Note: I owe Ian Flynn for making one of my favorite female Mega Man characters, but I don't think he'd like this story or series. I'd believe it'd fit in the same category Metal Virus does for him.

Still, I'm grateful for his take on Mega Man existing! Sure I also like Arigia and other related material, but I do think Archie has merit and deserves to be remembered. My only complaint was that it was rushed, but even then, that was mainly due to things beyond Ian's control so I can kinda understand some of it.

But seeing as this is a longer form, I can extend it a little, plus tie it to the themes of the current story here.

Fractured Perceptions

Seeing the Hunter approach, the mechaniloid Sea Attackers transformed into compact spheres, abandoning their seahorse forms and launching themselves at X with incredible velocity. With his buster ready, he unleashed a powerful shot at the oncoming horde, obliterating most of them in a brilliant explosion. However, a handful of determined survivors pressed on, channeling their last reserves of energy to assault their designated target.

As the impending threat drew near, the ensuing blasts from their obliteration triggered a cascade of chaos, sending the Reploid hurtling backward, with no stable surface to brace himself against. When the dust settled and the shattered remnants of the Sea Attackers descended into the sandy depths, Marty discovered her guardian in a precarious position, struggling to right himself.

"Huh, it's funny," the mermaid chuckled, her voice echoing softly through the crystal-clear water as she glided gracefully toward the upside-down Hunter. "You seem to have a good grasp of that arm, but when it comes to coordination, well, that could use some work."

Despite the vivid azure hue of his armor, which shimmered like a jewel in the sunlight filtering through the surface, X's face turned a deep shade of red. "Underwater travel wasn't exactly what Dr. Light envisioned for me," he admitted, struggling to right himself, his movements clumsy in the liquid element.

"Need some help?" Marty suggested, raising an eyebrow playfully and sporting an amused, toothy grin that brought light to her delicate features.

"No, no, that's quite alright. I can…" X started but faltered, letting out a frustrated groan that bubbled up in the water. "Do it... myself…!"

"Yeah? Not going to lie, Kiddo, I've seen sea anemones move with more grace and agility than you right now," the mermaid responded, her laughter bubbling up like the small, frothy waves around them. Something was endearing about the Reploid, despite his apparent lack of finesse; a peculiar naivety that made him seem almost charming in his struggle.

He wasn't such a bad guy, she thought, observing him with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"Well, I'm unfortunately not as accustomed to swimming as they are!" X retorted, still desperately trying to reposition himself in the water, his limbs flailing awkwardly.

Seeing that he was likely to be the subject of her amusement for a little while longer, Marty decided to take matters into her own hands. With a swift motion, she swam behind the bipedal Reploid, her fingers gripping around his waist to draw him upright. The sensation of her touch sent a ripple through the water, and as he turned to face her, he fought to dispel the sheepish expression that had crept onto his features.

"Better?" Marty inquired, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she released her hold and floated gracefully in front of him.

"...yes. Thank you," X replied, though a part of him wished he had been given just a little more time. He could sense that he was on the verge of mastering this.

However, the levity of the moment swiftly dissipated as Marty's violet eyes hardened, concern etching itself across her face. She turned her head slowly, scanning the distant depths of the ocean with growing caution, her playful demeanor replaced with a sense of urgency.

"What is it?" X asked, her voice laced with concern as she sensed a palpable tension in the air. Her synthetic body grew tense, every sensor heightened as she scanned the crystalline waters around them, searching for the source of her unease. After a few agonizing moments of focused observation, as a distorted silhouette began to materialize through the rippling currents, realization struck her with an unsettling clarity.

"We need to leave," she urged, her tone urgent and commanding as the weight of the situation pressed down on her circuits. "Right now!"

Her gaze flickered to a nearby cluster of boulders, their surfaces slick and glistening with a vibrant coat of green algae that contrasted sharply with the deep blue of the ocean. Marty, quick to respond to her alarm, pointed in the direction of the rocky refuge, gesturing for her to follow his lead. He dropped to his knees, urging X to crouch low beside him. The thick strands of swaying seaweed surrounded them, offering a fragile veil of concealment as they nestled in among the stones.

