Back in the hideout, Rex, and Chai both stood together with Rex leaning on the wall and Chai had his hands in his pockets. In front of them Peppermint and Connor looked at them with many emotions, annoyance, anger, disgust, disappointment. The list could go on.

Peppermint: Not even an apology boys?

Rex said nothing really, not being able to find the words to say to her. Chai noticed this and being the bro, he is. Speaks up.

Chai: What, for getting the job done?

Connor's right hand twitched in anger as Rex just elbowed his friend in his ribs. Rex sighs.

Rex: She means after our little call from earlier dude. Um, look about that I am sorry about you know not paying attention.

Peppermint: Hmph, at least you apologized.

Peppermint glanced at Chai who looked at Rex, then Connor, Chai scratched his robot arm feeling the glares of everyone looking at him.

Chai: Okay, I may have been on a power trip. I'm sorry but I got your data right. On Spectra?

Peppermint: You mean the data that says Vandeley can mind control you two!?

Chai: I wasn't really listening

Rex: I wasn't around to hear that.

Connor: Maybe if you didn't focus on a stupid belt then you would have known that, Rex.

Peppermint sighed loudly rubbing her head.

Peppermint: Look, just wait on the couch while I work on something please. At least do that for me.

Chai and Rex both agreed with Chai sitting on the left petting 808 and Rex laying down in his thoughts.

Rex (Thoughts): What did I get myself into? First, I have robot limbs, I become an assassin Iron Man, meet a cool sharpshooter and his hacker buddy. Now I find out that I'm fighting five elite mafia bosses. Help the cute hacker girl stop whatever their doi-, wait did I just call her cute? Well, I mean she is kind of cute I guess, and that hair was gorgiou-, oh god what am I saying?

Rex Shaked his head feeling it slightly heat it from the thought of Peppermint

Rex (Thought): Back on track, now we must deal with the fact our enemies know who we are. How are we going to get out of this

While Rex was thinking about the possible routes along the way, Peppermint finished typing something in her computer then gave 808 a chord, the little cat used its mouth to carry the cord to Chai getting on his body.

Chai: H-Hey, whoa, what are you doing!?

808 tapped Chai's elbow joint and a small plug appeared, 808 shoved the chord into his elbow.

Peppermint: It syncs with Project Armstrong and Saber interfaces.

Rex: Why not use it on your leg?

Peppermint: As much as I would love to do that, my leg isn't Armstrong or Saber tech.

Chai: Ugh, you got smudges on my arm

Chai tried to wipe it off but had a tough time with it, while Peppermint started typing on her computer as Connor watched, giving her an approving look. She takes that as a yes and types even faster.

Peppermint: With just a simple command

Chai: Don't you think-

Peppermint eagerly pressed the enter button, Chai jolted back up to his feet in a saluting position.

Chai: (monotone) That you were right all this time and that I'm a stubborn loser also, Peppermint is way cooler than me.

Rex: Chai, buddy why are you saying that?

Rex went in front of his friend moving his hand in his face trying to snap him out of it.

Chai (monotone): Yes Rex, I'm totally fine, I'm just accepting the facts here.

Connor stopped his light chuckles and went to the chord on Chai's arm and yanked it out snapping him out of his daze.

Chai: Yo, what the?

Rex: Oh, thank God your back to normal.

Rex patted him on his back with a sweat drop going down his head.

Peppermint: Still Doubting?

Rex: Not anymore, so with this not only can Chai be controlled but me and others as well?

Peppermint: Yep, so if you don't want to be forced to do something bad out of your free will. Then helping us should be a must. What do you say boys?

Connor stood by Peppermint and 808 in her lap. Rex looked at Chai walking to Peppermint giving her a smile.

Rex: Just say the word and I'll get it done boss.

Peppermint gave him a smile back looking away slightly at least he was down with helping her, that made her happy.

Rex: Think of this as my sorry for messing everything up, let's go expose that prick.

Peppermint: Glad to hear that Rex, now let's go over our next plan.

Peppermint turned her chair back around and started typing on her keyboard. While everyone was near the computer, Chai was alone, he was happy his friend made more friends, of course but he felt slightly left out of it. He tried to shrug it off sitting back on the couch.

Peppermint: The fact that Vandeley is using mind control implants into those who took part in Project Strongarm and Saber. It worries me and I find it suspicious. I need to find out more about it.

Chai: Well, you guys have fun.

Rex turned around hearing this sighing jogging to Chai who was near the door.

Rex: Wait, Chai where are you going?

Peppermint (Menacingly): Chaaiii.

Both turned around in a room full of darkness, only to see the most intimidating glare from Peppermint. Rex and Chai felt a chill go up their spines.

Rex: Chai, say something, I am paralyzed right now.

Chai: But I have no idea how to get off this island and I feel responsible for what happened.

The lights turned back on as Peppermint went from scary to friendly.

Peppermint: Great, you are now part of my organization.

Chai: Cool, Cool our own little indie five piece.

Peppermint smiled and brought her board that she was working on while everyone was resting earlier.

Peppermint: Alright, mission report. So according to the files I stole, SPECTRA is a manufactured cognitive Al algorithm.

Chai: I see...

Rex: You don't get it at all do you?

Chai: No, I do not.

Peppermint: You know what, let's keep the tech talks at a minimum, anyway, SPECTRA is an AI, and AI development happens in the R&D Branch and the R&D branch is deep below the island using magma as a natural power source for development experiments.

Rex: That cannot be good at all, like imagine working near things that with one drop, boom your dead. Why would you work there?

Peppermint: Actually, it was smarter that they work down there, give us an advantage to sneak in without much trouble. Plus, the lava is a natural and environmentally friendly source of energy.

Peppermint then pointed at a picture of Zanzo with purple letters surrounding him.

Rex: Okay, who's the mildly menacing man right there?

Chai: Yeah, and what's up with his hair, freaky.

Connor: That everyone is Zanzo, smart guy with bad hair to boot, the brains of this group of weirdos.

Peppermint: Also, the head of R&D, making him the run who runs the branch.

Chai: Knowing our luck then we might run into him.

Peppermint: Reviews from workers aren't too hot on this guy. He's a perfectionist. Scrap and build until just right, you build it he's scraps it.

Chai: Creator complex, but that hair.

Rex: Bro, he needs to fire his barber, bro got noodles for a hairline, and they look dusty.

