person would then take the priest's place, and when the time came, he too would receive the same fate."

Dr. Cain remembered reading a summarized version of Virgil's poem once, but he sensed that Sigma had more to say. He wasn't sure where the Reploid was going with this, but he nonetheless listened.

"Then, there is The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion by Sir James George Frazer. And in his compiled research, he has found many similarities between various religions, both modern and ancient paganism. Especially in one certain theme."

"Which would be?" Cain asked, trying to get what Sigma was getting at.

Sigma then noticed a laminated monarch butterfly on Dr. Cain's desk. He picked it up, blue optics looking over its wings' bright orange with black and white patterns. "The tale of rebirth."

Above the Philippines Sea

12:23 PM

Damn! This little brat was fast! Even if he wasn't too strong, that only mattered when Zero could get the upper hand. But until that happened, he would have to contend even longer with Bred trying to dislodge him from the roof.

"How do you like that, girly man?!" Bred cackled as he zoomed past Zero, dive-bombing and forcing him to keep himself low. Zero blasted plasma in the bird's direction, but the little bastard just flew out of the way! "Admit it! You're not so big and bad when you're out of your element, are ya?"

Zero snarled, yet he then thought of something. But first, he needed some more information on his two comrades. "Eagle! Teal! What's going on with you?"

Inside the Ship

"Oh, nothing much-OW!" Teal yelped, her hair in the wings of the masked pirate. "I'm just about to give this munchkin a well-deserved spanking!"

She reached behind and seized the masked bird by the face, throwing him against the wall. The impact jolted Jake and stunned him, allowing Teal to regain control of the ship. She then saw the small map on the monitor, seeing that their marked destination was right ahead.

"Sir!" She said through the com-link. "We're reaching the drop point!"

Outside the ship, Storm Eagle heard and registered Teal's words, all the while trying to contend with Dug. "How much further?" He asked her.

"Around fifteen miles! Or, given we're outside of the States, around twenty-four kilometers." Teal said, joking about Eagle's American origin. "I'll try to keep the ship steady, but this brat's making it difficult."

It was then that Eagle saw something in the distance approaching. It was the pirates' ship. "Teal, keep the ship on course!" Eagle ordered. "Zero, try to keep yourself on the ship!" He then spotted Dug diving for him again. "I'm putting an end to this."

Zero was blasting away on the roof at Bred, the pint-sized menace still managing to dodge his attacks. But in that time, the red Hunter thought of something. But he had to wait until Bred was within range. "Tired already?" The Captain scoffed. "But we've only gotten started!"

He then headed straight for Zero again, ready to fire once he got close enough. Unfortunately for him, that was what Zero was waiting for. Zero thrust his buster into Bred's chest at the last second and fired. The bird was sent back and fell off the ship, falling down and out of sight. As he fell, Bred saw that Eagle had spotted their ship and, with Dug in tow, was heading right for it.

J and Two P were still at the small aircraft's controls, but their vision was blinded by a large object flying in front of them, its massive, majestic wings casting a dark shadow over the twins. Then, Dug was thrown forward like a ball at the windshield, shattering the glass and allowing Storm Eagle to peek inside.

"Who are you?!" Two P questioned, but Eagle only responded by placing his buster on the control panel and letting a powerful cyclone tear through the circuitry and wiring.

To his horror, Bred heard a large explosion and saw that his ship had just been destroyed. Thankfully, J and Two P looked ok, the two having deployed their parachutes. Even if they could fly and wouldn't die upon hitting the water, terminal velocity affected everything with weight—even Reploids. But still, his ship was gone! He was going to tear that bird a new egg hole AND a new-

BEEP! BEEP!

"The hell?" Bred said aloud. "Who would be calling me now?!" Nevertheless, he answered. "Yeah, what is it?! I've got a situation here!"

"Fall back."

Bred immediately recognized the voice, but he didn't believe what he heard at first. "Wait, what?!"

"They're right above their destination. So there's no need to keep this charade up any longer."

"But, but they destroyed my ship!" Bred protested.

"Your rented ship," the voice clarified. "The ship you just painted a few days ago looks like some child's interpretation of what a pirate ship would look like."

The eyepatch-wearing bird scowled. "But they-" he protested again but was cut off.

"Fall back. This conversation is over." The link died, Bred left on his own, falling towards the sea.

"Damn it!"

