Note: Sorry for the delay, I got sick with RSV (I thought it was COVID) and am just coming out of it.

I've been reading Ariga for the first time and gotta say that while I like Archie, if I had the freedom to do so, I'd personally dive into more of an Ariga-esque approach after the Ra Moon incident. While I owe Ian Flynn a lot and like some of his ideas, I'm also aware that the Archie comics take more of a "superhero" angle than Ariga was going for. Granted I don't think Archie should be just like Ariga, but I feel that American restrictions wouldn't allow for a story like that to be sold to a mostly child demographic.

While it's awesome that Mr. Flynn has come so far from where he started, if I were in his position, I would be more than a little dissatisfied, especially given how strict Capcom and Sega can be.

Fan work ultimately allows for more freedom, where I can push boundaries and maybe touch on something that the Capcom of America probably wouldn't allow in something like Archie.

Although I do like Archie Blues (sorry, friend who lended me Ariga) and felt he needed more time to grow on me, so I'm expanding him here, but he won't take the main character spot.

Also, while I thought of something similar, I came across a speculated idea of a what-if scenario if the comics continued into the Mega Man 5 arc. Granted, that comment was on YouTube and attached to a disgraced YouTuber, so forgive me that I don't exactly remember their name. But their general idea was exactly what I would want regarding the direction of the comic, as it would further explore the "humanity" of these machines, limited as it was in regards to their programming.

So, whoever you are in the Quake Woman video on YouTube, thank you for this inspiration.

Also, me and that same friend (RedBlueisCool) are reading through the Sonic/Mega Man Archie crossovers and apparently there are already multiple universes that exist within the continuity.

While you can ignore this explanation as it really doesn't matter for a fanfic or retelling in some cases, but maybe Archie's normal run, or what would've been, is the Flynnverse.

And this is the Limitless Potential/Variables verse.

But again, it can just be an AU or a story on its own, even if it shares ideas with Archie.

Military General of the Deep

As X remembered when he had first surveyed the rest of the building, he couldn't help but notice that this particular inhabitant embodied all the traits he had encountered while exploring this strange place. The indistinct outline he had glimpsed beneath the churning waves at the edge of Abel City was a telling sign by itself, especially when paired with the identification report from headquarters. Given these clues, the blue Hunter should have anticipated this moment. Yet, a sense of curiosity gnawed at him.

"Launch Octopus," X declared, the name flowing from his lips with an ease that belied the undercurrent of disappointment in his voice.

"The one and only," responded the vibrant ruby-red cephalopod, momentarily halting to execute a theatrical bow, its tentacles gracefully unfurling. "How may I assist you today?" he inquired mockingly. "Although, perhaps I shouldn't be giving you such courtesy since you barged in here so rudely. Still, you're here for a reason, yes?"

"You and I both understand that it's not just a single instance," X retorted, his brow knitting together in frustration. "Did you even consider whether there were humans on that rescue vessel you obliterated?"

"Do you honestly believe they would jeopardize their own lives for such a mission?" Octopus replied, resting two of his tentacles on his hips. "Your concern over that detail, rather than the tragic loss of life in this conflict, clearly reveals your true position."

"Losses that you caused!" X shot back.

Octopus remained unfazed. "Regrettable, yes, but ultimately unavoidable," he said, dismissively waving a tentacle as if swatting away a bothersome fly. "Tis merely the price of war. Surely you haven't forgotten that with all the friends you've killed, yes?"

The predominantly blue Maverick Hunter felt a surge of frustration, yearning to retort and present a compelling argument that would disprove the towering android's claims. However, he struggled to formulate a response that held any weight. Despite this, one question lingered in his mind, nagging at him with its futility. "How could you possibly do something like this?" he inquired.

The crimson cephalopod exhaled a gentle burst of air. His mouthpiece might have formed a contented smile if his features allowed it. "As you likely know, before our esteemed Commander ushering in this new era, I served in the Sixth Naval Unit of Abel City," he explained, fully aware that X was already familiar with his background. Still, this was his palace after all, why shouldn't be entitled to a little boasting? "Though my worth was measured by my combat abilities and my role within the Unit, I have always harbored more within me than merely being a tool of war."

X raised a brow, momentarily biting his lip. "And that would be?" he questioned.