As they settled into their hiding spot, a sense of dread hung in the water. Together, they peered out from their sanctuary, their hearts racing as a sizable shadow gliding through the depths just above the delicate coral formations and scattered sea life below. The shape moved slowly, its massive form creating a slight disturbance in the water, sending small fish darting for cover and stirring up clouds of sediment from the ocean floor. Each moment dragged as they held their breath, aware that their safety hung in the balance amidst the beauty of the underwater world now threatened by an unseen presence.

Although, it didn't remain unseen for long.

Perched atop his helmet, the red gemstone glimmered as X observed a colossal machine gracefully maneuvering through the ocean depths. Its form was unmistakably large, yet it bore a playful, cartoonish flair, reminiscent of a fierce, oversized fish. Drenched in a vibrant yellow hue, the armor was adorned with intricate details in shades of blue, purple, and red, while a pair of fierce green eyes glared from its face, dominated by a wide, fan-shaped mouth. At the rear, several rocket-like engines hinted at its potential for swift movement, while a large circular viewport on its "head" mimicked the eerie glow of an anglerfish. Mechanical fins flanked its sides, expertly steering it through the water. Scattered vents and colorful nozzles decorated the exterior, suggesting that beneath its seemingly simplistic facade lay a sophisticated and intricate piece of engineering.

"Damn," Marty cursed under his breath, frustration evident in her tone. "He's already deployed the Anglerges."

X turned to the blonde mermaid, curiosity piqued. "Anglerges?"

"They're mechaniloid units designed to patrol a specific area and alert us to any anomalies or threats," she explained, her eyes narrowing with intensity. "You can probably guess their current mission."

"Yeah," X said, observing the metallic fish as it glided through the water, its viewport sweeping back and forth, a bright beam illuminating the surroundings for any signs of movement. "But wait," he recalled. "Didn't you mention that security was a bit stretched thin around here?"

The blonde woman bit her lip, caught off guard by the unexpected question. Kiddo might be innocent, but he's not completely clueless, she thought to herself. "Yes, I did mention that," she replied, maintaining a calm tone to avoid raising any red flags. "Considering you already took out three of his associates back on the island, it's likely he's not willing to take any risks with you getting through enemy territory."

That logic resonated with X. However, it didn't take long for him to process what Marty had just revealed. "Hold on," he interjected. "How do you know I took down three of Sigma's men?" he pressed. "And even more importantly, how do you know I confronted them on the artificial island where Abel City is located?"

The moment arrived when the yellow Anglerge's beam swept across their hiding spot, silencing their chatter as they instinctively pressed themselves deeper into the sand. They huddled tightly against the soft earth, seeking refuge in its embrace, but X's unanswered questions echoed relentlessly in his thoughts, mingling with Firefly's ominous warning from before his descent.

X felt his eyelids droop, fully aware that, despite his doubts, his actions had undoubtedly sparked frustration among his peers. The sting of Firefly's slap was nothing compared to the harsh truth: his refusal to wield his buster had cost Armadillo his life. In the end, he had allowed the very creature responsible for the banded mammal's demise to slip away, nursing only minor wounds that would soon be repaired. Even though the Hunters were capable of supplying the essential resources to repair any damage, X was not naive enough to believe the stock would endure indefinitely. He had been incapacitated for a couple of days following the clash with Vile and the Ride Armor on that desolate stretch of road, just moments before the missiles were set to strike.

In the very beginning, he had already set his fellow Hunters at a disadvantage.

A gentle touch on his armored shoulder pulled the azure Reploid from his thoughts, and he realized his aquatic guide was signaling for his attention. "We need to go," she murmured urgently. "Staying here won't get us anywhere."

X conceded quietly to himself. "That's true," he said but quickly pointed out a weakness in her strategy. "We can't just head out there. We need to wait for an opportunity or a moment when the Anglerge isn't watching us."

Also true, Marty lamented, knowing that the best option they had was to take advantage of the mechaniloid's potential blind spots. The atmosphere had been crafted with impressive detail, yet she found herself questioning if it was almost too perfect. "Isn't it just a tad too convincing?" she murmured under her breath, a spark of annoyance igniting within her as she recalled the mastermind behind this elaborate setup. "I am trying to lead him to you, after all."