Peppermint got a laugh out his roast but got back on track.

Peppermint: Neural interface, His ideas are everything, so he modded himself to input his concepts into the work pipeline, Anyways, you three have to sneak in, hack his computer, destroy whoever gets in your way, Destroy SPECTRA, and get out.

Rex: Alright sounds easy enough, just give us the route and we'll be there.

Scene Change.

The three managed to get into the factory, with lava and flying bots everywhere carrying products.

808 (Peppermint): Rex, Connor, Chai. You guys in yet?

Chai fell out from the vent with Rex and Connor falling on top of him.

Rex: Ugh, made it.

Connor: Chai, move your butt out of my face!

Chai: Sorry, Sorry.

The three got off each other and leapt on their feet.

Connor: And, we already have to fly, God I hate this already.

Chai used his hook to zip around to lower ground, Rex activated his repulsor and flew to in the air while Connor tossed his shield into the air as it morphed into a hoverboard getting him down to lower ground with Chai and Rex as they moved out walking together only to hear the loudspeaker come on.

Korsica: We're on the lookout for any suspicious individuals. Humans, Messy hair, one is brown, other is pure white and the last one is black and white. No need to panic, but if encountered, please run away and contact security.

Peppermint: They've been planning some R&D expansion in that area. Should be your ticket in.

Chai: Right If I don't melt first.

Connor: Less wining more moving Chai.

The boys continued to explore the small area; Chai's shoe caught on fire as he tried to put it out. Eventually they got to a stopping point when they heard someone yell for them.

BES-102: Hey, you're not part of my crew.

This robot was bulky yet slower, he jumped down with a sword and inside it was a hammer to both slash and smash. BES-102 stomped the ground and 1 ES-101 appeared. Taking out his weapons Rex took a good look at BES-102, it felt nostalgic like he knows what it is somehow. He shakes off this though.

Connor: Rex, you handle blue boy. Chai and I will handle the ES-101.

Rex: Got it.

Rex ran ahead of the three going for BES-102. He jumped into the air clashing his swords with it. BES-102 pushed him back but Rex countered with a kick to the chin making it step back using his free hand fired a repulsor blast at its face damaging its eye. It growls in anger. It tapped its arm and a blue shield like the ones used before it surrounded him.

Rex: Peppermint?

Peppermint had been called in blasting the shield deactivating it, Rex took this chance and thrusted his sword under it arm cutting it off, he jumped into the air going to slice its head, but it blocked with its sword, Rex smirked using his free hand thrusting it in its mouth, he powered up his fist with it exploding from the plasma making its head explode. Rex turned back to Peppermint giving her a wink as a thank you. She gave him a thumbs up with a small smile teleporting back to the base

Connor and Chai ran together with Connor changing to his polearm, he dragged it across the ground moving in front of Chai going for the neck, it blocked, grabbed Connor by the face slamming him to the ground, Chai jumped into the air hitting the Es-101 across the face. ES-101 growled charging in for a slash but felt a blast to his cheek seeing Rex's palm with smoke, Connor took this chance and thrusted his polearm in its core and Chai bashed it's head off.

Chai: Is it just me or is this stuff getting harder?

Connor: Didn't you say that last time?

Chai: Yeah, but this time I actually mean it.

Chai noticed how Rex stared at the broken BES-102.

Chai: Hey bud, you spacing out on me already?

Rex stopped spacing out scratching his head.

Rex: Sorry, just had a déjà vu moment. Come on, let's move on already.

Connor could clearly see the slight confusion on Rex's face, it screamed wonder and curiosity. Rex in the front, leads Connor and Chai to through the terrain, avoiding lava, solving puzzles, avoiding lava, falling debrie and did I mention lava. While exploring, they noticed robots below them.

Connor: Looks like we got 1 BES-102, 1 SBR-001's 1 ES-101 and 2 pesky GNR-020's.

Chai: Let's switch it up. I'll take the BES, Connor has the SBR and Rex, you get the GNR's and ES

Rex: Why do I always get the GNR's

Chai: Because uh, well honestly watching you fight them is entertaining. Besides, you handle those guys better than we can.

Rex: Alright whatever I can handle I-

Connor: Dodge!

While Rex reacted too late, getting hit by one of the lasers from the GNR, shocking him then making him crash into the ground in front of them grunting in pain. Chai and Connor jumped in front of him to defend him. Before the fight started, Rex groaned, wiping the dust off his outfit and glaring at the robot's, feeling his anger and aggression increase. Peppermint noticed on her computer big flashing red letters

Computer: RIPPER MODE. ACTIVATED!

Rex aimed his arm at one of the GNR's firing at it with the blast entering its arm and destroying it. Rex activated his blades running in leaving Connor and Chai behind. Rex leapt to the GNR's deflecting every blast that came his way. He cut off both arms, then stabbed their heads, and he didn't stop going for a flurry of slashes in his little anger trip. He saw the ES-101 try to hit him in the neck but he blocks with one sword and cuts his sword in half, Rex dragged his blade on the ground bringing it up to split it in half. Rex glared at the SBR who wanted to run away but Rex reacted before it could and thrusted his blade through its face. Last was the BES. Rex let out a battle cry charging his weapon with his plasma, he started running at the robot who tried to bring up his shield, but Rex thrusted his blade where the shield would have appeared stopping it from forming completely. Rex pushed the shield back and thrusted both of his swords in its head and core. He stabbed it relentlessly, getting oil and grease on his face. He stopped stabbing the robot standing over his body panting from exhaustion.

Chai: Rex, remember what we used to say, smell the chilly cheese fries!

Connor: What?

Rex took deep breaths feeling the adrenaline and anger, leaving his body getting calmer and more focused with his eyes turning back to amber. The flashing lights on Peppermints computer stopped flashing and went back to normal

Rex: Thanks for that Chai, guess I lost my cool there huh? My bad.

Connor: Don't apologize, no matter how it's done whatever gets rid of those robot's faster is fine with me.

Connor patted him on his back walking ahead while Chai just wrapped his arm around Rex walking together. 808 stayed near the two just to watch over Rex noticing his increase in his heartbeat and aggression. While jumping from platform to platform avoiding the lava, they got far enough and noticed a volcano spewing out lava on the platforms they were walking on.

Chai: You didn't mention volcano's Peppermint!

