Note: Two chapter updates for two different stories!

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Disparages

He moved, and X was reminded of the former Hunter's impressive speed and agility, the distance between them being covered in little time and effort. With a mighty leap forward, Vile landed opposite of X, glancing the other Reploid over with considerable disdain.

At least, the mostly blue Hunter assumed so, Vile's features still concealed beneath that ever-encompassing helmet and facial plates.

"I knew it," he scoffed, concealed optics eyeing Armadillo's recently fallen corpse. "He spent all this time complaining about your lack of progress, but not even he could do what needed to be done when it came down to it," the violet-colored Reploid then turned his attention to X. "And judging from you being here, I take it that you already found the capsule," X didn't respond, yet his silence was enough of an answer. "Damn," Vile hissed. "I should've known that he would keep it in a place like this…"

The mostly blue Hunter was left near speechless. Near, for he at least had enough to utter, "...that's it?"

Vile tilted his head. "Huh?"

"That's all you have to say?" X said, green eyes glancing at the fallen Armadillo and Met. "You just murdered one of your own allies and support system, and all you can think to do is ask as to where he kept some sort of secret treasure?"

"Oh, drop that garbage," the violet ex-hunter scoffed. "We both know exactly what it is, so don't bother pretending that it's something else," he said. "Which brings me to my question: where is it?"

The other Reploid tightened his lips. "...it's out of your reach at the moment," he responded. "Although, I barely have any idea what it is either."

"But it's from 'him,' isn't it?" Vile questioned. "The guy who made you? Dr. Light?" X didn't answer, yet his silence was enough. "Then that's all that matters," he then stepped forward. "Give it to me."

The mostly blue Hunter could scarcely believe what he was hearing. "W-What?"

"Did Armadillo smash into your head one too many times? I said, what he hid in here, what you found," he then pointed in the other machine's direction. "It's mine now."

X still didn't entirely understand just what Vile was getting at. True, he knew what "give it to me" meant in regard to the upgrade he had received from Dr. Light's capsule, yet just how did Vile expect him to deliver such a request? Not that he would willingly, yet X concluded that his former ally wouldn't consider his answer anyway.

Still, he had an answer to give regardless. "No."

"No?"

"I don't trust something like that in your hands," X said. "Besides, even if I wanted to pass what I received to you, I wouldn't know how to in the first place.

Vile chuckled. "Unfortunately for you," he began, aiming his shoulder cannon in X's direction. "I don't give a flying damn about your or anyone else's approval," he then fired, sending X ducking out of the way and forced to take cover behind a few nearby boulders. "As for that special new ability you got," Vile shouted, continuing to unleash fire. "I'll take it from your very CPU!" he promised aloud. "When you're DEAD!"

The journey from the bottom of this place to the top would take time, he knew. It was impossible to speed it up any quicker, even with his knowledge of the layout of the mine. Still, nonetheless, Zero couldn't help but continue to press forward, climbing higher and higher in order to hopefully gain just a little bit of traction.

Zero works his way up, hoping that X will at least be vigilant enough to take care of himself, although he doubts that he would take the necessary shot, even against Armadillo. A part of him sighed in frustration, half of him wanting to strangle the blue Reploid for his consistent hesitance, yet in order to do that, he would need X to still be living for that to happen. Thus, he went on his journey upward, all the while beginning to suspect just who had been the one to trap him down in the depths in the first place.

"You can't hide forever, coward!" Vile roared, continuing to blast away at the concealed target, firepower obliterating and destroying the surrounding rock in its wake. "Only one of us is leaving this place alive, and it sure as hell won't be you!"

At the moment, if he didn't do something quickly, Vile's promise would perhaps soon be made into a reality! Still, at the moment, the best X could do at the moment was take cover and try to migrate back around to behind his aggressor, yet the continuous fire made the action near impossible as the ex-Hunter covered both ends of the rocky barrier, preventing him from retreat from either direction.

Still, regardless, they both knew that the barrage of ammo and explosions wouldn't last forever, this being proven a few moments later when Vile's shoulder cannon finally ceased releasing bullets, a low hum emitting from the weapon to signify that it was still operational, just in need of more fuel. "Hm," the purple-armored Reploid remarked. "I told Fujiwara to increase the ammo output."

It didn't matter now, seeing as the man was long dead, the body most likely ravaged by carnivorous fish somewhere at the bottom of the ocean, yet Vile remembered expressing his dissatisfaction to the human scientist regarding the beloved artillery, yet the middle-aged Japanese director of science refused to make any further alterations. Something about how the ammunition was still experimental and potentially volatile in nature, not to mention that such a massive amount emptied in so short a time span was deemed wasteful. Thus, every belt was built with a specific amount, both for safety precautions and to keep the weapon from potentially overloading due to the high energy being released with each shot delivered by the cannon. Vile once again lamented the restrictions, yet improvements could be made later.