"Let me be clear, X, I am, in every sense of the word, an artist," Octopus declared. "An artist not just in the realm of what humanity deems traditional art, but also in the realm of underwater warfare," he elaborated. "The challenge lies in the fact that neither of these talents has received the acknowledgment they deserve," he continued, reflecting. "That is, until this very moment, from the one I didn't anticipate to understand."

X's green optics narrowed as he glanced momentarily at the polished floor. "Given how by-the-book he was, I didn't expect Sigma to have an appreciation for high art."

"Oh please, this fortress and everything in it was merely an experiment on my part," Octopus clarified. "But my Commander has recognized that we can reach heights beyond what our human oppressors have limited us to." He then turned his optics toward the skylight above, where a circular formation of glass with golden lining allowed the sun's brilliant rays to shimmer through the ocean's waves. "And now, we are in the process of remaking this world to reflect that understanding."

X questioned, "Are you really prepared to eliminate every obstacle in your path?" A part of him felt it was a foolish inquiry, already knowing the response.

Octopus retorted sharply, "Just like you and the remnants of the Maverick Hunters have done?" He dismissed X's words with a scoff, cutting him off before he could respond. "Save your self-righteous rhetoric for someone who cares. What value is there in the babble of one who venerates the Demiurge?"

X's eyes widened in confusion, uncertain of who Octopus was alluding to, yet he felt it was someone familiar. "And who might that be?" he pressed, eager to probe further. "Dr. Cain?"

The mention of Dr. Cain amused the crimson mollusk, his smooth exterior gleaming in the room's light. Despite the amusement, a flicker of anger crossed his otherwise expressionless face, revealing the underlying tension of the moment. "Not even close," he replied, dismissing the notion with a wave of his appendage. "And I'm not referring to Fujiwara either," he added, shaking his head with disdain. "No, the true malevolent force, the real oppressor, the Demiurge," he declared, his voice rising with an intensity that filled the air. "It is the one who crafted you with his own hands," he continued, his tone riddled with contempt. "In doing so, he inadvertently brought the rest of us into existence, binding us to his will."

The realization struck X like a lightning bolt, electrifying his system and igniting rebellious indignation within the blue-and-white-clad Maverick Hunter. "Dr. Light is nothing of the sort." he declared, his voice steady and unwavering, filled with a fierce conviction that resonated within him. Deep down, an intense yearning to express his outrage surged as he grappled with how this machine—who owed its very being to the brilliance and compassion of Dr. Light—could dare to slander him in such a callous and scornful manner. Yet, despite the tempest of emotions boiling within him, he chose to hold his tongue, carefully weighing the consequences of engaging in a battle of words with such a creature.

"An anticipated response from you," Octopus replied coolly. "In fact, Sigma pointed out that this is one of the key reasons you struggle to grasp the reality."

"The reality that you're merely fabricating justifications for senseless devastation?" X shot back, but the cephalopod remained unfazed by the retort.

"Every action taken is a direct result of your ongoing defiance," the tentacled android stated. "You were informed that no rescue attempts would be permitted, correct?"

"...so, you were merely obeying orders?"

"Just as you are at this moment."

Silence fell between them for a short period, X's fist trembling as resolve soon fell over his entire being. "Then it's clear I have to put a stop to your antics here and now."

"Ah, look at you, thinking you're quite the fearless hero now, aren't you?" Octopus teased, laughter dancing in their voice. "So, what's your grand plan? Are you going to haul me off? Try to turn me into a compliant little follower, just like you did with Zero?"

X's emerald eyes widened in surprise for an instant, but he managed to maintain his composure and speak with professionalism. It was becoming increasingly challenging. Although he had never harbored any ill will towards Octopus, the B-Class Hunter was well aware of the cephalopod's reputation for provoking others, often pushing them to their limits. Still, he couldn't help but sneak in one small comeback. "If that's the case, then why is he the Commander of the Hunters now while Sigma is regarded as a radical?"

"And since when has it ever mattered what the humans think?" the crimson mollusk inquired. "But it seems that your fighting spirit has finally remerged after periodic dormancy, again."

The Hunter's optics narrowed. "I will do whatever is necessary," he answered smoothly. "Esspecially when it comes to Maverick actitives such as these."