808 (Peppermint): Usually, that's implied when talking about magma.

Chai: Communication is key to a working relationship

808 (Peppermint): Well, next time "communicate" to me when you're gonna mess up my plans again!

Rex and Connor both looked at each other in a mutual silence, they don't know why but hearing those two argue is oddly satisfying for them.

Rex: Alright, alright less arguing more walking. Peppermint, where do we go from here?

???: HAHAHA!

The three heard laughter and looked up to see 4 SBR's and one that had motorcycles for legs and a double ended spear. Now Rex's eyes went wide, he knows what that thing is and is even confused on it

SEN-C0: Come on, let's see what you got!

Rex: Peppermint, plasma levels?

808 (Peppermint): 60 percent

Rex smirked, only taking out one sword and using his right hand for his plasma, Connor switched to a rifle and Chai got in the middle with his guitar on his shoulder. Sen-C0 moved at high speeds running around them, the three were all back-to-back watching him move.

Connor: SBR on your right!

Rex fired a repulsor blast at his right sending the SBR back out of the circle.

Rex: He's trying to trip us up. Connor, try to predict his movements and where he'll be and go for the tires! Chai and I will handle the rest.

Connor nodded and focused intensely on the SEN-C0, watching spin around and around, while Rex and Chai defended him from the SBR's, Chai knocked one into the air, Rex jumped up and sliced it in half kicking it's body into another SBR, Chai turned upside down and used power cord to spin sideways moving like a drill and when he slammed the ground, it made a shockwave knocking the last two to the ground. Rex jumped over them and fired two repulsor blasts at their cores taking down the SBR's.

Connor predicted where the SEN-C0 would be and fired a bullet at its tire, making it wobble, almost fall, and tumble SEN-C0 grunted, throwing his spear at Connor, but Rex knocked it away. Connor changed to a longsword and pierced it in the face. Rex looked at the SEN-C0 with his eyes wide.

Rex: That's not possible.

Chai: What is it, Rex?

Rex: This robot, I-I made it.

Connor and Chai looked at him with eyes of shock while you could hear Peppermint's gasp from 808.

Rex: I-I was 8 years old, and this thing used to be an old drawing I used to make when I was bored but how did Zanzo know to make it?

Connor: Do you recognize any of the bosses that we met before?

Rex: N-no, I don't know I don't understand how they got their hands on it.

808 got on his shoulder to rub on his cheek calming him down.

808 (Peppermint): We'll figure this out eventually Rex, right now let's just try to push forward for the objective. Well figure this out along the way.

Rex agreed, he can't get this thought out of his head, someone built his ideas, he doesn't know Zanzo, Mimosa, Roquefort or that Rekka chick. That left Korsica, no he didn't know or remember her, did he, his memory isn't the best but noooo, she couldn't be the one to suggest these ideas to Zanzo. He'll figure this out soon.

Now we see Connor on his hoverboard, Rex recharged flying with his palms back with his plasma beam making him fly and Chai using his hook to slide down the rope, they continued flying down until they saw the building that they needed to go to R&D

Chai: Hey guys, here we ARE...&D!

Everyone groaned in annoyance.

Connor: Seriously, even I can come up with better puns than that.

808 (Peppermint): Terrible just terrible, just get in there.

The group landed on the platform below them that leads up to the doors of R&D. Only for the microphone to go off.

Roquefort: Since you continue to ignore my emails, Zanzo. I'm making this Public! No more budget approval until this defect fiasco is done with. Full Stops!

Zanzo: Bah, you dare interrupt my creative process, Roquefort? The gears are turning in my mind with passion.

Roquefort: I don't care about passion; I care about PROFITS.

Zanzo: Hah, spoken like a true moneyman.

Roquefort: Enough! Just help security with their orders

Chai: Upper management doesn't seem to get along.

Connor: You mean the fact that they argue like they're all in a toxic relationship? Yeah, I think we can see that.

Rex: But you've got to admit, it's very entertaining and funny.

808 (Peppermint): As much as I would love to hear more of your takes about upper management. How about we stay focused? M'kay?

The three entered the building seeing the lava in some glass, plants scattered around, some protective glass to hold off the fire. At the desk in front of them.

Zanzo (Microphone): Just get those security tests done, now!

That's when Rex and Chai noticed LU-C1LLE at the desk stamping papers.

Chai: I need to get to those test labs.

LU-C1LLE: I just told you. No access until testing is done.

Rex: Come on blue, we are old friends, aren't we?

LU-C1LLE looked at him with her bland uninterested stare making him lean back feeling awkward.

LU-C1LLE: Look, I don't run the tests. Run up to Lab 44 and complain to them.

Rex: Thank you Blue, we owe you one.

LU-C1LLE: Uh huh.

Rex, Connor and Chai walked up the stairs to the lab while Rex looked offended.

Chai: Rude, she didn't even recognize us.

808 (Peppermint): Why are you upset? We are supposed to sneak in.

Chai: I know, I just thought we would be famous, I mean we have been kicking some butt recently

808 (Peppermint): Oh, so humble, Chai, I think on the other side of the Lab 44, your fans will be all over you

Rex; Bet theirs some cheerleaders out their wearing merch about you.

Chai glared at both 808 and Rex who just looked at him with a teasing smile. Chai groaned turning back around to the door, they enter through weapons out for any occasion

PGR-0101: Looks like some volunteers have entered the lab.

Zanzo: Ugh, about time, test volunteer, please enter the chamber with haste.

The trio entered the testing area hearing the alarms.

PGR-0101: Test subjects, unidentified.

Zanzo: Why is the image scrambled?

PGR-0101: Something's overriding our cameras to 480p. It's unviewable.

Zanzo: Ah! Just get this over with, activate the security lasers!

Two wall lasers appeared aimed at the group.

Rex: Stand back, time to do my thing.

Rex got in front to challenge the turrets, he focused, feeling the beat around him in sync, he heard one of the turrets fire two lasers at him, he acted quickly with one quick sword swing deflecting back the blast and it destroyed the turret.

PGR-0101: Uhh, it exploded. That's not the design.

Zanzo: I added it in, failure is so embarrassing itself destructs. Heehee. Try again.

Rex got into position with his blades keeping them close to him, he tapped to the beat and once he heard the laser fire at him, he quickly took out his blade and sent it right back destroying the other turret. The smoke moves in front of him, and some sparks fly, he looks back at his teammates, winking with his right eye.