"Sorry, did you say something?"

Marty's eyes widened for a brief moment, mentally scolding herself for failing to keep her thoughts to herself. "Oh, um, nothing," she replied hastily. "Nothing important, really." X found her quick response peculiar as if she were eager to steer him away from probing any further. "Anyway, I've spotted a route that could take us closer to where your Maverick is hiding. But we need to act fast."

X turned his gaze to another cluster of coral that might provide adequate cover from the mechaniloid's searching spotlight. It looked promising, a path that veered away from the Anglerge. Yet, a nagging thought lingered in X's mind: would this route lead them into unforeseen peril? Still, what occurred at the borders of Abel City with the rescue vessel couldn't be allowed to happen again.

"Take the lead," X said, passing the reins of direction to the mermaid.

However, Marty's unease lingered. "You make it sound like you're reluctant," she pointed out.

X hesitated, sensing her determination to wait for a response. Finally, he conceded, "Right now, it seems we're both out of options."

Underground HQ

Out of options…

The feeling was mutual on her side; Roll remained quiet, fully aware of the need for stealth at that moment. However, she stayed alert, her audio receptors finely attuned to capture every word exchanged. Especially those spoken by the recently met "guide" discovered not long after X reached his destination.

"Has X found himself a new companion?" a voice inquired, breaking the silence as the blonde Reploid focused intently on the monitor. Even amidst her concentration, Roll quickly recognized that the voice wasn't Trinity's. It was Ai, standing above her with arms crossed and a look of skepticism etched across her face. The more experienced Navigator, no doubt.

"It appears that way," Roll replied, though her tone revealed her doubts about the situation. "But I can't shake the feeling that this is all a bit too perfect. X just happens to bump into someone who knows the ins and outs of the area down below? And in that specific sector, no less?"

Ai elaborated, "Shortly after the initial Reploids were created, we began producing those specifically designed for underwater exploration and maintenance. While humans have made strides in preserving certain underwater ecosystems, it's ultimately more efficient to depend on beings that don't rely solely on oxygen."

"That's understandable," Roll replied. "Dr. Light applied the same reasoning when he designed Splash Woman, ensuring that the rescuer wouldn't end up in danger of drowning themselves."

"Is that one of Light's inventions?" Ai asked, a hint of skepticism lacing her voice. "It's amusing, considering many of them turned rogue, didn't they?"

Roll felt a slight jolt at Ai's tone, though she recognized it wasn't meant to be malicious. "They didn't go rogue," she clarified, her voice steady yet resolute. "At least, not the original batch. They were captured by Wily and reprogrammed against their will."

"But there was a group of robots that managed to escape from various Scrapyards, wasn't there?" Ai pressed. "If you recall the events from a century ago, you must know what I'm talking about."

She was well aware. Although the memories she cherished of her creator were limited, they repeatedly assured her that there was no reason to be afraid of that place. Rock had nothing to fear, and neither would Blues if he chose to return. Yet, despite this promise to protect his mechanical offspring, a lingering sense of danger regarding that path loomed in her processor. Looking back, it could've possibly explained why Blues hesitated to step back into Dr. Light's world, even with the doors always welcoming him.

Yet another complication that, despite her father's love, he simply could not understand. Not in the way they did.

"Indeed, some of Dr. Light's inventions had their warranties expire," Roll acknowledged. "They pledged their loyalty to Wily after he deceitfully assured them that they would stay operational as long as they complied with his demands." The memory of that troubling event sent a shiver down her spine, reminding the blonde Reploid of a time when she inhabited a much smaller, yet perhaps sturdier form than her current one. "As a result, many came to the conclusion that Dr. Light orchestrated the whole debacle, which ultimately led to his second arrest by the American authorities."

"Second?" Ai raised a brow.

"Yes, the second one," Roll replied. "The first incident involved my kidnapping." It wasn't a memory she cherished, but now she felt a flicker of gratitude, if only because it highlighted Rock's bravery. Her brother.

