Bass’ eyes opened.  He found himself in a dark pod, unable to move or see.  Bass was used to this: he always awoke in this pod after resting his system.  He pushed the inside button to open the hatch, but something was wrong.  The door would not react.  Bass’ first instinct was to resolve the problem with his Buster.
    Bass released Treble from his pod and ran to Dr. Wily’s lab.  Wily obviously did not want his robots to find something out.  As they approached the laboratory, sounds could be heard.  Dr. Wily was definitely working on something.
    Bass was none too surprised.  Wily was up late again working on Codename: Ground Zero.  Bass thought it preposterous that one robot could bring down an entire civilization, but Wily worked on it none the less.  Wily stopped his work and turned to the intruder.
    “Bass, I sealed the pods for a reason.  You are not to interfere with this!”
    Bass was indifferent to Wily’s threat.  He approached the table and picked up what he thought was a flashlight.  “Wily, you idiot.  You don’t need any more robots.  Why don’t you scrap your futile plans and accept the fact that I will always be your best creation?”
    “You don’t understand.  This one is different.”
    “Whatever.  I’m going back to the pods.  C’mon, Treble.”
    The two made there way to the dark pod room.  When Bass flipped on the “flashlight,” a powerful energy flowed from the hand-held metal staff.  A surprised expression was soon covered by a menacing grin.  Bass was formulating…

Mega Man: Omega

    Mega Man was enjoying a peaceful day in Dr. Light’s lab.  However, Mega Man had no idea where his creator was and was searching for him.  A distress signal came on the monitor, so Mega Man answered the call, beings Light was nowhere to be found.
    Come in, Light!
    Mega Man didn’t know what to say.  “H-Hello?”
    Light!  Robots are attacking downtown!  We need Mega Man!
    Mega Man recognized that voice.  “On my way, Dr. Cossack!”
    Dr. Cossack was waiting in front of his citadel when Mega Man teleported in front of the gate.  Dr. Cossack was calm when he addressed Mega Man.
    “Mega Man!  Wily… it’s terrible!”
    Mega Man was not able to process the incoherent speech.  “Cossack!  Get a hold of yourself!  What is going on?”
    Dr. Cossack took a few deep breaths and stared into space.  “Wily attacked Monsteropolis.  Mostly collateral damage, but it promises to get more serious.  We need you to stop him as soon as possible!”
    Mega Man simply nodded, then ran toward the mayhem.  He was stopped abruptly by Proto Man.  “Mega Man!”
    Mega Man slid to a stop and spoke to Proto Man.  “Proto Man!  What are you doing?  I need to stop Wily!”
    “It isn’t that simple.  This is more dangerous than you…”
    Proto Man was talking to no one.  Mega Man had dashed to Proto Man’s side and sprinted to the battle scene.  Proto Man didn’t follow, but instead teleported away.
    Meanwhile, Mega Man met up with the melee.  Metal Man, Sword Man, Grenade Man, and Napalm Man were tearing up the streets while others were assaulting humans.  Mega Man’s primary actions were protecting humans at all cost.  He quickly leapt to the scene.
    Before he could fire his Mega Buster at the first Robot Master, a sparkling, orange orb destroyed half a block and a gold ring sliced most of the robots in half.  Mega Man realigned his Buster so it aimed at the new menace.  He found Proto Man behind him.  Proto Man jumped off the building he was poised on and grabbed Mega Man.
    “You fool!  This is too dangerous!”
    Mega Man was insulted.  “I’ve taken these punks out before!”
    “But never all at once!  And you had more power than this!  Cossack’s army should be here in a couple of minutes.  Go for the master mind!”
    “Wait, Blues!”
    Proto Man stopped.  He knew Mega Man had something to say when he used his original name.  “What?”
    “…What happened?  What was that?”
    “…None of your concern.  Leave well alone.”
    Before Mega Man could stop his prototype, he had teleported away.  Mega Man had no idea what to do.  With Dr. Cossack’s army coming, Mega Man retreated to Dr. Light’s lab.
    Mega Man returned to his search.  He was certain that Proto Man had sent Cossack’s robots to destroy all that was left, so he continued to look for Light.  Roll approached Mega Man.  “Mega Man, Dr. Cossack is on line one in the lab.”
    “But why?”
    “Wily is apparently still attacking Monsteropolis.”
    Mega Man was surprised.  Proto Man hadn’t contacted Cossack at all.  His citadel was destroyed by an unknown force and Cossack was taken to the hospital.  His main computer sent a distress signal to Light’s lab before everything was totaled.