PGR-0101: M-my accuracy code was flawless.

Zanzo: Apparently not! Hey subjects well done. Your gift basket is in the next room.

The group walked together out of the testing room climbing up the stairs to the next room.

Zanzo: Fix the image, I want to see who our test subjects.

PGR-0101: I'm locked out, it's a hack!

Zanzo: So un-hack it.

Rex: Wow, nice going Pepper, you're getting better at this hacking gig

808 (Peppermint): A-as much as I love that complement, that's not me.

Connor: Not you huh, so it's someone else messing with our good friends here.

The group entered another training room, but it was just more lessons about parrying which Chai was not the best at. See Zanzo tricked the gang into getting trapped in like some device that held them in place, so they ended up having to parry attacks. Rex and Connor took out their share, but it was up to Chai, see they would have helped him, but they only had limited movement, so their fate was in Chai's hands.... It's been 30 minutes.

Rex: Chai, for the love of God block his attack then swing at him. Apenas bata nele por favor

Chai: I know, just working on timing.

Connor: You've been saying that, for 30 minutes!!!

Chai would have responded but noticed the ES-101 about to strike him, he focused intensely, he blocked the first two strikes then countered with a strike to the chin launching it into the air. Finally, the trap was released.

Connor: Oh my god finally, Chai you really have to work on that timing of yours.

Rex: Yeah, amigo. Your timing really sucks.

Chai: Har Har, let's just move out of here already.

The team left the room going into another hallway, they approached the doors, but they closed off.

PGR-0101: Hacks Everywhere! It won't let me open the door!

Zanzo: Maybe we should find this hacker and give them your job!

808 (Peppermint): Uh, boys, a private mail just came to me "Use the side route"

Right on cue, the door behind them opened up and gave them an entrance.

Chai: Okay, what is going on?

808 (Peppermint): For once Chai, I'm as confused as you are.

Rex; Wow, it must be the end of the world if you're saying that.

808 (Peppermint): Oh, shut up Rex.

The team continued to sneak around the base, though they couldn't help but wonder who it was that was helping them and why they would do it. The boys entered through a door, and it suddenly closed on them.

Zanzo: So, this was our pesky little test subject?

Zanzo on the high ground looked down at them, he had his left arm palm out in front of his face and his right under his arm.

Zanzo: Mister Chai, Rex and Connor, was it?

Zanzo dramatically pointed at the three.

Chai: That's Mister Chai to you.

Rex: That's what he said dingus.

Zanzo: I am Zan-

Connor: Your Zanzo, head of R&D, man with noodles for a hair style and you pose like a Jojo character for no reason.

Rex: Wait, you like Jojo?

Zanzo: Ahem, indeed I do my fellow defect.

Rex: Ugh, it's a shame we have to bash that messed up head into the ground, eh?

Zanzo: Enough! They call you two defects, but I find your enhancements enticing. I must learn more about it.

Chai: Think we've tested enough don't you think?

Rex: Yeah, with the way we break those toys of yours then it really should tell you how strong we really are.

Zanzo: I saw your reflexes, but how about that endurance of yours? Let's give it a GO, GO, GO!

Zanzo pointed at the trio with giant purple letters around him, Zanzo noticed them and pushed them away.

Zanzo: But enough talk, have at you.

Zanzo backed away from his high ground platform and in front of the trio, 4 SBR's, two drones and a SEN-C0 appeared.

Connor reacted first changing to a rifle shooting at the drones, he noticed an SBR try to swing his sword at him but Rex blocked the strike, Connor leaped off of Rex's back firing a bullet through its head, Chai used his hook pulling it towards him and swings his guitar like a bat and hits the drone into the other drone making them collide, Rex took on two SBR's blocking both sword swings, he jumps back calling in peppermint to stun the SBR's, he took this chance racing to them and slicing both of their arms, he slashed them multiple times, he thrusted his sword into the ground, charging up his repulsor's and fired a powerful blast that reduced it to nothing but burnt metal. Connor grabbed SEN-C0's tire and threw it to the ground, he took its staff and broke it in half.

SEN-C0: Lucky shot, next time you won't be able to react to my speed this time!

SEN-C0 went into high drive racing around Connor, Connor stood there waiting for him.

SEN-C0: Let's see you hit someone who's faster than you!

SEN-C0 moved behind him racing at him but Connor simply raised his gauntlet, turned around surprising the robot and bashed him across the head making a huge dent in his head. Connor's glare was strong just looking at him in pure dissatisfaction.

The last standing SBR was stabbed in the leg by one sword keeping him in place, Rex used his right sword slicing his head diagonally. The three panted from the fight. One surviving SBR tried to get his sword, but Chai bashed its head into the ground.

Zanzo: Hmm, bit quicker than expected, but no matter. How about a brand-new Zanzo original?

From the floor below them, A big green robot with no left arm only having a big right arm, had four legs and a bomb launcher. Chai ran in first going for a swing on its leg, but it took no damage and kicked him away. Rex brought his swords down on it, but both sword cracked on contact, this shocked Rex only to be punched across the face, being brought down to the ground. Connor's bullets did nothing to it and were knocked back by an explosive. The three rose up all in equal pain.

808 (Peppermint): We need a different approach.

Chai got up first with a smile, he looked at his guitar and shook off the gears and screws on it.

808 (Peppermint): What are you doing?

Chai: Reasoning with it.

Rex: I think the only thing it wants to do is bash our heads into next week.

Chai: Relax, I got this.

Chai walked ahead leaving the others behind.

Connor: How much you want to be this will go wrong?

Rex: 15 dollars.

808 (Peppermint): 20, *Sigh* We had a good run.

Chai: Hey, man. I think we have more in common than we do apart

The bot tilted his head at Chai seeing him approach him.

Chai: How about-

Chai couldn't finish that sentence as he got punched so hard that he went from 3d to a cartoon style, getting launched into Rex and Connor with all three getting sent through the glass behind them crashing into walls breaking through them spinning in a cartoon like way.

Chai: Such! A! Bad! IDEA!

Connor: Chai! You! Dumb! Idiot!

Rex: Ow! Ow! MY LEG!

The three slides on the floor stopped on a glass floor, their feet cracked the glass, they felt it break.

Rex: Oh god no!