The second arrest, which Rock humorously dubbed "Wily's Ninth Attempt at World Domination," stretched on for what felt like an eternity. The Blue Bomber and his younger sister had been compelled by Dr. Light to escape into the thick woods behind Light Labs. Roll could still hear the echo of the door being violently kicked open as she was pulled away from the safety of her home and thrust into the untamed embrace of the forest.

If Blues hadn't discovered them, they might have been captured by the human authorities combing through the woods, shouting for the mechanical children. Assurances that they wouldn't be harmed, that the humans just wished to "talk" about some things. Rock had initially pondered if he could try explaining the situation to them, yet Blues held him back, not letting either him or Roll make themselves known to their pursuers. Among them were two particular figures that, up until then, had been an asset to the Lights and others who wished to work towards peace.

Upon being abducted and held hostage by the previously abducted and reprogrammed Time and Oil Man, and subsequently rescued, Roll had come to become acquainted with two government agents who had been assigned to observe and keep track of Dr. Light and the various events that seemed to occur around him. Mostly because said incidents almost always included heavy property damage and the clean-up efforts steadily growing more and more arduous.

She never asked, neither did Rock, yet Blues seemed to know who they were, even if, from their perspective, he had never seen them before.

Agents Roslyn Krantz and Gilbert Stern were the ones who had initially apprehended Dr. Light, but now their mission had shifted to capturing his children. Krantz, a young woman with a sun-kissed complexion and vibrant short red hair, remained a dedicated government agent. However, she possessed a uniquely open and inviting demeanor, especially when it came to matters beyond human comprehension, particularly regarding the children. Stern, on the other hand, while not overtly hostile, did not share her empathetic outlook. A faction of humans known as the Emerald Spears had emerged, convinced that robots posed a significant threat to society. They had stirred up chaos, from disrupting the ARTS convention to their enigmatic leader, who operated under the alias 'Mr. X' as a shadowy benefactor to Wily. Stern had once confided in Dr. Light, expressing that although he viewed the Emerald Spears as dangerous zealots, their apprehensions about artificial intelligence and the machines that wielded it were not entirely without merit.

"They weren't wrong." the agent's words to their creator seemed to echo the situation the three Light children found themselves in at that time, having to conceal themselves away from the world for a short time until the rogue robots could be dealt with.

Dr. Wily's involvement came to light, revealing Dr. Light's innocence, and leading to the scientist's swift release from custody. However, the period leading up to that moment was filled with a heavy cloud of uncertainty and despair. Rock felt an urgent need to speak with Krantz and Stern to share his own theories about the unfolding events, but Blues firmly opposed the idea, warning that the authorities were likely to target them as well. Rock struggled to grasp this perspective, and so did Blues, for they were designed to serve humanity, embodying the very essence of robots meant to aid rather than wreak havoc at the command of a madman.

"Exactly," Blues had said, her voice echoing with conviction. "We were built, we weren't born."

"But Dr. Light said-" Rock argued, yet the first DLN cut him off.

"Dr. Light isn't them, is he?" the oldest machine of the three asked. "Unfortunately, not all humans share the same sentiments as him."

Initially, Roll found it hard to comprehend, thinking her older brother was simply being his usual overly cautious self. Yet, at that moment, the young blonde, resembling an adolescent girl, felt a flicker of understanding; there was a genuine weight to Blues' concerns this time around.

"What transpired?" Ai's voice inquired, as the visions of Roll hidden in a cave alongside Rock and Blues dissolved, giving way to the unfolding events of the present moment.

"The same thing that happened every other time," Roll answered Ai. "Mega Man saved the day and everyone was fine," she was tempted to end it there, to leave the ordeal with an uplifting ending. Yet, as scattered as her memory was, she knew that it didn't end there.

Amidst it all, the Roboenza pandemic struck.

Following that, the chaos surrounding the Double Gear System unfolded.

While there may have been other significant occurrences in the aftermath, the only memories that lingered in Roll's mind were of the machines descending from the heavens.

The Children of the Moon.

"I'll admit, I'm still sort of confused," Ai admitted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice, pulling Roll back from her swirling thoughts. Interesting, Roll mused. Maybe she was just as prone to overthinking as X. "It's about what Armadillo shared with X in the Zalts Mine."