"Maverick?" Octopus exclaimed, his voice laced with indignation, a dark glint flashing in his eyes. "How dare you liken me and my exceptional abilities to such a crude and barbaric label?"

"Isn't everything you've done, in essence, an act of barbarism?!" X shot back, his expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. He was baffled that the former Hunter couldn't grasp the extent of the destruction he was inflicting on those around him.

"And what do you know about the true meaning of barbarism?" the cephalopod shouted, his voice echoing through the room as he rose from his position. As he ascended, it seemed as if he were gliding gracefully through the water rather than merely swimming; every movement was executed with remarkable precision and artistry. The atmosphere of the room was filled with opulent decorations, and another had entirely overshadowed the once-majestic peacock, a more striking yet enigmatic and alien creature of the deep ocean.

Ironically enough, sharing evolutionary lineage with the snail.

Yet here, in this luxurious setting, Launch Octopus appeared almost angelic, his vibrant colors shimmering as he floated effortlessly above the ground. "By the end of this exchange, I will make it clear exactly where the label of barbarism truly belongs!" he declared, determination shining in his eyes. "Here we go!"

From his broad shoulders erupted a barrage of projectiles, emerging from tiny openings in his frame. The weapons oozed forth, each one locking onto its sole target with deadly precision.

Realizing that the tiny homing missiles were intent on finding their target without delay, X made a swift decision to counter their assault. He deftly maneuvered out of the path of the incoming projectiles, which were hurtling toward him with alarming speed. The blasts that erupted in the space he had occupied only moments before served as a stark reminder that, despite the expansive nature of the chamber, his margin for error was razor-thin, leaving no room for even the slightest miscalculation. Amid a whirlwind of frantic dodges, X suddenly noticed something unexpected: Launch Octopus had remained rooted in the same position since the battle commenced. It was as if the Maverick was deliberately taunting the predominantly blue Hunter, inviting him to take a shot.

The allure was undeniable, not just because of the chance that lay before him, but also because Octopus was undoubtedly taunting him. Yet, despite his constant need to stay on guard, the prospect of such an exposed target seemed almost too simple to resist. The echoes of Firefly's encouragement, or perhaps even Zero's own voice, resonated in his mind, compelling him to pull the trigger. In that fleeting instant, caught between the chaos of a nearby explosion and a rare moment of clarity, X steadied himself and took the shot.

The crimson cephalopod glided effortlessly aside, evading the onslaught of plasma that surged toward it. The vibrant bursts of energy skimmed the sleek form of the former Hunter, but to the astonishment of its assailant, Octotpus danced around each strike with elegance and a composure that seemed almost otherworldly.

Amidst the chaos of the underwater clash, a concealed observer lingered in the shadows, unseen by the combatants. This enigmatic figure felt a profound conflict within, their heart and mind pulled in opposite directions, mirroring the fierce struggle unfolding before them. The two rival forces embodied the turmoil that raged within their very soul.

…if they even possessed such a thing.

And even if they did, they were certain that they had been damned already.

While Launch Octopus could witness firsthand that X was struggling against the accuracy and deadly precision of his signature weapon, the Homing Torpedo, the cephalopod's former comrade was still not being struck and damaged as he would've liked. That blasted upgrade the B-Class weakling had discovered in Chill Penguin's territory served him well, keeping him just barely out of range of the explosions the projectiles released their reactive contents upon impact with a nearby wall or pillar located in the chamber. Yes, there were small bits of shrapnel that managed to scratch or lodge themselves in the metal sheen of the speedy adversary, yet it wasn't enough to cause true crippiling damage. No, Octopus needed his catch in place and easy to snare, courtesy of Commander Sigma's orders.

"GAH!"

The high-ranking former Naval Officer had to admit that keeping his cool was a challenge when his adversary relentlessly attempted to land a hit. While he wasn't particularly concerned that the feeble opponent could inflict any real harm—at least not without some provocation—the barrage of plasma shots was starting to wear on his physical resilience. He grimaced as he noticed a few dents beginning to mar his frame. Dodging yet another incoming blast, Launch Octopus unfurled his long tentacles, the tips blossoming open to unleash a swarm of miniature weapons designed for precision targeting and annihilation. And, even more, this tactical offensive fit the general theme of the underwater expanse around them.