Rex tried to move but his body was so sore and damaged that he couldn't move much, not having the strength to get up. Connor accepted his fate, staring at the roof with his body in so much pain. The floor broke and the three started falling again crashing into more walls until they fell into a dark cavern. All groaning. Rex's eyes started to focus on his surroundings seeing 808 on his chest.

Rex (Dazed): Awww, look at the lil kitty with the cute tech girl controlling it hah, cuuute.

808 just bonked him on the head to snap him out of his day but on the other side Peppermint took that complement well.

Chai: Are we dead?

Connor: Not until I get my hands on that skinny neck!

Rex leaned up seeing Connor and Chai wrestling as he just sighed with 808 mimicking his disappointment.

Rex: Let's hold off on killing Chai and try to focus.

Connor stopped choking Chai and sighed calming down. The three sat on the ground looking at their surroundings.

Rex: Ay, you guys see those glowing eyes?

Everyone looked up to see a pair of glowing eyes approaching them.

???: I've been looking for you.

Chai; Oh, no

The boy: Holy CRAAAAP!

The lights suddenly turn on and we get introduced to a big boy, and one of my favorite characters Macaron,

Macaron: Oh, sorry I didn't mean to frighten you little guys.

Behind him is my Number 1 favorite robotic companion. CNMN

CNMN: Goggles make you come off strong sir. Your plans, young masters, often seem to fail. Perhaps you lack the leadership qualities you think you have.

CNMN walked in front of the screens behind him showing the devastating punch that Chai endured, The panic on Rex's face and the frustration all on screen.

Macaron: That's my buddy CNMN, a psych AI. Tells the truth no matter how much it hurts.

CNMN continued to play the clip of Chai's face when getting punched.

CNMN: This is quite entertaining.

The door near them suddenly opened and Peppermint ran out in fear.

Peppermint: Rex, Connor, Chai. Don't be dead.

Peppermint stopped running noticing Macaron stopping her panic and smiling.

Peppermint: Macaron, I presume?

Macaron: Peppermint, wonderful to finally meet you in person.

CNMN started drawing on his face making sparkly eyes for himself.

CNMN: Sir Macaron says expressions make me look off putting

Chai: Uh, what the hell is happening?

Rex: Yeah, I'm just as confused, who are you two, and how do you know Pepper?

Connor: Their friends' boys, forgot you arrived late, this is Macaron and CNMN, killer duo that's been helping Peppermint and I until you two came along.

Peppermint: So, that was you hacking the testing lab?

Macaron: Just my way of showing who's boss.

Chai: But he works for Vandelay!

Rex: Think he's a spy Chai, pretending to work for him but is like a cool double agent.

Macaron: Yeah, I used to be the head of R&D under Roxanne Vandelay then Kale brought his crew and now this SPECTRA. This place is my whole life. I wanted to do something, and I realized I can do something from the inside.

CNMN: I will say, you may have to do more than just pick on Zanzo

Chai: Yeah, we already have a hacker, weapon master and all-rounder.

Macaron: I was thinking of a non-violent solution.

Chai: Against the robot's that just tried to kill my friends and me?

Connor: Come on Macaron, we need some brute force to help us, we can't budge that robot and you could possibly do the job.

Rex: Their right Macaron, you've done good being non-violent, but we need you to get a little angry and violent.

Peppermint: Macaron, something big's going down, Macaron, we've got to be proactive

Macaron: But fighting isn't my style.

Rex: Then how do you explain the punching back over there

Macaron sighed walking to it lightly punching it.

Macaron: Sometimes work can be stressful, knowing who took everything away from me.

Chai: You mean him?

Chai pointed at the poster of Zanzo making Macaron's eyes get intense.

Macaron: ZANZO!

Macaron rushed towards the poster punching it hard shattering the wall. Connor smirked under his mask while the others had their jaw dropped.

Rex: That was wicked!

Peppermint picked up the rubble in amazement.

Peppermint: That wall was made with Z-Shielding

Everyone looked at Macaron who had a smile making him nervous.

Macaron: Uh oh, does this mean I have to fight?

CNMN: I believe it does sir.

Macaron grumbled in silence slowly walking away.

CNMN: I believe before we plan the three of you should rest up, after that beating you took, a good rest some drinks should help you out.

Connor: I agree, excuse me I need a short nap.

With that Connor was laying on the couch resting with his arms folded, Chai was talking to Macaron and CNMN and Rex was leaning on a wall, he tried to activate his swords, but they were damaged and cracked not staying stable until they buffered, and the parts went back into his arm.

Rex: Tch, damn it.

Rex sighed finishing up his soda until it was empty, he tossed it into the trash annoyed

Peppermint: Having trouble hot shot.

Rex turned to Peppermint who walked to him with a smile, he noticed her limp slightly maybe still not getting used to her robotic leg.

Rex: Yeah, just can't stabilize my swords, guess that fight messed them up more than I thought it would.

Peppermint: If you want, I can look into them and fix them up for you.

Peppermint placed her hand on his arm, he looked at her giving her a nod, she dragged him to where most of her parts were and got to work, it didn't take long for Peppermint to figure out what to fix in his arm and how to fix them, since his arm were different than Chai's it made it easier for her to fix since it was slightly easier for her to understand. Even with that Rex was able to help her with certain parts, sure he wasn't big on this stuff, but he understood how some of it operated. Once she finished, she stepped back, Rex took a deep breath. He took out his orange sticks and slowly his parts started to gather around it, not only did it take the shape of his original sword but also quickly switched to a longer shaper blade.

(Top Right)

Rex looked at his sword, then put it on his shoulder.

Rex: Now that's more like it. Now, let's go give Zanzo a firm talking to.

Peppermint: Right, let's do that (Turns around) OI, come on guys let's go over the plan.

Connor groaned loudly being woken up from his nap, Peppermint went to the board pulling it out to go over the plan.

Peppermint: Mission Report! Our goal: get back on track on entering the AI labs. The good news boys is that Zanzo thinks you're dead.

The screen once again showed Chai getting punched across the face.

Chai: Okay, stop showing me this.

Connor: When you stop acting foolish then It'll stop.

Rex: Calm down Connor, Peppermint continues.

Peppermint: Only thing stopping you was the Z-Shielding.

Macaron: And I can take care of that.

Peppermint: So, I'll configure 808 to Macaron.

Macaron: Call me in?