Aboard the cargo ship, Jake was still fighting with Teal, who was still fighting to keep the ship steady. The monitor showed that their destination had been reached, but there was no way they could go anywhere with these pirates still on their tails!

But then, Teal and Jake heard a beeping from the masked bird. "Huh?" Jake said, confused. He hopped off of Teal, who looked back at him, confused. "Uh, hold on a moment," he answered the call. "Yeah? What is it?" Teal was silent, listening to the conversation being had. "HE SAID WHAT?!" The bird squawked in anger. "But we...he said...you said..." Jake found himself unable to come up with a good counterargument. "Fine. Aye, aye, Captain."

He then flew out of the ship through the broken-in door, leaving the control room. "Where's he off to in such a hurry?"

Zero m, still on the roof, saw Jake fly past, though not before stopping to speak to him. "You haven't seen the last of us! Just you wait!" With that, he flew off, leaving Zero very confused.

Then, he saw Eagle approaching, landing on the roof not too far from the blonde Hunter. "What's with him?" Zero asked the more giant bird.

"It seems they've taken the hint and backed off," Eagle answered. "Anyway, now that that's taken care of," he flew down to The ship's deck, Teal able to see him through the windshield. "This is where the ship should be docked, right?"

"According to this, yes," Teal answered, gesturing to the monitor. "Now what?"

Her question was answered when a large object began to rise out of the water. It appeared to be a long, metal cylinder stretched down into the depths below the surface. It grew until it consumed the ship, a metal covering slamming shut. The inside of the cylinder lit up with lights, seemingly guiding the way for the ship.

"Well?" Teal asked her Unit Commander.

"Let the ship descend." Storm Eagle ordered.

Teal did so, slowly steering the ship downward and through the tunnel. Along the way, the dark, mauve-colored metal was replaced with thick glass displaying a vast coral reef swarming with tropical fish. However, the array of colors and different species couldn't be enjoyed long, as the darkened metal replaced the glass once again.

"Just when does this thing end?" Teal asked aloud, continuing to pilot the ship.

Then, finally, at king last, they reached what appeared to be another entrance of sorts, or was it an exit to the tunnel? Either way, it was the only way. The ship continued to descend, the door opening for the vessel. Below was a place to land, letting Teal finally dock the ship. She put away her wings and stepped out with Zero and Eagle stepping down from higher up; all three Hunters looked around. This place was similar to the environment of the airstrip, but why would it be in the ocean?

"Ah, there you are," a door she'd of them slid open, revealing Launch Octopus, the cephalopod's arms folded over his chest and stomach. "And here the good Doctor was getting worried on whether or not you'd arrive," His voice clearly showed he was annoyed at having to wait so long for them. "Did you run into some trouble?"

Zero and Eagle looked at each other, Teal locking her gaze on Octopus. "A little, but the cargo's intact. Why?" She asked.

"Oh, no reason. Just curious. Or can you simply not pilot a ship? Shocking, considering you are in the Seventh Unit," Teal narrowed her eyes in anger. "Anyway, since you're here, I might as well let him know the cargo has been delivered." Launch Octopus turned to leave.

"Uh, hello? Wait a minute!" Teal shouted, Octopus turning back. "You want to explain just what this place even is?"

Octopus pondered her request, a tentacle rubbing underneath his chin. "Hm, it's still in development, but I suppose I can show you around," he said. "Come, I'll escort you." He beckoned the three with a wave of one of his flexible arms.

Storm Eagle, Teal, and Zero then went forward, following Launch Octopus.

Dr. Cain's Abode

"Rebirth?" Dr. Cain pondered this. "Yes, in a sense, it is something related to rebirth."

Sigma nodded. "When Frazer reported his findings in 1890, many called his text blasphemous due to bringing Christianity into his writings, comparing and finding similarities between his home country's most prominent religion and that of Paganism."

Get to the point already!

"But you can't deny that rebirth is a prevalent theme for all systems of belief. And in a sense, even a system that many associate with a lack of faith, evolution, also has a theme of rebirth. For the dinosaurs once ruled the planet, but then the Earth changed drastically," Cain was silent, listening to every word he said. "But after their demise, and after the ice covering the planet melted, a brand new Earth was born, and the creatures that could adapt and survive both the great extinction and what came after became the rulers of the planet. And after them came man."

Sigma was quiet as if waiting for Dr. Cain to respond. "What is it that you truly want to say, Sigma?" He finally asked.