With Fujiwara out of the way, this baby was his. All his. And no one would restrict him again.

Still, the first thing was first: getting that upgrade X had received from the capsule. Approaching the heavily damaged rock collection that was little more than halved boulders at this point, Vile, peered around the corner to find no one in view. "What the…?" he pondered aloud, looking to see if there was any trace or sign of anything blue or white, delving further into the small space, yet found himself met with nothing and no one.

At least, not at first.

CLICK!

A sharp sound of a mechanism being locked in place met his audio receptors, Vile was about to turn until he felt his wrists essentially being clamped together but kept somewhat separated, his arms restrained behind his back by a pair of stasis cuffs his opponent had planned to use on Armadillo.

"You…" Vile stammered, baffled by his adversary's actions, yet the surprise didn't last long, burning rage soon taking its place. "You cowardly bastard!" he shouted. "You can't even fight me! You can't even finish the job!" he snarled. "No wonder you didn't end things back on the highway." he finished.

X didn't respond at first, only staring Vile down, although still watching his movements. His arms might've been taken care of, yet his legs were still free. "Doesn't the fact we were both part of the same cause mean anything to you?" the Maverick Hunter questioned his former ally. Even if that was putting it loosely. In truth, while it was regrettable, it seemed that he and Vile never could establish any sort of connection outside of hostility. "Doesn't that mean anything to anyone that went with Sigma?"

Vile only huffed in response, turning his head as if the sight of X himself disgusted the other machine.

X sighed. "Armadillo told me of the Robot Recall," he said. "He told me before you…"

This bit of information appeared to intrigue the violet ex-hunter. "Oh, did he now?" he asked. "How much did he tell you?"

"Enough to get a general idea of what happened, roughly," X answered. "I know that, according to official records, there are supposedly no other robots left from the year 20XX existing at this time."

"You don't entirely believe that, do you?" Vile questioned. "That every one of them is gone?"

X bit his lip. The truth was, he couldn't say, yet, while it was far-fetched in some degree, he began to have some questions since a particular figure made himself known recently during the mission to take back the Power Plant.

"Well, either way, it makes no difference," the other Reploid scoffed. "It's essentially proven what we've known all along, and the sooner you realize this as well, the better."

"That we and humanity can't survive together?" X questioned.

"That, but more," Vile responded. "The Reall proved that those primates will retaliate the second they believe we MAY possibly step out of line, despite the circumstances that they created for themselves," he said. "They couldn't defend themselves back then," he continued. "We don't have that restriction. Sigma proved that with Fujiwara."

"And violence has to be the answer to solving this problem?!" X questioned, growing frustrated. "Wasn't it violence that nearly resulted in the entirety of the robot race being eradicated?!"

"They wouldn't have died if they were able to act against their initial programming!" Vile shouted back. X said nothing. "This is just the natural course of things, you simpering, naive, idiot," he snarled, a compartment opening in his right kneecap, revealing the silvery barrel of a weapon. "It's no different than any other living creature," he said. "You either evolve or die!"

The concealed pistol embedded in his knee fired, striking X directly in the left foreleg, tearing through the surface to the other side, and splintering a medium-sized rock on the opposite end. The mostly blue Reploid winced in pain, immediately feeling some of his mobility compromised by the damage taken, yet he could still reasonably move well enough. Vile released more fire, forcing X to conceal himself behind more rocky barriers, although these shelters were only temporary due to the other machine not letting up in the slightest, continuing to empty out his reserves, his right knee almost empty of its ammunition.

From his hiding place, X glanced at his buster, indeed sensing that there would be no other choice but to use it. No other choice but to gun down a former ally, yet he had taken damage already, and the Met was unfortunately dispatched, along with Armadillo.

Would another have to be added to the pile, even if it was someone like Vile?

A close shot grazed his cheek, bringing him out of his stupor and back to the action at hand, X finally delivered a shot from his buster, albeit one with just enough force behind it to have the slightest bit of effect. As hoped for, the yellow blast of plasma struck Vile's knee pistol, the energy sending shockwaves through the violet Maverick's partially bound form. The ex-Hunter attempted to fire again, only to find that his knee reserves were run dry.

No matter, he had the other knee in store to…?

Before he could open the compartment, he felt a presence looming over him and looked back, catching a flash of red at the last second before a wave of gold followed, firing at the Maverick and missing only by a bare minimum. Leaping back, Vile saw that he was no longer alone, the damned Red Devil having made his presence known. After a few moments of silence, Vile ultimately decided that the odds were no longer in his favor, and that, regrettably, this would have to wait for another time.