What could have caused Cossack’s destruction?  Where is Proto Man, and is he truly on Mega Man’s side?

    “Wily… it has to be Wily!!”
    Mega Man grew more enraged by the second.  Not only did Proto Man betray him, but now his arch nemesis is assuredly behind this attack.  Mega Man knew that Light was missing, so he had to take action.
    Mega Man quickly gathered the six humanoids built by Light and Wily while they were partners.  He stared at them while they lay inactive.
    “… no, this is my fight.  I want to bring Wily down by myself once and for all!”
    He downloaded each robot master’s ability into his system, gaining each of their powers.  The war ends now.

Mega Man Omega: Part 2

    Mega Man ran out the door and toward the north.  Without Dr. Light to operate the teleportation system, Rock was forced to run.
    Beep.
    Mega Man stopped to figure out what made that noise.
    Beep beep beep beep.
    A distress signal.  Knowing this could lead to Wily’s string of mayhem, Mega Man chose to answer.  “This is Mega Man.  State your emergency.”
    “…”
    “Who is this?  Answer!”
    “… are you seeking Wily?”
    Mega Man didn’t know what to make of the transmission.  “Repeat: state your name!”
    “… heh heh heh…”
    “…what?”  The transmission ended there.  Mega Man was growing more frustrated.  Someone knew of his new mission, making him a little uneasy.
    Suddenly, Proto Man fell from the trees.  “Surprised, Rock?”
    Indeed, he was.  “How did you find me?”
    “How do I always find you?  However, this time I used a tracing device.”
    “… so that was you with the distress signal?”
    “Yes.  Mega Man, turn around now before you get terminated.  Wily is more dangerous than ever with his new project.”
    “New project?  Wait, do you know anything about this?”
    “He has Light.  Turn around and I’ll rescue him.”
    “Just like you rescued Cossack?!”
    Proto Man smiled.  This infuriated Mega Man.  “Blues, you know something!  Why don’t you answer me?!”
    “You act like you can save the world; like it’s your responsibility.  You can’t save everyone!  Why bother trying?”  A quick flash appeared on Proto Man’s visor.
    “Blues, what was that?”
    A voice came from within Proto Man’s helmet.  “Proto Man, return to base immediately!”  Proto Man promptly teleported away from the forest.
    “… what the heck was that?  Why did he come here to tell me to leave?”  Mega Man quickly realized that time was of the essence.  He knew Wily had Light captive and could harm him at any moment.
    After a long and agonizing journey, Mega Man still had no answers, but perhaps Wily did.  He crashed the castle gates down with a blow from his Super Arm.  Now was the time he anticipated for years.
    A second look of the fortress indicated that a struggle took place.  The security was down, walls were destroyed, and Wily was nowhere to be found… until Mega Man heard a faint cry from under the rubble.
    “All right, you miserable geezer!  Where is Dr. Light?!  What is this ‘new project’ of yours?”
    Wily was gasping for air.  He was seriously injured.  “… Bass … Bass… how… could you…betray me… like…”  Wily slipped into a traumatic coma after the short dialogue.
    “Bass?  So Bass is behind this!”