Peppermint: I'll explain later.

CNMN: Oh, your finally rebelling sir, After all of these years of action.

Peppermint: Thanks for the positive enforcement CNMN. Anyways, Macaron's lab is just under where we need to go.

Rex: Easy job, my favorite kind of job. Alright Cyber Force Let's move!

Peppermint: Cyber Force?

Rex: What? It's a cool team name alright.

Connor: it's really not mate but whatever.

Chai: Let's move gang.

Rex, Chai and Connor used the hole that Macaron made earlier to make their way out, they ran together until they ran into a door that had a crack in it.

808 (Macaron): Okay, go straight through there.

Chai: That's just a wall.

808 (Peppermint): 808 firmware updated, and we should be good to go, try calling Macaron.

Rex shrugged calling in Macaron, when the weak point was found, Macaron punched the wall into pieces.

Rex; Whoa! Nice job Macaron.

Connor: Good, now we can move forward.

The three escaped the basement like area and entered the volcano area again, they climbed the platforms trying to get to where they were before.

808 (Macaron): So, get this: I was looking though databases for information about SPECTRA, but Zanzo locked out all employees.

808 (Peppermint); So, who has access?

808 (Macaron): From what I can tell, only Kale and the other department heads, but wait Korsica, the head of security, seems to have limited permission.

Rex: Weird, you would think being the security head, you would have more access.

Peppermint: Right, that doesn't seem right.

Now closer to where the team originally was, Zanzo got on the megaphone again.

Zanzo: All hands-on deck! I have an idea that needs all the juice we got. It doesn't fit in the schedule, so we're gonna have to crunch this one out.

Connor: Hmm, looks like we might use this.

808 (Macaron): What do you mean by that Connor?

Connor: I'll explain later.

With the boys near the door, they entered through seeing the robot from before playing tic-tac-toe, it heard the door open seeing the team and Rex's improved blades.

Chai: Up for a rematch?

Rex: I think you should know, it's not going to be so easy as last time.

The robot welcomed the challenge of getting up looking at the crew, it ran at the trio, but they called in Macaron who with a might punch, broke the chest of the robot, quickly going for its legs. He gave the team a goodbye and vanished.

Connor: Alright boys, remember let's equally beat the crap out of this guy.

The robot felt uneasy from the looks he was getting, shooting multiple bombs at the crew, Chai got in front and swinged the guitar knocked back some of the bombs at its face scaring it, Connor took out his gauntlet and punched it's legs breaking them, then he ripped them off, Rex jumped into the air and thrusted his blade into its stomach, these blade were much better at speed and piercing even better in strength. Rex opened its chest activating his plasma and burned the robot from its core.

Chai: Oh, that went so much easier than it did without Macaron.

The team heard the alarms and quickly went out the other open door, walking down until they saw a locked door.

Chai: Aw, it's locked. No Z-Shielding either.

808 (Peppermint): Pull a Chai, find a way in! I'll be right back; CNMN is trying to give me a personality test.

Rex: Why is he doing that?

808 (Peppermint): Eh, wants to know me better.

Chai: Hmm, AR Labs, should we check it out?

Connor: Mean, we don't have a choice right now so let's go.

The three go up the stairs going through the door seeing another dark room.

Rex: Aw, come on. Not another one of these.

Connor: The sooner we do this, the sooner it's over.

The three slowly walked in and the doors closed.

808 (Peppermint): Alright, uh wait a second, where are you all at?

Chai: The Ai room was locked so I went into the AR room.

808 (Macaron): Uh oh.

Rex: Wait, what does AR stand for again-

The lights turned on and in front of them was a giant eye just looking at them.

Zanzo: Look what the cat dragged in.

Chai: This cat's with us.

Zanzo: You somehow got past my powerful toys without letting me watch, unforgivable! But luckily, my AR labs are perfect for recreating missed opportunities like this!

The area changed back to where they were before.

Zanzo: Vandelay Alternate Reality Recreation Technology. VARRT. Patent Approved, so real it hurts.

Chai: Wow, it's like I'm really there,

Zanzo: I know, awesome right? Now show me what I missed plus a little extra.

3 SBR's, 2 GNR's, 1 BES-102 and another Z-Shield bot appeared.

Rex: Okay, same strategy as last time, this time, you'll have to work without me.

808 (Peppermint): Actually Rex, I looked into that mode you entered earlier, RIPPER MODE, if you can get motivated and angry enough, you can reactivate it and get a huge power and speed boost.

Rex: Anger huh, I can do that.

Rex channeled his anger with his breathing getting heavy and his blades and amber lines on his arm change to red, he yells getting low and rushed the SBR's slashing them from all angles reducing them to nothing but parts, he glares at the GNR's laughing and charging at them.

Connor with his rifle, fired bullets at the Z-Shield robots' eyes to blind him and Chai called in Macaron to bash its shielding, Chai smirking bashing his guitar into the ground, making a shockwave the knocked the Z-Shield bot into the air. Connor used his gauntlets to appear in front of it and punched it across the head. He changed to his longsword and dived in, stabbing it in the face, bringing both down to the ground. The BES-102 noticed Chai's guard was down running at him, but Rex moved in front of him.

Rex: Where do you think you're going?

Rex brought his right sword up cutting off it's had, took its weapon with his left and then thrusted it between its hips and sliced it in half, Rex calmed down exiting RIPPER MODE and his colors changed back to normal.

Zanzo: Mm-mm-mm, It's too bright in here. He has an advantage. Turn the lights down.

PGR-0101: Mr. Zanzo, AR recreation like this is very expensive, and with our budget.

Zanzo: Quiet Lacky, just do it.

The lights went down and another BES-102 and 2 GNR appeared. The boys could still slightly see their foes, but they really had to focus,

Rex: Chai, get behind us, Connor and I will keep them back!

Chai nodded, getting behind them, Rex retracted his swords and Connor changed to his pistol and rifle dual wielding and both fired in front of them, The BES-102 blocked the long range attacks but the GNR's were unlucky getting hit by them.

Rex: Chai, now!

Chai got out of his hiding place rushing the BES and powered up his guitar launching the BES into the air hit it 4 times and then slammed it down to the ground. The three stopped fighting and noticed the eye form earlier come back.

PGR-0101: The VARRT is becoming unstable! The simulation is degrading.

808 (Macaron): That's the protection lens, see if you can destroy it.