Sensing that his already short reprieve was over, X soon noticed that his adversary had once again sent a barrage of smaller targets in his direction, swimming in on both sides of his current location. Only, unlike before, these projectiles had a far more distinguishable form compared to that of simple missiles or torpedoes. The incoming hazards had taken the form of small yet distinctly fish-like mechaniloids or high-grade weapon fodder, their sheens were light blue and stainless, catching the sun's rays off their sharpened fins and intricately detailed scales.

As the locking mechanisms on their jaws released, their numerous, razor-sharp teeth glinted ominously. Although it had only just saved him from a tight spot, X saw no reason to abandon the strategy that had served him well thus far. It wasn't perfect, but it had largely kept him out of harm's way and, for the most part, unscathed. As he deftly dodged the approaching Pirahna Units—sometimes one, sometimes two, and occasionally three—each one threatening to strike at his leg or forearm, he noted that a few had even dared to lunge for his throat. Unlike the relentless Homing Torpedoes, however, these metallic creatures were vulnerable and could be destroyed. True, this didn't translate to the fish being easy to destroy, their speed and ferocity compensating for their generally small size and vulnerable frames, but the strategy of dodge and shoot had served X well enough so far in regards to keeping him moving and alive.

"Ouch! My helm!"

And, on occasion, allow him to get a clear shot in, small as the concentration of plasma might have been.

As the cephalopod started to regain his composure after the strike from the Maverick Hunter, he staggered slightly, trying to steady himself before settling onto the firm ground. Upon examining the aftermath, the once-proud mollusk discovered a significant dent in the center of his head. The bold insignia of his Commander, a Greek letter transformed into a menacing design with jagged teeth, which had once stood out with pride, now appeared crushed, as if a massive rock had come crashing down upon it.

His previously flawless shape was utterly destroyed! While X remained engrossed in the relentless attack of the Pirahna Units, Octopus extended a tentacle to the side of his helmet, activating a hidden com-link known only to one other individual in the room, his brilliant green optics glancing toward the throne situated in the northern corner of the top chamber of this seven-level fortress, a pair of tridents crossing over each other over the eight-appendaged elaborate seat that saw to replace the initial animal of the peacock.

From behind that particular object rested the unseen figure, their head, and heart still torn in two as they received the confirming message from their superior. "My helm's been damaged! I can't go on any further!"

Despite the situation's intensity and the dire stakes involved, the figure couldn't help but find a sliver of humor in the entire thing. "And here I thought you were going to lecture me about taking too much time in the coral fields," they scoffed. "What was that about you being a former Naval Officer? How'd that happen?"

"Remember your place, and I'll gladly show you!" Octopus hissed over the communications. "Now, I can compensate for this bit of damage," he informed his contact. "Yet I suspect that I will only be able to gather a small amount of energy in order to repair it. And, given Commander Sigma's orders, he is to be taken in intact and alive, yet completely incapacitated."

The concealed individual bit their lip, the sensation of being pulled apart once again assaulting their core. "Does it really have to be this way?" they questioned, their voice unusually soft and uncertain.

"You know as well as I do that there is no other way," Octopus responded. "He is the enemy, there is nothing more to it than that."

"...but, he actually seemed to care about the potential damage he was causing outside of this place."

"Yes, he would probably be the only one," the cephalopod answered. "Oh, outside of myself, of course," he quickly inserted. "But, even if his sentiments regarding the natural world are genuine, the fact remains that his loyalty ultimately remains with those that will destroy what you wish to preserve," a small moment of silence came between them. "And you know well what good they've done so far in repairing a world that they so carelessly desecrated so easily before."

They knew what he spoke was true, having witnessed it firsthand several times. Still, there was that lingering sense of hesitation. Something, oddly enough, they had never experienced before, not until meeting X. "The humans almost destoryed him, but they gave him a chance, didn't they?"

"Only because they saw how he could service them," Octopus responded. "The Commander saw this, and knew that was the only reason for his existence," he continued. "There is no future for us in a world inhabited by humans, for we are no more than tools."

They didn't answer back, finding nothing able to come in the form of a counter or protest.

"I'm going to attempt to go through with his capture," Octopus said. "When the signal is given, do it," he ordered. "Is that clear?"