Wily is innocent, but now Mega Man has a greater threat on his hands: a cold-blooded robot holds the good doctor captive.  Proto Man is still untrustworthy to Mega Man, and Mega Man has no idea where Bass is holed up.  Mega Man is in dire trouble for now.

Keep coming for future updates to this continuing saga.

    “Roll, are you there?”
    “Yes, Mega Man.  I hear you loud and clear.  I’ve hacked into Light’s computer system so we can communicate via your intercom.”
    “Great.  Can you track that last transmission sent to my communicator?  It will lead us to Bass and Dr. Light.”
    “Okay… got it.  He’s in King’s domain.  Head over there quickly!”
    “Got it.  Mega Man, over and out!”

Mega Man Omega: Part 3

    The stage was set, and Mega Man was ready for the final battle.  Bass was going to pay for abducting Light and destroying the town.  However, upon arriving at King’s abandoned castle, Mega Man was confronted by Proto Man once again.
    Mega Man shouted to his brother, “Proto Man, tell me what is going on!”
    “…”
    Proto Man stayed still.  Mega Man was unsure why Proto Man was outside the castle, or why he remained silent, so Mega Man proceeded to the gate.  Proto Man quickly obstructed his path.
    “Blues, what are you doing?”
    “Master Bass has plans.  You are not to ruin them.”  He aimed his arm cannon right between Mega Man’s optic receptors.  Mega Man quickly struck Proto Man’s arm and the plasma grazed the top of his helmet.
    “You give me no choice, Proto Man!”  Mega Man fired on his brother, rendering him inoperable.  “You betrayed me, Blues!  I can’t believe it.”
    Mega Man entered the castle, leaving the broken body outside.  “He was acting like one of Wily’s bots.  He left me with no option but to terminate him.”
    Lights turned on inside the castle and a strange feeling came over Mega Man.  Everything was quiet, like in Wily’s fortress.  Was this another trap?  A voice came over the intercom.
    Attention all robots: Mega Man is in the first corridor.  All RMK: report to the first corridor!
    Mega Man was a little stunned, to say the least.  “I… don’t think I want to be in the ‘first corridor’ right now…”
    Too late.  All four Mega Man Killers appeared before Rock.  This battle wasn’t going to be easy.  Enker, Punk, Quint and Ballade unleashed a ferocious attack on the hapless hero.
    “There are too many!  I can’t overpower…”  Before Mega Man could finish his sentence, Punk and Ballade were put out of commission.  Mega Man looked behind him and found… “Proto Man!  Why won’t you stay dead?!”
    “Hold on, Rock!  I’m the real Proto Man!  You destroyed Dark Man outside.”
    “Was that also Dark Man who I met in the city?  And the forest?”
    “… No time.”  Proto Man rushed ahead to take on Enker and Quint.  Mega Man had to trust him for the meantime.
    Mega Man noticed something odd about Proto Man: none of the robots attacked him.  It was as if Enker and Quint were letting him win.  Mega Man dismissed the thought and proceeded into the darks of the castle.  Proto Man was soon to follow.
    Mega Man came to an empty arena.  Nobody was present; just a press box in the corner.  The door opened, revealing the soul occupant of the box: Bass.
    “You aren’t here by accident, Mega Man.”
    Mega Man was clearly upset.  “Where is Dr. Light, you smug…?”
    “He’s fine, and will remain fine if you don’t comply with my demands.”
    “… What do you want, Bass?”
    Bass seemed rather amused that he had his rival in the palm of his hand.  “That’s better.  Eliminate Proto Man.”
    “WHAT?!”
    “You heard me.  He should be coming in soon.”
    Mega Man seemed infuriated at the proposition.  “Why should I?”
    “Like I said, you aren’t here by accident.  You have been selected to combat with the strongest robot I could find, that being Proto Man.  Whoever lives will have the honor of fighting yours truly.  I thirst for the ultimate challenge, and with my secret weapon, I cannot lose!”
    Mega Man didn’t move.  “Why don’t I just take you down right now?”
    “I’ve got Light, remember?  I’m in charge!”
    “…”
    A smile crept over Bass’ face.  “So, you wish to see Light dead?”
    Now it was Mega Man’s turn to laugh.  “In spite of what you think, you are still merely a robot.  You do not have the capability of harming humans!”
    Bass became rather furious.  “Just watch!”
    With that, Bass dragged out Dr. Light, bound and gagged, and much to Mega Man’s horror, shot him in the arm, and then dropped him to the ground.  “I am no longer bounded by the Laws of Robotics.  I have free will!  That is how I brought Wily to his knees and captured his prized possession…”
    “You monster!”
    “Comply with my demands, or the good doctor dies!”
    Mega Man shook with anger, but gave a sigh of frustration.  “…Alright.  I’ll do it.”