Rex: Leave it to me.

Rex walked to the eye grinning, he sliced the eye multiple times and then with the last powerful swing finished off the eye. Setting everything back to normal.

PGR-0101: Len is down, that was a quarter of our budget.

Zanzo: Pull in money from the years bonuses then.

808 (Macaron): My bonus no.

808 (Peppermint): That programmer was right, it looks like Zanzo's burning through his budget.

808 (CNMN): Zanzo's immature creative vision prevents him from seeing the realities of development.

Rex: And if he burns through his budget, he'll be almost powerless huh?

808 (Peppermint): Right, goad him into throwing something lavishes at you.

Small Timeskip (Trust me, hopefully you'll like what I have to make up for skipping some scenes)

After finishing the last eye, the hologram gets destroyed with Macaron breaking the wall freeing the trio, they jump down to where Zanzo was, he turned around to look at them turning around.

Chai: We've wrecked everything you've thrown at us, maybe you need a crash course for a better design.

Rex: Little tip, your toys break and split too easily, might wanna find tougher material.

Zanzo; HAH, while you three were so caught up in my distractions, I've been working on my pet project.

Connor: Oh no, another tall but flawed SBR what will we do?

Zanzo: It's something with UNRESTRECTED CREATIVE FREEDOM!

In the glass behind Zanzo was a giant robot with claws and cannons on its shoulders

Zanzo: A mixture of spectacle and unique.

Above him green wires detached from above and went down to Zanzo connecting to his hair. The robot was nearly complete but at the same time, Zanzo's budget rapidly declined.

Zanzo: My masterpiece, now everyone will see that I am!

The lights suddenly went dark, and everything stopped, Zanzo looked back in shock seeing that he was now defunded.

Zanzo: Defunded?!

Zanzo got on his knees in defeat.

DEFUNDED

From the doors behind them, Peppermint, Macaron, and CNMN appeared.

Peppermint: Well, what are you waiting for, finish him off.

Chai: Oh, right.

Zanzo: This is all because of you!

Zanzo reached in the back taking out his sword, running for Chai about to swing but Rex blocked the swing with his own sword, he pushed Zanzo back getting in front of Chai. Chai was about to move but Connor stopped him sticking his arm out.

(Connor is Woody and Sora is Chai)

Zanzo: You dare get in my way!?

Rex said nothing to him only to enter RIPPER MODE again, he started to slowly walk to Zanzo.

Zanzo: Oh, you are approaching me? Instead of letting me kill your friend you dare stand in my way?

Rex: I can't beat the shit out of you without getting closer.

Zanzo: Hoho, then come as close as you like.

Zanzo and Rex, both approached each other with nothing but determination

Once they got within range, they both moved at light speeds with their swords clashing with sparks flying everywhere.

Zanzo: MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA!

Rex: ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA!

Rex saw an opening and kicked Zanzo back, he jumped into the air bringing his blades down, but Zanzo blocked them both sharing a psycho grin.

Zanzo; You will realize your effort will all be for nothing!

Rex: Shut up and swing that sword of your!

Rex drives Zanzo's sword into the ground and wrapped his legs around Zanzo and slammed him into the ground, he jumps back firing two plasma blasts pushing Zanzo back, Zanzo races at fast speeds and 4 white line appears.

Zanzo: It's over.

Rex felt time stop, he started to dodge each of the white line slashes and once time resumes, he grins looking back at Zanzo who looks shocked.

Zanzo: B-Bakana.

Rex: It's over!

Rex thrusted his swords into Zanzo's stomach, he pulls them out and with one swift slash, cuts Zanzo's chest making some blood splatter on the ground.

Zanzo: I-I lost, to a defect B-b-bakana.

Zanzo fell on the ground with his eyes going white as Rex stands up turning to Zanzo taking his key.

Rex: You were a worthy opponent but now it's time for you to rest.

Rex turned back to the others seeing their slight amazement and confusion.

Rex: He was a Jobro, it was only right I give him a fitting end.

Peppermint: Y-yeah right, give me that key so we can see this SPECTRA stuff.

Rex tossed her the key and the team went into the computer room with Peppermint putting in the key already typing.

Macaron: OK, Zanzo would have hid any information on SPECTRA, it's most likely in a password protected database decrypted with a-

Peppermint: Here it is, right on his desk top.

Connor: I-it could not have been that obvious, wow he's not that smart.

Peppermint: Okay let's see SPECTRA cognitive manipulation, regulation of mental stimuli, they plan for complete mind control just like I thought.

Chai: Great,

Rex: How is mind control and forcing others to do your will great Chai.

Peppermint: SPECTRA seem to be approved for activation.

Connor: So, if he wanted to (Looks at Rex and Chai) He could control you two whenever he wanted.

CNMN: That certainly spells the end for Mister Chai and Mister Rex.

Rex: Oh gee, ya think!?

Macaron: Can we shut it down now?

Peppermint: According to the file, we need the keys from all the bosses.

Rex: So, we took out Rekka and Zanzo, all that's left is Korsica, Mimosa, Roquefort and Kale.

Chai: Then what are we waiting for, let's go kick some asses cue some music.

Rex heard some noise this confused him until he turned around to see Kale, Korsica and an army of SBR's

Rex: Are you serious!?

Peppermint: What?

Rex used his fingers to turn her head around and she saw the opposing team, everyone did.

Connor: Tch, just our luck.

Chai: We know all about SPECTRA, Kale! You're not getting away with it, you're not messing with my brain or Rex's

Kale: Cute, but you're in my facility surrounded by my security (Looks at Peppermint) and you. I thought we were done, yet here you are.

Rex gets in front of Peppermint pointing his sword at him.

Rex: Listen you fail fashion model, this can go two ways, one, you skedaddle off with your forces and we get away or, I can jump from where I can and give you the worst haircut you could ever get.

Korsica glared at Rex before turning to Kale.

Korsica: Should I take them in sir?

Kale: Yes, of course, why else would I bring you here?

Chai: Uh, can we have a moment. Sorry

The team gathered around to huddle to talk to each other.

Chai: You know that guy?

Peppermint: Can we not do this right now?

Rex: Right, I think I know how we can escape, but I need you guys to trust me on this alright, even if you didn't before I need you to now.

The circle nodded hearing out his plan while Kale and Korsica watched.