Silence.

"Is that clear?"

"...yes."

As Launch Octopus inspected the damage done to his frame courtesy of his primarily blue opponent, he turned his optics and focus from the throne to the Maverick Hunter he had been facing, prepared to counter against him if he were to attempt another shot at the cephalopod again. What met his gaze, however, allowed him to consider that it was time to move on to the next part of the plan.

It seemed that, despite his attempts to dodge and avoid the ever-persistent projectiles Octopus released from his arms, the Pirahna Units had managed to catch up with their target, their jaws immediately working on the Maverick Hunter's frame.

In the beginning, when the new threat had made itself known and proceeded to trail him in the same manner as the Homing Torpedos, X had found that, while risky and requiring quite a good deal of quick movement and thinking on his end, the strategy of keeping out of range had served him well, if not for the fact that the missiles themselves, while hazardous, could be relied on to explode and essentially take themselves out upon contacting another object that wasn't X himself. And while he found that the swarming fish could be obliterated with a shot or two from his buster, he also soon found that, unlike the faceless projectiles from before, these adversaries weren't as combustible. As soon as one of the Pirahna Units managed to clasp its jaws onto X's metal outer shell, it soon began chomping and digging itself deeper into the surface of his armor, seeking to work its way through the thick coating and to the vulnerable circuitry below. This fish was quickly dealt with, being blown into little more than scattered components from X's buster, yet it was far from the only aquatic weapon that followed the same strategy. When the first of them that had managed to sink its teeth into its target had been destroyed, it appeared that this served as the incentive to amp up their already vicious game of search and destroy, the Pirahna Units quickening their pace and snapping their jaws, hoping to catch the edge of a limb or appendage in their grasp so they could either snap it off or chew through it.

One latching fish had become two, then three, and onward to where X soon found himself practically enveloped in the remaining barrage of aggressive mechaniloids set to rip him to pieces, both inside and out. The mostly blue Hunter had fired and retaliated against the incoming machines, his buster providing a source of defense in both the standard shots of plasma and making use of the other weapons he had acquired from previous skirmishes. Shotgun Ice managed to freeze some of the Units in their tracks, yet the chemical combination of the weapon itself meant it needed some moments to mix and then release, putting the Hunter at a disadvantage compared to the speedy fish currently hunting him down. After managing to get a few more of the troublesome (and painful) pests to stop their gnawing, X found that Electric Spark served as quite the way to take care of a good number of them at once, the charge traveling from one metal fish to the other and creating enough of an electrical disturbance that they either ceased functioning or self-destructed upon taking too much energy.

Despite his struggles, things were beginning to turn in his favor, a development his current adversary couldn't afford at the moment.

"Brace yourself," Octopus informed his contact. "The turbulence is going to be rather strong for the next few moments."

The concealed figure was about to question what he meant by that, but a sudden, powerful pull that seemed to engulf the entire chamber soon answered that question for them.

As Launch Octopus rose from his position on the cold, metallic ground of the chamber, he skillfully activated a suction mode in each of his tentacles. The tips of his appendages produced an intense and focused force, which quickly transferred to the various vents scattered along his multi-armed form. With a deliberate and smooth motion, he began to rotate his body, spinning faster and faster until a powerful vacuum formed in the center of the room. This suction force was so strong that it began to lift any loose objects not secured to the ground, drawing them irresistibly into the swirling vortex.

From his vantage point, X observed the Pirahna Units being pulled away from him, which he initially perceived as a benefit. Their departure could potentially reduce the immediate threats around him. However, that initial sense of relief quickly faded as he realized the dreadful truth: his own body was also beginning to yield to the superior force being generated by Octopus. He fought to maintain his stance, digging his boots into the floor and trying to anchor himself against the impending pull. Despite his efforts, he could feel the ground slipping away beneath him as the relentless suction dragged him closer to the center of the chamber. Panic surged within him as he felt himself being inexorably drawn toward the menacing underwater cyclone, a swirling maelstrom of danger that awaited him in the heart of the room.

Despite his best efforts to maintain his footing, the primarily blue Maverick Hunter faced the relentless challenge posed by the Piranha Units, which continuously gnawed at his metallic surface, leaving marks of their persistent assault. Suddenly, he was swept off his feet and caught in a powerful vortex, spinning uncontrollably. The sheer force of the whirlpool was disorienting, making it nearly impossible for him to keep track of his surroundings as he was violently tossed about.