Mega Man is forced to fight his own brother in a duel to the death.  The victor faces Wily’s latest and final creation.  What will become of the brothers?  What ‘secret weapon’ does Bass wield?

Later!

   The footsteps grew louder.  Mega Man reluctantly raised his Mega Buster and aimed to the empty corridor. 

   “I’m sorry, Proto Man.”

Mega Man Omega: Part IV

   As soon as he had entered the dark room, Proto Man halted at the sight of his brother’s buster.  “Rock, what’s going on?” 

   “This is the only way.  Sorry, Proto Man, but you need to die… for peace.” 

   Proto Man noticed a tear going down Mega Man’s cheek, and immediately knew something was wrong.  “Who put you up to this?” 

   Mega Man slowly lowered his buster and bowed his head.  “Bass.  He was the one who took Dr. Light captive, and he’ll kill him if I don’t kill you.” 

   Proto Man was puzzled.  “How?  We aren’t capable of harming humans!” 

   “I don’t know how, but Bass is.” 

   Proto Man stood silently, assessing the situation.  “Okay.  I trust you Mega Man.” 

   With that, Proto Man raised both arms.  Mega Man looked toward him.  “What are you doing?” 

   “My job.  I am a humanoid robot, and being so, it is my duty to protect all humans.  If that means sacrificing my life, then so be it!”

   “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”  Bass crashed through the Plexiglas panels of his high rise box, landing in front of the brothers. 

   “This is supposed to be a titanic clash!  It HAS to be!!” 

   Mega Man turned from Proto Man to Bass.  “Why?  What’s so important about a struggle?” 

   Bass raised his buster to the ceiling.  After Dark Man trashed Dr. Cossack’s lab, he stole Cossack’s Robot Masters’ powers and gave them to Bass.  Bass had the ability of Flash Stopper, and used its weakest setting to light up the room.  Mega Man and Proto Man were now able to see the walls and ceiling coated in a purple, squirming substance. 

   “Wha- What is that?”  Mega Man stammered.  He and Proto Man had no idea what this strange substance was, but it filled them with an unknown terror.

   Bass merely laughed at them.  He produced the small flashlight like object he had found in Wily’s Skull Fortress.  “This is the canister that I found this in.  According to Wily’s computer data, this is a virus he calls the Zero Virus.  I also discovered that his latest creation needs this to become more powerful, unlocking limitless power!  If I spread this throughout the world, he will only grow stronger as he rampages across the globe!” 

   “That still doesn’t explain why we needed to fight!” 

   “I haven’t gotten to that yet, so be patient.  I coated this entire fortress in the virus.  With a titanic clash between two evenly matched robots, the force between them would annihilate this waste of a fortress.  Since you two have the closest schematics, you were the perfect choice!” 

   Now Mega Man chuckled to himself.  “We know your plan.  What makes you think we’ll fight?” 

   “You fool.  Do you forget? I still hold all the cards!  Dr. Light is still my cap--”   Bass was cut short when he looked up toward the busted box.  Proto Man leapt up during the conversation to save Dr. Light while he wasn’t guarded by Bass. 