Dashing off, Vile made himself scarce, disappearing into the tunnels and caverns of the mine, allowing X to exit from his hiding place, albeit, to the sight of a less-than-pleased Zero, lips tightened and eyes narrowed with disappointment.

Underground Hunter HQ

"And that's it?" Ai questioned. "He just went off?"

Signas nodded, handing the disk to the blonde Navigator, who immediately began to visually examine it. "He was somewhat limping, yet he didn't allow any of us to touch him," the dark-armored officer explained. "I personally didn't believe it, yet he went off before we could call the squad's medic over."

"So, he's actively avoiding repairs, eh?" Ai pondered aloud. "Is Commander Zero sure he's not connected to Sigma in some way?" She questioned.

"I haven't asked him about it," Signas admitted. "However, there's no definitive proof to confirm or deny anything. As far as we know, this Ray B. will only reveal what he wants to and when."

The blonde hummed in response, continuing to look over the disk the Hunter had received from the city outside. "Well, if he's going to refuse repairs," she said. "Then we best not let his eventual sacrifice be in vain, right?"

With that, she went off to examine the data the disc contained, Signas in turn following her. Both, however, were unaware that this sudden bout of news had been heard by an unforeseen party.

Roll shuffled around the corner and sighed, biting her lip as this news served to both console and also worry her. From the fact the disc was delivered, then she could take solace in the fact that Ray B. was ok. Of course, her relief didn't last long upon hearing that he also refused treatment, more than likely concealing some damage by making himself scarce.

Sounds like someone I know. Roll thought to herself before pausing. …well, knew.

She shook her head, chastising herself for getting sidetracked. True, the recent memories mentioning his demise weren't pleasant, yet she had to acknowledge them. Blues would want her to continue, as would Rock.

For their youngest brother.

"I still can't believe you just let him get the drop on you!"

"I was managing to reason with Armadillo before Vile decided to intervene!"

Hm? What was that?

"Reason nothing! He would've taken you down the second that ice broke, and you know it!"

"What proof do you have that he would've?!"

"What proof do you have that he WOULDN'T?!"

That was X, and, from the sound of it, someone else. A rather irate someone that was seemingly taking their anger out on the blue Reploid. Following the source of the noise, the ponytailed machine came through the parting mechanical doors to the sight of Firefly smacking her brother across the face, the force of the swing causing X's head to swerve slightly to the side.

"What do you think you-" Roll protested, about to rush to X's defense, yet a hand snagged her left arm, stopping her in her tracks. Looking down, she saw A-1 had taken action, shaking his head in disapproval. "But-" she began, yet the smaller Navigator cut her off.

"The Commander's orders," the child-like Reploid told her. "You're allowed to assist our efforts," he explained. "But you're to stay out of X's business."

Roll bit her lip, watching on as Firefly and X continued their verbal spar with each other.

"And that right there is how Vile managed to capitalize on your mistake!" Firefly shouted back, frustrations reaching their peak. "Armadillo's attempt to save you from Vile's shot can't be used as definitive proof of anything! Hell, if you hadn't wasted time talking, you maybe wouldn't have been jumped by Vile in the first place!"

X was quiet, mind racing as to what exactly he could say. Yet, before he could conjure anything, the green biker continued.

"And then you go and barely touch him! From what I heard, he outright ran away the second Zero got there!" Firefly reported. "Have you forgotten about everything that he's done? How he betrayed us? Participated in the siege on HQ? Threw you and Zero in a cage after you couldn't pull the trigger on Sigma?"

X said nothing, yet his comrade's words were akin to hot sharp knives slowly being stabbed into his chest.

"And not to mention that perhaps he wouldn't even be a problem, had you taken care of him back on the highway," the other Hunter added. "In which Zero had to save you. Again."

The blue Reploid's lip trembled, but also tightened. "Then what would you have me do?" X questioned. "Give no one the opportunity to see reason? Waste no time in shooting them down?"

"What do you think this is? Some simple disagreement between the higher ups?! We are in a war for not just the survival of the humans, but ourselves!" Firefly shouted. "We're completely cut off from the mainland, and Sigma's issued a warning that we had better not even try," he then paused. "He's still yet to say anything about the humans' attempt with the lighthouse on the island, however."

Silence fell between X and Firefly, Roll and A-1 looking on, the former torn between saying nothing and giving her own input. Mainly that the green Hunter should know to keep his hands to himself.