"Oh? What's that?" the other blonde inquired, yet it wasn't long after that her processor began to deduce what the red-armored Navigator meant. "Ah, you mean the…?"

Ai nodded, seeing that she didn't need to specify specifically.

"...what of it?" Roll asked, not entirely sure what the other Reploid wished to know.

"Did you see any of it?" Ai inquired. "You know, before…whatever happened for you to get a hole in your chest in your old body?"

Initially, Roll sat in silence, the inquiry itself a bit unsettling. Strangely, she realized that her memory held no recollections from that period. However, a few fleeting images danced in her mind—brief glimpses that hinted at a time she had once experienced, only to be swept away and thrust into a world decades beyond her own.

She envisioned herself curled up, battling the relentless grip of Roboenza as she passed the final capsule to Rock.

She recalled the moment the Stardroids descended upon Earth, their commander, Terra, vanquishing her brother and abandoning him in a lifeless heap.

She remembered being guided, and unexpectedly shielded, by Bass as he navigated her through one of Wily's strongholds, the normally fierce and combative robot displaying an unusual level of wariness.

A fleeting vision of a towering, crimson figure flashed before her eyes, relentlessly pummeling Rock. Bass tried to step in, but he was swiftly pushed aside, the android proving to be an indomitable force. Then, it lifted what looked like a buster, taking aim squarely at Rock's chest.

Her petite frame darted forward, racing toward the unfolding chaos, ignoring all the shouts urging her to retreat.

"Well?"

With a swift shove, she pushed Rock aside, and suddenly, her vision was consumed by a blinding, searing light.

Then…silence.

"Hello?"

Roll's teal optics locked onto Ai's, all these things and more coming to her at once. Yet all she could answer the other Reploid with was a simple "...no. Sorry."

Coral Triangle

Everything was going smoothly for now. They remained undetected. However, the Anglerge was still lurking nearby, and their escape from the vicinity was not yet complete. X and Marty continued to weave their way through the thick clusters of coral and swaying seaweed, carefully avoiding any actions that might attract the notice of the surrounding creatures.

Though they posed no danger, their actions might just provide the scouring mechaniloid with the clues it sought.

"Alright, we're nearly at the finish line, Kiddo," the turquoise-armored mermaid called out to the Hunter, spotting a clearing ahead where they could dash to safety. "Once we reach that spot, it'll be a breeze from there!"

"All right, sounds good." X answered, yet this reply didn't strike Marty as entirely genuine.

"Something's bothering you," she mentioned, pausing for a moment and peering over to her left, catching sight of his green optics. "I don't need to read your face to tell, you know."

X bit his lip. "Maybe it would be better to discuss it after we've gotten out of danger?"

"Then why do I get the feeling you think that I am the danger?" Marty questioned, raising a brow.

High above, a shadow lurked behind a cluster of jagged rocks, its form obscured by the rugged terrain. However, the helmet it wore was striking, featuring a sharply pointed crest that jutted out menacingly. Suddenly, a tentacle slithered into view from the rocky concealment and unleashed a burst of energy, sending a small but potent blast hurtling toward the Hunter below.

If either X or Marty had caught a glimpse of this enigmatic figure, they would have recognized its resemblance to a squid.

Marty's violet eyes bulged in disbelief as she caught sight of the approaching blast hurtling toward them. "Move!" she shouted, clutching X tightly and propelling herself to the side. The projectile struck the coral they had been hiding behind, splintering the delicate structure into countless fragments.

A sudden explosion erupted, sending a chaotic wave of marine creatures into a wild scramble, as fish of every imaginable shape and size raced away in a desperate attempt to flee the looming danger. This commotion instantly piqued the Anglerge's curiosity, its gaze shifting toward the disturbance to reveal that a section of the delicate polyps had been destroyed, leaving two figures who had sought refuge among the vibrant formations now exposed and vulnerable in the open water.

Note: Not going to lie, this particular Maverick may take a few chapters, yet I hope it doesn't drag on for too to long. I think I overdid it in Armadillo's section, so I'll try to keep it more concise here.

Thank you for reading! Please alert me of any errors I may have missed, and I hope to hear from you!