You might as well say it. It's not as if he can do anything to stop it.

"I'm saying that there's one crucial element of rebirth for there to be an advancement or change, whether by growth or transforming entirely."

"And what's that?" Dr. Cain asked, sensing what the Reploid's answer would be.

Sigma put the butterfly down and looked at the elderly human. "For something new to be born, something old must die."

Philippines Sea

"This sucks!" Jake complained, punching the water with his wing. "Now we look like a bunch of idiots!"

"It was all your idea, Jake!" J barked back.

"Yeah! You were the one that insisted we take that guy's offer!" Two P added.

"Well, it's not like you guys said no! You were willing to go along with it!"

Dug watched the argument between his fellow dock workers (they weren't pirates at all), but then he noticed Bred. "What's up? We probably need to get going. The boss will surely fire us, so we must try and get out of this city. We'll never find work here, that's for sure."

Bred was just quiet, floating in the water. All the birds had their buoyancy features on, so they wouldn't sink. But all Bred wanted to do was fall into the ocean and disappear. True, when "he" came to them with the offer of "having some fun," they immediately took the offer, bored with their lives working at a dock. So, they were given a ship (that they painted) and were ordered to harass the Hunters delivering the weapons until they reached their destination.

Thus, the "Shitapper Pirates" were formed, though they wouldn't make their grand entrance until the time was right.

Some grand entrance, Bred thought. Now, what are we going to do?

He initially didn't want to take the offer, but the one that had set this up said that they would not only be rewarded but would also be remembered for their contribution to building a new world. A world where things would be made right, and they would never have to be lowly dock workers again. True, they had done their job, but now what? True, "he" said everything would be taken care of, but who knew when that would be. And it wasn't as if Independence Day was tomorrow. So what were they all to do now?

"Huh?" Dug spoke up. "Hey, do you hear that?"

Bred wasn't sure what Dug was talking about, but soon, he heard it. From each of the wannabe pirates, a small beeping sound was heard.

"What's that?" Jake asked.

Then the beeping began to increase in tempo; then, it started to dawn on everyone what was happening. "Oh no, he didn't!"

"Didn't what?" J asked.

Bred looked at his crew. "You know those upgrades that we got?" Everyone nodded. "I think I know what he meant by saying we'd go out with a bang!"

Underwater Base

1:45 PM

When the four Hunters finally found the Doctor, he appeared to be putting something in his coat pocket, a switch or trigger. What it was and what it was for wasn't questioned as it was seen so briefly. Nevertheless, the appearance of the four Hunters surprised the human.

"Doctor," Launch Octopus greeted Dr. Fujiwara. "Oh, did we interrupt something?"

"No, not at all," Fujiwara answered. "Your being here means that the delivery has been made," he then looked at Eagle. "The cargo is intact, yes?"

Storm Eagle nodded. "Though, if I may, Doctor," the bird of prey spoke up. "Just what is this place?"

"Ah, yes. I suspected you'd ask that," Fujiwara said. The human and four Reploids stood in a small chamber in the shape of a dome, with the glass windows and ceiling allowing those wishing to see a spectacular view of the coral reef and various sea life. "Given that Maverick incidents are increasing, Sigma and Dr. Cain agreed that security for the city needs to be improved. But not only that, we must be prepared to face any possible outside threat. After all, it's not as if Maverick forces from Arcadia couldn't just come over here."

Zero, Eagle, and Teal understood that, but something still didn't sit right with Zero. "But why all the secrecy?"

Launch Octopus took over. "It's complicated, but such measures must be taken. I only led you to Dr. Fujiwara himself because I trust you." He and Fujiwara looked at each other and nodded. "We have reason to believe that some of our own don't have the best interest of the humans at heart."

"What do you mean?" Eagle questioned.

Fujiwara adjusted his glasses before speaking. "There's no proof, but some of our Hunters might have turned Maverick."

Dr. Cain's Abode

The study was silent, Reploid and human locking eyes with each other. Then, Dr. Cain finally found his voice. "Yes, well, I suppose that's true," he said. "Though, there are several other factors that play into rebirth. It is not an instant process," he then walked over to the doorframe while keeping his eyes on Sigma. "And whatever the case, no one species or people can survive on their own."