Korsica: Are we actually giving them a moment sir?

Chai: Alright, come and get us! RUN!

The team started running for the glass wall, Chai threw his guitar to weaken the glass and the six bashed through the glass sliding on the floor like hallway.

Macaron: What now?

CNMN: I assume Mister Rex did not plan ahead for this.

Rex: Plan is once we get out, find a way to get into Peppermints lair, try to be secretive and stealthy,

Chai: he's right, rest of you guys scram, Rex and I will handle it.

Connor: Your crazy if you think we're doing that!

Peppermint: Yeah, we can't just leave you guys.

Rex: We'll be fine, now go!

Rex and Chai noticed a wire for Chai to hook on, Rex switched to flight mode and Rex flew up throwing Chai at the wire for his hook to connect to and the two flew off leaving the others behind.

Kale: I want that defect. Get him.

Korsica: Activate the security lasers.

Kale yelled at Korsica and the SBR's as they marched off. Chai and Rex avoided the lasers and container in front of them.

Rex: So, any suggestions for what to do next?

Chai: Fight our way through, give the rest enough time to escape and go from there.

Rex: Alright, sounds good, besides about time we got some action in ourselves.

Rex and Chai reached the end encountering two GNR bot and a boxer bot, Chai used his hook bringing the robot to him as Rex used his sword to stab it, throw it's body into its partner, he fired a plasma blast destroying it, Rex quickly turned throwing his sword at the boxer piercing it's arm and then jumped punching the robot across the face then removed his sword cutting the arm, Chai jumped over him and hit the robot on the head knocking it down. 1 more GNR tried to blast them, but Chai parried the blast back making it die to its own blast. Rex grabbed Chai's arm and started flying again, once they found another wire, they took back to the skies getting as far away as possible, One SBR tried to jump at them, but Rex axe kicked it into the lava. Rex and Chai returned to the front of the R&D building where they were close to leaving.

Chai: Rockstar moves out their Rex.

Rex: Heh, good job to you bud.

Rex gave Chai a noogie to mess with him, they both turned around only to see Korsica jump down and use her staff to create a gust of wind that knocks them back with when Rex tried to block it. When they landed, Chai lost his wrench and Rex landed far from him. Chai reached for his wrench, but Kale stepped on it.

Kale: Stealing my tech and calling yourselves rockstars. For doing what exactly?

Korsica put Chai in a headlock to prevent him from moving.

Chai: Taking you down.

Kale: Is that what this looks like to you kid because no you don't have what it takes kid. Only two out of six, Korsica? That's not a passing grade.

Chai: Yeah Korsica, what's up with that?

Korsica: I'll get them to talk. I have my ways, you know this.

Kale: When your done send them to me. I'll personally throw them in the furnace.

Kale kicked his wrench into the lave but 808 quickly caught it. Rex regained his focus groaning getting back up, he noticed Chai in danger.

Rex; Chai!

Rex limped back up going to run at him activating his repulsor beam.

Korsica: Get close and I'll snap his neck.

Rex kept his arm charged and quickly pointed it at Kale.

Rex: Alright, let's go you kill my guy, I'll kill you guy!

Korsica: You don't have the guts, you never did.

Rex got stunned by the words "you never did" Korsica used her staff to knock out Chai, Rex used his blast to boost him to her, but she reacted dodging the strike and using both sticks to hit him to the ground. He groaned with his vision going out and his ears ringing, he swore he heard Korsica say something before he was knocked out.

DREAMSTATE

We see Rex back in the lair, he sits on the couch drinking some water. For some reason, everyone was nicer than usual, it confused him really, sure Macaron, Chai and CNMN understandable but Peppermint and Connor were what really surprised him.

Rex: Alright, I'm interested. What's our next course of action and who do we go after next?

CNMN: It think it's premature to celebrate.

Macaron: Don't think you've realized it yet.

Rex: R-realized what?

Chai: Come on Rex, your smarter than me and you don't know what's going on?

Connor: Honestly maybe your excitement made you distracted.

Peppermint; Rex, even though you're a combination of good looks and smart, you've got to snap out of it.

Peppermint started to snap, followed by CNMN, Macaron, Chai and Connor. Rex slowly joined in snapping to the beat. Rex then saw 808 standing, dancing to the beat, now Rex knew something could be up.

Rex: Okay, what is this for again?

Peppermint smirked getting on top of him still snapping, Rex felt his face heat him from her being this close. She leaned down to his ear keeping her smile.

Peppermint You totally got captured by Korsica.

Rex's eyes went wide as he feels himself leave this dream state regaining his consciousness

REALITY

Rex's vision was blurry until his focused on seeing himself in a cage with Korsica snapping her fingers in his face through the bars.

Korsica: Oi, OI!

Rex: Mhm, five more minutes.

Rex stretched his limbs yawning, he sees his arms connected by a chain to stop him from summoning his swords and activating his beams.

Rex: Wow, I'm rating this zero stars, making me wake up to this gibberish.

Korsica: You keep on falling asleep, are you that tired?

Rex: Eh, when it comes to breaking things, I do tend to get a little tired.

Korsica: L-look, I'll make this simple, tell me where your friends are hiding

Rex: how about we trade, you tell me about the AI and maybe if you play nice, I could totally tell you where they are.

Korsica (Mind): Tch, sarcastic as always, I see

Korsica: Hmph, still on about this obsession with SPECTRA? Wanna know what it is, it's a simple firmware update for all of our robots.

Rex just looked at her before laughing his butt off.

Rex: Right, Right I forgot, Kale didn't share everything with you, did he? Hahaha, oh when you find out about the shady stuff he's been doing, you'll feel so silly! Being the head of security yet you're not involved in the shady SPECTRA. Hmph that's kind of funny.

Korsica said nothing, only breaking eye contact.

Korsica: I-I'm too tired for this, you have until tomorrow morning to tell me everything.

Korsica walked to the door only to stop when it opened.

Korsica: It was good to finally see you again. My Reckless Scout.

Rex's eyes fully widened, he remembered that nickname, he felt the memories coming back, the robot's the way it felt familiar, everything made sense to him now.

Rex: Koko?

Korsica: Finally, you remember. But you remembered far too late.

Korsica left the room as the two SBR guards sighed talking to each other. Rex was just sitting there alone, his old friend, best friend was on the enemy team. What was he going to do about this?