   “Hold on, Doc.  I’m getting you out of here!”  Proto Man grabbed a hold of Dr. Light and began to teleport. 

   “No!  Don’t… do it…”  Dr. Light was weak from the loss of blood, still ebbing from his arm.  “If you… teleport… the virus… kills… you…” 

   Proto Man gathered the doctor over his shoulder.  “I don’t care,” he whispered to Light.  “My main objective is to save you, no matter the consequences.  I was prepared to sacrifice myself, and I still am!”  With that, Proto Man and Dr. Light vanished. 

   “NO!!  GET BACK HERE!!”  Bass exploded in fury.  However, he quickly cooled after glancing at Mega Man.  “Fine.  I don’t need Proto Man.  I can still finish you and get the job done!” 

   Bass bolted toward Mega Man, but Mega Man was quick.  He immediately shot off both of Bass’ legs. 

   Mega Man glared down at his assailant.  “I don’t have time for you.  If what you said is true, Wily just created something that is more important.  Where is this robot?” 

   “He’s no ordinary robot.  He has the same capabilities as I do now, but is stronger than either of us combined at least one hundred fold!  This should be fun… ZERO, COME OUT!!” 

   In a dark corner, a light pierced through.  A glass window opened on a capsule, and out stepped a terrible robot coated in red.  Bass was laughing maniacally. 

   “Yes!  I guess this clunking piece of junk works as planned.  My plan is working perfectly!”  With that, Bass shifted his sights toward Zero. 

   “Zero, he is my enemy: our rivalry is what gives me motivation in life.  Now go!  Destroy him!  THAT’S AN ORDER!” 

   Zero’s crystal on his forehead lit up, showing a capital W, then his eyes.  “Yes, Master.  I will comply.” 

   Zero took a few steps toward Mega Man, and then stopped.  Mega Man was a little puzzled, but still prepared himself for the worst.  Just then, the walls moved again.  The virus quickly flew toward Zero.  Zero was absorbing the virus! 

   Mega Man stepped back.  “What’s going on, Bass?!” 

   “I-I’m not sure!”  Bass was just as surprised as Mega Man.  Then he finally grasped what was going on.  “NO!  Don’t absorb the virus yet!  It’s too early!!” 

   But it was too late.  Zero completely engulfed the virus and stood still.  Mega Man thought to himself, “This is my chance, while he’s immobile!  If that capsule was able to restrain him, it could hold the virus, too.” 

   Without hesitating, Mega Man transformed both of his hands into Mega Busters and fired at Zero.  Zero was pushed back a little, so Mega Man continued to fire.  Eventually, Zero was backed into his capsule, where Mega Man locked him away. 

   However, this came with consequence.  Mega Man had over exerted himself and his energy core was becoming unstable.  But he still had a mission.  Mega Man opened his chest, revealing his nuclear energy core. 

   Bass was a bit confused.  “What do you plan on doing?” 

   “Whatever it takes to stop you.” 

   “So, what?  Do you plan on overexerting yourself, destroying us all?” 

   “Exactly.” 

   “But that’s suicidal!” 

   “I DON’T CARE!!” 

   Bass was baffled.  He couldn’t move his buster to stop Mega Man.  “Wh-What is this?  This feeling is eating away at my body!  How can I be paralyzed from this?!” 

   “It’s called ‘fear.’  All of Light’s robots were created not only with a rational grid but an emotional grid, but it was very limited.  We were apparently a prototype to a robot like Zero, but Dr. Light felt it was too dangerous, so only gave us a small portion.  I have some emotion, but not the broad spectrum you possess.” 

   Bass lowered his head, conceding defeat.  Below his breath, he muttered, “The only satisfaction I’ll get out of this is that you go down with me…”

Mega Man fixed both of his busters toward Bass.  Upon charging the twin busters, he fired.




The conclusion is yet to come!  The final installment is on the way!