"I arrived a little late, but just early enough to see Sting Chameleon toying with what I thought was Ai's lifeless body," the biker answered. "Bastard got away before any serious damage on his end, but I carried her," he said. "She wasn't moving, I thought the worst," Firefly clenched his fists. "She was lucky. More so than others, like Blu," he told X. "We've already lost enough Hunters and staff…and friends," he bit his lip. "But that label doesn't apply for everyone. Remember that."

With that, the green Hunter left, the subject of AI's near-death giving the biker the sudden urge to go find the blonde.

Scratch that, the other blonde. "Excuse me," Firefly said, making his way past Roll and A-1 and down the hallway behind them. "I heard our newest contact just gave us some vital info." He then left, Roll turning her attention back to her younger brother.

"X…" she began, reaching out, yet the blue Reploid only turned away, leaving in the opposite direction, once again slipping away from her.

"Come on," A-1 then said. "We should probably be looking over what your contact delivered to Signas."

"But-"

"If you're going to be working with us, then you need to remember that duty comes first," the smaller Navigator told her. "Commander's orders."

"...right, of course."

She went with the smaller Reploid, albeit reluctantly, hoping to at least be able to catch her younger sibling sometime later.

"Well, what do you think?" Firefly questioned Ai, who continued to scroll through the numerous files Ray B. had copied to the disk, its contents displayed before them upon a sizable monitor.

"From the looks of it, almost every project Dr. Fujiwara collaborated with the Maverick Hunters for is in this," the red-armored, ponytailed blonde observed, continuing to go through the files. "Everything from the Mole Borer to the Thunder Slimer schematics is here," her azure optics scanned each file, planning on looking through each later. "Although, some of these I don't exactly recognize."

"What do you mean?" A-1 inquired, working his way to the other side of Ai.

"Well, take this unit right here," she explained, pulling up one particular file for the three to view. The schematic on-screen displayed what appeared to be a slender figure fashioned after a pointed-eared canine. "According to the production notes, these K-9 drones were meant to be mass produced to be able to detect unusual signatures to perhaps spot an incoming Maverick incident before it occurred."

"Sounds useful," Firefly observed. Truth be told, the schematic made these things look rather cool. "Why wasn't it ever completed?"

"According to this, only one model was ever produced," Ai informed the green Hunter. "It was to be presented, yet the test dates were for July the fifteenth."

"Far after Independence Day," A-1 added, Ai grimly nodding in response.

"Still, I don't understand something," The blonde said, going on to other files. "According to what Signas reported, our contact got this information from the abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city."

"That place?" Firefly questioned. "That hasn't been used in years."

"Exactly," Ai confirmed. "Which begs the question as to what exactly injured our contact in there, given Signas also reported he was clearly trying to hide some damage."

"And he didn't go in for repairs?" A-1 inquired.

"According to Signas, no. In fact, he outright refused," the blonde answered. "Weird guy, that one."

At the back of the room, as before, Roll stood, silently observing and taking in what was being said. She didn't entirely understand, yet she knew enough. A part of her wondered, if they hadn't been so short, would they have even made use of her at all, let alone allow her to contribute in some way.

Even so, she still felt the same as she had before: peering around the corner, anything she knew being from the information she happened to pick up listening in on the conversations of others. She was technically "invited" here to view the contents of the disk, yet the scene she witnessed prior didn't help to alleviate the prevalent sense of helplessness that still consumed her entire world.

Helplessness.

Just like in her previous life.

…but, wasn't this supposed to be the future? The time when things changed, no matter what? Eventually, however great or small, there was always some sort of shift.

And yet, why did it seem like she was still stuck?

While Roll was more than aware of the conditions surrounding X's developments and upgrades, she couldn't help but feel somewhat neglected. Then again, whatever had happened to make the world as it was when she was reactivated meant she probably wasn't meant to end up where she was eventually found. Even after all this time, she still didn't know how she ended up down there.

True, technically, there had been some changes, more specifically in appearance, yet her fragility still remained. Especially now, considering her body was mostly composed of polished scrap metal given a new coat of paint. Quite frankly, if she had to be honest, if anyone knew what she was actually composed of, she'd probably make Junk Man look more well-put together.

"Hey, you," a voice spoke up, suddenly getting the other blonde's attention. "You're X's…sibling, right?" Firefly questioned.

"That's right," she answered. "What is it?"

"Do you have anything to do right now?" the green Hunter asked.

"At the moment, I don't think so," Roll replied honestly.

"If that's the case," he said. "Then maybe there's also something else you can do for us."

Note: Kenichi and Chiyo will appear in the next chapter, along with some sneaking out.

Alert me of any errors I may have missed, please. Thank you!