Sigma was quiet for a moment. "Yes, I believe I've kept you long enough, Dr. Cain. I'm sorry I went on a tangent there. I've wasted much of your time."

"Oh no, that's quite all right. I've missed our discussions." Cain told the Reploid.

"Yea, well, I need to be getting back to Abel City. So, I bid you farewell," Sigma then walked to the doorway. "I'll see myself out."

Cain stepped out of the way, allowing Sigma to pass. It wasn't until he had left the house that Cain finally spoke his true thoughts. "What the hell was that?"

Even if it became a means to let Sigma leave, Cain had been moving towards the doorway because he felt he was in some danger while he couldn't explain it. All that Sigma discussed of evolution, old and continuing religions, and rebirth increased the human's pulse and sweat trail down his brow. During that time, the older man realized just how small he was compared to Sigma and how vulnerable he was. How easy it would be to overpower him. And then-

No! Cain shook his head. Don't be ridiculous! The man lectured himself. Sigma would never! You helped construct him yourself! In a manner of speaking. Cain then calmed down a bit.

Still, he couldn't shake it. He couldn't shake that deep, instinctual sense of potential danger, fear overwhelming his mind and setting him to run regardless of whether or not he'd make it. Perhaps he was just making something out of nothing, but that deeply buried, animalistic part of Cain's brain wouldn't let him forget this anytime soon. He believed that it would potentially haunt his dreams.

Philippines Sea

12:13 PM

The cargo ship was deemed to need repairs, so Zero, Eagle, and Teal were to be taken back to Abel City via a Cruiziler, a whale-shaped mechaniloid built to survey the ocean. Of course, given what they had just gone through, Teal asked why they couldn't just take one of these to the underwater base.

"Because the enemy would attack underwater for sure! And in the air, you can fly with much more open space." So Dr. Fujiwara told her, but she still didn't think any of this was right.

Neither did Eagle or Zero.

"Commander?" She then said, getting Storm Eagle's attention. "Do you think it's true? That some of us might be...?"

Eagle closed his eyes and sighed. "It would explain much. But until some definite proof is found, then little can be done about it."

Zero was quiet, but he also thought of what he had been told. True, ever since the Skull Quartet had been arrested, the rogue mechaniloid incidents had stopped, only to become a problem again a week later. So it made perfect sense that maybe there was a traitor among them. But Zero wasn't thinking about who. Not a single somebody, for this, was all too much for just one person or Reploid to do.

The three traveled on the ocean's surface, unaware they had just passed over an underwater grave. A grave consisting of the torn and charred pieces of bird Reploids that had no chance to stop what was coming.

Abel City Detention Center

1:30 AM

The violet Reploid sat in his cell, cuffs still on his wrists and ankles, looking down at the floor. Despite being confined, given the reason he was here, he was considered a "borderline Maverick" and kept under strict watch.

"Hey! Psst! Hey, you!" Vile heard a voice from the cell opposite him on the block. He looked to see Skip waving at him. "You're one of those Hunters, right?" He asked. "Why are you here?"

Vile didn't answer. "Don't bother, Skip," Dick said, his cell just behind Vile's. "He hasn't said a word since we got here."

What is there to say? Vile thought.

"Is it true?" Sonie asked Eddy, two opposite of each other. "Did he shoot a human?"

"Yeah, I saw it myself," Eddy answered. "If it wasn't for that dog, he might've blown her head off."

It wouldn't kill her, Vile thought, clenching his fists. She could live with an injured shoulder. And the most I would've hit was the top of her head. From beneath his helmet, his eyes glowed red. I could've gotten that shot. Hell, I could've STILL gotten that shot if not for X!

X. The very thought of the blue Hunter filled him with rage. He had done nothing wrong. He was only acting as a Hunter should. After all, wasn't the destruction of Mavericks their purpose? Screw detainment! Destroy them all, so you don't have to deal with them later!

Besides, he thought. It was a dog, X. A stupid, damn dog!

Suddenly, he became aware that he wasn't alone. And that the block had been eerily quiet, even at this hour. A shadow fell over him, cast by the one outside his cell door.

"Oh, it's you," Vile said dismissively. "Come to discipline me in person, have you?"

Note: I don't want this to come off as bad form, but if there's anything I can do to help contribute to the Tropes page, let me know. If an author helping on their own page is acceptable.

Bred, Dug, Jake, J, and Two P are names of enemies from Final Fight.

Thanks for reading!