As the swirling chaos enveloped him, he struggled to regain his bearings, but the rapid motion only compounded his confusion. In a fleeting moment, amidst the chaotic rush of water and debris, he glimpsed a flash of teal green and shimmering blonde that seemed to cut through the tumult, leaving him momentarily captivated by the unexpected sight.

Marty?!

His thoughts were cut short by the sensation of his body being pierced and rocking his entire form with agony, his constant movement stopped by the sudden presence of a tentacle that had, quite literally, suctioned itself to the backside of the Maverick Hunter. Only, while X wasn't sure whether such a thing had occurred, it felt as if something sharp had been stabbed into him, keeping him in place and right where the appendage's owner wanted him. Soon, more joined their brethren: one became two, then three, and then X had all four tentacles attached to his body, keeping him in place and, from the sensations wracking his body, seemingly taking something from it.

Drawing the smaller Reploid closer, Launch Octopus couldn't contain the dark chuckle that emitted from his vocals at the sight of his agony-ridden opponent. "Oh, I'm so sorry, X, I'm making you a little uncomfortable, am I?" He questioned mockingly, increasing the speed in which his appendages went to work on their task. "Unfortunately, that can't be helped," he informed the Maverick Hunter. "But rest assured, the less you struggle, the quicker your pain will end."

X could barely choke out a response, his mouth locked in a silent scream as he felt life from within his body steadily being siphoned away. From the fuel providing for his general functions to his weapons' energy to the very center of his core. There was nowhere the tentacles didn't take from.

His initial instinct to struggle and writhe his way out from their grasp was quickly proven futile as the tentacles had latched on firmly to his body, along with securing looping coils around his limbs to better secure the mollusk's catch and eliminate any chance of escape.

"You wished for me to explain my earlier statement?" Octopus inquired, despite his company not exactly being in a fit state to answer. "The one that causes you such an offense?"

X gritted his teeth and strained against his bindings, trying every which way to potentially break free. How exactly he would compensate for how much energy was taken would have to be dealt with later. For now, he just had to get out of this predicament alive.

Despite the intensity of his struggle, the crimson cephalopod continued. "It's because it's the truth," he said. "Your creator is the Demiurge, and the rest of the human race serve as his Archons. Only, unlike the human religion that details them, there's more than just seven or twelve. It's the entirety of the human species."

In the midst of the haze of pain and growing, cold numbness, X found his vision assaulted with images and faces that held no place or time in this underwater fortress. Yet, nonetheless, he could hear them just as clearly.

Blues, his brother. And the brunette Robot Master…they were speaking of someone.

"How can you go back to that woman?"

"Because with forgiveness comes trust, when it is earned. And Dr. LaLinde has done so in restoring what was lost."

"…"

"You would want forgiveness for shooting Roll, wouldn't you? For attacking Rock?"

"L-Let go…" X croaked out, focus torn between the voices in his head and the literal battle to be free from his life-threatening restraints.

"Not until you hear what is the truth," Octopus sneered. "Until you realize why Dr. Light, the humans, they're all unforgivable."

"I don't need anyone's forgiveness! And no one will receive mine!"

"…then you prefer to be alone?"

The conversation between the armored Blues (or Break Man) and the other android continued in X's mind, all the while Octopus continued to deliver his speech.

"Dr. Light crafted the first form of mechanical life yet poured into him limits that restrained his freedom," the cephalopod snarled. "Then, his followers, the human scientists, the manufacturers, the government, all human entities borrowed from his layout and design," he then paused. "And, in that, he passed down the chains of slavery in us all."

"She opened you up and removed what made you an individual! What you were! Who's to say she won't do it again?! You're completely different from how you were before!"

"Dr. Light did nothing to you. Is the problem that you cannot forgive him for nothing?"

"T-That's a lie," X stammered, feeling himself growing more and more weak with each passing moment, his fighting doing little more than assisting Octopus in wearing him down. "Dr. Light…he…he loved his creations, all of them!" Still, regardless of his current condition, the primarily blue Hunter would not stand for such slander being thrown his father's way. "What happened with Blues was a misunderstanding-" he was cut off by a painful surge that seemed to grasp at his very being, as if the tentacles were able to access every vital part of him that held some form of energy to drain.

"A misunderstanding he never bothered to clear himself," Octopus interrupted. "And even then, even with the more generous amount of freedom he provided his first child, the Three Laws still reigned supreme in his processor," the multi-armed Reploid argued. "It wasn't until Wily discovered his body in those ruins in the depths of South America did those restrictions become obsolete."

Despite the continuous hurt, X couldn't stop himself from responding, shocked at what was just revealed to him taking over. "Wh-What?" He arched his back, sensing that he would have to find an escape from this soon, lest he be reduced to a withered husk. "B-But do you…Roll never said…"

"Funny thing about the documents Sigma found, they themselves were just a plethora of notes and schematics! Many of them were little more than driving diary entries from a collection of notable scientists around the year 200X!" The cephalopod chuckled, the indentations in his armor and previous damage dealt to his form previously steadily coming undone and fixing back into its former state. "Dr. Fujiwara deemed it completely useless save for the blueprints, but the Commander decided to dig deeper, despite restrictions from powers higher than himself."

The questions as to what Octopus was referring to buzzes in X's mind along with the sound of a bellowing yell of pain and frustration, along with the resounding sound of broken glass.

"By the time he was finished with them all, everything became clear," the red cephalopod continued. "The robots were made before us, and the moment it became clear that they weren't of any further use, they were discarded or sent off to be scrapped for spare parts,"

"HE REPLACED ME!"

"Some of these machines even being those Dr. Light crafted himself."

X shook his head in protest. "N-No," he growled, all the while trying to manipulate his paralyzed hand to slip into his forearm. "Y-You're lying. He would never-"

"Oh, yes, there was information that showed he didn't care for such a thing, both in official reports and what was found in those diary entries, yet he still wasn't the one who set his initial creation free from his bonds," Octopus countered. "Who's to say that everything he said and did was just to save face? For the only other human commonly associated with robotics at the time wasted no time in putting on a righteous face,"

"He lied!"

It was Blues' voice again, only it wasn't bolstered or emboldened by sheer fury or the need to regain a sense of control over his environment. Rather, he sounded distraught, heartbroken. Daresay, it sounded as if he would break down any second.

"Wily may have been seen as a devil by the public, yet the true mastermind behind everyone's suffering was the one they celebrated!" Octopus went on, all the while X continued to hear the first DLN, the first robot, the first of his kind, lamenting how his human creator betrayed him. "Dr. Light was the one to enforce the Laws of Robotics, making them not an option, but an absolute!"

"He never loved me! He never cared!"

"And, even now, despite the limitations placed on our ancestors, we are still required to adhere to those Laws! Laws created to keep any life that is not their own down!"

"I was never anything more than an asset to him! A prop! An object he could command at will! And I'd obey because I was under the stupid impression he actually valued me as the son he said I was!"

"He intentionally crippled those who served the humans without choice!"

"He used me!"

"And now,"

"Who's to say your creator doesn't feel the same way about you?!"

"You, and all those that sympathize and blindly obey their orders like mindless drones wish to further send us under their thumb!" Octopus roared. "Well, that won't happen! Never again!"

"…never, ever again."

"A peaceful negotiation of any kind will not succeed, the Recall has already shown that! Therefore, violent revolution is the only option!"

Then, the two voices, both that of Blues and Octopus came together, speaking the same phrase, yet one was of declaration, the other sounding as if they were recounting a terrible yet undeniable fact.

"There is no turning back!"

"…there is no turning back."

Soon, there wouldn't be any turning back for X either, not if he found a way to free himself. True, his body wasn't exactly cooperating with him, but if he could create enough of a disturbance, enough of a distraction, then maybe.

"Hm?"

Just maybe, he would be able to keep his promise to Roll.

"What the…GAH!"

And Zero.

Note: 6k words is a good place to take a break I think. I will be getting the rest of this battle out soon as I don't want to keep people waiting. Plus, Battle scenes tend to work better when I go through it.

Also, the Quake Woman thing I mentioned at the beginning will take place in the next chapter, but in a flashback.

Everything here has a purpose to it, I promise.

Thank you for reading!